Hull & Humber Chamber welcomes DG from Department for International Trade
Andrew Mitchell, Director General of the Department for International Trade, has visited the Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce’s Chief Executive Dr Ian Kelly and stakeholder partners to explore how international trade support for local businesses in the Humber will look in the future.
DIT/HEY LEP International Partnership Manager Andrew Finch organised the meeting which the Chamber hosted at its Hull HQ to review how to help businesses grow back into exporting activity after the global Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit.
Dr Kelly welcomed the Government’s top International Trade civil servant who had previously been Ambassador to Sweden, as well as the lead for UK trade with Europe, to the Hull and Humber region and highlighted the Chamber’s historic work taking more than 100 trade missions and exhibitions to market and generating more than £150m worth of income for businesses in global markets on behalf of the fourth largest trading estuary in Europe.
Other private sector partners at the meeting included Pansena working at the Saltend site with Ineos and other renewables businesses to bring a new “rare earth raw materials” capability to the Humber as part of our growing renewable energy capability. Similarly local authority partners Hull City Council and ERYC were also on hand as well as HEY LEP and University of Hull AURA colleagues to explore the exciting opportunities coming to the Humber region.
Andrew Mitchell recognised the rapidly expanding role of the Humber for inward investment on both banks of the river which the new “Opportunities Humber” organisation being created by Cabinet Minister Michael Gove to take over from the HEY LEP and others, in co-ordinating the work of inward investment, marketing and international trade as part of the Government’s new Levelling Up proposals and Devolution agenda.
The Government’s additional proposals for a Freeport for the Humber were also discussed, along with the need to connect the work of Opportunities Humber with the newly emerging Humber Energy Board to be chaired by Richard Gwilliam of Drax plc (also a Chamber board member). The move comes as HEY LEP begins a process of merging into the two North Bank local authorities as part of the parallel devolution agenda outlined by Michael Gove recently in his White Paper.
All partners agreed to work to ensure businesses were given the best chance to get back into international trade and attract new inward investment to best effect. These supply chain issues were highlighted by the Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, when he spoke to the Chamber recently on the energy crisis and the war in Ukraine.
Leeds Beckett academics partner with York business to break into new international markets
Academic experts at Leeds Beckett University have joined forces with an innovative North Yorkshire business – to transform their management capabilities and develop innovative, agile strategies to break into new international markets.
The team of academics, all based within Leeds Business School, will work with York-based Ardent Limited on the Management Knowledge Transfer Partnership (mKTP) project, which is part-funded by the Government through Innovate UK.
Ardent are suppliers of fire protection and electronic safety systems for people and businesses using plant, public transport, and specialised vehicles – in the UK and overseas.
The project will run for 30 months and will focus on building long-term marketing and internationalisation strategies for Ardent as they continue to grow. This will help Ardent to achieve its goal of being recognised as a safety industry leader that puts its customers’ needs first.
The mKTP’s goal is to embed permanent transformations in leadership, management, and culture across the business.
Dr Catherine Ashworth, senior lecturer in strategic marketing at Leeds Beckett, is leading the partnership. She explained: “Through our new partnership we aim to create strategic growth within Ardent. We will do this by embedding new management capabilities across the value chain – and a new leadership model across the organisation.
“We will also focus on improving Ardent’s capabilities in gathering expert market intelligence, strategically assessing overseas market opportunities, developing internal and stakeholder communications, and by delivering strategic decision-making.”
Neil Crowther, Managing Director of Ardent Limited, said: “Since our founding in 1993, we have always aimed to continually improve our offering and service. We always prioritise challenging ourselves and encourage collaboration across the company. This partnership is a natural fit for us and we look forward to it being a productive relationship that will help us provide even better service to all our customers around the world.”
A skilled graduate has been recruited to carry out the project as a full-time member of staff within Ardent, with the full support and input of the academic team at Leeds Beckett. The academics all have extensive experience of working with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on knowledge exchange projects and as industry practitioners – which will add an extra level of value to the business.
The team will create a range of tools, frameworks and capabilities for Ardent, which can be used, and continuously developed, following the completion of the partnership.
The mKTP has received financial support from the UK government department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) through Innovate UK.
Hydrock expands footprint across UK with acquisition of 3E Consulting Engineers
Hydrock has acquired 3E Consulting Engineers (3e) as it expands its footprint across the UK.
Founded in 2001, 3e has a 30-strong team currently operating from offices in Newcastle and Wakefield.
The consultancy delivers civil engineering, geo-environmental and structural engineering services on a wide range of property projects, both across the UK and internationally.
