Businesses urged to beef up cyber security in wake of Russian invasion

Stuart Pearcey
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Businesses urged to beef up cyber security in wake of Russian invasion

Businesses across the UK are being urged to improve their online security capabilities following Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is calling on organisations to follow its guidance on steps to take when the national cyber threat is heightened. While the NCSC and the government are not aware of any current specific threats to UK organisations in relation to the Ukraine crisis, there has been an historical pattern of cyber attacks on Ukraine with international consequences. Guidance from the NCSC encourages organisations to follow actionable steps that reduce the risk of falling victim to a digital attack, such as a malware or ransomware strike. Hannah Schofield, Emergency Planning and Business Continuity Officer at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “The NCSC publishes weekly threat reports – if organisations in Lincolnshire have their IT provided externally it’s likely that these businesses will already be looking into this, but if they do their own IT then it’s wise to keep up with the NCSC website. “It’s all good practice. Cyber isn’t just an IT problem, it’s a business continuity problem and should be in all business plans to help mitigate future risks.” The NCSC website explains how to ensure basic cyber controls are in place and functioning correctly. This can include:
  • Check your system patching
  • Verify access controls
  • Ensure defences are working
  • Logging and monitoring
  • Review backups
  • Incident planning
  • Check your internet footprint
  • Phishing response
  • Third party access
  • Brief your wider organisation

Pipeline Projects given the green light in Boston

Tess Egginton
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Pipeline Projects given the green light in Boston
Following on from the Boston Town Deal Board developing a vision and Town Investment Plan which secured a Town Deal worth £21.9m of funding, three projects are one step closer to development following on from approval by the Board and Boston Borough Council. The projects are Boston Leisure, The Mayflower and the refurbishment of Boston Train Station. The Boston Leisure project, part funded by the Boston Town Deal, will see a redeveloped Geoff Moulder Leisure Complex which will provide additional facilities, utilising the public and training pools, under one roof. The project provides the opportunity to transform the leisure provision. The Mayflower project (led by Boston College) will be sited opposite the Geoff Moulder Leisure Complex and will become a bespoke learning centre for adults and further enhance and develop learning provision within the town through the rapidly expanding learning facility. The building will provide a unique and inspirational learning, business and community space and provide access for skills training, especially for digital skills, business development and support. Collectively the Mayflower and Leisure projects create a unique leisure and educational space, intrinsically designed to be linked together via a central public open space/piazza area and will function as a single campus, thus offering an improved sense of place and enhancing the aspirations of all learners at the College. The projects offer the potential to derive significant positive outcomes for people in education/attainment, place-making, health and wellbeing and skills. The refurbishment of the Railway Station will include extensive refurbishment to include community space, a café, commercially rentable units, a new ticket office and much more, through a partnership with East Midlands Trains. The Town Deal has three key themes: Skills and Aspirations, Sustainable Economic Growth and Pride in Place. The projects have been submitted this week to the Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities and fall into each category to fulfil the Board’s aims. Councillor Paul Skinner, Leader of Boston Borough Council, said: “This is an exciting time for Boston, as we look to enhance the offering for residents and communities by providing newly refurbished facilities within the town centre.” Councillor Tracey Abbott, Portfolio Holder for Town Centre, said: “The provision of facilities within Boston will be further enhanced thanks to these projects, part-funded by the Boston Town Deal. For years, the training pool and public pool have been separated, but the Boston Leisure Project will bring them all under one roof and will include a new gym facility, changing village and much more.”

Work starts to transform Leeds city centre building into residential development

Tess Egginton
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Work starts to transform Leeds city centre building into residential development

Work has started on the transformation of a landmark building, Fairfax House, in Leeds city centre’s Arena Quarter, into a major new residential development consisting of 168 apartments.

Fairfax House, on the corner of Merrion Street and Wade Lane, is being developed by Leeds-based property company YPP and has been designed by Brewster Bye Architects.

The main seven-storey office building, which was built in the 1960s, is being transformed into 154 studio and one-bedroom apartments, which already had permitted development approval.

In addition, Brewster Bye secured planning permission earlier in the year for a two-storey rooftop extension that will comprise of 14, one, two and three bedroom apartments, and will replace an existing rooftop plant structure. Amenity space for residents will also be incorporated into the scheme.

