Wakefield city centre redevelopment moves forward
Plans to revitalise Wakefield’s Kirkgate area are moving forward this month (January) – as part of a wider, multi-million-pound plan to improve the city centre.
The redevelopment of the area from Chantry roundabout to the ABC cinema site has begun with preliminary works to prepare for demolition, with a temporary public open space to be created for local residents after this is completed.
Over the next few years, the Council plans to bring over 150 good quality new homes and create new green areas to the Kirkgate area of the city.
This is subject to the Government approving the release of funds that it has allocated to Wakefield via the Towns Fund. The next stage of the application process will see the Council finalising business cases for each project throughout January, with submissions to the government to be made in March 2022.
Already Chantry House has been cleared and a planning application for 50 new homes is expected in Spring 2022 with work expected to start in 2023.
This next phase of the Council’s wider city transformation plan will see the creation of a further 100 new homes via the Kirkgate Innovative Neighbourhood Gateway (KING) project.
Preliminary works for the demolition of the derelict ABC cinema began yesterday (4 January) which will be completed by May, followed by temporary public open space being created for local residents, by the summer.
Discussions are underway to re-locate existing retail business in the block and to demolish the units over the next 18 months, but keeping the historic Harewood Arms pub.
Cllr Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “We are pleased we are at the stage where we can move forward with the next stage to progress plans to improve the Kirkgate area, which is a key gateway to the city. If the government approve our application to the Towns Funds and release funds, we’ll be able to develop these ambitious plans.”
Cllr Darren Byford, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Property, said: “The demolition of the ABC building supports our plans to regenerate the area and bring additional investment to Wakefield and it is great to be looking forward to the benefits this will bring for our city and district.
“We are supporting investment and change for our city centre as well as boosting the wider district’s economy. It is a very positive stage to be at, as we continue to work with our partners and plan regeneration.”
The Council’s wider city transformation plan for Wakefield includes the repurposing of the former BHS store to bring more of the Council’s services into the heart of the city centre, including a new museum and gallery, and the second phase of the redevelopment of the Rutland Mills site at Wakefield waterfront, with support totalling £20m from the Levelling Up fund.
Other emerging plans for the city centre include the opening of Tileyard North next summer and the redevelopment of the former Market Hall into a performance and exhibition space, and plans to transform the historic Civic Quarter on Wood Street into a thriving neighbourhood, with new homes and a stunning new public facility.
Clarion marks Family Mediation Week 2022 with series of events
Clarion marks Family Mediation Week 2022 with series of events
Leeds law firm Clarion is holding a programme of events for professional advisers working with separating families as part of Family Mediation Week (17-21 January 2022).
Organised by the Family Mediation Council (FMC), the week aims to raise awareness of the benefits of family mediation and encourage separating couples to think about it as a way of helping them take control, make decisions together and build a positive future for them and their family.
With an 8-strong team of specialist family lawyers, Clarion plays an active role in promoting the use of mediation. Senior Associate solicitor and mediator at Clarion, Sarah Manning, is currently chair of the FMC Family Mediation Week committee organising a series event which can be found on the FMC’s website. This is the first year that the FMC have organised a series of free seminars targeting to promote Family Mediation Week to professionals working with separated families and the public.
Clarion are hosting a number of events throughout the week:
- Tuesday 18th January 2022 – 11am to 11.45am (for professionals working with separating families) Emma Heptonstall, a divorce coach from The Divorce Alchemist and Sarah Manning, Solicitor and Mediator from Clarion will be discussing the use of a divorce coach throughout the mediation process to assist parties to be ‘mediation ready’.
- Wednesday 19th January 2022 – 10am to 11am (for those working with separated families or going through their own separation) Sue Atkins, ITV ‘This Morning’, BBC Radio and Disney Jnr UK’s Parenting Expert is guest speaker with Sarah Manning of Clarion; they will discuss the effect of conflicting parents on children and how mediation can assist families going through separation.
- Friday 21st January 2022 – 1.30pm to 2.15pm (for lawyers and mediators) Tamsin Caine, a chartered financial planner from Smart Divorce, Sarah Manning, Solicitor and Mediator and Justine Osmotherley, Head of Family and Solicitor from Clarion will be discussing the use of a financial neutral within the mediation process to assist parties to reach a financial settlement.
- Friday 21st January 2022 – 4pm to 6pm Drinks reception To encourage collaboration with professionals in the local area. (Held at Clarion’s offices at Elizabeth House, 13-19 Queen Street, Leeds LS1 2TW.) Please note this event is by invitation only.
To register for any of the events, please visit contact Laura Courbet on 0113 336 3348 or at laura.courbet@clarionsolicitors.com .
Family Mediation Week focuses on working collectively to help raise awareness of family mediation among members of the public, solicitors and other professionals working with separated families. The week allows the FMC to create and promote family mediation-specific information.
400,000 small firms threatened by late payment as costs surge, new study finds
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is warning that a worsening of the UK’s late payment crisis, high inflation and mounting admin for firms that trade internationally will cause the business community to further shrink in size if left unaddressed, as it releases fresh findings from its quarterly Small Business Index (SBI).
The new study of more than 1,200 business owners finds that close to one in three (30%) has seen late payment of invoices increase over the last three months, with a further 8% experiencing other forms of poor payment practice. Only 6% say that a change in payment terms has been agreed over that period.
