York and North Yorkshire devolution deal set to provide huge financial opportunities
A much-anticipated devolution deal for York and North Yorkshire would provide one of the best financial agreements secured from the Government in the North of England as a foundation for bringing a host of benefits for hundreds of thousands of people.
The proposed agreement for devolution for York and North Yorkshire has been unveiled after intense negotiations between councillors and council officers were undertaken with the Government’s Ministers and civil servants in London.
Analysis which has been conducted by the Northern Powerhouse Partnership has revealed that the proposed deal would provide the second highest amount of funding per head of population in York and North Yorkshire for an investment fund totalling £540 million over a 30-year period when compared to the existing six agreements for devolution across the North of England.
While other devolution deals have secured additional funding for specific projects ranging from housing-building to transport improvements and boosting education and skills, the investment fund is seen as one of the key elements of any agreement as it provides flexibility to target money to specific schemes on a far more local level.
The so-called gainshare, which is the money provided by the Government annually for the investment fund, would equate to £23.31 per head of population under the proposed deal for York and North Yorkshire.
The only agreement in the North of England that has a higher figure is the devolution deal secured for the North of Tyne, which provides £24.69 per person under its investment fund.
The Northern Powerhouse Partnership said the fact that York and North Yorkshire have been given a comparable proposed settlement is a “significant recognition” by the Government of the opportunities across the area.
By comparison, gainshare funding per head of population in South Yorkshire equates to £21.81, the figure is £16.68 in West Yorkshire and £22.47 in the Tees Valley.
The Liverpool City Region’s devolution deal provides £19.68 per head of population through the annual gainshare, while the figure is £10.88 in Greater Manchester.
The Northern Powerhouse Partnership’s Chief Executive, Henri Murison, said: “The £540 million which York and North Yorkshire has secured should go a long way towards transforming public services and driving up productivity in the region.
“Whether this means improving education and skills, providing better transport links, tackling climate change or ensuring better quality jobs and career opportunities, the funding under the investment fund is a vital resource for any devolution deal.
“Most importantly, the deal means the region gets a directly-elected mayor who will remain accountable to their voters.
“The very nature of devolution is about bespoke, local solutions which means that it’s normal to see some variation in what each authority has received in terms of funding.
“It’s also important to remember that the investment fund is just one element of any deal. Greater Manchester, for example, also has a housing investment fund.”
The leader of North Yorkshire County Council, Cllr Carl Les, claimed that the detailed negotiations which began at the start of the year with Ministers in Westminster and civil servants in Whitehall had reaped the benefits of securing the proposed devolution deal.
He said: “Devolution has been an aspiration for North Yorkshire for many years now, and initial discussions happened between local leaders in the region almost a decade ago.
“It will provide us with the opportunity to make decisions which will make a huge difference to the people who live and work in the county at a far more local level, and not relying on the Government to make those decisions for us.
“Whether that is better paid jobs and more career opportunities, more homes to tackle the affordable housing crisis or improved transport links, the proposed deal would see benefits that will remain for generations to come.
“The fact that we have managed to secure such a good proposed deal is testament to the hard work and tenacity of all involved during the negotiations, and that is set to provide as with the strongest foundations going forward to ensure devolution works for everyone in York and North Yorkshire.”
The leader of City of York Council, Cllr Keith Aspden, added: “Devolution and the significant investment secured as part of the proposed deal represent a real opportunity for our city and the county.
“Throughout the negotiation process, it’s been crucial for us to secure a deal, which would recognise York’s challenges and opportunities to make a real difference to our communities and invest in their priorities – from housing and education, to environment and transport.
“Councillors are currently reviewing the proposed deal and subject to their agreement, we will move forward with plans to ask the residents and businesses of York for their views on this opportunity to secure new powers and bring millions of pounds of investment that can help shape York’s future for decades to come.”
Devolution is a key policy of the Government, handing over decision-making powers to local political leaders and providing millions of pounds in funding to shape hugely important policies and projects on a regional level.
The proposed deal for York and North Yorkshire, which was unveiled on August 1 at the National Railway Museum in York, would see the introduction of an influential mayor who would become a figurehead for the region and forge close links with the Government.
The new mayor, who would be elected in May 2024 if the proposed deal comes to fruition, would lead a new powerful combined authority that would oversee strategic projects ranging from major transport improvements and boosting skills and education to providing more affordable housing.
North Yorkshire County Council, City of York Council and district and borough authorities undertook negotiations with the Government to draw up the proposed devolution deal.
