Hannah takes over as CISI’s Yorkshire committee Presidency

Stuart Pearcey
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Hannah takes over as CISI’s Yorkshire committee Presidency
Hannah Daniel has been appointed at President of the Yorkshire committee of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, taking over from Rebecca Keating. Hannah is an investment manager at LGT Wealth Management based in Leeds. She has over eight years’ experience in wealth management. Since joining the CISI Yorkshire committee in 2020, she has organised various social and continuing professional development  events. Her current focus is promoting the CISI Young Professionals’ Network locally. Hannah said: “It is a privilege to be made branch president of the committee to follow on from Rebecca’s hard work. I look forward to working with the team to continue building relationships with local schools and universities to support students embarking on their careers. It’ll be nice to catch up with fellow industry practitioners at our social and CPD events.” Tracy Vegro OBE, CISI chief executive, said: “This is an exciting time for the Yorkshire branch, with lots happening as we welcome Hannah into her new role on the committee. We would like to thank the outgoing president, Rebecca Keating, for her service and dedication to the committee over the past few years. She hands over to Hannah with the committee in great form and with our best wishes.”

Transformation of grammar school near Rotherham completes

Tess Egginton
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Transformation of grammar school near Rotherham completes

Contractor Clegg Construction has completed a £5.9m renovation scheme to transform Maltby Grammar School near Rotherham into a community resource and education centre.

During the course of the project, Clegg invested more than £3m into the local economy by using local labour and materials wherever possible.

The company’s commitment to South Yorkshire provided local employment opportunities for those living in the area which also enabled reduced travel-to-work times and distances – helping the environment too.

Nine former Maltby Grammar School students, as well as a number of people from the Maltby area, were part of the workforce.

Pre-construction director at Clegg Construction Ross Crowcroft said: “We are delighted to have handed over the repurposed and renovated Maltby Grammar School to Maltby Learning Trust.

“The building has had a distinguished past and now has a bright future as a superb community resource, providing local services and learning facilities.

“Clegg Construction takes pride in supporting local communities wherever we work, which has been aptly demonstrated by our commitment to the local economy in the Maltby and South Yorkshire area and the people who live there.

“We wish Maltby Learning Trust all the best as Maltby Grammar School once again comes to life to provide facilities for the local community.”

During the course of the renovation, Clegg worked with clock repair and dial restoration specialists, Smith of Derby Ltd, to repair the iconic clock tower at Maltby Grammar School – getting it working again for the first time in ten years.

The renovated Maltby Grammar School will accommodate local services, support wellbeing, employment and enterprise, and provide substantial learning opportunities.

The building will also extend Maltby Learning Trust’s post-16 specialist facilities and create an incubator space for training, apprenticeships and start-up support in the leisure and hospitality sectors.

Maltby Learning Trust CEO, David Sutton, said: “We are thrilled with the work that Clegg Construction has done to renovate and refurbish the former Maltby Grammar School Building. The Trust will now be working to fit out the interior of the multi-purpose building to make it suitable for our sixth form, business, and community audiences. 

“This project will make a huge difference to the area by offering a space for people to learn, reskill, work, and thrive. We are looking forward to opening the building later in the year with a series of events.”

Built in the early 1930s, the school closed in 2012 and had fallen into a state of disrepair after being mothballed.

The redevelopment project was part of a winning bid to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund secured by Rotherham Council, which focused on boosting the leisure and hospitality sectors in the area. The Levelling Up Fund provided £4.5m towards the project.

During the renovation, Clegg supported careers events at Maltby Academy, sponsored Maltby Learning Trust’s 2023 annual staff conference and awards, and also delivered 212.5kg of food, nappies and other donated items to Maltby Foodbank for distribution to local families as part of its commitment to the area.

Other members of the team involved in the scheme included Self Architects, engineer GCA Ltd and employer’s agent and project manager Cube.

Quartet of rail companies unite in Dragons’ Den-style search for innovation

Stuart Pearcey
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Quartet of rail companies unite in Dragons’ Den-style search for innovation

Four train operators have joined forces on a Dragons’ Den-style scheme to support innovation in the rail industry.

LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express, and Southern are looking for cutting-edge technology startups to apply to Future Labs – a scheme designed to accelerate ideas that address common and emerging issues for the sector.

Successful applicants will gain access to industry data and resources as well as mentors and subject matter experts working for the train operators to bring their products and services to life.

They will be able to apply, test and demonstrate their ideas in real-world environments over a 12-week period.

A spokesperson said: “Future Labs is all about transforming the rail industry through open, pioneering and proven innovation. By giving technology startups access to live environments and expert mentorship they can test their proposed solutions in a real-world environment.

“Ultimately, this is all about advancing the passenger and employee experience as well as supporting performance and operational excellence.”

