Lincolnshire farmers offered grants to pay for flood damage
Professional services firm secures new Hull office
Aon plc, a global professional services firm, is relocating its 50-strong Humber team to a new office.
Aon has agreed a 10-year lease on the entire ground floor of the Redcliff Court building. The move is part of Aon’s investment in the region and will bring the entire Humber-based team together in one space, providing a flexible, collaborative and open working environment for all colleagues.
On completion of an extensive refurbishment, colleagues from Aon’s Kirmington and Hull offices will move to the new fully serviced office at the end of April, where they will benefit from a more efficient office design to support hybrid working and an upgraded IT infrastructure.
Chris Harvey, head of office Aon in Hull, said: “Investing in the Humber region and our talented 50-strong team is a key part of our growth ambition.
“As a global leader in commercial risk, and a major part of the region’s insurance scene that supports clients across a diverse range of sectors, ownership structures and sizes, we can provide an exciting and rewarding career for both highly experienced insurance professionals and new colleagues.
“In seeking new office space, Aon has focused on finding a building which fits with our Smart Working Model. Smart Working is centred on the four Cs – Clients, Collaboration, Celebration and Coaching and, while we will continue to embrace hybrid working, the office remains a place to connect, build knowledge, develop capabilities, enrich careers and contribute to a sense of belonging. Redcliff Court certainly aligns with that.
“This new space will help us in our ambition to develop strong teams and create an inclusive work environment, both in-office and through virtual collaboration, where all colleagues feel a sense of belonging, and will further strengthen the firm’s culture so that we can continue to deliver the best for our colleagues.”
The Hull team is currently based on the second floor of Redcliff Court.
Aon was advised by CBRE.
Specialist West Yorkshire engineering business snapped up
Carnell Group Holdings Ltd, the wholly owned subsidiary of Renew, the Engineering Services Group, has acquired Route One Holdings (Wakefield) Ltd for £5m.
Based in West Yorkshire, Route One is a multi-disciplinary specialist engineering business operating in the UK Highways sector providing end-to-end solutions for bridge deck maintenance and protection.
Route One has a number of long-term frameworks on the National Highways Scheme Delivery Frameworks across England.
A statement from Renew says: “The acquisition represents an excellent strategic fit for the Group. Route One will expand Carnell’s offering by adding new capabilities to the Group’s highways business, with particular expertise in bridge and structures maintenance and repairs.
“The UK Government’s planned investment in the next Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) from 2025 to 2030 will provide good growth opportunities, where the structures renewal programme has been identified as a key priority.”
Seafarers’ charity appoints two trustees
The Sailors’ Children’s Society, that’s been helping seafarer’s families for more than 200 years has appointed new trustees Cathy Kioko-Gilligan and Rhiannon Beesonwith experience of the demand for its services.
Cathy, who is a Deputy Lieutenant of the East Riding, was a beneficiary of the Society’s services when her father, a merchant seaman, passed away when she was just three. She said: “I had a little sister and times were hard, especially as we reached school age and mum couldn’t afford uniforms. She was a nurse in training and went to social services for help but they said she earned slightly too much so we couldn’t have any money. Mum was heartbroken and didn’t know what to do but her matron at work suggested she talk to the Society. “My dad’s death wasn’t maritime related but they still helped us with the uniform, including for my sister when she reached school age, and we were also invited to go on their annual days out. We have some wonderful memories from those and from the annual fete in their grounds on Cottingham Road. “We knew as children growing up that we were in a lucky position because we were being assisted by the charity because we received the grant for many years. In reality the charity enabled us to fit in because we had school uniforms. My mum didn’t cry as much. The Society took a massive weight off mum’s mind. “As I grew up I lost my awareness of them and didn’t hear about them. The fete stopped and I assumed it no longer existed. It’s been really good rediscovering the charity and I feel as though I’ve never been away. I am passionate about helping the charity raise money to help people in the same way that they helped me and my family.” Rhiannon worked for KCOM and Giacom but it was her spell in between with APD Communications – a specialist software supplier to the emergency services – which equipped her with insight into risks at sea. She said: “Working in critical comms gave me my first insight into HM Coastguard, the Royal Navy and other emergency services on the coast.” She was aware of Natasha from previous charity work and rekindled the relationship when she was setting up The Be Brand and they met on a women’s accelerator course at the University of Hull. Rhiannon said: “I really liked what Natasha was doing with the charity. She’s an incredible CEO and someone I look up to and she’s transformed the charity. “I also attended the charity’s annual Sportsman’s Lunch where Natasha’s speech about the work they do and helping families in their hour of need really resonated with me from my experience with APD Communications. The Be Brand recently adopted the Society as our charity of the year, raising funds and donating time and the trusteeship is building on that.” Society CEO Natasha Barley said: “The Sailors’ Children’s Society is going from strength to strength but like all charities we need to keep moving forward with new people and new ideas. “We work nationally to support disadvantaged children from the merchant navy, Royal Navy, the offshore wind industry, fishing fleets and inland waterways but Hull is our historic home and I am delighted that we have been able to recruit two people from the local community who know what the city and its people are about.” The Society is a lifeline for the children of families in crisis experiencing bereavement, family breakdown or diagnosis of a life limiting or terminal illness and all the families it works with are experiencing financial hardship.HETA celebrates record achievement rates and success of learners
Humberside Engineering Training Association is “proud of another significant achievement” as it announces record-high qualification achievement rates for its Level 3 Apprenticeship Programmes.
