New jobs created at Keighley manufacturing company following grant

Tess Egginton
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New jobs created at Keighley manufacturing company following grant
A family-run engineering and manufacturing company has seen two new jobs created, following a grant from the Keighley Towns Fund. Yorkshire Precision Engineering Ltd, which was established in March 2001 and operates from two sites in Keighley at Dalton Works and Acre Park, was awarded £53,200 through the Capital Assistance to Business Growth Programme. The programme is part of the Government-funded Keighley Towns Fund and there is approximately £2m available to support local businesses in the Keighley area. Funding has so far been spent on a wide-range of projects by businesses across the district such as expanding and modernising facilities, as well as replacing equipment with more efficient systems. Yorkshire Precision Engineering Ltd is a UK leading subcontract CNC machining company specialising in the supply and manufacture of high quality turned and milled parts across a range of sectors. The grant was part of a wider company investment in a new fixed-head lathe, to improve efficiency. The new Citizen BNE-65MYY Fixed Head Lathe delivers a 10 Axis twin spindle, high-pressure through-coolant system, allowing three operations to be performed at the same time. It has resulted in an increase in productivity and the creation of two new jobs at the 27-strong firm. Director Sam Laybourne explained: “We have had brilliant support from Bradford Council’s business team, who have advised on the recruitment of new staff as well as our application for this grant. “We were previously awarded a grant of £34,990 in 2022 and it really helped us with our vision for the future to invest in the latest technology available. This second sum has been crucial in enabling us to work more efficiently while maintaining the exacting high standards we are known for. “Investment of this sort is an investment in long-term opportunities for Keighley and the surrounding area and we have exciting plans for ongoing growth.” Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, explained: “I’m delighted to see another fantastic Keighley business growing thanks to the work of Keighley Towns Fund and our business support team. “Grants ranging from £1,500 to £315,000 are still available for businesses within – or looking to move to – Keighley Towns Fund area, and other businesses are invited to apply.” Tim Rogers, chair of Keighley Towns Fund, added: “The process of securing a grant is straightforward and the team at Bradford Council will advise businesses throughout. Keighley has such a strong manufacturing and engineering heritage, and it is fantastic to see this success continuing. “We are delighted to have been able to support this incredible business in Keighley and we wish them all the best for the future.” The Towns Fund Capital Assistance to Business Growth Programme Funding is available up to March 2026.

South Yorkshire battery company lights up sub-Saharan Africa

Stuart Pearcey
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South Yorkshire battery company lights up sub-Saharan Africa

Sheffield-based pay-per-use battery rental company MOPO has completed its 20 millionth battery rental in sub-Saharan Africa – and is only just getting started, according to CEO Chris Longbottom.

He says: “We’re just getting started. Our 20 million battery rentals are just the beginning of MOPO’s mission to bring clean energy to all, and we’re ready to take this even further.

“We’re revolutionising power access. Our proprietary batteries and pay per use rental model are transforming energy for millions.”

The companys’ batteries light homes, charge devices, and powering e-mobility. “It’s a lifeline for millions and contributes to socio-economic development while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This is all done at a significantly reduced cost to existing power sources and at a huge environmental benefit,” he added.

Each MOPO battery is equipped with proprietary technology that ensures energy is only released after agent payment via the MOPO App, even in offline settings. Additionally, the batteries are continuously tracked through the MOPO Platform, allowing the Company to monitor usage, location, and recycling readiness.

Working with a team of world-leading partners including the University of Sheffield, MOPO is already operating in countries including Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Chad, Sierra Leone, and Uganda, and plans to expand across the continent.

Ministers must look again at key employment proposals after sharp wake-up call from Government’s own watchdog, say small firms

Tess Egginton
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Ministers must look again at key employment proposals after sharp wake-up call from Government’s own watchdog, say small firms
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is urging the Government to address significant concerns about its Employment Rights Bill which have been laid bare this week (Monday) in a report from the official policy watchdog, the Regulatory Policy Committee (RPC). The RPC has judged that eight of the 23 individual impact assessments (IAs) for the legislation, including some of its biggest measures, were not fit for purpose. Responding to the findings, Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair of FSB, said: “The RPC’s findings support the concerns that FSB has been raising about the disproportionate impacts on small employers. Red rating after red rating demonstrates that the proposed legislation has simply not been thought through. “This is a sharp wake-up call for Ministers who must think again about the dangers of a cavalier approach to jobs and work. The country cannot afford to pile further cost and risk on to small employers based on such an overwhelmingly weak evidence base. “With the red-flagged impact assessments including high-impact measures like formal dismissal from day one, the Government must urgently do the basic work required to understand the impact of its own policies and accurately quantify the likely impacts on employers and the labour market. “Parliament must step up and make sure it is challenging Ministers’ approach to such consequential legislation. Jobs, wages and living standards will suffer if Government fails to bring forward sensible policy or do the work to understand how and to what extent it is making employment harder and harder to provide.”

