capturing the imagination wakefield’s blooming visitor economy THRILL
WAKEFIELD SIGHTS BOOST TOURIST INDUSTRY
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CONTENTS
CONTENTS 05 NEWS
The latest updates in Wakefield's regeneration and development story.
09 VISITOR ECONOMY
From activities to get hearts racing to cultural highlights, Wakefield's thriving tourist offer.
With 27 'asks' proposed to government, the council leader and chief executive stipulate the terms that could deliver a deal.
A network of major roads make Wakefield a sought-after strategic base.
45 BUSINESS GROWTH
Global fashion brand TK Maxx selects Wakefield for its new distribution hub. CONNECT WAKEFIELD
24 DEVOLUTION DEAL?
39 CONNECTIVITY
48 INVESTMENT IN SKILLS
Wakefield is nurturing the next generation of talent through programmes tailored to young and expanding businesses in the region.
28 MAP
A summary of some of the major regeneration schemes that are taking shape in Wakefield.
3 ISSUE 4 SPRING 2016
31 PROJECTS
From a £135 million scheme including a stadium, to the transformation of a former colliery site, we look at Wakefield's latest projects.
Editorial director Siobhán Crozier Editor Lucy Purdy Chief reporter James Wood Head of design Rachael Schofield Design Kate Harkus Production assistant Christopher Hazeldine Business development director Paul Gussar Business development manager Shelley Cook Office manager Sue Mapara Subscriptions manager Simon Maxwell Managing director Toby Fox
Cover image Wave installation at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, photo by David Tothill Images David Tothill, TK Maxx, Lateral Property Group, Multifuel Energy, Wakefield Council, ©Martin Parr / Magnum Photos, Sharron Wallace, Lateral, City Fields, ©Hayes Davidson, Harworth Estates, Carter Jonas, Haribo, NewCold, Advanced Diesel Engineering, Group Rhodes Printed by Park Communications Subscriptions and feedback connectwakefield.com
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Wakefield Council has won a top accolade at the Yorkshire Property Industry Awards for supporting development and driving growth. The council’s chief executive, Joanne Roney OBE, accepted the award at a ceremony held in the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, hosted by Insider Media on 24 September 2015. It was attended by 500 delegates, made up of
developers, architects, investors and advisers who work across the region. Wakefield Council held off competition from Leeds City Council and Sheffield City Council, and was lauded for aiding commercial operators to complete developments across all sectors. Schemes such as the Wakefield Eastern Relief Road, as well as securing investment for a huge new TK Maxx distribution centre, were those which stood out for particular mention. Roney said: “I am delighted that Wakefield’s achievements have been recognised. We have a superb track record of
In the last financial year, the council secured
£207m of private sector investment
leading the delivery of major developments, such as The Hepworth, Trinity Walk and Merchant Gate. “In the last financial year we secured £207 million of private sector investment and created more than 900 jobs as a result of inward investment activity.”
5 ISSUE 4 SPRING 2016
COUNCIL SCOOPS PROPERTY AWARD
now formally received planning permission from Wakefield Council and that the period for any possible legal challenge has now passed. “This means that we have taken another major step towards making Five Towns Park a reality. This development would not be possible without the continued support of the local community, for which we are very grateful. Further announcements regarding Five Towns Park will be made in due course.” The government announced in July that it would not be assessing the application, and would leave the decision to the local authority, which passed the scheme through its final approval stages.
CONNECT WAKEFIELD
Lateral Property Group's proposed new stadium for the Castleford Tigers rugby league team has been given final approval after the expiry date for a judicial review passed. The stadium, part of a planned £135 million retail and leisure development, was approved by Wakefield Council in February 2015, but was referred to the Department for Communities and Local Government, because of the size of the scheme. Lateral said the Five Towns Park project will create 2,000 jobs. It includes a retail park and country park on land next to junction 32 of the M62. Phillip Lunn, managing director of Lateral Property Group, said: “We are pleased to confirm that we have
NEWS
RUGBY STADIUM GETS FINAL GO-AHEAD
NEWS
FUNDING FOR TK MAXX
CONNECT WAKEFIELD
Funding for a TK Maxx distribution centre in Knottingley will be provided after the site was acquired in a £59 million deal. Tritax Big Box REIT has completed the land purchase and now entered into contracts to provide forward funding for the facility, which is being developed by Carrick Developments. The site is pre-let in its entirety to TK Maxx, which provides fashion and housing goods. It is estimated the facility will create 2,700 jobs. It will have an internal floor space of around 60,000sq m and a height of approximately 17 metres.
Building work is expected to begin imminently and is scheduled for completion by January 2017. Colin Godfrey, partner of Tritax, said: “This is a strong addition to our portfolio, further diversifying our tenant mix and increasing the weighted average unexpired lease term to around 16 and a half years. “The property occupies a key logistics location that is achieving strong rental growth.” The facility is at the junction of the M62 and A1, which provides access to Leeds, Manchester and ports in Liverpool and Hull. Occupiers recently attracted to the area include B&Q, Next and Asda.
PRIVATE SECTOR PUSH TO PROMOTE DISTRICT
6 ISSUE 4 SPRING 2016
POWER STATION APPROVED Joint venture Multifuel Energy has won planning permission to build a £300 million power station in Knottingley. The partners for the scheme are SSE and Wheelabrator Technologies, and the station will process up to 675,000 tonnes of waste-derived fuels from sources of municipal and industrial waste. It will also produce around 70 megawatts of electricity, enough to power around 160,000 homes. The scheme is predicted to create 540 jobs.
Private sector support for Wakefield district has never been stronger, according to the Wakefield First Bondholder Scheme, which has announced more than 20 new members in recent months. The private sector initiative to accelerate the growth of the Wakefield district by branding, marketing and promoting it nationally and internationally, now has representation and support from companies of many sizes. A variety of sectors are represented too, including manufacturing, professional services, creative and digital and cultural and leisure.
Kelly Smith, the newly appointed lead for sales and membership at Wakefield Bondholders, said: “Local businesses are very proud of the district and this is demonstrated through their commitment and investment in bondholders. We are seeing great things happen in Wakefield and together we are very excited to share news and to showcase success. “Our business community is achieving great things, demonstrating year-on-year growth and winning awards. We are also welcoming new businesses to the district.” The Bondholder scheme has recently welcomed CBM Logix, Ledgard Jepson, SR Creative, The Hepworth Wakefield and Wakefield Wildcats.
KIRKGATE STATION REOPENS The original rail station which served Wakefield has reopened following a £5.6 million restoration project. The Grade II-listed Kirkgate station first opened in 1840. The project to modernise the station has seen the installation of a cafe as well as the creation of retail space, offices, meeting rooms and incubation units for startup businesses. A passenger lounge facility is also planned, which will be run by the cafe operator. The scheme took two years to complete and was led by environmental charity Groundwork Wakefield. Peter Cooper, vice chair of Groundwork Wakefield, said: “After two years of hard work, we finally have a station that residents can be proud of.”
