Plans approved for new ‘aquagreen’ to reduce flooding in east Hull

An Environment Agency project to create a large “aquagreen” that will reduce flood risk to more than 870 properties and key infrastructure in east Hull has been given the go-ahead. Planning permission for the project at Castlehill has now been approved by Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council, and work is expected to start in late spring. A public consultation was launched in September 2020 on proposals for the aquagreen – a versatile green space, south of the old Bransholme Dairy Farm, which will store excess water during a flood and slowly release it back into the drainage system after the peak of the flood has passed. Homes in North Carr and Sutton are currently at risk of flooding from water in the Holderness and Sutton Cross drains after heavy rain. The Holderness Drain is a man-made river channel. When it becomes full, water flows into Sutton Cross Drain, overwhelming the local drainage system and increasing the risk of flooding for homes in the area. This area narrowly avoided disaster in November 2019 when other parts of Hull were affected by flooding. The aquagreen is the second phase of the £28.5million Holderness Drain Flood Alleviation Scheme, and follows construction of the new East Hull Pumping Station. Preliminary work to remove vegetation and shrubs in order to deliver the aquagreen project is set to begin on site imminently. Andrew Barron, the Environment Agency’s flood risk adviser for Hull, said: “This is a really important step in the delivery of the Holderness Drain Flood Alleviation Scheme, which will reduce flood risk to hundreds of homes and businesses in the North Carr and Sutton areas. “The scheme, which also includes a new pumping station, will contribute to making the Humber region more resilient to the effects of climate change.” This partnership scheme, led by the Environment Agency and supported by Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, National Highways and the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (HEY LEP) Local Growth Fund programme, will better protect around 1,000 properties and help to provide a long-term, more sustainable solution to the problem of flooding in this area. The HEY LEP secured £2.14million towards the project through the Local Growth Fund as part of the Government’s commitment to the Northern Powerhouse. Additional benefits resulting from the scheme include the creation of green space for people to enjoy and improving access to the Castle Hill monument. Councillor Dean Kirk, Hull City Council’s portfolio holder for flood risk, said: “We are delighted that this important phase of the Flood Alleviation Scheme on Holderness Drain has received planning consent. The works at Castlehill will deliver many more benefits alongside the reduction in flood risk to homes and businesses. “These include job creation for local people through the materials and workforce supply chain in the construction phases, habitat creation, improved water quality, connecting communities with the heritage and nature of the site and amenity value. A more detailed description of the changes to the plans can be found in the full report, which can be downloaded here: Holderness Drain Flood Alleviation Scheme. Residents with questions should email the Environment Agency project team at: HoldernessdrainFAS@environment-agency.gov.uk To find out about flood risk in your area and to sign up to the Environment Agency’s free flood warning service, visit www.gov.uk/flood or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.

Interest in apprenticeships sky high as thousands flock to recruitment fair

Young people, parents, carers, and teachers turned out in their thousands to attend Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair, which took place on day one of National Apprenticeship Week 2022.
The event organised by Leeds City Council’s employment and skills service returned in person this year, selling out the Leeds First Direct Arena, with 6,200 free tickets being booked ahead of the event. With 88 employers and training providers exhibiting at the fair, a wide range of sectors were represented including construction, agriculture, health, and care, creative and design, digital, legal, finance and accounting. The annual event provides a vital opportunity for young people from across Leeds to connect with employers and find out about real live apprenticeship opportunities, as well as giving them access to good quality careers information, advice, and guidance. To coincide with the event and to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, Leeds City Council’s employment and skills service launched a brand-new website, providing information and opportunities from over 100 organisations across Leeds. Speaking about the event, Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “It is great to see the interest and enthusiasm for apprenticeships across Leeds, shown in the number of young people, parents and carers as well as employers attending Leeds Apprenticeship Fair. “The event celebrated apprenticeships as the fantastic opportunity they are, for anyone over the age of 16 to further develop their education and training while gaining valuable work experience and earning a salary. The fair provided a true sense of opportunity and highlighted the impact an apprenticeship can have on young people’s careers. “I would encourage everyone who attended to follow up on the conversations they have had with employers and training providers and utilise the fantastic resources that the employment and skills service has created including the newly launched website. “

West Yorkshire law firm raises over £8,000 for local homelessness charity

West-Yorkshire homelessness charity, Simon on the Streets has received more than £8,000 from local law firm Schofield Sweeney during its time as charity of the year.

Schofield Sweeney which has offices in Bradford, Leeds, and Huddersfield, has supported the charity since 2017 and made Simon on the Streets its annual charity partner throughout 2021, raising £8700 over the past 12 months.

