MD Law solicitor unveiled as new president of Sheffield and District Law Society

Tess Egginton
-
0
MD Law solicitor unveiled as new president of Sheffield and District Law Society
MD Law employment partner Lindsey Gaimster has been appointed as the new president of the Sheffield and District Law Society. Lindsey takes up her year-long position as head of the professional association for solicitors practising in Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley, Chesterfield and the surrounding area, following the end of Dr Claire Young’s time in post. The appointment reflects Lindsey’s dedication to the local legal community and her vision while in post is for the society is to continue to support the local legal profession, and to help foster greater engagement with local solicitors. Lindsey said: “I am incredibly honoured, and absolutely delighted, to step into this prestigious role. “Following the great work of Clare Young, my focus is on creating more opportunities for connection and collaboration within our legal community. By supporting and developing our sub-committees, raising the Society’s profile, and providing firms with practical training and support, I hope to make the Society an even stronger hub for the people it serves. “Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey, and to MD Law for their continued encouragement.” Dr Claire Young, immediate past president at SDLS, said: “We welcome Lindsey as our newly appointed President. It is a true honour to have her step into this role and join the leadership team. “We’re also pleased to announce the appointments of James Parden as Vice President and Andrew Smith as Deputy Vice President. Together, this newly formed leadership team brings a wealth of experience, a strong track record, and a forward-thinking approach that will undoubtedly enrich our work and strengthen our impact across the legal community.” Neil Kelly, a fellow partner at MD Law, added: “The society has a long and respected history of supporting legal professionals in the area, and we are confident Lindsey will lead with the same excellence that defines her work at MD Law. “Lindsey’s appointment is a testament to her leadership and commitment to the local legal community. We’re incredibly proud to have Lindsey representing MD Law and the profession more broadly.” Lindsey joined MD Law in September 2024 to launch and develop its new employment law division. Rotherham-born Lindsey, who qualified in 2012, was a founding member of the Doncaster Junior Lawyers Division and served as the national representative for a number of years.

