MEMBERS’ NEWS

Contacts, connections and communities

While you will read in this magazine about some of the good news stories that have happened recently, there will always be other information and developments that will come via other channels, such as social media and that other muchforgotten pastime, in-person networking. It’s great that most of us are now back seeing each other face-to-face and catching up the oldfashioned way – and also being able to go into the office again. Who ever thought that we’d be making such a fuss about that? Staff populating city centre offices plays its part in assisting with the post-Covid recovery, especially in a place like Bradford, where the retail and hospitality offer doesn’t match that of some of our other urban town and city centres in West & North Yorkshire. I feel it’s important to keep that in mind if we are to play our part in boosting the economy. I’m delighted to report that Bradford Manufacturing Weeks was once again a great success – as well as providing lots of events to demonstrate great career opportunities, this annual initiative connects schools to local manufacturing businesses and vice versa – there’s more about BMW in this edition. Other ‘reasons to be cheerful’ include the latest economic survey report (again, more included in this edition) that shows demand is rising – yes, that’s bringing with it its own challenges, as many of us will be experiencing; and also Bradford has made the cut onto the short list for UK City of Culture 2025 – fingers crossed on that one. As ever, being in business brings opportunities and challenges but I hope that you will agree with me that we wouldn’t have it any other way. Victoria Wainwright President Bradford Chamber

BRADFORD NEWS

University’s high-tech NMR scanner used to help local firms

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across Yorkshire will benefit from access to advanced scientific equipment, housed at the University of Bradford, to create new, and improve existing products, thanks to a £550,000 grant extension from the EU. Current projects include analysis of compostable plastic bags, bio-resorbable medical implants, polymers used in secure bank notes and interrogation of drug delivery technologies for the treatment of Covid. The work is funded by Project CAYMAN (Chemistry Assets for Yorkshire Manufacturing), which began in 2019 with a £1.6m grant (jointly funded by European Regional Development Fund and the University). The original project was due to end in October 2022 but has now been extended until June 2023. Dr Richard Telford, Director of the University’s Centre for Chemical and Biological Analysis, said the money would enable them to buy three new pieces of equipment to expand their current offering. “We currently use our NMR instrument to carry out detailed analysis of materials used in manufacturing a variety of products. The NMR machines are specialised pieces of equipment which are regularly used by large companies such as those in ‘Big Pharma’, but because of their cost, they would not normally be accessible to SMEs. “Project CAYMAN has established itself very successfully, delivering assistance in analytical projects to Leeds City Region SMEs in the materials and polymer sectors. These successful interactions have revealed that a broader offer of assistance using instruments to interrogate surface properties of materials would be of great benefit in addition to the original scope. We applied to ERDF to extend and expand the project in September and our request has now been approved.” He added: “This new funding means we can invest in three new high value scientific instruments to study the surface properties of materials and work with a broader set of scientific companies, particularly in engineering-focused sectors.”

Gordons appoints five solicitors

Gordons has welcomed a further five new solicitors to the firm which marks a total of 16 new fee-earner appointments since the start of the year. Laura Walton has joined as a dispute resolution specialist, while Erica Jones and Melissa Cook have been hired as commercial property solicitors. Newly qualified solicitors Kate Imeson and Harvey Blake have joined as corporate and regulatory specialists respectively. These latest recruits bring the total number of new solicitors appointed by Gordons to 16 since the start of the year The five new hires follow several senior appointments earlier in the year. These included Peter Hampson as head of regulatory, property disputes solicitor Sarah Coates-Madden and former HSBC Yorkshire and North East head of corporate banking, Martin Lunt, as a consultant. Gordons partner, Victoria Davey, said: “We are continuing to grow our business at pace due to the outstanding work we do for our clients, the strong relationships we build with them and our highly effective business strategy. “Finding and hiring the right people who share Gordons’ distinct ethos and values is essential for us and key to our continued success. All our new starters are a great cultural fit and they will play important roles in further improving the momentum we have built up since the start of the year.” Gordons has offices in Leeds and Bradford and employs 170 people.