The 170-strong workforce has fundraised via lockdown-friendly activities including participating in sleep-ins, plus bake sales, bike rides, payroll giving and business events including networking and sponsoring the charity’s annual golf day.

Simon on the Streets is an independent charity which offers support to homeless and vulnerable people across Bradford, Leeds, and Kirklees.

It costs the charity £13.08 to fund an outreach worker’s support for an hour meaning the funds raised by Schofield Sweeney have paid for 16 weeks’ worth of support to those on our streets.

Schofield Sweeney’s marketing manager Ann-Marie Keighley commented: “We’re really proud to have been able to provide this much support to Simon on the Streets during a turbulent year. Despite the difficulties everyone has faced, and the fact homelessness hasn’t been as visible to much of our workforce who have been homeworking, Simon on the Streets has remained a cause close to our hearts and the people they support have not gone forgotten.”

Simon on the Streets’ CEO, Natalie Moran said: “We’re so grateful to Schofield Sweeney for once again supporting us so generously. The amount raised has funded our hardworking outreach team for an incredible four months which has allowed us to reach vulnerable people and support them to access the support they need.”

Simon on the Streets is encouraging local businesses to continue to support them throughout 2022 and is offering the chance to pay for as little as an hour of an outreach workers time at just £13.08.

Natalie continued: “We know people want to see exactly how their funds are spent. Whatever people can raise helps, for example, just £15 could give someone a phone with credit to help us stay in contact with them and remind them of their appointments.”

To find out more about ways to support Simon on the Streets visit https://simononthestreets.co.uk/ways-to-give.

Lassic Group acquires 175,000 sq ft distribution centre

A supplier of flat packed furniture and home furnishings has acquired substantial new distribution premises in Cleckheaton, which will create up to 50 new local jobs.

Located on Bradford Road in Cleckheaton, the facility was previously home to Westex Flooring. The company has now relocated to Dewsbury.

Lassic Group was represented by property consultancy Gent Visick (GV), as well as Schofield Sweeney, which provided legal advice. The premises were marketed by Michael Steel & Co.

Lassic Group is a family-owned business with existing UK distribution facilities in both Bradford and Brighouse, as well as staff and manufacturing bases in the Far East and South America. The company sources, imports and distributes a vast range of household products and furniture to both national and independent retailers throughout the UK and Europe.

Suresh and Raj Handa of Lassic Group said: “We are absolutely thrilled with our new freehold purchase. The highly sought-after site boasts 175,000 sq ft of warehouse capacity and now gives Lassic Group access to three warehouses with over 400,000 sq ft of total warehouse space. This will allow us to add more products to our portfolio, which allows our business to expand and grow to the next level to become one of leading furniture suppliers in both the UK and EU.

“The transaction will create up to 50 new jobs for the area taking our total head count to around 150 members of staff. GV were instrumental in advising on this transaction, whilst Schofield Sweeney provided fantastic legal advice and guidance throughout. Also, thanks to the teams at HSBC, Dhillon Accountants and all the Lassic Group staff for all their help and support.”

Paul Mack, director at GV, said: “The Westex Building provided a very rare opportunity to acquire the freehold interest in a large-scale distribution facility just off the M62 motorway. We are therefore delighted to have advised Lassic Group on this transaction, whilst working alongside Schofield Sweeney.”

Pardeep Khela, associate at Schofield Sweeney, said: “I am thrilled to get this deal over the line and achieve a great result for the Lassic Group. The site itself is quite complex and involved calling upon our property, banking and environmental expertise to ensure a swift completion. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the Lassic Group, GV and HSBC UK Bank plc on this job and wish the Lassic team all the best with their purchase.”

