West & North Yorkshire Business Magazine Winter 2025

usiness Business culture

James Mason Chief Executive West & North Yorkshire Chamber

Business missions

2025 is now underway, and while times remain uncertain and often difficult, there is much to be proud of.

Last year showed just what the Chamber can do for its members.

Whether that is facilitating international trade missions, lobbying on behalf of our members to key decision makers, staging successful events or giving our members access to the most powerful people in the nation, the Chamber has been at the heart of some serious work this past 12 months.

Which means that for the year ahead, we have no alternative but continue in this frame.

Our trade mission to New York City yielded numerous transactions and deals which are already bearing fruit for our economy. We will follow this up in February 2025 with another trade mission to the UAE in which we will doubtlessly deliver more success for our region.

Our annual dinners are already looking top notch events in which we celebrate our core attributes as a region and our networking events are already looking busier than ever as we fulfil one of our key missions as a Chamber to convene people seeking to do business.

Our international division continues to work around the clock to connect our region’s business community with the world, and member services are also working tirelessly to deliver help across our wide range of member benefits.

I look forward to seeing you at our annual dinners, networking events and trade missions.

Here’s to a successful 2025.

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West & North Yorkshire Business is a quarterly business magazine produced by the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. The audience for this publication is comprised of a targeted audience of the major decision makers and senior executives across both the Yorkshire region and the wider UK business community.

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West & North Yorkshire Business has taken all reasonable care to ensure that the information contained in this magazine is accurate on the date of publication.

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BRADFORD NEWS

This is Bradford’s year

After months of preparation, planning and perspiration, it is finally here. For the next 12 months, Bradford is officially the United Kingdom’s City of Culture.

I for one remember fondly that day in 2022 when it was announced our bid had been successful and thinking that 2025 seemed so far away.

Well, those months and years have flown by and we are now in the thick of it.

I want to pay tribute to the Bradford 25 team who have put in an incredible amount of work behind the scenes.

The branding and BD25 logo have already become synonymous with the city’s identity and the programme of events that has been laid out is first class.

It is hugely important that the BD25 movement helps deliver a shot in the arm for Bradford’s business community.

If City of Culture is a success, it will change mindsets about Bradford, both inside and outside the city. This should serve to provide confidence for firms large and small to invest and expand in the city. Arguably more importantly, it will prompt firms nationally and internationally to look to Bradford for investment.

Not only will it educate and inform people that Bradford is not only a cultural powerhouse but a city where entrepreneurialism has thrived for generations.

Yes, the roadworks and regeneration has posed inconveniences. But you cannot undertake a remodeling of the city centre on the scale that Bradford has without some disruption taking place. That’s how placemaking works across the world. Once the short-term pain is out of the way, the long-term gain will be enjoyed by all.

The eyes of the nation are upon us. It is now our chance to shine, and on a global scale.

Mark Cowgill President Bradford Chamber

Wyedean Weaving makes regimental history in New Zealand

A Haworth manufacturer has made history by creating ceremonial flags bearing the King’s new insignia for the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.

Wyedean Weaving’s team of expert embroiderers spent 900 hours working on the new Regimental and King’s Colours for the 2nd/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. Both ceremonial flags were consecrated and presented on behalf of King Charles during a ceremony which was attended by the Governor General of New Zealand, Government officials and military commanders in chief.

Wyedean’s Business Development Director Rosie Wright said: “As a family business it has been an immense privilege to play our part in such a historic moment for the New Zealand Defence Force. The last time a King’s Colour was presented to a New Zealand army battalion was before the Second World War, so it was an honour for Wyedean to be trusted with the responsibility of creating the new Colour bearing King Charles’ Tudor Crown insignia, as well as the new Regimental Colour which is emblazoned with the regiment’s battle honours.”

The consecration took place at Burnham Military Camp, the largest army base in New Zealand’s South Island, just three weeks after members of the battalion travelled to the National Army Museum in London to collect the Colours from the Wyedean team.

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Sam Smith of the 2nd/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, said: “It was an incredible privilege and honour to receive the Colours from the amazing team at Wyedean. The level of detail and intricate craftsmanship on the Colours truly make them works of art and they now have a special place within our Battalion’s history.”

The two new Colours were hand stitched by Wyedean embroiderers Aileen Henderson, Wendy Hatton and Susan Jones and are the first in New Zealand to be updated with the King’s insignia. It is a process which can only begin after the designs have been submitted to The King for approval.

Partnership strengthen crime-fighting alliance

Bradford Business Improvement District (BID) is continuing to strengthen its approach to reducing business crime and related anti-social behaviour in the city centre by joining forces with the long-established City Centre Beat, which represents the nationally accredited city centre Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP).

This collaboration builds on the BID’s recent initiatives, including the launch of the 24/7 Command and Intelligence Centre support line and the introduction of the BID Patrol Team earlier this year.

Bulls honoured with Bara Award Bradford Bulls were delighted to receive the Professional Club Award at the inaugural British Asian Rugby Awards held at the Palace of Westminster.

The award recognised of our commitment to community engagement, fostering inclusivity, and building a sense of belonging within Bradford’s South Asian and broader communities. The award highlights the club’s ongoing efforts to make rugby accessible and welcoming to people of all backgrounds.

As a city rich in multicultural heritage, Bradford is home to a significant South Asian population, and Bradford Bulls have consistently worked to bridge cultural gaps, encouraging community participation in rugby and reinforcing the sport’s value as a unifying force.

In 2022, we became the first rugby league club in the UK to host community Iftar and Diwali events at Bartercard Odsal Stadium.

Nationally, many city centre BIDs work closely with BCRPs, and during Bradford BID’s second-term ballot, national retailers highlighted the need for a stronger partnership between the BID and City Centre Beat to improve crime prevention efforts in the city centre.

The partnership between the two non-profit organisations will create a streamlined and enhanced intelligence-sharing process, involving key partners like the National BCRP, National Business Crime Solution, West Yorkshire Police, and other major stakeholders.

Aire Valley environment project launches company’s net zero pledge

North Yorkshire-based business, Airedale Group, has launched its journey towards net zero by 2045 with a major new project to support its local environment.

The chemical specialist has pledged 200 hours of volunteer time to help the Aire Rivers Trust in its work to improve the Aire Valley rivers, reducing flooding and encouraging nature in the area.

Airedale Group has been making continuous improvements to its operations for several years, boosting sustainability on site, but the initiative with Aire Rivers Trust formalises its commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2045.

Gareth Muir, Project Officer at the Aire Rivers Trust, adds: “The support we receive from businesses like Airedale Group is invaluable and the activities they’re taking part in are instrumental in making a significant impact on our environment.

Bradford garden centre group wins national sustainable catering award for a second time

The team at a Bradford-based garden centre group is celebrating after winning the Sustainability award in a national competition for the second year running.

Yorkshire Garden Centres, owner of Tong, Tingley, Bingley and Otley Garden Centres, plus Dean’s York and Scarborough, won the Sustainability award at the 2024 Garden Centre Catering Awards.

Yorkshire Garden Centre’s Commercial Director, Sharon McNair, is delighted with the win: “Sustainability and community are the heart of our business and we are investing significant time, money and manpower to achieve our sustainability ambitions.

“From harnessing solar power and harvesting rainwater to using green electricity and improving our waste streams, we have already taken many steps to achieve our goals.

LEEDS NEWS

Budget impact

The Budget might seem like a long time ago, but for businesses the consequences of what was said at the Dispatch Box that day are still very real.

For a business, the increase in taxation and minimum wage have had a profound impact. Any plans we had for investment during 2025 are now on hold as the money simply will not be there, and this will be the case for thousands of SMEs across the country.

It is hard, when faced with such increased overheads as a business community, to speculate as to where actual growth is going to come from. UK firms are still recovering from the pandemic.

The British economy has been experiencing low or negative growth now for 15 years. If we want the best public services, the best opportunities and the best standards of living then this all has to come from a thriving private sector that is taking on more staff, investing in new innovations and exploring new markets.

As a Chamber we remain apolitical and wish to work with those in the Treasury to unlock growth in this country. It is very much a case of us all wanting the same things.

But at the same time employers need to have the confidence to take the necessary steps in order to boost performance.

As ever, we stand ready to play any role we can.

Chris Black President Leeds Chamber

Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College receives third consecutive ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating

Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College Sets the Standard in Yorkshire with Third Consecutive ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted Rating and Exceptional ‘Strong’ Skills Provision

Following an inspection in September 2024, Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College is immensely proud to announce that Ofsted has once again awarded the College ‘Outstanding’ status for all six key judgement areas. The report highlights the college’s commitment to academic excellence, personal development, and its inclusive Catholic ethos.

College Principal, Justine Barlow said, “We are immensely proud to share this outcome. This success reflects the dedication of our staff, the hard work of our students, and the distinctive ethos of Notre Dame. Our commitment remains to help every student reach their full potential, guiding them to become ‘the best that they can be’ and preparing them for bright and successful futures.”

In the updated Ofsted framework, Notre Dame were identified to make a ‘strong’ contribution to meeting skills needs. This is a high accolade; we are the first College in Yorkshire and Humberside and third sixth form college in the country to achieve this.

The college works closely with local employers and universities to ensure students gain valuable work-related experience. With Notre Dame’s effective engagement with stakeholders, “students develop the skills, habits and virtues that they need to thrive in life and work, becoming well-rounded individuals with a strong sense of citizenship”.

Recognised as a core contributor to the college achieving ‘strong’ for skills, the college’s focus on character development is also highlighted, with students valuing and participating in the “innovative” Stella Maris Leadership Award, developed by college leaders. This programme develops leadership skills, perseverance, and responsibility, “effectively preparing students for success in both their futures and life in modern Britain”.

