Water company workers given access to new whistleblower portal

Stuart Pearcey
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Water company workers given access to new whistleblower portal
A new portal has been launched to make it easier for internal water company whistleblowers to safely report serious environmental wrongdoing by their water companies. In a bid to crack down on sewage pollution and other environmental wrongdoing, workers are being encouraged to alert the Environment Agency to any concerns, which will then be assessed by the regulator’s expert intelligence teams, with the identities of reporters protected and treated as confidential sources. Any findings can be used to support enforcement action against companies, if appropriate, including unlimited financial penalties and criminal prosecution. As well as water companies, people working in the waste, nuclear, fishing, agricultural, and chemical sectors can also use the portal to report concerns and they are urged to use it if they do not feel able to raise issues with their company directly. Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency, said: “We share the public’s disgust with sewage pollution and know there’s always more that can be done to protect our waterways. This new whistleblowing portal allows workers to raise their concerns and we encourage people to come forward, knowing any information will be treated in confidence and with sensitivity.

“The more evidence we have to identify potential criminality, then the more actions we can take to make lasting improvements to our environment.”

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: “We have been clear we will not tolerate pollution and water companies need to act quickly to improve their environmental performance. This whistleblowing portal is another measure which will help the regulator gather vital intelligence and hold rule-breakers to account.

“It builds on our recent work to ban inappropriate executive bonuses and plans to quadruple the number of water company inspections by the Environment Agency – ensuring we continue to protect our waterways with more investment, stronger regulation and tougher enforcement action.”

The announcement follows a series of improvements the government and the EA has delivered to water regulation in recent months, including plans for a fourfold increase in water company inspections to hold companies to account. Subject to consultation, EA inspections will rise to 4,000 a year by the end of March 2025 and then to more than 10,000 from April 2025. This will include an increase in unannounced inspections – strengthening oversight of water companies and providing greater assurance alongside operator self-monitoring. To find the portal search ‘whistleblowing’ at gov.uk

Acquisitive IT firm secures investment for growth

Tess Egginton
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Acquisitive IT firm secures investment for growth
Managed IT service provider Everything Tech Group has expanded its strategic growth plans following an investment deal with NatWest. The funding will support Everything Tech Group’s growth strategy and the first acquisition following the NatWest investment has been secured. Everything Tech Group has completed the purchase of North West-based outsourced hosted solutions business, Cardium Outsourcing Limited, which has traded as Your Office Anywhere. Mark Allen, CFO & Co Founder of Everything Tech Group, said: “The support from Max Ward at independence Capital alongside NatWest underpins our strategic acquisition approach, enabling us to deliver our growth plans at an accelerated pace. “Armed with this investment, we will continue to grow both organically and through M&A during 2024 and beyond, aligning with our clear business objectives and vision for the future.  The immediate M&A growth this investment will finance allows us to scale up faster and amplify our current growth further.” On the acquisition of Cardium Outsourcing Limited, Mark said: “It’s not just Enterprise customers who need visibility, cost control and security from cloud platforms. We felt this presented an excellent opportunity to extend our products further and was an excellent fit for Everything Tech. It will bolster and enhance our existing portfolio.” Tom Murray, Vice President of UK Financing Solutions at NatWest, said: “We are delighted to have supported Everything Tech Group with our recent investment and look forward to continuing to work with them. “At NatWest, we are proud to champion ambitious businesses by providing smart financing solutions that unlock strategic growth opportunities for our clients. This is a great example of a flexible investment that will support Everything Tech Group, as the business goes from strength-to-strength.” With offices in Sheffield, Derby and Manchester, Everything Tech Group — which started life as MITSG — was founded in 2021 by Mark Allen and Phil Smith. It has grown rapidly following a series of acquisitions through a secured investment from BOOST & Co in February 2022 and went on to complete four acquisitions that year, including IT Farm, the CSS Group, cloud communications specialist Nexbridge Communications and finally Everything Tech.

Derbyshire engineering business acquires Rotherham insulation firm

Tess Egginton
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Derbyshire engineering business acquires Rotherham insulation firm
Derbyshire-headquartered engineering business Cullum Detuners has acquired Jade Insulation, which has premises in Rotherham and Feltham. Jade Insulation specialises in insulation and trace heating solutions for all industrial markets, emphasising water utility and waste to power (biomass). Mark Jansen, Cullum Group Managing Director, said: “This acquisition supports our long- term goal of wider market diversification and business simplification. “Jade complements our Group product offering well, and we believe we are well placed to support the incumbent leadership team’s growth goals and aspirations. “I would like to thank Colin Tarry and Peter White, for their support during what was a smooth and collaborative sale process and wish them both the best for the future.” Jade will remain a dedicated trading entity, with no plans to integrate into the wider Cullum Group.