Tadcaster bus station set for £500,000 revamp

Tess Egginton
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Tadcaster bus station set for £500,000 revamp
A £500,000 scheme to refurbish the gateway to Tadcaster and encourage more visitors to stay and support businesses in the town is due to begin next month. The project will see the bus station improved and public conveniences updated. Visitor information and real-time bus information will also be added to the area and, as part of the upgrade to the toilets, a Changing Places facility will be added making them accessible to people of all disabilities. The project is looking to make the town more welcoming for visitors, encourage them to explore Tadcaster, and spend longer there increasing footfall. Local people were also keen to see the bus station facilities improved. Executive member for open for business, Cllr Mark Crane, said: “The bus station and the surrounding area needs a complete refresh to be a welcoming place for our visitors and residents. It will further compliment the works previously undertaken by the former Selby District Council a few years ago. “We hope that will then lead to more footfall in the town centre and bring a welcome boost for the shops and local businesses.” Included in the scheme is the renovation of the Tadkebab fast food building and a deep clean to the area. Cllr Kirsty Poskitt, who represents the Tadcaster division, said: “The bus station improvements are long overdue and very welcome. This area of the town is well used and the entryway for many people to Tadcaster. “We’ve listened to the community and made sure that the changes are beneficial to all. The new toilet facilities and real-time bus information will both have a positive impact on those that use the area.” The project is being managed by Align, the council’s multi-disciplinary building design consultancy, whose architects, building surveyors and engineers have all contributed to the station’s prospective upgrades. Architectural technologist at Align, Jonathan Glew, said: “We’re delighted to be overseeing this exciting project, working alongside our council colleagues, and I’m sure it will make a positive difference to those living and visiting Tadcaster. “We are passionate about quality construction and design. We hope these renovations will help encourage more people to spend time in the town and enjoy everything it has to offer.” The proposed works include a small extension to an existing building to incorporate equipment to meet the needs of the Changing Places facility, replacing the existing toilet pod with a new unit, and upgrading facilities for the business tenant. The building’s structure will also be fully renovated, the bus canopy renewed and the path will be widened and a lighting column relocated. Stonework will be pressure-washed and graffiti removed. The scheme starts on 2 December and is due to take four months.

The Gluten Free Kitchen trebles in size following six-figure funding

Tess Egginton
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The Gluten Free Kitchen trebles in size following six-figure funding

The Gluten Free Kitchen has trebled the size of its business after completing its successful move to new premises at Leyburn Business Park in Leyburn, North Yorkshire.

The increase in space at the new 3,000 sq ft unit has led to sales almost doubling, enabling the team at The Gluten Free Kitchen to meet rising demand for its range of sweet and savoury gluten free, wheat free, soya free, dairy free, egg free food.

This includes a new festive range which has just launched, including Christmas puddings and mince pies as well as launching four new products with Ocado: chocolate crunch cakes, strawberry crunch cakes, goats cheese tarts and cheddar tarts.

The Gluten Free Kitchen received investment from FW Capital through the first Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund in 2023 and is now seeing their plans come to fruition. The funding allowed the business to relocate after outgrowing its previous site. The new premises include kitchen and warehouse facilities.

The funding has also supported the expansion of the team and development of new product ranges including the products made exclusively for Ocado. It has also assisted the redevelopment of The Gluten Free Kitchen website making it easier for customers to place their online orders.

Sue Fleming, Director at The Gluten Free Kitchen said: “We’d never have done the move without FW Capital and we’re delighted to be in our new premises. Our previous site was fit to burst, and we just didn’t have the space to meet increased demand and expand our ranges of treats.

“We’ve nearly doubled sales since we’ve relocated and brought in new people to support our kitchen and warehouse activities. Next year we’re hoping to further expand the team. We’re now in the midst of the Christmas run-up and excited to launch a fantastic new Christmas Pudding using a great recipe.

“We’re also going great guns with Ocado which is fantastic. The investment from FW Capital has also helped us to update our website, making it more user friendly for consumers.”

Lindsey McMenamin, Portfolio Manager at FW Capital, added: “I’m thrilled with the success that Sue and the team at The Gluten Free Kitchen are enjoying, and it is great to see the impact funding for growth can have.

“Its super to catch up with Sue and see all the exciting developments! It’s a busy time for the team in the run up to Christmas with the demand for ‘free from’ products increasing, and this new facility is allowing them to take full advantage of that!”