The college is praised for its expert teaching staff who “blend the development of relevant skills seamlessly through their planning and approach”. They use a range of innovative methods to engage students and ensure they achieve excellent outcomes. Teachers are noted for their ability to tailor support to meet the needs of all students, including those with SEND.

Local housebuilder David Wilson Homes has worked with a local scout & explorer group in Burley in Wharfedale, near its Centurion Meadows and Imperial Court developments, to transform some disused space.

Burley Scouts & Explorers teamed up with David Wilson Homes to transform the open space at St Mary’s Church to create an allotment where the scouts & explorers will be able to grow fruits and vegetables. The produce grown will either be donated to foodbanks in the local area or made into chutneys and jams to be sold with proceeds going to charity.

Renovated campus facilities officially open after major refurb

An impressive £750k refurbishment project has transformed Leeds College of Building’s North Street Campus following an eight-week renovation programme.

Award-winning fit-out specialists Lodestone Projects managed the extensive summer works that rejuvenated the site and created contemporary and accessible facilities for construction students.

Building work took place over four floors, incorporating the transformation of the former library into a light and airy student enrichment area. The large open-plan space includes a gaming area, TV lounge, meeting room, Student Services office with service counter, fixed seating study area, and a high-level co-working bench. The ground floor work was part of the College’s broader strategy to boost accessibility. The enrichment area is now better located near the entrance.

Developer teams up with scouts & explorers

The area had become overgrown with weeds and rubbish which the scouts & explorers cleared out to create paths and added planting beds. The scout group reached out to the housebuilder for support following the developer’s volunteering at the local pétanque pitch within Grange Park.

David Wilson Homes donated the materials needed to make the project a reality. They were also able to apply their core objective for sustainability by relocating the soil that had been dug out for the Pétanque pitch to the Scouts to be used within their project.

Report reveals UKREiiF hits £5m social value milestone

The UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) has announced that £5 million in social value has been created by its events in just three years, with the findings detailed in a report by economists at social value organisation Loop.

Intended to connect people, places and businesses to accelerate and unlock sustainable, inclusive, and transformation investment across the country, UKREiiF brings together the public sector from every core UK city and region, alongside government, investors, funders, developers, contractors, housebuilders and more.

The event returned to Leeds for its third instalment, almost doubling its size from 2023, with 13,000 people descending on Leeds Dock across three days. Nathan Spencer, managing director at UKREiiF, said: “We are incredibly proud of the impact UKREiiF has made in such a short time.

Yorkshire property business celebrates 20 successful years

Leeds based developer, Wilton Developments, is celebrating 20 years of property development and investment which has delivered hundreds of millions of pounds of value into the north of England.

Owned by the George A. Moore family, Wilton Developments has, and continues, to bring forward many major regional projects and buildings, having already created the potential for 6,000 jobs generating £470m per annum into the regional economy.

The company is famed for industrial and logistics developments such as the Leeds Enterprise Zone at Connex 45 and Kinetic 45, Latitude Park at Castleford, and Enterprise 36, near Barnsley. The Leeds office team has managed investment at the BCO award winning 10 South Parade, 2 Bond Court, 16-17 Park Row, Gallery & Phoenix House and Hepper House, which was awarded a blue plaque.

YORK & NORTH YORKSHIRE NEWS

Showcasing business success

It is always important to shout about where we excel. And here in York, we have done just that. York Business Week was an unqualified success.

Organised by York St John University in conjunction with the Chamber and other trusted partners, the week-long programme of events showcased the best of what the city’s business community has to offer.

It was truly an inclusive week of event, looking at everything from marketing, data and digital, to parental leave, neurodiversity and female empowerment.

Above all, the week showed the support that York Business School and the wider university offers to local businesses and social enterprises, be it those who have only just started trading to well-established corporates.

One real highlight for me was when I, alongside chamber CEO James Mason and former professional footballer and sports agent Colin Gordon for an event dedicated to the Business of Football. At time of writing, York City FC were riding high near the top of the National League, meaning the event could not have taken place at a better time. Here’s hoping the Minstermen make it back where they belong in the spring and return to the Football League.

I wish to pay tribute to Dr Brendan Paddison, the interim dean of York Business School, for driving this one through.

It came after a few successful weeks for the Chamber. Members the Helmsley Group were successful in their bid to regenerate Coney Street in the city centre. The Chamber had lobbied for this job creating and wealth generating scheme to be given the go ahead and, ultimately, planning members at City of York Council saw the scale of the opportunity the plans would bring and backed them.

My congratulations to all involved.

Sarah Czarnecki President York & North Yorkshire Chamber

Startup programme supports stained glass studio launch

A stained glass studio has been supported in its early business stage by a startup programme, commissioned by City of York Council.

Since they first met several years ago while studying for their MAs in Stained Glass Conservation at the University of York, best friends Megan Barnett and Zoe Harrigan have been united by their love of this ancient and endangered craft.

After working on the freelance circuit for several years, the pair decided early this year to pool their resources and set up their own studio, formally registering in May this year as Woodside Stained Glass.

The company carry out conservation work, restoring panels of glass that can date back several centuries, as well as designing and producing new stained glass on commission. When registering for company status on the council’s website, Zoe found out about the free support from Momentic’s Start and Grow York programme, which has been commissioned through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to deliver tailormade support for start-ups and early-stage businesses in York.

As newcomers to setting up a business, Zoe and Megan faced some of the challenges common to many firsttime entrepreneurs and received advice from Steven on everything from the practicalities of getting formally registered as a business to developing their marketing and sales strategies and identifying initial priorities to focus on. With Steven’s advice, the pair felt more confident in making key business decisions, like opting to outsource finances to an accountant rather than handling everything themselves.

The pair also benefited from Momentic’s calendar of free webinars, which covered everything from bookkeeping and social media marketing to cash forecasting.

The business is looking into ways to help preserve their craft for future generations. Having already taken on two interns from the University of York over the summer, Megan and Zoe are hoping to explore working with apprentices as well as running public workshops and community engagement projects to help as many people as possible engage with stained glass.

Coding club to encourage the next generation

Drax is offering girls at Selby Community Primary School the perfect opportunity to grow their budding science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills with a brand-new coding club, helping students learn coding by creating and programming interactive projects.

Launched by the Drax Community and Education team at Drax Power Station, the club aims to promote STEM education among young girls – a key part of Drax’s long-term community engagement strategy.

Currently, only 29% of STEM professionals in the UK are women. Research from the Institution of Engineering

Data scientists create cutting-edge tool to verify image authenticity

York St John University-led research is essential in helping people to navigate the fine line between reality and fabrication. Data scientists at York St John University have announced the launch of a pioneering new tool to spot fake images.

Pixelator v2 uses a new combination of image veracity techniques with capability beyond what can be seen by the human eye. It can identify subtle differences in images with greater accuracy than traditional methods and has been shown to detect alternations as small as 1 pixel.

The tool was developed by York St John University’s Data Science academics, supported by colleagues from the University of Essex and software developers at Nosh Technologies. It aims to revolutionise the way we compare and analyse images for cybersecurity purposes.

and Technology (IET) shows the primary reason for gender disparity in the STEM workforce is that women are not encouraged to think about STEM careers in school. The students at the club will work on a number of tasks to encourage problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration, including a project to build a replica of Sparky, a Condition Based Maintenance ‘robodog’ from Boston Dynamics, used to autonomously inspect equipment at Drax Power Station. Students will be given the opportunity to do this with a Lego SPIKE set, which combines colourful Lego building blocks, easyto-use hardware and an intuitive drag-and-drop coding language.

York pupils screen their short films at international festival

Pupils from schools across York showcased their filmmaking talent as part of a special celebration at York’s international film festival, the BAFTAQualifying Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2024.

Now in its 14th year, the festival attracts audiences and filmmakers from across the world, developing the citywide Filmmaking in Schools project to nurture homegrown talent and strengthen York’s global status as a UNESCO City of Media Arts. The project was part-funded by City of York Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with support from Viridian FX and Aesthetica.

The Aesthetica team delivered 40 workshops across five schools, helping 75 young people to harness their creativity and explore subjects like History and English through filmmaking.

C-Kore Systems celebrates 900th subsea tool deployment in Brazil

C-Kore Systems is thrilled to announce the deployment of their 900th subsea testing tool! This significant milestone was reached with a mobilization for a major operator in Brazil, monitoring umbilical installations.

C-Kore’s subsea testing units have gained acceptance with operators and contractors for the cost-savings the tools provide, the reduction in offshore personnel required for testing, and the simplification of subsea operations.

Having worked on over 125 different subsea fields across more than 20 countries, C-Kore have amassed extensive knowledge in subsea testing. Their latest product, the new subsea optical TDR tool is rapidly becoming a favorite among customers, offering the unprecedented capability to test optical lines directly subsea, setting a new standard in the industry.

WEST & NORTH YORKSHIRE NEWS

Heart of power

It was a pleasure to host the Chancellor of the Exchequer at our offices late last year.

Rachel Reeves met with me and other senior members of the Chamber at the Leeds office of Schofield Sweeney.

We discussed various matters, including plans for growth, the Budget, issues in the care sector, manufacturing and international trade opportunities, infrastructure, regional connectivity, changes to the planning system and how Yorkshire can be a key catalyst for the wider economy.

Securing such a high-level meeting was a fantastic reminder of the reach and gravitas the Chamber has. We exist to serve our members and to be in a position where we can put their views and issues directly to the heart of power in this country.

Equally, it was good to hear directly from the Chancellor about the Government’s plans for growth.

Given how often we engage with both local and national government, it will come as no surprise to members that we often act as a critical friend, supporting policy ideas that chime with our aspirations and raising issues as and when we identify them.

It is a duty we do not take lightly, and one we enact with a huge amount of consideration.

