1,200-tonne crane lifts White Rose bridges into place in Leeds

Stuart Pearcey
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1,200-tonne crane lifts White Rose bridges into place in Leeds
Rail infrastructure specialist Spencer Group has installed two new link bridges at the £26.5 million new White Rose Rail Station in south Leeds, connecting the main station buildings to platform level at the new station next to the White Rose Park on the main trans-Pennine route to Manchester via Huddersfield. The scheme is being delivered in partnership by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Munroe K, Leeds City Council, Network Rail and the Department for Transport. The two link bridges were installed overnight over the course of two weekends with the help of a 1,200-tonne crane built on site. It had to be transported in sections and took a week to assemble with more than 25 lorry deliveries of components. The east link bridge, which had to be built in two halves and welded together on site, is 40m long and weighs 84 tonnes. The west link bridge is 20m long and weighs 46 tonnes. Anna Weeks, Principal Programme Sponsor at Network Rail, said: “It’s always special to reach milestones such as this in the large-scale infrastructure projects that Network Rail supports alongside its partners. We’re proud to be playing our part in delivering a new accessible railway station for local residents and the wider public, offering them more sustainable ways to travel into Leeds city centre and beyond.” Joe Bennett, Operations Director at Spencer Group, said: “The installation of the two link bridges represents a major milestone in the project. “We had to work around external obstacles with the bridge lifts, including gas main renewals on the main road, but it went very well. The station is now really beginning to take shape.” Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “We’re determined to create a better-connected region where everyone has the same opportunity to get on in life. “Investing in transport schemes that support economic growth, like the White Rose Rail Station, has a key role to play in that. “This investment will bring new opportunities for people in nearby communities by boosting transport links, regeneration and jobs.”

Steel industry at the heart of UK economic potential, says new report

Stuart Pearcey
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Steel industry at the heart of UK economic potential, says new report
Trade body UK Steel has published a new report highlighting how the industry is the bedrock for Britain’s supply chains, and why it is central to the nation’s economic potential and resilience at a time of geopolitical turbulence. Called ‘Why the UK needs a strong steel sector’, it also says the UK deserves to have a strong, national industry making products for infrastructure, homes, energy and transport across the nation instead of importing high-emissions steel. The report states: “We need more steel, not less, in our Net Zero future. The UK is in a prime position to lead green steelmaking, having one of the largest scrap resources in the world and a leader in renewable energy. Now is the time to be bold and seize the opportunity to lead the world by building a Net Zero steel sector.” It sets out why:
  • Steel is central to meeting the UK’s decarbonisation objectives, from reducing the emissions of the material itself to its use in energy infrastructure and technologies that will enable a Net Zero economy. A meaningful decarbonisation strategy must clearly focus on consumption emissions, not just emissions from steel produced domestically.
  • Increased reliance on steel imports could lead to higher emissions if imported steel is produced in a more carbon-intensive steel plant. UK steel production sites are less carbon-intensive than the global average for both blast furnace and electric arc furnace steelmaking, and therefore import increases will likely lead to a rise in UK greenhouse gas emissions.
British Steel Chief Commercial & Procurement Officer Allan Bell says: “As one of the leading steel manufacturers in Europe, we welcome this report. It is vital to put the steel industry front and centre of the drive toward decarbonisation and a sustainable economic future. “Britain needs a secure supply of high-quality steel for decades to come. Our steel is vital to major construction projects across the UK and to our rail network. We directly provide thousands of highly skilled and well-paid jobs while an estimated 19,000 people are employed in our supply chain. “Our owners, Jingye Group, has already invested £330 million in capital projects at British Steel in three years and is committed to transforming our business with further planned investments providing the government can give assurances of a competitive landscape for energy and carbon. “Our decarbonisation strategy is underpinned by our Low-Carbon Roadmap which will help secure low embedded carbon steelmaking in the UK. However, we need the British government to adopt the correct policies and provide the necessary support to back our drive to become a clean, green, and successful company. Governments in the countries where our major competitors operate have adopted such policies and the longer, we wait for their implementation in the UK, the more impact this will have on our competitiveness and the country’s ability to meet its carbon objectives. “British Steel is committed to working with the government and to making the home-made steel Britain needs for generations to come.”