The Gluten Free Kitchen was established in 2005 by Sue Fleming after she saw the challenges faced by people with coeliac disease when sourcing good quality food that is free from gluten.

Care company to raise funds for Rob Burrow MND Centre with star-studded Christmas ball

Tess Egginton
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Care company to raise funds for Rob Burrow MND Centre with star-studded Christmas ball
Clayton-based care company, Care2Care (Yorkshire) Ltd, is raising funds for the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Appeal at Leeds Hospital by holding a star-studded charity ball on Friday 29th November. The Christmas ball will take place at the Coniston Hotel near Skipton and will feature an in-conversation between ex Leeds Rhinos captain, Stevie Ward, who played alongside and was a close friend of Rob Burrow; and ex Huddersfield Town FC footballer, Marcus Stewart, who is living with motor neurone disease and campaigns to raise awareness about the condition. The event will also feature a charity auction, which features numerous items that money wouldn’t ordinarily be able to buy, presided over by ex Bath Rugby and Wasps prop, Charlie Beech, who will be taking on the role of auctioneer and compere for the evening. Phill Lautman, Chief Operating Officer at Care2Care, said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone to our charity ball on 29th November. It’s 10 years since Care2Care was established and 2024 has been great for us, so if we can celebrate that in style while raising money for a good cause, it’s a brilliant way to wrap up the year.” Rob Burrow spent his entire rugby career at Leeds Rhinos and was one of the most successful players in the history of the Super League. Since being diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019, he and teammate Kevin Sinfield dedicated themselves to raising awareness of the condition. Both players were awarded CBEs for this work before Rob Burrow’s death earlier this year. Care2Care supports adults with a wide range of needs in their own homes across Bradford and the wider West Yorkshire region. They have seen a significant uptick in demand over the last two years and have particular expertise in complex care. The Care2Care Christmas Charity Ball will take place at the Coniston Hotel near Skipton, a destination hotel set in a historic 1400-acre country estate in the North Yorkshire countryside. Michelle Wood, Corporate & Events Manager at the Coniston Hotel, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting this event at the Coniston Hotel to help raise funds for such a worthy cause that is close to so many people’s hearts; and we’re really looking forward to welcoming all the guests to what is set to be a great night!” As well as the auction and the in-conversation between the ball’s special guests, there will be a 3-course Christmas meal, music, and dancing into the early hours. Proceeds will be donated to the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease through Leeds Hospital Charity. There will also be a raffle on the night which will raise funds for the MS Society. More information about the ball, including how to purchase tickets, can be found here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thefirmament/1444696. Anyone interested can also contact the event organiser: annabelc@firmament.agency

Lincolnshire firm’s industrial workwear business acquired

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Lincolnshire firm’s industrial workwear business acquired
Lindström Group, a textile service company, is acquiring Lincolnshire-based Micronclean’s industrial workwear business in the UK. This transaction is set to enhance Lindström’s position in the UK market and expand its customer base, particularly in the heavy industry sector. The deal is an asset transaction where Lindström acquires the customer contracts and related textiles, and transfers Micronclean’s on-site service personnel to Lindström. Micronclean are closing their Grantham site and to ensure uninterrupted service, the clients will transfer to Lindström. The company has been operating a workwear laundry in Grantham that serves currently over 180 customers mainly from heavy industry and food industry. The deal will grow Lindström’s customer base and market reach, especially in these industries. Micronclean is a family-owned textile service company focused on offering workwear and cleanroom services in the UK and India. The company employs altogether over 400 people. Lindström has been operating in the UK since 2001. The service offering covers workwear and industrial wipers, with over 4,400 customers. Lindström employs 140 people and operates service centres in Bedford, Bradford and Manchester, in addition to four others in the industrial wiper business. “We attach great importance on the brilliant customer service and offering great value. Micronclean has been known for its quality, innovation, and customer-centric approach — values that resonate with our own,” says Ian Muir, Managing director of Lindström Ltd.