Scunthorpe-headquartered mobility equipment retailer secures investment

Tess Egginton
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Scunthorpe-headquartered mobility equipment retailer secures investment
Foresight Group, a regional private equity and infrastructure investment manager, has invested into Eden Mobility, the retailers of mobility equipment. Eden was formed in 1998 by long-term business partners of over 25 years, David Hughes and Karl Howe. They started Eden from its first showroom in Bentley, Doncaster, and have established Eden as a leading retailer. It is headquartered in Scunthorpe and has 32 stores nationally employing over 100 people. Investment from Foresight’s North West and Yorkshire & North East focussed funds will enable Eden to further expand its footprint across the UK. Foresight is supporting the company’s growth through elevating members of the existing management team to board level roles. Lee Jagger has been promoted to Sales Director, having previously held multiple senior sales positions prior to joining Eden, where he has been instrumental in delivering the revenue growth. Will Bailey has also been promoted to Operations Director, after rising rapidly through Eden since initially starting in the IT team. The senior team will be further bolstered through the appointment of a new and highly experienced CEO and Chair. Marek Laskowski has been appointed as CEO, bringing with him vital experience from Ann Summers and Mamas and Papas, two retailers whose business model is also built on in-store staff-based sales and where he managed 100 plus stores with over 1,000 employees. Andy Torrance joins as Chair. Starting his career on the shop floor, Andy rose to the board that carved Halfords out of Boots with private equity backing, before subsequently serving as Chief Operating Officer at Dunelm and Holland & Barrett. Andy is now the Chair of Angling Direct, following three years as its CEO. A finance director is also set to be appointed. Richard Ralph, Investment manager, Foresight Group, said: “As Yorkshire and the North East’s leading elderly mobility equipment retailer, we are delighted to support Eden Mobility on its next stage of growth. “We are backing a strong existing and incoming management team to deliver an accelerated growth plan in a substantial, growing and unconsolidated market. We have every confidence the team will establish Eden as the UK’s leading elderly mobility equipment retailer.” Karl Howe, Co-Founder, Eden Mobility, said: “We are delighted to welcome Foresight Group, Marek and Andy into the Eden Family. “With Foresight’s investment we are excited to see the Eden brand continue its growth story, as we strive to create the market leading national mobility equipment retailer, serving people in local communities throughout the UK, who require high quality mobility equipment and a first-class service. “We are incredibly grateful for the hard work and support of our advisors in delivering the transaction, without which the transaction simply would not have happened.”

Yorkshire businesses UK’s most confident in March

Tess Egginton
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Yorkshire businesses UK’s most confident in March

Yorkshire and the Humber recorded the strongest business confidence of any UK nation or region in the UK in March, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

Companies in Yorkshire and the Humber reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 33 points at 70%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy – up 25 points to 50% – it gives a headline confidence reading of 60% (vs. 31% in February).

A net balance of 48% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up nine points on last month.

Looking ahead to the next six months, the region’s businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example by hiring new staff or investing in training (50%), evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products or services (39%) and introducing new technology, such as AI or automation (39%).

The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.

National picture

Overall UK business confidence registered 42% in March, the same as in February, as firms’ confidence in their own trading prospects (49%) held steady, and confidence in the economy strengthened by one point (35%).

The North East (56%) was the second most confident UK region or nation in March after Yorkshire and the Humber, followed by London (52%).

Sector insights

Services confidence fell 5 points to 40%, the first decline since December. That drop, however, was offset by rises in confidence in the manufacturing, retail and construction sectors.

The gains in manufacturing (up 1 point to 41%) and construction (up 2 points to 40%) were relatively modest and confidence remained below levels seen at the start of 2024. Firms in the retail sector reported improved confidence (up 5 points to 45%), which was the strongest result for over two years.

Steve Harris, regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Not only are many Yorkshire businesses seeing bright spots in the economy, but most are also confident that their own prospects will improve, even if headwinds persist – a testament to the region’s resilience. We could see optimism climb even higher if positive trends like slowing inflation continue over the coming months.

“As firms look to capitalise on this confidence, we’ll be by their side with our funding and support – whether it’s to back the investments in their team that so many have planned, or to help businesses capitalise on potentially transformative technologies.”