Expanding pet care and wildlife Bringing science to life for school

Welcome to a new partner

The new pets, wildlife, and aquatics department at Tong Garden Centre occupies a 900m2 area in a purpose built space next to Grass Hoppers indoor and outdoor play. Buyer, Phil Hemmings explained: “During lockdown, many more of us have become pet owners or have become more aware of the wildlife in our gardens and we wanted our range to reflect this increased interest in pets, garden birds, wildlife and aquatics. Our old pet care department wasn’t big enough to do justice to this enhanced offer, so we relocated it to an area twice the size. The extended department is home to the largest Maidenhead Aquatics concession and feed the fish pool in Yorkshire.” Airedale Chemical of Cross Hills continued its tradition of support for Sutton in Craven Community Primary School with a donation to help boost the school’s STEM activities. From skeletons to petri dishes and solar systems to microscopes, the school has been able to stock up on fun, educational tools that it hopes will encourage a love of science and aid pupils’ understanding. Daniel Marr, Group Chief Commercial Officer said: “We haven’t been able to enjoy their visits to our laboratories for a while. We hope that the science equipment is enjoyed by many classes to come and that one day we might see some of the budding scientists working at Airedale Chemical.” Rachael Brook has joined the Schofield Sweeney private wealth and succession team as a partner. Rachael will be bringing over 17 years of experience in helping individuals protect their family, reputation and wealth. Rachael’s expertise includes charity gifting and philanthropy, working collaboratively with other professional advisors to advise clients on tax-efficient lifetime and succession strategies. Rachel said: “Succession planning is essential, and more prevalent following COVID-19 and the proposed reforms to inheritance tax. I help individuals plan effectively to protect their legacy.”

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Small steps to net-zero

At the time of writing, the COP26 Conference is underway. For some people across the world the effects of climate change are still not apparent, but for others they are only too real. The time for action is now and we commend Leeds City Council for having taken early action. But they do need our support. Success depends on us all doing our bit. It will be the little incremental, sometimes seemingly insignificant things we do, that will change the course of our collective futures. We know from our conversations with business that many of us struggle with how and where to start on the net-zero journey. The Chamber is developing a tool kit to signpost businesses to areas of support and guidance to help them take steps to lower their carbon footprint – many of which make really good business sense as well. More information can be found here www. wnychamber.co.uk/cop26/ Reflecting on the recent budget I wanted to touch briefly on the subject of Levelling Up. Many of the commitments to West Yorkshire are welcome, but we must not miss a key opportunity to create the infrastructure capable of underpinning opportunity for the future generation. HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail, including a Bradford city centre station, rail electrification and a mass transit network across West Yorkshire are all required to ensure we increase opportunity, raise aspirations and enable social mobility. Collectively we must continue to champion these agendas and ensure you have what you need to support and develop your business. Mike Briffett President Leeds Chamber

LEEDS NEWS

Springing into new markets

Shire Beds are specialists in the manufacture of beds, mattresses, headboards and pillows. Established in 1997, the company grew quickly and now employs 76 people, manufacturing a number of ranges under their own branding, which are sold to internet and high-street retailers. The company has won several awards and industry recognition. Company research demonstrated that UK demand for environmentally-friendly products had increased dramatically, and they identified a gap in the market for sustainable mattresses. This, along with a company ambition to become a market-leader in sustainability, led them to develop an innovative new mattress design which uses organic materials to produce a 99.5% biodegradable mattresses, the ‘Eco Core’ range. In order to manufacture the new design, the company needed to invest in new equipment. A PAPI (Product and Process Innovation) grant helped with the purchase of a new border tacking machine, which enabled the use of natural and organic cotton and wool backings and stitching. The new machinery helped Shire Beds to create the new range of biodegradable mattresses, the ‘Eco Core’ collection. The range uses cotton, wool, latex and coconut husk in its design. This was a huge achievement for Shire Beds, and also attracted attention to the need for more eco products in the sector. The PAPI grant allowed Shire Beds to begin production of their new range and also create two new, full time jobs within the business. The company continues to innovate and develop their business and aim to become a truly international brand in the coming years. PAPI Programme Manager, Vicky Wren, said “This is a great project: an exciting new range that’s good news for the business and the environment!” PAPI encourages innovation with 40% capital grants of up to £20k to support the creation of new products and services. PAPI can support SME businesses located in the York, North Yorkshire and the Leeds City Region.

