South Yorkshire manufacturing supply chain event returns for 2024
Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce’s Manufacturing Supply Chain Expo returns on 9th October at the Holiday Inn in Rotherham, attendance is completely free for visitors.
Organisers says the event will offer a unique opportunity for manufacturing contacts to explore a wide range of suppliers, creating a place for networking and contact building in a key industry for the Rotherham and Barnsley region.
Shane Young, Operations Director of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, said “We are thrilled to host the Manufacturing Supply Chain Expo once again. This event is crucial in connecting local businesses, enhancing collaboration, and driving growth within our region’s manufacturing sector.
“By bringing together key players from across the manufacturing supply chain, we aim to create an event where partnerships can form, and local businesses can meet valuable new contacts.”
Call to establish taskforce to safeguard jobs in North Sea energy transition
The British Chambers of Commerce is calling for an independent taskforce to urgently examine energy transition in the North Sea and safeguard tens of thousands of UK jobs.
It comes after a new BCC report, published today, found a careful balancing act will be needed to reach Net Zero and protect the huge oil and gas sector workforce, alongside thousands more jobs linked to the industry across the UK.
The report recognises the UK must achieve its climate commitments, but says current fiscal plans for the oil and gas industry risk reducing investment and impacting current energy security.
The independent taskforce should bring together the experience and expertise of all the sectors impacted by North Sea operations, including the energy sector, economists, environmentalists and the unions. It would produce recommendations for the Government on the pathway to an accelerated North Sea transition while maintaining jobs, skills and employment. Crucially, it should also examine the fiscal regime for the industry for the long-term.
The report calls for a “national conversation” about the North Sea as a “critical asset”. It highlights recent estimates that 200,000 direct and indirect jobs across the UK are reliant on the oil and gas industry.
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The imperative for Net Zero is ratcheting up daily as fresh evidence of the damage caused by climate change emerges. But it’s equally important that we manage this process to avoid catastrophic harm to our economy and workforce.
“We need an effective energy transition which does not cut adrift the tens of thousands of highly-skilled people across the UK who rely on the sector for their livelihoods.
“It must also balance the diversity of our power supplies, so that the UK’s energy security is not put at risk, and we do not become over-reliant on imported fuels.
“This means having a clear and integrated plan in place as soon as possible. Politicians cannot keep kicking the can down the road. It is in everyone’s interests to get round the table and find pragmatic solutions.
“There also need to be honest conversations about how this can be financed. Plans to reduce capital and investment allowances will undermine business confidence in the sector and jeopardise a successful transition.
“If private investment in the sector is put at risk, then the repurposing of infrastructure and the pathway forward are also put in doubt.
“We are therefore calling for the establishment of an independent taskforce to further our research and support the new Government. A partnership approach can create a future for the North Sea which preserves the investment and skills needed for the green economy and safeguards thousands of jobs.
“Last week’s announcement that Government will consult on new environmental guidance for the oil and gas sector, provides an opportunity for all parties to shape the fair and just future everyone wants to see. This report provides the framework for this to happen.
“Independent recommendations from a taskforce will help create a route towards the certainty and confidence that businesses, the workforce, unions and environmental groups can all believe in.”
Firm sells poultry business in deal worth €200m
Boparan Holdings Limited’s European Poultry business is being sold to the Boparan Private Office in a deal worth more than €200m.
A spokesman said the deal was significant and transformational, and unlocked many opportunities for the future.
The sale strengthens BHL’s 2 Sisters Food Group’s balance sheet, enabling it to reduce debt levels to the lowest point in over a decade. It also activates radical plans for its ‘next generation’ investment programme.
It means the European poultry business, under the BPO, will have a dedicated regional focus on its European markets, unlocking undoubted growth opportunities through a focus on quality, animal welfare and sustainability.
The deal is subject to Polish anti-trust approval with an anticipated completion date this month.
Further investment plans will be announced in due course as this change is embedded and its potential is fully realised in the coming months.
Sheffield BID moves to new offices in Tenter Street’s Pennine Five
Sheffield BID, the not-for-profit company behind many of Sheffield city centre’s celebrated events and business services, has moved to a new office at Spaces in Pennine Five.
The move will provide Sheffield BID with a modern, flexible city centre space to continue delivering its crucial services to local businesses and creating an improved environment for trading. The BID’s services include extra safety and security measures, cleaning and environmental services, and a full programme of city centre events – aimed at driving more footfall into the city centre.
