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WAS IT YOUR LUCKY DAY TODAY? DID SOMEONE FIND YOU ONLINE?
Do you rely on digital marketing and social media because it’s a cheap option? Do you rely on your website for sales? Ask yourself this question. If you have a product or service that I don’t know about, how can I search online for it? We all know when we need to buy new shoes, double glazing or a software package to run our accounts, we head to Google to find a solution. But what about those products and services that people don’t know exist, they can’t be searched online for. You may have an amazing solution to my business problems but I don’t know that it exists, so I don’t know I need it! When that product or service is printed it is seen. In print, not only do you remind people of your brand, you might just be telling someone something they never thought to look up online!
Had we seen it in print, we would `have visited the website
An example recently was when we visited a company who told us about something they sell that we were unaware of. “But it’s on our website they said” but we didn’t know you sold that product, so why would we look on your website was our answer! Ask today about becoming a TopicUK partner and have the best of both print and digital across Yorkshire for less cost than you think!
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Contents & Comments THIS ISSUE New home for Leeds Festival PAGE 08
Film Company appoints Sir Rodney Walker PAGE 24
Fine dining at The Dakota Leeds PAGE 48
Flying the flag Yorkshire 26 Connecting faster than ever before 55 for science and innovation
The making of a goldmine PAGE 60
House on Cold Hill is just Grand PAGE 79
Zulfi Continues his global promise PAGE 82
Cover: CityFibre’s Steve Moore & Kim Johnson
57 Scarborough Fare
Ascot comes to Bibis 81 Royal
Image: Daniel Oxtoby The views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those held by the publishers and therefore, no responsibility can be held by the publisher for misinterpretation. Reproduction of this magazine without the express permission of the publisher is prohibited. Whilst every care is taken in the production of this magazine, the publisher/editor and staff cannot accept any responsibility for errors in articles, advertisements or programme schedules. To subscribe to this magazine contact 07711 539047 or email editor@topicuk.co.uk. Published by Ghost Publishing Limited, Paragon Point, Paragon Business Village, Red Hall Crescent, Wakefield WF1 2DF. Law pages are written by Chadwick Lawrence & Ramsdens Solicitors LLP and TopicUK is not responsible for any advice given.
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For a full list of where you can pick up your free copy visit our website: www.topicuk.co.uk
Editors notes by Group Editor Gill Laidler
Welcome to this edition as we celebrate six years of producing TopicUK. Our team has grown considerably since we launched but sadly I would like to thank our outgoing editor Alex Mason for his work on TopicUK, as he leaves us to concentrate on his growing PR business. It is with delight however that we welcome new partners Community Foundation for Calderdale and The Piece Hall, Halifax and we are looking forward to sharing all their news with you both in print and online. On our cover, we feature our partners CityFibre, a fast growing company across the region and we introduce their latest recruits Kim Johnson and Steven Moore. You can read the full story on page 26. This issue, we are putting the Spotlight on Scarborough and
the East Coast and thank former Scarborough Evening News / Whitby Gazette editor Ed Asquith for putting this together for us. Going forward, we hope to continue working with Ed on this beautiful area of Yorkshire. My thanks go as usual to Kevin Trickett MBE for our latest restaurant review, where he visited the elegant and stylish Dakota Hotel Leeds. You can read his article on page 48. I was also invited to Gino’s new restaurant at The Springs, Thorpe Park, Leeds. You can find out more about that on page 52. I’ve had many trips to beautiful The Grand Theatre since our last edition, my favourite production of the year so far, Darren Litten’s Benidorm, where I was also lucky enough to interview Jake Canuso, who plays Mateo. I have many more trips planned, the next to see The House on Cold Hill. You can read my interview about this spine-chilling thriller with Joe McFadden on page 79. We also ran a competition and five lucky readers won a pair of tickets to see The Full Monty, starring Gary Lucy. There are more competitions online at www. topicuk.co.uk notably to win tickets to see Take That at The John Smith Stadium. We’ve enjoyed a very busy couple of months attending the Ackworth School Careers event where we
were able to share journalism and publishing skills with students. I visited The Grand Hotel’s new Cookery School in York with my friend Claire Young, celebrated International Women’s Day at Northern Ballet in conjunction with Leeds City Council and the BBC, attended a dinner where the guest speaker was the RT Hon Dominic Raab MP, of course the subject which I try to avoid, Brexit. Finally I was delighted to be a guest at both The Theatre Royal Wakefield Gala Dinner and Penny Appeal 10 year Anniversary Dinner. We have the Star Women in Business Awards in Scarborough to look forward to, the Children of Courage Launch Party and Unsung Heroes Awards as well as the Yorkshire Business Market, all of which TopicUK are media partners. Finally, as we go to print, it is York Fashion Week and fashion designer to the stars and former director of Mulberry, Scott Henshall has agreed to share his journey from his roots in York to the red carpet. There will also be a focus on York businesses. If you would like to be featured, do get in touch. Don’t forget, you can now subscribe to TopicUK so you never miss an issue, call us for details.
Group Editor Gill Laidler
Design Rob Blackwell Business Executive Mandy Taylor
Distribution Manager James Longbottom
Illustration
Buttercrumble
The Arts
Murray Edwards The Grand Theatre
Legal Matters
Ramsdens Solicitors Chadwick Lawrence
Food & Drink
Kevin Trickett MBE Create Restaurant
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UPDATE
The Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre celebrates 10th anniversary
News
The Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre hosted an event to bring together a wide range of people to celebrate their success over the last decade.
Elsie Whiteley was born in Halifax and started as a machinist working in a Mill. She was one of the first self-made business women from Halifax and showed an entrepreneurial spirit that is still alive in the centre today. Her career saw a meteoric rise as women started going to work and needed something to wear. One of her 6 mills was on the site of the now named Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre and she sold to thousands of retailers including John Lewis, Fenwick and Selfridge’s. As manufacturing moved out of the UK, the building fell into disrepair. Calderdale Council worked in partnership with Yorkshire Forward using European Development Fund money to redevelop the site. After over £5m of investment, it opened it’s doors to be a home for over 30 creative, digital and innovative companies. The Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre is owned by
Leeds-based automotive tech brand DealTrak, has today announced the launch of its new compliance module – a customisable integration which will aid dealership efficiency and compliance. Seeking to ease some of the legislative challenges facing motor dealers, brokers, and F&I partners in the current climate, the latest addition to the DealTrak platform has been developed to assist in managing regulated activity for the sale of automotive finance and insurance products. The system can be configured to handle finance suitability decisions as well as insurance statements of demands and needs. As a result, dealerships can easily establish a prescribed sales process which
DealTrak platform unveils new compliance module prompts users to input the right customer information, at the right time.
“Problems of this scale cannot be eradicated by one organisation...” With users also able to input their own parameters, the resulting framework enables dealers to ensure
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they comply with their regulatory responsibilities – with all records time and date-stamped, and securely stored for a comprehensive audit trail. In line with GDPR legislation, the inbuilt data processing element can save, store and share documentation, while also handling consent processing, data retention and deletion obligations on behalf of the user. Christian Ingrey, head of insurance
N N EE W W SS UU PP DD AA TT EE Halifax Opportunities Trust (HOT) and as a social enterprise can put profit from renting out office and meeting room space back into the projects to support the community. Alison Haskins, CEO said: “We’ve had many successes over the years in community projects and we have helped over 30 start up businesses. We truly are a social enterprise and it’s great that we can make a difference and help support our community.” The celebratory event attracted people from different parts of the community from dignitaries, The Mayor and Mayoress of Calderdale, Elsie Whiteley’s sons businesses, key partners and people who used to work for Elsie Whiteley. Guests enjoyed viewing the timeline of the Centre, and shared stories prompted by looking at Elsie Whiteley clothes and memorabilia, and watching films showing the restoration project and when it was officially opened by Princess Anne. Jon Crowther from Calderdale Council who worked on the project redeveloping the site reflected, “looking back, the renovation of the centre was a massive project and acted as a catalyst to improve the link between Park Ward and the town centre. It’s had a ripple effect, not
just creating jobs and a home for businesses, but other positives have come from it too such as making the area safer and attracting other developments.” Winne Dobson (nee Naylor) explained, “I used to work for Elsie Whiteley as a machinist and she was great to work for. I knew Elsie’s Son’s and have been reminiscing with them and laughing
about old times. It’s been lovely to see the clothes on show and look back and share our stories.” Jeanette Harkness is a Trustee of the centre she commented, “I am also a tenant and it was nice to find out more about the history of Elsie Whiteley, the building and meet past Trustees and people connected with the Centre over the years.”
sale of F&I products in order to deliver their sales targets. With that in mind, it’s vital that efficient – and compliant – processes are in place to offer motor dealers a competitive advantage. “All of our clients handle some sort of regulated activity – whether that be finance, insurance or both – and although DealTrak doesn’t mandate the sales process, the software allows for thirdparty users to configure the sales process in in their own way, providing the right tools to do the job properly.”
and data strategy at DealTrak, said;
or a multi-rooftop franchised dealer,
“Whether a small, independent retailer,
most motor retailers rely heavily on the
Facilitating automotive finance and insurance transactions, as well as providing daily F&I administration, management and reporting activities as standard, the DealTrak platform is used by 1,100 dealerships across the UK, and processed in excess of 3.6 million proposals in 2018 alone. TopicUK April/March2019
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New home for Leeds International Festival Village and activities in venues across the city centre. Andrew Cooper, LeedsBID Chief Executive said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with a venue of such cultural significance and heritage on a site key to a brand new development of the city centre, to bring this physical focal point for Leeds International Festival in 2019.
In a unique partnership, festival organisers LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District), The Tetley and developer and land owner Vastint are collaborating to create a cultural hub in this iconic city centre location. The alliance brings together the UK’s leading metropolitan festival of new ideas and innovation with a pioneering venue synonymous with fresh and emerging artists and talent, showcasing and supporting original and exciting works, located in the heart of the city’s South Bank transformation. Leeds International Festival returns for the third year from 2nd-12th May, with a programme packed with global creators, thinkers, speakers
and performers sharing the stage with homegrown creative talent from Leeds’ rich cultural community. This year’s festival, L19, will bring The Tetley site to life with an eclectic array of events and performances over a 10day period; many specially commissioned as the result of an open call process introduced for this year’s programming. The Village will be situated in front of the stunning art deco
LeedsBID Chief Executive Andrew Cooper, Gemma Holsgrove, Festival Executive for Leeds International Festival, Valli van Zijl, Vastint Regeneration Manager, and Morgan Cope General Manager of Tetley Bar & Kitchen.
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headquarters of the former Tetley Brewery and will house an impressive 20m temporary event structure (The L19 Cube @ the Village) surrounded by food and drink pop-ups. It will host gigs, conferences, talks and family friendly events, with big names on the bill already announced including Frank Bruno MBE, Matt Haig, Professor Alice Roberts, Dr John Cooper Clarke, Tommy Cash, and Crazy P. More will be revealed in the coming weeks. In addition to the Village, Leeds International Festival will also present an additional new area called The Discovery Zone (hosting free-to-attend events for all the family) for 2019 as well as holding events
LeedsBID’s overriding objective is to make new things happen, providing additionally for the greater good of the city – the international festival celebrates Leeds as an ambitious, international, innovative and forward-thinking city, raising its profile locally, nationally and globally and provides the opportunity for all sectors of the community to share in and benefit.” Andrew Cobden, Managing Director of Vastint UK said: “Leeds International Festival is exactly the kind of event we want to host. This exciting citywide event shows the potential of the South Bank to bring Leeds together and celebrate its rich cultural diversity.” L19 is set to wow, with new CORE and OFF programmes, dividing the line-up between inte rnationally re no wned speakers and more upcoming and diverse acts and events. More info and tickets on sale at www.leedsinternationalfestival. com
A D VER T OR I AL Events for supporters and potential new supporters, the first of which is scheduled for Thursday 9th May 2019 at Halifax Minster (arrival from 5pm, main event 5.30 to 6.30pm finish, stay on if you want to). This will focus on one of our strategic priority themes, Housing and Homelessness, and will feature input from two of our partners: WomenCentre, which is developing a supported housing scheme for women escaping domestic abuse; and ABS Print, which runs its ABS Foundation and pioneered the very successful Home Run project. There will be specific opportunities to keep up to date with and contribute to this and related work, should you choose to do so. Book a place here www.cffc.co.uk/ foundationclub Other opportunities
Community Foundation for Calderdale Do you or your business support charities working in Calderdale? Do you wish you could do more to support people in the area where you live or work? If so, we can help.
Named Funds
statutory organisations, and funding bodies. Named Funds provide a simple, effective alternative to establishing an independent Charitable Trust. We handle the investment, compliance, governance, and grantmaking processes, helping to direct funding to charitable initiatives that match your values and intentions and make a real difference now and into the future. You can have as much involvement in the process as you choose. We can match your funding in some situations, using other funding under our management, enabling you to boost your impact.
We manage a portfolio of Named Funds across Calderdale on behalf of individuals, families, businesses,
You might be interested in our upcoming after-work Reception
We s u p p o r t c h a r i t i e s a n d voluntary groups across Calderdale, working with them to help create opportunities for people who need help the most. We do this by distributing grants, making loans, and sharing expertise, acting as a catalyst for positive change. Many local individuals and businesses contribute to this work. Following, we feature ways in which you can join them, to make a difference in the area where you live or work.
Reception Events
Donations, sponsorship, Foundation Club membership, and further Reception Events are scheduled for Wednesday 17th July and Thursday 17th October 2019 (focusing on different strategic priority themes) will be featured in future editions of Topic UK.
Contacts
We would be delighted to discuss any aspect of the above with you:
• Emma Woods-Bolger, Assistant Director, Emma@cffc.co.uk, 01422 438734 • Ian Leedham, Development Manager, IanL@cffc.co.uk, 01422 438732 • If you live or work elsewhere in Yorkshire, please contact your local Community Foundation: www.ukcommunityfoundations. org/our-network > this lists all 46 UK Community Foundations > select ‘Yorkshire and Humberside’ to list the six Yorkshire Community Foundations
TopicUKApril/May2019
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UPDATE Intertrain, the largest commercial railway training provider in the UK, is looking ahead to expand into the Health and Safet y and Construction Safety sectors having recently diversified as a training company to satisfy their clients’ wider training requirements...
News
To help with this, Intertrain enlisted the assistance of Business Doncaster, a partner of the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub Enhancement Project. The Enhancement Project is aimed at supporting growth businesses and is financed by the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.
Honouring our Children of Courage The official launch party for this year’s Children of Courage Awards will take place at 6pm on 1 May in The Long Room at Emerald Headingley Stadium where we look for ward to welcoming sponsors, past winners and many supporters of the event. Our very special guest Paul Chuckle will be present along with Eddie and Linda Gray and our ‘Friends’ DJ’s JoJo and Stephanie Hirst. It is rumoured that Minnie and Mickey Mouse will also be putting in an appearance and the three charities selected for the prestigious 2019 Group Award.
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Entertainment will be provided by one of last year’s winners, Ella Playford, who is a 16 year old singer / songwriter from Leeds and has just released her first EP of original songs. Lots of fun to be had with Mocktails, ice-creams, Hotdogs, goodie bags, face painting and some adorable cuddly toys for all the children present. We have limited tickets, tables and sponsorship packages still available, details of which can be found at www.yorkshirechildren.co.uk
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Everything is on track The Doncaster-based company, which was established in 1997 and has since grown from a team of two to a 60-strong workforce of trainers and assessors, specialising in providing high-quality training in construction, rail and health & safety as well as offering Level 2 and 3 Apprenticeships in Railway Engineering and Management. With training centres across the UK, including in Scotland and Wales, Intertrain has utilised the support from Business Doncaster to ensure its managers are equipped with the most effective management styles and internal engagement approaches. Having received a Gold NSAR (National Skills Academy for Rail) standard rating in 2018, the top
level attainable, Intertrain is now working towards further growth over the next 12 months.
Project funded Key Account Manager at Business Doncaster added: “Continually reviewing your processes and taking time out to work on perfecting management techniques is essential, especially in order to keep up with the pace of change in the business world.
Development Manager at Intertrain, Sam Raeburn commented: “As part of our overarching business plan, and as we’re beginning to branch out into new fields, the training and “We’re thrilled that Intertrain has advice that Business Doncaster benefitted so much from our range of Masterclasses and we look was able to provide was vital. forward to continue supporting “The Business Doncaster team has them as they head towards further been extremely accommodating, expansion.” always providing very professional support. They are giving us exactly T h e E n h a n c e m e n t P r o j e c t what we need to keep growing, provides businesses with intensive not just in our current sector but one-to-one support from a Key beyond too – and that should Account Manager and access to free Masterclasses delivered by make for an exciting future.” Sharon Finch, Enhancement private sector experts.
Family solicitor joins Halifax legal practice Halifax law firm Wilkinson Woodward Bearders has announced the appointment of local solicitor Lepe SalamPir to their Family team. Lepe brings with her over twelve years’ experience in family law. Lepe studied law at London Metropolitan University and qualified as a solicitor in 2006. She specialises in all aspects of family law including divorce, separation and the dissolution of civil partnerships, cohabitation, children disputes, property and financial matters. Lepe speaks fluent Bengali and lives on the outskirts of Bradford with her husband and their three children. Commenting on her appointment, she said, “I am delighted to be working in my home county of Yorkshire and am proud to be joining Wilkinson Woodward Bearders, a trusted name in Calderdale.” Managing Director Maureen Cawthorn extended a warm welcome to Lepe commenting, “We are pleased to welcome Lepe to our busy Halifax team. Her appointment forms part of our continuing plans to expand in Calderdale.” TopicUKApril/May2019
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UPDAT E and three International judges including Parris Crossley, will be on hand to judge and demo, plus a breaking showcase battle.
Celebrate Leeds creative culture with first Street Fest StreetFest hits the road for the first time, debuting in Leeds with DJ Semtex headlining at Canal Mills on Saturday 11 May.
StreetFest offers a strong musical programme embodying a mix of both established and up-and-coming bands, artists and DJs from the urban scene. StreetFest has long prided itself to be early champions of some of music’s hottest names. Previous live artists have included Afrikan Boy, Stush, Goldie, Miss Dynamite, Loyle Carner, Oddisee, Professor Green, HUDSON, Wretch 32, Devlin, Maverick Sabre and Ghost Poet.
StreetFest Leeds will be the start of a three date UK tour for the leading immersive, live arts festival that will hit Liverpool and London later in the year. The inaugural StreetFest Leeds will be curated in collaboration with the best creative talent Leeds has to offer, featuring live art, musical performances, DJ and MC battles, street dance, workshops, live demos, competitions from skate gurus and so much more. Canal Mills is Leeds’ ultimate space for creative arts, StreetFest Leeds will bring together the cream of the city’s creative community including performers, painters, poets, designers, illustrators, graffiti artists, tattooists, singers, skaters, parkour practitioners, street dancers and writers. Leeds artists of the highest calibre will jam, battle and play with the rest of the UK’s leading creative minds for an epic 12 hour feast of the arts, from 2pm-2am. After last summer’s incredible 10 year anniversary celebration, StreetFest has its sights on an even more ambitious prize for its 11th year, kicking off with one almighty 12 hour celebration, including highlights: Visual Arts: Curated by PaintFreaks, 25 local and internationally celebrated graffiti and street artists, painters and illustrators including Veno and Simon Hook, will create a colourful kaleidoscope of murals on huge canvases
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Sport: Skateboarders will introduce their ‘culture’ through various showcases and demonstrations via specifically constructed circuits across the venue. Mini-Ramp Jam will be curated by Learn to Skateboard. Professional and amateur skate competitions on a 32ft half pipe with over 40 skaters including Ben Groves, competing with their best tricks for cash prizes.
in and around the festival painted in real time. Music: Two stages of live music, DJ and dynamic performance. Live headliner will soon be announced, alongside DJ Semtex who will be joined by residents from Musicology and License to Jungle, plus Flame Griller, Budrat Records and Defenders Of Style. Dance stage: Real time dance battles, shows & demonstrations will take place during the day, with hip hop and funk classics from Leeds based DJ collective Fresh Jive. The Dance stage is for the 7th year curated by women in hip hop organisation b.supreme. The day will feature Explosive UK, an emerging dance collective from Leeds City College, plus the best of the Leeds dance scene. Featuring hip hop dance battles, an 80s theme disco with prizes. Highlights will include; All Style Dance Battle preliminaries, battle (top 8) and Final staggered throughout the day. B-Girl SunSun will be master of ceremonies
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Founder Bayo Alaba said “StreetFest continues to grow, now in its eleventh year, it’s truly exciting to break the mould by launching Leeds as part of a new 3 date UK tour. We are proud to innovate every year and 2019 is going to be bigger than ever, kicking off with the best of Leeds’ creative mavericks and arts innovators. Attendees will not only see live art they will be a part of creating it during the festival.” Headliner and Capital Xtra’s DJ Semtex added “I’m looking forward to going on the road with Streetfest this year. It has been at the forefront of urban arts and culture for many years, which is testament to their tireless commitment. It’s great to be back in Leeds – one of the hottest shows of the year” Date: 11th May Address: Leeds, Canal Mills, Brandon St, Leeds LS12 2EB Time: 2PM – 2AM Tickets: www.streetfest.net
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TopicUKApril/May2019
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News
Businesses tackle food insecurity Ward Hadaway’s Leeds office has partnered with Greggs to sponsor breakfast at Dixons Trinity School in Chapeltown. The initiative forms part of the firm’s ongoing commitment to support local breakfast clubs at schools in Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester. Greggs Breakfast Club Programme has been running since 1999 and aims to help primary school children get a nutritious start to the day. Every school involved in the programme is provided with fresh bread from their local Greggs shop, and there is also a grant to support start-up and ongoing costs. There are now over 500 breakfast clubs providing free breakfasts every school morning to more than 32,000 children. John Murray, Executive Partner for the Leeds office, said: “We recognise that food insecurity is a significant and growing issue in the UK with levels of hunger now some of the worst in Europe, according to a new report from the Environmental Audit Committee. “We are committed to taking steps to help to change this through our CSR activities and that’s why we have partnered with the Greggs Breakfast Club programme to support the tremendous work
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they do with young children across the country.” Lynne Hindmarch, Breakfast Club Manager for the North and Pennines, said: “We are delighted to be working with Ward Hadaway’s Leeds office to support children and families at Dixons Trinity in Chapeltown. We could not do this without the support of firms like them who have similar underlying values to help those within our local communities and where our businesses operate.” Julie Harrison, Partner and Head of the CSR Committee for Ward Hadaway, added: “We have been giving back to the community for 30 years and the Newcastle office has been working in partnership with Greggs Foundation for six years now. We are delighted to now extend our involvement with the Foundation to Yorkshire. “It’s brilliant to be able to work with schools and see the impact that our work with Greggs Foundation can have with them.”
Agency invests in North’s largest digital festival long event, championing the technology sector through meetups, seminars and workshops, hosted by the city’s most talented businesses and entrepreneurs. In 2018, Leeds Digital Festival welcomed 20,000 visitors to 170 events at 60 venues across the city. Leeds Digital Festival’s new website, built by Tall, will be used as a platform to increase awareness about the event and further cement Leeds as the digital capital of the North. A creative agency based in Leeds has partnered with Leeds Digital Festival to create a digital marketing strategy and presence for the event, as it enters its fourth year. Tall has invested £15,000 in the project which will see the build of a new website, ahead of the festival’s opening on 23rd April 2019. Leeds Digital Festival is a two-week-
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Showcasing events, sponsorship news and highlights from 2018, the website has been created using a three-step process which includes launching an initial holding page, followed by a promotional website and an events-focused platform to build interest around the event. Tall will also provide technical support during the event itself and continue to support Leeds Digital Festival with
NEWS UPDATE
Sainsbury’s Trinity Walk Food Donation Drive reaches £5000 Hot on the heels of their ‘Brighten a Million Christmases’ campaign the store is celebrating handing out £5000 of food. All the items that have been collected were passed on to the stores food donation partner, The Well Project. The generous customers at the supermarket have been supporting the food drive since 2016, when the charity was elected to be Sainsbury’s Trinity Walk’s Local Charity Partner of the Year. Since then the partnership has grown, and The charity is now the stores food donation partner. They benefit weekly from the donations, made by customers, into the food tubs at the front of the store. They also collect produce that would otherwise be thrown away. Store Manager Phil Butterfield said “It has been great to work with The Well Project for the last three years. I am proud that our store is making a possitive difference in the community. We can now look forward to reaching our next milestone in food donation” website hosting and certification. Founded by Guy Utley (pictured right) in 2011, with technical director Behrooz Saeed coming on board in 2017, Tall operates in a diverse range of sectors and has built a solid reputation in Leeds as a provider of stunning digital experiences. Other high-profile sponsors of Leeds Digital Festival include Sky Betting and Gaming, City Fibre, Leeds City Council and the University of Leeds.
2018 -
2019
10th Anniversary Year
Be part of Something Special
FRIDAY 17TH MAY 2019
Be part of something special The Well Project’s, Michelle Ne w to n a d d e d “ T h e We l l Project would like to say a big thank you to Sainsbury’s and all its customers who support the food bank. The items given help us improve the lives of those less fortunate in the community”. The Food drive will continue, in aid of The Well Project, at Sainsbury’s Trinity Walk store. Customers can show their support by placing items in the collection tubs at the front of the store. Priority items include Tinned meat, Tinned fish,
Guy commented: “Leeds is a technology powerhouse, bursting with talented entrepreneurs and businesses in this sector. Through our partnership with Leeds Digital Festival, we’re hoping to not only showcase our own talents in the digital sector but also support our fellow digital businesses that operate in this region. “We are proud to play our part in working with this fantastic event and strengthening Leeds’ position as a
Tinned vegetables, Tinned fruit, Tinned soup, Tinned baked beans, Pasta sauces, Pasta, Rice, Cooking oil, Jams, spreads, preserves, Instant coffee, Tea, Milk (UHT or powdered), Fruit juice (long life).
For the third year, the Community Foundation for Wakefield District is holding its volunteer awards to celebrate the outstanding contributions made by Unsung Heroes across the Wakefield District.
Sainsbury’s is committed to making a positive difference in the communities it operates within. As well as 1,190 customer food donation points across 1,084 stores, the supermarket is committed to putting its own surplus food to positive use with 1240 back-of-store food donation partners.
This year we have had a record number of nominations from almost every area of the metropolitan district representing interests as diverse as sport, health, community groups, youth leaders, elderly citizens and some very special young people.
hub for tech and digital excellence.” Leeds Digital Festival director, Stuart Clarke (pictured left) added: “We’re incredibly excited to work alongside Tall; they’re clearly very talented and the team has a lot of experience when it comes to supporting businesses with their digital strategies. “The website has given us a platform to celebrate Leeds Digital Festival and the brilliant digital culture that we have in Leeds.”