Leeds is a top city for start ups

A new report from Barclays Eagle Labs and Beauhurst reveals the top cities for the number of high-growth businesses outside of London. The ‘Unlocking Growth’ report identifies the key to generating growth by exploring the importance of public and private sector partnerships in creating strong local technology ecosystems in which businesses can start and scale successfully. Universities, accelerator programmes and business incubators, coupled with investment sources such as angel or private equity investors. Leeds comes third in the list for the number of high-growth businesses outside of London, with 505 calling the city home, 137 of which are technology companies. The Leeds Eagle Lab is just one of a growing network of business incubator spaces providing mentoring and networking opportunities and business support. To date, the Labs have supported nearly 4,000 businesses, which combined, have secured 614 equity deals since 2011, raising on average £1.45m each equity fundraising. Jon Hope, Director of Eagle Labs, said: “Our mission is to help support entrepreneurs and high-growth start-ups by providing them the tools they need to grow their business and by bringing together a range of actors to help nurture and grow local tech ecosystems.”

Local family lawyer nominated for prestigious award New sports barn at GSAL for school and community use Music and arts venue opens at ex-Emmerdale mill

A prominent family lawyer and cofounder of Yorkshire-based law firm, Consilia Legal has been shortlisted for a prestigious Resolution Award, which celebrates the achievements of family justice professionals who have supported families and children during a global pandemic. Commenting on her nomination, Laura said: “I am delighted to be nominated for the Resilience Award and to be recognised by my peers and by Resolution. I am proud to be a member of Resolution and champion its Code of Practice in my work, which promotes a constructive and nonconfrontational approach to family issues such as divorce, separation, and child arrangements. Work has started on the construction of a covered sports barn at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) which also aims to fill a need in the community, particularly for netball provision. The £1.25 million project, which has the backing of Sport England and Netball England, is being built on existing hardsurfaced playing fields at the school. The sports barn, measuring 40 metres long by 11 metres wide, will be used primarily for indoor netball and tennis, but can also be used for other sports. It will be available to the wider community and, already, a lot of interest has been received from local sports clubs. A completely derelict mill building has been sympathetically restored to become one of the most exciting entertainment venues in the Leeds region. The Old Woollen, part of the flourishing Sunny Bank Mills complex in Farsley, now hosts an ambitious and eclectic mix of music, comedy, theatre and the spoken word. Upcoming acts include music journalist and DJ Mark Radcliffe, Sunderland post-punk band The Futureheads and comedian Arthur Smith. There have also been recent appearances by national treasure Gyles Brandreth, historian and television personality Lucy Worsley and 1990s hit machine Space.

New website for all your members news and offers yorkshire-business.com

Rising to the challenge

As we enter the final quarter of the year, I think it would be appropriate to reflect on the transformational recovery our region has experienced over the last several months. Emerging from lockdown with enthused optimism and tenacity, it was a truly great experience to see so many of you join us for the first York and North Yorkshire Chamber Annual Dinner since the start of the pandemic. The warm and lively atmosphere on the night was a testament to our region’s resilience, and the business community’s remarkable determination to recover and rebuild. The Chamber’s own Q3 Quarterly Economic Survey highlights an improved sense of business confidence, with the number of York and North Yorkshire businesses reporting an expectation to grow their domestic sales over the coming months outpacing the regional average. This confidence in the region is mirrored by the return of visitors and tourists to our towns and cities, with the welcome news that numbers are in fact returning to their pre-pandemic levels, perhaps boosted by the ‘staycation’ trend. It must be noted, however, that whilst a good sense of enthusiasm and optimism is driving the region forward, it is not without its challenges. The dual impact of COVID and Brexit continues to irritate trade, particularly at the border with the EU, with a prevalence of skills and supply issues undermining our recovery. We know that these strains are being felt particularly by the region’s tech sector, a community we are very keen to engage with on working towards a solution. These are key difficulties that will not dissipate overnight, and may be with us for many weeks and months ahead. Despite these tribulations, I have little doubt that as a region and a wider business community, we will maintain our strides forward out of the pandemic, with each challenge being met with the full attention of the Chamber and our partner institutions. Laurence Beardmore President York & North Yorkshire Chamber

