Pensana has been awarded £316,643 in grant funding by Innovate UK under its CLIMATES programme to develop a low carbon sustainable supply chain for rare earth magnets.
The company, based at Saltend, will work in partnership with Polestar, Route2 and the Universities of Leeds and Hull.
The Project is backed by the UK Government and will use Pensana and Polestar’s low carbon and ESG engineering to review and measure impacts, and identify opportunities, to further reduce carbon in the rare earth products vital for the energy transition.
Danny McNeice, Pensana’s Sustainability Manager, said: “We believe Polestar 0 will set the standard for the electric vehicle industry, while Route2 has developed market-leading socio-economic impact measurement software and we are delighted to work with them and our academic partners at Leeds and Hull Universities to establish a UK-centric sustainable rare-earth supply chain from “mine to magnets”.
Pensana has already developed a strong approach to sustainability through the publishing of its Blueprint for Sustainable Rare Earths and has, through market-leading low-carbon design and renewable power agreements at both its UK and Angolan projects, placed itself well on the way to achieving its strategic goal to be a leading low embedded carbon supplier of rare earth products on the market.
Doncaster could agree 100-year lease on airport site
Real headway has been said to be made in negotiations has been made in the negations with the Doncaster Sheffield Airport’s current owners Peel Group, with the Doncaster Chamber saying the council is on the cusp of agreeing on a 100-year lease for the site. Meanwhile, they are also currently looking for a private sector partner who can operate the airport, in the event that it does get back up and running, which could feasibly be within the next two years.
Reacting to this news, Dan Fell, Chief Exec of Doncaster Chamber, said: “The fight to save DSA has been fought valiantly by various partners and it’s heartening to see that things might at long last be looking up. The fact that Peel Group is open to agreeing to lease their site is a huge step forward in these negotiations and is reason enough alone for optimism. For all the political noise associated with this campaign, it is commercial pragmatism that will lead to solutions and it is looking as though there is a real win-win to be had for all parties.
“It’s no secret that this ordeal has taken its toll on the region. When a review into the airport’s viability was first announced back in June 2022, it caused a great deal of consternation as everybody tried to wrestle with the implications of losing such an important strategic asset. At the time, while its fate still hung in the balance, DSA’s worth to the local economy was estimated to be around £110 million per annum. Yet if it were supported in reopening then, within the first three decades of operating, the net economic benefits could potentially be up to £1.5 billion.
“Surrendering the airport altogether therefore felt like an unthinkable prospect and I am glad to see that we are now moving towards a more desirable outcome. One that is mutually beneficial for both Peel Group and for the region at large.
“On that note, I would like to commend Peel for doing the right thing here and for still returning to the negotiating table month after month, even in the face of some, quite frankly, difficult conversations. South Yorkshire has enjoyed a decades long relationship with this company and — while it has evidently not always been the plainest sailing — in the main it has been a fruitful one. Based on today’s announcement, I hope that we will continue to have strong ties with this major industry player, particularly when it comes to fulfilling the enormous opportunities afforded to the region by the GatewayEast site.
“All in all, the news from today’s council meeting is very promising and could signal a much-needed change in Doncaster’s fortunes. The past 12 months have been incredibly challenging but, if this is any indication, I truly believe that we can turn things around and look forward to a brighter, more prosperous future.”
Expanding North Yorkshire family law firm secures funding for further growth
A North Yorkshire family law firm has secured a £165,000 loan to support its growth from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.
Harrogate Family Law has almost doubled the size of its team from eight to 15 in the past two years and has recently moved to larger premises across the road from its previous office in Victoria Avenue, close to the town’s family court. The funding will provide additional working capital to enable it to further expand the team and take on additional casework.
Harrogate Family Law covers all areas of family law, specialising in financial settlements on divorce. The practice was founded in 2010 by Andrew Meehan, who had a background working in big law firms, and who continues to lead the business alongside director, Laura Mounsey.
Andrew, the Managing Director, said: “After 13 years in Harrogate, we are now firmly established on the legal landscape and continue to grow on the back of referrals from satisfied clients. A key part of our success lies in our people.
“Family lawyers not only need legal expertise – because they are dealing with people at some of the difficult times of their lives, they also require emotional intelligence and the ability to think on their feet amidst the pressure of family breakdown.
“We will continue to grow and build the team while ensuring we choose the right people so we can deliver the best service to our clients.”
