A rail charter event to mark the 50th anniversary of Drax Power Station in Selby has raised more than £30,000 for Martin House, a charity that provides hospice care for children and young people with life-limiting illnesses across West, North and East Yorkshire.
Three train services for passengers ran around the Drax Power Station Loop, a route normally restricted to freight trains moving biomass fuel.
Passengers were given the opportunity to ride onboard the special service, with each train using a different route around the power station and all profits from the event donated to Martin House Children’s Hospice.
Mark Gibbens, Head of Logistics at Drax said: “We are proud to partner with all of the main freight operators and the Branch Line Society for this historic charter rail event, to mark the Golden Anniversary of Drax Power Station.
“The weekend’s tours raised much needed funds for Martin House Children’s Hospice, a charity that is close to our hearts at Drax. Every year Martin House cares for more than 440 children and their families, as well as around 150 bereaved families, and events such as this allow them to continue their vital work in local communities.”
Michelle Ford, Regional Fundraising Team Manager at Martin House Children’s Hospice said: “We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support f these organisations, which helps us to make a difference to the lives of so many children, young people and their families when they need us most. A huge thank you to everyone who has made this brilliant event possible, it means so much to all of us.”
The rail day was made possible through collaboration involving DB Cargo, GB Railfreight, Freightliner Heavy Haul, and the Branch Line Society.
Challenges for the seafood industry brought on by a changing climate are the subject of a new report published by industry bodies and academia.
The report, titled ‘Climate change risk adaptation in UK seafood: Understanding and responding to a changing climate in the wild capture seafood industry’, has been produced by Dr Angus Garrett (Seafish), Prof. John Pinnegar (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, CEFAS), Dr Tara Marshall and Dr Julia Wouters (Aberdeen University).
The report is a refresh of work first published 10 years ago, which introduced expected climate change impacts on the supply of wild capture seafood to the UK.
Since then, says the report, although the main physical climate change impacts remain, there are new potential impacts to consider. These include policy changes which make climate change responsibilities a more important consideration for the industry; evolving market attitudes with consequences for seafood – particularly around responsible sourcing; illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing exacerbated by changes in climate and geopolitics.
Dr Garrett said: “With a warming world there are changes afoot in fisheries with impacts right along seafood supply chains. The extent of future warming remains an open question, but being prepared for potential changes is within our grasp. This report hopefully contributes to that preparation.”
Prof. John Pinnegar from Defra’s marine science agency Cefas said: “In the last few years as a result of the COVID pandemic we have learnt a lot about resilience, or rather lack of it, in the UK wild-capture seafood supply chain. These insights have proved invaluable when trying to map-out possible sensitivities to climate change in the future.”
Humber Freeport has helped to attract another major inward investment by playing a key role in securing a £250m development by a world-class business.
Mitsubishi Chemical Group UK Ltd, part of one of the world’s largest chemical producers, has committed to invest in a new production line at Saltend Chemicals Park, which is located within one of the three Humber Freeport tax sites.
Preparatory works have begun to make way for construction of the new production line, which will double Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s capacity at the site, east of Hull.
The investment in a second production line will create dozens of new jobs while also safeguarding the existing 130 roles at the Mitsubishi Chemical Group facility on site. The new production line is expected to become operational in 2026.
It underlines Saltend Chemicals Park’s status as one of the UK’s leading industrial clusters, with a series of recent and current investments adding to well-established operations.
Saltend Chemical Park’s status as part of Humber Freeport’s Hull East tax site has been a key factor in securing the investment, with plans for Mitsubishi Chemical Group to extend its lease with the chemical park’s owner and operator, px Group, until 2060.
Businesses investing within the Humber Freeport tax sites benefit from a series of advantages, ranging from business rate and stamp duty land tax relief, to National Insurance support designed to reduce employment costs.
Humber Freeport Chair Simon Bird said: “We are delighted that Mitsubishi Chemical Group has chosen to make this very significant new investment at Saltend on a site benefiting from being within the Humber Freeport footprint.
“The substantial advantages offered by freeport status were an important factor in securing this new inward investment.
“It supports Humber Freeport’s mission to attract significant investment and create new, highly-skilled jobs and aligns with two of our key areas of focus – advanced manufacturing and decarbonisation.
