West & North Yorkshire Business Q2 2021

West & North

Yorkshire

usiness PRODUCED & PUBLISHED BY WEST & NORTH YORKSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Nurturing innovators West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce British Chambers of Commerce Accredited

CONNECTING, SUPPORTING & REPRESENTING BUSINESS IN THE REGION

Q2 2021

Up to 66% off † Business Breakdown Cover for Chamber members Service level

Roadside

Relay

Relay Plus

Home Start

Accident Management

Offer Price

Standard Price

Difference

Fleetwide 1

3

3

3

3

3

£87.49

£236.50

£149.01

Fleetwide 2

3

3

3

3

£78.69

£202.50

£123.81

Fleetwide 3

3

3

3

£64.74

£189.50

£124.76

Fleetwide 4

3

3

3

£55.94

£155.50

£99.56

Fleetwide 5

3

3

£47.27

£114.50

£67.23

Fleet Europe

£16.44

£44.50

£28.06

Minibus Rescue

£193.16

£316.50

£123.34

£174.32

£387.00

£212.68

3

Specialist 2

3

3

3

Specialist 4

3

3

3

£149.66

£306.50

£156.84

Specialist 5

3

3

£96.99

£202.50

£105.51

3

The table below gives you more details about the specific services which can be included within our Business Breakdown cover Roadside

Repair or recovery to the AA’s choice of appropriate local repairer.

Relay*

Transportation of vehicle, driver and up to 7 passengers to a UK mainland address if prompt local repair not possible.

Relay Plus*

Extended Relay service to include one of three alternative arrangements for driver and passengers; car hire, accommodation or public transport services.

Home Start

For breakdowns at or within ¼ mile of your home address.

Accident Management

Takes the hassle out of arranging repair, recovery and insurance claims after an accident or vandalism.

For more information, please contact your local Chamber of Commerce Direct Debit. To make life easier, you can now pay for your breakdown cover by Direct Debit.

Based on Fleetwide 3 Standard rates for 3-6 vehicles. All the above prices are per vehicle per year, inclusive of IPT (Insurance Premium Tax). All prices are subject to change. Fleetwide cover does not apply to: specialist vehicles, ie: taxis, mini cabs, hire vehicles, ambulances, police vehicles, vehicles on tradeplates, minibuses, privately owned vehicles (unless used for business purposes), motorcycles and courier vehicles (all of which can be covered on Specialist rates as above), or any vehicles over 3.5 tonnes gvw.

Terms and conditions apply. *Relay and Relay Plus services are not provided at or within ¼ mile of driver’s home address.

Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer prices are only available while your Chamber membership is current. We reserve the right to review pricing at any time.

Full terms and conditions available on request by calling 0800 55 11 88. Business Breakdown cover is provided by Automobile Association Developments Limited (trading as AA Breakdown Services).

Relay Plus is underwritten by Acromas Insurance Company Limited. Acromas Insurance Company Limited is authorised and regulated by the Commissioner of Insurance, Financial Services Commission, Gibraltar, and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, United Kingdom. Acromas Insurance Company Limited is a member of the Association of British Insurers. Head Office: 57-63 Line Wall Road, Gibraltar. Registered Number 88716 (Gibraltar). UK brand address: Acromas Insurance Company Limited, Enbrook Park, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3SE. Automobile Association Insurance Services Limited is an insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Registered Office: Fanum House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 4EA. Registered in England and Wales number 2414212. †

BSF_BCC_0360 (0217)

West & North Yorkshire Business

Q2

WELCOME 3

Support for business

Writing this in June, there’s a mixed picture of business among members with some, even in hospitality, recovering well, while others have problems finding customers and staff.

Manufacturers report rising prices for raw materials and logistics and severe delays in importing goods and parts. The expectation is that prices will have to increase this year, or there will be no profit to be made.

Sandy Needham DL Chief Executive West & North Yorkshire Chamber

08455 240 240 editor@yorkshire-business.co.uk www.yorkshire-business.co.uk @WNYChamber

Through our Chamber International team companies have been offered training to meet the new arrangements following Brexit and advice to deal with the regulation and administration, it’s been a tough few months and you’ll find some case studies in this issue.

West Yorkshire has elected Tracy Brabin as Mayor and I was pleased to meet her in June. The scope of the Mayor’s role is huge and we will offer business intelligence and views to help with the development of business-friendly strategies.

Progress on new structures and devolution in North Yorkshire remains slow. For members the emphasis has been on achieving the right infrastructure and support for business, rather than focusing on the structure.

Carbon reduction and green measures are moving up the business agenda and, in partnership with others, we’re providing guidance and case studies suitable for companies of all sizes. You’ll also see publicity for the Raising the Bar Pledges – these are commitments made to do something in 2021 in relation to the environment, education, the economy and the community. Make a Pledge, tell us about it and we’ll promote it on www.raising-the-bar.org.uk and tweet it.

Q2

West & North Yorkshire Business

4 CONTACTS EDITORIAL marketing@wnychamber.co.uk

6

WEBSITE yorkshire-business.co.uk

12

TWITTER @WNYChamber

14

West & North Yorkshire Business is a quarterly business

15

magazine produced by the West and North Yorkshire

is comprised of a targeted audience of the major decision region and the wider UK business community.

advertising or promotion without the express permission

care to ensure that the information contained in this

18 INTERNATIONAL

Grant funded support for SMEs

19 PROFILE

Curo Fulfilment

20

Chamber of Commerce.

Printed by Hart & Clough

21

www.hartandclough.co.uk The Chamber group includes Chamber International,

EU TRADE EU TRADE Chamber Customs

Bradford College

23 PROFILE Christeyns

24

Chamber promotion

Connectivity plan

Accredited

Investing in tomorrows innovators

34

RAISING THE BAR

35

RAISING THE BAR

36

RAISING THE BAR

38

RAISING THE BAR

40

RAISING THE BAR

Improve the social impact of your business

Chamber’s Environment Group

HSBC

Case Study

Stories, opportunities and pledges

42 FINANCE

Business Enterprise Fund

43 MEMBERSHIP

Welcome to our new members

44

SOCIAL MEDIA What you missed online

46 PROPERTY

New hybrid units at Bradford Chamber Business Park

47 AD:VENTURE Case Study

SMART METERS

26 TRANSPORT

West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce British Chambers of Commerce

32 EDUCATION

Case Study

22 PROFILE

Business Enterprise Fund and West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

EU & INTERNATIONAL TRADE REPORT

Naylor Wintersgill

magazine is accurate on the date of publication.

This magazine is published by the West & North Yorkshire

FREE TRADE REPORT Schofield Sweeney

EU VAT FOR ONLINE SALES

of the editorial team.

West & North Yorkshire Business has taken all reasonable

REGIONAL NEWS News from across the region

17

© 2021 West & North Yorkshire Business - No Part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form of

News from Bradford, Leeds, York & North Yorkshire

West & North Yorkshire Chamber

Chamber of Commerce. The audience for this publication makers and senior executives across both the Yorkshire

MEMBERS’ NEWS

29

MAYORAL ELECTION

30

QES Q2

Welcome Tracy Brabin

Summary findings

48 MANUFACTURING

Bradford Manufacturing Weeks

50 MEMBERSHIP

Online upgrades for members

52 EVENTS

Upcoming events

West & North Yorkshire Business

Q2

CONTENTS 5

15 EU & international trade 16 38 Accounting for VAT online

14 Free trade agreement report

Connecting with charities

24

19 Fulfilling your logistic needs

Smart Meters for business

Q2

West & North Yorkshire Business

6

BRADFORD NEWS

Heart on our sleeves Four years ago I was preparing to begin my role as vice president of Bradford Chamber. Now, at the end of my two-year term as president, I’m preparing to handover to my successor Victoria Wainwright.

In those 208 weeks, we’ve seen one pandemic, one Brexit, one devolved West Yorkshire, one new Mayor, three Bradford Manufacturing Weeks (we’re launching the fourth), one bid to be City of Culture (in the making) and thousands of stories of resilience and selflessness in our district.

It’s been a challenging time navigating my business through the Covid-19 months while maintaining my role representing Bradford Chamber’s members and I’m thankful for the support of the Chamber team, Leadership Group, my family and of course, Victoria Wainwright, Bradford Chamber Vice President.

As businesses ‘in recovery’, we may not be quite there yet. But where we are, should be acknowledged. As a Chamber we’ve adapted, responded, questioned, researched and delivered to support members – members who themselves are adjusting to meet customers’ needs.

As a district, we’ve proven again, that, with the fifth largest economy in Northern England, we also have the country’s largest heart – one we wear on our sleeves, with absolute authenticity.

Today, I have one remaining ask – that the covid spirit of support continues in Bradford long after the virus has gone. As our City of Culture team says, ‘This is Our Time’ and while my time as president ends and a new chapter begins, the Chamber’s support continues.

As custodians of our city, our district, our country and our planet, recognising that ‘this is our time’ reminds us to make the best of the resources and the opportunities which can make a difference. There’s really no better place to start than Bradford Chamber.

It’s been a privilege, an honour and a pleasure.

Suzanne Watson President Bradford Chamber

Incommunities’ employability team wins Queen’s Award Yorkshire-based housing association Incommunities has been honoured with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for its work with local residents providing skills development, training and career opportunities.

The employability team – who provide free support to jobseekers in the Bradford District – have been recognised in the promoting opportunity through social mobility category.

The category recognises organisations that have supported people from socially disadvantaged backgrounds in improving their job skills and their chances of finding work.

Incommunities is one of 205 organisations nationally to be recognised with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise and one of only 18 winners in the Promoting Opportunity category.

The employability team provide advice on finding job vacancies, writing effective CVs, completing job applications, interview skills and in-work support.

The team also help identify appropriate skills and qualifications for users, offer free online maths and English courses, and work alongside a partnership network of community centres and with local employers to find the right recruits.

The service has adapted to lockdown restrictions, with virtual open days connecting advisors with job seekers and support provided by email, telephone and virtual meetings.

Julie Stanworth, Employability Manager, Incommunities, said: “The team creates opportunities for social mobility by helping provide people with the skills, knowledge and qualifications they need to gain sustainable employment or upskill to a new role. I am proud the team’s efforts in supporting local residents have been recognised by this prestigious award.”

Bradford Employment Hub, co-delivered by the employability team, is part funded by the European Social Fund and is supported by Bradford Council and Leeds City Region partners.

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7

STEM grant creates opportunities for coding Buggies controlled through the magic of code were weaving their way around a classroom in a science session made possible with a £500 grant.

The College’s Projects Team successfully bid for the funding and worked with curriculum staff to choose an activity that would best support them.

The Royal Institution awarded Bradford College the funding under its Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) enrichment and enhancement grant scheme.

Networking and systems support lecturer Steven Clay said: “We knew that this STEM-based activity was something the students would enjoy.”

The money was used for a Crumble Coding class, an introduction into programming for learners studying for the OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma in IT.

The day was led by Dom and Liz Surry, who run Skill Supply.

Together they deliver STEM workshops helping to develop team and leadership skills in a fun and interesting way.

Ramsdens makes the shortlist

Car wash concession opens

Lindsey Frith, Partner at Ramsdens Solicitors LLP, has been shortlisted in the ‘Outstanding Business Leader of the Year’ Award and for the ‘Best Use of Social Media’ Award at this year’s British Conveyancing Awards.

An established family car wash business is the latest concession to open at a Bradford garden centre.

Commenting on the shortlisting, Lindsey said: “I am immensely proud to have led such a fantastic team of people through one of the toughest years. To have our efforts recognised, as finalists is truly humbling.

Sinéad Sopala, Director of Marketing commented: “Social media is an important channel that allows us to bring life to the law and has helped us #stayconnected with our colleagues, clients, and communities.”

Tom Lyes, Director of Engagement at Today’s Conveyancer, said: “The entries are a tribute to the outstanding work accomplished across the Conveyancing industry in the last year.”

Handy Andy Car Wash Limited opened its 17th car wash site, the first in Yorkshire, at Tong Garden Centre.

Tong’s Commercial Director, Sharon McNair said: “A car wash is an ideal opportunity here at the garden centre. Our customers spend leisure time with us browsing in store or dining in our restaurants so this is a useful service to access when here.

Handy Andy already successfully operate in many other garden centres and have a great reputation.”

Founder of Handy Andy Car Wash, Terry Fullwood said: “We’re excited about the opportunities for Handy Andy at Tong. It’s a prime site with excellent footfall and plenty of space.

It complements the existing food, play and retail offer perfectly.”

During the day, the students worked together on a series of mini-projects. They connected block-based coding systems to motors, sensors and lights to create miniature buggies that were able to navigate obstacle courses.

Steve said: “The activity has helped students to understand basic programming concepts, providing the baseline for the development of coding skills.

Furthermore, the activity required learners to work collaboratively to succeed, giving them a realistic taste of how developers work.

Christeyns UK supplies water saving equipment for Eton College Laundry chemical and engineering specialist Christeyns UK has helped Eton College in Windsor meet its environmental goals with a new water filtering system.

Earlier this year the college tackled the issue of water saving with the installation of a new storage and filtering system, Lint X. Renowned for its innovative water and energy saving systems, Christeyns installs equipment in commercial and on-premise laundries across the UK and Ireland that complement the use of its patented Cool Chemistry and other detergent programmes.