East Lindsey SMEs offered a share in £1.85m

Stuart Pearcey
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East Lindsey SMEs offered a share in £1.85m
Businesses in East Lindsey are being invited to apply for a share of £1.85million in a bid to help them to thrive and grow – while aiming to boost employment opportunities and bring wider benefits across South & East Lincolnshire. Following an award from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund of £1.85million, SMEs are being invited to apply for their share of the money – and, if successful, will be awarded grants of between £1,000 and £24,999 (or 30% of the total eligible cost). The new source of funding will allow a continuation of the Grants4Growth programme to support a greater number of businesses through a wider range of methods. There are three types of grant available, which can be used towards increasing capacity, finding new markets and boosting productivity. This could be through capital costs, such as machinery or equipment, and revenue expenditure, whether it’s training, marketing or digital support. The third option will give businesses with fewer than five employees looking to spend up to £5,000 the opportunity to apply for grants that can cover up to 50% of both capital and revenue purchases to a maximum of £2,500. Additionally, there is now a new Business Advice Team on hand to provide free guidance to firms looking to grow, offering advice around sales development, productivity, manufacturing, HR issues and other challenges which business can face. The cash is being invested across South Holland, Boston and East Lindsey, ensuring the benefits can be felt throughout the area. To be successful, businesses need to demonstrate how the proposed investment will help increase capacity, improve efficiency, bring new products to market, or make the changes they need to remain competitive in the future. To be eligible to apply for a grant a business must: • Be classed as an entity involved in economic activity and must have been trading for at least 12 months. • Trade through a Business Bank Account. • Be classed as a Small or Medium sized enterprise (SME). This means it must have less than 250 employees, a turnover of less than £40 million and a balance sheet of less than £35 million. • Not be more than 25% owned by a larger company and if the business is part of a group then all parents and subsidiaries must be included when calculating number of employees, turnover and balance sheet totals. • Have premises in East Lindsey, Boston or South Holland • Any equipment purchased with help of a grant must be homed in the area. Councillor Steve Kirk, portfolio holder for The Coastal Economy, and Councillor Adam Grist, portfolio holder for Market Towns and the Rural Economy at East Lindsey District Council, added: “It’s fantastic to see businesses in East Lindsey be given the chance to grow and to turn their plans into action through the Grants4Growth funding. “This can make a real difference and bring about positive change across the district that will benefit coastal, urban and rural businesses while also increasing the chances for employment for our residents. “Alongside our other major funding, including £48.4million for our Skegness and Mablethorpe Town Deals and £8million Levelling Up funding, this is a really exciting time for major, transformative positive change in East Lindsey that will benefit residents for generations to come.”

Planning consent secured for sustainable Wakefield employment scheme

Tess Egginton
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Planning consent secured for sustainable Wakefield employment scheme
Opus North and Bridges Fund Management have secured outline planning permission from Wakefield Council for the City Fields employment scheme, which will deliver over 500,000 sq ft of highly sustainable employment space on a 31-acre site in Wakefield. The new development could bring around 800 new jobs to the local area. In July 2022, Opus North and Bridges acquired the site for an undisclosed sum from Keyland Developments Ltd. The approved scheme will run adjacent to the £33m Wakefield Eastern Relief Road (WERR) and will support the regeneration of the wider City Fields community. The planning approval has given the go-ahead for the commercial site to include Class B2, B8 and E(g) consent for urban logistics, as well as industrial accommodation in a varied range of unit sizes. There is also significant potential for further development through trade counter schemes and associated pub/restaurant/drive-thru options. The development will incorporate a number of sustainable features to reduce emissions and mitigate occupier costs, targeting BREEAM ‘Very Good’ and EPC A as a minimum. Opus North and Bridges are submitting a further Reserved Matters application for the site-wide enabling works. This will include site clearance and plateau preparation as well as drainage and utility installation works. Subject to approval on the Reserved Matters application, works are scheduled to begin in early 2024 with the first phase of construction focused on a drive-thru plot, followed by circa 80,000 square feet of industrial buildings with the aim of the first building to complete in late 2024. Ryan Unsworth, Joint Managing Director of Opus North, said: “We are delighted that our plans for the City Fields site have been granted approval. “The half a million square feet of employment space will be the key commercial element of the regeneration plans for the wider City Fields site which, at a total of 373 acres, will make a significant contribution to the area’s economic prospects. “A regeneration scheme of this scale is something we are hugely invested in and its delivery will make great strides in growing the northern commercial sector.” Guy Bowden, partner at Bridges Fund Management, said: “City Fields is one of the most exciting development opportunities in the region. We’re looking forward to transforming this site into a highly sustainable commercial and industrial hub, with a range of ‘build to suit’ units of different sizes. “This will help to address the clear regional shortage of high-quality space, while also enabling occupiers to achieve their own ESG goals and supporting the transition to Net Zero.” Appointed agents for City Fields are Carter Towler, Knight Frank and Avison Young.

Assets of Leeds-based print specialists to be sold as company ceases to trade

Tess Egginton
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Assets of Leeds-based print specialists to be sold as company ceases to trade
More than 340 items from Pharmaceutical Packing (Leeds) Limited (PPL) are now up for sale as the company ceases to trade, with two online auctions. Following the appointment of administrators earlier in the year and unsuccessful negotiations with a number of parties over the sale of the business, the assets of the Leeds-based print specialist are being sold. The former Holbeck-based company, established for more than 35 years, was well respected within the pharmaceutical sector with much of their manufacturing capacity previously dedicated to the chemist and medical profession. The business premises totalling some 30,000 sq ft provided a manufacturing facility that housed machines from global manufacturers including ABG, Webmaster, Edale and Arsoma. A full range of storage, handling and support equipment were utilised throughout the process. Asset advisory firm Walker Singleton, which is hosting the online auctions, has invited bids on the company’s stock and operational equipment following the appointment of administrators. The auctions comprise equipment such as two Martin Automatic automated butt splicers, an ABG slitter rewinder machine, and a ABG Vectra ECTR 430 4 spindle turret. Lots also include £100,000 of printing stock and materials, such as reels of paper ranging in grade, size and colour, as well as printing inks and label adhesives. Walker Singleton director, Stephen Jones, said: “While it is a loss to the printing industry and another casualty of the manufacturing sector, we are confident that the assets we are offering for sale by auction will allow other firms to benefit and invest in newer, larger capacity equipment. “Due to the finality of the operation, all assets will be offered for sale including the raw material and finished goods. “The company have a stock holding of quality products supplied from European and UK manufacturers and we would recommend all interested parties to view the facility and see for themselves the standard and variety of items available.”

