University of Leeds makes funding pledge to boost region’s skills

Tess Egginton
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University of Leeds makes funding pledge to boost region’s skills
The University of Leeds has revealed a new levy transfer project that aims to donate £1 million to eligible small employers to fully fund apprenticeship training and boost skills development. To date, the University has pledged £287,000 of the £1 million to support small and medium sized enterprises in the Leeds city region who do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy to upskill their workforce. The University of Leeds has offered apprenticeship programmes since 2018, across a range of different sectors and to apprentices from all walks of life. The new levy transfer project aims to support potential apprentices who don’t currently hold a Higher Education qualification or equivalent. The programme particularly welcomes individuals from low-income households, or those who are mature, disabled, care leavers, or from areas that do not have high levels of the community participating in higher education along with those from disadvantaged ethnic minority backgrounds. In addition, applications are encouraged from organisations where apprenticeship programmes will enhance the career prospects of staff through professional registration or Chartered Status. The funding is targeted at those key sectors identified in the West Yorkshire Local Skills Improvement Plan. These are health and social care, engineering and advanced manufacturing, financial and professional services, low carbon industries, creative industries, digital and technology industries, the education sector, construction, transport and logistics. Dominic Millington, Head of Apprenticeships (Delivery and Compliance) at the University of Leeds, said: “We want to give as much support as possible to both organisations and the individuals who participate in our apprenticeships. Our aim is to widen participation in higher education, boost skills in a cost-effective way for employers across the district and support growth and productivity within the West Yorkshire region.”

Sheffield Forgemasters gets green light for new machining facility

Tess Egginton
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Sheffield Forgemasters gets green light for new machining facility
Castings and forgings specialist, Sheffield Forgemasters, has been granted planning permission to build a 30,000 sq m machining facility on brownfield land in Sheffield’s Meadowhall district. Located on a 16-acre plot at Weedon Street, the new facility will form one of the world’s most advanced large machining facilities, to support the Ministry of Defence-owned company’s manufacture for the UK defence programmes. With work to prepare the site already underway, the building will cover a space equal to 12 Olympic-sized swimming pools and will contain some of the largest and most advanced five-axis Vertical Turning Lathes ever produced. Craig Fisher, Programmes Director at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “This planning agreement will see construction of the largest machining hall of its kind in the UK, and regeneration of a prominent brownfield site in the city’s industrial centre. “It signals an amazing investment for the city and for the wider UK, which will create highly-skilled engineering jobs for decades to come, fully supporting our national defence programmes. “The sheer scale of the building will make it an iconic landmark, and will eclipse the construction of the UK’s largest open-die forging-line, which is also underway on our adjacent Brightside Lane site.” Plans for the new machining facility detail a main building with a circa 272.5 x 110 metre footprint, standing 32 metres tall, located close to the River Don and designed to complement the historic look of the company’s existing buildings. Adjoining the main construction is a second, proposed 3,500 sq m building, with a state-of-the-art test-house facility and a dedicated training area, to transfer vital skills to the next generation of engineers. Craig added: “What we are creating in the centre of Britain’s historical industrial heartland is unparalleled in the UK and will not only de-risk supply for the UK’s AUKUS defence programme, but it will also deliver technologically advanced and rewarding working facilities for our employees.” The machining facility is set to be operational by the end of 2028 and will deliver new levels of speed, accuracy and efficiency for the manufacture of large, highly complex, nuclear-grade components. Machine tools specialist, WaldrichSiegen, is building a series of large Vertical Turning Lathes and associated machines for the machining hall, which will be installed and maintained by McDowell Machine Tools. Sheffield Forgemasters’ 13,000 tonne forging line and proposed machine shop will create a new generation of engineers and designers trained to work with Industry 4.0 technologies. The machine shop project team consists of Arup, which handled the ecological and travel assessments, Bond Bryan Architects, and JLL, which acted on behalf of Sheffield Forgemasters for the site acquisition and planning submissions. Joanna Gabrilatsou, Regional Head of Planning at JLL, said: “JLL has been working closely with Sheffield Forgemasters and Sheffield City Council to ensure the delivery of Sheffield Forgemasters’ time-critical growth programme is met, and are delighted with the decision. “Approval of the new machine shop is essential to allow Sheffield Forgemasters to operate in a modern, fit-for-purpose facility, and is highly beneficial to the city and the region’s economy. It will also allow the regeneration of the vacant Weedon St plots. “We are already working on the first phase of enabling works as part of an existing consent, and we’re now gearing up to discharge conditions to implement the next phase of construction.”

