2024 Business Predictions: Matthew Ridsdale, founder of Cannon PR

Tess Egginton
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2024 Business Predictions: Matthew Ridsdale, founder of Cannon PR
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 Matthew Ridsdale, founder of Cannon PR. AI was one of hot topics in the PR industry in 2023 and I expect to see more businesses embrace the technology as it matures and becomes more accessible during the next twelve months. With the prospect of offering many new possibilities and even helping to save time when it comes to crafting content, AI is something which can’t simply be ignored. However, whilst typing in a few terms can produce a string a of social media posts, blog entries, white papers and even press releases within a matter of seconds, there can be ethical and reputational risks in doing so. AI will undoubtedly play a greater role in shaping the way marketing and PR content is produced in the future. The challenge facing communications teams will be how the technology can be embraced both as a time-saving tool, whilst crucially maintaining the ability to convey authenticity and credibility. Creativity has always played a vital role in helping a story to resonate with its target audiences, especially when it comes to conveying complex or sensitive information. I’ve yet to meet a computer with a conscience and so I feel fairly confident that PR practitioners will continue to have the upper hand… for now. Looking ahead to the news agenda in 2024. I suspect there will be one subject that will dominate the headlines for much of the year: the prospect of a general election. Will it happen? Won’t it happen? Will it be early? Will the Prime Minister decide to wait until there is better news to share about the ailing UK economy? Depending on when the election is called, and if indeed the Prime Minister waits until December 2024 to send voters to the polls, it could end up being a talking point for much of the year. Whether Labour will to sweep to power with an emphatic victory akin to 1997, or the Conservatives defy all the current polls to secure another term, remains to be seen. As Harold Wilson once famously said, a week is a long time in politics and by the time Rishi Sunak takes us to the polls, there may be some very different issues at the forefront of all of our minds.

Property groups reveal merger plans to create business worth £214m

Tess Egginton
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Property groups reveal merger plans to create business worth £214m
Grantham-based Belvoir Group, the property, mortgage and franchise group, has unveiled merger plans with The Property Franchise Group (TPFG), with the aim of creating a leading property franchise business worth approximately £214.4m.

The combined group will benefit from increased scale with more than 930 property franchise locations, managing approximately 152,000 tenanted properties across the UK and will be expected to sell more than 28,000 properties per annum.

For the financial year ended 31 December 2022, TPFG and Belvoir together generated in excess of £60 million in combined revenue, with management service fees of approximately £27 million and adjusted EBITDA of approximately £22.5 million.

The combined group board will comprise, among others, Gareth Samples (TPFG Chief Executive Officer), David Raggett (TPFG Chief Financial Officer) and Michelle Brook (Belvoir executive director), with Paul Latham (TPFG chair) as the combined group’s chair.

Upon completion of the merger, Belvoir shareholders will hold approximately 48.25% and TPFG shareholders will hold approximately 51.75%.

Paul Latham, non-executive chairman of TPFG, said: “I am delighted to confirm that we have reached an agreement with the Belvoir board and major Belvoir shareholders on the merger with Belvoir. We believe that the merger represents a compelling opportunity for all shareholders.

“Belvoir brings further breadth through its nationwide network and a financial services business which will be complementary to our current offering. The merger will enable us to continue to grow in the sector and, ultimately, deliver greater value to shareholders of the combined group.”

Jon Di-Stefano, non-executive chairman of Belvoir, said: “The merger of Belvoir and TPFG combines two businesses with much in common, each supporting a network of entrepreneurial franchises, and will create one of the UK’s largest multi-brand lettings and estate agency groups combined with a growing financial services business.

“With their complementary geographic footprints providing both scale and diversification across a variety of high street and hybrid brands combined with high levels of recurring revenue, we feel sure that the combined group will provide a robust platform from which to grow.”

University of Hull launches London Study Centre

Stuart Pearcey
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University of Hull launches London Study Centre

The University of Hull has launched a London Study Centre, providing students with the opportunity to study on our outstanding Hull programmes whilst immersing themselves in the professional hub of the capital.