£26.5m White Rose Rail Station takes significant step forward

Tess Egginton
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£26.5m White Rose Rail Station takes significant step forward
A major construction milestone has taken place at the £26.5 million new White Rose Rail Station in south Leeds. Rail infrastructure specialist Spencer Group has now installed two new link bridges from the main station buildings to platform level at the new station, which is being built next to the White Rose Park between Morley and Cottingley on the main trans-Pennine route to Manchester via Huddersfield. The new station will make it easier to walk, cycle and use public transport, connecting more people with jobs, training, education and leisure activities. It will provide improved access to the White Rose Park, shopping centre and bus interchange. Alongside 80 cycle parking spaces, the scheme also includes better walking and cycling routes for local communities, including to the White Rose Shopping Centre and bus interchange. The scheme is being delivered in partnership by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Munroe K, Leeds City Council, Network Rail and the Department for Transport. Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “We’re determined to create a better-connected region where everyone has the same opportunity to get on in life. “Investing in transport schemes that support economic growth, like the White Rose Rail Station, has a key role to play in that. “This investment will bring new opportunities for people in nearby communities by boosting transport links, regeneration and jobs.” The two link bridges were installed overnight over the course of two weekends. A 1,200-tonne crane – about 200 times the weight of an elephant – was built on site. It had to be transported in sections and took a week to assemble with more than 25 lorry deliveries of components. The east link bridge, which had to be built in two halves and welded together on-site, is 40m long and weighed 84 tonnes. The west link bridge is 20m long and weighs 46 tonnes. The works follow the installation of platform canopy sections earlier this year. Leeds City Councillor Helen Hayden, Executive Member for Sustainable Development and Infrastructure, said: “It’s really pleasing to see a significant milestone achieved in the construction of Leeds’ newest Rail Station. “The changes when complete will improve access to the city centre for residents in surrounding neighbourhoods, visitors to Leeds and thousands of young people who learn in the city’s schools and colleges each day. “White Rose Station along with other improved transport links we’re working on provide more opportunities to reduce our city’s carbon impact and realise our economic potential.” David Aspin, CEO of Munroe K, said: “Seeing the two foot bridges installed marks a significant milestone in the project and is real testament to the workmanship of the whole team at Spencer Group. “In the recent weeks the station buildings have come to life as the external cladding has been added and now the passenger walkways. We’re excited to see the progress continue as we head towards the new station opening next year.” Anna Weeks, Principal Programme Sponsor at Network Rail, said: “It’s always special to reach milestones such as this in the large-scale infrastructure projects that Network Rail supports alongside its partners. “We’re proud to be playing our part in delivering a new accessible railway station for local residents and the wider public, offering them more sustainable ways to travel into Leeds city centre and beyond.” Joe Bennett, Operations Director at Spencer Group, said: “The installation of the two link bridges represents a major milestone in the project. “We had to work around external obstacles with the bridge lifts, including gas main renewals on the main road, but it went very well. The station is now really beginning to take shape. “We’re excited to be working closely with our partners to deliver this important project, which will provide a significant upgrade to the rail infrastructure in the North.”

Hull welcomes £20m funding boost as Levelling Up Partnership plans revealed

Tess Egginton
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Hull welcomes £20m funding boost as Levelling Up Partnership plans revealed
Leader of Hull City Council, Cllr Mike Ross has welcomed a huge £19.35 million funding boost for the city as he met with Levelling Up Minister Jacob Young MP alongside the council’s chief executive, Matt Jukes, and Hull & East Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership chair, James Newman OBE. The minister from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities visited Hull after it was granted £19.35 million as part of the new Levelling Up Partnerships. Hull is one of the first areas in the country to be awarded the funding. Cllr Ross, Matt Jukes, James Newman and other representatives from the city held high level talks with Jacob Young MP, who also visited the Siemens Gamesa plant, getting to see for himself Hull’s world-leading facility. It comes as £5m of the government funding will support further education with a focus on funding green skills. These funds will be invested in education and training to tackle low skills and prepare people for work in the city’s growing green energy sector, demonstrating the council’s commitment to confronting climate change. In addition to the support for education and green skills, £10m is pledged to the East Bank development opportunity to help get the site ready to support up to 850 homes, along with commercial space and offices. Elsewhere, £1.5m will be used to develop two new managed workspace centres and £1m each dedicated to small business loans and addressing community centre infrastructure priorities. Funding will also be pledged to combating anti-social behaviour through Safer Streets, improving family hubs in Marfleet and Orchard Park and strengthening pan-Humber arrangements to help economic growth. These schemes will all receive £200,000 each, with another £250,000 committed to producing a masterplan for the city centre. Commenting on the funding, Cllr Ross said: “Hull is a pioneer in the renewable energy sector and this funding will help further champion that cause, boosting the city’s economy and the city’s reputation on the national and international stage. “The council is seeing large amounts of funding that will help residents right across Hull. From tackling anti-social behaviour to supporting small businesses and I know the council, alongside others in the city, will work with the government to use this money to help the people of Hull. “People across the city tell us they want a greener and safer city with support for our local economy, this funding will help deliver this council’s and residents’ priorities.”