Eton College has had a laundrette on site since 1881 and has been using Christeyns’ chemistry for almost a decade. A dedicated team of 30 run and maintain the laundry that processes 50,000 items per week.

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West & North Yorkshire Business

8

LEEDS NEWS

Just the ticket Quarter 2 of 2021 shows some strong, early signs of economic recovery across Leeds and the wider region.

The reopening of non-essential retail in April and, more recently, of indoor entertainment, leisure and hospitality have all contributed to increasing footfall in the city centre. Pent up demand and a desire for some kind of normality will no doubt be influencing this for some, but it will also be important to see the appetite of city centre office workers and whether changes in working patterns forced on all of us will continue. The Chamber is conducting research to better understand future use of workplaces and how often or even whether people are likely to be working from them.

Q2 also saw the long-awaited announcement that development of new rail stations at Thorpe Park and White Rose Office Park will go ahead, something the Chamber has been lobbying for nearly a decade. Both schemes will provide additional connectivity and will support further development for employment sites and much needed housing in the city. We continue to push for the go ahead for station plans at Leeds-Bradford Airport which we see as complimentary to the proposed redevelopment of the airport passenger terminal; conversations continue through the Leeds Rail Programme board which the Chamber is a member of.

Leeds continues to be a magnet for inward investment with further announcements that the Government’s new National Infrastructure Bank would be based in the city.

The announcement was quickly followed by plans that the Bank of England would base a new northern hub in the city. Following Covid induced delays it was also great to hear that major development projects, including CEG’s Temple Quarter are also moving ahead.

Expect further job creation over the rest of 2021.

Finally, I would like to congratulate Cllr James Lewis on his appointment as leader of Leeds City Council and Dame Judith Blake on her appointment to the House of Lords, I look forward to continuing our work with both of you in your new roles.

Amanda Beresford President Leeds Chamber

Blacks Solicitors scores a try with the sale of Red Hall House The Rugby Football League (RFL) has announced the sale of its head office, Red Hall House, near Roundhay Park in Leeds, after 26 years at the premises.

Red Hall House was purchased for over £1.65 million by Dr Faisal Arshad, Lead Surgeon at the Hair Dr Hair Transplant Clinic, in order to establish a private cosmetic surgery hospital. On purchasing the premises, Dr Arshad said: “The Hair Dr Clinic is expanding quickly and we have outgrown our current premises. The majestic Grade II Red Hall, close to the new East Leeds Orbital Route, is absolutely perfect and it is humbling to be moving into such a magnificent building with such an illustrious history.”

The Commercial Property team at Blacks Solicitors advised the RFL on the sale of its head office ahead of a relocation to Sport City at the Etihad Campus in Manchester. Blacks was chosen thanks to the longstanding relationship with the RFL, and the excellent service provided by the Commercial Property team.

Tony Sutton, the RFL’s Chief Operating Officer, commented: “This is a significant day for the RFL, after more than two and a half decades at Red Hall – which has been a distinctive headquarters for a National Governing Body since the RFL moved from Chapeltown Road in 1995.

“This move to the Etihad Campus will mark an exciting new era for the RFL, and we are grateful to Matthew and the Commercial Property team at Blacks Solicitors, Jonathan and his team at Knight Frank, and to Dr Faisal Arshad for a smooth and professional process.”

Matthew Hutchinson, a Partner in the Commercial Property team at Blacks Solicitors, added: “The team worked hard to ensure the sale of Red Hall House ran smoothly and was able to complete promptly. We’re looking forward to seeing the new headquarters of the RFL and supporting them in the future.”

West & North Yorkshire Business

Q2

9

Ex-Emmerdale mill welcomes new businesses An exciting range of new retail and leisure businesses are opening at the award-winning Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley. These businesses include the Amity Brew Co, Beckett and Beckett Interiors, Farsley Fire and Smoke and Anahata Yoga.

and businesses reflected in these new lettings. There is a determination to seize opportunities and to emerge stronger and undefeated.

The iconic mill complex, where Yorkshire Television’s Emmerdale and Heartbeat were filmed, has been transformed into one of West Yorkshire’s leading mixed-use destinations.

Russ Clarke, Co-founder of Amity Brew Co, said: “We have finally been able to open our doors and serve pints to customers. The reviews of the location have been glowing.

Sunny Bank Mills is a beautiful setting with practical and convenient amenities. The free parking and street food catering is adding so much value to our business.

John Gaunt, joint managing director of Edwin Woodhouse and Co Ltd, which owns Sunny Bank Mills, commented: “There is now genuine optimism at Sunny Bank Mills as we emerge from lockdown. I see the spirit of the local people

“Opening for the first time ever has felt very surreal, our brewery and taproom has been ready since December but to sit out on the terrace and watch our customers drink it all in has been perfect.”

Minister for Women & Equalities praises female college apprentice

Lexus Leeds Business Centre is open to help your business

Adopting a mile of waterways to support heritage and wildlife

A Leeds College of Building apprentice was recently selected as an outstanding candidate to represent employer BAM Nuttall in a crucial online consultation.

Lexus Leeds has officially reopened its doors to customers, with safety measures in place to operate both conveniently and safely. You can book an appointment or test drive seven days a week as normal service resumes. Virtual appointments are available, including Zoom, Teams, live chat, phone or email options too.

Leeds Building Society has agreed to adopt a one-mile stretch of waterways cared for by the Canal & River Trust in the centre of Leeds, to maintain this vital green corridor and attract wildlife.

Second-year Civil Engineering apprentice, India Penny, spoke to Baroness Berridge (Minister for Women & Equalities) and representatives of the Women’s Business Council following BAM Construct and BAM Nuttall’s work on ‘Flexible Working Pioneers.’

The project with consultancy Timewise and industry body Build UK involved a pioneering study into flexible working on construction sites (the first of its kind in the industry). The bespoke research looked at how to re-design jobs and shift site-based roles, to enable more flexible working in the construction industry. The pilot case studies are helping develop an industry-wide toolkit.

James Kirk, Business Cente Manager at Lexus Leeds, said: “There’s no doubt a company car has a halo effect on your company’s image, so choosing the right fleet partner is critical. We understand the need for your vehicle to be tax-efficient with competitive whole life running costs.

“We are delighted that our customers can really experience amazing again with Lexus Leeds. We are able to assist with all your fleet and company car requirements. We look forward to welcoming customers into the centre to find a Lexus for their business.”

The Society is moving to a new riverside HQ alongside the stretch of waterway that will benefit from the project. The two-year adoption, to help boost the environment and wildlife on the Society’s doorstep, will see the first year’s contribution being made by GRAHAM, which has acted as principal contractor for the new head office in Sovereign Street.

The one-mile adoption is located between Wellington Place footbridge and Crown Point Bridge and includes stretches of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and the Aire & Calder Navigation, waterways looked after by the Canal & River Trust. The partnership aims to have a positive impact on the urban greenway in the heart of Leeds.

Q2

West & North Yorkshire Business

10

YORK & NORTH YORKSHIRE NEWS

Moving forward Whilst we are not yet through the crisis it is great to hear from Chamber members about their plans for recovery and the high levels of positivity being expressed after a challenging year. Whilst restrictions remain in place for overseas travel, York and North Yorkshire are very well placed to benefit from ‘staycations’ and we are hearing of very high levels of demand across our regional hospitality sector.

Another step in the journey towards finalising the very long awaited Local Plan for York is underway, with a full, public consultation now taking place. Through the sterling efforts of Steve Secker and Eamonn Keogh, the current and former chairs of the Chamber’s York Property Forum, we have shared our views and would encourage others to contribute also. This plan sets out land allocations for employment, housing and infrastructure; it also defines the green belt and is one of the key underlying policies to ensure sustainable recovery and economic growth in the future.

As we start to see a return to economic growth it will be important to ensure that the skills needed in the future are understood and articulated to training providers and the Chamber continues to represent members on this agenda. Recent government announcements and a call for business representative organisations to play a leading role in fulfilling this activity have led to greater communication and collaboration and we are working towards formalising these structures through the Local Skills Improvement Plans bid we submitted in May. May also saw West Yorkshire elect its first metro mayor, bringing new powers and funding to the region. York & North Yorkshire’s journey towards similar arrangements continues and the Chamber submitted representation to government supporting proposals which will pave the way towards devolution through reorganisation of local governance across the county. Whilst perhaps not near the top of business agendas, this matters if we are to be granted greater control over the decisions which will ultimately boost the regional economy.

Andrew Digwood President York & North Yorkshire Chamber

Local business win second Queen’s Award C-Kore Systems Limited from Escrick, York have been honoured with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for the second time in 3 years. Following their award for Innovation in 2019, they have now been recognised for their International Trade.

Now in its 55th year, the Queen’s Award for Enterprise is the most prestigious business award in the UK recognising outstanding achievement, with Her Majesty The Queen personally approving all winners. This year C-Kore is one of only 122 companies across the UK who are to receive an award for their contribution to International Trade.

Working from a rural location near York, C-Kore Systems provides state of the art equipment for Subsea Electrical Testing to customers worldwide.

Tim Overfield, Managing Director, commented: “C-Kore Systems was created from Zetechtics Ltd, the global leaders in subsea control systems. Traditionally, subsea electrical testing relied on down-lines (extremely long extension cables) connecting test equipment on a ship to the subsea infrastructure, a time consuming, expensive, and dangerous process. In 2007 a conversation with a major UK oil operator identified the need for a small, stand-alone subsea measurement tool that could quickly and easily find faults in the underwater electrical network. It was from this conversation that the idea of C-Kore was conceived and developed, compressing all the test equipment into a tiny package that can be used 3,000m underwater. In 2014 C-Kore Systems Ltd was formed and since then the company has grown impressively, continuing to develop new products to solve the needs of their clients.

“Having had a tremendous 2019, winning both the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation and Subsea UK’s Innovation and Technology Award (an award which recognises the British subsea sector), news spread globally on how our innovative products are changing the industry practice on how subsea testing is conducted. This resulted in an increase in international trade of over 600%!”

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11

Pushing your marketing button Margaret Bradshaw, from Thirsk, has launched My Marketing Button, an innovative online platform to help small and medium sized businesses with their strategic marketing planning and tracking..

This robust tech solution uses a framework to give business owners the tools they need to create and implement an effective marketing strategy. It delivers a powerful way to motivate a team, solve challenges, encourage ideas, and track return on investment.

Helmsley Group demonstrates commitment to ’building back better’ with high street investment Helmsley Group believes the future of the high street is bright after making a key acquisition in the heart of York’s retail area. The York-based property specialist has purchased numbers three to seven on Coney Street.

The units, whose current occupiers include JD Sports, Lush, Mango, and the vacant unit previously occupied by Joe’s Kitchen, were purchased off market for an undisclosed sum from M&G, the asset management company.

The recent purchase complements a series of deals on Coney Street over the last 12 months and forms part of Helmsley’s ongoing strategy to work positively with its investors and stakeholders to ensure York and the wider region continue to thrive.

Margaret said: “The team has created a technical solution to help businesses coordinate their marketing.

The platform is perfect for businesses that don’t have big marketing teams or budgets to create major marketing campaigns.

It’s like having a marketing expert on hand to guide you through what marketing is and how you can get the most from it. We already have businesses who have engaged with the software and are seeing benefits.”

Business incubator space launches at Westminster Place in York

Consilia Legal launches initiative to support lockdown start-ups

CEG is transforming Westminster Place in York with the addition of an incubator concept for start-ups and smaller businesses.

Harrogate-based law firm, Consilia Legal has announced a new initiative providing business protection and advice to Yorkshire-based businesses launched during lockdown with plans to upscale.

Offering space for one to eight people, the fully-furnished space will be ready to plug in and play. With easy-in, easyout licences, occupiers can take space, move in and start work on the same day. Tenants within the incubator space will share meeting rooms, kitchen facilities and the communal break out space, helping to create a collaborative business community.

Alice Garrett, Investment Manager at CEG, said: “The new incubator offer will work as well for a new start up as it will for an established company needing additional project space or a new regional base.”

The specialist Employment Law team at the boutique firm will be offering legal advice on the vital areas of employment law, in a bid to support local start-ups launched in the midst of the pandemic.

According to Gov.co.uk there was a 30% increase in new business registrations in the third quarter of 2020. Lockdown has presented a number of new business opportunities for the region and the firm’s latest initiative aims to recognise, reward and support successful start-ups.

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West & North Yorkshire Business

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WEST & NORTH YORKSHIRE NEWS

Staying strong In the same way that Brexit dragged on for a lot longer than most of us expected, we have also now experienced this with the pandemic. Eighteen months on, and the difficult political, health, economic and business decisions are still being grappled with. Back in March 2020, I’m sure that many of you, like me, thought it would be all over by that summer – if only!

I know that the local authorities for the geographical areas that we cover have done a great job in administering and delivering the government grants associated with keeping the economy going since March 2020 – and that is appreciated. It still remains to be seen, however, what the full damage will be to economic as well as the public health of the nation – we can but hold our breath on that.

Finding a balance between acknowledging the difficulties our members are facing and highlighting good news and success stories can be tough, but I hope to do that here. As always, this magazine will provide you with some of the latter, and it (plus the website and social media channels, of course) will signpost you to information and guidance on support available to all types of company – whether starting up, growing, facing challenges or adapting the business in response to recent events.