Colbre Projects Ltd has been appointed as principal contractor and work is due to complete in August 2023. The development will then be managed by YPP Lettings and become part of the Live Oasis brand which offers high quality rental apartments across numerous purpose-built developments throughout Leeds and beyond.

A spokesperson from YPP said: “Securing planning permission and then immediately starting work on the transformation of this iconic Leeds building, is a fantastic position to be in.

“The scheme benefits from having both Leeds Arena and the city’s main shopping and leisure areas on its doorstep. It’s also in a part of the city that is currently benefitting from a huge amount of new development, as well as numerous new and completed tall building projects, which all enhances the vibrancy of the area and will make it a fantastic place to live.”

Andrew Chapman, associate director at Brewster Bye Architects, said: “Fairfax House is a very distinctive Leeds building in a prominent city centre location, but it was no longer fit for purpose and looked dated in this fast-evolving part of the city.

“As part of the development’s design, we’ve made major improvements to enhance the building’s appearance which will include partial glazing and recladding, and a smart new welcoming feature entrance will be created. This will be complemented by a generous outdoor and indoor amenity space for residents to enjoy across the ground and upper ground floors, that will offer landscaped seating areas and various other communal spaces.

“Once complete, there’s no doubt it will be a sought-after place to live in one of the city’s most exciting areas.”

This is YPP’s latest development in the city’s Arena and Northern Quarters. The company is also behind Havana Residence, Q1, Belgrave & Warwick and Commerce House, which is currently under construction.

York City Football Club sells former stadium for £7m

Tess Egginton
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York City Football Club sells former stadium for £7m
York City Football Club has sold its former stadium at Bootham Crescent to Persimmon Homes Ltd for £7m. The sale has allowed the Club to pay off both the Football Stadia Improvement Fund and the City Council who had assisted by the provision of historical funding which has allowed the Club to contribute significantly to the cost of the building the new LNER Community Stadium. The balance after payment of project related costs has been used to pay off a capped element of the capital invested by JM Packaging Ltd (JMP). All interest accrued on that capital as well as part of the capital itself being written off by JMP. JMP have entered into a funding agreement to ensure generous funds will be made available to the Club for the remainder of the season. JMP are prepared to provide further funding beyond this date if so required and if agreed with the Supporters’ Trust. The Club has entered into a written protocol with the Supporters’ Trust to ensure that they work more closely together in the future. These parties have also put in place a streamlined procedure which could be utilised should any third-party who is interested in moving the Club forward table a suitable offer. Such an offer would only be accepted if both the Club board and Supporters Trust agree that it is in the best long-term interest of the Club. James Bradley of Knights plc acted as legal advisor to Bootham Crescent Holdings Limited in relation to the sale. Savills and Aspect4 acted on the price negotiations with Persimmon. The Club was represented by Stephen Baylis of Parisi Solicitors Ltd.

Works begin on £16m North Yorkshire housing project

Tess Egginton
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Works begin on £16m North Yorkshire housing project
Work has begun on a £16m housing project in High Leven, Yarm-on-Tees, North Yorkshire. The project, known as The Meadows, is a development of 69 contemporary-styled homes. The scheme will deliver 19 three-bedroom plots, 20 four-bedroom plots, and 30 five-bedroom plots. The project is being delivered by a local team consisting of North Yorkshire-based developers, Mode Homes and Tolent, a contractor with a number of live housing projects throughout the North East and Yorkshire with regional offices in Thornaby, Gateshead and Leeds. Chris Price, divisional director of Tolent, said: “We are beginning to see a change in the housing market with a number of emerging technologies becoming mainstream. Not only do these improvements support local and central government initiatives toward net zero but provide real savings to homeowners through reduced energy bills and homes that are fit for the future. “I am really looking forward to seeing The Meadows develop in the coming months as the first plots emerge. The variety of house types and finishes available provide a wide range of choice to buyers with traditional brick, render and timber cladding, providing a vibrant street scene with bundles of space and off-street parking, not something commonly offered by larger housebuilders.” Wilf Cook of developer Mode Homes said: “We are delighted to be working with Tolent on this exciting project which will be a welcome addition to the local new homes market. As a family, we have been farming this land for generations and are fully committed to ensuring that The Meadows provides a fitting and lasting legacy.” With construction now underway, the site is set to develop at a rapid pace with show homes, together with the first phase, available for release by the end of 2022. A further five phases will be released over the next three years.