Eddisons helps Bradford City Council to investigate solar farm feasibility

Stuart Pearcey
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Eddisons helps Bradford City Council to investigate solar farm feasibility
Property consultancy Eddisons has been appointed by Bradford City Council to investigate the viability of developing solar farms at two sites. Land close to the Odsal Stadium and another strategic site in Keighley are to be assessed by Eddisons to investigate the costs, funding and potential design of the two sites being developed as solar farms. The Odsal site had been earmarked for a solar farm development as part of the proposed £50m regeneration scheme proposal to transform the Bradford Bulls home into the largest covered stadium in the country along with a new rugby league skills centre, but the plan was turned down by the Government for levelling up funding last year. Eddisons’ head of sustainability and decarbonisation Nazar Soofi said: “Large-scale green energy projects like these could be a really significant development for Bradford City Council in helping to reach its net zero goals.
“Over the coming months we will assess the viability of the project and the funding structure that would ensure it makes best use of public money. “These are both brownfield sites with some contamination of the land. The development of solar farms, which would generate significant levels of renewable energy, would potentially be an innovative use for them and marks out Bradford City Council as being ahead of the curve on green issues. We will have a conclusive answer on completion of the feasibility studies.” If the projects are given the go ahead and obtain planning consent, it is anticipated that work would begin next year and that the solar farms would be operational by 2026. Javid Patel, who heads Eddisons public sector team, said: “Naz’s knowledge and expertise in delivering decarbonisation projects and helping steer clients’ sustainable and environmentally conscious practices is invaluable. “Our new infrastructure team is fully equipped to advise on and manage projects across energy centres, highways and telecoms, through to nuclear power stations. We have seen an immediate demand for our services across both the public sector, with schemes such as Bradford’s potential solar farms, and among private sector clients with infrastructure issues to manage.”

More jobs for Barnsley as slime manufacturer expands into larger premises

Stuart Pearcey
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More jobs for Barnsley as slime manufacturer expands into larger premises
Specialist toy slime manufacturer Slime Party UK has upsized its operations with a move to larger premises in Barnsley, and plans to increase its workforce by two thirds. The novelty sensory putty retailer has taken 14,291 sq ft of industrial and warehousing space at Unit 19 Redbrook Business Park in the town, and will expand its staff with ten new jobs this summer. The expanding business had outgrown its existing unit on Industry Road in Carlton, Barnsley, and is now using its new base to make and distribute its range of 16 collectible sensory putty. Agents Knight Frank, acting for landlord Industrials, secured the new unit for the company, which was started in the town in 2018 by Ruby Sheldon, and has since made more than 800,000 pots of putty to customers worldwide. Ruby said: “I set up Slime Party UK after the craze hit the UK in 2017 and my kids were trying to make it. I then devised a special compound for our products which means there’s the fun of slime, without the mess. Since then our business has grown. In 2022 there were three staff, now it’s 16 and the move will bring 10 new jobs later this summer. “Our former unit in Carlton had become too small and this new base offers racking space, the offices we need, further recruitment plans and allows easy access for distribution.” Slime Party UK supplies toy shops and stores across the world including Fenwicks, British Garden Centres and Toytown with the most distant clients being 13 toy megastores in The Lebanon.

Bradford businesses acquire 25,000 sq ft industrial units from city council

Tess Egginton
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Bradford businesses acquire 25,000 sq ft industrial units from city council

Growing Bradford-based family businesses, MyLahore British Asian Kitchen and the South Asian UK department store chain Janan, have together bought five units on the Thornton Road Industrial Estate on the city’s outer ring road from Bradford City Council.

The firms, who between them employ several hundred people, now plan to invest in the redevelopment of the properties, which have been out of use for several years, to create space for new industrial units for their growing online and events businesses and surplus space that will be let out to other businesses.

Property consultant Eddisons was appointed by Bradford City Council to market the 25,000 sq ft properties with parking space.

British-Asian restaurant chain MyLahore was founded in Bradford in 2002 and has established family owned restaurants in Manchester and Leeds, Birmingham and Blackburn.

Launched in 2011 in Bradford, South Asian department store Janan has successfully championed leading Asian designers and fashion brands, and has now has 12 stores across the UK, including in London, Birmingham and Glasgow.

MyLahore managing director Shakoor Ahmed said: “Both MyLahore and Janan are proud to be based in Bradford, although we now have sites all over the UK. This acquisition is part of our continued investment in city and demonstrates our confidence in it as a great place to do business.

“We are confident that our investment in the warehouse space will have a positive impact on the local community and economy, as well as to our own businesses, and we’re looking forward to working with the council on future projects that enhance Bradford.”

