LEEDS BUSINESS REVIEW
ISSUE 29 MAY 2018
HUMBLE STARTS
THE ONGOING STORY OF LEEDS BRAND MKI
A GREENER 2018?
WHY BIKES MAY BE THE ANSWER
MAKING WAVES
MEET THE NEWEST AND YOUNGEST LEEDS LAW SOCIETY PRESIDENT
RETAIL|COLUMN|EMPLOYMENT|MEDIA|FINANCE|ARTS|LAW LEISURE AND TOURISM|MANUFACTURING|HEALTH|DEVELOPMENT
CONTENTS
EDITOR’S LETTER
5 Dispatches 8 Going green in 2018
James Smith Editor Welcome to the May edition of the Leeds Business Review.
8 11
12 Miki Miyuki
As always this popular and vibrant city has been booming in the past month, with plenty going on.
15 Two sides of the story with Professor Adam Beaumont
We aim to bring you the latest news and exclusive content that the team have been working on.
16 Leeds
We speak to the creative directors of up and coming menswear brand MKI, and we chat exclusively to the youngest ever president of the Leeds Law Society. We have information on an investment into Leeds Welding Company, plus news on the merger between Supermarket’s Sainsbury’s and Asda and an intriguing survey conducted by Santander regarding the value of money.
11 NHS Crisis
Welding Company
18 Leeds leads
18
the way
20 Media and Agriculture
We hope you appreciate our efforts and enjoy reading this issue as much as we enjoyed producing it.
22 Exit Plan
20 James Smith
May 2018 | LeedsBusinessReview | Page 3
News
Dispatches Employment Supermarket giants Asda and
Sainsbury’s are seeking to merge their businesses creating a ‘superpower’ in the market, a move that would see the companies overtake Tesco as the largest private sector employer in the UK. The shock announcement has triggered fears about job losses across the country as well as speculation of some store closures. Despite Sainsburys boss Mike Coupe reassuring the public that no stores will close. One Sainsbury’s employee, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “I don’t think it’s really possible for them to merge together without a lot of store closures. The top executives might try and spin it as something positive, and it might be, but while this might be good for the consumer, I do worry if my job is as safe as it used to be.” Sainsbury’s released a statement claiming that the merger will allow both supermarkets to reduce their prices by 10% on popular products. Sainsbury’s staff however aren’t convinced that this is the case. Asda, whose headquarters is based in Leeds, will ultimately be managed by Coupe. Staff outside the Leeds headquarters seemed uneasy about the deal. “I don’t think it’s right for competition. I don’t think it will affect my job, but I’m sure some people somewhere will certainly lose theirs. I don’t see the point really.” Sainsbury’s have only recently announced changes to staff contracts and an organisational reshuffle, resulting in some staff being even more uncertain about the future of their job security. With the combined power of the two supermarket heavyweights, Asda and Sainsburys would hold 31% of the sector. The fear is that this will encourage less competition and the supermarkets will hold a duopoly over the market. in
This could result the merged businesses having more buying power; deciding prices across the industry, which will change consumer buying habits. More information about this unprecedented merger will appear over the coming weeks.
Andy Clowes
Technology Leeds’s tech behemoth Sky Betting and Gaming has been bought by Canadian company The Stars Group. The mammoth deal comes after weeks of talks between Stars and Sky Betting and Gaming with the deal been valued at £3.4 billion. The majority share-holders CVC Capital Partners currently hold 71% of Sky Betting and Gaming’s shares, with Sky PLC owning 20%.
Richard Flint, CEO of Sky Betting and Gaming, said that: ‘’We are delighted to join forces with The Stars Group.’’ The Stars Group is also excited about the acquisition, their CEO, Rafi Ashkenazi said: ‘’The acquisition of Sky Betting and Gaming is a landmark moment in The Stars Group’s history.’’ Sky Bet has seen a huge increase in financial performance in recent years with a revenue of £516m and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of £146m according to their latest financial figures. Multibillion pound deals are common in the online gambling industry with Ladbrokes and Coral being acquired by GVC Holdings back in March this year for a sum of around £4 billion. The announcement that Sky Betting and Gaming’s head office will remain in Leeds is another positive for the city. The £3.4 billion deal will no doubt be one of the region’s largest throughout 2018.
Isaac Nelson
Development The £350m plans
Finance A new study
FCBS say the plans include two office buildings totalling 26,100m2, with ground floor retail and leisure areas as well as outline planning for a 104,100m2 mixed use development, 750 homes and new public spaces and landscaping.
The survey which was carried out in March this year, revealed that 1 in 14 parents believe that their children grasped the concept of money by the age of five.
for the overhaul of the Leeds South Bank proposed by Architectural studio, ‘Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios’ has been given the go ahead with a unanimous decision from Leeds city council.
