Step forward in transformation of Goole’s historic Market Hall
Plans to transform Goole’s historic Market Hall into a vibrant food, drink and events venue using £4 million of Goole Town Deal funding are progressing.
In preparation for when refurbishment work is complete, Coverpoint, a specialist within the food service sector that East Riding of Yorkshire Council (which owns the Market Hall) has appointed to work on its behalf, is seeking expressions of interest from potential commercial operators for the venue.
The council, working in conjunction with the Goole Town Deal Board, is open to expressions of interest from a broad range of potential operators, from restaurants, breweries, coffee roasters and social enterprises to street food collectives, contract caterers and local entrepreneurs.
The chosen operator will manage the venue, taking responsibility for letting the food and drink kiosks within it and organising both commercial and community events.
A statement from Goole Town Deal Board says: “Interested parties must have the passion and ability to help turn the Market Hall into an attractive visitor destination that, together with the other seven projects funded by Goole Town Deal, will enhance Goole town centre by increasing footfall and boosting the local economy.”
CATCH named as one of three finalists for national award
Stallingborough-based CATCH has been selected as a finalist for the ECI Training & Development awards, in the category of Training Provider of the Year.
The award is to recognise an exceptional training provider with a proven track record in delivering high quality training & assessment and creating a positive impact with learners, employers and clients. The awards will take place on Thursday 2nd November at The Cutty Sark in London.
The Approved Training Provider category is full of strong competition, with fellow finalists GSS Training and Forth Valley College both in the running for the award.
It is the second time in four years that CATCH has been selected as a finalist, having won the award in 2019, only two years after the CATCH Skills training brand was formed. Since becoming an ECITB training provider, CATCH has awarded ECITB qualifications to over 7,000 learners across various training programmes. The CATCH footprint has grown exponentially in the past 12 months which has led to us delivering courses across the UK on clients’ sites including Scotland, Isle of Man, Teeside, West Yorkshire, Wales and the South East of England.
In addition, the launch of our apprenticeship programmes across Electrical, Instrumentation, Mechanical, Process Operations, Welding & Pipefitting, some of which are for ECITB clients and supply chain contractor employers, has seen us take steps to help bridge the skills gap in the region and meet the demand of net zero transition. Our apprenticeship programme features a range of added value courses, some of which are accredited by ECITB, to enhance the learners skills set and experience before they join site in their second year of training.
CATCH COO James McIntosh said: “To make the final three providers is great recognition for the hard work and effort of our fantastic team of people at CATCH. I am sure the event will be an enjoyable evening and showcase the many success stories that we have in our industry.”
Farmers welcome Government announcements – but say they’re a million miles away from promises made
This week’s good news for British farming leaves more to do, particularly on a farm support roll-out that remains “a million miles” away from government commitments – that was the verdict following a series of Defra announcements timed to coincide with the NFU’s Back British Farming Day.
Defra Secretary of State Thérèse Coffey and Farming Minister Mark Spencer unveiled a number of new measures in areas the NFU has long campaigned on.
Positive news for British farmers included support for a “buy British button” in online supermarket shopping, a new grant scheme for rooftop solar panel installation, confirmation that farmers enrolling in new environmental support schemes will be able to use them to meet public procurement standards and a new £4m fund to help establish new small abattoirs.
NFU President Minette Batters said: “We have heard a number of welcome announcements this week, and credit where it’s due, farmers will be pleased government has listened to them, but the backdrop to these pieces of good news is that many farmers continue to face a bleak end to the year, with money they were promised, and rely on, not coming.
“While we have been working hard to prepare for changes to the essential support schemes that support farming and environmental management, delays in the roll-out of the new scheme, coupled with reductions in the current scheme, mean most farmers have been unable to access the new SFI while facing significant holes in their finances from the withdrawal of BPS.”
Chief among the announcements made, ministers also pledged that farmers who have a ‘live’ Sustainable Farming Incentive agreement before the end of the year will receive an advance payment of 25% of their money in ‘the first month of their agreement’. This, the government said, would help with cashflow against a background of high inflation and rising input costs.
Minette added: “Today’s announcement will mean those farmers that are able to apply for SFI in October are being promised a percentage of their first payments before the end of the year.
