Yorkshire & Humber Institute of Technology (YHIoT) has become the first Institute of Technology (IoT) in the country to be relicensed by the Department for Education (DfE). 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. Danny Metters, Chair of YHIoT, said: “This is an exciting time where we can shape the future of YHIoT, by creating stronger links with STEM industries and the communities we serve and investing in our students – who are the future workforce. “This relicensing really shows the value of YHIoT and the power of collaboration as we work to meet the higher level skills agenda for now and the future.”

Aggregate Industries, a building materials supplier, has delivered 89,000 tonnes of rock armour as part of the Environment Agency’s £29 million Stallingborough Sea Defence Improvement Scheme. Aiming to enhance coastal defences and protect critical infrastructure along the Humber Estuary, between the ports of Immingham and Grimsby, this ambitious project required 70,000 tonnes of granite to be shipped from Aggregate Industries’ Glensanda superquarry in Western Scotland via Immingham Dock. The granite, with each piece weighing between 0.3 to 1.0 tonnes, made its two-day sea voyage aboard the 90-meter-long Hagland Saga. Each of the 17 shipments carried approximately 4,500 tonnes. Upon arrival at Immingham, the cargo was swiftly offloaded and transported by road to the Stallingborough project site. Additionally, 19,000 tonnes of smaller grade rock armour, ranging from 60kg to 300kg, were sourced from the firm’s Bardon Hill quarry in Leicestershire and delivered in approximately 700-tonne loads. In collaboration with Jackson Civil Engineering, Aggregate Industries ensured a seamless delivery, overcoming challenges such as unpredictable docking times and the migration of vital bird species which limit works within the designated Humber Estuary site between April and September every year. Nick Gilbert, business development manager for Aggregate Industries, adds: “We are proud to have played a crucial role in protecting Stallingborough and its surrounding areas. “Our comprehensive network and methods enabled us to meet the logistical challenges of this complex and reactive project which effectively saw the equivalent of a quarter of the Humber Bridge’s tonnage seamlessly delivered and discharged, directly contributing to the safety and resilience of the local community.” The Stallingborough Sea Defence Improvement Scheme is the third phase of ongoing coastal improvements and is designed to provide a further 25-year design life to the current flood defence embankments. This project will see the repair and fortification of a 4.5km stretch – including some 3km of rock armour – with the works comprising resealing and improvements of existing revetments, some of which date back to the 1953 North Sea flood. This effort will safeguard 2,300 homes, vital infrastructure and industry, as well as precious habitats in the Stallingborough area. Nigel Priestley, Senior Project Manager for the Environment Agency, said: “Aggregate Industries have provided a great service to Jackson and the Environment Agency by supplying the smaller rock to allow installation to commence in 2023, and then the larger rock from Oban, through the winter, impacted by numerous storms, in time for a March 2024 start. “The option to deliver by boat from the UK has also saved a significant amount of carbon too and minimised transportation by road.” The granite used in this project, known for its durability and longevity, is an ideal material for modern sea defences. With a lifespan exceeding 100 years, these specialist aggregates are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and dissipate wave energy, mitigating soil erosion and maintaining the natural integrity of the landscape. Beyond its protective capabilities, the rock armour also promotes vegetation growth and facilitates habitat creation, aligning with Aggregate Industries’ commitment to environmental sustainability.