Undersea surveys to begin for more North Sea wind turbines

Stuart Pearcey
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Undersea surveys to begin for more North Sea wind turbines
RWE and Masdar have commissioned global leading geo-data specialist Fugro to undertake detailed geotechnical surveys on the site of two Dogger Bank wind farms more than 100km off the UK in the North Sea. Three vessels, Fugro Quest, Fugro Voyager and Normand Mermaid, will survey the ground conditions below seabed from June to October this year at the location of each proposed turbine and platform foundation, and associated seabed infrastructure. The ground investigation will use a combination of Cone Penetration Tests and sampling boreholes and will be an extensive geotechnical campaign for one of the world’s largest offshore wind projects. Colin McAllister, Development Project Manager, DBS offshore wind farms said: “The geotechnical data from these site investigations will give our engineers a detailed and accurate picture of the individual ground conditions at sites of the foundations and associated offshore infrastructure. We already have high-level data about the seabed conditions from reconnaissance surveys conducted in 2022. With the level of detail captured from the new surveys, however, we can design the most effective foundations for each turbine and platform in the project. We expect similar detailed surveys to take place at DBS East in the future.” John ten Hoope, Fugro’s Regional Director Marine Site Characterisation said: “We are excited to continue working with RWE on this prestigious project. Our successful combination of innovation technology and expert project teams will safely deliver timely high-quality data and insights crucial to optimising the design of DBS West offshore wind farm. The fieldwork, which comprises seabed cone penetration tests, and vibrocores from the Normand Mermaid and geotechnical boreholes from the Fugro Quest and Fugro Voyager, will start in June 2024. The subsequent extensive laboratory testing will take place in Fugro’s laboratories in the UK.”

James gets Director role at SMH Group in Sheffield

Stuart Pearcey
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James gets Director role at SMH Group in Sheffield
Yorkshire and Derbyshire based Chartered Accountants SMH Group have appointed James Salim as Director at its Sheffield office. James joined SMH Group as a Client Manager in 2017 before being promoted to Senior Manager in 2023, and also gained his practising certificate and audit qualification in 2023. Specialising in Audit and Assurance, James utilises his experience to advise the group’s larger corporate clients, in addition to advising clients across other service offerings including company accounts and taxes, personal tax, and estates and trusts. He also has specialism with charities and the not-for-profit sector and leads this offering in the Sheffield office. Jonathon Dickens, Group Partner at SMH said: “As we’ve experienced substantial growth in recent years, and anticipate this trend to persist, it’s crucial to have the right team and infrastructure in place to take us to the next level. “We have offered James a Director role due of his dedication to providing clients with a first class service, and his impressive work in growing the audit department. James has also done some highly commendable work with charities and the not-for-profit sector.” James Salim added: “I’m delighted to become a Director in our Sheffield Office. Since stepping up to become a Senior Manager in 2023 I have really enjoyed the responsibilities this brings, both on the client side and helping out with staff development. “The continued growth of the group has allowed me to develop as an individual, as well as playing a key role in the growth of our audit department in South Yorkshire.” James’ appointment comes as part of an extensive growth period for SMH Group, having merged with numerous firms across the Yorkshire and Derbyshire regions in recent years.

Packaging manufacturer fined after worker receives severe hand injuries

Tess Egginton
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Packaging manufacturer fined after worker receives severe hand injuries
A packaging manufacturer has been fined for safety breaches after a worker received severe hand injuries at a factory in Yorkshire. On 15 June 2020 an agency worker injured their fingers when using a table saw without a guard at Loadhog Limited’s site at Hawke Street, Sheffield. The worker, who was operating the saw, received the injuries when his fingers came into contact with a rotating saw blade. Three fingers were partially severed although they were later reattached in hospital. A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that the company had failed to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment, resulting in a failure to provide a suitable guard, allowing access to the exposed parts of the saw blade. At Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on 25 April, Loadhog Limited of The Hog Works, Hawke Street, Sheffield pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. They were fined £100,000 and ordered to pay £3,139.75 in costs. After the hearing the HSE inspector Laura Hunter said: “This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply implementing the correct control measures and safe working practices. “HSE has clear guidance on the provision and use of work equipment that can help in preventing incidents like this from happening. “Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.” This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE Enforcement Lawyers Jon Mack and Kate Harney and supported by Paralegal Officer Rebecca Forman.

