Steel signing marks fresh progress at Tileyard North
A steel frame has been put in place at building 15, Tileyard North – the latest progress at the site. The building will house new workspace and hospitality offerings, looking onto the courtyard area.
The overall project is regenerating the Grade II-listed former Rutland Mills on the historic waterfront into the largest creative community outside of London, bringing together people across West Yorkshire working in industries such as music, film, television, and design.
Cllr Denise Jeffrey, Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “Working alongside our partners, Wakefield’s historic waterfront is becoming a vibrant space for creativity.
“We are incredibly proud of this transformation work. It has, and will continue to have, such a positive impact for people and businesses in our district and across our region.”
Cllr Michael Graham, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said: “It is great to see the progress that’s being made on this building and elsewhere on the site as work continues to transform the former mill complex.
“What was once a set of derelict buildings is becoming a vibrant space for creativity for businesses, people, and entertainment. This redevelopment continues to put Wakefield on the map as a great place to live, work, invest and visit.”
Tileyard North is already making an impact with creatives, musicians and artists alike – from Uber Agency and Architecture 1B, Pure Energy GO and Tidy Trax, to Audoo and Music Factory. With resident studio holders Matt Sanchez, Nick McEnally, James Oliver and Real Movement Music settling in. In the first six months, they’ve had the privilege of hosting more than 30 events with over 20,000 attendees – both private and public. Amongst these, they’ve welcomed the Hepworth Print Fair, Ceramics Fair, and most recently, Peddler Market Wakefield.
The waterfront project is being developed by regeneration specialists CPPI (City & Provincial Properties Investments Ltd) who along with the Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority have funded the project.
Paul Kempe, director of CPP, said: “The completion of the frame of the new build is yet another significant moment in time as it forms the final piece of the courtyard and will open up a direct route to the river Calder and all of the additional facilities that will be built around it.
“This will provide further public realm opportunities for Wakefield residents to enjoy and continue to shape and enhance Tileyard North as a destination for the whole community.”
Ben Hall, Yorkshire area director for Morgan Sindall, said: “Our Yorkshire team is based here in Wakefield, and over recent years it’s been a privilege to have worked on so many projects that have helped improve the city’s social, cultural and economic standing.
“Our work at Rutland Mills is no different, and this event was a great opportunity to celebrate the progress our team is making on what will be a new jewel in the crown for the city.”
Phase one of the development includes over 20 music and creative studios, characterful office spaces, much-needed event spaces as well as leisure facilities.
Phase two is underway and includes the restoration of 1 mill building and demolition of 1 building to make space for a new build creative industries office space.
A bid for Levelling Up funding has unlocked £8m for this project and will benefit residents and businesses.
Manufacturing expert appointed as chief business advisor to Mayor of West Yorkshire
An aerospace manufacturing expert has been appointed to the newly created role of business advisor to the West Yorkshire Mayor.
Mandy Ridyard, of Bradford-based firm Produmax, will chair a new board of local council and private sector leaders, tasked with driving forward Mayor Tracy Brabin’s pledge to champion the regional economy.
The move follows the launch of the West Yorkshire Plan, written in partnership with the region’s council, charity and business leaders, which sets out a mission to deliver economic growth and higher living standards.
Ms Ridyard has pledged to listen to the region’s diverse base of almost 100,000 businesses, ensuring that their challenges and opportunities are understood by the Mayor and five council leaders of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield.
Commenting on her appointment, Mandy Ridyard, business advisor to the Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “I can’t wait to get stuck into this new role, where I’ll draw on the strengths of all our businesses and sectors, offering a listening ear and making sure their voices are heard.
“As the Mayor’s business advisor, I’ll be laser focused on economic growth – supporting our businesses to boost their productivity, build their resilience, access talent, become more sustainable and innovate for the future.
“With the Mayor’s devolved powers and funding, this is a unique opportunity to transform our ecosystem and create an environment where businesses can thrive, creating well paid jobs and raising living standards for all.”
By bringing together businesses and agreeing how best they can be supported, the Mayor’s business advisor will help to influence private and public sector partners at home and abroad, delivering jobs, investment and opportunities to local people.
Ms Ridyard will also work closely with business representative organisations such as the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, to help ensure the needs of different clusters of businesses are met by the region’s political leadership.