Sheffield BID joins a growing catalogue of businesses calling Pennine Five home, including the likes of Aztec Construction, The Sheffield College and Phlux Technologies.
Diane Jarvis, Head of Business Operations at Sheffield BID, said: “We are excited to announce our relocation to Spaces @ Pennine Five. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to enhancing the business environment and supporting local enterprises.
“Our new space is designed to foster greater collaboration and innovation, with dedicated areas for meetings, events, and community activities. The new office is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, aligning with our commitment to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint. It also provides us with the space and infrastructure needed to accommodate future growth and expansion of our services.”
Businesses assured they’ll be part of government plans to ‘make work pay’
Minister Angela Rayner and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds have hosted a business breakfast to talk about planned legislation designed to ‘make work pay’.
It follows a meeting last month with business representative organisations including the British Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, CBI and Make UK as well as trade unions to discuss the Bill.
This meeting provided an opportunity for Ministers to set out the ambition for the Employment Rights Bill and wider Make Work Pay programme, which will modernise the world of work by ending exploitative zero-hour contracts, extending day one employment protections on unfair dismissal and delivering a genuine living wage.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “We will work with all partners as we shape our plan to Make Work Pay, so we get the win-win of greater productivity and a fairer working environment for staff.”
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “Our plan to make work pay will always be unashamedly pro-worker and pro-business and I’m determined to work in partnership with businesses and trade unions and ensure their voices are heard every step of the way.
“The central driving force behind our plan to Make Work Pay is to deliver growth. Our Bill will modernise the world of work to create a better supported workforce, which will boost productivity and in turn create the right conditions for businesses to grow.
“The UK currently has one of the least protected labour markets compared to our international partners. It’s time to work together to deliver meaningful reforms that will transform the world of work for the benefit of businesses and workers.”
Competition and Markets Authority clears sugar deal
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has cleared T&L Sugars Limited’s (TLS’) deal to buy Tereos UK & Ireland’s retail sugar business, following an in-depth Phase 2 investigation led by an independent inquiry group.
The clearance comes after the inquiry group explored concerns that the deal could reduce competition in the UK. Only three businesses (including TLS and Tereos’ UK retail business) supply the large majority of sugar to customers such as supermarkets and restaurants.
However, having conducted a thorough investigation, the inquiry group found that, without the deal going ahead, the most likely outcome would be that Tereos’ UK retail business would close. Since closure would also result in a loss of competition absent the merger, and the evidence showed that there was no other alternative and less anti-competitive purchaser for the business besides TLS, the group has decided to clear the deal.
Richard Feasey, Chair of the independent inquiry group carrying out the Phase 2 investigation, said: “Having reviewed a wide range of evidence – including detailed financial information on Tereos’ UK retail business and the efforts they have taken to try and improve its performance – we believe that the right outcome is to clear this deal.”
Largest floor snapped up at 10 South Parade in Leeds
IDHL, the digital marketing agency, has almost doubled its office space in 10SP at South Parade in Leeds.
Having occupied 5,600 sq ft on the ground floor since 2019, IDHL is now relocating to the entire first floor of 10SP at South Parade, occupying 9,600 sq ft on a new 10-year lease. The suite has been fitted out to the highest quality in a contemporary design by IDHL’s contractor TSK.
The bespoke office has 100 desks and has been designed with collaboration at its heart. Features include communal space for breakouts, refreshments, social connections and celebrations; ten meeting rooms, including a training facility and theatre style space; podcast room; phone booths; business lounge and client meeting suite.
Those based in Leeds also have access to amenities such as lockable bike storage, club quality changing facilities and electric car charging.
Ben Wood, CEO at IDHL, said: “We’re making significant investments in our IDHL offices across the UK this year, as part of our mission to provide the very best working environments for our 400-strong workforce.
“The move to our new 10,000 sq ft Leeds office marks a really exciting moment for our business, as we continue to focus on attracting and retaining the very best digital talent alongside delivering best-in-class service for clients.
“Fitted out with the very best technology, it offers a state-of-the-art environment to support our hybrid working approach. Leeds is our busiest office, located on the doorstep of many of the city’s professional and financial business and in close range to exceptional amenities, so it’s a pivotal moment for IDHL.
“We recognise that people want to work flexibly and also have the chance to work in a relaxed workspace. The move has been well received and we look forward to seeing it continue to thrive as a popular location. Our thanks to TSK and Wilton Developments for their support.”
