TopicUK August 2024 Edition

Comingsoon!

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Editors notes

Welcome to this edition of TopicUK magazine.

By group editor Gill Laidler

When we first launched TopicUK over 11 years ago, traditionally August was always a quiet month as people headed off to sunnier climes looking for some well-earned rest and relaxation.

What happened? Are we working harder than ever? Summer seems to have been busier than ever this year. At our latest Yorkshire Businesswoman networking event at the First Direct Arena last week, it was our busiest August event ever!

On recent visits to Leeds city centre I have noted a real buzz, the city is vibrant and busy, people are upbeat, I certainly haven’t witnessed a city centre with troubles that are in the news, thankfully.

Leeds Pride was bigger than ever this year. I was lucky enough to be invited to one of the launch events in Victoria Quarter, offering just a taste of what was to come! I managed to spend a couple of hours at UKREiiF, a fantastic initiative for our city, you can read about its value to us on page 20.

The countdown is on for the 2024 Leeds Digital Festival that runs from 16th to 27th September. Organisers are aiming to deliver the best possible experience for the Leeds Tech community and you can read the full details on page 7. A former British Soldier from Doncaster is set to embark on a world first maritime expedition to become the world’s first triple amputee to sail solo non-stop and

unsupported across the Pacific Ocean. Do read the full story of this courageous man on page 14.

It’s going to be a busy autumn for me. I am taking a short break (my first this year) before we head to Newcastle to launch Northern Businesswoman Magazine, another sister publication for TopicUK. Following the success of Yorkshire Businesswoman magazine and networking membership, this new publication will launch in the northeast on 17th October at the ABC Awards. We have been supported on this new magazine by Sharon Jandu OBE and Brogan Huntington who will be editorin-chief and editor respectively. More news to follow on this.

Enjoy the rest of the summer and we’ll see you in the autumn.

Gill

Andel’s conference takes place with record number of distributors

The UK’s leading developer of specialised leak detection, water sustainability and environmental protection systems, Andel,has just wrapped up its Export Distributor Conference, which brought together dealers and partners from all corners of the globe including the Americas, Australia, Europe and Asia.

The Yorkshire SME specialises in water, oil and gas leak detection systems to protect the built and natural environment and held its worldwide conference at its head office in Barnsley.

The Barnsley-based global environmental protection specialist has more than 30 years of experience in leak detection, pollution prevention and flood defence and an impressive customer base that includes the Houses of Parliament, The Pentagon, Hong Kong International Airport and Google.

Delegates attended from more than 12 countries to hear about product updates, innovations, sustainability progress, the new Andel Connect

App, and drainage tanks, and to participate in a think tank open floor discussion on day two.

Representatives from Australia, Italy, Poland, Romania, Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, USA, China, Israel, South Africa, Belgium, Turkey and the UK discussed Andel’s key sustainable export products FlowStop, FloodAlert and BundGuard 6/ORS.

In 2020, the company took the bold decision to become Net Zero by 2025 and in 2022 took on a Net Zero and Sustainability Coordinator to facilitate and oversee the initiatives required to meet the target. The team then scooped the Sustainable/ Ethical Manufacturing

award at Made in Sheffield after the company also won the Sustainable/ Ethical Manufacturer award at Insider's 2024 Made in Yorkshire Awards and the Sustainability Award at the Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards at the end of last year and had two entries into the Made in UK final awards.

Commercial director, Mark Harris, said:

“Our exports are up in the first two quarters of 2024 compared to 2023 and the forward order book and enquiries look strong. This is almost certainly due to the attention our distributors have been given by splitting the effort between one person focusing on the EU and another on the long haul.

“Our business is water, so in a deteriorating climate causing either too much or too little water, we are absolutely in the right place at the right time and fully expect our exports to rise to represent 33% of turnover by 2028 compared to 6% last year.”

Countdown is on to the 2024 Leeds Digital Festival

Now in its ninth year, Leeds Digital Festival is the UK's largest open platform tech event and the biggest outside London. This year, the event runs from 16-27 September.

For this year’s Festival, organisers are aiming to deliver the best possible experience for Leeds’ tech community.

Businesses or individuals looking to host an event as part of the programme should ensure the event has a clear relationship with technology and offers clear value to attendees.

The festival is a celebration of all the tech achievements within the Leeds City Region, which includes Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield but each year proudly welcome event hosts, attendees and speakers from other areas. Renowned as ‘the tech event for everyone’ it is open to contributions from anyone with a

passion for digital, but events must have a clear relevance for the region.

Stuart Clarke MBE, festival director, said: "This is the ninth year for Leeds Digital Festival, and judging by the quality of event submissions so far, the appetite for this year's event looks to be stronger than ever.

“We aim to make this our most packed programme in the festival’s history with a more diverse range of events than we’ve ever seen before.”

Simon Wright, chief operating officer of premier sponsors PEXA, commented: “Leeds Digital Festival is a great event for the city and brings together a thriving digital community. It shines

the spotlight on the outstanding successes and achievements of the tech community across the Leeds City Region and reaffirms its significance to the overall digital economy. The festival is designed to inspire and encourage collaboration with the aim of promoting the strength of the sector in the city to a global audience and is a great opportunity for anyone connected with the digital arena to participate and inspire future generations.”

The festival is supported by premier sponsors BJSS and PEXA, alongside executive sponsors Accenture, DWP Digital, Glean, Lloyds Bank, Nexus University of Leeds, and Flutter, plus launch sponsor Leeds Building Society

Anyone with a passion for Digital can get involved by submitting event details here https://leedsdigitalfestival. org/host-an-event/

Sheffield’s new Radisson Blu hotel opens in city centre

Sheffield’s new flagship hotel, Radisson Blu, officially opened in the city centre, delivering a new standard of hospitality in the city.

Located on Pinstone Street, Radisson Blu Hotel, Sheffield, boasts a sympathetically restored Victorian façade and striking views overlooking the Town Hall and Peace Gardens. Its timeless design makes it a stylish addition to Heart of the City – Sheffield City Council and Queensberry’s vibrant regeneration scheme.

With 154 contemporary guest rooms, a rooftop speakeasy-style Indian restaurant and bar, six flexible meeting and event spaces, an outdoor terrace and

a fitness centre, the hotel is the perfect base for both business and leisure stays.

Valerie Donaldson, general manager said: “We are thrilled to welcome guests to our stunning property where history meets hospitality. With architectural grandeur and luxurious contemporary facilities, we aim to create the perfect symphony of sophistication for a well-rounded stay.

“As part of the Heart of the City regeneration project, the hotel plays

a pivotal role in shaping the city’s new identity while staying true to its roots.”

In a direct nod to the nearby Peak District, the hotel takes inspiration from organic shapes and colours found in nature, with natural materials combining with contemporary design to instantly make guests feel at ease.

Kate Josephs, chief executive of Sheffield City Council, said: “We are delighted that our new Radisson Blu hotel is now open. Our significant investment and regeneration projects in the city centre are helping us attract some world-class brands and Radisson Blu undoubtedly raises the bar for hospitality in South

Yorkshire. It will be a tremendous asset to Sheffield, featuring a public rooftop bar and restaurant, conference and event spaces to support our business community, and setting a new benchmark for accommodation that will help us attract visitors from far and wide.”

Andrew Davison, project director at Queensberry, added: “Radisson Blu is recognised across the globe for its quality and style, and perfectly reflects the ambition and impact of Heart of the City. A lot of hard work has gone into making this hotel a reality and I’m incredibly proud of Sheffield Council, Queensberry and the whole project team.”

The hotel’s stylish top-floor restaurant and bar, Governor Gupta, celebrates the vibrant flavours of northern India, dishing out creative small plates, kebabs, grills and Naans. This is all perfectly paired with an extensive menu of cocktails, wines and bubbly.

The hotel’s six meeting and event spaces offer various configurations and versatile settings. The meeting and event area includes a spacious breakout area, private bar and a courtyard for outdoor use.

Tom Flanagan Karttunen, area senior vice president Northern & Western Europe, Radisson Hotel Group, adds: “The opening of Radisson Blu Hotel, Sheffield, marks a significant milestone for us and the city. Located in the heart of Sheffield city centre, and part of the city’s ‘Heart of the City’ regeneration investment, this hotel is the first new hotel in the city for many years. We are excited to bring a touch of Blu to the UK’s greenest city, at a prime location for leisure guests, corporates and meeting & events.”

New Chair for Deliciously Yorkshire

Deliciously Yorkshire, The Regional Food Group for Yorkshire and the Humber (DY), has announced that David Whittle has been appointed as its new chair.

Joining the board in 2022, David Whittle previously co-founded and was joint Managing director of one of the region’s leading food and drink brand agencies for nearly 28 years until December last year. His experience in the industry is extensive, having worked with a range of well-known names in food and drink.

Mark commented “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Deliciously Yorkshire, and it’s been great to see the Yorkshire food and drink industry flourishing which is so vital to our region. It’s home to a huge range of iconic and world-famous brands from small artisan producers selling throughout the region to large businesses exporting across the globe. To have been a part of this community has been fantastic”.

New executive director for operations and finance

The Northern Housing Consortium (NHC), the not-for profit membership organisation which represents social housing providers across the North of England, has appointed a new executive director for operations and finance.

Andrea Downey brings with her more than 25 years’ experience of working in both the public and private sector, with previous roles in Network Rail and the NHS, as well as in the publishing and media sectors.

She will also play a key role in the leadership of the NHC’s procurement arm, Consortium Procurement, which offers a trusted and compliant service to 400 members nationally.

Tracy Harrison, chief executive said: “Andrea will play a central role in making sure we achieve the best possible value for members and make maximum use of our resources across the entire organisation. Andrea’s expertise will be a real added benefit to our members, as we work together to influence policy and change people’s lives for the better.”

As well as her previous roles in the UK, Andrea spent five years

working abroad, gaining an insight into different cultures and work practices, and has also acted as a consultant, advising SMEs on finance and cha nge management.

Andrea said: “I was attracted to Northern Housing Consortium because of its very clear ethos of making a positive impact. The organisation’s focus on levelling up in the north through social housing improvements is close to my heart; I grew up in a council house and it was a positive experience, and I would like that for others too.

Tracy Harrison added: “As we start work on a new plan for the future of Northern Housing Consortium and Consortium Procurement we want to grow and support more members than ever before. We will soon welcome a new government and Andrea will help us put the foundations in place at a crucial time for housing in the North. This includes building relationships with the financial directors of our members, to share experiences and fi nd solutions.”

Northern Housing Consortium is a membership organisation for housing associations, local authorities, combined authorities and ALMOs. It makes sure their voices are heard at a regional and national government level and provides opportunities for sharing learning and best practice. and offering by enhancing our insight capabilities, innovation, and activation. That will enable us to continue delivering growth and value for our clients and partners.”

Kirklees College unveils £1.5million Reptile House at specialist animal care centre

On Saturday 22 June, Kirklees College opened the doors to its brand-new Reptile House at the college’s Taylor Hill Animal Centre in Huddersfield.

The college has invested £1.5million in this specialist facility, which replaces the current reptile glasshouse and houses a range of modern training equipment, including an Aquatics Centre, Reptile House and workshop space.

The new state-of-the-art facility was opened by special celebrity guest Matt Jackson-Smith from Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet during a community fun day at the centre. The film crew also filmed segments for the show during Matt’s visit for the upcoming series

of the popular TV show, including the new centre, existing facilities and a range of animals.

During the opening ceremony, Stephen Finney, Curriculum Area Manager for Animal Care and Land-Based studies said: “We have welcomed thousands of students through the doors of Taylor Hill Animal Centre over the years and seen first-hand how our centre inspires young people to pursue a career in Animal Care. This new building will

Dr Delroy Beverley is appointed as the first Black chair of a club community organisation in the UK

Huddersfield Town Foundation (HTF) has made a historic appointment by naming Dr Delroy Beverley as its new chair of trustees.According to the EFL's Community arm,this appointment marks a significant milestone, as Dr Beverley is believed to be the first Black Chair of a club community organisation in the UK.

As the new Chairman, Dr Beverley’s role will include advocacy and influencing on behalf of the foundation. Externally, he will act as a champion for the

Foundation across the region, whilst working in close partnership with Huddersfield Town FC. He succeeds the previous chair, Aidan Grills.

help the college to futureproof its offer in this essential vocation and be able to inspire the next generation and create opportunities for local young people to study Animal Care.”

To find out more about Animal Care and Land-Based studies at Kirklees College and apply now for September 2024, visit www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk.

This appointment symbolises a progressive shift towards greater diversity and inclusion within the sport. This historic moment not only challenges the traditional norms and barriers that have long existed in football governance but also serves as an inspiring example for other clubs and organisati ons to follow.

Dr Beverley’s leadership highlights the importance of representation at all levels and reaffirms the commitment to creating an equitable environment where all voices are heard and valued. This milestone has the potential to inspire a new generation of leaders from diverse backgrounds, ultimately enriching the football community and enhancing its social impact.

Company of the Month

Matt Jackson-Smith Stephen Finney Palvinder Singh Steve Plumstead

A ground-breaking summer campaign for the Royal Armouries

Creative change agency

Born Ugly has announced the launch of the Royal Armouries’ summer campaign, Game Changers. By reframing the existing exhibition through an intriguing new lens and highlighting the Royal Armouries’ events calendar, including spectacles such as interactive jousting, Game Changers is designed to attract young families to the museum this summer.

The campaign went live on 20th July and will run throughout the summer, offering a unique experience that seeks to draw parallels between the stories, characters and weapons in games and the tales that the artefacts tell.

As one of the oldest serving museums, the Royal Armouries has long been a national institution, boasting one of the largest collections of arms and weaponry globally, with recent efforts focussing on making the world-renowned museum more inviting and engagin g to families.

Game Changers aims to evoke the imagination of the past with the

present by encouraging visitors to explore the museum’s rich offerings, ranging from Japanese samurai and Henry VIII’s armour to iconic movie props and an Indian war elephant. Through free daily live shows and combat demonstrations, visitors will be able to watch history come to life and understand the importance of comprehending our past to better appreciate our prese nt and future.

Speaking on the campaign, Sarah Dear CEO of Born Ugly said “It’s special to work on such a unique and exciting project with as respected a national institution as the Royal Armouries. As parents look for opportunities for in-person fun and learning during the summer holidays, we hope that Game Changers offers an alternative that is both entertaining and intriguing. By bridging the gap between the screen and reality, we aim to channel gaming imagination into an enthusiasm for the stories the artifacts and experiences represent.”

Florence Symington, director of Brand & Audiences at the Royal Armouries added “Born Ugly worked closely with us to deeply understand the Royal Armouries, ensuring no stone was left unturned. They helped us to clarify our aspirations, the change we want to make and demonstrated how we could evolve for the future. Born Ugly pushed us both strategically and creatively, empowering us to be bolder whilst allowing us to have lots of fun along the way. This campaign signifies the next step in that evolution, and we’re excited to see the impact this campaign is going to make.”

Harrison Leisure celebrates 40 years with investment in Bridlington

Harrison Leisure is celebrating 40 years in business as the Bridlingtonbased hospitality and leisure group reveals more investment.

The Yorkshire business operates owns and runs the Edwardian Grade-2 listed Old Floral Pavilion on the Bridlington seafront which it purchased from East Riding of Yorkshire Council in 2021 after being a long-serving tenant.

Employing about 100 year-round staff, full- and part-time, plus additional seasonal employees, Harrison Leisure can trace its roots back to the spring of 1984 when owner Michael Harrison, who is from a funfair background, started the

business after moving to Bridlington with a couple of seaside children’s attractions and a food kiosk.