Amanda Beresford Chair of the Board West & North Yorkshire Chamber

Back-to-back winners! Teesside wins leisure airport of the year for second year running

Teesside Airport has clinched the title of Best UK Airport for Leisure Travel for the second year in a row at a prestigious awards ceremony. The airport took home the prize once again at the British Travel Awards at a glittering ceremony in London on Tuesday night (19 November).

The public vote saw Teesside come out on top for the second year running ahead of East Midlands and Liverpool Airports. More than 1.2million votes were cast across all travel and leisure categories by more than 400,000 people.

The popular awards cover the whole holiday sector, with travel companies, cruise lines, travel agents, hotel brands, airlines and airports all in the race for honours. A new Ryanair holiday route unveiled to Malaga, the return of Dalaman flights with TUI, and the best summer passenger numbers for 15 years have marked another fine 12 months for Teesside.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “I’m delighted just how much impact our airport is making both here in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool and further afield. The industry is really standing up and taking notice of the huge strides we’re taking here – and 2025 promises to be another amazing year with Malaga claiming its rightful place back on our departure boards.

Phil Forster, Teesside International Airport Managing Director, said: “I’d once again like to say a massive thanks to all of our valued passengers who took the time to give us their backing for the second year in a row. We know people love flying from Teesside but to see it translate into this fantastic award once again is wonderful.

“We always want to give our passengers the very best whether they’re taking off for holidays, business, or basing their company here. This award is a testament to all our staff and the work they do – without them we wouldn’t be close to picking up silverware.

The award marks the end of another successful year at the airport – which has seen the most summer passengers through the terminal in 15 years and a return to profit for the first time since its return to public ownership.

World-class School of Sport in the spotlight

Academics and students from the Carnegie School of Sport were joined by double Olympic Champion Alistair Brownlee, Leeds Rhinos and Leeds Well School Partnership to showcase the impact the university and its partnerships have on sport and health outcomes –from grassroots to global elite.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “I was blown away by the facilities and expertise at the Carnegie School of Sport. From helping young people to develop physical literacy to pioneering research and innovation, Leeds Beckett University is an inspiration.

Society named as best savings provider

Yorkshire Building Society has been named the Which? Recommended savings provider for 2024.

The mutual was given the title for combining excellent customer satisfaction with market-leading accounts and rates. Last year Yorkshire Building Society paid its savings members £441m in additional interest, which provided interest rates 1.01% above the market average.

The Which? Recommended Provider endorsement involves reviewing a number of factors including market research, detailed customer surveys, robust analysis of policies, pricing and terms and conditions. Only brands which meet or exceed their benchmark score are given the status of Which? Recommended Provider.

Chris Irwin, director of savings at Yorkshire Building Society said: “We are delighted to receive this recognition.”

“I’m encouraged by their ambition to supercharge excellence and access to sport, as we work to build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”

The visit introduced the Mayor to some of the research and knowledge exchange projects underway at Leeds Beckett University, where the focus is on working with people, communities and organisations to make a positive difference. Opened in 2022, the state-of-the-art building housing the Carnegie School of Sport is an asset to the City and Region as it is an integrated hub for sport and health.

Leeds Rhinos Foundation welcomes Amazon donation

The Amazon fulfilment centre in Leeds has donated £5,000 to Leeds Rhinos Foundation. a charity that encourages people in Leeds to get involved in community sports.

The donation from Amazon, which marked the recent opening of the state-of-the-art fulfilment centre, will allow more children to access sporting and physical activity opportunities, especially girls and young people from minority ethnic backgrounds.

Shiona Rolfe, General Manager at Amazon in Leeds, said: “We’re proud to support Leeds Rhinos Foundation, a charity that impacts so many people in our community. We hope this donation makes a difference and helps the charity as it continues to bring people together through sport.”

Together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon has raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people across the UK.

Bradford College celebrates success at graduation 2024

Higher Education students at Bradford College celebrated their hard work and academic achievement when they graduated at a special ceremony at Bradford’s ‘LIFE Centre’.

The day was split across two special ceremonies as the latest College graduates donned their cap and gowns in front of family, friends, and VIP guests.

Speaking to a packed audience, Chris Webb (Principal & CEO) opened proceedings, saying: “I am proud to be part of the exceptional team leading Bradford College and equally proud of all your successes. It is no easy feat to achieve a higher-level qualification, and you should all be very proud.

As well as degrees and Honorary Fellowships, the day’s schedule included special awards to recognise exceptional achievements of specific graduates.

Wonderful collaboration Culture and commerce combine

Alice’s Christmas Wonderland at Castle Howard

Castle Howard recently opened their jaw-dropping Christmas extravaganza. The iconic North Yorkshire stately home was transformed into Wonderland, until 5th January

Having opened their 2024 Christmas event back in November, the 300-yearold House became an immersive Christmas experience, dressed in set pieces, decorations, floristry, projections, lighting and sound, set to delight tens of thousands of visitors over a 7-week period.

The centrepiece of the experience was a 27-foot Christmas tree in Castle Howard’s Great Hall, installed by a team of 22 using a specialist winch system. The Great Hall is the crowning masterpiece of architect Sir John Vanbrugh’s design presenting Castle Howard with its unique domed silhouette – completed with suitable

theatricality by the grand tree decorated with thousands of ‘looking glass’ inspired decorations as part of the Wonderland theme.

The Alice’s Christmas Wonderland creative team CLW Event Design, headed up by Charlotte Lloyd Webber and Adrian Lillie, have worked on the project since January, with the set pieces fabricated and built on the Castle Howard Estate. The installation process in the House takes two weeks to complete. Circa 30,000 baubles were on display, with the creative team reusing and recycling products where possible and favouring sustainable materials like paper and glass.

Northern theatre company imitating the dog provided the projections and soundscapes, with the content filmed in Leeds. Unique musical compositions accompanied each room in the House, alongside voiceover and poetry. Hon. Nicholas Howard could be heard as part of the soundscape, welcoming visitors with a recitation of Lewis Carroll’s poem ‘All in the golden afternoon’, which prefaces the Alice in Wonderland story.

Castle Howard offered an expanded series of accessible events to open the experience to even more people, including British Sign Language interpreted guided tours and Calm Sessions. Castle Howard’s 2024 Access Partner is LNER who kindly made the accessible performances and sessions possible with their financial support.

North York Moors National Park also supported Castle Howard’s access offer by funding Touch Boxes –sensory boxes of props and materials for anyone who would benefit available in the House.

Bettys first pop-up shop

Castle Howard hosted a pop-up Bettys shop in their historic Stable Courtyard for the duration of their Christmas event. Celebrated internationally, Bettys is known for mouthwatering confectionery, chocolates, teas and coffees.

This collaboration was a first for Bettys who has never before created a popup shop. The Bettys pop-up shop, alongside Castle Howard’s Farm Shop with Christmas food-to-order service, Courtyard Café with seasonal winter menu, Garden Centre selling Britishgrown Christmas trees, and hot chocolate trailer and marshmallow fire pit, was open for Christmas Shoppers with evening openings in December.

Castle Howard Visitor Attraction Director, Abbigail Ollive, said: ‘We are thrilled to launch Christmas at Castle Howard for 2024. So many of our visitors come back every year for a special festive day out with their family,

and we have pulled out all the stops this year to make Alice’s Christmas Wonderland our most magical yet.

The incredible creative teams, CLW Event Design and imitating the dog, have done an amazing job bringing the installations to life, with the support of the Castle Howard staff and volunteers who have worked so hard to transform the House into Wonderland. We hope the extra festive surprises, like the beautiful Bettys pop-up shop, Mad Hatter-hosted Afternoon Teas, and the bespoke soundscapes, will delight everyone who passes through our doors to deliver a truly unique and magical day out. Finally, we are so grateful to our fantastic sponsors, LNER and North York Moors National Park, who have supported our access shows and performances this year, helping us make our events more inclusive and welcoming.’

event, on top of their year-round staff. They were also supported by an invaluable team of 200 volunteers.

Christmas at Castle Howard previously starred in documentary programmes on Channel 4. Castle Howard Through the Seasons, a four-part docuseries, was released in November 2022, and one-off Christmas at Castle Howard was released in November 2021.

Castle Howard employed an additional 130 Christmas staff from the local area to facilitate their Christmas

A cultured approach to brand & identity

Award-winning design agency Buttercrumble continues to support North Yorkshire Council’s cultural institutions with their branding to increase attention, visibility and footfall.

For the past 5 years, Chamber member Buttercrumble has been working with galleries and museums in North Yorkshire, including Harrogate’s Mercer Gallery, the Royal Pump Room Museum, and Knaresborough Castle. Throughout a host of challenges from COVID as well as changes in the Council’s structure, the partnerships have demonstrated resilience and perseverance to update the cultural institutions’ brand identities for new audiences.

Buttercrumble has updated the branding and signage at all three venues, effectively aiding accessibility — especially at the Mercer Gallery, where they’ve seen increased traffic with those using the accessible entrance.

The team has been delighted by the Gallery’s positive feedback: “We have loved working with [Buttercrumble] again and appreciate the creativity you have brought to this project”.

As cultural institutions increasingly compete for visitors and their attention, refreshing their branding and creating a strong identity is one of the most poignant ways for them to stay relevant with their audiences. Buttercrumble co-founders Abigail and Chloe Baldwin know a thing or two about branding, having recently become published authors of The Brand Power Manifesto, released in the UK in May and in the US this past October. The book can be found at reputable retailers including Waterstone’s and WH Smith in the UK, including big-name retailers Barnes and Noble and Target in the US.

Buttercrumble is a creative design studio, established by twin sisters Abigail and Chloe Baldwin. With a focus on delivering inclusive branding, graphics and illustrations that educate and connect the young and the young-at-heart, they have collaborated with high-profile brands including Mamas and Papas and Santander. They were shortlisted in the “100 Female Entrepreneurs to Watch” list by The Telegraph and NatWest.

