The task force, which met for the first time this month, has also stated that working with Government on a meaningful devolution deal for the county will be a priority.
The North Yorkshire Rural Task Force, which is chaired by Richard Flinton, our chief executive, includes officers from the county and district councils, North Yorkshire’s two national parks, agricultural colleges, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, National Farmers Union, Community First Yorkshire and the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
It was established to take forward the hard-hitting actions and recommendations of the North Yorkshire Rural Commission as set out in its final report “Rural North Yorkshire: the way forward”.
Up to 85 per cent of North Yorkshire is classed as ‘super sparse’. This presents a set of key challenges. The Rural Commission, the first of its kind nationally, was established as an independent body in autumn 2019 to re-examine the evidence base and draw conclusions and recommendations, which would help these most rural communities, address the challenges and grow and prosper.
The Commission met twenty times, taking evidence from over seventy participants and visiting rural communities.
The aim was to bring about the levelling up of rural communities and to transform the region into a rural powerhouse. Commissioners believed their recommendations, if taken forward, would revitalise rural life, address its key challenges, bring back a missing generation of young people and create a vibrant future based around a state-of-the-art green economy.
The Rural Task Force will take a lead on the key themes of the economy, energy, digital, farming, schools, housing and transport, to ensure that levelling up progress is made.
While it acknowledges that these are issues many agencies across the county are already working on, it believes there is now an opportunity to refocus and to come together to drive forward priorities.
Richard Flinton said: “The Rural Commission recommendations are a timely and helpful challenge to us as partners and we have identified leads in the areas the Commissioners set out. Our job now is to bring about positive actions that can help rural communities in the county to grow and prosper.
“Much of the work the task force undertakes will be the bread and butter of the new unitary council. It will provide strong foundations for work with partners and with Government.”
The task force also recognises that progress is already being made in some areas set out by the Rural Commission.
For example, Yorbus, the demand responsive rural bus service pilot which aims to plug the gaps between the public transport needs of rural residents and existing scheduled services, is proving highly successful and is now being expanded.
North Yorkshire’s successful bid to the Government’s Community Renewal Fund, which secured over £760,000 for plans aimed at decarbonising the county’s energy system is also helping North Yorkshire’s ambitions to thrive economically as England’s first carbon-negative region.
“The Rural Commission set us a series of challenges and we wish to thank them for all their hard work on this and for their insight,” said Richard Flinton.
“Our job is now to move these forward so that North Yorkshire is at the forefront of the rural levelling up agenda. We will work with partners and Government on this. The work of the task force will step up our ability to influence and lobby on the key issues affecting the future sustainability and prosperity of our communities.”
The Task Force, which will meet next February, aims to meet quarterly so that members can share progress on the actions they are taking in shaping and meeting the Rural Commission recommendations. They will support, advise and encourage each other in this.
The Task Force will report on progress with stakeholders and the County Council Executive in a year’s time.
2022 Business Predictions: David Armitage, chairman of York Handmade Brick
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 David Armitage, chairman of York Handmade Brick, the independent brickmaker in the north of England.
These are challenging times but I am confident we can maintain the progress we made this year, despite Covid-19 and the uncertainly caused by Brexit, in 2022. We are flourishing in commercial property and education sectors, whilst residential housing, which has been our staple for a number of years, remains strong. In these testing times, it is vital to spread our work across as many different markets as possible.
It is also important to be optimistic. I have been in the brick industry for many years and have seen the peaks and troughs. The signs are that the economy is bouncing back and, when it does, I trust that the housing, construction and manufacturing sectors will be in the vanguard of the recovery. Despite rising inflation, which I hope is temporary, it is important to keep interest rates low.
High-profile contracts that we have either started or completed during the past 12 months include Mount Row, a mixed-use development in the heart of Mayfair; a prestigious residential housing development at Kings Cross; and a new library of Magdalene College, Cambridge.
Looking ahead more generally, it is encouraging to report that brick remains the building material of choice for many architects and specifiers across the UK. Provided the economy doesn’t implode, we anticipate a very successful and enjoyable 2022. We particularly value the contacts we have built up in the last 33 years with architects, planners, self-builders and developers. We look forward to continuing those relationships in the years to come.
Business confidence edges up in Yorkshire ahead of Omicron impact
Business confidence in Yorkshire rose four points during December to 35%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
Companies in Yorkshire reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down two points at 26%. However, when taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up nine points to 43%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 35%.
The Business Barometer, which questions 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
The survey captured responses between 26th November and 10th December. The first two cases of Omicron in the UK were confirmed on 27th November and nations began announcing the reintroduction of restrictions in the week commencing 6th December.
A net balance of 37% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up seven points on last month.
Overall UK business confidence was unchanged from November’s reading at 40%. While confidence remained above the long-term average (28%), during the second week of sampling when the Omicron variant emerged, confidence fell to 32%.
Despite potential challenges from the new Covid-19 variant on the horizon, firms remained positive about their future trading prospects, up four points month-on-month to 43%. The net balance of businesses planning to create new jobs also increased by three points to 33%. Optimism in the economy overall remained positive at 38%, down just three points on November’s result.
Every UK nation and region maintained a positive overall confidence reading in the December barometer, with four reporting a higher reading than last month. Alongside Yorkshire, the North East (up 13 points to 58%), North West (up 14 points to 48%) and East of England (up 12 points to 50%) all had stronger confidence readings month-on-month, with the North East and London (57%) the most optimistic overall.