Established in 1967 by employers, for employers, the not-for-profit organisation has reached an all-time high in its success metrics but has also secured a prestigious position among the top 10 in the UK for Engineering & Engineering Construction training. The latest figures reveal that HETA’s achievement rates have soared, standing an impressive 20% above the national average. This remarkable feat underscores the organisation’s dedication to providing quality training, bridging crucial skills gaps, and facilitating sustainable employment opportunities for young individuals entering the industry. Iain Elliott, CEO of HETA, expressed his immense pride in the accomplishments of the HETA team, stating: “I am incredibly proud of our team’s hard work and dedication, which has culminated in these outstanding achievement rates. At HETA, we are deeply committed to equipping our learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in Industry.” Going on to emphasise HETA’s ongoing mission to address the skills gap prevalent in the industry and to empower young people with the tools they need to secure meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities, he added: “Our focus on delivering quality training not only benefits the individuals we train but also contributes to the overall strength and resilience of the industries we serve.” HETA remains committed to enhancing its curriculum to effectively address the evolving needs of the region. Recognising the importance of decarbonisation and the advancements of Industry 4.0, HETA continues to focus on developing learning modules that equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to gain an understanding about these areas. By integrating decarbonisation strategies and Industry 4.0 principles into its curriculum, HETA ensures that its apprentices are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the workforce while also fostering sustainability and innovation within the region’s industries. HETA’s success comes at a crucial time when industries across the UK are facing significant challenges in recruiting skilled workers. By consistently surpassing national averages and ranking among the top institutions for Engineering & Engineering Construction training, HETA continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the workforce of the future. As HETA celebrates these record achievements, the organisation remains steadfast in its commitment to providing innovative training solutions and fostering a skilled workforce capable of driving economic growth and prosperity in the Yorkshire and Humberside region and beyond.Development agreement signed to deliver £1.1bn York Central regeneration
Deborah joins law firm in Partner role
Financial services activity sees strong rebound in first quarter
- Business volumes grew rapidly in the quarter to March (+36%) after having fallen last quarter (-23% in December). Firms expect volumes to increase at an even quicker rate in the next three months (+50%).
- Optimism increased at a quick rate in the quarter to March (weighted balance of +29% from -3% in December).
- Average spreads declined in the quarter to March (-19% from -4% in December) but are expected to increase next quarter (+9%).
- The value of non-performing loans increased in the quarter to March (+11% from +3% in December) but is expected to fall next quarter (-7%).
- Profitability grew at a quick rate in the quarter to March (+37% from -3% in December). FS firms expect profitability to increase at a similarly fast pace next quarter (+38%).
- Headcount grew at a fast pace in the quarter to March (+40% from +46% in December). Firms expect headcount growth to accelerate slightly next quarter (+45%).
- Firms expect to increase investment in IT in the next 12 months (compared to the last 12). Capital expenditure on land & buildings is set to be unchanged, while firms expect to cut back on investment in vehicles, plant & machinery.
- Uncertainty about demand was the most commonly cited factor likely to limit investment in the next 12 months (53% from 53% in December).
Leeds EV company reaches £1m turnover in first year of trading
G&H Group wins Bradford College project
Tilbury Douglas has appointed G&H Group to provide all mechanical and electrical design and build services for Bradford College’s Garden Mills Refurbishment Project.
Bradford College was awarded £5.8m from The Office for Students Higher Education Capital Fund to transform a derelict building into a state-of-the-art STEM training and education facility to benefit students studying digital, science and allied health subjects.
G&H Group was appointed to support main contractor Tilbury Douglas, a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit-out company, following a successful tender submission.
A 20-strong team, including four apprentices, will deliver a complete mechanical and electrical design and build for the new, cutting-edge higher education facility including lighting, power, heating, domestic services, gas and ventilation.
To support the requirements of Part L of the building regulation and the college’s sustainability commitments, G&H Group has designed the heating system to facilitate the future installation of air source heat pump technology, ensuring that all installed emitters and pipework can operate at lower system temperatures.
On planned completion in August, ahead of the start of the new academic year, the renovated mill will boast cutting-edge dental facilities including a specialist dentistry suite, a prep room, six higher education digital IT labs, an ophthalmic dispensing suite, a real-life work environment with consulting and testing booths, a clinical suite, and academic teaching spaces. Forming part of Bradford College’s ambitious estates strategy, these new facilities will nurture pioneering careers in sectors that support regional economic growth.
David Davis, director, G&H Group said: “We have extensive experience delivering MEP projects for the education sector and collaborating with Tilbury Douglas. Helping transform the derelict Garden Mills Building into an innovative higher education college will hugely benefit the students and support their future careers.”
Paul Ellenor, regional director for Tilbury Douglas, said: “We’re delighted to be teaming up once again with G&H Group to deliver this refurbishment project for Bradford College, providing dedicated specialist facilities to support higher-level STEM teaching and provide an enhanced student experience.” Christopher Malish, Bradford College vice principal Finance & Corporate Services, added: “This is a huge boost for the College but is also a transformative investment in Bradford city centre that also supports the wider city centre development. These new facilities will allow the delivery of curricula designed to address big societal challenges, enrich our local workforce, and showcase a range of inspiring careers.”