In West Yorkshire, these internationally significant business clusters include digital and healthcare technology companies, advanced manufacturing businesses across textiles and furniture, and precision engineering firms specialising in satellites and telecommunications.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Mandy’s appointment as business advisor marks an exciting new chapter in our West Yorkshire story – one where all our businesses are listened to and lifted up to reach their full potential.
“As someone who moved to West Yorkshire to start and scale a business, Mandy understands the challenges and opportunities our business community faces because she’s lived them herself.
“By match-funding businesses to green their processes, upskilling and retraining staff to meet labour market needs and investing in local entrepreneurs and startups, we’re growing our economy and building a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire.”
Ms Ridyard, whose aerospace engineering firm was hailed “SME of the Year” in 2021 by manufacturers’ organisation Make UK, has chaired various regional business groups including Space Hub Yorkshire, the West Yorkshire Innovation Network, and the West Yorkshire Digital Skills Partnership.
Historic Sheffield manufacturer placed into administration
Thessco Ltd, manufacturers of brazing alloys and contact materials since 1760, has been placed into administration with Joanne Hammond and Kris Wigfield of Begbies Traynor appointed as joint administrators.
One of the world’s largest manufacturers of silver brazing alloys, metal joining products and industrial silver alloys, Thessco has its head office and production site in Royds Mills, Sheffield.
The company ceased to trade upon the appointment of administrators with the expected loss of all 47 jobs. The administrators are currently working to ensure the best return for creditors.
The company’s directors said: “It is with heavy hearts that we have been forced to make the decision to close Thessco Ltd in Sheffield, following a year of turbulent market forces. Spiralling energy prices, increased raw material costs and the significant rise in finance costs have all had a huge impact on the business.
“We would personally like to thank all our staff for their hard work and dedication, and all our customers and suppliers for their loyalty.”
Joint administrator Joanne Hammond said: “It is very said to see the demise of such a historic Sheffield business, but, unfortunately, market conditions make it unviable for it to continue. As well as supporting employees, we will be seeking the best return for creditors and anyone interested in purchasing plant or machinery should contact us.”
The Attercliffe site has been occupied by Thessco, which was originally The Sheffield Smelting Company, since 1788. In recent years, it has developed to include the busy tenanted Solpro Business Park which will continue to operate as part of Solpro Manufacturing Limited, hosting a variety of businesses.
Thessco SAS in France will continue to serve all its traditional precious metal markets both within the EU and the UK.
Final phase of Addington Capital’s Headingley Park gets underway
Addington Capital, the property investment and asset management specialist and its investor partner ICG have started work on the final phase of their Headingley Park residential scheme. An additional 70 new residential units will be created at Stockdale House; the fifth and largest building on the site.
Headingley Park is an office to residential conversion scheme in which four office buildings have already been converted to create 152 residential units. This final phase of 70 units at the fifth building, Stockdale House, will take the overall development to 222 units. Work has started following the NHS vacating the offices in the building.
Stockdale House is being converted under the last major PD Prior Approval issued in Leeds and the new units will be provided over ground and five upper floors. The scheme is designed to meet current space standards and will be completed in Q3 2024.
The Headingley Park development has proved attractive to young professionals and post graduate students in Leeds, due to being close to the City Centre and the University, in a large 6.5-acre parkland setting. Individual buildings provide 30 to 40 units which are predominantly studio, one and two-bedroom apartments. The conversion has been well received by renters to date, with the completed phases being 100% let and achieving rents of £900 and £1,275 pcm for one- and two-bedroom apartments.
Pilot scheme will aim to get more disabled people into work
Bradford, Doncaster, Hull, and York are amongst a dozen areas where a pilot scheme will explore barriers to work for disabled people and people with health conditions.
The plan is part of the next generation of welfare reforms being introduced by the Department for Work and Pensions.
The government is taking long-term decisions to reform the welfare system so it better supports disabled people and people with long-term conditions into work, growing the economy and changing lives.
The announcement marks the next step in this agenda, with thousands more out of work benefit claimants set to receive additional support to chart a path back to work with an employment and health practitioner.
Under the new initiative, the claimants and health practitioners develop a ‘work ability plan’ over a one-hour conversation, identifying barriers to employment and actions and support to overcome them. The plan is then shared with their work coach to continue support to overcome their barriers and move them towards work.