As a result, approaching one in ten (8%) say late payment is now threatening the viability of their business. Latest government statistics show that there are an estimated 5.5 million small business in the UK – a figure which fell by 400,000 over last year’s lockdowns. The new FSB study suggests that a similar number of firms (440,000) could be forced to close again this year due to late payment alone.
The headline UK SBI measure of confidence has dropped to -8.5 in Q4, during another uncertain festive season. The figure has fallen every quarter over 2021, having stood at +27.3 in Q1. More small firms now expect their performance to worsen over the coming three months than expect an improvement. Pessimism is especially pronounced in the retail (-40.3) and accommodation and food (-33.0) industries.
The vast majority of small businesses (78%) say costs are rising. The figure is at a seven-year high.
Inputs are most commonly cited as a primary cause of that increase, with half (49%) of those surveyed flagging it as a main driver of higher outgoings. Fuel (46%) and utilities (45%) were the second and third most highlighted primary causes of rising costs respectively. All figures are at their highest levels since Q4 2014.
Elsewhere, with full import checks and rules of origin requirements now in place for firms which do business in the EU, the bulk (74%) of small exporting firms report that international sales were flat or falling over the past quarter. Close to one in four (38%) of these firms report a decrease in exports. Previous FSB research shows that only one in four small importers are fully prepared for new import checks.
FSB National Chairman Mike Cherry said: “The small business community diminished in size over the past year and, unless action is taken now to tackle the challenges it faces, history is set to repeat itself.
“After another frustrating festive season, small firms are facing flashpoint after flashpoint. Today, it’s a fresh wave of admin for importers and exporters – in three months’ time it will be a hike to the jobs tax that is national insurance contributions, a rise in dividend taxation, business rates bills and an increase in the national living wage. On top of that, operating costs are surging – many will soon be trying to strike energy deals without the clout of big corporates or the protections afforded to consumers.
“Small business confidence dropped in every quarter of 2021. As we head into the New Year, the government needs to act now if we’re to reverse that trend and secure an economic bounce back.
“Late Payment was destroying thousands of small businesses even before the pandemic hit – the pandemic has made matters worse. In the past, the Government has rightly identified greater Board accountability as key to spurring change in this area, but delivery has been slow. We responded to its consultation on extending the Small Business Commissioner’s powers more than a year ago, but have yet to see a response.
“The pandemic is absorbing bandwidth, and rightly so, but policymakers need to understand that late payment is the issue that keeps thousands of entrepreneurs up at night, and one that has worsened in lockstep with lockdowns. We need to see words turned to action.
“Every big UK corporation should have a non-executive director on its board with direct responsibility for payment culture. And every big business and government organisation should be abiding by the prompt payment code: 30-day payment terms are not a nice to have, they’re the norm for those who are committed to environmental, social and governance best practice.
“If this government is serious about levelling-up, it needs to get serious about helping community businesses struggling to make ends meet as costs surge. Increasing the small businesses rates relief ceiling to £25,000 would take 200,000 more firms out of this regressive tax altogether, primarily in levelling-up target areas, meaning more investment, recruitment and retention within local economies up and down the country.
“Equally, with the omicron variant hammering consumer confidence, April’s tax hikes are looking increasingly misjudged. The Chancellor should look again at how to protect small firms from this fresh blow. An increase in the Employment Allowance would provide some breathing space.
“Small firms that do business internationally are usually among our most profitable and innovative. That’s why it’s so hard to watch so many becoming increasingly weighed down by bureaucracy. The Government should learn lessons from the botched roll-out of the SME Brexit Support Fund and launch a new fund with similar aims but more sensible eligibility criteria, reasonable application deadlines and a genuinely international focus.”
Welcome to Yorkshire announce ‘Yorkshire Menu’ as their key campaign for 2022
Celebrating Yorkshire’s fabulous food and delicious drink is the order of the day … and year … as Welcome to Yorkshire launches Yorkshire Menu on New Year’s Day 2022. The aim is to showcase Yorkshire as the food and drink capital of the UK in the biggest ever year-long promotion of the county’s delicious delights … regionally, nationally and internationally, scrumptiously showcasing the very best of Yorkshire’s culinary creations across the globe.
From street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, farm shops to tea rooms, vineyards to distilleries, local produce to international cuisine, market stalls to delicatessens … and so much more, check-in and check out the Yorkshire Menu. Sourced and enjoyed across the county … Yorkshire’s breathtaking coastline, stunning countryside, vibrant cities and bustling towns serve up the finest food and drink.
There’ll be Yorkshire on Tour, Eat Around the World (whilst staying in the county), mouthwatering recipes, food and drink trails, and a calendar of competitions and creative campaigns.
Yorkshire Menu will feature celebrated chefs, food and drink experts, a whole host of celebrities and the magnificent team of people who create the delectable delights the county is famous for. From fantastic fishing crews to fabulous farmers, restaurant owners to world-renowned cooks and drinks producers, it’s going to be a top year for tucker, tipples and brilliant beverages.
There’s much to shout about. Here’s a taster … Yorkshire has 16 commercial vineyards, 7 Michelin-starred restaurants (1 with a green Michelin star), Bridlington is England’s biggest shellfish port and for 6 consecutive years Bradford was crowned Curry Capital of Britain. The county also counts an impressive and inspiring list of protected status foods: Wensleydale cheese, Swaledale cheese (from both ewes and cows) and Yorkshire forced rhubarb. That’s just for starters!
Food and drink is a much-loved constant whatever is happening in the world and is to be promoted and enjoyed. Spending time eating and drinking with friends and family must be at the top of most people’s favourite pursuits AND even during a pandemic and challenging times for businesses, the way many have adapted with home deliveries and hampers has been truly inspirational.
