Leeds City Region joins international AI alliance
Leeds City Region has agreed to join an international network of regions working to support businesses in the rapidly developing artificial intelligence (AI) technology sector.
Membership of the AI Alliance was announced at the AI Summit London, taking place 15-16 June. It will see Leeds City Region working with partner regions across the world to increase and develop investment opportunities in AI.
The partnership, led by the German region Baden-Württemberg, includes members in Dubai, Canada, USA, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Our region is at the forefront of artificial intelligence and big data, which are transforming business and promise to have a major impact on how we live and work in the future, and with the potential to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing the world today.
“Our digital sector is a national and global success story, driven by innovative businesses, the talent of our people. I welcome signing this agreement with the AI Alliance and the boost it will give to this important sector.”
Dr. Christian Herzog, CEO of Baden-Württemberg International (BW_i) and initiator of the AI Alliance, said: “We at BW_i are very pleased that in Leeds City Region we have found a first-class AI partner region in the United Kingdom. With the AI Alliance, we are building a unique network worldwide, consisting of eight regions that are working together in Artificial Intelligence innovation and are positioning their ecosystems internationally.”
Simon Kendall, Her Majesty’s Consul-General for Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, said: “It’s great to see this exciting partnership. A shared strength between Baden-Württemberg and the UK, AI is one of the focus areas set out in our Economic Partnership Initiative UK-BW. The UK has a world-leading AI ecosystem and is home to a third of Europe’s total AI companies.”
As a member of the AI Alliance, Leeds City Region will share information and practical experience with other partners. This includes best practices, events, networking, and support programmes for businesses’ international expansion, startups and SMEs.
Ranked number one in the UK’s Tech Town Index 2020, Leeds City Region’s digital economy is worth £6.5 billion.
Leeds City Region is one of the UK’s leading locations for AI technology, with a reputation for excellence in Digital health, Big data and analytics, FinTech, and LegalTech among others, and has been identified as a High Potential Opportunity by the Department for International Trade.
KPMG and Nexus reveal first five businesses in Leeds incubator
KPMG and Nexus have opened their dedicated incubator space with advisory support for scaleup businesses.
KPMG@Nexus is now home to five businesses: Hero Wellbeing, Caterpillar Health, enteruptors, Work And Communications and Uplift 360 which have access to commercial and research expertise through KPMG and the University of Leeds.
With businesses working across similar sectors, such as healthcare and ESG, the incubator provides an opportunity for shared learning and collaboration not only between KPMG, the University and the tenant, but also peer to peer.
The space is also available for international businesses looking to test a soft landing in the UK, which is exactly what Australian Fintech business enteruptors have been doing as they look to advance their offering.
Euan West, Leeds office senior partner at KPMG UK, said: “It’s fantastic to work with our first set of businesses in the KPMG@Nexus space as we see a material impact of our partnership with the University of Leeds.
“Supporting innovative businesses and entrepreneurs either already in Leeds, or as they consider making the move, is at the heart of what we are trying to do with the incubator space. Here, these businesses have free and unlimited access to knowledge and research that can help them to reach their potential.
“We will be continuing this with other businesses looking for similar opportunities so our door is always open for those who would like to explore joining us in the KPMG@Nexus space.”
Martin Stow, Nexus director, said: “We’re proud to have launched the KPMG@Nexus incubator and it’s exciting to see our first five businesses already benefitting from a wealth of support from KPMG, Nexus and the University can provide.
“We’re passionate about supporting scale-ups within the region but also attracting international companies to Leeds, connecting them to our brilliant innovation ecosystem and working closely with them to help accelerate their growth.”
Paul Baverstock, founder and Chief Executive of Caterpillar Health, said: “I consider myself and Caterpillar really fortunate to participate in the KPMG incubator at Nexus. Beyond having a great space from which to work it provides a real opportunity to access the brilliant resources and networks of KPMG, its partners at the University of Leeds and in the private sector.
“Sharing the space with other entrepreneurs and start-ups in the Leeds ecosystem is inspiring and creates a real sense of shared endeavour. Alison White, our relationship lead from KPMG, couldn’t be more helpful and insightful.”
George Fairhall, founder & CEO of Work And Communications, said: “Joining the KPMG@Nexus Accelerator has given us even more to look forward to this year. We have started to scale our start up app company and are currently raising £1,000,000, so couldn’t have picked a better time to receive the huge amounts of support on offer from the KPMG/Nexus team.
“Not only do we have someone to jump in and help with most things that we are faced with, we have a city centre, sparkly new incubator office to call home. After building the business from our living room, then facing the challenges of COVID we couldn’t be more excited to have finally moved in. I have missed real life interaction so much and can’t wait to learn more about the other businesses and share experiences.”