Councillors have reviewed the proposed deal over the summer and will collectively decide whether to proceed to a consultation with the public. The consultation could then take place from next month if councillors on both North Yorkshire County Council and City of York Council give the go-ahead.
Switching World Cup to winter robs pubs of trade boost potential, says insurance provider
UK pubs have missed out on revenue of £155 million they could have enjoyed during a summer World Cup, reveals new analysis from small business insurance provider Simply Business.
Figures compiled by Simply Business found that, had the men’s England team reached the final of the World Cup this summer, an additional 38 million pints would have been consumed in the UK. With the average price of a pint in the UK at £4.07, this has resulted in pubs missing out on a huge £154,660,000 in total.
Though the winter competition will still attract punters, there is concern that the full effect of World Cup trade will not be felt, with pubs already naturally seeing an upturn in trade due to the festive period. The change in timing for the tournament has left a number of business owners concerned that they will have to choose between Christmas parties and World Cup viewings.
Alan Thomas, UK CEO at Simply Business, said: “Pubs and independent hospitality businesses play an integral role in both our local communities and the success of the wider UK economy.
“Having been hit disproportionately by the impact of the pandemic, owners are now having to contend with soaring costs and rising energy prices – for many, this summer has been about survival as their recovery from the impact of the pandemic continues.
“This makes the lack of a summer World Cup an even bigger blow. Now more than ever, small businesses needed a boost. The surge in trade – to the tune of up to £155 million for UK pubs – would have come at a critical time for hospitality owners, many of whom are working hard to stay afloat while battling the impact of a surging cost of living.
“Looking ahead, as the winter World Cup overlaps with the festive season – another crucial time of year for the industry – pub owners will be forced to prioritise. For many, profits will inevitably be down, with publicans seeing their two busiest times of the year rolled into one.”
New construction skills campus opens in Leeds
CEG has opened a new Forging Futures Campus at its Kirkstall Forge development cementing its commitment to delivering skills, training and education projects in Leeds.
CEG and Wates Construction launched the first campus in 2017, working closely with Leeds College of Building and Leeds City Council. It has grown to achieve more than £11million in social value, helping to train the city’s future architects, bricklayers, civil engineers, joiners, plumbers and electricians.
As a result of its success, a new campus has opened providing expanded classrooms and facilities as well as a safe, live construction area which will help to facilitate site visits, curriculum projects and hands-on mentoring support.
At the launch event for the new campus, the latest cohort of young people to graduate from Forging Futures’ Employability Skills Course, which is delivered in conjunction with Icon Group and SCL, were presented with their certificates by the Leeds Lord Mayor, Councillor Bob Gettings.
The regular Employability Skills Courses helps young people not in education, employment or training learn new skills, build confidence and identify routes to training and employment, as well as securing Construction Skills Awards, their CSCS card training and a Level 1 Employability and Functional Skills Qualification.
Almost 150 young people who were unemployed, or not in school or vocational training have now completed the course, with many moving into apprenticeships, jobs or further education.
A further 450 participants have benefited from the curriculum delivery, site visits, workplace engagement, CV workshops and mock interviews in partnership with several Leeds schools, colleges and universities.
The Forging Futures Campus is located within the construction area of the Kirkstall Forge development site and provides vocational training, site visits and work experience for students, local people and young people not in education, employment or training.
Alongside the campus, a base has been provided for the River Stewardship Company which provides watercourse maintenance and improvement projects throughout Yorkshire. They will work closely with the team at Forging Futures Campus in providing hands-on mentoring and work experience.
Peter Marsden from the River Stewardship Company said: “We, and Riverlution are so pleased to be part of the Forging Futures Campus. It gives us a chance to be involved with the family of companies associated with the Campus and enables us to promote the environment together with the enhancing of waterways in Yorkshire. We are looking forward to collaboratively working with the Forging Futures campus and creating a safe haven for the tuition of students in the area.”
David Wingfield, Regional Director for the Northeast at Wates Construction, said: “Following the success of the first pioneering Forging Futures Campus in 2017, we’re proud to support the development of a second Campus, allowing even more graduates and young people access to modern facilities where they can gain employability skills that will serve them long into the future.
“Wates is committed to ensuring the project continues to create benefits for the people of Kirkstall and Leeds. Our investment in the local community and work with the likes of CEG and young people will help to revive local opportunities through regeneration, creating a lasting legacy for the area.”
Lucinda Yeadon, Community Liaison Manager at CEG, said: “We’re passionate about providing long-term benefits to the local community, and Forging Futures Campus has proved an incredibly successful way to deliver new skills, training and job opportunities.