The plans which include the city’s tallest tower are being developed by CEG, whose head of strategic development, David Hodgson said: “This derelict site is an important core in the west of the city, an area which has suffered from neglect over a number of years. At the heart of the South Bank regeneration area. This will be an exciting mixed-use strategic development of a critical mass and international standard, revitalising the area and reconnecting local communities to the city.” Alex Whitbread, a partner at FCBS explained that the transformation is a great move for the city. “We are delighted that the Leeds CEG: SouthBank scheme has been approved with such a strong degree of support. This is key to the regeneration of historic Holbeck and the future transformation of the city as a whole.’’
by Santander shows that children understand the value of money as young as ten-years-old.
Furthermore, 72% of parents say their children understand the importance of saving money for the future. 32% of parents wish they’d been taught by their own parents about financial importance. Hetal Parmar, head of savings at Santander, said: “Savings and budgeting are important life skills so it’s encouraging that so many parents take this seriously.” As 41% of money given to children is put into saving accounts.
Becky Dobson Alexander Morris Page 5 |May 2018 | LeedsBusinessReview
News
Media & Digital Leeds Digital Festival celebrated with a record 170 events across multiple venues around Leeds.
The ‘North’s largest digital festival’ has increased its event listing by 55 from previous years. Festival director, Stuart Clarke, said, ‘’It’s a really collaborative event. We even had more tech events in Leeds than San Francisco.’’ He added, ’Even though the number of events has increased year on year, I think the important thing is the quality has also increased.’’ This year’s festival held its own awards for the first time with categories including; Entrepreneur of the Year and Tech Innovation of the Year. Isaac Nelson
Pharmaeuticals Leeds City Council, NHS Leeds and
Magpie communications have teamed up for the Seriously Resistant campaign. The campaign urged antibiotic users to finish their course of medication and always follow the guidance provided by doctors. “Unless we take action and start taking the global threat seriously, there could be more deaths from antibiotic resistance than cancer by 2020”, said Becky Dam, director of creative communications agency, Magpie. The campaign also claims that by 2050 antibiotic resistance could cost the global economy $100 trillion. She believed the campaign is all about education, “The more the public are aware and educated, the better. Seriously Resistant plans to move into schools to ensure that the next generation are also aware and well educated.” “If we change behaviour in Leeds, we hope other cities will be inspired to do the same and, as a society, we will genuinely make a difference to the threat of antibiotic resistance.” The campaign has over 10,000 pledges and is recruiting volunteers to become Antibiotic Ambassadors. to educate their communities and get people pledging to take antibiotics safely and spread the word of the dangers of misuse.
Abigail Henderson
Media & Digital Leeds IT infrastructure SICL, has been bought out by MXLG.
The international company, Liberty Global and tech-focused merchant bank MXC Capital. They have made a £2.3 million equity investment into MXC JV to help fund their acquisition of SICL. MXC’s CEO, Ian Smith, said, “SICL represents the first step in MXLG’s strategy of building an IT service provider focused on small and medium-sized business customers within the UK.” There is an estimated 24,000 jobs in the Leeds digital and technology sector which is continuing to grow. Huge investors like MXLG Acquisition will no doubt continue to search for tech companies to snap up in the city. Isaac Nelson
Nightlife
Leeds Beckett University graduate, James Abbott, is successful in the launch of his new mobile-cocktail company. The cocktail premium bar service on wheels, originally based in Leeds, is now finding roots in London due to the huge success. Mix & Twist, specialising in tasty cocktails and entertaining bartenders derrives from his degree in Business Studies. As part of his final project, Abbott produced a business plan for Mix & Twist, which was launched less than a year after graduating. This isn’t the last you’ve heard from Mix & Twist. Lucy
Bannister
Retail Independent high street stores in Leeds are stealing the spotlight.
According to the Telegraph, one in three 18-24 year olds are now choosing to shop in independent stores rather than large corporate chains. British Retail Association says 2018 sees more independent retailers opening rather than closing. Leeds Corn Exchange, below left, has been the home of many independent business owners. “It’s such a magnificent building which brings a lot of people in”, Rebecca Mason-Harding said. The owner of Twit-Woo Vintage, said: “You have all these quirky independent shops where you have to physically go to that shop to buy that one thing.” She continued: “My stock is never going to be the same from one week or month to the other. Topshop and other high street stores are governed very much by what the future trends are going to be.” Sophie Knepper, manager of Blue Rinse Vintage, said: “The stock is timeless, it’s been the same since we opened and the fact that we do recycle as well makes a difference in that it’s not just throwaway fashion and everyone can enjoy the same clothes that we did years and years ago.” Jared Myland, owner of OK Comics located in Grand Arcade, said: “I grew up in Leeds, and there were always a lot of comic book shops, so it’s a really good place to be. The level of service you get adds to it too, its personal service, and all the staff are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about what we stock.” The Corn Exchange is now developing their bottom floor into a kitchen yard, focusing on independent food offerings and Leeds Indie Food Festival is returning for its fourth year this summer. Samantha Levene
May 2018 | LeedsBusinessReview | Page 6
News
Law Labelled as a ‘billion dollar start up’ Reed Smith will be opening a state of the art legal hub in Leeds in September. It will offer a creative environment for lawyers, analysts and business service professionals. With a two-hour travel connection by train to London, Reed Smith associates said it was ‘an obvious choice’. Within their new set-up, Reed Smith want to use Leeds as a stage to show other firms how to create a modern work space. Haley Welsh
Social Network
Transport Self-driving pods could be seen on the streets of Leeds later this year, in a move to modernise driverless transport.
