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Editors notes
Welcome to this edition of Yorkshire Businessman magazine.
By group editor Gill Laidler
Welcome to our May edition. This year is proving to be a dynamic one, filled with a robust schedule of events designed for businessmen across the region.
Look out for the Yorkshire Coast section, packed with news, events and opinions from colleague and former Wakefield Express editor Ed Asquith
As always, we bring you more than 70 pages of comprehensive business news within these pages. However, I strongly encourage you to bookmark our new website; we are regularly publishing exclusive news stories and insights online that do not appear in the print magazine.
Please keep an eye on our website for upcoming Yorkshire Businessman events this year, including details on how you can participate.
Thank you for reading,
Gill X
Yorkshirebusinessmen attending our latest event at Uyare Leeds, hosted by the excellent James Mason.
Leeds tech consultancy supports electricity system overhaul with new digital platform
Fast-growing Leeds tech consultancy, Parallax, has been appointed by Elexon - the recently appointed market facilitator for the flexibility markets in Great Britain’s electricity system – to develop a major digital platform to enable industry-wide access to, governance of, and compliance with the new Flexibility Market Rules (FMR).
Parallax will design and build a secure digital platform that will serve as the authoritative source of market rules, data definitions and compliance processes for all stakeholdersfrom farmers installing wind turbines, to energy operators installing a large battery farm.
The energy flexibility market is the system that pays consumers, businesses, and generators to adjust their electricity usage - shifting, reducing, or increasing demand - to balance the grid and reduce strain on the network. It enables households, businesses, and providers to power a smarter, cleaner, and more efficient energy system and supports the UK’s Net Zero goals. The UK’s flexibility market is the biggest in the world.
Parallax’s appointment follows Elexon’s introduction of a new set
of standardised rules, governance structures and market frameworks in December 2025 to support the development and coordination of flexibility markets across transmission and distribution networks. These rules underpin how system operators and flexibility providers participate in and deliver services essential to a secure, low-carbon electricity system. The new platform will help Elexon to operationalise this framework at scale.
The platform will provide structured access to the latest rules and enable users to submit data and evidence compliance – facilitating greater transparency for all parties and supporting Elexon’s aim to make it simpler to operate in the market. It is scheduled to go live in October 2026.
This appointment comes after a landmark year of growth for Parallax
in 2025, leading to its biggest ever financial forecast for 2026.
Dario Grandich, co-founder and director at Parallax, said: “We’re proud to be supporting a programme of national importance that underpins the UK’s transition to a more flexible, low-carbon electricity system.
“The platform we’re building goes far beyond a traditional website or repository. It combines structured rule content, compliance workflows and ontology-driven search to make complex market frameworks usable at scale. AI-assisted discovery will help participants understand how rules apply to them and what actions are required, while giving Elexon deep insight into adoption and compliance across the market.”
Steven Gough, Head of Flexibility at Elexon, added: “Digitisation is central to how we deliver our role as market facilitator. This new platform replaces fragmented processes with a coordinated, transparent and scalable environment that gives stakeholders clarity and enables us to monitor implementation more effectively.
“Our goal is to increase participation and accelerate the growth of flexibility markets to support the transition to clean power, and this platform is a critical enabler of that ambition. This is a complex programme with an ambitious timeline, so we needed a partner with proven technical and information-security expertise as well as the agility to deliver at pace, and Parallax brings exactly that.”
Propaganda appoints Audacia to engineer their proprietary AI platform
In a six-figure investment, Leeds-based independent brand consultancy Propaganda has appointed digital transformation specialist technology consultancy Audacia to engineer and build its proprietary AI-enabled strategic intelligence platform.
Audacia bring deep expertise as a technology partner trusted by leading organisations including Honda, MRHA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency), ENGIE and SaintGobain.
The appointment marks a significant step in Propaganda’s long-term ambition to scale and compound the insight generated through its 30year Discovery™ methodology - a consultancy process that has helped businesses drive growth, reposition
for premium markets, and enhance exit multiples.
By integrating Propaganda’s proven frameworks and consulting team with advanced AI architecture, the platform will benefit clients’ brands and the private equity partners. It will activate thousands of proprietary insights generated across decades of brand transformations, interrogating patterns, pressure-test positioning, and accelerating value creation with greater rigour and speed.
Audacia will leverage their experience in building secure, custom AI systems across regulated and complex sectors including healthcare, telecoms, industrial and defence - environments where precision, governance and performance are non-negotiable. Rather than deploying off-the-shelf AI tools, Propaganda’s platform is purpose-built as a bespoke strategic engine - one that enhances human judgement rather than replacing it.
Craig Harrold, managing director at Propaganda, said: “For 30 years we’ve built a body of knowledge around what drives brand growth and valuation. Not theory, but realworld transformations across sectors. This six-figure investment allows us to protect, interrogate and scale that intelligence. Augmenting and enhancing our consulting team, process and impact.
“As AI continues to reshape the consultancy and marketing landscape, our clear position is that intelligence should be re-engineered, but judgement remains human. Appointing Audacia
ensures we’re building this platform with the robustness, governance and engineering discipline it deserves. Creating a proprietary strategic asset that strengthens our ability to drive value creation for our clients.”
Philip White, managing director at Audacia, added: “There’s a lot of noise around AI adoption right now. It’s easy to default to generic LLM tools to automate what’s gone before. What impressed us about Propaganda is their clarity of purpose - they’re not looking to replace strategic thinking; they’re looking to augment and compound it. Our experience building secure intelligence platforms for blue-chip organisations means we understand how to engineer systems that enhance human decision-making in high-stakes environments. This programme embodies that approach.”The move reflects a broader shift in private equity and investor markets, where intangible assets, narrative clarity and organisational alignment increasingly influence valuation multiples.
By combining proprietary brand intelligence with engineered AI infrastructure, Propaganda is positioning the platform as a scalable platform capable of supporting portfolio-wide value creation.
The platform investment represents the evolution of Propaganda’s Brand Discovery™ methodology into a technology-enabled strategic ecosystem - one designed to protect and compound intellectual property over time.
The platform will be rolled out across selected client engagements in the coming months, with phased development in partnership with Audacia as capabilities expand.
Building services group merges with Decarbonised Ltd
Leeds-based building services group behind commissioning specialist Verisys Ltd and building services design consultancy Kaizen Consulting Engineers Ltd has announced the merger with Decarbonised Ltd.
The merger brings the group’s portfolio to three businesses, marking a significant step in the group’s strategy of building a cohesive ecosystem of complementary companies focused on the built environment. Founded in 2022 by directors Phil Riddeal, Leigh Farr, and Chris Tate, 3OU Holdings has grown to a team of 35 specialists with a combined group turnover of £3 million across Verisys and Kaizen Consulting Engineers.