Steve Harris, regional director for Yorkshire at Lloyds Bank, said: “The resilience of businesses across Yorkshire is clear from this month’s figures. Despite ongoing uncertainty caused by Omicron and wider challenges in the economy, such as trade disruption and rising costs, many firms said they were optimistic about the future.
“The coming weeks will be difficult to navigate for some, especially those in our region’s hospitality and leisure industries, but whatever the future brings we remain committed to supporting the region’s businesses as they look ahead to 2022.”
In the industry sectors, construction recovered to 39% from November’s seven-month low of 28%, following a minor easing in supply-chain disruptions. Despite a slight fall in confidence in manufacturing to 40%, trading prospects in the sector have remained higher than the whole economy throughout this year.
There were also small declines for retail (43%) and services (39%) ahead of the festive period. There have been some marked differences in these sectors in recent months, with notable strengths in the professional services sector (including finance) and in IT/communications. However, the current three-month average sentiment among hospitality firms is at its lowest level (24%) since the first quarter of the year (4%). This has been fuelled by a significant monthly drop of 48 points to 6% between November and December.
Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “It is a challenging end to 2021 as businesses are now having to adapt to the new Omicron variant and resultant restrictions across the UK. Nevertheless, business confidence remains resilient and above the long-term average due to a rise in trading prospects, while pay and price expectations continue to be elevated.
“Businesses face into a number of headwinds and challenging trading conditions, including higher interest rates, as we move into 2022, but many remain resilient and hopeful that acute downside risks are not realised.”
Seven-figure cash injection unlocks expansion for hydraulic manufacturer
A Huddersfield manufacturer is on track for double-digit growth after kickstarting a multi-million-pound expansion plan.
Hystat, founded in 1976, produces hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, accumulators and actuators. Primarily supplying to the oil and gas sector, it also provides parts to organisations across the renewables, nuclear, civil engineering and rail industries, and is actively supporting its oil and gas customers in their transition to greener energy alternatives.
Last year, the business acquired Washington-based Cylinder Service Centre (CSC), which helped to broaden the firm’s offering with its specialisms in hydraulic cylinder repair.
Since the buy-out, Hystat has enjoyed rapid growth, with turnover on track to increase 60% from £7.5million to £12million year-on-year. It has also boosted headcount from 96 to 110 across its Huddersfield and Washington sites.
And now, with the support of a £1.2million loan from Lloyds Bank, Hystat is preparing to purchase CSC’s currently rented premises, helping to pave the way for further expansion at the site, and bring key operations, such as boring and holing services, in-house.
Simon Wadsworth, Managing Director at Hystat, said: “Our products are playing an increasingly critical role in supporting the transition to green and renewable energy sources, meaning it’s important that we continue exploring opportunities to expand and diversify our offering.
“Through this purchase, and through the additional financial firepower it lends us, we can ramp up activity across key services and significantly grow our output, helping us to support engineering best practice across a growing customer base.”
Lloyds Bank has supported Hystat for more than two decades, previously providing hire purchase facilities to enable investment in new tooling and equipment.
Allie Butterworth, relationship director at Lloyds Bank, said: “Simon and his team have built Hystat into the UK’s leading manufacturer of hydraulic equipment. Growing steadily over the years, the business is now ideally placed to consolidate its market share, with its investment allowing it to free up additional cashflow and focus on expanding organically.
“We look forward to continuing to back the team’s ambitions in this next phase of their journey.”
New digital high streets programme to boost local shopping launches across West Lindsey district
A new programme to attract shoppers back to the High Street by harnessing digital technology has been launched in West Lindsey.
The initiative, Local Rewards, a collaboration between West Lindsey District Council and social media specialists, Maybe* Tech – aims to help businesses across the council area recover from the impact of COVID-19, by giving them the support they need to reach more customers and make more sales.
The programme will go live featuring 4,400 businesses from across the West Lindsey district and will offer free training and tools to companies looking to take part.
Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Owen Bierley urged businesses to sign up for the free support.
He said: “We are delighted to have brought Maybe Tech on board for the next 12 months to support our businesses. The impact of Covid 19 changed the way businesses operate and following discussions with local businesses we recognised that we needed to offer additional support. Maybe Tech has proved to be successful in other areas and we want our businesses to benefit too.”
Local Rewards (https://www.localrewards.chat/) allows businesses to communicate with, and reward shoppers when they hit the High Streets and has been created with the intention of ‘levelling the playing field’ through enhanced digital skills, enabling small businesses to have access to the same level of tools and know-how as big businesses with bigger budgets. Businesses can also cross-promote and support their High Street neighbours to create an online network of connected traders.
The Local Rewards programme already features over 6,900 businesses from across the region, data within the technology shows that in West Lindsey around 900 High Street businesses use social media.
Of those retailers on social media around 286 (31 per cent) are active, posting most days. Maybe* Tech insights suggest that the national average within a centre for regular posting stands at around 25 per cent, making West Lindsey businesses among the most active on social media, in the country.
Additional research conducted by Maybe* Tech suggests around 66% of consumers spend three hours per day using social media.
Nicola Brooksbank, CEO and founder of Nice & Naughty Cafe Bistro, in Market Rasen says:
“Since the pandemic I have noticed an increase in businesses working together for the greater good of the high street. We use each other’s shops as much as possible and promote each other. Rather than competition, we realise that our customers are one and the same, so the more we promote each other, the more we all see our takings double.
