Hull City Council appoints leader for ‘culture and place’
Hull City Council has appointed Kath Wynne-Hague to lead the city on Culture and Place.
Since 2007, Kath has worked across Local Government; cultural development; engagement and education; project management; and as an independent practitioner with experience ranging from voluntary and community action; health and wellbeing in care settings; visitor economy and cultural business development.
Kath is skilled in exploring social networks, stories and relationships, to generate new ideas, partnerships and creative solutions. She has a collaborative leadership style and is skilled in creative and systems thinking to support innovation, vision and ambition, whilst ensuring it is grounded in people and place.
Hull City Council Chief Exec Matt Jukes, said: “Kath has a wealth of experience to bring to the city and I look forward to the exciting cultural projects that will develop through 2023!”
Kath said: “The move to Hull is about me going full circle to the place that supported me right at the start of my creative career – in all its twists and turns.
“Living and growing up on the on the southside and getting the bus across the bridge to be the Saturday girl at WH Smith’s on Whitefriargate and going to Ferens Art Gallery to marvel at the paintings in my lunch hour; to having my first piece of work being publicly shown in an exhibition at ArtLink on Princess Ave. Hull was also the first place I was paid for my creative work, when I painted murals in a unit for people with dementia.
“Hull provided me the platforms, the opportunity, the community, and the paid work to start on a path that resulted in me returning some 25 years later to give back. I look forward to taking up this exciting position.”
Kath will begin in post in January 2023.
University works with global materials company to develop longer-lasting water pipes
A new way to lighter, stronger plastic water pipes has been pioneered by the University of Bradford and global materials company SABIC.
The new pipes outperform standard plastic plumbing pipes in pressure tests, are much cheaper to transport and last longer, and will therefore be more sustainable.
It’s the process used to make the pipes that makes them stronger, by changing the physical makeup of the plastic involved.
SABIC aims to capture 20 percent of the market with the new ‘biaxially oriented’ polyethylene and polypropylene pressure pipes.
Dr Fin Caton-Rose, who runs the research laboratory in the university’s globally-recognised Polymer IRC, said: “These pipes are lighter and much stronger than traditional polyolefin pipes. They are easy to make, easy to transport and they last longer, which means they are better for the environment.”
Dr Ajay Taraiya from SABIC said: “Our collaboration with the University of Bradford is crucial in terms of the scientific-based research they are able to conduct, in order to accelerate solutions for commercial products.
“We selected the University of Bradford based on our needs and their expertise. Scientists there have a wealth of knowledge in the solid-phase deformation of polymers, in addition to world-class research facilities, not to mention globally recognized academics and a successful track record of industrial collaboration.”
Professor Phil Coates, who invented the die-drawing process at the heart of the new pipes, said: “This is an exemplary collaboration between a major global company with its significant research and development, plus commercial capabilities and a world-class polymer research laboratory. It is genuinely a win-win collaboration and serves as an example of how the kind of research universities do can have a direct impact on helping industry innovate.”
Over the last few years, SABIC and the University of Bradford have been involved in a successful collaboration to develop the process of biaxial stretching of polyolefin pipes. This has involved linking the material design to the structure and has led to the development of high performance pressure pipes.
These results are being applied to the development of a commercial scale pilot line by Tecnomatic in Italy and Aquatherm in Germany, both in collaboration with SABIC.
Firethorn Trust appoints Leeds logistics contract to McLaren Construction Group
Commercial real estate investor and developer, Firethorn Trust, has appointed McLaren Construction Group to deliver 660,000 sq ft of logistics warehousing in North Yorkshire.
The contract for Sherburn42 marks McLaren’s first appointment to a Firethorn development, and will see the delivery of four highly specified Grade-A units, ranging from 57,750 to 280,000 sq ft.
Set across 37 acres, the site lies adjacent to the Sherburn Enterprise Park in Leeds, and will be constructed to net-zero carbon, with a ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating. With 15% translucent roof panelling, LED lighting, and future provisions for renewable power generation, the development will offer a modern, flexible and highly sustainable base for occupiers, whilst providing excellent transportation links to the UK logistics network.
Paul Martin, development director at Firethorn, said: “We pride ourselves in creating industry-leading schemes for occupiers, whilst effectively responding to evolving market demands. Not only does McLaren have the expert capability to bring Sherburn42 forward at pace, but the team has demonstrated a shared commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation.
“Having received full planning consent last month, we look forward to moving this project forward with McLaren and beginning works on site imminently, which will put us on track for completion by Q4 2023.”
Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands & North, says: “We are very pleased to be appointed by forward-thinking developers, Firethorn, on this significant development, situated in one of the most sought-after, accessible locations in North Yorkshire.
“Providing fantastic opportunities for the region’s workforce, the four high-quality Grade-A industrial units will create an attractive, fit for purpose, sustainable workspace for multi-national distributors and ambitious small and medium-sized enterprises.
“We look forward to building a long-lasting relationship with Firethorn, and working closely to deliver this landmark project.”
European medical device company acquires Leeds firm
Winncare, a European manufacturer of beds, pressure care products, patient handling equipment, and hygiene solutions, has acquired Herida Medical, strengthening its pressure area care portfolio and providing entry into the equipment cleaning and decontamination market.
Herida Medical, based in Leeds, has built a successful mattress range and employs more than 70 staff. The business supplies healthcare organisations in the UK and export markets including Australia.
The company has demonstrated a consistent and solid growth over the past years and is expected to exceed £14.5m in revenues this year.
Laurent Faugere, president of Winncare Group, said: “The acquisition of Herida Medical continues to position Winncare as a leading provider of innovative healthcare solutions that improve outcomes for dependent people. Herida joins Winncare Group as our second UK acquisition, and we are excited about the opportunities for growth the combined expertise will deliver.
“Our focus is on supplying quality products that add value for our customers and clinicians, both in the UK and through our export markets. The additional manufacturing capabilities the acquisition brings strengthen and extend the services Winncare are able to offer in the UK and our combined portfolio means we can deliver an unrivalled solutions-based approach to pressure care management.”
Simon Claridge, current Winncare UK CEO, will head the combined UK business, supported by Herida’s Managing Director, Sean Spencer.
Simon says: “Winncare has ambitious growth plans in the UK and globally. The acquisition delivers business synergies both commercially and within the supply chain, which will enhance the service we offer our customers. The Winncare team is excited to talk about the new product portfolio with our clients and introduce the decontamination service to new customers.”
Herida’s Managing Director Sean Spencer, who is continuing in his role, says: “The acquisition by Winncare marks the start of an exciting new era for our business. Over the last few years, we have spent time appointing the right people and the right teams in order to grow and with the strength of Winncare behind us, there is the opportunity to escalate this further. I predict a very bright future for us in the pressure area care sector.”
Leeds vegetable processor snapped up
Troy Foods Limited, one of the UK’s leading vegetable processing manufacturers, has been bought by the Fylde, Fresh & Fabulous Group (FFF).
Fylde Fresh and Fabulous Ltd, established in 2005, is one of the UK’s leading potato growing and processing businesses, supplying ready meal manufacturers, the food service sector and over 500 fish and chip shops with a range of peeled potato products. It also supplies heat and electricity to over 600 homes through its Biogas plant near Preston.
Based in Leeds, Troy Foods Limited is a fourth-generation family business which has grown to become one of the UK’s leading processors of vegetables.
A total of 104 employees have transferred to the Fylde Fresh and Fabulous Group as part of the transaction, which was led by a team from Interpath Advisory and Addleshaw Goddard. FFF was advised by Napthens LLP.
Neil Morley, director at Interpath Advisory, said: “We are pleased to have concluded this transaction which secures the future of the business by providing a new platform upon which it can move forward.”
Colin Bradley, director at Fylde Fresh and Fabulous, said: “We have known and respected Troy Foods for many years. It is a natural fit for our already established business.”
Troy Foods (Salads) Limited (a related entity) is not part of the transaction and continues to trade under its existing management and ownership.
Sheffield’s Harmony Works gets planning green light
Sheffield’s Harmony Works project has passed another significant milestone with the approval of planning and listed buildings application, taking it one step closer towards its goal to create a new home for music education in Sheffield.
The plans will see the historic Grade II* listed Canada House on Commercial Street transformed into a state-of-the-art music facility, bring the building back to life with a variety of teaching and rehearsal rooms, community spaces, a publicly accessible café, and a newly renovated, impressive performance space in the lofty, glass-domed hall.
Last year, Sheffield City Council secured £20m from the Government’s Levelling Up fund to transform the Castlegate area, which included establishing Harmony Works. £1.6m will be granted to Harmony Works by the Council to acquire the empty Canada House building, which was built in 1875. This means it will be possible to secure the future of a building which otherwise would have fallen into disrepair.
The Harmony Works team have been working hard to plan the detail of their vision for the future of the building, working with a wide variety of stakeholders including the Castlegate partnership and the children and young people of Sheffield. The project team has included Evans Vettori Architects, Arup, Turner and Townsend, BWA, Creative Heritage and Hepworth Acoustics.
Harmony Works will bring together the knowledge and expertise of Sheffield Music Academy and Sheffield Music Hub, along with their partners including Brass Bands England and Music in the Round to create a home for music education right in the heart of the city and accessible to all across the City Region.
Harmony Works is continuing to work on the development of the project and securing additional funding.
Sale of York City Centre building kickstarts aparthotel transformation
Following a purchase in August 2021 and planning approval in December 2021, Grantside has agreed a sale to By Mansley Group to revitalise a prominent building in York City Centre with work set to start in the new year.
The former New Look Store at 4-6 Parliament Street, which is currently occupied by The Vintage Store, was bought last year by York developers Grantside and North Star.
Planning was secured to transform the underused upper floors into 19 holiday apartments and this part of the building has now been sold to serviced apartment specialist By Mansley Group and Grantside will deliver the completed apartments to them in late 2023.
The remaining ground floor and basement space is set to undergo an extensive refurbishment to bring it up to modern standards, following the short-term letting to The Vintage Store.
York-based architects Vincent & Brown designed the remodelling of the 15,530 sq ft building which will now include separate entrances for the retail and residential accommodation.
Steve Davis, CEO of Grantside, said: “As a proud York company it is great news to see major progress as we breathe new life into this key building and give it a sustainable new future. We are excited to get ready to start work on updating the existing retail space and refurbishing and renovating the upper floors back into beneficial use for serviced apartments.”
Office refurbishments – four key things to consider
An office refurbishment is a great opportunity to breathe life back into your workspace. It allows you to change up your office without having to move to a new building, therefore saving significant amounts of time and money. Lincolnshire-based office design and fit out company, APSS believes there are four key things to consider to help you kit out your office with a new design:
Health and Safety
The first and arguably most important thing you need to think about when refurbishing your office is health and safety. As well as general health and safety checks like trip hazards and ambient working temperatures, the recent pandemic has seen many more people looking for added health and safety measures. These could be elements such as PPE, sanitising stations and privacy screens. Alongside these there are also more minor alterations which, although low in cost and effort, can make a big impact on productivity. Using screen filters to reduce eye strain, offering more natural light sources, daylight bulbs or tubes will lower levels of eye strain. This can also reduce fatigue and will be beneficial to your employees’ health and well-being. For many people, most of their day will be spent in this space, so another factor to consider is the seating and workspace. If this is planned carefully, it will allow you and your staff to feel comfortable during their working hours. A well thought out ergonomic workstation will include a comfortable chair with lumbar support that allows feet to be flat on the floor. Ideally it would also include a desk with adjustable height, tilts displays and shelving within easy reach. Reducing the risk of employee discomfort could also reduce employee absences and potential workplace claims. It is a nice touch, where possible, to include a comfortable break out space. This could be in the same area sectioned off and with cosy, alternative seating, or in a different room that offers a change of scenery and setting. You may also want to consider an outdoor space when planning this area.Company Culture
It is important to factor in the ever-changing office eco system, with more people working from home than ever before. Part time office work needs to be considered when refurbishing your office space as people may not always be using the space provided at the same time. This may make your office refurbishment cheaper, as less people using the space at once calls for less desks and work equipment. Smaller shared kitchen areas and bathroom facilities will also reduce costs. As a result of this, hot desking may be an approach your company would like to take to maximise space efficiency. This means working spaces need to be designed to cater for all working needs rather than just being tailored to a specific individual. Considering modular furniture which can be altered to suit individual requirements will allow greater flexibility, as will furniture on lockable castors and furniture that can be adjusted in height. You may find that, despite hot desking, offering some form of storage space for personal effects will allow staff to still feel a sense of belonging and permanency when working in the office.Sustainability
As there is an increasing global focus on sustainability, this should be one of the main things you consider in your office refurbishment. Try looking at eco-friendly materials, recycled furniture or fittings and more sustainable construction. This could be things such as lowering your carbon emissions, or installing environmentally friendly heating systems. Incorporating solar panels into your build or refit will demonstrate your commitment to a healthier, more sustainable planet. Although pricey in the interim period due to the initial purchase and installation costs, they will not only help the planet but ultimately your energy bill at the end of each month too! It’s not just about being eco-friendly. Making your office socially and economically sustainable as well is also hugely important. This includes making a cost-effective space, whilst still having those little extras that make your office an enjoyable place to work.Budget
There’s no skirting around it – most office refurbishments are expensive. With all the different things to consider, this is probably the factor you will think about first and foremost. Your typical refurbishment will cost between £40-£70 per square foot. The cheapest option is of course to just repaint the walls and purchase new furniture, such as desks and chairs. The most expensive parts of your office refurbishment would be new kitchen areas, or anything more technical, such as lighting, electrical wiring and room partitioning. Office refurbishment can be a big decision for your company to make, so making sure it is done to the best standard is incredibly important. Ensure that the company refurbishing your space is 100% dedicated to creating your perfect work environment. Ask to see prior refurbishments so you can get a feel for their standard of workmanship and ask for recommendations or previous client reviews. A good refurbishment company will have these to hand and will be proud to share them with you. Get some inspiration for your office design on the APSS website.Hull Trains awarded reliability accolade
Hull Trains has been named ‘Best in Class’ at a national awards ceremony to recognise the most reliable fleets in the railway industry.
The Golden Spanner awards, organised by trade publication Modern Railways, celebrate the best of rolling stock maintenance and practices, paying tribute to those companies making the greatest strides in train reliability on behalf of passengers.
Three categories of trophy are awarded: Gold for best in class, Silver for most improved over the last year, and Bronze for the lowest impact on the customer of failures.
Hull Trains was awarded a Gold – the highest accolade possible – in the Second Generation new inter-city category.
Martijn Gilbert, MD of Hull Trains, said: “This is a fantastic achievement and testament to the commitment and hard work of our Fleet team, working in partnership with Hitachi. They always go above and beyond in their duties to make sure our customers benefit from some of the most reliable services in the country. I would like to thank our teams for making this achievement possible and know they will not rest on their laurels in continuing to make improvements to the reliability of Hull Trains’ services.”
Sara Holland, Fleet Director at Hitachi Rail said: “Receiving this prestigious award for reliability is the best way to celebrate the three-year anniversary of the Paragon fleet. The Hitachi intercity fleet has consistently ranked inside the top 10 on the UK reliability table, often being three times more reliable than the industry average.
“This award is tribute to the collaboration between Hitachi and Hull Trains, as we look to improve reliability, so passengers continue to feel the benefits of these high performing trains.”
Government grant paves way for development of brownfield site in Grimsby
North East Lincolnshire Council has been given a £50,000 from Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund to clear a disused site in Grimsby.
The site, on the former Weelsby depot site, off Weelsby Avenue near the crematorium, will be subject to initial groundwork to help prepare it for future development.
Work on the site is likely to entail demolition of the existing buildings, and clearing the site.
The groundworks will be commissioned in the coming months, and subject to costs coming within budget, initial clearance and remediation works could start in 2023. Once the groundworks have been completed, this site will likely be issued to the market as a small housing site for approximately 25 houses.
Council leader Philip Jackson said: “I’m really pleased to see our bid for funding for this site backed by Government – for the good of the environment, using brownfield sites has to be our preference where we can.
“We continue to work with Homes England on trying to secure the funding for other brownfield sites in the borough.”
Once the work is commissioned, local residents will receive further information regarding the works.
The project has been developed with the support of the Brownfield Land Release Funding (BLRF2) and the One Public Estate programme.