Business leaders urged to grab a bag as CEO Sleepout comes to Sheffield

Tess Egginton
-
0
Business leaders urged to grab a bag as CEO Sleepout comes to Sheffield
A homelessness crisis is unfolding in plain sight – and Sheffield’s business leaders are being urged to step up to tackle it. Exclusive new figures obtained by the charity CEO Sleepout show that, on average, around 43 people sleep rough in the city each night. The statistic, obtained via the Freedom of Information Act, comes ahead of the charity’s first ever fundraiser in the city. The Sheffield CEO Sleepout takes place on Monday November 10 at Steel City Stadium. It is one of several new sleepouts for the charity this year, amid a backdrop that has seen the UK reach record levels of homelessness. Around 354,000 people in the UK are now homeless – including 161,000 children. With that in mind, the charity’s CEO sees little cause to celebrate the new fundraisers. “We shouldn’t still need to do this, but the reality is that more people are struggling than ever before,” said Bianca Robinson. “When you join a CEO Sleepout, you’re not just raising funds – you’re sending a message of solidarity and showing that the business world cares about the most vulnerable in our society. “And you don’t need to be a billionaire to make a difference – just one night, a sleeping bag, and the courage to care.” And this year, CEO Sleepout has launched a new campaign aimed directly at Sheffield’s business community. Called ‘At Your Doorstep’, the campaign acts as a blunt wake-up call to the county’s business community to highlight how they are uniquely positioned to transform lives for the better. “Homelessness is no longer hidden. It’s everywhere. It’s on our commute, outside our offices, in our communities – it’s at our doorstep,” said Bianca. “That is what the ‘At Your Doorstep’ campaign is trying to reinforce. While businesses and entrepreneurs have been hit in recent years by the likes of the National Insurance hike, they remain the wealth creators. And with that comes responsibility. “And you don’t need to be a billionaire to make a difference – you just need a sleeping bag, one night, and a big enough heart to help.” One of the charity’s big local supporters is the Sheffield firm Differentis. The IT strategy specialists’ founder Dave King is taking part in this year’s sleepout and urged local entrepreuners to “step up now.” “We’re fortunate at Differentis to work with incredible organisations around the world, but the reality is that in 2025 we still have people in our city without a roof over their heads or food in their bellies,” said Dave. “That contrast really struck me — how can we celebrate innovation and investment on one hand, while ignoring people sleeping on the streets on the other? That’s why CEO Sleepout matters, and why I wanted to throw my weight behind it. “We have the power as a city to take action and set an example that can be replicated elsewhere. If local businesses and individuals step up together, we can make a real, lasting difference. Homelessness isn’t someone else’s problem to solve. It’s on all of us. CEO Sleepout Sheffield is a practical way to get involved and make a difference. “Don’t look back in years to come wishing you’d done something; this is our opportunity to step up now.” Participants at the CEO Sleepout will brave the cold for a night outdoors at the stadium and Prof Chris Low, Chief Executive of Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, will be among them. “I’m delighted to be taking part in the CEO Sleepout at Steel City Stadium,” he said. “With Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park’s focus on improving the health and wellbeing of the population, it’s important that our reach extends to support our most vulnerable communities. “I’m looking forward to welcoming other business leaders to the Park and being part of something that will help change the lives of local people facing hardship and homelessness.” While the conditions are typically tough, Bianca said the experience of a sleepout is unforgettable – and one that shifts mindsets and save lives. “There’s always laughter and while it’s cold, people come back every year because it matters,” she added. “If you’ve done well in business, this is your chance to do good in the world.” Scott McCabe, director of Scarborough Group International, added: “At Scarborough Group and through our charitable arm, the Scarborough Group Foundation, we are passionate about creating spaces and opportunities that strengthen communities and improve lives. “Hosting the first ever CEO Sleepout in Sheffield at Steel City Stadium is a powerful example of how this venue can be more than just a place for sport and business, it can also shine a light on important social issues and inspire collective action. “We are proud to support an initiative that not only raises vital funds to tackle homelessness and poverty, but also reflects our commitment to wellbeing, inclusivity and leaving a positive legacy in the city.”

Hull packaging manufacturer snapped up by global group

Tess Egginton
-
0
Hull packaging manufacturer snapped up by global group
Zeus Packaging Group, the global packaging company, has acquired Simpac Limited, the paper sack and packaging manufacturer. Founded in 1903, Simpac has established itself as a market leader in fibre-based packaging, supplying bespoke paper sacks, branded food wraps, carrier bags, and sustainable e-commerce mailers to some of the UK’s largest retailers, food businesses, and agricultural producers. Operating from facilities in Hull and Glasgow with over 130 employees, Simpac generates revenues exceeding £30 million. By joining forces, Zeus customers gain access to Simpac’s specialised manufacturing expertise and next-generation sustainable products, while Simpac’s customers benefit from Zeus’ European supply chain infrastructure, global procurement strength, and advanced manufacturing capabilities across corrugated packaging, film extrusion, tapes and labels, and retail bag production. Brian O’Sullivan, owner & founder of Zeus Packaging Group, said: “Simpac has a proven track record of innovation, from its Good-e™ mailers to the Paper Lift Liner that is already transforming food retail delivery. “Their expertise in sacks, wraps, and branded packaging perfectly complements our wider capabilities in retail, e-commerce, industrial, food, and agricultural packaging. We see major synergies for our combined customers and clear opportunities to invest in innovative sustainable packaging solutions that together create a comprehensive offer unmatched in the market.” Sandy Bole, managing director of Simpac, added: “For over a century, Simpac has been trusted by retailers, producers, and distributors to deliver high-quality packaging solutions. Our focus has always been on innovation — whether in branded food wraps, sustainable mailers, or productivity-enhancing technologies like the Paper Lift Liner. “By joining Zeus, we now have the platform, scale, and resources to accelerate these innovations, expand our international reach, and deliver even more value to our combined customers.”