“While this announcement will provide welcome progress it doesn’t go far enough to deliver on the promises made countless times that the replacement to BPS would be open to all, less bureaucratic, offer a profitable and seamless transition from old to the new. What we have today, after years in the making, is still a million miles away.
“Under the current plans the SFI is open to the few and not the majority. The lack of budget transparency in Defra makes it almost impossible to know where the BPS money, initially earmarked for SFI in 2023-24, has gone.
“In the short-term, we need the government to bridge the gap it has created in taking away one set of payments before delivering access to their replacements by ensuring farm support payments made in December are not capped as currently planned.”
The Lincolnshire Showground gets ready for Christmas Party Nights
The Lincolnshire Showground hosts some of the biggest and most elaborate Christmas parties in Lincoln, and is inviting you to gather your colleagues to join them!
If you’re a group of 10 or 100, you can enjoy shared party nights on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th December from 7pm – 1am.
Christmas Party packages include a glass of fizz on arrival, a three-course meal, tea & coffee, live music from the Stolen Fridays, and a DJ until the early hours.
To book, contact the events team on 01522 522900 or events@lincolnshireshowground.co.uk
KCOM engineers aim for ten million steps to raise cash for charity
KCOM engineers are putting their best foot forward this month as they attempt to walk 10 million steps for charity.
More than 200 engineers from the Hull-based broadband provider are stepping up to take the challenge, which will see them attempt the walk the equivalent of 5,000 miles to raise money for the Brain Tumour Research charity. John Teasdale, Head of Network Delivery at KCOM said: “This is a fantastic event to be part of and I’m delighted that my KCOM colleagues are putting their best foot forward for this excellent cause. We have a big step count to reach but I know we can make it if we all pull together, like we always do at KCOM when we have a challenge to face. KCOM engineers will be joined by Ricoh team members who have joined KCOM recently to help deliver our copper to fibre network upgrade and delivering land line fibre adapters across the region.” Colin Sneddon, MD of KCOM Wholesale, who is taking part in the challenge, has a very personal reason for taking part this month after recovering from a brain tumour himself two years ago. He said: “As well as helping our teams to get fighting fit, they’ll also be raising money for Brain Tumour Research, a great charity that’s raising much-needed funds to fight an often overlooked disease. Colin is also urging people to sign a petition by Brain Tumour Research asking the Government to ring-fence £110 million of current and new funding to kick-start an increase in the national investment in brain tumour research to £35 million a year by 2028. He said: “Research into brain tumours receives just one per cent of national funding into cancer research despite the fact that it kills more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. We need 100,000 names on the petition by the end of October to get a parliamentary debate on the issue and hopefully help secure funding that will save many lives. It would be absolutely brilliant if the people of Hull and East Yorkshire would spare a few minutes to help us reach this petition target.” It takes around 2,000 average steps to walk a mile – meaning 10 million steps is the equivalent of 5,000 miles – which means KCOM engineers are going to have to get their walking boots on between house calls and network upgrades while also record all the steps they’re taking.Artist impressions revealed as landmark Cleethorpes building progresses
A first look of a new landmark building set to be created in the heart of Cleethorpes has been revealed.
A three-storey building will be constructed at the former Waves site on the corner of Sea Road and the Promenade, comprising of state-of-the-art public amenities and changing facilities, as well as commercially lettable space across all floors of the building, which may include different providers in retail and hospitality.
A planning application was approved in 2020, but work on the scheme was delayed due to the pandemic. Now, as works draw closer, minor amends to the existing planning application have been submitted.
The building is now proposed to include a pagoda on the first floor to enable outdoor seating areas, and additional information has been included in the application about the configuration of the doors and windows, and also about the materials proposed to be used on the building.
Earlier this year, preparatory works were done on the site, pending the development of the site.
Councillor Hayden Dawkins, portfolio holder for culture, heritage and visitor economy, said: “Cleethorpes has a wealth of assets that can enable it to be at the forefront of regeneration.
“The Sea Road building will help to develop the council’s ambition of a year-round visitor economy and its appeal as a distinctive landmark will draw visitors seeking a place to meet and socialise.
“It will form an important part of the town’s strategy to unlock private sector investment, creating a safe and flexible multifunctional space, that serves both residents and visitors and be an important social and cultural destination, which local people can be proud of.”