So, I say to our members and to the wider business communities of West & North Yorkshire – keep going, keep doing what you’re good at doing, and we’ll get through these difficult situations. Don’t forget to contact the Chamber whether you want to bring us good news or you need signposting to advice and information.

Nick Garthwaite Chair of the Board West & North Yorkshire Chamber

Digital transformation BT has been awarded a multi-million-pound contract with leading housebuilder Avant Homes supporting the digital transformation of its business during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The partnership has already seen BT deploy new technology to allow agile working for Avant Homes sales and customer service workforce during the last 12 months. The investment also allows the developer to further improve its customer journey for new reservations and viewings.

For the next phase of the partnership, BT is providing a cloud-based solution that simplifies the management and operations across Avant Homes’ five regional offices located in Scotland, the North East, Yorkshire, and the Midlands, as well as its group head office operation and all development locations.

The solution includes 5G mobile access for all Avant Homes employees offering fast, reliable Internet. It uses EE’s Rapid Site technology to set up a virtual office or contact point from almost anywhere.

The managed service combines BT’s leading fixed network, with EE’s award-winning mobile network to deliver operational efficiencies for the housebuilder whilst empowering its employees with ultrafast connectivity.

Peter Adams, Avant Homes group business systems and transformation director, said: “Our continued upwards trajectory and ambitious growth strategy requires the ongoing review of our processes and technology to ensure we are operating effectively at all levels.

“By implementing these new communication solutions, we can enable better ways of working and communicating internally and externally. The joined up digital system provided by BT means we can enhance our customers’ experience whether they are meeting with us at a development, on the telephone or via video call.

Furthermore, using 5G mobile technology allows our people to set up a virtual office from any location, allowing more flexibility and convenience. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these new systems will have as we integrate them across the business.”

West & North Yorkshire Business

Q2

13 Local business owners Sophia & Francisco Rojas have become the UK’s first multiple region operators of renovations specialist business Refresh Renovations.

Refresh already operates from 12 other locations nationally, with Sophia & Francisco recently opening two locations in Leeds and the North Yorkshire region.

They will operate the globally utilised Refresh design & build process, helping homeowners renovate their properties with less stress and no surprises on budgets, de-risking all of their projects using the latest technology platforms to stay in control of contractors and project schedules.

Vincent Smith, UK General Manager for Refresh Renovations, said: “We are incredibly excited to welcome Sophia & Francisco to the Refresh team, which continues to grow in the UK and globally. We think their business and management backgrounds will be a fantastic asset for customers in Yorkshire.”

Sophia Rojas said: “We witnessed friends and family, time and again struggle to get trades to quote or complete work in an organised, timely manner, so we understand the customers need for projects to manage timelines and budget, and Refresh’s process solves all of these issues”

A refreshing change

New Managing Director joins TransPennine Express

Businesses offered skills support as lockdown eases

Yorkshire Building Society appoints new Non-Executive Director

The new Managing Director of TransPennine Express (TPE), Matthew Golton has started his role.

Businesses in the region are being offered a free skills planning service to help them take the next steps to a successful future.

Yorkshire Building Society has announced that Dina Matta has joined its Board as Non-Executive Director.

Together with his new team, Matthew will lead the delivery of TPE’s new contract which will provide customers with continued high levels of performance, investment in stations, measures to improve the sustainability of services, further steps to enhance the accessibility of the railway and more investment.

Customers will continue to see the transformation of rail services through the final delivery of the Nova train fleet and the company will play a key role in the significant infrastructure boost to be delivered as part of the TransPennine Route Upgrade now getting underway.

The West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges has just launched a campaign to raise awareness of the service that enables business leaders to take a breath, analyse the skills needs within the business and create a plan.

The #AnalyseAndThrive campaign promotes Skills Plans and provides one-to-one sessions with an impartial skills advisor. Together they assess the workforce’s skills and identify what is needed. As part of the ‘Let’s Talk Real Skills’ project that is funded by the European Social Fund, businesses based in the Leeds City Region are entitled to a free session.

Dina has more than 25 years’ experience in senior management roles in relation to transformation and technological innovation, working across a variety of industries both in Europe and the US. She has extensive experience in leading change projects, most recently for the Dutch multi-national banking business, ING Group, as Head of Global Transformation.

Dina’s extensive experience as well as her senior leadership skills, make Dina a valuable addition to the Board and folowing the AGM, female representation on the Society’s Board has increased to 30%.

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West & North Yorkshire Business

14 EU TRADE Simon Lucas Partner, Litigation Schofield Sweeney

Free trade agreements

Six month progress report Six months on from the EU-UK trade deal coming into force, what progress has been made with agreeing trade deals with the UK’s non-EU trading partners?

Rollover agreements Before leaving the EU, the UK was party to approximately 40 trade deals that the EU had negotiated with more than 70 countries. Although the UK is now free to negotiate its own trading terms with these countries, to ensure continuity for UK businesses in the meantime, the UK has so far made agreements with 63 of these countries that replicate the terms of the EU trade agreements.

New trade deals The biggest prize coveted by the UK following Brexit is the prospect of negotiating new free trade deals with established and growing economic powers such as Japan, China, India and the United States. Although a deal with Japan, estimated by the UK

Government to boost trade between the two countries by as much as £15bn over the next 15 years, was signed in October 2020, the reality is that Covid-19 has pushed trade negotiations down the priority lists of major nations as they grapple with the pandemic.

A free trade agreement with Australia, heralded as being the UK’s first fully new trade deal since leaving the EU is scheduled to be completed in June 2021. This deal holds significance as it will be eagerly anticipated by other countries as a template for future deals of their own, including concessions the UK might be prepared to give in those negotiations. However, with a projected increase in GDP of only 0.02% for the UK on the Government’s own figures, in economic terms this deal is unlikely to get pulses racing at the UK Treasury.

India appears to be next in line for the start of negotiations later this year over a trading relationship with the world’s fifth-largest economy worth £23bn to

the UK economy in 2019, with aspirations of doubling this figure by 2030. Of course, the jewel in the crown for the UK remains a free trade agreement with the United States.

Although the opening five rounds of negotiations took place last year, these talks have been stymied more recently, not least because of the election of Joe Biden – a President who doesn’t share his predecessor’s appetite for prioritising a trade deal with the UK. Despite its best efforts (which have been significantly disrupted by Covid-19), there is a long way to go before the UK has all of its new economic alliances in place. It will be longer still before we can assess how many of them will bear fruit and whether they justify the UK’s decision to leave the world’s largest trading bloc.

West & North Yorkshire Business

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EU TRADE 15

European trade proving challenging finds a Chamber report Following the end of the EU transition period on December 31st 2020, and the eleventh hour signing of the UK-EU Trade & Co-operation Agreement (TCA), firms were given only the shortest amount of time to prepare for new trade procedures.

The TCA made no provision for trade in services and for manufacturers, new border checks were put in place as we left the single market and customs union.

West & North Yorkshire Chamber Chair, Nick Garthwaite said, “Findings contained within the report highlight significant increases in transportation costs faced by many firms, largely down to increased bureaucracy. Firms also reported inconsistencies in border checks across EU member states with 60% of manufacturing companies saying they had experienced difficulties exporting and one in two had faced challenges bringing goods into the UK. Many regional firms reported border delays, with examples of deliveries that would previously

have taken two days to arrive at customer premises now taking 50 to 60 days and in some extreme cases, goods which had left the UK in January were still being held up and awaiting clearance into the EU. “Whilst the TCA retains tariff free access for UK goods which meet rules of origin criteria, the report highlights that this agreement is the worst possible deal for those firms whose business model relies on distribution of goods made outside of the EU. “The Chamber has concerns that the increased cost of doing business within the EU may put many companies off, causing them to scale back or withdrawing entirely from trading within the EU.” The latest ONS data on trade with the EU sets out in stark relief the impact new procedures have has with exports in Q1down18.1% on the previous quarter and imports down 21.7%. There are early signs that things may be improving for some

and the Chamber is calling on the government to continue to support companies as they adapt to these new trade procedures.

Looking to the future, we are hopeful that once firms gain more confidence with such things as rules of origin that they will start to expand their horizons. If a product or service sells well within the UK or EU then chances are there is a market for it elsewhere around the world.

The full report can be downloaded from our website.

Q

1

EU TRADE REPORT Q1 2021

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce

Important EU VAT changes for online sales

West & North Yorkshire Business

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EU TRADE 17

Complying with EU VAT changes from 1 July What is the Import One Stop Shop (IOSS)?

E-commerce businesses trading to customers (B2C) in the European Union (EU) will see new VAT rules due to be introduced from 1 July 2021.

On 1st January 2021, the sale of goods from UK businesses to customers in the EU were no longer subject to the distance selling threshold and VAT had to be paid from first sale. This led to businesses either having to register for VAT in every EU country they sold in or make the customer the importer.

What is IOSS?

Due to the significant burden posed by completing foreign VAT registrations and returns for most small businesses, many chose to transfer the VAT responsibilities to the customer. This has led to unexpected VAT and other additional costs becoming payable by the customer on collection of consignments above the low value import VAT threshold of EUR 22, affecting their experience and contributing to a reduction in sales for some businesses.

As the ‘One Stop Shop’ name suggests, if an eligible seller chooses to register for and use IOSS, they will be allowed to register in one EU country and submit VAT for all 27 EU tax authorities on one simple return for consignments not exceeding £135 (EUR 150).

After 1 July 2021, the EURO 22 low consignment exemption is being removed, which means that import VAT will now be chargeable on every consignment imported to the EU from a third country from the first EURO. To help combat negative customer experience and encourage the growth of online sales, the Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) is being introduced by HMRC from 1 July 2021.

The IOSS is a way of accounting for VAT via an electronic portal that simplifies the declaration and payment of VAT on distance sales of imported goods to the EU.

With VAT being charged and collected by the seller at point of sale, IOSS makes the buying process much simpler for the customer, with the same seamless delivery of goods they have previously been used to.

We recommend that you obtain professional advice regarding the changes to EU VAT and clarify the implications for your business as soon as possible. Chamber International can also help if you are importing or exporting items, visit www.chamber-international.com.

Chat to a member of the Naylor Wintersgill team by calling 01274 733184/0113 3401133, or email hello@naylorwintersgill.co.uk.

You can also visit www.naylorwintersgill.com

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West & North Yorkshire Business

18 INTERNATIONAL

New grant fund announced

to boost SME global trading aspirations Exporting businesses in Yorkshire can access co-investment funding help to support their plans, thanks to a new partnership between Chamber International and the Department for International Trade (DIT).

Business can apply to the Internationalisation Fund, which is supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and offering match-funded grants of between £1,000 and £9,000 to support exporting businesses, subject to eligibility and availability. The fund is available throughout England, except Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, which has its own similar scheme.

The funding, which is being offered as part of Government’s move to strengthen Britain’s position as a global trading nation, is available only through the DIT, which who is working with Capita as fund administrator, but can be accessed through overseas trade specialist, Chamber International. The Yorkshire and Humber DIT office, Barnsley, is processing Chamber International’s nationwide referrals.

To secure funding, businesses must fund around half - 40 per cent - of the total cost of their support in South Yorkshire and Humber; 50 per cent in Leeds City Region, North Yorkshire and the South of England.

The support can be used for market research, intellectual property advice, independent market visits, translation services, consultancy and associated international commercial services; attending trade fairs, where no tradeshow access programme (TAP) funding is available; international social media and search engine optimisation.

In order to qualify for access to the fund, businesses must be based in England and be a small or medium sized enterprise (SME) with up to 250 staff; have an annual turnover of not more than £50m and not be more than 25 per cent owned by an enterprise which is not an SME. Launch of the fund follows a series of overseas trade initiatives between the Chamber network and government, including establishing the Overseas Business Network Initiative (OBNi), the Export Academy and now the Internationalisation Fund with the aim of increasing the number of exporters and taking advantage of new free trade agreements.

Since the launch of OBNi, a series of international strategic alliances have been set up by Chamber International with overseas chambers of commerce and other bodies which assist overseas trade and which go beyond the support laid down in the OBNi. These are with British Chamber of Commerce Vietnam, British Chamber of Commerce Turkey, British Business Centres, Dubai; Resolve, which targets North America; Brazil Business Hub, British Business Mexico, AEI Saudi, UK India Business Council, British Chamber of Commerce Singapore and British Chamber of Commerce Indonesia.

Chamber International director, Tim Bailey, says: “The DIT Internationalisation Fund is welcome, bang on time and we are pleased to be part of it.

“Our grassroots experience from working directly with businesses is that a lot of proposals stimulated by the OBNi and our own strategic alliances have had to be placed on hold due to cashflow problems caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. This fund will now enable many of these to get underway which is good for them and the UK economy.”

DIT deputy head, English regions, Yorkshire & the Humber, Simon Mellon, says: “The Department for International Trade helps many businesses of all sizes across Yorkshire and the Humber to find and win business in new markets, using ours network of international trade advisers and other support such as training through the Export Academy, events and missions and our teams around the world.

“We are committed to ensuring Yorkshire and the Humber businesses are able to take advantage of the new opportunities arising from the trade deals the Government are negotiating around the world.