European IT consultancy moves 300-strong Leeds team to Wellington Place

Tess Egginton
-
0
European IT consultancy moves 300-strong Leeds team to Wellington Place
European IT consultancy firm Netcompany has moved its Leeds team to Wellington Place. Headquartered in Denmark, Netcompany has moved from Greek Street into 3 Wellington Place, where it has taken an 8,412 sq ft office suite for its 300+ team. Netcompany’s relocation supports its strategic growth ambitions, reinforcing a commitment to expanding its presence across Leeds and the wider Northern region. The new office at 3 Wellington Place has been purposefully designed to support collaboration, featuring adaptable meeting areas and advanced technology to enable seamless, flexible teamwork. Richard Davies, country managing partner UK at Netcompany, said: “Relocating to Wellington Place marks a significant step in our growth strategy. As we continue to expand our UK presence, being part of a thriving business community is essential. The dynamic environment, access to collaborative networks, and high-quality amenities support our ambition to attract top talent, grow and succeed. It’s the ideal setting for the next chapter of our journey.” Paul Pavia, head of development at MEPC, the development and asset manager behind Wellington Place, said: “We are delighted to welcome Netcompany to Wellington Place, as a global leader in digital transformation, Netcompany plays a crucial role in advancing businesses in an era of rapid digitalisation and their decision to join the Wellington Place community is a strong endorsement of the environment we’ve created, one that supports innovation, collaboration, and long-term growth.” The transaction was overseen by Savills and JLL as the appointed agents for Wellington Place.

Work starts on £7.9m affordable homes project in Sheffield

Tess Egginton
-
0
Work starts on £7.9m affordable homes project in Sheffield
Esh Construction has begun works on 36 new affordable homes at Bolehill View in Sheffield, on the site of a former community care facility. The appointment by Sheffield City Council follows the receipt of £4.1m of funding from Homes England via its Affordable Homes Programme and will see homes delivered in a new development of two apartment blocks on the site. The £7.9m project will deliver a mix of accessible and adaptable homes which will reflect the character of the local area, with 30 apartments in one block, and six in the other. Simon Woodward, operations director at Esh Construction, said: “We are proud to continue strengthening our partnership with Sheffield City Council through the delivery of the Bolehill View affordable homes project. This scheme directly addresses the city’s housing need by providing 36 high-quality, accessible homes that are designed to reflect and enhance the local community. “Our appointment to Bolehill View follows the progress we are making at the Newstead development, also on behalf of Sheffield City Council. It’s a testament to the trust placed in Esh Construction to deliver much-needed homes across the city. “We are committed to creating sustainable, energy-efficient developments that leave a lasting legacy and will work with the council to ensure local people benefit from employment and skills opportunities throughout the construction phase, maximising social value for the community.” The two apartment blocks at Bolehill View will feature multi red brickwork and benefit from steel and glass canopies at the main entrances while featuring air source heat pumps and underfloor heating. Externally, the site will include landscaping, improved car parking and electric vehicle facilities.

SLC commissioned to develop Penistone Line business case

April Lara
-
0
SLC commissioned to develop Penistone Line business case

Kirklees Council has appointed rail consultancy SLC to prepare the Outline Business Case for improvements on the Penistone Line, which runs between Huddersfield and Sheffield. The line serves major towns and smaller stations across South and West Yorkshire, providing access to employment, education, and leisure facilities.

The business case will examine infrastructure upgrades, including faster trains, track doubling on the northern section to allow two trains per hour in both directions, and station modernisation to enhance accessibility and passenger experience. Proposed improvements align with the wider Transpennine Route Upgrade, which aims to improve services between Huddersfield, Manchester, and York.

The initiative forms part of Kirklees Council’s strategy to strengthen regional connectivity, support economic growth, and improve transport reliability. The upgrades are expected to enhance travel times, increase service frequency, and create opportunities across education, employment, and local services.

