Manningham Housing Association achieves world first for diversity and inclusion
Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has become the first and only housing association in the world to achieve the global Standard for Diversity and Inclusion in HR Management.
Awarded following an on-site assessment and discussions with employees and other stakeholders, ISO 30415 is an internationally recognised certification designed to promote diversity and inclusion within organisations.
In his final report, the independent assessor describes MHA – which manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley – as “an exemplar organisation in respect of diversity and inclusion.”
He writes: “Manningham Housing Association is truly reflective of the community it serves, and the various programmes/projects and events are all geared to improving the life prospects of residents/tenants be that in terms of skills development, health and wellbeing and job opportunities.”
The assessor pays warm tribute to MHA staff who, he says, “take a proactive role in supporting residents and tenants.”
He continues: “The culture of the organisation is one where people feel valued, respected and treated as individuals. People are proud to work for / be associated with the organisation and as a result often go the extra mile.”
He adds: “Manningham Housing Association is a values driven organisation and these are firmly embedded in the people management processes. Diversity and inclusion are deeply embedded in the DNA of the organisation, the values have not only endured over the decades and the sense of inclusion has increased as the organisation reaches out to wider communities.”
The assessor concludes: “MHA is an exceptional organisation, with everyone totally focused on enhancing the life of customers by providing good quality homes, maintaining existing homes, investing in the community, developing partnerships and, as the only BME landlord in Bradford, MHA has the leverage and standing within the city to become a lead voice for BME communities.”
Commenting on the report, MHA Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Operations Ulfat Hussain said: “I am obviously delighted that we have been awarded ISO 30415 accreditation and to be informed by the independent assessor that MHA is the first housing association to receive it.
“As he recognises in his report, the MHA family is made up of a diverse range of individuals with our staff coming from backgrounds that reflect the communities we serve.
“The assessor also describes the feedback from staff, partners and service users throughout the assessment as extremely positive, highlighting the unique culture which has been created.
“I am incredibly proud of the outcome and pay tribute to everyone involved, with a special mention for Carolina Padovezi De Oliveira, our Corporate Project Manager, who ensured the whole assessment process ran smoothly.”
MHA Chair Rupert Pometsey said: “As someone who has been involved with Manningham Housing Association for more than 25 years, I regard this as a landmark moment.
“Our absolute commitment to our tenants and communities is only matched by a desire to ensure the needs and aspirations of our staff are met in a diverse and inclusive environment.
“The assessor’s report confirms that we are achieving these objectives. It also sets MHA apart as the first housing association to be formally recognised in this way.
“I congratulate everyone who contributed to such a remarkable result.”
New report calls for collaboration to build on region’s financial services sector successes
Collaboration and action is needed by employers, education providers and government to build on the success of the financial and professional services sector in Yorkshire and the Humber according to a report published today by the Yorkshire and the Humber Financial and Professional Services Skills Commission.
The report, Facing the Future: A skills roadmap for Yorkshire and the Humber’s Professional Services Industry, which was launched at a roundtable attended by Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, includes a series of recommendations to expand the financial and professional services talent pipeline in the region to meet the needs of the booming sector.
The financial and professional services industry is one of the region’s success stories, employing over 149,000 people and generating over £11.8billion of economic value. The recommendations have been made by the commission to ensure the financial and professional services industry in the region can maintain its success and adapt to sector challenges such as the impact of technology, changing workforce demographics and shifts in workplace culture.
The five-point plan recommends collaboration and actions for employers, education providers and government in key areas:
- Expanding the pipeline of new talent entering the industry by taking new approaches to recruitment, such as increasing the use of higher-level apprenticeships, developing employer understanding of T-Levels and broadening engagement with students.
- Increasing investment in developing the skills of the existing workforce, focusing on employee development as a strategic priority and guaranteeing opportunities for staff to learn new skills on the job. The report also suggested introducing skills bootcamps to find new employees or upskill existing staff.
- Raising awareness of, and access to, financial and professional services careers in the region. The commission recommended a greater focus on careers outreach in schools and colleges, focusing on ‘cold spots’ where young people have less access to the industry.
- Driving greater diversity and inclusion in the workforce – the commission suggested firms take steps to measure workforce diversity, close gaps and implement evidence-based diversity and inclusion strategies.
- Coordinating and collaborating on shared skills challenges, with a commitment to continue the work of the commission for at least 12 months to champion co-operation across the sector, advocating for the industry and its skills needs, and supporting employer action on skills.