Situated in Bloomsbury, the Centre will initially offer a range of Business programmes, including MSc Business Management; MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management; and MSc Digital Marketing and Advertising. The University is collaborating with Cambridge Education Group to launch the Centre, which will see three intakes per year, with the first intake commencing in May 2024. The world-class programmes, developed by University of Hull academics, will be taught face to face and students will benefit from remarkable student support to ensure their personal success. Professor Dave Petley, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hull, said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for the University of Hull. The London Study Centre will provide students the chance to study on leading academic programmes in the capital, whilst retaining the identity, heritage and standards of our wonderful University. “It will empower our students to develop the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in their chosen fields, whilst providing opportunities to engage with the local community and professional networks, ensuring they gain invaluable experience and connections. “The expertise and proven track record of Cambridge Education Group in providing high-quality education and support to students will be instrumental in making the London Study Centre a success.” With its central London location, students will have easy access to all the city has to offer, including world-class museums, theatres and restaurants. The Centre is equipped with modern facilities and technology, providing students with the ideal environment to learn and develop their skills. Brendan Webb, CEO, Commercial of Cambridge Education Group, said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with the University of Hull to bring their renowned academic programmes to the heart of London. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to provide students with access to exceptional education opportunities, equipping them with the skills they need to succeed in their careers.” The launch of the London Study Centre marks a significant step forward in the University of Hull and Cambridge Education Group’s internationalisation strategies. Both institutions are committed to providing students with global perspectives and the skills they need to excel in a rapidly changing world.

Metsä Group chooses Arup to design Goole’s tissue paper mill

Stuart Pearcey
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Metsä Group chooses Arup to design Goole’s tissue paper mill

Metsä Group has selected Arup as one of its partners to design its new tissue paper mill in Goole.

With the planned investment Metsä Group’s tissue paper business aims to replace almost half of imported essential tissue products and bring locally produced, sustainable tissue products to the UK, increasing the country’s self-sufficiency in this sector by 30%.

The planned facility will demonstrate the latest in sustainable production technology and will have the capacity to produce 240,000 tons of tissue paper, built in phases over the next decade. Once all necessary planning and permits have been achieved, and the final investment decision made, the completed mill will generate over 400 direct employment opportunities within the facility, along with the creation of thousands more jobs throughout the supply chain and the local economy. The planned new mill will support Metsä’s sustainability 2030 targets – for all products to be manufactured from fully fossil free raw materials and for all its mills, including the new Goole facility, to operate without the use of fossil fuels by 2030. Arup supported Metsä Group’s tissue paper business in identifying the proposed location – a 200-acre site in Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire in the Humber region.
Alan Jeffery, Technical Director, UK and Ireland, Metsä Group’s tissue paper business said “Goole is the perfect location for this proposed investment. The Humber region provides a crucial gateway to the whole of the UK and the region’s ambitions to bring cutting-edge green technology and jobs to the UK matches our ambitions in clean, sustainable manufacturing.” The Humber’s strategic location, industrial capabilities, and innovative businesses position the region well in the UK’s transition towards a green industrial revolution and achieving net zero emissions. Arup provides an integrated approach to decarbonisation and regeneration in the Humber, creating a blueprint approach for the region. Andy Pennington, Director and Liverpool Office Leader, Arup said: “We are delighted that Metsä Group’s tissue paper business will reap the benefit of Arup’s local knowledge in delivering the planned new facility in Goole, Yorkshire. Working with a forerunner in sustainable bioeconomy and circular economy such as Metsä Tissue aligns well with Arup values and we’re excited to drive forward sustainable development in manufacturing together.” Arup will provide Civil and Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering and Landscape Architecture services as part of the design team for the planned new facility. Arup’s multi-disciplinary design team supported Metsä’s site search by undertaking site due diligence studies for the shortlisted locations and testing Metsä’s preferred layout masterplan against the constraints of each site.