Dr Brian McConnell, Hydrock’s CEO, said: “This is a great strategic move for both Hydrock and 3e. As we continue to expand at pace across the UK and internationally, this will strengthen our offer in key territories in the North of England, particularly in the North East, which we see as an area for key strategic growth as levelling-up opportunities unfold across the country.
“It also enables 3e to realise their own growth plan which is fuelled by the strong relationships they’ve established over the past 21 years with a high calibre portfolio of clients, including Aldi, Keepmoat and Kier.
“Our new colleagues are warmly welcomed into the Hydrock family. We know they’ll reflect our aspiration to be a force for good, our values, and the way we build relationships with clients which have been core to our long-term success.”
The acquisition complements Hydrock’s established reputation which includes a circa 700 strong existing team delivering integrated engineering design services from 20 locations around the UK.
3E Consulting Engineers’ director, Steve Watson, said: “We’re very proud of the business we’ve developed at 3e. Joining Hydrock, a well-respected, employee-focused company, is the perfect next step for the ambitions of our team and the growth of both our client base as well as being able to offer a multi-disciplined service. I’ve got to know several of the senior team over the past few months, and the obvious synergies make me very excited for the future.”
Led by Steve Watson along with fellow directors Dean Gray and Adam Cooper, 3e will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hydrock trading under the name of Hydrock 3E as a separate operating division.
Asda brings its own new credit card to market
Leeds-based Asda has partnered with Jaja Finance and Visa to make digital, reward-led credit cards available to its 18 million customers across the UK.
The new credit card, to be launched later this summer, will allow customers the opportunity to earn rewards on their credit card spend which they will then be able to redeem at Asda, in-store or online. The initial credit card offering will mark the start of Jaja’s long-term relationship with Asda, offering customers what it describes as good value credit alongside exceptional rewards at a time when households need it most.
David Chan, CEO of Jaja Finance, said: “At a time when inflation continues to rise and household budgets are being squeezed, we’re able to offer Asda’s 18 million customers the opportunity to get something back from their credit card. Our expertise in digital payments and lending means we can offer them access to credit when and where they need it alongside simplicity, rewards and good value for money.”
Katie Walley, Senior Director at Asda Money, Mobile and Gift Cards, said:“Our purpose at Asda Money is to help our customers save time and money. We work with a wide range of partners for all our products and services, choosing exciting and innovative partners to work with to bring great value products for our shoppers. When we met with Jaja we were very impressed with their capabilities both now, and what they plan to offer for customers in the future. Together we have built a great proposition, offering simplicity and rich rewards for our customers which we can’t wait to bring to the market.”
The partnership comes just weeks after Jaja announced a multi-million-pound investment of up to £120 million from KKR and TDR Capital LLP, who have now become majority shareholders of the business. The announcement is part of Jaja’s ambitious growth plans to become the UK’s leading digital lender by 2025, all supported by an investment that will help fuel Jaja’s growth plans while driving the transformation of consumer credit. Jaja’s growth will also be underpinned by a significant recruitment drive that will see a 40% increase in its employees before the end of 2022.
BRM appoints new corporate director
Regional law firm BRM Solicitors is strengthening its corporate and commercial team in Sheffield with an internal promotion.
Trevor Bird has advised a multitude of businesses across the region, specialising in corporate finance, fundraising M&A, joint ventures, and corporate governance. Trevor is also an expert in start-up fundraising, venture capital, and real estate in the care sector.
Bird said: “I am delighted to be promoted to director at BRM, the promotion is the result of years of hard work, and I am looking forward to continuing my work with existing and future clients. I am especially looking forward to driving forward the corporate offering in the region. Especially with the fantastic opportunities with tech start-ups across the region.”
Head of corporate Sarah Rowland said: “Trevor is already a key member of the team and will be an integral part of the firm’s future growth in the region. Trevor’s strong track record and breadth and depth of experience complement our growing client base.
“Trevor’s well-deserved promotion is aligned with BRMs policy to recognise and reward talent and commitment and we wish him continued success with the firm.”
Pub demolition marks start of Rotherham markets transformation
Demolition of the former Charter Arms pub started this week, as part of the work to improve Rotherham’s markets. Cllr Saghir Alam and Cllr Taiba Yasseen knocked out a brick to symbolise the start of a new era for the markets in Rotherham town centre.