YORK & NORTH YORKSHIRE NEWS

Button methodology leads to significant growth

Teesside based insurance brokers, Erimus have had their best organic six months ever to the end of 2020 after adopting the button methodology for marketing strategy from My Marketing Button. The trend looks set to continue with a significant increase in both income and quote activity in Q1 2021. The story began back in 2019 when a broker with no marketing experience was offered an opportunity to grow and develop into a marketing role. Emma Brown, a bright graduate at Erimus attended a strategic marketing course with My Marketing Button founder, Margaret Bradshaw. Emma said “The course changed my mindset as the methodology presented provided the holistic view of the company which had been missing. I gained insight into where marketing fits, who the key stakeholders were and who needed to be nurtured, apart from our prospects. Shortly after undertaking the training, Emma created the Marketing Strategy for Erimus following the My Marketing Button methodology. This strategy went on to underpin the firm’s marketing efforts during the pandemic. Emma commented “Our entire strategy is built around the button methodology and it’s the core pillars that hold up what we do.” The button methodology is based on 30 years of practical marketing experience. Four button-holes represent four key areas of a business: Clients, Prospects, Products and Services and Communications. 12 threads which represent 12 strategic activities are then used to keep the button sewn firmly in place. “Once things started to pick up, we were actually surpassing pre-Covid levels, and I think it just goes to show that staying true to your methodology is so important. So even when things dipped off, we didn’t react to that, we stayed as we were, and it proved that it actually works.”

Find and keep customers

GrowthBox, a free online platform, has just launched to help more businesses survive and thrive by making marketing easier to do. York-based GrowthBox provides a unique and bespoke online planning service to small and medium-sized businesses to help them work out how to find and keep customers. It can also connect them with marketing experts all across the UK, helping to turn their business dreams into reality. Jim Bulmer founded GrowthBox after building several successful business ventures for Royal Mail and working with StartUp Britain for a number of years, listening to hundreds of small and medium-sized businesses talk about the problems they encountered. With a background in growth – sales, marketing and go-to-market strategy – Jim saw that many were struggling with marketing, resulting in them failing to achieve their potential or even going out of business. In 2020, for example, a record number of businesses were started but history tells us four in five may fail and a lack of marketing is often a reason behind that. Jim said: “That’s why GrowthBox was born – to help small and medium-sized businesses survive and grow by making marketing easier to do. In less than 10 minutes, the free GrowthBox online planning service helps businesses work out what to do and provides simple recommendations and advice. It also connects businesses of all sizes with marketing experts around the UK to produce proposals across all aspects of marketing, taking the hard work out of finding the right expert help needed to grow and deliver their goals.”

Ware & Kay Solicitors announces new Managing Director Hazardous waste specialist bolsters UNTHA shredding fleet Law firm marks milestone by sharing “in camera” interviews

Leading Yorkshire Law Firm Ware & Kay Solicitors has appointed David Hyams in the role of Managing Director to drive the firm forward and deliver its growth strategy. Ware & Kay, a full service law firm continues to go from strength to strength, providing a high quality and personal service to clients. Having considerable operational experience, David will be bringing a wealth of managerial insight to the role and will work closely with his colleagues across the firm’s other offices. Industrial waste management specialist Malary has bolstered its hazardous material recycling capabilities with an investment in a second RS100 UNTHA shredder. Capable of processing the materials many operators shy away from, Malary will use the new equipment to shred contaminated waste such as IBCs, and plastic/steel drum shredding for re-use, recycling, and energy recovery. Currently configured to handle up to 150 tonnes per week, the new RS100 machine doubles Malary’s total capacity. A law firm which is celebrating its 180th anniversary is turning to a combination of tradition and technology to share the stories of its rich history. Rollits still has copies of the hardback book published in 1991 by the then Senior Partner Tom Farrell to celebrate 150 years of the firm. Thirty years on the practice is adding to the archive by filming interviews with members of its team from offices in Hull and York. The book charts the progress of the firm’s partners and includes references to cases which show how the practice and the profession have changed.

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