Everyone will be invited to participate in the #YorkshireMenu by sharing their own favourite places to eat and drink. Popping to the pub, dining out in style or picking up pieces from a favourite Yorkshire store, it’s the perfect opportunity to promote the county’s finest food and drink offerings for all budgets by using the hashtag #YorkshireMenu, as well as sharing on Welcome to Yorkshire’s social media channels. The destination marketing organisation believe this will be a great PR opportunity for the county and its visitor economy, as Welcome to Yorkshire’s annual social reach is almost 20 million and has a global brand reach of over 23 million.
Celebrating city, coast and countryside food and drink, the campaign will also allow the opportunity for businesses and organisations to sponsor events and promotional activities throughout the year.
Welcome to Yorkshire Chair Peter Box CBE said: “2021 has been another tricky year for all and certainly a time to reflect on what is positive and what we should be proud of, which is certainly the case when it comes to Yorkshire’s fantastic food and drink offering. What better way to start the new year and continue through 2022, than promoting all this wonderful produce, award-winning places to dine and drink, as well as supporting local businesses, which is needed now more than ever.
Yorkshire Menu will have a worldwide appeal and will welcome visitors to the most diverse of counties through the most inclusive of campaigns. Food and drink is enjoyed by everyone and we really hope visitors in and out of county will embrace and enjoy the Yorkshire Menu as much as we do. It will also incorporate Yorkshire’s art and culture, sport, history and heritage locations and the region’s amazing attractions with food and drink connected to all.”
Multi-award-winning Consultant Chef Stephanie Moon added: “I am really excited that Welcome to Yorkshire’s Yorkshire Menu will be celebrating all of the county’s fantastic food and drink. It’s something I’m incredibly passionate about and proud to be a part of. I’ve travelled extensively and can honestly say that Yorkshire’s fabulous fresh produce combined with its lovely locations to dine and drink are simply world-class and that’s why I choose Yorkshire as my home and place to work.”
Prashad’s Minal Patel said: “We’re incredibly lucky in Yorkshire to have a vast choice of excellent local produce to create world-class international cuisine. Seeing the pleasure our customers, from far and wide, get from lovingly created cooked dishes and for them to return time and time again, is the greatest compliment as a restaurant owner.
Welcome to Yorkshire’s the Yorkshire Menu is a great initiative to amplify the county’s fantastic food and drink businesses.”
Business leaders seek tax, trade and skills support to meet challenges of next 20 years
Almost half (47%) of UK businesses said taking on new staff is their key ambition in the medium-term, according to new research to mark the 20th anniversary of the Lloyds Bank Business Barometer.
The survey asked 600 businesses about the major challenges and opportunities faced in the last two decades and anticipated challenges up to 2040 and beyond.
Companies also highlighted developing new products and services (36%) and increasing online sales (30%) as major ambitions and priorities.
The survey found that businesses expect online purchasing (20%) and demand for instant products and services (18%) to be the biggest changes in consumer behaviour in the next 20 years, forcing them to be more creative and innovative in order to adapt to deliver quickly.
These predictions mirror the factors which businesses cited as having had the biggest impact on their operations in the past 20 years – chiefly greater access to information (24%) and more online purchasing (22%) changing customer behaviour.
However, firms are optimistic about further changes to consumer behaviour, with 38% reporting that advances in technology have had the biggest positive impact on their business in the past 20 years.
Challenges ahead
Despite a clear drive towards growth, a net balance of 83% of firms anticipate the next 20 years will be more challenging than the past two decades – which included the financial crisis and resulting credit crunch, recession, the Brexit referendum and the global pandemic.
Some of the challenges that businesses see themselves facing can be linked back to the pandemic, including rising costs (23%) and the ability to recruit staff (11%). In addition, one in ten (11%) businesses see the need to keep up with technological developments as their biggest challenge in the next two to three years.
Government provision of greater access to more vocational-based learning was seen by 44% of firms as being a way to help mitigate these challenges. However, companies believe that future growth opportunities will need to be supported by more favourable taxation to encourage sustainable business practices (52%) and new trade agreements with major trading partners (48%).
Paul Gordon, Managing Director for SME and Mid Corporates, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “The Business Barometer has provided unique insights into the views of British businesses for 20 years. In that time, we have seen a seismic shift in the economic context in the UK, as well as the extraordinary ability of business leaders to adapt and evolve to meet changing market needs.
“Perhaps it is not unsurprising that, having faced a quite unprecedented period of late and enormous change over the last twenty years, the majority of business leaders feel the next twenty years will be more challenging. To help them through this, businesses are looking for support on skills, finance, trade and taxation to navigate in this environment.
“One thing that is clear is that our businesses and business leaders are incredibly resourceful and resilient and are adept at facing into constant change. They tell us they are gearing up for growth and expect to increase headcount, enhancing their service offering or utilising new technologies. We’ll be by their side over the months and years ahead as they deliver on their ambitions.”
Redbrik Foundation donates £10k to local charities
Award-winning South Yorkshire and North East Derbyshire Estate Agents, Redbrik has donated nearly £10,000 to six local charities.
Fairplay, St. Luke’s Hospice Sheffield, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, The Children’s Hospital Charity, Ashgate Hospice and Paces will benefit from the funds raised through the Redbrik Foundation.
