Big boost for small businesses in Leeds as COVID-19 support scheme is extended
Small businesses in Leeds have been handed a new opportunity to claim funding support as they navigate their way through the ongoing financial difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Leeds City Council has already distributed more than £290m worth of assistance to the business and charity sector since the start of the pandemic.
Now an existing grant scheme is being opened up to additional applicants as the council continues its work getting the right support to the right people at the right time.
The scheme is targeted at Leeds-based businesses and charities from any sector, with discretionary grants worth up to £15,000 on offer to help cover overheads such as property service charges and commercial vehicle leasing.
At present, applicants must be able to show that their fixed business costs for the period from August 1 last year to March 31 this year will be at least £2,000.
From tomorrow (Tuesday, February 1), however, that qualifying figure will be reduced to £1,000 – delivering a welcome boost to some of the city’s smallest businesses.
Potential grant recipients are being encouraged to contact the council as soon as possible, as the scheme’s application window is due to close on Tuesday, February 22.
Meanwhile, the closing date for applications to another council-run grant scheme has been pushed back, again with the aim of making sure as many businesses as possible have a chance to access the available funds.
The scheme – offering one-off grants worth up to £6,000 to Leeds-based businesses in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sector – was originally due to close at the end of February but will now remain open until Friday, March 18.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “We are proud of the support we have been able to give Leeds businesses – large and small – over the last two years as they have dealt with a succession of unprecedented and hugely-daunting challenges.
“We also recognise that, for many members of the local business community, the financial pressures exerted by COVID-19 are still a significant cause for concern.
“The council’s approach therefore remains unchanged – we will do our utmost to get the city’s businesses through this crisis and into a position where they can look forward to better times ahead.
“We would encourage anyone who thinks they may qualify for a grant to make contact with us as soon as possible.”
Other measures taken by the council over the course of the pandemic include the distribution of grants to businesses that were forced to close during the various national lockdowns and payments to help with reopening costs as restrictions began to ease.
Eligible taxi and private hire drivers, meanwhile, can still claim free three-year licence renewals as part of a multi-million pound package of assistance for their trade that was announced in March last year.
Work has started on the transformation of the former South Leeds Golf Course
Work has started at the former South Leeds golf course on the creation of a 48-hectare country park and green space.
Much of the former golf course will be developed as a country park with new woodland planting and pathways.
There will also be a ‘Peoples Woodland’, delivered in partnership with Leeds Hospitals Charity, creating a space for reflection and peace in memorial of loved ones who lost their lives during the pandemic and to pay tribute to our hard-working frontline key workers.
Development of the site adds around five kilometres of new walking trails adjacent to the already popular park. A variety of new habitats are planned including over 20,000 trees, wildflower meadows and wetland habitat, plus rewilding practices such as reduced mowing will form part of the management plan.
The woodland creation supports the council’s pledge to combat the climate emergency by planting 5.8 million trees over the next 25 years. The local population will also benefit from the economic, biodiversity and health benefits of good quality green space.
People will be given the opportunity to donate to the project or sponsor a tree in memory of a loved one or to thank our dedicated frontline key workers for their efforts.
People can also sign up to volunteer to plant trees on the site or elsewhere in the city. Email your interest to woodlandcreation@leeds.gov.uk
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for public health and active lifestyles said: “We hope that by creating this beautiful woodland it will provide people with a space to reflect, unwind and take in the peaceful surroundings; while also enjoying the recreational opportunities the parkland offers.
“It will also help us deliver our commitment to ensuring all our communities have access to quality parks and green space and will positively contribute towards our ambition of being carbon neutral by 2030.”
Esther Wakeman, Chief Executive at Leeds Hospitals Charity, said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Leeds City Council on this wonderful project. We hope that ‘The People’s Woodland’ will create a space where people from communities across Leeds can come together and support their local NHS hospitals. Whether it’s to pay their respects to loved ones who sadly died during the pandemic, show their appreciation for our NHS heroes who have worked tirelessly during this time, or another special reason. We appreciate the value of having an outdoor space that everyone can enjoy and hope it brings peace during these challenging times.”
Apprenticeships to headline First Direct Arena in February
The annual Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair is returning to the First Direct Arena on Monday 7 February between 2pm-8pm.
