North Yorkshire councillors approve £39m stations improvement bid
An ambitious £39m bid to improve access to Thirsk, Scarborough and Seamer railway stations has been given the go-ahead.
North Yorkshire County Council’s Executive has approved submission of the bid to the Government’s Levelling-Up Fund.
At Thirsk, a £5.4m scheme would offer step-free access to every platform, bringing long awaited improvements for pedestrians and cyclists. It is proposed to replace the footbridge with a two-span bridge with three lift towers. One tower would be adjacent to the upper car park and the other two on the island platforms. A high-level walkway would connect the new footbridge to the drop-off point on Carlton Road.
The proposal at Scarborough station is to provide a transport hub to help to regenerate the station, reinvigorate a historic part of the town and strengthen connections between the station, town centre and seafront. It would host facilities including cycle storage, hire, repair and amenities, bus stands and waiting areas, taxi booking stands, electric vehicle rental facilities and commercial space. The £8.4m hub proposal is part of a wider plan for the station and surrounding area led by Scarborough Borough Council.
A £25.2m project at Seamer station would provide a new pedestrian and cycle link connecting the station to residential sites in the west, a new three-span open footbridge across the rail line and A64, including lifts to platforms one and two, and a new station car park to the east of the track on to the A64. The scheme would improve safety, enhance access to work places and business opportunities and increase station passenger demand.
The Levelling-Up Fund supports investment in local infrastructure that has a visible impact on people and their communities. The county council proposals aim to improve access for pedestrians and cyclists at the three stations, increase usage, reduce rail journey times and support decarbonisation of the transport network.
The executive member for highways and transportation, Cllr Keane Duncan, said: “We’re committed to modernising North Yorkshire’s transport infrastructure – with our bold proposals representing more than £39m of potential investment.
“The three bids demonstrate the council’s ambitions to improve our stations, connecting residents with employment and supporting economic growth.
“These latest bids are just part of our efforts. We are supporting similar station bids submitted by our district and borough council colleagues, while work to deliver the Transforming Cities Fund gateway projects at Harrogate, Selby and Skipton stations is already under way.”
If the bid is successful, work will begin within the current financial year, with a deadline for delivery of the schemes of 31 March 2025.
Fusion energy plant could bring huge economic boost to region
A prototype fusion energy plant could bring huge economic benefits to the region – potentially generating more than £1b in gross value added (GVA), an economic report has concluded.
If the proposed site to host the plant near Goole in East Yorkshire is given the go-ahead by the Government, it could also create more than 8,000 jobs during the manufacture and construction of the prototype power plant.
The site is one of five shortlisted by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) as potential locations to host the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) programme.
The winning location will be announced later this year.
The East Riding of Yorkshire Council bid was supported by key industry bodies, a range of different stakeholders and a partnership of northern universities, led by the University of York.
Those behind the bid say the project could be truly transformative and bring opportunity to generations.
Fusion is an intrinsically safe technology, and has the potential to provide a near-limitless source of secure, low carbon energy by copying the processes that power the sun and stars where atoms are fused to release energy, creating nearly four million times more energy for every kilogram of fuel than burning coal, oil or gas.
The headline objective of STEP is to demonstrate delivery of net electricity to the grid at the 100MW (megawatts) level.
The economic report, carried out by Dr Mark Graham, senior economist at the Data Driven Innovation Programme, University of Edinburgh, quantified the huge economic benefits the plant could bring in construction costs, investment, training and jobs.
The massive project has been broken down into distinct phases, culminating in the completion of the STEP prototype reactor by around 2040. Phase I is currently underway with £222m of government funding and involves land acquisition and concept design by 2024. Phase II would see site development and engineering design through to 2032, while Phase III would see the manufacture and construction of the STEP prototype reactor which could generate investment totalling £10b.
Phase III could generate 8,651 jobs, the report concludes.
The initial phase of construction and development would see growth from hundreds of workers in 2024 needed to build the initial infrastructure, towards the Phase III level by the 2030s.
There are already around 18,000 manufacturing jobs within the East Riding of Yorkshire and the report’s author concludes the region could serve many of the needs of the third and final phase of the project.
With over 160,000 science, research, engineering and technology professionals based within a 50 mile radius of Goole, the local area, the report’s author says the region is particularly well served to meet R&D opportunities.
STEP will drive early investment in regional skills at all stages, from primary and secondary schools to further education colleges, apprenticeships and universities. The exciting career opportunities that STEP offers will be available to all – the girls and boys at primary school now, could be the operators of STEP in the future.