Social media is very important to my business. Not every like returns a sale, but the more you have the more sales you will get. We have doubled both our Instagram and Facebook followers since the pandemic, through targeted posts. We are also doing videos with the aim that we create a large following sharing our beliefs in community, healthy eating, and home-cooked food. This includes recipes and creating a story people can get behind and want to follow. Social media is a positive that can only be good for us all, when used correctly and in a targeted way.”
“I’m looking forward to signing up to the programme and hope others will too.”
The technology enables shoppers to see businesses near them, view and engage with their social media content and shop with them via Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.
In addition, for every pound a shopper spends “in store” with a participating business they earn a point which can be used to claim rewards offered by local businesses across the county.
Every business that signs up to manage their listing on the Local Rewards High Street Guide will also have access to an extensive range of social media tools and training provided by Maybe* Tech.
Polly Barnfield OBE, CEO of Maybe* Tech said: “Around two thirds of shoppers regularly look online for inspiration and the Local Rewards programme groups all social media content by location to encourage people to browse their local high street and then rewards them for their local spend. High streets need infrastructure that until now has only been available for online businesses and this programme will help local businesses level the playing field,” adds Barnfield.
“They need to communicate with shoppers in real-time and be able to showcase what’s available. In order to compete, High Street businesses need to up their digital game, promote their physical stores and collaborate. Our platforms help them collectively to do that and we are delighted to be working with businesses across every high street in the West Lindsey district
High Street businesses and shoppers can access the Local Rewards programme online at https://www.localrewards.chat/ and can sign up to reap the benefits via Messenger or WhatsApp.
The platform has been developed to provide High Street businesses across all sectors, with access to social media, the tools and training to increase their customer base and drive sales. The Maybe* platform also provides practical suggestions and easy to use tools allowing organisations to connect with their audience, improve their return on investment and understand how to stay ahead of their competition.
The announcement comes just days after West Lindsey District Council has approved a new Economic Recovery Plan. Encouraging investment, supporting businesses, developing growth and employment opportunities and harnessing the potential of green recovery are the underpinning principles of the Council’s recovery strategy.
Hull’s transformative £96m Albion Square development approved by Hull City Council’s Cabinet
The £96m Albion Square development has been approved by Hull City Council’s Cabinet.
The large development in Hull city centre will feature a mixture of residential, office and retail space, as well as a large urban park.
The eco-friendly and environmentally responsible project will include solar panels, EV charging points and a bike hub where cyclists will be able to store bikes.
Hull’s iconic Three Ships Mural will remain and be incorporated into the new development.
Demolition of the site will begin in early 2022 with construction starting in 2023. The transformative project is set to be completed in 2026.
Councillor Daren Hale, leader of Hull City Council, said: “Albion Square is a key component in the city’s regeneration.
“The large Albion Square site is an important and prominent location in our city centre, so it’s vital that we see it regenerated.
“This investment is not only crucial to the future success and prosperity of our city, but it’s also the only viable option for the site. In its current, undeveloped state, the site requires continuous and significant costs in order to keep it safe, and is also an obvious eyesore in what should be one of the most historic and impressive parts of our city.
“The only option, and the best option for Hull, is to regenerate the area.”
Alan Boyson’s Three Ships Mural will be incorporated and made a key component of the new development, alongside retail space facing Albion Square, adding to the retail offer of Jameson Street and King Edward Street.
The Fish Mural and Sponge Mural, currently located on the upper floors of the former BHS Building, will be saved and relocated within the new development.
The rear of the development will feature retail units, as well as housing that is sensitive and complimentary to the existing Georgian architecture on Albion Street. This will include family homes and apartments, some of which will have private gardens.
At the centre of the site, a new urban woodland will reconnect communities with city centre green space, allowing nature back into our urban areas through rewilding.
The urban park will be an example of how we can live with water, showcasing how rainwater can be stored, filtered, drained sustainably, and become an amenity, even play opportunity, for its inhabitants rather than relying on traditional underground drainage networks.
The result will be a dynamic and ever-changing park where water levels can rise and fall depending on weather conditions, to create either parkland or urban wetland.
The design of the park draws inspiration from Hull’s dramatic estuary landscape and the biodiverse and ecological-rich river banks. Bridges and decks will guide people through the park which will feature water, lush green spaces, seating areas and artistic elements.
Manufacturing activity strengthens, but stock adequacy hits another record low
UK manufacturing output growth in the quarter to December accelerated to its fastest pace since July, according to the latest monthly CBI Industrial Trends Survey.
The survey of 258 manufacturing firms saw output increasing in 15 out of 17 sub-sectors, with growth being mostly driven by the food, drink & tobacco and motor vehicles & transport equipment sub-sectors.
Total order books in December were judged to be ‘above normal’ to a similar extent to last month’s record high, while export orders were rated as broadly ‘normal’.
However, manufacturers’ inventory positions deteriorated further in December, with stock adequacy of finished goods worsening to a new record-low position for the second month in a row.
Respondents also said they expect price pressures to remain acute in the next three months.
Anna Leach, CBI deputy chief economist, said: “UK manufacturing demand remains strong, and output accelerated to meet this demand in December. However, behind the scenes, firms are battling pressures on a number of fronts.
“Stock adequacy of finished goods worsened to an all-time low for the second month in a row, and continued expectations for sharp price growth are a further challenge for the sector.
“The spread of the Omicron variant will have been a blow to business confidence. However, firms will welcome the Government’s decision to move from isolation to testing as a method of controlling the virus without unduly impacting their ability to operate.”