The group also operates the awardwinning seafood restaurant Salt on the Harbour, The Brunswick Hotel and assorted arcade and leisure businesses including Jerome's.

"Harrison Leisure has come a long way in the last 40 years and is now in a position where we can justify making an investment of over £1 million into the group," said Michael, "including at The Old Floral Pavilion with a recently installed state-of-the-art kitchen, a new Edwardian-style wire polycarbonate and aluminium roof, newly equipped Jerome's ice cream and donut kiosks,

and a new stage, sound and light system; in addition to extensive refurbishments of Salt on the Harbour and The Brunswick Hotel.

"Our most recent investment is to the western elevation of The Old Floral Pavilion, which is undergoing major refurbishments to bring the building in line with its history, whilst retaining the listed building status. This latest refurbishment will uplift the area and give the building a greater presence on the Esplanade, mimicking the eastern elevation on Royal Princes Parade."

A commitment to investment in the Harrison Leisure group and its employees has characterised the last four decades and has become especially important over the last few years.

"We are forever evolving and always looking for further opportunities to grow and prosper for future generations," added Michael.

"We really want to grow the business in Bridlington as we can't just let the negative impact of austerity, Covid, Brexit, inflation and energy price rises takeover and prevent us from investing in our futures, the futures of our businesses, the people here and the communities we live in.

"That's why we are investing, for a better future for us all, for our regular and new customers, for the local people of Bridlington and East Yorkshire. The company is also investing in local people by offering apprenticeships and further training for established employees.

"We have a family approach to our employees and genuinely care about their future and some of our employees have been with the company for over 2 0 or 30 years."

Craig Wood aims to be the first triple amputee to sail solo and unsupported across the Pacific

A former British soldier from Doncaster is set to embark on a world first maritime expedition to become the world’s first triple amputee to sail solo, non-stop and unsupported 6,000 nautical miles across the Pacific Ocean.

The gruelling challenge is predicted to take more than 60 days departing from La Paz in Mexico to Yokohama in Japan in early 2025.

are fully adapting my catamaran for the voyage so that even if I have an issue with my prosthetic arm, I can still sail one handed.

“This is a massive challenge, and I’m not going into it without weighing up all of the risks involved,” says Craig.

Craig’s boat for this voyage will be a 41- foot aluminium catamaran, a custom-built yacht made for the tougher conditions he will face. He added; “We

In order to complete the expedition, Craig will have to overcome unpredictable weather, waves as tall as two double decker busses, isolation and sleep deprivationall whilst managing the additional challenges associated with his injuries.

“That’s not just adding in rails and electric winches, but also reconfiguring the galley to make sure everything is at an accessible height.”

Having gone through basic training as a rifleman in the British Army, Craig was posted to Afghanistan shortly after his 18th birthday. It was just three months into his first tour when his life was to change forever.

Craig lost both legs and his left hand in an (improvised explosive device) IED bomb blast on July 30th, 2009. He also suffered two collapsed lungs, lost 27 pints of blood and his face was ravaged by shrapnel.

It took eight months for Craig to learn to walk again and four-anda-half years of rehabilitation work at the dedicated Headley Court facility in Surrey to improve his quality of life.

His recovery was long, slow and painful – with over 20 operations over four years. It was a mental and physical battle.

Craig added, “At points it almost got the best of me, but my family were amazing, and I couldn’t change my

situation – so I came to terms with it and decided to be the best triple amputee I could be.

“We had support from some amazing charities including Blesma and Turn to Starboard.

“My dad then encouraged me to return to a hobby I shared with him as a child on family trips to Bridlington - sailing.

“It helped me overcome the feeling of being trapped and showed me that even with my handicap everything is possible,” Craig said. “A new world of opportunity opened up, and a new purpose grew in me. Today, my life has developed beyond my dreams.”

Fifteen years on, Craig lives on his boat, Sirius II, with his wife, Renata, and their two young children for much of the year. It’s a nomadic lifestyle true to the character he has become and one which the whole family embraces.

“I’ve never spent any significant time away from my family and I think this will be one of the hardest things for me.

“However, through this expedition if I can help change the perception of disability, and show how sailing can transform lives of those affected by trauma – it will have been well worth it.

“It’s also a chance for me to raise awareness and money for the two amazing charities who were there for me during my rehabilitation and recovery.”

Craig is now preparing for the challenge and gaining the support of the public and businesses cross the UK.

Supporting Craig’s recordbreaking sail are Team Forces and Palo Alto Networks.

To complete his voyage Craig is still looking for further sponsorship. Follow Craig’s preparation and voyage on Instagram, TikTok and other social media platforms on @Craigwoodsails. To

Horizon Care Earns Accreditation as a Living Wage Employer

Horizon Care has been accreditation as a Living Wage Employer

Their Living Wage commitment will see everyone working at Horizon Care receive a minimum hourly wage of £12, higher than the government minimum for over 21s, which currently stands at £11.44 per hour.

The firm is based in Yorkshire, the region with the highest proportion of non-Living Wage jobs in the country (14.4%), with over 314,000 jobs paying less than the real Living Wage. Despite this, Horizon Care has committed to pay the real Living Wage and deliver a fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work.

Andrew Paul, managing director said: "Receiving accreditation as a Living Wage Employer is a significant milestone for us. Our team members

play a key role in the community supporting people that have learning disabilities, mental health and complex needs to live independently. It’s an important job that requires a great deal of care and compassion. The care and dedication the team show to the people we support plays a huge part in our success of the people we support. That’s why I’m so proud that we’ve made this commitment to paying a fair

Land acquired in Thurnscoe to deliver £300 new home multi-tenure development

Housebuilder Avant Homes has secured a new homes development site near Barnsley after exchanging contracts on 18.5-acresoflandoffThurnscoe Bridge Lane, Thurnscoe.

Subject to planning, the firm will

build 300 of its practically designed, energy efficient two-, three- and fourbedroom homes, which will have a gross development value of £66.5m.

The proposed development will comprise 13 house types, including semi-detached and detached homes

and competitive wage to our people, now and in the future.”

Katherine Chapman, director, Living Wage Foundation said: “We’re delighted that Horizon Care has joined the movement of over 14,000 responsible employers across the UK who voluntarily commit to go further than the government minimum to make sure all their staff earn enough to live on.”

available at a range of price points. Of the 300 homes, 30 are designated as affordable housing.

The housebuilder anticipates submitting plans for the proposed development in September and commencing work on the site in May 2025. First residents are scheduled to move into their new homes in January 2026.

The operating company’s managing director, Richard Hosie, said: “Acquiring this site represents an exciting opportunity for us to deliver our multi-tenure strategy.

“We want to build quality new homes for everyone. This site is in an ideal location for us to deliver our range of practically designed, energy efficient homes in a place where people want to live.”

Joshua Adams, a longestablished and awardwinning local clothing business has taken over the provision of school uniform for Ilkley Grammar School and Junior kit for Ilkley Rugby Club U6’s and U12’s, providing peace of mind to parents and the local Ilkley Community.

Dobson and Robinson who provided the service for over 107 years, sadly ceased trading at the back end of 2023. Since then, it was feared that the service might disappear altogether, impacting Ilkley Grammar School and Rugby Club parents.

Joshua Adams, which is family run, has been established in the local community for two and a half years. It currently operates in the world of menswear including off the peg suits, bespoke tailor-made suits and both formal and casual wear. It will now fill the muchneeded gap, applying the expertise in quality clothing and the outstanding customer service they have become renowned for, to the school uniform and sports kit market.

As well as 15 years in the clothing industry, owner Stephanie Norris has 30 years’ experience in senior business management, PR and Marketing. The Ilkley branch, whose flagship store is based in Cleckheaton, is run by Stephanie’s son, Adam. The whole family has become incredibly fond of the local community.

Stephanie said, “Ilkley is a fabulous place and although only being here for a few years, we feel part of its community. We’d heard rumblings about the closure of Dobson and Robinson’s and thought, with our experience, infrastructure and local shop, we could make a real difference here. We’re excited”

Award-winning Ilkley rescuesbusiness school uniform provision

Stephanie and the team have spent time consulting with David Hulme, director of operations, from Ilkley Grammar School and Richard Scargill, from Ilkley Rugby Club to ensure what they are offering fits the requirements perfectly for all involved.

Stephanie said, “We wanted to get to know the school and rugby club, plus devise a model that worked best for the parents of Ilkley and wider community. Being a parent myself, I remember the stress of back-to-school time and how daunting it can be. We want to

give parents the peace of mind that we are here and will do a good job at providing quality uniforms and kits, as well as quality service. We are experts in garment fitting and sizing, plus we have an in-house alterations team”.

Stephanie wants to keep some of the previous experiences from locally known ‘Dobs & Rob’s alive but feels it’s time to put their own stamp on it. To help with the rising cost of living, they are introducing an ‘Accounts’ system, where parents can spread the cost of uniforms, making them more affordable.

York BID hosts Annual General Meeting

York BID welcomed local business representatives and partners to its Annual General Meeting , which took place at the Principal York Hotel Events Centre.

Guests heard from a variety of speakers at the event, including David Skaith, Mayor for York and North Yorkshire. David gave an overview of his early days in office and his ambitions for supporting high streets across the region. Allan Cook, founder of Arlington Real Estate, also delivered an update on progress for the York Central development, ambitions for the site, and how businesses can get involved.

Andrew Lowson, executive director of York BID, presented on a ‘health check’ for the high street, and discussed how York is performing economically compared to the rest of the UK. He then welcomed the wider York BID team to the stage to present on key projects and successes delivered during the previous year

of operations (2023/24), including Colour & Light, Ghosts in the Gardens, York Restaurant Week, York Mural Trail, plus York BID’s intrinsic Street Rangers and Street Cleaners initiatives.

Networking

A Q&A segment gave audience members the opportunity to ask questions to the speakers. Topics included sustainability in the city, boosting affordable housing on the York Central development whilst discouraging short-term lets, and how local businesses could get involved in the future. David Skaith also gave an overview of what the High Street Fund would look like.

The event continued with formal

business, including the ratification of York BID director appointments and a members’ voting process. Guests then enjoyed an evening of networking once the presentations had concluded.

Andrew continued: ‘It was encouraging to see so many business representatives and partners attend our AGM. York’s High Street offer continues to be strong compared to the rest of the UK, and we must now embrace city developments to diversify our city centre economy. We need public realm investment, greater capacity within planning departments and strong leadership to stimulate growth, as demonstrated by our speakers. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our guest speakers, attendees and the team for a successful event, and look forward to seeing the city flourish further in the coming months.’

Hexagon celebratesConsultants, nine years of transforming UK businesses

Hexagon Consultants a Yorkshire-based business improvement firm, is celebrating its ninth year of operations, going from a newly established business to generating revenues of |£15 million in less than a decade.

The business has been transforming organisations across the UK since 2015, providing management strategies and performance improvement guidance, alongside the latest AI innovations and digital twin systems, to help their clients shape the future of their businesses and deliver real -world results.

Founded by business strategy and growth experts, Peter Ahye ACA and Sue Williams, Hexagon Consultants was established after they had both experienced lacklustre consultancy services that failed to impact on overall business performance. Identifying a gap in the market for a

consultancy that delivered tangible, substantial business impact, Peter and Sue set up the business.

Over the past nine years, Hexagon Consultants has partnered with circa 40 clients, supporting them with strategies, clarity and execution of plans, combining the team’s skills with clients’ knowledge and insight to secure multi-million-pound cost savings and executing inventory reduction programs. To date, 100 percent of Hexagon Consultants’ work has come from referrals by existing and former clients, as well as Peter and Sue’s extensive bu siness network.

Tangible

Sue Williams, managing director comments: “The fact that our client base has been built entirely on referrals is something Peter and I are very proud of. Just last week, a former client of ours got in touch to enquire

about support for a new business he’s working with. He explaine d that we were his first port of c all because we did such a great job for him previously, stating that we were honest and added true value to his business improvement conversations, which is feedback that we constantly strive for fro m our clients.”

As part of Hexagon Consultants’ partnership mo del, Peter and Sue collaborate with a team of highly experienced business associates, each selected to work on a project based on their industryspecific knowledge or expertise. This team delves deep into organisations, diagnosing critical issues that hinder business growth or hold back performance. Practical solutions and recommendations are then implemented, with the Hexagon Consultants team working alongside a company’s management to achieve tangible improvements.

Reflecting on the business’ journey so far, Peter says: “Hexagon C onsultants was born from a desire to revolutionise business consultancy. Since our establishmen t in 2015, Sue and I have b een passionate about working with management teams across a variety of sectors and understanding organisations at their core, guiding them toward growth and performance t ransformation.”

Speaking about the business’ adaptability, Sue comments: “We’ve successfully embraced AI development, advising clients on leveraging AI technologies. As AI and digital twins shape the future of business management, we remain dedicated to helping our clients harness thes e innovations.”

UKREiiF Brings £20.9m Economic Boost to Leeds and West Yorkshire

An independent report by ARUP has highlighted that The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF), a major event taking place annually in Leeds, has generated almost £21m of local economic activity in the city and the wider West Yorkshire region in 2024.

The event, which brought together over 13,000 offi cial attendees in 2024, has now generated £38.5m since its inaugural event in 2022.

Nathan Spencer, director of UKREiiF, said: “We’ve always wanted UKREiiF to be more than just an event – year round we’re looking at ways UKREiiF can benefit the local community in West Yorkshire, and part of our marketing activity before the event was looking at much more than just growing the attendance in terms of numbers, we were reviewing how to get people spending more time in the region, and how we can get them to return more frequently. We’re

delighted to continue our work with ARUP to showcase the truly incredible results UKREiiF is having on the local economy, and we l ook forward to hosting the event in the city once more in 2025.”

Key highlights from the report include:

• £38.5m economic boost since 2022 (£5.5m 2022, £12.1m 2023, £20.1m 2024)

• 41% of delegates staying for 2 nights in the city region (up from 38% in 2023) and 25% of delegates staying

for 3 nights in the city region (up from 22% in 2023)

• 3.5% of delegates staying for 4 or more nights in the city region (up from 3.1% in 2023)

• 33% of people attending UKREiiF are now visiting Leeds more frequently between each event ‘due to the event’.

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “Thousands of business and political leaders have flocked to West Yorkshire for this event over the past three years – and they’re returning because they recognise that our region’s best days lie ahead of us.

“Harnessing the power of devolution, our Local Growth Plan will build on this momentum and give us the transport, skills and housebuilding we need to create strong businesses, well-paid jobs and deliver the government’s growth mission.

“It’s great to see how UKREiiF is supporting growt h in our local economy, as we work to build a stronger, brighter region where opportunity thrives.”

Excited

Tom Riordan, chief executive of Leeds City Council said: “In its first year, coming out of the pandemic, UKREiiF’s impact was £5 million straight away from a standing start, and it’s now close to £21 million – that’s an incredible success story for Leeds, for West Yorkshire and for the UK!

Councillor James Lewis, leader of

Leeds City Council said: “The great thing about UKREiiF for me is it brings thousands of people to Leeds who get to see a lot of the changes that have happened over the past five to ten years, and of course the £21 million it brought to the city this year means it’s an event that has put Leeds on the map. It’s great to see the city doing so well out of UKREiiF!”

Anna Collinge, senior consultant | Cities, Planning and Design, Arup said: “We are excited to have estimated

the economic impact of UKREiiF for the third year running. We have seen UKREiiF’s increasing impact over time, from £5.5m in 2022 to almost £21m this year. UKREiiF’s commitments to local businesses and EDI have been evident, and we have really enjoyed working alongside the UKREiiF team on this project”.