Government says it will mean health claimants can highlight and begin to overcome any work barriers before a Work Capability Assessment, potentially realising a job outcome sooner.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride MP said: “We are pushing ahead with the next generation of welfare reforms to ensure benefit claimants get as much support as soon as possible to move towards work and the more prosperous life that brings.
“This pilot is an important part of that, helping people understand what they need to do to move towards employment through a simple and effective conversation. The findings will help us build the new disability benefits system once the Work Capability Assessment is removed later this decade.”
Government instructs councils to stop four-day working week schemes
Councils should stop any four-day week trials immediately and rule out adopting the practice in future to ensure taxpayers’ money is well spent, according to new government guidance issued to the sector today.
The publication comes after letters from Minister Lee Rowley to South Cambridgeshire District Council, calling on the local authority to cease its trial over value for money concerns.
The guidance sets out the government’s position that removing 20% of a local authority’s potential capacity does not offer value for money for residents. It makes clear that value for money for taxpayers is paramount and no further focus should be given by councils on this issue. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is also exploring measures to ensure the sector is clear this should not be pursued.
Minister for Local Government Lee Rowley said: “The Government is being crystal clear that it does not support the adoption of the four-day working week within the local government sector.
“Local authorities that are considering adopting it should not do so. Those who have adopted it already should end those practice immediately.
“Those councils who continue to disregard this guidance are now on notice that the Government will take necessary steps in the coming months to ensure that this practice is ended within local government.”
The guidance says: “Councils which are undertaking four-day working week activities should cease immediately and others should not seek to pursue in any format. Value for local taxpayers is paramount and no further focus should be given by local authorities on this matter. The department is also exploring other measures to ensure that the sector is clear that this working practice should not be pursued.”
The Government continues to support an individual’s right to request flexible working, which allows individual employees to apply for changes to the hours, timing, or location of work, which is clearly different to a blanket four-day working week on a full salary, across the whole organisation.
In July, DLUHC launched the new Office for Local Government to increase councils’ accountability for their performance. Oflog will ensure the sector can access clear and high-quality performance data and examples of great practice from other councils.
BRT Industrial Services elevates Grimsby operations with new, bigger facility
To reinforce its commitment to local manufacturing industries, BRT Industrial Services has unveiled an upgraded facility within the Enterprise Village business hub in Grimsby. This strategic move will enhance BRT’s ability to service customers, making more room for stock and creating a much-improved working environment for colleagues.
Sales director Philip Clarke highlighted the advantages of the relocation, stating: “Our new premises will enhance our ability to do what we do best, help our customers to enhance their profitability by improving lead times, working with them to improve machine reliability and energy efficiency. The new, enhanced Grimsby location is also well-positioned to service the local area and crucially is still equipped with an experienced customer service team.”
The move will significantly bolster BRT Industrial Services’ capacity to promptly supply vital components such as bearings, belts, electric motors, and fluid power products tailored for both process and heavy industrial applications. This strategic shift in location will undeniably have a positive impact on Grimsby-based businesses, ensuring a more efficient and reliable service.
The relocation follows the September 2020 acquisition of the industrial business of the BRT Group by Antifriction Components, in a deal that made Antifriction one of the UK’s largest specialist distributors of its type, employing nearly 120 staff. Antifriction is part of Milan-based Gruppo Bianchi, one of Europe’s largest specialist distributors of critical moving parts.
This investment in new premises reflects a strong belief in the potential growth of the Grimsby industrial sector. The Enterprise Village business hub provides an optimal location for the expanded facility, offering accessibility, convenience, and ample space for increased stock capacity.
Local businesses, particularly those in sectors like manufacturing, wood processing, food production, waste management, energy, and utilities, are poised to reap significant benefits from this development. The improved stock availability ensures that critical parts can be sourced promptly, minimizing costly production downtime, further underpinning the company’s focus on efficiency, reliability, and an unwavering commitment to Making Industry More Profitable.
BRT Industrial Services’ Grimsby branch can now be found at Unit E5, The Enterprise Village, Prince Albert Gardens, Grimsby DN31 3AG. All existing contact details, including phone (01472 311188) and email (grimsby@brt-industrial.co.uk), remain unchanged. For additional details about BRT Industrial Services and their new premises, please visit https://www.antifriction.co.uk/
Bradford aerospace manufacturer joins forces with ASG Group
Produmax, an aerospace manufacturer headquartered in Bradford, has integrated with ASG Group, based in Manchester.
