Azets makes 22 promotions across three Yorkshire offices
Advisory, outsourcing, and compliance group Azets has announced 22 promotions across its Yorkshire business.
Richard Oddy (Restructuring, Leeds) has become a partner while Becky Dawson (Technical Accounting, York), James Durham (ABAS, York), Kim Major (Tax, Leeds), Naveen Sahney (Tax, York) have been promoted to director.
They are among 12 promotions in Azets’ Leeds office, eight in York and two in Bradford.
Russell Turner, regional MD for Azets in Yorkshire, said: “We’re continually investing in people and advisory rich services. These appointments strengthen our breadth and depth of experience and expertise to help our clients achieve their ambitions.
“My congratulations go to all of those celebrating these well-deserved promotions.”
Peter Gallanagh, Azets UK CEO said: “Azets is a purpose-driven organisation that places inclusion at the heart of its values.
“We will continue to build our people strategy and drive cultural change as we continue to be an agile, open, technology led advisory business and accelerate growth.”
Azets has offices in Leeds, Bradford and York, where it employs 334 people.
Rail operator switches Drax trains to run on vegetable oil
DB Cargo UK has switched all trains it operates in and out of Drax Power Station to run on hydro-treated vegetable oil.
DB Cargo UK currently transports around 4.5 million tonnes of biomass pellets to Drax Power Station annually, operating around 60 trains a week to the site.
It is estimated that by switching from traditional red diesel to HVO will reduce rail freight carbon emissions by up to 90%, saving over 12,000 tonnes of carbon each year equivalent to 30 million miles worth of car journeys.
DB Cargo UK’s Chief Sales Officer Roger Neary said the decision by Drax to adopt the use of HVO in its trains was a win for both companies. “The Government had set the rail industry a stretching target to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and remove all diesel only traction by 2040 so the use of HVO in our trains will go a long way to helping us meet that challenge,” said Roger.
“At the same time, it will help Drax meet its own sustainability targets and minimise its impact on the environment.
“Until a firm commitment is made to electrification of the UK network, HVO is the only credible solution to rail freight decarbonisation. More services could be operated with HVO if the right policies and incentives were in place to enable more customers to make the switch.”
HVO is marketed as one of the world’s purest and greenest fuels. It is synthetically made through the hydro-treatment process from vegetable oils or animal fats which significantly reduces harmful carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxideemissions when used in diesel vehicles and machinery. It is derived from 100% waste products and no virgin products are used in its manufacture.
York company completes another acquisition and expands in the south west
Green Building Renewables has added Poole-based H2ecO Limited to it growing nationwide network, marking the twelfth acquisition in its buy-and-build strategy.
Since formation in 2021 the company has grown from its base at Dunnington near York to have sixteen locations across England.
MD Chris Delaney said: “The acquisition of H2ecO is a significant milestone in our journey toward becoming the UK’s leading green technology installation business by the end of 2025.
“We are thrilled to welcome the team in Poole to the broader Green Building Renewables family. The South Coast is a prime location for homeowners and businesses to benefit from renewable technologies. We look forward to enabling more people in this region to improve the performance of their properties.”
H2ecO, founded by the husband-and-wife duo Mike and Julie Stephenson, has been a pioneering force in the renewable technology sector for 14 years.
Chris added: “We are particularly excited about H2ecO’s on-site training facility, which aligns perfectly with our own ambitions for industry-leading training and development. The quality of their work and their dedication to renewable technology make them an ideal addition to the GBR family.”
New future proposed for former rail training college
A future for the former National College for Advanced Transport and Infrastructure (NCATI) building will be proposed to City of Doncaster Council’s Cabinet next week.
The uniquely designed building on Carolina Way near Lakeside has been closed since July last year and the council has been looking for a new occupant who could continue with the educational purpose of the site.
Cabinet will hear on August 14 that a new provider is interested in taking over the site in keeping with a Department of Education (DfE) covenant which is in place until 2043 that the building must be used for post-16 education and the development of training and skills.
The interested provider, who remains confidential due to commercial negotiations being underway, is expected to sign a 25-year lease with the council, which owns the land and be on site later in the year.
Mayor Ros Jones said: “This is really encouraging news that this iconic looking building could continue as an educational centre in Doncaster. The building itself offers such an exciting opportunity for a new education provider to help support our ambitions for lifelong learning and skills.”
The Cabinet report is asking for authority to finalise lease negotiations and progress the necessary requirements to complete a lease.
Continuing the use of the site in post-16 education would support Doncaster’s Education and Skills 2030 strategy opening up opportunities towards local and skilled employment that will benefit Doncaster’s economy.
HMRC gets tougher on R&D claims
HMRC’s annual report suggests that the tax authority is getting much tougher on historic R&D tax relief claims it suspects may be incorrect or fraudulent.
The new statistics show that the tax under consideration in R&D investigations being carried out by HMRC’s Wealthy and Mid-sized Business Compliance Directorate has doubled over the past year to reach £641m in 2023/24.