Decarbonised combines scientific knowledge with practical engineering and advanced modelling to design low-carbon, healthy buildings. The company’s analysis spans every element of building performance, from energy intensity to airflow, daylighting, and temperature control, delivering sustainable spaces designed to meet the challenges of a changing climate. Decarbonised’s building physics expertise directly influences MEP services design and delivery, making it a natural fit alongside Verisys’ commissioning and testing
services, and Kaizen’s building services consultancy offer.
Christian Southee, who founded Decarbonised and will continue as its director, said: “This merger is the result of a relationship built on trust and a shared vision for what the built environment should look like. Phil, Leigh, and Chris have been longstanding supporters of Decarbonised, and joining the group feels like the logical next step for our growing business, our team, and our clients. Together, we have a real opportunity to set a new standard for building performance and help clients design and deliver buildings that are fit for the future.”
Phil Riddeal, director of 3OU Holdings, added: “We have worked closely with Christian and the Decarbonised team for several years and have long admired what they have built. Bringing Decarbonised into the group is a natural next step as its expertise in building physics and energy services is paramount to the success of any project in the built environment. Together, we are closing the loop on early building physics work and validating design for performance, which sets us apart and helps our clients achieve their ESG goals. We look forward to strengthening the team further in the months ahead.”
The merger supports the group’s mission to construct a long-life, lowimpact built environment that adapts to climate challenges and fosters intergenerational wellbeing.
Legal advice was provided by Ward Hadaway LLP, acting on behalf of 3OU Holdings, and Renew Legal, representing Decarbonised Ltd.
L-R: Phil Riddeal, Christian Southee, Leigh Farr, Chris Tate
Fantastic scores new partnership with Huddersfield Giants
Leeds-based full-service marketing agency, Fantastic, has been appointed by Rugby Super League team Huddersfield Giants to help deliver the club’s longterm vision of becoming a major force in world rugby.
The agency will work with the club through to 2030, providing strategic guidance as the Giants prepare for a new era, including a planned move to a purpose-built stadium.
The partnership will see Fantastic collaborate closely with the club to develop a bold, futurefacing business and marketing strategy, underpinned by a deep
understanding of the club, its supporters and its long-term objectives.
Central to the approach is Fantastic’s INSIGHT programme, an evidence-led strategic approach designed to reveal the core drivers of a business and translate them into a tailored, data-driven marketing plan.
Through its specialist sports marketing division, Fantastic works with clubs, governing bodies, athletes and rights holders across multiple sports, helping to improve fan sentiment, strengthen brand equity, and unlock new commercial opportunities.
Speaking about the new partnership, Fantastic’s CEO Andy Hobson said: “Rugby League clubs are some of the most important cultural institutions in the communities they serve. They represent civic pride, identity and belonging, yet too often clubs underestimate the role brand plays in winning the hearts and minds of fans, partners and investors.
“The most forward-thinking clubs are the ones willing to truly understand what makes them unique and use that to shape their future. The newly demonstrated ambition and energy at Huddersfield Giants is aimed at doing exactly that, as they build towards an exciting new era.”
Managing director of Huddersfield Giants, Richard Thewlis, said: “We have engaged Fantastic Media to advise and deliver a bold business and marketing strategy as part of our vision to establish the Giants as a major force in world rugby, alongside our move to a brand new stadium by 2030.
“This partnership demonstrates our ambition and is an indication of all that is going on behind the scenes.
“At the heart of this is our fans. We want to reignite the identity that makes people fall in love with the club again and make everyone proud to say they support the Giants.”
L-R: Digital Content & Marketing at the Huddersfield Giants, Adam Scotson; Media & Communications at the Huddersfield Giants, Lucas Cockshott; Fantastic CEO, Andy Hobson; Huddersfield Giants Managing Director.
NG Bailey strengthens full service offering with acquisition
NG Bailey has acquired Engineering Solutions Group (ESG), a specialist engineering group operating across the water,environmental and wider infrastructure sectors.
The acquisition, which supports NG Bailey’s growth strategy, will strengthen its existing expertise in infrastructure delivery, as well as give it greater access to the water infrastructure market. The current water industry investment cycle (AMP8) contains around double the investment of the previous cycle (at £104bn over 5 years), targeting ongoing infrastructure upgrades and investment in innovation, presenting significant growth opportunities for the Leeds-headquartered business.
ESG, which is headquartered in Sutton-In-Ashfield, has been operating since 1989.At its heart sits ECS Engineering Service (ECS), ESG’s largest and most established business, supported by three complementary group companies, with expertise covering mechanical and electrical engineering, specialist steel and composite fabrication, civil engineering, and the supply of advanced water control products via exclusive European partnerships. Its key customers include the Environment Agency, Severn Trent Water, Anglian Water, Welsh Water and Yorkshire Water.
As part of NG Bailey, the ESG existing management team will continue to run the £30m turnover business under the existing brands, with the existing highly skilled workforce. It will also benefit from joining NG Bailey’s Built Environment division,
offering opportunities to engage with the Group’s existing portfolio of clients across engineering, facilities services and electric vehicle solutions.
Jonathan Stockton, chief executive of NG Bailey, said: “Bringing ESG into the NG Bailey family is a decision which makes both strategic and commercial sense as we continue to deliver our journey to 2030 business plan.
“The acquisition provides a natural extension to our existing range of services and strengthens both our market positions, whilst opening new growth opportunities for us in key areas including water infrastructure.
“The business has a strong track record of projects, such as the delivery of Colwick Sluice refurbishment for the EA, alongside specialist fabrication expertise including work in the nuclear sector, which further strengthens NG
Bailey as the leading independent engineering and infrastructure services business in the UK.
“We are confident about future growth opportunities for the business as part of the wider NG Bailey group.”
The addition of ESG c180-strong team will take NG Bailey’s headcount to over 3600 employees.
Mark Watkins, managing director of Engineering Solutions Group, said: “This transaction marks an exciting milestone for us, which over the last four decades has become a wellestablished, successful business with a strong market presence.
“Being part of NG Bailey allows us to combine our strengths and create something genuinely more powerful, for our people, partners and the markets we operate in.”
Skipton Business Finance supports successful management buy-out
Skipton Business Finance is delighted to have supported the successful Management Buy-Out (MBO) of Peak Electrical Supplies, a leading independent electrical wholesaler.
The MBO, led by directors Nicola and Jason Andrews, marks a major milestone for the business as they assume 100% ownership. As part of the transaction, the directors engaged SMH Mitchells, an established accountancy and business advisory firm, to provide specialist guidance on the acquisition.
Working collaboratively, Skipton Business Finance then delivered the flexible funding needed to
complete the deal and ensure a smooth transition.
Partnering closely with Andrew McDaid of SMH Mitchells, Skipton Business Finance structured a tailored, multi-layered funding package combining Invoice Discounting with the governmentbacked Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS).
This approach unlocked working capital from the debtor book while providing the additional liquidity required to finalise the acquisition in a sustainable, future-focused manner.
The result is a robust financial platform that positions the business strongly for its next phase of growth.