Each one of our Heroes make Wakefield a better place in which to live and work, and without whom our communities would be the poorer. This is a great opportunity to acknowledge their contribution and show your support by attending this year’s event and inviting your customers, suppliers and friends to join you. The event takes place at Cedar Court Hotel, Wakefield, on Friday 17 May 2019. You and your guests will enjoy a champagne reception and a 3-course dinner followed by entertainment in the Cedar Suite. To book your table/seats please contact jon.ingham@wakefieldcf.org. uk TopicUKApril/May2019
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News
Leeds is a city on the up
NEWS
UPDATE
Leeds is a city on the up quite literally when it comes to Merrion Centre in the Arena Quarter. Property investor and car park operator, Town Centre Securities (TCS) PLC has submitted a planning application for a 17-storey office and retail development at the Merrion Centre just above the site of the Home Bargains store. It’s the company’s largest development project to date. Over the last decade, TCS has invested a huge amount of money in the Merrion Centre transforming it into a busy, relevant, mixed-use destination. £70 million has been spent in the last five years alone, on the re-development of Merrion House, an ibis Styles Hotel with adjoining Arnold’s Restaurant & Bar and the fully refurbished 1100 space CitiPark car park, perfect for shoppers, workers and the crowds at the nearby Leeds Arena. The proposed new building, which is being called 100MC, will be built on the site of an old Odeon cinema with plans including a new central welcome hub, co working offices and brand-new head office building for StepChange Debt Charity. There will be more than 10,000 sq ft of ground floor retail space for a refurbished Home Bargains store and 168,810 sq ft of commercial office space over 16 levels. It is anticipated that around 2000 people will work there. After submitting the planning application, Chairman and Chief Executive of TCS Edward Ziff said: “We have identified considerable opportunity within
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our Merrion estate which we believe provides a platform for future growth and we are therefore delighted to submit this important planning application, launching our second 10-year strategy for the Merrion Centre. “We firmly believe we are on the right track with Merrion and will continue to invest in and develop the asset, broadening our offer and delivering more for Leeds from this important mixed-use city centre destination.” Also recently announced is news of more improvements to the Merrion Centre with lofty ambitions, the unveiling of a New York Inspired Restaurant & Bar called Union Square run by the team behind Simpatico Pizza in The Queens Arcade, who recently won the “Innovative Food to go award” at the coveted Papa (Pizza, Pasta & Italian Food Association) awards in London. It will be the first of its kind in the city and offer a wide range of food centred around the culinary mixing pot that is the ‘Big Apple’. A premium casual restaurant and bar with space for 80 diners plus outside seating, during the day it will be home to a substantial
‘grab and go’ food offer serving salad, burgers, wraps and giant fresh slices of pizza and a cool bar by night. 2019 will also see many new brands coming to the Arena Quarter and Merrion Centre, including Blue Sakura, a 150-seater Japanese Sushi and Asian Bar on Merrion Way; Chatime, the popular and loved world renowned Tea House will brew up on Woodhouse Lane and a 120-seater Pizza Express will get a slice of the action on Merrion
Way with additional outdoor space for 36 diners. At night, as the lights go down the music will go up, transforming it into a bustling bar to rival the best of Broadway, which sets to entice those visiting the first direct arena directly opposite and the abundance of venues within the immediate vicinity. As the improvements continue, it seems for this part of Leeds the sky really is the limit.
Searching for the nations successful women
Join the country’s biggest ever search for successful women in business. The Forward Ladies National Awards & Summit recognise the achievements of business women across the UK. They are dedicated to encouraging the growth of women and the National Awards & Summit is a national showcase and celebration of the achievements of successful women across the country. Business needs more female role models. Many studies have proven that girls and young women are negatively affected when they cannot see positive role models in their world – and adult
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women are also disadvantaged by a lack of visible female power. You can now help change this. Nominate your role model, the lady who inspires you most for The Forward Ladies National Awards & Summit 2019. Nominate someone on our website at: https://forwardladies.com/nationalawards/ where you will find all the details. Or you can ask any questions simply tagging us on twitter @ forwardladies
N N EE W W SS U U PP D D AA TT EE
Yorkshire Race Ace Shipley based racing driver, Andy Ace Harrison has been invited by Lord March to race at the prestigious Goodwood Members event as part of celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the Mini.
Andy, who owns Acespeed Historic Motorsport has been racing and rallying mini’s for over 30 years. He recently completed the build of a new race car called Whizz, a tribute to his friend and mentor, Barry Whizzo Williams who was one of the most successful racing drivers of the 1960’s and 70’s. Said Andy; It is a great privilege to be invited by Lord March to take part in this race alongside some of the greatest names in British saloon car racing. The mini has always been close to my heart and I have raced and rallied many of them over the years. It is particularly gratifying that we will
be racing Whizz, as a tribute to Barry who sadly died last year. Regarded as one of the central figures in 1960s British pop culture, the Mini enjoyed huge success from the outset, both as the Austin Seven and the
Morris Mini-Minor, going on to become one of the most recognisable vehicles on British roads. The one-make race, taking place at the event on the 6/7 April, 2019, will showcase
flat-out racing and some of the closest battles of the weekend. It will be called the Betty Richmond Trophy. The mini celebrates is 60th anniversary in 2019 and was built in its original form from 1959 until 2000. Featuring a revolutionary engine layout, the transverse engine front wheel drive layout allowed 80% of the cars floorplan to be used for passengers and luggage. This layout is now used most modern small family cars. The two door car was designed by Sir Alec Issigonis and manufactured all over the world in different variants. BMW acquired the Rover Group (formerly British Leyland) in 1994 and continue to produce a new version of the Mini to the present day. More info and tickets on sale at www. leedsinternationalfestival. com
TopicUKApril/May2019
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IT firm eyes expansion
links, which will help us to attract new and valued talent.”
News Developer and Asset Manager, MEPC, has announced that SCC will be making Wellington Place the site of its brand-new Leeds office.
“This collaboration represents a fantastic opportunity...”
Occupying 3,343 sq. ft. of 1 Wellington Place, the space will welcome ten staff and gives the business room grow to 40 employees as it eyes expansion in Yorkshire. The firm, Europe’s largest privatelyowned IT provider offering technology and cloud solutions to businesses and public sector organisations, selected Leeds as its new base due to the city’s thriving tech, professional services and finance sectors.
April 2019, means that Wellington Place is now the location for over 30 businesses, with SCC joining a wide variety of high-profile development neighbours including Equifax, Sky Betting & Gaming, Willis Towers Watson, Equifax and Irwin Mitchell. James Rigby, Chief Executive at SCC,
The move, expected to take place in
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said “I’m delighted that 1 Wellington Place will be home to our new Leeds office. Of all the sites we looked at in Leeds, Wellington Place was chosen thanks to its modern working environment and unrivalled amenities, including green space, community events and close proximity to transport
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Paul Pavia, Commercial Director of MEPC, added: “We’re thrilled to be able to announce that SCC will be joining our ever-growing community here at Wellington Place. Tech and IT solutions are vitally important to the Leeds economy as it cements itself as the professional services capital of the north.“We’d like to wish SCC every success with its new Leeds office, and we look forward to welcoming many more new businesses to the community at Wellington Place, as the development continues to expand.”
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ND A EV W ES R U TP O DR AI AT LE CityFibre’s City Development Manager for Huddersfield calls on the town’s property sector to get ahead of industry trends and help build Gigabit Britain.
effortless with instant and reliable access to the cloud. For businesses looking to stay ahead of the competition, the ability to adopt new technologies and thrive digitally is critical. O ur economy runs on the internet, which makes connectivity as important as a prime location.
Where once home appraisals and building inspections didn’t even mention internet connectivity, it is fast becoming a critical barometer of a property’s value. Broadband availability and speed has never before been more important to businesses, tenants and homepurchasers. This was one of the key outcomes from our recent study with Censuswide, which found that access to quality digital infrastructure is now so critical to commercial tenants in Yorkshire that almost nine in ten IT decision makers wouldn’t even consider signing the dotted line on a new lease before checking out a premises’ connectivity. Additionally, over half of respondents wouldn’t view premises without checking broadband speeds and capabilities first, while almost a third would check before progressing to contract. For the most digitally savvy sectors such as legal, finance and IT & telecoms – which prioritise quality internet connectivity when looking for new business space – this was as high as 88%, 95% and 96% respectively.
With major fibre infrastructure projects underway across over 50 towns and cities throughout the UK, and work well underway in Huddersfield, the wheels are in motion for the UK’s Gigabit future but there’s much more to be done. Commercial property developers have a key role to play in bringing better connections to our businesses and residents, helping to reverse the makedo-and-mend trend that has seen the nation fall to 35th place in global broadband speed rankings.
“Why poor connectivity is becoming a deal-breaker” By Steve Moore, City Development Manager, CityFibre
Full fibre connectivity is well documented for its positive impact on local economies. According to research by economic consultancy Regeneris, access to gigabit-speed full fibre could unlock £18m in business productivity and innovation in Huddersfield over a period of 15 years. A further £11m could be driven from new business start-ups, with enhanced connectivity making it
easier and less expensive to set up base and run efficiently and, crucially, residents can expect to benefit too, with the value of homes across the town set to increase by a total of £26m in the same period. By using fibre optic cables for every stage of the connection from the customer’s business or home to the internet, rather than aging, capacityconstrained copper cables,
users can experience a vastly superior and more reliable broadband service. A full fibre broadband connection into the home means seamless connectivity across connected devices – even when they are streaming, downloading and playing all at once. Residents can fully embrace the new generation of “smart home” applications and make remote home working
Developers and commercial landlords interested in learning more about full fibre infrastructure and whether their estates fall within reach of CityFibre’s networks can visit cityfibre.com/property. For more information about CityFibre’s Gigabit City vision for Huddersfield, visit: cityfibre.com/ huddersfield and follow @GigabitHudds on Twitter.
TopicUKApril/May2019
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Leeds start-up funding boosted
business and sourcing funding is often one of the major concerns for start-ups. Many entrepreneurs have brilliant, viable business plans, but when it comes to funding, they’re either not aware of the options available to them, or find the process intimidating and stressful. Nexus’ partnership with NorthInvest will give members access to mentors who can guide them through the process and connect them to real funding opportunities that can take their business to the next level.” NorthInvest founder, Professor Adam Beaumont said: “I’ve been passionate about increasing the availability of funding for innovative start-up businesses in the North for the last two decades, and this partnership is another excellent example of how we can continue to support up and coming pioneers through connections to angel investors, mentoring and funds.” Based in a brand new £40m building on the University campus, Nexus will feature state-of-the-art facilities including office and lab space, collaboration areas, event and meeting space and a dedicated team who will be responsible for facilitating productive working partnerships and collaborations. Connecting businesses to the University’s worldclass research and facilities and talent, Nexus will give businesses a competitive edge in a dynamic market.
Nexus, the University of Leeds’ new innovation hub, has partnered with tech investment platform, NorthInvest, to connect start-ups and SMEs within their community to investment advice and funding support. The partnership sees Nexus join forces with Northern Powerhouse-backed NorthInvest, to connect early-stage tech start-ups to investment through angel networks and funds, giving them the opportunity to scaleup and grow. The latest collaboration will add to the already attractive offering, including seamless access to the University of Leeds’ worldleading academic and research expertise, skills and talent and facilities, commercial business advice from leading professional services partner, KPMG, and funding support from NorthInvest mentors and investors. Commenting on the partnership, Nexus Director, Dr Martin Stow, said: “Nexus is
committed to accelerating business growth for start-ups and SMEs in the North. Ahead of our opening this Spring we have built up an expert team, and developed numerous strategic commercial partnerships, to ensure that we can connect our members to the most appropriate expertise and support. “We have a real synergy with NorthInvest, sharing a key objective of supporting the growth of businesses in the Leeds City Region and helping new ventures to thrive.” Nexus Enterprise Manager, Lizzie McCloy, will manage the relationship, acting as a representative for both Nexus and NorthInvest. Lizzie adds: “Navigating the funding maze can be daunting for a new
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Lizzie McCloy Nexus Enterprise Manager, Dr Martin Stow Nexus Director, Helen Oldham - NorthInvest Founding Board Director.
Since its inception, NorthInvest has raised over a million pounds for Northern based start-ups to develop and make an even deeper impact within society. The NorthInvest Angel network has seen growth of 450% in the last year with 90 investors now part of the NorthInvest community co n t ri but i n g to investme nt opportunities and mentoring the future generation of tech innovators.
On The Move
New Appointments throughout our region
Directors lead Global team
Yorkshire-based SSG Insight, an international leader in smart workplace management solutions, has announced three new senior appointments within its growing workforce. Following their move to a new global headquarter in the heart of the Northern
Powerhouse, the firm has promoted Jon Moody to Chief Executive Officer to l e a d t h e te a m i n Europe. Jon has 25 years of experience in the tech industry and a passion for agile and lean methods of working which will be invaluable to his new role within the company. To help continue the company’s international expansion, SSG Insight has also promoted two new directors within its team. James MacPherson has worked as the firm’s Chief Commercial Officer in Australia for almost a decade and has been
promoted to Chief Executive Officer for the ASPAC region. Simon Keane is further strengthening the firm’s international presence and has joined as Chief Finance Director, bringing with him many years’ worth of unparalleled experience in the food and beverage and logistics sectors. J o n s a i d : “A f t e r a n exceptional year of global business growth, we’re thrilled to be further strengthening our team with the ne w se nior appointments and welcome the new recruits to our outstanding workforce. We’re confident that the new directors will help the business to continue to go from strength-to-strength in 2019.”
Trio of new staff
for Twisted
Twisted Automotive has brought in three new additions in order to strengthen its customer facing team.
New marketing and sales administrator Katie Foyle joins Twisted from Thimbleby Farms, where she worked on clay shoots and events. Meanwhile, Hayley Wreglesworth, who hails from nearby York, is moving across from he r sales support manager role to take up the position of office administration and aftersales co-ordinator.
Local lad Joe Johnson is a former falconer and M-Sport World Rally Team member, with an excellent knowledge of parts. It’s fair to say this highly driven 26-year-old knows a thing or two about being in pole position, as part of a team with several National Championship wins under its belt, as well as two World Driver titles and one Manufacturer.
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Wedlake Bell LLP in London, where she spent six years of her career before moving to the fast-paced trading floor of Cantor.
ESP Law adds new senior solicitor
ESP Law has recruited a new senior solicitor, marking further growth for its Leeds’ legal team. Rafia Ahmad, from Blackburn, brings 15 years’ expertise to the business, following roles with national law firms and as in-house employment counsel at a New York headquartered brokerage and investment bank, Cantor Fitzgerald LLP. Rafia trained and qualified with
Ms Ahmad has advised on grievances and disciplinaries, whistleblowing complaints, redundancies and restructures, TUPE, data protection, the drafting and review of company HR policies, drafting of employment contracts, and litigation in the employment tribunals. ESP Law is part of the ESPHR Group – which provides specialist employment law advice; online employment law and HR resources; and HR case management software. Ms Ahmad commented: “ESP’s client base is so varied and made up of a number of prestigious brand names. It’s exciting to be a part of something so different, and with so many plans for the future.”
Leeds University Nexus, the University of Leeds’ new innovation hub, has bolstered its team with the appointment of an Engagement Manager for Talent and Skills, ahead of its official opening in May. Jo Howorth, will be responsible for connecting businesses with skills, talent and education opportunities within the University.
Commenting on her appointment, Jo said: “I’m thrilled to be part of the Nexus team in a role which will allow me to draw on my past experience with start-ups and SMEs, helping to provide the skills and talent needed for businesses to develop and grow. I’m looking forward to working closely alongside the team to gain a deep understanding of our member’s needs, ensuring that they have seamless access to the wealth of opportunities on offer at the University.” Dr Martin Stow, Nexus Director said: “The ideology of Nexus is centred around collaboration. We seek to help organisations bring their ideas to life and create real business opportunities. Jo will be a remarkable asset to the team and her ability to foster relationships between business partners and the University will be invaluable.”
New Ops Manager
Louis surveys his future Leeds based Adept Civil and Structural Consulting Engineers has appointed Louis Weston as a Topographical Surveyor and Revit software technician, in order to expand the company’s specialist terrestrial laser scanning service.
Louis said: “Joining Adept is an opportunity to work for an independent firm, with an exceptional reputation, where I can work on projects from the beginning and see them through to fruition.
Louis joins from global professional services firm WYG, where he gained three years experience in laser scanning and has completed a HND in Building Studies at Leeds Beckett University. He will now continue his studies part-time for a degree apprenticeship in civil engineering before becoming a fully qualified structural engineer.
Erol Erturan, managing director said: “We launched our laser point cloud scanning service just over 12-months ago and it has proved to be hugely popular with many of our clients. Louis brings plenty of experience to his new role and has hit the ground running, carrying out several site surveys every week, so he’s a welcome addition to the team.”
TopicUK partner Bellingham IT, who provide tailored support to SME’s in Wakefield and Leeds, has expanded its team with the appointment of Paul Lockwood as Operations Manager. Paul joins the company from Fujitsu, where he spent 10 years specialising in technical engineering and IT service desk support before progressing to management positions for the UK and Ireland.
Paul comments: “I am thrilled to have joined the team. I strongly believe that we should talk less and listen more – this is an approach shared by the business. I’m certainly looking forward to listening to our customers to understand what their pains are - we can then look to remedy this through our IT solutions and support.”
An experienced trainer and coach, Paul will be responsible for delivering the day to day operations for Bellingham IT, managing the support helpdesk and maintaining all processes and procedures to an ITIL standard.
Paul Heigham, D irector of Bellingham IT comments: “Paul has a wealth of experience and an excellent attitude, which we know will strengthen our approach and help the future growth of our business.”
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NE O N WTSH U E PMD O AV TE
Firm recruits as it gears up for growth Commercial and industrial lettings expert Towngate PLC has strengthened its facilities management department as the firm gears up for growth in 2019.
With almost 10 years’ experience in property management, Jake Wilde has been appointed to support existing team member Nick Yates in the maintenance of industrial sites and estates within the Towngate portfolio. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge from his previous role at thebigword – a family run translation and interpreting business in Leeds. Commenting on the new appointment Stephen Guy at Towngate said: “Jake will make an excellent addition to what is already a hardworking and dedicated team – we all very much look forward to working with him moving forward.
Creative and video specialist Alex, 24, who lives in Halifax, joins the company from advertising agency Bark&Bite.
Alex gets a 10 for creativity Branding agency 10 Associates has welcomed a new recruit, Alex Finney, to the creative team Branding agency 10 Associates has welcomed a new recruit, Alex Finney, to the creative team.
Alex was thrilled on his first day – working on an Easter campaign for leisure complex Xscape. He said: “I’m a huge fan of what 10 do and have admired the team’s work from afar for a long time, so I’m thrilled to become part of this awesome branding agency.” David Worthington, Managing Director, added: “We are extremely excited to have Alex join our team. With a broad creative background, I believe he will become a key addition.”
TopicUKApril/May2019
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Film Company appoints Sir Rodney Walker as Chairman Local independent TV & Film production company, Visualize Films have announced the appointment of Sir Rodney Walker as Chairman.
Sir Rodney is an international businessman and sports and arts philanthropist who brings a wealth of knowledge to the organisation. John Danbury, Managing Director said “We are absolutely over the moon to have Sir Rodney on board. He has always been a great supporter of ours and his help and advice have been invaluable.” Visualize Films are part of the new wave of Northern creatives whose core ethos is to create strong vibrant content, made solely in the region and bring work to those professionals who currently live in Yorkshire but sometimes have to travel elsewhere to find work. John said: “Our goal is to be able to give opportunity to the wealth of talent here in our home county, whether behind the camera or in front. We know that there are so many people out there who would love a chance to live and work in such an amazing county and have the skills and abilities
that we need”. He continued: “Having Sir Rodney on board will truly help this crusade as he is a Yorkshire man through and through and is all about nurturing local talent and creating opportunities for many” Visualize films have only been operating for just over 2 years and have already made a 10 part TV Travel show starring Charlie Lawson that is now showing across America and a full feature film written by and starring multi BAFTA award winner John Godber OBE, plus they are in the final edit of an introspective documentary on the life and works of John Godber OBE, arguably the most successful Yorkshire playwright of all time, and this is expected to air on a network channel here in the UK later this year. Visualize Films also have several other film and TV projects in development and are now looking forward to a bright future.
Yorkshire Agency wins global Esko contract UK headquartered marketing and communications agency, PHD Marketing, has announced its appointment as communications partner to global hardware and software supplier, Esko. Joanna Stephenson, PHD Managing Director, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to secure the contract with Esko. As a leading innovation-led brand in the packaging, labels and wide format supply sector, we are delighted to have them on board working with us. “We provide comprehensive, integrated content marketing
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solutions for our clients, backed by strong processes, technical expertise, creativity and insight. We understand the challenges of supplying what is a highly dynamic market place and have the knowledge, experience and commitment to our clients to ensure their communications programmes deliver.” Joanna founded PHD Marketing
NEWS UPDAT E Force24 – the marketing automation platform – has announced that it has joined the CDK International Partner Programme. The move will put Force24 in contact with numerous UK motor groups and will support the team’s goal to become the marketing automation provider of choice for the motor retail industry, as 2019 unfolds.
Force24 revved up about CDK International Partner Programme Showroom system provider enquiryMAX was the first partner onboarded in March 2018 as part of the Programme pilot.
By integrating with CDK’s core Dealer Management Systems – and enabling clients to intelligently communicate with the right people, via the right channel, at the right time – Force24 will empower automotive retailers to build a smarter approach to customer acquisition and retention. Force24’s intuitive journey builder incorporates email, SMS, PPC, social media, direct mail and microsites to ensure a bespoke, media-rich and multichannel experience for thousands of customers, in just a couple of clicks. “The goal is to boost dealers’ revenue without impacting whatsoever on their efficiencies,” comments Brett James, Force24’s Business Development Director. “In fact, we want to save dealers’ precious time by & Strategy back in 2014. Harnessing over 25 years within the plastics, packaging and print industries, she has used her industry knowledge as a solid foundation from which to pioneer the business into the highly-recognised agency it is today. “The team at Esko is fantastic. They have some great new
letting the technology take on the administrative burden that comes with knowing exactly when to contact someone about their purchase or interest. “This is about nurturing relationships, boosting customer service levels and encouraging brand loyalty, by producing creative, GDPR compliant and timely communications with minimal fuss.” Force24 is one of seven new partners announced this week. product pipelines and of course, now being on the runway to drupa 2020, we are going to be very busy developing new communications programmes to excite current and future Esko customers,” added Joanna. Ja n D e R o e c k , M a r k e t i n g D irector, commented: “We recognise that the world of marketing communications
Commenting on the benefits of the International Partner Programme, Jonathan Hale, UK Partner Manager at CDK said: “Connections are crucial to automotive commerce and they are at the heart of delivering connected customer experiences. This is why we are building a Partner Programme that brings these applications together under an Open Platform, enabling integration with CDK DMS products to provide easy access for dealers to deliver the very best car buying experience. “We have six strong partners in the UK now developing the integration of their applications with our API middleware, more in South Africa and Finland, and yet more to announce in the coming weeks and months. We will continue to work closely with our current partners to build connections and develop APIs.” is changing. Multi-channel distribution formats need to be fed with relevant content to reach industry professionals. We are keen on delivering digitalization to the packaging and label sectors and we now also have a communications partner that will holistically approach our marketing using both online and offline channels.”
Business Development Director for Barclays Barclays has announced a new appointment to the Yorkshire Larger Corporate team in its drive to be the first choice banking provider for businesses in the Yorkshire area. Alexandra Fogal joins the team as a Business Development Director and will be responsible for looking after the needs of larger businesses with a turnover of £6.5 million upwards across Yorkshire. Alexandra, who has over 16 years’ experience in business and relationship management for Barclays, started her career as a graduate in the Corporate banking scheme and more recently has been supporting Larger Corporate clients with their future planning and funding needs. She said: “I’m delighted to be part of the Larger Corporate expansion plans and hope to play a big part in our ambitious growth plans for Yorkshire. With the ever strengthening team we will be well placed to take advantage of the opportunities within Yorkshire supporting our larger Corporates with their more complex needs.” Debbie Mullen, Head of Larger Corporate for Barclays in Yorkshire commented: “Recruiting talent from both within Barclays and externally is key to our expansion plans for Yorkshire and Alex’s previous experience and her extensive network of contacts mean she is perfect for this newly created role.” TopicUKApril/May2019
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Connecting Yorkshire faster than ever before CityFibre has been leading the charge on transforming the UK’s digital infrastructure and is the driving force behind the creation of over 50 Gigabit Cities in the UK.
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PA R T NN EE W RS SUPPODTALTI EG H T improvements to public services such as online services, digital health, e-learning, HD CCTV, data-driven traffic management and more. It can also transform the experience of internet use rs at home, with remote home-working becoming effortless with instant and reliable access to the cloud.
Gigabit Cities are communities that have next-generation full fibre digital networks beneath their streets, providing Gigabit-speed internet connectivity (up to 20 times the national average) and near-unlimited bandwidth. A £150 million private investment from CityFibre is seeing the next phase of its Gigabit City vision come to life in Huddersfield and Leeds. The company is extending the existing full fibre networks in these locations to reach almost every home and business, as part of its national fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) rollout in partnership with Vodafone. Work is already underway in Huddersfield with work due to start in Leeds in the coming months.
FACT FILE Steve Moore is married to Melanie and they have a seven year old son. What car do you drive? A Citroen C3. Where is your favourite holiday destination? Anywhere that has a beautiful beach, ruins and history, something my son is interested in. What is your favourite food and drink? I would be torn between a good curry or a Sunday lunch. What is your favourite gadget? That would have to be my Mac computer. Kim Johnson is married to Graeme and they have two children a daughter aged 15 and a son age 12.
Full fibre is well documented for its immediate positive impact on local economies. Not only does this infrastructure help raise education and skill levels across the North, the transformed digital capabilities make these locations more attractive to new start-ups, especially within the tech sector. The Northern Powerhouse region is home to four of the UK’s 27 tech clusters, including the largest outside London.
That would be a beach holiday in Northern Ireland.
This same foundation can underpin the development of smart city initiatives as well as digital
Without doubt my dishwasher!
What car do you drive?
CityFibre is very active across Yorkshire, with over 1100km of full fibre across the region and growing. It is already connecting businesses in Leeds and Huddersfield, as well as Kirklees Council’s public sector network, and has now appointed two new City Managers to help extend this experience to residents. TopicUK editor Gill Laidler caught up with the two latest CityFibre recruits, Kim Johnston and Steve Moore to find out more. Why does the UK need full fibre connectivity and what is the difference between this and what we have already?
A Kia Ce’ed. Where is your favourite holiday destination?
What is your favourite food and drink? My favourite is Italian food. What is your favourite gadget?
Steve: We have seen a radical shift in connectivity over the last five years. We all need reliable bandwidth for the internet and in our daily working lives. There has been a lack of investment in the UK’s digital infrastructure for too long. The nation’s existing copper networks
cannot keep up with the demand. Kim: Young people are so used to relying on the internet and demand faster speeds. Both my son and daughter are constantly on their Xbox, on Netflix or surfing the web. What is the Gigabit City Vision? Kim: It’s simple, it is to future-proof our cities for decades to come.
creative and digital sector and this infrastructure is the glue that will bring all this together. What was your previous role? Steve: I am a civil engineer by profession, originally working on St Georges Square in the centre of Huddersfield, then went on to lead the digital team at Kirklees Council.
Steve: Having a reliable service has a massive impact on not only our daily working life but our social habits too.
Kim: I worked for Leeds City Council looking after health and wellbeing in Children’s Services. My role was to bring investme nt into the region.
What are your roles within the project?
Are you excited about the new FTTP project?
S te v e : We a re b o t h employed as advocates for the art of the possible. We will work alongside councils, businesses, chambers and community groups to help deliver CityFibre services and vision and build positive relationships. We will work on connecting people and educate the community about the benefits that full fibre connectivity can bring.
Kim: Yes definitely, full speed ahead! The rollout is picking up speed and I’m hugely excited by what this will bring to Leeds and Huddersfield.
How do you see this role impacting your respective areas? Kim: We will look at digital inclusion and support people in our areas who need and want to access the internet.