The autonomous four-seated vehicles will be tested in a controlled environment at Leeds South Bank, in a project run by telecoms partner aql, Gulf Oil and several others. The pods have been on display this week at the Institute for Transport and Leeds City College, and will be open to the public. Founder and CEO of aql, Professor Adam Beaumont, said: “We see the South Bank as a blank canvas to create an integrated plan.”
forms”,
Beaumont says that without this technology, driverless cars will simply join traffic queues. “We need cross-city communication and coordination via the next generation of mobile network technology to unlock the potential of driverless plathe said.
The pods primary aim is to offer sustainable transport for the city centre, reducing air pollution and traffic congestion. Sophie Barnett
Education A Leeds
academy has been praised by Ofsted inspectors for attaining good grades despite heading for closure just four years ago.
Nightlife Popular Headingley sports bar, The Box, will expand to another site in Leeds city centre, after a £1.3 million investment.
The new premises will be located on Infirmary Street, not too far from the bars and restaurants located on Park Row, Headrow and Greek Street. CEO of Arc inspirations, Martin Wolstencroft, was delighted with the decision to expand. “We are thrilled to announce the evolution of our long-standing and most successful concept, The Box.” The new bar will feature an ‘amazing range of craft beers, draught cocktails, accompanied by authentic Mexican street food, experiemtial games and live sport screens,’ according to Wolstencroft. Situated in the financial district, it will attract a different audience. James Smith
Bruntcliffe Academy, in Morley, are celebrating a successful inspection for the first time since its conversion to an academy in 2015. The school, was once deemed inadequate just a few years ago. The report highlighted how the leadership from the principal and teachers helped the students become ‘confident and self-assured learners.’ Principal, Adam Ryder, said: “I have no doubt that with the excellent support of the colleagues from The GORSE Academies Trust, that Bruntcliffe Academy will become one of the highest-achieving schools in the country within two years.” Hassan Sidat
LinkedIn’s most connected
Adam Bell We Are Boutique’s mantra of Think & Do isn’t just a flashy slogan – it’s a discipline they employ into every service they offer. Adam Bell, head of digital at the media firm, is spearheading this philosophy – a mere four months after joining the company. Indeed, Bell’s presence within the firm may have so far been brief, but in this short period of time he has been catapulted into a senior position.
Chris Jackson He has been
a media specialist since ‘before Google existed’, and has been cited as the creator of one of the UK’s first ever online agencies: Optimum4. Jackson’s wealth of experience with brands such as Dell, Ferrari and MTV, has equipped him with a passion for all things digital – reflected by his activity on LinkedIn. His work within Leeds-based digital media firm, Enjoy Digital, has led to the creation of innovative, exciting strategies within the media.
Phil Kissane Experts of digital
marketing, Leeds-based agency Stickeyes have dealt with everything media for more than two decades. Offering content strategy, SEO and digital marketing services for clients like Tesco, GSK and Staples, Stickyeyes’ reputation as one of the city’s most exciting media firms is spurred by managing director, Phil Kissane.
Ian Holding One of the
founders of Leeds-based media group ICS, Ian Holding has over 30 years of experience within the sector. Under Holding’s leadership, ICS has expanded internationally, with its main headquarters in Leeds
Laura Davis Founder and
creative director at Brilliant, Davis’ focus is developing the creative output of her Leeds-based team, who specialise in the branding of food and drink. Steven Mortimer
May 2018 | LeedsBusinessReview | Page 7
GOING GREEN IN 2018 Transport
lems. This could potentially lead to serious and fatal diseases. Leeds was one of five cities called upon, including Birmingham, Nottingham, Derby and Southampton, which needs to impose clean air zones and reduce their levels of nitrogen dioxide by 2020.
Sophie Barnett Transport EVERY YEAR 350 people die from air pollution in Leeds. An increased exposure to contaminated air is linked to many major health challenges including cancer, asthma, and heart disease, according to a report by the Royal College of Physicians.
Leeds city council are introducing numerous different proposals to improve air quality and protect the health of people in the city. These plans include a clean air zone, cycle share schemes, park and ride plans, and ring-road developments to improve local air quality and traffic congestion. Executive member for regeneration, transport and planning, Councillor Richard Lewis, expressed: “Improving air quality in Leeds is a real priority.”