“We’re so proud of those who have taken part and have seen such a positive impact on their lives. The investment into the new, larger campus will ensure we can continue to deliver our social value aspirations and help young people better access the jobs market.”
BHP training programmes recruit record numbers
Award-winning accountancy firm BHP has recruited a record number of trainees over the course of the summer.
The firm has welcomed 46 new starters across a number of teams including Audit and Accounts, Tax and Corporate Finance. They will be based in BHP’s offices in Sheffield, Chesterfield, Leeds, York and Cleckheaton.
BHP’s training programmes take on recruits from a range of backgrounds, including university graduates, school leavers and those who are completing a year-in-industry placement. Trainees are encouraged to work hands-on within their departments and, once their training has been completed, many choose to remain with the firm on a permanent basis.
This year’s intake of trainees is higher than BHP’s previous highest intake of 35, who joined the firm in 2020. It follows the firm’s Top 20 ranking in Accountancy Daily’s Top Training Firms of 2021.
Lisa Leighton, Joint Managing Partner at BHP, said: “We’re exceptionally proud of our graduate and apprenticeship schemes, which have enabled us to develop and nurture countless trainees over the years, with some of them remaining with BHP ever since.
“Investment in the growth and development of our people is crucial, not just for each individual but for the firm as a whole. With each intake of graduates, trainees and placement students, we’re widening the blend of skills, expertise and personality we can call upon – something that will only benefit our clients. I always enjoy watching our new starters grow and develop in their roles and I’m excited to see what our newest recruits can bring to BHP.”
Louise Allen, Head of HR at BHP, said: “I’d like to offer a warm welcome to our new trainees and wish them well in their new roles. We’re passionate about providing opportunities to anyone seeking a career in accountancy and, at BHP, we’re very proud of the fact that we take on people from all backgrounds, from undergraduates and graduates to school leavers and career changers.”
Yorkshire direct mail specialist celebrates quartet of award successes
Huddersfield-based direct mail provider, Propack, has won an award for its ethical practices, as well as being shortlisted in three more prestigious awards programmes.
Founded in 1995, Propack is a leading provider of technology-led print and direct mail solutions, creating innovative campaigns for its clients, producing in excess of 25 million mail packs per year from its 30,000 square foot bespoke site in Huddersfield.
Propack was named as September’s Shooting Star in the monthly award programme hosted by Huddersfield Town A.F.C. Propack was nominated by the judging panel for its commitment to ethical and sustainable mailing practices through its in-house postage brand, Ethical Mail®.
The firm has also been shortlisted in the TheBusinessDesk.com’s Yorkshire Business Masters Awards for recent investments to its Huddersfield-based factory and workforce, as well as being named as a finalist in two categories of the Prolific North Marketing Awards for its work with palliative, neurological and bereavement support charity, Sue Ryder.
In addition, Propack has secured a shortlisting in the 2022 Digital Printer Awards, in the Web-to-Print category, for its work with Christians Against Poverty (CAP) on its print-on-demand storefront.
Propack’s award successes have come from its work throughout the pandemic and beyond, to support its clients and deliver the best campaigns possible achieving stellar results.
The nominations recognise Propack’s £2.7m investment into new technology and equipment for its site as well as its work within the third sector with Sue Ryder and Christians Against Poverty.
The business has achieved a 21 per cent increase to its seven-figure annual turnover, after winning over 30 new clients since January 2021, resulting in a 38 per cent growth in headcount of its production team to 40 employees.
Its campaigns with Sue Ryder and CAP have achieved incredible results, with Sue Ryder’s average gift donation values exceeding forecasts by 140 per cent and the creation of a print-on-demand solution that delivers circa 2,500 orders per year, on time, on brand and on budget for CAP.
Managing director of Propack, Jason Clough, said: “I am incredibly proud of the team for delivering consistent and impressive results that have helped secure these award nominations and the win from Huddersfield Town A.F.C.
“This recognition solidifies my commitment to growing our operations here in Yorkshire, expanding our workforce and ensuring that our stellar client delivery continues for years to come.
“We are lucky to have such wonderful clients, and I am grateful to see our efforts being recognised by these four highly respected organisations.”
Yorkshire law firm Gordons announces strong turnover and net profit increase but faces ‘tougher’ market conditions this year
Law firm Gordons increased turnover by 16 per cent to £19.8m for the year ended 31 March 2022, with net profit rising 23 per cent to £10m.
However, the firm’s managing partner, Paul Ayre, has said market conditions for the current financial year look ‘tougher’ and that Gordons must ‘continuously improve’ in order to maintain momentum.
During the 12-month period to 31 March 2022, Gordons saw growth in all areas of its business largely through building on its strong client relationships.