Steve: Absolutely, this is a transformational project for both businesses and residents across Yorkshire and an exciting time to join CityFibre. You can find out more about CityFibre’s Gigabit City vision for Huddersfield and Leeds by visiting www.cityfibre. com/Huddersfield/ and www.cityfibre.com/ Leeds/, and following @GigabitHudds and @ GigabitLeeds on Twitter.
Steve: I will mirror that. Huddersfield has a strong TopicUKApril/May2019
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S PEC I AL
Jane McDonald joins 370 guests for lunch Wakefield singer and star of the cruise ships Jane McDonald, was the guest of honour at a lunch on Valentines day, held at the Cedar Court Hotel to raise funds for Wakefield Hospice. The lunch was a sell out with over 370 guests in attendance, many fans had travelled far and wide to see Jane. The singer spent time visiting with guests, then went on to speak and answered questions from the audience. Helen Knowles Director of Fundraising said, “Jane has supported the hospice for many years and we were absolutely delighted that she was able
to take time out of her busy schedule to join us for the lunch. I would like to thank Jane, our host Pat Langham, our event sponsor Chadwick Lawrence and everyone that joined us, which I am delighted to say has raised over £9,000 for patient care”. Jane is busy touring this year, all the 2019 tour dates can be found on Jane’s website https:// jane-mcdonald.com.
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S P ON TE L IWGS H U T P SDPAETCEI A L
UK award for ‘heir hunting’ excellence Ramsdens Solicitors LLP has been recognised for their outstanding contribution to ‘heir hunting’, or probate research – the process of helping next of kin become reunited with estates they often had no idea existed, at The UK Probate Research Awards. Celebrating the achievements and examples of excellence across forensic genealogy (or heir hunting), the UK Probate Research Awards, presented by the BBC’s Nikki Bedi, took place in London.
stories while providing an invaluable public and legal service. Welcome windfalls and reunification of families are regular events, while instrumental research and essential services support the legal world.
Supported by Aviva Legal Indemnities, and the National Association of Licenced Paralegals (NALP),the UK Probate Research Awards – also a global first - were created in recognition of the fact that probate research has emerged as a profession, which provides a constant stream of good news
Ramsdens, a full practice firm - was commended by judges for their high levels of service under often difficult and emotionally charged circumstances. Paul Joyce, Managing Partner at Ramsdens, commented: “I am proud of our entire Private Client
team. Everyone has contributed to Ramsdens winning this award, which is a testament to our lawyers and support teams across our 14 offices.” Age UK, the UK’s largest charity supporting older people, benefited
from the silent auction which raised £1000,00 on the night. Other highlights from the evening included Danny Curran, a star of BBC’s Heir Hunters television programme winning Best UK Probate Research Firm of the Year for his company, Finders International.
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W: www.vanguardsecurity.co.uk TopicUKApril/May2019
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A ND EV W ES R U T O PD R AI AT LE
Challenges provides essential hospice care
Edge Travel Worldwide to create the Land Sea Air Challenge. This is a two day challenge, the Land and Sea part in North Wales and the Air phase in North Shropshire. The cost of the challenge is £450 per person, plus a suggested sponsorship of £500 per person. There is a minimum of 10 participants and a maximum of 15 and will take place from 18th to 19th June. Full details of each phase can be found on the website. A number of other events are running over the year including the fabulous Anniversary Ball that takes place at Oulton Hall Hotel on 15th November. Fundraising Events and Challenges 2019
This year The Prince of Wales Hospice is celebrating 30 years since it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles. And to help them celebrate and raise awareness, they have teamed up with TopicUK for 2019 who have become members of Club 5, their quarterly networking event that brings together their many business supporters.
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Sky Dive - 21st July
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Cylothon - 19th May
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Corporate Golf Day - 7th June
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Pontefract 10k run - 16th June
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Hospice Garden Party - 2nd June
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Snowdon Land, Air and Sea Challenge - 18th - 19th June
Over the course of this year, we will be bringing you all their news and report on their many activities and achievements.
Her Majesty The Queen gave permission for the Hospice to use its current name, The Prince of Wales Hospice.
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Yorkshire Three Peaks - 14th September
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Great North Run - 8th September
It was at a Rotary Club gettogether in 1981 the idea of a hospice was born. To help pay building costs, members of the community purchased bricks for 25p each and support groups set up to fundraise for the appeal. News of the fundraising reached his Royal Highess who boosted the appeal by visiting one of the groups. In 1987 Wakefield Council donated the plot on where the hospice stands and two years later the hospice opened. Shortly after,
Today The Prince of Wales Hospice provides care to people with life-limiting illness. The service is available to any adult from the Five Towns area. They help people live better with their illness and over half who stay with them eventually return home, Many choose the safety and dignity of the hospice for care at the end of their life. Care is provided free of charge and based entirely on need, but only about 25% of the cost is covered by the NHS. This means that
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S t a r l i g h t Wa l k - 6 t h September
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It’s a Knockout - 22nd September
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Anniversary Ball - 15th November
Images: His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales visiting the hospice in 1986. The thrill of skydiving.
30 /topicuk-magazine @topic_uk www.topicuk.co.uk /topicuk.co.uk
the hospice needs to raise over £3m a year through their shops, fundraising events, donations and initiatives. Of every £1 raised, 87p is spent directly on patient care and 13p is invested in raising more funds. So what do they have in store this year? “We have many fabulous challenges planned to help us raise funds,” fundraising manager Tracey Mearns told us. “Events that the whole family can get involved with and enjoy.” The hospice has partnered with
• Santa Dash - 1st December If you are interested in taking part in any of these fun challenges whilst raising valuable funds for the hospice and meeting your company CSR responsibility contact Tracey on 01977 781474 or email tmearns@ pwh.org.uk.
ND A EV W ES R U TP O DR AI AT LE
Making Double the Difference with Penny Appeal’s Fragile Lives Appeal!
Penny Appeal are delighted to announce that you can now make double the difference with their NEW appeal, Fragile Lives, supporting mothers and babies in Pakistan and Kenya at the most fragile time in their lives.
generosity will go twice as far”. Penny Appeal have met so many strong women in Pakistan and Kenya, struggling through the most fragile times of their lives. They met Sitara in rural Tharparkar, Pakistan, who sadly lost two of her precious babies when they were just days old, after having to give birth in dangerous, unsanitary conditions.
Between March and June, donations to their Fragile Lives Appeal will be DOUBLED by the UK government! For every £1 that people donate to Pakistan, the UK Government will donate £1 to Kenya, helping them to support even more babies and mothers to lead healthier and happier lives. Worldwide, eight babies die every minute, while a mother dies during childbirth every two minutes. Most of these lives could be saved through proper nutrition, education and good healthcare.
break out of poverty and provide for their families through our sustainable agricultural training, as well as offering quality ongoing training and facilities for medical professionals in dedicated maternal health centres in Kenya and Pakistan.
possible start in life. For parents in Kenya and Pakistan that’s as simple as making sure their baby receives basic post-natal healthcare. But often this does not happen, and babies are still dying needlessly.
Penny Appeal are working to provide vital maternal care for Pakistan and Kenya’s poorest mothers and their babies by delivering good medical care and nutrition and working alongside local midwives and doctors. We are working closely with mothers and their families to educate and empower them, to help give their babies the best possible start to life.
Aamer Naeem, Penny Appeal CEO, says: “We are delighted to be launching such a powerful and impactful programme that will provide long-term, life-changing support to communities in Pakistan and Kenya. We are overjoyed to be working closely with the UK government to facilitate real and positive change for mothers and babies, which will help determine the strength and success of future generations. With UK Aid Match, our donor’s support will be making double the impact.”
“By backing Penny Appeal, UK aid is helping to provide essential medical care, maternal healthcare and nutrition services for pregnant women, and babies
Our work will have a lasting impact for generations to come, since we are equipping mothers with the tools to
International Development Secretary, Penny Mordaunt said: “Every parent wants to give their child the best
In Pakistan, almost one in every 10 babies born, die before their first birthday, and 14,000 women die during childbirth every year. In Kenya, over one in every 20 children die before they turn 5 years old and has one of the worst Maternal Mortality Rates in the world.
“We are delighted to be launching such a powerful and impactful programme...” and small children. This will save lives and help the next generation to prosper. “UK Aid Match will double every pound, up to £2m, which the Great British public donates to this campaign, meaning that their
Both of Sitara’s births have been premature, and without any medical facilities, her babies have just not been able to survive. Through our Fragile Lives Centres, Sitara would be able to receive quality medical care with specialists on hand to help nurse premature and fragile babies back to health. Through Penny Appeal’s Fragile Lives appeal, Sitara can now have hope for the future. We want to build strength out of fragility for women like Sitara, and their precious babies. With the help of UK Aid Match, your small change can make DOUBLE the difference to Pakistan and Kenya’s poorest mothers and babies. The impact that this work will have will start with the healthy births of happy babies, and its legacy of improved health, nutrition and medical knowledge will last for generations. Donate to our Fragile Lives appeal in Pakistan before June 9th and the UK Government will match your donation pound for pound to save lives in Kenya, helping to make DOUBLE the difference!
TopicUKApril/May2019
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NEWS
UPDATE
News Automotive dealer group Hartwell Plc has supercharged its communications strategy in the year the established brand celebrates 100 years of business. With 10 sites throughout England, the independent new and used car firm has prioritised customer satisfaction since it was founded in 1919. But fast forward to 2019 and the progressive century-old company has its eyes set on how to maintain those satisfaction levels, during one of the most turbulent times for the motor industry. H a r t w e l l h a s i n v e s te d in a new multichannel m a r ke t i n g a u to m a t i o n e ngine – Force24 – to power more timely, relevant and entirely personalised communications with customers and prospective buyers. GDPR-compliant marketing campaigns will be sent to the right individual, with a wholly individual message – in only a few clicks. They can then be directed to a microsite with content tailored entirely to their motoring preferences and aftercare needs. Commenting on the need for change within the automotive world, Debbie Reeve-Cook, Hartwell’s head
Motor dealer celebrates 100 years of business of marketing said: “The car buying journey has changed beyond recognition, with multiple digital touchpoints now heavily influencing the customer’s decisionmaking process. We have tried to remain abreast of this evolution, but with technology advancing all the time, we knew we could do even more. “This couldn’t be to the detriment of efficiency though. We were looking for an automated marketing platform that could really delve into the whole customer journey. We can now create and send highlytargeted, ultra-responsive and fully-compliant emails, with the option to integrate other tools such as SMS when relevant. The really exciting part though, is that we can see every recipient’s
interaction in granular detail, allowing us to tailor the next stage of that individual’s experience with us.”
Digital insights captured via Force24 are fed through to the sales team, when the time is right to speak directly with a customer, to maximise the chance of lead conversion. “We know customers are time precious, so we no longer have to waste time getting to the heart of their requirements. The behavioural insight provides this for us. “The platform is feature-rich but easy to use, and with free user training for life we should have everything we need to power best-practice communications, long into the future.”
32 /topicuk-magazine @topic_uk www.topicuk.co.uk /topicuk.co.uk
Couple start Leeds music festival as their wedding
A new festival combining post-rock with indie, punk and international artists will land in Leeds, on Saturday 6 July. And it’s not often that you come across a new music festival curated with the idea springing from the idea of running a music festival instead of a wedding. Bee and Rose Fest is aptly named because of the two people (from Leeds and Manchester) running it - a couple who met at Glastonbury, and got engaged there seven years later. “We’re huge live music fans. Given that we met and then got engaged at Glastonbury,
it makes sense for us to share the love by running our own music festival.It is challenging but also exciting, starting up from scratch,” said Jane McConnell, co-founder of the festival start-up with Alex Coates. Bee and Rose festival celebrates its very first year, bringing a mix of established and new upcoming talent including experimental rock band and gamer favourites 65daysofstatic, and rising new grunge stars False Advertising.
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UPDAT E
North Yorkshire trainer races ahead of the competition Racehorse trainer Jedd O’Keeffe’s North Yorkshire yard has been crowned the Lycetts Team Champion 2019 winner, a prestigious industry award which celebrates Britain’s best managed racehorse training yards. Jedd O’Keeffe Racing, based in Middleham, was named winner of the fewer than 40 horses category at the awards ceremony at the Institute of Directors, Pall Mall, London. ITV Racing presenter Sally Ann Grassick hosted the ceremony.
Jedd, who has two decades worth of racehorse training experience, beat off competition from training yards across the nation to clinch the £4,000 cash prize, which will go towards benefiting and supporting the team. Speaking after the win, Jedd said: “We are absolutely thrilled
to see our hard-working team recognised with this award. It was a tough category, as we were up against some fantastic teams, who are doing an excellent job around the country. It was a brilliant experience taking part and we are truly honoured that our team has been recognised in this way.”
The National Trainers Federation (NTF) and Lycetts Insurance Brokers created the award to deliver praise and a sense of achievement for the racehorse training yards with the highest standards of employee management, and to recognise and reward race horse training yards with strong team ethos. For the 2019 award, there were two categories – those with fewer than forty horses in training and those trainers with more than forty horses in training, with the judging criteria based on the bespoke industry standard The Winning Approach. A judging panel, headed by worldclass equine performance coach and industry stalwart Yogi Breisner, whittled the nominations down to a shortlist of eight yards and visited the remaining yards in to make their final decision. Alongside Jedd’s award win, Tom Dascombe’s Manor House Stables yard in Cheshire was named winner of the more than forty horses in training category. Piers Plunket, Divisional Director at Lycetts, said: “I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to Jedd on his win. Racehorse trainers and their staff make a great contribution to the world of British horseracing and this award shines a spotlight on all the hard work that is carried out on these yards. “Our mission is to instil a sense of achievement in the best managed yards and demonstrate the merits of teamwork. In addition, we see the award as the perfect way of raising awareness of safe working practices to help reduce the risk of workplace injuries.” Rupert Arnold, Chief Executive of the NTF, said: “The Lycetts Team Champion award is in its second year and I am delighted at how enthusiastically trainers and their staff have responded.” TopicUKApril/May2019
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PA R N TE N W ES R USPPDEACTI EA L
Foster Care Fortnight others. He was not happy with his teacher who reported the incident and does not want to move away from his parents. He is worried about his mother and is confused about why he has to go into foster care. This confusion sometimes leads to challenging angry outbursts and defiance. Jamie needs foster carers who can accept him and see beyond his behaviours. He would benefit greatly from carers who are patient, nurturing and understand the importance of routine and fair boundaries. He needs to be able to build trust in adults and have opportunities that can unlock his potential.
This edition we are featuring Foster Care Fortnight*, an annual campaign to raise the profile of fostering and to show how foster care transforms lives. Over 8000 families are needed over the next 12 months alone, to care for a range of children with the greatest need being for older children, sibling groups and disabled children. Foster Care Fortnight runs from 13 to 26 May and will use the hashtag #changeafuture on social media. Foster care doesn’t just transform the lives of the young people who are fostered, it also has the power to change the lives of foster carers, their families and all those who are involved in fostering. Along with fostering services, Foster Care Fortnight shares the stories of people who have had their lives transformed by foster care, and by doing so to raise the profile of fostering and the need for more carers.
Fostering to Inspire will be supporting The Fostering Network’s Foster Care Fortnight and recognise the need to raise awareness among the general public that fostering is about changing futures – both the futures of children and young people and the foster carer themselves. Jamie can no longer live with his parents due to significant risk. Jamie aged eight, along with his parents have been known to social workers for a couple of years because of his parents’ argumentative relationship and their drug misuse. On one occasion Jamie was hit by his father causing a bruise to his face, resulting in his teacher reporting his injury to social workers. Jamie is a child who finds it hard to trust
34 /topicuk-magazine @topic_uk www.topicuk.co.uk /topicuk.co.uk
The Fostering Network will be advertising in 3,000 GP surgeries across the UK starting in Foster Care Fortnight and continuing until August 2019. This will include a poster on a display and a batch of leaflets in literature racks encouraging people to find out more about foste ring. Look out for the campaign in your local surgery.
“ We want to raise awareness among the general public that fostering is about changing futures...”
If you would like to find out more about helping young people like Jamie – call 01924 792184 or email enquiries@ fosteringtoinspire.co.uk *Source: The Fostering Network
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Industrial & Commercial Property Consultants
Half page.indd 1
29–33 THISTLE STREET, HUDDERSFIELD HD1 6PU
FORMER YORKSHIRE BANK, SOUTHGATE, ELLAND HX5 0BP
PART SPRINGFIELD MILLS, PENISTONE ROAD, KIRKBURTON HD8 0PE
1ST FLOOR, 17 OLD LEEDS ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD HD1 1SG
FOR SALE
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TRADE COUNTER WORKSHOP AND OFFICES WITH SECURE GATED YARD • 291.8 sqm (3,141 sqft) • Located in a prominent corner position at the corner of St Andrew’s Road a short distance from the Leeds Road (A62) • Excellent opportunity to acquire trade counter/ industrial premises in a prominent position • Presenting an opportunity for conversion/ redevelopment subject to planning • EPC Asset Rating D
FORMER BANK PREMISES • 109 sqm (1,177 sqft) • Adjoining public car park • Within the main commercial area of Elland town centre • EPC Asset Rating E
SINGLE STOREY WORKSHOP • 501.48 sqm (5,398 sqft) • Large 3 phase electricity supply and compressed airlines • Positioned approximately 6 miles to the south of Huddersfield • EPC Rating E
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01484 530361
22/11/2017 12:11
HIGH QUALITY OFFICE SUITE WITHIN PRESTIGIOUS FORMER CHURCH BUILDING • 132.96 sqm (1,431 sqft) • Occupying part of first floor within front half of building • Benefiting from modern specification lighting and data cabling • Positioned on the outskirts of Huddersfield town centre and benefiting from on-site car parking • EPC Asset Rating C
Offices also at Mirfield, Heckmondwike, Elland and Halifax
commercial@bramleys1.co.uk bramleys.com/commercial BRAMLEYS COMMERCIAL AD_188x132_040319.indd 1
04/03/2019 17:14
R EC R UI T M ENT
Stafflex Recruitment News update
Every month, our experts comment on the biggest and most interesting recruitment news across the country. In this edition, Deputy MD, Abi StahelinHall looks at the recent analysis on the gender pay gap published by the Trade Union Congress and as well as a report by the Office for National Statistics showing one in 10 UK adults has never done paid work before. Gender pay gap means women work for free for more than two months of year According to analysis published by the Trade Union Congress (TUC), women in the UK effectively work for free for more than two months a year because of the country’s gender pay gap.
The industry with the highest gender pay gap is finance and insurance at 35.7% and the education sector is also lagging behind with a 25.9% gap. In terms of location, Yorkshire and the Humber sit in the middle at 18.6% gap when compared with other regions.
The current gender pay gap for all employees stands at 17.9% and this pay gap means women effectively work for free for the first 65 days of the year. Women’s Pay Day took place on 6th March this year which is the day when the average
Official figures reveal one in 10 UK adults has never done paid work
West Yorkshire’s largest independent recruitment specialists
Official figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show almost one in 10 people aged between 16 and 64 have never had a paid job, despite record employment in the UK.
01484 35 10 10 Connect with us ! linkedin.com/company/stafflex-limited www.facebook.com/stafflexjobs @Stafflexjobs www.stafflex.co.uk
So, you’re a Millennial and you’re looking for a job? By Andy Turner Managing Director First Choice Recruitment development, we pave the way for our children to feel free to pursue non-traditional careers.
women starts getting paid compared to the average man and this can differ in some parts of the country where the gender pay gap is wider.
Unfortunately the UK still has one of the worst gender pay gaps in Europe and this looks set to continue until we start to address some of the main issues such as we address some of the main issues such as better access to childcare, more flexible working opportunities and more women in senior roles.
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Students were included in the survey and accounted for most of the 3.6 million people but around 510,000 people were out of work because they were raising family, 440,000 couldn’t work due to illness and 250,000 were marked as unemployed. A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: ‘Employment is at a record high and the figures show young people in full-time education make up around 90% of the rise in the number of people who have never been in paid work.’
36 /topicuk-magazine @topic_uk www.topicuk.co.uk /topicuk.co.uk
3. Laziness
How your parents are effecting your career. Did you have strict parents when growing up or were they pretty relaxed? Your upbringing has a huge impact on how successful you will be later in life. Here are five ways your family relationships may effect your career:1. Work ethic If your parents put in a lot of extra hours in their jobs, and worked really hard during your upbringing then you are more likely to do the same. Ambition is inherited. A recent study said: “The ambitious teen will choose positions that will provide extra challenges and duties that will propel him to a more successful and lucrative career, while the less motivated might find themselves stagnating in a job.” 2. Drive If you are close to your parents this could mean that you will be more successful and driven. According to research- When we have strong bonds with our children, we easily transmit our values, beliefs, and interests to them, and this can contribute to our children’s career choices and success. As parents who support and advise our children’s career
If you have parents who were very indulgent, then you are more likely to be impulsive, lazy and selfish in the workplace, according to psychologists. If your parents let you do whatever you wanted when you were growing up, or if you were up eating ice cream in front of the TV/XBox at midnight your whole childhood, then you are less likely to be successful science has shown. 4. Expression A University study found that if parents, particularly fathers, encourage their children to express their opinions, then the children will grow up to be more confident at speaking their minds. People with really strict parents are, according to psychologists, less likely to voice their opinions because they have been brought up to be quieter. 5. Motivation Psychologists have shown that children with authoritative parents – who are strict but also supportive and encouraging – end up with high self-esteem. That kind of upbringing also makes them more success in their careers and amongst their friends and they are more likely to do well at school and in the workplace. So without one mention of the word Brexit, what sort of parent are you?
Advice for the experts:
FI NANC E
How a hybrid approach can help professionals find funding Andy Redman is joint Managing Director of commercial finance brokerage ABL Business Ltd, based in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, and has more than 20 years’ experience in the sector.
Unsecured practice loans are available for acquisitions and mergers, expansion and relocation, and refurbishments as well as tax, VAT and cashflow funding, and capital expenditure (asset finance). If a practice has a large pension pot they can use pension-led funding, borrowing up to 50% of it towards the purchase of premises or for a refurbishment scheme.
Business owners in the professional services sector are keen to grow and develop, just like everyone else, and can also need a financial boost. Unfortunately they may find it difficult to access commercial finance, often falling outside the mainstream lenders’ criteria. The sector includes “office-based” professionals who provide expert services to clients, such as lawyers, accountants, marketing consultants, surveyors and architects, to name but a few. It also takes in medical professionals such as vets, dentists, chiropodists and opticians. In the old days before the last financial crisis, these businesses would have funded improvement costs with a bank overdraft. But now banks have largely withdrawn from lending against anything except property or “hard assets” like vehicles, plant and machinery. Growth Among the biggest growth devices for professional services are acquisitions and mergers, where a company expands by merging with or acquiring another existing business. Refurbishments are also a popular business boost, but a significant problem is that most professional services firms choose to rent a premises rather than buy it, so they can’t raise funds against the building itself. The biggest cost to many companies, especially accounting and legal
Work in Progress (WiP) finance can fund a project that is currently underway and ease cashflow while you await commission payments or litigation fees for a long-running job. This option attracts flexible repayment terms and is ideal for businesses of all sizes, generating immediate working capital.
practices, is the salary bill. They employ well-qualified, expensive people who need to be paid each month and, in the case of lawyers, invoices are usually only raised when a transaction or case is completed, while accountants tend to be paid when the company report and accounts are finalised. Professional Indemnity insurance is another major expense. There are, however, plenty of alternative opportunities out there. Our general advice as a commercial finance broker is: “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” The best way to pull together enough capital for any project is to take a “hybrid” approach. Each business we deal with is individual with different needs and our view is that there’s no one-size-fits all solution. Your broker will have access to a whole range of options and will mix and match these to create one package. We’ll sit down with you and find out more about you and your business - what you do, how you’re looking to grow, what purchases you
might be making and any potential problems with your cashflow. This gives us a firm starting point to match you with the right hybrid package that will work for you. Assets A commercial finance broker is not tied into any particular funders so can make multiple applications, using the relationship with various lenders to ensure it all falls into place at the right time. They can negotiate the better interest rates which are normally available only for hard assets rather than the higher rates that soft assets usually attract. So, for example, we might recommend asset finance, where you borrow against your existing assets to fund the refurbishment, new furnishings and equipment. You can even fund soft assets such as the installation element of a project. This option is especially popular for buying medical equipment, audio visual, IT and communications equipment and installs.
A great way to achieve growth ambitions while preserving business cashflow is a partner buy-in or buy-out. This can set the scene for a company restructure, offering a full share of profit, 100% control over your business decisions and complete business ownership. Here again though, high
“The best way to pull together enough capital for any project is to take a “hybrid” approach...” street banks are not keen to support partner buy-outs and the process can often be very drawn out, so ask your broker about alternative funders for this option. Those are just a few of the solutions. The important thing is to get the mix just right, so do please take expert advice before applying for any finance for your business. As experts yourselves I’m sure you will appreciate that already!
TopicUKApril/May2019
37
AD VER T OR I AL
Celebrating business success throughout the Leeds City Region As a business support service that delivers workshops, sessions and events for start-ups and young organisations across the Leeds City Region, AD:VENTURE comes into contact with a diverse array of individuals that have a range of innovative ideas to share. Despite their differences, budding entrepreneurs typically have one thing in common; the desire to launch, nurture, grow and sustain companies that bring employment and economic prosperity to the region. Sharing just three examples, it’s clear there’s no lack of ambition or determination from organisations and that a balance of practical support and access to matchfunding is accelerating success. Hydro-Flux
illuminate without the need for complex installations, expensive additional equipment or electrical costs. Thanks to a £20,000 match-funded grant, the company was able to change a large warehouse into furnished offices and to purchase the tooling equipment required to manufacture the product, making it a viable innovation to take to market. Director at Hydro-flux, Michael Burnham, comments: “Without AD:VENTURE there is no way we could have put our idea into practice. Not only did we need some guidance to make sure we were following the necessary processes, but we were also finding it difficult to raise the funds, as the equipment and tooling isn’t cheap. Securing the grant made all of the difference and we went from kitchen table to furnished offices almost overnight.” TimberTight
Kirklees based Hydro-Flux, the company providing innovations to simplify swimming pool installation and maintenance, has designed the FlowBright, a system that would
Cleckheaton based construction company, TimberTight, which is capitalising upon the demand for timber-framed housing, also secured
a match-funded grant of £22,247 from AD:VENTURE. Meeting with the growing preference for timber framed buildings, the business uses wood as a more environmentally friendly alternative to bricks and mortar.Creating frames that take less time to implement, the process allows for the building of a property to run concurrently in a
“We secured more than £22,000 in match-funding which allowed us to invest in the machinery that we needed to give us a competitive advantage. We also employed seven employees to run the equipment, expanding the business and giving local people the opportunity to work and to learn new skills.” Interactive Immersive Classroom Using integrated advanced technologies, similar to virtual reality, Interactive Immersive Classroom has installed projectors into schools in Grimsby, Stockton-on-Tees and Manchester to create a unique learning space that will deliver a 360-degree enclosure. The start-up, which launched with support from Production Park in Wakefield, secured £11,000 in matchfunded grants from AD:VENTURE. The funds were used to purchase projectors that would allow for the system to be perfectly optimised, providing the feasibility testing required to turn the concept of immersive spaces within learning environments into a reality.
factory whilst work progresses on-site. Gordon Lorimer from TimberTight, comments: “We worked with Paul Tansey from AD:VENTURE. Not only was he very pleasant but he was a seasoned businessman. In the first instance we expected some hints and tips but what we had access to was free, professional business consultancy.