John Colburn, regional sales director at Skipton Business Finance, said: “We are delighted to have supported this MBO. By combining Invoice Discounting with the Growth Guarantee Scheme, we were able to provide Nicola and Jason with a flexible and sustainable financial structure. Working alongside a proactive advisory team like SMH Mitchells ensured all parts of the transaction aligned smoothly, resulting in an excellent outcome for the business and its new owners.”
This deal is another strong example of Skipton Business Finance’s collaborative approach with accountancy firms, demonstrating how aligned advisory and funding support can accelerate SME growth and enhance the likelihood of successful strategic transactions such as MBOs.
Nicola Andrews, director and joint owner of Peak Electrical Supplies, said: “Andrew and the team at SMH Mitchells provided invaluable guidance on the buyout, and working with Skipton Business Finance to structure the funding made the deal possible. The team didn’t just show us what was achievable, they gave us the tools to make it happen. We’re excited to lead Peak Electrical into this next chapter with confidence.”
Jason added: “Having Skipton Business Finance alongside SMH Mitchells gives us the confidence to focus on growing the business. Knowing we have a funding partner who understands our sector and can provide flexible solutions is invaluable as we scale Peak Electrical Supplies in the region.”
Reward supports business park redevelopment
Reward Funding has continued its support of Cleator Mills Business Park with an increase to its existing facility, unlocking capital from the newly completed development to fund new acquisition and housebuilding opportunities across Southwest Scotland.
Reward’s initial seven figure funding supported the redevelopment of Cleator Mills Business Park, a disused site with a derelict mill. The initial deal sparked a strong working relationship with the client and saw the completion of part of the site allocated to Speedy Hire. This was quickly followed by Reward’s support for the redevelopment of the original mill, further to an agreement for lease with REACT Engineering. The Speedy asset was sold, and the first facility was almost fully repaid.
The mill is now completed and tenanted, with funding leveraged against the asset, allowing the client to fund other external
projects. The latest advance represents a seven-figure increase to the existing facility and is expected to be formalised into a longer-term structure in the near future.
This advance also marks the third stage of funding support, demonstrating Reward’s ability to back clients through acquisition, redevelopment and reinvestment. The additional capital will enable the client, a property developer and investor specialist, to release capital from the now-completed development and redeploy it into further projects, including the acquisition of a new business venture.
Mark Walker, managing director of
Cleator Mills Business Park, said: “Reward was the obvious choice for a funding partner from day one. The original deals helped us acquire and develop Cleator Mills into a thriving commercial site. The mill has brought immense value to the community, developing a run-down derelict site into an attractive commercial space, including a café that is open to the public, bringing jobs to the local area.”
“Reward’s willingness to increase our facility at this stage reflects the strength of our relationship and their confidence in our track record to date. The additional funding will support our next phase of growth, including some housebuilding development opportunities in a new region.”
Gareth Boardman, relationship manager for Reward Funding, added: “We’re very pleased to continue our support of Mark and Cleator Mills. The transformation of the site has been truly remarkable, with the completion of high-quality units and highvalue tenants generating strong rental income. This is a reflection not only of our client’s ability to deliver high-quality projects, but also the vision to achieve such an impressive outcome.”
“We’ve backed this project from acquisition, through development and now to stabilised income. Because we understand both the asset and the operator, we can move quickly to support businesses when the next opportunity appears.”
Bedmaker Harrison Spinks expands into China with British Luxury Collection
Fifth-generation luxury Leeds-based bedmaker, Harrison Spinks, will expand into China through one of the country’s leading manufacturers and retailers, Sleep Comfortably (Shanghai) Technology Co., Ltd – bringing over 185 years of British bedmaking expertise and innovation to the market.
The award-winning bedmaker will make its debut in China through a dedicated flagship store, with additional locations and in-store galleries planned as part of an ambitious phased rollout, introducing Harrison Spinks’ renowned craftsmanship to China’s luxury sleep sector.
Harrison Spinks’ expansion into China forms part of the company’s
ambitious international growth strategy, with its luxury mattresses now distributed across several countries worldwide, including most recently Indonesia.
Renowned for its expertise in launching and managing luxury sleep brands across China’s premium market, Sleep Comfortably (Shanghai) Technology Co., Ltd is one of the country’s leading manufacturers and retailers.
Meticulously handcrafted in the UK, Harrison Spinks mattresses combine over 185 years of bedmaking expertise with innovative design. The British Luxury Collection blends traditional craftsmanship with responsibly sourced, natural fibres such as traceable British wool, cashmere, and flax to deliver a distinctive sleep experience and reflect the brand’s commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainable
luxury.
Nick Booth, managing director at Harrison Spinks, said: “Entering the Chinese market represents a significant moment in Harrison Spinks’ international growth. Partnering with Sleep Comfortably – one of the country’s most respected luxury sleep specialists – allows us to bring the British Luxury Collection to a new audience, marking another exciting step forward in our continued international growth.
“We are thrilled to share our expertise and heritage with consumers in China, offering a quality sleep experience –with each mattress showcasing the expert craftsmanship, pioneering innovation and attention to detail that have defined us since 1840.”
Stephen Wang, president at Sleep Comfortably (Shanghai) Technology Co., Ltd, said: “We are thrilled to introduce Harrison Spinks’ British Luxury Collection to the sleep market in China and Hong Kong.
“Our customers are looking for unrivalled quality, and this exciting new partnership allows us to deliver a superior sleep experience that combines the finest British craftsmanship, innovative design and exceptional comfort.”
The British Luxury Collection will launch in China through Sleep Comfortably (Shanghai) Technology Co., Ltd from the end of this year.
Caption: Left to Right: Lu Chuan, Sales Manager of E-Commerce; Vivi Wu, HR and Operation Manager; Lee Hinshaw, Business Development Director at Harrison Spinks; Stephen Wang, President; Louis Houdart, Senior Partner and Marketing Director; Even Yu, Sales Manager; Sophia Zhang, Supply Chain.
Chadwick Lawrence strengthens wills and probate team with two new appointments
Northern law firm Chadwick
Lawrence Solicitors has expanded its wills and probate team with the appointment of solicitors Helena Wong and Tom Grice.
Helena Wong joins the firm as a solicitor specialising in probate matters, including taxable and nontaxable estates, as well as wills and lasting powers of attorney.
Helena brings a strong blend of international and UK experience, having completed her law degree at The University of Hong Kong, a globally recognised top 25 law school, and qualified as a solicitor in Hong Kong in 2019. She later relocated to the UK, qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales in 2023 via the SQE route.
She has experience working within
the private client team of a wellregarded national firm, where she focused predominantly on high-net-worth individuals and complex, cross-jurisdictional estates. Her experience includes handling estates valued between £1 million and £5 million, preparing lasting powers of attorney, and supporting on complex wills and trust structures in a calm and client-focused manner.
