Leeds children’s charity appoints new CEO
£18m funding secured to support completion of residential development in Leeds’ Climate Innovation District
Yorkshire Water plans service enhancement – with an increase in bills
- Replacement of more than 200km of water mains, as part of 1,085km of main replacement over the next five years.
- More than 150,000 smart meter exchanges across the region
- Over £250m investment to reduce storm overflows across the region and continuously monitor the quality of our rivers, as part of a £1.5bn investment over five years
- More than £2bn investment in the water industry national environment programme (WINEP) over the next five years
- £67m to continue our work to reduce Phosphorus entering watercourses at 45 wastewater treatment works, of which 13 will be completed in the first year.
- £23m on improved monitoring of the wastewater network
- Investment in water treatment works at East Ness, Doncaster boreholes, Ingbirchworth, Haisthorpe and the construction of a new borehole at Brayton
- New investments at Scarborough, Robin Hood’s Bay and Bridlington to improve bathing water quality
Sewell Group wins place on public sector decarbonisation framework
Hull-based Sewell Group has been appointed to a four-year framework agreement to support the decarbonisation of public sector organisations, including the NHS.
The £500m framework from NHS Shared Business Services will help public sector organisations decarbonise their estates, through work such as creating decarbonisation plans and retrofitting aging buildings with new technology such as photovoltaic and ventilation systems, as well as internal and external wall insulation, replacement of windows and doors and monitoring and optimising buildings already in use to reduce their carbon footprint. The framework covers everything from consultancy to construction, providing holistic or turnkey services to make decarbonisation projects a reality.
Steve Dam, Retrofit Lead at Sewell Group, said: “Decarbonisation of the country’s public sector is essential, both to reach net zero targets and to help combat rising energy costs. We’re delighted that Sewell Group has been chosen to support the journey to net zero, and we’re looking forward to bringing our expertise in sustainable refurbishment and retrofit to help the NHS and other public organisations create sustainable buildings and modernize their existing estate.”
Anjub Ali, Senior Category Manager at NHS SBS, said: “With the announcement of over £1bn for public sector decarbonisation in 2024’s Budget, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero confirmed funding for the next wave of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
“This new framework agreement will support the delivery of the NHS’s ambition in ‘Delivering a Net Zero Health Service’ and is a response to the profound and growing threat to health posed by climate change. It is geared towards helping the NHS modernise and decarbonise aged assets and buildings throughout the public sector’s estates.”
The framework allows organisations across the north of England to make direct awards to Sewell Group, and the framework agreement can be used by all NHS and wider public sector bodies, including local authorities, universities, schools, police, blue light, central government and third sector organisations.
Council urges tourism businesses to get involved with promoting North Yorkshire
- Thursday 6 February, 12.30pm to 2pm and 4.30pm to 6pm at Skipton Town Hall
- Monday 10 February, 8am to 9.30am, 10.30am to 2pm and 4.30pm to 6pm at The Mercer Gallery in Harrogate
- Monday 17 February, 10am to 2pm at The Station in Richmond
- Monday 24 February, 10am to 1.30pm at Ripon Cathedral
- Thursday 24 April, 10am to 2.30pm at Whitby Tourist Information Centre
Calls for Government to take a lead in strengthening cyber security
- Carry out a cyber security awareness programme for businesses, particularly smaller firms
- Update the National Cyber Strategy
- Reform cyber security insurance to provide firms with better protection
- Address the shortage of UK cyber security professionals and support more training in all workplaces
- Engage directly with businesses to strengthen confidence in the UK’s digital infrastructure
Business leaders celebrate appointment of Munich Airport International for Doncaster Sheffield
US giant acquires Lincolnshire PPE manufacturer
Return-to-work policies boost lettings at Dean Clough
Dean Clough Chairman and MD Jeremy Hall believes employers implementing a return-to-work policy is part of the reason the Halifax complex has had a buoyant year.