Andy Clough of Mercia said: “Andrew and the team have established a strong track record and are now recognised as one of the leading family law practices in North Yorkshire.
“Having outgrown its previous home, the firm has now moved to new premises with additional capacity and is set to embark on the next phase of its growth. The funding will support it on that journey.”
Pete Davidson of Redsky Finance provided fundraising advice to the company.
Glenbrook Investments seals £4m industrial sale and leaseback deal
Glenbrook Investments has completed the off-market purchase of two industrial properties close to the M1 on Platts Common Industrial Estate in Hoyland, near Barnsley.
The deal was struck with Metalliform, a long-established British manufacturer, in a £4m sale and lease back of its two premises on Chambers Road.
Earlier this year, Glenbrook Investments completed the purchase of the nearby Fall Bank Industrial Estate in a £4.65m transaction.
Metalliform, which has been established in Barnsley for over 75 years, has signed a 20-year lease of each property. The properties provide a total of 125,000 sq ft across two sites of 5.5 acres.
The property is used by Metalliform for the design, manufacture, storage and distribution of educational furniture and arena seating products to government clients and major stadium arenas across the UK and abroad.
As part of the transaction, the parties agreed a programme of improvements to the yard and premises to enhance operational productivity and support Metalliform’s target of doubling turnover over the next five years. Investment will also be made to fast track Metalliform reaching Net Zero status as part of Barnsley Council’s ‘Net Zero Accelerator’ Programme.
Speaking about the deal, Scott Griffiths, investment director at Glenbrook, said: “We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the tenant’s management team. From the first contact, it was clear they knew every opportunity and limitation of their business and how to maximise its potential.
“Through detailed understanding of each other’s aspirations, we were able to overcome very testing market conditions to structure a transaction that reflects both investor value, as well as delivering operational and energy efficiency gains for the tenant.”
Brabners and Zameero Real Estate acted for Glenbrook Investments and Neath Raisbeck Golding Law represented the vendor.
Surprise slowdown for inflation
The rate of inflation decelerated in August, coming in lower than expected, in part due to the easing of food and non-alcoholic beverage prices.
Annualised inflation was 6.7%, decreasing from 6.8% in July.
The better than expected inflation data, which had been anticipated to come in at 7%, is creating hope that the Bank of England may leave interest rates as they are tomorrow.
Meanwhile core inflation, which takes out energy, food, alcohol and tobacco to give a clear picture of underlying trends, rose 6.2% in the 12 months to August 2023, down from 6.9% in July.
While the news has been received positively, the recent rise in global oil and domestic fuel prices, and continuing rise in wages, are causing concern over the future of continued inflation falls.
Dean Clough draws in residents for almost 20,000 square feet of office space
Dean Clough, the 22-acre mixed use commercial destination in Halifax, has recently completed a series of deals on nearly 20,000 sq ft of prime office accommodation following significant investment tin its character mill buildings.
The majority of new occupiers are specialist service providers in the digital sector helping to grow the reputation of Dean Clough as a centre for excellence and innovation.
Greenarc, which provides solutions for commercial, residential, and public sector clients in transitioning to clean energy, relocated to Dean Clough after outgrowing three previous offices in the space of a year. It has secured a 6,000 sq ft suite on the first floor of G Mill with a dynamic new working environment for its teams with room for expansion.
SSP, which provides advanced software for the insurance industry worldwide, has also secured a 5,000 sq ft workspace in D Mill. Established for over 35 years SSP has its UK headquarters at Dean Clough with further offices in the UK, Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific, US and Caribbean.
Online education technology company Frog has taken 3,478 sq ft of prime Grade A workspace in the newly renovated Bowling Mill at Dean Clough. Established in 1999, Frog delivers education solutions to schools, colleges and adult learners with multi award winning technology used by 12 million people across 20+ countries.
AND Digital has secured the entire 3,204 sq ft first floor of Fearnley Mill at Dean Clough. The business which aims to close the digital skills gap through building products and platforms for its clients selected Dean Clough to become one of 20 independent units across the UK and Netherlands that it brands as ‘Clubs’ that are bespoke to each region.
A 1,500 sq ft unit in K Mill has been let to UMA. Working with global brands including Microsoft, Google and Webex, UMA offers hybrid solutions that integrate Office365 and Google Workspace to connect workplace calendars, collaboration software and technology. UMA is currently working with the Dean Clough team to significantly upgrade its workspace technology for occupiers.
