Goole cricketers raise £24,000 for East Yorkshire charities
Siemens Mobility and its partners have raised £24,000 for East Yorkshire charities with the second Goole Cricket Day.
The event at Goole Town Cricket Club featured teams and donors from Siemens Mobility and its customers and partners, including Angel Trains, GMI Construction Group, Knorr-Bremse, Porterbrook, Transport for London, Morson Group and Rock Rail.
Money raised will be shared across five charities; East Riding Imagination Library, Two Rivers Community Pantry, Friends of Oakhill, Goole Amateur Boxing Club and the Goole and District Community Transport Group (Goole GoFar).
Mark Speed, General Manager of Siemens Mobility at Goole said: “Over and above the trains and components we build and maintain at our Rail Village, an important part of our commitment to Goole is supporting the community in which we sit. A day like today is one such opportunity to contribute.”
“I would like to thank our customers and partners for their generous donations and participation and to Goole Town Cricket Club for again hosting us. This fundraising is part of our continued engagement with the local community, as we play an increasing part in the local economy.”
Councillor Anne Handley, Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, and Ward Councillor for Goole North said: “It is fantastic to see Siemens Mobility’s continued support for Goole and the wider community. Working across Goole and the East Riding as the leader of the council, it is clear to see that the Siemens investment is the most significant development across the area.
“Not only are Siemens creating hundreds of jobs directly, but their investment has also attracted investment from other businesses, who are now also investing in the area and creating new jobs.
“Outside of my role on the council I also run Two Rivers Community Foodbank, where we offer a wide variety of support to people who are struggling, and the support from Siemens enables us to extend our reach even further.”
Sir David Davis, MP for Goole and Pocklington, said: “It’s great to have Goole within my constituency again and I was thrilled to attend the Siemens Goole Charity Cricket Day as my first official appointment since being re-elected.
“Siemens Mobility’s new train factory is absolutely central to the development happening in Goole, with the creation of hundreds of new highly-skilled jobs, which are bringing much-needed opportunities for local people
“Siemens is one of the biggest employers in the area, but this event shows how Siemens is supporting the town in other ways too, becoming fully integrated into the community and supporting important causes.”
A number of other partners, including Tidyco, Rubix and Hayley Rail, were unable to attend on the day but made generous donations, contributing to the impressive total raised.
The Deep Tube Commissioning Team (representing London Underground) won the competition, beating a Siemens Manufacturing Team in the final.
Northern Powerhouse Partnership launches Net Zero report at Sheffield Forgemasters
Northern Powerhouse Partnership has launched its Net Zero Report, setting out the economic benefits of working towards Net Zero for the North of England.
The report outlines the key benefits of green energy for manufacturers across the North, including skilled jobs creation, and looks at the challenges of decarbonising industry for heavy energy users.
Luminaries attending the launch at Sheffield Forgemasters included South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard, Harry Keeling, Head of Business Development at Rolls-Royce SMR, Professor Denise Bower, Director For External Engagement at Mott McDonald, Natalie Boswell, Regional Development Director at Lloyds Banking Group and Henri Murison, CEO at the Northern Powerhouse Partnership and Andrew McPhillips, Chief Economist at the Northern Powerhouse Partnership.
Forgemasters CEO Gary Nutter gave an introduction to Sheffield Forgemasters, explaining the company’s position, as a key manufacturer into technologies such as SMR nuclear and offshore renewable energy, whilst COO Gareth Barker joined the panel to discuss the value of training and apprenticeships for the green energy markets.
Fatalities is farming are twenty times more likely than industrial average, new figures reveal
NFU Deputy President and Farm Safety Partnership chair David Exwood said every number was a personal tragedy, after news that 27 people lost their lives in the year to March 2024 in England, Wales and Scotland.
Release of the figures marked the start of Farm Safety Week – a campaign managed and funded by the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies). The 2024 campaign will focus on the importance of recognising and recording near-misses.
Despite accounting for only 1% of the working population, agriculture accounts for 20% of all deaths in the workplace.
Nearly 40% of farm workers killed were over the age of 65.
Four members of the public were killed, two of which were children.