Filling job vacancies is getting tougher, says BCC
A tightening about market is making it harder for companies to find job vacancies, says the British Chambers of Commerce.
BCC Head of People Policy Jane Gratton said: “An increasingly tight labour market means it’s much harder for employers to fill job vacancies – impacting on their ability to operate normally and retain skills in the business.
“The further rise in the employment rate, together with drop in the unemployment rate are good news but they also reflect how little room for manoeuvre there is for unfilled vacancies on the ground.
“With a new record set for the number of vacancies, and no easy way to fill them for many companies, labour shortages are likely to continue to damage the UK’s growth prospects.
“Despite recruitment difficulties, the damage to firms’ finances from soaring inflation and rising national insurance will limit the extent to which wages can continue rising.
“We need to find ways to bring people back into the UK labour market. Flexible working practices, rapid re-training opportunities and a focus on workplace health can support many economically inactive people to return to the workplace.
“But for some roles, where there is clear evidence of a national shortage of skills and labour, firms need access to people, at all skill levels, from outside the UK. As well as issuing temporary and seasonal visas, the UK government needs to urgently review the Shortage Occupation List.”
FSB says small firms are pressed on all sides as Bank of England cranks up base rate to 1.25%
Federation of Small Businesses Policy and Advocacy Chair Tina McKenzie said: “This latest rise illustrates something every small business owner will be acutely aware of. Rising costs are running out of control, and the operating environment for small firms is tougher than it has been for some time.
“The increase will make access to finance for small firms more expensive. This makes announcing a successor to the Recovery Loans Scheme, which ends later this month, even more important.
“FSB figures show finance application approvals drying up, so banks must promote the new scheme in good faith. And if we see a credit crunch following, as we did in 2008, having a scheme like this from the British Business Bank already up and running could be crucial, to combat the recession and protect small businesses from going under through a lack of cash.
“The Bank of England recently used the word stagflation in connection to the current economic crisis, which is noteworthy and deeply worrying. Low growth coupled with high inflation will be a death knell to countless small businesses.
“This is a scary moment. It’s hard to overstate how devastating the current spiralling inflation levels are, for businesses and consumers alike, and the longer the situation goes on, the more the damage compounds.
“The Bank is required to try and rein inflation in, although there are question marks over how much it can actually do, given that many of the factors behind inflation, from war in Ukraine to oil prices, are outside its control.
“Anything which adds to the margin pressure small firms and sole traders are facing – such as an increase in debt costs as the base rate rises – is hard to swallow. Small businesses are bearing the brunt of this crisis, with cash reserves eroded throughout the pandemic and with late payments intensifying.
“The Government needs to act now. Households have rightly received help with their energy bills, while big businesses are able to use their bargaining power to get better deals from energy companies, but small businesses – especially micro businesses, with under 10 employees – are left high and dry and at the mercy of spiralling prices. We would like to see small businesses receiving relief via a reduction in business rates or a direct reduction to energy bills like the support households received, and for micro businesses to be eligible for the consumer price cap.
“Today saw a fresh record for fuel prices, which hit small businesses hard. A further reduction in fuel duty, or even a cut in fuel VAT, would help ease the pain.
“More widely, a cut in VAT would give the economy a real boost, and would be a lifeline to countless struggling businesses. At the very least, cutting VAT on energy would offer real help.
“Some of the funding provided for businesses by the Government over the course of the pandemic, such as the Covid Additional Relief Fund, remains unspent, and councils should redouble efforts to get the funding out to firms who really need it.
“Looking ahead, what businesses want is a reduction in uncertainty, and a sense that those in charge have plans to help the economy grow while understanding what businesses need in order to thrive. The levelling up agenda is great in theory, but we’re still waiting for real progress to be made. The long-delayed Enterprise Strategy should be brought forward, and late payments – which destroy thousands of otherwise-viable businesses every year – must be tackled through recently-announced audit reforms, with corporate boards made directly responsible for payment practices.”
Plans submitted for major apartment scheme on Leeds brownfield site
Plans to regenerate a brownfield site on Mabgate with approximately 310 apartments, as well as communal, co-working and creative space have been submitted to Leeds City Council. The proposed scheme would bring a unique landmark development to an underutilised site within an existing creative environment.
Subject to planning permission, the proposed development will further the regeneration that is taking place in this area of Leeds and offer a choice of accommodation on a key gateway site between St James’s University Hospital and the city centre. The scheme will centre around a communal heart, as a focal point for residents to meet, relax and collaborate.