Tom Crotty, group director at INEOS and chair of the CBI Manufacturing Council, said: “While it is positive that manufacturing activity has remained strong, we have also seen a further worsening in stock adequacy of finished goods. At a time of continuing global supply chain difficulties, labour shortages and material shortages, the government should seek longer-term solutions that promote growth and investment in UK manufacturing.
“On Covid-19, the government must offer clear guidance in good time for manufacturers to continue operating safely as the country grapples with the Omicron emergency.”
The Source urges South Yorks bosses to help Traineeship teens find their futures in 2022
A Sheffield charity is appealing to South Yorkshire businesses to give young people a chance to turn their lives around in the New Year after the devastating effect the epidemic had on their schooling .
The Source Skills Academy is a not-for-profit organisation which exists to get people into jobs and upskill the employed.
It has moved swiftly to expand its Traineeship programme, which has been successfully re-setting the futures of jobless 16-18s for over four years.
Over 18 weeks, its tutors help students prepare for work, building confidence, improving Maths and English skills, helping them gain qualifications and a professional attitude.
There will now be four courses a year but The Source needs local businesses to give Trainees work placements, a crucial, life-shaping element of the programme.
“Our Traineeships are even more vital now. Many teens have been badly affected by the pandemic. They lost time in the classroom and missed out on the customary work experience placements which help prepare them for employment. Without that, even the lowest rung of the career ladder is out of reach,” said Chloe Granger, Traineeships Delivery Team Manager.
“Our programme gives them the chance to make a new start but it’s vital we find our Trainees relevant, on-the-job work experience. It makes a huge difference to their confidence and communication skills. They develop a firmer idea of their career path, discover their worth and aim higher,” said Chloe.
Already a number of local businesses have answered the call. One of them is Vulcan Engineering at The South West Centre, Troutbeck Rd, Sheffield, one of the world’s leading mechanical and encapsulated seal manufacturers.
Founded in 1986, its products are used in everything from dialysis machines to swimming pools, water sewerage plants to oil refineries – and the household washing machine.
It employs 110 people in Sheffield and at its sister company in Minneapolis, which serves the North American market.
A number of its staff found their place in the company via the 1980s Youth Training Scheme for school-leavers.
One of them, Louise Ebdon, Group HR Executive Manager, commented: “Work experience gave me a career in a sector I would never have known about and the fact that Vulcan showed faith in me when I was young is the reason I love bringing people into the business and developing them, an important part of my HR role.”.
“Vulcan is currently training eight apprentices. It’s part of the company’s culture to provide people with the opportunity to prove themselves and that’s why we have signed up to The Source Academy’s Traineeship programme,” said Louise. “We really see the value in this initiative.”
Vulcan’s first work placement Trainee is Rotherham 16-year-old Adil Ali. He is working two days a week, gaining mentoring and training in warehousing, assembly and picking and packing.
Trainees have 110 hours of work experience with local employers over 10 weeks.
Quality placements in customer service, warehousing and admin are being sought with companies across the SCR.
Employers get support from The Source and companies could just find their perfect new apprentice, says Chloe: “Bosses can get to know trainees and evaluate how they would fit into their business long-term.”
Reprocessing firm acquired by sustainable packaging company
Reprocessing firm, Bright Green Plastics, has been acquired by IPL Global from AIAC. The acquisition will allow the manufacturer of sustainable packaging solutions for environmental, returnable packaging and industrial markets to offer a full recycling service for its products.
Bright Green Plastics’ West Yorkshire-based reprocessing site, which currently recycles around 40,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year with a 130-strong workforce, will continue to operate under the existing management team.
IPL plans to invest in equipment and innovative projects to increase the recycling capacity and capabilities of the business, which will ensure the continued supply of high-quality recycled compounds to customers across many sectors.
Ian Farquhar, UK Managing Director at IPL Global, says: “We are delighted to have Bright Green Plastics as part of our network of businesses. Our shared values, coupled with impressive breakthroughs in the development of recycled polymer formulas for a wide variety of applications, meaning that together we can offer sustainable solutions the market is looking for.
“It’s this passion and commitment to innovation that first attracted us to the company, and we’re excited to see the value that Bright Green Plastics is set to bring to our business as we, in turn, contribute to its ongoing growth and success in the worldwide marketplace.”
Steve Spencer, General Manager at Bright Green Plastics, adds: “Anyone that comes across our business knows we are passionate about plastic recycling.
“This acquisition will provide the global assistance to accelerate significant technical developments, ensuring as much recycled plastic as possible is ploughed back into the manufacturing cycle, whilst lessening reliance on virgin plastic.”
The acquisition was completed on 8 December 2021. Steve Spencer, who joined Bright Green Plastics in 2019, will continue to control and oversee all business operations.
3 of the best ways to help small businesses
It was common for small businesses to be engulfed in turmoil even before the pandemic struck. Today, many of them are in a very vulnerable position.
Still, though many businesses have struggled, their fighting spirit has not wavered, and a sense of community must be built and felt. The nation needs to band together to keep firms afloat, and you may be wondering what part you can play in these proceedings.
Consequently, here are some of the best ways you can help small businesses in your area today.
Use Social Media
It doesn’t take much to open an account on Twitter or Facebook or to use them as savvy tools for business purposes.
Try to shout businesses out if possible. An online post that highlights a firm’s capabilities, services, and excellent service could really help them. You could provide links to stock pages, eco-friendly measures, or charitable causes they are supporting, highlighting their work ethic and strong moral character. If possible, don’t just like, share, and retweet – put your admiration into your own words for a more effective promotional effort.