Helena was attracted to Chadwick Lawrence due to its accessible approach to legal services, diverse client base, and strong workplace culture, having been recognised as a Sunday Times Best Place to Work (2024). She will be based in the firm’s Leeds office.
Tom Grice joins the firm with over ten years of experience in private
client work. He specialises in wills, lasting powers of attorney, probate, estate administration, and estate planning.
Tom holds a law degree from The University of Bradford and completed his Legal Practice Course at BPP Law School. He qualified as a solicitor in 2016 and has since worked across a number of firms throughout Yorkshire. His experience includes managing residential conveyancing teams, as well as serving as partner and head of private client at his previous firm.
His move to Chadwick Lawrence marks the next step in his career, allowing him to focus on delivering high-quality, clientcentred legal advice tailored to individual needs—an aspect of the role he considers most important. Tom will be based in the firm’s Wakefield office.
Sarah Power, partner said: “We are delighted to welcome Helena and Tom to the firm. Helena’s international background and experience with complex, highvalue estates, combined with Tom’s extensive knowledge of private client work and strong track record in Yorkshire, make them excellent additions to the wills and probate team.
“Their shared commitment to delivering a high standard of client care aligns perfectly with our values, and we look forward to supporting them as they continue to develop their careers with us.”
To find out more about Chadwick Lawrence, visit: www.chadwicklawrence.co.uk.
Knight Frank strengthens ratings team in the north
The Leeds office of Knight Frank, the leading global property consultancy, has announced two key strategic appointments within its northern Business Rates team, further reinforcing its commitment to delivering cross-sector marketleading advice to clients.
Paul Davinson and Ross Haywood have become partners within Knight Frank’s Business Rates team. Joining from JLL, both will play a central role in the growth and development of the regional Business Rates business, with the Northern Hub spanning the firm’s Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle and Manchester offices.
They will collaborate closely to drive the continued growth and development of Knight Frank’s Business Rates practice to fulfil the consultancy’s ambitions to develop a market leading business rates service for its clients.
Eamon Fox, partner and head of the Leeds office, commented: “The expansion of our team through these strategic hires underscores Knight Frank’s commitment to investing in the services our clients request, in this instance our Business Rates advisory offering, which is central to our long-term strategy across the UK.
“Ross and Paul bring exceptional experience, and we look forward to the impact they will have here in Yorkshire and further afield as we continue to grow our Business Rates service line to provide a comprehensive commercial property service for all our clients.
“These appointments therefore mark an important milestone for the Business Rates team, which is one of Knight Frank’s six Commercial Accelerators and continues to receive significant backing from the firm’s Commercial Board.
“Together, Paul and Ross will play an important part in driving the continued evolution of our Business Rates platform as we respond to the growing demand for clear, actionable advice across an increasingly complex ratings environment.”
Paul Davinson explained: “This is a tremendous opportunity for me, as Knight Frank – already the best in town - look to expand their Rates team. Demand for specialist
advice has increased exponentially as the business rates landscape becomes ever more complex and continues to evolve for both owners and occupiers. I look forward to meeting this challenge.”
Ross Haywood added: “I am delighted to be joining Knight Frank from JLL with Paul. We have worked together successfully as a team for several years and I am looking forward to continuing our partnership here. Knight Frank is a global name, with a stellar reputation, and it’s an honour to be moving to such a prestigious and successful company at a time when the issue of business rates has never been so pressing and so important.”
Digital marketing tips for small business
We all struggle when it comes to marketing, particularly digital marketing, deciding on content, the right time of day to post out content, what is newsworthy on our websites and how to drive traffic there. Below are a few tips to get you started:
1. Define Your Goals: Start by identifying your marketing objectives, whether it’s increasing brand awareness, driving website traffic, generating leads, or boosting sales. Setting clear and measurable goals will help guide your digital marketing strategy.
2. Know Your Audience: Understand your target audience’s demographics, interests, and online behaviour. This information will enable you to create targeted and personalized marketing campaigns that resonate with your ideal customers.
3. Build a Professional Website: Your website is the cornerstone of your online presence. Ensure it is user-friendly, mobile-responsive, and visually appealing. Optimize it for search engines (SEO) to improve visibility and drive organic traffic.
4. Leverage social media: Establish a strong presence on social media platforms where your target audience is active. Engage with followers, share valuable content, run targeted ads, and use analytics to track performance and make data-driven decisions.
5. Content Marketing: Create high-quality, relevant content that educates, entertains, or inspires your audience. Blog posts, videos, infographics, and e-books can help
establish your brand as an industry authority and drive traffic to your website.
6. Email Marketing: Build an email list of customers and prospects and send out regular newsletters, promotions, and updates. Personalize your emails, segment your list, and track open rates and click-through rates to optimize your campaigns.
7. Pay-Per-Click Advertising: Consider running PPC campaigns on platforms like Google Ads or social media channels to drive targeted traffic to your website. Monitor your ad performance, test different ad creatives, and adjust your targeting to maximize ROI.
8. Local SEO: If your business serves a local area, optimize your online presence for local search. Claim your Google My Business
listing, get listed on online directories, and encourage customer reviews to build credibility and improve local search rankings.
9. Monitor and Analyse: Track the performance of your digital marketing efforts using tools like Google Analytics, social media insights, and email marketing metrics. Analyse data to identify what’s working well and areas for improvement.
10. Stay Updated: The digital marketing landscape is constantly evolving, so stay informed about industry trends, algorithm changes, and new technologies. Adapt your strategy accordingly to stay ahead of the competition.
By implementing these digital marketing tips, small businesses can enhance their online visibility, attract and engage their target audience, and achieve their marketing goals effectively. By leveraging digital tools and strategies, small businesses can compete in the digital marketplace and reach new heights of success.
More Than A n Audi t.
Audit services that go beyond compliance to deliver real business value.
At the heart of our audit and assurance services is a commitment to delivering clarity, stakeholder confidence in financial statements and genuine commercial value. At Parsons, we don’t view audit and assurance as a box ticking exercise, we see it as an opportunity to strengthen governance, improve financial insight and support strategic decision making.
Our team provide a full range of independent audit and assurance services across the corporate, charity, education and pension sectors including:
Statutory audits
Charity and not-for-profit audits
Academy audits
Pension scheme audits
Grant audits
We understand the audit process can be a challenging time for businesses as they balance regulatory compliance with business-as-usual activities. We pride ourselves on being a financial partner you can rely on and deliver a collaborative, transparent process to all our clients
“Parsons have been with us since our first audit in 2023, supporting us as a privatel y owned SME in the flooring sector through an important milestone for the business. Their approachable, supportive manner made the process feel straightfor ward and reassuring, and we genuinel y enjoy working with a team who are al ways on hand throughout the year to answer questions and offer guidance ” - UK Trade Furnishings Limited
This year, there have been significant changes to accounting standards for revenue and leases and it’s important to understand how these could affect your business. Our team are always available if you would like support and guidance on any key steps you need to take to make sure you remain compliant.