Although you cannot see it, exposure to fine particulates and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) leads to dangerous health implications which costs our health services £20 billion every year.
One of the council’s first solutions to air pollution is its new clean air zone, where high-emission lorries, buses, taxis and private hire vehicles could be charged up to £100 a day to enter the city centre. This is similar to the congestion charge already implemented in London.
NO2 is released into the air by the burning of fossil fuels; coal, oil and gas, and is primarily formed from emissions emitted by vehicles. The main effect of breathing in air containing high levels of NO2 is an increased likelihood of respiratory prob-
Councillor Lewis says: “The proposed Clean Air Zone builds good work that is being carried out. This includes leading the way in transitioning our fleet of vehicles to ultra-low or zero emissions vehicles.”
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According to gov.uk 44,000 new ultra-low emission vehicles were registered for the first time in the UK from January to March 2017
The council have received over 7,000 responses regarding plans to introduce a clean air zone in the city. Clearly people are looking to go green in 2018. According to gov.uk 44,000 new ultra-low emission vehicles were registered for the first time in the UK from January to March 2017. Record numbers suggest more and more people are switching to low emission vehicles. Not only has the clean air zone received swarms of positive responses, but the councils new sharing bike scheme by a Beijing based cycle company, Ofo, is set to launch in Leeds on May 15. The scheme allows the city’s residents to hire a lightweight bicycle via the Ofo smartphone app. With simply the click of a button the public will be able to ride across Leeds and lock it again for just 50p for a 30-minute journey. The scheme, which has been a huge success in Sheffield, will initially be based in the city centre and surrounding areas. Depending on its victory the council’s aim
is to expand further into suburbs, boosting Councillor Lewis says: “We are also entransport opportunities for the public in a couraging more people to take up cycling city which lacks sufficient mass transport. in Leeds. As well as the new bike sharing scheme, we have completed phase 1 of a Ofo is currently used by over 200 million new cycle superhighway linking Leeds and people, in over 20 countries, making 32 Bradford.” million trips every day. The council hope that by increasing the transport possibilities The second phase of the cycle superhighfor the public, less people will travel via way will run between Leeds and Seacroft. high-emission vehicles, decreasing levels of NO2. The council believe this will allow more opportunities for those who commute and In a press release, Ofo’s UK general man- will encourage more people to ditch transager, Joseph Seal-Driver, said: “Our recent port for a greener option. This is so it willr launch in Sheffield has been a huge sucreduce congestin therefore pollution. cess and we’re excited to see our bikes on the streets of Leeds as soon as possible.” By improving walking and cycling facilities, the scheme will reduce traffic congestion Leeds city council approved Ofo’s scheme and be beneficial for reducing air polluduring an executive board on Wednesday tion. 7 February 2018, where numerous different bike share companies were debated. Councillor Lewis adds: “We are investing in our bus and train infrastructure, The third scheme to be introduced is the including new rail stations and park and new superhighway. The first stage has been ride facilities, as part of the £270million completed already which includes 14 kilo- transport strategy outlined in December metres of segregated cycle route between 2016. This work is ensuring that current the two cities Leeds and Bradford, running and future generations can breathe clean along the A647. air in Leeds.”
Page 9 | May 2018 | LeedsBusinessReview
THE NHS: 70 YEARS AND COUNTING
Health
The people of Leeds are fighting to preserve the NHS as it faces more and more cuts
Jodie Preston Health WHILE WE celebrate the 70th anniversary of Britain’s National Health Service, in saddening irony, the public and NHS workers alike marched the streets of Leeds in desperate bid to save it. Banners and placards with the the slogan “Save Our NHS” could be seen among the swarm of demonstrators outside Leeds Art Gallery.
Dr John Puntis, chair of Keep Our NHS Public says that the march was a celebration for the 70th anniversary of the NHS. “It was to recognise how important the NHS is to us, and celebrate those who work in the NHS.”
She explains that the lack of funding is pushing the NHS to breaking point saying, “It paves the way for propaganda such as saying the NHS isn’t working so we need private enterprise to help.”
The main aim of the march, was to “highlight and draw people’s attention to the fact that the NHS is under sustained attack.” He explained that the problems that we can see in the NHS from restricted treatments to limited beds to cancelled operations is all down to a “deliberate government policy of underfunding.”
Ms Steptoe hopes that people will pull together to conserve “one of the most amazing healthcare systems in the world”. Questions are continuously raised about how money is spent within the NHS. Dr Puntis says: “Legislation insists there is competition and that there’s a market in healthcare, it accounts for around 10 percent of expenditure.” He believes one of the first ways to truly reform the NHS would be to remove the market.