COUNCIL PRAISED AT APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS CEREMONY Wakefield Council has been highly commended for its apprenticeship programme. The authority was recognised in the large employer category of National Apprenticeship Employer of the Year, at the Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Apprenticeship Awards 2015, held in Leeds. Wakefield's programme supports youth employment, gives school leavers career options and helps retain talent in the district. At any time, the council has between 60 and 80 apprentices aged 16–24, working
a series of images by British photographer Martin Parr, documenting the methods used to farm rhubarb. The 'triangle' refers to the area between Wakefield, Morley and Rothwell. The Hepworth also announced in September it is exploring the opportunity of developing public gardens next to the gallery building and has invited several top garden designers to submit ideas. A collection bequeathed by Tim Sayer, which includes pieces by Henry Moore, will also be displayed.
in fields such as information technology, marketing, libraries and children's services. Joanne Roney, chief executive at Wakefield Council, said: “I am very proud of our role in supporting apprenticeships and it is a great achievement. “I started as an apprentice and I know from personal experience it is a route that offers young people the opportunity to learn and develop skills that will help them build their future careers. “Our programme aims to reduce unemployment, raise skills and aspirations in our district. Apprenticeships also help us to sustain a fresh workforce, with fresh ideas.” Wakefield Council also runs The Wakefield Apprenticeship Hub.
7
POPPIES BOOST FOOTFALL The Wave exhibition of poppies to commemorate soldiers who died in the first world war has boosted footfall at one of Wakefield’s most popular tourist attractions – the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. According to a spokesperson at the park, there was a 170% increase in visitors in September 2015, compared to the same period the previous year, with many coming specifically to see the poppies. Wave is from the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red exhibition. The exhibition was created by Paul Cummings.
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The Hepworth Wakefield art gallery has revealed plans for 2016 to mark five years since it opened. A sculpture prize will be introduced, handed once every two years to a UK-based artist who has made a significant contribution to contemporary sculpture. An exhibition at the Hepworth will feature the work of four candidates shortlisted for the prize, with the winner to receive £30,000. Other 2016 exhibitions will include The Rhubarb Triangle and Other Stories –
CONNECT WAKEFIELD
HEPWORTH'S FIFTH ANNIVERSARY PLANS
Global jewellery brand Pandora is taking around 120sq m of space at the Trinity Walk Shopping Centre in Wakefield. The store, which opened on 25 November, is located in the main shopping mall, next to Costa and near Debenhams and operated by local jeweller Hugh Rice under the Pandora name. Pandora’s jewellery is sold in more than 90 countries around the world. Its presence is expected to boost footfall at Trinity Walk, which already sees around 11 million visitors a year. Pandora franchisee, Paul Rice, managing director of Hugh Rice, said: “Moving into Trinity Walk is a natural next step for Pandora as we attract new customers.”
NEWS
ALL THAT GLISTENS
CF A major urban extension to the East of Wakefield
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9 ISSUE 4 SPRING 2016
WORDS JAMES WOOD PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID TOTHILL
CONNECT WAKEFIELD
WITH A DIVERSE RANGE OF ATTRACTIONS AND LEISURE OPTIONS FOR TOURISTS, WAKEFIELD IS A CITY NOT SHORT ON SURPRISES, DISCOVERS CONNECT WAKEFIELD
VISITOR ECONOMY
THE GREAT ESCAPE
orkshire is often lauded as one of the UK’s top tourist destinations. Its cities attract shoppers and night-time buzz, with a fantastic contrast provided by stunning scenery and tranquility in the dales to the north. Perhaps Wakefield has historically been overlooked in the list of Yorkshire hotspots, but this is no longer the case. For lovers of art in particular, most would concede that the region’s attractions are distinctly impressive. The Yorkshire Sculpture Park features the work of globally respected sculptors such as Antony Gormley and Henry Moore, the latter of whom was born in Castleford. Moore’s work can also be found at the Hepworth Wakefield, named in celebration of another native of the city; one of the UK’s best-known sculptors, Barbara Hepworth. An extensive collection of her work from throughout her career is proudly displayed at the gallery. At the National Trust site and stately home, Nostell Priory, paintings by Brueghel, Hogarth and Kauffmann, a priceless collection of Chippendale furniture and one of the last surviving John Harrison longcase clocks prompt impressed gasps from visitors. Tourist boards for very few places in the country are able to mention such prestigious art world names in one breath. Wakefield’s big draws can rightly be listed as ‘must-sees’. A haven for art lovers then, but Wakefield is not just for highbrow types. This is a city that understands the importance of variety, evidenced by an abundance of leisure activities throughout the city. At Nostell Priory, popular walking, cycling and running sessions take place in the grounds and families are encouraged to visit for a day out. Children enjoy the adventure playground, as well as getting close to nature, building dens and climbing trees. Those with a sense of adventure are in their element at Xscape in Castleford, where visitors can choose between snowboarding, trampolining and indoor rock climbing. There is also a ‘sky-ride’ assault course as part of the climbing wall attraction, nestled high up in the building’s rafters. The course is not for the faint-hearted, as Connect Wakefield finds out (see page 21). With hotels located in former historic nature reserves, extreme sports to satisfy the most daring of thrill seekers and a history positively swimming in culture and proud industry, Wakefield is not just an essential tourist destination for Yorkshire – it rivals some of the best-known places in the UK.
VISITOR ECONOMY CONNECT WAKEFIELD
10
YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK
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A stroll through the green pastures of Yorkshire has long held widespread, cheek-ruddying appeal, but just south of Wakefield, an area of parkland spanning more than 200 hectares lures visitors in droves. The Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) is located in the grounds of Bretton Hall, an 18th century estate, now being developed as a luxury hotel. The former family home became an arts college in the mid-20th century and one of its lecturers, Peter Murray, established the YSP as a modest exhibition on the site in 1977. Today, an average of 350,000 people a year explore the grounds, surveying sculptures from some of the world’s most respected in the field. Not only can tourists enjoy the largest outdoor collection in the world of Henry Moore’s work, but also original sculptures from the likes of the late Elisabeth Frink and William Turnbull. Such a vast expanse allows for the collection to continually be refreshed by new pieces and recent times have seen installations from the likes of contemporary Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei. The artist is
PICTURED Yorkshire Sculpture Park features installations of work from some of the biggest names in modern and contemporary art.
currently one of the most talked about in the country, and the YSP exhibit was the first of his projects to appear in a British public gallery since Sunflower Seeds at the Tate Modern, London, in 2010. Iron Tree is displayed in a chapel on the site and is at the park on a long-term loan. Recent months have seen a further increase in the number of visitors to the park, in large part because of the Wave installation of poppies which cascade with stunning impact over a bridge into a lake on the site. The installation was originally based at the Tower of London where
888,246 poppies were displayed to honour each person in the British and colonial forces who died during the first world war. But sustained success at the sculpture park can also be credited to the surprising nature of some of the installations. At one point during the walk, exclamations of shock are heard as crowds turn a corner and are suddenly faced with a bright LED image of a horse – an artwork by Julian Opie. With exhibitions from top international artists planned, YSP's success shows little sign of waning.