With over 80 employers and apprenticeship providers attending, the event continues to be one of the largest apprenticeship recruitment fairs in the north of England.
The event, which kicks off National Apprenticeship Week, offers a unique opportunity for attendees of all ages to interact with leading apprenticeship employers from across the city including PWC, Leeds City Council, IBM, West Yorkshire Police, and the Yorkshire Building Society.
Opportunities will be available to work in a range of sectors such as law and financial services, leisure and tourism, health and social care, engineering, construction, digital, sports, arts, media, and publishing.
Around 450 apprenticeship vacancies are currently being advertised in Leeds so there has never been a better time to consider an apprenticeship.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, additional measures are being implemented to ensure all attendees are as safe as possible, this includes extended opening times and asking attendees to book a time slot.
Speaking ahead of the event, Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, culture, and education, said:
“It’s extremely exciting to once again welcome one of the largest apprenticeship recruitment fair in the north of England back to Leeds. Apprenticeship opportunities continue to grow across Leeds and the yearly success of the fair highlights the increasing importance placed on apprenticeships by employers and candidates.
“I would encourage anyone exploring their first career step, upskilling or changing career to book their free ticket for this year’s Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair”
Fusion Yorkshire: Virtual community forum event to take place on Wednesday
Residents in East Yorkshire and other local stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on new proposals for the UK’s first prototype fusion energy power plant, which may be built in their area.
A virtual community forum event will take place online on Wednesday, February 2nd 2022 between 6pm and 8pm.
Goole is one of five sites across the UK shortlisted for STEP, or Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production, a UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) programme seeking to pave the way for the development of commercial power plants. It will also showcase how a future fusion power station could be operated and maintained.
The other sites are Ardeer in North Ayrshire, Moorside in Cumbria, West Burton in Nottinghamshire, and Severn Edge in Gloucestershire.
UKAEA engineers and scientists involved in the first-of-its-kind project will engage with residents and stakeholders to discuss the benefits of safe, sustainable, low carbon fusion energy, and how the proposed prototype power plant would create thousands of highly skilled jobs and attract other high-tech industries to its host region.
The chosen STEP site will be selected by the Secretary of State at the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. The final decision on the successful site is expected around the end of 2022. UKAEA will make recommendations based on a set of criteria, including support from the local community and the potential for socio-economic benefits in that locality.
Tristram Denton, Head of Commercial and Programme Development for STEP, said: “STEP is not just of strategic importance to UKAEA, but to the national and global efforts to harness fusion technology in the fight against climate change. While it’s still early days, we anticipate that the host region will become a global hub for a wide range of technological and scientific expertise, leading to massive economic opportunities.
“The UK government is committed to net zero by 2050 and fusion is one part of the long-term solution, alongside a continued increase in energy from renewable sources like wind and solar power. The recent COP26 climate conference highlighted the need to push harder and faster, and STEP will take us closer to making fusion a reality.”
Stakeholder and community engagement is one part of STEP’s site selection process, enabling UKAEA to raise awareness of the programme in each of the five shortlisted locations and gather initial feedback.
Each community forum is open to all and will include a presentation on the programme, details on the proposals and an open forum for questions and discussion. This will enable attendees to learn more and provide feedback, which will form an important part of the assessment process as the team develops its final recommendations.
Residents in East Yorkshire and other local stakeholders can find out more by registering for the individual sessions which will take place via Microsoft Teams on Eventbrite.
Significant progress on York’s Local Plan: hearings to take place next month
York’s Local Plan, a framework to guide development and protect the quality of the city’s unique historic, natural and built environment, will take a significant step forward next month.
Appointed government inspectors are continuing the examination of York’s Local Plan this year, with the next stage of hearing sessions set to take place from 15 March 2022.
City of York Council will work proactively with the inspectors to progress the Local Plan.
The Local Plan sets strategic priorities for the whole city and forms the basis for planning decisions.
Cllr Keith Aspden, Leader of the Council, said: “The draft Local Plan is one of the most significant strategic documents for our city, as it will determine how York develops over the next 20 years.
“We have been working hard to progress York’s Local Plan which has enabled us to reach this important milestone. The final examination is the next step towards adopting a Local Plan for York.