Future’s bright for Doncaster, says Chamber’s Chief Exec Dan Fell

Stuart Pearcey
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Future’s bright for Doncaster, says Chamber’s Chief Exec Dan Fell
Doncaster Chamber is looking forward to a year of prosperity for the city and its business community, with the outlook for 2024 looking very bright if the right steps are taken to create the conditions for economic growth, says its Chief Exec Dan Fell. He said it was no secret that the past eighteen or so months had largely been defined by persistent challenges and missed opportunities. “In that space of time, Doncaster has had to reckon with the closure of its international airport, the near-miss of its campaign to be the home of Great British Railways, and assorted macroeconomic headwinds that are still exacting a heavy toll across the country. “The Chamber of Commerce is optimistic that there could now be light at the end of this tunnel and that the future could have many great things in store for our city. Indeed, the organisation has a number of ambitious but credible aims it hopes will be fulfilled by the end of this year, and is pledging to work tirelessly to ensure these are met or in-progress. “I believe that, after the disappointments of recent months, Doncaster is poised to stage a comeback in 2024 and we intend to be a big part of that resurgence. “Our business community has suffered multiple knocks lately but, through characteristic Yorkshire grit and sheer resilience, they have capably weathered that storm. We are determined to make this year better for them, and for all of Doncaster’s residents, by righting the ship, finally capitalising on our city status, and embracing the exciting opportunities that are firmly within our grasp. “Later on in 2024, we will be publishing a new Business Manifesto that sets out exactly how we want to achieve these goals but, in the meantime, a few clear priorities do stand out.”

Land sale paves way for new factory near Boston

Stuart Pearcey
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Land sale paves way for new factory near Boston
Lincolnshire County Council’s sale of 10.28 acres of land at Kirton Distribution Park paves the way for Dhoot Transmission UK, known locally as Parkinson Harness Technology, to build a new factory making specialist vehicle parts. Planning permission for the development, which could create 80 jobs, was granted last year. David Earnshaw, MD at Parkinson Harness Technology, said: “The facility will enable the company to further develop our position as a leading supplier of High Voltage leads for the UK specialist vehicle market alongside our long standing Low Voltage product. “When your bins are emptied, it is in part, with product made here in Lincolnshire.  We’d like to thank both Lincolnshire County Council and Boston Borough Council for their critical help in putting this project together.” Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy and place at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “This new factory will be a fantastic addition to the 27-acre Kirton Distribution Park, and Parkinson Harness Technologies will be joining other high profile businesses on the site such as Duckworth Jaguar Land Rover and Sportsbikeshop. “All of the land here has now been allocated, and Kirton is another example of how the council is providing the investment to encourage businesses to start-up, re-locate and grow, in our county.”

Nuclear industry develops apprenticeship scheme for employees of the future

Stuart Pearcey
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Nuclear industry develops apprenticeship scheme for employees of the future
The Nuclear AMRC and AMRC Training Centre have together created the new Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer Degree Apprenticeship to develop graduate professionals with the skills to work across the UK’s current and future civil nuclear programmes. Employers to attend this special event to find out more about the apprenticeship, and how you can use the programme to develop new talent in your company. As well as introducing the scope and requirements of the course, the half-day event will include presentations from a range of nuclear industry representatives on the importance of the new degree apprenticeship and how it aligns with plans to tackle the skills shortage across the sector. The event also provides an opportunity to see the industry-leading training facilities available at the AMRC Training Centre, close to the Nuclear AMRC on South Yorkshire’s Advanced Manufacturing Park. The Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer Degree Apprenticeship has been developed with the support of industry partners including UKAEA, Westinghouse, Rolls-Royce, Sellafield and Jacobs. It is designed to provide the engineering and management skills needed to ensure that nuclear systems and equipment can be operated safely and efficiently and in an environmentally sustainable way. Specialist modules include the principles of nuclear engineering, advanced manufacturing and materials for nuclear applications, and industry codes and standards. Depending on previous experience, the course will take up to five years to complete.