The hybrid planning application, which seeks permission for the principle of the development, is being brought forward by HBD, a Yorkshire founded developer. It is anticipated that further ‘reserved matters’ planning applications will be submitted at a later date to agree the details of appearance, access, landscaping, layout and scale.
Members of the public were invited to have their say on the proposals at the start of the year. Respondents to the online survey provided feedback on the design and layout of the site, the sustainability of the scheme, and the importance of retaining heritage in the local area. HBD and the project team have listened, responded, and tried to incorporate this feedback, where possible, into the proposals.
Richard Hinds, development surveyor at HBD, said: “We are grateful for the constructive feedback which we received from members of the public on our proposed plans for Mabgate. This is a vibrant and exciting neighbourhood with a unique creative arts scene. Our ambition is to deliver a scheme which is in keeping with this culture and heritage, and delivers on the priorities of the local community.
“The comments we have received will not only help shape this hybrid planning application, but will also inform our plans for any future reserved matters application. As responsible neighbours, HBD is committed to engaging with local residents and businesses throughout the planning application and beyond.”
Plans approved for extension of Lincoln business park
North Kesteven District Council has approved plans for a third phase of Kirk’s Yard in Branston, Lincoln.
Kirk’s Yard is a 2.4-acre business park, located approximately 4 miles from Lincoln City Centre, which has been developed by local commercial property developer, Stirlin.
Stirlin completed the first phase of Kirk’s Yard back in March 2019, which comprises 6 industrial units, ranging in size, from 1,000 sq ft to 1,400 sq ft.
Due to high demand, this was swiftly followed with a second phase, which provided 5 more units at slightly larger sizes, ranging from 1,507 sq ft – 2,005 sq ft.
Following the success of these phases, with all units now occupied by a variety of growing businesses, Stirlin have been given the go-ahead to extend the site and construct a further 10 units.
Phase 3 will provide industrial units ranging in sizes from 1,507 sq ft – 2,005 sq ft. Each unit will be built to a high specification, providing warehouse space with an electric sectional door and personnel door, DDA compliant toilet facility and allocated parking spaces.
Managing Director of Stirlin, Tony Lawton, says: “We’re delighted to receive planning approval for a third phase at Kirk’s Yard. Following the significant interest we received for the first two phases, with all units now sold, we’ve seen a strong demand for new employment space in the area.
“The site has proven extremely popular, particularly due to its easy access to the new Lincoln Eastern Bypass, which allows people to avoid traffic congestion in the City Centre.”
Jamie Thorpe, chartered surveyor at the site’s sole estate agency, Pygott & Crone, says: “Stirlin’s development of Kirks Yard in Branston has been hugely successful. Phase 2 saw all units sell off-plan well in advance of build completion and we are experiencing pent up demand in this location, with a waiting list of enquires. It comes as no surprise that the Local Authority welcomed a much-needed extension to the business park that will facilitate business growth and job creation in the area.”
Tony continues: “In addition to this scheme, we have numerous other new developments and phases on the horizon. We are continuously exploring opportunities to provide more space to facilitate growing businesses and bring further employment to the county.”
Construction of the new phase on Kirk’s Yard is due to start on site in the coming months, with further details to be announced very soon.
Business development manager joins recruitment group
Rotherham-based apprentice to boardroom talent management company Nicholas Associates Group has appointed Valantis Vattis as a new business development manager in its NA Software division to grow sales for their newly released HR platform Erango.
Valantis lives in Sheffield and previously worked as a regional business consultant for EE and BT. In his new role he will be responsible for new business acquisition and existing account growth through account management and building closer relationships with clients, prospects and strategic partners.
Valantis said: “I was looking for an exciting new start in an industry I haven’t worked in before and I was attracted to Nicholas Associates Group because of their passion for people and their development. I am looking forward to using my network to encourage them to adopt the Erango software to improve record keeping and the visibility of the skills held within their workforce.”
In his spare time Valantis is a keen baker and is currently in the process of perfecting his Victoria sandwich sponge cake. He has also cycled for eight hours straight in order to raise money for the RSPCA.
Future of EV charging arrives as York’s new HyperHub opens
York’s new electric vehicle HyperHub at Monks Cross is now open.
For a limited time, the new site won’t be charging for electricity in a bid to test the new technology and encourage residents and visitors to visit the new site.
Monks Cross HyperHub is one of the largest charging hubs in Northern England with four 175kW ultra-rapid chargers, four 50kW rapid chargers, with an adjacent area having 30 7kW chargepoints. A solar canopy allows the site to generate renewable energy which can be stored in batteries.