Other new occupiers include Crest Employment Services, EZOO, Block Compliance, Kirklees and Calderdale Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, Calderdale Talking Newspaper, and movie sounds designer Jameson Leigh.
Dean Clough is already home to around 150 businesses employing over 3,000 people. Major office occupiers include Covea Insurance and Prestige Gifting which both have headquarters on the site.
Last year the family owners of Dean Clough announced exciting investment plans to create more Grade A workspace as well unique new spaces to expand its retail and leisure offering. New facilities include flexi-space, unique outdoor pods with enhanced public realm, and the reopening of an historic courtyard that is already filling up with new shops and food outlets. A vision for residential apartments is also on the horizon to complete the 24/7 attraction.
Jeremy Hall, Chairman and Managing Director at Dean Clough Ltd, said,
“We are delighted to secure such a diverse range of new office occupiers and to reinforce relationships with these recent deals at Dean Clough following our dedicated drive to deliver more prime workspaces here. There is such a vibrant breadth of amenity on site now, with a fabulously diverse range of cafes, bars, restaurants, hairdressers, beauticians, therapists, retailers, galleries, theatre and student facilities. With the enviable combination of landscaped space, engaging public realm, and ample onsite parking, we feel that Dean Clough has become even more popular since the pandemic reset.
“We truly believe that a vibrant and diverse amenity and cultural experience – as we have at Dean Clough – is so vitally important in creating the environment that people want to come to and work within. This is a key ingredient in attracting major business occupiers, alongside the indisputable carbon benefits tha the reuse of historic buildings brings for sustainable practice.”
Bowling Mill provides 54,768 sq ft of Grade A workspace over five floors that can be rented on a whole floor-by-floor basis or a part floor basis. With all the unique features associated with historic buildings, suites are available from 3,336 sq ft up to 54,768 and benefit from lift access, and energy efficient VRF cooling and heating systems delivering modern functionality.
Cushman & Wakefield, Savills and Walker Singleton are appointed agents to the scheme.
Adam Cockroft, Partner at the Leeds office of Cushman & Wakefield said,
“Given the quality and availability of office space at Dean Clough, combined with company requirements to attract and retain the best talent, the site epitomises all that is desirable in a diverse commercial environment.”
Refurbished Leeds Media Centre opens its doors
The leader of Leeds City Council, Cllr James Lewis, and the chair of Unity Enterprise, Sharon Jandu OBE, have jointly unveiled a plaque to celebrate the opening of a fully refurbished Leeds Media Centre as a prime location for aspiring entrepreneurs to achieve their business dreams.
Internal and external works on the building in Chapeltown got underway last autumn to install a new roof and windows, and remodel two floors to create 12 new business units together with a specially designed business hub equipped with hi-tech virtual facilities.
The £1.8 million scheme, delivered by Unity Enterprise – a not-for-profit subsidiary of housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise – in partnership with Leeds City Council, was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
Leeds Media Centre is owned by the Council and managed by Unity Enterprise on a long-term lease.
Addressing a large gathering of guests at the unveiling ceremony, Cllr Lewis said he was delighted to see the project delivered on time and on budget.
He said: “This is something we are really proud to be part of, to see a building we own as a Council being renovated into a new phase of its life as part of our work in developing an inclusive and stronger economy in Leeds. I firmly believe that only happens when everyone in the city can fully engage.
“We are clear that entrepreneurialism and innovation are not just things that involve a small number of people with high qualifications.
“It’s actually about letting people in the city use their graft and talents to grow businesses and make a good living for themselves.
“I really look forward to hearing about the success and growth of the project in the years ahead.”
Sharon Jandu OBE, Unity enterprise chair, said: “I’ve seen how tirelessly my Unity colleagues have worked to pull this together. The Council has really understood the purpose and values of exactly what Unity Enterprise is all about.
“I lived in Chapeltown for eight years and a lot of my family is still here. This centre is exactly what we need – really creating those business opportunities and helping local communities.
“I am so pleased that Leeds City Council has had that vision. Rather than putting something like this somewhere else, putting it into the heart of Chapeltown so that communities can engage is so important.
“They feel that it belongs to them – those values, that purpose, building that trust with local communities on their doorstep. That is really powerful.”
Welcoming guests to the centre, Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, thanked the Council and Unity staff for completing “one of the most difficult and complicated projects” he had been involved with, adding, “they have done a fantastic job.”
