Gordons announces Head of Diversity and Inclusion
Gordons has appointed commercial litigation solicitor and current Leeds Law Society president, Catherine Woodward, as its head of diversity and inclusion (D&I). The role has been created to place an even greater emphasis by the firm on its ongoing commitment to D&I, and to raise awareness of its importance within the legal sector.
Gordons has a long history of championing diversity and inclusion in the law. In 2011, the firm set out to tackle the lack of social mobility in the legal sector by launching its pioneering legal apprenticeship scheme. The firm was the first to offer an apprenticeship taking its chartered legal executive lawyers to the maximum Level 6, which is an honours degree equivalent. Current Gordons D&I initiatives include focuses on wellbeing and mental health; supporting parents to provide flexibility and enable their career progression; and celebrating women solicitors at the firm.
Catherine’s commitment to D&I in the legal sector saw her, as president of Leeds Law Society, help Leeds Law Society’s D&I committee instigate its inaugural D&I conference in September 2020. This was the first conference of its type held by any UK Law Society and, following its success, is now an annual event.
Commenting on her appointment, Catherine said: “Gordons is a progressive firm and one which has always naturally embraced diversity and inclusion due to its long-established values and people.
“As head of diversity and inclusion, I have been empowered to drive forward the firm’s existing initiatives, create new ones and forge partnerships with like-minded individuals and organisations.
“Our people and our clients are fully supportive of the approach we are taking, and it is the firm’s ambition to be regarded as a diversity and inclusion exemplar in the legal sector and beyond.”
From Wakefield and state-educated, Catherine joined Gordons in 2011 and qualified as a solicitor in the firm’s dispute resolution department in 2015. She has broad range of experience including contractual disputes, professional negligence and shareholder disputes.
Gordons partner and member of the firm’s three-person executive board, Victoria Davey, said: “Catherine is the ideal person to be our of head of diversity and inclusion. She is hugely passionate about it, and this translates directly into her drive and ambition to ensure Gordons leads from the front regarding this very important workplace and societal issue.
“Everyone at the firm is aligned in wanting to further enhance diversity and inclusion in the legal sector. Catherine will ensure we continue to deliver against that objective for the benefit of our people and clients.”
Wakefield set for Full Fibre boost as CityFibre begins £27m rollout
Wakefield is to become one of the world’s best-connected communities after CityFibre, the UK’s largest independent full fibre platform, announced a multi-million investment in its digital infrastructure.
Work to bring full fibre connectivity within reach of almost every home and business in the city is underway as the full fibre infrastructure builder breaks ground on the £27m project. Construction on the citywide full fibre network has begun in Lupset and is being delivered by O’Connor Utilities (OCU) on behalf of CityFibre. The team will use a range of construction methods while working in close partnership with Wakefield Council and local communities to deliver a fast rollout while minimising potential disruption.
Each area will usually take a few weeks to complete, however, construction teams will typically only be outside each home for two to three days and CityFibre will be in touch by mail ahead of any work starting.
The overall project is expected to reach completion by 2024 and the first services will go live for people to take advantage of much sooner. As the network is completed in each neighbourhood, internet service providers (ISPs) will ‘light them up’ with some of the fastest and best value broadband packages available in the country.
In Wakefield, services will be available from an increasing range of broadband providers. Across the UK, CityFibre is already working with launch partner Vodafone to deliver next generation broadband services, as well as TalkTalk, Zen and other providers.
As City Manager, Steve Moore will lead the delivery of the Wakefield project. He will be responsible for ensuring works are delivered efficiently and considerately, while also acting as the main point of contact for all stakeholders.
Steve said: “I’m immensely excited and proud to see work getting underway in Wakefield today. We’re already making tremendous progress across Yorkshire and this is the start of an exciting new chapter for the city and its digital ambitions. It’s important to remember that any short-term disruption will pay off tremendously in the long-term – once the network’s built, it will serve the community’s connectivity needs for decades to come.”