VISITOR ECONOMY
CONNECT WAKEFIELD
11 ISSUE 4 SPRING 2016
VISITOR ECONOMY
THE HEPWORTH WAKEFIELD The Hepworth Wakefield gallery displays the work of Wakefield district-born sculptors, Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore – among others – and its design by David Chipperfield Architects won a RIBA prize in 2012. After welcoming its millionth visitor at the end of 2013, the gallery has since attracted 1.4 million more
space alongside the Hepworth. Proposals from the four shortlisted landscape architects were displayed at the existing gallery garden until the end of October. The judging panel for the garden – featuring council leader Peter Box CBE – will decide on a proposal which matches the quality of David Chipperfield’s building.
A SCULPTURE COMPETITION WILL BE INTRODUCED NEXT YEAR TO PROMOTE CONTEMPORARY WORK CONNECT WAKEFIELD
12
people and is estimated to have contributed around £20 million to the local economy. Approaching its fifth anniversary, big plans have now been announced for the Hepworth in 2016. A 6,000sq m public garden outside the gallery will be redesigned to create a new visitor attraction and public
A sculpture competition will also be introduced in 2016 to promote contemporary work. It will take place every two years with the recipient receiving a £30,000 prize. The Hepworth hopes this will become one of the most prestigious art prizes in the UK. To put the significance of the award into context, the winner
ISSUE 4 SPRING 2016
CONNECT WAKEFIELD
of the Turner Prize currently receives £25,000. New commissions have also been announced, including a retrospective of photographs by the respected British photographer, Martin Parr, collected from a series called The Rhubarb Triangle – the name given to the area between Wakefield, Morley and Rothwell, where rhubarb is grown. Parr’s striking images show methods used by farmers to harvest the plant. Members of the public will have a chance to have their photo taken with Parr in a pop-up studio at the gallery in February. Also, Tim Sayer, a recently retired BBC reporter, who has over 50 years collected artwork by the likes of Henry Moore and David Hockney, was so taken with the gallery on a recent visit that he decided to bequeath his collection to The Hepworth.
VISITOR ECONOMY
PICTURED Sculptures by Barbara Hepworth continue to be a big draw at The Hepworth Wakefield, where big plans are in place for 2016.
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VISITOR ECONOMY CONNECT WAKEFIELD
15 ISSUE 4 SPRING 2016
WATERTON PARK HOTEL AND SQUIRE CHARLES WATERTON Nature reserves are found across every continent in the world, but Wakefield was home to the world’s first, established by the naturalist and explorer, Charles Waterton. Waterton was born in Walton Hall, a Georgian mansion
house situated on an island in the middle of a lake. The hall still stands on the site of the Squire's former nature reserve and is now home to the Waterton Park Hotel. Waterton’s life is documented at Wakefield Museum,
ABOVE The Waterton Park Hotel is based within the world's first nature reserve in Wakefield.
which tells stories of his trips to South America in the 19th century, on which he would capture and bring back exotic animals to be used in taxidermy. Legend has it that Waterton once captured a caiman alligator by leaping
VISITOR ECONOMY
on to its back and tying braces around its neck. The museum also presents Waterton’s study into how South American arrow poison could be used to treat spasmodic convulsive disorders such as tetanus and hydrophobia. Waterton’s explorations around the continent are said to have
The explorer's reputation as an eccentric is often brought up and this is celebrated at the hotel in the finer details; the door knockers of the main building, for example, depict contrasting facial expressions to represent the different sides of his character. Today, the four-star hotel
WATERTON'S EXPLORATIONS ARE SAID TO HAVE DIRECTLY INFLUENCED CHARLES DARWIN
CONNECT WAKEFIELD
16
directly influenced Charles Darwin and the two would later become firm friends. Work is currently under way on a comic book, commissioned by the museum, to celebrate Waterton and document his life’s work and achievements.
which also includes a separate modern annex, features striking bedrooms, a swimming pool, spa, gym, bar and restaurant (which boasts an AA rosette). The venue is also regularly booked for weddings and other big events, due to its unique setting.
BELOW Charles Waterton, a respected Wakefield explorer and known eccentric, is celebrated at council-owned Wakefield Museum.
The recipient of the Eco Hotel of the Year 2014 award, Waterton Park Hotel's owners want to promote Waterton’s environmental legacy using 21st century technology. A geothermal heating system has been installed, which uses the lake to provide all hot water and heating for the hotel. A strange mist is said to sometimes emerge from the lake in early morning sunlight, and some visitors, taken by the tales of Waterton, choose to wake early to witness the spectacle. Others try to spot different varieties of birds that may have also decided to pay a visit. With his eye for all of nature’s wild and wonderful spectacles, it seems fair to assume Waterton would have been pleased to learn this.
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VISITOR ECONOMY CONNECT WAKEFIELD
THE WATERTON WAS RECIPIENT OF THE ECO HOTEL OF THE YEAR AWARD
17 ISSUE 4 SPRING 2016
PICTURED The impressive interior of the Waterton Park Hotel, which features enormous rooms and a spa (below right).
VISITOR ECONOMY CONNECT WAKEFIELD
18
NOSTELL PRIORY
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Visitors come to the National Trust’s Nostell Priory for a whole host of reasons. The stately home was once inhabited by the Winn family, whose priceless collection of art and antiques can be found throughout the estate, and is punctuated with paintings by Brueghel, Hogarth and Kauffmann. The site of a former priory, the house also features an impressive collection of Chippendale furniture in the bedrooms and dining rooms across the stately home and one of the last surviving John Harrison longcase clocks in the billiard room. Some head to the attraction specifically for the artwork, others will stumble across fascinating pieces by accident – such as Rowland Lockey’s copy of the Hans Holbein painting of Sir Thomas More and his family; this copy was commissioned in 1592 by the More family and came to Nostell in the 18th century. It is said to be the most faithful to the destroyed original. When examining the majesty of the estate’s quarters, visitors now benefit from new lighting which highlights the
considerable detail in the design of the rooms. The new lighting, a project called From Gloom to Glow, was introduced as a direct result of consultation with regular visitors to Nostell, who had noted that some areas, such as the tapestry room with its intricate displays, would benefit from improved lighting. Natural light has the potential to damage some of the artefacts on display and so the subtle lighting was introduced as an alternative. The estate has also been opened up for immersive theatre and musical performances in the past. It was also the setting for the BBC2 drama, The Thirteenth Tale, in 2013. Nostell Priory is also well known for family activities. It features 121 hectares of parkland over which visitors can enjoy walks past lakes, a newly planted orchard and an adventure playground for younger members of the party. Options for younger visitors also include tree climbing and den building sessions and there is also a popular riding school, an orangery and an allotment to tempt guests into frequent revisits.