Mr Exwood added: “Our sector must work on improving the culture of farm safety. You are 21 times more likely to have a fatal accident working in agriculture than any other industry and frustratingly the risks and necessary precautions are well known and understood.
“This isn’t about time or money. Nothing costs more than a serious accident or death in a business, and the effect on what are often family members can be devastating. This is about putting safety first in simple, cost-effective ways that will mean everyone goes home at the end of the working day.”
The Farm Safety Foundation has said the industry needs to address the attitude to risk-taking and poor safety behaviours, adding that “we cannot let this continue”.
This year marks ten years of the Farm Safety Foundation and while the charity says it is proud of what has been achieved so far, today’s figures highlight “there is so much more to be done to address the risks and dangers farm workers face every day to put food on our plates”.
Stephanie Berkeley, Farm Safety Foundation manager said: “Attitudes and behaviours around farm safety are changing but the pace of change is slow – too slow for the families of those we have lost in the industry and too slow for the thousands of farmers suffering every day with long term ill-health or serious injuries as a result of their work.”
Last calls goes out to find inspirational women
Just a month remains to nominate the region’s inspirational women for the Women of Achievement Awards, with entries close on Tuesday 27th August.
Organised by not-for-profit networking group Women in Business Hull, the biennial awards celebrate the achievements of women who are raising the bar in business, blazing a trail for other women to follow in the workplace, or making an outstanding contribution in their profession or to the community.
Caroline Neadley, chair of Women in Business Hull, said: “Women in business rarely shout about their amazing achievements, which is why we’re encouraging people to nominate their friends, their families and work colleagues for one of our awards. You can, of course, also nominate yourself – in fact, we would encourage it!
“We’ve had some brilliant nominations so far, and we’re looking forward to reading more about the outstanding women across the region who are doing incredible work.”
Janet Street-Porter is to be this year’s guest speaker, and will be discussing her vast career spanning across print, radio and broadcast for over 50 years.
Taking place on Friday 15th November from 12-5pm at the Mecure Hotel in Willerby, there are nine categories available to enter, with the judges deciding on an overall Women of Achievement Award winner.
Carol Ideson, founder of Carol Ideson Funding and Advice, and 2022 overall Women of Achievement Award winner, said of her experience: “Winning this award was truly astonishing and has given me a huge sense of pride. The amazing support I have received from Women in Business since winning the award has validated my hard work through the years and will forever be the pinnacle of my career.”
Retirement homes nationwide to get solar energy from Hull company
Hull-based HDM Energies is to work with Churchill Living to install rooftop solar panels across its nationwide portfolio of new retirement properties.
HDM Energies and installation partner CRG will supply and install solar panels on Churchill’s new properties, generating up to an estimated 26,000 kWh of energy per development annually.
The partnership includes 13 projects currently under way across the country. The initial installations have begun, with the rollout expected to be complete next year. More than 35 properties will benefit from this initiative, with each property equipped with up to 100 solar panels.
Daniel Rogers, CEO of HDM Energies, said: “By integrating solar energy into their properties, Churchill is leading the way in sustainable retirement living. Our goal is to provide clean, reliable energy that benefits both residents and the environment, reducing carbon footprints and energy costs.”
Churchill’s Chairman and CEO Spencer McCarthy said: “For many years, we have been committed to incorporating various types of renewable energy generation technology into the developments we build and manage. Initiatives like this help to ensure that our developments are future-proofed, energy-efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective to maintain, all of which bring significant benefits for our customers.”
Five-step plan revealed to supercharge small business exports
A new paper geared at unleashing a new wave of small business exporters has been released – setting out five priorities to make that goal a reality.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) was asked to lead on an SME Export Taskforce by Jonathan Reynolds MP when he was Shadow Business and Trade Secretary, to address the fact that only 10 per cent of small firms trade internationally.
The taskforce, which features input from companies such as Amazon UK, EY, and Santander, found that the current rules make trading difficult, that Government support is confusing and not always helpful, and the firms that do trade do not have adequate advice.
The paper highlighted five key priorities:
- A cross-Whitehall approach to policy: International trade should be made a priority for all Government departments. Domestic and trade policies must be aligned to ensure the UK maximises the benefits from Free Trade Agreements. This means other Whitehall departments and regulators need to be more aware of trade goals and actively contribute to trade negotiations.