Coders Guild opens Lincoln hub to tackle local digital skills shortage

April Lara
-
0
Coders Guild opens Lincoln hub to tackle local digital skills shortage

The Coders Guild has launched a new training centre at the Mosaic Digital Hub in Lincoln, providing businesses and professionals with access to digital skills development, including software development, artificial intelligence, project management, and cyber security.

Lincolnshire faces a significant digital skills shortage, with research indicating up to 85% of local businesses struggle to recruit qualified staff. Nationally, nearly half of UK companies report difficulties hiring employees with strong digital and data expertise, creating challenges for keeping pace with technological change. The new hub aims to support local firms in bridging these gaps and building adaptable, future-ready teams.

The Coders Guild is offering part-government-funded training programmes for Lincolnshire-based businesses. A Cyber Security Skills Bootcamp covers everyday cyber security practices, emerging digital threats, and practical defence strategies, with funded places available for eligible participants. An AI & Automation Bootcamp provides hands-on training in automation tools such as ChatGPT, Make, and Zapier, enabling participants to design efficient workflows and improve operational productivity over a 12-week course.

Both initiatives target business owners, freelancers, and self-employed professionals, offering practical skills to strengthen digital capability across the county.

Key milestone reached at £19.3m Bradford College development

Tess Egginton
-
0
Key milestone reached at £19.3m Bradford College development
Bradford College and Morgan Sindall Construction have marked a significant milestone as a commemorative topping-out ceremony was held at the £19.3m Junction Mills development.

The college event celebrated the highest point of the building’s structure being put in place, signalling the next phase of work to create a cutting-edge training facility for automotive, digital, and engineering skills.

Set to open its doors to students in 2026, the four-storey building has been backed by £17.8m from the Department for Education Further Education Capital Transformation Fund (FECTF) and a £1.5m College contribution.

Dan Marsh, Morgan Sindall’s project manager on the scheme at Bradford College, said: “Bradford College and Morgan Sindall have formed an excellent relationship through working tirelessly in collaboration to get this far, and we intend to cement this by bringing the project to a close on time, on budget, and with excellent quality.”

Once completed, the Bradford College Automotive and Digital Engineering Department will relocate from Bowling Back Lane to the premises, with as many as 650 students potentially enrolling at the Centre.

Junction Mills will offer skills in new technologies, such as modern automotive and digital engineering, electric/hybrid vehicles and advanced manufacturing. The Centre will be vital in supporting the growth of technology and low-carbon skills capability within West Yorkshire.

Stephen Smith, head of engineering & motor vehicle at Bradford College, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to see our new hi-tech home for Motor Vehicle reaching this exciting topping-off milestone. This is a huge step forward for both staff and students, and I can’t wait to see the opportunities it creates.

“This new facility will give our staff access to the very best resources, enabling them to deliver even more innovative and industry-relevant teaching. For our students, it means learning in an environment that mirrors modern workshops and garages, giving them the hands-on experience and confidence they need to thrive in their future careers.”

CPP Group to close Leeds office

Tess Egginton
-
0
CPP Group to close Leeds office
CPP Group, which creates assistance solutions for insurance and financial services companies, is set to close its Leeds office as it looks to “streamline” the company.

CPP Group has announced a reorganisation of its leadership team and a set of cost reduction measures which it says are “designed to streamline the Group and align overheads with the Group’s new size and focus.”

It follows the completion of a Change Management Programme (CMP) and the disposals of CPP Turkey and CPP India.

Simon Pyper is set to step down as CEO and will assume the role of chief financial officer & managing director of legacy operations. He is expected to leave the Group during 2026.

David Bowling (chief financial officer) and Eleanor Sykes (chief operating officer), meanwhile, will step down from the board and their executive roles but will continue, in a non-executive capacity, with responsibilities for Homecare Insurance Limited, the Group’s captive run-off insurance business. They will oversee its operations and orderly closure.

Brian Barter has been appointed CEO of Blink, the Group’s parametric InsurTech business, and will join the Group board.

Making significant cost reductions, the business is lowering Board costs, closing the Leeds office, and making other central savings.