Building Society calls for compulsory financial education in schools

Stuart Pearcey
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Building Society calls for compulsory financial education in schools
Yorkshire Building Society has told the Government’s Curriculum and Assessment Review that financial education should be mandatory in all schools. It says research suggests money habits are formed by the age of seven, but in England, financial education is not on the national curriculum for primary schools. Financial education is currently on the curriculum for secondary schools across the UK. The Society’s investigations suggest only two-fifths of 16-27-year-olds had received financial education at secondary school despite it being on the national curriculum since 2014. Chris Irwin, director of savings at YBS, said “Our research into the financial resilience of young people has highlighted areas, such as debt, scams and budgeting, where many people are struggling and almost two fifths report that they don’t have the confidence to make important financial decisions. Worryingly less than half recall ever receiving any formal financial education at school – this is despite it being on the national curriculum for ten years. “We also found that most young people rely on family to learn about money, meaning those from less financially savvy families may be at a disadvantage. There is an opportunity for us to help future generations have the best start in life, by teaching them important life skills and core financial information at school. “Delivering financial education consistently in schools, from a younger age, and in a way that helps people have the knowledge to deal with real-life challenges, will help more people have a good start in life, and face the future, and its challenges, with confidence and optimism.”

New partnership launched to deliver new housing schemes across Yorkshire

Tess Egginton
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New partnership launched to deliver new housing schemes across Yorkshire
Placefirst and Sky-House Co have launched a new partnership for the delivery of new housing schemes across the Yorkshire region. The partnership has struck an initial deal to deliver 34 one and two-bedroom apartments and 14 two and three-bedroom houses at Sky-House’s Copper Street development, close to Kelham Island, following the granting of planning approval in October. With completion expected in 2026, the development will also offer communal space for residents in addition to landscaped gardens in the neighbourhood’s centre. Located within the area historically dubbed ‘Little Chicago’, the project will knit the development into the narrow and steep streets, forming a new characterful and contextual neighbourhood that will expand on developments in nearby Kelham Island over the past two decades. In line with all Sky-House homes, sustainability has been a core consideration of the Copper Street development from design to operation. As zero-gas homes with carbon reduction measures taken at every stage of construction, residents will benefit from high energy efficiency, keeping costs to a minimum. Furthermore, the fabric-first approach to heat loss, coupled with the latest eco-technology such as air-source cylinders, heat recovery and PV solar panels, will ensure its long-term sustainability. David Cross, Co-Founder and Director of Sky-House, said: “This is a superb deal for Sky-House and the City of Sheffield, providing us with the finance to move onto other sites in the region whilst also introducing a quality national PRS operator to Sheffield. “Our immediate focus is to complete site preparation works ahead of starting the build of the first home this side of Christmas. We’ll complete the build of all homes by the end of 2026, ready to handover to Placefirst for people to rent. “Placefirst has been an absolute pleasure to work with throughout the transaction and we look forward to this being the first of many between the two companies as we expand across the North of England.” Henry Marshall, Investment Director at Placefirst, added: “Our ambition to expand our portfolio is directly rooted in our commitment to increasing the supply of high-quality rental options, which is why partnering with SME housebuilders who prioritise quality without compromising sustainability is key to our growth strategy. “Sky-House’s approach to design and creating homes that offer long-term value to residents complements our people-first approach to renting. We believe that city centre living should deliver on both quality and affordability. “As we work together on this development with Sky-House, we look forward to building on the success of our Skye Edge and Gell Street neighbourhoods and continuing to improve the rental experience in Sheffield.”

Benchmark sells genetics business

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Benchmark sells genetics business

Sheffield-based Benchmark, an aquaculture genetics, specialist nutrition, and health business, has entered into a binding agreement to sell the company’s genetics business area to Starfish Bidco, a wholly owned subsidiary of Novo Holdings.

The deal, by way of the disposal of Benchmark Genetics Limited and Benchmark Genetics Norway AS and their respective subsidiaries, represents an enterprise value of up to £260 million, including an initial consideration of £230 million and additional contingent consideration of up to £30 million.

The disposal will enable the company to focus on its advanced nutrition and health business areas, and creates an opportunity to reduce complexity and streamline the current group structure to significantly reduce costs.

Trond Williksen, Benchmark CEO, said: “I am pleased to announce this agreement to sell our genetics business to Novo Holdings. The Transaction will unlock significant value and enable us to return capital to shareholders.

“The Disposal will also allow us to focus all our efforts on developing the significant potential of our continuing business areas, Advanced Nutrition and Health. In addition, it will enable us to reduce complexity and streamline the Group structure to significantly reduce costs.

“I would like to thank all our colleagues who have been working tirelessly this year to deliver a robust performance amidst difficult market conditions. Novo Holdings will be an excellent new owner of the genetics business and is in an ideal position to take the business forward.”

Aleks Engel, Partner at Novo Holdings, said: “We are very pleased to announce plans to acquire the Benchmark genetics business from Benchmark Holdings. Both animal and plant genetics hold immense potential to transform the global food industry, enabling more efficient and sustainable ways to feed a growing population.

“In particular, advancements in aquaculture genetics, such as those in the salmon industry, present significant opportunities to improve productivity, resilience, and environmental outcomes.”

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