Project Manager for Interactive Immersive Classroom, Andy Delmaine, comments: “We would like to thank AD:VENTURE for the support and encouragement they have given us. Using the funds to complete the viability tests meant that we could show the product as an installation and all the benefits it can deliver, which in turn meant we could secure our first client.” With such exciting business launches taking place throughout the Leeds City Region, any young and growing organisations are encouraged to contact AD:VENTURE to access the professional support and guidance that is on offer. Simply visit, www. ad-venture.org.uk.
38 /topicuk-magazine @topic_uk www.topicuk.co.uk /topicuk.co.uk
N EE G L WAS L UMP AD TA TT EE R S
Legal Matters
NHS REPORTS ON BREXIT LINK TO UNPRECEDENTED DRUG SHORTAGE Medicine shor tages are b e i n g ex p e r i e n c e d by hospitals across England due to “stock-piling and price pressure as the Brexit deadline approaches” according to NHS Providers. The trade association reported that in the last six weeks, some trusts had experienced shortages of up to 160 different drugs, compared with between 25 and 30 drugs in normal times. Chief executive of NHS Providers Saffron Cordery, reported that one trust in England had a shortage of 300 different drugs. She went on to say “Trusts up and down the country are telling us that they have experienced a sharp spike in shortages of drugs in the past month. “We cannot confirm Tony May, Partner and Head of the Clinical Negligence team at Chadwick Lawrence LLP
with absolute certainty that it is Brexit but the timing and unprecedented nature of these shortages suggest a correlation with Brexit preparation. “This most probably is the impact of a combination of stockpiling and price pressure as the Brexit deadline approaches. We have not seen a spike like this before.” This warning comes after a meeting held earlier this week of NHS trust leaders across England, with hospital chiefs reporting on shortages of many different types of medicines, including those used to treat high blood pressure and cardiac problems. A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care said “We have well established procedures to deal with any disruption to the supply chain and our plans to ensure patients can continue to receive the medicines
they need, whatever the outcome of negotiations, are well advanced.” Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after lifechanging events. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally. If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors.
L EG AL
M AT T ER S
Q: DO I HAVE A RIGHT TO SEE MY GRANDCHILDREN?
Many people are unsure about their legal rights as a grandparent. Family conflicts often arise when a relationship breaks down meaning that contact with grandchildren can often become restricted or stopped altogether, leaving grandparents unable to spend time with their grandchildren. Unfortunately, grandparents don’t have an automatic legal right to have contact with their grandchildren in the same way that a parent, step-parent or guardian has as a result of their
parental responsibility. Having said that, the family court is very much alive to the contribution that many grandparents make to their grandchildren’s upbringing. In order to start their own application for a Child Arrangements Order to secure time with their grandchild, grandparents must first ask for permission from a court to make that application. The court will consider the grandparents connection with the child, the nature of the contact applied for and if the child would be at risk of harm through granting the application. At Chadwick Lawrence we are increasingly dealing with cases where the
courts are taking applications from grandparents very seriously and in many cases allowing them to bring their application. In making Child Arrangement Orders the court must always have regard to what is in the child’s best interests and can dictate how much time a child should spend with either a parent or grandparent, how often this contact should take place and whether this contact should be supervised or unsupervised. Contact can be direct which means meeting in person or indirect, through Facetime, phone calls or letters. The type of contact requested needs to be considered
carefully prior to making an application based on factors such as the child’s age, and how much time they have previously spent with grandparents in the past. If you are a grandparent experiencing difficulties in spending time with your grandchild(ren) due to the breakdown of a parental relationship, or have any other queries concerning any family law matter, please call to arrange an initial free half hour appointment with one of experts at any of our offices across West Yorkshire.
L EGAL Legal Matters
M AT TER S
WHAT TO BE AWARE OF WHEN BUYING A NEW BUILD HOME Warranties
While builders are quick to point out the benefits of buying a new build property, are there any drawbacks? We look at both sides of the argument. BENEFITS Ease of moving in With a new build, you won’t have any major work to do after you’ve moved in, you’ll just need to put the finishing touches to your home such as curtains and lampshades. Choosing your own finishes You will often be able to make lots of choices as the property is built, such as flooring, kitchen units, doors, positioning of sockets, bathroom suites and turfing of the garden.
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Eco-efficie nc y and building regulations New build homes must comply with strict energy efficiency and building regulations. This means lower energy bills and the knowledge that a home is compliant with the latest safety rules.
A new home typically comes with a 10-year NHBC warranty or similar, giving cover in the event of structural defects. Guarantees should also be provided for the windows and appliances.
that 40% of new properties weren’t ready by the original deadline. This could be a problem if your mortgage application expires, or if you are in a chain which is impatient to move. Snagging
Drawbacks New build premium New build homes tend to be more expensive than similar older properties simply because everything is new. This could mean that if you sell up within the first couple of years you may struggle to recoup what you have paid. What will it look like?
It is expected that when you move in, or just before, you will complete a snagging list of jobs that need to be attended to by the builder. Some builders are better than others at dealing with this. Asking around about your specific builder before you commit to buying will give you an idea of whether they are reliable.
If you buy a property off plan you will probably be invited to view a similar home that has already been completed. You need to check measurements carefully and be sure you know what the finished property will look like. In particular, check room sizes. New builds often have smaller rooms than older properties and storage can be a problem.
Claiming under the NHBC warranty
Timescale
Infrastructure
The contract will require you to complete when the property is ready. Typically, the builder will give you 28 days’ notice. But you may be left waiting a long time; a study has shown
This may not be perfect to start with, for example broadband and television problems, post that isn’t received and roads which haven’t been finished.
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It is not always easy to insist that a builder rectify a structural fault. They may send their own surveyor who might deny that there is a problem or suggest only a partial remedy. Again, try and gauge the reputation of your builder before you buy.
L EN GE AWLS MU AP TD TA ET RE S
Considerations before selling your business Before selling a business, it is important to consider a number of factors to ensure that the process takes place in an orderly and efficient manner, whilst minimising any potential future risks on the part of the sellers.
1. There are a variety of ways in which a buyer and a seller can come together to agree a deal. A direct approach from a buyer is not uncommon, particularly if the buyer is in the same sector. Alternatively, shareholders may appoint a corporate finance advisor to market the business for sale and liaise with potential buyers. As well as marketing the business, it is also the role of the corporate finance adviser to prepare a business for sale, with a view to maximising the sale price. 2. When valuing a business, there is no fixed method of valuation which applies in all circumstances. At its most simple, a value can be arrived at as a result of a straightforward deal between two parties, based on what the buyer is prepared to pay, and the sellers are prepared to accept. A more sophisticated buye r will typically base its offer on a valuation calculated by reference to a multiple of the profits of the target business, after deduction of certain expenses, including tax. 3. A sale of a business, whether it be by way of a sale of shares or a sale by a company of its business and assets can have significant tax implications. It is important
to involve tax advisers from the early stages of the sale process to ensure that the transaction proceeds in a manner which is as tax efficient for the sellers as possible. The tax advisers should also advise as to the availability of any tax reliefs, including entrepreneurs’ relief.
4.Given that the buyer will generally be paying a substantial amount for the acquisition of the target business, it will usually want to conduct an extensive due diligence exercise in relation to the affairs of the target business. It is therefore important to ensure that the
business’ affairs are in good order before beginning the sale process. For example, locating all important documentation, including the company’s statutory registers. Having all information readily available will ensure that this process proceeds as quickly and as smoothly as possible.
Getting married in Summer? Then now is the time to think about a Pre-Nuptial Agreement entitlement and to inform them in good time that any entitlement will be lost if it has not been taken.
The ECJ have recently ruled that workers must be paid for statutory holiday entitlement unless the employer has ensured “specifically and transparently” that the worker has been given the opportunity to take the holiday entitlement.
Loss of entitlement will only be lawful if the worker has deliberately declined to take the leave and is fully aware of the consequences of doing so.
Employers are required to encourage workers to take their
Ho w e v e r, t h i s w i l l n o w b e enforceable subject to the proviso
Ordinarily, the provisions of the Working Time Regulations 1998 in relation to carrying over statutory holiday means that holiday entitlement cannot be carried over.
that employers have encouraged workers to take leave and made them aware of any consequences for not doing so. This case highlights the onerous obligation on employers to ensure that they have a clear holiday policy in place and encourages employers to issue specific reminders to all workers if they have any outstanding holiday entitlement. Consequences for not doing so may impact heavily on human resources and business needs as workers may be entitled to more annual leave in one year than originally anticipated.
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89-year-old Leeds charity set to benefit from support of two creative agencies A Leeds city centre homeless charity – which has served upwards of 1.25million free meals in its 89-year history – has engaged two Leeds-based creative companies to overhaul its brand presence. Providing essential support to homeless people across the city centre, St George’s Crypt has appointed Aire Design; a brand agenc y, and Powerhouse; a creative content studio, to support its marketing development. The appointments come as the charity aims to raise funds to extend its housing facilities, within the next 12 months.
photography and video assets to be used within Aire’s toolkit, enabling the organisation to create its own content for fundraising initiatives throughout the year. Commenting on the partnership, Neil Adams, managing director of Powerhouse, said: “Essentially, the premise behind what we’re creating is that everything is versatile and adaptable for The Crypt to use in their own way, however and whenever they want.
The organisation, which already has 73 bed spaces, plans to build an additional 23 flats, buy four 4-bedroom houses and transform its existing 15 hostel units into self-contained flats, while also developing its health and wellbeing offer. The two agencies – which are gifting the support – have therefore been tasked with generating awareness about St George’s Crypt’s services; changing local public perceptions about the causes of homelessness and educating people about how they can help when they see someone out on the street. They have each chosen St George’s Crypt as their charity of 2019. Support Commenting on the ensuing housing and marketing projects Andrew Omond, project manager at the charity, said: “St George’s Crypt is much more than a soup kitchen. Of course, we supply hot food and a warm bed at night, but we also re-house 1,500 people
“By giving them the tools they need to bring their content together, rather than supplying prescribed, fixed content, this will have a longer lasting impact as the charity continue to market themselves effectively, beyond our 12 month partnership.”
a year, provide health services, offer engagement activities, and deliver training and employment opportunities. “Sadly, homelessness is on the rise, so we have to continually improve and invest in these services; which are a vital safety net for those people who have hit hard times. “But the perception surrounding homelessness needs to change, in order to develop donations for what we do. We have plenty of brilliant, feel-good stories to share – including positive client journeys, volunteers who’ve been with us for years, as well as the charitable nature of our wonderful city. So, the support
of Aire and Powerhouse will help us to communicate these in an interesting, thought-provoking manner, which moves people towards taking action.” Initiatives Work is already afoot to transform the charity’s marketing efforts. Aire is curre ntly developing compelling design content, as well as creating engaging, practical templates which St George’s Crypt can adapt and use across its social media and advertising activities. Powerhouse – an organisation which works with the likes of M&S and Kellogg’s – is underway with producing creative
Employees of both agencies are also engaged in the charitable efforts, by gifting household essentials to St George’s Crypt, over the 12-month period. Brogan Harker, marketing executive at Aire, finished: “Anybody living or working in Leeds will know that the number of homeless people in the area has significantly increased over the past couple of years. We see this ever-growing problem every day, it’s literally on our doorstep. We wanted to step up and do something about it; so, we’re looking forward to making a difference over our ensuing partnership.”
“Sadly, homelessness is on the rise...”
The initial round of brand content is set to be revealed in April. TopicUKApril/May2019
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Food & Drink
The Dakota Bar and Grill A REFINED TASTE OF LUXURY AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE IN THE HEART OF LEEDS
Wakefield Civic Society President Kevin Trickett MBE ventures away from his home city to see what’s on offer over the border in Leeds. If you like alliteration, you might want to try breakfast in Bradford, dinner in Doncaster and supper in Skipton, but for lunch, it would have to be Leeds and having lunch in Leeds is exactly what I did recently for the purposes of this article. My first encounter with the Dakota Hotel, located in Russell Street, came about last summer when TopicUK became a Yorkshire-wide publication and held its launch event at the hotel in June. It was a relatively short visit for me, just a couple of hours, but I was very impressed! The friendliness of the staff and the stylish décor left a lasting memory: so much so in fact, that I met a friend there for lunch just before Christmas.
By Kevin Trickett MBE, President of the Wakefield Civic Society
Dakota Bar and Grill, 8 Russell Street, Leeds, LS1 5RN. 0113 322 6261 Bookings/Enquiries: enquiries@leeds.dakotahotels.co.uk http://leeds.dakotahotels.co.uk/bar-grill/ The hotel offers customers a discount of 25% on parking charges at The Light underground car park nearby (entry via St Anne’s Street, Leeds.)
A three-course lunch, accompanied by a bottle of wine, cost us around £60 each incl uding se rvice charge but I thought that was quite a reasonable price to pay given the quality of the food and presentation and the standard of service. Based on my earlier experience, it was therefore an obvious choice to recommend to TopicUK editor Gill Laidler that I should include the hotel on my list of places to review for this magazine and that’s how, one lunchtime in February, my partner and I found ourselves settled into a comfortable booth
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in the subterranean calm of the hotel’s restaurant. After the hustle and bustle of the streets outside, the Dakota Bar and Grill, which is located downstairs from the ground-floor bar area (there’s a lift), offers a tranquil and fashionable venue, whether you’re looking for a leisurely meal or somewhere to meet a client for a business lunch. We were greeted by restaurant staff Sofia and Ashley who looked after us throughout the meal, bringing menus, taking orders, serving food and pouring drinks. In between courses, I was able to ask questions about the hotel and the restaurant to fill up my notebook. Service was friendly, attentive and courteous. At lunchtime, you can choose between the full à la carte menu (which I tried at Christmas), and the simpler ‘Market Menu’. There’s also a separate Vegan menu. It was the Market Menu that we were to sample on this occasion. This offers exceptionally good value for money with two or three courses for £15 or £20 respectively, which really is a terrific price. You get to choose from three starters, three mains and three desserts. A selection of side orders (for which an additional charge of £3.50 each is made) is also available. All the food is beautifully presented. There’s a 10% discretionary service charge will be added, but, believe me, it’s worth it.
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Having made our selection, we sat back to enjoy the ambience and admire the look and layout of the room, designed, we were told, by international designer Amanda Rosa, wife of the hotel group chairman, Ken McCulloch.
Potato soup for me and a Tofu Salad for my partner. The soup was a meal in itself ! The salad, with beansprouts, watermelon, sesame and cashew nuts was also a healthy plateful.
Shiny mirrors, lots of dark wood enlivened with colourful artwork and bright squishy cushions, and subtle lighting that makes everyone look good, all combine to create a very elegant look. There’s recorded music playing quietly in the background and which, as part of the design aesthetic, changes to help to create the mood appropriate to the time of day – one of those little flourishes that you might only pick up on if you visit regularly, or happen, like me, to be doing research for a magazine review!
For the main course, we both ordered the Pea and Mint Risotto with pecorino cheese. Temptation got the better of us, though, and a side order of Hand Cut Chips also found its way onto our order. For desserts, and I’m not sure quite how we managed it but research is research, I had the Rhubarb and Ginger Crumble (served with Vanilla Ice Cream) and my partner had the very colourful Eton Mess, consisting of a salad of fresh fruits on a meringue base.
Ken McCulloch is well-known in the hospitality industry with a long-established track record of opening and running bars, restaurants and hotels. He was responsible for setting up the Malmaison hotel chain. Having sold his interests in that group, he and Amanda moved to Monaco, where, in partnership with David Coulthard, Ian purchased the Abela Hotel, rebranding it as the Columbus, a luxury hotel in Monte Carlo. Their current project is to create a brand of luxury hotels in the UK. There are now five Dakota hotels in the group with Leeds being the fourth to open. The first was in Edinburgh; then came the Dakota Eurocentral in Motherwell, handy for both Glasgow city centre and the airport, followed by a Dakota in
step: the hotel actually takes its name from the Douglas DC-3 Dakota aircraft which used to fly the New York to Chicago route from the mid-1930s, bringing affordable luxury air travel to the general public and it is this emphasis on ‘affordable luxury’ that lies behind the concept of the Dakota hotels. Glasgow. The fifth, opening in May this year, will be the Dakota Hotel in central Manchester. In preparing for my review, I did some thinking about the hotel name. “Why ‘Dakota’?” I wondered? A quick check on the internet showed that the word derives from the Native American Dakota people, and gave rise to the area today known as the North and South Dakotas, but the word also means ‘friendly’ in the Dakotan language. That’s a really good connection, I thought. What better place to meet a friend for lunch than in a place which literally means friendly? It turns out that I was missing a
Anyway, you didn’t come here to read about history (did you?); you came to read about the food. Well, let me assure you that it was excellent and fully justified my recommendation for the review. To begin with, we had a “My first impressions, complimentary ‘Venetian Dip’, apart from the great greeting we received, a simple dish were of a buzzing and consisting of a thriving restaurant...” to m a to p u ré e sauce and Mascarpone cheese served with freshly baked bread. Our starters were Roast Squash and Sweet
Over coffee, we chatted to Debbie Dobson, Director of Sales at the hotel, who provided me with some more background facts while checking to make sure that we had enjoyed our meal – we assured her we had! All too soon though, it was time to leave. Hauling ourselves out of our seats, Ashley fetched our overcoats and we climbed the stairs back to street level where we were soon subsumed back into the pell-mell of the crowded streets of central Leeds.
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& U P DD RA ITNEK I couldn’t wait to get started. Andrew informed us we were making Thai Green Curry with Prawns, Monkfish and Salmon. He explained that all the ingredients would be measured out and placed by our workstations but he showed us how he made the wonderful pastes that would flavour the curry to save us the hard work, then ran through each stage of the menu showing us what to do. Soon it was our turn as we donned our aprons, which we were lucky enough to be able to take home with us afterwards and headed for our workstations. A quick discussion and we decided I would be in charge of chopping the vegetables and Claire would cook. With assistance from Andrew and his team, less than 30 minutes later we had a perfectly cooked (well almost, we did forget to turn the power off under the rice which stuck a little to the bottom of the pan!) Thai Green Curry and headed into the dining room next door to enjoy.
New cookery school at The Grand York By TopicUK editor Gill Laidler
I was delighted recently to be invited to attend the opening of The Cookery School at The Grand York and who better to be my plus one, than TopicUK director and friend Claire Young, director of School Speakers. We were greeted at the hotel by Wayne, the very friendly concierge who showed us where to park, conveniently just outside the main entrance and directed us to this new facility, accessed
Head Chef Tutor - Andrew Dixon
separately just around the corner from
Image Author: Lincoln J Roth
All images Will Stanley
the main entrance.
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Running a little late, the event had just started but we hadn’t missed much and were quickly seated around a large central island, amongst several other guests, from the press, and handed a glass of Prosecco whilst Andrew Dixon, head chef tutor explained how our evening was going to work. Looking around the space was amazing, modern bright kitchen workstations, with every kitchen utensil to hand and lovely modern halogen hobs and stainless steel sinks.
Can I recommend? Without a doubt. It was a fabulous event, led by a very experienced and friendly team. The instructions were clear and simple, so for even the people who have never cooked before, you would be able to make yourself a decent lunch or supper. Claire was delighted to learn that they are also running parent and children classes and vowed she would be returning with her daughter. Express, half- and full-day courses on a selection of International cuisines and speciality classes are available. To book, call 01904 380045.
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Creating! Easter is near, that must mean it’s almost Summer time!! In celebration of this, we thought that we would share one of our closest guarded secrets… The Create Café chocolate brownie. Some people only
Food & Drink
know of us because of this legendary brownie recipe and we thought it time to pay back and share the wealth. So here it is along with a lovely sweetie themed recipe for a Fruit Pastille martini in homage to all things sweet at the Easter.
Triple Chocolate Brownie Ingredients
Method:
• • • • • • • •
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200g Butter 200g Dark chocolate 3 Eggs 300g Caster sugar 100g Plain flour 55g Quality cocoa powder 120g Milk chocolate pellets 120g White chocolate pellets
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Melt the dark chocolate and butter in a bowl over a pan of water In the meantime, whisk the eggs and sugar together until you draw a figure 8 with the mix Add the melted ingredients Sieve the cocoa powder and flour into the bowl and fold everything together Add the chocolate pellets and fold into the mix Next either pipe into moulds, or place into a 20cmx20cm tray. (We use moulds because they look nicer, but it will taste just as delicious as a tray bake!) Bake on 160 degrees for about 20 minutes or until set Allow to cool and enjoy!!!
Fruit Pastille Martini Ingredients • • • • • • • • •
35ml Citrus vodka (Use a nice one like Absolut or even grey goose) 18ml Parfait Amour 18ml Apple schnapps 10ml Sugar syrup 10ml Lime juice 35ml Vodka 15ml Chambord 50ml Pineapple juice
Method: Coat the rim of your glass with sugar using a lemon wedge and caster sugar, then shake all ingredients together before straining into the glass. Give it a little spritz with some lemonade. Garnish with lemon wheels or wedges. TopicUKApril/May2019
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& U P DD RA ITNEK The bread arrived and on wooden platter and was very rustic looking. I have to admit it was divine, the best I have ever tasted with just the right amount of saltiness and flavoured with Rosemary. I could have just eaten this all evening with the delicious red wine (well we had to order the bottle to make sure we could review properly!)
Food & Drink
Once the bread was devoured it was time for the main event. I chose Crispy Duck with a Cherry sauce and my dining companion a large oven fired pizza. We shared a portion of fries still in the skins. Although they were delicious, we could have left the fries as the portions of were huge. The duck was amazing and smothered in a rich cherry sauce, quite unusual but the flavours were moorish. The pizza which was clearly made fresh and fired in one of the bank of ovens on display, was huge but all the ingredients fresh.
A second Leeds restaurant for Gino By TopicUK editor Gill Laidler
Open just five months and already Gino’s latest restaurant at Thorpe Park Leeds is going from strength to strength and with Summer just around the corner, business can only improve with the addition of the alfresco Prosecco bar and dining terrace. TopicUK editor Gill Laidler went along to find out more. This was the first time I had been to Thorpe Park since the opening of the new retail park and I was amazed at the sheer size and the number of high street brands that have opened. Gino’s restaurant is unusual as it is tucked inside Next, which seemed a little confusing at first, but this has proved to be a successful partnership for the Gino chain. We arrived at the desk and the friendly host told us our table would be ready in just a few minutes and would we like a drink from the very well stocked bar. As we browsed the menu, a tap on the shoulder followed by a huge welcome embrace, surprised Image Author: Lincoln me, until I realised thatJ Roth Sigita the
manager was in charge of this 150 seat restaurant. To explain, I have known Sigita for some time as she managed an Italian restaurant in Wakefield for many years before leaving to open Gino’s restaurant on Park Row in Leeds centre in 2016. So successful was that, she was asked to open and manage Thorpe Park.
Above: Gino D’Acampo
Following a quick catch up, Sigita helped us choose from the wine list as they only serve Italian wine, which I’m not over familiar with and I must admit, we were not disappointed, it was delicious. Once seated, we had chance to have a look around what was a very busy restaurant, especially for a Monday evening, with almost
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every table full. Taking up a whole wall was the open kitchen, always a good sign where diners can watch the many chefs preparing the food. Gino’s promises to serve real Italian food as it should be. The day to evening menu is packed full of favourites from his books and TV programmes. No compromises are taken on any recipes and Gino insists on the use of well sourced, seasonal, artisan ingredients by utilising his vast range of contacts across the diverse regions of Italy. The waiter arrived to take our order and we opted to share a Garlic Bread starter. Italian food I must admit is not my favourite, as I don’t eat cheese or tomato, so it can be tricky choosing from the menu.
I am not one for three courses but with a tempting menu of desserts on offer, it was hard to resist. We chose to share the classic Italian Tirimasu and I have to admit, we were slightly disappointed. We had been pleasantly surprised to see all the food made fresh on the premises, unusual for a chain, but the dessert has been frozen and was a little watery, not the thick and creamy dessert we were expecting. All in all though, I can recommend and will definitely return. It is the perfect place to enjoy lunch or supper following a day visiting the many shops. The restaurant is open Monday to Thursday 9am to 9pm and Friday and Saturday 9am to 10.30pm. Booking is advisable, particularly in the evening as the restaurant does get very busy. 0113 390 9001. www. ginodacamporestaurants.com.
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Double celebration for Halifax at Yorkshire Choice Awards as The Piece Hall claims two titles
NEWS
UPDAT E adds: “In a room filled with inspirational people from businesses across Yorkshire we were honoured, and gobsmacked, to win this award. Thank you to everyone who voted, your support is simply amazing – we can’t quite believe we’re award winners!” Now in its fourth year, the awards received 250,000 unique public votes between June and November 2018. More than 700 leading figures from across Yorkshire attended the glittering awards ceremony, presented by Christa Ackroyd at Elland Road.
Chief Executive of The Piece Hall Trust Nicky Chance-Thompson was awarded ‘Business Woman of the Year’ alongside ‘New Starter Business of The Year’, for Loafers Vinyl & Coffee Shop, a tenant of the iconic building, at the Yorkshire Choice Awards on Saturday, 6 April. “A massive thank you to the people of Yorkshire for voting for me as Business Woman of the Year” stated Nicky. “It means a lot that the votes have come from the general public who have really taken The Piece Hall to their hearts.
The support for the Trust from local people is incredible and to be appreciated in this way means a tremendous amount to me and the whole team.” Mark Richardson from Loafers Vinyl & Coffee
Co-Founder of the Yorkshire Choice Awards Melanie Malcolm commented: “We noticed a lot of love for Halifax from voters this year which is fantastic to see. It was clear that a lot of people have really got behind The Piece Hall and it’s tenants, recognising how these wonderful independent businesses and individuals are an inspiration in their field.”
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Leeds flies the flag for science and innovation The city of Leeds will play host to the annual Business of Science Conference for the first time this year, celebrating its progression as a UK leader in science and innovation. The event, which gathers businesses and individuals involved in the commercialisation of science, will take place on Thursday 16 May at Cloth Hall Court, welcoming keynote speakers chief executive of Leeds City Council, Tom Riordan, Minister for Northern Powerhouse, Jake Berry MP and Pip Clode, concept team leader at Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains. More than £1.4 million of investment was made in the city last year, including the launch of the Bragg Centre, which will see the University of Leeds work closely with leading scientists to develop new and innovative solutions for real-world materials challenges. The university has also secured 150 fullyfunded PhD research placements to train the next generation of scientists and engineers. Tom Riordan will open the Business of Science Conference. Discussing what the event means to the city, he said: “Leeds has seen huge investment over the last few years, including welcoming Channel 4 and expanding our digital sector. Our strong innovation economy has proven key to the city’s success, so it’s the perfect time to host the Business of Science Conference and celebrate all that our city has to offer. “Because innovation thrives with the sharing of ideas and knowledge, Leeds City Council is working with partners to bring some of the city’s
most creative and innovative institutions and businesses together to form an Innovation District. As science, tech and innovation play increasingly important roles in our strong local economy it is vital to ensure that everyone across the city is given the chance to benefit. We are dedicated to ensuring that the Innovation District is also inclusive by ensuring that it has affordable, flexible spaces for new and SME creative businesses at its centre.” Ste ve Be nnet t, founde r and managing director of Business of Science Ltd, said: “Following three successful years in Manchester and Liverpool, the natural next step was to bring the 2019 conference to Leeds, and what a welcome we have had. The city is a true UK leader in science and innovation and is at the forefront of medical technologies.” Delegates can expect a combination of panel discussions, breakout sessions and interactive sessions at this years’ conference. With the overarching theme of the commercialisation of science, speakers will cover topics such as the business of space, emerging technologies, Brexit and diversity in STEM. “Last year nearly 200 people attended the event, continuing our year-on-year growth, and we’re expecting 2019 to be bigger and better than ever,” Steve added. “Organisations that are passionate about driving innovation forward are joining us, as well some of the
world’s leading influencers in the industry, who’ll on hand to explore the real economic impact of science in the UK today.” The Business of Science Conference has also launched a new award for 2019. The Innovation Award is open to individuals of all ages – from primary through secondary school and into later careers – giving the innovators of tomorrow the chance to submit their “science dreams”. The winning entries will be showcased in front of industry-leaders at the conference and will receive recognition through PR, marketing and social media exposure. Elsewhere, the Business of Science Leadership and Special Recognition Awards will return for 2019, acknowledging individuals demonstrating outstanding business contributions in science and innovation. The awards will be presented at the pre-conference dinner at the Hilton Doubletree Hotel in Leeds city centre on Wednesday 15 May.