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English Heritage is the country’s national heritage charity, caring for over 400 historic sites, along with over a million objects – which together, tell the story of our past.

This year, English Heritage has partnered with West & North Yorkshire Chamber to bring Chamber members closer to some of the fantastic sites across Yorkshire. These opportunities have offered a chance to get up close and personal with our work, highlighting why safeguarding our heritage matters.

Million and More Appeal

We are committed to sharing the colourful and diverse stories of England with everyone. Heritage lives in places and people, memories and stories, artefacts and traditions. It can connect us all to the past, and to each other. Everybody should be able to enjoy the benefits it brings.

However, preserving these stories is a monumental task. Caring for our collection of over one million objects costs more than £600,000 annually. That’s why we’ve launched the Million and More Appeal – to ensure these stories can be uncovered and celebrated for generations to come.

Save our Stories

Our collection stores across the country, including the Helmsley store in York, house a treasure trove of historical objects, each with its own story to tell. In 1911, archaeologists made a monumental discovery of a hoard of Roman glass at Corbridge. With modern techniques, our experts can now uncover insights into Roman life and influence how we view history.

We are passionate about sharing these treasures with the public and welcoming visitors to our stores. From young learners on school trips to historians wanting to uncover more about our past, we aspire to make these experiences even more accessible, opening the door for more people to delight in England’s stories.

Corporate support

Corporate support is vital to the success of our mission. By supporting our Million and More Appeal, your company could:

• Help conserve over one million objects that tell England’s story

• Enable greater public access to our collections

• Support ground-breaking research that uncovers new stories

Supporting our appeal doesn’t just make a difference – it offers valuable benefits for your company:

• Advance your social value objectives

• Enhance public recognition and brand visibility

• Boost employee engagement

Contact us at corporatepartnerships@english-heritage.org.uk

For more information on the Million and More Appeal and to donate, visit our webpage or scan the QR code: english-heritage.org.uk/million-and-more-appeal-partnerships/ We’re eager to work with businesses that share our vision.

Commerce & Culture

The Chamber calls on the business community to help preserve our heritage

Strengthening global ties

How York-Nanjing partnerships drive commercial and cultural gains

Forging meaningful relationships with cities abroad offers tangible commercial and cultural benefits for local businesses, creating pathways for growth and innovation that enrich both communities.

Dr. Deneal Smith, Head of Bootham School in York, recently travelled to York’s sister city, Nanjing, a thriving Chinese hub of over 9 million residents, to foster educational and cultural partnerships.

Jenny Dinning, Head of External Relations at Bootham School, writes about how international links can serve as a springboard for new opportunities, connecting local businesses with global markets and strengthening York’s position as an attractive partner on the world stage.

York, with its historic charm, and Nanjing, an ancient city brimming with culture and modern energy, share more than meets the eye. Both cities have city walls and

centuries-old legacies in trade and commerce, yet Nanjing’s vast scale brings a fresh perspective on growth and potential.

With a population exceeding 9 million, Nanjing dwarfs York’s 200,000 residents, showcasing the scale and economic dynamism of this vibrant Chinese city compared to York’s more intimate community.

By establishing stronger ties, York and Nanjing can set the stage for joint ventures that can stimulate business and investment across sectors. When a business or institution from York engages with a dynamic city like Nanjing, it gains insights into one of the world’s largest and fastestgrowing markets—opening doors that lead to new audiences, unique partnerships, and invaluable crosscultural knowledge.

Educational exchanges, like the potential student programmes between Bootham School and Nanjing, play a foundational role in fostering this cultural and commercial growth. Not only do these programmes build

cultural awareness and adaptability in young people—the future workforce—but they also strengthen bonds that can later facilitate trade, tourism, and collaborative projects.

International students contribute significantly to the Yorkshire economy, with the region benefiting from over £2.9 billion annually, as highlighted by recent research by the Universities UK International and the Higher Education Policy Institute. Whilst equivalent figures are not available for independent schools, schools such as Bootham, attract international students, helping to maintain and expand these economic contributions. Expanding connections with international students through exchanges, like the one Bootham School is exploring, further enhances opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment, creating lasting benefits for the local economy.

This cultural and commercial exchange, especially with major global cities like Nanjing, builds bridges that can result in significant business growth and regional prosperity

For all local businesses in North and West Yorkshire regions, the commercial benefits of strengthening ties with cities like Nanjing are clear. By engaging with a major city in China, businesses and educational establishments can access new markets and establish relationships with potential partners. Such partnerships also lay the groundwork for bilateral trade missions, creating an appealing entry point for Yorkshire businesses looking to explore Asia and further diversify their offerings.

As York and Nanjing continue to explore opportunities for collaboration, the economic and cultural benefits become increasingly clear. By forging stronger international connections, York’s business community can tap into a vast new network, expand their reach, and secure a stronger foothold in an interconnected world.

Strengthening ties with a major global city like Nanjing not only honours York’s heritage but positions it as a forwardthinking, globally minded region ready to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

Chamber hosts the Chancellor of the Exchequer

West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce hosted the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves in Leeds.

Ms Reeves met with members of the Chamber at the offices of Yorkshire law firm Schofield Sweeney, which a range of matters were discussed, including plans for growth, the budget, issues in the care sector, manufacturing and international trade opportunities, infrastructure, regional connectivity, changes to the planning system and how Yorkshire can be a key catalyst for the wider economy.

Around the table was Victoria Wainwright from Azets, Adam Brickell from Flutter, Leeds vice president Aqila

Choudhry from Love in Care, Amanda Beresford from Schofield Sweeney and Leeds president Chris Black from Sound Leisure, as well as Chamber CEO James Mason and head of policy Mark Casci.

James said: “It was a pleasure to host the Chancellor.

“The West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce exists to work alongside the private and public sector and the wide-ranging discussion was a fruitful one.”

Roundtable discussions

The Chamber was invited to contribute to a roundtable event organised by executive members Turner & Townsend and The Yorkshire Post.

Head of policy Mark Casci spoke alongside Turner & Townsend chief executive Mick Grace, as well as Kersten England, the chair of the Bradford Culture Company, Steve Mawson, chief executive of Kirklees Council and Paul Mont, deputy agent at the Bank of England.

Mark ran through a number of areas, including green energy, infrastructure and the region’s identity.

The event was held at the Double Tree Hilton Hotel in Leeds.

BRITISH CHAMBERS

Your Chamber leads the way

West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce was confirmed as one of the leading Chambers in the UK at the association's annual ceremony in London.

With 52 accredited British Chambers of Commerce in the UK and a further 80 across the world, the West and North Yorkshire Chamber has been recognised within the top five for its innovation, breadth of services, business support, membership retention, partnerships, digital marketing events and international services.

Our colleagues at Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce took the coveted top prize at The Phoenix venue in London.

James Mason, Chief Executive of the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of

Commerce said, "We congratulate our colleagues in Northern Ireland and plan to meet them in the coming weeks to look how we can continually improve.

“It's wonderful to be recognised in this way and I'd like to place on record our thanks to all the Chamber team, our Board and members for their hard work over the last 12 months.

“They deserve the recognition that comes with this accolade and should be rightly proud. It is an honour to

represent our part of the world regionally, nationally and globally.

“The businesses we work on behalf of are the real winners."

The nomination included details about West & North Yorkshire Chamber’s hugely successful trade mission to New York City in May, which shone a spotlight on the volume and quality of business connections between Yorkshire and the United States and led to some very successful transactions and connections being formed between the two regions.

Media buzz on the budget

The Budget speech saw West & North Yorkshire Chamber attract widespread media attention.

Reaction to Rachel Reeves’s first Budget was mixed from businesses who found themselves saddled with additional taxes and a hike in the minimum wage.

Leeds leadership Group member and consultant Warwick Andrews was quoted in The Times the Saturday before the speech while BAME committee and Bradford Chamber leadership group member Saleem Kadar was interviewed live on the BBC news channel. Elsewhere, Chamber CEO James Mason was interviewed on Channel 5 news and head of policy Mark Casci appeared live on the lunchtime edition of BBC Look North.

The Chamber’s reaction was also recorded extensively in local media’s coverage of the Budget.

A reminder of the large media footprint that the Chamber has access to.

Developing influence

West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce chalked up a significant win following the news that plans to redevelop York’s iconic Coney Street have been given the go ahead.

Planning committee members at City of York Council gave Chamber members Helmsley Group the green light to enact its ambitious plans to regenerate 250,000 sq ft of Coney Street’s retail, leisure, commercial and residential spaces - including the creation of a riverside walkway and student accommodation.

West & North Yorkshire Chamber

lobbied and campaigned extensively to get Helmsley Group’s application approved.

The development will breathe new life into the historic street, with the introduction of boutique, independent retail experiences to the street as well as bringing Coney Street and the River Ouse together to create a fantastic waterfront experience.

In so doing, the riverfront will become accessible to all of York’s citizens and visitors, with the newly created riverfront having the potential to stage outdoor performance and music concerts.

Independent analysis from chartered surveyors and planers Aspinall Verdi, alongside economic development

consultants Kada Research published in March this year said the plan would deliver £175m in economic benefits to York over the next 15 years, meaning for every £1 invested, £3.93 would be generated for the city.

Sarah Czarnecki, president of York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “This move will be a game changer for York.

“Coney Street is now set to deliver a retail and leisure experience to rival any destination in Britain.

“Congratulations to Helmsley Group on its ambitious plans and to City of York Council for its foresight and prudence in approving this application.”

Planning for change

Policy executive Will Evans-Jones was a late replacement at a panel event at the New Stateman’s annual Regional Development Conference 2024 in Manchester.

The conference focusses on development and investment and gave delegates the chance to hear from leaders in policymaking and industry about the future of regional development and network with influential guests.