The methodology used by ARUP involved analysing organiser

spend, visitor spend, and fringe event organisation spend, along with applying external models created such as tho se by Deloitte and Oxford Economics Multiplier Model to capture the proportion of money reinjected into the local economy, along side utilising data from the likes of Visit Britain and Visit Leeds, and that capturing during the registration proce ss by UKREiiF.

For more information contact nathan.spencer@ukreiif.com

Hainsworth partners with MMU students

Heritage textile manufacturer and woollen mill Hainsworth has challenged students from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) to design a garment representing transeasonal fashion

The 23/24 Live Brief competition centred around the slow fashion movement, encouraging third-year fashion design students to craft an item of clothing that focused on timeless designs that can be worn across the seasons. Students used Hainsworth’s wool fabrics for their designs, known for their thermoregulating properties, keeping wearers warm in winter and cool in summer.

Students were encouraged to consider various aspects such as layering, garment longevity, versatility, quality, craftsmanship, style over trends, functionality, and fit. The idea behind the slow fashion movement is to reject excessive consumerism and mass-produced clothing in favour of ethical clothing production and consumption, focusing on high-quality designs made to last.

A team from Hainsworth judged the competition and chose Gareth

Godfrey-Williams as the worthy winner. Gareth designed a field jacket made from wool shell, featuring a taped nylon hood, back vent, lightweight linen lining, 14 pockets, and adjustable cuffs and sides. Vivien Li was selected

as runner-up with a raincoat that could fold down into a bag. Gareth received £500 for winning the competition, and Vivien, £200.

Ivana Noon, business development manager explains: "Gareth’s final garment, made from a Military Lightweight Cavalry Twill, was truly remarkable. We were in awe of the unique construction of his garment, which was inspired by the machinery that Gareth took photos of when he and his fellow students visited the mill earlier this year. His attention to detail was second to none. Gareth also demonstrated utmost professionalism throughout the project, a truly deserving and talented winner."

Andrea Noble, with MMU students in Weaving Department

Tom Halford modelling Gareth GodfreyWilliams’ winning garment

Firm dedicated to reducing the world’s carbon footprint secures £500,000 funding deal

A market-leading business dedicated to locating subsurface energy and mineral resources to reduce the globe’s carbon footprint, is powering its strategic growth plans after securing a £500,000 funding deal.

AIM-listed Getech based in Leeds, which specialises in data-mapping natural resources such as metals, minerals and geothermal energy, agreed the working capital facility

with Reward Finance Group which provides property investors and SMEs with tailored business finance loans and asset based solutions of up to £5m.

Getech was formed in 1986 and uses its geoscience data and unique geospatial software to accelerate energy transition away from fossil fuels by developing and leading geoenergy and natural hydrogen projects.

With low carbon technologies requiring significantly more metals than fossil fuels and metal production needing to increase four-fold in the

next 20 years, Getech is at the forefront of meeting this global demand. It is partly utilising the funding from Reward to further invest in its data capabilities and adopting a radical new approach to locating metals in previously unexplored territories.

In recent years, Getech has provided its data and expertise to customers operating across an even wider range of energy sectors. With the ongoing global energy crisis, large corporates are needing to take control of their energy needs and are exploring ways to power their operations with geothermal, hydrogen, wind and solar energy sources near their business location.

The company is directly enabling businesses globally to meet their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) targets, with the working capital from Reward helping it to continue

its momentum and innovation programme.

Andrew Darbyshire, chief financial officer said: “We’re at a pivotal stage of our business growth and needed an agile funding solution that ensures we don’t standstill. It’s critical that we continue to diversify, explore new market opportunities within green energy and remain focused on our core goals of finding the natural resources vital for the energy transition.

“The team at Reward have been hugely responsive, operating at speed and investing the time in really understanding our business to deliver a working capital solution that is bespoke to our short to medium term needs.”

Harriet Gibbs, business development director for Reward Finance Group

in Yorkshire and the Northeast, said: “Helping provide working capital to such an innovative business that is working tirelessly to reduce the globe’s dependence on fossil fuels makes us immensely proud. The company had experienced a difficult process with the mainstream banks and needed to both turn to alternative finance and identify a lender with the right experience and expertise.

“We get to work across a diverse mix of SMEs to help fund business growth. However, this partnership stands out given how much Getech’s core business goals and objectives align with our own ESG principles and initiatives. We’re committed to being a responsible lender that cares greatly about the environment and are looking forward to seeing the ongoing progress Getech makes on the world stage.”

Robert Indiana, LOVE (Red Blue Green), 1966-1998. Artwork: © 2022 Morgan Art Foundation Ltd./ Artists Rights Society, NY / DACS, London. Photo © David Lindsay

ACS and Tenmat collaborate to launch industry ‘game changing’ product

ACS Stainless Steel Fixings has collaborated with Tenmat – a leading manufacturer of passive fire protection materials and components – to set a new standard for masonry support.

In a bid to help developers, contractors, architects and specifiers create safer and more sustainable buildings, the pair have formed a joint venture to create a new iteration of Intex™ 4-in-1 Masonry Support system - the first combined masonry support system combining four critical components in one easy-to-fit design.

Ahead of launch – and in a bid to give the industry confidence in the product – ACS invested £65,000 in advanced testing of Intex™ something that recently culminated in certification from Kiwa, a renowned global leader in Testing, Inspection, and Certification. The Kiwa mark solidifies the product’s credentials and will help developers secure warranties in the future as ACS managing director David Flannery explained: “Intex™ is a game-changing product for the sector; combining masonry support, cavity tray and wall

ties, in one, with an added intumescent cavity fire barrier mechanically fixed to the cavity tray for exceptional fire protection.

“It has been created to overcome challenges around cavity congestion, incompatible parts and incorrect installation. Intex™4-in-1 Masonry Support is over 40% faster to install than traditional methods such as masonry support, cavity tray, cavity fire barrier and wall ties which means significant labour cost savings – with projections of 29% cost savings on labour and 4% overall. The product is ergonomically designed, making it easy for installers to handle and fit, with the added bonus of reducing deliveries and storage space onsite by up to 32% as well as reducing congestion by up to 60%. This gives complete peace of mind that components are compatible and every one of them is doing its job.”

The news comes a year after Intex™ was first launched to market and specified on several schemes, including residential projects in London. ACS has since invested £350,000 across R&D, now collaborating with Tenmat to evolve the product and share best practice. Each business has a longstanding track record, with ACS celebrating its 40th year in business and Tenmat bringing 100 years’ experience in working with advanced composite materials for safety critical applications.

Mark Davies, sales director of Tenmat added: “Unlike many new product development projects, where there are often challenges and setbacks to overcome, the two teams came together and maintained open and honest communication to keep a focus on the end goal.

“Intex™ 4-in-1 Masonry Support system represents an industry first of utilising compact, low profile intumescent materials to provide an integrated

cavity barrier solution to a masonry support bracket and cavity tray.

“We are delighted to partner with ACS to bring this product to market having both identified an acute need for something new and innovative. Intex™ 4-in-1 Masonry Support system and its Kiwa certification will help the industry and represents a marketfirst for utilising compact, low profile intumescent materials to provide a pioneering solution.”

David concluded: “This partnership was born not just out of respect and shared expertise, but of a real desire to assimilate our collective experience to take the industry forward.

“We each bring different skills, experience and strengths to the partnership which makes for a great synergy; our two teams are united by a shared focus on innovation and developing solutions that simplify complex industry challenges with advanced composite materials for safety critical applications.”

Residential property team celebrates after receiving prestigious accreditations

Leading Yorkshire law firm, Blacks Solicitors,is celebrating after nine members of its Residential Property team were awarded The Residential Property Accreditation, The Law Society’s prestigious and newly recognised quality standard for Residential Property.

This accomplishment highlights the team’s position as a leading provider of legal services to the residential property sector and its dedication to delivering high quality work and adhering to industry standards.

The initiative, driven at Blacks Solicitors by Emma Garfitt, senior associate solicitor and learning & development manager, involved the team undertaking a rigorous examination and application process set by the Law Society, incorporating a two-and-a-half-hour foundation exam or a three and a half hour intermediate exam for each of the nine team members.

At the foundation level, certifications were awarded to Clare Brattan,

Faye Parkinson, Lauren Parkinson, Rebecca Skeet and Paul Firth, who are all conveyancers, along with Anna Harrison and Elizabeth Minns, both conveyancing assistants. The intermediate level accreditation was awarded to Helen Carter, conveyancer associate, and conveyancer, David Lawes. All accreditations within the team will be valid for the next three years.

The awarding of these accreditations reflects the depth of expertise within the Residential Property team, further solidifying their capability to handle complex residential property transactions with the highest standards of professionalism and technical proficiency.

Furthermore, the accreditation reinforces the firm's unwavering commitment to the training and development of its employees, showcasing the firms dedication to fostering a knowledgeable and skilled workforce.

Commenting on the team's recent achievement, Emma Garfitt said:

"We are deeply committed to the professional growth and career development of our team members. This accreditation process not only enhances our team's expertise but also ensures they remain current with the latest information and best practices in their roles. By achieving these certifications, our team members are better equipped to deliver exceptional service and uphold the high standards that our clients e xpect from us.”

The team’s objective in securing these accreditations is to ensure they remain at the forefront of residential property practice. Blacks Solicitors aims to have as many members of staff as possible either accredited or holding professional qualifications. The Law Society's Residential Property Ac creditation is designed for individuals, complementing the existing Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) for l egal practices.

Ian Errington, partner and head of the residential conveyancing team added: "By investing in comprehensive training programmes, Blacks Solicitors demonstrates its unwavering dedication to maintaining the high-quality standards in our work. Our employees are our greatest asset, and by providing them with access to valuable information and training, we enable them to feel confident and prepared to excel in their careers. This investment in our team’s professional development ultimately benefits our clients, as it enhances the overall expertise and efficiency of our ser vice delivery.”

Blacks Solicitors Resi Property team, Faye Parkison, Paul Firth, Helen Carter, David Lawes, Emma Garfitt, Lauren Parkinson, Elizabeth Minns, Clare Brattan, Ian Errington

From Startu p to Success: Building Momentum with AD:VENTURE

By: Daneile Moore AD:VENTURE

Are you a passionate entrepreneur with a thriving business in West Yorkshire, trading less than three years old and hungry for growth? Sarah shared her entrepreneurial journey and how AD:VENTURE support helped her business thrive:

From Law Grad to HR Leader: Building Paveley HR Solutions

My career path wasn't necessarily destined to be in HR. I decided to study law at Leeds Beckett, and a chance encounter during my studies led me to HR & Employment Law. After years working with SMEs and global companies like Capita and thebigword, I decided to take the leap and Paveley HR Solutions, was launched in March 2023 in Mirfield, West Yorkshire. We provide HR support – contracts, handbooks, training, and more – for SMEs who often lack dedicated HR resources.

The variety of work is fantastic! This year, we're expanding – I'm bringing on a trusted HR colleague, Liz, and the plan is that my husband Clive will join in the future for extra administrative support.

With this strong team, Paveley HR Solutions is poised for exciting growth!

Finding My Business Footing with AD:VENTURE

Taking the leap to run my own HR consultancy, Paveley HR Solutions, was exciting but daunting. I knew HR, but the world of sales, marketing, and financial management was new

territory. Scrolling through social media, I saw a familiar face promoting AD:VENTURE, a program designed for first-time entrepreneurs like me.

AD:VENTURE offered exactly what I needed: a dedicated Business Manager (Bruce McLeod) to be my sounding board and guide me through the unfamiliar. My initial nervousness about seeming unprepared quickly vanished. Bruce was friendly, supportive, and quickly identified key areas for growth.

Through meetings and calls, we worked on defining my ideal client, crafting a strong value proposition, and leveraging my website and social media for lead generation. Bruce also helped me with essential tasks like:

• Market research: understanding my competition and target audience.

• Business planning: developing a roadmap for Paveley HR Solutions' future.

• Financial management: cashflow forecasting and sales process optimisation.

Marketing strategy: exploring package options and grant opportunities.

I was successful in applying for a Growth Grant that helped me upgrade my IT kit and my plan later this year is to apply for further funding to develop my website. With AD:VENTURE by my side, I'm confident Paveley HR Solutions is on the right track.

Going for Growth

With Bruce’s support, I gained clarity on my target audience and the value I offer. I actively networked, built a strong sales pipeline, and grew my client base. These efforts led to an impressive 87% increase in turnover in Q3.

Beyond the one-on-one support, I found immense value in AD:VENTURE's workshops. They provided both practical knowledge (like cashflow forecasting) and networking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs.

I’m also delighted to have been

successful in my application to deliver HR workshops for the AD:VENTURE programme! It will be amazing to feel I can offer support to people, like me, who just need that bit of guidance to steer them in the right direction.

Get in touch and grow your business in good company w ith AD:VENTURE! Visit www.ad-venture.org.uk

The AD:VENTURE programme is funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Partners

Live your screen dream with YAFTA

YAFTA is the award winning, screen acting academy in Leeds providing classes, workshops and Spotlight Accredited diplomas for beginners and more experienced performers.

Yorkshire Businesswoman members can enjoy an exclusive free trial class! Beginner acting classes take place on Wednesday’s 8-9pm, Leeds Media Centre, 21 Savile Mount, LS7 3HZ.

Email info@yafta. co.uk quoting Yorkshire Businesswoman. Limited to one per person.

IT and VoIP Provider recruit Rich Davies as director

South Yorkshire IT and VoIP provider Jibba Jabba is delighted to announce the new appointment of directo r, Rich Davies.

Rich’s appointment comes after the Doncaster-based company has experienced a period of significant growth and new client wins.

Joining the firm with more than 30 years’ experience across several professional services sectors, as director Rich will be responsible for developing and executing a business development strategy, building long-lasting relationships with local organisations and utilising his networking skills to develop the company’s reputation.

As well as managing the team and overseeing day-to-day operations, he will be working alongside the company’s managing director Ashley Harris in their proposed expansion of the firm as they plan to open a brand-new office in the Sheffield and Rotherham area.

Rich has held senior business development roles at FluidOne (recently rebranded from Highlander) and The Sheffield Chamber of Commerce. He

was also the owner of a social media business for almost 10 years where he executed campaigns for local nonleague Football clubs Sheffield FC and Hallam FC as well as working with Sheffield based GB Boxing.

As a long-standing business leader in Sheffield, Rich has enjoyed several voluntary roles including being an ambassador at the Institute of Directors and The Archer Project. He also holds a dual position with the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce as a council member and the nominations committee vice chair.

Rich says: “I am genuinely excited to start my new role. It’s an honour to be a part of an organisation that is truly going places and has an exciting future ahead of it.

“It’s a fantastic time to join as we look to further build on the firm’s recent growth, and we plan for our expansion.

“My vision is to make Jibba Jabba the brand name that people turn to for everything for IT, VoIP and Telecoms.”

Ashley said: “We are delighted to welcome Rich to the team. He is a fantastic addition and has already hit the ground running with implementing a strong business develop ment strategy.”

Former factory site set for new lease of life

Work is under way on a housing scheme that will provide dozens of high-quality affordable homes in Leeds.

A total of 50 new homes are currently taking shape on a brownfield site off Moorfield Road in Armley that was formerly occupied by the Tower Works factory.

The finished development will comprise 27 houses and 23 apartments, all available for affordable or social rent.

The scheme is being delivered by Yorkshire Housing and contractor Termrim Construction with support from Leeds City Council and Homes England.

By part-funding the work, the council will help ensure the success of a project that aims to make a positive difference to the lives of people in an area with significant housing needs.

The scheme will also help efforts to boost the city’s overall supply of new affordable homes, which – after record building levels in 2023 – is now forecast to rise by a further 750 this year, thanks to work by housing associations and the council through its own direct delivery.