Dr Puntis says how many of these problems are caused by the staff pay cap which has led to significant staffing problems. One NHS worker who wishes to remain anonymous, says how the staffing issues is taking a toll on her health. When Aneurin Bevan first set up the NHS post-war, he had a set of “We have about 12 patients for each nurse principles that many think should Last winter saw patients lying in trolleys and it’s just not possible. I’m burning out,” be brought back, particularly while in corridors waiting for beds for up to 12 she says, “One shift I was so tired I had to celebrating its anniversary. Dr Puntis hours, with Jeremy Hunt describing it as go for a nap in a cupboard.” wants to see recommitment to Bevan’s the “worst ever” crisis. Despite this, cuts founding principles. have continued to be made throughout the Janice Steptoe has worked for the NHS NHS, affecting both patients and staff. for 25 years. She joined forces with other He wants to return to a public health demonstrators on the Leeds march to care system with delivered service The demonstration was led by Keep Our show her support. “In my opinion the and no private companies or market. NHS Public, a campaigning organisation NHS is systemically and purposefully Bevan’s NHS was also based on rational which is committed to fight back against underfunded by central government,” she planning for populations and obtaining the privatisation of the NHS. says. funding from general taxation.
May 2018| LeedsBusinessReview | Page 11
Fashion
HEY MKI, YOU
Leeds-based menswear brand MKI is going big products and quality garments from a designer perspective, at a much more modest price point. The collections are made to be accessible in wear-ability and affordability.” Even the name stands out, pronounced (mee-you-kee) the name comes from a youth tribe called the Miyuki-zoku, who first appeared in 1964 and were the first of the Japanese to incorporate elements of the ‘ivy league’ look. The groups name stemmed from their loitering on Miyuki shopping street in Ginza. The group were MIKI MIYUKI – ZOKU, more common- mainly in their late teens and a mix of both ly known as MKI, first opened its doors in male and female. May 2010. The store is owned by creative director Vik Vik Taylor stated that “the original aim was Taylor and Designer, Georgia Alexandra. Together they have built the brand up to bring a ground breaking concept store from the ground, “Georgia is responsible to the heart of Leeds. Introducing both new labels and styles to the fashion scene. for designing all the merchandise, from the clothing to hats, backpacks, everything. I’m We wanted to offer the public designer responsible for marketing the goods. To-
Olivia Kirk Fashion & Textiles
Page 12 | May 2018 | LeedsBusinessReview
gether we make a great team” explained Taylor. “Leeds felt like the perfect place to introduce this brand as it is well known for independent brands and street style” said Taylor. The store is located in the Corn Exchange, which is most famously known for the independent brands and unique shops that are housed there. Since opening 8 years ago, MKI has gone from an intimate store and small brand to a worldwide webstore, stocking their clothing in high end department stores such as Selfridges and Harvey Nichols. “Having high fashion department stores stock our clothing was a big step for us. It meant that our brand could be accessed all over the country which obviously makes a huge difference to our profit.” Although the emphasis of the store is on their own brand, it also stocks the
U’RE SO FINE
gger and bolder than ever to blow your mind likes of Comme des Garcons and Saint James. Both well-established men’s fashion brands, increasing the attraction to the independent brand. “Fashion is for the future, we at MKI know that young people are the ones who carry brands, who determine if something is cool or not,” Taylor explained. “So although we are marketed as a menswear brand, and you will probably find our clothing in the menswear sections in department stores, we are pretty unisex.”
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sales of their products on their webstore.
Fashion is for the future. We at MKI know that young He also stated that the brand is now very popular in Leeds, becoming a trend people are the amongst University students across the city. ones who carry “I think a huge turning point was when Jay Z was photographed wearing one of our brands pieces.” Earlier this year, the rapper was videoed wearing the brand during a Radio 1 live lounge set. “It was insane to see, we had no idea he knew about our brand let
alone wore it.” It was just the exposure the store needed and has massively increased
“The jacket he wore sold out within the hour,” stated Taylor. Not only Jay Z is a fan of the brand, Liam Payne former One Direction star, was also spotted wearing one of their basic black caps. One of the things that makes MKI so special is that a lot of their pieces are limited addition, particularly the fleeces which are highly sought after by customers, “Once the products have sold out. That’s it.” Regardless of the immense success, Taylor is convinced that the only way for the company to go, is upwards. “I knew from the start that we had something special with this brand, so without sounding too arrogant I’m not surprised with the level of success we’ve had. The fact that the only store we have is in Leeds gives it authenticity.”
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Law
BOTH SIDES: DAVID COWGILL How an interest in crime led to becoming Leeds law society’s youngest president Being involved in the legal industry is a time consuming but rewarding journey, which has allowed me to reach a high profile role. My route into the legal sector started when I was at secondary school choosing my A-Level subjects. I wanted to be a criminal lawyer after watching TV programmes and films. I then went onto university where I studied law and management for four years. After university, I went to lawschool, where my interest was further developed. I was able to see the building and what I was required to do, rather than the corporate law , which isn’t how it looks on TV.