“International Trade has always been a key driver for economic growth nationally and in Yorkshire and the Humberside. International trade generates wealth and jobs but has other benefits as businesses that trade overseas tend to be more innovative and resistant to shocks such as those caused by the Covid19 pandemic.

“The Internationalisation Fund has therefore become available at a critical time for small and medium sizes enterprises. It will play a vital role in the recovery and help them to expand or begin their exporting journeys.”

West & North Yorkshire Business

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PROFILE 19

Pioneering Curo Fulfilment

spreads its wings The Curo Fulfilment facility store, which is operated by Pegasus World Holding Group Ltd, has signed its first deal with Wide Wings Tiles of Morley.

Curo Fulfilment, which is located at the £200m Logic Leeds industrial estate in south Leeds by junction 45 of the M1, stores, packs and delivers goods for its customers.

Pegasus operations director Martin Doyle said: "It is tremendous news that we have completed our first deal. We would like to thank Vijay Maniyar of Wide Wings Tiles for putting his faith in our new venture. We look forward to working very closely with Vijay to make Wide Wings Tiles even more successful than it already is.

“In essence, we take the pressure off companies to allow them to focus on their core business of sourcing, ordering and selling their products.

We do the storing, packing and distribution, with integrated software giving our clients real-time visibility of their orders.

“This is a pioneering business venture which we're extremely excited about.

Unlike other fulfilment centres, we are happy to take products of any size.

Customers can choose a package that suits their volumes and needs, which will leave them more time to grow their business.

“At the moment we are using a large area of our existing warehouse at Logic Leeds, but will be expanding into a nearby 61,000 sq ft bespoke unit at Logic Leeds this autumn.”

He added: "This unit is planned to have serviced offices so we should be in a great position to offer new start-ups and established businesses an opportunity to work in an office at an inexpensive cost, while being close to their products.”

Vijay Maniyar of Wide Wings Tiles commented: “The service that Curo Fulfilment offers is of immense value to us. By completely taking care of the logistics side of our business, we are free to concentrate on our core work.

“It’s such a brilliant, yet such a simple, idea. In the past, we have spent too much time concentrating on making sure our products are stored and delivered safely and correctly. Now we don’t have to worry about that.”

Curo, which also offers a storage only facility, hopes to create an extra 10-20 jobs following the opening of its new building in the autumn.

Martin Doyle added: “Curo is Latin for ‘care’ and is embedded in our philosophy. We know that operational tasks can be timeconsuming and demanding, so our team of experienced operators want to take this headache away from your business.”

Pegasus World is a global textile manufacturing, sourcing and distribution business, specialising in the hospitality sector. It has also expanded into the PPE market since the pandemic.

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West & North Yorkshire Business

20 EU TRADE Laura Lockley Purchasing and Systems Manager Invent Interior Solutions

Praise for ChamberCustoms Businesses being helped by ChamberCustoms, introduced to help exporters with customs brokerage and freight clearance after the UK’s departure from the EU, are heaping praise upon the service.

The HMRC-compliant service, which focuses on quality, is run by qualified customs brokers, Ioanna Orfanidi and Adelina Paduraru, who have gained prestigious national qualifications after extensive training.

The number of UK customs declarations is expected to increase by almost 500 per cent to 255m annually from 2021 with 202,081 UK businesses having to complete customs declarations for the first time.

ChamberCustoms is facing strong national demand as the UK has an estimated 45,000 shortfall in customs agents and those that do exist have reached full capacity.

Among businesses supported by the service are Keighley-based, Invent Interior Solutions. Purchasing and Systems Manager, Laura Lockley, said: “Our Chamber International customs broker has been invaluable in keeping our supply chain running smoothly from the start of 2021.

“We were given lots of options to help us get the best out of our vendors and

meet the import criteria as well as guidance and information to help us build our own knowledge.”

Meanwhile, Managing Director of Caro Systems, near Barnsley, Roger Wood, commented: “We recently started using ChamberCustoms and are really pleased with the support you’re giving us. Our requests have been handled professionally, everything is clearly explained and runs smoothly. We know we’re now in safe hands.

“We’re new to the customs declarations requirement for our shipments and you have patiently taken us through all the stages and helped us meet deadlines for deliveries to our customers. Thank you for the professional way you are supporting us at this challenging time” Finance Manager at Bradford chemicals company, Wilkinsons and Scott, Anne Heeley, said: “Thank you for your help with clearing customs for us, the goods arrived safe and well!

“I really appreciate your help, especially your patience, hopefully I will have a better understanding of the procedure next time and will be able to provide you with all the relevant information. I look forward to working with you again. Thanks again for a first class service.”

The event, attended by businesses from the food and drink and manufacturing sectors, discussed assistance with HMRC special customs

procedures, including customs warehousing, inward/outward processing relief and temporary admission; Customs Freight Simplified Procedures (CFSP), commodity coding, classification, origin, Incoterms© and documentation reviews, supply chain optimisation and full trading profile reviews.

Ioanna Orfanidi said:

“We want to make businesses aware that our service is different from others because it focuses on compliance and offers businesses a high level of personal service.”

West & North Yorkshire Business

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EU TRADE 21

Avoid the Brexit VAT trap Six months on and UK companies have a better understanding of the UK-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The firefighting is almost over and, as the dust continues to settle, they’re beginning to review approaches to global trade and Brexit processes.

Many are moving away from high-risk Incoterms© such as ExWorks and DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) and switching to FCA (Free Carrier) and DAP (Delivered at Place) to address new supply chain rules and responsibilities.

DDP has created by far the biggest headache for companies selling to the EU 27, because it puts the seller in the position of importer in the buyer’s country, making them responsible for customs clearance, import duty and VAT. If the UK business does not have an EU presence it needs to appoint a fiscal agent to meet these responsibilities.

Customs specialist at Chamber International, Ioanna Orfanidi, a qualified customs broker, says: “This can be complex and time consuming but it is more cost effective than setting up an EU office. In some EU countries, including Belgium, the

Netherlands and Germany, a set arrangement, known as limited fiscal representation or general fiscal representation, is available.

“However, in other countries, such as The Republic of Ireland, this option is not available and businesses are usually required to register for VAT in the country where they wish to handle the import formalities so they can recover import VAT.” Limited, or general fiscal representation, is an agreement between an overseas business and a fiscal agent in another country under which the exporting company gives the fiscal agent authority to act on its behalf for VAT reporting and reclaims.

Under the terms of such an arrangement, businesses can also explore the potential for using their fiscal agent’s duty deferment too.

Ioanna Orfanidi adds: “The main difference between these two options is that limited fiscal representation does not require a UK business to register for VAT in the import country, as the fiscal agent will submit the VAT reclaims using their own VAT number. However, general fiscal representation does require VAT registration. ”Fiscal representation is the most popular approach requested by our customers operating door-to-door deliveries and those encountering

other supply chain issues, such as ‘VAT triangulation’. This is where three separate businesses are involved: the UK exporter, which invoices its EU customer; an EU supplier, which ships the goods within the EU and the EU endcustomer which receives the goods and pays the UK exporter.”

In technical export terms, such shipments fall between an intra-EU shipment and an export, which causes similar VAT implications.

Ioanna Orfanidi adds: “The set-up cost for fiscal representation varies depending on the country and averages £1,500. This can be offset by the government’s SME Brexit Support Fund. Ongoing VAT reporting charges also apply and are payable directly to the agent by the client.”

Businesses with any supply chain concerns following EU Exit can contact Ioanna on +44 07827 318684 or email ioannao@chamber-international.com

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22 PROFILE

Transporting Yorkshire into a cleaner, greener future Yorkshire’s transport infrastructure is at a crucial point in its recovery from Covid-19 as many of the government’s previous restrictions have now been lifted and more people start to travel within the region.

It is therefore vital to provide more environmentally friendly and sustainable ways to keep the region moving.

Greg O’Shea, Head of Construction and Engineering at Bradford College, said: “New laws and the climate emergency means that the future of the car industry is ‘all electric’. At Bradford College, we’ve transformed our curriculum to get ahead of the curve and prepare our students for the greener garages of the future.”

Bradford College is training and educating the sustainable transport workforce of the future through the Future Technologies Centre.

The centre is an education, research

and skills training framework designed by the college to support the growth of technology and low carbon skills. It is made up of a number of hubs representing key sectors for the future, including the Sustainable Transport Hub. The college has built an international partnership with Lucas Nuelle, which develops state of the art training systems and education equipment, and The Institute of the Motor Industry.

This partnership aims to provide students with the latest electric vehicle training technology, so they can learn how to repair and maintain hybrid and electric vehicles.

This hyper-realistic training environment allows students and IMIaccredited Halfords Autocentre apprentices to develop their green energy skills safely. They use technology for diagnostics and fault finding, building their confidence before moving to work on our fleet of electric vehicles and applying their skills in a real-world setting. This all takes place under the supervision of expert teachers and employer masterclass instructors.

The courses at Bradford College are available for school leavers and apprentices, alongside a full range of short courses on Hybrid/Electric Vehicles and ADAS - tailor-made for the after-market sector.

Experienced mechanics also need upskilling in the latest technology, which is why Bradford College has a range of attendance options for classes, from days and evenings to delivering training in the workplace.

Greg said: “Together we can future proof your business and play our part in making a greener, cleaner Bradford.”

Businesses across the region now have the chance to be part of this project and help develop the sustainable transport workforce of the future.

If you are an employer and would like to work with us, you can contact Greg O’Shea at G.OShea2@bradfordcollege.ac.uk

West & North Yorkshire Business

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PROFILE 23

Delivering essential materials in challenging times Managing the supply chain has been particularly testing this past year for all divisions. Lockdown brought one set of challenges and now as we head towards getting back to normal, the boom in construction, predicted staycation summer and Brexit consequences have brought a new set of issues to deal with.

Early in 2020, Christeyns laid down plans to stockpile essential chemicals and resources to ensure that it could continue to fulfil customer orders. As a supplier to laundries handling healthcare contracts, this was crucial.

Production continued throughout lockdown and a combination of foresight and expert managing of supply channels meant no customer was let down.

has seen the number of projects skyrocket as the nation builds its way back to prosperity. This has brought with it a new set of challenges.

Clearly the ultimate goal is to fulfil customer needs in a timely fashion with superior product. Oscrete negotiated its way through 2020 relying on its close relationship with suppliers to secure essential raw materials, using the latest technology to keep communication lines open. Planning ahead, the team at Oscrete reviewed the firm’s supply chain, making changes that would shorten delivery times and broaden its network.

Although, Christeyns may be known primarily for its innovative chemistry and hygiene products, its construction arm, Oscrete, is a leader in the supply of concrete admixtures and additives, supporting the construction industry across the UK and Ireland.

Strong agency agreements across Europe and constant communication with trade partners has helped ensure supply. Now as we move further out of lockdown, an increase in the global demand for construction materials, a scarcity of basic supplies, plus increased shipping costs, is adding pressure and lead times are lengthening.

Construction also battled on during 2020 but as has been widely reported in recent news, the easing of lockdown

In addition, Oscrete exports product to Ireland and the recent Brexit border issues have led to delays at customs

and further complications to negotiate.

Despite these challenges, and indeed because of them, both Oscrete and its parent company Christeyns have worked to find alternative solutions which have led to closer working relationships with both suppliers and customers. Communication, discussion and forward planning have proved essential in the managing of Covid and Brexit related trade issues.

Although the road ahead looks bumpy, the group as a whole is well prepared and will rise to the challenge to ensure customer needs are fulfilled.

West & North Yorkshire Business

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SMART METERS 25

Helping businesses manage their cashflow as they start to reopen Cash is king – how businesses can take control of their outgoings The impacts of the pandemic will be felt well into the future but for now, businesses are taking their first steps in gradually reopening.

Coffee shops and cafes are welcoming customers inside, hairdressers and beauty salons are switching on the lights and workers are starting to return to the office.

Despite these first steps, trading will continue to be difficult for some time, especially for small- and medium-sized firms. These are the ones who will have seen their cash flow significantly hit and are now looking for all the help they can in trying to budget and plan for the future.

How businesses can avoid spending more than they have to In these uncertain times, many businesses are looking for ways to save money and maintain a healthier bottom line. The good news is that getting a smart meter for your business is a small change that could make a big difference.

A smart meter can help businesses take control of their energy bills as they enable accurate, not estimated billing. Meaning, they only pay for what they use – helping to take the stress out of budgeting.

We all want to work smarter not harder. Smart meters send your gas and electricity readings directly to your energy supplier so you don’t have to!

Manage your environmental footprint It is also important to bear in mind that it’s everyone’s responsibility to become more conscious of their environmental impact. Regardless if your business has three employees, or three thousand, we all should be aware of how much energy we’re using and a smart meter is a simple way of doing this.

A smart meter is a positive step in taking control of business outgoings and if your firm has 10 employees or less your business could be eligible.

To find out more please click here. You can also contact your energy supplier or broker. It could be one of the best calls you make this week.

West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce British Chambers of Commerce Accredited

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West & North Yorkshire Business

26 TRANSPORT

Connectivity & infrastructure

Following the release of their Connectivity Infrastructure Plan, which sets out a long-term transport infrastructure investment programme for the next 20 years, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority has been conducting consultations with key private sector partners. The Chamber’s Transport Group have been keenly engaged, and after assessing the Plan in detail, submitted a response.