“The Humber is the UK’s global gateway, offering easy access to Europe and beyond. The region also has the space to grow, the people, the skills and the world-class companies already here to support investors – all of which make the Humber the perfect place to do business.
“Those advantages are substantially enhanced by freeport status, making the region an even more attractive location for large-scale investments delivering very significant and long-lasting economic benefits.”
The new production line will help to meet growing demand for SoarnoL, the brand name for a grade of Ethylene Vinyl Co-Polymer (EVOH) which is primarily used in food packaging to extend product shelf life.
Since opening in 2002, Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s Saltend facility has seen a significant increase in demand for SoarnoL, which has been driven by food manufacturers seeking packaging that can be recycled and has a lower environmental impact.
The investment will further strengthen trade links between the Humber and the rest of the world, with 95 per cent of production from the Mitsubishi Chemical Group facility at Saltend exported.
Peter des Forges, Managing Director, Mitsubishi Chemical Group UK, said: “Once the new line is operational, the majority of the increased production will service the needs of our customers in more than 40 countries who continue to explore ways they can reduce waste and meet environmental targets.”
The £250m Mitsubishi Chemical Group development adds to £1bn of investment which had already been committed to Humber Freeport tax sites.
Investments which have already been announced within the Hull East tax site include Pensana’s rare earth processing facility and Meld Energy’s proposed green hydrogen plant, both also located at Saltend Chemicals Park.
Elsewhere, Finnish manufacturer Metsä Tissue has selected part of Humber Freeport’s Goole tax site to develop the UK’s largest paper tissue mill. The development will create more than 400 jobs once operational, with thousands of indirect jobs in the supply chain and local economy.
S1 Artspace and Sheffield Hallam University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding solidifying a new partnership as S1 move to their new home in Fitzalan Square in Sheffield city centre.
This agreement builds on a 30-year history of collaboration, reinforcing their joint commitment to supporting artists studying in the city and fostering local talent.
S1 Artspace has bought the former Yorkshire Bank Chambers in Sheffield’s Fitzalan Square as its permanent new home. The Grade II listed building will undergo a complete restoration and expansion to become an ambitious new arts and cultural venue for the city. This significant milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for S1 and Sheffield’s cultural landscape.
The renovated site will feature spacious public galleries across two floors, showcasing an ambitious programme of new works by local, national, and international artists across the artistic spectrum. Additionally, it will include artist studios, a community and events space, a research centre, a shop profiling local artists and makers, and an independent bar.
Louise Hutchinson, Project Director at S1 Artspace, said:“This is a monumental step for S1, particularly after the plans at Park Hill were derailed following the financial impact of the pandemic, resulting in the temporary closure of S1’s premises last autumn. Like many cultural venues in Sheffield, S1 has faced significant challenges operating within the commercial rental market. Securing our own premises is a remarkable achievement that allows us to move forward and establish a space that places artistic practice firmly at its core.”
Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “This project, along with Harmony Works, will restore two prominent heritage buildings in the Castlegate area of the city, both of which have stood empty for too long. Thanks to central government funding, these buildings have now been secured for future generations and put culture firmly at the heart of Sheffield’s city centre transformation.”
The historic building, at the corner of Commercial Street and Haymarket overlooking Fitzalan Square, was built in 1871, served as the Sheffield Stock Exchange from 1911 for over fifty years, and became a branch of the Yorkshire Bank in 1967. It closed in 2014, and the building has stood vacant since 2017.
Businesses across South Yorkshire are being asked to share their experiences of getting financial support, via a new poll conducted by the three regional Chambers of Commerce.
Open from now until Monday 16th September, the Access to Finance Survey will be used to gauge how the strength of demand for loans and investment within the private sector, and what more can be done to ensure the needs of indigenous firms are being met in these areas.
The survey asks respondents if they have actively sought business finance in the past few years and, if so, how confident they felt sifting through the various options available to them. They will be given an opportunity to identify their top considerations when looking for support, and to say if their plans have ever been disrupted as a result of them being unable to find what they needed.
Encouraging firms to fill in the Access to Finance Survey, the respective CEOs for the three South Yorkshire Chambers issued this joint statement: “As representatives of the region’s private sector, we know how crucial it is that our entrepreneurs, SMEs and ambitious business leaders are able to access the financial support they need. After all, this is what will enable them to unlock their true potential, fulfil their aspirations and ultimately grow.