Wilton Developments extensively redeveloped the original building in 2010, on behalf of the owners East Parade Limited. Existing tenants in the building include Armstrong Watson, DB3 Architecture, Odgers Berndtson and SCP.
Jason Stowe, managing director of Wilton Development, said: “10SP remains one of the most populated buildings within our office portfolio. We have sought to constantly evolve the building to meet the changing needs of occupiers, and we are particularly pleased that we were able to work with the team at IDHL to facilitate its next stage of growth in Leeds.”
Hannah Snell, account director at TSK, said: “It’s been a pleasure collaborating with IDHL to design and deliver their state-of-the-art, people-focused Leeds office. The goal was to create a destination workplace that prioritises the experience of both their employees and visitors, enhancing their ability to attract and retain top talent and clients.
“This office, which unites all their brands under one roof, plays a key role in defining their current business identity. As Leeds serves as their central hub, it was essential to design a space with diverse work settings to foster effective collaboration and offer flexibility for future needs. We’ve loved being an extension of the IDHL team, and look forward to working with them in the future.”
The Leeds offices of CBRE and Knight Frank acted on behalf of the building’s owner, East Parade Limited, with Fox Lloyd Jones representing IDHL in the letting.
Clair McGowan from CBRE said: “It’s been great to work with the team in getting this deal over the line. Retaining IDHL as an occupier is testament to the quality of the office space on offer at 10 South Parade. The building is centrally located with amenities on your doorstep. Watch this space for further building updates.”
Lupton Fawcett’s Sheffield team moves to the heart of the city
Yorkshire law firm Lupton Fawcett has moved its Sheffield team to a new space in the city centre.
The firm is now based in the Cubo building on Carver Street – in the Heart of the City development.
Lupton Fawcett’s Sheffield-based employees moved from their previous base on Bank Street at the end of last week and started September in their new location.
James Richardson, managing partner, said: “Our move to the vibrant and modern Cubo Sheffield marks an exciting new chapter for the firm in the city.
“Cubo offers a great workspace designed to foster collaboration, creativity and productivity. The serviced offices will allow greater flexibility, and we are in a better location for colleagues and clients.”
Partner Sarah Sargent, who heads up the firm’s Sheffield office and its residential property team, said: “The team are very excited to be in our new space and are looking forward to welcoming all our clients – old and new! Our new home will certainly help us push forward in the Sheffield legal world.”
Cubo is a flexible, shared working space and Lupton Fawcett has a private office within the building. Benefits for the team and visitors include a roof terrace and onsite barista.
The office, which offers space for further growth, will run on a fluid hotdesking system and people from the other Lupton Fawcett offices will also be able to work there.
Prime Leeds office rents continue to break all records
The prime rent for Grade A office space in Leeds continues to break all records, according to global property consultancy Knight Frank.
In Knight Frank’s latest research, it is revealed that city centre rents have increased by three per cent over the past 12 months to £38 per sq ft. Significantly, prime office rents have risen by 19 per cent since the onset of the Covid pandemic.
Overall take-up of office space reached 349,332 sq ft in the first six months of 2024, buoyed by a particularly strong first quarter of this year. Underpinning occupier demand was the finance, banking, insurance and professional services sectors, which accounted for half of total office space leased this year.
However, the largest occupier deal to complete was the 43,713 sq ft letting of Joseph’s Well to Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
Eamon Fox, partner and head of development at the Leeds office of Knight Frank, explained: “With strong occupier demand and supply-squeezed market, forecasts indicate that prime rents will reach £40.00 per sq ft by the end of 2024.
“We have several transactions agreed and progressing through legals at £39 psf, with £40 psf being the next milestone. The market is such that transactions are no longer rent sensitive, but amenity and quality is scrutinised more than ever by our occupier customers. When we get this right, we see growth in rents.”
He explained: “Grade A availability fell to 192,841 sq ft at the mid-year point, a figure 18% below that in the first six months of last year 2023 and 28 per cent lower than the 10-year average for Leeds. The total market vacancy rose marginally to 6.8 per cent, from 6.3 per cent recorded at the equivalent period last year.
“There is now 428,489 sq ft of speculative office space under construction across seven buildings in the city. Comprising both brand-new builds and comprehensive refurbishments, delivery is scheduled throughout the rest of 2024 and during 2025-2026.”