It is anticipated that the first homes at the site – which has stood vacant and derelict for several years – will be ready for handover in February 2025. All initial tenancies – and 60 per cent of subsequent lets – will be offered to people on the council’s housing register.

The new homes will have a mix of one, two, three and four bedrooms, and are being built to energy efficient specifications.

Eighteen will be available for social rent, with affordable rents due to be charged fo r the other 32.

Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing, said: “The delivery of new affordable housing is one of the cornerstones of our work to tackle inequality and improve quality of life for people in communitie s across Leeds.

“These new homes will address local housing needs in Armley and will also, thanks to their energy efficient design, support the council’s net zero ambitions.

“Furthermore, the scheme will align with wider regeneration activity, both in Armley and other parts of the city, by taking a piece of vacant, derelict land and making

it a desirable and attractive place to live.”

Anthony Askew, head of construction at Yorkshire Housing, said: “We are committed to delivering a range of affordable homes across Yorkshire, especially in areas of high need such as Armley.

“With 100 per cent affordable housing, this brownfield development will provide the area with muchneeded housing supply and an opportunity for people to move into high-quality homes.

“We have an aim of delivering 8,000 new affordable homes across Yorkshire to help ease the housing

crisis and this site takes us closer to achieving that target.”

Jason McGarvey, commercial director at Termrim Construction, said: “Following the completion of the enabling works phase at the old Tower Works site at Armley, we have made great progress with the installation of the new roads and sewers alongside foundations and retaining walls.

“Design and procurement for the superstructure elements has also progressed well with the superstructure masonry commencing imminently.

“As always, it is great to work with the Yorkshire Housing team on this

important development delivering a mix of new affordable houses and apartments to the Yorkshire region.

”Up to £750,000 is being committed to the project by the council. This money will come from Leeds’s commuted sums funding stream, which supports affordable housing delivery using pooled financial contributions paid by developers as part of plann ing agreements.

Brownfield is a term for land which has been developed at some point in the past but is now unused and therefore offers scope for regeneration of the kind currently under way at the former To wer Works site.

Reward appoints experienced relationship manager to support further business growth across Yorkshire

Alternative finance lender, Reward Finance Group has further supported its expansion aims across Yorkshire by appointing an experienced relationship manager to join the team at its Leeds head office.

Anthony Cope has been appointed to meet the needs of Reward’s growing client portfolio in the region, having worked within the financial sector for over 25 years. He spent most of his career in a similar client-facing role at Yorkshire Bank (now Virgin Money)

before moving into the growth funding space at The FSE Group.

With Reward providing property investors and SMEs with tailored business finance loans and assetbased solutions of up to £5m, Anthony will primarily be tasked with supporting new clients on a face-to-face basis with their ongoing borrowing requirements.

Commenting Anthony said: “Reward is one of the largest and most established alternative finance lenders across the UK and on a terrific growth path,

so I jumped at the opportunity to be part of its success. Having spent so much time in the banking sector, I’ve seen first-hand the pressures and obstacles SMEs face when trying to access finance and the critical role alternative lenders like Reward play in providing fast and flexible funding solutions to meet that need.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with our clients across the region and supporting them along their borrowing journey, to help them unlock further business opportunities and growth.”

Chris Ibbetson, regional operations manager, added: “Our entire business is built on forging strong relationships, especially across our SME and property investor client portfolio, and so Anthony is a key appointment. He brings a wealth of financial and client services knowledge and experience to the role which will further bolster our expansion plans and hugely talented team in our Leeds head office.”

York and North Yorkshire need you

The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, is seeking business leaders to help shape economic growth for the region.

A new Business Board is being created at York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, which wants to ensure businesses can reap the benefits of devolution.

“Innovative and passionate” business leaders are being sought for the board which will advise the Combined Authority on economic strategy and pol icy decisions. The board will also help the Combined Authority bid for fresh investment and engage with businesses, opinion formers and policy makers to help generate e conomic growth.

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was formed in January this year and is headed by Mayor Skaith, who was elected

in May. The organisation is tasked with delivering the region’s historic devolution deal, worth £540 million.

Mayor Skaith, who ran a high street business prior to taking up office, believes the new board will create opportunities for businesses across the patch.

Mayor Skaith said: “The business community will play a vital role in ensuring our region has a connected and thriving economy where we are reaching our full potential.

“The diversity of our business community is one of our greatest strengths. Small and high street businesses are at the core of the York and North Yorkshire economy. We also have future focussed, high growth

businesses, who are leading innovation and creating new and higher paid jobs, in areas such as digital, aggrotech, biotech and creative.“Every type of business should benefit from devolution and a stronger economy. As Mayor, I want to champion businesses in York and North.

The creation of the Business Board will enable me to understand and act to best support businesses and create opportunity for all, across York and North Yorkshire. If you’re passionate about business and passionate about the future for York and North Yorkshire, your voice is important, and I want to hear from you.”

To apply, visit: https://nyresourcing. co.uk/business-board-members-roles/

Property consultancy announces two senior promotions

Property consultancy

Walker Singleton has announced two promotions within its commercial and residential property teams.

Adam Powell has been promoted to director in the firm’s estate agency brand, WS Residential. Having started his career at Walker Singleton in 2004, he previously held the position of associate director and has more than 20 years of experience in the residential property management sector.

Jack Spencer has become associate director within the commercial property team. He joined the firm in 2017 as trainee-chartered surveyor and is now experienced in carrying out valuations across a range of property types, as well as managing commercial prope rty portfolios.

Founded in 1889, Walker Singleton is a multi-disciplinary firm which provides partner-led property and asset solutions. The firm has four key service areas. These comprise commercial property; residential property; machinery

and business assets; and land and pro perty auctions.

Commenting on the appointments, director, Ben Waites, said: “Adam and Jack fully deserve their promotions and is testament to their ongoing dedication to supporting clients within their respective specialisms.

“These promotions are evidence of our commitment to developing the property professionals within the firm and I look forward to seeing Jack and Adam thrive in their new roles.”

Adam Powell (left) and Jack Spencer have both been promoted by property consultancy Walker Singleton

Say the words ‘high street,’ and the words struggle, or changing aren’t far behind

All Images: Jo Ritchie

But the Chief Executive of Leeds Business Improvement District (BID),Andrew Cooper, says it’s time to challenge the ‘negative narrative.’

This September, he’ll be launching the BID’s five-year business plan. And it’s visionary.

It asks the question, as a river city, can Leeds be more like Barcelona?

Andrew explains, “Being ambitious and innovative, you think, how can we better use the river? An innovative solar powered boat? A city sightseeing tour on the river? A Park and Glide, so visitors park at the Royal Armouries and get a river shuttle to the city centre? These are areas the BID can potentially put forward some catalytic money, and others will come forward and say, yes, we want to be part of that.”

2024 marks 20 years of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in the UK.

“The model of BIDs started in North America before coming to the UK

in 2004,” Andrew says. “It’s an international concept, and when done well, has transformative results.”

New York, Andrew says, has 75 BIDs. “If you haven’t got a BID in New York, you’re not competitive.”

LeedsBID is the largest multi-sector BID outside of London. It has been so successful, that the International Downtown Association invited them to speak in Chicago on their experience on place marketing.

No other organisation in Leeds, without political or commercial motivation, hovers over the city with the only one clear objective - to bring people together for improvement.

Its current annual budget is £2.5m, and it generates additional income through sponsorship and in kind. 95% of BID’s spend is re-invested back into Leeds and the projects LeedsBID undertakes.

BIDs are created by the businesses they represent, who pay them a levy, and vote for them. They have fiveyear term, and this September, FF

LeedsBID launch its 2025-30 business plan on the run up to its October ballot.

It operates on three main pillars: creating a warm welcome and improving cleanliness and safety; inspirational events and animations in the city; and being ambitious for the future.

Andrew is rooted in the high street. Born and raised in Nottingham, he started his working life as a teenager in Boots, becoming an apprentice in logistics and distribution at its head office. In his final three years at the company, he worked in corporate affairs.

“That’s when I got exposed to corporate social responsibility and the importance of high streets to their business, and the impact of town centre partnerships.”

In 2003, when BID regulations were drawn up under the Blair government, Andrew leapt the fence into town centre management in Stratford-uponAvon, before managing Bath’s BID through two ballots.

It’s a city of ideas, vibrancy, and innovation, with its strong student population, world-renowned teaching hospitals, and the development of an Innovation Arc...

relied on voluntary contributions of local businesses to provide nonstatutory essentials like Christmas lights, hanging baskets and public events.

“A World Heritage site, Bath is a wonderful city to work in and an extremely positive and uplifting place. But I wanted a new challenge, and Leeds hadn’t had a BID, which I was surprised about as a large northern city,” he says.

There was a bias towards BIDs in the south, which is where the first pilot began. In 2010, there were just two BIDs in Yorkshire. Now there are 17. Leeds was the 200th BID in the UK when it was established in 2015.

Pre-BIDs, town centre partnerships

BIDs, Andrew says, are more democratic: “People said, hold on a minute, not everyone in the old world of partnerships is paying, but everyone is benefiting from the contributions of those who have CSR policies, like Boots and Sainsbury’s. When a BID comes in, you draw a line around an area, and ask all businesses in it to vote on a business plan. Everyone pays and everyone plays. It’s a lot fairer and inclusive.”

Simply put, BIDs deliver the ‘additionalities’ in a town or city centre.

Andrew explains: “Taxes go to local authorities to pay for statutory services. The BID is not a tax, it’s a levy. The law is clear, a BID can’t fulfil statutory obligations. A BID is established to do the additional things that businesses want to see happen in a place.”

Today, with UK local authorities in £122bn debt, BIDs are increasingly vital.

Catalyst.

“The statutory cake has shrunk considerably,” Andrew says. “The BID used to be the cherry on the top, but now more and more issues are coming to the BID to solve, because we’re wellplaced to connect all organisations in our cities and towns to work collectively. It’s how we make our levy work well and give a return back to the businesses who pay for it.”

Andrew takes pride in the energy and professionalism of LeedsBID, which acts as a catalyst.

“We’ve done a lot of public art projects in places that look a bit unloved that nobody really takes ownership for. That hasn’t cost a lot of money, but it’s cost a lot of effort to get property owners and landowners together to make something happen. A BID is often well placed to do that because its only objective is its middle initial - to see Improvement. No other organisation is established or set up to do that corralling.”

He cites Athena’s Rising, which was the UK’s tallest mural, as a now iconic tourist attraction as one of their successes, but it’s also about the less glamorous projects, such as a walkway between the train station and Trinity car park.

“We jet washed it, put some pea lights up, got Network Rail and the car park to work together, then commissioned a local artist to do a mural on the arches. That area’s been transformed and looks a lot lighter and safer, and it didn’t cost a lot of money. It’s that impetus. The BID goes in first and says, let’s make this happen, from small projects to big projects. It’s just

bringing people together to work for the collective good. We just want to see improvement and put Leeds on the map, it’s as simple as that.”

Huge successes include free animation events, such as the Leeds Jurassic Trail, which ran from 2019 to 2022 with a footfall of 988,000 and £6.35m gross value added. Its Christmas projection at the Queens Hotel in 2023 attracted 200,000 strong audiences. Free events to date have generated a footfall of 1,323,990 with an estimated gross value added of £7,910.534m.

In a time of arts cuts, it also delivers the renowned Leeds International Festival of Ideas, this year attracting names such as Professor Tim Spector, Kate Garraway, and Nile Rogers, talking about everything from the failures of the social care system to the evolution of creativity.

The next big free animation is a giant MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover of the city from 27 July till 1 September. It’s expected to attract half a million visitors and celebrates the city’s remarkable heritage to the game, which was produced by Leeds firm Waddingtons. The city takeover took two years in the making, with talks in LA with Hasbro.

Andrew says, “All the city is involved, and that’s come about because we’ve had the right people sat on the LeedsBID Board, who are all unpaid volunteers representing their sectors of the business community – hospitality, retail,

the legal sector. A successful BID has clear business objectives, a boundary that’s realistic, and a Board that can help deliver it. You get an interesting dynamic. Realising sometimes certain sectors don’t cross pollinate, but once on a BID Board, they work together and that’s when the magic happens.”

Despite the challenges of online shopping and the pandemic, Andrew feels developers acted fast to keep the city centre vibrant, and ultimately people have an affiliation to it. “We saw the ramifications of thinking we could go online or do everything from home after Covid, with the sea of mental health issues. People need people at the end of the day and high streets and city centres play an important community role.”

Part of the BIDs five-year business plan is to expand south of the city to incorporate the huge developments around the river, including the Royal Armouries, and the new Aire Park, a landmark for Leeds and the largest new city centre green space in the UK.

“The city is growing so the BID needs to grow too.”

Andrew says, “It’s a city of ideas, vibrancy, and innovation, with its strong student population, world-renowned teaching hospitals, and the development of an Innovation Arc. The BID is part of that success story in getting the city to work together.”

For Leeds, its high streets look bright. Welcome to Leeds, move over Barcelona.

Andrew was a judge for the Yorkshire Businesswoman Awards 2024 and will once again join our sister publication for their 2025 awards on 7 March at The Leeds Marriott as one of 8 judges.

‘Outside the Box’, a new public art project showcasing York’s stained-glass archives, has been unveiled on The Stonebow, transforming the look and feel of the area.

The mini murals have been commissioned by York BID, in partnership with Explore York Libraries and Archives, York Civic Trust & York Glaziers Trust. They have been brought to life by HazardOne, a globally renowned street artist, to celebrate York’s rich history of stained glass. The project was made possible through a grant from The National Archives, aimed at increasing archive engagement. It joins the murals on Foss Walk, York Barbican, Coney Street, Queen Street, St Mary’s Square, and Back Swinegate – all commissioned or supported by the BID.

Twelve previously tired-looking exchange boxes have been transformed into mini murals that showcase the work of J. W. Knowles & Sons, a family firm of church decorators, glass painters, and stained-glass restorers based in Stonegate in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Much of their work can still be seen in York today, including the extensive restoration of St Lawrence Church and York Minster’s St Cuthbert windows. The firm also worked on

Mini murals inspired by Stained-Glass Archives unveiled on The Stonebow

St Crux Church (now a parish hall), which stands opposite the first rejuvenated exchange box.

The Knowles col lection is held at Explore York Archives and includes over 3,000 glass plate negatives and lantern slides, many of which are available to view on the Explore York Images website. Dr Julie-Ann Vickers, Head of Archives at Explore York Libraries & Archives, said: “This project is a fabulous way to get the archives out of the strongroom and into the community. Harriet’s stunning murals demonstrate how archives can be used to inspire public art, and in doing so enrich our city.”

Local artist Harriet Wood, known as HazardOne, has reimagined Explore’s Knowles collection, using free-hand graffiti techniques to showcase the detail of Knowles’ work. Harriet is named by The Guardian as one of the top five

female graffiti artists in the UK and has recently painted several murals at this year’s Glastonbury Festival. Harriet Wood, artist, said: “Having grown up in York this project feels like a special

one to me! I remember going on school trips to the Minster and learning about stained glass, so to come back home to do a project based entirely around York’s amazing catalogue of stained glass has been a treat. Everyone has been so complimentary about them - I think a splash of colour is what we could do with this summer!”

The exchange boxes were previously targets for graffiti and fly posting, leaving them weathered with tough to remove sticker marks, but are now rejuvenated and even coated in anti-graffiti paint. Carl Alsop, operations manager at York BID, said: “This has been a really exciting project to see come to life. The BID recently worked with partners to rejuvenate over 450 pieces of city centre infrastructure, and Outside the Box goes even further! Rather than just returning these exchange boxes to their original state, it’s made them new and exciting – something that makes you stop and admire them, while championing the unique history of this area.”