“We remain determined to secure a Local Plan that delivers more homes and economic space, whilst protecting the unique character of our city.”
Cllr Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Finance and Performance, said: “This has been an exceptionally challenging couple of years and I would like to thank the government inspectors and all those involved who’ve managed to progress this plan despite the difficult circumstances.
“We’re confident that this is a robust and sound plan, and look forward to the next stage of the hearings. Our draft plan ensures that York gets the housing and jobs our city needs, whilst also protecting York’s unique character, green belt and natural beauty. It is incredibly important that we continue to build on the progress and work with the inspectors to take this plan forward to adoption.”
Provisional timeline, subject to confirmation from Inspectors:
- Early March: Phase 2 of hearings this will focus on the spatial strategy, level of growth and supporting infrastructure
- Late Spring 2022: Phase 3 of hearings which will focus on Green Belt boundaries
- Early Summer 2022: Phase 4 of hearings focused on all other plan matters.
- End of 2022/early 2023: Local Plan Adoption if the examination is successful and our plan is found sound.
Ingenuity North launches to serve brand and agency communities in Leeds, Manchester and beyond
Ingenuity, the UK’s leading new business consultancy, today announces the launch of Ingenuity North, its new base in Leeds ready to serve brands and agencies locally.
The office will be led by Head of Ingenuity North, George Vann, who returns to Ingenuity after seven years in business development roles in Australia and Leeds, where he will build out the Ingenuity North team. George and the team will be offering Ingenuity’s full suite of services to connect brands and agencies. For agencies: events, intermediary, proposition and pitch consultancy business development, PR, digital marketing, and content. And for brands: partnerships, agency selection, events, marketing efficiency and effectiveness consultancy.
This expansion follows a big 2021 for Ingenuity which saw new partnerships and senior hires to round out the business’ offering and is a key part of Ingenuity’s growth strategy for 2022 and beyond. Further demonstrating the business’ commitment to serving local brands and agencies, the events team is also launching Ingenuity Connect North. Based on Ingenuity’s legendary B2B events, Connect North will bring brands and agencies together in person, in a unique way on 26th May in Manchester and 29th September in Leeds.
Chris Kemp, Founder and CEO at Ingenuity says: “While we’ve long since worked with agencies and brands across the UK, we’ve always wanted a base in the North so we can better connect with businesses locally. We’re also looking forward to tapping into the amazing local talent to build out the team that will bring Ingenuity’s leading services to Northern agencies and brands. I can’t think of anyone better to drive this forward than George. George and I have stayed close since he left Ingenuity in 2012 and we are excited to welcome him back into the fold at this important growth stage for us.”
George Vann, Head of Ingenuity North says: “Ingenuity is the best in the business when it comes to connecting brands and agencies. Having a team on the ground up here will change the game for our agency and brand relationships; building knowledge together and ultimately working more closely. The launch of Ingenuity North is something Chris and I have talked about for some time, and 2022 is the right year for it. I am thrilled to be leading the charge, building out the team, helping local agencies excel and local brands find the right partners.”
Stamford regeneration project takes significant step forward as £1.3m approved for demolition work
A flagship regeneration project has taken another significant step forward after South Kesteven District Council approved a £1.3 million budget towards the cost of demolition work at St Martin’s Park, Stamford.
The demolition of existing buildings is a condition of sale for the former Cummins site off Barnack Road. Work is expected to take around 36 weeks and could start as early as March. One building will remain, which dates from 1904 when manufacturing first started on site.
SKDC is working in partnership with Burghley Estates to bring forward plans for a 14.7-hectare site which includes a designated commercial area; mixed-use area; retirement village; range of residential properties, including 30% affordable homes; and areas of green and open space.
Outline planning permission was granted in October 2021 subject to completion of a Section 106 agreement.
The Leader of SKDC, Cllr Kelham Cooke, said: “This is a hugely important site in Stamford and our resolve has never wavered in bringing forward plans that will transform it for future generations.
“I am delighted to see this major project, which will bring benefits and opportunities to Stamford and the surrounding areas, passing another significant milestone.