PICTURED Antiques, historic paintings and expansive grounds attract visitors to the Nostell Priory stately home.
VISITOR ECONOMY
CONNECT WAKEFIELD
19 ISSUE 4 SPRING 2016
KEEPMOAT LEAD THE WAY IN BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO WAKEFIELD ESTATE The City Estate in Fitzwilliam was once branded the worst in Britain with a reputation for anti-social
behaviour, vacant and unsafe properties. Following the demolition of the properties by Wakefield Council in 2010 the project was delayed due to the economic downturn. In 2012 Keepmoat became involved - working in Partnership with Wakefield Council, local residents and organisations within the Fitzwilliam area - this proactive and collaborative approach created
positive solutions where other developers saw none.
Consultation at every stage of the planning and build process resulted in strong links
forged between the Fitzwilliam Community and Keepmoat .
Smart new streets have replaced old and run down houses and with the support of Keepmoat community organisations are flourishing, resulting in the revival of a genuine community spirit.
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Chairman of the Hemsworth Miner’s Welfare Scheme, says: ‘This is a proud area, with a proud history and this development is helping to make Fitzwilliam a nice place to live again’. ‘It means so
much to the local Community and Keepmoat have been true to their word – engaging in the Community and supporting local good causes’.
With a strong ethos of promoting sustainable new housing, regenerating Communities, delivering Community Engagement and Investment. Keepmoat has been successful in galvanising the community, attracting residents from the local area, restoring pride and breathing new life into the village of Fitzwilliam.
Connect Wakefield looks up to the rafters of Xscape, the shopping, eating and entertainment complex which lies just off the M62 near Wakefield. “You’re getting up there later,” says the affable instructor, referring to
the venue’s Sky Ride; an assault course set out near the ceiling of the enormous centre. It is apparently high up enough to stack four double decker buses on top of each other underneath. Xscape features a snow
BELOW Rachael Schofield tries the climbing wall at Xscape, which is suitable for beginners and experts alike.
slope, trampolining, an indoor skateboard park, 4D golf course, Laserzone, bowling, adventure golf course, multiplex cinema, 17 bars and restaurants and 10 retail outlets, but it is climbing we are here for.
VISITOR ECONOMY
XSCAPE
CONNECT WAKEFIELD
21 ISSUE 4 SPRING 2016
VISITOR ECONOMY CONNECT WAKEFIELD
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The team misinterprets the instructor’s knowing wink, thinking he is joking about his intention to let us loose on the Sky Ride, suspended 20 metres above the atrium. But any suggestion that this is a case of typical northern wit is quickly dispelled. After attempting to scale the climbing wall a few times with varying degrees of success, the
team suddenly finds itself ready to launch along a zip wire from the top of the climbing wall into a cargo net, exchanging glances of horror at the heart-dropping heights. The “don’t look down” theory would be applicable if there wasn’t a requirement to step across narrow balance beams as part of the challenge. People pointing from below offer
BELOW Thrill-seekers find their calling at Xscape. Connect Wakefield's Rachael Schofield and James Wood went for it.
no help. “Breathe steadily” is sage advice to follow. Slightly the worse for wear, Connect Wakefield joins the crowds back on the ground, as they continue to pass through the doors of Xscape. With such nailbiting attractions as the Sky Ride, it’s easy to see why the venue is one of the region’s most popular leisure destinations.
ISSUE 4 SPRING 2016
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DEVOLUTION CONNECT WAKEFIELD
24
BELOW Wakefield Council leader, Peter Box CBE, on the Northern Powerhouse: "Rhetoric is easy. I'm interested in getting things done – and we show that we can do it."
ISSUE 4 SPRING 2016
DEVOLUTION
ENTHUSIASM FOR DEVOLUTION TIED TO ELECTED MAYORS IS NOT UNIVERSAL – BUT WHAT IF IT OFFERS SERIOUS TRANSFER OF POWERS PLUS THE FUNDING TO DELIVER? LEEDS CITY REGION WILL CONSIDER WHAT THE DEAL MIGHT LOOK LIKE, SO HAS SUBMITTED 27 ‘ASKS’ TO CENTRAL GOVERNMENT. PETER BOX CBE, LEADER OF WAKEFIELD COUNCIL, AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE, JOANNE RONEY OBE, DISCUSS WHAT DEVOLUTION WOULD HAVE TO DELIVER IN AN AREA THAT IS ALREADY A BEACON FOR COLLABORATIVE WORKING
Peter Box (PB): The first ‘ask’ is that we’re able to raise an infrastructure levy, as the whole of the north needs better connectivity. We can look at what’s needed right across the region and start planning infrastructure, so that when more investors follow, we’ll have good connectivity and a large workforce with skills for the new industries. Wakefield needs university status. We already have funding of £6.25 million in place for the Advanced Skills and Innovation Centre, to become the university centre at Wakefield College – but my long-term aim is for a university. Joanne Roney (JR): Throughout the time we have collaborated as part of the Leeds City Region (LCR) and formed the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Peter has talked about ambition and investing in the future. We capitalised on Wakefield's assets and its complementary role by investing in our cultural offer and making this a great place to live. Eight years on, we’ve maintained focus on the ambition for a university centre, to raise the skills level and increase our business startups, not to compete with Leeds, but to put connectivities and supply chains in place. PB: Burberry has announced it will build a new factory in Leeds. If we’re unsuccessful at persuading it to stay in
Castleford, we have the commitment, those 700 jobs will stay with the people who are employed now. If transport costs are included in the package, they can get to Leeds. We’re working with Burberry to see that its premises would be used to good effect, hopefully, as a building for SMEs. JR: Businesses invest here because we’re clear about what we offer. We’re small and swift enough to make things happen at a pace that outstrips others, we’ve got sites ready to go and certainty around planning decisions. This year we won the Council of the Year Award for Best Authority to do Business With, as judged by the [regional] property industry. PB: Investors want certainty and a relationship with the leaders of the authority. We meet investors together and offer reassurance that they will be looked after. Dedicated officers will work with them and any problems that might arise in a big bureaucracy, we can sort out quickly. We can’t prejudge planning applications – but the views we articulate permeate through the organisation – councillors and officers know we’re open for business. JR: We support established companies to grow but we also need new businesses and that’s why skills are
25 ISSUE 4 SPRING 2016
INTERVIEW SIOBHÁN CROZIER PHOTOGRAPHY SHARRON WALLACE
CONNECT WAKEFIELD
DEAL – OR NO DEAL?