Whitby gin-maker crowdfunds for growth

Tess Egginton
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Whitby gin-maker crowdfunds for growth
A Yorkshire gin-maker has launched a crowd-funding campaign to promote sustainable growth and to encourage investors to become part of its operation. Whitby Distillery’s campaign will support its planned expansion through trade, retail, tourism and export. The gin-maker’s £400,000 equity crowd-funding campaign is being run by crowd-funding specialists Seedrs. Whitby Distillery, makers of Whitby Gin, was founded in 2017 by Jessica Slater and Luke Pentith who have grown their business from a passion project to one whose gin is stocked in more than 200 outlets across the UK. Luke Pentith explained: “Our equity crowdfunding raise on Seedrs will see us selling a small amount of the business through shares to our customers and to the general public. We believe this is a wonderful opportunity to become involved in our flourishing business, which has shown sustainable growth year and year and has tremendous potential.” One of Whitby Gin’s key projects over the next couple of years is to renovate two derelict barns at Abbey Lands on the south-west corner of the Whitby Abbey grounds. This has planning permission and a 100-year lease agreed. “This isn’t just about raising funds, it is an invitation to be an integral part of our growth and to own a piece of the dream. Once our new distillery is fully operational, we anticipate the business will grow by 500 per cent over the next five years. “We will be creating one of the most iconic distillery visitor experiences in England, positioned on one of the UK’s most beloved and popular coastal locations and providing high-quality leisure and function space for the local community to enjoy. “There is a huge opportunity for a destination gin distillery in Yorkshire. The gin market in the UK is flourishing, with a 50 per cent increase expected between 2023 and 2028. By 2028, the market’s value is predicted to be £3.18bn.” Jess Slater continued: “The opening of our distillery and visitor centre will be a complete game-changer for us, amplifying our brand across the UK, allowing us to reach more hearts and glasses, unleashing a wave of innovation and crafting exciting new spirits and products that will leave a lasting impression. “Whilst we have been very happy in our current premises in nearby Botany Way, our new home will take Whitby Distillery to the next level, stepping up production and giving visitors the opportunity to see us distilling and bottling through the week with our tour experiences. “It is an honour and a privilege to be restoring these derelict buildings on such a world-famous site. For us, this is all about launching an amazing adventure on the atmospheric North Sea coastline, with tremendous knock-on effects for the local economy. “Our new eco-friendly and sustainable distillery is a serious commitment to Whitby. We are making a significant investment into the local community and the future of the town. Once complete and established, we anticipate up to 25 employees. “As well as the distillery, our plans include the visitor centre, which will showcase our production process and our various spirits, as well as paying homage to the amazing cultural heritage of Whitby and providing an educational and corporate business space,” said Jess. Luke added: “Our new Whitby Distillery is designed to be an inspirational building that has minimal environmental impact. We are taking a ‘fabric first’ approach to refurbishment to improve the energy efficiency. Wastewater from the distilling process will be used where possible to irrigate plants and the vegetated roof.”

New head of family law department at LCF Law

Tess Egginton
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New head of family law department at LCF Law

Harjit Rait, a Resolution accredited specialist family lawyer and partner, has been promoted at LCF Law. She will manage the family law team, who are based across the firm’s Bradford, Leeds, Harrogate and Ilkley offices.

Harjit said: “During my time at LCF Law I have been fortunate to help many people at difficult times in their lives. I always make sure that I deliver the best possible service when dealing with matters relating to their family, be it disputes around the arrangements for the children, or protection of assets before or after a marriage, as well as guiding them through the financial settlement process. My clients and my work, are both hugely important to me.

“Legally I make sure everything is watertight, but just as importantly, it’s my job to be there for my clients every step of the way emotionally. Each client is unique and needs to be fully understood and happy with the eventual outcome. As a family lawyer you need good inter-personal skills and I have always been a people person who is keen to understand, listen and find the right solution.

“In my new role I will continue to work with my own clients and support everyone in the family law team, but I will also become more involved with the strategic development of the department, which is something I’m looking forward to.”

LCF Law’s managing partner, Ragan Montgomery, said: “I’ve known Harjit since our university days, and I can confidently say she has the right personality and skills for the role. She builds excellent relationships with her clients, is a fabulous networker and is very supportive of the development of others.

“Her talent for forging and maintaining excellent working relationships during her 22-year legal career will stand her in good stead as she continues to build on the successes of our trusted family law team.”

Scarborough pier set for £11m refurbishment to boost area’s economy

Stuart Pearcey
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Scarborough pier set for £11m refurbishment to boost area’s economy

An £11 million scheme to transform Scarborough’s historic West Pier to help boost the area’s economy and celebrate the town’s long-standing fishing industry has moved a step closer to becoming a reality with submission of a planning application for the project.

And for fish merchant TG Wood, which has been based on the pier since 1973, the development can’t come soon enough. Shaun Wood runs the business, started by his father, and said the pier is “crying out for investment”.

He added: “I’m hugely supportive of the plans and the sooner it happens, the better. We have a huge footprint that we rent from the council, but the building is in disrepair and needs modernising.”