Go ahead given for multi-million-pound energy park

Tess Egginton
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Go ahead given for multi-million-pound energy park
The green light has been given by Hull City Council’s cabinet for a multi-million-pound innovative scheme at the former Hedon Aerodrome which is expected to create thousands of new jobs. The land, now known as Yorkshire Energy Park, is allocated as part of the Humber Freeport to the east of Hull. Cabinet’s decision means that implementation of the £200m scheme can go ahead which will act as a catalyst for the Humber ‘Energy Estuary’ provision and green energy storage. The council previously established an agreement for the land to support its future development, with up to one million square feet of business space, green technology education and sports facilities proposed. The revised scheme will help to deliver renewable energy, battery storage and state-of-the-art digital infrastructure, as well as space to facilitate research and development in sustainable energy. This is expected to create around 4,500 jobs, both on and off site as part of the construction phase, for which a target of 80 per cent would be recruited through local employment, bringing a wider impact on the economy. The commercial arrangements will increase the level of financial benefits to the council in terms of capital receipts and long-term revenue income share. It will also support the progression of a successful £22m bid to the Green Heat Network Fund for the city’s second district heating scheme which will make use of waste heat from Saltend Chemicals Park. Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, the council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “This decision will provide significant opportunities at the Yorkshire Energy Park. “It will help cement Hull’s status as a leader in renewable energy, whilst also creating large-scale local job opportunities in the area.” The site falls outside of Hull’s administrative boundary, however public engagement with residents of Hedon was conducted, as well as with sports clubs and statutory service providers and bodies. The project also involves the relocation and enhancement of the sports facilities in the area, with hundreds currently using the pitches during football and rugby seasons.

Leeds Beckett University partners with Bradford business to increase food safety

Tess Egginton
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Leeds Beckett University partners with Bradford business to increase food safety
Leeds Beckett University experts have partnered with a family-owned Bradford business to revolutionise the screening process for aflatoxin in pistachio nuts, using artificial intelligence. The academic team has established a Knowledge Transfer Partnership, partially funded by the Government through Innovate UK, to develop an innovative screening platform in collaboration with Father’s Farm Foods – a small, family-owned processor of imported fruit and nuts. Pistachios, renowned for their nutritional benefits, are particularly vulnerable to aflatoxin contamination – a carcinogenic toxin that also encourages mould growth in processed products. The key to reducing overall infection levels lies in excluding highly contaminated nuts. Currently, this involves manually inspecting the nuts under specialised lighting – a costly, time-consuming, and unreliable process that sometimes results in discarding entire batches. Dr Akbar Sheikh-Akbari, Reader in Electronic Engineering at Leeds Beckett University, is leading the project. He said: “We are developing an innovative method to identify infected pistachio nuts using hyperspectral imaging technology. This cutting-edge approach, which I teach to Master’s students at LBU, provides a detailed ‘fingerprint’ of an object’s composition. “By analysing a broad spectrum of light and breaking down each pixel, it yields significantly more information about an image. This novel technique, new to both Father’s Farm Foods and the industry, will enable the company to automate the screening process, reduce waste and costs, and enhance factory efficiency.” The team will create a hyperspectral image dataset of pistachio nuts with known infection levels – and then train an artificial intelligence model to classify new images based on their level of contamination. This groundbreaking solution represents a long-term innovation in pistachio nut processing, setting the company apart from its competitors. Dr Hossein Mehrabinejad, CEO at Father’s Farm Foods, said: “We are keen to build on the progress and growth that the company has already achieved. We are excited to take the business to the next level with this collaboration and aim to offer the screening service to other companies for a fee in the next stage – providing a long-term commercial impact to our business and industry.” There are regulations in more than 120 countries, governing acceptable levels of aflatoxin in imported pistachio nuts. So, rigorous screening is essential to ensure successful exports. Father’s Farm Foods plan to integrate this new in-house screening platform directly into their production line, enabling growth in both UK and international sales. Dr Akbar Sheikh-Akbari added: “This project is highly innovative. Applying hyperspectral imaging and artificial intelligence to quantify aflatoxin levels in pistachio nuts is an endeavour that has not been explored before.” The KTP will run for 33 months, and will be managed by a full-time Research Assistant, Sina Mahroughi, with the full support of three expert Leeds Beckett academics. Working alongside Dr Sheikh-Akbari is Dr Theocharis Ispoglou, Reader in Exercise Nutrition and Physiology in the Carnegie School of Sport, and Dr John George, Reader in Microbiology in the School of Health. PhD students and specialist lab technicians at Leeds Beckett will also share their expertise on the project.
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