Over the last few years, there has been increasing concern about the level of fraud and error in R&D claims. Last year, HMRC published a new analysis of R&D claims in 2020-21 which estimated that almost a quarter (24.4%) of claims by value in the SME scheme and 3.6% of claims in the RDEC scheme were either incorrect or fraudulent – with a combined cost to the Exchequer of an estimated £1.13bn.
While the new report shows the estimated level of “error and fraud” in claims for 2022/23 is almost unchanged, HMRC estimates that its policy and operational measures in 2023/24 – notably the introduction of the Additional Information Form – will have reduced the overall level of error and fraud in claims to 7.8% overall (down from 13.3% in 2022/23).
Commenting on the report, Carrie Rutland, Innovations Incentives partner at accountancy and business advisory firm BDO, said: “We’ve been aware of an increase in HMRC activity in relation to historic R&D claims. Buried in the detail of today’s report are clear signs that the tax authority is getting much tougher when it comes to investigating past claims it thinks were wrong or fraudulent. “In our view, the published increases in tax under consideration must equate to a lot more R&D investigations.
“With an increase in targeted HMRC activity, many businesses may find they are subject to an enquiry triggering a large clawback in R&D tax credits. Many will require specialist advice to ensure their claims, both historic and current, are watertight.”
The new statistics show that the tax under consideration in R&D investigations being carried out by HMRC’s Wealthy and Mid-sized Business Compliance Directorate has doubled over the past year to reach £641m in 2023/24.
Over the last few years, there has been increasing concern about the level of fraud and error in R&D claims. Last year, HMRC published a new analysis of R&D claims in 2020-21 which estimated that almost a quarter (24.4%) of claims by value in the SME scheme and 3.6% of claims in the RDEC scheme were either incorrect or fraudulent – with a combined cost to the Exchequer of an estimated £1.13bn.
While the new report shows the estimated level of “error and fraud” in claims for 2022/23 is almost unchanged, HMRC estimates that its policy and operational measures in 2023/24 – notably the introduction of the Additional Information Form – will have reduced the overall level of error and fraud in claims to 7.8% overall (down from 13.3% in 2022/23).
Commenting on the report, Carrie Rutland, Innovations Incentives partner at accountancy and business advisory firm BDO, said: “We’ve been aware of an increase in HMRC activity in relation to historic R&D claims. Buried in the detail of today’s report are clear signs that the tax authority is getting much tougher when it comes to investigating past claims it thinks were wrong or fraudulent. “In our view, the published increases in tax under consideration must equate to a lot more R&D investigations.
“With an increase in targeted HMRC activity, many businesses may find they are subject to an enquiry triggering a large clawback in R&D tax credits. Many will require specialist advice to ensure their claims, both historic and current, are watertight.”
Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult names non-exec director
Technology innovation and research centre for offshore renewables the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, which operates in the Humber, has appointed Maida Zahirovic as a Non-Executive Director.
Maida, Head of Renewables at James Fisher & Sons plc, a supplier of engineering services to the global energy, defence and maritime transport sectors, has significant experience in the offshore wind sector gained from senior roles at some of the top companies in the industry.
ORE Catapult Chair Ronnie Bonnar, said: “There are huge opportunities and challenges for offshore renewables as we look to deliver the growth needed to deliver Net Zero in the coming years.
“Maida’s extensive international and supply chain experience will provide invaluable insight as we continue to grow the Catapult and play a vital role in delivering that opportunity”.
Maida Zahirovic said: “I look forward to working alongside colleagues and stakeholders from industry and academia to drive innovation in our sector and deliver the UK’s Net Zero targets while addressing skills shortages in our industry through training and development.”
Lindum Packaging bolsters team with six appointments
Pallet stability and packaging company, Lindum has welcomed six new staff members to support continued growth within the Stallingborough-based business.
With 12 years of experience in Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Daniel Goldsworthy joins the business as quality manager, a role which involves maintaining product and service quality, completing audits, and looking at work with Net Zero and Ecovadis.
Alastair Roberts brings a wealth of knowledge of the packaging industry to his new role of sales engineering at Lindum, with engineering expertise that will help in the development of new packaging technologies and improve existing processes at the business.
Joining Lindum’s warehouse team are Jason Key and John Cooper, who will manage the day-to-day operations of the company’s warehouse, ensuring operations run smoothly and efficiently. Dave Hebden will strengthen Lindum’s delivery department as a driver.
Finally, in her first role since graduating, Tia McCreadie joins Lindum as a customer service assistant.
Rick Sellars, sales manager at Lindum, says: “At Lindum, we believe that our team is our greatest asset, and the addition of Daniel, Alastair, Jason, John, Dave, and Tia further strengthens our ability to serve our clients effectively. Their diverse skills and fresh perspectives are vital as we continue to innovate and excel in the packaging industry.
“We’re confident that with these new team members on board, we’re better equipped to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and we’re already looking forward to the contributions they will make to the Lindum family.”
Humber Freeport reviews a year of action
Twelve months on from the launch of Humber Freeport, collaboration between industry, academia and the public sector is said to have helped the region align on its unique proposition.