After hosting and supporting many charity events over the years, the Redbrik Foundation was set up in 2020 to help children, young people, the elderly and those with disabilities in the Sheffield and Chesterfield areas.
Naturally, since the Foundation was set up in 2020, restrictions have limited the number of in-person fundraising events. However, Redbrik’s team came up with new ways to generate support for the Foundation and its charities at a time when they need it most.
The Redbrik Foundation has organised virtual events, and challenges and donations of Christmas presents to Sheffield Children’s Hospital two years running so that every patient receives a gift during the festive season.
The team tackled the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge earlier this year, raising over £4,000, and held the very first – and very successful – Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k in October 2021. In addition, donations were raised through a match funding initiative whereby clients of Redbrik are given the option to donate £25 to the Foundation, which the company then matches.
Redbrik Foundation Trustee, David Cooper, commented: “This is a proud moment for every one and thank you to anyone who has promoted, donated to or fundraised for the Foundation. One hundred per cent of all money raised is donated back out into the community to support the incredible work these organisations carry out every day.
“Rather than have a changing list of annual charity partners, we’ve decided instead that we’d rather have an ever-growing list of amazing charities to support, so watch this space!”
Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance sign off 2021 as busiest year in charity’s history.
A lot has happened at LNAA this year, from moving to a new headquarters to upgrading the helicopter, the charity hasn’t stood still through what has been a monumental year of change.
And the numbers reflect the pace of transformation with the crew having responded to more than 1,400 missions in 2021. Compared to 1,095 in 2020 and 877 in 2019, it’s a significant leap.
CEO Karen Jobling said: “Just like many other charities, we went into 2021 not knowing what to expect. We had projects that were underway before the first lock-down so we had to dig in and keep going on those fronts, keeping in mind that they were all foundations for the future of the charity. This is what has enabled us to reach more patients this year.”
The addition of a second helicopter in the summer came in response to an anticipated surge in visitors to the Lincolnshire coast as lock-down measures eased. This contributed to the rise in call-outs as it became the busiest summer the charity had ever had.
Throughout the year additional, highly skilled doctors and paramedics have joined LNAA with some travelling from Aberdeen, Kent and even Lisbon to be part of a team that is leading the way in this specialist sector. This meant that by September, crews were able to respond day and night using a mix of the helicopter and critical care cars.
The charity teams and crew moved into a new, purpose-built headquarters in Lincoln – HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) Way – in the summer and celebrated the official opening in September when HRH The Earl of Wessex, officially opened the building. The clinical and aviation operation had formerly been based at RAF Waddington with the staff situated in Bracebridge Heath, so the development of HEMS Way gave everyone the opportunity to be under one roof for the first time.
Another stride in clinical care came with the introduction of blood plasma. Blood was already carried on board but plasma was added because it is the component of blood that helps it to clot – integral to the care given at the scene of a traumatic incident, anywhere within the 3,500sq miles LNAA covers.
“Our crews continue to be out there and, just like their NHS colleagues, they are dealing with the added pressure and complexity the spread of Covid brings, said Karen. The only difference is that we are there purely because of the generous donations we receive from our communities.
She added: “We are so pleased that we have been able to be there for more patients in 2021. Of course, with each mission costing on average £3,500, it comes at a cost. It is only because of the generosity of our supporters that more patients have been helped by a crew with the highest skills and standards in pre-hospital care. Everyone here at LNAA would like to send all of our wonderful supporters our whole-hearted thanks.”
Visit www.ambucopter.org.uk/donate to help save lives.
Holiday park operator swoops for Sheffield business
UK holiday park operator, Away Resorts, has reached an agreement to acquire Sheffield-based Coppergreen Leisure Resorts. This expands Away Resorts’ footprint to 27 locations across the UK.
Coppergreen has 370 lodges across four parks in Yorkshire, Scotland, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. Growth capital investor BGF exits as part of the deal, having backed Coppergreen in 2016.
The acquisition will complement Away Resorts’ existing portfolio, increasing its presence in the North of England and in Scotland, and growing the number of visitors the group welcomes every year to over 750,000.
Carl Castledine, CEO of Away Resorts, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Coppergreen to the Away Resorts family to support our ambition of forming the leading UK holiday park provider. Coppergreen’s prime locations and leadership in sustainability will further enhance our offer as we look to provide perfect holiday destinations for UK holiday makers.”
David Copley, CEO at Coppergreen Leisure Resorts, said: “Away Resorts has a reputation for driving innovation across the industry and is the ideal owner for the business. We look forward to seeing what the team goes on to achieve in its next successful chapter.”
2022 Business Predictions: Mark Goodson, owner and MD of Wayside Holiday Park
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Mark Goodson, the owner and Managing Director of Wayside Holiday Park near Pickering.
The picture facing the tourism industry in Yorkshire in the next 12 months is nuanced and complex. On the one hand, the threat of Covid and the worrying new variant, combined with a chronic lack of capable staff and a fractured supply chain, is a real challenge for our sector. There’s no getting away from that. On the other hand, the global pandemic has fuelled the “staycation” boom in the UK and it is highly likely that many people won’t be going abroad next year, because it is a logistical nightmare as well as a potential risk to health.
So let’s be optimistic to start with. Yorkshire is a most fabulous county and has flourished during the past 18 months, despite the problems faced by its main tourism body, Welcome to Yorkshire. Its beauty speaks for itself, from the glorious Dales, to the historic city of York and from the atmospheric North Yorkshire coastline to the stunning Moors. Our county has it all. There is every reason to believe that 2022 will be an exciting and successful year, Covid and lockdowns permitting.