County accountancy firm makes north London acquisition

Stuart Pearcey
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County accountancy firm makes north London acquisition
Accountants and business advisers Duncan & Toplis has acquired London-based accountants ALG, milestone in the group’s largest period of growth in its 100-year history. The deal will see ALG rebrand, with all team members including directors Mark Hilton and Panos Michaelides remaining in their roles. The team will join their new Duncan & Toplis colleagues in the Finchley office, which opened in September 2024 following the company’s acquisition of Haines Watts North London. Damon Brain, CEO of Duncan & Toplis, said: “Last year, we began a new era of our company’s history with the launch of our Growing Together strategy. Now, this is another exciting step for us and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the start of our centenary year.” Amilios Costa, Regional Director for London at Duncan & Toplis, added: “We’re very excited to be welcoming ALG to Duncan & Toplis – Mark, Panos and the team will bring a wealth of experience and expertise, helping us to maximise our potential here in North London.”

Government changes the rules on apprentice qualification

Stuart Pearcey
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Government changes the rules on apprentice qualification
Up to 10,000 more apprentices will be able to qualify every year as the government Changs apprenticeship rules giving employers more flexibility over maths and English requirements. Rules slowing down the training of workers in key industries like construction will also be changed as the government reveals plans to turbocharge growth industries with reduced bureaucracy for apprenticeships and new leadership also appointed for Skills England. Businesses will now be able to decide whether adult learners over the age of 19 when they start their apprenticeship course will need to complete a level 2 English and maths qualification (equivalent to GCSE) in order to pass it. This means more learners can qualify in high demand sectors such as healthcare, social care and construction, helping to drive growth and meet government targets in key areas such as housebuilding. This could mean as many as 10,000 more apprentices per year will be able to complete their apprenticeship, unlocking opportunity in communities all over the country and breaking the link between background and success. It does not mean that apprentices won’t be assessed on core English and maths skills relevant to their occupation, but it does mean that apprentices will be able to focus more on their paid work. The minimum duration of an apprenticeship will be reduced to eight months, down from the current minimum of 12 months. Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson said:  ”Growing the economy and opportunity for all are fundamental Missions of our Plan for Change, and we are determined to support apprentices throughout this National Apprenticeship Week and beyond. “Businesses have been calling out for change to the apprenticeship system and these reforms show that we are listening. Our new offer of shorter apprenticeships and less red tape strikes the right balance between speed and quality, helping achieve our number one mission to grow the economy. ” Craig Beaumont, Executive Director at the FSB said: “It’s encouraging to see Government shorten the length of apprenticeships, and give employers the right to decide whether Level 2 English and Maths is needed. These flexibilities should help SME employers fill skills gaps faster.”

Nationwide Platforms empowers employees through apprenticeships

April Lara
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Nationwide Platforms empowers employees through apprenticeships

This National Apprenticeship Week (10th – 16th February 2025), Nationwide Platforms is championing the value of lifelong learning through employees like Yetunde Adefila, a 40-year-old HR Business Partner who’s using an apprenticeship to sharpen her leadership skills and shape company HR strategy.

With an engineering background and a degree in computer science, she began her career in the technical sector. However, she soon realised she missed the human interaction element in her work, leading her to transition into HR in her late 20s. Since joining Nationwide Platforms as an HR Advisor three years ago, she has progressed rapidly, being promoted to HR Business Partner within a year.