The firm’s corporate and commercial team had a record year with the revenues up 30 per cent, marking five years of consecutive growth for the team.
Standout deals advised on included the sale of marketing technology platform ContentCal to US-based global software company Adobe and nursery operator Kinder Haven to Kids Planet.
In the same period, Gordons launched its start-ups and emerging companies service led by new partner, Amy Pierechod, and extended its strategic partnership with digital and tech start-up network NorthInvest.
Gordons was also appointed as legal partner by funding connector Fund Her North which aims to provide access to funding for female led businesses in the North.
In addition, Gordons made a series of strategic appointments including head of restructuring, Jonathan Jackson, and head of banking, Ben Roden, and promoted six new partners. The firm also appointed its first head of wellbeing and inclusion, solicitor Catherine Woodward.
Gordons managing partner, Paul Ayre, said: “Clients are facing big challenges at the moment, and this will impact law firms as we experience a tougher market.
“We need to continuously improve our service and ways of working to preserve the trusted relationships that have served us so well.”
Yorkshire knocked out of running to host Eurovision 2023
Leeds and Sheffield have been knocked out of the running to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, leaving Glasgow and Liverpool as the final shortlist candidates.
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council said: “Congratulations to both Glasgow and Liverpool on making the final shortlist to host Eurovision 2023.
Having Eurovision in the UK next year, and honouring Ukrainian culture and heritage is something that every city will have had in the forefront of their minds as part of the bid. We worked closely with our local Ukrainian community as we bid for Eurovision and remain committed in our support for the Ukrainians in Leeds and West Yorkshire and the country as they continue to face the devastating impact of a needless war.
I would like to thank our local Ukrainian community for all their support and help, and I would also like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has been involved in bringing the Leeds bid together from our own staff to all our key partners who worked so hard to bring it to life.
We believe the city did the best we possibly could and whilst we may not have been successful we have an amazing year of culture to look forward to, as we let culture loose in 2023, and come together to celebrate everything and everyone in our great city.”
Cllr Ben Miskell, Economic Development and Skills Policy Committee Deputy Chair for Sheffield City Council said: “Massive congratulations to Glasgow and Liverpool – the final 2 left in the race to host Eurovision.
Getting to the final 7 showed we really mean business here in Sheffield – loads of cities wanted to host this and it was amazing to see Sheffield and South Yorkshire get behind this bid. Over the last few months we have showcased the very best of Sheffield – the love of music that runs through our veins, our stunning Outdoor City, and of course our people.
As the UK’s first City of Sanctuary we have said all along we were doing this in solidarity with Ukraine and its people. We have long-held and strong connections with Ukraine and they have been at the forefront of our minds throughout this bid.
The BBC have paid tribute to the passion, enthusiasm, quality and creativity we showed in our bid and we’re incredibly proud of the work team Sheffield and team South Yorkshire did to get us this far. Massive thanks goes to the universities, colleges, businesses, culture sector and of course our Ukrainian communities too, all of whom got behind this.
After the summer we’ve had hosting the record-breaking UEFA Women’s Euros, we have some massive events coming up in Sheffield – the Rugby League World Cup, the Arctic Monkeys at Hillsborough and the UK Figure Skating Senior Grand Prix, for example.
‘There’s more to come from Sheffield and we cannot wait.”
Yorkshire pet treat company secures £1.75m investment
Yorkshire-based private equity house, Traditum has made a £1.75m investment in Halifax-based Sniffers Pet Care.
The funding will allow Sniffers to build on its established relationships, support the rollout of new brands and product ranges and will enable them to invest in new manufacturing and distribution roles at its Halifax site.
Sniffers is an award-winning family-owned business with over 40 years of experience in the pet industry across retail and distribution, specialising in natural pet treats and supplying the likes of Pets at Home, Jollyes and hundreds of independent retailers with its brands including Walter Smith, Buffalo Natural Dog and Monster Chocs.
Simon Brown, Sniffer’s Pet Care CEO, said: “We have transformed our business over the past three years, focusing on new, high-quality product lines which cater for dog owners looking for a more natural product for their pet.
“I’m hugely proud of the business my family and team have built, and it’s been exhilarating to see such a rapid increase in sales with household name retailers.
“The investment from Traditum will allow us to roll out a new brand proposition and continue our growth in an increasingly fast-moving sector. The team brings in-depth knowledge of managing scaling businesses, and I look forward to working with them to build on our success.”
Iain Marlow, head of investments at Traditum, said: “At Traditum we are looking for businesses that have a strong management team, with values that align to ours in terms of integrity and aspiration and Sniffers more than ticked all our boxes.