The report recommends consideration of a new University Technical College in the region focused on Net Zero and Fusion requirements, with the University of York well-placed to lead along with key industrial partners associated with the project.
Other regional strengths highlighted in the report include:
- In the City of York and North Yorkshire, the University of York has expertise in simulations, instrumentation and experimental research in fusion plasmas, nuclear physics, social science aspects of fusion energy, robotics and the Institute for Safe Autonomy
- In South Yorkshire, the University of Sheffield has expertise including concrete, electrical energy storage, robotics, advanced materials, radioactive waste management, fluid dynamics and control
- The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) in Rotherham brings together an enormous range of expertise from casting, machining and joining, through materials and composites to digital and additive manufacturing
- The Nuclear AMRC, also in Rotherham, brings nuclear-specific expertise across machining, welding and simulation
- UKAEA has recently established a new fusion technology research centre in Rotherham
- In West Yorkshire, University of Leeds has strengths in advanced engineering materials, corrosion, robotics & autonomous systems, fluid mechanics and nuclear engineering
- Huddersfield hosts the North of England branch of the National Physical Laboratory, as well as key accelerator facilities of the National Ion Beam Centre
- In Hull and East Yorkshire the University of Hull hosts the Energy and Environment Institute, along with expertise in advanced materials and virtual & augmented reality.
ABP makes more development land available at Grimsby under ‘1,000 acre’ plan
ABP is offering an 89-acre site at the Port of Grimsby, capable of supporting 1.16m sq ft of development.
The site is aimed at use by manufacturing, logistics, and low-carbon energy producers, and is the latest land release in ABP’s port-centric manufacturing initiative which will make more than 1,000 acres of development land available. The announcement comes shortly after Rolls-Royce SMR named Grimsby as a potential site for manufacture of elements of its Small Modular Reactor plans for the UK’s energy future.
The Port of Grimsby is one of the UK’s leading automotive ports and a major hub for the offshore wind industry. It also continues to handle a range of other cargoes, while retaining strong links to the fishing and food industries.
ABP Regional Director for the Humber, Simon Bird, said: “Together with ABP’s other Humber ports – Immingham, Hull, and Goole – it provides an unparalleled gateway for the trade connecting businesses across the UK, Europe, and beyond.
“It also offers access to industrial and logistic hubs across the North East and the East Midlands.”
The Future Grimsby site can accommodate units ranging from 7,500 sq ft to 210,000 sq ft. Mr Bird added: “ABP has a strong history of working collaboratively with a range of industry sectors. The recent focus on supply-chain pressures makes a close working relationship with the logistics sector crucially important for the wider national economy.
“Grimsby is also at the forefront of low carbon energy and carbon-capture innovations. We are looking to partner with businesses that can benefit from our financial commitment and experience of creating design-and-build bespoke accommodation.”
CBRE and PPH Commercial are advising ABP on the opportunities provided by the Grimsby site.
New library takes shape
Construction works have begun to bring a new library to the local community in Haxby and Wigginton, with the arrival of diggers in recent weeks.
City of York Council, Explore Libraries and Haxby and Wigginton Youth and Community Association are working together to co-locate a new library at Oaken Grove Community Centre. The new facility will replace the old library in Haxby, which was closed in 2016 on the grounds of public safety.
The new library will be open 6 days a week and a new reading café, run by Explore, will provide the community and customers visiting the centre with a place to relax and enjoy refreshments inside and outside.
The new venue is expected to be open later this year.
Key features of the build include:
- a new extension to the side of the community centre which will house the new library and reading cafe at the front of the building, with the community rooms for hire to the rear
- a new central entrance with improved storage space for pushchairs and buggies leading into a central café and seating area for all to enjoy
- a children’s and adult library, with new shelving, nooks and crannies for children to explore, a separate area for teenagers
- PCs available for use by residents
- a new kitchen to support the new reading café offering barista style coffee options, snacks and able to offer hot meals for specific events or if demand requires
- an outdoor terrace area will provide space to read a book or enjoy the peaceful garden
- extended free public Wi-Fi
- improvements to the fabric and energy efficiency of the building with
- enhanced insulation
- LED lighting throughout
- new gutters and facia
- new aluminium double glazed windows to enhance the appearance and reduce future maintenance costs
- refurbished toilets to reflect the rest of the new build
- a new more efficient heating system for the building
- reconfiguration and refurbishment of the existing community rooms with new acoustic dividing walls to improve the flexibility of use, new floor coverings and decoration
- 2 newly marked disabled bays in the car park
- new covered cycle shelter
Doncaster and York feature on six-name shortlist for home of Great British Railways
Doncaster and York feature on the six-name shortlist published by the Government as potential locations for the national HQ of Great British Railways, which will go forward to a consultative public vote to be held online and by post.