Sixty line up for honours in Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards event
Sixty firms and attractions will be represented at the Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards night at DoubleTree by Hilton, Hull, November.
This year is the 13th time the awards have been held, and they are being run in association with the national Visit England Awards. Eligible winners will be automatically forwarded to the Visit England Awards for Excellence 2024.
Dominic Gibbons, MD of the awards’ main sponsor Wykeland said: “The awards are a testament to the popularity of the region as a visitor destination and the range of what’s on offer to see and do within Hull and East Yorkshire.
“The visitor economy is a hugely important sector for the region’s economic growth and prosperity and good luck to all of the amazing finalists this year”
Visit Hull and East Yorkshire said they had been “stunned” by the quality of entries. A spokesperson said: “Tourism plays such an important part in making Hull and East Yorkshire such a wonderful place to live and visit.
“The feedback we get from day visitors and holidaymakers makes us proud and shows just how far we have come since the first awards were held over 13 years ago.
“This is a remarkable event to celebrate a remarkable industry, which contributes almost £1 billion annually to the Hull and East Yorkshire economy and provides employment for over 18,000 people. The awards showcase the very best that Hull and East Yorkshire have to offer.
“We are working in partnership with VisitEngland and have aligned a number of our categories, and are using a shared online application process. This means that, in most REYTA categories, the winners will automatically be put forward, if eligible, for judging in the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence without any further application.”
“A huge thank you for all of the businesses that have engaged with the REYTA’s this year, as well as our main sponsors Wykeland and Fred Marketing, along with our category sponsors, without whom the awards would not be possible”
In total, six current champions have made it through to the finals again when 16 awards will be presented.
There’s no shortage of newcomers, though, and a new business, Dumble Farm, based near Beverley, is shortlisted for Remarkable New Tourism Business for its “immersive, fun, educational and all-encompassing experience into the world of Highland cows conservation and sustainable farming.”
REYTA 2023 Finalists
Remarkable Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award- Broadgate Farm Cottages
- Hull Truck Theatre
- The Old Stables – Nordham Cottages
- Ivanhoe Guest House
- Hull Trinity Backpackers
- Wolds Village
- Aura Innovation Centre
- Bridlington Spa
- Connexin Live, Hull
- Mercure Hull Grange Park Hotel
- The Manor Rooms
- Acorn Glade Glamping
- Butt Farm Caravan, Camping & Glamping Site
- Kingfisher Lakes Glamping & Log Cabins
- The Paddock Pods at Homeland
- Thorpe Hall Caravan, Camping and Glamping Site
- Wold Escapes
- Broadgate Farm Cottages
- Laurel Vines Vineyard and Winery
- Pasture House Holiday Cottages
- William’s Den
- Cobwebs and Cream Teas at Burton Constable
- Hotham’s Gin School at Hotham’s Gin School and Distillery
- Meerkat Experience at Bridlington Animal Park
- What Was Here? App
- Highfield
- Loftsome Bridge Hotel
- Mercure Grange Park Hotel
- Village Hotel Hull
- Bemora
- Dumble Farm
- Pasture House Holiday Cottages
- The Manor House Beeford
- Trinity Room
- Atom Bar Beverley
- Atom Bar Hull
- The Old Star, Kilham
- The Ship Inn, Sewerby
- Broadgate Farm Cottages
- Kipling House Barn
- Pasture House Holiday Cottages
- Still Rabbit Lodges
- The Coach House, Driffield
- Wressle Grange
- Drewton’s Farm Shop
- The Balloon Tree Farm Shop & Café
- The Fiddle Drill
- The Old Lamp Room
- Wolds Village
- Ambiente Tapas Hull
- Dockside Kitchen
- Highfield – 1864
- The Hispanist
- William’s Den
- Sledmere House and Gardens
- Sewerby Hall and Gardens
- William’s Den
- Atom Brewing Co
- Cherry View Ice Cream
- Laurel Vines Vineyard and Winery
- Soanes Poultry
- Twisted Roots Distillery
- East Riding Rally Stages 2023
- Hulloween Steampunk Festival
- Pride in Hull
- Sewerby Winter Woodland
- The Awakening
- Tribfest Music Festival
Smurfs walk 34 miles to raise £1,500 for Cancer Research
A spirited team from a local business has embarked on a 34-mile journey from Leeds to the company’s headquarters in Sheffield, all while dressed as Smurfs characters, in support of Cancer Research. This charitable activity was spearheaded by employees of Olano, a division of apprentice-to-boardroom recruitment specialists, Nicholas Associates Group.