As the region’s digital economy is expanding 125% faster than the national average. Leeds Digital Festival returns this month with its Mini-Fest from 21-23 April to support skills development and growth.
This year’s small but mighty event will explore how the rapid surge in AI and data science is fundamentally reshaping the Northern job market. It is creating high-value career pathways and cementing Leeds’ status as a premier global tech hub.
A packed programme of nine interactive events across two days will showcase how this innovation is driving local employment and economic resilience.
The 2026 Mini-Fest marks a significant milestone as Deb Hetherington begins her first full year as festival director, succeeding Stuart Clarke MBE, who takes on the role of chair.
A core theme for 2026 is the ethical deployment of technology and the use of data for prevention and safety. High-profile sessions include:
The FCA discussing how they use AI and data to keep modern consumers safe.
Headline sponsor CGI will lead a discussion on technology for good, exploring how tech can help modify behaviour. They will be joined by Gamstop and Skipton Building Society.
Audacia will explore cybersecurity risks and highlight how AI can act as an attack enabler.
Nexus Connect will focus on preventative health and how innovation shapes the future of long-term health management.
AI innovation and regional growth take centre stage
The festival also shines a light on Leeds as a premier digital city. The city is home to over 9,000 digital companies and is recognised as a key location for tech scale-ups. With the digital sector contributing significantly to the regional GVA, the festival bridges education and employment.
A flagship panel event organised by Leeds Digital will bring together
Leeds Beckett University, Leeds University Business School, Corecom Tech Academy, and Generation. They will discuss strategies to close the regional skills gap and prepare the next generation for an AI-driven workforce.
Deb Hetherington, said: “Leeds has evolved into a powerhouse for data and AI. We are seeing that translate directly into a new generation
of digital roles, from AI ethics specialists to machine learning engineers. The Mini-Fest is designed to highlight that momentum. We are showing how these tools are opening doors for talent across the North and creating a sustainable, high-growth economy that works for everyone. It is a defining moment for the city as we look toward the next few years of innovation.”
The continued success of the festival is made possible by the headline sponsor, CGI, and Platinum sponsors, Skipton Group, alongside a dedicated roster of partners, including Nexus, Accenture and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). As part of the festival’s ethos of sharing insights from experience, Skipton Group will also share exclusive details on how it has modernised its data systems to build institutional resilience, and Accenture will discuss how using AI will continue to change the way software is built and its consequences.
Charlie Moran, head of data capability at Skipton Group, said: “We’re delighted to support Leeds Digital and join Mini-Fest 2026. It’s a great opportunity to share how we’re modernising our data landscape with intelligent, scalable analytics. Maximising the value of digital, data, and technology is critical in enabling us to deliver on our purpose at Skipton Group, and we’re committed to supporting and collaborating with the region’s digital community to build a stronger, more innovative future together.”
The full schedule for the April Mini-Fest is now live at https:// leedsdigitalfestival.org/ events/, with the main twoweek annual festival scheduled to return from 21 September to 2 October 2026.
Rotherham Entrepreneur named amongst Yorkshire’s ‘brightest and best’
The co-founder of a Rotherham-based IT provider has been named as one of Yorkshire’s top entrepreneurs.
Louis Marcus, who runs Balliante, has been named by influential regional business publication Yorkshire Business Insider as one of Yorkshire’s top 42 entrepreneurs aged under 42 and was presented with his award at a glittering ceremony held at the Royal Armouries.
Louis secured his place on the list, which celebrates the region’s ‘brightest and best’ young entrepreneurs in the region, in recognition of the growth and success Balliante has enjoyed during the past 12 months and the key role Louis has played in bringing several innovative new products to market.
Responsible for overseeing all aspects of Balliante’s technical development, Louis has overseen the development of several key projects, including overseeing the building and development of a purpose-built data centre, as well as developing from scratch a bespoke CRM system, aimed specifically at helping SMEs harness technology to operate more effectively.
Louis began his own business journey when he was just 18 years old, when he launched his first web-hosting business whilst still at college. After successfully selling the business,
and pursuing a career in IT, Louis co-founded Balliante with business partner Craig Boddy in 2019, who was named on the prestigious list of top 42 entrepreneurs under 42 last year. Together, Louis and Craig have overseen a significant period of growth, and today, Balliante supports a diverse range of businesses throughout the UK, Europe and the US. Last November, the company was crowned Small Business of the Year by Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, not only in recognition of the company’s impressive growth journey but also their commitment to helping business owners across South Yorkshire to forge stronger connections, creating new jobs, as well as acting as a mentor to Balliante’s growing team.
Louis said: “Over the past 12 months, Balliante has been on an incredible growth journey, and being named as one of Yorkshire’s top entrepreneurs is an incredible honour. With many business owners turning to technology to improve efficiency and boost productivity, I think Balliante is well-placed to enjoy future growth and success.
This year, we set our sights not only on growing our business but also diversifying and expanding the
products and services we provide. This has seen us invest in building our own data centre, giving our customers greater flexibility, as well as investing in developing and designing our own products –most notably our bespoke customer relationship management software, which we developed specifically to support SME business owners. Being recognised in this way isn’t just a terrific moment for me personally it’s the result of the efforts of the entire team, and we’re hoping to continue building on the success we’ve enjoyed during the next year.”
ded: “When Louis and I sat at a kitchen table back in 2019, never in our wildest dreams could we have imagined that the business we decided to create would be one that is working with businesses across the world, and Louis has played a vital role in the success we’ve enjoyed.
“Over the past 12 months, Louis has immersed himself in developing some incredibly technically challenging pieces of work – from building a data centre from scratch to writing a bespoke CRM system, which I’m sure will help a wide range
of business owners. Louis’ place on this year’s 42 under 42 is very well deserved, and together we’re very much looking forward to seeing what the next year will bring.”
Founded in 2019, Balliante is a specialist IT provider that helps businesses to harness technology to boost productivity and efficiency, by managing IT systems and networks, developing web-based solutions and producing custom-built apps and software.
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Partner strengthens law firm commercial litigation team
Leeds law firm Ward Hadaway has appointed Matthew Morton as a partner in its commercial litigation team,strengthening its private client disputes capability in Yorkshire and the Northwest.
Matthew will lead the development of its disputed wills, trusts and estates work in Yorkshire and the Northwest, alongside specialist colleagues across its other offices. The appointment forms part of plans to further develop its private client practice in the region.
He brings more than 20 years’ experience, with a focus on contentious trusts and probate work over the past 15 years. He was previously Head of Disputed Wills, Trusts and Estates at Weightmans.
Matthew will focus on the firm’s work involving private individuals and highvalue estates, including agricultural assets and complex family structures.
Commenting on his appointment, Matthew said: “I’ve joined Ward Hadaway to grow our dedicated disputed wills, trusts and estates offering in Yorkshire and the Northwest. There is a clear opportunity to build on the firm’s existing strengths and further develop its capability across the region.