The confirmed list of shortlisted towns and cities is:
- Birmingham
- Crewe
- Derby
- Doncaster
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- York
- alignment to Levelling Up principles
- connected and easy to get to
- opportunities for GBR
- value for money
- railway heritage and links to the network
- public support
North & East Yorkshire charity, York Against Cancer, celebrates 35 years by opening a brand-new support centre
One of North & East Yorkshire’s leading charities, York Against Cancer, is planning to open a brand-new cancer support centre, at the York Community Stadium in Huntington, York this Autumn as it celebrates Its 35th year. The new ‘Leveson Centre’ will provide a wide range of holistic support services to complement clinical cancer treatments provided at York Hospital and help patients from across the region to live with and beyond cancer. York Against Cancer is launching a fund-raising campaign to support the Centre and its other services for people from across the region who are living with cancer.
Located next to York Against Cancer’s gift shop at the Community Stadium in York, the new space will provide a friendly, welcoming ‘home-from-home’ environment for patients, friends, and families to visit and access support or just to drop in for a cup of coffee and a chat. Visitors will be able to access information and advice, professional help, and a weekly and monthly timetable of activities. Services will include benefits and financial advice, ‘Look Good Feel Better’, complementary therapy, psychological support and counselling, will writing and health and wellbeing activities.
Exclusively funded through generous donations and legacies received by York Against Cancer, the charity is working closely in partnership with the York and Scarborough Hospital Trust to ensure they create a space that will positively impact the region’s level of cancer support services for years to come. The fund-raising campaign being launched by the charity will support the ongoing running costs of the new Centre as well its other services which include the Mobile Chemotherapy Unit, launched in 2017; its minibus service which takes patients from York and the surrounding areas for treatment at St James’ Hospital in Leeds; a respite home in Filey; as well as a world-leading cancer research programme at the University of York.
The Leveson Centre has thoughtfully been named after one of the charity’s founders, Steve Leveson, a retired Consultant Surgeon, who started York Against Cancer 35 years ago and who, with his wife Patricia, has supported the charity ever since. Renowned for his skills as a surgeon, researcher, educator and for his genuine compassion, he has touched the lives of thousands of people across North and East Yorkshire.
Steve Leveson commented: “This is a fantastic step forward for both York and for the wider region and will mean support for cancer patients will be hugely increased and more accessible for everyone. I am honoured that The Leveson Centre has been named after my wife Patricia and myself, and we are excited to see its launch.”
Laura Milburn, Deputy Associate Chief Operating Officer and Head of Cancer added: “Community cancer care is something we’ve been aspiring to deliver well for the patients of York and Scarborough Hospitals for a very long time and to achieve this in partnership with York Against Cancer is very exciting. We look forward to the centre opening and helping York Against Cancer to run this amazing facility.”
Julie Russell, CEO of York Against Cancer commented: ‘This is such an exciting project in York Against Cancer’s 35th year! The new Leveson Centre will really extend the support and care we are able to offer cancer patients from across York and the wider region. We want it to serve the people that need it long into the future as well as continue with our other vitally important services and research. We are asking people to get behind us to raise funds or donate and support this fantastic project and continue to build on our success for years to come. Together we can make a difference!”.”
York Against Cancer was established in 1987 and has since raised more than £20 million to make a difference to the lives of local people affected by cancer. It relies on donations, fundraising, and volunteers to enable it to invest in cancer care, research, and awareness for people affected by cancer from York, North and East Yorkshire. To get involved or donate see: www.yorkagainstcancer.org.uk
Leeds entrepreneur announced as Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2022 finalist
Leeds-based Neil Moles has been recognised as one of the best in the business after being named as a finalist in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.
Neil is CEO of Progeny, a professional services company headquartered in Leeds, offering. independent financial planning, investment management, tax services, property, HR and legal counsel.
Neil is one of the shortlisted business leaders from across the nation to have been selected out of over 5,300 entrants – the most the awards has ever had.