Careers hubs aim to get more young people to sign up to apprenticeships

Stuart Pearcey
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Careers hubs aim to get more young people to sign up to apprenticeships
Careers Hubs across England are rolling out action plans to get more young people taking apprenticeships. The York & North Yorkshire Careers Hub – led locally by the Y&NY LEP – is among them and aims to help learners overcome barriers and widen access to apprenticeships and technical education roles. All 44 Careers Hubs in England have pledged to boost these learning opportunities following a national report published by The Careers & Enterprise Company, which oversees the network. York & North Yorkshire Careers Hub and the Y&NY LEP were among organisations to contribute to the report, called Conditions for Transition. The research highlights eight common factors affecting apprenticeship take-up – with different factors having different weight in different regions. In York and North Yorkshire, there were areas where the region scored above the national average – such as the number of employers offering work placements to college students, and the number of employers interested in providing work placements to T-Level students. Yvonne Emerson, Strategic Careers Hub Lead, said: “It’s good to recognise areas of success in our region, but also to explore where improvements can be made. For instance, our hub is focussed on a three-strand approach to support young people build confidence when applying for future apprenticeships and technical pathways.”

Funding boost to bring new life to Hull office building

Tess Egginton
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Funding boost to bring new life to Hull office building
A vacant and dilapidated Hull city centre building will soon benefit from ‘Grade A’ managed office space thanks to significant funding from Hull City Council and Hull & East Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (HEY LEP). A contribution of £1.5m has been granted to Venture Business Space, part of Allenby Commercial, towards its £6.5m project to create the office space at Monocle, formerly known as Europa House, on junction of Anlaby Road and Ferensway. The money has come from the council’s allocation of government Levelling Up Funding and HEY LEP’s Growing Places Fund, with both providing £750,000. Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, the council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “The former Europa House building is a prominent and key property in the city centre which has stood dilapidated for many years. “This is another important step forward in the regeneration of Hull city centre, once again supported by Levelling Up Funding. “It is yet another example of Hull going against the national trend of seeing continued economic investment into the city centre and bringing empty buildings back into use.” James Newman OBE, HEY LEP chair, added: “HEY LEP’s Growing Places Fund supports businesses which are vital to the vibrant local economy in Hull and East Yorkshire. “This project will be an important addition to ensuring that Hull city centre continues to develop and will attract new businesses to the city. “I am delighted that the HEY LEP has been able to support Venture Business Space and I look forward to seeing the development completed and the new space occupied.” Once fully refurbished, Monocle will create “inspiring” spaces for businesses to thrive and grow, providing 30 construction jobs and both creating and securing up to 600 further employment opportunities. The project will provide commercial space at ground level and office accommodation on the five upper floors. Monocle’s travel plan will maximise the rail and bus links from the adjacent transport interchange, with car parking available on site, cycle storage space and shower and changing facilities. Work is expected to start soon and Allenby Commercial hopes the first two floors should be ready for occupation by the end of March 2025. Full completion is scheduled for the end of November 2025. Andrew Allenby, Managing Director of Allenby Commercial, said: “All of our projects are focused on creating jobs in our home city by regenerating sites which were in danger of being forgotten and we are delighted Hull City Council, Hull & East Yorkshire LEP are able to support us with this particular project. “We bought the building before the pandemic and have had to face up to the changing landscape in commercial property and to the imperative of creating jobs in Hull city centre. “We have always worked to the highest standards but now the bar is even higher. To buck the trend of remote working and to attract people into the buildings you need to offer excellent facilities. “That means offering the widest range of transport options and combining workspace with leisure and relaxation facilities. “Monocle is another example of our strategy of renovating older buildings which have profile and character and using them to bring new jobs to Hull.”

Rural communities could ‘wither and die’ without reliable broadband, says tech boss

Stuart Pearcey
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Rural communities could ‘wither and die’ without reliable broadband, says tech boss

Rural communities could wither and die without reliable, high-speed broadband, an event for businesses in Lincolnshire has heard.

Just under half of the UK has no access to fibre broadband, with rural communities such as those in Northern Lincolnshire often neglected by major broadband providers. Sean Royce, CEO of rural broadband provider Quickline, said poor connectivity meant rural areas were “going backwards in terms of economic activity” because they were digitally disadvantaged in comparison with well-connected cities and towns. Speaking during an event as part of the Great Big Small Business Festival in North Lincolnshire, run by business support group E-Factor, Mr Royce said Quickline’s mission was to tackle the digital divide between rural and urban areas. He said: “We all know rural communities which have lost access to services such as their bank, Post Office, library, GP surgery or even their local shop, with people forced to drive miles to their nearest market town for services. “Those people depend on having a fast, reliable broadband service to carry out their day-to-day tasks. But, for many living in rural areas, that service does not exist. “For rural businesses, it’s no different. Without access to high-speed broadband, businesses will move from rural areas to towns and cities and rural communities will wither and die. “Put simply, the better broadband a business has, the more services they can offer and the more markets it opens up for them. Digital connectivity drives economic growth and its importance cannot be overstated.” Mr Royce said high-speed broadband was now critical to every aspect of life. “Those businesses that can’t access it or don’t embrace it, and the technologies it enables, will miss opportunities or, worse, go the same way as Blockbuster.” He emphasised that the rollout of full fibre broadband was the second largest infrastructure investment in the UK and the largest privately-funded one.

