Russell Wright-Turner has joined Zerum’s ownership group, marking a significant milestone for the multi-disciplinary property consultancy. Wright-Turner, a key figure in the company for several years, will continue to lead and expand Zerum’s cost management business as partner.
Russell joined Zerum in 2020 as head of the consultancy’s cost management business. He leads the team delivering high-quality project services across a range of sectors, including residential, commercial, purpose-built student accommodation, hotels, and retail.
Under Russell’s leadership, Zerum’s cost management team has contributed to several high-profile projects, including Gorton Street’s 40-storey co-living tower in Salford; Capital & Centric’s 190 unit, Talbot Mill, in Manchester; Blacklight’s recently completed £60m student scheme, Limelight, in Liverpool and the 284-unit private rented scheme, The Tilt Works, in Sheffield, delivered by Grainger.
Wright-Turner expressed his enthusiasm about the new partnership, stating: “Over the last 5 years, we have worked with some amazing clients that have seen us successfully deliver over 2,250 BTR units. Credit must be given to our team, who continue to adapt quickly to challenges and remain proactive in helping developers navigate ever-increasing viability pressures.
“I am delighted to be joining the Zerum board at what is a very exciting time for the business as it enters its next phase of growth. We plan to expand into regions outside of the North West and Yorkshire, and I am looking forward to playing a key role in supporting our strategic objectives and growing the team while continuing to deliver the highest level of service to our clients.”
In his new role as partner, he will also be responsible for overseeing and implementing Zerum’s corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy across the company’s various business lines.
Beyond cost management, Zerum also offers project management, planning, and transport services across its various divisions and works throughout the UK.
A first look has been given at dynamic plans to transform concert and event facilities at historic Leeds Town Hall.
A series of artists impressions have revealed how the building’s new entrance, box office and bar will look once work to revamp the Victorian landmark’s interior is complete.
The images, created by architects Page\Park and NPS Leeds, mark the latest key phase of the ambitious, once-in-a-generation project, which has now seen Kier officially become the construction partner for the redevelopment of the 166-year-old Grade 1 listed building.
Image courtesy of Leeds City Council
The transformative plans will see the creation of a stylish new box office, accessible entrance and impressive lift as well as the new ground floor bar and toilet.
Structural works will also include conservation and repair of some of the building’s unique features including stone masonry, delicate plasterwork and doors.
The redevelopment scheme is aimed at protecting and preserving the building’s key heritage features, whilst also ensuring it can host a bigger and more ambitious programme of accessible events and performances while generating important income for both the council and the wider local economy.
Kier will also be delivering a comprehensive social value programme of activity that will benefit the local communities in and around Leeds.
Image courtesy of Leeds City Council
Dan Doherty, regional director for Kier Construction North and Scotland, said: “We are proud to be working with Leeds City Council to refurbish the iconic Leeds Town Hall. Our highly skilled project teams have vast experience of regenerating listed buildings and we look forward to contributing to the preservation of this city centre landmark for generations to come.”
A spokesperson for Page/Park added: “We are excited to be involved in this project to inject new life into an iconic Leeds landmark. We have designed the project to respect the existing building, while inserting colourful and joyful new elements inspired by the rich colour palettes of the original interiors, as well as the vibrant nature of city.
“As a practice we are committed to careful conservation and creative adaptation of heritage buildings, and will take great care through the project to deliver a revived cultural destination that the city can be proud of.”
Opened in 1858 by Queen Victoria, Leeds Town Hall is one of the city’s most recognisable buildings, and was designed by famed architect Cuthbert Brodrick.
One of the largest town halls in the United Kingdom, the building stands an impressive 225 feet and was the city’s tallest building for 108 years.
In a separate aspect of the project, the famous Leeds Town Hall organ, will also be refurbished giving it an improved sound during concerts and performances.
The spectacular Victorian designs adorning the organ’s decorative pipes will also be restored to their former glory, providing a dramatic backdrop to every event held in the building’s beautiful Victoria Hall.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “These impressive images show just how much of a difference this project will make to Leeds Town Hall and to the thousands of people who attend its eclectic programme of events each year.