A major refurbishment at the site will create a new look that appeals to all ages. The redevelopment will also build upon the existing mix of shops and services by adding a new dining area to the first floor of the Indoor Market. This will provide a vibrant link from the Indoor Market to the Outdoor Market, potentially allowing opening hours to extend into the evening.
On the second floor of the Indoor Market, the existing arcade units will be refurbished to create office space for charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups.
Cllr Saghir Alam, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Community Safety and Finance and ward member for Boston Castle, said: “The redevelopment of the market’s complex and the new central library are key projects in the regeneration of our town centre.
“More than fifty years since the opening of the Centenary Market, this redevelopment will house our great local traders in an environment fit for the 21st century, helping to bring good quality, affordable produce to the next generations of shoppers.”
Cllr Taiba Yasseen, Chair, Health Select Commission, and ward member for Boston Castle, added: “The investment we’re making will bring impressive improvement and an enjoyable space in which people will be able to shop and relax.
“There’ll be something for everyone at the new markets and that can only be good news for the town and its economy.”
When complete, visitors to the markets will notice striking changes to the look of the indoor market, as well as a more welcoming feel, thanks to an improved design.
Rotherham Council secured funding from the Government’s Future High Street Fund to part finance the improvements of what’s officially known as the Centenary Market.
The Outdoor Market will become a flexible space used as a market, and also as exhibition and event space when needed. The markets will be connected to the town centre fabric by a new terraced public space that will open up the market frontage to Eastwood Lane and Drummond Street.
A new library will occupy the corner between Henry Street and Drummond Street and will include a café, meeting rooms, flexible gallery space, and a maker’s space.
Investment in the markets is part of the Council Masterplan to transform the heart of the town.
Digital Innovation Grant scheme re-opens
Businesses across South Yorkshire are being invited to apply for grant funding designed to help companies in the region embrace new forms of digital technology and drive growth.
The Digital Innovation Grant scheme will provide eligible businesses with grant funding worth between £1,000 and £5,000 to match fund digital projects worth up to £10,000. 50% of the project costs will be funded by the grant, which can be used to help businesses overcome barriers to growth by embracing digital technology.
Designed specifically to help businesses make the most of new forms of digital technology, the scheme aims to help firms access new markets, promote their products and services more effectively as well as embrace new ways of working.
The closing date for applications is Friday 13 May, and the scheme is open to Small and Medium Sized businesses (SMEs) based in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.
Bonus Arena’s new General Manager invites in businesses for ‘meet and greet’ breakfast
Hull and East Yorkshire businesses are invited to visit the Bonus Arena next Wednesday to meet General Manager Darren Moore at its first business breakfast seven months after re-opening.
Guests will have the chance to network, grab a bite to eat, meet the new General Manager and learn about the Arena’s plans for 2022 and beyond.
Darren Moore started as General Manager of the Arena in March, taking over from Dan Harris who has moved to the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. Darren was previously General Manager at York Barbican.
Darren said: “We have had a very exciting start to 2022 with lots of fantastic events and I am looking forward to meeting with partners and local businesses to talk to them about the Arena and how we may be able to work together.”
Paul Savage, Head of Entertainment Sales and Marketing, and Laura Harrison, Conference and Event Sales Executive, will also be talking at the event about opportunities for local businesses.
Paul added: “We have hosted some incredible events so far in 2022 with sold out shows from Blondie, Simply Red, John Bishop, Texas and Bastille. We have lots more to come too with gigs from Bryan Adams and The Pet Shop Boys in May and then performances from Kaiser Chiefs, Katherine Ryan and Hull’s very own Calum Scott later in the year.
“With over 200,000 people expected to visit the Arena in 2022, we have lots to talk about and look forward to welcoming businesses to see how we can work together.”
The Business Breakfast will take place at the Bonus Arena, based on Myton Street, Hull, on Wednesday 18 May from 9am to 10:30am.
To register your place at Breakfast at the Bonus Arena, visit – https://www.universe.com/events/breakfast-at-the-bonus-arena-tickets-SHW3VQ
Mayor of West Yorkshire launches programme to drive international growth of games, TV, culture and arts businesses
The mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, and the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) have launched Export Lab, a new programme to support the region’s creative industries including games, TV, culture and the arts, and boost growth across the region.
The bespoke Export Lab programme will be delivered as a consortium led by Indielab as lead partner, with Yorkshire and Humber DIT (Department for International Trade), UKIE (the association for UK Interactive Entertainment) and Game Republic.
The programme will deliver a package of support to help SMEs across the creative industries, particularly businesses with little or no experience of selling to international markets, and targeting those with the ambition to explore and expand internationally, but who require support to realise their potential.