Meanwhile investment volumes totalled £24.75m between January and the end of June this year. Comprising four major deals, the total is 25 per cent higher than in the first half of 2023. The largest deal was 7 Park Row, which was bought by financial services firm Firefly Capital Limited for £8.35m. Prime yields remained stable at seven per cent.
According to Knight Frank’s report, the strong occupier market will mean that investors remain largely bullish on Leeds offices. With prime office yields unlikely to soften further, although secondary yields are more difficult to predict, it appears they have reached a level at which investors are more comfortable to deploy capital, all of which is hoped to foster market activity for the rest of this year.
The report concluded: “A clear election result brought much-needed political stability, whilst the ONS confirmed that the UK recorded positive economic growth in Q1. Inflation is also seemingly under control, which has allowed for the first interest rate cut since 2020 and improved the likelihood of further cuts ahead. Moving forward, each of these will support the desired stable backdrop for businesses and consequently, commercial property activity in the latter half of 2024.”
South Yorkshire reflects on a year of progress in tackling skills challenges
The last year has seen significant improvement in efforts to overcome South Yorkshire’s pressing skills challenges, according to a new report on the subject.
Taking stock of the most notable developments from the past twelve months, the South Yorkshire LSIP Progress Report assesses how far our region has come since the publishing of its Local Skills Improvement Plan in August 2023, and also considers what interventions should be prioritised next.
Chief Execs for the Doncaster, Sheffield and Barnsley & Rotherham Chambers of Commerce, who led the LSIP’s development, issued the following joint statement:
“It is incredibly heartening to see just how much has been accomplished over the past year as we have moved from the insight-gathering stage of the project into real, tangible delivery. From our perspective we have been very busy trying to get the ball rolling with a number of interventions that we think will make a big impact in the region, but we are pleased that our partners have taken the recommendations to heart as well; spearheading some big changes of their own.
“As detailed in the progress report, notable milestones to date include the introduction of Knowledge and Skills Exchange Sessions — bimonthly teach-ins, run by the Chambers, that are designed to give business advisors a comprehensive understanding of our skills ecosystem— an ambitious new South Yorkshire Skills Strategy — that is itself closely aligned with the LSIP — and the enormously successful South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Hub — a freely available service that was pitched in our plan and is now helping businesses access promising talent on their doorstep.
“Meanwhile, we are pleased to reveal that a number of exciting developments are currently in the pipeline relating to things like: improving digital literacy across our region; addressing longstanding trainer shortages; and equipping middle managers with the skills they need to do their jobs more effectively. Work is well underway in regards to each of these and we cannot wait to see the benefits they will yield for South Yorkshire, its business communities and its residents once they are fully realised
“Finally, the report also gives an exciting indication of where we might be heading next. Suggested priorities that are high up on the list include: creating better pathways for veterans, ex-offenders, older workers and others who are further from the labour market; extending career advice services; and improving work readiness. Suffice it to say, we are eager for the region to get tackling these and are hopeful that we will be able to sustain the momentum that has gotten us this far.”
South Yorkshire was one of 38 areas across the country to produce an LSIP last year. Funded by the Department for Education — and informed by extensive consultation with businesses, colleges, private training providers and various other stakeholders — each document explored how productivity levels could be bolstered within the region in question, and made a series of practical recommendations for partners to follow.
Specifically, the plans focussed on identifying any improvements that could be made to the relevant skills system, to help it better meet the needs of local businesses and to equip residents with the expertise that is most coveted by employers. For example, the South Yorkshire LSIP looked at what more could be done to nurture a tech-savvy workforce in the region, by placing an emphasis on digital skills provision.
With twelve months having now elapsed— and a lot of great activity taking place in that timespan— it is safe to say that South Yorkshire has come a long way since its LSIP was published, and many of the associated recommendations have already been brought to life. Which is why a new report has just been released: summarising all of the progress to date; highlighting the biggest achievements from the past year; giving an update on all work that is currently ongoing; and outlining some emerging priorities for the future of the LSIP project.
The Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern, Minister of State for Skills, added: “I welcome the publication of the Local Skills Improvement Plan Progress Report for South Yorkshire.
“These reports set out progress made on meeting the skills needs of local employers. As well as being a valuable source of information for local skills deliverers, employers and stakeholders, the reports along with the LSIPs themselves, will provide important intelligence for the newly established Skills England.”