Looking more specifically at the holiday park sector, our supply chain is a major worry. Because of the staycation boom, and the buying power of the grey pound, the demand for static caravans and holiday lodges is very strong. But the availability of both is erratic at best, despite strenuous efforts by the manufacturers. However, I am an optimist by nature and have invested £200,000 to upgrade our holiday park for the New Year. I am confident that this optimism isn’t misplaced.
24-acres of logistics development land sold in Barnsley for £11.6m
Harworth Group has completed the sale of a 24-acre plot at its Gateway 36 logistics site in Barnsley, Yorkshire, to Firethorn Barnsley Limited for £11.6 million.
Firethorn will develop a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rated, 340,000 ft logistics facility at the plot, which forms part of the latest phase of development at Harworth’s Gateway 36 project.
Harworth received a resolution to grant planning consent for Phases 2 and 3 of its Gateway 36 development from Barnsley Council in 2020, which, in its entirety, will comprise a total of 1.1 million sq ft of new logistics and manufacturing space across 95 acres of land. The scheme is expected to support the delivery of up to 2,500 jobs in Yorkshire.
This sale builds on the success of Phase one of Gateway 36, which comprised the direct development by Harworth of c. 145,300 sq ft of industrial and logistics space across four units, which were sold to Mayfair Capital in 2018. Existing occupiers on the site include Esco, Talurit, Environment Agency and Car Supermarket.
Gateway 36 is supported by £3.1 million of funding from Sheffield City Region, with all of the facility now drawn down contributing to the infrastructure that has opened up development of the site. Harworth intends to begin its next phase of direct development at the site in 2022.
Andrew Blackshaw, Chief Operating Officer, Harworth Group plc, said: “This sale to Firethorn is part of a coordinated strategy to realise our vision for Gateway 36 as a major hub for both large and small footprint logistics and manufacturing in Yorkshire. Since acquiring the site, Harworth has transformed the former Rockingham Colliery into a new high-quality development, which benefits from a position adjacent to Junction 36 of the M1.
“This transaction also demonstrates the current market demand for strategically located sites, which are in short supply in the region. Together with the recent sale of our Antsy strategic land site, the proceeds will be recycled into our ongoing development pipeline as well as growing our landbank as we deliver on our strategy to double the size of the business over the next five to seven years.”
Dan Green, Associate Director, Firethorn Trust, said: “Our strategic approach at Firethorn is to identify and unlock the potential of strong development sites across the UK, to meet the growing need for sustainable, flexible and high-quality logistics accommodation. We are delighted to add this site at Gateway 36 to our logistics portfolio, and with the ever-increasing demand for industrial schemes in Yorkshire, we look forward to delivering our plans at pace.”
Harworth was advised by Knight Frank and Gent Visick.
Lincolnshire local a winner at Natwest Everywoman Awards
Hannah Dale, founder of Wrendale Designs, from Brigg, Lincolnshire has been announced as a winner at the 2021 NatWest Everywoman Awards.
The awards celebrated the UK’s most inspiring female entrepreneurs, recognising their outstanding achievements during one of the most challenging periods for businesses in living memory.
Bringing together some of the UK’s most successful business owners, the ceremony featured the stories of many extraordinary women who, against the odds, have brought business concepts to reality, creating jobs, opportunities and global brands.
This year’s winners span multiple sectors including food, fashion, drinks, health, beauty, energy, IT and service industries. All are united in one common purpose – to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and to leave the world a better place than they found it.
Hannah is the winner in the Athena category, which is awarded to the most inspirational woman running a business trading from 6 to 9 years.
Hannah had a successful City career until the financial crash of 2008 left her facing redundancy. Returning to contemplate her options at the family farm, she revived her hobby of painting animals and country scenes.
She initially developed a small range of greetings cards and took to local gift shops to gauge interest. The response was encouraging and persuaded Hannah to expand into giftware and homeware.
From a standing start 10 years ago, Hannah has built Wrendale into an international brand turning over £8 million annually and providing jobs for over 60 employees. Covid threatened to derail the business given its wholesale model, but by supporting her retailers with strong content and digital assets, she helped them to pivot their businesses online and sales rebounded with popular lines including a motivational quote box, journals and notelets.
Speaking about the winners, Maxine Benson MBE, co-founder at everywoman, said: “For nearly two decades these awards have provided a platform to share the stories of hundreds of entrepreneurs, encouraging, emboldening and empowering other women to follow suit.
“Against a backdrop of Covid, these women have shown how innovation and enterprise have helped their businesses to thrive under extraordinary trading conditions. We hope their experiences will go onto inspire others and provide the motivation and inspiration that will be the backbone of the UK’s economic recovery.”
Boost Drinks appoints sales director following milestone year
Leading functional drinks brand, Boost Drinks, has expanded its senior team with the appointment of Sales Director, Colin Falconer, to lead the business through the next stage in its journey.
Falconer will begin his new role on 4th January 2022 and brings with him a wealth of sales and leadership experience across multiple channels from his time at Mars, 2 Sisters and most notably Britvic Soft Drinks.
In his 15 years at Britvic, Falconer’s role included Convenience Channel Director and his invaluable industry knowledge and relationships coupled with his passion, ambition and strategic skills make him the ideal person to join the Boost leadership team to drive forward its growth plans.