He said: “With our commercial property agents reporting a healthy pattern of growth in market deals, and many employers now advocating a full return to the workplace policy, we are certainly seeing the effects of this. Trepidation through the pandemic, Brexit and the change in Government is also starting to diminish with a renewed outlook on sustainability and wellbeing in the workplace.
“This is where Dean Clough excels. our buildings provide highly sustainable characterful, energy efficient space solutions. There is also a vibrant and diverse community here, which together with its creative cultural offer makes for a unique proposition.”
Over the last twelve months with Activate Group expanding into a new 13,870 sq ft space, Aggregate Industries taking 1,918 sq ft, and global operator Seven Glocon securing a 2,750 suite for its UK base. Ramsdens Solicitors also relocated to occupy a 5,340 sq ft regional office whilst visitor experience design company, The Creative Core, took a new lease for a 1,476 sq ft studio.
2024 also saw Calderdale College take occupation of its new 12,834 sq ft digital creative skills hub specialising in games design, esports, film, and media. The College is preparing to double its student intake this year. 22 further office deals totalling 15,000 sq ft have also been secured whilst a significant 12,822 sq ft of space is currently being regenerated in preparation for a major incoming public sector occupation.
The TV production team for Sally Wainwright’s forthcoming Riot Women series also took occupation of a significant floorspace during 2024. Dean Clough is recognised for its multi-functional spaces and is often used as a media production base having already hosted Marvel’s Secret Invasion, Happy Valley, The Gallows Pole, High Hoops, and Ackley Bridge.
It is also an established cultural destination with its own subterranean theatre and six public art galleries. Last year The Arts Charity at Dean Clough took further occupation of a 7,724 sq ft building to produce a new art installation.
£70k loan allows Leeds marshmallow maker to expand
West Yorkshire-based confectionery business The Marshmallowist has secured a £70,000 loan which will create five new jobs and create seven more at the company’s site in Leeds.
The money comes from NPIF II – BEF Smaller Loans, managed by Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II.
The investment will establish a new bakery facility, significantly boosting production capacity in the company created by chocolatier Oonagh Simms in 2011. The Marshmallowist pioneered the UK’s gourmet marshmallow market. Combining traditional confectionery techniques with bold flavours, the brand uses premium ingredients like fresh fruits, organic herbs, fair-trade sugar, and boutique alcohols. All products are egg-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free, catering to diverse dietary preferences.
Oonagh’s journey began at 18 when she moved to Paris to train as a pâtissier and chocolatier. Four years later, she returned to the UK to launch The Marshmallowist from a stall at Portobello Road Market, reinventing the classic treat with a gourmet twist. In 2014, her sister Jenny joined as a director, bringing expertise in brand development and strategy. Together, they transformed The Marshmallowist, and secured its place in luxury retailers like Selfridges and Harvey Nichols.
After securing a key contract with a growing chocolate brand, the sisters set their sights on upgrading their production facility at Springfield Mills in Farsley, Leeds.
Oonagh said: “This investment marks a significant milestone for us. With the new bakery facility, we can expand our production to meet the growing demand and continue pushing the boundaries of what a gourmet marshmallow can be. We’re thrilled to take this next step in our journey and bring more of our innovative flavours to our customers. It’s not just about growth; it’s about keeping our passion for quality and creativity at the heart of everything we do.”
Doug Heseltine, Senior Investment Manager at BEF said: “The Marshmallowist is a fantastic example of a business that combines creativity with a clear growth strategy. We’re proud to support Oonagh and Jenny as they expand their operations and take on exciting new opportunities. This investment not only helps scale their production but also contributes to job creation and economic growth in the region, which aligns perfectly with our mission and the goals of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II.”
Lizzy Upton, Senior Manager at British Business Bank, said: “Small businesses are critical in promoting and driving growth into local regions, especially ones like The Marshmallowist which is providing a fantastic offering to its customers while also creating and securing jobs. These kinds of businesses can benefit greatly from access to finance, and this loan will certainly accelerate the team forward in achieving their growth ambitions.”
The purpose of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the North of England. The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II will increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for the North’s smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and help to break down barriers in access to finance.
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.