While transitioning into her new role, Yetunde sought guidance from a mentor outside of work who recommended an apprenticeship to strengthen her leadership and strategic HR skills. Already holding a Level 7 qualification in HR Practices, Yetunde opted for a career-adjacent route, enrolling in a Level 5 Coaching Professional apprenticeship through KnowledgeBrief. Her apprenticeship is focused on coaching and influencing and takes 12 months to complete, involving online learning, bi-monthly meetings with a skills coach, portfolio development, and a final exam. Now two months in, she is already seeing improvements in her approach to HR strategy. “I absolutely love my role,” says Yetunde. “Every day is different, and I enjoy the gentle strategising that comes with it. HR is often the first place people turn to when they’re struggling at work. I want to be able to guide them effectively, balancing emotional support with strategic decision-making. I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to level up. I describe myself as a ‘certification freak’, but this apprenticeship is more than a qualification. It’s about applying frameworks in real-time and developing the soft skills that make a real difference. Balancing work, studies, and family life is no small feat, and Nationwide Platforms’ hybrid working policy has been crucial to maintaining this balance while still enjoying precious family time.”

Charlie Stanley, HR Director at Nationwide Platforms, said, “Nationwide Platforms champions internal career development through apprenticeships. By providing employees with the tools, flexibility, and support to advance their careers, the company is fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth. As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, Yetunde’s experience is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and the impact of investing in people. Nationwide Platforms is proud to play a part in helping employees reach their full potential, proving that career growth is always within reach.”

New Procurement Act set to reshape business operations

April Lara
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New Procurement Act set to reshape business operations

The UK government will implement the Procurement Act 2023 on February 24, 2025, introducing changes to increase small business participation in public contracts. The government spends £400 billion annually on public procurement and has set a target to direct over £120 billion to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Only around 10% of contracts are awarded directly to SMEs, rising to 24% when subcontracting is included.

A key change under the new Act is the introduction of a Central Digital Platform to replace and enhance the Find a Tender service. The platform will centralise supplier registration, store core business details for multiple bids, and improve visibility into public procurement opportunities. Suppliers can manage profiles, track procurement notices, and set up tender alerts. The platform will also capture procurement data for future analysis.

All suppliers seeking public sector contracts must register on the new platform, regardless of previous registration on Find a Tender or Contracts Finder.

Workplace supplier Slingsby seeks buyer amid falling sales

April Lara
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Workplace supplier Slingsby seeks buyer amid falling sales

HC Slingsby, a workplace equipment provider with origins dating back to 1893, has announced it is seeking a buyer. The West Yorkshire-based company, which specialises in manufacturing and distributing industrial and commercial equipment, has launched a formal sales process and is inviting potential offers for its entire issued share capital.

Founded by Harry Crowther Slingsby, the company initially focused on producing handling and lifting equipment before expanding its product range. Slingsby became a publicly listed company in 1961 and moved to the AIM stock market in 2005. Today, it offers over 40,000 products for workplaces across various industries.

The decision to pursue a sale follows a strategic review of its options. However, the company stated that it is not currently in discussions with potential buyers and has not received formal approaches.

Slingsby has struggled financially, reporting lower sales and increased costs. In October 2024, the company revealed an 8% drop in revenue over the first nine months of the year. The decline was linked to reduced customer spending, rising operational expenses, and weaker demand for seasonal goods. Additional uncertainty around tax and regulatory changes further impacted performance, resulting in an unaudited pre-tax loss of £530,000 by the end of September.

Nicholas Associates Group acquires Hull-based Smart Temporary Solutions

April Lara
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Nicholas Associates Group acquires Hull-based Smart Temporary Solutions

Nicholas Associates Group (NA Group), a talent management firm with an annual turnover exceeding £86 million, has acquired Hull-based recruitment agency Smart Temporary Solutions Limited. The move expands NA Group’s presence in the industrial and manual labour staffing sector and strengthens its nationwide service offering.

Smart Temporary Solutions specialises in temporary and temp-to-perm staffing for blue-collar industries. The acquisition aligns with NA Group’s strategy to enhance its workforce solutions across the UK.

David Kitney, founder of Smart Temporary Solutions, is stepping away from the business following the acquisition. He expressed confidence that NA Group’s leadership will continue to support the agency’s clients, candidates, and employees.

NA Group, headquartered in Rotherham, operates several brands, including Stafforce, The Apprentice Employment Agency, and Graduate Career Solutions.