Boost celebrated its 20th anniversary during 2021, and the appointment of Falconer comes at a pivotal moment in the company’s history. The business has plans to further expand its distribution within the UK and Irish convenience and foodservice channels with its growing functional drinks portfolio as well as building its international footprint in overseas markets.
Founder and CEO, Simon Gray, said: “Boost has always been exciting and ambitious, and with our recent partnership to distribute Rio, the successful launch of our coffee and the changing customer landscape ahead of us, we feel that this is a great moment for Colin to come on board.
“We’re looking forward to Colin joining at a significant moment in our business history and see him as a key catalyst in our future success.
Falconer commented: “I’ve long admired the Boost Drinks story and approach, and in particular, the strong relationships they’ve built with the wholesale trade and convenience retailers as well as the growing consumer engagement in recent years
“I have a huge passion for soft drinks and am thrilled to be joining Boost at a time of significant opportunity, and really look forward to being part of the leadership team and working with the full business to take full advantage of all the exciting opportunities open to us”.
Council leader welcomes Government announcement for £1bn fund to support hospitality sector
A new £1bn fund to help hospitality businesses through tough trading conditions has been announced by Government.
North Lincolnshire Council’s leader Rob Waltham has welcomed the measures, announced by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak MP, which will see businesses access up to £6,000.
Cllr Waltham said: “There are many positive things happening across the economy in North Lincolnshire with a record number of jobs being created.
“However, we do understand there are some sectors which face additional challenges and pressures not least because of the impact of Covid-19. This has been recognised nationally and I welcome this latest intervention to support businesses through difficult trading.
“We have had more than £200m from Government through the pandemic and that support continues now.”
Sunak set out measures to help England’s hospitality sector, unveiling the £1bn fund which will include cash grants of up to £6,000 per premises for each eligible firm.
Additional support will be made available for certain firms with the cost of sick pay for Covid-related absences and an extra £30m will be released to help theatres and museums.
Further details for how business can apply will be released in the coming days.
The cash has been welcomed elsewhere too. Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UK Hospitality, told the BBC her organisation welcomed the “unprecedented support” announced by Mr Sunak.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak said: “We recognise that the spread of the Omicron variant means businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors are facing huge uncertainty, at a crucial time.
“So, we’re stepping in with £1 billion of support, including a new grant scheme, the reintroduction of the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme and further funding released through the Culture Recovery Fund.
“Ultimately the best thing we can do to support businesses is to get the virus under control, so I urge everyone to Get Boosted Now.”
Further details are available here
Over 180 new homes in 2021
North Lincolnshire housing provider Ongo has built a total of 78 homes across the region for affordable rent, shared ownership, rent to buy and outright sale this year, along with acquiring 111 properties in Lincoln.
This is part of their plan to increase our housing stock each year, to support ending the national housing crisis and create safe and thriving communities.
Myos House, Ongo’s dementia care scheme, was just one of the developments completing this year. It’s made up of 25 two-bedroom apartments and specially designed communal spaces for residents to socialise and relax.
Sharon Ross, a family member whose parent lives there said: “I think this a fantastic, lovely and peaceful place Ongo has created.
“It’s going to help families as those with dementia will be able to experience activities, mix with others and have people who they can relate to. The research Ongo has done is fantastic and they have made the scheme look beautiful.”
A further 19 two, three and four-bedroom homes handed over on Froddingham Road in Scunthorpe for affordable rent. They are located in Scunthorpe’s town centre so are close to shops, schools, travel links and amenities.
Daniel Richardson moved into his new home with partner Sarah and their nine-month old daughter in May. When asked about his new home he said: “It’s a great opportunity for us – not only is it spacious and has a nice garden to sit and play in, but it’s very close to where I work and we have family support nearby.
“It didn’t take us long to settle in, it’s absolutely fantastic being here and having caring neighbours has been a big plus point.”
Completing were also six homes for sale in Corringham, two homes at Rochdale Mews for rent to buy and one at Orangeleaf Way, Barton upon Humber for shared ownership.
Further sites included nine homes at Maple Close, Kirton in Lindsey, eight homes at Sycamore Court, Scunthorpe, six homes at Northolme View, Gainsborough, one at Wilson’s Close, and one at Cottage Beck Road, Scunthorpe. All were for affordable rent.
Along with building, in September this yea,r Ongo announced our purchase of 111 homes on an estate in the centre of Lincoln, to join their affordable rent, shared ownership and leaseholder tenants.
Martin Phillips, Development Project Manager here at Ongo said: “Over 180 new homes is just fantastic. That’s 180 families that have a safe and lovely place to live, so I couldn’t be prouder of all we have achieved this year.
“Of course our aim is to build hundreds of homes each year, so we can’t wait for some more great developments to be handed over the next 12 months. These will include more around Scunthorpe, Gainsborough and Doncaster too.”
To find out more about Ongo’s homes and new developments, visit www.ongo.co.uk
Audience Collective bolsters digital offering with acquisition of Boxharry
Audience Collective, the insight-driven group of specialist agencies, which has headquarters in Leeds, has acquired digital transformation agency, Boxharry to meet increasing client demand.
Boxharry designs, builds, upgrades and supports tech platforms to unleash the potential of existing digital infrastructures.
The Brighton-based digital specialist is the eighth independent agency to join the UK collective, which now includes over 190 experts across the UK and Ireland – from PR and content specialist, The Lucre Group, to brand communications agency, Ponderosa, as well as media strategy specialist Crunch, and market research and insight agency, Spark.