“The town hall is not only a fundamental and cherished part our local history, it is also a hugely important venue for world class concerts, performances and competitions, which put the city on the international cultural stage each year and in turn generate crucial income and investment for Leeds.
“It’s important that we protect and preserve the building whilst also ensuring the facilities on offer are modern, fit for purpose and can continue to welcome audiences for many generations to come.”
The Leeds Town Hall refurbishment is currently scheduled for completion in spring 2026.
Hull City Council is seeking a Design, Build, Operate and Maintain contractor to help deliver the next stage of Hull District Heat Network (HDHN).
The successful tender will deliver Phase 1 of HDHN which will involve providing heat and hot water to more than 40 buildings in Hull city centre.
This will include a variety of council buildings, as well as other public and private sector organisations around the city.
Cllr Charles Quinn, portfolio holder for environment at the council, said: “It is pleasing that Hull District Heat Network has progressed to now be able to appoint a contractor.
“The council remains committed to responding to the climate and nature emergency and Phase 1 of the project will also help the council to achieve its net zero ambitions.”
Law firm Schofield Sweeney, which operates in Leeds, Bradford, and Huddersfield, has welcomed a new cohort of solicitor apprentices and trainees.
The firm advocates social mobility, ensuring its workforce is diverse and inclusive and offers an excellent environment for development and progress. It is also a member of the West Yorkshire Fair Work Charter.
Four new apprentices, chosen from over 140 applicants, are now embarking on a Level 6 apprenticeship programme with BPP, which they will complete in six years’ time.
Simon Glazebrook, partner and apprenticeship principal, said: “These aspiring lawyers have all excelled through the recruitment process and we are really excited to have them on board. They will benefit from the considerable support provided through our structured programme as well as from working closely with experts specialising in different legal disciplines. The firm has already successfully brought solicitors through to, and beyond, qualification through this route and we are committed to, and passionate about, identifying and developing young talent in this way.”
For the first two years of the apprenticeship, Anna Hall will join environmental and regulatory in Leeds, Lucy Sheehan will join real estate in Bradford, Harriet Simon will join contentious probate in Huddersfield, and Florence Wharton will join property litigation in Leeds.
This brings the total number of apprentices across the firm to 13, including apprenticeships in business administration and IT.
Meanwhile, Emily Brown graduated from Northumbria University in 2020 and has been working in-house as a paralegal in the corporate and commercial team at Jet2 for the past two years. She is joining the real estate team in Huddersfield.
Holly Goldsborough-Pike graduated from Newcastle University in 2022 before studying her LPC there. Her first seat will be in the dispute resolution team in Leeds.
Emma Davies has been with Schofield Sweeney since November 2022 as a paralegal in the corporate team in Bradford, through the firm’s ‘foot in the door’ internal recruitment process, she has commenced a training contract in the same team.
Leo Jones-Rowe, partner and training principal, said: “Each of the trainees and solicitor apprentices has already achieved so much to secure their place. I’d like to congratulate them on taking this significant step in their career and welcome them to the firm. We invest a lot of resources to nurture these individuals to become our future partners, and we can’t wait to see them grow and achieve their ambitions with us”.
The Dearne Playhouse is reopening its doors after being transformed into a modern, accessible cultural hub offering more creative opportunities to the community.
The theatre has benefitted from significant investment from the UK Government’s Towns Fund to modernise and upgrade its facilities.
The 101-year-old Playhouse, formerly the Miners’ Welfare Hall, is a cultural cornerstone of the Dearne and its restoration will ensure it continues to be a focal point for the community for generations to come.
Creative groups have already begun using the renewed facilities and a traditional pantomime, Snow White, will be staged in December.
The large-scale refurbishment is part of a £3 million project also benefitting neighbouring Welfare Park.
Work began last year with the replacement of the theatre’s roof and installation of new lighting and technical equipment.
A second phase launched in February and now completed includes:
Transformation of the basement from a storage space into rehearsal rooms and a modern, soundproof music rehearsal studio.
Redecoration of the auditorium, bar and public areas, including sensitive repainting of the Playhouse’s distinctive gold detailing.
Installation of a new stage floor and updates to dressing rooms and backstage areas.
Fitting of energy-efficient LED lighting and a new boiler to reduce running costs.