• To create a world class, integrated public transport system that connects different modes of transport seamlessly into one comprehensive, easy to use network.

The Plan introduces several key investments, most notably “a new, rapid transit system for West Yorkshire […] linking all of our key places with an easy and reliable service”. Keen to highlight its acknowledgement of environmental factors, WYCA also stress that the Plan is grounded on being part of “a green revolution”.

• To use transport and a supportive planning process to create clean, safe and healthy places for communities and businesses.

WYCA’s Plan is accompanied by several constituent parts, all of which highlight different key areas of policy, including: • Mass Transit 2040 Vision • West Yorkshire Strategic Bus Network Review • West Yorkshire Rail Vision

• To deliver a step-change in the reliability of journey times for people, goods and services.

• To significantly improve air quality through reducing congestion and traffic emissions to near zero.

The following are a summary of comments made from members of the Transport Board and are made in the context of the Chamber providing overall support as described above.

The Chamber notes that Leeds City Council is consulting on its Transport Strategy ‘A city where you can leave your car at home’. Given the relationship between the two documents it will be important that the documents align and are complementary.

In preparation, the Chamber have recently outlined our Transport Priorities, by which we would assess the Plan, and found that overall there is strong alignment on a number of these priorities. In particular;

The Connectivity Plan is clearly ambitious which is welcomed, however, there also needs to be focus on delivery and how the scheme is funded and delivered in phases.

After a number of failed attempts to get a Mass Transit system in West Yorkshire, it’s important to ensure that this time a Mass Transit scheme appropriate to each route under consideration is delivered.

• To support and encourage inclusive growth through connecting people to better living standards and jobs, and to significantly improve health and overall wellbeing of the people living and working here.

Given the scale of the Mass Transit Network and the high level timescale indicated for delivery, have the Combined Authority looked at the time is has taken other Cities to deliver their network as a way of checking the

• Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans • Future Mobility Strategy

feasibility of what is shown?

The Chamber supports the Combined Authority’s ambition to make West Yorkshire’s future transport system central to achieving the region’s goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2038.

In addition, we support the focus on Walking and Cycling.

Integration between modes has been a key focus area for the Chamber and its members. We need to do a better job of integrating between modes and the Strategy is positive if it seeks to achieve that.

We like the fact the Strategy is looking at transport with land use as it is important we have an integrated approach – our view is that in the past, the planning and transport links have been broken.

Clearly, as a result of the timing of the production of the document, there is nothing in the document about the impact of Covid. We’d welcome the Combined Authority reviewing the Strategy in light of the changes of behaviour experienced as a result of Covid.

We also believe that Active Travel trips have health benefits and these should be recognised, alongside the social and community benefits from reduction in noise, particulate generation and injury events which would arise from a reduction in road traffic.

The Chamber believe the Connectivity Infrastructure Plan and the supporting documents align well with the Chamber’s Transport Priorities and, in principle, is very supportive of the Plan and the level of ambition shown.

Source: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

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West & North Yorkshire Business

28 TRANSPORT

Connectivity Next stop, is back on track Bradford The Chamber’s attempts to secure improved rail connectivity on some of the North’s key routes have been heard within government.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that it is committing an additional £317 million to the Trans-Pennine Route Upgrades. The upgrades involve the overhaul and electrification of lines and upgrades to stations. Most of the new funding will be used to improve connectivity between Leeds, Manchester and York, and deliver electrification and upgrades between York and Church Fenton. Digital signalling and doubling of track on the most congested sections around Leeds and Huddersfield are also included as part of the plans.

A further decision on the wider Integrated Rail Plan is due imminently.

Also of particular relevance for our area, £15 million has been released from the ‘New Stations Fund’, and this will include White Rose and Thorpe Park in Leeds. The Trans-Pennine project is part of a £401 million nation-wide investment programme.

Alistair Gordon of Arup, who chairs the Chamber Transport Group, said: “While long overdue, this announcement is a shot-in-the-arm for rail travel in West & North Yorkshire, and the North of England. We’ve deserved better than what’s been available for quite some time, and so the ‘levelling up’ commitments need to be backed up in this way. Our Transport Group will continue to consider and recommend measures that support our local economies and business communities, and I thank the group’s members for their input.”

Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “The scale of (this) investment demonstrates our commitment to delivering more punctual, greener and comfortable services. From the vital Trans-Pennine and Midland Main Line upgrades, new stations giving communities in Yorkshire and the South West rail connections for the first time, and a shot in the arm for freight operators, we’re building a brighter future for the railways.”

The preferred option for Bradford’s Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) station has been welcomed by the Chamber.

While a decision is yet to be confirmed by central government on whether or not the proposed new east-west rail line will run through the city, Bradford Council recently said it would like to see the site of the St James Wholesale Market as the location for a brand new station.

The announcement was made by Council Leader Susan Hinchcliffe to a specially-invited audience at which the Chamber was present.

A city centre station is widely seen as the key to unlocking the potential of what has become known as the ‘Southern Gateway’ development.

Policy & Representation Executive at West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Mike Cartwright, said: “It’s been made very clear that a city centre NPR station is a game-changer for Bradford, and we will keep lobbying away for this until the spades are in the ground. The Trans-Pennine Route upgrades are welcomed, but the NPR line and station are key aspects to under-pinning the city’s wider contribution to local and regional economic growth. They will enable the city to step up and play a fuller part in West Yorkshire’s Economic Strategy.”

West & North Yorkshire Business

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MAYORAL ELECTION 29

The Chamber’s response to the West Yorkshire Mayoral Election On behalf of all of our members, the Chamber would like to congratulate and welcome Tracy Brabin as the first ever Mayor for West Yorkshire and we look forward to working together for the benefit of our region.

It is our hope that the new Mayor recognises the need to waste little time in delivering on the priorities detailed throughout her campaign, particularly on the issues of transport, skills and not least the post-Covid economic recovery.

Devolution, with the increased powers and additional resource, should be acknowledged as an opportunity to deliver on a robust, evidencebased, long-term economic and spatial strategy for the region; with the primary aim of delivering productivity growth. This will allow the region to move quickly in response to the needs of our business community, and act as a driver of growth and inward investment.

West Yorkshire has within it great potential to be an even more attractive economic hub, for investors both local and international. In order to realise this potential, the Chamber would urge the Mayor to commit to delivering on the much-needed upgrades to our regional infrastructure, including the plans for a new West Yorkshire mass transit scheme and the redevelopment of Leeds Bradford Airport, Northern Powerhouse Rail and HS2.

In line with recent government announcements we would strongly encourage the Mayor to put business at the heart of regional skills plans, allowing established local firms to voice their needs and requirements for workforce growth.

West Yorkshire is an emerging hotbed for start-ups, and we hope the Mayor will look to further nurture this development by committing to programmes such as Ad:venture, a start-up support scheme delivered in partnership with the Chamber and West Yorkshire local authorities.

With elections now over we look forward to getting on with business and ensuring our regional economy goes from strength to strength.

Q

2 2021

QUARTERLY ECONOMIC REPORT

Q2 2021 summary With the easing of restrictions and unlocking of the economy, Q2 saw a huge rebound for domestic sales and orders. Months of pent up demand hit the market all at once with manufacturing, construction along with B2B and B2C services firms all reporting sales increases. It should be noted that fieldwork for the survey took place before the announcement that full reopening would be delayed until mid-July.

Export sales remain subdued, dragged down by challenges trading within the EU but forward orders are starting to show some positive signs.

Employment intentions improved in the last quarter and look set to grow further in Q3 with 1 in 2 manufacturers and 40% of service sector businesses actively recruiting. Finding appropriately skilled staff is more challenging with just over half of all firms (56%) reporting issues recruiting. This rises significantly for firms in leisure, hospitality and accommodation; anecdotally we are told that many workers have moved industries from roles which were furloughed during 2020 Investment intentions improved in the last quarter, although early signs that few are planning to take advantage of the super-deduction allowance announced in the March budget at this stage.

The outstanding feature in this quarter’s survey is the cost pressures facing manufacturers. There is a perfect storm of Covid related disruption to global shipping, Brexit related border delays and bureaucracy and an unleashing of pent up demand all contributing to exponential increases in haulage costs and extreme shortages and delays in sourcing components, raw materials and construction products. Just in time manufacturing is being hindered and stockpiling for those that are able to source warehousing space remains challenging, not helped by the rise in online shopping which has seen the price of industrial premises hit record highs.

The resulting escalation in costs to business now appears to be at the point where firms are no longer able to take a hit to margins and will look to pass these on. Our measure for expectation of price increases is at its highest level in this survey’s 32 year history. Inflationary pressures may be with us for at least the next 6 months.

Despite challenges, business confidence has rebounded back in the last quarter, with the majority of firms expecting profits over the next 12 months to improve. It should be said that this is coming off the back of a significantly challenging year for many. We must also consider the high levels of business debt which have built up over the last year and which firms will need to start repaying as the economy unlocks, this is something we will continue to remind Government of as it looks to rebalance the national books.

The full report is available on the Chamber website from 1 July https://www.wnychamber.co.uk/news/category/economy-qes/

Q2

West & North Yorkshire Business

ECONOMY 31

40

20

20

Manufacturing

Q2 2021 70%

20

60%

Net balance (%)

80%

30

10 0 -10

Q2 21

Q1 21

Q4 20

Q3 20

Q2 20

Q1 20

Q4 19

Q3 19

Q2 19

Q1 19

Q4 18

Q3 18

Q2 18

Q1 18

Q4 17

Q3 17

Q2 17

Q1 17

Q4 16

10% Q3 16

0%

Pay settlements Raw material prices

Manufacturing

Manufacturing

Q2 2021

EXPECTATIONPrices OF PRICE RISES

Q2 21

Q1 21

Q4 20

Q3 20

Q2 20

Q1 20

Q4 19

Q3 19

Q2 19

Q1 19

Q4 18

30% 20%

Q2 16

Q3 18

40%

-30

Finance costs

Other overheads

Service

Profitability PROFITABILITY EXPECTATIONS

70

70

60

60 50 Net balance (%)

50 40 30 20 10

40 30 20 10 0 -10

0

Manufacturing

Manufacturing Sales Comparison REGIONAL COMPARISON - MANUFACTURING

Services

Q2 2021

40

Manufacturing

REGIONAL COMPARISON - SERVICES Services Sales Comparison 50

35

40 Net balance (%)

30 25 20 15 10

30 20 10 0

5 0

-10 Domestic Sales (Manufacturing)

Export Sales (Manufacturing)

Domestic Sales (Services )

Export Sales (Services)

West & North Yorkshire

Yorkshire & Humber

West & North Yorkshire

Yorkshire & Humber

Northern Powerhouse

National

Northern Powerhouse

National

Q2 21

Q1 21

Q4 20

Q3 20

Q2 20

Q1 20

Q4 19

Q3 19

Q2 19

Q1 19

Q4 18

Q3 18

Q2 18

Q1 18

Q4 17

Q3 17

Q2 17

Q1 17

Q4 16

Q3 16

Q2 16

Q2 21

Q1 21

Q4 20

Q3 20

Q2 20

Q1 20

Q4 19

Q3 19

Q2 19

Q1 19

Q4 18

Q3 18

Q2 18

Q1 18

Q4 17

Q3 17

Q2 17

Q1 17

Q4 16

Q3 16

Q2 16

-20

Services

Net balance (%)

Q2 18

50%

-20

Q2 2021

Manufacturing

Cost Pressures COST PRESSURES

40

Q2 2021

Q1 18

Services

Next Quarter WORKFORCE Employment CHANGES - NEXT QUARTER

Services

Q4 17

Q2 16

Q2 21

Q1 21

Q4 20

Q3 20

Q2 20

Q1 20

Q4 19

Q3 19

Q2 19

Q1 19

Q4 18

Q3 18

Q2 18

Q1 18

Q4 17

Q3 17

Q2 17

Q1 17

Q4 16

-80 Q3 16

-60

-80

Q3 17

-40

-60

Q2 17

-40

0 -20

Q1 17

-20

Q4 16

0

Q3 16

Net balance (%)

60

40

Q2 2021 Net balance (%)

Export Sales EXPORT SALES

60

Services

Net balance (%)

Q2 2021

Domestic Sales DOMESTIC SALES

Q2 16

Net balance (%)

Q2 2021

Investing in tomorrow’s talent

at Bradford Grammar School

West & North Yorkshire Business

Q2

EDUCATION 33 Lindsey Davis Director of Development & External Relations Bradford Grammar School

Here at Bradford Grammar School (BGS), we are working hard to increase the number of Assisted Places available to bright students from low-income households. This has long been a part of our history and reflects our strong ties to Bradford city and the communities we neighbour.

Currently, there are 78 students at BGS who wouldn’t be here otherwise, thanks in no small part to the generosity of former students and friends.

Local supporters include business leaders who recognise our commitment to creating educational opportunities, such as the charitable arm of Bingley-based publishing house Emerald Group, and Bradford-based Sovereign Health Care.

The impact of an Assisted Place is transformative. Thanks to an Assisted Place funded by Roger Bowers, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire and a former BGS student, Year 13 Charlie Kelly is destined for Cambridge University, where she will pursue an Engineering degree.