£3m refurbishment of Leeds’ Electric Press offices approved

A £3 million refurbishment of the iconic Grade 2-listed Electric Press building in Leeds has been approved by Leeds City Council. The transformation of the building, located in the heart of the city’s Civic Quarter, will provide 17,200 sq ft of prime Grade A office space. Work will start on site in the summer, after the present offices are stripped out, and will complete by June 2023. Eamon Fox, partner and head of office agency at Knight Frank in Leeds, who is marketing the offices on behalf of landlord DTZ Investors, said: “The granting of planning permission is tremendous news. The new office space at the Electric Press, which has been named Switch, will now be worthy of the rest of this magnificent historic building. “The offices were previously occupied by Leeds Metropolitan University. Time has inevitably taken its toll, while there was no external amenity space for staff who worked there. So the offices are absolutely ready for a grand makeover. “The 17,200 sq ft Grade A office space will be spread over three floors, with floorplates starting at 4,600 sq ft. We expect serious interest from potential occupiers, once marketing begins. “The magnificent new offices will respect the heritage of the Electric Press, whilst bringing this part of the building into the 21st century. There will be a statement front door, providing a distinctive arrival experience, and the spacious offices will be flooded with light. A brand-new terrace will provide the external space which is currently lacking and a new clubroom will provide internal leisure space. “It also goes without saying, in a world transformed by Covid, that this will be an incredibly safe place to work. There will be a hot-desking area and social space for all tenants, while a glass lobby will provide a visual separation between the existing building and the clubroom,” said Mr Fox. He added: “The new offices have been designed by the talented RKA Architectural Design Studio – and, quite frankly, I am blown away by what they are proposing. These are going to be some of the finest offices not just in Leeds, but in the whole of Yorkshire and the North East.” Richard Keating, founder and director of RKA, explained: “Our three-part vision is, first, to transform the arrival experience and building presence within Millennium Square. A new artist’s mural that fronts the square is a major part of this. “Secondly, we will work with and respect the Electric Press’s heritage by maximising the hidden assets to enable users to experience the building’s volume, space and light. Taking inspiration from its arched windows and brick façade, we have designed contemporary reception and lift lobbies that fit seamlessly into the language of the existing industrial building. “Thirdly, we will create enhanced amenity spaces for all tenants. These will include new rooftop club room and terrace create spaces for Yoga, parties, hot desking and wellness classes, plus the basement facilities with showers and changing rooms. These are all designed in keeping with the transformation upstairs.” Located in Great George Street, next to Millennium Square, in the heart of Leeds Civic Quarter, the three-storey Electric Press contains the 350-seat Carriageworks Theatre and conference facility. It also has bars and restaurants, including All Bar One and Casa Mia. Built in 1840, the Electric Press is one of only a handful of buildings in Leeds city centre still fronted by Victorian arches. This building with its trademark square chimney is Grade II listed, built for the firm of Printers Chorley and Pickersgill. It has 4.3m high ceilings with exposed cast iron and timber structure, designed originally to support the heavy printing presses.

Local SMEs to benefit from additional £5m of Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund funding

0
Businesses across Yorkshire and the Humber, and Tees Valley are set to benefit from an additional £5m of funding from NPIF – BEF & FFE Microfinance, which is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF). Responsible finance providers Finance For Enterprise (FFE) & Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) were appointed in 2017 to manage NPIF – BEF & FFE Microfinance and have already invested more than £9.5m into 210 businesses within the region. This new allocation will increase the fund size from £10m to £15m and enable the two lenders to continue their support to start-ups, early-stage and more established businesses that are looking to grow. Microfinance loans range between £25,000 and £100,000 and are designed to provide businesses with funding that can be used for a wide range of purposes. This includes filling gaps in working capital, funding expansion projects, investing in new equipment, leasing commercial premises, hiring new staff and more. Commercial lighting design specialist RKB Electrical is an example of a business that recently secured investment. Based in Skipton, it was awarded a £25,000 loan from NPIF – BEF & FFE Microfinance, backed by RLS, and was also provided an additional £80,000 directly from BEF to expand its product offering. Chris Rickerby, operations manager at RKB Electrical, said: “Businesses all over the UK are looking to make their offices healthier to welcome their employees back to a central hub where possible. We have been inundated with queries about how lighting can help make offices brighter, healthier and more sustainable as part of commercial refits. We’re using the funding to deliver a wider range of bespoke lighting products that can deliver on this and looking at developing our own products. “The process with Mark Iley at BEF was very straightforward and the funding, delivered in partnership with the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, means we are able to respond to demand, enabling businesses all over the UK to re-open with confidence, while growing our own operation.” Steve Waud, CEO of BEF, said: “Adapting is a major part of recovery and growth and RKB – and their customers – exemplify this. We were delighted to support them as they grow and look forward to funding many other small companies across Yorkshire and the Humber, and Tees Valley.” Andrew Austwick, Managing Director of FFE, said: “This additional investment from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund will help more businesses across Yorkshire and the Humber, and Tees Valley to access the vital funds needed to realise their potential. When businesses prosper, the whole of society benefits. NPIF plays a critical role in helping to create and retain skilled jobs within the regional economy, as well as assisting businesses to secure the funds needed to invest, innovate and adapt to a challenging economic climate.”

Mechanical and electrical solutions business acquired in MBO deal

0

A mechanical and electrical solutions provider has been acquired in a management buyout deal.

Birstall-based Yorkshire Building Services, which was founded in 1992, predominantly works in the commercial and industrial sectors.