Outside the Box builds on a city-

wide celebration of the tradition of stained glass in York: York Civic Trust will shortly be reinstating a prestigious stained glass blue plaque on No. 35 Stonegate, which became the home and workshop of J. W. Knowles in 1873. Andrew Morrison, chief executive officer at York Civic Trust, said: “The results of the Outside the Box project are fantastic. It is wonderful to see York’s heritage rejuvenating the city’s public realm in such a contemporary way. The project really shows the benefits of partnership working in the city.”

As part of their Summer Family FUNdraiser, Explore will be running an Outside the Box event on August 17th, with more details to be revealed soon. Children will get the chance to a join local artist in designing their own mini mural designs.

Details on how to get involved will be available on Explore’s Ticket Tailor site: https:// www.tickettailor.com/events/ exploreyorklibrariesandarchives.

North Yorkshire piemaker launches £100k crowdfunder

Yorkshire Handmade Pies who craft proper pies using the best Yorkshire ingredients, has launched a Crowdfunding campaign to raise £100,000 to fund a move to a bigger bakery as demand outstrips its production capabilities.

The award-winning Yorkshire pie business was founded in 2020 by James Sturdy who saw an opportunity to make proper pies from local Yorkshire ingredients. The partnership with farmers and the ability to champion other quality Yorkshire producers is the driving force behind the business.

The resulting pies are an ode to Yorkshire food and drink made with sustainable Yorkshire ingredients including named breed beef, local beer, local whisky and Yo rkshire cheese.

It worked and the pies flew out of the doors t o hungry Brits all over the country. Its pies have won awards including the highest accolade for food , an exclusive three-star Gre at Taste Award 2022 for its Steak and Kidney Pie.

The firm c urrently makes 12,000 pies a week at its 4,000 sq. ft bakery but it can’t make enough pies to keep up wit h demand. It is hoping to move to a 22,000 sq. ft bakery which wi ll enable them to make as many as 50,000 pies a week.

James said: “We are passionate about producing delicious pies from the very best local ingredients and to fulfill demand we need to move to a bigger bakery. Our crowdfunder has lots of great rewards with a chance to win a £5,000 holiday and amazing discounts on pies.”

“Our success directly impacts the success of our farmers and producers, so we need to continue to grow the business and bring pie-happiness to more people. Investments start from as little as £10 going up to £100 so it’s open to everyone.”

The Crowdfunder is open until 15th August and each investment is entered into a prize draw* to win a £5,000 dream holiday in partnership with The Travel Journal, an award-winning travel agent based in Harrogate.

There are also discounts on boxes of pies which ramp up with every donation:

• £10 = 1 prize draw entry and 15% off four orders

• £20 = 2 prize draw entries and 15% off 8 orders

• £50 = 5 prize draw entries and 15% off 20 orders

• £100 = 10 prize draw entries and 15% off 40 orders

Investments can be made on Crowdfunder: crowdfunder.co.uk/p/win-yourdream-holiday

*The prize draw will take place on 19th August

King’s Speech 2024: what does it mean for employment law?

The King’s Speech held last week announced two bills on employment law, an Employment Rights Bill and a draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill.

Employment Rights Bill

The Employment Rights Bill is going

to be introduced by 12 October 2024 and will include new laws needed to implement Labour’s New Deal

for Working People, including: day 1 employment rights, including rights not to be unfairly dismissed (though employers will be able to operate probationary periods);

• ban on ‘exploitative’ zero-

hours contracts, ensuring workers have rights to a contract reflecting average hours worked and more security over shift scheduling;

• restrictions on ‘fire and rehire’ and ‘fire and replace’;

• making flexible working the default from day 1;

• establishing a new state enforcement agency, called the Fair Work Agency; and

• new rights for unions to access workplaces and other unionfriendly reforms.

Draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill

• Alongside the Employment Rights Bill, Labour also plans a draft bill to:

• extend the equal pay regime so that it covers race and disability as well as sex; and

• introduce mandatory ethnicity and disability pay reporting for employers with at least 250 people.

Before being signed into the law, both Bills will need to be approved by both houses of Parliament which will take several months, meaning it is highly unlikely that either Bill will take effect until late next year.

Employer

did not have to pay workers the national minimum wage while they were travelling to work

Taylor’s Poultry Services employ workers on zero-hours contract to work on poultry farms. They provide

minibuses to take its workers to and from their homes to farms around the country. These journeys can often be lengthy, up to four hours each way, meaning that the workers would travel for a total of eight hours on top of their normal working day. In 2020, the HMRC issued a notice of underpayment to the firm as it decided that the time workers spent travelling to and from farms was “time work” and the workers should therefore be paid at least the national minimum wage for their travelling time. The Company took its case to an employment tribunal, arguing that the workers were just travelling to and from their assignments and not required to carry any work while on the minibus, so it was not required to pay the national minimum wage. It said the workers could sleep on the minibus if they wanted. However, the tribunal upheld the notice of underpayment as it stated that the travel time was “not a normal commute” and formed “part of this type of job.” The Company appealed this decision, stating that the tribunal had failed to consider the case in accordance with the Supreme Court’s Royal Mencap Society v Tomlinson-Blake judgment, which found that care workers who sleep at service users’ homes are not entitled to the national minimum wage while not carrying out work activities. Although it said it was rare for workers to be required by their employer to use its transport to take a lengthy journey to work, the EAT found that a worker, in this case, would not be entitled to the NMW for the time spent travelling. However, if the organisation required workers to come to its premises first, the subsequent travel would need to be paid at least the national minimum wage.

Join us for our mental health awareness sessions

Through our relationship with Tailored Learning Solutions who provide mental health first aid courses in our business, we are now able to announce that we are running multiple courses at our Wakefield office including the following:

Mental Health First Aid (2 day course)

• 25/26th Sept

Mental Health First Aid –Refresher (1/2 day workshop)

• 27th September

Suicide First Aid – Understanding Suicide Intervention (1 day workshop)

• 28th November

Mental Health for Managers Workshop (1 day workshop)

• 4th October

The details of these sessions can be found at the Tailored Learning Solutions website: https://www. tailoredlearningsolutions. co.uk/bookonline?catego ry=all-services

Ison Harrison Expands with Strategic Acquisition of Cohen Cramer Solicitors

Ison Harrison, one of Yorkshire’s most prominent law firms, has acquired Cohen Cramer Solicitors, a distinguished Leeds-based firm with a national clientele. This strategic move underscores Ison Harrison’s commitment to growth, excellence, and its unique value of being an employee- owned business.

Cohen Cramer has a rich history, with roots dating back to 1980 when Howard Cohen & Co was established. In 2009, the business merged with Cramer Richards, forming Cohen Cramer. Since then, it has built a reputation for specialising in personal injury, regulatory and criminal law, as well as animal related cases, family law, dispute resolution and legal costs.

With a dedicated team of four directors and 27 employees, the firm achieved an impressive turnover exceeding £3 million last year.

This acquisition significantly enhances Ison Harrison’s footprint in the region, bringing the total number of staff to over 300 and solidifying its position as a regional powerhouse with 20 offices across Yorkshire.

Jonathan Wearing, managing director of

Ison Harrison, said: “This acquisition is a testament to our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional and accessible legal services across Yorkshire. By linking up with Cohen Cramer’s specialist lawyers, we are not only expanding our team but also enhancing our ability to serve our clients with a broader and more robust range of legal services.

“Cohen Cramer’s strengths in regulatory and criminal law perfectly complement our existing capabilities, and their focus on military and animal-related injury claims will significantly enhance our personal injury practice. We are stronger and more versatile than ever before.”

In 2022, Ison Harrison transitioned to become a 100% employee-owned business, a pioneering move that underscored the firm’s progressive values and commitment to its employees.

The new structure has fuelled further dynamic growth, with substantial client expansion and the opening of four new offices since becoming employee owned.

“Our employee-owned model is a key driver of our success,” added Jonathan. “It ensures that every member of our team is invested in the firm’s success, fostering a culture of commitment and excellence that directly benefits our clients.”

Emma Mason, managing director of Cohen Cramer, shared her excitement about the merger: “Joining forces with Ison Harrison is an incredible opportunity for us. The firm’s strong reputation and extensive regional presence will enhance our ability to deliver outstanding service to our clients. We are proud to become part of an innovative, employee-owned firm that shares our passion for clientcentred legal practice. We are a great fit.”

With the integration of Cohen Cramer, Ison Harrison now boasts a team of 300 employees across Yorkshire, providing the widest array of legal services in the region.

• Business Structures & Reorganisations

• Commercial Debt Collection

• Commercial Disputes

• Commercial Property

• Contracts

• Employment

• Intellectual Property

• International Trade & Transactions

• Internet Trading

• Mediation of Business Disputes

• Mergers, Acquisitions and Disposals

• Planning & Licensing

• Starting In Business

• Accident Claims

• Child Care

• Collaborative Law

• Dispute Resolution

• Employment Problems

• Matrimonial & Family

• Medical Negligence Claims

• Planning for Retirement

• Residential Property

• Road Traffic Cases

• The Law & The Elderley

• Wills, Trusts & Probate

Firm appointed by One City Square in Leeds

Strategic property and construction advisors, Fox Lloyd Jones (FLJ) has been appointed as joint letting agents with CBRE for the prestigious One City Square office tower in Leeds.

The appointment is on behalf of Catella APAM, the asset manager for Britannia Invest A/S, and compliments FLJ’s work on its other major city centre asset, 2 Whitehall Quay, where it recently recorded one of Leeds most significant lettings in 2024 to UK Infra structure Bank.

One City Square’s current availability includes a fully refurbished sixth floor suite

spanning 5,856 sq. ft. in a prime location, capable of being a full bespoke turnkey solution for tenants, and the full fourth floor covering 10,000 sq. ft. of space to be refurbished later this year. Both available spaces are designed to meet a range of contemporary business needs.

The building was built in 1998 and underwent a major upgrade in 2022 introducing an extensive

array of market facing amenities to include a café, business lounge, meeting rooms and gym facilities. The landmark building presides over the newly pedestrianised City Square and offers direct access to Leeds’ central business district, retail centre and train station.

FLJ’s appointment coincides with the firm celebrating its 20th anniversary year in business. Its specialist office team, comprising Paul Fox, Nick Salkeld, Harry Finney and Zac Parker, was also recently awarded the CoStar Group Awards ‘Top Agency for 2024’ for the most active single branch agency

in acquisitions an d disposals in Leeds.

Nick said: “One City Square is regarded as the best address in Leeds and offers one of the most amenity-rich buildings in the city and is therefore hugely desirable to potential tenants and businesses operating across a wealth of sectors. To be appointed as joint agents on such a prestigious site pays testament to the team’s success in the Leeds office market.”

Paul added: “We are immensely proud of the incredible journey we’ve been on over the last 20 years, made possible by our loyal clients and de dicated staff. To be appointed as joint agents on One City Square is evidence of our ongoing hard work and determination to deliver results for our clients.”

The One City Square appointment comes on the back of several notable new client instructions for FLJ in Yorkshire. They include One Whitehall Quay on behalf of Consolidated Property Group, Rose Wharf for Caddick Developments, Wellington Plaza for Asset Capital, and Tileyard North on behalf of City & Provincial Properties – one of the few new office schemes to complete in Yorkshire this year.

Chalwe S ilwizya, asset manager at Catella APAM, said: “We are thrilled to continue our successful partnership with Fox Lloyd Jones. The team’s expertise and dedication has been instrumental in securing significant lettings across our buildings and other schemes in the city. We’re confident that their innovative approach and understanding of the Leeds market will help us attract and accommodate top-tier tenants at On e City Square.”

Estate agent supports young property moguls with training academy

Estate agent Manning Stainton has committed to nurturing the rising stars of the property industry in Yorkshire through a summer training academy with local schools.

Partnering with Guiseley High School, Allerton High, Ralph Thoresby, Garforth Academy, White Rose Academies, St Wilfrid’s in Wakefield and Horsforth High School, the Leeds estate agent will welcome 25 pupils aged 15-18 over July and August to gain vital experience and training in the fastpaced Yorkshire property industry.

The 25 young property moguls will complete an intensive work-based programme of activity during their summer internships at Yorkshire branches of Manning Stainton, where they will be inducted to all parts of the business, including sales, lettings and admin. They are also allocated a mentor to help

them enter the property industry when the y leave school.

Melanie Howell, head of training and development, said: “Since launching our training academy for new talent last year, we’ve been so impressed with the young people who’ve taken part and seen some real shining stars coming through. We’re thrilled to support our local communities once again and nurture young talent into the industry.

“Working in property is a popular choice for young people because it offers a long-term career option that’s well paid and with plenty of opportunities for progression, as well as being fun and very varied. No day is the same.”

The Manning Stainton Academy will invite its next cohort of trainees to take part in a winter term placement. All interested schools and pupils should contact Manning Stainton head office on 0113 258 2657.

Yasper takes on PR brief for Leeds telecoms specialist

Leeds-based Yasper has been appointed by 24 Seven Cloud to deliver a media and content brief aimed at driving awareness amongst its target audiences.

Yasper will initially be supporting the business telecoms provider with strategic B2B media relations support, as well as the production of web and social media content to promote the firm’s independent network and connectivity products — Pod and Jump, as well as a range of other smart bespoke telecoms solutions for businesses and telecoms resellers.

Commenting on the agency’s latest client win, Julian Pearce, founder and managing director of Yasper, said: “I've known the team at 24 Seven Cloud for almost a decade and I’ve seen firsthand the smart way they approach business telecoms. Working with David and the team, we’ll look to reinitiate their profile within the business telecoms landscape and produce content that generates cut-through.

We were impressed by their knowledge of the sector and their insight-led approach, engaging with our team to fully understand the brief and our requirements...

“Working with businesses like 24 Seven Cloud demonstrates Yasper’s ability to get under the skin of complex industries, understanding nuance and technical detail to ensure we can communicate difference.”

David Samuel, founder and managing director of 24 Seven Cloud, added: “Working with Yasper, we’ll be looking to raise the profile of 24 Seven Cloud’s

products, services and ideas to a business and reseller audience. We were impressed by their knowledge of the sector and their insight-led approach, engaging with our team to fully understand the brief and our requirements.”

Founded in 2018, 24 Seven Cloud was launched to provide its channel partners and resellers with next generation technology via its own independent and fully resilient network. It has provided a range of connectivity solutions for thousands of clients to date, including those in construction, property, travel, and healthcare as well as the emergency services. Yasper will be working closely with the 24 Seven Cloud team to deliver strategic multichannel communications support as part of its ambitions to provide leading call management services to channel resellers and partners across the UK.

New homes for Bassetlaw –as seven-acre site is acquired

South Yorkshire-based Forge New Homes has completed the purchase of a seven-acre greenfield site in Beckingham – the attractive commuter village on the Lincolnshire/ Nottinghamshire border.

Having worked on the seven-acre site prior to its acquisition from Wildgoose Homes Limited, Forge New Homes has already secured planning permission, paving the way for the creation of 57 singlestorey homes. Of these, 35% will be affordable, offering a mix of shared ownership and rental options for local people. The remaining homes will be available for op en market sale.

The properties will feature a variety of layouts, including dormer, detached, and semidetached, catering to a wide range of customers, with seamless, freeflowing layouts and integrated indoor-outdoor living. The location is ideal, with Beckingham Primary School, a post office, and village shop all close by, as well as

convenient commuter links to S outh Yorkshire.

Forge New Homes will also contribute to enhancing the local community, with Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy agreements in place. Andy Beattie, managing director explained: "We have been working behind the scenes on this site for some time and are delighted to now complete this deal, paving the way for these new homes to bec ome a reality.”