DEVOLUTION CONNECT WAKEFIELD
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so important. We focus on young people but also have an agenda around adults. Our biggest cohort of people with below average skills levels are aged 50 and above – reskilling adults is equally important. PB: Three years ago the LGA [Local Government Association] reported that 190,000 nationally were training as beauticians for 90,000 vacancies, with 90,000 training in construction for 190,000 vacancies. People are acquiring skills – but not those that businesses need. JR: Good employers invest in skilling their workforce. LCR has a pilot project worth £17.5 million for employee ownership of skills training, run by Mark Ridgway, MD of manufacturer Group Rhodes, to develop bespoke training packages, directly linked to the skillset local businesses need. PB: We need to ensure that young people understand what’s available in the world of work. JR: One devolution deal ‘ask’ is for greater control over funding for skills. Funds currently follow demand, led by young people picking courses they’re interested in, as opposed to being led by employers on the skills they need. PB: Real devolution is important. With powers and funding, we can make a bigger difference than national government. We want to control our own destiny with the resources to do it, particularly for transport. Having received the biggest growth funding, we know we can deliver. All parties in government say they’re committed to devolution – I can talk to the press every day about a northern powerhouse, rhetoric is easy. I’m interested in getting things done – and we show that we can do it. We’ve used the example of the youth contracts; nationally the success rate is about 20%, at best, and we get well over 70%.
JR: With regard to youth contracts, we were the worst local authority in the country; we’re now about fourth best. It was about galvanizing local businesses to take on young people. PB: The most mature combined authority in the country, by far, is ours. We’re cross-party, and Roger Marsh, [formerly at PwC Leeds] chairs the Leeds City Region LEP. There’s synergy in our combined authority that you don’t get elsewhere. JR: On major regeneration, local government has always been the delivery agent – devolution should be the opportunity to simplify processes, bureaucracy and overhead costs, so the money available is spent faster, is more targeted and better value. There’s an economic argument about growing the economy but who are the right people to deliver – faster, cheaper, more strategically aligned growth plans – that’s local government. PB: We may not get all 27 asks but the West Yorkshire leaders are clear: if what is offered is not sufficiently ambitious – there is no deal. We’ve shown what we can achieve without devolution, working together and pooling resources. We’ve put the 27 asks before them and have taken ministers at their word that they believe in devolution – but civil servants don’t share the enthusiasm for letting go of power. JR: As local government officers, we’re all about collaboration, sharing experience, developing expertise, and strategic plans. Understanding of investments will be on a strategic decision-making basis, not a local basis. Culturally, we’ve completely moved on, into a different era of trust and how we collaborate. Civil servants haven’t moved
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as fast; they are very traditionally based professionals. PB: Far too many civil servants want the minimum amount of devolution. We need the maximum to make a big difference. We work well together – and with business, not just in Wakefield, but right across the city region. Devolution – but only if you have a mayoral model, which people are voting against – if it’s such a great idea, let’s have a referendum; government should put governance to the electorate. When we used to have local government inspections, evidence showed no correlation between the best authorities and those who had mayors. Strong collective leadership is best – and in West Yorkshire, in a combined authority, that’s what we give. It’s all about the cult of an individual and actually, the real hard work happens on a collective basis. JR: An evaluation of the combined authority model hasn’t been done. West Yorkshire’s combined authority has done really well, it’s spent money it was given, it’s got key projects away, GVA is increasing in a place like Wakefield as well as big cities. I’m surprised that we haven’t done a proper evaluation before moving to another form of reorganisation – and of course, there’s a cost. PB: Let’s look seriously at how we should be governed. Do people want mayors? A regional assembly? Or as we’ve suggested, a council of the north, which brings together all the northern leaders to talk about how we work collectively. Ask the public: “Would you like some more politicians?” Not a chance. They want their existing politicians to work together – smarter and better.
THE WEST YORKSHIRE LEADERS ARE CLEAR: IF WHAT IS OFFERED IS NOT SUFFICIENTLY AMBITIOUS – THERE IS NO DEAL WAKEFIELD LEADER, PETER BOX CBE
ABOVE In Wakefield's recently renovated old town hall, Peter Box and Joanne Roney discuss what any devolution deal would have to deliver for the Leeds City Region.
PROJECTS
CITY FIELDS
SILKWOOD PARK
Wakefield
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HARIBO WAKEFIELD EUROPORT
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CROSSPOINT WAKEFIELD
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PHOTON AND TRIDENT PARK, POUNDWORLD
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Hemsworth
LUXURY NEW HOMES IN YORKSHIRE
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STRATA.CO.UK Photographs are for illustration purposes only and show the interiors and exterior of typical Strata show homes.
PROJECTS
PROJECT UPDATE CONNECT WAKEFIELD
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MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS AND NEW INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES – PROJECTS UNDER WAY IN WAKEFIELD WORDS KIRSTY MACAULAY
FIVE TOWNS PARK Planning consent has been granted for this £135 million development by Lateral Property Group on land just off junction 32 of the M62. The project will include a 10,000 capacity stadium for rugby league team Castleford Tigers, a 4,933sq m
retail development and a 20-ha country park. The state-of-the-artstadium will be funded by the development’s retail element. Alongside top class sports amenities will be conference and events facilities as well as hospitality and catering areas. The country park will include bike trails, wetlands and woodland areas and will be managed by The Land Trust. Next Home and Garden has been confirmed as the anchor retail unit alongside a range of different sized units
ANCHOR RETAIL Next Home and Garden at Five Towns Park will be the anchor store.
to include a food store with petrol station. Proposals for the development include significant improvements to transport links for the area, creating a new entrance to Castleford, new bus stops and improving cycle networks and footpaths. Philip Lunn, managing director of Lateral Property Group, said: “Our development will provide 2,000 much-needed jobs along with wide ranging socio-economic benefits including the community stadium, country park and major connectivity improvements.”
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CITY FIELDS
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Work has started on the construction of a muchanticipated relief road around the eastern side of the city. It will run from Doncaster Road to Aberford Road and is expected to be completed by spring 2017. Miller Homes are set to create 500 new homes on the site. The conceptual masterplan for the project, created by planning consultancy Spawforths, includes a new district centre, a school, a business park and waterfront area as well as green spaces. Planning permission has already been granted for 329 homes and outline permission for a further 171 homes. Work on the first houses was scheduled to start on-site in January 2016. This first phase will focus predominantly on family housing but the overall scheme, to create approximately 2,500 homes, will include a mix of different house types and sizes. Planning applications are also expected for the Keyland commercial site and for the development of the old power station site for residential use. Work was expected to start at the beginning of 2016 to add detail to the existing conceptual masterplan to ensure a more consistent and cohesive approach to future development as well as setting the scene for a definitive area identity.