CCTV funded by the Office of the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner for enhanced security and monitoring by South Yorkshire Police.
Restoration of stonework by professional masons to preserve the building’s historic character.
Installation of a new basement entrance and walkway to ensure the facility is fully accessible.
The Playhouse works, which took seven months to complete, have been carried out by O&P Construction and overseen by Barnsley Council.
Access roads in neighbouring Welfare Park are being resurfaced, pathways restored and new public artwork installed.
Extra car parking has been added, and there are plans for 72 more spaces next to the site, subject to planning approval.
The Playhouse restoration is part of the Goldthorpe Town Deal. This is a package of projects in the Dearne Valley funded by £23.1 million of investment from the UK Government’s Towns Fund.
Matthew Stephens, chair of the Goldthorpe Town Deal Board, said: “The completion of this major refurbishment is a significant milestone in preserving the heritage of Dearne Playhouse while creating new opportunities for community engagement.
“It’s wonderful to see how the investment has rejuvenated this historic venue and provided an amazing space for everyone to come together.
“I am delighted that the works for this fabulous project were undertaken by local contractors, providing jobs for local people.”
Julie Medlam, manager of the Dearne Playhouse, said: “We are thrilled with these works and the possibilities they open up for future community involvement.
“The new facilities will greatly benefit local artists, musicians and theatre groups, making the Playhouse even more vibrant and inclusive.
“I look forward to welcoming everyone back to see it for themselves. We can’t wait to raise the curtain on a new era for our much-loved theatre.”
Cllr Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “The Playhouse is a jewel in Goldthorpe’s crown and it’s inspiring to see it looking better than ever.
“This project shows how investing in our cultural spaces can really boost community spirit and engagement.
“We can’t wait to see the Dearne Playhouse thrive as a centre for creativity and community gatherings.”
The works have already created fresh cultural opportunities: Barnsley Youth Choir East recently rehearsed at the Playhouse and a new theatre company, Dearne Playhouse Musical Theatre Company, will have their HQ in the basement.
Barnsley Youth Theatre are also launching a branch at the playhouse to make the most of the interest in acting among young people in the area.
A project completed by Leeds Beckett University and Aggregate Industries UK (AIUK) is reducing the risk of injuries and increasing productivity and profitability for AIUK – as well as informing best practice around safety in the UK construction materials industry.
The Safety Voice project was a two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project, part-funded by the Government through Innovate UK. The project aimed to reduce transport-related risk across AIUK’s sites, using an innovative, proactive approach.
The team – including Leeds Beckett psychology experts and a full-time KTP Associate – have created a dynamic toolkit to reduce future incidents and fatalities. This is now being rolled out across the organisation worldwide and creating a safer and healthier place for employees.
AIUK has more than 200 sites and around 3,700 employees across the UK. They are part of the Holcim Group, a global leader in building materials and solutions, operating across 70 countries worldwide.
The project was led by Dr Jim Morgan, Principal Lecturer and Leader of the Psychology Applied to Safety and Health (PASH) research group at Leeds Beckett. Dr Morgan explained: “We have designed and implemented a toolkit, using academic theory and models, which proactively identifies safe and unsafe behaviours within the business.
“This includes a step-by-step process for developing work system redesign – the way work is planned and conducted – and behaviour change programmes. This means AIUK can fully understand the underlying factors that influence their workplace safety and are putting in place strategies to prevent fatalities and reduce future incidents.”
AIUK estimate that – as a direct result of the KTP – they will increase their profits by £8million within the next three years. This is based on predicted cost savings from reduced fatalities and injuries, increased productivity due to work system redesign and reduced injury-related employee absence, and an increase in the number of bids won for new work.
The KTP has now been graded ‘Outstanding’ by independent assessors at Innovate UK – this is the highest possible rating awarded to projects.
A key element of the KTP’s success was Laura Jackson – the full-time Associate recruited to manage the project as a member of the AIUK team, with the support of the Leeds Beckett academic experts. Laura led four research studies, including questionnaires and interviews involving more than 280 drivers, and a highly innovative eye tracking and sleep study.
The Safety Voice Toolkit supports AIUK’s long-term aim to be the safest company in the industry, and to achieve ‘zero harm’ in its workplaces. It will be shared across the UK construction materials industry to inform best practice.
