Music events boost Sheffield economy by more than £4m, says City Council
Arctic Monkeys’ two huge hometown gigs brought an estimated £4.1million economic benefit to b businesses in the city, new figures from Sheffield City Council reveal.
The gigs saw 74,000 people visit Hillsborough Park for two nights of shows from the band, which became Sheffield music royalty after releasing five albums. Money spent on hotels, food and drink, and transport contributed to a boost for Hillsborough and Sheffield as people travelled from across the world to visit the city for the gigs.
Councillor Martin Smith, Economic Development and Skills Committee Chair, said: “It was fantastic to welcome Arctic Monkeys home for two gigs at Hillsborough Park earlier in June.
“The boost for local businesses is huge, with an estimated £4.1 million pumped into the city over the weekend. Businesses in Hillsborough, particularly food and drink venues, benefitted from fans enjoying the day and in the city centre, and we saw an uplift in hotel bookings and footfall during the weekend.
“These events go to show how beneficial large-scale shows can be for Sheffield, bringing both entertainment and economic benefits to the city. It was brilliant to have the band back in the city and we’re looking forward to Tramlines at Hillsborough Park next month.”
Janine Lawson from the Hillsborough Tap and the business group Hillsborough Together, said: “The recent concerts in the park were a great boost for us at Hillsborough Tap during what is historically a quiet period in the Hillsborough area. It’s great to see so many new visitors to the area and it allows us to showcase what an amazing area Hillsborough is. The feedback we received from visitors was fantastic and it was great that so many people loved our little business as much as we do! We hope that this will create repeat business for us in a time that is very difficult for independent businesses like ours.”
South Yorkshire company expands into Germany with opening of new premises later this year
The all-new ITM Power Germany GmbH will officially open its doors in Linden, north of Frankfurt, in October this year.
ITM Power, the Sheffield-based green hydrogen company, says this expansion further strengthens its position as a leading manufacturer of large-scale electrolysers for active projects in Europe today, as well as for future projects which are now in bidding stage.
In its initial fit-out, ITM Power Germany’s new facilities will have office space for more than 50 employees, and a warehouse with special equipment for storing our state-of-the-art stacks in lightweight skids ready for quick deployment as after sales spares. It will also house facilities for repair and maintenance, as well as for training of customers and partners.
As ITM is increasingly deploying stacks into the field in active customer projects, the firm says a rapidly growing amount of real-world performance data will enable it to drive advancements in the areas of core technology and product improvements, development of new business models around remote monitoring/operations and predictive maintenance, as well as commercial certainty around tightened system performance guarantees. These activities will be led by our new global Data and Industrial IoT team which will be based in Linden.
ITM Power Germany will also be home of ITM’s global business development function, of various engineering disciplines, aftersales technicians, field engineers, procurement and other functions.
Dennis Schulz, CEO, said: “This expansion in Germany will not only support responsive aftersales in the heart of the EU as our core market today, but will also be home for various business functions that are enablers for ITM’s accelerated growth. As we are scaling our operations, this is a major step in gearing up for an increasing degree of local content creation in the EU.”
Green energy firm wins SME Employer of the Year
Green Building Renewables has been named as SME Employer of the Year at the first-ever North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards.
As well as winning the best SME in North Yorkshire, the company also had two nominations in the Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice category with Charlie Shipley, a second-year apprentice at York College and Curtis Ball, a first-year apprentice at Selby College.
The North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards recognise and reward the apprentices and their employers excelling across the region. The award ceremony was hosted by TV and Radio Presenter Rich Williams.
MD Chris Delaney said: “We are humbled to receive the SME Employer of the Year award. This recognition is a testament to our ongoing commitment to investing in the future of our industry and supporting the next generation of talent. Our apprenticeship scheme not only equips young people with invaluable skills but has also contributed to the growth and success of our company.