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TRAFFIC MEASURES Work has begun to build a relief road around the eastern side of Wakefield.
IN WAKEFIELD YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT WAKEFIELD IS FAST BECOMING A CENTRE FOR BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES IN THE UK. WITH OVER 20,000 PROFESSIONALS ALREADY EMPLOYED IN THIS SECTOR, LOCATING YOUR OPERATION HERE COULD BE THE SMARTEST MOVE YOU MAKE.
Wakefield is open for business. For enquiries and support contact Wakefield First on 01924 306916 or email info@wakefieldfirst.com
www.wakefieldfirst.com
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The final phase of Wakefield’s waterfront transformation is now on the horizon. The selective demolition of a cluster of small, redundant buildings at Rutland Mills earlier this year has cleared the way for the development of the rest of the site. Removing the buildings to
return the courtyard to its original design will also improve access to the mills and create a public square. The steam powerhouse will be retained as a focal point in the centre of the courtyard. Wakefield Council is in talks with Historic England over the possibility of converting it into a cafe or cultural hub. The council is currently
RUTLAND MILLS Redundant buildings have been demolished so redevelopment work can start.
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WATERFRONT
in the process of re-roofing Rutland Mills and is looking for a developer to restore and convert the seven buildings, which will offer 6,500sq m of space. This final phase of the waterfront development will be transformed into a destination with a mix of residential, cultural, commercial, retail and leisure uses. Talks are currently taking place between the Hepworth Gallery and the council to consider the feasibility of providing a safe public route through the square during the works, allowing gallery visitors to explore the completed first phase of the waterfront development. The Hepworth announced in September it is exploring the opportunity of developing public gardens next to the gallery building and has shortlisted several top garden designers who have submitted ideas.
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GLASSHOUGHTON The latest plans for the former colliery site include 900 new homes. Harworth Estates has outline planning consent to build 560 homes on the site at Flass Lane as well as a pub/restaurant and up to 4,645sq m allocated for light industrial units. The proposals are linked to the £4 million Glasshoughton Southern Link Road, which would run from Flass Lane to Colorado Way. Funding for the road would come from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority as part of the £1.4 billion transport
HOUSING IN THE PIPELINE Glasshoughton could see 900 new homes built.
improvements being spent throughout the county. Harworth plans to sell the first parcel of engineered land, which could accommodate up to 140 units, to housebuilders in 2016. It is hoped the homes would be built over three years.
WE PLAN TO DELIVER NEW HOMES ON THE SITE FROM NEXT YEAR TIM LOVE, STRATEGIC LAND
The remaining land will be released in phased stages and it is expected that the development will be complete and occupied by 2024. Tim Love, director of Strategic Land, said: “We’re delighted that we have received another planning consent in Yorkshire and we look forward to building on what we have achieved at the nearby Prince of Wales development. Castleford is a strong local housing market due to its location and the competitive pricing of the housing on offer and we plan to deliver new homes on the site from next year.”
Riverside and Wakefield Council – working together to transform lives Riverside has a strong and successful partnership with Wakefield Council working with them to deliver first class housing services for our tenants and residents. We will soon be completing 36 homes for affordable rent in Gibson Close, Wakefield. These will be a mix of two and three bedroom houses. The site has been derelict for a number of years with the prime source of funding from the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA).
We have six, three bedroom and fourteen, two bedroom houses available which will be advertised on www.zoopla.co.uk and on Wakefield’s Homesearch website via www.wdhomesearch.co.uk or by calling 0344 9 02 02 02 Offers of accommodation will be subject to pre-‐tenancy checks which includes affordability and reference checks, a transfer inspection of current home and other appropriate references.
To find out more about Riverside and the work we do, visit: www.riverside.org.uk
KENSINGTON PARK Queen Street, Great Preston, LS26 8AL 3 & 4 bedroom homes from £174,995
Call 0113 887 2138
PIPERS GREEN St James Way, Crigglestone, WF4 3HY
3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes from £189,995
Call 01924 566 752
XPRESSIONS Cutsyke Road, Castleford, WF10 5JF
3 & 4 bedroom homes from £154,995
Call 01924 566 783
COLLIERS COURT Pontefract Road, Featherstone, WF7 5AA
2 & 3 bedroom homes from £129,995
Call 01977 800 746
RODEWELLE GREEN Royds Lane, Rothwell, LS26 0BH
4 & 5 bedroom homes from £259,995
Call 0113 887 6381 Sales centres & showhomes open Thursday - Monday 11am - 5pm
CONNECTIVITY CONNECT WAKEFIELD
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THE NETWORK OF MAJOR ROADS SURROUNDING WAKEFIELD HELPS MAKE IT AN ENVIABLE STRATEGIC BASE FOR BUSINESS. AROUND THE M62/M1 CORRIDOR IN PARTICULAR, IS A HUB OF ACTIVITY WORDS KIRSTY MACAULAY
akefield’s location is a major draw for companies that appreciate being a stone’s throw from the M62, which runs from east to west across the country. The district is also on the West-European Economic Corridor, linking it directly to transport by air and sea. It is well situated for the major ports of Hull and Liverpool, as well as Immingham, Grimsby and Goole – gateways to markets in Scandinavia and mainland Europe. This area is also within one hour’s drive from five international airports, offering a host of domestic and international flights.
The outcome of all of these factors? Its accessibility, coupled with the availability of land to make way for housing growth and economic development, place Wakefield in a prime position. Its roads, connections and placement have helped it become one of the most sought-after distribution locations in the north of the country, representing an investment opportunity of more than £250 million. And it's an opportunity that hasn't gone unnoticed, as demonstrated by the latest well-connected schemes unfolding in the UK’s best positioned centre for business.
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DRIVING CONNECTIVITY
CONNECTIVITY
SILKWOOD PARK, WAKEFIELD
TRI-LINK 140
CONNECT WAKEFIELD
Tri-link 140’s scheme provides 13,192sq m of space in a prime location offering 12,542sq m of warehouse space alongside 650sq m of office plus reception space across two floors. The site is a joint project between Kier, Maple Grove Developments and Yorvale. It has 34 HGV spaces, 126 car spaces and is one minute from junction 31 of the M62.
ACCESSIBLE WAREHOUSES Kier, Maple Grove Developments and Yorvale are behind Tri-link 140.
Silkwood Park comprises a greenfield development on a 40-ha site adjacent to junction 40 of the M1 motorway, some two miles to the west of Wakefield city centre. The scheme has been undertaken as a mixed-use development and in addition to office and industrial/distribution users, has attracted international hotel chain Days Hotel, a Total Fitness Health Club and Benfield Toyota to the location. Following bespoke developments for the likes of Ahead Distribution and global metal fabrication company Technal, some 9ha of development land remain available. The land comes with the benefit of an outline planning permission for further B1 (office), B2 (general industrial) and B8 (storage and distribution) employment uses.