"We’ve immersed ourselves in Beckingham, actively engaging with the community to ensure our masterplan delivers the high-quality new homes that buyers are looking for, including provisions for shared ownership and affordab le rent homes.”

"We look forward to getting started, making this vision a reality, and adding to our growing portfolio, addressing the region’s needs for well-designed new homes for all."

Nick Atkin, c hief executive of Yorkshire Housing and chair of Forge New Homes, added: “At the tim e of a housing crisis we’re delighted to see these much ne eded new homes at Becki ngham become a reality and enables us to continue to expand our offering across the region.”

The news comes as Forge completes its Hedgerows neighbourhood at Pilsley, with other developments now und erway at sites in Bolsover and Waverley.

For more information on Forge New Homes, and to sign up for updates on the three sites, visit www. forg enewhomes.co.uk

CP Media acquires Lamppost Banners

Yorkshire based outdoor advertising company CP Media has agreed a deal with its joint venture partner Lamppost Banners which will see it acquire the remaining 55% of the business.

Established more than 10 years ago, the joint venture has seen Lamppost Banners business double in size in the last two years, driven by the growing need for councils to maximise their revenue streams and promote and publicise their services and events on lampposts in high traffic areas, particularly those on main arterial roads.

Mike Brennan, the CEO of CP Media explained the rationale behind the deal. He said: “The lamppost banners industry has grown massively in recent years as has CP Media’s own business, and this has meant that operationally both

companies are working across the whole of the UK, so it makes perfect sense to work together to improve efficiencies and synergies.”

This latest acquisition by CP Media follows the purchase of airport

advertising company, Eye Airports and bus advertising company, Adverta, cementing the company’s market-leading position in outdoor advertising.

Mike added: “Both Adverta and Eye Airports have grown steadily and strongly since becoming part of the CP Media group. This is what we want from Lamppost Banners and we’re prepared to invest our considerable management and financial resources to achieve this.”

CP Media is one of largest outdoor sponsorship companies in the UK working with more than 40 local authorities to maximise their sponsorship revenues. Established in 2010, CP Media has tripled its revenues in the last four years through both acquisitions and strong organic growth.

Architects reports strong financial year

Watson Batty Architects has achieved another strong financial performance with sustained growth across all sectors.

Despite ongoing economic challenges and uncertainty, the Leeds and Loughborough based practice has surpassed its performance target by nearly ten per cent, achieving turnover of £3,386,132 for year 2023/2024.

A balance of instructions across several specialisms is attributed to this growth with Watson Batty seeing particularly

strong growth in the ‘learning’ sector, which surpassed £1 million, and the ‘living’ sector, which was just short of £1 million. The commercial/industrial sector also surpassed targets with sport and leisure not far behind. The Leeds headquarters team accounted for two thirds of turnover while the Loughborough studio takes credit for one third, ahead of target.

Peter White, managing director said, “We are extremely pleased to be able to report another excellent trading year. It is reassuring to achieve a good spread of work across key industry sectors as

we continue to invest in a team with specialist credentials. This strategy remains fundamental to the longevity of our business success. The Future looks very positive with well over £2 million already secured at the start of our financial year 2024/2025. Indeed, our learning team has already surpassed targets on day one!

“We can only attribute this fantastic performance to the unwavering excellence of our people. Specialist expertise and technical ability is of course critical, but we are particularly proud of how the team excels in managing client relations, nurturing trust and staying ahead of the curve on the constant evolution and challenges within the built environment. We are acutely aware of the rapidly changing agenda, not least through sustainability and net zero carbon commitments, and this has been our primary, future focused approach for clients.”

HPI announces expansion of data set

The UK's largest provider of vehicle provenance checks has announced a significant expansion of its data. Leedsbased cap hpi has teamed up with integrated vehicle recycling company SYNETIQ to receive information on salvage total loss vehicles.

The move comes as cap hpi also integrates data from Audatex, a global risk and asset management data provider. Audatex data supports over 2 million vehicle assessments annually and 85% of UK insurance claims.

The data will give users of HPI Check an enhanced vehicle search with greater transparency, including a history of incidents and total loss.

SYNETIQ, an IAA company, is a large player in the salvage market and is committed to raising standards of transparency across the industry. The

data agreement with cap hpi will ensure that vehicle provenance checks give a fuller picture of a vehicle's history. SYNETIQ will provide contextual information for vehicles passing through its facilities.

Hugh Leslie, IT director for SYNETIQ, said: "We continue to invest in pushing standards forward across the industry, and our new data agreement with cap hpi will help to keep consumers and the supply chain informed about the vehicles they buy. Everyone in the industry must play their part to increase transparency and raise standards."

SYNETIQ is one of the UK's leading vehicle salvage, dismantling and recycling companies. It works with businesses to maximise every vehicle's environmental and financial value.

HPI pioneered the vehicle check

back in 1938, and the HPI Check has developed to become a household name by providing a fully comprehensive vehicle check and report that provides drivers and businesses with all the vital information about the car they want to buy, protecting them from motoring scams and fraud.

HPI Check is available for cars, motorcycles, vans, HGVs, and motorhomes. The company's data shows one in three cars has a hidden history or still has outstanding finance.

Commenting on the move, Jon Clay, identification director at cap hpi, said: "The data agreement with SYNETIQ and the additional integration of Audatex data, is part of our ongoing journey to enhance the HPI Check. As technology and data advance, we are able to connect parts of the industry to increase transparency across the sector. We can layer information to provide a richer picture of every vehicle.

"The team at cap hpi continues to work with stakeholders, including the police and industry bodies, to help keep motorists and businesses safe. It's important to our customers that our data is collected ethically and is reliable, and that's why we are pleased to team up with SYNETIQ on this important milestone."

HPI supports buyers by investigating insurance markets to ensure they are accurate. Using the company's well-established relationships across the industry, the investigations regularly identify cloned vehicles and other issues.

Renowned earth scientist, Professor Dave Petley, new chair of Yorkshire Universities F F

A global leader in the study and management of landslides has been unveiled as the new chair of Yorkshire Uni versities (YU).

Professor Dave Petley, vicechancellor at the University of Hull, today pledged to “champion the region and its trailblazing collaborations” after it was announced that he would be taking up the role on 1 August.

A regional powerhouse of twelve academically flourishing and esteemed higher education institutions – YU’s core mission is to help build a more productive, prosperous, healthier, and sustainable region.

The appointment of Professor Petley comes at an exciting and productive time for YU.

This includes participation in a £5m UKRI-funded project linking academics with communities to address climate change, expand enterprise opportunities in the creative industries, and create a new data portal giving the public access to data and information. Complementing this innovative project, which is the only one of its kind in England, is the £4m Research England-funded Yorkshire and Humber Policy Engagement and Research Network (Y-PERN), convened by YU, and which is harnessing world-class research within Yorkshire’s universities to help regional leaders, including Mayors, identify new solutions and implement measures to drive greater inclusive growth. Expert YU also recently published a Statement on International Higher

Education as it continues to champion the cultural, social and economic value of international students who bring a £3b annual net economic benefit to the region.

Passionate about sustainability and social justice, Professor Petley is recognised as a leading expert in the study and management of landslides – and has been an adviser to national governments and international organisations.

bodies to higher education policy and practice.

Professor Petley said that universities in the region succeed when they use their combined voices to champion Yorkshire and work with local communities.

It has been a privilege to be the Chair of YU, and to witness first-hand how every one of our members acts upon a shared commitment to bolster the economic, social and civic wellbeing of people and places in Yorkshire...

He said: “I am delighted to be taking on this role with YU. Universities play a vital civic role – engaging with the wider economy and society – connecting academics and students with communities, and helping businesses innovate, and recruit and retain graduate talent. We have the infrastructure and the capabilities in Yorkshire to work in partnership with the new Government to help it deliver on its growth ambitions, and to make a success of devolving more power to the region. We stand ready to use our unique assets and networks to support these objectives.”

Successful

He takes over the reins from Professor Karen Bryan, vicechancellor of York St John University, whose term, as YU Chair, finishes at the end of July.

During his two-year tenure as YU Chair, Professor Petley will be responsible for steering the organisation’s relationships with national and local governments, devolved institutions, business, further education colleges, and public sector partners.

He is a member of the Board of the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Hull Business Engagement Board, and contributes through Universities UK (UUK) and other national

Her two-year tenure finished with a flourish. June saw the publication of a new YU Service Learning best practice guide highlighting how sustainability lies at the heart of higher education institutions across Yorkshire. This stemmed from a successful pilot project, funded by the UPP Foundation, which saw students apply knowledge and understanding to help small businesses and charities address sustainability challenges.

And earlier this month, YU held a

one-day conference, Overcoming employer challenges and championing graduates across Yorkshire, at Sheffield Hallam University, which showcased how universities and businesses are supporting graduates into employment within and across the region.

Privilege

During her tenure, Professor Bryan has also championed international students, emphasising the economic and cultural benefit they bring to the region. From our letter to former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, to raising public awareness of their local contributions, Professor Bryan has advocated for global talent to study at our universities across Yorkshire.

Professor Bryan said: “It has been a privilege to be the Chair of YU, and to witness first-hand how every one of our members acts upon a shared commitment to bolster the economic, social and civic well-being of people and places in Yorkshire.

I wish Professor Petley all the best with his tenure, and look forward to our continued collaboration with YU as we celebrate and harness the strengths of our region’s universities

Welcoming the news of the appointment of Professor Petley, YU Executive Director, Dr Peter O’Brien, said: “I am very much looking forward to working with Dave Petley to realise the aims and objectives of our member institutions, which include boosting job creation, and extending and improving opportunities in the region. I would also like to pay tribute to Karen Bryan for her leadership and support to YU during the last two years.”

East Yorkshire chicken business commissions carbon footprint benchmarking software

A Yorkshire Wolds poultry company has hired the former head of compliance and sustainability at Cranswick to help it calculate its carbon footprint.

Middleton on the Wolds-based Soanes Poultry commissioned Garry Warhurst from Warhurst Associates to build a bespoke database to calculate the factory's emissions.

"After being approached by Soanes Poultry to develop a user-friendly system for them to calculate their carbon footprint, I developed a database which works to Greenhouse Gas Protocols and covers Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions," said Mr Warhurst.

"I used my sustainability, governance, and IT development skills to develop this system which automatically calculates the business's carbon footprint and is a great tool for any small to medium business to keep track of their emissions."

Although Soanes Poultry is not a PLC and has no legal obligation to measure or report its emissions, MD Ben Lee commissioned Mr. Warhurst because he wanted a

baseline emissions figure against which to measure future savings.

Ben said: "We're working hard to reduce our carbon emissions to safeguard the business for future generations of the Soanes family. Our sustainability initiatives include biomass boilers, solar and wind turbines on the farm, a heat recovery system and energy efficient refrigeration systems in the factory and an £850,000 investment in 1648 solar panels to power the factory that will go live shortly.

"We look forward to seeing Garry’s baseline figure reduce as the impact of the solar array and other environmental initiatives kick in."

Soanes Poultry was founded by Tom Soanes and has been rearing and preparing chicken since 1947. It sells its Yorkshire-reared chicken to butchers and independent retailers throughout Yorkshire and to wholesalers and catering butchers nationwide.

Regional partner celebrates a decade with Begbies Traynor

Since joining leading rescue and recovery specialist Begbies Traynor nine years ago, insolvency practitioner Dave Broadbent has helped drive substantial growth in headcount, turnover and geographic reach at the firm’s York and Teesside offices which he leads.

In 2015, when Begbies Traynor acquired Broadbents, the firm Dave had founded five years earlier, it comprised only ten staff, including just one licensed insolvency practitioner and three managers. Today, it boasts a 23-strong team across its two offices, fronted by two partners and two directors, all of whom are qualified appointment-takers.

The huge increase in workload over the last nine years with Begbies Traynor advising small to mediumsized owner-managed businesses and individuals throughout the region, has also resulted in turnover rising by 300%. As well as covering the Yorkshire and Teesside areas, the two offices are now undertaking insolvency work for businesses throughout the country.

“Over the last 25 years of operating across North Yorkshire and Teesside, I’m proud to have supported hundreds of regional businesses,” explains Dave. “I believe that being part of a large national group like Begbies Traynor provides the perfect platform to do this – we can provide expert advice with a local touch, while giving clients the peace of mind of working with a name they know and trust

“During this period, we’ve seen rapid expansion at both the York and Teesside

Over the last 25 years of operating across North Yorkshire and Teesside, I’m proud to have supported hundreds of regional businesses...

in the region imminently. Having established ourselves as the leading name in insolvency throughout the region, we are looking forward to continuing to provide specialist advice for company directors and individuals experiencing financial difficulties, from an expert team of professionals based here and who really underst and the region.

offices in response to continuing high levels of demand for our services from SMEs and individuals, and, indeed, we have plans to open a third office

Dave, who lives in Northallerton, has worked in insolvency since 1997 and became one of the UK’s youngest insolvency practitioners when he began taking formal appointments in 2005. Having been a member of the insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 for nearly 20 years, he was recently appointed as its regional chair in Yorkshire and the Humber.

Dave Broadbent Cliffords Tower

West Yorkshire bed manufacturer wins two national awards

Mirfield bed manufacturer Kelcol has won two national business awards, one recognising the business’s sustainability initiatives and the other celebrating the leadership skills of managing director Amy Wheeler.

The company, which has been manufacturing beds for 45 years and has a 30-strong team, entered the sustainability category of the UK Business Awards having strengthened its initiatives in this area after joining the National Bed Federation (NBF) a year ago. With its commitment to setting the standard by driving ethics, transparency and responsibility within the UK bed industry, the trade body actively encourages and supports members to move towards a sust ainable future.

Kelcol has implemented several measures including installing LED lighting across the factory and introducing an energy-efficient heating system as well as reducing waste as much as possible by using recycling programmes and sustainable packaging solutions.

Kelcol’s managing director Amy Wheeler, who joined the company as a sales administrator when she was just 19 years old, was also chosen

from 20 finalists as the winner of the Young Businesswoman of the Year award. The judges were impressed that the manufacturing business had a predominantly female-led management team and by its focus on fostering relationships with staff as well as its customers.

“We were really pleased to have been shortlisted in two categories of these prestigious UK-wide business awards, so to be named as overall winners is an amazing achievement,” said Amy. “Since my family acquired the business three years ago, we’ve embarked on a comprehensive programme to drive the company forward and our awards entries focused on the changes we’ve made and the new innovative products we’ve introduced as well as our initiatives to attract and retain young talent.

“Joining the NBF is part of our vision for the future and there’s no doubt that it has really made us think more about our sustainability and what we can do to continually improve that side of our business. We are committed to implementing energy-efficient practice and investing in renewable energy sources where possible to reduce our carbon footprint, and this concern also appeals to increasingly eco-conscious consumers.

“We are very proud of the progress we have made and would like thank our team for their hard work and loyalty which has made this success possible.”

The judges said: “As Kelcol embarks on this exciting new chapter, one thing remains certain: the spirit of artisanry, family values and female leadership will continue to define the essence of Kelcol Bed Company for generations to come.”

Former construction students lead major renovation at Building College

A team of ex-students from Leeds College of Building has returned to their roots as skilled construction professionals, ready to start a major £750k refurbi shment project.

Fit-out specialists Lodestone Projects has kicked off a summer renovation programme at the College’s North Street Campus. The eight-week plan will rejuvenate the site and create contemporary and accessible facilities, including transforming the library into a spacious student e nrichment area.

In an extra twist, numerous Lodestone staff are current or former Leeds College of Building students who were only too happy to return to where they first learn t their trades.

