REGIONAL 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

WEST & NORTH YORKSHIRE NEWS

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.”

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

The new Managing Director of TransPennine Express (TPE), Matthew Golton has started his role. 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. Businesses offered skills support as lockdown eases

Businesses in the region are being offered a free skills planning service to help them take the next steps to a successful future. 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. Yorkshire Building Society appoints new Non-Executive Director

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