Following the success of the KTP, Laura Jackson has secured a newly-created role at AIUK as Behavioural Safety Business Partner – leading AIUK in their journey to improve behavioural safety across the whole organisation. Laura is also continuing to study for her Masters by Research (MRes) degree at Leeds Beckett University.
Laura said: “To achieve AIUK’s ambitions, they needed the psychological expertise relating to safety and health in the workplace at Leeds Beckett. The targeted and tailored safety behaviour change interventions that we have developed are not something that could be achieved by off-the-shelf consultancy services.
“The KTP has had a significant impact on safety culture at AIUK. I worked hard to gain trust with colleagues, and tactfully engaged stakeholders, to successfully instil core values, foster collaboration, and promote accountability. This has been a genuine ‘bottom up’ approach to zero harm strategy – and is the first step in a long-term shift in how we manage and prioritise safety in the workplace.
“I am now enhancing our strategic safety plan for 2024 onwards, which includes a structured approach to identifying, addressing and preventing unsafe behaviours and conditions.”
Jo Griffiths, Head of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships at Leeds Beckett University, added: “To have achieved an Outstanding grading for the project is testament to the success of this collaboration between Laura, our academic team, and AIUK.
“We are thrilled with the impact this is creating across the international Holcim Group – and look forward to continuing to make lasting impact for the extensive range of businesses, public sector and third sector organisations we work with through our KTP programme.”
Fares on TransPennine Express and Northern trains from Hull to both Scarborough and Selby have been cut until Saturday 21 December to try and increase the number of customers using the line.
All return tickets are being reduced by 20% across the board – and single tickets will never cost more than 60% of the price of a return.
Season tickets will also be chopped by 20% in an attempt to attract customers to switch their commute from road to rail for the long term.
Kerry Peters, regional director for Northern, said: “We have the capacity on our trains to move many more people about the region than we currently are – and this temporary price reduction is important to see if we can convince people to make the switch from road to rail. By slashing the price of tickets across the board, we hope it’ll prove a ‘catch-all’ whatever the purpose of people’s journeys.”
Northern services between Hull and Selby call at Hessle, Ferriby, Brough, Broomfleet, Gilberdyke, Eastrington, Howden and Wressle. Their services between Scarborough and Hull call at Seamer, Hunmanby, Bempton, Bridlington, Nafferton, Driffield, Hutton Cranswick, Arram, Beverley and Cottingham.
TransPennine Express services between Hull and Selby call at Brough and Howden.
Darren Higgins, commercial director at TransPennine Express, said: “We hope these affordable prices will encourage more people to use rail for their commute or travel for leisure.”
The price reduction has been welcomed by Hull City Council and follows regular meetings between the authority and the two operators, as well as motions to Full Council, aimed at increasing the use of rail as a way of helping tackle congestion in the city.
The Hull-based Leather Repair Company has started work on restoring the seats on Concorde, which attracts thousands of visitors every year to the Runway Visitor Park at Manchester Airport.
Richard and Carolynne Hutchins from Withernsea are also polishing their skills to meet the needs of other aviation clients as the first business in Europe to be trained and accredited to the international standard of the Aviation Detailing Association.
The Concorde coup came about after the couple found themselves with time to kill while waiting for a delayed flight from Manchester to the United States. They went to the Runway Visitor Park and decided to offer their services.
Richard said: “We didn’t know the Runway Visitor Park was there, never mind Concorde, but we did the tour and we were fascinated by the stories about the plane and her passengers.”
Queen Elizabeth II flew on G-BOAC Concorde many times as did countless celebrities including George Michael, whose “Patience” album featured a white leather sofa which last year took centre stage in Richard’s and Carolynne’s Hull workshop while they restored its gleaming original look.
While admiring Concorde they met John Hepple from the Runway Visitor Park and heard how the iconic jet is considered the star of the collection and is housed in her own hangar, which doubles as an event space accommodating up to 750 guests with full catering services.
John said: “Once the choice of business leaders, celebrities, and the public for trips of a lifetime, Concorde’s legendary flight experience continues to captivate visitors over 20 years after her retirement.