Steve Henry, group CEO at The Audience Collective, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Boxharry into Audience Collective. As we continue to expand our breadth of knowledge and expertise, their talented teams’ capabilities allow us to dive deeper into the digital transformation world, which is an area of great challenge for all businesses within the UK at present. Audience Collective is going from strength to strength and this year we have set the foundations for an incredibly exciting 2022.”
Simon Brooks, Managing Director at Boxharry, added: “For almost 20 years we have been creating digital products by hand, using the latest technology for clients all around the world. Our ethos of creating products with the utmost precision and care has allowed us to develop an outstanding portfolio of clients around the world – including The AA, Carers UK and LeasePlan.
“Joining Audience Collective will allow us to further expand our client base and gain support from other teams in the Collective. We are so excited to be onboard and take the next step in our future.”
Richard Midgley, group strategy director at The Audience Collective, stated: “The addition of Boxharry is a strategic acquisition; the agency’s expertise really strengthens Audience Collective’s specialisms. Their .Net development deepens our capabilities in the areas of systems integration and implementation of CRM systems such as Salesforce, HubSpot and Dimensions, which will be beneficial for both the Collective and our clients. Many businesses are interested in integrating their technology platforms, so Boxharry will be an integral component in Audience Collective’s future success.”
Mid Yorkshire Chamber welcomes hospitality support measures as Omicron surges
The Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce welcomes today’s announcements of a £1 billion support package for the hospitality and leisure industry, as Covid-19 cases continue to surge.
In recent weeks, reports of cancellations across hospitality and leisure firms were rife, leading many to worry that no action was being taken to support these struggling businesses.
Martin Hathaway, managing director of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “I am pleased with today’s announcement of further support for these industries, which are some of the hardest hit by the various measures that have been in place throughout the pandemic.
“The festive season is often the most profitable for these businesses, and will sustain many throughout the year.
“But, with reports of increased cancellations following 18 months of struggles, we were growing concerned that nothing was being done by Government.
“While many customers may see cancelling a booking as a small measure they can take to limit their contact and reduce the risk of exposure to the virus, to a business this is digging them further into a hole that they may not be able to get out of.
“I completely understand the call for the public to follow Government advice and, to protect themselves as best they can, however, I am a firm believer that the Government’s available support for businesses should go hand in hand with the advice they are giving to the general public.
“We must remember that these firms are still trying to recover from the initial Covid lockdowns, and that some have only recently been able to reopen.”
The Chancellor today announced £1 billion of new support for business, including up to £6,000 in grants for hospitality and leisure businesses, the reintroduction of the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme, as well as further funding available via the Culture Recovery Fund.
YFM makes £8m follow-on investment in DSP-Explorer
One of the UK’s largest independent Oracle partners, DSP-Explorer, a database and cloud managed services provider, has received an additional £8m of investment from YFM Equity Partners (YFM). The investment, made by the YFM-managed YFM Equity Partners Buyout II LP fund, will enable the business to continue its organic and acquisitive growth plans.
With offices in Leeds, London, Nottingham and Basingstoke, DSP-Explorer was founded in 1999 and has grown turnover to £23m, employing nearly 100 people nationally. With an established reputation as a trusted technology partner and Oracle expert, DSP-Explorer now boasts multi-cloud cloud capabilities as a Microsoft Gold Partner and Google Cloud Partner.
YFM’s investment in DSP-Explorer will give the business further firepower to acquire complementary businesses, having successfully acquired Explorer UK in July 2020, a leading Oracle database consultancy and development partner.
Since Leeds-headquartered YFM backed the management buyout of the business in 2018, led by Simon Goodenough, revenues and profits have both grown by over 300%, with a growing recurring revenue base and strong demand from enterprise customers.
Simon Goodenough, CEO of DSP-Explorer, said: “We have seen consistently strong growth since YFM’s initial investment, with their funding enabling us to take advantage of market opportunities as well as us benefitting from the team’s strategic insight. Together, we have developed an ambitious plan to scale the business, both in the UK and abroad, through both organic and acquisitive growth, as the sector continues to expand post-pandemic.
“This latest support is a further demonstration of YFM’s belief in our business and our potential – we are looking forward to embarking on the next phase of our growth plan, delivering on our Oracle Anywhere and Any Database, Any Cloud initiatives, with a supportive partner at our side.”
Roshan Puri, investment director at YFM, says: “DSP is a leader in its field and its acquisition of Explorer last year marked another key milestone with the creation of a combined group with the potential to dominate the UK enterprise database managed services sector.
“With its leading reputation and high quality team, DSP-Explorer will provide an attractive partner for complementary acquisitions and ambitious teams seeking to join a high growth multi-cloud managed services business. We are proud to be continuing our work alongside the team as they pursue their vision for the business.”
This latest investment in DSP is the second from YFM’s Buyout Fund II in recent weeks, following its backing of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software specialist Cooper Software in November.
The YFM investment team comprised Roshan Puri, Ben Pitt and Ian Waterfield. Corporate finance advice was provided by BDO; financial due diligence by Azets; legal advice by Gateley and Browne Jacobson; organisational review by Stratton HR; and tax advice by Claritas.
New eco-friendly housing development proposed for Knottingley
Plans to create an eco-friendly housing development and two new retail units on former industrial land in Knottingley have been welcomed by Wakefield Council.
The proposed scheme would see 175 energy efficient new homes built on a former quarry on cleaned up land that would also be redeveloped to include a large ecological area to encourage wildlife, with ponds to support eco diversity.