“Our work spans a broad range of contentious issues, from challenges involving family estates through to high-value matters involving agricultural land and significant property portfolios. The aim is to grow a sustainable practice, develop a
strong pipeline of work and continue to build a team over time to support that growth.”
Matthew is ranked in Chambers and Partners for private wealth disputes in Yorkshire and the Northeast and is a long-standing member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS).
Emma Digby, Executive Partner in Ward Hadaway’s Leeds office and head of the firm’s Commercial Litigation team, said: “Matthew’s appointment strengthens our capability and adds further depth to our private client expertise. His experience in building and leading a specialist contentious trusts and probate practice will support our plans to grow this area of work in Yorkshire, the Northwest and the West Midlands.
“We are seeing increasing demand for advice in this space, driven in part by rising property values and more complex family arrangements. Greater awareness of the ability to challenge wills and estates is also contributing to higher levels of dispute. Strengthening our presence in Leeds is an important step in supporting clients across the region - it’s great to have him on board.”
The firm’s managing partner, Steven Petrie, added “Attracting talented partners to extend our service and reach is a central tenet of our growth strategy. I am delighted to welcome Matthew to the firm, building on an already growing service line, and strengthening the private client offering in Yorkshire, the Northwest and beyond.”
A financial markets cheat sheet
A practical framework for thinking about shocks, trends and instruments — at all times
1) Macroeconomics
Macroeconomics is best understood through three core variables — the “Big 3”: inflation, interest rates and GDP growth.
They set the direction of travel for markets. But they rarely explain all of the journey.
Inflation — Falling, rising, or sticky?
• Know what number you are looking at. Headline inflation includes energy and food while
core inflation figures strip them out. Services inflation is often the “sticky” part linked to wages and rents. These can move differently at the same time.
• Work out the cause. Prices can rise because demand is strong, because supply is constrained (e.g., shipping or energy), or because wages are climbing. Each cause can have a different timetable.
• Direction > level. Markets react most to whether inflation
is accelerating or decelerating, not simply whether it is “high” or “low.”
Practical takeaway: Inflation determines real (after- inflation) returns, which is what actually funds investment goals.
Interest rates — Restrictive, neutral, or accommodative?
• Look at real rates. A 4% nominal rate when inflation is 3% is very different from 4% when inflation is 1%.
Vanessa-Eve, Leeds
• The path matters. Whether central banks are raising, pausing or cutting (and how quickly) interest rates influences borrowing costs, confidence, and asset valuations.
• Stability matters, too. Sudden swings in rate expectations can jolt markets even if the level doesn’t change much.
Practical takeaway: Interest rates shape stock valuations, funding costs and bond market behaviour.
GDP growth — Accelerating, slowing, or stabilising?
• Separate signal from noise. One month of data rarely changes the picture. Use simple leads like PMIs (purchasing managers indices —business surveys), job trends and credit conditions.
• Weak growth isn’t automatically “bad”. If inflation is easing and policy is supportive, slow growth can still pair with positive returns.
• Markets price the change. Shifts at the margin (growth getting “less bad,” for example) can move stock prices more..
Practical takeaway: Economic growth underpins earnings durability, not just next quarter’s result.
What Else? — How markets behave within a given macro backdrop
• Liquidity & financial conditions. When credit is
easy to get (banks lending, capital markets open), risk assets often do well — sometimes even when growth data look mediocre.
• Fiscal policy. Government spending and tax policy can push against or amplify the macro tide. High debt levels make this more important over time.
• Geopolitics. Most headlines don’t move portfolios. What matters most is energy supply, trade routes and access to capital.
• Sentiment & positioning. Crowded trades and one-sided optimism/pessimism can magnify moves in either direction.
Practical takeaway: The Big 3 set the direction; these factors shape the journey.
Macro returns (At a Glance)
• Inflation → real (after - inflation) returns, pricing power, bond purchasing power
• Rates → equity valuations (discount rates), bond prices (duration)
• Growth → earnings durability and revenue expansion, default/credit risk
Equities respond most to:
• Earnings expectations and pricing power
• Changes in valuation (discount rates)
• Confidence/sentiment
Bonds respond most to:
• Inflation expectations (real value of coupons)
• Interest-rate paths (duration)
• Credit risk ( ability to pay)
2) Equities
Where expectations meet reality
Valuation — What’s already priced in?
• Price versus prospects. A great company can be a poor investment if the price assumes perfection while a mediocre company can be a good investment if expectations are sufficiently low.
• Valuation is relative. Compare to history and to bonds. Look at current valuation versus its own past, its peers, and the return available from safer assets (the “opportunity cost”).
• Catalysts matter. Cheap can stay cheap without a reason to re - rate (better margins, new product, improved capital allocation).
Practical takeaway: Valuation influences future returns more than short-term moves — helping with patience and sizing.
Cyclical vs. defensive — Expansion or protection?
• Cyclicals tend to do better when growth improves and
Clegg Construction to deliver new Leeds office building
Leading UK construction company Clegg Construction is “proud and honoured” to be delivering the most significant new office building in Leeds.
The company is the main contractor for 31 Wellington Street, which comprises 80,000 sq ft of prime office space, a sky lounge, terrace, events space and fitness and gym facilities.
Clegg Construction has already demolished the Wellington Plaza building on the corner of Wellington
Street and Northern Street, where 31 Wellington Street is now being built.
Developers Prescient Capital appointed Clegg Construction as the main contractor last summer.
Designed by DLA Architecture, the £60m state-of-the-art development is targeting BREEAM outstanding and
an EPC A rating. It is scheduled to be completed by summer next year.
Craig Gibbons, operations manager at Clegg Construction explained: “This significant redevelopment in Leeds is a stunning scheme that the team at Clegg Construction is very proud and honoured to have been appointed to deliver.
“It will add to the growing portfolio of projects that we have delivered in Leeds in recent years, which
includes student accommodation, build-to-rent accommodation and the refurbishment of city centre hotels.
“The demolition of Wellington Plaza is now complete, which has triggered the start of work on site to build this landmark office development which will boast excellent facilities in a prime location.
“We are acutely aware of the need to hit the target of BREEAM outstanding, and we are placing sustainability at the heart of everything we do, including sourcing local materials and employing local sub-contractors and labour whenever we can to reduce our carbon footprint.
“Meanwhile the building will include cycle storage, shower and changing facilities, together with floor-toceiling panoramic windows that allow for an abundance of natural light to
grace the contemporary interior. All this combines to make the most magnificent working environment.”
Doug Friend, director of Prescient Capital, commented: “We are delighted with the progress that Clegg Construction are making so far and we are on schedule for completion of the building next summer with interior office fit-outs by the end of the year.
“It is tremendous news that this stellar development is now well under way. Leeds currently has a significant shortfall of prime workspace, and this elevated ESG credential property is perfectly located and designed to help in relieving some of that pressure. We are already experiencing strong interest in the building.”