Charlie, who aspires to become an inventor, says: “Bradford Grammar has completely changed my life. It’s opened up the world of learning to me and it’s made me enthusiastic about education again.”

Charlie follows in the footsteps of Blaine Thomas, who received an Assisted Place established in memory of another former student, the late Sir Ken Morrison of Morrisons supermarkets. Blaine, who lived on the Canterbury estate until he was 14, is now completing his first year of a law degree at Oxford University.

Headmaster Dr Simon Hinchliffe feels a great sense of purpose as we prepare to launch a new fundraising campaign to benefit more young people like Charlie and Blaine: “The economic impact of COVID-19 will be felt for some time to come and poses a great risk to educational outcomes for some of the most disadvantaged young people in our region. To that end, we have launched the 1662 Campaign for Assisted Places.

“We hope to double the number of students who receive assistance from 10 to 20 per cent of our student population. It is only with the support of partners, including existing and prospective benefactors, that we can make a difference to children of great potential, no matter what their background or financial circumstance.

“This is bigger than BGS; it is about supporting social mobility in our city and nurturing tomorrow’s leaders and innovators.”

Q2

West & North Yorkshire Business

34 RAISING THE BAR

Improve the social impact of your business The West & North Yorkshire Chamber’s social impact initiative, Raising the Bar, exists to help businesses of all sizes achieve their social impact aims.

Our Chamber connections help us to pair businesses who are looking to go above and beyond, with charities or not-for-profit organisations who need their help – whether that be through volunteering, donations, or fundraising.

5 ways to Raise the Bar Opportunities Connecting charity and community groups with businesses

Pledges Make a promise for your business to make a difference

Stories Share your social impact success

Benchmarking Measure the social impact of your business on the Community, Education, Economy and Environment

Awards Celebrate and recognise the social impact of businesses in the region

West & North Yorkshire Business

Q2

SOCIAL IMAPCT 35

Get involved & go green

The Chamber’s Environment Group has been bringing businesses together to help shape the local strategy to tackle climate change. Providing a forum for business to make an impact in the race to achieve net-zero, the Group also represents businesses in key discussions with Government and local decision-making bodies.

Comprised of environmentally-conscious businesses stemming from a diverse variety of sectors, the Group is regularly joined by external representatives and experts, delivering insights that are used to both inform policy and shape action.

The Environment Group splits its workflow into six key areas, spanning;; • Energy • Transport • Innovation & Technology • Environmental Resilience • Resource Management, waste and consumption • Journey to net-zero Commenting on the Group’s contributions, group chair Marc Davies, Managing Director for Tetra Tech, a global provider of consulting and engineering services stated: “The Chamber Environment working Group has taken decisive steps to bring businesses to the forefront of the campaign to make our economy greener. By engaging with local bodies, such as the Bradford Sustainable Development Partnership (BSDP), Leeds Climate Commission, York Climate Commission, and Circular Yorkshire, the Environment Group will ensure businesses have their place at the table.”

On the impacts of the Groups work, Marc added: “From bringing construction firms to the discussion around housing retrofits, to connecting transport policy experts with green city planners, the Group has made strides in networking the key industrial actors in our region. The Chamber Environment Group has always recognised that ensuring their coordination will be instrumental if we are to achieve WYCA’s rightly ambitious target of reaching net-zero by 2040.

“We believe that environmental challenges and opportunities should be the thread which weaves through all of the Chamber’s policy activities, which is why the Environment Group has been cooperating with the Chamber Transport Group to tackle the issue of de-carbonising transport. By bringing together sector leaders, the two Groups have been able to drive the conversation forward in West Yorkshire, with WYCA considering the Group’s comments and findings in their Mass Transit and wider Connectivity Plans.

“Going forward, the Group will be looking for interested parties among the membership to get involved. With the range of work being undertaken looking to only be getting more diverse, there is a great deal to contribute to, regardless of sectoral background.”

To register your interest, please contact mark.goldstone@wnychamber.co.uk.

Q2

West & North Yorkshire Business

36 RAISING THE BAR

HSBC bank accounts People without a fixed home address can now open bank accounts with HSBC UK in over 100 branches across the country.

Launched in December 2019 in 31 branches, HSBC UK has worked with national homelessness charities Shelter and Crisis, as well as local organisations and councils, to provide individuals with access to a basic bank account without the need for photo ID or proof of address.

HSBC UK has so far opened 700 accounts under its No Fixed Address service, with over 50% of these openings taking place during the COVID-19 pandemic (from April 2020). Chesterfield was the 100th branch to introduce the service on 24 February with three more branches added since, taking the total to 103.

The latest government snapshot figures show 2,668 people were recorded as street homeless in England on a given night in the autumn of 2020. Although, this snapshot has fallen in the last year, it is still 52% higher than in 2010 when data first started being collected.

According to Shelter, more than 253,000 people in England have been recorded as homeless and living in temporary accommodation during the pandemic. This is the highest figure for 14 years, and there will be many more people who are sofa-surfing or not captured by official statistics.

Having a bank account can make it easier to claim benefits, receive wages and pay rent. Traditionally, banks require photo identification such as a passport or drivers licence as well as proof of address, which could be a council tax or energy bill - documents which many people experiencing homelessness may not have or can find difficult to keep safe without a fixed address.

At participating HSBC UK branches, individuals without a fixed address can open a bank account when accompanied by a caseworker and using the address of the charity supporting them.

Maxine Pritchard, Head of Financial Inclusion and Vulnerability at HSBC UK, said: “No one in today’s society should be without a bank account, but if you don’t have a fixed address it can be very difficult to get one. HSBC is changing this and with every branch that offers the service we have the opportunity to make a difference to more people’s lives.

West & North Yorkshire Business

Q2

SOCIAL IMAPCT 37

for people without a fixed address “I am incredibly proud that we can play our part in helping some of society’s most marginalised and vulnerable people access the services necessary to help break the cycle of homelessness and become financially independent.”

Polly Neate, CEO of Shelter, said: “The cruel impact of the COVID crisis has tipped thousands of people into homelessness and left many with no option but to sleep rough. It’s hard enough battling the elements and surviving the daily dangers of the streets. If you are then cut off from receiving financial support or have no way to get your wages paid, it can be even harder to break free of the clutches of homelessness.

“HSBC’s determination to extend the No Fixed Address service to even more branches across the country, despite the challenges of the pandemic, is fantastic and so important. It means even more people can take a key step towards financial independence that will hopefully help them to re-build their lives.”

Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive at Crisis, said: “We’re pleased to see that HSBC’s No Fixed Address service is now available across 100 branches. We know that without a bank account it can be difficult for people experiencing homelessness to access employment, secure housing and, for many of our clients, it means being stuck in a prolonged cycle of homelessness.

“Our services team has worked closely with HSBC branches to secure accounts for our clients, and the results are often life-changing. By having a bank account, clients are able to receive benefits, collect wages, pay bills, get a phone contract and, most crucially, are able to find somewhere safe and secure to call home. We hope that the success of the accounts will encourage other banks will follow suit.”

HSBC UK is the largest bank in Europe to provide accounts to people without a fixed address. The scheme is based on its pioneering ‘Survivor Bank’ service which involves working with human trafficking and modern slavery charities to open bank accounts for survivors.

For more information visit: www.hsbc.co.uk/help/moneyworries/no-fixed-address/

Q2

West & North Yorkshire Business

38 RAISING THE BAR

Connecting charity with creativity A recent Raising the Bar success story is between our member, Intellistart – a Leeds and Manchester based marketing company, and Learning Partnerships – a charity working to provide opportunities and support for children, young people and adults to access education, employment, training and volunteering opportunities.

Joel Cortez, Director of Intellistart, and Debbie Hardy, Corporate Engagement Officer at Learning Partnerships, have shared their experiences with Raising the Bar, and how the initiative led to their partnership.

Debbie Hardy, Corporate Engagement Officer at Learning Partnerships: “Having noticed through various social media channels that the Chamber of Commerce was helping charities promote requests for help through their opportunities board, it felt the perfect time to make contact.

“Learning Partnerships had internally made the decision that the charity needed to communicate to the world what it did and why it made a difference. With the charity having been established for 30 years this October, it felt the right time to make a video to showcase its impact. The aim of Learning Partnerships is to help children, young people and adults living in the most deprived areas of Leeds, helping them progress

into employment or further education and training. Helping communities who face extreme barriers into employment each person’s story is different but with LP intervention, we help break down the poverty cycle.

“We had the idea to make a video featuring the charity’s participants, allowing them to tell their story and talk about the relationship they have with the charity.

“Not long after talking with the Marketing Team at the Chamber our request for help went live.

“A short time later Joel from Intellistart made contact offering his help and the charity has never looked back. Over the past few months, we have developed a great partnership with Joel & Ewelina working together

on the project to develop the charity's corporate video, so much so that the scope has now extended to reviewing our website. They both have a ‘can do’ approach to everything which has been so important when working on both these projects. Ewelina’s eye for detail and personal touch has transformed our website.

“The advice, guidance and time given

by Intellistart has been invaluable to us, particularly at a time where the charity is stretched with funding due to the pandemic.

“As a charity we can't thank the Intellistart team enough, in many ways they feel part of the LP family, they have made a massive difference by choosing to help and we will be forever grateful.”

West & North Yorkshire Business

Q2

CASE STUDY 39 Joel Cortez, Director at Intellistart: “Through the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce’s Raising the Bar initiative, we have been working with Leeds based charity, Learning Partnerships.

“The partnership began after joining the Chamber. I sent over a press release regarding one of our recent CSR activities, and was informed of the Chamber’s social impact initiative, Raising the Bar. I found an opportunity posted by Debbie from Learning Partnerships, looking for help in creating a corporate video.

“We initially planned to create one corporate video, but instead proposed a series of videos which highlight each service that the charity provide.

We have also helped to create an up-to-date website for Learning Partnerships, which accurately

portrays the work which the charity does for the community – this was launched on 7 June 2021. Post launch, we will continue to maintain the website for the charity, and provide any marketing advice and services that they may need.

“Our business plan highlights our mission to tackle unemployment, which has been unprecedented due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Our support and services enable law firms and other businesses to grow, and therefore provide employment.

“Learning Partnerships’ activities also provide employment opportunities – though working with them may not benefit us directly, it benefits the local businesses around us, which supplements the goals and results which we are looking to achieve.

“Having a charity partner or working with a charity is a great way to provide exposure for your business, and demonstrate your businesses purpose - both locally and nationally.

“Learning Partnerships’ provision of opportunities and support for children, young people and adults to access education, employment, training, and volunteering opportunities has a knock on effect, which suits our mission perfectly. Our vision is to double the size of 10,000 businesses in the next five years, and if we achieve this goal, we will be adding hundreds of thousands of jobs, and billions of pounds, back into the economy. This mission is important to us, and is one we are committed to. In order to achieve our goal, we will break the digital communication barrier, and we sincerely believe that we can have a positive impact.”

Q2

West & North Yorkshire Business

40 RAISING THE BAR STORIES

For me it was a safe haven Leeds volunteer bullied as a child urges people to play their part for children by becoming a Childline counsellor A volunteer from Leeds is urging more people to volunteer with Childline to help support young people continuing to struggle with the repercussions of the pandemic.

24-year-old Julia Plazzi from Leeds, who has been volunteering at the Yorkshire Childline base since 2017, is urging people to show their support for the children’s charity and be there for children whose lives have been turned upside down by the pandemic.

Julia said: “I had contacted Childline as a young girl myself, I had faced bullying when I was younger because of my dual nationality and for me it was a safe haven, somewhere to talk. Then I remember Childline coming into my school, we had a day of learning about becoming a peer support mentor, I got a certificate and then at lunchtime friends could come and talk to me if ever they were feeling upset. So those experiences made me realise I always wanted to be there for young people.”

The Yorkshire Childline base in the heart of Leeds city centre is one of 12 Childline bases across the UK, delivering counselling sessions to children and young people about everything from abuse, neglect and suicide to relationship breakdowns, exam stress and mental health concerns. But Leeds is one of only two bases in the UK to take online contacts only. This means that specially trained counsellors in Leeds only offer confidential advice either via email or live chat messages. But no matter where children and young people live, they can contact Childline via the phone or online and will be put through to the first available counsellor.

Rollits raises thousands for Dove House

Green light for refugee allotment project funding

Leading law firm Rollits LLP has handed over thousands of pounds to a regional hospice after revamping its regular fundraising events to offer Covid-safe alternatives.

A project providing refugees with allotment plots amongst the York community has won extra funding.

Rollits is now looking forward to generating more donations for Dove House Hospice by resuming other activities including the return of the firm’s annual golf day.

Pat Coyle, Client Relations Director at Rollits, said: “The restrictions of the last year have had a severe impact on all charities and our usual programme of fundraising events has been heavily disrupted. We’re therefore particularly pleased that we were still able to raise well over £3,000 to help Dove House Hospice with its work caring for people in Hull and East Yorkshire and we are doubly determined to build on that by bringing back the golf day this year.

“We’re confident that with the recent lifting of restrictions, the pent-up demand for a return to sporting activities will mean that golfers are keen to support good causes and we’re hoping that will help us attract a lot of participants for the golf day.”