Be sure to include relevant keywords and hashtags to boost the visibility of your posts. Additionally, if you’re promoting an event of some kind for a firm, it could be worthwhile building up some hype before you make any big announcement. That way, you can ensure that you reach as many people as possible. Remember, many firms compete for shoutouts, so receiving them for free could be a big win for them.
Invest in Them
If you have capital at your disposal, investing in early-stage businesses that are going through their initial stages of growth could be a good idea, albeit with significant risk. There are specific schemes set up which provide growth opportunities and potential tax advantages.
All of this is made possible within the Oxford Capital Growth EIS fund. You can back a diverse portfolio of UK early-stage companies in a range of sectors, including eCommerce, fintech, artificial intelligence.
Cash injection into start-up businesses opens up an ever-expanding series of doors for them, propelling their growth going forwards. Remember, in doing this, you’re not just helping the small business succeed. You’re helping people earn their livelihoods, and you’re helping to keep the UK economy moving.
Be Mindful of Your Interactions
There are lots of things that customers can do that waste a firm’s time. These can be:
- Asking questions of customer service personnel that are answered by reading their web copy/FAQ pages.
- Engaging in small talk with staff who are clearly busy.
- Disputing price points and shipping arrangements.
- Cancelling tables in restaurants at the last minute.
National Infrastructure Commission to open Leeds office
The National Infrastructure Commission will open a new office in Leeds by the end of 2023.
The new office in Yorkshire will form the base for around 40 per cent of the Commission’s secretariat in the future, with others continuing to work from a base in London.
The move is part of the government’s commitment to move 22,000 civil service positions out of London and the South East by 2030, through the ‘Places for Growth’ programme.
Sir John Armitt, chair of the National Infrastructure Commission, said: “It’s great to be establishing a second base in Leeds. It is not only a great city to live and work in, but the move underlines the Commission’s role in advising government on the role infrastructure can play in boosting local economies and improving quality of life right across the UK.
“We look forward to continuing to work with local leaders as the Commission starts work on our next major assessment of the country’s infrastructure needs for the future, to be published in 2023.”
As an independent executive agency of HM Treasury, the Commission liaises with government on property arrangements and certain other central services, while retaining complete discretion to determine its own work programme and policy recommendations.
Grosvenor enters Leeds office market with acquisition of landmark building
Grosvenor Britain & Ireland has completed the acquisition of Toronto Square, a landmark office building in Leeds, from a fund advised by J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives.
The building, which holds a BREEAM Excellent rating, provides 88,500 sq ft of Grade A offices and is 96% let to occupiers including CBRE, Bevan Brittan, Franklin Templeton and Quilter.
Keith Bailey, investment director, Grosvenor Britain & Ireland, said: “Toronto Square is a highly respected sustainable prime office building, which has proven to be popular with Leeds occupiers.
“Following on from the recent refurbishment works undertaken by J.P. Morgan, we will continue to invest in the building’s amenities and environmental performance to maintain its reputation as one of the market’s landmark office locations as supply of new space tightens and levelling up opportunities increase.”
GBI’s Investment team actively manages a c£1 billion UK property portfolio, comprising assets and projects outside of its Mayfair and Belgravia holdings. Its focus is on income producing assets where it can enhance their environmental, social and commercial performance and build scale in new markets.
In June 2021, Grosvenor completed its first acquisitions under the new strategy: 134 Edmund Street, an 85,000 sq ft office building in Birmingham’s central business district, and The Hive, an 80,000 sq ft office building in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The portfolio also includes Grosvenor’s Strategic Land business and stake in Liverpool ONE.
JLL acted for Grosvenor and Savills and CBRE for J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives. The terms of the transaction are not disclosed.
New Leeds-based commercial broker Attis Insurance reports rapid growth and eyes £50m premium in 2022
Newly launched commercial risk and insurance broker Attis Insurance has reported strong growth in its first nine months trading. The business expects premium to top the £50m barrier in 2022, and since its launch in Leeds in February this year, has opened a total of six offices across the north, with a headcount of 75.
The firm is backed by chairman and industry veteran Joe Henderson, who sold his Leeds-based, 30-year-established Henderson Insurance Broking Group to global professional services firm Aon for £90m in December 2017.
Since the launch of its Leeds head office, which is led by directors and former Henderson employees Keith Browne, Neil Beck and Justin Chadwick, Attis Insurance has opened five further offices to cover the Manchester, Halifax, Teesside, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire regions, with plans to open a London base next year.
Attis director Keith Browne said: “Our rapid growth is a reflection of our strategic drive to scale the business so that we can provide a really strong regional presence for commercial customers across the UK and across a range of industries.
“We are differentiating ourselves quite clearly from other brokers in the market, as a modern and dynamic business helping directors protect their balance sheets from risk with bespoke insurance cover planned properly by people who actually understand clients’ businesses and the sectors they work in.”
He added: “Because everything is actioned in-house we are able to guarantee swift decision making and innovative support for our clients at all times. Throughout the challenges presented by Covid we have been determined to put our clients first, providing a level of personal service and professionalism that has been massively appreciated.”
Further growth is planned for Attis Insurance into 2022 with more hires scheduled and potential organic acquisitions in the pipeline for the coming months.
Neil Beck added: “As we continue to recruit, creating quality jobs, in Leeds and across the north and Midlands, we are very much aware that we are aiming to be an employer of choice, creating the best brokerage by attracting and retaining the best people. We’re really proud of what our team have achieved in our first six months and by investing in people and their careers we hope to make the next six months and beyond even more successful.”