The company’s 65-strong team works for clients throughout the UK providing a full range of mechanical heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems, electrical installations, building management and maintenance services.

The buyout was led by David Broadhurst and Mark Peat, who are now both majority shareholders in the business, along with Tim Anderson and Darren Hill, who have also increased their share. David joined the firm when it was established in 1992 and Mark, Tim and Darren have all worked there for more than 10 years and offer over 90 years of combined industry experience.

Former directors, Andrew Sutcliffe and Paul Harrison, who themselves completed a management buyout of the firm in 2007, will continue to work in the business for the foreseeable future.

The buyers were advised by Cathy Cook, from the Leeds office of Yorkshire-based solicitors LCF Law, and Dale Coleman from accountants Ford Campbell Freedman provided accountancy, financial and strategic advice. Adrian Ballam from Ward Hadaway advised the sellers.

David Broadhurst said: “Over the last 30 years Yorkshire Building Services has established a superb reputation for the breadth of projects we work on and the practical approach to the design and innovative engineering solutions that we offer. Our extensive client base now includes the likes of M&S, Waitrose & Partners, Morrisons, Royal Mail and a recent introduction into public sector work.

“Both Andrew and Paul have been key to this and have always strived to lead a well-run business that offers an industry leading standard of service. The buyout comes at a time when the business is thriving, and we are working on a vast range of exciting and innovative projects throughout the UK including DWP Job Centres, HSBC data centres, MOJ covid reduction works and local authority leisure centres.”

Cathy Cook, who is a partner within LCF Law’s corporate department, said: “After completing a management buyout themselves, Andrew and Paul knew the importance of succession planning, and in recent years had already taken steps to pave the way for the new shareholders.

“This thorough preparation made it a seamless transaction to work on because everyone involved was unified and already had a clear understanding of the eventual outcome. This resulted in a very smooth transition for Yorkshire Building Services’ clients and team, and the MBO is a fantastic example of how other business owners and management teams can plan effectively and successfully for the future.”

Dale Coleman, partner at Ford Campbell Freedman, said: “We have a longstanding relationship with Yorkshire Building Services providing them with strategic and planning guidance at appropriate times together with accountancy, audit and corporate tax advice for more than 20 years.

“After working with Andrew and Paul on their buyout in 2007 and supporting the company through a period of growth since then, it’s been a pleasure to advise the team on passing the business to the next generation of shareholders and completing their entry to exit plan. We’re now looking forward to continuing our work with David, Mark, Tim and Darren as they take the business forward.”

EMR to improve wayfinding signage at eight stations across its network

East Midlands Railway (EMR) is rolling out wayfinding improvements across eight of its stations aimed at helping its customers use more logical and safer ways to navigate its sites. The £73,000 project will deliver accessible wayfinding improvements at locations up and down EMR’s network, including Kettering, Wellingborough, Nottingham, Beeston, Bulwell, Newark Castle, Hinckley and Sheffield. The new signage has been placed to allow customers to better understand how to get to a platform, exit, or entrance, as quickly and as safely as possible. EMR has also reduced sign clutter as much as possible, helping customers navigate the station environment with confidence and in a way that suits individual needs. Standardising the language used on the signs is another feature of the work, helping customers to become familiar with the same words and better understand their meaning. The project is wholly funded by EMR with the exception of a £3,000 match funding contribution from Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council. Depending on funding, similar wayfinding projects at other stations could also be rolled out in the future. Examples of the works include: Sheffield The current signs in the concourse (directly below) show three separate way out lines. In the new design this has been changed to two, with different alignment disciplines to improve the wayfinding experience. Bulwell The installation of a new poster case that highlights the step free route to the town centre. Helen Dolphin MBE, Chair of East Midlands Railway’s Inclusivity Panel, said: “The Inclusivity panel is delighted to see the introduction of this much improved wayfinding signage. “The signage will significantly improve the experience of customers, particularly those with disabilities where finding the quickest and safest route is vitally important. As a society we don’t always appreciate the difficulties people can have navigating around a station and this signage is going to make a big difference.” Lisa Angus, Transition and Projects Director at East Midlands Railway, said: “We are always looking at better ways to help our customers navigate easily and safely around our stations. “We hope this project will help in this regard and cut down the number of trips and falls which do occasionally happen when customers mistakenly take a more challenging route to either a platform, entrance or exit.”