Business confidence is on the up in South Yorkshire survey finds

Stuart Pearcey
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Business confidence is on the up in South Yorkshire survey finds
After a few tumultuous years business confidence appears to be on the rise in South Yorkshire, according to a new survey, although challenges remain when it comes to cost pressures and the labour market. These findings are from the recent South Yorkshire People Survey conducted by the Chambers of Commerce for Doncaster, Sheffield, and Barnsley & Rotherham. CEOs of the three South Yorkshire Chambers issued the following joint statement: “It is reassuring to see that businesses are starting to feel increasingly optimistic about the future, having weathered the assorted macroeconomic headways of the year thus far. “Indeed, South Yorkshire organisations have indicated that their expectations for both turnover and profitability in the coming months are more positive than they were the last time that we polled them on this subject. Likewise, sales, orders and investments are showing encouraging signs of growth, with both domestic and overseas business activity having gradually recovered as 2023 has progressed. “In terms of the labour market — which was a prime area of interest for this questionnaire — recruitment difficulties appear to be easing somewhat as well, which is in line with the national trend. Our results show that 81% of South Yorkshire employers are struggling to recruit at the moment and — while that is admittedly still too high —  it is the lowest that figure has been for two years, marking a welcome drop from 94% in the previous quarter. “Nevertheless, it’s important to keep in mind that these are just tentative signs of improvement and that the situation remains far from ideal. It is still the case that one in every five vacancies is taking between three and twelve months to fill, which is a massive hindrance, and the negative repercussions of this are being felt in myriad ways across the region, including: reduced growth; tensions with existing workforces; and rising costs. “Similarly, any uptick that we are noticing in business conditions right now is built upon fragile foundations and so our excitement must be tempered. Indeed, our results show that cashflow positions have stopped worsening, but that does not necessarily mean they are improving at a significant rate either. Not to mention, organisations are still having to reckon with the compounded effects of inflation, rising utility bills, interest rates and so on. “In the context of this particular week, it must also be pointed out that business confidence is contingent upon our leaders having a coherent plan for the economy and for our future. In cancelling the second phase of HS2, the government has missed yet another opportunity to level up the North and business owners will want real, tangible assurances that they’re not getting left behind, and that long-term plans are in place to improve our vital transport infrastructure. Otherwise, the encouraging results that we are seeing in our latest survey are only guaranteed to worsen in the next quarter. “With all of that being said, we are pleased to see that business owners are feeling a little more secure, but their confidence has still yet to return to its pre-pandemic levels. That’s why we, as Chambers of Commerce, will continue to advocate for any measures that might help alleviate the burdens they are currently facing. Whether that’s a rethinking of business rates or fulfilling the recommendations from our recently-published South Yorkshire LSIP.”

Universities share in multi-million pound grant to drive development of agro-tech

Stuart Pearcey
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Universities share in multi-million pound grant to drive development of agro-tech

The Universities of Lincoln and Cambridge have been awarded a £4.9 million grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council to help fund their drive to make the Lincolnshire and north Cambridgeshire region a global innovation centre for agricultural technology.

The Greater Lincolnshire LEP is supporting the LINCAM partnership, alongside the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and West Lindsey District Council. The LINCAM region is already a major UK production centre for crop-based agriculture and the associated supply chain. Its significance and sheer scale has led to the establishment of a nationally renowned agri-tech cluster – centred on the Universities of Lincoln and Cambridge, where interdisciplinary agri-food innovation is focused on digital technologies, including robotics and artificial intelligence, to boost productivity. Now the hope is that the Place Based Impact Acceleration Account award from the EPSRC – the main funding body for engineering and physical sciences research in the UK – will deliver a step change in activity. The aim is for the LINCAM region to become an agri-tech gateway for the world – enabling the development of technologies at industrial scale and providing export opportunities for agri-tech companies and inward investment opportunities within both the agri-tech and primary production sectors. Simon Pearson, founding director of the Lincoln Institute of Agri-Food Technology at the University of Lincoln, said: “The LINCAM agricultural sector supports 88,000 jobs, generates gross value added (GVA) of £3.8 billion and farms more than 50% of the UK’s grade 1 land. However, despite this scale, there are still significant challenges and opportunities. “Food production accounts for 24% of all UK greenhouse gas emissions, leads to significant biodiversity losses and drives challenging social issues – not least from seasonal worker influxes to rural communities. In addition, farmers are under relentless cost pressures which are eroding supply chain equity and local economies. “These challenges are acute across the LINCAM region but this funding award offers an opportunity to harness agri-tech to secure sustainable growth, bringing high-value and skilled jobs to the region, whilst mitigating the serious environmental impacts of the food production system.” The University of Lincoln has a long track record of agri-tech collaboration with the University of Cambridge and its commercialisation arm Cambridge Enterprise. Their work has included the setting up of Agriforwards CDT – the world’s first EPSRC centre for doctoral training (CDT) in agri-food robotics. LINCAM will build on the success of their Ceres Agri-Tech partnership with three other leading UK universities and three renowned agricultural research institutes. Ceres, funded by Research England, provides translational funding and commercialisation expertise to drive agri-tech innovation by accelerating high-quality research to market. It has launched four agri-tech spin-out companies to date and created 13 licensing opportunities. LINCAM will broaden participation in the cluster by offering access to the EPSRC funding to all UK higher education institutes involved in agri-tech research with the potential to drive economic and environmental or social sustainability in the region. Projects that are successful in securing a share of the funding will be actively mentored by the LINCAM team to accelerate the delivery of results. Professor Miles Padgett, interim executive chair at EPSRC, said: “I’m pleased to announce our first ten Place Based Impact Acceleration Accounts which will play a unique role in enhancing the capabilities of innovation clusters across the UK. A key priority for UKRI is to strengthen clusters and partnerships in collaboration with civic bodies and businesses, thereby driving regional economic growth.”