The fantastic four, Alex Norris, Ben Ibbotson, Rob Freeman, and Sheena Fraser, collectively known as ‘Team Smurf,’ managed to raise an impressive £1,500. This initiative was part of a broader companywide effort to contribute to Cancer Research, the chosen national charity for 2023.
Navigating a diverse route that encompassed main roads, trans-Pennine footpaths, old railway tracks, and picturesque viaducts, the team set out at 6 am from Leeds City Centre. Despite a few navigational hiccups along the way, they triumphantly completed the trek in just under 15 hours, arriving in Sheffield at 8.45 pm.
Reflecting on their memorable journey, Rob Freeman shared: “Being dressed as Smurfs meant we attracted a lot of attention from passers-by. The number of kind-hearted individuals who pulled over in their cars to donate cash was beyond our expectations – it was a fantastic boost to our spirits.”
Alex Norris added: “Despite the sore feet and a few blisters, we are incredibly proud of our achievement. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported us throughout this journey. From generous donations and messages of support to sharing our posts and offering words of encouragement, every bit of support was deeply appreciated.”
Olano, headquartered in Sheffield, specialises in e-learning, animation, content development, and both classroom and virtual training for clients worldwide. Nicholas Associates Group’s chosen national charity for 2023, Cancer Research, inspired ‘Team Smurf’ to embark on this extraordinary charity walk.
In addition to their memorable Smurf-themed walk, Olano has been actively engaged in various fundraising activities within their office, including sweepstakes, pool tournaments, and last-man-standing competitions, all contributing to the noble cause of Cancer Research.
Dog food company expands with new 133,606 sq ft Doncaster facility
Tritax Symmetry has agreed a new 20-year lease on its newly developed 133,606 sq ft facility (unit three) at Symmetry Park, Doncaster to fresh dog food company, Butternut Box.
As part of the agreement, Tritax Symmetry has agreed to extend Butternut Box’s current lease on a 151,388 sq ft facility, unit one, by a further eight years to 20 years. The facilities will be used for the storage, fulfilment and distribution of Butternut Box’s fresh dog food and treats and follows the company’s recent announcement detailing its £280m investment from new and existing investors.
Butternut Box’s decision to take unit three marks the final letting at Symmetry Park Doncaster and comes after B&Q signed up to a 430,000 sq ft design and build facility (unit two) last March. A final 1.2-acre plot available is for sale / to let.
Joseph Skinner, associate development director at Tritax Symmetry, said: “As an existing Tritax customer, we are pleased to further develop our relationship with Butternut Box and support its ongoing growth. Symmetry Park has quickly established itself a major employment location, creating high quality new roles for the local area and we’d like to thank both our customers and the Council for working closely with us from start to finish.”
David Nolan at Butternut Box continued: “In 2020, we took the bold decision to move our entire operation in-house with the option of committing to future expansion. We’re excited to now be in a position to exercise that option. The 20-year lease and the regearing of the lease on our existing building demonstrates the confidence we have in Symmetry Park Doncaster as the best location for our business.”
Leeds accountancy practice merges with Derbyshire company
Leeds-based Chartered Certified Accountants D’Arcy Howard & Co has merged with North Derbyshire company SMH BCL Accountants.
The move is said to be a strategic partnership reflecting a shared vision to enhance client services, expand business development opportunities, and ensure sustained growth for the future.
The merger has resulted in the formation of a new entity called SMH D’Arcy Howard & Co Limited. The integration of the two firms brings together a wealth of expertise and resources to offer an extensive range of services from the newly consolidated office.
Stacey Pocklington, Partner and Director of SMH BCL Accountants, adds: “We are thrilled to welcome D’Arcy Howard into the SMH family. By combining our strengths and expertise, we are better positioned to deliver a seamless service to our valued clients.”