Full fibre networks, unlike copper-based ‘fibre broadband’ services available today, use 100% fibre optic cables to carry data at light speed all the way from the home to the point of connection. This gives users speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps for upload and download (up to 1,000 Mbps), near limitless bandwidth and connectivity users can depend on.
A full fibre connection also goes far beyond simply enabling access to the latest entertainment at lightning speed. As an essential digital utility, full fibre boosts households and businesses alike, with experts saying it will drive a range of economic benefits, such as making us more productive and innovative.
Cllr Michelle Collins, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “Having a fast and reliable internet connection is vital for so many of our residents and local businesses, at a time when we are more reliant on the internet than ever before.
“That’s why we’re extremely pleased to see this investment programme get underway in our district, which will in time enable all our communities to access the economic and social benefits that come with good internet access.”
CityFibre is bringing full fibre connectivity within reach of up to 8 million homes in towns and cities across the UK as part of its up to £4 billion Gigabit City Investment Programme.
Trebor submit planning on new speculative industrial site at Point 36, Goole
Trebor Developments has submitted planning for a new unit at ‘Point 36, Goole’.
The unit comprises 94,841 sq ft and is located on Tom Pudding Way, Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, in a well-located industrial area and opposite Siemens’ £200 million new manufacturing facilities.
The planning application provides for a single unit on the site that extends to 5.90 acres and will be suitable for B2 or B8 uses. The unit will be delivered on a speculative basis and available for early occupation for fit out in late 2022, subject to planning.
Greg Dalton, development manager for Trebor, said: “We are delighted to have submitted planning for our next Yorkshire development and look forward to delivering more much needed new build industrial and logistics space for the region. We are encouraged by the early interest.”
Point 36 is being jointly marketed by Gent Visick and Holder & Co on behalf of Trebor.
Sharpest manufacturing price growth since 1976
UK manufacturing output growth picked up in the three months to February, but the balance of manufacturers expecting price rises in the next three months was at its highest since December 1976.
That’s according to the latest monthly CBI Industrial Trends Survey, based on responses from 224 manufacturing firms.
- The balance of manufacturers who expect price rises in the next three months rose to the highest since December 1976 (+77% in February 2022, +78% in December 1976).
- Growth in output volumes accelerated in the three months to February compared with the same period one month earlier (+26% from +14%). Output increased in 13 out of 17 sectors, with growth driven by the chemicals and food, drink and tobacco sub-sectors.
- Total order books were strong in February (+20%, from +24% in January), while export order books improved slightly and remained above their long run average (-7%, from -10% in January; average of -19%).
- Stocks of finished goods were seen as inadequate again in February, but with some improvement shown for the second consecutive month (-14% from -17%).
Professional services firm announces plans to acquire financial planning business
Leeds-based multi-disciplinary professional services firm, Progeny, has announced plans to acquire Chartered financial planning firm, RU Group.
The deal, subject to FCA approval, will increase Progeny’s total assets under management to over £3bn and allow the business to expand its presence in South Yorkshire and the East Midlands.
RU Group are wealth management and retirement experts with a team of 48 employees based across three offices, in Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield.
Becoming part of the Progeny business will give RU Group’s clients access to an additional range of legal, financial and professional services via Progeny’s multi-disciplinary offering.
The RU Group were established in their current form in 2003 but the origins of the business date back over 100 years.
Andy Dyke, chairman, RU Group, said: “This is a momentous milestone in the RU Group’s history, securing the future for our clients, and we’re delighted to become part of the Progeny business.
“We have built a well-established firm that is also well positioned for continued future growth, with Chartered status, a strong client-first ethos and a belief in the importance of embracing technology in the future of financial advice.
“What’s more, we are committed to creating long-term prosperity for our clients, placing them at the centre of our decision-making. For all these reasons, Progeny and RU Group are an obvious fit.”
Neil Moles, CEO of Progeny, said: “We’re very happy to welcome a firm with the prestige and heritage of RU Group into the Progeny fold.
