MEMBERS’ 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

BRADFORD NEWS

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.

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 Royal Institution awarded Bradford College the funding under its Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) enrichment and enhancement grant scheme. 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 College’s Projects Team successfully bid for the funding and worked with curriculum staff to choose an activity that would best support them. Networking and systems support lecturer Steven Clay said: “We knew that this STEM-based activity was something the students would enjoy.” 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. 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.

Ramsdens makes the shortlist

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. 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.” Car wash concession opens

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

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

LEEDS NEWS

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.”

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

A Leeds College of Building apprentice was recently selected as an outstanding candidate to represent employer BAM Nuttall in a crucial online consultation. 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. Lexus Leeds Business Centre is open to help your business

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. 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.” Adopting a mile of waterways to support heritage and wildlife

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. 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.

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

YORK & NORTH YORKSHIRE NEWS

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%!”

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. 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.”

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. Business incubator space launches at Westminster Place in York

CEG is transforming Westminster Place in York with the addition of an incubator concept for start-ups and smaller businesses. 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.” Consilia Legal launches initiative to support lockdown start-ups

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. 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.