Bradford-based Business Enterprise Fund appoints new Chairman

Stuart Pearcey
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Bradford-based Business Enterprise Fund appoints new Chairman

The Bradford-based not-for-profit Business Enterprise Fund has appointed Tim Hamilton as the new chair of the board of directors.

The appointment comes as BEF also unveils key findings from its latest social impact report, showcasing the organisation’s commitment to fostering economic growth and sustainability in communities across the north.

Tim, a partner at Pannone Corporate, continues to enjoy a longstanding and successful career within the legal profession. He is an experienced leader who champions relationships and collaboration in business as keys to long term success.

“We are delighted to welcome Tim as the new chair of the board,” said CEO Stephen Waud. “His leadership, vision, and dedication to fostering economic development align perfectly with our mission to empower businesses and create positive social impact. We are confident that Tim will help guide BEF to even greater success in the years to come.”

BEF’s board of directors has eight members:

  • Alex Beardsley, Joint Managing Director of ABL Business
  • James Mason, CEO of West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce
  • Katie Hurrell, CEO of Bradford District Credit Union
  • Laurence Beardmore, Former Group Commercial Director of York Coffee Emporium
  • Penny Hembrow, Former Senior VP, of CGI
  • Simon Jackson, Director of Investments of BEF Group
  • Stephen Waud, CEO of BEF Group
  • Tim Hamilton, Partner – Corporate Services of Pannone Corporate

Mr Hamilton said: “It is an honour to be asked to serve as chair at BEF and I am looking forward to supporting its talented team in continuing to deliver the opportunities described in the social impact report.”

In summary, main points of the social import report are:
  • Investment: BEF invested £16m in new and existing businesses across the region helping drive the local economy.
  • Business created: BEF helped create 396 new UK businesses, helping individuals to make their business dreams a reality.
  • Job creation: BEF has played a pivotal role in job creation across the region, with 1,885 of jobs supported by BEF-backed businesses in the past year alone. These jobs contribute to the local economy and improve the livelihoods of individuals and families.
  • Diverse entrepreneurship: The report reveals that BEF has continued to champion diversity in entrepreneurship, with women-led businesses making up 34% of its clients while 14% of its clients are ethnic minority led businesses. This commitment to inclusivity fosters a more equitable business landscape.
  • Community Engagement: BEF remains dedicated to giving back to the communities it serves. In the past year, the organisation raised nearly £10,000 in to support good causes, strengthening its ties with local stakeholders.

Port of Immingham carries out crane evacuation drill

Stuart Pearcey
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Port of Immingham carries out crane evacuation drill
ABP and Humberside Fire and Rescue have carried out an evacuation/rope rescue on one of the large Kalmar cranes in Immingham Container Terminal . The first-of-a-kind joint exercise was an opportunity to test evacuation plans and then adopt them for other equipment and terminals. The training exercise also gave the fire service an opportunity to train on our larger pieces of equipment and gave them knowledge of our terminals. Simon Bird, Regional Director for the Humber said: “This is the first time we have done this kind of training exercise and it’s important for us as a business to be confident that in extreme circumstances where we cannot rescue our colleagues from height, we have the expertise and knowledge of the emergency services. “Giving them access only provides confidence in our operations team that we have all bases covered should anything concerning happen.” Steven Smith of Humberside Fire and Rescue Service said: “This kind of training provides realistic scenarios, which by their nature prove challenging and test the skills of our teams.  In addition to testing our rescue techniques, it also gives us the opportunity to build relationships with our partners from industry and allows us to better understand how our work as emergency responders, impacts on their business activities. We also gain knowledge on the skills and equipment the organisation provides, for us to bring an incident to a safe and successful conclusion.”

Ørsted puts money in to creativity centre in old fire station

Stuart Pearcey
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Ørsted puts money in to creativity centre in old fire station
Wind energy giant Ørsted has provided funding towards STEAM Studios, a new dedicated centre for creativity at Hull’s Ron Dearing University Technical College to support and inspire its growing number of students in Hull.

The STEAM Studios, in the former Hull Central Fire Station, will prepare students for careers in the creative sector.  It will also be used to educate engineering students about opportunities in renewable energy and support a renewed focus on decarbonisation, sustainability, and renewables, helping underpin the Humber’s growth as a leading hub for green energy technology. 

The site has been renovated and repurposed to create a cutting-edge hub including a gallery and exhibition space, digital and photography studios, 2D and 3D studios, as well as an additional sixth form independent study centre.  

The expansion has enabled the UTC to increase its capacity from 600 to 800 students in response to huge demand for student places. The funding Ørsted has provided has also ensured the STEAM Studios building is as energy efficient as possible.

Lauren McGee, Ørsted’s Head of Site for the Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm, said: “Ørsted is so proud to support STEAM Studios. We have a passion for inspiring the next generation into roles within the renewable energy sector.  Our investment in the independent learning facilities at RDUTC and the Digital Lab in STEAM Studios is a great example of our commitment to investing in young people and education.