“Renewable energy installation is going to be essential to the UK economy over the next few years, and we are confident of the role that we can play in helping to create the skilled workforce that is needed to ensure that technologies like solar and heat pumps are installed correctly across the UK. We pride ourselves on our technical expertise, and it doesn’t matter if our engineers have 20 years’ experience or one year’s experience; we will train them to the highest level.”
Angela Jones, People Manager at the company, added: “Our commitment to providing opportunities for young people aligns with the government’s wider agenda of fostering apprenticeships to address the skills gap and drive economic growth. The need for skilled renewable energy installers will be paramount as the country aims to meet its future carbon emission and environmental commitments. By nurturing local talent through our local offices and promoting renewable and low-energy solutions, we are actively contributing to a more sustainable future.”
Sheffield Hallam enters Knowledge Transfer Partnership with charity supporting ex-offenders into employment
Innovate UK has backed a Knowledge Transfer Partnership between Sheffield Hallam and the charity Tempus Novo, with six-figure funding to continue the work of the charity working with serving prisoners and ex-offenders looking to change their lives by breaking the cycle of crime through employment.
Tempus Novo is a charity based in Leeds set up to support ex-offenders into jobs after their release to reduce re-offending rates. The charity, founded in 2014 by two former senior prison officers at HMP Leeds with a combined experience of almost 60 years, mentors prisoners in the run up to their release and help to secure roles, and to date have secured jobs for 800 ex-offenders.
This is the first Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme where Sheffield Hallam University has partnered with a charity or social enterprise.
Sheffield Hallam’s contribution in this project is to embed financial modelling expertise and behavioural economics methodology to design and implement a novel revenue model supported by a scalable business model to help Tempus Novo achieve financial sustainability and successfully expand.
Jia Liu, academic lead on the Tempus Novo partnership, said: “I think this project is necessary because of the massive societal benefits of Tempus Novo’s work. Scaling up Tempus Novo’s work (placing more ex-offenders into sustainable employment) leads to more savings on prison cost, less benefit payments, more national insurance contribution, more tax collected, safer streets, positive impacts on ex-offenders and their families. This project fits perfectly well with Sheffield Hallam’s civic agenda.
“I’m keen to work with Tempus Novo because I share their view that people deserve a second chance, especially those who have never had a first real chance in life. Tempus Novo has achieved remarkable successes in a challenging area. We hope to build on the success and take it to the next level. There is a huge potential for Tempus Novo to grow to do more good.”
Tempus Novo are the only prison officer-led charity in the UK, and the only charity that fills the void by focusing on employment working with both service users and employers simultaneously. Over 70% of service users placed into work with Tempus Novo retain that job for over a year and do not re-offend, and of the 800 service users placed so far, only 33 have been returned to custody (4%).
Steve Freer, co-founder of Tempus Novo, says: “We are confident the KTP programme will assist with the growth of Tempus Novo, and this has the potential to unlock so many more opportunities both here in the UK and beyond.
“We hope to have a lasting relationship with Sheffield Hallam and see this as the first step of a journey that will create many more life-changing opportunities for many disadvantaged people. Using the power of good quality jobs is a successful model that reduces crime, creates safer streets and more prosperous communities.”
Entrepreneurs to benefit from support helping them launch West Yorkshire-made products
Entrepreneurs across the region will benefit from a new multimillion-pound fund to help them launch services and products made in West Yorkshire to sell to the world.
As part of the Mayor of West Yorkshire’s £6 million fund for entrepreneurs, a third round of support has been launched.
The programme aims to find the best and the brightest minds in the region, nurture their entrepreneurial skills, and turn their ideas into global businesses.
With access to nine months of tailored support, coaching and mentoring, 75 creative minds will develop fresh business ideas and grow the skills they need to become successful entrepreneurs.
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said: “I’m committed to providing opportunities for everyone in West Yorkshire to pursue their goals, whatever their circumstances.
“We have already helped thousands giving them the skills they need to start and run their own successful business.