Major investments from global businesses have been committed to the Humber Freeport tax sites in Hull and Goole. These are expected to create more than 700 skilled jobs, in sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing and technology to ports and green energy.
Humber Freeport has positioned itself at the heart of the region’s industrial strategy, shaping skills development and innovation and helping to drive a place narrative capitalising on the Humber’s world-class expertise in decarbonisation and clean energy.
A year ago, Humber Freeport Chair Simon Bird welcomed delegates to Associated British Ports’ historic Pump House in Hull for the Freeport launch, when he set out the vital role of freeport status as a catalyst for growth. Hesaid: “When freeports were established, the Humber was identified as the region with the most powerful proposition, and which could benefit significantly from freeport designation.
“Fast forward to today and we are seeing that potential being realised. The investments secured in our tax sites will be transformational for the Humber, both in terms of direct employment and through growth in the broader supply chain.
“It’s important we build on this impressive momentum. We’ve got off to a very strong start – now we must seize the opportunity to supercharge our region’s economy.”
Connecting many of the key investments pledged so far is the drive to decarbonise the Humber’s energy-intensive industrial cluster.
Humber Freeport will continue to work with the Government to help deliver on its green agenda, driving clean and sustainable growth. Humber Freeport is also building on the region’s existing strengths in advanced manufacturing, logistics, chemicals and port-related industries.
Much of the early investment in Humber Freeport sites has been made within the Hull East tax site. Those investments include Equinor selecting Saltend Chemicals Park for the low carbon hydrogen production plant and Pensana for its rare earth processing facility. Meld Energy for green hydrogen plant, also at Saltend, is also moving forward.
Other key projects have also been announced at the chemicals park – a clean gas plant by Standard Gas Technologies and plans by OXCCU for a demonstration plant to convert carbon dioxide and green hydrogen into sustainable aviation fuel.
Within the wider Hull East tax site, plans have also been approved for the £200m Yorkshire Energy Park, a technology campus which could support more than 4,000 jobs.
Patrick Pogue, Group Director, Growth and Innovation at px Group, owner and operator of Saltend Chemicals Park, said: “We’re seeing significant investment at Saltend by companies focused on green energy and low carbon technology.
“The incentives created by freeport status offer a very important additional attraction and give the Humber a major advantage in the international competition for major inward investments.
“Humber Freeport is a powerful weapon in the region’s armoury and acts as a catalyst for growth and skilled job creation.”
Institute’s relicensing signals support for STEM employers for next ten years
Yorkshire & Humber Institute of Technology has become the first Institute of Technology in the country to be relicensed by the Department for Education.
The relicensing, which will see YHIoT continue its work for another 10 years, demonstrates the government’s commitment to IoTs and supporting the growth of STEM industries.
It will allow YHIoT to continue working collaboratively with STEM learners, education providers and employers in the region to create opportunities for students and employers, as well as support regional economic growth.
YHIoT is a partnership of local education providers including York College & University Centre, Selby College, Askham Bryan College, Bishop Burton College, Craven College, East Riding College, Scarborough TEC, the University of Hull and York St John University.
It also works with regional and national employers including VISR Dynamics, GB Recruitment and Network Rail.
Lindsay West, founder of VISR Dynamics, said: “I’m delighted that YHIoT can now move forward with excitement, and the relicensing means we can build on the foundations of the past five years.
“It’s critical that employers and educators work together to build a strong network to maximise the potential of students, providing them with the relevant skills and knowledge to attain their career aspirations. YHIoT collectively empowers us to strategise, map out and deliver this goal.
“As a business owner, I understand the rapidly changing requirements of business due to the speed of the implementation of technology and digital processes – especially spatial computing and AI.
“It’s very exciting that we have been gifted the opportunity to work with YHIoT and help build the workforce of the future, for the workplace of the future.”
Footfall rises at revamped Leeds market
Footfall figures at the revamped Leeds Kirkgate Market show it has received more than 2.9m visits in the first six months of this year – six per cent up on the same period in 2023.
There were 506,451 visits recorded in March alone, while the totals for May and June stood at 498,786 and 493,047 respectively.
Businesses are also heading to the market in numbers, with a beauty salon, a bookshop and a Syrian food store among the eight new indoor arrivals since the start of the year.
A further seven businesses – selling everything from suitcases to Vietnamese groceries – are in the process of agreeing deals for indoor units.
There has also been an eight per cent increase in outdoor stall occupation compared to this time last year.
Recent improvements at the market include the completion of the first phase of a £10m refurbishment of its 19th-century ‘blockshops’ area.
Work is now well under way on the second phase of the Leeds City Council scheme, with the latest batch of new-look units expected to be ready to let early next year.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, deputy leader of Leeds City Council and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “Our significant investments in Leeds Kirkgate Market have been designed to ensure it has a future to match its long and proud past.
“It’s really pleasing, therefore, to see visitor numbers on the up-and-up as the latest phase of improvement work continues. The unprecedented number of enquiries that are being received from businesses wanting to move into the market is also very encouraging.
“Thanks to all those who continue to support this much-loved shopping spot, and to the market team for their tireless efforts during its transformation.”