- An open relationship with business: Legislation and trade deals should be developed through open and honest discussions that prioritise the needs of small businesses. A Senior Exports Council should also be created to ensure continuous and meaningful engagement with the business community.
- Global leadership on digital trade: The UK should lead the way on paperless trading across the global supply chain.
- Open to export from day one: SMEs should receive immediate support when they start trading internationally, including robust expert guidance and efforts to overcome mindset-related barriers.
- Addressing the finance gap: Improving SME access to trade finance and reducing the financial barriers to trade.
New neighbourhood at Sheffield’s former Cannon Brewery gets green light
Sheffield’s former Cannon Brewery is set to become a creative new neighbourhood for the city after plans were given the go ahead.
Sheffield City Council’s Planning and Highways Committee voted unanimously to approve a masterplan for the massive brownfield plot. It’s being brought forward by social impact developers Capital&Centric, the team behind the restoration of Eyewitness Works in the Devonshire Quarter.
The decision clears the way for the next chapter for the long-dormant brewery, where beer was brewed until the 90s. The outline plans include retention and repurposing of the most interesting buildings from the former brewery alongside contemporary new builds to deliver over 500 homes, work and cultural spaces.
The team is working with South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and Sheffield City Council to make the blueprint a reality. The combined authority awarded a £11.67 million grant to kick-start the regeneration earlier this year.
Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire’s Mayor, said: “Our homes are our foundation; the bricks and mortar that give us security, that bring our family and communities together. And we need more of them in South Yorkshire. Cannon Brewery is an exciting opportunity to bring a huge site back to life that has stood derelict and underdeveloped for too long.
“Through collaboration with Capital&Centric this prime site can set a new high bar for regeneration across South Yorkshire. My ambition is not just for more and better homes, but for developments to attract investment, create spaces for new businesses and to further cement our well-deserved reputation as being a brilliant place to live.
“I believe the project at Cannon Brewery can help us to deliver that ambition.”
The landmark decision will enable targeted demolition and remediation to start in Neepsend this summer, prepping the site development. In the meantime, more detail of the look and the feel of the buildings and new public spaces will be worked up.
Cllr Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “The transformation of the former Cannon Brewery site is yet another exciting new development for Sheffield. We are working hard with our partners to increase the number of new homes and to regenerate parts of our city.
“The combination of new homes, new workplaces, and new public space will help to turn the site into a thriving new neighbourhood. I look forward to seeing work start on site.”
At Neepsend, an urban park and a new public square with shops, cafés and spaces for pop-up events is included.
Tom Wilmot, joint managing director of Capital&Centric, said: “Cannon Brewery has sat dormant for decades, but this decision fires the starting gun on a really exciting next phase.
“The need for new homes is a national imperative, but we want to ensure we help grow Sheffield’s neighbourhoods in a way that’s creative, considered and adds positively to the social fabric of the city.
“A massive thanks to both the combined authority and council who’ve seen our vision for Neepsend and share our ambition to make it happen.
“The Cannon Brewery neighbourhood will be a pretty special place, packed with personality, once we’re done with it. Our first step will be to carefully strip out the existing buildings, keeping all the parts that tell the story of the site’s past, and prepping the site for construction to start.”
Lindum works on 16 schools during summer lesson break
Lincoln-based Lindum construction is working on 16 schools across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, and Yorkshire to complete projects before students return this Autumn, ensuring teaching and learning are not disrupted.
The work for repeat client the Priory Federation of Academies at four sites in Lincolnshire includes science classroom upgrades and internal remodelling of a trades training centre.
In Nottingham, teams are delivering projects ranging from fire alarms to re-roofing at seven primary schools for Nottingham City Council, another repeat client.
In Yorkshire, work involves delivering a pipeline of refurbishments for Red Kite Learning Trust, a multi-academy trust of 14 schools across North and West Yorkshire.
The works include a new landscaped outdoor space for children to enjoy, and roof replacement. We procured our school summer projects through our membership of frameworks.
Lindum Framework Manager Steve Duckering said: “Our commitment to forward-planning is evident in projects like our summer works programme for Nottingham City Council where discussions began as early as October last year, utilising the efficient procurement mechanisms offered by frameworks.