Eamon Fox, head of the Leeds office of global property consultancy Knight Frank, who are marketing
31 Wellington Street, together with Leeds agents Fox Lloyd Jones and AC7, added: “Sustained alignment between contractor, funder, and investor is the cornerstone of successful development delivery. It sharpens decision making, accelerates progress, and allows assets to be delivered to the highest standard and on schedule.
“Where alignment is strong, performance follows, turning complex ambitions into well crafted, high-performing assets like 31 Wellington Street, where there is unity of purpose”
Other consultants include Planners Quod, civil and structural engineer Roscoe, service engineer Thornley & Lumb, fire engineer BB7, Hydrock advising on BREEAM & Fitwell, Ridge on NABERS & AH Connections on WiredScore.
Vicky Clapham
Managing Director, Bevic Marketing and PR Services www.bevic.co.uk
I’ve built my careeron something many people still underestimate: the power of a good story.
Long before launching my business, I was the child reading under the covers after lights out, completely absorbed in other people’s worlds. That passion led me to study English Literature and Language at Newcastle University, and ultimately into a career helping businesses find, shape and share their own stories.
Today, as the founder of Bevic Marketing and PR Services, nothing compares to seeing a client gain the recognition they truly deserve. Whether it’s national media coverage, a successful campaign, or the confidence that comes from finally being seen and heard, those moments are why I love what I do.
Over the past eight years, I’ve worked with an incredible range of businesses, helping them grow their visibility, credibility and impact. Along the way, I’ve hosted panel events with the BBC, secured coverage in major national and international outlets, and, most importantly, watched business owners’ step into their confidence and realise their potential.
And yet, PR and marketing are still widely misunderstood.
Too often, it’s dismissed as “just posting on social media” or, as Daniel Cleaver in Bridget Jones once put it, “fannying around with press releases.” In reality, it’s
about far more than that. It’s about positioning, strategy, reputation and connection. Done well, it can transform not just how a business is seen, but how it grows.
In a world increasingly shaped by AI, that human element matters more than ever. While technology can support efficiency, it can’t replace genuine storytelling, creative thinking or meaningful connection. Audiences don’t engage with perfection; they engage with authenticity.
That belief is what led me to co-
found This is Yorkshire Beauty with my friend and former client, Dr Lubna Khan-Salim. It’s a platform built on celebrating women, supporting one another, and recognising the realities of balancing business, motherhood, health and everything in between.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: never underestimate the power of your story. It can inspire, to connect, and to create opportunities, not just for you, but for others watching from the sidelines, wondering if they can do it too.
Member profile
On the road with Leanne
Leanne Hodgetts is the latest member to feature in our Member Spotlight.
Leanne recently joined our growing network to help support her with her growing female taxi service Red’s Private Hire.
Leanne began her career attending Waterdale College to study carpentry and joinery, a far cry from what she wanted to do growing up, an orthodontist/forensic scientist! Her first job was as an administration assistant at Doncaster Chamber of Commerce.
In June 2025 Leanne spotted a gap in the market for women only taxi driving. “It was very hard to set up the business initially, as I was still working full time and I am a single parent” Now established, she loves what she does, “I love it when I know that women feel safe with a female taxi driver. My day can start as early as 2am and not finish until 2am the next day, thank heavens for caffeine and a good playlist,” she laughed.
It’s early days, but going forward Leanne is looking to expand, taking on more drivers so she will be able to cover a wider area. “I’m very proud of what I have achieved so far, but this is just the start!
If you are a member and would like to feature your business in a member spotlight, do get in touch: editor@ yorkshirebusinesswoman. co.uk Non-Member? Why not join us and you too could feature and have your business supported. To sign up, visit the website: https:// yorkshirebusinesswoman. co.uk/#/portal/signup
FACT FILE:
Husband / partner: Rich Haigh
Children: Astrid 18 and Felix 14, also my step-kids Logan 12 and Taylor 10.
What car do you drive? Mercedes CLA AMG Sport
What do you do in your leisure time? Walking my 3 rescue dogs or doom scrolling Facebook reels
Where is your favourite restaurant? Doner Summer in Leeds, the one reason that i will never be skinny again!
What is your favourite food and drink? Vegan junk food and lots of it. I don't really drink due to the job
Where is your favourite holiday destination? Hayle in Cornwall
Where is your favourite place in Yorkshire? York
What is your favourite gadget? My Sat Nav and back massager
What couldn’t you live without? My kids, step-kids, partner and dogs. Everything else is replaceable but those guys are my everything.
First look at Bradford College’s new £19.3m motor vehicle & engineering building
Scaffolding has come down on the new Bradford College Junction Mills building on Thornton Road, set to open in September this year.
Junction Mills will offer students skills in new technologies, such as modern automotive and digital engineering, electric/hybrid vehicles, and advanced manufacturing. The building will be vital in supporting the growth of technology and low-carbon skills capability within West Yorkshire.
The four-storey new build was made possible thanks to £17.8 million funding from the Department for Education Further Education Capital Transformation Fund (FECTF) and a £1.5 million College contribution.
With the upper floors almost finished, ground-floor work will be finalised next, ready for commissioning of services throughout the building. The external perimeter scaffolding has also been stripped, revealing a modern building carefully designed to sit comfortably within its surroundings. Morgan Sindall Construction will complete on site by the end of June.
As many as 650 students could be taught at Junction Mills, accessing cutting-edge, industry-relevant equipment. These students will gain skills in new technologies that prepare them for future-facing careers in a fastmoving sector. Pamela Sheldon, head of projects at Bradford College, said: “It’s fantastic to see our new building revealed as we move one step closer to opening this amazing new facility.
Junction Mills represents a significant leap in how we equip young people with the skills needed for a low-carbon economy, and it is fitting that a building dedicated to low-carbon skills should be constructed with sustainability at its core.”
Last year, Junction Mills was the only new build project in Yorkshire to attain Morgan Sindall Construction’s platinum certification for outstanding carbon savings. Including the use of electric arc furnace (EAF) steel for the structural frame which saved 290 tonnes alone, the project has saved an impressive 473 tonnes of carbon over its design and construction phasesequivalent to heating 175 UK homes for a whole year.
Ben Hall, Morgan Sindall’s area director for Yorkshire, added: “Working closely with Bradford College, we’ve been able to deliver our Intelligent Solutions to create genuine carbon savings across
the lifespan of Junction Mills, while also creating a space that serves its students and staff well. This is a significant project for the college and for West Yorkshire more broadly. It’s where the next generation of skilled workers will train, and that matters. We’re proud to have built somewhere that gives students the environment they need to learn properly and go on to make a real contribution locally.”