“Now, we will focus on best and the brightest minds in the region, catapulting them to the next level and turning their entrepreneurial ideas into the global businesses of the future.
“Our talented entrepreneurs are absolutely central to our vision for a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire.”
Cllr Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council and Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Business, Economy and Innovation Committee, said: “I’m delighted we’re able to provide support of this quality to individuals and businesses who have the potential to drive forward their innovative ideas.
“Equipping the entrepreneurs of West Yorkshire with the skills they need to succeed will not just improve their personal circumstances. It will boost our regional economy through the creation of more high-skilled jobs and greater inward investment.
“We’re building a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire where everyone can reach their full potential, and that includes our brilliant entrepreneurs with local solutions to global challenges.”
This support from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, will be delivered in partnership by a twelve member-strong group of businesses and learning organisations from across the region.
Of these, Nexus and the University of Leeds will head the group, using their world-class facilities and expertise to incubate the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs. Together, they will focus on tackling the regional, national and global challenges of the future.
The programme builds on the success of the previous two support packages, which helped over 2,000 people to develop and pursue their ideas. The first supported people to turn their ideas and hobbies into fully fledged businesses, and the second helped entrepreneurs to focus on scaling up their start-ups.
Of these cohorts, 58% were women, 38% were of an ethnic minority, and 10% identified as having a disability.
The Mayor is now looking to find entrepreneurs with ambitions for rapid growth, to help bolster their resilience, boost their skills, and build businesses that could change the world.
Dr Martin Stow, Pro Vice-Chancellor: Business Engagement and Enterprise at the University of Leeds, said: “We’re thrilled to be launching this programme, an initiative that demonstrates our firm commitment to making a positive difference to our region.
“The programme is a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to accelerate the start of their innovation-based, purpose-driven new ventures by drawing upon the wealth of knowledge and experience of successful entrepreneurs and enterprises.
“We’re excited to be working with local communities and their leaders to ensure this initiative is accessible to as broad a range of people as possible and are keen to work with more as we move forward.
“Nexus and the University of Leeds are immensely proud to be leading this consortium, inspiring entrepreneurs to achieve their business ambitions and build a better tomorrow.”
Boston Energy receives significant investment as private equity investor backs MBO
LDC, the private equity investor, has made a significant investment in Boston Energy, a technical services provider to the wind energy industry, as it targets further international expansion.
Based in Beverley, East Yorkshire, Boston Energy employs and trains specialist technicians to support the build and maintenance programmes of onshore and offshore wind farms across the globe, including in Europe, APAC and North America. Boston Energy’s client base includes the world’s biggest OEMs and Wind Farm Operators.
LDC’s investment will enable Boston Energy to take advantage of opportunities to grow in all of its core markets globally to support the transition to a clean energy economy. LDC is backing Boston Energy’s CEO Julian Cattermole in a management buyout from the wider group of Bostonair companies. Mark Parkes, who founded Bostonair Group in 1997, will remain involved in the business as a major shareholder and non-executive director.
Mark Parkes, founder of Bostonair Group, said: “It’s remarkable to reflect on how much the industry has evolved since we started the business over a decade ago. During that time, we’ve maintained our commitment to our customers and, with LDC’s support, we’ll continue to provide them with the very best tailored service.
“LDC’s heritage of supporting the growth of Yorkshire-based businesses combined with being part of Lloyds Banking Group – one of the UK’s most active supporters of the UK offshore wind industry – make it the ideal partner and means we’re perfectly positioned to start this new chapter.”
Julian Cattermole, CEO, Boston Energy, said: “The wind energy industry is growing rapidly and there are more opportunities than ever for our business to expand our offering on the back of rising demand for our services.
“Our partnership with LDC will help us to respond to the growing demand for our services at pace and continue to invest in our expert technicians, whose exceptional service is the foundation of our customer relationships.”