“The UK is a nation of pet lovers who care about the quality of what they feed their pets. Simon and his team have established Sniffers as one of the leading suppliers of natural pet food in the highly competitive UK market.
“Their dedication to quality, innovation and reliability has enabled them to secure relationships with some of the largest retailers in the UK. Our investment will enable the business to build on its established position, expand operational capabilities and deliver new brand and product propositions.”
In 2022 the UK pet food industry is worth £3.3bn, with dog ownership in the UK growing significantly during the pandemic. According to recent figures from the PDSA, the dog population in the UK is estimated at 10.2 million, with 27% of adults owning one or more dogs.
Traditum was supported with legal advice from Paul Johnson and Nina Latham of law firm Mills and Reeve.
Richard Wilson of RSM provided tax advice to Traditum. Nigel Hoyle from Blacks provided legal advice to the vendors, and Sara Whitton from My Management Accountant provided financial support to Sniffers.
New network seeks to address skill shortages to transform Yorkshire economy
Employers and educators are being urged to collaborate to enhance skills in an effort to transform Yorkshire’s economy.
Skill shortages have continually topped the priority list for businesses and public organisations large and small across the region, so a new network is being formed to bring together businesses, the public sector, universities, colleges and training providers to deliver a skills agenda that meets the needs of the economies of West and North Yorkshire.
Figures from the Learning and Work Institute show that the UK skills shortage could cost the country £120 billion by 2030, and statistics published by the British Chamber of Commerce this year showed that the majority of service sector (65 per cent) and manufacturing firms (79 per cent) experienced difficulties in identifying and acquiring the right candidates.
The Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIPS), funded by the Department for Education, aims to address this by putting the voice of local employers at the centre of the learning and skills system to build a stronger partnership between employers and further education providers.
The aim is to make provision more responsive to employers’ needs and help address issues with staffing and productivity across the region. With the skill requirements of a SME in Wakefield or Leeds likely to be far different from a market town in North Yorkshire, the new system will help tailor training in accordance with these individual needs.
The LSIPs are being administered jointly by both the West & North Yorkshire and Mid-Yorkshire Chambers of Commerce who are now calling for both the private and educational sectors to step forward and join the programme so that both young people entering the workforce, and those currently in employment, have the tools they need to play a full role in the region’s economy.
James Mason, chief executive of West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Even prior to the pandemic, businesses have been struggling to find the best talent to drive their firms forward. This has kept productivity low and hampered growth.
“With LSIPs, we can change all of this. Government has approved our two bids to administer the programmes in both West and North Yorkshire.
“We now want to become the convening point that brings together both the educational and employment sector to begin discussing how we can deliver a skills agenda that is both designed and delivered here in Yorkshire to meet our own needs.
“We want to hear from as many voices as possible so do not miss out on your chance to be part of this new era for the region’s economy.”
Martin Hathaway, managing director of Mid-Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “For years businesses have been lamenting the paucity of skill levels in our workforce. Now we have an historic opportunity to empower our workforces and employers with the tools they need to thrive in a modern economy.
“Now is your chance to be part of this journey and we look forward to working with you to deliver this vision.”
Crest Nicholson’s Yorkshire division makes first land acquisition
Housebuilder, Crest Nicholson, has completed the first land acquisition for their Yorkshire division.
The 6-acre parcel of land, marketed by JLL’s Yorkshire and North East office, received an unprecedented amount of interest, resulting in a total of 25 bids being received for the much sought after opportunity in Sprotbrough, on the edge of Doncaster.
The acquisition, led by Crest Nicholson’s regional director Guy Evans, marks a major milestone for the housebuilder’s expansion into Northern England, with the division planning to build 600 homes annually – playing a key role in Crest Nicholson’s growth strategy to deliver over 4,000 new home completions annually by 2026.
The new development, located between Melton Road & Cadeby Road in the affluent village of Sprotbrough, is an allocation of Doncaster’s Local Plan. Subject to planning, Crest Nicholson will deliver a mix of approximately 70 open market and affordable homes for the community.
It will incorporate Crest Nicholson’s new house type range, providing a mix of homes from one bedroom apartments to five bedroom houses, with the first completions expected in Summer 2024.
Guy Evans, regional director of Crest Nicholson Yorkshire, said: “The acquisition of Sprotbrough is a significant milestone for Crest Nicholson as we expand into the North. We are actively seeking sought after locations, such as Sprotbrough, given its proximity to the city of Doncaster and connections to other key locations within the region, as part of our commitment to delivering high-quality homes and communities across Yorkshire.”