He said: “At Unity, we believe that ingenuity is everywhere.
“What we’re trying to do with this project is to give people in the surrounding community an opportunity to realise their ambition to start their own business.
“So many people in communities spend their whole lives without being able to showcase their talent and what they can offer. This project, in a small way, is trying to offer some people an opportunity to showcase their talent to the world.
“We have got a great group of people behind it and some really fantastic partners. Hopefully we will be here meeting the needs of generations for quite some time to come.”
Small Business Commissioner takes over as patron of Youth Enterprise Bank in Hull
UK Small Business Commissioner Liz Barclay has been appointed as the new patron of the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank.
She takes over from Tony Robinson, who is to stand down after 10 years in the role designed to help the JCYEB and Hull City Council to support innovative young people in Hull and promote enterprise skills.
Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, Hull City Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration and housing, said: “The council is delighted that such a high-profile national figure as Liz has taken up the position of patron of the JCYEB in Hull.
“Tony has been a great champion of our work in Hull in supporting enterprising young people and I thank him for his service. The council is looking forward to working with Liz and our partners at the Youth Enterprise Bank”.
Liz said: “Sometimes, opportunities come along that simply leave you breathless. Being asked to step into the shoes of Tony Robinson as patron of John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank is one of those.
“Tony has been battling for micro businesses for many decades and his passion for the success of young entrepreneurs is legendary. He will be a hard act to follow, but I will be delighted to try.
“The work of Hull City Council with micro businesses and young entrepreneurs is a template for the rest of the UK. I will do all I can to support both.”
Tony added: “It has been a great privilege to have served as patron and work with Hull City Council in supporting micro businesses and young people, in particular meeting the enterprising young people during Global Entrepreneurship Week and meeting those on the Making Changes for Careers Programme at their Open Day events.
“Collaboration is essential to small and micro business sustainability. A supportive community of independent business owners with their customers, suppliers, families and friends ensures that changing needs, trends and economic conditions are met, all of which the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Banks does.
“I am extremely pleased that Liz has agreed to take over as patron. She has a great reputation in supporting small businesses even before taking up the role of Small Business Commissioner and I welcome her to my ‘home city’ of Hull.”
New to self-assessment for tax? You have two weeks to register
HM Revenue and Customs is reminding anyone who is new to Self Assessment for the 2022 to 2023 tax year that they have just two weeks until 5 October to tell HMRC and register.
New Self Assessment customers could be someone who has set up a side hustle to earn money in addition to their PAYE job or disposed of cryptoassets, says HMRC; they may be newly self-employed or a new landlord renting out property. Whatever the circumstances, if a customer has any income that they have not already paid UK tax on, they need to register for Self Assessment.
Customers can use HMRC’s online checking tool on GOV.UK to quickly assess whether they will need to complete a tax return. And they can use the step-by-step guide to check what they need to do to file their first Self Assessment tax return.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “If you are new to Self Assessment and unsure how the process works – HMRC is here to help. We have a wealth of resources and guidance available on GOV.UK to help customers register, sign up to the online services and complete their tax return. We want to help customers get their tax right first time, just search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more.”
Business graduate shortlisted for top award
University of Bradford business graduate Sonya Byrne has been shortlisted for a top award after developing a concept to sell virtual copies of her own fashion creations.
Sonya, from Bradford, who enrolled on the School of Management’s Executive MBA in 2020, designed non-fungible tokens to go alongside bespoke women’s fashion items, which she also created.
The concept formed part of her end-of-year project and garnered a score of over 90% – and now her efforts have also been recognised by Masters in business accreditation body AMBA, which has shortlisted her for its MBA Student of the Year Award 2024.
Judges praised her “exceptional entry” and invited her to attend the final at Park Plaza London Riverbank Hotel, next January.
Sonya spent 15 years working for some of the biggest names in fashion – including Inditex, Miroglio and BESTSELLER – before starting her own business, Avie-studio.com, with husband Liam.
She said: “I’m thrilled to have been shortlisted for the AMBA Student of the Year Awards. It is a prestigious award from an organisation that is globally recognised; and of course, Bradford’s School of Management is AMBA-accredited.
“Completing my MBA at Bradford has been one of the best things I have ever done. I have already worked in industry and overcome many challenges, but what the MBA did was give me the tools, and a formal language to better understand some of those processes and management tools.”