Incommunities appoints new Director of People

Tess Egginton
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0
Incommunities appoints new Director of People
Bradford-based housing provider Incommunities has appointed Dr Bilal Mohammed as its new Director of People. Bilal brings extensive experience in people and transformation leadership across a variety of sectors, including retail, e-commerce, technology, and higher education. He joins the organisation from University Academy 92 (UA92), a higher education institution based in Manchester co-founded by Gary Neville, where he served as Director of People and Operations. Bilal has also held senior positions at Asda, Apple, and Carwow, and has provided consultancy to major brands such as Lloyds, Gymshark, O2, Shell, and Sainsbury’s. He sits as a non-executive director on the board of Løci, a British urban-lux apparel brand. Bilal also serves as a board advisor to the Apple EMEA leadership board. Speaking about his appointment, Bilal said: “I’ve spent much of my career in highly commercial, high-growth organisations, where the focus was primarily on commercial success. My decision to join UA92 was a turning point in my career, as I began to align my work with organisations that prioritise social impact and purpose. “One of the key reasons the role at Incommunities appealed to me is because the organisation’s values resonate deeply with me – its commitment to delivering high-quality, safe homes with a strong social mission, and its work to make a difference in a region that is home to me. “The organisation is in an exciting position, having undergone a significant reset and built strong foundations upon which it can grow. I’m excited to join an energised and passionate team, and I’m looking forward to helping shape and deliver a sector leading experience for all our people, customers, and communities.” Sara Sheard, Executive Director of Business Operations at Incommunities, added: “Bilal’s wealth of experience in leading people strategies in complex organisations will be vital as we continue to strengthen and develop our workforce, ensuring that we meet the needs of our customers and communities, whilst creating a great culture and experience for our colleagues. “A key part of Bilal’s role will be leading the next phase of our EDI journey, working closely with our Board, colleagues, and customers to ensure we build a truly inclusive and empowering culture. His expertise will be invaluable as we continue our progress.”

Stove supplier secures £125k investment package

Stuart Pearcey
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0
Stove supplier secures £125k investment package

An investment package of £125k is supporting ambitious growth plans for Whitby and Guisborough-based Heritage Stoves, a family-run firm supplying wood burning and multi-fuel stoves.

This funding supports Heritage Stoves following the acquisition of Heritage Hearthstone Fires & Stones, which has been operating since 1997. Following the acquisition, Heritage Stoves will supply and install premium wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves from leading brands to domestic and business customers.

Founded in May 2024 by husband-and-wife duo Daniel and Stephanie Bird, Heritage Stoves brings together the couple’s skills. Daniel’s a qualified heating engineer, and Stephanie, with four years of experience managing the Guisborough office of Heritage Hearthstone Fires & Stones, was approached by its retiring owners to take over the business due to her deep familiarity with its operations.

Daniel said: “This investment marks an exciting new chapter for Heritage Stoves. Acquiring Heritage Hearthstone allows us to build on a trusted legacy while driving local economic growth. We’re committed to offering exceptional products and services to both consumers and businesses.”

The investment, provided by NPIF II – BEF Smaller Loans which is managed by the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), includes additional support from BEF’s Community Investment Enterprise Fund 2 (CIEF2), backed by Lloyds Bank and Big Society Capital, as well as the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme.

Antony Nicholson, investment manager at BEF, said: “Daniel and Stephanie’s vision, combined with their industry expertise, demonstrates the transformative potential of strategic investment in local businesses. This is precisely the kind of venture NPIF II is designed to support.”

Lizzy Upton, senior investment manager at British Business Bank, added: “Securing finance to accelerate growth is a key part of a business’ journey, and this funding from NPIF II will play a transformational role in helping Heritage Stoves expand its operations following the acquisition. While allowing the company to purchase new stock, it will also be used to create and protect jobs, adding further impact to the local economy.”

The £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIFII) covers the entire North of England and provides loans from £25k to £2m and equity investment up to £5m to help a range of small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.

BEF specialises in delivering smaller loans between £25,000 and £100,000 to businesses in Yorkshire and Humberside. Committed to breaking down barriers to finance, BEF ensures SMEs across diverse industries receive the support they need to thrive.

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