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POUNDWORLD
WAKEFIELD EUROHUB
London Metric Property has agreed a £39.4 million deal to purchase and forward fund the development of a 48,681sq m Poundworld distribution centre in Wakefield. The warehouse will be let to Poundworld Retail on a 15-year lease at a rent of £2.5 million per year. Construction started this summer and is set for completion by autumn 2016. The site is due to bring an additional 300 jobs.
Parabola Capital has recently refurbished a distribution warehouse facility located at Wakefield Eurohub. The building offers 17,652sq m of space with a capacity to provide up to 24,000 pallet locations. Office space is also available over two floors.
CALDER PARK Calder Park is an established business park set within 97 hectares of land, including a 40.5-hectare nature reserve, just off junction 39 of the M1. Developers Peel Land and Property has planning consent for up to 139,355sq m of bespoke office accommodation on the site with buildings from 929sq m upwards. Calder Park already has more than 70 occupiers including a Premier Inn and two pub/restaurants. Plans are also under way for an amenities village, which is set to include a creche and retail units.
E3 E3 is a brand new manufacturing/warehouse facility offering 2,941sq m, including office space, to let on Trident Park.
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Mount Park is a brand new industrial/logistics facility located at Wakefield Europort. The build will provide Grade A specification space with BREEAM rating ‘very good’. The building will offer 12,356sq m of space with facilities delivered to the company specification.
PHOTON PARK Photon Park is a joint project between Carter Jonas and Illuminating Investments. Next to Normanton Industrial Estates, the site contains two new buildings. The first, Grade A specification, could accommodate offices, laboratories or R&D facilities within 32,516sq m of floor space. The second building, linked by a glass corridor, is a manufacturing/ industrial facility with office space across 5,017sq m. The park has 244 parking spaces and 1.2ha of expansion land located with easy access to junction 31 of the M62.
TAILORED LOGISTICS SPACE Mount Park is set to provide space to fit companies' requirements.
A DOUBLE OPPORTUNITY Two new buildings are at Photon Park, offering diverse opportunities.
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MOUNT PARK
CONNECTIVITY CONNECT WAKEFIELD
HARIBO The new Haribo factory, which will create almost 300 jobs, was expected to open at the beginning of 2016. The site, which spans 30,700sq m, will have a steel-framed energy
A SWEET FUTURE IN WAKEFIELD Factory to create up to 300 jobs.
centre and substation, which will power the facility. The unit will produce 48,000 tonnes of sweets a year. The build is now complete, but not yet fully operational.
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CROSSPOINT WAKEFIELD
NEWCOLD
The Crosspoint33 scheme will create two distribution centres. TK Maxx will run distribution from one building, which will provide 120,774sq m of space and support around 2,000 jobs. The building is managed by Caddick Developments and built by Caddick Construction. Completion is expected in early 2017. The ÂŁ100 million scheme will also provide a further 49,703sq m of development space. Phase two will be on a build-to-suit basis.
G PARK WAKEFIELD EUROPORT G Park at Wakefield Europort is an established logistics and distribution location, with the additional benefit of a rail terminal for freight purposes, connecting Wakefield with the Eurotunnel for easy distribution across Europe. The park currently has a large (26,196sq m) warehouse with office space set across three floors. Other buildings on the site are occupied by Asda and Kuehne + Nagel.
G@GLASSHOUGHTON Wykeland is developing four sites across 9.7 hectares at G@Glasshoughton. Buildings range from 464.5sq m to 23,226sq m with consent for B1, B2 and B8 uses. Just off junction 32 of the M62, the location is home to office, production, distribution operators, retail and leisure.
NewCold has created a fully automated cold storage unit on Newmarket Lane just off junction 30 of the M62. The first pallets were delivered to the unit in April 2015 and NewCold already has plans for phase two of the development, which will double storage volume and handling capacity.
COLD STORAGE SITE ADVANCES Lying off junction 30 of the M62, the NewCold site is well located.
30,000 acres across 200+ sites
Harworth Estates is the region’s largest regeneration company. With over forty prime sites across Yorkshire, we deliver sustainable developments that create new jobs, homes and places to be.
www.harworthestates.co.uk
Brookfields - Rotherham 85 acre industrial, warehouse & offices
Knottingley East - Wakefield 100 acre mixed-use development Cortonwood - Rotherham 700 residential homes
Smithy Wood - Sheffield Business & office park
Active in...
Yorkshire
St. Paul’s Developments plc Ground Floor, 2 Phoenix Riverside, Rotherham, S60 1FL
Tel: 01709 373 592
w w w. st - p a uls. c o. uk
BUSINESS GROWTH CONNECT WAKEFIELD
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FASHION GIANT TK MAXX CHOSE WAKEFIELD FOR ITS NEW GRAND-SCALE DISTRIBUTION CENTRE. CONNECT WAKEFIELD DISCOVERS WHY IT WAS THE OBVIOUS CHOICE WHEN EFFICIENCY OF SUPPLY IS EVERYTHING WORDS DAVID GRAY
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FAST FASHION
BUSINESS GROWTH CONNECT WAKEFIELD
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Clothing chain TK Maxx has 21 stores in Yorkshire, and its new Knottingley distribution centre is due to open in January 2017.
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K Maxx, one of Europe’s largest clothing chains, is to create a huge new distribution centre at Knottingley. Construction is already under way and it is set to open in January 2017, providing up to 2,700 jobs and placing Wakefield at the heart of this international company’s ambitious expansion plans. Since 1994, TK Maxx has been owned in the UK by TJX, which has more than 3,300 fashion and homeware stores across North America and Europe. Its strategy? To sell large volumes of well-known fashion brands at up to 60% less than recommended prices. Besides clever buying, this requires an extraordinarily efficient supply chain. Distribution, therefore, is at the heart of the company’s success. The attraction of Wakefield, where TK Maxx already has a processing centre, is the location of the 12.14-ha site. It sits next to the M62 and A1, with good access to Leeds and Manchester as well as the ports of Liverpool and Hull. Other recent retail occupiers in the area include B&Q, Next and Asda. The distribution and processing centre will cover an area of 58,993sq m and its three mezzanine floors will add a further 71,071sq m of useable space. Under a deal in which the land was purchased by Tritax Big Box REIT and the development undertaken by Caddick Group, the completed building will be occupied solely by TK Maxx on a 20-year lease. The total investment in the land and development is around £59 million. This is phase one of the development at Knottingley and the whole site can also provide 49,703sq m for other occupiers.