Sheffield Hallam reveals health-tech businesses set to join its accelerator programme

Tess Egginton
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Sheffield Hallam reveals health-tech businesses set to join its accelerator programme
A Finnish start-up that delivers online postnatal exercise programmes to help new mothers recover safely after childbirth is part of the cohort of health businesses accepted onto Sheffield Hallam University’s latest Wellbeing Accelerator. Nordic Fit Mama is one of 12 national and international SMEs set to receive up to £20,000 of support to accelerate product development and help bring new health products and services to market. The flagship innovation programme, led by Sheffield Hallam’s £15.7m Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC), brokers academic expertise from across the University to deliver research and development (R&D) support to businesses and leverages its network of over 90 experienced mentors. It follows a successful inaugural Wellbeing Accelerator programme in 2020 which saw 28 businesses supported, including Sheffield-based sleep-tech start-up SleepCogni that recently raised more than $2million to commercialise into the US market. The businesses accepted onto this year’s programme, which has been sponsored by investment and commercialisation specialists InterMedi Group, include:
  • SCALED, based in London, uses Computational Design to develop nature-inspired, custom-fit, flexible and protective material solutions to tackle injury prevention for healthy ageing
  • Nordic Fit Mama, based in Helsinki, delivering an online training programme with proven results to help mothers to recover safely after pregnancy and childbirth
  • Ventriject, based in Copenhagen, delivering a cost-effective, fast and reliable estimate of cardiorespiratory fitness, a strong indicator of overall health
  • Physiobuddie, based in Yorkshire, an innovative, secure digital-first service that provides its users with remote step-by-step progressive rehabilitation
  • DM Orthotics, based in Cornwall, designers and manufacturers of specialist orthoses that help to improve the lives of adults and children who face a range of neuro-muscular and musculoskeletal challenges
  • MindBehind gmbH, based in Cologne and Istanbul, develops intelligent virtual assistants powered by conversational AI to improve communication in multiple sectors. It aims to maximize its impact in the healthcare industry by building a chatbot to promote physical activity and enhance mental health
  • Hyivy Health Inc, based in Ontario, Canada, creates a pelvic rehabilitation system for the 1 in 3 women worldwide who will experience a pelvic health complication in their lifetime
  • Elecura, based in Sheffield, delivering an all-in-one business management platform for social care providers that enables and promotes a best-in-class and easily auditable service
  • Tellu, based in Oslo, developing digital health technologies that helps to make everyday life easier for employees in the home care service, in institutions, hospitals and nursing homes
  • THERAPHA is an AI enabled chatbot, designed to detect hidden clinical patterns to identify the best possible diagnosis. It effectively performs differential diagnoses, triages spine pathologies, automates the subjective portion of clinical documentation in a narrative format, even before an in-person visit
  • Motion Exercise CIC, based in Sheffield, designing and remotely delivering interactive and inclusive exercise programmes tackling social isolation and increasing physical activity, amongst older adults
  • Active Orbit Limited, based in Sheffield, allowing individuals to track all their daily activity, uses behavioural science to encourage an active lifestyle and rewards them for the levels of activity they achieve and maintain
Zeezy Qureshi, CEO and co-founder of Motion Exercise CIC, said: “We’re delighted to have been selected to take part in the AWRC Wellbeing Accelerator. Our mission with Motion Exercise is to empower older adults across the UK to live happy and healthy lives, through our tailored exercise programmes. The accelerator will be a fantastic opportunity for us to further evidence the impact our programmes have, develop our skills as a young team coming out of University and connect with experts across a variety of fields.” Following the programme, the AWRC’s R&D for business team continues its support and works with the participants to develop collaborative grant funding applications. The University does not take equity or use state aid allowances, and the programme is fully funded by Sheffield Hallam contributions and private sector sponsorship. Ryan Sylvester, programme manager for the Wellbeing Accelerator, said: “The most interesting part of the programme for me is the application stage, seeing the breadth of talent and ingenuity in how applicants are finding ways to address challenges people face on an everyday basis, not least those living in South Yorkshire. The chosen companies are a great representation of the diverse cohort of impactful companies we were looking to bring together, and the team are looking forward to helping them achieve their goals in the UK.” Jason Brannan, deputy director of the AWRC, said: “If we are to truly address the widening gap in health inequalities across the UK we must focus on the prevention of disease and the resilience of people, advanced wellbeing and physical activity have an important role to play in this, something that has been apparent throughout the Covid pandemic. These companies have a central role to play here and the AWRC Accelerator will support them in bringing their products to market.” The Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, which forms the centrepiece of the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of the population through innovations that help people move. Its mission is to prevent and treat chronic disease through co-designed research into physical activity – whilst also contributing to the creation of new jobs and attracting investment to the region.