The various actions taken by the Group in recent years is expected to see central costs come down from £10.1m in 2023 to a run rate in the region of £2.5m per year, following the most recent round of cost cutting.

David Morrison, chairman, said: “This reorganisation simplifies and streamlines the Group’s senior management structure, reducing aggregate central cost whilst focusing on the requirements of Blink and the management of the legacy operations.

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Simon, David and Eleanor for their outstanding service and contribution to the Company. Simon took over as CEO early in 2022 and has been responsible for instigating and executing the strategy that has led to the exit from the legacy holdings in Turkey and India and refocusing the Group on Blink.

“David played a critical role in the financial management of the Group in the same period and for executing the Group’s legacy disposals, including those most recently in Turkey and India, and Eleanor has made a noteworthy contribution to the operational effectiveness of all aspects of the Group.

“In the period in which they have been in their respective roles, the Group has been transformed in terms of strategic clarity and objectives and operational discipline, and I am pleased that each of them will continue, in different capacities, to be involved with the Group for a while to come.

“On a personal note, I would like to record my thanks to each of them for the role that they have played and to wish them every success in the future.”

Grants awarded to eight Leeds projects driving growth and innovation through training and support

Tess Egginton
-
0
Grants awarded to eight Leeds projects driving growth and innovation through training and support
Funding has been confirmed for eight Leeds projects that will help people from a diverse range of backgrounds make the most of their business skills and ideas.
The projects will see various organisations delivering training, mentoring and other support to new and established businesses as well as prospective entrepreneurs. This work, it is hoped, will drive growth and innovation by providing valuable insights into everything from financial literacy and marketing to artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technological solutions to environmental issues. The knowledge-sharing projects are being backed by a new grants programme, managed locally by Leeds City Council and financed by central government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Dozens of organisations – from the public, private and third sectors – submitted their own individually-devised project proposals to the council earlier this year in the hope of securing a grant from the programme. Now, the successful applicants have been chosen. Grants ranging from £25,000 to £36,000 are being awarded to the following organisations:
  • Unity Property Services, which will offer workshops, mentoring and networking events for pre-start, early-stage and established businesses, with a focus on empowering members of disadvantaged and underrepresented communities in Leeds;
  • Trust Leeds, which will run a programme of enterprise support – covering areas such as financial literacy and marketing – that aims to help entrepreneurs, particularly women, start and develop viable micro-businesses;
  • Future Transformation, which will deliver AI workshops and youth innovation bootcamps as well as ‘challenge labs’ where participants will co-create tech-driven solutions to environmental issues;
  • Come Play With Me, which will seek to strengthen Leeds’ music sector infrastructure by running a training and mentoring programme for creative entrepreneurs, especially those from marginalised communities;
  • Startling, which will offer practical and personalised innovation guidance and business support via a combination of peer-to-peer learning, one-to-one mentoring and themed masterclasses;
  • SHINE, which will give expert business advice to female entrepreneurs through a programme of workshops, mentoring and networking as well as the use of a new AI-enabled community platform;
  • Offploy, which will provide support such as business skills training and e-learning access to people who might otherwise face barriers – like long-term joblessness or mental health challenges – on their route to traditional employment;
  • FinTech North, which will run a programme of mentoring, peer-led learning and leadership development for underrepresented entrepreneurs and early-career professionals, with an emphasis on financial technology and adjacent sectors.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “These grants are a great example of how the council can support people from different local communities as they look to carve out their own niche in the world of business. “We were delighted with the response we received to our call for applications earlier this year, with the chosen projects being perfectly placed to deliver top-level learning, mentoring and other activity. “The work being done by the projects won’t just help individual businesses, it can benefit Leeds as a whole through the creation of jobs and the cementing of the city’s already impressive reputation as a centre for innovation. “Whether you’re running a business or have future entrepreneurial ambitions, we’re proud to be doing our bit to ensure you have the right tools, skills and opportunities for achieving success.”
1...222324...1,065Page 23 of 1,065