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It was the input of several good teachers that drove me to turn to what is now my expertise; commercial property. James Haddleton ,head of office, got me involved in the Leeds Law Society. Haddleton was keen to get younger people on board and persuaded me seven years ago. I am very excited to be taking on the role of president as I am one of the youngest ever. Previous presidents have always been established partners in law firms. It’s a fresh approach from a younger generation that is moving with the times. It’s all about being efficient.
I’m confident that I’ve got a good team behind me. I want to engage more with junior members, starting from the top of law firms. We are trying to recruit students coming from universities to work here. Leeds has a massive digital sector now with the likes of Google and Sky. We are trying to inform young people that they don’t need to go to London for quality legal advice or for a job. We can match the expertise for regional rates.
Interviewed by Reuben Young
Page 15 | May 2018 | LeedsBusinessReview
It’s a fresh approach from a younger generation that is moving with the times
Manufacturing
WELDING ITS WAY ACROSS THE WORLD What a steel. Beeston-based
manufacturers brings in the brass
Page 16 |May 2018 | LeedsBusinessReview
Big things are happening for the Leeds based company LWC.
“Not only have we been able to bring in new machinery and production lines, we have also spent cash automating some of the procedures. Speeding up the process and taking some of the work load off our staff.”
Aaron Cope Manufacturing Since the 1920s the family owned manufacturing firm, Leeds Welding Company (LWC), have been operating from the south of the city. Set up in Churwell and now running from an industrial site in Beeston, the company is investing heavily into all aspects of its operations. Cementing its position in the city and future proofing the business. Having applied for help with funding from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Leeds City Council (LCC), they have been able to invest a further £1.5 million into the business. Creating more jobs and increasing productivity. Richard Eaglen, director at LWC, says, “we are perfectly positioned here in Leeds to serve markets across the globe. Often companies can be weary with making investments and hold back on plans. The help with funding we have had from the LEP and LCC has given us the perfect opportunity to invest as we continue to grow as a business.’’ The Leeds Welding Company currently has an annual turnover of around £11 million, but Eaglen is hoping that this investment can help them achieve their targets of becoming a £15 million turnover business by 2020.
Located on Westland Square industrial park you can immediately see how the company has grown. When they originally moved to the site all operations were housed in one building, but as Eaglen gives the tour of the factories you have to visit four different buildings spread across the site.
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Manufacturing is seen as a dead-end job but that’s definitely not the case “As we grew we took over more and more buildings on the site with the newest being moved into last March. We would like to stay in the area but maybe one day we will move all production into one mega factory” Eaglen says. This separation has allowed Eaglen to base different sections of the business in its own building and with the recent investment into new machinery and production lines.
He says that investment is something that as a business is always being talked about and reviewed. “You want to invest when the time is right, we were at capacity and we need to take advantage of the high market demand for quality welded and manufactured products.” When a family run business manufacturing parts for tractor trailers and other farming equipment closed its doors, there was suddenly a gap in the market and LWC acted quickly. “We quickly designed and manufactured a range of products and launched them in October. This fast turnaround isn’t possible for a lot of manufacturers and that gives us a slight edge on the industry.” Market anticipation and being proactive is something that Eaglen says is vital in the modern manufacturing sector. Investment has gone into putting more resources into the company’s apprenticeship scheme to take on and train the next generation of its workforce. One of the biggest problems Eaglen is facing at the moment is a shortage in skilled workers.
“I don’t think manufacturing jobs and careers are promoted enough in schools to get kids interested in this line of work. Manufacturing is seen as a dead-end job but that’s definitely not the case. Our curThe Leeds Welding Company rent apprentices have had a great manufacture products for a wide impact on the company and we array of industries, which Eaglen definitely are wanting to take on believes is one reason for their more now he have further investsuccess and protects the business ment.” from any volatile markets. Page 17 | May 2018 | LeedsBusinessReview
Travel & Leisure
A LEADING LIGHT
As more and more tourists flock to Leeds every year, what is it about this vibrant city that draws people in?
Heritage Running through the veins of Leeds is the cities true history, and you can still see it today with over sixteen museums and galleries.
Lucy Bannister Leisure & tourism A city offering historic landmarks, a vibrant shopping scene, guaranteeing you an unforgettable night out and there’s even plenty of open spaces to step back from the city lights. The Yorkshire tourism industry is now worth £8bn and has increased by ten per cent in the last year. Now competing on a global scale as one of the most attractive areas in the world, reports Leeds Live. Joanne Ibbitson from Welcome To Yorkshire insists Leeds is an upcoming city for tourism in the UK. In 2016, Leeds welcomed 331,000 international visitors, up by ten per cent in 2015, and is still on the rise.