“With the offshore wind sector predicted to have 100,000 careers in the UK by 2030, our partnership with Ron Dearing UTC facilitates powerful, employer-led learning that gives students the chance to hear and work with real industries while learning skills that will help them in their future jobs.”

The school’s unique curriculum created in conjunction with the region’s leading employers to address the STEM skills gap has been such a success that it has been over-subscribed every year since its opening. 

 

The school, which has been oversubscribed every year since it opened its doors in 2017, has already filled all its additional places and reached its new capacity – a year ahead of schedule.

Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley said: “STEAM Studios is an incredible facility which is perfect for our rapidly expanding creative pathways. We’re delighted to be able to offer more students a Ron Dearing education and it’s really positive to have hit our recruitment target a year early – which further demonstrates the demand for places and the need for this expansion.

“We’re keen to become a centre of creativity for the community and this has been a hugely exciting project which was a real team effort from everyone involved.

“We’re exceptionally grateful to Ørsted for their backing, to our fantastic Founding and Major Partners for their sponsorship funding, and to the Department for Education for the multi-million-pound grant from its Post-16 Capacity Fund to make this possible.

 

“The building is amazing. Everyone involved has worked really hard to retain its history and integrity while transforming it into a high-tech creative facility which is also a low carbon building – quite a challenge!”

£23.8m brain injury centre completes in York

Tess Egginton
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£23.8m brain injury centre completes in York
Property developer HBD has completed a £23.8m Acquired Brain Injuries Centre at its Chocolate Works scheme in York. The 54,806 sq ft building was delivered on behalf of Brainkind (formerly The Disabilities Trust), which works to improve the lives of people with an acquired brain injury. The world-class centre provides 36 beds across four wards plus four assessment flats, alongside new courtyards and a therapeutic garden designed to aid recovery. The new building is also highly sustainable, designed to EPC A and BREEAM Excellent standard and with the flexibility to embrace new low carbon technology. It limits embedded and operational carbon, with emissions expected to be 29% lower than the national building target emission rate. Clean, renewable energy is generated on site via roof-mounted PV panels and filtered fresh air is provided via high-efficiency heat recovery ventilation units. GMI Construction was the appointed contractor on the project which will now be fitted-out before opening its doors later this year. The completion of the Acquired Brain Injuries Centre marks the final phase of HBD’s Chocolate Works scheme; a decade-long project that included the restoration of the former Terry’s Chocolate Orange Factory and recently saw the Clock Tower transformed into apartments, with the iconic timepiece ticking once again. Tom Wheldon, head of region at HBD, said: “This has been an incredibly rewarding project to deliver – it’s a state-of-the-art, sustainable building that will help to set a new benchmark for brain injury rehabilitation, providing Brainkind with the facilities they need to continue offering the very best care and support throughout the recovery process. “We’ve no doubt The Chocolate Works will prove to be an ideal location and it’s a very fitting scheme to conclude one of our most impressive and iconic developments.”

Leeds-headquartered security, risk and property protection business acquires Wembley firm

Tess Egginton
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Leeds-headquartered security, risk and property protection business acquires Wembley firm
First Response Group (FRG), the Leeds-headquartered security, risk and property protection business, has strengthened its position in the events and stadia security management sector with the acquisition of Wembley-based ISC. The acquisition is part of the group’s strategy of diversification, whilst underpinning its strategic expansion into stadia, arena and the leisure crowd-safety sector. According to the group’s CEO, Simon Alderson, the acquisition of ISC is an important step for the business as it broadens its portfolio and geographic footprint. ISC was founded in 2003 by Pat Carr. It employs more than 800 security officers, all of whom will be brought under the FRG brand. ISC brings with it a track record of more than 500 events, including two UEFA Champions League finals and provided all areas of security at Wembley Stadium for bands such as Take That and Coldplay. Simon Alderson said: “For the past 20 years, ISC has enjoyed a great reputation within the industry for developing its people and embodies the exacting standards we ourselves set as a group, so it was a perfect match for us. “As we extend our national reach and our range of security offerings, it’s important for us to identify trusted companies like ISC who have the resources and agility we need to meet our customers’ most demanding requirements. For this reason, it made perfect sense to bring ISC into the FRG fold once the opportunity arose. “As an accredited, nationwide stadium security company we have responsive and adaptable resources to provide for the most complex of events. Bringing in the skills, and experience of ISC will allow us to provide even greater flexibility and peace of mind for our customers.” Nabeela Bhutta, director at ISC, said: “We have long admired FRG, and the way in which it operates as a business. As a National Security Inspectorate (NSI) Guarding Gold certified company, raising standards within our industry has been of great importance to us. “It has been vital that we develop our most valuable resources, our people, and in doing so, enable them to help shape the delivery of our services, rather than just supplying off-the-shelf solutions. “We knew that FRG holds to the same principles, and we are very much looking forward to being part of an expanding national group, and excited for the benefits this will bring.”