Applications for businesses to participate in the Games Export Lab programme are now open, with applications for businesses in the screen content and culture and the arts sectors opening later in the summer. Successful applicants to the Games Export Lab will also benefit from attendance at the industry leading Gamescom event in August.
Tracy Brabin, the mayor of West Yorkshire and chair of the Culture, Arts and Creative Industries Committee, said: “This is yet another fantastic example of the creative industries getting the support they need to help them thrive and I am pleased that West Yorkshire is able to extend its successful relationship with Indielab to deliver the Export lab programme.
“The ability to reach a wider audience will enable growth and create more jobs. If we harness this potential now, we will reap the rewards in the months and years to come.”
Sir Roger Marsh OBE DL, chair of Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (the LEP) and NP11, said: “By giving business owners and directors the confidence to explore new markets we’re opening up channels not only for export, but also for investment into our region.
“In the context of economic recovery and EU exit, it is more important than ever to develop business objectives on a global scale. By arming the creative industries with the information, guidance and tools we’re helping individual businesses as well as the broader sector in the region to grow.”
Screen content businesses, whether games and TV, or the culture and the arts sector, which is increasingly merging into screen content, present the ideal opportunity to generate new revenue streams from highly profitable international markets.
West Yorkshire is home to a thriving games sector, including Rockstar Leeds, developers of the popular Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption series, Team 17, creators of the Worms franchise, and virtual reality pioneers XR Games.
Creative content makers will benefit from introductions to international distributors in order to extract value from existing products, alongside in-depth advice and guidance to exploring international markets.
The Export Lab programme forms part of the wider £1.5 million Creative Catalyst programme, developed by the LEP to overcome the barriers to growth for creative businesses across West Yorkshire.
It demonstrates the LEP’s dedication to the creative industries, as well as delivering on the Mayoral pledge to lead a creative new deal to ensure our creative industries are part of the region’s ongoing recovery and growth.
Earlier this year the LEP launched Indielab West Yorks: The Creative Catalyst Accelerator to help boost sector growth across TV production businesses and games studios and help them focus on their business and content vision, thus enabling them to become more successful on a more sustainable basis.
Now, with the same attention being given to exporting local content, it can only help to bolster the sector and the region’s position on the international stage.
Victoria Powell, Indielab’s programme director, said: “We are absolutely delighted to support the continued growth and success of West Yorkshire’s world-class creative industries. Following on from the successful launch of Indielab West Yorks, we’re excited to further develop our relationship with the LEP, and work together with some specialist partners in the region to help us realise the goals of this new Export Lab programme.
“By using in-depth market knowledge and territory insights, we can help develop bespoke internationalisation plans that are right and relevant to each business. Not only will this drive individual business growth but reinforce West Yorkshire’s position in the global market for its unique appeal, creativity, and brilliant content production.”
Flagship Leeds office building undergoing comprehensive refurb after £1.95m sale
A flagship office building in Lower Wortley, Leeds, which has recently changed hands in a deal worth just under £2m, is undergoing a comprehensive refurbishment.
Link Up House, formerly the headquarters of the Big Word Group, has been bought by Seneca Property and will be rebranded and renamed as Element.
The 21,630 sq ft building, which fronts the Leeds Outer Ring Road, is being transformed into high-quality and sustainable offices – with an emphasis on the wellbeing and comfort of its occupiers.
Work has already started on the seven-figure refurbishment of the building and is due to be completed next month, when suites will be available.
Elizabeth Ridler, partner with global property consultancy Knight Frank in Leeds, who sold the building to Seneca and has been retained to advise the new owners, said: “This is an exceptionally exciting project. The comprehensive refurbishment of Element will create some of the finest affordable occupier-friendly out-of-town office space in Leeds.
“Element will be available to lease as a whole or on a floor by floor basis, with the ground and second floors comprising 7,358 sq ft of space and the first floor 6,913 sq ft. There are also 84 on-site parking spaces. Rents will be in the region of £18 per sq ft.
“The key elements of the refurbishment are new VRF air conditioning, toilets and LED lighting throughout, with a major emphasis on the wellness agenda, including new showers, lockers, drying room, a business lounge, a coffee bar, cycle storage and outside seating.
“The ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) agenda is a key part of the ethos of Seneca Property, who also owns the popular and successful BizHub serviced offices at 1 City West,” added Ms Ridler. “The landlord’s commitment to creating the finest possible but also affordable workspace for occupiers will ensure that Element is a best-in-class building.”