“Leeds has seen huge investment over the last few years ...”
For more information on the conference agenda, partners, awards, or to buy tickets for the event, visit: www.businessofscience.co.uk TopicUKApril/May2019
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Sustainable approach to recycling Alastair Little - Biffa Regional General Manager for Yorkshire talks about ensuring a sustainable approach to recycling against the backdrop of challenging global commodity markets.
Championing Yorkshire Tourism
“Historically the view has been that whatever you present as recycling is picked up as recycling and, as a producer, you can forget about it and think that’s my job done. Moreover, if you’ve presented low quality contaminated material, it has been too easy to think its ok because ‘someone else will deal with it and ensure my material is recycled’. “Ho we ve r, this abse nce of responsibility for material quality can no longer be the case. We have to redefine recycling from the current mindset of putting whatever we want in a bin and expecting it to be recycled, to understanding that a product is not recycled until someone has bought the end product – most importantly at a sustainable price in a sustainable market. The upshot of this is an increasing burden of responsibility falling on the producer to present their material for recycling in the correct format. Cash or Carbon When considering this endto-end view of the recycling process, you then get a much better idea of how sustainable it is, both in cash terms (is the end product competitively priced against a similar product?); and carbon terms (is the reprocessor geographically close to the point of collection in order to reduce road miles?). Further to this, you would also have to ensure that by segregating a material instead of
picking it up in DMR that there is a real cash and carbon benefit to putting more vehicles on the road, thus increasing emissions. It doesn’t end there either! “The product has to be reprocessed at the right cash and carbon cost, in order to make a ‘greener’ product that can replace an equivalent, less sustainable option at a comparable price. If the answer at any stage of the process is that it is less efficient by either standard, then the cost must be subsidised by the producer in some way. Sustainable stewardship “Producers now need to think hard about their recycling ambitions. They’ll need to balance the ‘green glow’ from the CSR Kudos against the potential end-to-end cost of ensuring the waste they produce
is recycled sustainably. As end markets become more stringent on quality, more individual streams must be segregated to keep the quality of high volume materials a priority. This then leaves the smaller volume materials to be recycled with less well-established markets, and it is these materials we must do an end-to-end sustainability analysis on.
“ Producers now need to think hard about their recycling ambitions... ”
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“It may see m like a daunting subject to take on as a waste producer in an increasingly ‘grab-
and-go’ culture which is a major contributor to the amount of packaging produced. Ho we ve r, I see that Biffa’s role is to guide our customers through this process by assessing their supply chain to ensure the materials introduced to the secondary market are either necessary in the first place, or fit into a sustainable waste and recycling process to achieve the customer’s individual CSR plan.” Biffa is a member of Welcome to Yorkshire’s Y30 Club of Yorkshirebased business partners. For further information, visit Yorkshire.com/Y30.
W E L C O M E
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Y O U R
SCARBOROUGHfare
NEWS
UPDATE
Editors notes
By Ed Asquith Five-times winning editor of Yorkshire newspapers of the year.
Hello everyone, Welcome to the Scarborough section of the superb TopicUK magazine which pro vides brilliant coverage of Yorkshire’s business, educational, leisure and cultural dynamics. In this showcase read about the creatives who are doing it for themselves – a newer generation who override geography and are winning contracts for Londonbased business. There is a range of investment that makes Scarborough and district a talking point in the north. These pages provide a snapshot of some of the actions which will be unknown to many people in the region. Handmade McLaren supercars in onyx black and blade silver and Bentley cars in aegean blue and burned-orange were the stars of major business gatherings created by the Scarborough Business Ambassadors in conjunction with Made in Yorkshire, with talks on the development strategies for the marques delivered to an audience of the area’s leading enterprises and organisations. The roll call of international engineering and manufacturing businesses in Scarborough include Rosti Automotive
which supplies parts for every vehicle in Europe, Schneider Electric, Firmac, Osprey, Deep Sea Electronics, Dale Power Solutions, Unison whose customers include Boeing and nuclear submarines, and Severfield which created the spire of The Shard, the country’s tallest building. Among the current projects are the huge Sirius Minerals polyhalite mine project and plans for a giant offshore windfarm off the Scarborough and Whitby coast at Dogger Bank, a £100m investment by McCain Foods, the expansion of Scarborough’s GCHQ base, the creation of a new seafront attraction by Flamingo Land, and the proposed expansion of the brilliant Skills Village for construction apprentices. The biggest inde pe nde nt investment by the family firm of West Building Supplies in a £1.25m new merchants store is the latest arrival at Scarborough Business Park, for which discussions are being held about an enhanced railway station link as the park gets set to expand. There is also a new Market Hall and plans for 5,000 new homes – and the Star Women in Business Awards in April with an all-female top table devised by Four Tigers Media
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and including a unique gathering of two representatives from all seven secondary schools in Scarborough as VIPs. The higher education roles provided by the flexible courses of CU Scarborough, the UTC with its engineering, technology and cybernetics offerings, the TEC and its Michelin-star chefs pedigree and new extension, the University of Hull and its business roles, plus a £6m investment package by independent Scarborough College, are the building blocks of a new future. In August Kylie is following last season’s Britney performance at the Open Air Theatre, and in May Scarborough’s unique role in being part of all five of the Tour de Yorkshire cycling spectaculars will see the legendary North Bay finish, and with Whitby and Bridlington back in the race route this year. In the local world of sport there have also been huge schemes … including a new sports centre and football ground at Weaponness, new squash and racquet academy at the highlyregarded Silver Royd rugby and community centre, plus plans for new tennis courts and an international-standard athletics track at South Cliff as part of a wider development
brief presently being worked up by Broadland Properties. There are significant cultural de velopme nts and tre ndsetting initiatives by Sir Alan Ayckbourn’s Stephen Joseph Theatre, the Woodend creative centre and dynamic ideas being considered for the area’s museums and art galleries. To suggest an article for the Scarborough and district section of TopicUK, to advertise or to become a partner of the magazine or a distribution point, contact asquith.ed@ gmail.com
Ed
To Partner TopicUK
Tel: 07711 539047
Printed By: Charlesworth Press Wakefield
EW SC A RN B O R OS UUGPHD AS T PE C I AL Railway journeys to Scarborough will be transformed into sleek and hi-tech journeys with longer trains that can take an extra 700,000 seats a year. The newest trains in the country will create a travelling experience and tackle the current issues of overcrowding and shortened journeys thanks to major investments that are being put into practice. It is anticipated that the benefits to travellers, commuters, the business community and the area’s tourism will encourage much more travel by rail. The new train plans have been welcomed by key groups in Scarborough and by people who travel as far as Manchester for work each day or travel to Manchester for the airport.
Getting to Scarboro … the sleekier way Huddersfield, Manchester and Liverpool.
“The journeys will be totally transformed. In fact, from 2020, more than 70 per cent of the TransPennine Express fleet will be brand new, said a TPE spokesperson.
Built by Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles and financed by Beacon, these five-carriage ultramodern trains will each contain 291 seats compared to the 181 on TPE’s existing trains.
Tr a n s Pe n n i n e E x p r e s s w i l l commence the rollout of not one but three fleets of brand new Nova trains in 2019 which will deliver 13million extra seats and more carriages for customers across the North of England.
TPE is investing £7million in a brand new train servicing depot situated near Scarborough railway station which will create 15 new jobs. The facility will provide maintenance services including fuelling for trains operating to and from the town.
The futuristic fleets will be introduced in phases between 2019 and 2020 with 220 new carriages brought in in total as part of a £500million investment in not only new trains but more services and new routes too.
A second fleet of trains, Nova 2, will also start to be introduced in 2019 with these trains operating between Manchester, Liverpool and Scotland. These five-carriage electric trains have also been manufactured by Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles and are owned by Eversholt Rail.
The first of the additional fleets, Nova 3, will start entering service later this year and will carry people on the route between Scarborough, Middlesbrough, York, Leeds,
This will be shortly followed by a third fleet, Nova 1, which will carry customers between Edinburgh,
Newcastle, York, Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool. Developed by Hitachi Rail Europe and owned by Angel Trains, these five-carriage bi-mode trains will be able to run in either diesel or electric modes. Each of the fleets feature quality, comfortable seating and spacious interiors with more luggage space, plug and USB charging points and free onboard Wi-Fi. Finding a seat will be made much more straightforward thanks to an onboard electronic traffic light reservation system. The new trains will also be kitted out with a complimentary onboard entertainment system Exstream (found on all TPE trains), providing access to the latest news, TV shows, films and magazines.
“The train company has a vision to take the North further...”
TPE already connects towns and cities across the North and will be adding to this later this year with the introduction of a brand new direct service between Liverpool Lime Street and Glasgow Central as well as extending its existing Liverpool to Newcastle service to Edinburgh. A Transpennine spokesperson said: “The train company has a vision to Take the North Further and is committed to delivering enhancements that will help the communities it serves grow and prosper.” TopicUKApril/May2019
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Making of a‘gold’mine How the deepest excavation in Europe would help to improve the world’s crop production
Image: Brian Pieters Continuous miner at work
As the largest private sector investment in the north of England, Sirius Minerals’ multi-billion pound North Yorkshire polyhalite project will affect the lives of thousands of people on local, national and global levels.
The creation of the mine infrastructure is a major engineering undertaking. Two 1,600m deep minshafts are being excavated to extract the polyhalite, which will be cut with huge continuous mining machines from seams which are up to 70 metres thick. The ore will then be transported on a conveyor belt through a 23-mile long underground tunnel to a new processing plant and harbour facility on Teesside, adjacent to the former steelwork site which closed in 2015. Sirius is based in Scarborough at the former Scarborough (then the Skipton) Building Society HQ and work is underway at the Woodsmith mine near Whitby.
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SC A R B OR OUGH The project – the first underground mine to be built in the UK for 40 years and the deepest in Europe will mine a vast deposit of a natural mineral, called polyhalite, from a mile beneath the earth, and export it around the world as a multi-nutrient fertilizer.
people in the area through extensive training, education and employment programmes. This will also benefit other businesses in the region requiring people with similar skills sets.
This natural bulk fertilizer is set to make a significant positive contribution to global food security and crop production, as farmers look for new and more environmentally friendly ways to grow more food for increasing populations, with less land and fewer resources.
The Sirius Minerals education programme aims to increase the skills and aspirations of young people in the area. It supports careers provision in local schools and colleges, helps to enrich the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) curriculum and raise awareness of STEM related jobs.
At home, it is set to deliver huge economic growth with up to £2.5 billion in annual exports, reducing the UK’s trade deficit by 7%. A projected £2.3 billion annual GDP contribution – the equivalent to a 17% increase in the economy of North Yorkshire - will boost the UK economy by £100 billion for at least the next 50 years.
Skills and aspiration
To date, Sirius’ education outreach programme has engaged over 20,000 young people from between Scarborough and Middlesbrough and worked with over 70 schools. These events have ranged from careers talks, competitions and activities which teach employability skills, to site visits and work with small groups of disadvantaged young people.
Economic boost When the mine is running at full capacity, it will employ 1,000 highly skilled people and support 1,500 more in the supply chain. Since construction started in Spring 2017, the workforce has already grown to around 900 and will peak at 1,700 by the time the mineshafts reach the polyhalite seam in 2021. What is more, two thirds of those people are from the local area, and the company believes that a minimum of 80% of the long term, permanent workforce will be sourced from the local area once the mine is in production. To help tackle this shortage, and to source its future workforce, Sirius is working to support the upskilling, inspiration and aspiration of young
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In addition to the programme delivered directly by Sirius, the company is funding a £1 million programme in Tees Valley and North Yorkshire to support the STEM curriculum and promote STEM related careers over the next ten years. In 2018 alone, this programme engaged 8,000 young people in the area. It also recently awarded grants totalling £215,000 to education and adult learning organisations through the Sirius Minerals Foundation, an independent charity set up to create a lasting legacy from the development. Sirius is proud to have been the headline sponsor of Scarborough Engineering and Science Week for the past seven years, where the company has worked with
other businesses in the region to showcase the wide range of exciting engineering careers available to young people in Yorkshire and beyond. In recognition of its education programme, Sirius was included as a case study in a government publication as an example of good practice and invited to give a presentation at Parliament to MPs about the positive role that businesses can play in helping to increase the confidence, skills and aspirations of disadvantaged young people. Tackling the skills gap With operations due to commence in 2021 and a shortage of people in the area with the right specialisms, short term skills shortages must be addressed as well. The company has turned its attention to a programme that includes the creation of 50 apprenticeships, the development of a new undergraduate programme, and training adults with transferrable skills in preparation for operations. Sirius has provided funding of £320,000 to support services run by local councils to help people find employment and gain the skills and qualifications they need. This
includes the job brokerage service delivered by Scarborough Jobmatch, as well as Scarborough Construction Skills Village, which offers real life training opportunities for young people and adults interested in a career in construction and provides transferable skills for employment with the project. Creating a new horizon Activities such as these are not undertaken lightly and are not done only to be a good corporate citizen – they are borne of business need and long term thinking. Woodsmith Mine near Whitby is the first deep mine to be constructed in the country for 40 years, meaning that most young people in the area have little idea of the opportunities it presents for them – many of the relevant skills that were once so prevalent in the north of England have been lost. It is vital that the company broadens aspirations from an early age by raising – and helping local schools to raise – awareness of the roles that will be available within the project, equipping young people with the skills necessary to access those opportunities and become part of the future workforce. This will have a knock-on effect for generations to come, in term of skills creation and economic benefits. TopicUKApril/May2019
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Yorkshire’s GCHQ base with an international mission Alan Turing, mathematician, computer scientist and cryptologist, was voted the greatest person of the 20th century in the final of the BBC Icons series in February. One of his notebooks is now housed at the GCHQ base in Scarborough …
night they were housed in village halls. The site continued in operation postwar, producing intelligence during the Cold War, and today is a key part of the UK Intelligence Community.
The site played a vital role in intelligence collection in the Second World War - it was one of a series of ‘Y’ stations scattered around the country collecting and processing signals and forwarding them to Bletchley Park (Station X) as part of the bigger intelligence gathering operation.
The original bunker, which housed staff during the war, still exists and has now been transformed into a private museum, detailing the history of the site and the role Scarborough has played in keeping the country safe.
GCHQ’s HQ in Cheltenham has offices across the UK, including Scarborough, which produce intelligence to protect the country from terrorism, serious crime and cyber attacks - intelligence has been gathered at the site for 104 years. It celebrated its centenary in 2014 with a visit by Prince Charles. The site is known historically to locals as ‘the Wireless Station” due its history – it was originally part of the Admiralty whose role was to develop expertise in what was then called “wireless radio” to monitor the German High Fleet which was attacking the East coast of England in the First World War.
Although traditionally the domain of men, the site was supplemented by women from the Women’s Royal Naval Service, to cope with the volume of signals collected, and also to replace the men who went off to war. By day, the women worked in an enclosed bunker and at
It houses many historical artefacts used in the art of code-breaking - and one of Alan Turing’s original notebooks. Turing was a code-breaker in the 2nd World War working for the Government Code and Cypher school (GC&CS), the forerunner of the intelligence agency GCHQ (Government Communications Head Quarters). The site is also home to a staff training facility, dedicated to Alan Turing. It is known as the ATTIC – the Alan Turing Training & Innovation Centre. For the past four years, the ATTIC has hosted and will continue to host around 60 students who are on the Cyber First programme. This is a programme aimed at developing the Cyber Security experts of the future. Students spend two months of the summer holiday learning a
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wide range of cyber security activities. Getting women to consider cyber security as a career is a challenge so the ATTIC has opened its doors to 132 school girls aged between 13 and 14 to encourage them to apply for the Cyber First Girls Competition and give them some insight into what it is like to work for an intelligence agency. In 2 0 1 8 t h e A l a n Tu r i n g Training & Innovation Centre also opened its doors to a group of schoolchildren as part of a work experience programme aimed at demystifying the Intelligences services, and highlighting career opportunities. A spokesperson said: “GCHQ is incredibly proud of the contribution that Scarborough has made to the security of the UK, both historically and more recently. “The addition of the ATTIC and our ability to open our doors to encourage and develop young people in this way, means we are able to continue in our mission to keep the UK safe.”
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Image: Diane Auckland The college that is transforming the education horizon
The building that has transformed the education horizon
The story of a Scarborough college, its glittering silver signage and how it is filling a vital gap in skills began with a scorched wreck of a car on a bleak coach park at a hidden corner of Weaponness... That image of the burned-out vehicle is on display at the offices of the UTC (University Technical College) which arose on that site, and it was pictured on the menu cards of the preview opening ceremony in September 2016 to show what had been created. Since then the UTC has hosted a Michelin-star dinner attended by the then Education Secretary Justine Greening at the official opening, hosted science events for primary schoolchildren, a McLaren
supercars business gathering – and most importantly opened up an entirely new secondary school horizon for pupils who are aged 14 to 18.
young people who have aspirations to become future innovators. We are heavily supported by local industry, in fact it was local industry who were the driving force behind us becoming a reality. They saw a skills shortage within the region and identified the UTC as a way to recruit a highly skilled workforce to fill these gaps.
Principal Lee Kilgour said: “We ’ replacing the more traditional school uniform. In fact school isn’t a word we use to describe ourselves; students here are attending college, whether they are in our sixth form or in our Key Stage four classes. “That’s why our curriculum has been designed with these “We are an industry-orientated employer partners to make educator designed for ambitious sure this happens.” FF TopicUKApril/May2019
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and schools will see that the UTC is a pathway to a career with skills that local business – and the entire nation – is desperate for.
in Schools competition for the past two years, last year attending the national final at Silverstone where we came third overall – not bad for our first year entering. We’ve also been regional champions for the past two years at the UK Space Design Competition, and are due to attend the national finals down in London.”
The college was created b y businessman Peter Wilkinson in his role as chairman of the Scarborough Business Ambassadors and a director of award-winning Unison group of companies. Mr Kilgour added: “With strong academic backing, and support from experts at organisations such as Unison, McCain and GCHQ our students can thrive in the environment we have created – our trophy cabinet is proof of this. “Over our very short life to date, our students have taken part in a huge selection of events and competitions and achieved remarkable success against their peers. We have won the local Rotary Technology tournament for three years running, competing against schools and colleges from across Scarborough. “We attend regional and national competitions, too. Our students have won the regional Formula 1
“We are an industryorientated educator designed for ambitious young people...”
Mr Kilgour said: “And our students were able to witness two spectacular £400,000 McLaren supercars drive through our main engineering workshop and take up residency in our reception – not many 14 year olds get to say that at conventional schools, and what a contrast the five-door burned-out car wreck that was once on this very site. “Over the coming years we have exciting plans for our growth and development and we are in the process of launching a new Cyber specialism to sit alongside our engineering provision.
The Scarborough UTC has had more than 100 manufacturing and engineering firms visiting and has attracted the hi-tech hands-on Mantra pantechnicon, a travelling showcase for advanced engineering and brought by the Sheffield-based Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.
“These new courses will offer our existing students even more progression into our Sixth Form but will also offer all school leavers the chance to study for a career in Cybersecurity locally … something which until now had not been possible in the Scarborough region.”
The students also study the normal secondary school GCSE and A level subjects but provide extra education in robotics, engineering, technology and it has its own blacksmith’s forge and welding equipment. It is hoped that as every child matters in education, more parents
The Scarborough UTC is featured in a new book, 20/20 Visions by Charles Campion, alongside case studies of collaborative planning and ‘placemaking’ renaissance initiatives in the US, Northern Ireland, Iceland, Canada, New Zealand and China.
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College with a deep heritage set for a new era Durham and became a history teacher and deputy boarding housemaster at Rossall School in Lancashire.
Guy Emmett
Its designer Edwin Cooper, the Ellison who had joined the college Scarborough-born architect who in 2015. was later knighted, also created the original grand-arch frontage of “ I t i s a v e r y e x c i t i n g t i m e , Lloyd's of London insurance brokers. highlighted by our boarding houses re-development to provide Through the main entrance over accommodation that rivals any the years Scarborough College school in the country. There are also has welcomed as pupils, the long-term development plans as we actors Charles Laughton and Ian continue to provide excellence inside Carmichael, TV news presenters and outside the classroom,” said Guy, Carolyn Hodgson and Frazer whose appointment was welcomed Maude, Olympic hockey player Mark by Dr John Renshaw, chairman of Precious and NASA astrobiologist governors. James Stephenson, just a selection A state-of the-art athletics facility of alumni. including a multi-lane International It is th e la st sur v iv i ng f e e - Association of Athletics Federations paying college among a number (IAAF) accredited 400-metre oval i n d e p e n d e n t s c h o o l s f r o m running track is under design for Scarborough's 19th ce ntury the former Bramcote School playing expansion and is now on the verge fields and six new tennis courts of major investment and with a new nearby, which the school would share in partnership with the community headmaster. in a pioneering development. Guy Emmett, previously in West Yorkshire as deputy of Ackworth Guy gained both his first degree and School, has succeeded Charles masters degree from the University of
He said: "I am delighted and h o n o u r e d to b e a p p o i n te d headmaster of Scarborough College. It is an exceptional school, with an exciting future, and I look forward to building upon the great work of Charles Ellison. "My family and I have been inspired by the warmth of the community and by the achievements of the pupils in all the very many areas of college life. We are very much looking forward to the move to Scarborough and being part of the college and wider community." Dr Renshaw said: "We feel strongly that Guy has all the attributes, skills and experience to continue Charles' superb work over recent years and that he is the ideal leader to build upon the very strong foundations for excellence that are now in place. There are exciting times ahead for the college and the next chapter of its history will see the school continue
It is an independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 3–18 years, incorporating the Senior School, Prep and Pre-Schools. There are 90 boarders who live in three characterful houses a short walk from the college site. They include Denys Crews House, named after the headmaster of 1957-1974, and Willersley House, possibly named by a descendant of industrialist Richard Arkwright of Willersley Castle in Derbyshire and who lived in Scarborough. Its pupils have represented the county, region or national sides in sport and it is one of the top hockey schools in the North. The Old Scardeburgians' Association hosts numerous events and supports both the college and its alumni members. It fund raises, friend raises, provides scholarships for college students and association members, promotes member networking for university and career advice and experience, welcoming members back to talk with and inspire current students plus the association hosts social events and reunions with the main event of the year being the whole school community ball.
© Keith Meatheringham / Dobson agency
The arched cloister arcade of Scarborough's independent school spans both the Victorian and Edwardian eras ... the foundation stone was laid in 1898 and the college opened in September 1901.
© Kieron Middleton
He is a keen sportsman and has played both cricket and hockey to a high standard. His wife Helen is also a teacher.
to reach new heights, cementing its strong reputation for educational excellence across the UK and overseas."
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Ten years on ... 35,000 young students
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Ten years ago in a showroom at the HQ of coachbuilders Plaxton 420 pupils arrived for the first Scarborough Engineering Week. They took turns in climbing into the driving seat of an old Formula 1 racing car and pretending to be Louis Hamilton, and they clambered into a technology vehicle called MANTRA, loaned for the day, to test its wizardry. The event, now Scarborough Science and Engineering Week, has become the most significant showcase to tackle a huge skills gap, and is supported by the likes of Bosch, Boeing and Bentley. It will have introduced 35,000 youngsters to real-world applications of robotics, science, technology, engineering and to maths in motion when the exhibition takes place this October 8, 9 and 10.
‘Engineering Event was an experience for students which allowed them to see technology at first hand make contact with potential employers for their future’ – Scarborough Sixth Form College. This employer-led event is free for students, from primary school age to sixth-formers, and there is an open evening for families. The event has included technology competitions and challenges, keynote speakers, exhibits such as the Bloodhound rocket car, hands-on activities provided by employers, information on education and training opportunities and careers.
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Some of them have taken up careers in engineering in roles they did not know existed and using technology that had not in 2009 been invented. The directors of award-winning tubebending experts Unison devised the event with the support of leading Scarborough businesses and with the support of NYBEP, North Yorkshire Business and Education Partnership. “It’s so important for students to see informative and engaging displays and to be able to meet and talk to local, regional and national businesses and organisations which are all part of it,” said Peter Wilkinson who devised the concept with fellow Unison director Alan Pickering. “We always thought that even if just one student went into engineering as a result of attending, it would have been worthwhile ... and we know we
have achieved much more than that.” Among the thousands of primary, secondary and college students at last year’s event at the Spa were those from Pindar, Graham, Scalby, St Augustine’s, Ebor Academy, Scarborough Sixth Form, UTC, TEC, Northstead, St Peter’s, Seamer & Irton, Hinderwell, Lindhead, Hertford Vale, St Martin’s, Friarage, Wheatcroft plus Brompton Hall. They voted on their favourite aspects, with the winners being the Construction Skills Village for the best interactive exhibits; Sirius Minerals for the most visual; the University
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of Hull for the mostinformative; D ale Power Solutions for its apprenticeships. The UK’s Boeing chief Donald Hendrickson praised the Scarborough business community at the official dinner, sponsored by HSBC. Main speaker Victoria Sutherland, a railway civil engineer with Mott MacDonald, spoke about how, at the age of 16, she considered engineering to be of no interest but had now forged an exceptionalcareer, travelling the world and dealing with projects in Australia and the new London Waterloo station.
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The shakers that fly the flag for Scarborough A board of volunteer directors with a variety of backgrounds are playing key roles in helping to support the profile and prosperity of the Scarborough community.
The event is run under the umbrella of the Scarborough Business Ambassadors whose efforts led to the creation of Scarborough UTC college for 14 to 18-year-olds. The event is also supported by the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership (the LEP), North Yorkshire County Council, Scarborough Borough Council, The Spa, and Sirius Minerals - the headline sponsor.
Among the exhibitors and supporters are McCain, Rosti Automotive, Bosch, Kingspan, Firmac, Schneider Electric, Plaxton, Deep Sea Electronics, Moog, Fanuc, Castle Group, Hunprenco, Wilfred Scruton, Osprey, Severfield, East Yorkshire Motors Services, the TEC, UTC, Dale Power, SIV, Festo, the University of Hull, Derwent Training, Flamingo Land, Scarborough UTC and Scarborough Sixth Form, plus the Army, Navy and RAF.
enabling the founding directors the opportunity to create Scarborough Business Ambassadors Ltd.
up with Scarborough for trade and sport, Sirius Minerals, GCHQ and the Sheffield-based Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.