By using solar panels to generate electricity the scheme promises that homes would have a 20 per cent lower level of carbon emissions.
Others benefits include attracting investment and supporting regeneration in and around Knottingley as outlined in the new Knottingley & Ferrybridge masterplan.
The development, to be known as Jackson’s Landing after the former glass factory that was based there, will provide a large range of family homes.
The project is being supported by the Brownfield Housing Fund initiative and plans are being progressed through West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which has recently agreed for the project to move forward to the business case stage.
Cllr Darren Byford, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Property, said: “We welcome this new initiative that would allow new energy efficient homes to be developed in Knottingley as this will support regeneration that will benefit residents, with the prospect of new jobs, and benefit both the local and wider district economy.”
The development is by Castleford-based Noble Homes and Chris Vause, Technical Manager, said: “As we celebrate our 60th year, we plan to provide 175 new homes in Knottingley and would like to thank the West Yorkshire Combined Authority for their assistance through the Brownfield Housing Fund process.”
Cllr Denise Jeffery, Chair of West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Place, Regeneration and Planning Committee, said: “This is great example of how the brownfield housing fund can support the development of eco-friendly projects.
“This is vitally important as we work together to tackle the climate emergency and provide more homes for a range of people. Both are part of the Mayor’s pledges to West Yorkshire.
“Work on Jackson’s Landing is likely to begin next year, and the development will also support the regeneration of the Knottingley and Ferrybridge area.”
Plans approved for rugby club’s major redevelopment
Ambitious plans for the redevelopment of Belle Vue stadium have been approved by Wakefield Council, delivering a brand new 2,507 seated capacity East Stand built to Super League standards and community facilities.
The plans for Wakefield Trinity R.L.F.C will also deliver a resurfaced pitch, upgraded floodlights, new meeting rooms, offices, a café and community use fitness facilities.
The planning application was prepared and submitted by Pegasus Group on behalf of Spirit of 1873 Ltd who own the ground. Pegasus Group provided planning, EIA and economic services, including Socio-Economics and Health Impact Assessments.
The approved plans will see the demolition of the existing east stand, and its replacement with a 2-storey stand which, as well as providing 2,507 seats, will include a range of new internal spaces for both club and community use.
The redeveloped stand will maintain the existing access arrangements from Doncaster Road.
Chris Calvert, from Pegasus Group, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Council backed this ambitious vision for the future of Wakefield Trinity R.L.F.C and that we have secured planning permission on behalf of Spirit of 1873 Ltd.
“Achieving sustainable development requires the planning system to have three overriding objectives: an economic objective, a social objective, and an environmental objective.
“The proposed development is set to boast significant socio-economic benefits during both the construction and operational phases of the development. Wakefield Trinity R.L.F.C has been an incredibly important part of the community and its history and the proposed development deepens that sense of place and identity further.
“Importantly, it promotes well-being, both physical as well as mental health and this redevelopment will bring about the ability for increased participation in physical activity, either by inspiring some to become more active having followed elite sport, or to simply come and use the facilities that are proposed.”
The benefits generated by the scheme include:
- An estimated 100 on-site jobs supported during the construction phase, with a further 166 supported in the wider supply chain.
- An estimated contribution to economic output (gross value added) of £14million by the construction phase.
- Safeguarding 12 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs on-site, with an additional 2 permanent FTEs likely to be created once the Proposed Development is built and operational.
- Providing new facilities, including a sports pitch and gym, that can be accessed by local residents. Increasing physical participation in Wakefield is a major issue, with inactivity costing the District an estimated £6.4million per annum.
Cybersecurity specialist targets US market after seven-figure investment
A cybersecurity specialist that provides services for some of the UK’s biggest companies has raised a seven-figure sum from NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance, which is managed by Mercia and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.
The funding will allow Talion to further expand its business in the UK and target new customers in the US.
Talion was launched by BAE Systems in 2012 to help protect the Olympic Games in London from ‘nation state’ cyber attacks. Originally known as Sy4 Security, it became a standalone business in April 2020 when industry veteran Mike Brown, the current CEO, and BAE Systems’ head of security Keven Knight, the COO, led a management buy-out.
The company now employs over 90 staff at its security operations centre in Leeds and its satellites in Farnborough and Kuala Lumpur. It is regarded as one of the UK’s leading managed security service providers (MSSPs) and has a blue-chip client base.
Talion offers a range of services including monitoring, triage, remediation and threat assessment vulnerability management. It has also pioneered an innovative ‘hybrid’ approach, which enables companies to retain greater control over their cybersecurity by having their in-house staff work alongside Talion experts within a shared ‘eco-system’.
The worldwide cost of cybercrime stood at over $1 trillion in 2020, equivalent to 1% of global GDP. With figures expected to reach $10 trillion in 2025, Talion is aiming to service increasing demand.
Mike Brown, CEO of Talion, says: “The financial cost of cybercrime is growing at an alarming rate – the bad guys are winning. Companies can no longer protect themselves using an individualistic approach. They need to become part of a cybersecurity ecosystem with the ethos of ‘Benefit one, benefit all’. Talion provides a platform to help companies build and manage their ecosystem. The funding will help to accelerate its growth and achieve our goals.”
Will Schaffer, Investment Director with Mercia, adds: “Talion’s experienced team puts the company in a strong position and its new hybrid approach will further differentiate it in the market. The business has gone from strength to strength since becoming independent at the start of the pandemic. This initial funding round will help build on its success and make inroads into the huge US market in line with its ambition to become a global player.”