Jethro Shearring, Regional Fundraiser for Dove House Hospice, said: “Over the last year the pandemic has provided a huge number of both clinical and fundraising challenges at Dove House Hospice. The enforced closure of the hospice’s charity shops and cancellation of a number of fundraising events has meant that the support of the community has been more vital than ever.

“Having been there for our patients and their loved ones for over 25 years, Rollits embody this generosity and consistently go the extra mile.”

York St John staff and students have been working in association with Refugee Action York to provide community allotment spaces for refugees.

Jointly led by Fiona Howlett, Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, and Dr Hannah Spring, Senior Lecturer in Research and Evidence-Based Practice at York St John University, the project transformed a disused allotment on Haxby Road in York into a beautiful space ready for planting and growing.

At the heart of the project is the building of relationships, integrating refugees into the York community and providing meaningful activity.

Extra funding has just been awarded from the Growing Green Spaces Fund towards travel costs to enable refugees to get to and from the site on a regular basis. Transport was identified as a barrier, and so the funding will meet this need head on.

Dr Hannah Spring said: “We welcome this additional funding and the opportunity to continue this meaningful work. We have already seen relationships building as the allotment community welcomed project users into a WhatsApp group, offering seed exchange, equipment and advice.

“For refugees, growing food and flowers can also help them connect with their own heritage through the growing of culturally relevant foods. It can also help to develop personal independence away from statutory services and begin to sustain relationships within the community.”

West & North Yorkshire Business

Q2

OPPORTUNITIES 41

Will you Give A Duck?

West Yorkshire Wish Appeal

Help in maintaining waterways.

The Give A Duck Foundation is a Wakefield based charity supporting children with cancer. They provide Chemo Ducks which are fitted with medical lines to mirror those of the child. They are used in preparation for the many challenging and, sometimes painful treatments the children have to endure. Huggable Hopes are provided for siblings.

When You Wish Upon a Star has a simple mission, to grant the Wishes of children aged 4 – 16 living with a life threatening illness. Our Wishes have the power to transform the lives of the children and families we work with and since 1990 we have proudly granted over 18,500 across the UK.

Canal and River Trust are the charity that look after and bring to life 2,000 miles of waterways – because we believe that life is better by water.

It costs the charity £25 to provide a Duck so they would like to invite companies to raise £25. In return they will receive advice, support and thanks, on behalf of the children, from the charity. In addition they will be able to have a huge sense of pride knowing they have had such a positive effect on children taking on the challenge of a lifetime.

A simple, achievable ask which will make a huge difference to the most vulnerable children and their families.

We are a small national charity which receives no Government funding and are reliant on donations from individuals and organisations such as yours. The COVID pandemic has meant that many of our Wishes have sadly but necessarily had to be put on hold and many of our Wish children are shielding. We currently have over 100 children on our Wish list and we are working hard to generate the funds to grant all these Wishes when it is safe to do so. We currently have 4 Wishes on hold in West Yorkshire which we anticipate will cost £12,000.

At the trust we work with volunteers and communities across England and Wales to transform canals and rivers into spaces where local people want to spend time, reflect and recharge. In West Yorkshire 26% of the population live with 1KM of a waterway, showing that they are a valuable asset for recreation and enjoyment as well as commuting.

We are looking to work with business to help us maintain and improve the network. In turn we can help engage, inspire and motivate your employees through a unique hands-on team day or develop a longer partnership to ensure your business makes a real difference to the local community and environment.

PLEDGES We pledge to make a difference by further developing our team and continuing to host fundraising events throughout the year to raise money for our chosen charity partners.

Garbutt + Elliott

We pledge to support our nominated Charity, Bradford Central Foodbank, with vital supplies as well as giving funding to local sporting clubs for kit, equipment and facilities.

TF Automation

We pledge to support causes local to our geographical foot print and beyond through fundraising, donations, sponsorship and committing our time to these causes outside of working hours.

Chadwick Lawrence LLP

We pledge to provide weekly term time online reading sessions to support children in Bradford improve their literacy skills.

Naylor Wintersgill Chartered Accountants

We pledge, through our education and community partnerships, to provide support and funding to children and young people in disadvantaged areas of Bradford, to help them achieve their potential through educational and aspirational opportunities.

Provident Financial Group.

We pledge to reach our target to remove none-recyclable plastics from the catering operation by 2022.

Addleshaw Goddard

View current opportunities and pledges at raising-the-bar.org.uk

Q2

West & North Yorkshire Business

42 FINANCE

BEF approve their first expand loans The not-for-profit responsible finance provider continues to support SMEs with flexible finance to help them grow.

BEF's continued commitment to support businesses with flexible finance through the toughest of times.

BEF are pleased to announce the approval of our first three Expand loans to businesses across the region. Exclusive to BEF, Expand loans provide SMEs with unsecured facilities of up to £100,000 to help them grow.

Steve Waud, CEO of BEF said: "BEF, seeking to support SMEs where possible, are using our innovative finance products to provide loans to businesses that have otherwise been unable to access Bank Finance or specific Government guarantees. BEF providing finance when businesses need it most. #wetakeadifferentview."

The approvals come at a time when many businesses struggle to secure the finance they need and reaffirms

Case One

Case Two

Case Three

Business: Software development

Business: Food producer

Business: Health & Safety Consultants

Years Trading: 2

Years Trading: 22

Years Trading: 5

Difficulty: Young business with low turnover

Difficulty: Historical losses

Difficulty: Lack of security

Amount: £35,000 unsecured

Amount: £38,000 unsecured

Purpose: Asset purchase

Purpose: Asset purchase

This case, a broker referral, features an established business that is performing well despite COVID-19 setbacks. In this instance, BEF decision to approve a facility was given against the value of the business.

This specialist business approached BEF to support an asset purchase that would enable the business to meet increased demand for their services.

The business was unable to secure a loan from the high street due to the lack of security.

Amount: £50,000 unsecured Purpose: Working capital to support growth With a two-year trading history and £100,000 turnover this business would struggle to secure finance from high street and fintech lenders despite having strong growth potential forecasted at a £500,000 turnover in the next 12 months.

The business is well run by its three directors who will provide personal guarantees to support the £50,000 facility. The investment will help secure 10 jobs.

BEF approved a facility subject to a charge on the asset and a supplemental personal guarantee. The investment will help secure 11 jobs.

BEF approved the facility subject to business security and personal guarantee. The investment will help secure 3 jobs and create 1 job.

Apply for a loan The three highlighted cases are indicative of how BEF Expand loans can be used to support businesses looking to grow. In addition to unsecured finance up to £100,000, BEF also offer short-term and secured finance up to £250,000.

To apply for a BEF loan visit www.befund.org. To discuss your needs call 0800 080 3145 or email info@befund.org.

West & North Yorkshire Business

Q2

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS 43 BRADFORD CHAMBER

County Planning Ltd countyplanning.co.uk

Dore People

Action for Business Bradford Ltd

dorepeople.co.uk

Aerovac Composites One

ecogrill-uk.com

Afdrill Ltd

firstintuition.co.uk/leeds

Archerdale Limited

focusfacilitation.uk

BAK LTD

gardiner.com

Bar Products & Services Ltd

gaudiumlibertas.co.uk

Barnet Europe

gillespies.co.uk

Bradford City Football Club Limited

gmtrubber.com

Driver Hire Group Services Limited

grayling.com

Faum Architecture

travelcounsellors.com/charlotte.hall

carlislebusinesscentre.co.uk compositesone.com afdrill.com

archerdale.com bakltd.co.uk

barproductsandservices.com barnet-europe.com

bradfordcityafc.com driverhire.co.uk

faumarchitecture.co.uk

Fitzpatrick Exports (UK) Ltd fitzpatrick-international.com

Ecogrill UK Ltd First Intuition Leeds Limited Focus Facilitation Ltd Gardiner & Theobald LLP Gaudium Libertas Accounting Limited Gillespies LLP GMT Rubber-Metal-Technic Ltd Grayling (North) Grey Goose Consulting - Travel Counsellor Grounded HR Hello to Health

H Dawson Sons And Co (Wool) Ltd

hellotohealth.co.uk

Hempel-Firmus Metals Ltd

helplocks.com

J.W.STEAD & SON Ltd

heridahealthcare.co.uk

Midland Hotel

imacorporate.co.uk

National Science and Media Museum

jktotalbusinesssolutions.co.uk

OneWood Group Limited

metisllp.com

hdawson.co.uk

hempel-metals.com/en jwstead.com

peelhotels.co.uk/midland-hotel scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk

Help Locks Herida Healthcare Ltd. IMA Corporate Ltd JK Total Business Solutions Jones-McGowan Ltd

Oracle Vision

Martin House Hospice for Children & Young People

Out Of Place Studio Ltd

Not Just an FD Ltd

Raaj CCTV

Pegasus World Limited

Robinson Developments Ltd

Piper House

Satago

RSG LOGISTICS LTD

onewoodgroup.co.uk oracle-vision.com outofplace.studio raajcctv.co.uk

robinsonlimited.co.uk satago.com

Specialist Sealing Products WY Ltd

martinhouse.org.uk notjustanfd.co.uk

pegasus-world.com piper-house.co.uk rsglogistics.co.uk

Rutley Clark - Unique Homes

specialistsealingproducts.co.uk

hello@rutleyclark.co.uk

T/A The HR Dept Bradford

Schunk Carbon Technology

hrdept.co.uk

LEEDS CHAMBER Adept Consulting Engineers Ltd Adoption Matters adoptionmatters.org

Aim High Marketing aimhighmarketing.co.uk

Arctic Hayes Ltd arctic-hayes.com

BizSpace

bizspace.co.uk/spaces/leeds-brooklands

Canopy Housing Project ltd canopyhousing.org

Cardinal Innovations the-sbox.com

Citrefine International Ltd citrefine.com

CitySprint

citysprint.co.uk

Claire Pickles Design clairepickles.com

Commercial Finance Partnership Limited commercialfinancepartnership.co.uk

Consilia Legal consilialegal.co.uk

schunk-carbontechnology.com

Sheffield And Regional Properties Limited sandrp.co.uk

shire beds limited shirebeds.co.uk

social

social.co.uk

Spectronic Camspec Ltd spectronic-camspec.co.uk

Staphyt Ltd staphyt.com

Start Recovery startrecovery.co.uk

Stratoo Ltd stratoo.co.uk

The Commercial Finance Network, Yorkshire uk.commercialfinance.co.uk

The Kindr Company Group Limited kindr.co.uk

The Sporting Club thesportingclub.co

Things I Create thingsicreate.co.uk

Think Pacific thinkpacific.com

Value Exchange Ltd linkedintraining.co.uk

Web-Translations web-translations.com

Xerogrid Ltd

xerogrid.com

YORK & NORTH YORKSHIRE CHAMBER Aerial Exposure Limited 3dxr.co.uk

APM

apm-uk.co.uk

Attic Rush Limited atticrush.com

Blue Tree Consulting bluetreeconsulting.net

Careerjuice

careerjuice.co.uk

Click Digital Solutions Ltd clickdigitalsolutions.co.uk

Compass Building Consultancy compassbc.co.uk

Cristie Whitaker - The Right Broker therightbroker.co.uk

ETL Fluid Experts Ltd etlfe.com

Events By Cynosure Limited eventsattractions.com

GrowthBox Ltd

jim.bulmer@gmail.com

Helmsley Acceptances Limited helmsley.co.uk

if Cardboard Creations Ltd ifplc.com

K J Randall and Associates Limited kjrandall.com

Karron Ltd KD Recruitment Limited kdrecruitment.co.uk

Latitude Wellness latitude-wellness.uk

Mark Davison Consulting Merry Maids of York & Harrogate merrymaids.co.uk/York/

My Marketing Button mymarketingbutton.co.uk

Olivia Brabbs Photography oliviabrabbs.co.uk

Orange Coaching & Wellness theorangeway.co.uk

Sharmini’s Inspirational Indian Cuisine cookery.sharmini.co.uk

Shirley Collier Consulting shirleycollier.co.uk

Snowball Communications snowballcommunications.co.uk

SVH Inc. svhinc.co.uk

Tayrol Ltd tayrol.co.uk

Technical Stage Services technicalstageservices.co.uk

The Assisted Sales Company theassistedsalescompany.com

The Serious Sweet Company Ltd serioussweets.co.uk

Together People Ltd togetherpeople.co.uk

Topspec Equine Ltd topspec.com

Walker Reinhart ltd. walkerreinhart.com

Watoto Play watotoplay.com

York Residential Landlords Association yorkrla.co.uk

Q2

West & North Yorkshire Business

44 SOCIAL

What you missed online The Chamber has seen great activity across all social media platforms in the past several months. The selected posts below are examples of some of the valuable information and discussions shared by the Chamber and our members on a daily basis.

We would love to know your thoughts on this quarter’s magazine and your local Chamber. What would you like to know more about or see more of in the future? Did any articles stand out to you?

Get involved with the regional business discussion on Twitter by tagging us @WNYChamber and mentioning #YorkshireBusiness.

Our profiles Twitter @WNYChamber

LinkedIn West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce

Facebook West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce

West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce British Chambers of Commerce Accredited

Q2

West & North Yorkshire Business

46 PROPERTY

Hybrid work space The Chamber is delighted to have three brand new, excellent quality hybrid units built to high environmental standards (BREEAM accredited).