When the First World War broke out in 1914, the media predominantly covered the war, but in November there was a small advert for the opening of a picture house. The Hyde Park Picture House has seen it all, from war to modern day society. The picture house is perched in central Hyde Park, just outside of Leeds city centre, now known as a student area. Leeds City Council now own the building to prevent it from being demolished, it has become a part of the cities heritage and rich history. Waiting in the queue to purchase her ticket from the old fashioned box-office, is Jean Thomasson from Manchester. Jean travels by rail around three times a year, to enjoy an independent film in her favourite cinema. “It’s the only real cinema nowadays. Not commercialized, it has a traditional foyer and one screen, which is how I remember cinemas. It’s like travelling back in time”.
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Ollie Simms from Hyde Park Picture house reveals that by keeping all the original features within the building, and showcasing independent, low-budget features is what drives the success. “I can’t imagine a time when the building isn’t here, it’s the heart of Hyde Park”. The 1152 club, which was formed in March 2015, often come together to discuss local history and heratige related topics. The community meet fortnightly and are made up of over 55s. Talks from local folksingers, authors, history society, and many more come to remind the elderly community of Leeds as they remember it. Patrick Bourne, Leeds City Council and founder of the 1152 club: “We’re tremendously busy. On a quiet week we might have thirty to forty people. Regularly we have sixty to seventy turn up which fills the entire room. We meet at 10am for a coffee and then talk for about 45 minutes, it’s all free and there’s no booking or ticketing required”.
Business Retail Leeds is continuing to climb the rankings of the top business conferencing destinations in the UK, already at number seven. Sarah Emmott, Conference Leeds, gives a number of reasons why Leeds is a popular choice within business conferencing. We’re centrally located between Edinburgh and London, easily accessible by road, rail and air. We’re a compact city centre with a choice of venues. “Our focus is to attract national and international Association Conferences to the city. We target Association Conferences which have a good fit with our sector strengths and represent Leeds at national and international events such as IMEX Frankfurt”. It’s not all work, no play when it comes to business in Leeds. Head offices such as Tetleys, have a history engraved in the heart of the city. The Tetley Brewery located only a short five-minute walk from Leeds train station, was unfortunately closed in 2011 and demolished in 2012. However, Tetley still has loyalty to the home of the much-adored Leeds Rhinos.
Food
When the Leeds Trinity Shopping Centre opened in March 2013, it was strategically placed in Briggate and the true heart of the city, ranking one of the top ten busiest streets in the UK.
Leeds is booming with a hyped up food scene. According to Welcome to Yorkshire, Leeds is the second highest supplier of branded casual dining restaurants outside of London.
This £350m development makes people from all over, flock to the city to experience the one million square-feet dedicated to over one hundred shopping and restaurant facilities. The opening of the shopping centre reshaped the retail scene in the city. Welcome to Yorkshire admit Leeds is the third best place to shop in the UK outside of London.
With Trinity Kitchen, offering a unique dining experience with street food vans, rotating every eight weeks. You can’t ever get bored because it’s constantly changing, whilst all based under one roof.
Just down the street from the hustle and bustle is Leeds Corn Exchange which is an alternative complex. It is home to independent businesses ranging from fashion stores to tattoo parlors to jewelers and Leeds very own and very popular, Humpit humus and pita bar.
Mrs. Atha’s coffee shop is a little off the beaten track, hidden behind House of Fraser and perfectly located for a shopping break. Here, you can enjoy a specialty coffee and mouth-watering food, in a thoughtfully decorated building. Neil, employee at Mrs Athas feels the success of the business is down to the homely atmosphere. “People come here from all over, on business meetings they say it was recommended by someone they know. We have a lot of regulars too.” The city has plenty to offer and nothing will stop it from being a thriving city and the place to visit throughout the year.
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Agriculture
THE TWEET FROM THE CHAFF Countryfile director Anna Jones believes that in the digital world of fast news and social media we have lost touch with our local farms and food sources
The image of a stereotypical farmer is thrust into the limelight so often, it is easy to presume this simplistic view is a reality.
Erin Ferguson Agriculture When you think of a farmer, what do you see? Perhaps it is a plump, bearded man in a flat cap, riding on his tractor, or maybe a stern looking woman, wading through mud and whistling for her sheep dog. These figures have appeared on Mcdonalds adverts, Lidl adverts and countless promotions for egg and dairy companies; but how much does the media really show when it comes to the farming industry?
City dwellers will frequently brag about only buying free-range, while in reality they have no idea what this means. They will then demonise the farmers suddenly caging their animals, unaware these hens are currently in a three-month quarantine due to an outbreak of bird flu. According to Countryfile director, Anna Jones, the public should be concerned about the major disconnect between British media and local farmers. Promotional purposes aside, it is rare to turn on the television and see real farmers being addressed by mainstream news. Jones explains: “The media is predominantly urban and generally lacking in specialist knowledge and understanding of the countryside. Combine that with a severe lack of time and resources and you are seeing a very shallow covering of agricultural issues.”
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It appears that problems arise when journalists are quick to report stories, rather than speaking directly to farmers and verifying the facts. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries (MAFF), farm income in the UK has fallen by over 50% in the last five years.