The investment was led by Dan Smith, partner and head of Yorkshire at LDC, investment director James Marshall and investment manager Anthony West.
Dan Smith, partner and head of Yorkshire at LDC, added: “Boston Energy is a high-quality service provider in a sector that will play an essential role in the global transition towards net zero.
“The business’s success is also a great example of a homegrown company with international reach that is raising the profile of the Humber as a global renewable energy hotspot. We’re looking forward to supporting Julian, Mark and the rest of the team as they continue to drive the business forward in the years ahead.”
Boston Energy and the sellers were advised by KPMG, who provided Corporate Finance (led by Christian Mayo and Jordan Raiye), Legal and Tax services.
LDC was advised by Clearwater International (Corporate Finance and Debt), Grant Thornton (Financial and Tax DD), Addleshaw Goddard (Legal), and Calash (Commercial Due Diligence).
A regional HSBC team led by James Scholes is supporting the transaction with senior debt and working capital facilities.
Estate agency names new sales negotiator for York office
Estate agent Dacre, Son & Hartley has appointed Mindy Pearson as a sales negotiator in its growing York office.
Mindy, who lives in Malton, has previously worked for a national estate agency group as well as marketing and managing holiday lets. In her new role she is responsible for liaising with both buyers and sellers, as well as hosting property viewings and supporting the office’s branch manager and wider team to ensure transactions run smoothly.
Dacre, Son & Hartley opened in York last summer and moved into its double fronted Micklegate showroom in April. The office is in a prime position within the city walls, and offers highly visible display facilities, as well as valuable support for the firm’s other 19 offices across North and West Yorkshire.
Mindy said: “Moving to Dacre, Son & Hartley is an opportunity to join a very reputable and independent business and be part of its growth in York, which makes it both a challenging and exciting role.
“York has a gem of a property market, which is largely insulated from what happens in other areas of the country, in terms of prices and activity levels, which are currently buoyant. This comes down to lots of factors including its leading universities and historic city centre, which is a global tourist hotspot. In addition, its central location in the UK, which offers regular direct rail links to the likes of London and Edinburgh, adds to its popularity.
“We’re currently marketing a mix of homes, from a stunning riverside four-bedroom terrace just off Marygate and the Museum Gardens in York city centre, to a newly refurbished four-bedroom family home with large gardens, that’s full of energy saving technology, at Linton on Ouse. We’re now looking forward to building on this further over the summer months.”
Chambers see ‘tentative but promising’ signs of easing financial pressures for firms
A new survey by Barnsley & Rotherham, Doncaster and Sheffield Chambers of Commerce suggests that financial pressures are easing for businesses.
In a joint statement about the survey’s findings, the CEOs of the Chambers have issued a joint statement. They say: “Our survey results show promising, albeit tentative, signs that financial pressures are beginning to ease for businesses, though this still remains a pressing issue across all sectors.
“It’s encouraging to see that, for the third consecutive quarter, expectations of both improved turnover and profitably have increased, suggesting that there is a broader feeling of optimism for the months ahead. Better still, we are pleased to report that 93% of firms that were polled agree that South Yorkshire is a fundamentally good place to do business. This suggests that businesses feel that there are opportunities available to them locally and that organisations are doing what they can to promote a positive business environment. There is, of course, always room for improvement.
“While some key areas are stronger than they have been in recent quarters — such as those relating to cash flow positions, price increases and capacity — it is worth stressing that indicators of financial pressure do remain.
“Concerns about inflation might be lower than they have been since the end of 2021, but that’s only a relative drop from a historic high. Meanwhile, subdued economic activity continues in South Yorkshire, with weak growth being reported in terms of both domestic sales and overseas orders.
“Not to mention, hiring conditions are still proving to be a massive challenge for businesses. A staggering 94% of firms told us that they have experienced recruitment difficulties this quarter, which is a worrying jump from the 87% that was recorded this same time last year. In particular, businesses are struggling to attract skilled manual & technical workers, as well as professional & managerial talent. Of course, the tight market is, in and of itself, a significant contributor to the runaway inflation that is presently bedeviling the economy.