Produmax employs around 90 people and has worked at the forefront of aerospace manufacturing for the past 25 years, led by the dynamic team of Jeremy and Mandy Ridyard. With a team of skilled engineers and an average age of less than 35, they have transformed the company through digitisation, automation, and a pipeline of talent.
Jeremy Ridyard said: “We have been on a remarkable journey for over two decades, and this partnership allows us to further expand our reach and impact in the aerospace industry.
“ASG Group’s values of engineering excellence align perfectly with ours, and together, we are well-equipped to take on new opportunities. Our goal together, is to drive this business to in excess of £20m over the next 5 years.”
Mandy Ridyard added: “Our people have always been our greatest asset. This merger means we can offer even more exciting career prospects, whilst continuing to focus on diversity and empowerment in our workplace.
“We remain committed to nurturing and developing talent. Working together makes so much sense to take advantage of the opportunities the aerospace industry now presents.”
ASG Group Managing Director Simon Weston continued: “The addition of Produmax to the ASG Group is a significant step towards our goal of becoming a global leader in aerospace manufacturing.
“We are impressed with Produmax’s relentless pursuit of excellence and their strong commitment to UK manufacturing. Together, we will leverage our strengths to deliver the exciting new work already won by Produmax and to work together across the group to win more.”
ASG Group, with its global footprint, now employs approximately 450 people, with an annual turnover exceeding $70 million.
Produmax, as a key player in the group, specialises in the manufacture of flight control assemblies for a range of aircraft, serving major customers including Boeing, Airbus, Eaton, Spirit, Collins and Bombardier.
Studios to be created at vacant Grade II listed building thanks to Hull City Council funding
A vacant Grade II listed building in Hull city centre will be converted into five studio apartments thanks to council funding.
Qube Property Limited is undertaking a restoration project of 61 Market Place worth £572,916, bringing an empty building back into use.
The developers will pledge over £340,000 to the scheme, with grant initiatives bridging the gap for the remainder of the costs.
Hull City Council’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF) has awarded £200,520.60, whilst an additional £28,645.80 has also been granted through the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ).
As well as restoring a heritage building, this project will also support the renovation and future development of Hepworth’s Arcade next door.
Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, the council’s portfolio holder for regeneration and housing, said: “The Levelling Up Funding is given to the council on behalf of the government and has to be awarded to applicants which meet the specific criteria such as creating new permanent jobs, bringing vacant floor space back into use, improving dilapidated buildings and restoring heritage properties.
“This has been evident recently in grants to regenerate Europa House, the former Lloyds Bank and on Humber Street and this application from Qube Property Limited meets the necessary conditions to merit the award.
“The scheme, in which Qube is investing over £340k of its own capital, will deliver high quality, city centre accommodation in a long vacant building and is another example of how the Levelling Up Funding continues to breathe new life into our city centre.”
Affordable homes to be built on site of former flats in Shipley
Bradford-based housing provider Incommunities has begun clearing the way for the construction of 42 new affordable homes on the site of former flats at Valley Road.
Following the site clearance, Casey Construction will begin building the new homes over the next few weeks, with construction expected to be complete in summer 2024.
The new development, named ‘Valley View’, is situated next to Shipley Fire Station, and will transform land that has been empty for the last eight years.
There will be 32 two-bedroom homes and 10 three-bedroom homes, which will be available through the Affordable Rent, Shared Ownership and Rent to Buy schemes.
The development of the new affordable homes is being partly funded by the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, Homes England, as part of their pledge to increase the number of affordable homes across the country.
Graeme Scott, Executive Director of Development & Assets at Incommunities, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to share that we’re starting construction of these new affordable homes at Valley Road.
“Providing high quality affordable homes remains one of our major commitments, so we’re delighted that we can build these homes in such a prime location.
“It’s such a major route into Bradford, within walking distance to both Shipley town centre and Frizinghall train station, I’m sure these homes will be popular with local people.”
Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “The Council’s Housing Development team is working hard with our partners to make sure more affordable homes are being built across the district.
“We are delighted that work has started on preparing the ground for 42 new affordable homes in Shipley. These homes will be in an excellent location and will be a real boost for the area.”