Will appeared alongside the New Statesman’s Megan Kenyan. DBT & incoming Leeds City Council CEO Ed Whiting, Centre for Local Economic Strategies’ Sarah Longlands, Centre for Cities analyst Maurice Lange, the CBI’s Mark Goldstone, Lloyds Banking Group’s Gary Cooke and Clarion Housing Group’s Danny Thorpe.

Will said: “As part of the Conference, I was asked to take part in a roundtable event to discuss investment. I was joined by representatives from prolific policy, business service, skills and housing organisations to converse how regions can best achieve growth and investment.

“There were various questions raised in the 1h 15 meeting, which included how important strong local authorities need to be, in relation to regional investment and how vital the planning system is to increasing productivity, regional growth and achieving net zero ambitions.”

Talking about regeneration

Regeneration was the central theme of the latest Bradford Property & Economic Forum.

Held at The Light cinema, its central focus was on how culture can help drive regeneration across the city and wider district.

We heard from a selection of guest speakers including Matthew Dakin from Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, Yaseen Mohammed from Y Property Ltd and both Angela Blake and Jamie Saunders from Bradford Council

An insightful forum, outlining the latest on city centre development work & the ambitions of building on the legacy of BD25.

The event was hosted by our forum chair Matt Rudman.

The past meets the future

It was standing room only at the last Leeds Chamber of Commerce Property and Economic Forum event. Held at the offices of JLL in Leeds city centre, the event was used to honour Martin Farrington, who stepped down from Leeds City Council after 30 years. Former Leeds Chamber President Gerald Jennings asked him about his highs and lows during his storied career. Next up was JLL’s Tom McWilliams who presented some economic forecasting on Leeds’s prospects for the future. Finally, Leeds City Council’s Angela Barnicle and Adam Brannen ran though the city’s strengths and challenges over the coming months and years.

A sell out event that saw business and civic leaders reflect on past achievements and future opportunities. Thanks to JLL for hosting and to our property and economic forum chair Lisa Littlefair for pulling together.

Scarborough investment welcomed

York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce welcomed news that Schneider Electric is investing £42 million into a new manufacturing facility in Scarborough.

Schneider specialises in digital transformation of energy management is to create more than 200 jobs with its investment, being made to keep pace with increased demand for electrical equipment.

Schneider aims to make the facility a net zero site, with 30 per cent of the facility’s energy will be produced by a solar energy system, with solar panels covering half of the roof.

Sarah Czarnecki, president of York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is precisely the kind of investment that North Yorkshire needs, and I congratulate Schneider on choosing Scarborough for this facility.

“The job creation and sustainability targets will make a real difference to Scarborough.

“The investment showcases what North Yorkshire has to offer, and I hope this is but the start of increased inward investment into our great region.”

Meeting the Mayor

York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce secured a significant coup in welcoming the new mayor for York and North Yorkshire David Skaith to its leadership group meeting.

In his first meeting with an employer representative body since being elected in May, Mr Skaith updated members on his administration’s plan for economic growth, as well as taking questions from the room.

Mr Skaith later wrote on LinkedIn: “It was a pleasure to attend the York and North Yorkshire Leadership Group, hosted by the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.”

This year saw a massively expanded programme of events to try and bring young people and manufacturers together.

Run by West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and SkillsHouse, Bradford Manufacturing Weeks brings manufacturers, schools and young people together through tours, work experience, seminars, exhibitions and learning events held at manufacturer premises and key locations across the district.

Proceedings got underway with an Employer and Apprentice panel at Keighley College, with a follow up event being held the following week. This was followed up by a Net Zero Dragon’s Den event at the University of Bradford’s STEM centre, sponsored by Northern Gas Networks, Bechtle and Yorkshire Water.

An Apprenticeship Panel held at New College. Kam Dhillon (Mansfield Pollard) and Calvin Bowers (APPRIS Apprenticeship Training) hosted a diverse panel of manufacturing industry apprentices.

Next up was an Amey Challenge Cup at the University of Bradford on October 16, aimed at young women in years 8 and 9. Women in Manufacturing was the theme of the next event, held at Bronte Girls Academy, with contributions from Azets, Solenis, Christeyns, Mansfield Pollard and the University of Bradford.

Go Kart building events were held at the University of Bradford and Byworth Boilers followed by an inspiring young women event at Mansfield Pollard.

Finally, Produmax hosted a leaders in Advanced Manufacturing and aerospace engineering event.

Mark Cowgill, president of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, said: “Bradford has one of the finest manufacturing sectors in the country and Bradford Manufacturing Weeks has done so much good work in giving it new blood.

“Manufacturing can give you a well-paid, secure and incredibly interesting career that can take your work across the planet.”

A spokesperson added: “Since its inception in 2018 Bradford Manufacturing Weeks has gained real traction and is now very much an important part of the school year for many.

“Your involvement secures a strong relationship between the manufacturing industry and the future workforce coming through the education system. By offering your support, you can help guide students into a specific line of work, educating them on the various career path options available and the skills required to do certain jobs within the industry. Who better to provide information and create discussions with the next generation!

“Administered by Bradford Chamber of Commerce and the Bradford & Airedale Manufacturing Alliance for the past six years, Bradford Manufacturing Weeks has connected 15,000 students in the region to the manufacturing sector, helping to launch many a career in the sector.

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Q&A with ATM Events Group Managing Director, Paul Wild

What year did you start ATM Events?

We started ATM Events in 2001 and our first job was assisting JCT600 in finding a venue for a car launch.

How was ATM Events born?

I had been doing quite a bit of event volunteering during my time working at Bradford City, as well as managing events for a company in London that had contracts with the F1, Cricket, Football and Rugby League. I really enjoyed this work and in 2001 decided to take the plunge to form ATM Events!

What was your mission when starting the company?

Starting the company came from my love for delivering events. The aim was to be able to fully manage events that were exciting and creative whilst giving guests in attendance a WOW factor.

Can you share more about ATM Hospitality and how it became part of the group?

It was never my aim to create a company that supplied hospitality packages but. In 2017 my daughter Francesca joined the company and has helped grow the hospitality company into a multi million pound turnover, with clients from all over the World. She now heads up and runs our hospitality company which makes me a very proud Dad!

ATM Hospitality is now the company that produces the biggest turnover and provides hospitality and ticket packages to any type of event but mainly within the Sporting and concert industries. We provide official packages from Premiership Football, Wimbledon Tennis, as well as giving clients an unbelievable experience in the Paddock club at all F1 races around the World.

What led to the expansion into Europe with ATM Germany?

By complete chance In 2006 we took on a German Student called Florian Steur from Stuttgart for a 6 month internship. We initially wanted him to help with our trips to Germany for the Football World Cup that year, however he was so great that we offered him a full time position. Some 18 years later Florian is now our Managing Director of ATM Events Germany.

What led to you becoming one of the Owners and Directors of the Bradford Bulls?

I have been a supporter of the club for 50 years and just love the club as it’s given me and my family so many great times over the years. I just felt that the time was right for me to put something back to the club and along with so many other fantastic people at the club our aim is to get the Bulls back into Super League.

Hear from one of our brand ambassadors:

Katy Marchant

“Being

a brand ambassador for ATM Hospitality is an exciting opportunity. As someone who has dedicated their life to sports, I know firsthand the power of live experiences. ATM’s approach to making premium experiences accessible to all fans is unmatched, and I am excited to be part of a movement that will bring fans closer to the events they love.”

Chamber opens new vistas

When I joined the WNY Chamber of Commerce, I had no idea where it would lead. I didn’t expect that within a few short months, I would be travelling around the world to receive personal introductions to the C-suites of some of the most exciting cybersecurity enterprises in Australia, to government officials and to investors of many kinds.

Now that I have returned after a whirlwind of quick-fire pitching, I can finally start to reflect on what has been a breathtaking opportunity for myself and for my business, Envista Consulting.

Less than two weeks after becoming a member, I was introduced by the Chamber to an Innovate UK Business Growth initiative called the Global Business Innovation Programme (GBIP). Innovate UK is the British innovation agency and, earlier this year, they decided to take a handful of promising British cybersecurity startups to Australia to explore the market over there. When I was selected, I only knew that I would be attending the Australian Cybersecurity Conference but the reality was so much more than that.

The team from Innovate UK Business Growth were fantastic. From early engagement, where they reached out to understand my go-to-market strategy and who I wanted to meet while I was in Australia, to making an introduction to a branding consultant who helped me identify my unique proposition for the pitch, they took a very active interest in getting my business in shape for serving global opportunities. So within three

months of appearing on each other’s radar, and hours after the first Yorkshire snows of 2024, I finally joined with the eight other cybersecurity entrepreneurs and the Innovate UK Business Growth team to fly over to Australia.

The first thing that struck me upon my arrival was the importance of preparation. I had spent several weeks researching local professional associations and channel partners, local legislation and government strategies as well as the geographies of the regions that we were visiting. This put me in good stead because within two hours of getting off a 20 hour flight into the blistering Western Australian heat I was straight into my first two back-to-back meetings with prospective partners in the region.

The following day, we were already on the move again, making our way to Melbourne which was undoubtably the main event. Over four days, we met with representatives of the Invest Victoria committee, connected with a parallel DBT mission, visited several local Universities and attended three days of the annual cybersecurity conference as a sponsor which led to our group collecting over 2,000 business leads. We finished the week

with a visit to the Australian capital territory in Canberra where we met with the Australian cyberambassador, representatives of the intelligence services and our counterparts in the local start-up scene.

It is hard to understate the frenetic energy of a delegation like this. It was not unusual for us to be pitching ten times an hour to a remarkable variety of prospects, while also navigating the sun, sea and scenery of beautiful Australia. For the final two days, we descended on the Ultimo district of Sydney where we toured the University of Technology, a prestigious national innovation centre called Data61 and finished off the day drinking beers on a roof garden with the executive team of Sekuro, one of the most exciting cybersecurity startups in Australia today.