2024 Business Predictions: Paul Brown, Managing Director of Yorkshire Country Properties
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Paul Brown, the Managing Director of Huddersfield-based Yorkshire Country Properties.
There’s no doubt that 2023 was a challenging year for the residential property market, both in Yorkshire and in the UK. Rising interest rates, the cost-of-living crisis and political uncertainty have combined to make many people wary about buying or selling a home. As new-build residential property developers, we have had to be patient and to be acutely aware of what buyers want from their new homes and why.
It is not all doom and gloom, however. Interest rates and inflation are slowly beginning to fall and, provided this trend continues, there is every reason to believe that 2024 will be a much healthier and happier year for the new homes market. Research has shown that there is still quite a lot of activity amongst key buyer groups, despite market headwinds, with the top reason for choosing a new build being low maintenance and renovation costs.
Not all parts of the new homes market are in decline. Our starter homes initiative at our three sites in West Yorkshire has been incredibly successful with first-time buyers keen to stop paying high rents and to climb on to the property ladder for the first time. There is also strong evidence to suggest that demand for well-built attractive family homes, correctly priced, remains healthy and should gather pace during the next 12 months.
Yes, 2023 has been tough, but we look forward to 2024 with hope.
Plans revealed to create film production complex in Hull
Ambitious plans have been revealed to create Hull’s first purpose-built film production complex.
The development features proposals for a 19,700 sq ft soundstage at a currently vacant site on the Priory Park industrial estate.
Once operational the soundstage would be used to create indoor film sets. It aims to complement Hull’s growing appeal as an outdoor film location, particularly for period dramas using the Old Town’s historic streets and buildings.
With a planning application due to be submitted soon, the development will also include dressing rooms, office space and temporary accommodation for visiting film crews as part of the main building as well as a standalone joinery and fabrication workshop.
The project is being spearheaded by city-based independent film production company Northern Films.
Subject to securing planning approval, the proposed soundstage would sit next to the company’s existing studio in Saltmarsh Court on Priory Park. Once built, visiting film companies will only be able to hire the facility on condition they agree to take on local people looking at starting a career in the industry.
Ultimately, the idea is to involve local university and sixth-form students as well as young people on low incomes.
Northern Films director Andrew Fenton said: “Television and film production is a major growth industry in the UK and, for a variety of reasons but mainly cost, companies are increasingly looking for production bases outside of London.
“We believe we can offer top-quality facilities right here in Hull. We have the perfect location to meet the very specific requirements of the industry and a strong long-standing network of existing businesses in Hull with the sort of skills that are essential in set design and construction.
“The soundstage will add to what we already have here and the two buildings will be physically linked by a footbridge between the upper floors.”
In recent years Mr Fenton’s business has evolved from a commercial design studio mainly creating showrooms for clients in the automotive industry to a fully-fledged film studio. The company’s first feature film, a comedy drama set in Hull called The Last Trip, is due to be released in cinemas early next year.
He added: “We already have post-production and grading facilities, sound mastering, visual effects and CGI here along with sets, rehearsal space and a hospitality area so adding a soundstage is the next logical step for us.
“A big emphasis for us is providing opportunities for young people locally to get into the industry and learn new in-demand skills without having to leave home and go to London. Everything we have done so far, including making The Last Trip, has followed that ethos. It was fully produced using local skills and people with no experience in film production.
“One of the building’s main functions will be addressing what we believe is a learning shortfall within schools and universities who seem to follow a theory-based approach with students being given very little or no real hands-on experience.
“We feel the skills being taught are not the current expectations of the industry so this building and the concept behind it will provide those skills locally.
“Most soundstage facilities are usually landlord-operated and are just spaces to hire out with very limited opportunities for local people. However, this building will not be allowed to be hired in full by an out-of-town production unless it agrees to include a certain percentage of local skills.
“In addition, we will employ local freelancers to oversee the upkeep and management of the building while the ultimate aim is to establish a long-term programme of productions rather than living hand-to-mouth off one-off projects. In that way, it will create regular work for local freelancers.”
Mr Fenton said he had already received positive interest from a number of UK film production companies.
“It ticks a lot of boxes in terms of what the industry needs right now,” he added.
Northern Films director Andrew Fenton said: “Television and film production is a major growth industry in the UK and, for a variety of reasons but mainly cost, companies are increasingly looking for production bases outside of London.
“We believe we can offer top-quality facilities right here in Hull. We have the perfect location to meet the very specific requirements of the industry and a strong long-standing network of existing businesses in Hull with the sort of skills that are essential in set design and construction.