T
Paul Hunter, group operations director for TJX Europe, says of the project: “This is an exciting moment in the future growth of TJX Europe and we are delighted to be part of this community and creating many additional employment opportunities over the forthcoming years. We look forward to being open for business in 2017.” TK Maxx, which has its UK headquarters in Watford, has recently been named by Glassdoor recruitment agency
THIS IS AN EXCITING MOMENT IN THE FUTURE GROWTH OF TJX EUROPE PAUL HUNTER, GROUP OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
as the UK’s friendliest employer. It already has 21 stores in Yorkshire including one in Cathedral Walk in Wakefield. Across Europe, TJX has more than 400 stores in six countries and intends to increase its network to almost 1,000 outlets within seven years. Investment of this kind by such a major international retailer is a coup for Wakefield, a long-term boost for the area and symbolic of the confidence it inspires.
PARTNERS GROUP JOINING TOGETHER TO SUPPORT WAKEFIELD
Burberry uk.burberry.com
Wakefield Bondholders Kelly Smith kesmith@wakefield.gov.uk
Coca-Cola Enterprises Serena Taylor seltaylor@cokecce.com
Peter Duffy Emma Bird e.bird@peterduffyltd.com
Haribo Emma Lupton emma.lupton@opencomms.co.uk
NewCold Ray Perry ray.perry@newcold.com
Mountpark David Carvey dcarvey@mountpark.com
Stoford Daniel Gallagher d.gallagher@stoford.com
Waystone Helen McLoughlin helen.mcloughlin@waystone.co.uk
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SKILLS
BRIDGING THE GAP WORDS SURUCHI SHARMA
CONNECT WAKEFIELD
WHILE UK BUSINESSES GRAPPLE WITH SKILLS SHORTAGES, WAKEFIELD IS HOME TO AMBITION-BOOSTING INITIATIVES FOR YOUNG AND GROWING FIRMS. CONNECT WAKEFIELD FINDS OUT ABOUT THE LEAN, TARGETED SUPPORT ON OFFER
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WE’VE USED THE LEP FUNDING TO IMPROVE THE SKILLS OF OUR WELDERS MICHELLE PARKS, ADVANCED DIESEL ENGINEERING
responded by providing funding for skills development, and some of this has been put to use via the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) offering skills support to SMEs. There is a funding pot of £13.9 million, to which applications can be submitted until March 2017 by SMEs in the Leeds City Region, which includes Wakefield. To be eligible, companies have to employ fewer than 250 people and have an annual turnover of less than €50 million.
Successful bidders could receive between £500 and £50,000 in funding. Manufacturing and engineering skills shortages are high on the list of priorities in today’s market. Advanced Diesel Engineering is one company trying to help workers gain skills, and also successfully applied for funding from the LEP. Michelle Parks is the company’s business improvement administrator and speaks with pride of how the firm has just taken on five apprentices. It now employs 91. The company started life in Doncaster in 1990 before moving to the South Kirkby area of Wakefield in 2003. She says: “We’ve used the LEP funding to improve the skills of our welders and are now going to apply to put them through their coded welding testing. We recognise that good skills and continued development within our workforce are important for our company in its growth.” Parks says she would strongly encourage other SMEs to apply for the Skills Service funding offered by the LEP, and is now considering going one step further by working with other firms in the area. She adds: “We have had a meeting with regards to local businesses coming together and possibly all putting a little into the pot to provide for training. Instead of just training our employees here and other companies carrying out exactly the same training at their premises, we would tell them what we specialise in and they could send their workers to train here and vice versa.
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n old joke asks how many health and safety officers it takes to change a light bulb. The answer is four. Two to hold the ladder, one to screw in the bulb and one to observe correct procedure is being followed. Although a clear swipe at the rigorous nature of modern health and safety practices, every person has a role to play in this scenario. Without their help, the job is made harder. UK industries are suffering a skills shortage at present, in vital sectors such as logistics, manufacturing and business and financial services. The government has
A
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“It's all about coming together and helping each other out to get skills to a high level.” Although the LEP delivers the funding, Wakefield Council champions its benefits and emphasises the need to help small and medium-sized companies. Councillor Denise Jeffery, cabinet member for economic skills and growth, says: “The skills gaps in big businesses differ from SMEs as small businesses need to invest in leadership and management, whereas bigger organisations have the management structure already. It’s important that all companies provide their employees with skills to help them advance their careers, while also running their business day-to-day. “We have found that small and medium-sized businesses in Wakefield are very keen to help build skills in their workforce. It’s a really exciting time for employers and a wonderful opportunity to get involved with training and development through this funding. It can only mean good things for companies in Wakefield.” SKILLS GAP The Confederation of British Industry reported last year that the UK is lacking in workers skilled in STEM subjects: science, technology, engineering and maths. And in October 2014, the UK Commission for Employment and Skills found that UK logistics firms, which employ around 2.2 million people, were lagging behind their European counterparts in terms of training and education. In July this year the annual CBI/Pearson Education and Skills Survey similarly indicated that higher-level skills will be needed in construction, manufacturing and
DID YOU KNOW?
1.9m
With a working age population of 1.9 million, Leeds City Region is the largest labour market in the UK outside London. The LEP Skills Service is a private sector-led initiative.
Both accredited and non-accredited training can be eligible for up to 50% match funding. 37.6% of the funding to date has gone into the manufacturing and engineering sector.
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Wakefield has a higher percentage of enquiries for funding than any other region, and a higher percentage of Wakefield residents than people from Leeds are receiving training through the Skills Service. Key sectors include: creative and digital; finance and business; hospitality and tourism; low carbon; construction; manufacturing and engineering; medical technologies; transport and logistics.
LEFT AND RIGHT SMEs in Wakefield are benefiting from skills support funding through the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership.
engineering as well as in science and high-tech industries. In Wakefield, the problem is being tackled head on. Jeffery says: “Learning skills on the job has become increasingly important as one of the reasons for the skills shortage is students not taking up STEM subjects in further and higher education. The Leeds City Region has an impressive output of graduates in STEM disciplines, but unfortunately many of these do not stay to find work within the area. “Overall, more needs to be done to encourage STEM graduates to stay within the region, and particularly in manufacturing firms.”
IT'S IMPORTANT THAT ALL COMPANIES PROVIDE THEIR EMPLOYEES WITH SKILLS COUNCILLOR DENISE JEFFERY
Jeremy Smith is director of packaging company Custompac and employs 26 workers from a base in the Castleford area of Wakefield. Smith believes it is vital that the skills possessed by employees in the manufacturing sector are improved. “We need to work very hard to protect manufacturing and the related skill sets that remain: they have taken generations to build and develop,” he says. “The UK as a whole is highly recognised for ingenuity in the manufacturing sector, and we need to ensure that manufacturing remains strong and within the UK.”
capturing the imagination wakefield’s blooming visitor economy THRILL
WAKEFIELD SIGHTS BOOST TOURIST INDUSTRY
SKILL
INVESTMENT IN WORKFORCE PAYS DIVIDENDS
WILL
COMMITMENT AND TEAMWORK DRIVE PROGRESS
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