Yorkshire companies acquired by logistics group

Tess Egginton
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Yorkshire companies acquired by logistics group
Burnley-headquartered EFS Global has acquired a substantial group of companies including: YDL, Leeds Parcel Company and Pass the Parcel. The group of companies service the pallet and parcel distribution sectors across five sites within North and West Yorkshire. The group of companies represents the largest acquisition EFS Global has made, adding more than £30m+ turnover to the group. The day to day running of the companies will remain in the hands of the existing senior leadership teams with Jordan Kellett (director of EFS Global) overseeing from a wider group perspective. This acquisition adds a further three trading companies to the 23 acquisitions the group has made since 2015. This also takes the site tally up to 40 premises throughout England and Scotland. Jordan Kellett, director at EFS Global, said: “We begin 2024 with the incredibly exciting acquisition of these well-known and reputable companies. I am thrilled that we have managed to get our largest acquisition to date over the line, plugging some key areas of the country in North & West Yorkshire. “We are not only acquiring well-known and reputable companies, but an extremely experienced team of people that I am excited to work with on both their own companies and the wider group.” The corporate team at Davis Blank Furniss advised EFS Global on all transactional matters. The team was led by Sonio Singh, partner and head of the corporate department. He was supported by colleagues Lauren Sever, senior associate and Hannah Kay, trainee solicitor. Sonio Singh added: “We were very pleased to once again advise the EFS Global team on its latest strategic acquisition. It is fantastic to see EFS continue to grow in what is a very competitive market and I am sure this deal will further augment their rapid reach across the UK.”

Aon names new Leeds-based partners

Tess Egginton
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Aon names new Leeds-based partners

Aon plc, the professional services firm, has promoted two of its Leeds-based colleagues to partner.

Sue Austen has had a career in the UK pensions industry spanning over 30 years, the majority of which have been spent with Aon.  She leads a team of over 100 colleagues who support trustees and in-house pensions teams in the management of their pension arrangements.

Sue said: “Having briefly held roles at other consultancies, it was joining Aon that provided me with the opportunities that have shaped my career.

“The mix of continuing to advise clients, developing industry-leading solutions, and holding management responsibilities provides genuine variety which, when combined with working with an inclusive and diverse team, makes this such an exciting role.

“The pensions industry continues to face challenges and with regulatory changes on the horizon, I am very much looking forward to continuing to work with clients and colleagues.”

Andrew Grime is a qualified actuary with over 20 years of pensions industry experience, advising a range of pension schemes, varying in size from £40 million to £4 billion.

Andrew Grime

With his breadth and depth of expertise, Andrew helps schemes set and execute long-term benefit and financing strategies, with a key emphasis on the risk settlement market, where he has a particular focus on the rapidly developing superfund and capital-backed journey plan market.

Andrew said: “I’ve spent my entire career at Aon and am privileged to be part of such a diverse and highly talented team.

“My role is all about helping clients solve problems, and the pace of change within the pensions industry has provided an enormous opportunity for sponsors and trustees to improve member outcomes, as well as providing exciting opportunities for colleagues looking to broaden their career paths.

“Becoming a partner will enable me not only to shape and influence wider business priorities, but also to focus on further developing the fantastic junior colleagues within the team, so they are equipped to support evolving client needs.”

Growth Hub supports Dales-based furniture maker

Stuart Pearcey
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Growth Hub supports Dales-based furniture maker
Yorkshire Dales-based furniture maker Tom Addison has been helped to boost his business with support from the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub. He said: “I discovered the Growth Hub through a local business group that introduced me to business relationship manager Nick White. Our first meeting was online, and that’s when the journey began.” Nick said: “Tom came as a referral to the Richmondshire Small Business Grant. Our online discussions led to helping Tom produce an application to the fund.” Tome said:“I’ve received a lot of support through the Growth Hub, with signposts to various funding and potential grants. I secured the startup grant from Richmondshire District Council, amounting to £1,000, which I used towards a bandsaw. This has significantly improved what I’m able to do. It has allowed me to take on a broader range of jobs and produce intricate curved work.” Beyond the funding, Tom highlighted the Growth Hub’s role in improving his digital marketing efforts. “I’ve received a lot of training on social media platforms, which I’ve made the most of. The Growth Hub has contributed to the growth of my business by providing me with the skills to promote my business online. I’ve created short videos, some of which have gone viral, and my audience has grown tenfold into the thousands of followers.” Nick added: “Tom is typical of a small business in a rural area. His business is a good examplar for others working from home, but seeking a market outside their local area.” Tom endorsed the Growth Hub, saying, “I recommend the Growth Hub to other businesses. It mentors in the early stages, providing ongoing support, a reliable point of contact for queries. Their experience and contacts can point you in the right direction. A fantastic springboard for young businesses.”
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