“ We are about connecting business – not a networking organisation and we want to see Scarborough as a valued High-le vel forum dinne rs, business destination, with a Science and Engineering Week, strong infrastructure and the the creation of the Scarborough environment of the town for the University Technical College, benefit of all," said chairman Peter plus cultural and aspirational Wilkinson. themes are part of the Business T h e d i r e c t o r s o r g a n i s e Ambassadors' self-funded agenda. fundraising for its activities as The group which comprises a well as for specific causes such dozen experienced members, as the Stephen Joseph Theatre's is also engaged with protecting Outreach programme, breakfast the range and integrity of the a n d d i n n e r s p o n s o r s h i p s , area's hospital services in direct discussions over the business talks with the York health trust, park and Michelin-chef dinners in and in discussions with the conjunction with the TEC college.
The Ambassadors are also involved with plans to expand Seamer Railway station and its links with the business park, helping to recruit more medics for Scarborough Hospital and with initiatives to further enhance the area’s cultural standing.
local authority on town centre concerns on quality, zoning and the environment. It was borne from the Scarborough renaissance in 2002, and in 2013 had successfully developed a high profile in Scarborough,
More than 150 forum dinners have been held, with industrial and manufacturing leaders, the Bank of England, Made in Yorkshire and significant influencers including the High Commission for Barbados which wants to link
“We want to see Scarborough as a valued business destination...” The group is backing the merger of the Scarborough Museums Trust and Woodend, and is a major supporter of further education colleges. It also created the Chefs’ Spectacular 2016, followed by the TEC official campus opening Michelin dinner in 2018.
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The creatives whose talents defy geography ... Being at the end of the A64 has sparked Scarborough’s innovative creatives to defy the constraints of geography. Among them are shop frontage designer Lisa Borrie with L’Occitane and Rigby & Peller among her work, Neil Fitzpatrick whose designs are promoting London Fuller’s Pride, Lauren Jackson who is transforming accommodation provision to attract a wider, quality-seeking guest base, and prolific artist Jade Montserrat who has just produced the London Underground night map front cover. P LISA BORRIE The majority of Lisa’s working career has been in design mainly focused on graphics and interiors. So… Visualise, Lisa’s bespoke prop hire company, has created pieces for Lime Pictures (Hollyoaks), Rigby and Peller (lingerie), a world-renowned credit card company, the high-end London home furnishings store Simpsons and a project for L’Occitane, the international body and face care brand. She has been featured twice on the Virgin Start-Up website and secured column inches in The Sunday Times. She said: “The brief from the L’Occitane team was to provide an immersive floral experience. We gathered 200 blooms, each of which had to be individually placed upside down for display in store, using the rich yellow colours of the immortelle flowers, one of their favoured natural ingredients. Lisa Borrie added: “Once we have met with the client to understand their story and what sort of a picture
they are looking to build; we carve out a comprehensive brief from which we can bring a project to life through the process of mood-boarding. Then it’s the exciting part, bringing what seems “Where we’re based means nothing impossible and improbable, to life.” to our clients provided we can visit them from time to time, and of She studied Art and Design at course produce and quickly deliver Westwood College in Scarborough (digitally that is) cutting edge design and then travelled to Europe to work concepts that are easily as good as for an international interior design our competitors in the city.” studio where she discovered her passion for creating masterpieces Fuller’s Pride, the Chiswick-based ale on a large and small scale. One of company founded in 1845 and whose her trademark display props is a faux brewing division has just been sold flamingo. to Asahi, approached Neil’s team to work with them on their hotels and Rigby and Peller wanted a window pubs business, producing creative display for their nine stores for all manner of things from signage, worldwide, including their flagship stationery, relaunch marketing Mayfair London store. “We sourced strategies and campaigns. quintessentially British props such as original leather travel trunks to give the window depth and to offset the apparel in an engaging and enigmatic style,” Lisa said. P NEIL FITZPATRICK
“We then started working with their internal marketing team on London Pride, their Frontier Lager brands and other lesser known brands. We produce the marketing for their presence at the Women’s Hockey World Cup last year and also the Ryder Cup,” said Neil.
Neil, the creative director of Fitzpatrick Design, based at Woodend in Scarborough, said: “You’d think He has worked with Chelsea cocktails that being based in Scarborough might have its disadvantages as a nightspot Embargo Republica, creative agency trying to compete Radisson Blu hotels, Silver Bullet the with the ‘big boys’ in London and Luton-based consultancy, stylish bars other large cities. In fact, living by Missoula Montana and more locally the sea in such a beautiful place, free ... the Stephen Joseph Theatre and of the confines of everyday stressful Barnsley Borough Council. city life, and with access to very highP LAUREN JACKSON speed broadband, means that we can focus solely on producing brilliant Scarborough’s Lauren Jackson ideas that can be sent digitally to our works with husband Carl and is on big clients in the capital within hours a mission to improve the quality of (sometimes quicker than that!). accommodation provision in Scalby
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SC A R B OR OUGH village, north of the town, seeking to raise the bar. As relative youngsters on the holiday accommodation scene, and now with a young child, they had to consider whether they - with their backgrounds in accountancy/law and land management - were equipped to take on such a creative project with nine cottages, indoor pool and extensive grounds. Lauren, 27, said: “We purchased Wrea Head Country Cottages in 2016 and immediately begun a programme of refurbishment, updating and modernising the cottages. We installed new kitchens, new bathrooms and re-built many walls to aid space creation. We endured many ‘all-nighters’ draining, cleaning and re-filling the swimming pool and added an outdoor spa tub overlooking the countryside.” Growth over the past two years has led to the recruitment of two team
members, turnover up by 50% over the past year as they lure a Yorkshirewide base. Lauren added: “We are both passionate about the business and the local area. We regularly explore the coast and all of the exciting things to do so that we can share with our guests. We will continue with our cottage renovations and outdoor areas. For us, a work life balance is key but when you love where you work it becomes your life and your passion. P JADE MONTSERRAT Scaborough-based artist Jade Montserrat, who attended a village school north of the town, has exhibited at the Crescent Arts gallery, a basement exhibition area for the avant garde. Her work has also been displayed in the New York, Venice, France and Germany, as well in Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow, and at various London
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venues including The Showroom, Tate Modern, Royal College of Art, Conway Hall, Limehouse ... and Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club. Jade has produced the latest London Underground route guides, entitled ‘hand this piece to one Jacob Aston West’ as part of a series of art-based maps. For the fifth edition of the pocket Night Tube map commission series, Jade created a pencil and watercolour work on paper. The work draws on the artist’s longstanding text-based series, examining individual experiences of structural racism in Britain. The sentences are in text boxes that flow vertically rather than horizontally, in the format of a poem, and as the works are read by hundreds of thousands throughout the city, she prompts a call to action, to rethink our cultural notions. Jade graduated from the Courtauld Institute of Art in 2003 and Norwich University of the Arts in 2010, and is
the Stuart Hall Foundation practicebased PhD candidate at The Institute for Black Atlantic Research, University of Central Lancashire. She works at in art and activism through drawing, painting, performance, film, installation, sculpture, print and text. She works artist and performance collectives including Rainbow Tribe: Affectionate Movement and Ecology of Care, and gained the Jerwood Drawing Prize Student Award 2017.
CULTURE AND BUSINESS IN THE MIX
FIVE-STAR TOUR
... AND SIR GARY GOES WEST
... AS WESTS JOIN THE STARS
Scarborough has scooped the Tour de Yorkshire for the spectacular finish at North Bay - for the fifth successive year and with a Women’s Race on the same route, same day.
Sir Gary Verity was the official opener at one of the biggest independent business investments in North Yorkshire of recent years. The £1.25m expansion is by West Building Supplies, a Bridlingtonbased family-run builders’ merchants for more than 80 years, and is now open at the Scarborough Business Park.
The charity sponsor of the pioneering Star Women in Business Awards (Scarborough Spa, April 12) is West Building Supplies, the new builders’ merchants in Scarborough.
On Saturday May 4 the Yorkshire Coast 132-km stage will start at Bridlington, head for the North York Moors through Silpho, Hackness, Harwood Dale and Company chairman Chris West said: on to Robin Hood’s Bay and Whitby. “Our Scarborough customer basis has From Sandsend, Lythe, Grosmont and been growing and we think there is Ugglebarnby the peloton will sprint to certainly a need for our good value Scarborough, first reaching South Bay. range.
They are supporting Willows Lull which offers overnight and day respite for children with lifelimiting, complex needs. The awards organiser is marketing company Four Tigers Media and the principal awards partner is CU Scarborough.
Sponsors and supporters are Asquith & Co accountants, North Yorkshire Law, CPH Property Services, Digital Advantage, Gi Recruitment Scarborough, Wold Top & Spirit of Yorkshire, Adverset, Fitzpatrick Design, SIV Scarborough Spa, the Crown Spa Hotel, Crofts Chocolates, West Building Supplies, Blue Sky Media and Bright & Sons jewellers.
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White Lodge Hotel Filey
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By Mandy Taylor - TopicUK Business Development Executive
Located at the end of the famous Victorian Crescent, home to some beautiful properties stands the pristine White Lodge hotel with unrivalled views of Filey Bay. the room was absolutely stunning! The décor was reflective of the coastal location, the linen crisp and
It was a delight to receive a very warm welcome and confirmation, that despite limited private spaces – a designated one was specifically marked for our booking (that said, there is ample on street parking in this quiet area) The lady on reception was polite and helpful, guiding us through the facilities on site, explaining the options to dine that evening (despite the restaurant being busy, our needs were accommodated effortlessly) and it was clear that nothing would be too much of a problem.
the whitest of white, not a speck of dust nor a smudge on the glass and a style conducive of rest and relaxation. An enormous bed, ample storage space for those wishing to take a longer break, tea and coffee making facilities, plug sockets galore and effective wi-fi – every detail in the bedroom was covered. The en-suite bathroom was immaculate, filled with toiletries and luxurious bath towels and a shower and bath too. Hot water was instant and plenty. After reading the complimentary literature in the room, it was clear that Filey had plenty to offer and the decision was made to enjoy the late afternoon sunshine and explore the seaside resort prior to dinner. Cosy
She kindly assisted with our luggage (despite it being only an overnight stay, as per usual I had packed far too many things) and we opted for the stairs (a lift is available) On the way to the first floor she informed us that we were staying in room 3 and that she felt certain we would be pleased…and how right she was! Luxurious With a balcony and a sea view too,
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A short downhill stroll and in a matter of minutes, we were on the beach – the hotel truly is in a prime position for both the shopping centre or sea front. Upon returning and relaxing in the room (the quality of the TV was appreciated by the hubby whilst I soaked in the bath) we opted for pre-dinner drinks in the bar. The lady who served us was warm and cheery – the bar well stocked and
there were quite a few people sat in the area which is cosy and clearly enjoyed by many.
clearly explaining all the options on the three-course offering with ease and confidence.
Curiosity then led us into the bar lounge, home to a roaring log fire which acted like a magnet to us – surrounded by stylish chairs and settees, it has an air of sophistication and style. Within seconds of seating, a waitress immediately checked we were well, stoked the fire and passed the menu for the evening,
Having built up an appetite, we decided that we would definitely find room for a three-course meal, especially as everything was freshly prepared in the kitchen, using ingredients sourced from across the Yorkshire region. It was difficult to narrow down our choices from such an appetising menu, the home-made
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decided to wait to see how much elastic we had in our waistbands by the end of the meal! Elegance The wine list was extensive, with a selection of thirty options to order from, a Pouilly-Fume was a perfect fit, and reasonably priced. We were guided to our table in no time at all, positioned by the window overlooking the terrace – the table was set with elegance, the cutlery shining and the ambience of the room befitting a relaxing meal. Despite there being a number of diners in the room, the tables had plenty of space between them, the background music was not intrusive and the serving team efficient, yet discreet. Each course was delivered with speed and was beautifully presented, both starters were met with “mmmm now that looks delicious” and soon devoured with comments such as “the Prawns were so fresh and succulent” and the Ham Hock “extremely flavoursome”.
Parsnip soup sounded delicious as did the Poached Pear however we decided to sample the Ham Hock Terrine with Red Onion Relish and a Classic Atlantic Prawn Cocktail as starters. From the choice of several tempting mains, a Yorkshire Wolds Chicken Fillet wrapped in Parma Ham with a creamy cheese sauce and a Baked Salmon Fillet in a Cream White Wine and Dill Sauce, got our vote…as for the pudding – we
The main courses were served on piping hot plates, and the portion sizes extremely generous. The salmon fillet was deep and cooked to perfection, the accompanying vegetables “spot on” and the sauce was delicious. The chicken was tender and the presentation of the dish was fabulous- as for the sauce, my husband has eaten in some award winning restaurants across the UK and he commented “it’s the best I have ever tasted”. Observing other diners in the restaurant, it was clear that the hotel has a very talented team behind the scenes who take immense pride in their work and use only the finest of ingredients.
The meal was not rushed, we were “checked on” regularly and thankfully, we had room left for the final course. Despite the Sticky Toffee pudding sounding fabulous, we opted for a cheese board and home-made apple and sultana crumble with custard accompanied by a Cafetière of coffee and a dessert wine. Blissful As soon as the cheese selection arrived, it was clear that we had over ordered! The biscuits were piled high, the selection extensive and the pot of relish overflowing! The crumble was light and packed with fruit however sadly, a tad too much after such a beautiful meal. Whilst we dined, many guests retired to the lounge for after dinner drinks however we opted for an early night as there was still more to explore the next day. Overnight, the hotel was silent. No slamming doors, road noise or other – a blissful nights sleep. Waking up to the sound of the sea and the sun streaming through the windows was a joy. Continental Breakfast in bed was
an option however we preferred to return to the restaurant (service between 8-9.30am) – there was an array of options ranging from fresh strawberries and yogurt sourced from Longley Farm in Holmfirth to a full English Breakfast. We decided to enjoy eggs “from happy hens who live on Emmersons Farm in Hunmanby” with freshly toasted bread, juices and Yorkshire tea. Both the scrambled and poached eggs were cooked to taste and served with a smile – and devoured with satisfaction. Once again, the service was excellent and the staff helpful and professional. Toast was plentiful and tiny jars of “White Lodge” jams made a great accompaniment. Observations of the dining space in daylight included how immaculately clean and light and airey it was and no doubt suitable for many occasions. It was with a saddened heart that it was time to check out – the farewell from the receptionist was heartfelt and left us feeling valued. We left planning to return again, after all we had yet to sample an Afternoon Tea, the rooms overlooking Glen Gardens or one of the holiday apartments. TopicUKApril/May2019
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NEW S EU A PR DT A ST E T H
Media Matters with Charlotte Armitage
I’m often asked what I love the most about working in the film and TV industry. Contrary to what people may think, the biggest thrill is seeing the positive effects it has on people, communities and education. There’s a calendar of great events taking place over the course of the year, is there anything in particular you are looking forward to?
The creative sector has so much more to offer than just the glitz and the glam that people associate with it – although I admit get a real buzz from being on set and seeing our actors in action. This ‘bigger picture’ view was shared at the launch of Bradford’s City of Film 10 Year UNESCO celebration event, when Director David Wilson announced a variety of events taking place throughout the year that were all about sharing the joy of film and screen to encourage; learning and development, diversity, reduce isolation and bring communities together locally, nationally and internationally. I caught up with David to ask him a few questions following the 10th Anniversary launch to find out more about Bradford’s famous accolade as the global Pioneer for UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network.
We are working with Channel 4 as they host the ‘DIVERSE’ Festival in Bradford in May. Bradford UNESCO City of Film has always championed greater inclusion and diversity in the screen industries so in a way this feels like a very timely event. We are also hosting a series called’ Screen Talk’ where we invite industry professional who are either from Bradford or have worked on content here to come and tell us about their work. It’s a great line up of speakers. You can find out details on both events at www.bradford-city-of-film.com/10anniversary/ What does Bradford being a UNESCO City of Film mean for the creative industries across the Yorkshire region? I think it gives the region and indeed the wider county a bigger voice internationally and also more opportunities for employment and skills in the creative sector. Through the UNESCO Creative Cities Network we are in regular contact with 180 cities in 72 countries and they are all aware and supportive of our achievements. A lot has changed since 2009 when
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Bradford won the bid in terms of the creative sector, from streaming and VR/AR to inclusion and accessibility and much more in between, what do you think the next 10 years has in store for the creative sector in Yorkshire? If the last few years are anything to go by then this feels like a golden time to be studying or working in this area. We have seen a huge increase in demand from streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon in recent months to make content in the region. The use of moving image and VR/AR etc across other sectors, health in particular has also increased significantly.
MediaMatters
Given all the people you have met over the last 10 years, is there one person/actor/industry professional who stands out? That’s a tough one, because I have met many people as part of my role, including the Queen, the Deputy Prime Minister of China, Helena Bonham Carter, Ray Winstone and a number of high-profile Bollywood stars. I’ve been on the set of some amazing productions and met many of the people who work their magic for our entertainment. Given all of that, I am still inspired most by the number of people who volunteer to try and make a difference using our UNESCO film status.
N ETWH SE UA PR DT AS T E Gareth will be donating his time to assist the charity to prepare for its acquisition and future occupation of the building as well as helping the charity with its ongoing development and fund-raising activities. Gareth says: “I am delighted to be appointed. It’s a hugely exciting and worthwhile project given Leeds’ growing reputation as a creative industries hub – as particularly evidenced by the recent decision by Channel 4 to o p e n i t s n e w n a t i o n a l headquarters in the city.
Ward Hadaway Partner joins board of ‘life-changing’ charity Ward Hadaway Partner Gareth Yates has joined the board of trustees for Leeds charity MAP, which is a pioneering alternative provider in creative education. Gareth has been a commercial lawyer for over 18 years and has considerable expertise advising
organisations in the private and public sectors.
and practical experience in creative media, design, maths and English.
MAP (Music and Arts Production) Charity, based at Hope Foundry on Mabgate, offers young people at risk of exclusion from the school system, the chance to gain qualifications
The charity is currently fundraising, with the support of the local authority and investors, to purchase and renovate the Grade II-listed Hope Foundry.
Make an impression In the late 90’s a paper CV a headshot but a quick way to containing a little profile determine if your image is fitting picture landed on my desk is to ask yourself: Would I meet causing a small, yet exciting, a prospective client or employer ripple across the office . . looking as I do in my profile . a CV with a picture was image? No? Then it’s time to invest in a new headshot. most bizarre. Now our profile pictures headline most of our Social Media and this small, seemingly ineffectual picture, is often the very first impression made to those people wishing to engage with you. It’s easy to get tied up in knots about
the camera to engage the viewer, be relaxed, natural and welcoming. Absolutely no cropped snaps or images with family, friends or pets.
However, a few things to consider first:
A f a c e i n s t i n c t i v e l y re v e a l s hundreds of expressions but, once in front of the camera, the brain overthinks the situation and the results are unnatural; a good photographer will be able to uncover those genuine facial micro expressions.
It’s not a fashion portrait so avoid dramatic lighting and overly processed images (step away from the air-brush). Look into
Posing for ‘just a headshot’ may seem a bit excessive but it is important and will ensure your image doesn’t look like another
I am looking forward to working closely with the other trustees a n d m a n a g e m e n t te a m a n d contributing to the good work that they do.” The charity’s communications manager Raf Bogan, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Gareth on board. Having him provide commercial input is invaluable for us and makes us feel confident that we will be able to deliver on our plans for the future security and growth of the charity.” bad passport photo. Try these simple examples and see how you get on: • Imagine a piece of string in the centre of your head pulling you up (now you should feel stretched and upright). • Push your head forward (like a turtle) to define jaw line – but keep the shoulders relaxed back. • Drop your head very slightly and look directly into the camera Roth Reed Photography. www.rothreadphotography. com/ TopicUKApril/May2019
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Out of Office
NEWS
UPDATE
with Mandy White Storthes Hall Park You arrive home on Friday night after a busy week. What’s the first thing you do? I don’t always get the weekend off in my job so when I do it’s a quick tea and then off to my local theatre for a rehearsal for my next play or musical. I have been performing in shows at the Garrick theatre for the last 30 years and have played everything from a roman courtesan, ghost, drag queen, dance teacher, MP’s wife, factory worker, fairy godmother, genie and even appeared naked in our production of Calendar Girls. It’s great fun and it’s the one place no one talks about work which is perfect after a busy week. It’s time for the weekend. What are we most likely to find you doing, and where? I have a gorgeous big dog called Honey bear. We spend a lot of time together including walks on the beach, attending dog agility and also occasionally paddle boarding which is great fun. We have also been known to make an appearance at local dog shows with the other members of North West Giants, a club for giant breeds. Saturday night arrives. What’s your idea of the perfect way to spend it? I like going to the cinema or the theatre. The last film I saw was The Favourite not sure I really understood all the nuances but it was enjoyable. I tend to prefer animation or a good action film. Loved The Nutcracker at Christmas and Mary Poppins. I think Christopher Robin was one of my favourites from last year. I also love going out to dinner with friends we
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have a lot of great restaurants near me with a good range of different cuisines. It’s Sunday already. What tasks are usually on your ‘to-do’ list? I always have a full English on a Sunday, as it sets me up for the day. Then it’s the usual tasks like washing, cleaning, gardening in the summer and maybe another rehearsal in the afternoon. I also go to the park with my dog for a bit of fresh air. I tend to be a bit of a home bird on Sunday night often watching the Sunday 8pm series on the TV. I love a good drama and thoroughly enjoyed Les Misérables most recently! Work again tomorrow. Do you get the Sunday blues or look forward to getting back – and why? I don’t really get the Sunday blues because I love my job at Storthes Hall Park. There is never a dull moment in my job and every day is different. We host lots of different events including weddings, conferences, team building and other community activities. Its hard work but fun; you have to love events to work in them because you spend so much of your time running and planning them. It can mean quite unsocial hours.
Big year ahead as Keegan heads for the Humber By Natalie Sykes, Regional Director, Institute of Directors logistics and energy sectors but also in emerging sectors like creative and digital.
The weekend’s almost over. What’s the last thing you do before you hit the hay ahead of another week? Last thing before bed is my nightly cuppa, maybe a bit of chocolate. I think it helps me sleep! I usually try and make a list of things I need to achieve during the week. I always try to get an early night but I’m just not very good at actually making it upstairs. I usually end up doing a couple of quick jobs on the way and by that time it’s at least 11pm.
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Humber Business Week is fast approaching, and here at the IoD we are looking forward to a fantastic few days of events and networking in June. There is huge potential in the Humber, not just in the ports,
I never cease to be amazed by the energy of the region’s business community and I’m pleased to say that the Institute of Directors (IoD) continues to play a key role under the excellent leadership of our branch chair Pat Coyle. I’m particularly delighted that our annual Humber Luncheon will once again kick off Business Week on 3 June. Former England footballer and
Company of the Month
Sponsored by Th e a wa rd - wi n n i n g p u b l i c re l a ti ons bu si ne ss s p e c i a l i s i n g i n B 2B c ommu ni cati ons
Two years ago, Regenex was simply a concept that founders David Midgley, Paul Hamilton and Matthew Whitehead hoped could tackle a mounting ‘green’ issue.
Tackling mounting environmental challenge
Only 15-20% of textiles disposed of in Europe are collected for reuse or downcycling at best, and the carbon impact of this throwaway mentality is vast, not to mention extremely costly.
With a wealth of textiles knowledge, these gentlemen know their cloth. So, they set about devising a new cleaning method that they believed could shift more complex stains – including selfA successful pilot project in Bradford – with half a million pounds tan, ink, mildew and concrete marks of investment has led to the launch of a 25,000sqft commercial – from a range of linen fabrics. cleaning operation that will help prevent UK linen and workwear from going to early landfill. Now, the team has handled over
manager and best-selling author Kevin Keegan will be our guest speaker at the KCOM Stadium. Kevin started his playing career at Scunthorpe and went on to play for Liverpool, Southampton and Newcastle.
our annual showcase of the best and brightest business minds in the region. In 2017, we were delighted to give the Lifetime Achievement award to Lord Haskins, chair of the Humber LEP, who has done so much to forward the ambitions of the region. He followed in the footsteps of another Humber winner Dr Paul Sewell OBE.
It’s a ‘must-attend’ for the football fans out there but Kevin will offer something for everyone. As Pat said when announcing the event: “We look forward to New categories have been added for this year to hearing about his experiences on and off the field, recognise the Young Director of the Year and the leading director of a business with particularly in management, which a £50 million-plus turnover. We’re no doubt will provide many parallels delighted that TopicUK is again our to those we encounter in running our The Humber Luncheon partner for the awards. TopicUK own businesses.” joins our patron CNG, which is starts at Noon on 3 June. sponsoring the CSR award. Further inspiration can be drawn Tickets are £47 + VAT for from our regular Meet-Up events in IoD members and £54 + VAT the Humber, which are a fantastic for non members. Tables of opportunity to meet and network in 10 are £450 + VAT. To book, Don’t delay – the deadline a relaxed environment while hearing email iod.yorkshire@iod. for entries is 12 April. To from some excellent speakers. Keep com or email Pat Coyle at enter, go to www.iodawards. an eye on the IoD Yorkshire website pat.coyle@rollits.com com/yorks-northeast for the latest dates. The winners will be celebrated at a black-tie dinner at the prestigious Thoughts are also turning to our Principal York hotel on 4 July 2019. Director of the Year Awards 2019,
300 tonnes of condemned linen and apparel from the hospitality, healthcare and workwear sectors, which would otherwise have been considered to have reached its ‘end of life’. 74% of this has been successfully reclaimed and reinserted into the commercial laundry industry’s pool stock, to continue its useful economic life. The average net cost saving – when compared to clients having to repurchase each item – is 35%, but this figure has reached up to 80% for chef wear. Now a fully-commercial operation employing 12 people and with capacity to handle at least 15 tonnes of linen per week, Regenex is on the hunt for more clients in 2019 and beyond. The management team is even offering a 400kg free trial to commercial laundry businesses in the UK, to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new system. Commenting on the venture, managing director David Midgley said: “Unfortunately, the UK lags behind many of our European neighbours when it comes to the treatment of ‘waste’ textiles. The amount of commercial linen and workwear that we’re sending to landfill, per year is staggering. So is the environmental impact, and so is the business cost. This has to stop. That’s exactly why we’ve spent the last two years innovating, because environmentally-conscience consumers are starting to push back!”
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UPDAT E
Sheffield Sustainable Kitchens
“CSR is integral to the way I run the company”, says Rob Cole confidently.
CSR Update
He’s the MD of Sheffield Sustainable Kitchens and has a passion for helping the community and environment in which he lives and works. He continues: “All our business practices are structured with a focus on ethics and sustainability. For me, CSR encompasses much more than a regular donation to charity. I believe that all aspects of our business should be conscious of the way we integrate ourselves in to our e n v iron me nt a nd community.” And this approach is clearly working. Sheffield Sustainable Kitchens won the Sheffield Business Award for Excellence in Corporate, Social and Environmental Responsibility last year, “an achievement we’re very proud of ”, Rob adds. Engaging your team is very important Explaining what he’s got coming up in terms of new CSR activity, Rob says: “Our next team away day is at the charity Endeavour, helping to construct and decorate a training area for the young people they work with.” Endeavour works with disadvantaged young people, in the areas of personal development, education and social action, helping them to re-engage and build their skills when they have become marginalised. Rob says proudly: “We’re helping to create a beauty salon in their Sheffield base to use in training some of
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the young people they support who have become excluded from mainstream education.”
Start small and pick something that resonates
Engaging his team in the company’s CSR activity is something Rob feels is very important.
So what words of wisdom would Rob give to a company looking to start out on the CSR path and how has CSR activity helped the business expand its networks?