The Great British Entrepreneur Awards, in partnership with Starling Bank, acknowledges and champions the hard work and uplifting stories of business owners across the UK, with an emphasis on their journey and resilience over financial achievements.
Twelve awards will be given out per region for categories including Disruptor of the Year, Entrepreneur for Good Award, and the Great British Entrepreneur of the Year. Notable winners from previous years include Social Chain founder Steven Bartlett, who went on to become the youngest ever investor on BBC’s Dragon’s Den.
Neil comments: “Entrepreneurship is so important because it both accelerates economic growth and drives innovation and I’m proud to be recognised by the Great British Entrepreneur Awards on this front.
We are continuing to develop my original vision of ‘all your professional advisers under one roof’, offering an expanding suite of joined-up services for our clients, as well as positioning Progeny as employer of choice, business partner and benefactor within our communities.”
This year’s awards will also feature a brand new award highlighting the organisations investing in the training and development of young people. The John Caudwell Blaze Your Own Trail Award looks to recognise outstanding examples of businesses offering apprenticeships, vocational training, and diversity and inclusion initiatives, all in the name of improving young people’s access to work.
The winners will be announced at a Grand Final, held at the Grosvenor Hotel in London on 21st November.
This year is the 10th anniversary of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. The alumni has collectively generated over £30 billion in revenue and employed more than 450,000 people.
To mark the milestone year for the programme, entrants will have the chance to win over £30,000 worth of marketing support and a tree will be planted for every application submitted with the support of Ecologi.
Founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, Francesca James, said the quality of this year’s entrants exemplified the strength of entrepreneurship across the UK: “The quality of applications is consistently excellent year on year, but we have been especially blown away by the innovation, drive and determination demonstrated this year. Shortlisting from so many inspiring contenders has been more challenging than ever, with many deserving cases put forward and an ever-growing business community thriving across the country.
“From the pandemic to the ongoing cost of living crisis, business owners haven’t had it easy over the past few years, but it’s a testament to the tenacity and perseverance of these entrepreneurs that they have continued on their path and refused to give in.
“This year’s finalists should be so proud of what they’ve already achieved both in business and in being shortlisted for an award – we’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the Finals and unveiling the winners!”
Anne Boden MBE, Founder of Starling Bank, headline partner of the Awards, said: “Congratulations to all those businesses who have made the shortlist. It’s great to see the passion, resilience and amazing ingenuity from entrepreneurs across so many categories.”
Craig joins Pepperells Solicitors in new role
Pepperells Solicitors has appointed Craig Day to the firm in the new role of Head of People and Culture.
In the role will support Directors and Heads of Service in championing the values of the firm, supporting colleagues through their development and implementing new welfare and culture opportunities for their teams.
Craig joins Pepperells following a career as a policeman, culminating in leadership and change management roles. Craig has managed high performing teams for over ten years, often in extremely emotional situations.
Craig said: “I am passionate about developing a positive culture in the workplace and have many years of experience in supporting teams with wellbeing initiatives and talent management. I am looking forward to being part of the continued success of this modern and fast paced law firm.“
CEO Ben Pepperell said; “Craig will play a pivotal role in the continued growth of the organisation by developing our unique high performing culture and positive employee experience. This will be a standalone position reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, working closely with the leadership team to develope our people, culture and values of the firm.”
www.pepperells.com
Construction starts on major medical distribution centre in Wakefield
Construction has started on a major medical distribution centre in Wakefield, which will create between 150 and 300 jobs and serve the NHS and pharmacies across the North of England.
The 260,000 sq ft facility is being built by GMI Construction Group PLC on behalf of developer HBD and Yorkcourt for PHOENIX Group; a large group of companies providing healthcare services and products across the UK and Europe.
The completed facility will feature 22 dock level loading bays and seven level access doors to enable the productive arrival and distribution of medical products. It will also be highly energy efficient, including the use of Solar PV on its roof. The car park will also offer 46 electric vehicle charging bays.
As part of the development, the site will have extensive landscaped areas and a balancing pond, while improvements will be made to adjacent bridleways, which are connected to the iconic Trans Pennine Trail.
The facility at Wakefield Hub, which is close to Junction 30 of the M62, will provide PHOENIX Group’s Phoenix Medical Supplies business with an extensive distribution base for its operations covering North East England and Yorkshire.
Wakefield Hub is being delivered in joint venture by HBD and Yorkcourt and, spanning 200-acres, is one of the largest regeneration projects of its kind in the North of England.