“These frameworks enable us to collaborate with clients early in the process, ensuring projects are meticulously planned and resourced. This proactive approach is essential for successful delivery, especially when working under tight deadlines like the school summer holidays.”
Other school summer works include refurbishments in Boston, Wisbech and Peterborough.
Buyer sought as Lincolnshire manufacturer falls into administration
A Lincolnshire manufacturer has fallen into administration, with a buyer being sought for the business.
Gareth Harris and Deviesh Raikundalia of RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP were appointed as Joint Administrators of MTAG Composites Ltd, MTAG (Holdings) Ltd and Electric Future Group Ltd on Friday 12 July 2024.
Based in Coningsby, MTAG Composites is the trading company in the group and is a manufacturer of moulded composite parts for the rail, aerospace, automotive, construction and leisure sectors, producing items such as train interiors, aircraft seating and boats.
Whilst viable options were being considered, the administrators took the decision to temporarily cease day-to-day operations immediately upon their appointment.
Following an accelerated and detailed review of the financial position, the administrators have decided to recommence day-to-day operations on a limited basis to align with the timetable for an accelerated sales process.
Thus far, the administrators have made minimal redundancies but have retained all of the operational and production staff on a ‘lay-off’ basis. The administrators understand that employees had not been paid for some time prior to their appointment and they are working with the Redundancy Payments Service (RPS) to ensure that those affected receive their statutory entitlements at the earliest possible opportunity.
Gareth Harris, restructuring advisory partner at RSM UK and joint administrator, said: “The decision to recommence operations demonstrates the commitment of all stakeholders to attempt to save this business and the livelihoods of the staff. Although not at full operational capacity, ongoing production will assist us in finding a buyer for all or part of the businesses.”
Deviesh Raikundalia, restructuring advisory director at RSM UK and joint administrator, added: “We have received significant interest in the acquisition of the business in the short time that we have been undertaking the sales process. We are continuing to engage with all parties who have expressed an interest in acquiring all or part of the businesses.
“Staff that we have retained since our appointment will continue to be paid and we appreciate the commitment and patience shown by the employees to date.”
Major office letting made at historic Leeds building
Property company J Pullan & Sons have agreed a letting of 43,731 square feet of office space at Joseph’s Well, its Leeds city centre site, to Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
The eight-year letting plays an integral part of the Trust’s plans to build a new state-of-the-art hospital at the historic Leeds General Infirmary site.
Pullan’s have agreed to letting of the office accommodation over three floors which includes contemporary workspace areas, meeting rooms, communal kitchens and breakout areas all fully-fitted within the 150,000 square feet heritage building.
The letting facilitates the relocation of clinical and non-clinical staff in preparation for the build of a new state-of-the-art hospital which will include a new home for Leeds Children’s Hospitals, new adults’ hospital and maternity centre.
Bruce Strachan, Property Director at Pullan’s, said: “We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, we already lease a number of our suites at the Joseph’s Well site to the Trust, including over 21,000 square feet of Grade A office space at Park Lane. We understand this latest lease represents the largest office letting to be completed in Leeds this year.
“We’re delighted to be in a position to support the Trust with their exciting plans for a new hospital by providing quality, contemporary accommodation, directly adjacent to the Leeds General Infirmary.”
Mike Bacon, Programme Director for the Trust’s New Hospitals Programme at Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, said: “Our plan for a new state-of-the-art hospital is the most exciting health infrastructure development for a generation in Leeds.
“As we prepare for construction, we’re embarking on a number of preparatory works. This includes the temporary relocation of some clinical and non-clinical staff which will enable a further phase of demolition at Leeds General Infirmary.
“It’s critical that patient care is unaffected as we embark on further construction and infrastructure works and that we can continue to deliver services and provide spaces for staff to work from.
“By securing this accommodation, we’re ensuring that colleagues have appropriate accommodation with an easy connection to the clinical departments across the Leeds General Infirmary site as well as our wider hospitals and we can continue to deliver excellent care for our patients.”
Joseph’s Well was built in the 19th Century by pioneering industrialist, and clothing magnate, Leeds MP Sir John Barran. Pullan’s have undertaken extensive refurbishment at the five-storey building.