Over 33 years, Joe Henderson grew his previous venture from a sole-trader outfit in Scunthorpe to a 400-strong brokerage with 16 UK offices before its sale to the US-based insurance group Aon. In 2019, he was awarded an MBE for services to business and the community in Lincolnshire, where he lives.
Four associates join Leeds law firm
Clarion’s team continues to grow with the appointment of another four associates.
Anna-Elise Harvey joins the employment team as a specialist in employment and business immigration, with four years’ experience of advising on day-to-day HR issues, corporate mergers and acquisitions, and contentious matters in the Employment Tribunal. Anna specialises in business immigration and has particular expertise in conducting right to work checks, and also advises on all aspects of sponsoring migrant workers. Anna provides further strength and depth to Clarion’s business immigration offering.
Zaigham Jaffri has become the latest member to join the real estate team. With experience of property finance transactions, representing banks and other institutional lenders, he is able to advise lenders about security relating to purchases, refinances and development, secured over a wide range of commercial and residential property.
Jack Farrer further strengthens the commercial team. Specialising in data protection and privacy law, he has experience of advising both private and public sector clients. His expertise includes the auditing of business functions to ensure compliance with data protection and privacy law; and the preparation and negotiation of data processing and data sharing agreements, privacy and cookies policies and other internal data protection policies. In addition to Jack’s general commercial experience, he will support Clarion’s corporate team by assisting in due diligence exercises on both the buy and sell sides of corporate transactions.
Finally, the costs and litigation funding team has also welcomed a new associate. Having spent over ten years as a costs lawyer, Andrew Crisp advises on a wide range of costs matters including those that have proceeded all the way to the Supreme Court. He often attends hearings, and also advises on a variety of funding and retainer issues. Having worked both in-house and for specialist costs firms, Andrew really understands what is required by law firms and what can be achieved on their behalf. He prides himself on his technical ability and regularly advises legal teams on process improvements and on costs issues.
Roger Hutton, joint managing partner, comments: “After another very busy year, we are committed to further investing in expanding and developing our team as demand for our services continues to grow alongside our clients.
“We are pleased to welcome all four talented young lawyers to Clarion – we know they will make a vital contribution to helping us to provide high levels of client care, and we look forward to supporting their career progression.”
Clarion has a 285-strong team, including 30 partners. Having previously been recognised in the Sunday Times ‘Best Companies to Work for’ list, attracting and developing talent remains one of its core values.
South Yorkshire wins £12m bid to establish an Institute of Technology
A collaboration of educators and employers from South Yorkshire have successfully secured over £12m to establish a new South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (IoT).
The Department for Education (DfE) made the announcement as part of the second wave of IoT bids to have funding confirmed by the government.
New employer-led IoTs offer higher level technical education to help close skills gaps in key STEM areas. They are part of the government’s plans to reform technical training to help employers get the skilled workforce they need and offer local people rewarding jobs.
The South Yorkshire IoT joins Further Education institutions, Higher Education institutions and local employers together to provide pathways from STEM based T-Levels to Higher Technical Qualifications, apprenticeships, and degrees. The IoT will also offer flexible courses for adults looking to reskill or upskill.
The collaboration includes DN Colleges Group, Sheffield Hallam University, Barnsley College, and the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre as core education partners. RNN Group, the Sheffield College and the National Centre for Advanced Transport & Infrastructure (NCATI) are also associate partners.
In addition, the core employer partners include AESSEAL PLC, Engie UK, HLM Architects and WANdisco. They will have a place on the Board of the IoT and one of them will be chair.
The South Yorkshire IoT will work closely with employers to provide specialist provision for over 1,500 learners, aiming to meet the demand for construction, digital, engineering/manufacturing, and healthcare science higher level technical skills within the region. The IoT will target key sectors and occupations, making a substantial contribution to increasing the region’s productivity and ability to attract and retain employers with higher-level technical skilled roles.
Mick Lochran, CEO of DN Colleges Group, which has led on the formation of the IoT, said: “I am so proud that South Yorkshire has been awarded an IoT as it has the potential to change the whole dynamic of our region. The working partnerships, between employers and education providers, has been amazing and provides a sound foundation to deliver a successful IoT.”
Provision will be designed to be accessible to people across the region and target underrepresented groups. Investment will see IoT sites established across the region, including:
- DN Colleges Group will be delivering provision from within the existing Doncaster College site;
- Barnsley College will reconfigure and refurbish its existing Church Street building to create a dedicated IoT centre in the centre of Barnsley;
- Sheffield Hallam University will create a dedicated IoT space within the existing campus in Sheffield City Centre;
- The University of Sheffield’s AMRC Training Centre is planning to refurbish and upgrade a dedicated space at its Rotherham site with industry standard digital engineering laboratories.
2022 Business Predictions: Konrad Czajka, Managing Director of Czajka Care Group
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 Konrad Czajka, Managing Director of Czajka Care Group.
Brexit has done the care sector no favours whatsoever. Next year we will continue to have huge challenges around recruitment, retention, compliance and operational issues, including the complications surrounding compulsory vaccinations for staff. In 2022, there will be massive inflationary pressures, especially on pay rates, utilities and insurance.
There are 1.4 million older people with unmet needs. 43% of people over 85 years of age require some form of support, but only 20% of those people are receiving it. The government now realises that if they want a functioning, effective NHS, they will need a strong and sustainable social care sector. A well-funded and good quality social care sector is fundamental to a healthy nation and well performing NHS.