Cabinet approves revised budget of £8.2m for dementia day care facility in Mirfield

Tess Egginton
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Cabinet approves revised budget of £8.2m for dementia day care facility in Mirfield
Councillors have approved proposals to increase funding to £8.2m for the redevelopment of new dementia day care facilities in north Kirklees at Cabinet. The funding is for the developments at Knowl Park House, Mirfield. Developments include a revamped dementia day care facility and a new Kirklees Living Well Centre. The proposed new dementia day care facility will benefit from improvements to the environment by using the Stirling University dementia friendly design standards to improve accessibility for all. The layout includes a homely open plan lounge, dining and kitchen area; a large arts and crafts room; a sensory and cinema room and a spa, and a bespoke accessible sensory garden. The Kirklees Living Well Centre will provide support and advice for families and professionals. The community will also benefit as more people will be able to live in their own homes for longer. Residents will maintain their independence and delay the need for more intensive and longer term residential and/or nursing care. Richard Parry, Strategic Director for Adults and Health, said: “It is vital that we take advantage of the latest research and technology to support our residents living with dementia and other complex physical and learning disabilities. We asked cabinet to increase the investment in Knowl Park House so that we can provide high quality care for vulnerable residents so they can maintain their independence for as long as possible. “Our dementia day care facility is being designed in collaboration with the University of Stirling’s Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC). This will ensure the new facilities incorporate dementia design principles and meet the DSDC dementia design standards.”

Council names Balfour Beatty as North Hykeham Relief Road contractor

Stuart Pearcey
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Council names Balfour Beatty as North Hykeham Relief Road contractor

Lincolnshire County Council’s Executive yesterday agreed it wants Balfour Beatty as the contractor to build the final piece of Lincoln’s ring road and begin all pre-construction elements of the scheme.

Among the pre-construction elements Balfour Beatty will be:
  • Preliminary site surveys
  • Preparing an outline scheme design
  • Assisting with planning application submission and any resulting planning conditions
  • Detailed design of the new road
  • Carrying out preliminary on-site works
Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “Now that Executive has voted to progress the North Hykeham Relief Road further, the scheme is one step closer to being built. Next, we’ll be officially appointing Balfour Beatty in the coming weeks, who we fully expect to hit the ground running. “Once appointed, the next steps for the project will be carrying out topographical, ecological, archaeological and ground condition surveys to ascertain ahead of submitting a planning application in 2023. And, all being well, we’ll start construction of the road towards the end of 2025.” Once under way, construction is expected to last for three years, with the road opened in late 2028. Cllr Davies aded: “This project will be a massive undertaking that will see a new dual carriageway built linking the A46 Pennells Roundabout to the Lincoln Eastern Bypass, creating a complete ring road around the city. “Not only will new roundabouts be built at South Hykeham Road, Brant Road and Grantham Road, but a number of new bridges will also be built, including at Station Road and over the River Witham.”  