Although the entire trip lasted for less than two weeks, I learned so much about myself and my business, and the number and quality of leads that I found promise to have a hugely transformative effect in the years to come. I will always be immensely grateful for this opportunity.

Innovate UK Business Growth is one of key parts of the UK innovation agency’s deep investment in the pioneering businesses that drive economic growth.

The West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce is one of the 21 delivery partners of Innovate UK Business Growth.

The Global Business Innovation Programme (GBIP) supports innovative SMEs to collaborate and explore global markets, as such accelerating their business growth.

My role as a Senior Innovation & Growth Specialist is to work one to one with innovation driven businesses to identify growth potential, fully capitalise on the commercialisation of their innovation, secure funding, connect with collaborators and explore new markets.

Connect with our innovation specialists. E: innovation@wnychamber.co.uk

China visit shines light on export opportunities

British businesses of all sizes are likely to see increased opportunities in 2025, says Chamber International senior associate Matthew Grandage, who has been visiting three of China’s provinces.

The trip included a number of important business events, as well as extended time with two companies: one a wholly UK-owned enterprise, and the other a delivery partner for another UK business.

In the city of Zaozhuang, Shandong province, a two-day dialogue on 21-22 November brought representatives of UK industrial companies together with potential local customers, suppliers and partners, primarily from the chemical and manufacturing engineering sectors. Participants included major players such as Johnson Matthey and WanHua Chemical, as well as SME manufacturers such as Crowcon, Renishaw, and LMK Thermosafe. Organised by the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Shandong provincial government, the carefully-targeted nature of this event ensured that the opportunity for companies to meet suitable partners was real.

In Chengdu, Sichuan province, the new heads of the China Britain Business Council (CBBC) – chair Sir Sherrard Cowper-Coles and CEO Peter Burnett – were the special guests of honour at a roundtable discussion hosted by British Chamber of Commerce Southwest China on 18 November. Around 20 Chamber member businesses – including HSBC, Smith & Nephew, Akzo Nobel and Sigma Precision Components - took part in lively discussion, sharing news about developments and plans, as well as some of the challenges they face in China’s rapidly changing market.

Sir Sherrard spoke candidly about the potential impact of a second Trump presidency on UK-China trade, and about positive changes that have happened during the last six months in relations between the British and Chinese governments, that should lead to improved market access and opportunities for UK business.

A few days earlier, Chengdu was also the location for an event hosted by the EU SME Centre, another well-

respected and long-established source of information for companies doing business with China.

“Though China’s growth has slowed significantly in recent years, it still outstrips most major economies. Inbound investment, especially from the US, has also slowed greatly – the fact that some large western law firms have reduced or closed their in-China operations is a symptom of this development”, said Matthew.

“However, western businesses are still entering China successfully, through exporting and other means of expansion. It’s by no means certain to happen, but if Trump follows through on his commitment to hit all imports from China with 60 percent tariffs, Britain will be well-placed to benefit as China looks for alternative partnerships and suppliers. If UK-China relations are thawing under the current government, and it appears that they may well be, then that could be happening at a very helpful time for British business.”

Chamber International assists a wide range of businesses with exporting to, and importing from, China – including those that are new to the market there. Contact us for advice and practical assistance.

FedEx to double flights at Teesside International Airport

FedEx will double its flight capacity at Teesside International Airport (TIA), by increasing its number of flights to two per day, the company has announced.

In June this year, TIA welcomed its first flight under a new five-year deal with FedEx, the world’s largest express transportation company. As part of this agreement, FedEx established an airfreight handling facility and recommitted to its existing road operation at the site.

The planned increase represents a massive coup for the airport and the region. FedEx’s operations alone are currently providing capacity for 89 tonnes of cargo to be transported through the airport each week – this is set to double, to nearly 190 tonnes per week.

A group of top business leaders from the region, including West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce CEO James Mason, were invited to a special event at the airport on 21 November, showcasing the airport’s services for importers and exporters.

TIA is the UK’s most centrally-located cargo hub, covering almost 95% of England, Wales and Scotland in six hours by road. It is estimated that there are 71,000 businesses within an hour’s drive of the airport that could benefit from FedEx’s expansion.

2024 has been a particularly successful year for the airport, following on from being named UK and Irish Airport of the Year at the TTG Travel Industry Awards in 2023.

In a further show of commitment, in October TIA appointed air cargo stalwart and consultant Steven Verhasselt to lead business development and implement strategy, as it looks to expand its airfreight operation.

Export Training Academy returns for fifth season

Chamber International’s Excellence Academy will welcome a fifth cohort of delegates in the spring, and bookings are being received already.

Taking place on six mornings spread across two months, the Academy is a very different kind of practical export training programme for international trade professionals. Launched in September 2022 to strengthen the skills of British exporters, it teaches proficiency in practical aspects of exporting, enabling delegates to adapt to the challenges posed by today’s international trade environment. It is accredited by British Chambers of Commerce, and run by Chamber International in partnership with Germany-based training and assessment provider Fidelitas Training.

This time, participation in this popular training program will be limited to

just eight people, in order to ensure even closer professional mentoring throughout – both inside and outside the class.

The Academy will start on 12 February and conclude on 27 March.

To-date, 28 export practitioners from a wide range of businesses, including Aerovac, Verder Scientific, and custom furniture maker NaughtOne, have successfully graduated from the Academy and seen it transform the way they export - reducing costs and improving compliance.

“The fact that we are now being asked to run the Excellence Academy for a fifth time in just three years shows what a demand there is among

exporters for this kind of long-form training. The format enables the trainers to understand even more deeply the unique challenges that each participant company faces, and the mentoring arrangement give the participants the support they need in order to bring about real change in their work places. It has the power to make businesses into examples of best practice, in the field of exporting”, says CI’s Trade Procedures Manager Sam Paley. “I am looking forward to seeing the makeup of the next cohort, because it’s different each time – though our trainers are the same, the combination of people and businesses makes every Excellence Academy unique”.

Chamber International welcomes business administration apprentice

Chamber International is proud to welcome a new member to the team - Ezra Gallagher. Ezra completed his A-levels this summer at Ermysted’s Grammar School in Skipton, and is now doing a fifteen-month business administration apprenticeship at CI’s head office in Bradford.

Ezra’s professional mentor is CI’s trade procedures manager Sam Paley. Sam is responsible for coordinating the on-the-job training for Ezra, and ensuring his continued professional development. The apprenticeship is overseen by VQ Solutions.

This arrangement enables Ezra to undertake lots of training in the practical aspects of international trade, as well as more general learning for working in a business administration role.

Thanks to CI, he is already working towards becoming a British Chambers of Commerce authorised signatory for certification procedures and export documents, and is now booked onto the final assessment course, to take place in March 2025.

Sam said, “Ezra is making good progress and gaining lots of practical experience too. It’s a pleasure to have him as part of our team”.

Having studied German, Geography and Economics at A-level, Ezra was looking forward to working in an international business environment – but life in the CI office has been even more international than he expected. Not only does CI enable businesses to trade effectively and profitably with suppliers and customers all over the world, he also works alongside experienced team members from Brazil, Colombia, the Netherlands and Romania.

“Working here is much more varied than I expected” he said, “and it was a surprise to discover how big the Chamber of Commerce is. It’s hard work, because the office is so busy, but I like that there are new things happening every day.”

Move in, grow out

A tale of two tenants at Bradford Chamber Business Park

A decade of growth

As we celebrate 10 years of being part of the Bradford Chambers community, it’s incredible to reflect on the journey that has shaped Serious Accident Lawyers into what it is today. Specializing in catastrophic injuries, our firm has always been dedicated to providing expert legal support to those facing lifechanging injuries, and being based at this business park has played a key role in helping us deliver on that commitment.

One of the major advantages of being at Bradford Chamber Business Park has been the strategic location. Nestled in a hub of dynamic businesses, the park has provided us with convenient access to clients, partners, and resources. The modern infrastructure, ample parking, and proximity to major transport links have not only made it easier for our clients to reach us but have also allowed us to run our operations smoothly and efficiently.

The collaborative environment at Bradford Chambers has also contributed significantly to our firm’s growth. Being a tenant here has opened doors to invaluable networking opportunities. The support from the Chamber of Commerce staff has been exceptional—they’ve provided guidance and connections that have helped us establish key relationships within the legal and business communities. Additionally, the business park's events and professional development opportunities have kept us ahead in our field, always learning and growing.

Looking forward, we are excited about the future. As we celebrate our anniversary, our goal remains to expand our services and continue advocating for those affected by catastrophic injuries. We aim to enhance our client outreach and explore innovative approaches to legal representation. We’re grateful to be part of the Bradford Chambers community and look forward to many more successful years ahead.

By Saj Abbas, Serious Accident Lawyers.

Celebrating 17 years

Seventeen years ago, Yorkshire Learning Providers set up home at Bradford Chamber Business Park, a decision that has been integral to our success. Over nearly two decades, we’ve benefited not only from the facilities but also from the outstanding support and sense of community that makes this space so unique.

The building managers—Tom, Fiona, and Sheila— have been truly exceptional. Whether helping us book meeting rooms, providing essential resources like printing, office supplies, or even milk, they’ve always been welcoming and ready to assist. Their hospitality extended to warmly greeting guests and visitors, ensuring a professional and friendly impression of our office. The lively and diverse mix of companies in the park has provided opportunities to collaborate and socialise.

The staff at the Business Park have gone above and beyond, assisting with moving equipment, handling post services, and responding promptly to maintenance needs. The community spirit is brightest at Christmas, with thoughtful decorations and festive parties that make everyone feel included and valued.