The social care sector will continue to care for the most vulnerable members of our society, and it is worth remembering that our complex levels of support, will protect the NHS from being overwhelmed. We will continue to care for people at the end of their life, dispense medication prescribed by clinicians, support individuals with mental health issues and those with complex dementia or physical disabilities.
The social care sector will care for more people than the NHS and employ more staff than the NHS and social services put together – 1.75 million to be precise! Our investment returns over £4.3 billion into the economy and in many local areas social care is the biggest employer and drives economic activity.
The fear and anxiety caused by the pandemic has been immeasurable and the scars of the past two years have been the most painful in our professional careers. In 2022 we will engage with the Commissioners and the Care Quality Commission to ensure that the older, infirm and disabled people living amongst us receive the quality care they deserve.
Despite the enormous challenges we have faced over the last few years, I am still optimistic about what the future holds for the social care sector. Next year the Care Associations will continue to work together through the Care Association Alliance to ensure a strong and influential representation at national level. Together we will, and we are, making a difference!
Logistics REIT to forward fund Sheffield development
Urban Logistics, the specialist UK logistics REIT which recently completed a £250 million equity raise and moved to the Main Market in December, has acquired four assets, using proceeds raised, for a total consideration of £28.6 million.
The value accretive assets include three immediately income-producing properties and the forward funding of a development project in Sheffield.
The company has entered into an agreement to forward fund a new logistics unit at Newhall Road. The agreement is subject to planning, and the development is expected to complete in November 2022, and will comprise a warehouse of 131,500 sq ft.
The building is designed to have excellent environmental credentials, with a BREAM Excellent rating, an EPC of A, and electric vehicle charging points. The project is targeting a 6.0% NIY on cost.
The other assets acquired include a 22,783 sq ft warehouse at Caswell Road, Northampton, let to Tuffnells Parcel Express, a 27,115 sq ft distribution depot at Elland Road, Leicester, let to the Royal Mail Group, and a warehouse facility of 117,031 sq ft near the airport in Dundee, occupied by Hermes Parcelnet. Richard Moffitt, Chief Executive, said: “We’re pleased to confirm our continued deployment of capital following the close of our recent oversubscribed equity raise. This is testament to our team’s ability to act swiftly and reliably on deal execution. “As previously stated, we have an excellent pipeline of “last mile / last touch” logistics assets to acquire and the team will be working hard over the coming months, investing in those quality assets that will be accretive to shareholder value, with further acquisitions expected before the end of the year. “Our strategy of acquiring mid-box last mile logistics assets, in key locations, with excellent transport links has not altered since inception in 2016. We acquire properties which are key to our tenants’ operations, and we continue to create additional performance through active asset management and improved environmental performance.”New year boost for Skegness economy
Construction will be starting in January 2022 on new commercial premises to rent in Skegness.
Local company Manorcrest Construction have purchased land at Skegness Business Park from Lincolnshire County Council following the development of the site.
They will now develop 557 square metres of commercial floorspace which will subsequently be available to rent.
The £2.4 million revamp and expansion work has seen a key link road completed between Hassall Road and Holly Road, and infrastructure put in place for new and existing businesses to locate at the site.
Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy and place at the county council, said:
“Skegness business park is a major employment site on the Lincolnshire coast, and the expansion will help secure year-round jobs for the area. It offers attractive growth opportunities for successful local businesses and inward investors alike.
“I’m delighted that as a local company, Manorcrest have been able to take this forward and develop high quality units on the site to support our aspirations for economic growth.”
Leigh Hall & Dean Wann, Directors at Manorcrest, added:
“As long-established and respected developers in Skegness and throughout Lincolnshire, we remain passionate about our local area. We pride ourselves on working on developments that really make life better for residents and businesses by listening and building exactly what they need.
“Providing opportunities for local people and business drives Manorcrest and we hope, encourages growth for Skegness. We’re really keen that the units on this site will help existing businesses, attract new business to re-locate here and provide local jobs for local people, which in turn will support the local economy. Great news for Skegness and rewarding for Manorcrest.”
The expansion has been funded jointly by the county council and a Single Local Growth Fund Grant from the Greater Lincolnshire LEP.
Pat Doody, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, said: “This scheme provides much needed employment space in the Skegness area, creating new opportunities and supporting key sectors.
“We are delighted to have been able to contribute £1.27m of grant funding to enable development of the site.”
Skegness Business Park is already home to a variety of well-known national trade counter and industrial businesses, all of whom benefit from quick access to the A52 and Skegness town centre.
New project funding will support more local people into employment
Hull City Council and EN:Able Futures Community Interest Company (CIC) have been awarded almost £200k to deliver a project to invest in skills and support local people into employment.
The Pathways into Construction project will engage people more distant from the employment market and take them through a high-quality programme so they can pursue entry-level job opportunities in the construction and built environment sector.
The project will be based at the unique purpose-built Humber Construction Hub on Wawne Road in Hull. The hub was made possible by support from Hull City Council regarding the land.
EN:Able Futures CIC will host, lead and manage the action-packed 10-day Pathways Into Construction programme at the Humber Construction Hub’s site-based learning environment. The new programme will include a dedicated Development Coach providing key worker support to learners. The comprehensive package of training includes site visits, manual handling, health and safety, First Aid and Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards. Learners will also receive additional advice and guidance to support them into work, to help them gain and sustain employment and long-term careers in the industry.