Among its business activities, PHOENIX Group provides the NHS with a safe, reliable and cost-effective supply chain to ensure patients receive the medicines they need in hospitals, community pharmacies and GP surgeries.
Also within the group, PHOENIX Group operates a number of pharmacy brands including Rowlands, Numark and NuCare and supports more than 4,000 community pharmacies.
The facility will be PHOENIX Group’s 14th UK depot, which already deliver more than 250 million packs of medicines each year. It employs 5,500 people.
The facility is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2022 and will generate around 150 construction jobs during the build programme.
Andrew Hurcomb, Managing Director – Yorkshire at GMI Construction Group, said: “We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with HBD to deliver this significant project, which will enhance the economy of the local area and generate employment. The investment being made in Wakefield is indicative of the levelling up that’s taking place in the North of England that GMI is contributing to through the construction of facilities such as this.”
Steve Anderson, PHOENIX Group Managing Director, said: “Over the last few years, we have seen an outstanding growth in customer demand for our core services outpacing the market: Wakefield is a prime example of how we are committed to investing in the future by expanding our UK-wide operational capabilities to offer all our customers across the country the best possible service they need, want and deserve.
“This follows our investment a few years ago in a new, much larger depot in Belfast to meet growing demand in Northern Ireland. This is in addition to introducing market-leading new service solutions such as Golden Tote; Hey Pharmacy; centralised repeat prescription assembly; and PilPouch. This is an exciting time for PHOENIX UK.”
Tom Wheldon, director and head of region at HBD, said: “It’s fantastic to see the new unit for PHOENIX starting on site – its move to Wakefield is a huge vote of confidence in Wakefield as a place to invest and in the strength of Yorkshire’s regional economy.”
Scott Mackie, director at Yorkcourt, said: “We’re excited to see work beginning on the new unit for PHOENIX; the latest addition to Wakefield Hub. It’s an important scheme for Wakefield, regenerating a 200-acre site and creating significant new job opportunities.”
Cllr Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council, said: “We are delighted to have this new centre in our district, providing much needed medical supplies to the NHS.
“It’s fantastic to see more investment being made in the Wakefield district and a welcome addition to the district’s fantastic business community.
“With a £6 billion economy and world-famous businesses already established in the area the district is a great place to be located.
“Wakefield has plenty to offer. It has strong connections that make it incredibly accessible to the rest of the country, with the main motorway networks meeting just outside the city centre, along with a regular mainline rail service to London that takes two hours.
“We want more businesses to choose the district as a base for their operations, and the Council works in partnership with companies to encourage this and make it happen.”
Platinum Stairlifts opens new manufacturing centre of excellence after £6m fit-out
A stairlift manufacturer has opened the doors to its new state-of-the-art production facility, following a seven-figure investment.
Platinum Stairlifts, based in Keighley, has been manufacturing home mobility solutions in the North of England for more than 25 years. After more than a decade of working out of many separate manufacturing facilities, the business has now consolidated production into one, 60,000 sq ft site – in an investment worth more than £6million.
The move was supported by a seven-figure asset finance solution, provided by Lloyds Bank.
Originally signing the lease in 2020, the two-year fit out of the facility is now complete, which included the installation of new plant equipment and machinery, such as cutting-edge tube bending, steel handling and laser cutting tools.
The site has been designed to enable optimal material flow, helping to drive efficiency and eliminate waste in the manufacturing process. It is a centre of manufacturing excellence, and has created the foundation for additional investment in product development and manufacturing technologies.
The move is set to create 30 additional manufacturing roles over the next 12 months, with Platinum Stairlifts also anticipating year-on-year turnover growth of more than 20% for the next three years.
Marcus Green, chief financial officer at Platinum Stairlifts, said: “Our purpose is to give people the freedom to live independently at home. It’s an easy thing to underestimate, but a stairlift can give people the opportunity to come home from hospital or hospice care, or to access parts of their home that they may have been cut off from for a long time. That’s why continuous investment in our manufacturing capabilities and product features is critical.
“It has been a long journey, so we are excited to welcome our staff to our new facility, and for the growth this will unlock moving forward.”
Mark Butterworth, relationship director at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Platinum Stairlifts has become a go-to provider within its core market in recent years. And the opening of its new facility will unlock new capabilities and possibilities for its customers, helping the team to meet growing demand in the market, as well as create local jobs and investment.
“We’re excited to see what’s next for Platinum and look forward to watching them go from strength to strength.”