“Interest in Concorde remains high, with tour experiences available throughout the year. In her airline service, Concorde operated approximately five flights per week, each carrying up to 100 passengers. Our tours attract as many as 400 visitors each weekend, with events drawing more than 200 attendees. We utilise only 40 seats in the front cabin, leading to increased wear over time, despite the durability of the Terence Conran design.”
Richard and Carolynne took two seats for testing at their premises in Argyle Industrial Estate in Hull and, after successful trials, are now restoring the rest in batches.
Richard said: “It will be a very sympathetic restoration – we need to make sure the seats still look old but are well cared for. We were immediately struck by how light they are. The backs are carbon fibre and it’s no effort at all to lift them.
“Sitting in the cockpit we found ourselves cocooned in a very small space surrounded by an immense amount of buttons and dials. Just seeing the plane reminded me of my time growing up in the south when we would hear Concorde flying high above.
“We found a few things stuffed down the side of the seats. US and UK coins, card from some Varda Chocolatier miniature bon bons from Elizabeth, New Jersey, and some toothpicks, fortunately still wrapped so not damaging the seats or the visitors!”
North Yorkshire diners in the Selby area are being given the chance to find new culinary experiences through a major campaign aimed at boosting North Yorkshire’s hospitality trade.
The new Restaurant Week is set to take place across the Selby, Tadcaster, and Sherburn-in-Elmet area for the first time from October 21 to 27.
Businesses are being encouraged to sign up for the campaign and offer special set-price menus to customers who visit their restaurants and quote the offer during the dedicated week.
Restaurant Week offers businesses in the food and hospitality industry the opportunity to increase awareness of their enterprise, attract new customers and create regular repeat customers, during a typically quieter time of the season.
Visitors to the establishments taking part in Restaurant Week can try new places, new menus, and even new dishes.
The campaign, which has already been staged in Harrogate, is being overseen by Visit North Yorkshire, our destination marketing and management service.
The MD of The Drovers Arms Restaurant and Country Pub in Skipwith, Graham Usher, welcomed the new campaign to highlight the wealth of restaurants in the area. He said: “We are delighted to be taking part and supporting the first Restaurant Week in Selby and the surrounding area.
“There is such an amazing choice of restaurants and eateries in the local vicinity and this is a great opportunity to bring them all together and showcase for a week to local residents what is available on their doorstep.
“At The Drovers Arms, we will be showcasing the wonderful produce that is available to us locally with a great value fixed price menu for lunch and dinner.”
Free expert advice about writing bids for businesses is on offer at two workshops organised by Invest East Yorkshire and led by a team of bid-writing specialists.
Kate Skillman and Nigel Denison of Gimlet Associates, who have spent 16 years helping businesses of all sizes navigate and win competitive tenders, will give those taking part in the workshops an insight into the bidding process, equipping them with the knowledge and skills that they need to succeed.
Kate explained: “We understand that for small and medium-sized businesses the bid process can feel overwhelming. Through our workshops, we guide them through the essential steps, from bid preparation and selection to question analysis and deconstruction. Participants often find this last section especially valuable as it provides a useful strategy to make response writing easier, improve response content and score higher marks.
“We aim to demystify the bid process and show businesses that, with proper preparation and a strategic approach, they can compete for tenders and stand a much better chance of winning the contracts. We’ve had the pleasure of seeing several businesses we’ve worked with go on to win important contracts after attending our workshops.”
Nigel added: “Our workshops offer new perspectives and practical solutions for businesses that haven’t enjoyed the success that they desire. We equip them with the tools to decide whether a tender is right for their business, and how to efficiently allocate their resources. Ultimately, our workshops empower small businesses to produce high-quality bids, without the need for a specialised team.”
Those who have taken part in the workshops run by Kate and Nigel previously have given them a resounding thumbs-up. Vicki Hone of Hornsea Nursery said: “I would highly recommend this to anyone dipping their toe into the world of tendering. I will now look at the tender portals recommended on the course to identify opportunities to apply for funding.”
The first workshop, entitled Winning More work Through Tenders, will take place on 10 October, from 9.30am to 12 noon at RaisE Business Centre on Tom Pudding Way in Goole. This will be followed by a Practical Bid Writing Skills workshop on 12 November, from 10am to 11.15am, which will take place online.
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