His son Jack was running Cod and Lobster, a fishmonger on the pier, until recently but the family has closed the business until new premises are built.

Jack said: “We’ve shut the Cod and Lobster until these plans happen due to the building’s current condition. I don’t want to personally invest any more money into the inside until the outside is sorted.

“The West Pier is crying out for investment. It’s the first thing you see as you come on to South Bay and it’s an eyesore. If we’ve got this money, let’s spend it and let’s make the place look better and work better for fishermen, locals and tourists.”

Permission is being sought for the regeneration scheme centred on supporting and celebrating the town’s fishing industry as well as replacing current facilities and buildings with modern ones for existing tenants and businesses.

The vision for the West Pier includes new kiosks, improved offices, sheds and warehousing for the fishing sector and new parking and vehicle and pedestrian management, as well as restoration work of existing premises which have historical interest.

Chief executive Richard Flinton, said: “Reaching the planning application is an exciting stage for this project. Regenerating the West Pier will breathe new life into Scarborough’s South Bay whilst respecting and supporting the fishing industry working on the pier.”

Sustainable aviation fuels Clearing House officially launched

Tess Egginton
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Sustainable aviation fuels Clearing House officially launched
The UK sustainable aviation fuels Clearing House has officially launched, marking a major step in enabling the UK to bring new fuels to market and help reduce carbon emissions from the aviation industry. Led by the Energy Institute at the University of Sheffield, and supported by engineering and environmental consultancy Ricardo plc, the UK SAF Clearing House is now accepting applications from fuel producers for technical support and funding towards the development, testing and qualification of sustainable aviation fuels. Any new aviation fuel must meet strict performance standards before it can be qualified as safe for use in aircraft. To achieve this, fuel must undergo stages of testing in accordance with industry recognised standards. The cost and complexity of testing can be a significant barrier to new fuels entering the market. The UK SAF Clearing House will provide advice to fuel producers on testing, signpost towards testing facilities and support the qualification of sustainable aviation fuels to help overcome this barrier. The UK SAF Clearing House provides support for the development, testing, qualification, and production of sustainable aviation fuels, and it will play a key role in the government’s ambition to build a thriving UK SAF production industry, and establish the UK as a global leader in the use of SAF. Professor Chris Lewis from the University of Sheffield, Director of UK SAF Clearing House, said: “It is great to see there is now a lot of activity in the development of SAF, however the increase in a diverse range of raw materials and processes means a major shift in the industry, which is both an opportunity to reduce aviation emissions and presents a challenge to get these increasingly diverse SAF products to market. “The UK SAF Clearing House, in cooperation with the EU and US Clearing Houses, will provide technical advice and information, funding to support with testing, and help in understanding how the industry works, as well as helping producers engage with the industry in a positive way. We are delighted to announce we are open for business, so please do come and talk to us.” Natasha Robinson, Deputy Director of Low Carbon Fuels at the Department for Transport, said: “The UK wants to be an international leader in the transition to SAF, which is a crucial element of the UK aviation industry’s decarbonisation ambitions. The UK SAF Clearing House will accelerate the testing of fuels by streamlining the process, in order to help companies get the qualification for use they need. “The UK SAF Clearing House will reduce the bottleneck in testing, ensuring a greater availability of SAF from a diverse range of feedstocks, which will enable the UK to achieve its target of 10 per cent SAF by 2030 and will also help with creation of new jobs and skills in this innovative green sector.” Minister for Aviation and Decarbonisation of Transport, Anthony Browne, said: “As the UK SAF industry goes from strength to strength, it’s important it also has the capabilities to test the fuel being made, making the transition from the labs to the sky faster and easier than ever before. “Funded by the UK Government, the SAF Clearing House at the University of Sheffield is making greener flying a global reality, accelerating crucial testing, removing barriers for overseas investment and keeping the UK at the centre of the global SAF industry.” Sujith Kollamthodi, Director of Policy, Strategy & Economics at Ricardo, said: “The new UK SAF Clearing House is a step in the right direction towards a leaner and greener aviation sector in the UK. It joins other UK Government initiatives for the sector alongside the Advanced Fuels Fund, plans for a SAF revenue certainty scheme and backing for the world’s first transatlantic flight using 100 per cent SAF. “We are proud that Ricardo experts are applying their renowned expertise in policy, strategy and the safe implementation of new sustainable technologies to this world-leading initiative which can accelerate the decarbonisation of the global aviation industry.” For key clients including fuel producers, aerospace original equipment manufacturers, airlines and airports, the UK SAF Clearing House is a free-at-the-point-of-use service that will support fuel producers. It will work in collaboration with other international clearing houses and coordinate a programme of fuel qualification with the support of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
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