“I’m lucky that my team are supportive of CSR activity and enjoy being part of the wider community.”, he comments. “I do ask the team for their suggestions and opinions on which charities they would like to get involved with, as clearly they are going to be more invested in something that they feel passionate about, and therefore the chance of success is much higher. We are a close-knit team and when hiring, I try to find staff who share values with the business and the rest of the team. Working from a similar code of ethics is a key driver for me.”
“I would say start small, and pick something that resonates with you and your values”, he advises.
“ I try to find staff who share values with the business and the rest of the team... ”
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“ No t j u s t y o u r o w n personal values, but also the values of the company. Also, consult staff, engage
your team and get them involved.” H e c o n c l u d e s : “A l l connections, CSR related or not, are good connections - and all business activities help to expand your business networks. “A s a c o m p a n y, w e are involved with apprenticeships, graduate recruitment schemes and various small business support networks. I started a couple of local Green business groups, as well as co-organising a netwalking group which brings together businesses with the same ethical mindset. “All of this has really helped to improve our larger business network as a company.”
NEWS
UPDAT E and contractors need reliable, t r u s t w o r t h y a n d c o m p e te n t companies to perform the installations. “I spotted a gap in the market so I used my knowledge and experience, together with my network of industry contacts, to start Frontier and hit the ground running.”
Hornsea couple’s business wins An East Yorkshire company’s meteoric rise to success within its first year has earned it a prestigious regional business award. An East Yorkshire company’s meteoric rise to success within its first year has earned it a prestigious regional business award. Fr o n t i e r Mo d u l a r S e r v i c e s , launched in late 2017 by Hornsea man Rich Pooley (who was joined by his partner Lindsey Nicklin later in 2018), has won the ‘StartUp Business of the Year’ category for the Yorkshire and the Humber region in the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) annual awards. The winners were announced in March at a glittering ceremony in York. Rich said: “I’m over the moon, to get this kind of recognition so soon is amazing.” Lindsey added: “It’s so lovely to see the team’s hard work has been recognised. The award has also given us a chance to take a step back and really reflect on what we’ve achieved over the past year. We’ve been so busy, it’s not always something you stop to appreciate!”
The couple will now progress to the national FSB awards final, which is being held in London in May, where they will be competing with ‘start up’ category winners from the other 11 regions. Thirty-year-old Rich had spent 13 years honing his skills in the modular building installation UK p Topic u amedSmiths , has te John dersfield r e h T with m in Hudky reade h Stadiuer one lucin two pitucs to offance to wthe fabulo h the ce to see t on tick ts Take Tha th
June 4
industry before taking a leap of faith to launch his own business in December 2017, with former lawyer and business manager L i n d s e y ’ s s u p p o r t. He s a i d : “The modular sector is growing rapidly as more building projects use off-site manufactured units for developments such as hospitals, hotels, and schools,
Requests for Frontier’s services came thick and fast and the business expanded much faster than Rich could have hoped. “I started out with just one operative working alongside me, then within the first eight months of trading Lindsey had left her employment to become a director in charge of the ‘back office’ operations as well as developing hire centre services for clients, and our site crew had grown into double figures,” he added. “The success of 2018 has gone beyond anything I could have expected. Lindsey was my biggest supporter, giving me the encouragement I needed to take the leap.”
Take That • WIN TICKETS TO SEE TAKE THAT THIS SUMMER To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is log onto Twitter and tweet: I’m going to see Take That with @ topic_uk and @johnsmithstadia You must follow both TopicUK and The John Smiths Stadium so we can notify you if you are our lucky winner, who will be the first drawn after the closing date of Friday 17th May. Tickets are for general standing. If you would like to book tickets please contact Michaela@ksdl.org. uk. Tel: 01484 484124 Mobile 07985 425522. There is no cash alternative to this prize and the editors decision is final.
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T H E
AR TS think it is a dead cert. But, of course, there is no such thing. Shows that look preposterous as an idea – say War Horse: Black Beauty in the trenches with life-size puppets – can turn out to be the biggest successes. Unfortunately, the ability to take this kind of risk has been severely curtailed through lack of funding.
The Arts
But without new work, British theatre and venues risk petrification. One of the issues facing British theatre is the way the flood of young people entering the profession narrows to a trickle as artists get older, funding gets scarcer and it simply becomes harder and harder to sustain careers. Many just give up, taking their talent and ideas into other industries. It is theatre’s loss.
By Murray Edwards - Art and business consultant
We will face a crisis if early-career theatre makers aren’t supported
The result is an imbalance in talent and experience. So, British theatre ends up with a load of inexperienced people at the start of their careers and a raft of experienced, older and more established companies, many of whom have enjoyed years as national portfolio organisations, as a result of which there is an enormous gap between the two. In theatre terms, this part of the industry has contracted further as touring circuits and fees have diminished, and it has become increasingly hard to make the leap from the small to the mid-scale.
Reading a great deal about the current state of theatre, as I do, I have found it very interesting recently to see that more and more is being written about the current state of the funding system in the Arts and, in particular, where the money is being invested. Cut-backs in local authority funding have resulted in a significant reduction in support for the arts, and a re-focusing of Arts Council investment has forced the closure of many well-known touring companies. It is also clear that emerging companies who are also very important to the theatre ecosystem in that they offer work to emerging theatre-makers in a variety of capacities, are also being starved of investment. The support that is available tends to be largely based in London and if ever there was a starker exposition of the north/south divide then it is in this area. Lynn Gardener wrote eloquently recently about this very issue, with particular reference to the Vault Festival in London which showcases emerging and rising talent and is virtually unique in the sector. If this festival demonstrates anything, then it is that there’s no shortage of talent and good ideas out there. The
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question is: how can programmers, producers and venues best support that talent and those ideas, so that artists and shows can develop, and companies get a chance to grow up? It’s a question that also looms every year on the Edinburgh Fringe. What many of these young companies really need is the opportunity to develop their fledgling productions with the support of venues. Because theatre does not spring fully formed, many emerging companies will have learned a great deal from putting a show in front of an audience at events such as the Vault Festival, but they will need more sustained support to take things further, or, in some cases, to start afresh with a new idea.
Those who have entered theatre over the last few years know that regular funding of any kind is unlikely ever to come their way. That’s why genuinely well-supported development opportunities at the start of careers are more important than ever.
“But without new work, British theatre and venues risk petrification...
Many theatres are actually quite strongly risk-averse, paying lip service to adventure and innovation but reluctant to programme anything – particularly new work – unless they
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This is a really crucial issue and one which has to be addressed. There is enormous talent in the north as witness the remarkable productions featuring our young people which appear regularly in our local theatres. Similarly, there are others – writers, designers, composers, directors – who are just not receiving the support they need to expand and develop their ideas and – who knows – create the War Horse of tomorrow. Will these creatives have the energy, and access to resources, to help them achieve their ambitions in theatre making? And if they can’t, then British theatre has a problem.
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AR TS
Joe McFadden and The House on Cold Hill is just Grand As Peter James’s spine-chilling stage play, The House on Cold Hill comes to Leeds Grand Theatre from 29 April to 4 May, TopicUK editor Gill Laidler caught up with BAFTA nominated actor Joe McFadden, one of the stars of the show and winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2017, to find out more. This modern day ghostly thriller adapted from the best selling 2015 novel and based on the authors real life experiences in a haunted house, not only stars Joe, but Rita Simons, who played Roxy Mitchell in EastEnders and Charlie Clements, also from EastEnders. The Harcourt family moved into the house of their dreams that has stood empty for the last forty years. However, their dream home quickly turns into the stuff of nightmares as they begin to sense that they aren’t the only residents at Cold Hill. Joe is best known for playing series regular Raf di Lucca in BBC1’s Holby City from 2014 to 2017 and PC Joe Mason in Heartbeat from 2010 to 2014, amongst his many other roles. Two series ago in 2017, Joe partnered with Katya Jones in Strictly Come Dancing, capturing the nations hearts and going on to win. So what drew Joe to The House on Cold Hill? “The show is really well written and full of interesting characters. There is some real tension and nothing in the play is what it seems to be, audiences are left guessing right until the last minute. Plus, I have never performed at The Grand, something
Image: Helen Maybanks - The House On Cold Hill. I am very much looking forward to. I lived in Leeds city Centre from 2007 to 2009 whilst filming Heartbeat in Farsley, but sadly never got around to visiting the theatre.” Joe plays Ollie in the production. “My character seems to have everything going for him, but that’s not the case as things unravel throughout the play. I won’t spoil the plot but it makes for interesting progression as a character.” Joe has experience in both TV and theatre so I asked does his role in the play present any challenges? “I suppose it would be creating tension, getting the audience to care whilst at the same time scaring them. Many ghost stories are old-fashioned set in Victorian times but this one is up-to-date, with all the tech, Alexa, Facebook etc. Alexa is really weird saying all kinds of strange stuff, but then I
think it’s weird that people have something in their house that is always listening. “I am really lucky to have the career that I have, when I am working in television, the role at the time will be my favourite, but then when I switch to theatre, that becomes my favourite! I’ve had some fantastic roles and couldn’t pick a favourite, I guess it’s always the one I am working on presently. I have no preference between stage and screen, but I do get a buzz performing in front of a live audience. “One of the highlights of my
“ Audiences are left guessing right until the last minute...”
career was winning Strictly Come Dancing. Sadly I
haven’t kept on dancing, time I suppose and to be honest, I’m not really that good without intensive oneon-one training.” So what are you most looking forward to? I am looking forward to touring and visiting Leeds again, I have so many fond memories of the city and looking forward to performing in front of different audiences, the further North you go they seem to get warmer, especially when I go to Scotland, they’re quite vocal up there! You can see the show at The Grand Theatre from Monday 29 April to Saturday 4 May. To book visit www. leedsgrandtheatre.com or call the box office on 0844 848 2700.
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Employability Week bringing opportunities to Kirklees College Students It’s been a busy period as the new term started and the half term crept ever closer, but it has brought with it some influential guest speakers who have excelled in their career paths and have been inspirational to the students.
As Kirklees College celebrated Employability Week in March, we look back at how 2019 has been shaping up for students.
Real Housewife and successful businesswomen Dawn Ward made her Kirklees College debut in January. She visited to discuss all things health and beauty. Students were treated to a motivating talk, with beauty demonstrations from Dawn, owner of
Skulpt, a private nonsurgical Aesthetic clinic. Another college favourite and alumni, Fes ‘The Te r r i e r ’ B a t i s t a , h a s been a prominent figure throughout college as he treated some students to an inspirational talk about his challenging journey to the boxing ring, and how belief in himself led to him achieving his goals. He had a fantastic tale to tell, from studying Public Services at Kirklees College to his experience with bullying at University, and the person that rescued him at his lowest point, Lady Gaga. It’s not just influential speakers that have impacted our students p o s i t i v e l y. S t u d e n t s
The Prince of Wales Hospice have launched their 30th anniversary car raffle. Thanks to support from HARIBO and Motorpoint, a Fiat 500 is up for grabs for one lucky winner.
Win a car!
Hospice representatives were joined at Motorpoint, Castleford, by HARIBO Goldbear, and Castleford Tigers players Mike McMeekin and Grant Millington as the car was unveiled. Goldbear handed the keys to the car over to Hospice nurse, Michelle Outhwaite, to launch the appeal. Michelle said “We are delighted to be able to offer this fantastic prize in our 30th anniversary year. It’s a wonderful way to get lots of
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people supporting their local Hospice, and will ensure this is an exceptional year for those who need our care. We are extremely grateful to both HARIBO and Motorpoint for their support.” HARIBO Corporate Communications Assistant, Julie Beaman added “This year marks a double celebration for HARIBO. Not only are we proud to be helping The Prince of Wales Hospice during their anniversary
from the HNC/HND Computing and Business courses were treated to an exclusive tour of the Jaguar Land Rover site in Liverpool, where they gained an insight into the different business functions and the use of Artificial Intelligence. The variety and scope of what you can achieve at Kirklees College is limitless, so it’s easy to see why our students progress into further education or employment so confidently. We’re always looking for ways to motivate and stimulate our learners. If you think your business would be a good fit with us, or if you would like to attend our Employability Fair, contactemployers@ kirkleescollege.ac.uk
year, we are also marking 25 years of supporting the hospice team and hope that the next 12 months will see record funds raised for this fantastic cause.”
The car will now tour the local community and events for the next six months to raise vital funds for the Hospice. Tickets are just £1 and can be bought at various outlets, including the Hospice reception and all of its charity shops. For more information, visit www.pwh.org.uk/car. The lucky winner will be drawn on September 18th.
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Royal Ascot comes to Bibis Italianissimo
“An Italian touch brought to a quintessentially English event” Renowned cit y centre restaurant and event space, Bibis Italianissimo, is holding its first ever ‘Race Day’ during Royal Ascot 2019.
Europe. Owner of 2 horses with his partner, James now focuses on transporting horses around the UK, and just recently set up First Choice Pet & Equine Laundry completing the package alongside First Choice horse transport.
On 20 June, Bibis will bring the fun, finesse, glitz and glamour of Royal Ascot to the centre of Leeds on prestigious “Ladies Day”.
James is also known as an Equine Hairdresser giving your horses that clip it needs to make it feel fresh again.
Bibis has teamed up with See It Now Sports to bring this distinguished English event to Bibis with an Italian twist. Guests are invited for Prosecco and canapes before taking a seat and enjoying a ‘day at the races’ along with a fabulous three course meal.
First choice Horse transport operates from a 2 horse 3.5 ton horsebox which is fully licensed and operated from a climate controlled box ensuring the special cargo is cared for along the journey he is also able to keep a watchful eye on your pride and joy via the CCTV fitted in the cab.
From the Royal Procession to the final race, Bibis will broadcast the entire day on projectors and speakers fitted around the restaurant and on the stage. Think betting, tipsters, and a compere to tie it all together. Bibis will also be fundraising on the day in aid of Maggie’s Yorkshire – a state of the art new facility being built in the grounds of St James’s University Hospital in Leeds to complement the hospitals excellent clinical care and to offer the practical, emotional and social support people with cancer and their families and friends need. Laura Riach from Maggie’s Yorkshire commented: “We’re thrilled to be working with Bibis Italianissimo on this upcoming event. It’s a fantastic opportunity for Maggie’s to place themselves in front of a great variety of people
– from businesses people to members of the public – and to let people know what Maggie’s Yorkshire is all about and the benefit it will bring to those who will use it in the future. We’re confident this will be an excellent event for all involved.” This one-off event is open to everyone and is priced at £60 per person exclusive of drinks. Booking is essential and can
First choice Equine Laundry provides, all your washing needs for rugs, sheets, numnahs, saddle cloths, girths & travel boots washed, re proofed and repaired if needed. Luciana Sperandio of Bibis Italianissimo (crowned ‘Best Dressed Lady’ at York Races 2011) is pictured with Chilack who recently joined the team at Bibis for a photoshoot!
be made by contacting the restaurant directly on 0113 243 0905 or emailing reservations@ bibisrestaurant.com. But where did our beautiful guest horse come from? Horses have been James Longbottom’s life for over 30 years, competing at a high level, showing and transporting horses around
James of First Choice Pet & Equine Laundry
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Zulfi Hussain MBE is determined to continue his Global Promise Entrepreneur and philanthropist Zulfi Hussain was just elevenyears-old when he arrived in the UK from his home in Pakistan, with no experience of the English language or culture. Despite this tough start, he was determined he would get an education and make a difference as he began his life in Britain in an immigrant centre. His motto, ‘Think big, start small, but act now’ words, he still lives by today. “When I started school, all the other students were Asian like me, with no prior learning experience of English, so it was difficult trying to teach us,” he said. Things didn’t improve when he reached secondary school age. “I was bussed across Bradford to a school that was one of the roughest, toughest white estate schools in Bradford, a plan to integrate young Asians into the community. The school was the regional headquarters of the National Front Party, so it wasn’t a pleasant place to be,” he added. “As a teenager I would carry pepper spray and chilli power and enrolled in Karate classes, with a hope of defending myself.”
Zulfi firmly believed that education was his way out and he went on to specialise in engineering, acquiring a national diploma, later studying for a degree in engineering systems and control at The University of Huddersfield. Today, Zulfi has an MBE for his services to business and charity and an honorary doctorate from the University of Bradford.
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He has held a number of roles in business, a high performance coach with telecoms giant BT and is owner of the successful Deeva Restaurant just outside Leeds, but with his BT days behind him, Zulfi is passionate about relaunching a charity he founded in 2004. “I launched Global Promise in 2004
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Promise had raised its first £1m of ‘stuff ’ my term for funds, goods services and expertise. Within the first eight weeks, £2m had been raised,” he added. Since then, Global Promise has dive rsified into enterprise education, helping disadvantaged youngsters, particularly in Bradford “O ur global network spans many and encouraging people of all cultures, c o u n t r i e s a n d c o n s i s t s o f w e l l religions and backgrounds to engage, recognised Changemakers as well breaking down barriers and stereotypes. as many unsung heroes who make a Today the charity has raised more than big difference to lives of others. We £6m for a variety of charities, both organise training programmes that are facilitated and based on experiential internationally and in the UK. learning for professional development, “We have done some incredible fundraising skills enhancement and capacity events,” Zulfi told us. Notably scaling building. Everest on his 50th Birthday to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care, Help “In addition, our bootcamps are designed The Heroes and the National Autistic to enhance peer learning and sharing of Society, an experience he describes as knowledge, expertise and experiences,” “one of the biggest challenges in my life. he added. “Individuals are challenged It was a huge thing for me, physically to advance their leadership and scale and mentally. I suppose it goes back the positive social impact of their work. to my personal ethos of setting myself Each person will receive personalised difficult challenges and helping to make training, coaching, mentoring and leadership development. a difference. “I’ve had an absolute magical journey of “ We a r e t o o r g a n i s e a n a n n u a l life so far, never dreaming that I would conference that will bring together do some of the things I have done, but people from around the world to talk now I have fulfilled my contract with BT about challenges, opportunities and in response to the devastating tsunami that and have a little more time on my hands, share practical advice on how to make a hit South Asia that year. Like everyone else, I want to concentrate more on Global positive difference to the lives of people and the environment. I woke up that morning thinking, this is Promise.” terrible, what can I do to help?” he said. So Zulfi gathered together like-minded “We are a global network of social and “I am really excited to focus more of my people from the business community business entrepreneurs, innovators, time on helping others,” Zulfi told us. and began his mission to help victims business leaders, educators, policy makers and activists, known as Global If anyone is interested in getting of the disaster. changemakers, who are crazy enough to involved email: zulfi.hussain@ “By day four of the campaign, Global think that they can change the world and do. btinternet.com. TopicUKApril/May2019
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Sale By Auction 25 April 2019
buyers having “perfect knowledge” genuinely “best price” is an unachievable goal. But some properties lend themselves better than others to the auction method of sale.
By Mark Hanson BSc FRICS
Property auctions are the purest form of the open market, two or more parties battling it out until allother than one ultimately decides to drop out revealing the one party prepared to outbid the others.
Nevertheless, the attraction of a potential bargain or securing the dream barn to convert or that parcel of land perfect for a pony or horse are reasons we know that the effort is almost always worthwhile.
The upfront costs and preparation in putting a sale together are considerable not only for the sellers but buyers too, who are expected to have undertaken thorough due diligence in advance of bidding with no guarantee of success.
But does an auction sale guarantee “best price”. “Best price” has a variety of definitions but certainly, “best price on the day” is achieved for sure but unless the entire market has been covered and we are offering with all available
Those properties being offered by ourselves in the next sale on 25 April are a disparate selection of relatively low value/cost lots all of which have the potential to generate profit for the buyers. And as each lot will have a set of buyers keen to secure each lot it remains a fascination as to how individuals decide for themselves when the time has come to drop out. I have bought many millions of pounds worth of property on behalf of clients over the last 30 years. My advice is always the
Land & Property Auction Thursday 25 April 2019 7pm Cedar Court Hotel, Lindley Moor Road, Ainley Top, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD3 3RH
A variety of lots, including residential and commercial properties, agricultural land, woodland and development land. walkersingleton.co.uk
01484 477600
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same; know how much you are prepared to go to, add 5% to 10% and if I am buying for them, leave me to do the rest. So, come along to the Walker Singleton Auction Sale on Thursday 25 April at the Cedar Court Hotel Lindley Moor Road Huddersfield HD3 3RH. The sale will commence at 7.00pm. Who knows you might bag a bargain? Online brochures are available at Walker Singleton Property Auctions including a Guide to Buying.” “Good luck.”
Mark S Hanson BSc FRICS Hanson Chartered Surveyors A Walker Singleton Group Company
AD VER TOR I AL
The three most important things to do when preparing your business for sale You might not be planning to sell your business for another five or ten years, but now is still the time to act to get it in the best possible shape so you can maximise its value when the day comes. My time working on disposal transactions for clients has taught me a thing or two about how to get the best value for a business, skills our current clients now benefit from. Here’s where we start.
Management matters It goes without saying that you need a trusted and stable senior team to help run the business. This is something a buyer will be looking for to ensure there’s continuity after any sale. The acid test of whether you have that right is whether or not you could confidently go on holiday – for a month. If you can’t do that, you are too key to the business and for a successful sale, that needs to change.
Be ahead of the due diligence curve Well before you start discussions with any prospective buyer you need to have thought about what information they will want to see about the business as part of the due diligence process.
processes for these kinds of metrics now will give you useful business insight you can act on right now.
Get rid of any skeletons in your closet There could be all sorts of issues within your business which you want to tidy up before disclosing to a potential buyer. They will broadly fall under these headings: •
If you sell products that’s things like who your key customers are, where you source your products/ raw materials from, how much your average stockholding is and how many days you tend to hold if for and your margins for each product. What other business processes do you need to record or refine? I always suggest looking at HR and finance as the best starting point, but there will be others. However, this isn’t a paper exercise about easing through a sale. Creating smart reporting
Finance and tax
If a sale is what you want when you exit your business, it’s never too soon to plan for that. To benefit from our expertise, give the team a call on 01924 669500.
• People •
Customer and supplier risks
•
IT and data protection risks
If you have a rotten apple on the team who you’ve been putting off dealing with; act now. If you think you have a big tax liability that you’ll need to settle, get it sorted, and if you only have a small number of key customers, business development to get you to a more resilient position needs to be a priority.
Ian Parsons is managing partner of Parsons Accountants in Wakefield.
Blazing a trail with apprenticeships IT
By Paul Heigham - Director of Bellingham IT
March saw the 12th annual National Apprenticeship Week and a ‘Blaze a Trail’ theme was used to highlight the fantastic opportunities that apprenticeships can bring to employers, individuals and the economy. Apprenticeships support our young people and those looking for a vocational option when it comes to developing skills and importantly forging careers in many industries, especially within IT, creative and digital sectors. A vibrant sector with many facets, IT and digital related roles are vast but so are the skills required. Add to the mix the general skills shortage and you quickly realise how important IT apprenticeships can be in helping individuals to thrive in a highly technical market place, especially when complimentary learning and development can be tailored to the specific needs of the organisation. Within this forever changing industry, keeping abreast of new technology also becomes a challenge with many graduates touting out of date skills that can only be brought up to date through hands on experience in the work place; which is good news for apprentices and those looking to develop the right team members. Getting the right apprentice can help organisations save money whilst also providing the best possible start for those looking for vocational learning and development. So, what are the stand out factors that can help apprenticeships work for organisations, and most importantly for the individuals too. Finding the right candidates The IT sector is huge and with so many career paths it is important to find a partner that can help you to identify the right applicants; those that are keen to work both within your industry and within the roles that you have to offer. Partners should have a good understanding about your industry and be able to spot candidates that have a genuine interest.
Adopting the best approach Don’t just dive in to offer apprenticeships, find an approach that works for your organisation. As an example, some companies start by offering a work placement. If the student has met with your expectations and performance targets, and more importantly, if they have enjoyed their work experience, both the business and the student are in a much stronger position to offer and accept an apprenticeship. The benefit of this unique approach is that the candidate already knows the internal processes, understands the culture and is familiar with customers and colleagues. This familiarisation with the working environment means that they are ready to take an active role in the organisation from day one. Identify where support is needed Providing the right support is the difference between an average apprentice and one that is outstanding. Whilst it’s good to talk about skills development and the learning and development available, listening is crucial. This helps organisations to understand an apprentice’s
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challenges and in turn what can be done to prioritise and help them. Confidence, dealing with customers and prioritising tasks to meet deadlines are often at the top of the list. Companies should create a safe environment to learn, provide apprentices with the opportunity to deal with a diverse mix of characters and feel comfortable enough to let you know when they need extra support. This can be the difference between maintaining and excelling in customer services and will improve morale and the speed of learning. Think longer term Always consider how an apprentice can progress through your business and let this inspire them. This will help them to set their own goals and ultimately give them the confidence and the skills they need to trail a blaze through your organisation.
Upper Calder Valley Renaissance - Networking in the Calder Valley
Mytholmroyd Businesses get Google Digital boost and the network gets a face lift. With boots on the ground working with the Upper Calder Valley Renaissance (UCVR) and Calderdale Council during the aftermath of the 2015 floods, the Mytholmroyd Business Network (MBN) has been bringing businesses together for breakfasts in the village and surrounds for four years now. Keeping up momentum for any group can be difficult when volunteer resources are hard to come by.
MBN Chair Sue Slater says “It has been particularly difficult in a village still under siege from the economic impact of the flooding. We will have ongoing flood alleviation work for at least another 12 months. Our role is keep the network and business connections vibrant until we eventually
get back to a normal trading environment. We are working hard to move the businesses and the village away from the constant attention on the flood works and towards the future challenges business face, like the uncertain effects of Brexit and the digital express coming down the tracks.” To
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address the latter, the MBN hosted a Google Digital Garage (the third on in the Valley in the last 18 months). Sue added “With an attendance of round 45 businesses this was a great opportunity to show local businesses that no matter how big or small or wherever they trade, you can’t ignore the challenges of digital or fail to adopt these skills, if you do, you will get left behind”. The event was also an opportunity for the group to present a fresh and contemporary brand to express their approach to local business support and representation. MBN underwent a rebranding exercise with local brand consultant and designer Angela Richards. MBN reviewed the message and image that they putting across to the businesses and others in the valley. As a result, they feel they now present a more professional image that matches the wide range of companies in the area. The UCVR, as with other networks in the Calder Valley, support the MBN team with practical organisational tasks. Stephen Curry director of UCVR said “the MBN team
were so determined to press the refresh button and lift their village, that we gave them all the support that they needed to put on the digital workshop and work their way through the branding process. They have done a great job and we hope more local businesses will get behind them now that they can see that they have a new and dynamic approach to the business of networking and business representation”. The next breakfast meeting of the MBN will be on 9th April, at 8am in the Mytholmroyd Community Centre. For more information on MBN events in 2019 contact: Sue Slater by EMAIL: business@discovermytholmroyd.info TWITTER @MytholmroydBN For details of networking in the wider valley get in touch with: UCVR info@ucvr.org.uk Tel. 01422 417286 www.ucvr.org.uk Twitter @UCVR_
Construction boss Lilliana Savchuk has rescued her company from the brink thanks to commercial finance support from Yorkshire-based brokers ABL Business.