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Newspapers and media put forward so many vague facts about farming and the public eat them up
Some farmers believe the media plays a major role in this. Mark Squire, 53, has been working on Swithens Farm in Leeds since he was 16. He says: “Newspapers and media put forward so many vague facts about farming and the public eat them up. I haven’t seen an accurate news report on farming in a very long time.” With the Natwest report, Harvesting the Future for Young Farmers, finding that only 13% of British farmers are currently under the age of 45. It is easy to see why agriculture is being slightly overlooked in the digital age. Mr Squire went on to comment, “family farms do not exist in their own right any more, you either work for a larger company or become a tourism type place or wedding venue.” While the public has access to more news sources than ever before, it would appear this has created a false sense of expertise. Many consumers will trust sensationalised headlines or market-
UK Harvest season varies in different parts of the country ing techniques, rather than seeking out locally sourced produce and supporting their local farmers. It has also been speculated that the rise in media coverage of the vegan lifestyle plays a role in the decline of British farming. A recent survey finds that 7% of the British population now identify as vegan. It is no surprise that publications have taken an opportunity to discuss the problematic carbon footprint that farming can bring. Unfortunately for local farms, many articles fail to mention that this mainly applies to red meat and overfarming by larger corporations. Jones stated, “I believe the industry voice is a little too dominant and those individual on-farm voices sometimes don’t come through to the mainstream media. Most stories need a case study where you have a non-political unbiased farmer
speaking from the heart with passion.” While there are many small farms attempting to modernise and work towards a greener approach through solar panels, it is still unclear what larger companies intend to do to tackle the issue. Many corporations within the industry simply refuse to discuss the topic with the press as they fear they will come off badly. Jones continued, “I believe there has been a real lack of transparency. I think the industry is over-defensive. Every industry is being challenged and scrutinised and rightly so, especially as we prepare for Brexit. However, farmers often feel very personal about it when they are challenged as they are so proud in what they do.” In a modern era where news is churned out so quickly and so few people have knowledge of the agricultural industry; it is certain that the disconnect between the media and farming is something to be concerned about. However, maybe it is also time for working farms to become more accessible and adapt to the digital world. #SaveOurLocalFarms
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EXIT PLAN
Emily Kelly talks the refreshing dovetail of artistic flair and business in Leeds
To most, the idea of Leeds being an artistic hub may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but this city has so much more to offer than meets the eye. Leeds is the only city outside of London to have its own theatre, opera house, ballet company and national museum. If that doesn’t say cultural hub I don’t know what does. The city has had deep cultural veins running through it long before big businesses settled here. Leeds has been sculpting young talent for decades, and many see the city as the unsung hero of small music venues. Simply walking around the city you can see how art has softened the harsh northern exteriors and woven itself into common culture. Leeds railway station, which, let’s be honest, is an eyesore, have attempted to brighten up the drab shell with illustrations and stained glass windows featuring sights from around the city. It isn’t the most inviting welcome into the city however, it is the gateway for thousands who commute to the city for work and leisure. So how does the city successfully marry it’s thriving business district with the arts world? Well, that’s down to creative centres popping up around the city. South Bank is due for a revamp that aims to draw in creative media and industries, resulting in more creativity being brought to the city. Leeds also haven’t given up hope with the European capital of Culture Bid for 2023. Although we may no longer be in the EU, Leeds hasn’t counted itself out of the running just yet as it continues to work on projects to make the city a top contender when it comes to culture.
regional business hub has so much to offer businessmen and artists alike. The UK is privileged to have funding from organisations which help to support artists. Such as, Arts Council England and even the National Lottery. You can partially credit the ‘something special’ that Leeds possesses to the students, who make up a huge demographic of the city. Across the cities five universities, young minds are always creating a variety of art. The universities in the city have proven to be revolutionary over the years. Gone are the days of the academic. The new generations of students coming through the city are now creative, innovative and very artistic. In a world that is continuously evolving online, creating physical art is important to push boundaries, creating a sense of escapism from the monitors and smartphones we tie ourselves to. These young, creative revolutionaries could well be shaping your companies in the future. Businesses need a creative flair that moves them away from the stereotype of men in suits crammed into a stuffy boardroom. They need to stand out from their competition in order to gain the markets’ upperhand. Artistic flair is becoming increasingly important in the digital age as industries are largely multi-media based.
But do we, as a city, need to compete to be the most cultural city in the UK? Well, no, every arts scene has its own unique pull.
Businesses need to be covering their different online platforms in order to build strong relationships and appeal to a larger audience.
What Leeds can do is not the same as Manchester or London, but its not a competition, it’s about feeling inspired by what those around you are working on. There’s something pretty unique about Leeds. The city is notably known as the powerhouse of the north, fighting back against London’s dominance. Our
There’s no reason that art and conventional business cannot go hand in hand, our city portrays this harmony perfectly.
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