The unique project is the result of a partnership between City of York Council and EvoEnergy.
Cllr Keith Aspden, leader of City of York Council, said: “York is now proud to be the home of one of the largest electric vehicle charging hubs in Northern England.
“The new Hyperhubs not only offer sustainability, convenience and speed but are also one the cheapest places in the UK for Rapid and Ultra Rapid charging (25 pence per kWh).
“Our Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy and work with EvoEnergy are key to the success of this project. The HyperHubs are just the latest part of city wide work to support more sustainable travel and our efforts to make York cleaner and greener.”
Cllr Andy D’Agorne, deputy leader of City of York Council, added: “York’s HyperHubs will allow electric vehicle drivers to charge easily and quickly using renewable energy. This will help to reduce emissions and improve York’s air quality, supporting our ambitions to become carbon neutral by 2030.
“Over the past few years, electric vehicle technology has progressed at pace, with many drivers switching to these next generation cars. To enable the use of electric vehicles the right infrastructure is crucial, so I’m delighted to see these new sites open alongside other council car park chargers.”
Jonathan Roper, senior design engineer at EvoEnergy, added: “The York HyperHubs, with elements such as rapid and ultra-rapid chargers, solar energy generation and battery storage, act as a technology showcase.
“Combined with GridBeyond’s management of the battery for participation in grid balancing services, the sites actually help to strengthen the electricity grid and will allow the latest electric vehicles – and the next generation of EVs – to charge in a hassle-free way, helping to reduce emissions from road transport in York.”
Kirmington firms signs new energy deal as part of growth trajectory
Sustainable energy provider British power Group has announced a new partnership with carbon and cost reduction company Renewable Energy Hub Ltd as it continues to broaden its services and product ranges.
The latest move is part of a series of new developments for the Kirmington-based company, in the wake of increasing demand from clients across the country for greener energy. The new partnership with Bridgnorth-based Renewable Energy Hub Ltd follows the announcement of new larger premises and active team recruitment, with further business growth news to follow over the coming months.
Renewable Energy Hub Ltd will be working closely with British Power Group to supply not only core Voltage Optimisation equipment but also a number of other sustainable products that will be of benefit to both British Power Group’s existing and new clients.
New product ranges will include LED lighting, heating solutions, HVAC, refrigeration and cooling, and Ozone sanitation technology. The two companies will also be working together to offer ESOS surveys, carry out water reviews and waste management. Combined, the new offerings will only enhance existing services and help to support business owners or leaders who are looking for increasing ways to implement smarter sustainable practice at their premises.
Based in Kirmington, North Lincolnshire, British Power Group says it makes a sustainable future an achievable and cost-effective reality for businesses. Its smart eco-charged projects have been designed to cover a whole range of financial benefits to clients, including solar PV, voltage optimisation, electric car charge units and energy brokerage, each bringing huge energy saving and cost reduction benefits, and collectively really packing a punch.
Steven Cullum, Director of British Power Group said: “We are thrilled to announce this partnership with Renewable Energy Hub Ltd. The company demonstrates an outstanding commitment to reducing carbon footprint and helping businesses to save money, and this ethos aligns with our own principles of building a sustainable, greener future and helping businesses to cut costs without a conscience.
“We are also delighted that by partnering with the team at Renewable Energy Hub Ltd we can offer an even broader range of products which we are certain will be greatly received by our clients.”
Green light granted for 289 new homes in village near Leeds
Redrow has been given the green light by city planners to build 289 new homes in a village near Leeds.
The new 64-acre development in West Ardsley will include 246 homes for private sale, ranging in size from two to five-bedrooms, alongside 43 affordable properties.
A significant area of the site, located off Haigh Moor Road and Westerton Road, will be retained as woodland and managed open space, with multiple green areas and playgrounds.
John Handley, Managing Director for Yorkshire, said: “We’re pleased our plans for this brand new development have been given the go ahead and we look forward to bringing almost 300 much-needed homes to the Leeds market.
“Demand from buyers in this area for high quality housing continues to outweigh local supply, and we expect our Heritage Collection homes will be particularly sought after due to their in-built energy efficiency and high specification.
“Creating more than just homes, we build thriving new communities that offer a better way to live for our customers. This development will feature a large swathe of green space and the focal point of the retained Haigh Wood through the centre, providing a brilliant environment for families looking to put down roots.”
Redrow will also contribute towards improvements to highways at the nearby M62 junction as well as providing monies towards a residential travel plan fund, both via its section 106 contributions, agreed as part of the planning process.
Work is due to start on site imminently and the first homes are due to go on sale this summer.