“As a locally owned and managed company, RU Group are embedded in the communities in which they operate. They have demonstrated consistent entrepreneurial organic growth in AUM and profitability, supported by a highly qualified and well-developed team with excellent potential for the future.
“We look forward to welcoming RU Group’s clients to Progeny and offering them the chance to benefit from a vast range of additional professional services to meet all their legal and financial requirements.
“Our acquisition strategy is driven by our commitment to providing a high-quality multi-disciplinary service to clients, and our acquisition of RU Group is the next step in this strategy. We have a clear philosophy for growth, and clients – existing and future – will always be at the heart of this.
“This is a highly significant acquisition, in size and status, and we’re excited about what we can achieve together going forward.”
As a result of the deal, Ian Browne, head of advice at RU Group, will become chief of advisory services at Progeny.
On Ian’s appointment, Neil added: “Ian comes with a breadth of experience having managed large teams and worked in the industry for many years, both at Standard Life and most recently in his role at RU Group. The chief of advisory services position will be fundamental to the next stage of our growth and we are looking forward to welcoming the experience and energy that Ian will bring to the business.”
A team from Progeny’s corporate legal department acted as legal adviser to Progeny on the transaction.
RU Group were supported by their legal adviser, Ed Foulkes of Clarke Wilmott, together with Roderic Rennison and John Chapman of Catalyst Partners Ltd.
Commuted Sums bring about major improvements at Well Lane Play Area, Willerby
Willerby Parish Council have completed works at Well Lane Play Area, Willerby, using the £9,295 funding from East Riding of Yorkshire Council as part of Commuted Sums from local housing developments.
In addition to the Commuted Sums funding, Willerby Parish Council provided £1,839 towards the £11,134 project.
The funding from Commuted Sums allowed the Parish Council to purchase and install a Shade Sail in the centre of the play area to provide shelter from rain and shade from the sun on hot days – previously, the play area didn’t have any covering, leaving visitors exposed to the elements.
Caroline Handforth, Clerk at Willerby Parish Council, said: “The Parish Council are delighted with the installation of our fabulous new Shade Sail. We were hoping that it would be installed before the Spring, so we were thrilled when it was completed before Christmas!
“We are now looking forward to it providing some welcome shade from the sun for both parents and children in the summer months (or alternatively shelter from an unexpected rain shower!). The Parish Council will also be hoping to install seating around the Shade in the future. Thank you once again to East Riding of Yorkshire Council Commuted Sums for the funding award.”
Councillor Claire Holmes, portfolio holder for planning, infrastructure, and housing, added: “The completion of this project at Well Lane play area will make a real difference for the many users of this facility. It’s very pleasing that we have been able to facilitate this funding through Commuted Sums, provided by local housing developments as a condition of their planning approval.”
Solar energy the key to powering Hull’s carbon neutral future
Hull City Council have appointed specialists in the renewable energy sector to assess the feasibility of the council’s corporate sites for installation of a number of green energy projects.
The council are looking at installing rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV), solar farms, wind turbines and solar canopies across their corporate sites.
Hull City Council have appointed the Locogen Group, award-winning specialists in the renewable energy sector, to assess the feasibility of the council’s corporate sites for installation of rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV) and solar farms. They are a UK-based company who develop, build, and operate renewable energy systems including wind, solar, and hydro (water) projects.
Solar PV is the generation of electricity using energy from the sun.
EvoEnergy Ltd will be assessing council vehicle car parks for the installation of solar canopies. They are a UK-based award-winning renewable energy company. They develop design, construct, monitor and maintain renewable energy systems including solar canopy structures, batteries and EV charging networks for public sector and private sector companies.
Wardell Armstrong LLP will be in charge of assessing council sites for the installation of wind turbines. They are an environmental and engineering consultancy with over 180 years of experience in the sector.
These projects form an important part of the council’s mission to become carbon neutral by 2030. The council becoming carbon neutral would mean that that any carbon emissions would be compensated by CO2 reductions or removals. You can find more information on the council’s vision for carbon neutrality here. The council aims to produce no carbon emissions by 2040.