Leeds planning consultancy becomes employee-owned

Tess Egginton
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Leeds planning consultancy becomes employee-owned
Leeds-based planning consultancy, Quod, has become an employee-owned company, with the shares held in Trust for the benefit of all current and future employees. Founded in 2010, Quod explained why it chose an Employee Ownership Trust: “It embodies the company culture in which we all feel responsible for the business’s performance and success. Establishing the Trust is the natural next step in our journey, which has always been characterised by a strong community of friendship, ethos of profit sharing and equal opportunity. A Trust also maintains Quod’s independence.” Quod’s founding directors say they remain committed to the business. The Trust, which includes an independent chair, is there to hold the refreshed management team to account on behalf of the employees but, as Tom Dobson, Quod’s new Managing Director explains: “Becoming employee-owned has formalised Quod’s long-held belief that the success of the company comes from having a great, positively engaged team, where everyone is personally invested and plays their part to ensure that we deliver only the highest quality advice.” Tom Dobson also believes that remaining independent will ensure that Quod can retain its culture and reputation. Tom added: “As a people-focussed business, the employee ownership model will provide long term stability for all colleagues, and ensure that we continue to serve our clients with genuine independence.” John Rhodes OBE, co-founder of Quod, said: “Since founding Quod in 2010, we have seen the business grow into a renowned and respected consultancy, thanks to the commitment of our people. We have collectively taken the decision to turn the practice into an Employee Ownership Trust in order to put the future of the business firmly in the hands of those that have built it – our employees. All the founders remain absolutely committed to the business, and we look forward to many more successful years of Quod.” He added: “It’s a very exciting time and this step allows our colleagues to feel even more connected to the company. They have a real stake in the success of the business and can take pride in knowing that they are shareholders, building for the future. Together we will continue to grow the business for the benefit of our employee co-owners and our clients, shaping high quality development that creates a positive legacy for affected communities and the environment.” Elva Phelan, a director of Quod, said: “We would like to thank our excellent advisors for taking us through the EOT process seamlessly including Fox Williams, BDO, CBW, and Fieldfisher, but also everyone at Quod, all of whom have engaged enthusiastically to help shape our new future.” James de le Vingne, Chief Executive of the Employee Ownership Association (EOA), said: “We congratulate our member Quod on its transition to employee ownership; securing the ethos, values and culture of the businesses. Businesses that give employees a stake and a say build trust and shared responsibility, uniting leaders and employees behind a common purpose, and leaving businesses in a better position to flex and adapt.”

Leeds law firms lead drive for super-prime sustainable offices

Tess Egginton
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Leeds law firms lead drive for super-prime sustainable offices
Leeds law firms are leading the drive towards best-in-class offices as intense competition for talent creates record demand for super-prime sustainable offices, according to the latest research from global real estate advisor Knight Frank. Knight Frank’s Law Firm Report, published this week, revealed that the office space taken by law firms in Leeds was 100,743 sq ft last year, a 202% rise on 2020. This was primarily due to DLA Piper’s 83,000 sq ft pre-let at City Square House, a new highly sustainable, best-in class building, close to Leeds City Station, which is being designed to support the wellbeing and productivity of employees. Eamon Fox, partner and head of Knight Frank’s office agency department in Leeds, explained: “The legal sector in Leeds is currently turbo-charged, driven by a combination of a focus on talent attraction and employee wellbeing and a need to align law firm’s real estate with post-pandemic workplace strategies and sustainability commitments. “Apart from the DLA Piper deal, which is a game-changer in the Leeds office market, other leading law firms such as Knights, Lupton Fawcett and rradar have moved, or are just about to move, to superb new modern and sustainable offices with a brilliant working environment. Gone are the days of stuffy, uncomfortable, rabbit-warren type offices. “There is no doubt that attracting and retaining the very best talent there is, is crucial to law firms in Leeds. During the past 20 years the legal sector in the city has flourished, providing an attractive and viable alternative to London. The lure of the capital is no longer so strong, with the quality of life in Yorkshire, and the abundance of work here, meaning that many lawyers are actively choosing to work in Leeds rather than London. “That is why leading Leeds law firms are choosing their real estate to give them an edge over the competition. That is why Knights have moved to the Majestic, Lupton Fawcett to 2 The Embankment and rradar to Platform, all state-of-the-art sustainable buildings that offer superb amenities, particularly for physical and mental wellbeing, and make a bold statement about their ESG values.” Jennifer Townsend, Partner, Occupier Research at Knight Frank, said: “Law firms remain committed to the office, recognising its role in supporting, facilitating, and portraying business strategy. Law firms cited difficulties in training and developing junior lawyers, building cultural ties, and developing deeper client relationships in a fully remote working environment. However, law firms are also reimagining the office. “Looking at the drivers of leasing transactions in 2021, there were common themes of sustainability, health and wellbeing, and the flight to quality, with occupiers investing in amenity-rich, highly connected spaces. Law firms are creating workplaces with new ways of working in mind, centred around collaboration, innovation, client-centricity and learning and development.”
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