Yorkshire sustainable polymer systems business secures funding package to support worldwide growth

Tess Egginton
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Yorkshire sustainable polymer systems business secures funding package to support worldwide growth
Rosehill Polymers Group has finalised a multi-million-pound deal with Virgin Money and UK Export Finance (UKEF) – the UK’s export credit agency – to complete a refinancing and management buyout of the business and support its worldwide growth ambitions. Since 1988, Rosehill Polymers has established itself as a market leader in the design, development and manufacturing of sustainable polymer systems at their facilities in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire. The business serves a range of markets and industries including offshore energy, highways, rail, and security. Rosehill exports its products to over 550 customers in 52 countries across the world, manufacturing many of its products using recycled and low-carbon-impact materials. The UKEF-backed funding package from Virgin Money will help Rosehill to complete a management buyout, continue its worldwide growth and accelerate its move into new international markets. A key growth area that Rosehill will focus on is the decarbonisation and modularisation of construction materials used within the rail and highways sectors, by expanding its design, development and production of products using recycled materials as a primary raw material. Rosehill anticipates that its continued development within this sector will create new highly skilled job opportunities, both across its production sites in West Yorkshire as well as in its supply chain. The funding package includes a UKEF General Export Facility (GEF) loan guarantee which covered 80% of the financing, enabling Virgin Money to complete the transaction. The GEF product is a flexible government-supported scheme that helps UK export businesses to access working capital facilities, helping to improve cashflow or speed up international trade growth. Dr Alexander Celik, Managing Director of Rosehill Polymers Group, said: “This new funding package from Virgin Money will enable Rosehill to pursue our growth strategy as we focus on developing sustainable solutions for both the infrastructure and energy markets across the globe. “I would like to express my thanks for the exceptional support and service that Rosehill have received from Virgin Money and we look forward to a long, successful, and profitable relationship with them.”

York-based mental healthcare company makes acquisition

Tess Egginton
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York-based mental healthcare company makes acquisition
Onebright, the York-based private outpatient mental healthcare company, has expanded its neurodevelopmental services with the acquisition of Psicon Ltd for an undisclosed sum. Onebright provides a comprehensive range of mental healthcare services, including neurodevelopmental assessments, to its private medical insurance, corporate, and consumer clients. With the addition of Psicon, the mental healthcare company has increased its breadth and depth of capabilities in this important area.
Psicon is a rapidly growing provider of neurodevelopmental assessments for Autism and ADHD, and works extensively with the NHS, as well as providing private assessments to the public. The organisation offers a full range of assessment and treatment services across the lifespan and is one of the largest providers of children’s neurodevelopmental services in the UK. The two brands will operate independently with Psicon continuing to be led by Managing Director Dr Dan Simmonds. With the support of Onebright it will significantly invest in its operational and technology capabilities and continue its UK expansion to enable more people to benefit from its services. The new enlarged group will employ over 500 staff delivering services remotely and from a growing number of face-to-face clinics. Its operational centres are in York, London and Canterbury. Donald Fowler, CEO of Onebright, said: “We are delighted to welcome Psicon to the Onebright family. Our mission at Onebright is to create a brighter tomorrow by providing easy access to personalised, life changing mental health support, and the addition of Psicon and its team to our group will really enhance our ability to deliver on this mission. “From very early on in our discussions it was apparent that our two organisations share a passion for clinical excellence and patient centred care, and I am really looking forward to what we can achieve together.” Dr Dan Simmonds, Managing Director of Psicon, said: “Demand for high-quality support for the neurodivergent population has increased substantially up and down the country and we look forward to working within the Onebright family to further support NHS Trusts, Integrated Care Boards, and private patients across the UK.” LJ Conradie, Psicon founder, retired MD, and chairman, said: “I am very proud of all the achievements at Psicon over the last 25 years and very excited about the Psicon Onebright union. Passing the baton to leaders with focus on strong values and high-quality services will, without doubt, continue to be the basis of future success.”

Fletchers Group acquires Emsleys Solicitors’ Personal Injury division

Tess Egginton
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Fletchers Group acquires Emsleys Solicitors’ Personal Injury division
Fletchers Group, the medical negligence and personal injury firm, has acquired Emsleys Solicitors’ Personal Injury division. The deal will see Emsleys’ Personal Injury division clients across areas including employers’ liability, public liability, catastrophic injury and fatal accident claims, transfer to Fletchers. It’s expected that all 28 staff including fee earners and legal support staff, will transfer to Fletchers’ Leeds office as part of the deal, bolstering the firm’s personal injury expertise and capabilities in the region. Peter Haden, CEO, Fletchers Group, says: “Emsleys’ Personal Injury business has an outstanding track record and is a strong addition to Fletchers Group. Both firms have the same core values, delivering the very best outcomes and putting clients’ needs first, making us a natural fit. We look forward to welcoming the team and their clients to the business.” Andrew Greenwood, director at Emsleys Solicitors, says: “We felt it was a good time to transition the Personal Injury division to a partner that could help the business navigate its next phase of growth. “The enthusiasm of the Fletchers’ team, together with the firm’s reputation in the sector, exciting ambitions and people-centric culture, will provide our team with the support, resource and expertise to both serve our existing clients and pursue new opportunities. It will allow us to focus more on our non-personal injury services going forward.” Fletchers Group was acquired by an affiliate of investment firm Sun European Partners, LLP in October 2021 and since then has added Leeds-based medical negligence specialists Minton Morrill and national cycle claims practice Cycle SOS to its business portfolio. The opening of a new office in Leeds city centre in February 2023 further strengthened its commitment to Leeds and the wider region.
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