Situated in Laisterdyke, close to the A6177 ring road, providing quick access to the city centre, Leeds and the M606, the hybrid units offer on site parking, high levels of security and are close to the Bradford Leeds cycle superhighway.

This ERDF part funded development has flood attenuation measures in place to protect against future adverse weather events and improve business resilience to climate change. In addition, each unit has a mezzanine floor suitable for office use or light storage, and the adjacent Bradford Chamber Business Park provides reception support.

All Chamber tenants receive flexible terms, which means there is no long-term commitment required. In addition, all tenants receive West and North Yorkshire Chamber membership allowing them to use all the benefits, including HR and Legal Helpline, Debt Recovery and discounted Healthcare.

These units are currently fully let to Chamber members Envirocare Technical Consultancy and Cello Developments, who employ 21 fulltime employees.

The architects were Chamber members Rance Booth Smith and Progressive, the QS was Ing Consulting, also Chamber members and the building contractor was Code Building Solutions.

If you would like to find out more about the Chamber property offering, please email marketing@wnychamber.co.uk

West & North Yorkshire Business

Q2

AD:VENTURE 47

Elite Marketing and Communications was set up by Gemma Dunn at the end of 2020 after she left her job as head of marketing, PR and comms at Bradford College.

Before that, Gemma had worked in a variety of marketing roles, including at Leeds Bradford Airport and Leeds City College. Having studied marketing at university, she has a wealth of knowledge about everything from digital and social media to publications and websites.

Gemma specialises in offering clients a 360-degree audit of their marketing functions, looking at what they do well and what they could maybe improve, and even looking at their competitors.

She then provides a detailed report of actionable recommendations; for example, a training need, or improvements to SEO or social media content. Where appropriate she can help with the need or she recommends an expert from her bank of trusted associates.

“My role at Bradford College just got bigger and bigger. It wasn’t just marketing and comms, I was head of a huge department. And then I had a mini-wobble and thought, do I really enjoy my job?

“It was during Covid that the job did become more hands-on and I enjoyed that, and I realised that my creativity was being stifled and I wanted to roll up my sleeves and get more involved with marketing at an operational level again,” says Gemma.

She left the college on good terms; in fact, she is one of their approved suppliers, and within a few weeks launched Elite Marketing and Communications.

Project objectives

Results

Gemma was recommended AD:VENTURE by a business acquaintance who had benefited from their advice.

When Gemma started her business she set herself the target of matching her previous salary. Just a few months in, she is well on the way to exceed that.

Gemma says: “I have been a PAYE employee all my working life and had mainly worked in the public sector. I realised I didn’t know what I didn’t know. So, I needed someone to fill in the blanks.”

She was given an adviser to work with who helped her with tasks like creating a business plan and putting her in touch with other organisations or services that could help, like getting an accountant.

But it was the regular catch-up chats with the adviser, Tim Gillies, that really helped, says Gemma.

“It was like having a colleague in the background to sense check things. I was so used to working in big organisations with a team around me. I left a corporate role and suddenly I was in an office all on my own.

“But with Tim I could run ideas past him and no question was too daft. As well as the practical issues like the business plan, he helped build my confidence and help me along the roadmap of a new business.”

Gemma also attended several webinars run by AD:VENTURE, including sessions on social media and SEO. These she found were not just useful for the content, but also the contacts.

“The webinars are great for networking with other business owners and have generated quite a bit of client work, and they have linked me with other experts I can work with,” says Gemma.

AD:VENTURE has also introduced Gemma to SEO, IP and website expert Scott Sellars at West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, who is giving her one-to-one advice on her own website.

Gemma is currently considering applying for a grant through AD:VENTURE to pay for new equipment.

She is working with a range of clients including a plumber, a candle-maker, an author, a research agency, a student accommodation provider, two colleges and a life sciences and pharmaceutical agency.

She says: “I have got enough work for me and could look to take someone on, but for now I am choosing to collaborate with others and create work for them too.”

Feedback “When you set up a business you can just get totally overwhelmed. But AD:VENTURE works with you like a human and helps you with the basics,” says Gemma.

“It’s been great having access to people like Tim and Scott. Tim is there to give me a different perspective and to guide me and give me confidence, and Scott’s support has been unbelievable.

“For me AD:VENTURE has been fantastic. People worry that a publiclyfunded scheme will be dry and corporate, but it’s been a breath of fresh air. Their approach is not patronising or high-brow, and it can tailor and flex to your needs.

“I was recommended AD:VENTURE by the friend of a friend and now I recommend it to everyone!”

Find out if AD:VENTURE can help your business by visiting www.ad-venture.org.uk

Task force to inspire pupils Bradford Manufacturing Weeks 2021 deploys apprentice task force to help inspire pupils.

Manufacturing Weeks has created more than 12,000 manufacturing experiences for the district’s 14-18 yearold students since its launch in 2018.

Bradford’s apprentices are coming out in force to encourage more of the district’s school children to consider a career in manufacturing.

Following the success of 2020’s virtual initiative which attracted 4,551 young people to online careers events and video tours of local manufacturing operations, this year’s event, running from 4 - 15 October is expected to combine online and in person experiences.

A task force of current apprentices from Bradford manufacturers including Christeyns UK, Produmax, Solenis and Carnaud Metalbox will be taking part in a series of events as part of October’s Bradford Manufacturing Weeks 2021 and from September, a calendar of local apprenticeship opportunities will be available – alongside current apprentice information films - on the Bradford Manufacturing Weeks website.

Led by West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce with primary sponsorship from Barclays and additional sponsorship from Naylor Wintersgill, E3 Recruitment, LCF Law and Bradford Council, Bradford

Bradford Manufacturing Weeks is delivered in partnership with Bradfordbased school and career specialists The Opportunity Centre (formerly Aspire igen), and for 2021 includes a competition to create an innovative solution for waste recycling in schools.

With a £500 cash prize to the winning team, the competition will involve pupils across different subjects from art and design to technology and science.

Additional activities during the fortnight include virtual tours of local

manufacturing facilities, “Meet the Manufacturer”, Manufacturers Live and Apprentices Live Q&A sessions, a police and fire and rescue service-led Driver Awareness Event at Valley Parade and Barclays Life Skills sessions covering CV writing and interview guidance.

Lee Collinson, Head of Manufacturing, Transport and Logistics at Barclays said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring Bradford Manufacturing weeks for another year. Young people and apprentices will be essential to the manufacturing sector as it seeks to build back better from the pandemic and it is fantastic to see such large numbers of businesses and schools involved” Bradford Manufacturing Weeks runs from 4 -15 October. For more details of how your school or your manufacturing business can get involved, please visit the website www. bradfordmanufacturingweek.co.uk.

West & North Yorkshire Business

Q2

MANUFACTURING 49

Raising the profile of manufacturing in Leeds Despite the recent challenges from the pandemic, the depth and diversity of careers are still available in manufacturing.

Leeds Manufacturing Festival, which is organised by the Leeds Manufacturing Alliance, Leeds Chamber of Commerce, and supported by sponsors, brings greater awareness to the depth of career opportunities within manufacturing.

This year’s festival offers a series of online local events virtually opening the doors of manufacturers to young people, schools and local communities.

A series of webinars will be hosted on several topics to raise the profile of manufacturing and support manufacturers to attract the next generation of young people.

Manufacturing needs young people, fresh ideas and enthusiasm.

Visit leedsmanufacturingfestival.co.uk for a complete list of events and more information.

Online upgrades Chamber Portal Manage your membership Your new member portal is imminent, and will be the place to manage your Chamber membership.

We have been investigating the move to manage membership online for a while, the pandemic helped us speed up that process, by launching online joining over a year ago.

Your new portal will allow you to view your invoices and orders, allowing you pay online.

The Chamber’s primary contact for your company will be given access to the Chamber Portal and is responsible for managing membership and invoice payments.

Orders & Invoices View, print and pay your invoices online.

Payment Methods Add and update payment methds including credit cards and direct debits.

Directory Update some of your company details which is displayed in the members directory.

You can also view and print your membership certificate.

Book events

For further information contact the membership team at info@wnychamber.co.uk

Book and pay for events online.

Renew membership Update and pay your membership subscription fees online.

Visit wnychamber.force.com

West & North Yorkshire Business

Q2

MEMBERSHIP 51

Member’s Website Your platform for promotion We are making changes to improve your member website.

Our Chamber member website, Yorkshire-Business.com is undergoing improvments, and will combine member offers and member articles all in one place. The new site is expected to launch this July. The enhancements will allow members to log in, create and edit their content.

Our primary contact for your business will be nominated to manage the publication of news articles and member offers. They will also have the ability to nominate another person from your organisation to take over the management of publication.

When articles and offers are approved, they will be published to the Yorkshire-Business.com site and published on social media. Once your post has been published, you will recieve an email notification.

News Articles Create your news articles to be published on the members website.

Member Offers Introduce your business to other Chamber memebrs and their employees by offering a special discount.

Members List of current members opted into directory.

Advertising Members receive a 50% discount on website advertising.

For further information contact the marketing team at marketing@wnychamber.co.uk

Visit yorkshire-business.com

Q2

West & North Yorkshire Business

52 EVENTS Events team

Michele Taylor - Head of Events I joined West & North Yorkshire Chamber at the beginning of July 2020 as Head of Events having spent two years with the CBI as Associate Director in addition to many years working for membership organisations across the country. My remit is to plan and organise innovative and inspirational events with and for you, the Chamber members.

Penny Birch – Events Co-ordinator I joined the Chamber in November 2019 having previously worked at FCM Travel as a Travel Consultant

Justine Ives – Events Co-ordinator I joined in January 2020 from Westwood Lodge Holiday Cottages where I was the Manager.

Looking forward to seeing you, face-to-face

Chamber Annual Dinners 2021

Over the past year the events team have developed interesting and thoughtprovoking webinars in partnership with members, which we hope have supported your businesses through very challenging and unusual times.

The Chamber’s Annual Dinners are the highlight of the business calendar, these prestigious black-tie dinners are attended by 300+ businesses leaders, celebrating the business community across the region.

From Communicating in a Virtual World to Writing A Bid and Online Networking, we have covered a wide range of subjects and topics and have had some great feedback from members.

Each local Chamber has an Annual Dinner to celebrate their local business communities of Bradford, Leeds and York & North Yorkshire.

However, as restrictions ease we are planning to return to face-to-face events in September and hope that we can welcome you to our Learning Lunches, Pure Networking, Executive Lunches and Annual Dinners to name but a few of the events coming up. These events are a great opportunity to build your business relationships and re-connect with previous contacts.

These black-tie dinners are an ideal opportunity to entertain colleagues and clients with a three-course meal and to hear from high profile keynote speakers. The dates for 2021 are:

York Chamber Annual Dinner 23 September - National Railway Museum, York

We will adhere to social distancing guidelines and other measures at all events to ensure your safety as far as we are able.

Leeds Chamber Annual Dinner

Moving forward you will see a blend of both virtual and face to face events from your Chamber giving your business and your colleagues more flexibility to attend and make those all-important connections with other members.

Bradford Chamber Annual Dinner

Pure Networking is scheduled monthly in each region however we have complimented this with an additional Online Networking session every 2 months giving you the opportunity to extend your reach across the whole region.

For any enquiries or further information email the events team at events@wnychamber.co.uk

View all upcoming events at wnychamber.co.uk/events

13 October - Aspire, Leeds

25 November - The Midland Hotel, Bradford

Sponsorship Opportunities

A small number of sponsorship opportunities still exist for businesses to raise their profile at the 2021 Annual Dinners and start at just £250 + VAT. If you would like to discuss how you could benefit from supporting the event, please contact Michele Taylor at michele.taylor@wnychamber.co.uk

Afordable health cover that puts my staf frst and works harder to keep them healthy...

Works for me. westfeldhealth.com

Your membership of The British Chambers of Commerce gives you access to innovative, afordable health cover with an exclusive range of benefts.

Together, we’ve developed the Chamber Primary Health Plan that will work harder to make your staf feel more valued and motivated, and encourage them to be more proactive about their health.

The plan helps policyholders to access essential healthcare, diagnosis and treatment, provides money back towards selected medical expenses, and can be combined with our hospital treatment insurance to provide truly continuous cover.

As a leading provider of corporate health insurance, nobody works harder to keep your employees at their ft and healthy best than Westfeld Health.

To discover the full benefts of harder working health cover, contact us now.

08455 240 240 wnychamber.co.uk/healthcare-chamber-primaryhealth-plan

The West and North Yorkshire Chamber encourages local businesses to support their wider community through its social impact initiative – Raising the Bar. This year the Raising the Bar initiative will focus on creating new engaging content and events, to assist you and your business to act responsibly in 2021.

The Raising the Bar Pledge Campaign has been developed to encourage businesses to think about their social impact and the positive influence they have.

It doesn’t matter how big or small your pledge is, and it doesn’t have to be a monetary contribution, it’s about businesses across the district pitching in to make a collective impact.

Make your commitment to managing your social impact by making a Pledge at

www.raising-the-bar.org.uk/create-a-pledge

All Pledges published on the Raising the Bar website will be shared and promoted online to highlight the excellent work you and your business is doing, encouraging others to follow your lead.