“As for how South Yorkshire employers are being affected by The Cost of Living Crisis, we learned that the vast majority have discussed the prices of either utilities (85%), food (76%) or petrol (61%) with their staff in the last six months. In an effort to try and support employees with these strains, 70% of businesses said that they have increased wages, and nearly half are now offering mental health support. This acts as yet another reminder of the civic and social commitments exhibited by our employer communities.
“All in all, this latest QES highlights positivity in some areas, and persisting concerns in others. As Chambers, we will of course be advocating for any measures that might help to restore business confidence — whether that’s a rethinking of business rates or the campaign to save Doncaster Sheffield Airport. We have also been working closely with employers, training providers and other key stakeholders on a Local Skills Improvement Plan for the region, which will help address those recruitment difficulties that so many firms are encountering right now.”
Bradford gets £10m cash injection to help create almost 7,000 jobs
Bradford is to be given £10m to kick off its year as City Of Culture, which it claims will generate almost 7,000 jobs in the city.
The investment will support the delivery of Bradford’s programme of cultural activity over the year – ranging from live performances in existing cultural venues to pop-up experiences in a bespoke touring venue, Beacon.
About 1,000 performances will take place in 2025, developed with local artists and creatives. They are expected to attract 15.5 million visitors and bring an additional visitor spend of £136.9 million into the local economy over the course of the year.
The increased cultural and economic activity is expected to deliver up to £389 million of growth for Bradford as UK City of Culture 2025.
The funding boost will also help Bradford with its ambition, set out in its bid to host the event, to create 6,845 new jobs and opportunities right across the city by 2030.
In addition, Arts Council England is allocating £5 million in National Lottery funding to support Bradford’s programme during its tenure as UK City of Culture.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund also confirms today it is awarding £4.95 million specifically to develop a programme of activities to bring the diverse heritage of the city to the fore during 2025’s celebrations.
Culture Minister Stuart Andrew said: “With its unique culture and young and vibrant population, Bradford will be a fantastic host for the UK City of Culture 2025. We are investing £10 million in the city this year to help prepare for the event so we can make sure it stimulates new jobs and growth in the local economy through culture.
“We want to open up access to the arts, create opportunities for young people, and inspire our next generation of writers, artists and performers.”
Barnsley leads the nation to extended childcare provision by nurseries
Barnsley’s local authority is one of 16 nationwide selected by the government to help it work towards the ambition for all parents of primary school aged children to access childcare in their local area between 8am and 6pm.
The announcement came as it was revealed that nurseries are set to receive a £204 million cash boost as part of the Government’s promise to deliver the largest ever investment in childcare.
The plans are designed to remove significant barriers to support parents to return to work and help to grow the economy by making childcare more accessible.
Every area across the country is getting a share of the government funding which childcare providers can use to ease cost pressures such as staffing costs, training and bills. Funding rates per child paid from September will increase from an average of £5.29 to £5.62 for three and four-year-olds, and from an average of £6.00 to £7.95 for two-year-olds.
From April 2024, eligible working parents of two-year-olds will get a new offer of 15 free hours per week of free childcare. From September 2024, eligible parents will get 15 free hours from nine months until their children start school, and from September 2025, they will get 30 free hours from nine months until the start of school.
All local authorities will start to receive their share of £289 million in funding from January 2024 to support their delivery of the programme, with parents expected to see an expansion in the availability of wraparound care from September 2024.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt said: “I know the cost of childcare can be a real struggle for parents and can become a barrier to work. That’s why we announced the largest ever expansion of free childcare at Spring Budget, and today we’re increasing hourly funding rates to make sure the system is ready to deliver, including uplifting rates for a two-year-old by a third.”