Changes to services at Halifax Bus Station as work progresses on new £17.7 million state-of-the-art facility

Services at Halifax Bus Station are set to change from later this month (February) as work progresses on a new £17.7 million state-of-the-art facility delivered by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority in partnership with Calderdale Council. Alongside improved passenger facilities and better access to the town centre, plans for the new station include environmentally friendly features, such as measures to enable the future introduction of electric bus charging points, bike parking and solar panels, a living roof complete with plants, and a water storage tank to manage the flow of rainwater in a storm. Overall, the scheme will deliver more green space as well as other environmental benefits. Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: In my manifesto, I committed to improving public transport, connecting more people with opportunities and helping tackle the climate emergency on our way to becoming a net zero carbon economy by 2038. “That is why I am pleased to see work progressing on the new bus station, which will benefit passengers in Halifax and beyond. “We want buses to be the first choice for travel in West Yorkshire – not because you do not have a car, but because they are more affordable, convenient to use, and better for the environment.” From Sunday 27 February, the station entrance, travel centre and bus stands are being relocated to the other side of the site, near the Sunday School Façade and Sainsbury’s on Winding Road. Services 586 and 587, 226, 348 and 349 will also move to town centre bus stops from that date. Most bus services will run from the town centre during the day with some evening services returning to the station from 7pm.  A small number of services are remaining on site throughout. Posters detailing where to catch buses and how to find out more about the project will be displayed at the bus station, on buses, and on key buildings and bus stops across the town centre. Staff will also initially be on hand at the bus station and on-street to help people and answer questions. Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee, said: “We have been working closely with bus operators and our partners at Calderdale Council to minimise disruption and ensure people can continue to access Halifax town centre by public transport. “Buses have a vital role to play in connecting our communities and helping more people make public transport, as well as walking and cycling, their first choice.” Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Strategy, Cllr Jane Scullion, said: “It’s great to see work progressing on the impressive plans to improve Halifax bus station. This latest phase of construction will see work take place on the relocation of the bus station entrance, complementing wider plans to transform travel around the town centre. “This project milestone will require the temporary relocation of services and we thank local people for their patience whilst works are taking place. Once complete, the bus station’s modern and environmentally-friendly features will not only improve the passenger experience but also support Council priorities to tackle the climate emergency and support our town centres.” During this latest phase of works, which is expected to last until summer 2023, the cash and vending machines, as well as the photobooth, will be unavailable. There will not be any public toilets at the bus station during this time.  The nearest facilities are on Albion Street, next to the Borough Market’s southern entrance, which is within walking distance and closer to most bus services that have been moved to existing stops in the town centre. The new Halifax Bus Station is part of a wider package of schemes to transform the way people travel in and around the town. It is being delivered with money from the Leeds City Region Transforming Cities Fund, which is helping to transform gateways to towns and cities across the region by making it easier to walk, cycle and use public transport. Construction work is expected to continue until summer 2023.

Opportunity for York businesses to innovate, grow and access funding

The council is hosting an event to introduce York businesses to the Knowledge Transfer Partnership scheme in partnership with University of York, York St John University and Innovate UK.

The knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) scheme is a three-way-partnership between a business, an academic team and a suitably qualified graduate that enables the business to bring in new skills and the latest academic thinking to deliver a specific, strategic innovation project. The event will be held on Thursday, 24 March 2022 from 8:45 to 10:30 am at York St. John University. Interested participants can register here for free. Innovation is key to sustained business growth and resilience through uncertain times. This can include development of new products and services, dynamic processes and even the evolution of business cultures to underpin improvements in competitiveness and productivity. The event will showcase how KTPs can help businesses innovate and grow by offering access to academic expertise and a grant of approximately £70k per annum.  Participants will gain information on applying for collaborative funding for their ideas and get an opportunity to meet with like-minded innovative York businesses. The event will commence with an introductory address by Louise Saw, City of York Council’s Business Growth Manager. It will be followed by a presentation on the York KTP Offer by University of York and York St. John University. Participants will learn how the KTP scheme works and hear about both university’s offerings to support the local business community. The event will also showcase KTP’s business transformation success stories in collaboration with University of York and York St. John University. Ian Blakemore from Innovate UK will further discuss about the business benefits of a KTP. Participants will have the opportunity to network and engage with the panellists during a Q&A session before the event concludes. Councillor Andrew Waller, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning said: “This is an excellent opportunity for York businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through funded partnerships with academics and researchers. “Our academic partners, University of York and York St John University, have a fantastic reputation for being high-quality educational and research hubs. The collaboration of these institutions with York businesses will not only benefit the individual parties involved but will also create new knowledge-based professional relationships that will support York’s overall economic development. “I encourage all businesses to attend the session to find out how they can access academic expertise and embed new knowledge to drive business innovation and growth through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership.”