A Cross Hills-based firm has received recognition and a business boost from retail guru Theo Paphitis. Last week, Sara Haggas, Sales and Marketing Manager at Comprendo, posted about the business on the former Dragon’s Den star’s Instagram account during ‘Small Business Sunday’. As a result, Comprendo became one of six weekly winners to receive a repost to his half a million+ Twitter and Instagram followers. The weekly initiative, set up by Paphitis in 2010, has created a network of over 3,500 Small Business Sunday winners championing small businesses throughout the UK. Theo Paphitis, Chairman of Ryman Stationery, Robert Dyas and Boux Avenue, said: “We are thrilled to welcome new #SBS members every week to highlight just how important it is to support our small businesses here in the UK. My vision is that everyone who has ever won an #SBS re-tweet from me becomes part of a friendly club of like-minded individuals who can share successes and learnings. The website also gives a valuable profile to the winners chosen. I wish Comprendo every success.” Comprendo specialises in providing remote desktop solutions for SMEs enabling users remote access to their data and systems. The firm services clients not only in its locality of Yorkshire and Lancashire, but across the UK. Sara’s post on Small Business Sunday had referenced the recent global IT carnage caused by an erroneous software update, reflecting that “it has made us think carefully about the trust and confidence our clients put in us to keep their businesses running smoothly and efficiently every day of the year.” Director, Daniel Hildred, said: “We’re delighted to have this sentiment from Comprendo recognised by Theo and very much value his support and the exposure that joining other #SBS winners will provide.”

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has been awarded £3m from the Department for Education to continue and expand its Skills Bootcamps provision across the region. Skills Bootcamps form part of the Government’s Skills for Life strategy, designed to help those aged 19+ onto the career ladder, transition back into work or progress in work while also helping employers meet skills needs across the region. The courses are flexible and can last up to 16 weeks, whilst providing individuals with the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and an offer of a guaranteed interview with a local employer upon completion of the course. Skills Bootcamps are a great opportunity for South Yorkshire residents to upskill and explore new careers opportunities in a variety of sectors. Designed with employers, Skills Bootcamps courses are aligned to industry needs, bridging the gap between the regional skills demand and its supply. Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire’s Mayor, said: “This next set of funding is a huge achievement in helping to address the skills requirements of South Yorkshire. “This next wave of Skills Bootcamps is another vital step towards us meeting the skills gaps across our communities and help us on our journey to creating not just a bigger economy, but a better economy.”

Barnsley’s Optimo Care Group has acquired CFT Care Limited.

Based in Clacton, CFT Care is a supported living and specialist care provider, established in 2014 by David Thompson. The company employs approximately 230 skilled staff members who deliver essential services to around 60 younger adults with learning disabilities and autism.

CFT Care operates around 44 purpose-built supported living units across multiple sites in cluster settings, all of which will be included in the acquisition. This acquisition also includes a portfolio of supported living development sites for future expansion.

Optimo Care Group will be retaining all current CFT Care staff members, ensuring continuity of care and stability for the service users. The company also plans to further expand the team to accommodate the anticipated growth in services.

Optimo supports thousands of people across the UK with a variety of complex and specialist support needs. An acquisitive strategy and strong organic growth over the last 18 months has resulted in the Group trebling its post-pandemic revenues. The Group comprises multiple subsidiaries, employing over 1,400 people across the UK.

Optimo is now aiming to double its revenues over the next two years.

The sale was facilitated by Redwoods Dowling Kerr. Optimo was advised by Freeths LLP (Legal), Hazlewoods LLP (Financial and Tax), Knight Frank LLP and Eddisons Commercial (Property). CFT Care was advised by Ellisons LLP (Legal) and TC Group (Tax).

Ben Hales, Group Projects Director and head of M&A at Optimo, said: “I am absolutely delighted to have finalised this deal and to welcome the CFT Care team into the Optimo family. CFT Care has built and maintained an excellent reputation in the Essex area. With significant potential for continued growth through new development sites in the pipeline, we are eager to begin working with the team to drive our shared vision forward.

“I would like to thank all of our teams who have worked tirelessly around the clock to make this deal happen. We couldn’t have accomplished this without their dedication and hard work behind the scenes. Additionally, I would like to extend a personal thank you to David for his cooperation and assistance throughout this process.”

Ryan Brummitt, Managing Director for Supported Living and Specialist services at Optimo Care Group, said: “At Optimo, our focus is always on providing the highest quality of care and support for our service users. The acquisition of CFT Care allows us to extend our reach and enhance our services, ensuring more individuals receive the compassionate and personalised care they deserve.

“We are thrilled to welcome the CFT Care team and look forward to collaborating closely to make a positive impact on the lives of those we support.”