“The soundstage will add to what we already have here and the two buildings will be physically linked by a footbridge between the upper floors.”
In recent years Mr Fenton’s business has evolved from a commercial design studio mainly creating showrooms for clients in the automotive industry to a fully-fledged film studio. The company’s first feature film, a comedy drama set in Hull called The Last Trip, is due to be released in cinemas early next year.
He added: “We already have post-production and grading facilities, sound mastering, visual effects and CGI here along with sets, rehearsal space and a hospitality area so adding a soundstage is the next logical step for us.
“A big emphasis for us is providing opportunities for young people locally to get into the industry and learn new in-demand skills without having to leave home and go to London. Everything we have done so far, including making The Last Trip, has followed that ethos. It was fully produced using local skills and people with no experience in film production.
“One of the building’s main functions will be addressing what we believe is a learning shortfall within schools and universities who seem to follow a theory-based approach with students being given very little or no real hands-on experience.
“We feel the skills being taught are not the current expectations of the industry so this building and the concept behind it will provide those skills locally.
“Most soundstage facilities are usually landlord-operated and are just spaces to hire out with very limited opportunities for local people. However, this building will not be allowed to be hired in full by an out-of-town production unless it agrees to include a certain percentage of local skills.
“In addition, we will employ local freelancers to oversee the upkeep and management of the building while the ultimate aim is to establish a long-term programme of productions rather than living hand-to-mouth off one-off projects. In that way, it will create regular work for local freelancers.”
Mr Fenton said he had already received positive interest from a number of UK film production companies.
“It ticks a lot of boxes in terms of what the industry needs right now,” he added.
Business Engagement Board members back devolution plans
Business and council leaders from Hull and the East Riding have met to discuss devolution.
Hull City Council leader Mike Ross said “It was great to be able to discuss devolution and the proposals with the Business Engagement Board. Jobs, skills and training are important aspects of our deal and important to the businesspeople and residents of Hull and East Yorkshire alike.
“The board members have given their backing to the proposals, which is fantastic and shows that the council has negotiated a good deal for Hull and East Yorkshire.
“They have shown their support, but it is now over to the people of the region to have their say. The consultation is live and we want to hear from you now.”
With Coun Ross at the Board meeting chaired by Arco chair Thomas Martin were East Riding of Yorkshire Council leader Anne Handley, Dominic Gibbons, MD of the Wykeland Group, Anita Pace of Pace Communications, Tim Rix of the Rix Shipping Company and Hull & East Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership chair James Newman.
The specially convened meeting of the board was held to discuss the devolution proposal for Hull and East Yorkshire and saw the BEB come out in favour of what is on offer.
Brighouse-based international food firm names new MD
Brighouse-based ingredients company Eurostar Commodities has appointed Jason Bull as MD.
He has worked in the business for more than 20 years, and has been instrumental in tripling the size of the business to a £15m turnover worldwide operation and with the UK’s most trusted and well-known food brands.
The compoany’s founder was Jason’s father Phillip, who established the company in 1994 and will become Chairman. The business has also made senior appointments to international logistics, purchasing, marketing and sales bolstering the team to 23 people in the UK, with a large network of global partners.
Jason has pioneered the company’s technical development creating new products, brands and creating the award-winning Gluten Free Chapati flour range. Sales of the range have more than doubled on the same period as last year (2022 – 2023). He has also shaped global infrastructure enabling Eurostar’s global network of food producers to supply Britain’s leading brands. He has spearheaded the companies’ role as an Export Trade Champion for the Government’s Department of Business and Trade, and launched the UK’s first Clean Label production facility.
He sad: “I am excited to be leading the business into this next chapter. We have achieved successful growth, beyond our highest expectations in a challenging global economy. I have ambitious plans for continued growth, product development and international supply of high-quality foods. I am most proud of our market leading share in the sushi rice category and the development of our high-quality gluten free flours which have revolutionised the market. We have a fantastic team who are the best in the business and together we deliver a significant and consistent service to the UK food industry.”
Jason’s initial plans for 2024 include expansion into a triple-sized factory facility; increased capacity in purchasing and logistics; several new food brands; increased gluten free product development; creation of new consumer brands in emerging farming sectors for sustainability; and an increased presence in UK, Northern European and Middle Eastern retail and foodservice as well as physical expansion into Europe.
Pharmacists offered mental health training from University of Bradford
An NHS England-funded project delivering mental health training to pharmacists working in community mental health teams across the country has reopened for applications.