All three companies are market leaders in the renewable energy field. The studies undertaken will involve high-level desktop analysis, site visits and detailed project development.
Councillor Rosie Nicola, portfolio holder for environmental services, said: “In 2019, the council made a commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030. The plans to install renewable, solar energy form an essential part of that plan and will help us get closer to that goal.
“The installation of solar power would increase the council’s renewable energy production, decrease its reliance on power from other sources and increase local energy security and resilience. It could also have the potential to provide the council with a long-term, low-carbon source of revenue.”
Kevin McKoen, Principal Consultant at Locogen, said: “We are delighted to help Hull City Council meet their carbon neutral objectives by 2030. Their dedication to this goal is admirable and something we hope other Councils will take inspiration from.”
Diala Isid, Renewable Energy Consultant at EvoEnergy said: “We are proud to have been given the opportunity to support Hull City Council on their journey to become carbon neutral by 2030. This study will demonstrate the capability of solar canopies and the potential benefits it can provide to reduce reliance on grid energy, provide a greener source of energy and improve driver’s experience. Hull City Council is setting a fantastic example in the drive towards creating a more sustainable future.”
Ian Gillard Associate Director – Energy & Climate Change at Wardell Armstrong said: “Wind energy is a mature renewable energy source that has been successfully deployed in many countries. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimate wind power could grow to meet more than 20% of global electricity demand in 2050. This shows the importance of investing in and scaling up wind power capacity.”
Accountancy firm scoops up Leeds practice
Accountancy firm Armstrong Watson, which has 17 regional offices from Glasgow to Leeds, has acquired long-standing Leeds practice Grants Chartered Accountants.
The merger sees 7 Grants staff join the firm’s Leeds city centre office.
Jonathan Grant has also joined Armstrong Watson as a consultant and will continue to provide tax and accounting services to existing clients, whilst at the same time allowing him to reduce his working hours and transition towards retirement.
Both firms have a similar ethos and pride themselves on serving family businesses and individuals across the region.
Jonathan saw the acquisition as a great opportunity for all parties. He said: “The decision to join forces with another long-established firm of independent business advisers has been carefully considered and brings positive benefits to our two most important cohorts – clients and staff.
“I believe clients will continue to receive quality, personal service and for some it will give them the benefit of being able to pull in the skills of a larger firm. The opportunities that exist at Armstrong Watson will benefit those clients significantly.”
Commenting on the merger, Paul Dickson, Armstrong Watson managing partner and CEO, said: “We are delighted to welcome the clients and colleagues of Grants to our Leeds practice. We are very much forward looking forward to working with Jonathan and his colleagues at Grants.
“This merger combines two firms of similar culture, with complementary practice strengths and sector expertise. We hope that by offering an increasing range of specialists and advisers, we will ensure that we continue to provide Grants’ clients with tailored, proactive support and advice essential for profit and growth.”
This deal follows three acquisitions for Armstrong Watson in the last 12 months, with the firm expanding in Leeds, Hexham and Carlisle.
Engineering consultancy takes 19,000 sq ft at Leeds’ Wellington Place
WSP, the engineering professional services consultancy, has snapped up 19,000 sq ft of Grade A office space at 3 Wellington Place with plans to move in during Q2 of this year.
Across the UK, WSP is embarking on a significant recruitment drive in 2022, adding to the 400 people the firm currently employs across Yorkshire to support clients including Leeds City Council, Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
The new office space at Wellington Place will act as a blueprint for WSP’s new ‘workplace of the future’ standards, focusing on employee wellbeing, collaboration and sustainability.
3 Wellington Place has a BREEAM Excellent rating as well as electric vehicles charging points, bicycle stations and quicker access to public transport, particularly Leeds train station.
Mathieu du Plooy, Chief Operating Officer, UK & South Africa at WSP, said: “People are the beating heart of any business and it’s so important to provide spaces which enable great team relationships, increase collaboration and ultimately enhance people’s experience. At WSP, we’re excited to see our workplaces being thriving hubs once more – where collaboration is easy and development a priority – and 3 Wellington Place in Leeds will help us achieve that.”