Lodestone Joint managing director Josh Donnelly explained: “Many Lodestone staff said returning to the College will be a very nostalgic project. In fact, a lot actively requested to be involved in this job as they were keen to revisit the site where they trained after all these years and give something back!

It’s vital we offer exceptional and inclusive learning environments to attract the diverse workforce needed to meet huge industry demands...

Will King, who will be working on this project. We have taken on at least ten joiners in the past who also qualified as carpentry and joinery apprentices throu gh the College.

“Our project manager, Josh Turner, was one of those former apprentices and has progressed up through the ranks. Likewise, our quantity surveyor, John Brightmore, is a former Leeds College of Building student, and I expect a good number of the regional decorators, electricians, and mechanical contractors involved will also be f ormer alumni.”

“Lodestone currently has two joiners training as apprentices at Leeds College of Building, including our site manager’s son,

The planned works at North Street Campus is part of a broader upgrade programme to bring the site in line with the College’s modern South Bank Campus. Alongside contractors Lodestone, design consultancy Fuse Studios will oversee the interior design and Turner & Townsend the proje ct management.

The team are already familiar with the College’s needs, having worked together on the South Bank Campus construction. The second phase of the Hunslet site was completed in

2019, adding a state-of-the-art 5,200 square metre, four-storey building to the Col lege’s estates.

Leeds College of Building vice principal for finance & resources, David Pullein, added:

“We’re thrilled that our established partners Lodestone, Fuse Studios, and Turner & Townsend are coming together once again to support us with our vision. It’s great to get the team back together to create accessible, modern student facilities… and even more poignant for us to employ so many construction experts who trained with us at this very site!

zone with gaming area, TV lounge, meeting room, new Student Services office with service counter, fixed seating study area, and a high-level co- working bench.

“We want everyone, including our female students and learners with additional needs, to feel welcome and supported. This new vibrant space will be warm and inviting, as well as being positioned in a very visible part of College. It’s vital we offer exceptional and inclusive learning environments to attract the diverse workforce needed to meet huge ind ustry demands.”

The refurbishment project takes place over four floors, beginning with the full refurbishment of the current Learning Resource Centre. The library will be transformed into a large student enrichment

The ground floor student enrichment area is part of the College’s wider strategy to boost accessibility. Not only will the area be better located near the entrance,

but it is also designed to be an inclusive and safe space that is welcoming to all students. Flexible furniture will allow the room to be transformed into an exam space, accommodating up to 80 tables.

The reception and cafe area will then be upgraded to a larger communal space following the initial work. After new flooring, power, IT, and redecoration are complete, corridors and staircases across floors will also be refurbished with new wall graphics and energyefficien t LED lighting.

The upper levels of the building will then be reconfigured to create a new learning resource centre, additional teaching spaces, new teaching and support rooms, and a new staff training room in place of the old stude nt common room.

Yorkshire law firm expands with Bradford office move

Leading Yorkshire law firm Chadwick Lawrence has expanded its operation with a move to a new office in Bradford, designed to accommodate its growing workforce.

The firm, which operates across eight offices in West Yorkshire, has relocated its Bradford Real Estate team from its city centre office to Titan Business Centre in Euroway House, offering an enhanced client experience with better facilities and improved accessibility.

The news comes after the firm was recently named as one of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024, thanks to its focus on career progression and employee wellbeing.

Head of real estate operations at Chadwick Lawrence, Amanda Ambler, who has more than 20 years’ experience in residential conveyancing, will head up the new office which will see 15 members of the firm’s real estate team relocate.

The new site offers capacity for

an additional ten employees, with the firm currently recruiting for roles ranging from administration assistants and paralegals to solicitors specialising in conveyancing and remortgaging. The firm has already recruited for seven new roles within its real estate division.

Amanda Ambler said: “We’ve had a brilliant year so far, and I’m really pleased that we have secured this new location to help us to continue to grow our real estate offering and match our first-class service with outstanding facilities. The new offices are comfortable, well-equipped and, being just off the M606, far more accessible to our clients, with much easier parking.

“Located within a vibrant business centre, we hope this new base will also

be appealing to potential candidates as we seek to grow and expand as a firm.”

Lisa Holroyd, general manager of Titan Business Centres, said, “We’re delighted to welcome Chadwick Lawrence to our lively business community. With their undoubted experience of offering legal advice and services to their wide range of clients they join and enhance further the existing prestigious occupants of Euroway House. We wish them every success for their future growth plans".

Other tenants in the building include My Home Vet, Haus Square Properties, Angels Finance & Management Group, Ruby Security, and Spire Assist.

Chadwick Lawrence’s other regional offices are located in Guiseley, Halifax, Horbury, Huddersfield, Leeds, Morley and Wakefield. The firm has been providing professional and supportive legal advice to private and commercial clients for over 180 years.

Amanda with managing partner Neil Wilson

Leading manufacturer of modular buildings, Thurston Group, is setting the industry standard for fire safety and sustainability, with a £250,000 investment to achieve early compliance with upcoming changes to construction site legislation in January 2025, becoming the first manufacturer to achieve EPC A rating while maintaining the highest fire safety standards.

Tough new requirements are being rolled out in January 2025 by the Fire Protection Association’s Joint Code of Practice (JCoP) to reduce the risk of fire on construction sites, specifically regarding the provision of temporary buildings, hire d or purchased.

Wakefield-headquartered Thurston Group manufactures 4,200 temporary accommodation units per year and has invested significantly in product development and testing to ensure its units comply with the guidance and requirements, which come into effect on 1st Jan uary next year.

Thurston's Temporary Accommodation Units have been tested and surpassed JCoP requirements. The achievement in surpassing JCoP requirements while attaining an EPC A rating highlights Thurston’s dedication to providing the safest and most energy-efficient temporary accommodation solutions for the constru ction industry.

The new JCoP v10.1 legislation stipulates improvements in materials’ fire performance for temporary accommodation units being installed within six metres of a

Thurston Group blazes trail in fire safety with £250,000 investment

building, a greater focus on reducing fire spreading, such as ensuring doors and windows are fitted with automatic selfclosers and a greater emphasis on units maintaining their load bearing capacity (R,) along with structural integrity (E,) and their thermal insulation (I) for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Matt Goff, managing director emphasises the company's commitment to safety: “As the largest supplier of temporary accommodation and modular buildings used extensively by the construction industry, Thurston Group has been leading proactively on fire safety and prevention for many years, and our proactive fire testing programme over recent months has found that ensures our temporary accommodation units not only meet but surpass the requirements

of the new fire safety regulations almost a year ahead of schedule.”

“We are proud to see the modular industry once again lead in redefining safety standards. Thurston Group is delighted to be at the forefront of this critical area.”

Thurston Group's commitment extends beyond current regulations. The firm’s in-house design teams are actively developing new products with even greater fire performance capabilities.

The JCoP is written by the Fire Protection Association and is considered the benchmark for fire safety guidance on construction projects and best practice guide for fire prevention on construction sites.

Farmers in urged to check insurance cover for temporary glamping sites

A year on from a law change allowing English farmers to profit more easily from glamping revenues, a rural insurance expert is reminding them to check health and safety o n pop-up sites.

The law, which came into force on 26th July 2023, allows landowners in England to operate a temporary camping or glamping site for up to 60 days without planning permission.

“Although this significantly reduces the burden of paperwork and planning for farmers in Yorkshire and the Humber looking to run simple, pop-up campsites, they still need to be aware of the potential pitfalls of launching new business ventures before breaking ground,” said Harry Appleton-Metcalfe from rural insurance risk specialist Lycetts.

With glamping bookings up 67% in 2023, demand in the UK is at an all-

time high as Brits look to get back to nature without breaking the bank.

Mobile glamping structures such as yurts and bell tents that can be easily moved aren’t normally considered permanent structures and can provide a lifeline for struggling farmers looking for additional revenue streams.

“Inviting members of the public on to your farmland makes written health and safety risk assessments, along with measures and procedures to ensure a safe environment, an essential consideration at the design stage,” explained Appleton-Metcalfe.

“This would include creating adequate

boundaries between the working farm and public facilities, appropriate signage, hygiene facilities, emergency procedures including evacuation plans and the safe separation of visitors from animals and machinery.”

Farmers should also regularly inspect and maintain structures, pathways, and communal areas to prevent accidents and claims. This includes checking the stability and stormproofing of temporary structures.

“Public liability insurance is also essential,” he added, “and insurers may request site inspections to ensure that quality standards and requirements are being met. In some cases, new glamping projects may also see farmers employing staff for the first time, resulting in a new requirement for employers’ liability cover.”

The study tour offered a great opportunity for Government Ministers and officials from Barbados to meet with multiple government departments and organisations that are involved in implementing and supporting the development of the UK’s vision for Artificial Intelligence across public services.

Tough new requirements are being rolled out in January 2025 by the Fire Protection Association’s Joint Code of Practice (JCoP) to reduce the risk of fire on construction sites, specifically regarding the provision of temporary buildings, hire d or purchased.

Wakefield-headquartered Thurston Group manufactures 4,200 temporary accommodation units per year and has invested significantly in product development and testing to ensure its units comply with the guidance and requirements, which come into effect on 1st Jan uary next year.

Thurston's Temporary Accommodation Units have been tested and surpassed JCoP requirements. The achievement in surpassing JCoP requirements while attaining an EPC A rating highlights Thurston’s dedication to providing the safest and most energy-efficient temporary accommodation solutions for the constru ction industry.

The new JCoP v10.1 legislation stipulates improvements in materials’ fire performance for temporary accommodation units being installed within six metres of a building, a greater focus on reducing fire spreading, such as ensuring doors and windows are fitted with

Tech consultancy hosted government officials from Barbados investment

automatic self-closers and a greater emphasis on units maintaining their load bearing capacity (R,) along with structural integrity (E,) and their thermal insulation (I) for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Matt Goff, managing director emphasises the company's commitment to safety: “As the largest supplier of temporary accommodation and modular buildings used extensively by the construction industry, Thurston Group has been leading proactively on fire safety and prevention for many years, and our proactive fire testing programme over recent months has found that ensures our temporary accommodation units not only meet but surpass the requirements of the

new fire safety regulations almost a year ahead of schedule.”

“We are proud to see the modular industry once again lead in redefining safety standards. Thurston Group is delighted to be at the forefront of this critical area.”

Thurston Group's commitment extends beyond current regulations. The firm’s in-house design teams are actively developing new products with even greater fire performance capabilities.

The JCoP is written by the Fire Protection Association and is considered the benchmark for fire safety guidance on construction projects and best practice guide for fire prevention on cons truction sites.

Men’s Grooming is Booming

By: Janet Milner-Walker - Founder of Bespoke Advantage

Whilst it has always been a smaller segment of the market, now it is certainly fair to say that being well kept is a thing for men. According to a report by Fortune Business Insights the market was valued at $58.46 billion in 2023 and is forecast to reach $85.53 by 2032 with Europe dominating the men’s grooming market with a market share of 36.45%.

Mintel reported that 28% of men aged 16 – 24 were intending to prioritise their appearance in the next year, whilst CACI found that 13% of men were planning to increase their spend on beauty products, with only 9% of women feeling the same way. Naturally with an opportunity to increase their spend, brands are catering to

their needs with some interesting n ew innovations.

So, what are men looking for?

As with many categories Gen Z are driving awareness and a demand for product innovation. TikTok is the social media platform renowned for driving trends and the term #looksmaxxing

has certainly being doing its rounds. Associated with ‘maximising your appearance’, with billions of posts sharing more on how to improve your appearance, from hygiene to facial care and hair loss along with more extremes like ‘bone smashing’ to visually improve your appearance and achieve a more angular jaw. #FullBodyDeodorant is another term trending on social media that has reached more than 23 million views.

Men are seeking out knowledge and products to take care of themselves, from devices that target fine lines and wrinkles to body moisturisers,

supplements, makeup and aesthetics. With celebrities like Pharrell Williams and Dwayne Johnson bringing their love of grooming to the masses with skincare lines, it’s safe to say that the demand will only increase. We have seen a rise in ‘skinfluencers’ following Covid – consumers who have becoming very well versed in the benefits of skincare ingredients - and this is not only applicable to women. Men are naturally curious about the benefits of ingredients.

Starting with skincare. To achieve a smooth finish, whether clean shaven or growing a beard, the key is not to exfoliate too often – 2 – 3 times a week is sufficient, using products that are gentle on the skin and high in ingredients like jojoba beads, complimented by those high in salicylic acid to clean pores and prevent breakouts. Niacinamide is renowned for reducing fine lines and wrinkles and achieving a more radiant skin. Equally hyaluronic acid works as well for men as it does for women, with notorious moistureretention properties to ensure a well hydrated skin. A key concern for men is their under-eye area and seeking out targeted products with a high concentration of active ingredients is key to help banish dark circles. Brands from Anthony to ManCave to Jack Black, Clinique and Horace amongst others are leading the way.

Men behind the camera have long worn cosmetics. Now more cosmetic brands targeting men are coming to the market. The male colour cosmetics market is valued at $17.57 billion and predicted to reach $43 billion by 2033. Whilst concealer has been a go-to-product, more recently men are reaching out for nail polish.

Barbershops have been a hub for men’s grooming for centuries not only to provide an essential haircut and shave, but also as a way of male bonding, sharing stories, jokes, sports and the latest trends. Along with shaping conversations, barbershops are equally fundamental in the evolution of men’s haircuts and beards from a symbol of ruggedness to a well chiselled statement, with a plethora of brands catering to their needs with beard oils, and balms

ABOUT JANET MILNER-WALKER

Janet Milner-Walker is the founder and managing director of Bespoke Advantage, and BeautytoLife. She is an international speaker, a trusted advisor, and a freelance writer. Her expertise is built around her ability to shine a light on brands that are creating products to be talked about.

Bespoke Advantage is an international brand consultancy, supporting awardwinning beauty and wellness clients including well established brands, retailers, investors, embassies, and trade bodies, in building brands across markets.

www.thebespokeadvantage.com.

providing nourishment and fragrance. In addition to how to care for their beard, men are equally interested in how to maintain the health of their hair and reduce hair loss through supplements, addressing their gut health and seeking out hair transplants. Male pattern baldness is experienced by 85% of men by the age of 50 and according to the International Hair Restoration Surgery (2022) 87.3% of hair transplant patients are men, with men 5.3 times more likely to seek out a hair transplant than women. There are a number of great hair care brands addressing concerns for men including Manual, hims, Numan and Sons UK.

Wellness continues to grow and has become more encompassing with inner and outer beauty blurring the divide. When it comes to feeling good men are all in, from supplementation, to gut health, protein shakes and achieving Zen and there has been a rise in men’s retreats like Evryman and Junto. Equally men are embracing spa treatments, and this is nothing new. In certain markets like the Middle East, hammam spas are embedded in their culture, as is male grooming, promoting relaxation and wellbeing. Equally embedded in the Middle Eastern culture, and rising globally is men embracing fragrance –from head to toe.

Setting sail for a new horizon with new leader at the helm

EXCLUSIVE: Simon Bull talks to TopicUK about why – as a busy MD and avid sailor – he has taken on the mantle of heading up Scarborough’s leading business platform

Scarborough is one of those places that seems to get under the skin of those who live there, creating affection and passion not always known in other towns and cities.

This is certainly true of Simon Bull, business owner, sailor and now new head of the Scarborough Business Ambassadors. What drives him to put so much of his time and effort into this philanthropic organisation?

“I’m not sure whether I’m classed as a Scarborough lad, as I was actually born in Reading,” he said.

“We moved here when I was aged three, so I’ve not known anywhere

Simon Bull, new Scarborough Business Ambassadors leader

else to the same extent, which I hope qualifies me - as I’m no southerner, I’d be homeless otherwise!”