“The Council have a stated it is as an ambition of delivering the St Martin’s Park scheme, it’s been included specifically in our Corporate Plan. These works are a key component in allowing the site to be sold which will generate capital receipts for delivering the Councils capital programme.”
Lincoln dog food producer snapped up by Cranswick
Cranswick, a leading UK food producer, has acquired the entire issued share capital of Lincoln-based Grove Pet Foods Limited.
Grove Pet Foods is a producer of dry dog food for several leading brands under private label relationships alongside its own brands including Vitalin (natural) and Alpha Feeds (working dog).
The business operates predominantly from a purpose-built freehold facility in Lincolnshire and employs a total workforce of approximately 100.
John Walgate, Managing Director, will remain with and continue to lead the business.
Adam Couch, Chief Executive Officer, Cranswick, said: “I am delighted to announce the acquisition of Grove Pet Foods, a well-invested manufacturer of dry pet food supplying
leading brands focussed on the specialist pet retail market.
“This acquisition represents a platform for future growth in the attractive UK pet food market and diversification into this complementary category for Cranswick. The existing facility has capacity and a footprint for further expansion.
“Grove Pet Foods has built a reputation for high quality products and service that is well aligned with Cranswick. The combined business will benefit from vertical integration opportunities within the group and particularly our fresh poultry and pork businesses. We look forward to building on this and continuing to invest in the product range, facilities and the team over the years ahead.”
York IT services business to be sold in £115m deal
Capita has agreed to sell York-headquartered Trustmarque to One Equity Partners for £111m on a cash free, debt free basis.
Taking into account cash-like and debt-like items, Capita expects to receive net proceeds of c.£115m at completion. An additional c.£3m is receivable by Capita contingent on certain future events.
Trustmarque provides IT services and solutions, including software and hardware re-sale, and is a top-tier partner for global technology vendors.
The net reported revenue and profit before tax for the assets subject to transaction for the year to 31 December 2020 were £122m and £16m respectively. Gross assets were £240m at 30 June 2021.
The sale is subject to certain consents.
The Trustmarque senior management team and employees will remain with the business.
Capita previously announced its intention to sell a number of non-core businesses, including Trustmarque, to strengthen the balance sheet and focus on its two core divisions, Capita Public Service and Capita Experience.
Jon Lewis, Capita’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are pleased to have agreed the sale of Trustmarque to One Equity Partners following a competitive sale process. I am delighted that, once this sale is completed, we will have exceeded our disposals target – and achieved this much earlier than originally planned.
“It marks another significant step towards materially reducing our debt, as we continue to simplify and strengthen Capita, and become a more successful business for the long term. We are now focused on selling the remaining businesses in our Portfolio division, with the goal of disposing of the majority by the end of 2022.”
Barclays Bank PLC, acting through its Investment Bank, is acting as sole financial advisor to Capita.
Witham Group tops £100,000 for charity in 100th year
Witham Group, with its headquarters on Outer Circle Road in Lincoln, has announced the total raised at its latest fundraising ball as they celebrate their 100th year of business.
The anniversary ball, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Lincoln in November, saw prizes auctioned off to the value of £15,000. The brings the total raised during their long history to over £100,000 for a number of worthy causes.
The four charities benefitting from the latest ball’s generous attendees include Myeloma UK, St Barnabas Hospice, the Lincolnshire Rural Support Network (LRSN) and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), all of which will receive a donation of £3,750 each to continue their important work.
From support for patients of a rare blood cancer to compassionate end-of-life care, pastoral and practical support for the farming community to empowering young people, all four causes were suggested by Witham Group’s employees.
Witham Group has a long history of putting something back with their charitable events, from lawnmower races to driving challenges, and coffee mornings to their flagship annual ball. Alongside this, they regularly sponsor customers and projects with their oil and paint products, as well as volunteering on a variety of local committees, charities and societies.
When making the announcement, Nigel R Bottom, Managing Director of the Witham Group said, “This is an incredible amount to raise in such a milestone year for us. We’re so grateful and extend our most sincere thank you to our kind suppliers and friends who donated the auction prizes.
We certainly celebrated our 100th year in style at our Anniversary Ball last year and again must offer thanks to the venue and everyone involved in the evening. Here’s to another 100 years!”
For more information about the Witham Group click here