Matthew Wherry, head of corporate real estate at WSP UK, said: “Our new office in Leeds city centre will provide access to fantastic amenities for our people and an exciting hub to support WSP’s future growth in the region. Our focus on employee wellbeing played a major role in selecting Wellington Place as our new Yorkshire base, with the broad range of community initiatives available to us.”
The deal for WSP was advised on by global property consultancy Knight Frank, whilst Savills acted on behalf of MEPC.
Paul Pavia, head of development at MEPC Wellington Place, added: “WSP is a leading name in its field, and we’re honoured that it has chosen Wellington Place as its new Leeds base. Its reasons for locating to Wellington Place are a testament to the strong sustainability credentials and community feel at the development, as well as the range of initiatives and events that the team put on for our occupiers.”
Richard Clark, partner at Knight Frank Leeds, who advised WSP, said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with WSP to secure a city centre office space that suits its needs, whilst offering a sustainable solution for its business.
“WSP is moving into one of the finest office buildings in the city. Apart from the BREEAM excellent rating, 3 Wellington Place offers extensive amenities including basement parking, bike maintenance stations, electric vehicle charging points and shower/changing facilities, plus cafes and restaurants at ground level.”
Victory Leisure Homes chooses a ‘downright special’ charity of the year
Victory Leisure Homes – the luxury holiday home manufacturer, with sites in Gilberdyke and Hull – has announced its chosen charity for 2022, which is an organisation particularly close to the heart of one long serving member of staff.
Chris Rooks, flooring department team leader, has worked at Victory for over a decade. Four years ago, he became a dad to daughter Millie, who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome before she was born. Chris said: “Following the diagnosis, we were contacted by Downright Special and given helpful information packs on what to expect. The team were in regular contact with us from that point and have been a real lifeline for the whole family ever since.”
Downright Special supports children with Down Syndrome in Hull and the East Riding, assisting families and professionals in all aspects of the care and education of children with the condition. Its aim is to build a brighter future for children with Down Syndrome, supporting them to achieve their full potential and promoting successful inclusion in all aspects of life.
Chris continued: “We visit Downright Special’s Bransholme location on a weekly basis and Millie takes part in lots of different activities. While she’s enjoying football or soft play, my wife Emma and I are able to chat with other parents who share the same challenges as us and understand what we’re going through. It’s an amazing community and I’ve made some true friends there.
“When we were asked to nominate a charity to support this year, I of course suggested Downright Special. My dad and uncle both work at Victory too, so they also proposed the same charity – and I know a couple of my close friends picked it too. It’s great to have the support of my friends and family here at Victory. We’re a close team and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve this year.”
Gillian Bowlas, charity manager at Downright Special, said: “We’re delighted that Victory has selected Downright Special as its chosen charity this year. We’re run by a small team of professionally trained volunteers and staff and offer a range of services – from sensory groups for babies and weekly fun and education sessions to sharing resource packs with children starting school, training teachers and working with local health and education services to improve the care pathway.
“To have support from big local businesses like Victory is absolutely fantastic and will have a big impact on the charity. We look forward to seeing what we can achieve this year!”
Victory designs and manufactures luxury holiday homes and lodges from its East Yorkshire sites, employing more than 400 people locally.
Shirin Kemp, marketing director at Victory added: “We’ve always supported local charities at Victory. Giving back and doing the right thing for our members of staff has always been core to our values and our ethos as a company.
“Chris has been an exceptional team member here at Victory and the support the charity provides for Millie and the whole family has obviously been invaluable. We’re incredibly proud to be supporting Downright Special this year.
“First up, we’ll be taking part in a sponsored five-aside football match planned on 15th March, which falls just before Down Syndrome Awareness Week – which is 21st – 27th March. There are plenty of activities planned for the next 12 months – so watch this space!”