The funding comes from the UK Community Renewal Fund (UKCRF), first launched in March this year. It’s a UK Government programme which aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK to pilot programmes and new approaches. It invests in skills, community and place, local business, and supporting people into employment. The fund is a key initiative in the government’s levelling up agenda, which aims to support people and communities most in need throughout the UK.
The Pathways into Construction project is aimed at those living in Hull and the surrounding area, in particular those aged 18 and over and unemployed for 18 months or longer or economically inactive; those not in education, employment or training aged 18 – 24 years and those unemployed aged 30 – 49.
Councillor Aneesa Akbar, who chaired the review panel, said: “The council is committed to reducing unemployment and opening up more opportunities to those who are unemployed.
“I’m delighted that the Pathways into Construction project has been awarded this funding. It means more local people can learn the skills they need for a career in the construction sector, an area which offers job security and is so critically important to our economy.”
Director of Operations at EN:Able Futures CIC Julie Deeley said: “The EN:Able Futures team is delighted to receive this funding. It will help us build on what we’ve already achieved delivering training for local people at the Humber Construction Hub to enable them to become employment and site ready and build a better future for themselves.”
Potential learners will be invited to sign up in January.
To find out more about the UKCRF, visit the website here.
Three more leading businesses partner with Ron Dearing UTC to open up exciting opportunities for students
Three more leading businesses have teamed up with Hull’s employer-led school to open up further exciting opportunities for students and help shape their potential future employees.
Graphics and signage experts Designs Signage Solutions and specialist pipework fabricators and steelwork erectors CDS Energy Services have become Major Partners of Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC), while overhead line, underground cable and substation system leaders LSTC Group has become a Partner.
Working alongside the school’s Founding Partners, the Ofsted “Outstanding”-rated school’s Major Partners and Partners develop and deliver employer-led projects, provide work experience placements and lead the careers information, advice and guidance programme.
Major Partners also play a key role in the development of the UTC’s unique, employer-engaged curriculum, while both Partners and Major Partners contribute financially to the school and recruit many students as apprentices within their businesses.
Established almost 30 years ago, Hull-based Designs Signage Solutions has grown to a 41-strong team operating from 48,000sq ft premises, offering bespoke briefs, designs and installation signage solutions to retail, corporate, sports stadia, vehicle livery and building sectors across the UK.
Drawing Manager Chris Murphy said becoming a Ron Dearing UTC Major Partner will help to establish a new pipeline of talent in the industry. The company has already employed one former Ron Dearing UTC student, Ben Moodie, as a trainee in the Graphics Production department.
Chris said: “We want to engage with young talent and this partnership gives us a platform to work with the students, identify rising stars before they leave school and show them our industry and what we’re about.
“Ron Dearing UTC acclimatises its students to a full working week, rather than a normal school day, to help them get ready for work. By working together and playing a part in the curriculum, we’ll be able to help to shape what we want to see in our future employees.”
CDS, which has its head office at Burma Drive in east Hull, works in the oil, gas, petrochemical and nuclear industries. The business has 30 staff and dozens of additional subcontractors, with clients including Tricoya, Vivergo Fuels, px Group, Mitsubishi and more.
Managing Director Danny Laybourne said the business plans to take on Ron Dearing UTC students as apprentices in the future, potentially including in Planning and Quality Assurance (QA) roles.
He said: “There’s a lack of young people coming through in this industry and we can see that shortage of quality continuing, which is why we wanted to get involved in Ron Dearing UTC.
“With Ron Dearing students, we won’t have to start from scratch because they will have completed courses which stand them in good stead to progress within the industry.”
New Partner LSTC Group provides engineering solutions to the electricity sector, specialising in the design and survey of overhead lines, underground cables and substation systems in the UK and internationally. Alongside it’s Driffield head office, the company also has offices in Belfast, Derby, London and South Wales.
Finance Director Richard Shipley said the company is keen to increase its 85‐strong workforce to 100 within the next two years, including more women in engineering, and plans to offer opportunities for work experience, apprenticeships and paid employment to Ron Dearing UTC students.
He said: “I believe that in order to fulfil all of the ambitious plans to achieve carbon net zero and clean energy, it will require a lot of work on infrastructure across the country and globally. There are not enough engineers in the world to do that work and the only solution is to bring more people into engineering.
“We want to be part of encouraging people to come into this industry and Ron Dearing UTC is doing a great job of facilitating that.”
Every one of Ron Dearing UTC’s Year 13 students have gone on to exciting apprenticeships, university, employment, further education or the Armed Forces for three consecutive years.
Glenn Jensen, Senior Assistant Principal and Head of Engineering at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Designs Signage Solutions and CDS Energy Services as Major Partners and LSTC Group as a Partner.
“Their decades of combined experience will be invaluable to our students and open up further career opportunities in these growing industries.”
Opened in 2017, Ron Dearing UTC caters for students aged between 14 and 19, offering a unique model of employer-led education with a specialist focus on digital technology, creative digital and digital engineering.
The school’s Founding Partners are the University of Hull and leading local employers KCOM, Reckitt, Siemens Gamesa, Smith+Nephew and Spencer Group.
It is also supported by Hull City Council and many other industry partners, including Arco, C4DI, Fujitsu, Green Port Hull, Ideal Boilers, INEOS Acetyls, Kohler Mira, Luxinar, NEC Software Solutions, Ørsted, Sauce, Sewell Group and Sonoco Trident.