Looking ahead, Yorkshire Learning Providers will be moving their offices to Leeds to meet the new needs of the changing company dynamics. As we celebrate 17 years here, we reflect with gratitude on all the support we’ve received at Bradford Chamber Business Park, thank you for being such an integral part of our journey!

Yorkshire Learning Providers

LOCALiQ Wins SEO Agency of the Year Award

The digital marketing firm is part of Newsquest Media Group, the UK’s leading local media group, who publish across Yorkshire including in Bradford, York and across North Yorkshire, working with thousands of UK businesses to help them get the best out of their marketing.

It provides small and medium-sized enterprises with a broad range of digital solutions - including SEO, digital PR and paid search.

The UK Agency Awards celebrate the impact that agencies of all shapes, sizes and specialisms are making across the country.

The 2024 awards took place at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, where LOCALiQ was awarded Large SEO Agency of the Year.

LOCALiQ's achievements include a significant increase in SEO revenues, growth in the SEO team headcount, success in driving increases in organic keywords year-on-year across all active clients, and hosting an SEO masterclass webinar series that attracted more than 300 participants.

Judges commended LOCALiQ for setting ambitious goals in a competitive market, adding: “We especially appreciate LOCALiQ’s approach to sharing knowledge.

"Rather than fearing that sharing SEO insights would lose clients, they have proven it strengthens their relationship. Their growth as a company is evident in both their internal team and their revenue.”

Nick Ashwood, LOCALiQ's managing director, said: “We’re delighted to be recognised by the UK Agency Awards for the work we do to support SMEs on their digital marketing journey.

"Having a strong SEO strategy is foundational for any business, and we have assembled an incredibly skilled and dedicated team of experts who continue to expand and develop our offering.

"We are fortunate to be able to drive incredible results and outcomes for our customers, and our team does a fantastic job of communicating the complexities of the SEO world to our SME customers.”

LOCALiQ was also nominated for Best Integrated Campaign, Best Local Campaign, and Integrated Search Agency of the Year.

“We’re delighted to be recognised by the UK Agency Awards for the work we do to support SMEs on their digital marketing journey.”

To find out more about how LOCALiQ helps UK businesses through SEO, and to find out about their ongoing webinar series, visit: https://localiq.co.uk/seo.

Contact Steve Lowe, based in Bradford and York at steve.lowe@localiq.co.uk.

MEMBER OFFERS

50% off your first coaching session with Divine Health & Wellbeing

New Year, New Mindset!

As we enter the new year, many of us are looking to make positive changes—but sometimes, the constant cycle of overthinking and stress can hold us back. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure how to break the cycle, we’re here to help.

At Divine Health, our NLP (NeuroLinguistic Programming) and Coaching services are designed to help you overcome negative thought patterns and take control of your mental well-being.

NLP focuses on the connection between your mind and language, using guided visualisations and specific language patterns to create positive change.

Paired with Coaching, this approach offers a powerful way to step out of overthinking, reduce stress, and develop both personally and professionally.

To kick off the new year, we’re offering 50% off your first session or a 30-minute free consultation (face-toface or online) for the first 5 people who reach out!

Don’t let another year go by without support—take the first step toward a refreshed, focused mindset!

Divine Health & Wellbeing

T: 07853 404333

E: monika@masterdivinehealth.com

W: masterdivinehealth.com

Don’t miss out on the chance to get 10% off your insurance policy!

David Roberts and Partners (York) Ltd provide a tailored solution to your insurance needs throughout the UK for Corporate, Commercial and Private clients. We offer independent business insurance across Yorkshire that secures you and your business. We look at all of the risks you carry and the policies you have in place. Then we tell you what else you might need and provide a solution.

Is your business covered for Cyber-crime?

A Cyber Insurance policy provides cover for your intangible assets and financial losses as a result from cyber-attacks, data breaches and electronic crime.

The correct policy will help you protect your business by covering such costs as:

• 24/7 365 Incident Response Costs following an incident

• Legal & Regulatory Costs

• Public Relation Costs

• System Rebuild & Business Interruption

• Ransomware & Cyber Extortion Costs

Contact our expert teams who are ready to help you protect yourself against cyber-crime and redeem your 10% membership discount**:

David Roberts & Partners (York) Ltd

T: 01423 803200

T: 01904 221920

E: info.harrogate@drpinsurance.com

E: info.york@drpinsurance.com

**Terms and conditions apply

Cosy Winter Stay

Recharge after the Christmas madness and treat yourself to a city weekend break for less.

What’s more, a complimentary bottle of chilled Prosecco will await in the room to start your stay in style.

£85 for two per night including Full English Breakfast and bottle of Prosecco on arrival

Book via LBACC.Reservations@hilton.com

DoubleTree by Hilton Leeds

T&Cs – subject to availability for stays on Friday, Saturday or Sunday in January or February, excluding 14th and 15th February 2025

Exclusive discount on Private Office leases based at The University

of York

York Science Park offer an exclusive Chamber Members’ discount on Private Office leases based at The University of York. York Science Park is a thriving entrepreneurial community, home to over 100 companies in the tech, creative and science sectors.

Contact us with the code: CHAMBER to claim your first full month’s rent free of charge. Email us at enquiries@yorksciencepark.co.uk

The University of York

W: yorkscienepark.co.uk

Get your free personalised guide + receive a £250 workshop voucher!

Unlock your Business Brilliance

As part of our recent company rebrand, we’re excited to introduce Unlock Your Business Brilliance – an intuitive tool crafted to accelerate your growth journey. In just a few minutes, this free assessment will deliver a personalised guide packed with impactful insights to fast-track your business success.

Once you have received your guide, book a 30 minute call to unpack your assessment outcome, and identify some quick wins!

Additionally, if you’re ready to dive deeper and uncover the core challenges holding back your business growth, our Business Ally Programme is the perfect solution.

Learn more about this comprehensive service on our website. Secure your place in the Programme by the end of this calendar year (with delivery by the end of the financial year) to receive a £250 discount off the full price of £2499.

Don’t miss out on these opportunities as a West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce Member, to unlock your business’s potential!

Eximious Alliance Ltd.

FREE Consultation for IT Headaches – Big or Small!

Does your IT Infrastructure need a Wellness Check?

If you’ve got slow running computers, compliance issues or security concerns, why not take a moment to get them checked out. Investing just a small amount of time in an IT audit will save you effort, resources and money right from the word go, with:

• Enhanced work-flow

• Reduced downtime

• Increased productivity

And all the positive effects the above will have on you and your staff members!

So why not book your business a FREE (no-obligation) IT Consultation?

Either online or on-site, discuss your IT niggles and requirements with us and get a holistic view of how your systems can be made more efficient, effective and secure.

Let us take the strain of your tech, so you can focus on running your business.

Book your Consultation at www.comprendo.co.uk/book-a-freedemo-page or call our Help Desk on 0345 527 4394

Comprendo

W: comprendo.co.uk T: 0345 527 4394

New Year Offer from Light Joints Physiotherapy!

As a valued member of the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, we’re excited to offer you a 10% discount on all treatments start 2025 on the right note. Whether you’re in need of some relief, rehabilitation, or just a welldeserved treat, we’re here to help!

This special 10% discount applies to:

• Physiotherapy

• Medical Acupuncture

• Medical Injections

• Sports Massage

Let’s make 2025 your healthiest year yet! Book your session today and enjoy expert care in a welcoming, professional environment.

Offer valid through the end of January 2025 for all Chamber members.

Light Joints Physiotherapy

T: 01138 730766

T: 01274 265584

E: info@lightjointsphysio.co.uk

W: lightjointsphysio.co.uk

An eventful 2025

CHAMBER NETWALKING

A refreshing way to start your day

Enhance your business opportunities by joining us for a scenic stroll around some of Yorkshire’s most iconic backdrops. Chamber Netwalking offers the chance to connect with others in the peaceful surroundings of nature. A relaxed, laid-back way to build your contacts. Cross paths with other business professionals, make sure to join us in 2025!

BUSINESS LUNCHES

Connecting companies

All companies are invited to join us at these lunches, to develop new connections and hear from our engaging portfolio of guest speakers. Business Lunches offer a great chance to engage with other local organisations, all whilst enjoying some appetizing food.

ANNUAL DINNERS

Enriching the business community

Join the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce at our 2025 Annual Dinner events. Offering a tantalising taste of how the Chamber is championing business across the region, each of our dinners will focus on a key theme related to the local area. Make sure to join us at these popular events, with entertainment and guest speakers to be announced. These events are not to be missed!

EXECUTIVE LUNCHES

Exclusive high-profile networking

Place yourself amongst some of the region’s leading business representatives. Patron and Executive Members are invited to join us at our 2025 Executive Lunches, where you will hear from a series of engaging guest speakers throughout the year and have the opportunity to develop new business connections over a delicious two-course meal.

The Chamber team have been working hard to organise an action-packed programme of events for 2025. With over 80+ scheduled events taking place over the next 12 months, we’ve got a range of exciting networking opportunities to offer our Members and Supporters.

MEET THE CHAMBER

Learn how to maximise your membership

A fantastic opportunity to expand your business network, whilst learning more about Chamber Membership and the valuable benefits you can access. Have your questions answered and connect with Chamber staff at these events. All businesses are welcome to join, should you wish to learn more about our services.

PROPERTY & ECONOMIC FORUMS

Shaping the business landscape

Come hear about important city developments, major schemes, construction plans and wider economic issues affecting your local area. Our Property & Economic Forums provide a space for sharing information, but also act as a sounding board for public sector infrastructure proposals and other significant schemes brought forward in the city. Join the Chamber at these forum events in 2025!

BITESIZE BOARDROOMS

Sharing knowledge via online discussions

These interactive webinar sessions offer an insightful overview of key business subjects. Featuring expert panelists and other senior figures, our Bitesize Boardroom events tend to address trending topics and lean on the personal experiences of individuals to give guests the opportunity to learn from them and ask any questions on the specific subject.