ND A EV W ES R U TP O DR AI AT LE
Lilliana, Director of London City Facades Ltd in Nazeing, Essex, was able to buy out the company after a directors’ dispute led to cashflow problems and drove it into administration. London City Facades Ltd is a leading contractor of external facades which designs, manufactures and installs full exterior facades for residential and commercial projects. Working with a number of well-regarded national developers in the South East and Greater London, the company provides a complete project management service from the design phase through to final installation. The business was pre viously known as Luckywheel Ltd but was relaunched as London City Facades when Lilliana took over last year. She has managed to retain all the employees and assets as well as an order book of jobs worth nearly £6m. Lilliana was introduced to Cleckheaton-based ABL Business by FDS in Wakefield, who provide corporate finance services to ownermanaged businesses, supporting them on their business journey from the early stages through to a successful exit. The ABL team arranged for her to take out a bridging loan for £965,000 from Reward Finance Group Leeds. This enabled her to buy the trading premises from the administrators - including the company’s manufacturing and office facilities and equipment - and to clear all outstanding loans, so the business could relaunch with a clean slate.
Finance deal underpins construction firm rescue A bridging loan is a short-term funding option used to ‘bridge’ a gap between a debt coming due and the main line of credit becoming available. It is most commonly used in property transactions. Or it can simply act as a short-term loan in pressing circumstances and can be invaluable in helping to clinch an urgent property purchase.
to secure a mortgage with a mainstream lender. But now that she is back in business we can continue to work with her to arrange a re-finance of commercial mortgage. With contracts in progress, invoice finance will then allow the company to raise funds against outstanding payments to enable the business to start growing again.”
Joint Managing Director of ABL Business Alex Beardsley said: “It was decided that bridging finance would be the best option in Lilliana’s situation. She had a three-week window in which to buy back the trading premises from the administrators, so she needed to raise the capital as quickly as possible.
Lilliana said: “I needed to act very quickly to meet the deadline for what was effectively a make-or-break situation and I was extremely impressed by the way ABL Business sprang into action to help me get the crucial finance in place. They carefully assessed the situation and came up with the right solution
for my circumstances at that point and are now working with me going forward to keep the business on its trajectory of rapid growth. “Sometimes problems arise that are out of your control and it’s invaluable to know that you can work with trusted advisors who will support you throughout the process right through to the other side. I’d recommend ABL Business to any business owners who find themselves going through a sticky patch financially and needing reliable support under pressure.” Find out more at www. abl-business.co.uk, call 01274 965356 or email info@abl-business.co.uk
“Due to the circumstances at the time, it was most unlikely that she would have been able TopicUKApril/May2019
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ND A EV W ES R U TP O DR AI AT LE
Works better champions Wakefield First had the pleasure of meeting the team at Conservatory Outlet Wakefield last week and the latest members of the Manufacturing team employed via Works Better. The Works Better programme is part funded by the European Social Fund, to support residents who want to get into work overcome the barriers that are stopping them and employers with suitable vacancies to access this source of committed future employees.
Award Winning, Works Better champions, Conservatory Outlet Ltd… an employee focused company dedicated to progression.
on to tell us the company’s Simple philosophy-“We support our retail partners to grow their businesses which in turn supports our growth.” In just 3 years that Ethos has helped near on triple the workforce and develop their network of retail partners. With the addition of 5 new customers to their current 28 across the UK in the past 12 months now
Works better candidates Lee Watson and Sam Taylor have joined the 240+ nationwide strong team at the Wakefield manufacturing plant. Lee Watson has joined as a Yard Operative and is currently at undertaking training to become an FLT driver which Conservatory Outlet will fully fund. Sam Taylor has joined the factory cleaning team, both of which are vital roles in the Manufacture of Conservatory Outlet’s products which include some of the most innovative home improvement products in the UK market. HR Manager Karen Starkey went
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https://www. conservatoryoutlet.co.uk/ junior-window-fabricationsoftware-specialist https://www. conservatoryoutlet.co.uk/shiftproduction-operatives-required If you’re looking to get into work then Works Better can support you with this. For more information on Works Better visit http://www.Works Better.co.uk/ or contact the Works better team on FB, Call 01484 221000 (ask for Works Better) or email: Works Better@ Wakefield.gov.uk.
seeing the team of skilled workers in Wakefield currently producing 350-400 products a day. Keeping their finger on the pulse nationally and locally is of high importance, which is clear by Conservatory Outlet’s presence at events and on Social media, advancing both links and knowledge to further develop their workforce and their service to customers. “Finding committed employees can be difficult, through working with Works Better we have been able to tap into a supply of candidates who we previously would not have had access to. The Works Better team do a lot of the work for us by only sending us candidates who they know want to work for us and ensuring they the right fit for our organisation. Once they are working for us we can develop them-they grow-we grow “. If you can see yourself joining a forward-thinking manufacturer with progression and development opportunities, follow the links to find out more... By Kelly Galvin
L ESSO E SW SI NU P BD UA ST I NE E S S NN
Lessons In Business Richard Metcalfe, Managing Director of Rogerthorpe Manor Hotel near Pontefract, explores the impact that the hospitality industry has had on his career.
that was a massive blow not only loosing your father but the ability to talk business with a trusted experienced mind” Important So, what have the past eight years been like? “I suppose I can describe them as being tough but hugely rewarding. Two years ago, I engaged a business coach who has been very helpful, in fact I am hoping that he will start and mentor the whole team. Creativity has worked, as has trying new things. I have spent time listening to people, taking advice and sharing ideas which I think is important. Speaking with other hoteliers can also teach you a lot, but I think keeping things simple, whilst doing it well is sound advice. Balance
Richard started in the hospitality and hotel industry 15-years ago, after his dream of becoming a professional footballe r aged 19 with Sheffield United didn’t come to fruition. “I didn’t make the grade,” he told us. “Tough to take at the time but there are lots of highs and lows in sport and because of the pressure, mental health is high, at the time I didn’t realise it, but I think it showed character to dust myself off and find another career path.”
Richard’s first taste of the hospitality industry came at the tender age of fourteen when he worked after school as a kitchen porter at the Selby Fork Hotel. “Following training at several hotels learning the industry, we bought Rogerthorpe Manor as a family business with my Parents initially and then later my brother came to work with us but decided it wasn’t for him. My father sadly passed away eight years ago leaving me alone to run the business,
“You have to trust colleagues, even when you can be let down. Buy quality to make it last and it’s the same with staff, pay well and you will get quality staff. I have recently offered my team a profit share/ ownership of the hotel as I want them to think a little more like a business owner does. They work hard and they will reap the rewards.” So, if you had to start again, what, if anything would you do differently? “I would build the 5 Suites sooner, these changed the whole property nearly overnight; I wouldn’t be as headstrong although I’ve always been happy to
make hard decisions even if they turn out to be a learning curve!; I would really like to improve my work life balance, I am guilty of working too many hours not necessarily at the property but I struggle to switch off.” If you were to offer advice to anyone starting out, what would it be? “Put your heart and soul into what you are doing, effort in equals rewards out and keep it simple but do it really well.” So, what are the future plans for Rogerthorpe Manor? “I have written a new 10-year plan, we have planning permission in for one more luxury suite in an unused outbuilding. I want to focus on what we are really good at. I will be conservative though for the next 2 years, its tough out there and once we are over the current Brexit issues and other financial uncertainty the tap will be turned back on”
“Finding Topic was exactly the relationship that we were looking for. We needed to open doors to our brand further than just the 5 Towns and the contacts and the people that we have made already has justified our decision in working with them. We genuinely believe our product, facilities and warm welcome offer something different and we just needed a way of getting in front of a new audience” Richard Metcalfe Managing Director
Rogerthorpe Manor Hotel TopicUKApril/May2019
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Reaching for the Stars By Chris Worsley, EasyFireplace
I write this article in regard to a view from the outside. I wanted to put down on paper and share with a wider audience, key things like depression. As a man who suffers from Depression, my view on things have changed drastically over the last few years, after a lot of self preservation, sole searching, repairing of myself and creating a much better mindset in order to cope with every day challenges and the world we live in today. Being brought up in Manchester in the 80s, as a lad my team was Manchester City when everyone else in my class followed the other side known as Manchester United.
Personality Today, my character and personality go back to the age of 8, when I discovered Manchester City. At that time, they were a team to avoid and for sure not to support! My mum and dad were separated, so on weekends, my dad used to take me to work. He was security guard at Maine Road keeping his eye on the trophy room and main entrance which didn’t have many trophies in! On Saturday’s I was walked into the stadium, given a bag of chips and a drink and told not to move from the seat in the stand until he came back for me. I was treated to the finest of loyalty in football where the fans cheered for a corner and celebrated every goal like it had won them the match! Free transfers came into the club and they became the new
heroes. Youth lads came through the academy and they became the fans prized possession and new family member! We had a manager at the time that arrived and said hello and departed just as quick in Steve Coppell lasting only 33 days! All in all, it was a club based on nothing more than false hope, instability but a heap load of love and for some reason, I fell in love with them which was the start of my personality and love of the underdog and fighting to prove people wrong! At the age of eight, we had a few issues with health in our family losing my grandad to Cancer and the passing of my Nana who I found dead when I was just 9 years old. During my time in the army, a time I really enjoyed as it allowed me to travel the world, doing a tour of Bosnia, Kosovo and Croatia, spending time in Cyprus and based in Bath and Blandford, I experienced many things that made me the person I am today. I was held hostage on a bus in Croatia, got stuck on a mine field when our driver had fallen a sleep during a long journey to Sarajevo. Had several near misses in helicopter flights but all in all, I loved it and only when digested, I think it made me a better person. When I left the Royal Signals, I really struggled settling into society. A lot of
former ex forces end up on the streets and I can see exactly how it happens, you really are only one mistake away from disaster. The mindset of a soldier to a civilian is very different and acceptance of average results and average performance isn’t acceptable and hard to overcome.
Situations I set up my business in 2006 after saving 6 months of wages, in order to try for myself what I believed was the perfect opportunity. Since then, I have built a successful business that I am proud of and with a team around me that I am very happy to work with. My wife and family have been key to this. Big changes happened around 6 years ago just before our second child arrived. I didn’t see that I had been carrying an issue around with me for years and not dealt with situations in the past. I felt fine and had no idea what was about to happen. I hit rock bottom! Work was great, family life was great, money was great, but I had just hit rock bottom emotionally! Why? I had no idea and couldn’t pick myself up. My family tried everything, but I requested to be sectioned after I had decided my life wasn’t worth living and had selected a point on the motorway where I would run my car up an embankment into a wall. Causing no harm or issues to anyone else. The moment I realised what I had planned I realised I was ill.
Medication
a doctor called Martin – now known to me as Doc Martin. Doc Martin had just completed a new course at Manchester University on mindset. We gave it ago and wow after 10 weeks I was amazing. Within 18 months I was off medication and self-medicating with controls that Doc Martin had helped me to learn. Working on yourself and your mind gives you thinking space and room to breathe. Mindset work allowed me to create coping mechanisms for when times get hard and when things go wrong! The point I am making is talking and working on yourself was my key, medication is a temporary solution in order to help you get your mind ready and working for you and in the way, you need it to work. Mindset – the best coping mechanism you can ever wish for. Depression isn’t something dark and dirty, but society still doesn’t talk about it enough. To some, it sits quietly and underneath the layers of people’s personalities causing quiet issues preventing you from being the best person you can be. Start to talk and start working on your mindset today. Business and Personal Coaches I class as the same, as all they work on in “I felt fine the end is your mind and had no and you as a person. idea what Give yourself a pat on was about the back and an MOT to happen. and start enjoying life I hit rockbottom...” the way you can.
I paid for private counseling, this didn’t work. I took time off, that didn’t work. I went on holiday and tried sport, that didn’t work. I had no idea what was wrong!
The one thing we all have in common is a passport. Your passport allows you to travel and without it you can’t leave the country.
I went to see my doctor, instead saw a locum as mine was off ill. This doctor helped to save my life. My wife and I sat there and told her all the issues and she said, don’t worry I have the perfect person for you! I was introduced to
It’s the same situation with your mind. If you don’t allow it to travel, you will remain closed off and won’t express yourself in the correct manner. Your mindset is your passport to life! TopicUKApril/May2019
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International students studying in the UK by Chloe Field, Huddersfield University student
old Journalism student studying at the University of Huddersfield, said “I chose to study here due to the University o f Hu d d e r s f i e l d h av i n g a partnership with China, which made applying to study here very easy”. She continued, “I’ve learnt things I’ve never known before, such as how to create magazines and videos while working in ways which are culturally different to that in China”.
The UK is the second most popular destination worldwide for international students. As well as the US, the UK counts over one million international students. Travelling from countries such as China, India, Egypt and Malaysia to enrol at one of the many prestigious universities across the country. Across the UK, 19% of students studying in higher education are from outside the UK (6% from the rest of the EU and 13% from the rest of the world), with the number of Chinese students far exceeding any other nationality. 42% of students studying at postgraduate level are from outside the EU. International students are able to advance their
English Language skills which can assist them not only in their chosen subject but also in their careers as many job opportunities require the ability to speak the English language. The vast number of courses to choose from, whether academic or more vocational, full or part time, makes studying in the UK desirable to many international students.
Alongside enhancing career prospects, International students come to the UK to learn about different cultures, try local cuisines (such as the good ol’ Yorkshire pudding or the infamous steak bake from Greggs) and visit the many beautiful cities, which often are forgotten about by those who live here in West Yorkshire.
Understandably, Chenlu said living in Huddersfield compared to China was ‘incredibly calm’ and she felt much more relaxed walking around the town. As well as getting to know the local areas and making friends, Chenlu also joined the belly dancing society at the University where they performed at the ‘Food and International Culture Festival’ last summer.
International students also c h o o s e t o s t u d y a t We s t Yorkshire University’s such as Leeds Metropolitan, Leeds Beckett and “I chose to study here the Unive rsity due to the University of of Bradford, to Huddersfield partnership gain first-hand experience of with China...” what it is like living and studying abroad, all while adapting to local culture and pursuing further C h e n l u L i , a 2 2 - y e a ropportunities. TopicUKApril/May2019
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NEWS
What is your future goal?
UPDATE
Students in high schools and academies are the future business people for our region, so we wanted to find out what these young people want to do for their future careers and where perhaps skill shortages will appear. It’s all well and good saying I want to be a doctor, a scientist or a teacher, but do students really know what these jobs entail and how they go about achieving them. To f i n d o u t , To p i c U K a n d TopicTomorrow, partnered with Leeds Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and set a competition for schools across the Leeds City Region. The brief was to write a 400 word article on a career of their choice, answering the question ‘What is your future goal?’ Students were asked to consider which sector they were most interested in working, which businesses in the region are in this sector, what job would they be interested in and the skills they would need to get that job. Finally the qualifications needed and the best route, ie apprenticeships, university, or work experience. They were then asked to outline a plan of how they would achieve this. The competition was open to all students from year 8 to 10 but other year groups were welcome to enter. We were looking for good quality writing, thorough research and passion and enthusiasm for their chosen sector. “The competition was incredibly
well received from all participating schools,” said TopicUK editor Gill Laidler, “with over 60 applications received. It was difficult to chose the three overall winners as the standards from all were very high, but we finally selected:” 1st: Sophie Tordoff a year seven student from Castleford Academy. 2nd: Izzy Darrington a year eight student from Honley High School. 3rd: Luca Manfredi a year seven student from Castleford Academy.
Luca Manfredi Year 7 - Castleford Academy
I have always had a passion for creating video games and as a child, I have been inspired by games and this inspiration has rapidly lead me to draw and imagine what I desire to happen next. If I am able to become a games designer, the games that I had always loved and created with my imagination could finally become a reality.
imagination to an advantage and use my maths and computing skills to calculate where everything should go. Even now I think of everything as calculations.
Over the years, my computing and mathematic skills have increased and my imagination has surprised me with my creativity. If I am permitted, I can use my
To shape my computing skills, I have been recently attending computing clubs that creates games to improve my video game knowledge to the highest
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I can achieve. Also I have been researching information like how you enter the games designer job- either through university or getting an apprenticeship, however I have not decided which one I should attend. For university, I will need a degree in compute r games, computer science, interactive media and mathematics at 5 GCSE’s at grade 9 to 4 (A star to C). For advanced apprenticeship, I will need 5 GCSE’s at Grade 9 to 4 (A star to C) usually including maths and English for advanced apprenticeship. Usual day to day tasks are coming up with ideas and the game itself
N EWS
Sophie Tordoff
Year 7 - Castleford Academy
I have had the passion of becoming a child solicitor since a few years ago when I realised some solicitors don’t look at what the wishes and benefits of the child are. O ver the years, I have realised that in past years I had thought of things I wanted to say to people, who I see as having failed me, yet when it came to it I never had the confidence to say it. I want to help children to be able to express what their feelings are to me so that I can make sure they are heard to and adhered to by the courts. At the mome nt, I am currently in Year 7 and am beginning to look at the paths in which to go down to achieve my goal, to get this job. The paths can include my options that
I will take for my GCSE’s, my A Levels and how to achieve the type of degree I will need from university. For this job, I will be required to have great knowledge of the English Language so that I can explain legal matters to non-experts such as the children and their parents that I will be working with. At the moment I am aware of a few legal matters that aren’t very well known by other people. The reason I know this is because I have been one of those types of children
and creating visual characters, objects and scenery. The skills and knowledge that I would need daily are analytical thinking skills, maths kno wledge paying attention to detail, creativity, determination, reasoning skills, verbal communication skills and thorough understanding of computer systems and applications.
UPDAT E
myself. So in this situation I would have a higher advantage above others as I can relate to the children in a better way. The reason as to why I want to do this job is so that I can help children have a better life. This way then the child wouldn’t have the thoughts in the back of their mind day in day out that they were failed by someone who was being paid money to help them when they didn’t. I strive to achieve. I have the capability. I will put in 100% effort to become the best I can be and will always do things to the benefit of others. My goal for this job is to help children have the life they deserve. Children deserve a childhood not a life of regret and disappointment. This is what I believe and what I want to help children have a life opposite to this.
projects, helping to manage budgets, work schedules and project timelines. Attention to detail is important, so important that the game takes 3 to 4 years to create. With all my research and determination, I would be honoured and inspired if I reach this goal.
Izzy Darrington
Year 8 - Honley High School
Do you have a dream job? something you aspire to be when you’re older? I have, a job that I would enjoy and yet it would challenge me and lift me to new levels of success. Imagine a job that did all of these things, the preparation starts now. We are the future, walking and talking, a living legacy. All of these things have led to the job that I have chosen; Mechanical Engineering. As soon as I found out about engineering, I was more than ready to research the different types, it wasn’t easy to pick a certaintype but I finally narrowed it down to two different options, Architectural and MechanicalEngineering. I was inevitably drawn to Mechanical Engineering as I like finding out how machines work and making my own. Even though I knew it would be a challenging job I began to realise that it was everything I wanted to be when I’m older. Mechanical Engineering focuses on both the creation and rehabilitation of Machines. It is a gateway as it can lead to many other jobs and specialisms within the industry of Science and Engineering. Mr Field said that if it weren’t for engineering, then I don’t know what I would do with my life, it is important that more young people become aware of engineering all over the world, I agree with what he said, there are incredible minds all over the world unable to get the jobs that they want. To get this job I will need 5 GCSEs including Science, Maths and English. I would then have to go to College and take Maths and Physics A levels or I could try and get an apprenticeship. After that I would have to go to University and get a degree in Engineering. It will be a difficult and lengthy process but to me it will be worth it. It will demand a lot of my time for education but the gradual gain of experience will benefit me in the end as it will help me enter the engineering industry.
I have also researched their budget, hours per week and which devices they use to play the games even though it is logical. They develop games on consoles, phones, I-pad’s etc. Their yearly wage is nineteen thousand pounds when you have just started to become a games designer to seventy thousand when you are experienced. You usually do 30 to 40 hours per week. They work on a specific managerial role on video games
TopicUKApril/May2019
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Lamb2Ewe This month, TopicUK caught up with Tom Kitchen-Dunn, 27 and Jack Bostock, 26 to find out more about the idea behind their business, Lamb2Ewe. TOPICUK: Tell us a bit about how you came to be running your business? TOM: We’ve been friends since school. I bought some lambs from Jack and he asked me what I was going to do with them. I said I’d had the idea for a lamb box business but didn’t know enough about sheep; he said he’d had the idea but didn’t know enough about marketing and how to sell them. We looked at each other and realised our joint skill sets would lend themselves well to a business. We met at the pub a few days later and started brain storming. We decided on the name Lamb2Ewe and Tom got to work on the website while Jack started sourcing our first lambs. TOPICUK: What areas do you specialise in? JACK: We specialise in working with small, niche suppliers that may only be able to produce a few cattle, sheep, pigs or poultry per year. Producing smaller numbers means the quality is phenomenal and that’s what we want to provide our customers with. TOPICUK: Who has provided you with help and support along the way? TOM: We’ve had wonderful support from online groups, friends and
family but we have totally selffunded the business through our jobs and the sales the business has had. We’ve also had amazing support from our suppliers and farmers who love what we are doing. TOPICUK: How many customers do you currently look after? Tell us a bit about them? JACK: We have hundreds of customers right across the UK, and most of them have ordered from us multiple times in the few short months we’ve been trading. Our customers are incredibly loyal and passionate about our morals and company ethos. To see people as passionate about animal welfare and quality as we are is truly amazing and will only serve to lift the agricultural industry. Our customers love to give us feedback, they always invite us in for a brew if we’re out delivering and they tell as many people as possible about us. They really are dream customers. TOPICUK: What would you say has been the most challenging part of running your business so far? TOM: Our challenges have come in the form of growing as quickly as we have and also the logistics of getting raw produce to people on time. We’ve overcome the logistics by using innovative ‘woolcool’
technology which is sheep wool that insulates the produce and removes the need for refrigerated shipping. It’s also very eco-friendly as its fully recyclable. Our delivery methods are carbon neutral as we really are trying to do everything we can to be sustainable and environmentally friendly. TOPICUK: And what has been the most rewarding part of running your business so far? JACK: Seeing our small suppliers grow with us and seeing how much it means to our customers to have full traceability and high welfare standards. To know that people care about it as much as we do really means a lot.
JACK: Go for it! If you don’t believe in yourself no one else will, so go for it and enjoy it. We eat, sleep and breathe our business and we wouldn’t have it any other way. To have that level of passion for something is a great feeling. TOPICUK: Why do you feel that Yorkshire is a great place to do business? TOM: Yorkshire is incredibly diverse, so finding other passionate businesses to collaborate with is a lot easier than other regions. Yorkshire people are incredibly kind and straight talking, so if your idea’s rubbish they tell you, but gently!
TOPICUK: Do you use social media for your business and if so, to what effect?
TOPICUK: And finally; where do you hope to see the business in five years’ time?
TOM: Yes! Facebook and Instagram are our biggest assets and we love to chat and engage with our customers through those platforms. We have superb engagement and lovely comments of support and reviews! We’ve even had YouTube vloggers buying and reviewing our products which totally blew us away.
JACK: Hopefully we’ll have an even more diverse offering of products, produce and suppliers. We’d love our own retail experience where people can visit us and learn more about food and where it comes from, whether it be a shop on the high-street or our own stunning educational farm.
TOPICUK: What advice would you give to another young entrepreneur starting out in business?
You can follow Tom and Jack’s journey @lamb2ewe on Facebook and Instagram. TopicUKApril/May2019
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in partnership with
Are you an SME in the Leeds City Region? Thinking of investing in your staff by offering some training? The Skills Service could fund 40% of the cost of training your staff! Launched by the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges in June 2018, The Skills Service offers a unique package of training and support for businesses in the Leeds City Region. · You can search the Skills Catalogue for courses currently available and eligible for up to 40% European Social Fund funding · You can make a Skills Enquiry and meet with a WYCC Skills Advisor, or contact Wakefield College’s Course Information team by emailing: courseinfo@wakefield.ac.uk to enquire about the courses on offer at Wakefield College.
Find out more about The Skills Service on the website www.skillsservice.co.uk
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Over 300 students encouraged to ‘Give Construction a Try’ On 20 March, over 300 students from across the Wakefield district participated in over 40 different hands-on construction related activities held at the Wakefield College Castleford campus.
The focus of the event was to inspire young people in West Yorkshire to consider a career in construction and raise awarenessof the diverse range of roles and opportunities the industry has to offer. The event also showcased a wide variety of activities, ranging from highly technical to hands on roles, aiming to challenge the perceived stereotypes of people that work in construction.
Partne rs from industry and education are working together collaboratively to inform young people about the opportunities within the construction industry.
There were over 40 interactive activities on display, ranging from CAD design and surveying, the use of drones in construction through to joinery and brickwork. To energise and enthuse the students, the event was hosted by Rugby League stars Jamie Jones-
Buchanan and Alex Simmons from Rugby AM. All partners involved in the GCAT Event have a genuine commitment to raise awareness of the amazing careers available within the Construction Industry and address the skills gap currently being faced. By bringing business, educators and industry specialists together we are able to have a greater impact and send a clear message to young people and their schools that Construction really is a great option. Wakefield College Principal, Sam Wright, said, “Wakefield College is at the forefront of working closely with industry to ensure our students have the greatest choice of careers or further study when they leave us. It’s a cornerstone of our ethos to prepare them for their
next steps. This partnership is a great example of how collaborative working and investment in our District, for our communities can change people’s lives by bringing new opportunities and meet the skills gaps identified by employers.” Claire Jubb (Higher Education Progression Officer) from Minsthorpe Community College said, “Students from Minsthorpe Community College have attended this event a number of times which improves year on year – the activities on offer and professionals in attendance raise awareness of the extensive and diverse range of career opportunities within the Construction Industry and inspire our students to achieve their full potential. A must attend event for schools in West Yorkshire
Barnsley College and ITS Group come together Barnsley College and ITS Group are coming together, maximising the strengths and shared values of both organisations and building on the current long-standing relationship. This will provide further opportunities by offering Barnsley College an additional employer-led delivery arm adding to its existing successful apprenticeship offer and ITS will benefit from the College’s capital and investment to grow. Both organisations will retain their individual identities and complementary offers. Yiannis Koursis, Interim Principal and Chief Executive at Barnsley College, said: “We are looking forward to working with ITS Group to offer a complete education solution to local people and businesses. The coming together of both organisations will mean an opportunity for a greater pool of strengths and experience to support long-term growth for the region. We will form a responsive organisation which will make a positive impact on Barnsley and the wider region.”
Dr Chris Payne, Chief Executive Officer of the ITS Group, added: “The coming together of Barnsley College and ITS Group is a positive decision which will certainly benefit local people, businesses and community. Our common accord is to develop career pathways for young people and raise the
workforce skill level and productivity for employers. We look forward to working with Barnsley College.” ITS Group has been incorporated by Barnsley College as a wholly owned subsidiary as of Thursday 28 February 2019. TopicUKApril/May2019
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Sheffield
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arborough
Bridlington
Beverley
Hull
Buttercrumble, Leeds
Scriba - Huddersfield
CityFibre - Yorkshire
Parsons - Wakefield
Penny Appeal - Wakefield
Walker Singleton / Hansons - Huddersfield
Chadwick Lawrence - Wakefield
Bramleys - Huddersfield
Fostering to Inspire - Wakefield
Bellingham IT - Wakefield
Stafflex - Huddersfield
Wakefield Council - Wakefield
ABL - Cleckheaton
LS Live - Hemsworth
Adventure - Leeds
Wakefield College - Wakefield
Ramsdens - Huddersfield
Ackworth School - Pontefract
Jordans - Wakefield
Eitex - Castleford
Eaton Smith - Huddersfield
Dakota Leeds - Leeds
Rogerthorpe Manor - Pontefract
The Piece Hall - Halifax
Prince of Wales Hospice - Pontefract
Applied Digital - Huddersfield
Kirklees College - Huddersfield
Community Foundation Calderdale - Halifax
Welcome to Yorkshire - Leeds
Wakefield Theatre - Wakefield
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