After A-levels at Scarborough Sixth Form College, Simon studied Business at Leeds Metropolitan University before working for a time in the West Country but then returning to Scarborough to work with his father in the family business, Castle Group Ltd, which Simon now owns and runs as MD.

“I became involved in the Scarborough Business Ambassadors when we merged The Scarborough Business Association with the Ambassadors in 2013. I have been the secretary since, so my appointment to the chair role doesn’t present a big learning curveand provides continuity and stability.”

“Stepping into the new role allows me to carry on the fantastic work of my predecessors, Peter Wilkinson and Jo Thompson, both of whom have created this well-known and powerful cause for good, which has been a significant agent for change in the town over the years.

“One of the most impressive

achievements has been to create a well-connected business community, where we all know each other.

“Out of that comes amazing projects and activities and this network is something I am very keen to drive

issues which are important to our community.”

Simon’s day job involves environmental measurement and monitoring, a vast topic that includes air quality, noise, vibration, light, temperature humidity and electromagnetic fields. He admits that this makes him a type of geek in a niche corner of a niche market.

“Joking aside, it’s a fascinating subject and has taken me all over the world, into so many great companies and to meet some amazing people. I feel blessed and am more than happy to give back with my work in the Ambassadors.”

The Ambassadors originated during the Scarborough town Renaissance scheme managed by Yorkshire Forward, which began in the mid-2000s.

Simon Bull at the Scarborough pontoon

One of the main achievements has been Scarborough Science and Engineering Week.

“Another project of which the Ambassadors are hugely proud is the creation of the Scarborough

University Technical College (UTC) for 14-19 year-olds and based on vocational learning in STEM subjects, healthcare and c yber security.

“This year we are helping the F1 in schools’ team, who won the national finals, to raise sponsorship so that they can attend the world finals in Saudi Arabia in November. This is all possible because of the supportive environment created by the UTC.”

Simon is a keen sailor and keeps a boat at Scarborough. He has competed locally, in the North Sea race to Ijmuiden in Holland and regularly cruises the north-east coast of England.

He said: “If you get the weather right, the Yorkshire coast and beyond offers amazing sailing with fabulous scenery, diverse wildlife and great ports and harbours to visit … if the weather isn’t quite right, you get some interesting sailing!”

Simon Bull with UTC F1 in Schools team Unity Racing

Simon Bull, MD and sailor, now SBA leader.

A counter revolution … why shopping areas need heritage to win affection and thrive

Robert Walton,well-regarded for his experienced architectural and environmental observations on townscapes locally and nationally, records how outlying historic streets of Scarborough have retained their character and colour thanks to independent retailers.

by Robert Walton

I find it interesting when visiting towns, to see how the shopping areas have developed. There are out-of-town, large retail parks - and demolished buildings that were seen as past useful life, replaced with something quite tame compared with exciting historic surroundings.

So to what extent does the past influence our present shopping environments? Where I live, in Scarborough, there is the historic town centre that has seen much change.

Places of historic value have been lost –Rowntree’s department store has been

the biggest loss, built in 1882 in French Renaissance style, demolished in 1988 for a less-inspiring modern replica, and a space that is occupied by nationalbrand retailers and not so busy.

However … there are areas outside the town centre which have kept their independent shops. I think their success is down to retaining their historic past. Let me explain by looking at two popular shopping areas, Ramshill to the south and Falsgrave to the west.

People love the charm, uniqueness and appeal of shopping areas that have history and heritage.

They are where independent shops can survive and flourish. If demolition can be resisted, most national chains will not be so interested because

they cannot get the size of retail spaces they need.

In Falsgrave, the shops are bookmarked independent retailers of every kind, Pattisons greengrocer still has displays of fruit and veg on the pavement. In the past a common sight, and how nice that remains in the street scene. (When the borough council tried to force the removal of the traditional displays in the 1990s, the local newspaper ran a front page headline saying ‘It’s bananas!’ and successfully halted the plan).

I guess romance with the past creeps into our shopping preferences, so

we must seriously consider what memories we make today in the planning of our shopping experiences.

Big is not necessarily best and vintage has a future. Take a look in Victor’s vinyl and vintage shop in Falsgrave, and, whatever age, you’ll be absorbed at the collection of items.

In both Ramshill and Falsgrave shop fronts there are curved cast glass panes and interesting joinery work.

Shops of course need customers … and they arrived in great numbers when Scarborough’s South Cliff saw an influx of wealth from the industrialised towns in the mid-19th century. Anchors in developments then were the churches

Trish outside her new art shop in Falsgrave

Falsgrave pharmacy

coastal pages ... 1 Falsgrave greengrocer display

– attracting residents in such numbers that it was a boom time f or local shops.

In Ramshill, St. Martin’s was built to designs by G.F. Bodley, the Hullborn architect, and close by another landmark church, St. Andrew’s, was designed by H.F. Lockwood. A Doncaster-born architect, he had been working for Morley-born Sir Titus Salt on his Saltaire Village near Bradford, and Lady Salt laid the fo undation stone.

Bodley went on to design the magnificent St. Martin’s Grammar School (1870) and it still stands – together with the churches,

contributing to a quality street scene and influencing the shopping around, predominantly still independen t, small shops.

In Ramshill, I bought sweets and toys – those shops still exist, though one is now a nightclub. Luckily, quality confectionery is still part of

the street scene - the independent chocolatier Arosa Confiserie has a dedicated customer following from near and far. There is also an independent bakery shop, two local pizzerias, two local store franchises, a pharmacy, dry cleaners and thr ee hair salons.

A number of years ago, the council wanted to get rid of car parking alongside the shops, which would have turned Ramshill into a retail wasteland within months, losing many jobs and causing great inconvenience to residents and passers-by. The local newspaper joined forces with the independent lighting shop Cockill’s at the time and produced campaign posters for all the shops to display – which defeated the council’s proposal and ensured that the car parking spaces were saved.

My parents shopped at Robson’s the grocer, which still has curved glass in its shop front, but no longer has sawdust on its timber-boarded floors – it’s now a carpet and flooring shop, recently taken over by new owners, another welcome investment for the independent retail scene.

Ramshill and the Sir Titus Salt St Andrew's Church

Ramshill with former grocer's not a carpet store

Ramshill shops

Laura aims to help inspire youngsters to be the next skilled generation

York Minster restoration consultant Laura Cotter will be encouraging young people to consider skillsbased opportunities when she addresses a major event in Scarborough. Here she shares how she embarked on her own engineering career which has taken her aro und the world …

The stunning restoration of York Minster will be used to help inspire the younger generation to take up skills-based careers - in the footsteps of a role model in the world of technology.

Form six years Laura Cotter has been part of the huge project to restore the cathedral’s glory and will be speaking and exhibiting at

the 15th Scarborough Science and Engineering Week, which will be attended by 3,000 students.

The event will hear how a combination of heritage and digital skills have led to minute detail renovations of the original stone-masonry – and on the 40th anniversary of the fire which devastated the Minster. Running

until next June is an exhibition called Out of the Ashes which shows the scale of rebuil ding expertise.

Laura, Research and Partnerships Manager, said: “I will be speaking at the Science and Engineering Week event at Scarborough Spa in October and I am looking forward to being able to share how vital it is that we encourage the next generation to see that skillsbased careers can provide vastly rewarding opportunities.

“Heritage craft skills are so important, there is a shortage of trained craftspeople in the UK and we need to sustai n these skills.

Laura on top

“I have been very fortunate to be part of the York Minster project, working with heritage professionals and seeing the highest-level of digital skills, techniques and processes.

"In the new cutting-edge facilities I have integrated state-of-theart stone machining include

technology, digital measurement, 3D computer-aided design, robotics, 3D scanning, digital templating and p hotogrammetry.”

She has been invited to speak at many business events and to share her story as a woman interested in technology si nce a teenager.

Laura, who now lives in Scarborough, attended Lady Lumley's School in Pickering where her favourite subject was design and technology.

She went on to study manufacturing at Yorkshire Coast College and achieved a first-class engineering degree at Loughborough University.

She had been inspired and encouraged by her fatherwho completed an engineering apprenticeship at Yorkshire Copper Works in south Leeds and became Head of Technology at Norton Colleg e near Malton.

Laura went on to gain Chartered Engineer status through the Institution of Engineering and Technology. She worked at JCB for 10 years in engineering roles and set up her own consultancy business called BStrea mlined in 2015.

With King Charles at York Minster

Laura and the Minster's work on the Queen statue in York

York Minster Fund launched its masonry and glazing Research and Development project in 2018 - and now has a £9.1m Centre of Excellence for Craft Skills and Estate Management for environmental, financial and heritage sustainability.

“This has led to partnerships with cathedrals in Milan, Cologne, Trondheim, Washington DC and Christchurch in New Zealan d," said Laura.

“It’s been wonderful to work with an organisation that is so forwardthinking in its sustainabilityand fantastic to utilise my skills and experience in a completely different sector on such a magnifi cent building.”

Masons have been active at York Minster for more than 800 years.

Sorting the detail

The skills and techniques employed by them today have been passed down through the centuries - every

stone is still hand-finished onsite at the Minster using similar mallets and chisels as thei r predecessors.

At Washington National Cathedral

Laura said: “I think it is vital that these ancient skills are passed on to the next generation of skille d stonemasons.”

The extent of masonry replacement is enormous, and costly. Just a single fixed lead cornice can take 380 hours to re-create, at an average c ost of £11,640.

To support the introduction of these faciliti es, members of the Minster team including Laura have been on fact-finding visits at various locations in the U K and overseas.

She spoke with King Charles III when he visited and he was presented with a scale model of the statue of Queen Elizabeth II whose statue now resides in a niche adjacent to the south-west door on the west front of the cathedral.

FACTS

• There are 14 stonemasons and 3 apprentices involved in traditional crafts at York Minster, as well as a battalion of trades - joiners, electricians, plumbers, scaffolders, gardeners, painter and decorator

• Rainfall is eroding the stone and the Minster is also facing problems of limestone decay

• It costs £33,000 a day to run York Minster, 50% of which comes from visitors

• Infrastructure costs over a five-year period costs £24.5m

The statue started as a hand-crafted clay and plaster maquette created and designed by mason Richard Bossons, was cut on a five-axis digital machine from a 3D scan.

Laura, whose specialisms include mapping processes and data analysis, said: “I’ll be asking the science and engineering week students who come to our stand to think where a degree in engineering c ould take them.

“If I can embark on such an enjoyable and productive career, so can they! I was at Notre Dame in Paris only nine weeks after its fire, wearing dispos able coveralls to protect against lead deposits that melted during the fire. It was a true honour to be part of that learning experience, a highligh t of my career.

“I’ve also been to many other wonderful locations for our research and partnerships, including the Easy Stone Centre in Virginia, America, with Washington National Cathedral’s He ad stonemason.”

She added: “Our techniques show a 40% time saving using the digital and stone-machining technology and if we can pass that benefit on to other institutions this will be a success for the wider he ritage sector.”

More than 30 local, regional, and national employers and training and education orga nisations will be exhibiting at Scarborough Science and Engineering Week at the Spa from October 8-10 2024, with mining company Anglo American the headline sponsor. A dinner will be held on Wednesday October 9 and is open to any ty pe of business.

At work

What’s its a name

By: Graham Courtney - Motoring Correspondent

Have you noticed from the latest TV adverts that we’re being told how to pronounce names of various companies?

Ikea, which I always thought was Eye-key-ah. Apparently it should be something along the lines of Eee-key-arr.

Hyundai’s adverts ignore the

cars. It’s all about how High-undye is now pronounced Hunnday…as in Sunday.

Which brings me to Skoda. Which became written as SKODA. Then to

Škoda with that funny thing over the S which looks like a fly has landed on it. Now we’re being told that it should be pronounced Shh-ko-dar.

Anyway, while names have changed, so has Škoda. They went from a state owned Czech company to being owned 100 per cent by the mighty Volkswagen Group in 2000.

And they’ve neve r looked back.

Take this Škoda Enyaq vRS for example. The one you see here is the coupé version.

It’ll set you back £54,820 (July 24) or you can go for the more traditional SUV hatchback and save yourself around £1700. F

We think the coupé looks better and it’s almost as roomy.

The Enyaq was Škoda’s first allelectric car….and it hit the bullseye.

Power in this latest vRS tops out at a very healthy 335bhp. Škoda reckon you can get 340 miles on a full battery. Okay you won’t get that on a chilly winter’s day with the climate, lights, wipers, heated seats and sat nav running, but you should still manage top 200s. Give it full beans and you’ll arrive at

60mph in 5.5 seconds. Top speed is 111mph…. electric cars are insanely rapid up to, say, 60 mph…but they run out of puff beyond that.

Charge rate is 10 to 80 per cent in 28 minutes. That’s impressive…and let’s face it, if you drive for about 250 miles you’ll need a break at some point.

A lot of powerful electric cars are about the 0-6 0 time but the

Enyaq is also a seriously relaxed cruiser. The suspension has been tuned to give you a sportier ride and to allow some fun on back roads, but we think this car is much better doing a long-legged run than being a boy racer. It’s a bit firm at town speeds but once you get moving on the quicker stu ff, it’s fine.

In terms of goodies, we shan’t give you a list other than to say that you get everything you could possibly need. Build quality is excellent…there’s a premium look and feel to the interior. There’s also loads of space. Three adults will be fin e in the back.

If you want performance, the vRS model certainly fits the bill….if you want to save the pennies, you’ll love the entry level models which, if you go for the hatchback, kick off at a fairly decent £36,970 (July 24). You get a lot of bang for your buck.

Sho there.

West Indian Carnival returns

Leeds is set to celebrate its rich cultural diversity with the return of the Leeds West Indian Carnival on the August Bank Holiday weekend, this year with a slightly updated route.

Leeds West Indian Carnival is Europe’s oldest of its kind, having been going since 1967. It is also the largest outside of London, drawing an estimated 100,000 visi tors each year.

Taking place on Monday 26 August, the parade will take a different route this year, requiring less

road closures, impacting on fewer residents and causing l ess disruption.

The route will now take place on:

• Harehills Avenue

• Spencer Place

• Roundhay Road

• Barrack Road

• Chapeltown Road

These roads will be fully closed on the day of the parade from 6am to 10pm, with most public transport links and access to St James’s Hospital being maintained.

There will also be some road closures

on Chapeltown Road and Harehills Avenue on Sunday 25 August.

Starting at 2pm at Potternewton Park on bank holiday Monday, carnival troupes will do two laps of the new route, giving spectators more opportunity to take in the parade’s vibrant journey. The first lap allows judges to evaluate the array of stunning displays and the second lap is for the troupes to enjoy the celebrations ahead of returning to the park and delivering their final performances.

The carnival relies on funding from Leeds City Council, whose finances, like councils around the country, are under significant pressure. The Council alongside event and community leaders have now started looking at a long-term strategy to change the way that Leeds West Indian Carnival is funded to help guarantee its future.

Ahead of this year’s event a donation scheme will be launched, so that everyone passionate about the carnival can contribute to ensuring its longevity. Organisers are asking people in Leeds to “Help us keep carnival alive”.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “We recognise the enormous benefits that this annual event makes to our city’s culture, economy, and communities and we are very proud to host it. It should be a great weekend where everyone can join in.”

Arthur France MBE Hon LLD, founding member and chairperson of Leeds West Indian Carnival, said: “We pride ourselves on welcoming EVERYONE to Carnival – ours is an open invitation… we invite you to celebrate.”

Enjoy an overnight stay for two, a three-course meal from our Simply Dakota menu and a fully cooked breakfast served in the Dakota Grill. Treat yourself to the ultimate Dakota experience.