View events in 2025

FULL EVENT CALENDAR

Follow to get live updates

All Chamber Events for 2025 can be viewed on our Eventbrite page. Bookings can be made up to 3 months in advance with the exception of our Executive Lunches which are all posted already and available to book now. Purchase your tickets online and please remember to use your discount codes where applicable. Follow the QR code above to get started.

ANNUAL DINNERS

Annual Dinners 2025

A new calendar year brings new trending themes for our 2025 Annual Dinner events. Take a look at what’s in store this year across Leeds, Bradford, York & North Yorkshire. We look forward to welcoming all Members and Supporters to these events. Please book your tickets online using our Eventbrite page.

We are Family

Our Leeds Chamber Annual Dinner is dedicated to showcasing the incredible family-run businesses of the region. This special gathering will highlight the hard work, dedication, and unique stories behind the companies who enrich our business community. Hear from a panel of local family-run businesses, sharing their journeys to success, challenges they have faced along the way and the many triumphs too. Further entertainment is to be announced over the coming weeks leading up to the event. We’re asking all businesses to come together this February in celebration of our “We Are Family” theme.

The Business of Culture

Touching on the landmark year that Bradford is set to experience in 2025, this year’s Annual Dinner theme will be centred around “The Business of Culture” celebrating the city’s shared values and the vast array of cultural offerings that we have available. Join us for an evening of fascinating stories, captivating entertainment and delightful food as we celebrate the diverse cultural influences of our region.

The Business of Heritage

With a rich history and iconic architecture spread across the city, this year’s Annual Dinner theme will focus on “The Business of Heritage”. York is a city bursting with historical highlights, from medieval castles and museums to famous chocolatiers and textile arts. We’re hoping to take guests on a journey through the eras when we come to celebrate the heritage of York. Make sure to join us for what promises to be a compelling evening.

DATE Thursday 28 February

VENUE Headingley Stadium

DATE Wednesday 30 April

VENUE Bradford Cedar Court Hotel

DATE Thursday 5 June

VENUE York Racecourse Hospitality, Conference and Events

Bradford Chamber Annual Dinner

Leeds Chamber Annual Dinner

York & North Yorkshire Chamber Annual Dinner

Business impact

Looking to place your company at the forefront of attention?

Sponsorship opportunities are available for all of our Annual Dinner events!

Please contact events@wnychamber.co.uk for further information.

Annual Dinner Sponsorship Packages

Gold Sponsor Package - £1,250

Place your brand at the centre of attention, broadcasting your services to key influencers & individuals from across the region.

Our Gold sponsor package allows you to display your logo and company bio on the event booking page, as well as featuring in our social media activity & weekly email marketing campaigns leading up to the event.

• Logo & bio on the event booking page

• Logo on Chamber events updates

• Logo added to event graphics

• Personalised promotional X posts x3

• Promotional LinkedIn posts x1

• Two tickets to the sponsored event

• Tagged in social media posts throughout the event

• Post-event press release named sponsor inclusion

Platinum Sponsor Package - £3,500

For added visibility, our Platinum Sponsor Package enables your business to feature more prominently in our advertising campaigns associated with a specific event. Feature on our Chamber website and in the West and North Yorkshire Chamber Business magazine, with promotional activity on our social platforms too. Your logo will be used for event graphics & post-coverage of the event, and we will be sure to tag your company for added exposure. This package puts your company at the forefront of the event, highlighting your brand for others to see at all stages.

• Logo & bio on the event booking page

• Logo on Chamber events updates

• Logo added to event graphics

• Personalised promotional X posts x5

• Promotional LinkedIn posts x2

• Table of 10 at the event

• Post-event press release reference inclusion

• Sponsorship media release posted on WNYC website and shared with network

• Media release with quote included published WNYC magazine

• Tagged in social media posts throughout the event

• 5-minute speaking opportunity to promote your brand

• Short video for your social channels

• Photographs from the evening, including a group table shot

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 X (Formerly Twitter) by tagging us @WNYChamber and mentioning #YorkshireBusiness

Our profiles

X ( Formerly Twitter)

@WNYChamber

LinkedIn

West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce

Facebook

West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce

Instagram @WNYChamber

What’s included in your membership

ACCESS TO ADVICE

Quality, professional, HR, health and safety, legal, tax and VAT advice.

ACCESS TO DOCUMENTS

Comprehensive online documentation libraries that include a wide range of HR, health and safety, legal and business documents.

SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS

By comparison to the cost of obtaining advice from consultants or solicitors, or the cost of access to online documentation services.

Chamber HR

Chamber HR is a valuable resource for businesses of all sizes that employ people. For small businesses without in-house specialists, it provides access to expertise that is essential for managing the employment of their staff. For larger SMEs with in-house resources, it serves as valuable support for their HR department. Even large companies may use Chamber HR to assist with complex cases.

Chamber H&S

Chamber H&S is the essential tool for ensuring that your business is fully compliant with Health and Safety regulations. This is a requirement for all businesses, regardless of size. Our H&S offers an easy and convenient solution for those without in-house expertise in this area. Additionally, Chamber H&S can provide valuable support for SME businesses in staying compliant with Health and Safety standards.

Chamber Tax

Chamber Tax is a resource for businesses of all sizes that are seeking professional guidance on tax-related matters. Whether you are a small startup looking for advice on how to manage your finances, or a large corporation seeking guidance on tax planning, Chamber Tax can provide the expert support you need.

Chamber Legal

Chamber Legal is an essential tool for businesses of all sizes, but it is particularly beneficial for small businesses and sole traders who may not have access to in-house legal expertise. Whether you are just starting out in business or are an established company looking to address

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who are these services for?

Everyone! Individuals operating as sole traders may use legal services, while small businesses with employees may utilize HR services. For larger companies, HR services are there to give support.

Who are Quest?

Quest is a national provider of comprehensive HR and Health & Safety services, training solutions, and consultancy. With over 30 years of expertise, we are the preferred supplier for over 80,000 members, as recommended by the BCC and TAF.

How can unlimited access be free?

The service is subsidised by the Chamber as they pay us a fee. It's a national scheme for all British Chambers.

I have internal resources - do I need them?

Yes - these services should be used as a resource by your HR Manager, both for documents and advice. Book a One2One Discover meeting to show them the service value.

We outsource our HR / HS - why do I need these services?

Because they could save you a lot of money. If you are outsourcing HR or H&S services you may not need to. A One2One Compare meeting will show you how much you could save.

We never have any issues to manage - why do we need these services?

Our services go beyond crisis management or problem-solving. They are designed to address any questions or concerns you may have, as staying informed in a constantly evolving world can be challenging.

How can I access it?

Call the membership team on 08455 240 240 or visit www.chamberhr.co.uk and select West & North Yorkshire Chamber

Chamber HR

An employer focused service

Chamber HR is a valuable resource for businesses of all sizes that employ people. For small businesses without in-house specialists, it provides access to expertise that is essential for managing the employment of their staff. For larger SMEs with in-house resources, it serves as valuable support for their HR department. Even large companies may use HR to assist with complex cases.

How can you benefit?

• Resolve any employment-related issue

• Understand your HR responsibilities as an employer Reduce costs from in-house or external HR support Immediate answers to any questions/concerns

• Stay compliant by ensuring you're up to date with all legislation

• Operate with full peace of mind

What's included in the service?

Advice line access - Talk to an experienced HR/Employment Law specialist for any queries or guidance on finding documents Website - Use over 450+ HR template documents which cover the lifecycle of an employee. In addition to reading our latest articles in the Newsroom, you can also take advantage of a HR Health Check One2One

Common Call Enquiries

• Disciplinary Issues

• Persistent Absence

• Workplace Disputes

• Disability and Capability issues

• Redundancy

• Equal Pay Grievances

Popular Documents

• Redundancy

• Maternity & Paternity

• Employee Contracts & Handbooks

• Disciplinary

• Recruitment

HR Update National Minimum Wage increases in 2024

The Government has accepted the Low Pay Commission’s recommendation to increase the current National Minimum Wage rates in April 2024. As this is a legal obligation, employers must be aware of the new rates of pay and plan to adjust their payrolls accordingly.

While these changes will grant 2.7 million low-paid workers higher pay, the changes could also cause financial uncertainty for many small employers. The new rates are set out below.

National Minimum Wage Rates from April 2024

• National Living Wage (21+) - £11.44 per hour

• 18-20 Year Old Rate - £8.60 per hour

• 16-17 Year Old Rate - £6.40 per hour

• Apprenticeship Rate - £6.40 per hour

This new increase will represent the greatest ever increase to the National Minimum Wage. The new rate is factored by the pay growth across the economy.

How does this Compare to Current Rates?

The minimum wage will increase above £11 in April. This rise represents a 9.8% increase for over-23s on the previous year, and a 12.4% increase for workers aged 21-22. Currently, the existing minimum wage for those aged 21-22 is £10.18 per hour.

The National Minimum Wage for 18-20 year olds will also increase to £8.60 per hour, with current rates sitting at £7.49 per hour. What’s more, apprentices will get an hourly pay increase of more than 20 per cent, with rates rising from £5.28 to £6.40.

Why are the Rates Changing?

The decision for this rise has been made due to the increase in the cost of living squeezing household budgets. Low income individuals and families have been hit the hardest due to higher food, water, and energy costs.

However, many employers will also feel the effect of the pay increases in other ways. Many have voiced concerns over higher wage bills and the risk of financial uncertainty for smaller businesses.

Employers should now update their payroll systems and documents to reflect the new rate increases. They should also assess the impact this will have on their business. If necessary, consider your ability to keep staff on, and the need to restructure or make redundancies to make savings now.