The programme represents a significant achievement for the University of Bradford, which is the only university in England delivering this form of specialist training, which helps pharmacists with the skills they need to best support patients with severe mental illness.
The Specialist Mental Health Pharmacist Training Pathway was developed in 2021/22 thanks to funding from Health Education England, which has since been absorbed into NHS England.
University of Bradford Assistant Professor Diane Webb, who leads the project, said: “This is a real achievement for the University of Bradford, because before this programme, for the last 20 years, there was only one other university providing recognised specialist mental health training. We’re delighted we have been recommissioned to continue delivering this pathway. It really does put Bradford on the map and shows the quality of training we are able to provide at a national level.”
Gainsborough gets further industrial park
Contractor Stirlin has completed a further industrial park, with ten light industrial units which it hopes will offer the basis for job creation in Gainsborough.
Wharton Place is in a strategic location on Foxby Lane, beside Lincolnshire County Council’s Mercury House Business Centre, which Stirling says makes it an ideal hub for businesses looking for a well-connected base in Gainsborough.
It’s the third commercial park delivered by Stirlin in the area, following the success of Stirlin Place and Willoughton Place.
Tony Lawton, MD of Stirlin, says “We’re thrilled to have completed Wharton Place Business Park, which not only adds to our portfolio of successful projects, but also responds to the continued demand for modern, cost-effective industrial spaces in the local area. Our investment in Gainsborough is a testament to the town’s appeal as a thriving business community.”
Town Centre Securities strengthens Estates team
Property development and investment company, Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), has made two key appointments.
Lynsey Clarke joins TCS as Asset Manager for the Merrion Centre in Leeds, the company’s single largest asset, bringing a wealth of experience as a Chartered Surveyor and Registered Valuer.
With a first-class honours’ degree in Business Property Management, Lynsey has demonstrated her commitment to delivering the highest standards throughout her career, spanning valuation, development, property management, landlord and tenant, and agency.
In her new role, Lynsey will play a pivotal role in supporting TCS’ experienced team in the further development of the Merrion Estate, which welcomed 8.9m internal visitors in 2023 along with an influx of new brands.
Victoria McLeod brings more than 20 years’ experience to her position as Area Operations Manager at TCS and will be overseeing key sites across the business’s extensive portfolio in both Leeds and Manchester.
With a proven track record, Victoria has played a key role in maintaining, progressing and growing business strategy across city regions and has been instrumental in developing partnerships, driving new business growth and overseeing various aspects of property management.
Craig Burrow, Group Property Director at TCS, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Lynsey and Victoria to the TCS family. Their extensive experience, dedication to excellence and proven track records align with our commitment to delivering outstanding results.
“Both bring valuable expertise to TCS and we look forward to their contributions in driving the success of our projects and further enhancing our reputation as a leader within the property industry.”
South Yorkshire reveals plans for new strategic investment
Creation of a new wholly-owned, arms-length company called South Yorkshire Future Trams Limited, a new partnership with Homes England and greater infrastructure investment in South Yorkshire have been agreed by members of South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Board.
South Yorkshire Future Trams will run the concession from March 2024, including investment in restoring and renewing the tram’s power lines and track, and the renewal of the trams themselves.
Taken together, the three decisions will provide greater strategic investment to improve the economy and infrastructure in South Yorkshire, says Mayor Oliver Coppard. “We’ve always owned the tram, but for most of the last thirty years it’s been managed and run by Stagecoach. Bringing the tram back into public control is a down-payment on our ambitions for a different type of transport network in South Yorkshire; one that puts the needs of our communities first.
“It does come with risks, but it is the right thing to do, because if we want to build a bigger, better economy, to make sure people have the opportunity to move about our region quickly and cheaply, to take traffic off our roads, then we need an effective, efficient mass transit network.
Members approved plans to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the South Yorkshire Pension Authority to increase investment in the region, which will support existing business and new businesses. They also agreed in principle to enter into a Strategic Place Partnership with Homes England, which will attract further Government and private sector investment to build more homes.
“If we want a bigger, better economy we need more long-term investment into South Yorkshire. I promised to work with South Yorkshire Pensions Authority to invest more of their money here in our region, and I’m pleased to say I’ve kept that promise,” continued Mayor Coppard.
“But we also need investment in the bricks and mortar of our communities, so today we have also agreed to enter into a strategic place partnership with Homes England. That means we’ll be at the heart of how decisions are made in the critical area of housing for our region.”