“However, we also know that securing financial backing can be rather daunting and overwhelming if you’re uncertain how to do it, and that not everyone is sure of where they can turn for help. That is why we are urging businesses to complete this new survey, so that we can better understand their appetite for finance support, the obstacles they might be facing here, and the interventions they would like to see.
“Equipped with these insights, we will then be able to lobby for the kind of improvements and changes that are most coveted and will use our platform to help make sure that businesses are better connected to those with the power and inclination to invest.”
The Access to Finance Survey closes on Monday 16th September. It is sponsored by both the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and Clear Insurance Management, with the three regional chambers carrying out the fieldwork.
Associated British Ports has named is first-ever artist in residence as Dale Mackie, a renowned local artist who has exhibited around the region, and whose paintings are housed in private collections nationally.
Famed for painting local heritage fishing scenes, this first for the port will see an exhibition showcasing the modern elements including offshore wind, and some of the work being undertaken on the buildings.
Simon Bird, Regional Director for the Humber ports said: “Two years ago, we were approached by Sam Delaney, of Creative Start, and Steve Ridlington, of WE1 Heritage with an ask, would we as port operator like an artist in residence? We’d never had one before, but with all the exciting developments happening in the conservation quarter of the port, we agreed. It would be an acknowledgement of the vibrant artistic community who were being drawn to this place.
“The paintings that Dale has produced are very colourful. He has captured the modern port, which is contrasted nicely with the port in its fishing heyday. It shows what a dynamic place it is and how Grimsby has moved forward from its fishing heritage.”
Dale said: “The exhibition shows the Port of Grimsby from its early days of being the largest fishing port in the world to becoming a major hub for global offshore wind and the leading automotive distribution centre. I’ve been honoured that I have had the opportunity to access areas on the port and capture them.”
Steve Ridlington, from WE1 Heritage who leases buildings on the port, said: “We are excited to see the artwork that Dale has put together. It has been a pleasure to host Dale in our studio for the last two years and share the artist in residence alongside ABP.”
People can view the artwork at Coffee on the Docks, 2 Auckland Road on the port from Saturday 14th September as part of the Heritage Open Day.
The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology and the Energy Saving Trust have published advice for let managers exploring the possibility of having electric-powered fleets.
Called “Electrifying the fleet. A practical resource for fleet managers”, the resource aims to provide fleet managers with a roadmap to successfully electrify their fleets, offering step-by-step guidance, demonstrating value for money and efficiency savings, and insights into overcoming current barriers to adoption.
One of the key sections of the report focuses on the savings fleet managers could achieve from electrifying their fleets, predicting a saving of around £1,500 a year per light commercial vehicle driving 15,000 miles a year if charged at the depot or home. Rigid HGVs driving the same distance could save about £3,500 annually.
Current UK policy targets are also outlined in the resource, with a mandate that by the end of 2024, 10% of new van sales in the UK must be zero emissions, rising to 58% by 2029, 70% by 2030, and 100% by 2035. For HGVs, all new models sold in the UK must be zero emission by 2040. To support these targets, government offers various Plug-in Grants, including up to £2,500 for small vans, £5,000 for large vans, £16,000 for small trucks, and £25,000 for large trucks, helping to offset the initial costs of electrification.
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said: “Our roads are undergoing a technological revolution, and fleets will play a big part.
“A cleaner greener transport network is a key priority for this Government, which is why we have plug-in grants available for vans and trucks and programmes aimed at scaling up zero emission HGVs, to decarbonise road freight. The REA and Energy Saving Trust’s new resource is a great step on our path to net zero.”
Matt Adams, REA’s Transport Policy Manager, added: “The REA, with its diverse membership, is uniquely positioned to take an authoritative stance on fleet electrification. This resource provides a proven, well-managed process for fleet managers considering electrification, offering significant savings on fuel costs and helping fleets achieve their ESG targets.”
Small British businesses are to benefit from a new warship and submarine agreement, Defence Minister Maria Eagle has announced today.
More than 180,000 different items requiring delivery around the world are available within a new framework.
Across the framework, between a third and half of the suppliers are based outside the south of England with the majority being Midlands or North of England-based, and additional suppliers based in Scotland and Wales.
Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle said: “The spares and repairs that keep our warships submarines at sea are critical, and this agreement will ensure that more British small businesses – from Southampton to Aberdeen – will be at the heart of supporting the Royal Navy.
“By backing our defence industry, we will keep the nation safe and support more than 200,000 jobs.
Today’s changes open the market for 39 companies to bid for work through Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) – the MOD’s procurement arm.”
Greater warship and submarine availability will be delivered through improved access to spare parts, both for planned and unplanned maintenance; access to specialist equipment-related technical advice and expertise globally; and reductions in cost without compromising safety or availability.
Yorkshire-based accountants Brearley & Co have made another major acquisition by merging with Cameron Alexander accountants in Barnsley.
The deal brings Brearley’s total office acquisitions to five, adding Alexander’s team to their existing staff count of 56 and expanding the services available to both client bases.
Cameron Alexander was established in 2008 by Alex Walls, at their office on Western Street in Barnsley. This acquisition aligns with the ongoing growth strategy of Brearley & Co, which has steadily expanded its presence across Yorkshire since 1984.
Both firms bring expertise in sectors such as taxation, self-assessment tax returns, debt recovery, payroll, annual accounts, VAT services, auto-enrolment, and financial advice. The expansion is set to create significant opportunities for clients and employees, including potential recruitment as the firm continues to grow.
Walls said: “It’s a really exciting time to be merging with Brearley & Co accountants. The firm is now better positioned than ever before to meet the evolving needs of the accountancy sector and the needs of our clients.
“Alongside developing the team and driving growth with our combined expertise and services, I’m also looking forward to contributing to our focus on client success and addressing areas that are becoming increasingly vital within the industry.”
Director at Brearley, John Hesselden said: “The move will see key leaders from Cameron Alexander join our executive team, bringing decades of industry experience and further strengthening our leadership and service capabilities.”
Mark Smallman, Managing Director, said: “Cameron Alexander is a well-established practice in the centre of Barnsley. The merger of our existing Barnsley office into their office increases our footprint, enabling us to support the local business community. We are excited to be working with Alex Walls and his team.”
Tigers Rugby Union favourite James Norman recently joined his sponsor Sills & Betteridge Incorporating Acclaimed Family Law at the opening of their new Sheffield offices.
Further to their merger in January 2023, the firm has relocated to New Oxford House, Barker’s Pool in the regenerated ‘Heart of the City’ Quarter to enable their next period of growth. In Sheffield, they will operate as Sills & Betteridge Incorporating Acclaimed Family Law.
Matrimonial practice Acclaimed Family Law of Campo Lane joined full-service East Midlands firm Sills & Betteridge LLP to make available to their clients a wider range of personal and commercial services.
For Sills & Betteridge, the collaboration realised their aspiration to operate in Sheffield, a key ambition in their development plans for Yorkshire, seeing the firm’s Northern network grow to 5 offices since 2018.
Chief Executive Martyn Hall said: “We are ambitious for Sheffield. We look forward to further integration of our two practices and working together to develop various service expansion opportunities. The new office will enable us to accommodate additional strategic hires across a number of practice areas and support our future growth.”
Michelle Cooper, Partner and Founder of Acclaimed Family Law, said: “The relocation to larger, prestigious premises in such a high profile part of the city is an exciting move for the original Acclaimed Family team, especially as we will now join forces with colleagues from Sills & Betteridge. Clients will now have access to a full range of complementary services from experts so all their needs are met under one roof.
“Together, the merged practice will continue to offer the high quality matrimonial representation, with specialists in high value and complex cases on which Acclaimed built their formidable reputation, alongside family law representation for publicly funded clients, family mediation, residential property, private client work and corporate commercial legal services.”
The firm now has 18 offices across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the East Midlands employing over 430 people. 2024 has been a period of significant activity for the firm including its acquisition of Nottingham headquartered Campions Solicitors, significant refurbishment of its Boston premises and current relocation of its Northampton and Sleaford teams to larger premises.
Pictured left to right: Seated – Senior Partner Karen Bower-Brown, Sheffield Tigers player James Norman, Founder of Acclaimed Family Law Michelle Cooper and Chief Executive Martyn Hall. Standing – Sandra Russell, Sarah Rowe, Emma Lawler, Peter Dadswell, Philippa Smith and Leanne Barton.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy
