Council installs solar-powered carport
East Yorkshire Council has installed its first solar carport at Driffield’s Leisure Centre, with 52.4-kilowatt peak of solar photovoltaics and two dual electric vehicle charging units capable of cutting the building’s electricity bills by £20,000 a year.
The installation is expected to generate around 52,200-kilowatt hour of electricity, reducing the carbon emissions associated with the site by nine tonnes.
The council’s asset strategy team secured funding from the European Regional Development Fund towards the installation of solar pv, a solar farm, a solar carport and EV charging units across the authority.
The final strand of this scheme is the installation of a solar carport at East Riding Leisure Driffield. The leisure centre uses significant amounts of electricity, and the roof has already been subject to solar pv installations.
The scheme cost about £300,000 with almost 50% of the funding coming from ERDF.
Councillor Chris Matthews, portfolio holder for environment and climate change at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “It is fantastic to see the installation of what is thought to be the first carport in the East Riding and certainly the first provided by the council.
“This innovative solution allows us to continue to work towards realising the council’s net zero ambitions whilst also allowing ERL Driffield to reduce their electricity bills during this cost-of-living crisis.
“I’m really pleased this work has been achieved with minimal disruption to our residents and now the people of Driffield have further EV charging units on their doorsteps.”
Pure Block Management chosen to manage historic Hessle property
Hull-based property firm Pure Block Management has been appointed to provide professional management services at Mentone House in Hessle, once the home of one of Hull’s most famous historic figures.
The property on West Hill, which today houses six luxury apartments, was built in 1869 as one of eight villas developed by a syndicate of Hull businessmen including James Reckitt of health, hygiene and nutrition giant Reckitt.
Mentone House, named by Reckitt after a town near the French / Italian border where he recuperated after an illness, is the only one of the original villas that remains. After a long period as a private residence it spent several decades as a care home before being converted to six upmarket apartments in 2001.
The apartments’ current leaseholders have now appointed Pure Block Management to manage the property, from arranging day-to-day repairs and planned maintenance to taking care of financial and legal matters including service charge collection.
It is the latest in a series of new client wins for the growing firm, which manages over 120 apartment blocks and residential complexes across the region and is part of property specialist Garness Group.
Pure Block Management director Liam Parker said: “We’re very happy to add a property with such an interesting history to the portfolio of developments we manage.
“The leaseholders of Mentone House exercised their right to take on the management of the property some time ago.
“After several years of handling it themselves they have decided the time is right to appoint a specialist firm to manage it on their behalf, giving them peace of mind that all their responsibilities and obligations are taken care of in a timely and professional manner.
“We manage developments of all types and sizes across the region, from apartment conversions in historic properties like Mentone House to new-build housing developments, and pride ourselves on providing a responsive and expert service.”
Among the other residential developments in Pure Block Management’s portfolio are the Queen’s Court BBC building in Hull city centre, Raywell House in East Yorkshire and Broadway House, on Hornsea’s seafront.
Wakefield company and director sentenced following fatal skylight fall
A Wakefield roofing company has been fined and its sole director given a suspended prison sentence after a dad-of-two was killed when he fell 12 metres through a skylight.
Jonathan May, 39, from Horbury, Wakefield, who was a subcontractor for Davis Industrial Roofing Limited, was working on a storm-damaged warehouse roof at F&G Commercials Limited, Carlton Industrial Estate in Barnsley with two others on 18 December 2016, when he fell.
The work involved the replacement of more than 300 skylights on a fragile asbestos cement roof. The skylights had been damaged in a hailstorm.
An investigation by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) found Davis Industrial Roofing Limited had failed to provide an appropriate risk assessment, method statement, and suitable and sufficient fall protection measures for the roof work to be carried out safely.
The investigation found even though reasonably practicable precautions were available, poor planning had resulted in a risk assessment and method statement that was not suitable and sufficient. The work was poorly supervised and carried out unsafely.
Melvyn Davis, the sole director of the company, who had drawn up the risk assessment and method statement and had regularly visited the site to monitor progress, had failed to provide suitable and sufficient fall protection measures and consented to the use of an unsafe system of work. This constituted a personal neglect for safety during the roof work.
Melvyn Davis, of Field Place, Wakefield, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 37(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was sentenced to eight weeks imprisonment suspended for 12 months and ordered to do 15 days of rehabilitation activity at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on 16 November 2022.
Davis Industrial Roofing Limited, of Field Place, Wakefield, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay costs of £12,557.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Chris Gallagher said: “This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices.
“Companies and directors should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
Wake Smith appoints new head of residential conveyancing operations
Sheffield-based law firm Wake Smith Solicitors has appointed a new director and head of residential conveyancing operations.
With over 10 years’ experience in the industry, Bonita Wolfenden will be working with directors Anne Emmerson and Amanda Cowley, both highly regarded conveyancers, leading the 15-strong team with a focus on developing and growing the Wake Smith conveyancing brand in the city centre and regional markets.
Bonita joins Wake Smith following a director role at Switalskis Solicitors where she launched and managed the South Yorkshire conveyancing team at the firm.
Before Switalskis, Bonita was a partner at Keebles where she headed up a reputable and busy residential conveyancing department across Sheffield, Leeds and Doncaster.
Bonita said: “Having lived in Sheffield for over 20 years, I have developed a good knowledge of the city, surrounding suburbs and the fantastic areas that make up this wonderful part of the country.
“I’m excited to be working with my new colleagues – all of whom are passionate about delivering a great client experience beyond expectations.
“Wake Smith has a strong reputation in Sheffield, with well-regarded lawyers and great clients. I am looking forward to working back in the office, which means I can be on-hand to drive and support the busy team, but also take advantage of the multi-disciplinary approach that a corporate and commercial law firm can bring.
“Getting back into the office is crucial for a conveyancing department to grow and flourish after the difficult few years everyone in the industry has had. Now is the time to focus on teamwork, to re-group and working together will improve the service we can offer to our clients at Wake Smith.”
Paul Gibbon, acting head of property at Wake Smith Solicitors, said: “Bonita is a talented solicitor, and she will be huge asset to our firms as she takes control of our conveyancing team. Her experience in the local area and her breadth of specialist knowledge will be invaluable to both the team and our clients. We’re excited to see the department continue to grow, ultimately helping to cement our position within market.”
Key worker deposit scheme launched in Grimsby, Lincolnshire
Key workers in New Waltham near Grimsby can now receive a deposit contribution of up to £15,000 towards a new home thanks to Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ new Key Worker Deposit Contribution scheme.
The homebuilder has introduced the scheme to all of its developments across the region, including at nearby development Wigmore Park in New Waltham.
Key workers will be entitled to a deposit contribution of £750 for every £25,000 spent, and can receive up to the value of £15,000. For example, when purchasing a £300,000 home, Barratt and David Wilson Homes would contribute £9,000 towards the deposit.
Barratt and David Wilson Homes have introduced the scheme to say thank you to key workers for their enormous contribution to the country. The new scheme will cover key workers from the NHS, teachers, police and fire services, the MOD, prison and probation services, plus Local Authority employees and Highways England.
Daniel Smith, Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Yorkshire East said: “We were proud to previously launch our Education Workers Deposit Contribution scheme to help out those working within the education sector, but we now want to open this up to every type of key worker in the country as a thank you for all their work. We are proud to help all those who work so hard for this country.”
Barratt and David Wilson Homes is currently selling a variety of properties across East Yorkshire, including at its Barratt Homes Wigmore Park development in New Waltham.
York event designed to inspire women in business
As part of this year’s York Business Festival, City of York Council and NatWest co-organised a networking event to inspire and empower women in business.
The council, in partnership with NatWest, hosted an in-person business support and networking event at the Guildhall, which aimed to inspire women to start, build or scale their businesses.
This event brought together York-based women entrepreneurs from a range of sectors and offered opportunities for participants to build new connections and share experiences. It provided a platform for participants to share their ideas and advice, as well as find out about the support available from the Council, NatWest and Women Empowered Through Coaching and Networking.
Stacey McVeighty, Founder of Change Accountants, gave the keynote speech on building relationships in business. Sarah Whittle, Project Coordinator for #WECAN, discussed her organisation’s work supporting future generations of female leaders through providing fully-funded support and training to businesses and female employees in the Leeds City region.
Since March 2022, the council has supported over 150 women-led businesses to grow in York through tailored advice and support to access investment and networks.
Councillor Ashley Mason, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Development, said: “Working alongside our partners at NatWest and #WECAN, we are determined to support female-led businesses and help the entrepreneurs realise their potential here in York and help them overcome any barriers they may face.
“This event offered a great opportunity to get inspiration, advice and support, but for those who were unable to attend, you can still access lots of info and support in the city to grow your business.
“I’d encourage York businesses to contact the council’s Business Growth Managers, who can help them to access vital funding, skills, and training and to keep an eye out for news of our upcoming events.”
Rachel Dixon, Local Enterprise manager at NatWest, said: “NatWest is proud to partner with the council to empower and inspire York’s businesswomen.
“We know that growing female-led businesses brings huge benefits not only to female entrepreneurs but to the wider local and national economy; female-led businesses currently represent a £250bn opportunity for the UK economy, and so it’s more important than ever to champion female potential and shape a better future for women in business.”
Hull City Council award regional title for supporting small business
Hull City Council has just been awarded a prestigious ‘best in the region’ award for its support for the local small business community.
Hull City Council was among 250 councils in England who entered the inaugural Local Government awards run by Britain’s biggest business representation group, and it emerged triumphant in the Covid Response regional category.
Local authorities from all across England responded to the call when FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) launched their inaugural Local Government awards sponsored by Maybe*, which were aimed at celebrating and recognising those that had made the biggest impact on local SMEs during the Covid crisis and beyond.
Hull City Council was named as the Yorkshire, Humber and North East regional champion winners with judges being impressed by the council’s work to help the local small business community, and specifically younger people in the early stages of starting their businesses. Hull City Council’s Youth Enterprise Team supported 300 young people under the age of 29 and the team raised critical funds, and recruited 80 volunteer mentors to help early and young start-ups when they needed it most.
Becca Pettman owner Gray Rose Boutique said “When first advised we had to stay at home, I did not know what I was going to do without any income, but the team came to my rescue to help with advice, expenses, and helped me to find grants to help my business stay afloat, but more than that they helped us as a young family too – my mentor Charles and the rest of the of the Youth Enterprise team checked in regularly to ensure we were ok”
“they gave me encouragement and linked me up with other young people in same situation, they ensured my business was ready to trade when we could, and as someone who was excluded from the national schemes and therefore part of #ExcludedUK community I do not know what I would have done without the support of Hull City Council and the Youth Enterprise Team”.
Paula Gouldthorpe, FSB Development Manager for South and East Yorkshire and the Humber said “It is really pleasing to see Hull City Council rewarded for their consistent hard work and effort to help young people and their businesses through during challenging times, and when they need help the most.
“Both the quality and quantity of entries from this region and beyond was incredibly high so Hull City Council should feel very proud to be among the winners. We look forward to continuing to work with them – and seeing more good work from the team that clearly does an incredible job to inspire young people and support those new to starting up”
The award was presented to the team and to Leader of the Council Mike Ross and Regeneration Portfolio holder Councillor Paul Drake-Davis. Presented as part of this weeks ‘Global Entrepreneurship Week’ celebrations. A week of events supporting young people and children to develop enterprise skills and inspire their business ambitions.
Firms urged to take advantage of free flood survey
The Flood Innovation Centre is urging local businesses to take action to better protect their premises, employees and other assets against the risk of flooding by requesting a free flood survey and follow-up support before it’s too late.
The message from the team at the Flood Innovation Centre, part of the University of Hull but funded to provide support to eligible SMEs in several areas of the country, is that the funding won’t be around forever. Eligible businesses are rapidly running out of time to take advantage of the funding that’s on offer because it comes from European Regional Development Fund and is only available for a few more months. As well as offering free flood surveys, the Flood Innovation Centre team works with business owners to help them understand the findings of their survey and how to make changes aimed at making their businesses more resilient to flooding. Pip Betts, Project Manager at the Flood Innovation Centre, said: “We’re now entering the final few months of the project so we’d urge any businesses that are concerned about flooding to contact us as soon as possible if they’d like to arrange a free flood survey and take advantage of the fully funded support that’s on offer. “The funding won’t be around for much longer, so this is a golden opportunity to take steps to boost the flood resilience of your business, ensuring that you’re better protected for future flooding events. You’ll be supported by our friendly, knowledgeable team every step of the way.” “Communities across the Hull and East Yorkshire area face a variety of different types of flood risk, but climate change, coupled with increasing urbanisation, means that flood events are happening more frequently.” The Environment Agency estimates that the average cost of damage suffered by businesses during a flood event is around £82,000. As many as 40% of businesses never reopen after being flooded, and a further 25% that do reopen go on to fail within a year. To find out more about the fully funded support on offer, contact the Flood Innovation Centre by telephoning 01482 462275, emailing flic@hull.ac.uk or completing the online registration form at www.floodinnovation.co.uk/register.FET wet spinning system selected for major fibre research programme
Fibre Extrusion Technology Limited (FET) of Leeds, England has installed a FET-200LAB wet spinning system at the University of Manchester which will play a major part in advanced materials research to support sustainable growth and development.
This research programme will be conducted by The Henry Royce Institute, which operates as a hub model at The University of Manchester with spokes at other leading research universities in the UK.
The Henry Royce Institute identifies challenges and stimulates innovation in advanced UK materials research, delivering positive economic and societal impact. In particular, this materials research initiative is focused on supporting and promoting all forms of sustainable growth and development.
These challenges range from biomedical devices through to plastics sustainability and energy-efficient devices; hence supporting key national targets such as the UK’s zero-carbon 2050 target.
FET-200 Series wet spinning systems complement FET’s renowned range of melt spinning equipment. The FET-200LAB is a laboratory scale system, which is especially suitable for the early stages of formulation and process development. It is used for processing new functional textile materials in a variety of solvent and polymer combinations.
“We are delighted to be associated with such a prestigious research organisation as the Henry Royce Institute” said FET Managing Director, Richard Slack. “This flagship research programme into future materials reflects FET’s wide experience and commitment to enabling client development of textile fibres made from renewable resources”.
In particular, the FET-200LAB will be utilised in trials for a family of fibres made from wood pulp, a sustainable resource rather than the usual fossil fuels. Bio-based polymers are produced from biomass feedstocks such as cellulose and are commonly used in the manufacture of high end apparel. The key to cellulose and other materials like lyocell and viscose is that they can be recycled, treated and fed back into the wet spinning system for repeat manufacture.
Established in 1998, FET is a leading supplier of laboratory and pilot melt spinning systems with installations in over 35 countries and has now successfully processed more than 35 different polymer types in multifilament, monofilament and nonwoven formats.
Planning granted in Sheffield for UK’s largest open-die forge
Sheffield Forgemasters has secured planning permission for the construction of a building to house the UK’s largest open-die forging press.
The new 12,700 sq m structure will sit adjacent to the existing forge building on Brightside Lane and as well as housing a new 13,000 tonne press, will include offices and a water pumping station.
The building forms part of a recapitalisation programme by the Ministry of Defence, which will see up to £400 million invested in the site over ten years to upgrade the company’s defence-critical assets.
Gareth Barker, chief operating officer at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “Securing planning permission for our new heavy forge line is a true landmark in the company’s history and will see work accelerate across the site as we move into 2023.
“In the early part of 2022, we undertook a major logistical exercise to ship the new press from Japan and place it in safe storage in the UK.
“The new facility will significantly improve our throughput of large, complex forgings and will enable us to push the envelope in terms of forging techniques and processes, as well as improving accuracy and reducing downtime.”
A target date of 2025 has been set for the completion of works and the new forging press to be in operation. It will replace the company’s existing 10,000 tonne press, which was installed in the 1950s and upgraded in the 1980s.
Two enabling developments have previously been approved covering temporary construction site access as well as the partial demolition of the existing forge building and erection of new heat shield walls.
Joanna Gabrilatsou, director of planning – North, at JLL, said: “The planning process was complex and was only made possible through close collaboration with Sheffield City Council to provide a plan that both fits the needs of the business, but also protects jobs for local people. We are delighted to have obtained planning permission and are now getting underway with helping to deliver planning permission on the second phase of investment at Sheffield Forgemasters site.”
The benefits of the proposed development are considered to be significant for the economy of Sheffield and given the company’s position at the forefront of the steel industry in the UK, these benefits will be important to the national economy.
Sheffield Forgemasters currently employs more than 600 staff in the city, including about 100 graduates and 60 apprentices. The company was acquired by the Ministry of Defence in 2021.
Sheffield Forgemasters’ project team for the new forging line includes JLL, AEW Architects and Tetra Tech.