Over the last two years, Bradford College secured nearly £32 million in funding, with Junction Mills central to an ambitious estates strategy, designed to nurture inspiring careers that support regional economic growth. Other capital projects include the opening of Garden Mills – a flexible digital, science, and allied health training facility for higherlevel students - and remodelled T Level training facilities for business, media, catering, and hair and beauty students.
More Than A n Audi t.
Audit services that go beyond compliance to deliver real business value.
At the heart of our audit and assurance services is a commitment to delivering clarity, stakeholder confidence in financial statements and genuine commercial value. At Parsons, we don’t view audit and assurance as a box ticking exercise, we see it as an opportunity to strengthen governance, improve financial insight and support strategic decision making
Our team provide a full range of independent audit and assurance services across the corporate, charity, education and pension sectors including:
Statutory audits
Charity and not-for-profit audits
Academy audits
Pension scheme audits
Grant audits
We understand the audit process can be a challenging time for businesses as they balance regulatory compliance with business-as-usual activities. We pride ourselves on being a financial partner you can rely on and deliver a collaborative, transparent process to all our clients.
“Parsons have been with us since our first audit in 2023, supporting us as a privatel y owned SME in the flooring sector through an important milestone for the business. Their approachable, supportive manner made the process feel straightfor ward and reassuring, and we genuinel y enjoy working with a team who are al ways on hand throughout the year to answer questions and offer guidance.”
- UK Trade Furnishings Limited
This year, there have been significant changes to accounting standards for revenue and leases and it’s important to understand how these could affect your business. Our team are always available if you would like support and guidance on any key steps you need to take to make sure you remain compliant.
Yorkshire Businessman catches up with entrepreneur and YBM ambassador
Simon Grayson
After winning a title in April 2025 in Nepal, the last year has seen me work in football and media, as well as attend events in the business world. All of these have led to new experiences, sometimes stepping out of my comfort zone.
I’ve been in and around the football world for nearly 40 years; I still get a buzz from it, but it
also allows me to keep learning and developing. Along the way, you get highs and lows, but for
me, how you deal with these is the true test.
More recently, I’ve been asked to take my experiences from the football world into the business sector in and around the Yorkshire area. This has certainly taken me
out of my comfort zone, but it’s something that I’ve really enjoyed. It challenges you and pushes you to new limits.
When I arrived back from Nepal, I started working for LUTV (Leeds United TV), doing punditry work for them on match days. I was covering the games at the back end of the season, with promotion back to the Premier League in sight. Promotion back to the Premier League would not only be amazing for Leeds United supporters but for the whole city and area in general. It would give businesses a huge boost in difficult times, and this could not be underestimated.
Over the summer of 2025, I was approached by Hartlepool United to become their new manager. The owner had been chasing me for a number of years, and I felt it was maybe the right time to join them, even though I had not managed or coached at that level before. I knew of the new challenge in front of me—there was a disconnection between the fans and the owner, plus many other things—but I love a challenge, and it was something that I had gotten used to over the last 40 years. Unfortunately, the challenges were too big, and it didn’t work out, but that’s football sometimes.
Over the last few years of my football career, I’ve been looking at different avenues to explore when I decide to finish in football. One was to go into the business sector, joining business panels, doing Q&As, and giving keynote talks about my career and how the business sector and elite sport can be so different, yet so similar at the same time. I’ve been on a panel at Bettys & Taylors in Harrogate,
done a Q&A at Full Sutton Prison with Stevie Ward, the ex-Rhinos captain, and joined the panel at the Men’s Yorkshire Business Forum at Uyare in Leeds. All these events were fantastic opportunities to make connections in the business world across the Yorkshire area.
Over the last year or so, I’ve gotten heavily involved as an ambassador with the Howarth Foundation, who deal with people experiencing homelessness—some of whom have addictions—and try to get them back into the workplace. This has been a truly eye-opening experience, and I now fully appreciate what so many charities do to help people. We have a golf day in June and a charity football match in July, where my team of celebrities—including Jermaine Beckford, Ross McCormack, cricketer Ryan Sidebottom, plus many others from the world of sport, music, and TV—will give up their time to play.
I’ve also been heavily involved in the media industry, working for Sky Sports, talkSPORT, BBC Radio 5 Live, LUTV, Foxes Hub (Leicester City TV), and others, doing a range of work from cocommentary to punditry. I’ve always enjoyed this line of work and hopefully will continue to do so in the future. More recently, I was asked to do the FA Cup semifinal between Leeds United and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium, hosting some of the lounges with ex-England and Chelsea manager Glenn Hoddle. This was quite surreal, as Glenn was one of my football heroes growing up as a teenager.
In March 2026, I was approached to become an assistant football
coach for the Indonesian national team. This was something out of the blue, as I didn’t know anybody at the Indonesian FA, but it was an opportunity I jumped at. This was completely new to me, as I had never been an assistant coach in the last 20 years; I had always been the head coach or manager making all the decisions. However, I knew that I would be able to accept this challenge and adapt. Part of the new experience was working in a different part of the world, but also making new connections. The staff included people from South Africa, Slovakia, Canada, America, and the UK, all coming from various backgrounds. Working for a national team was something I was looking to do going forward, and once I was there, I realised that it was something I definitely wanted to do even more. I’m due to go back in July for a tournament and hopefully be there for a few more years. The aim for everyone involved is to help Indonesia qualify and be part of the 2030 World Cup.
I’ve been very fortunate to have been involved with football for 40 years, sampling the highs and lows, enjoying great travelling experiences, and meeting so many new connections.
One of the highlights of 2025 to 2026 has been the birth of my granddaughter, Sophia, in June. It’s so important while you are working to still find time to enjoy family. Sophia will turn one this June, and what this has made me realise is that time flies very quickly in life. That’s why we should all work hard, enjoy our lives, have new experiences every so often, and not be frightened if they don’t work out how you’d like them to.
Pasta Point Leeds brings fresh pasta to Kirkgate Market
Pasta Point Leeds, a pasta stand located at the heart of the Leeds Kirkgate Market, has launched with the support of a five-figure start up Loan delivered with support from Business Enterprise Fund (BEF). The funding has enabled founder Andrzej Brudecki to turn his long-held dream of running a pasta business into reality.
Inspired by family-style home cooking, Pasta Point serves freshly cooked pasta dishes designed to be generous, affordable and high quality.
Since opening, Pasta Point has become a popular destination within Kirkgate Market, known for its welcoming
atmosphere, freshly made dishes and Andrzej’s passion for serving food that feels personal. The stand has quickly built a loyal customer base, with visitors travelling from across the region.
The idea for Pasta Point emerged during a challenging period in Andrzej’s life. After losing his job three years ago, he found himself reflecting on his future and began pursuing his long-standing ambition of starting a food business.
Andrzej said: “My idea started when I lost my job. When you’ve got so much time, you’re constantly thinking - maybe now, maybe now. Finally, I contacted BEF, and we started the process. I realised it wasn’t that hard. It was possible.
“When I cook, I cook like I cook for my family, and customers love that. They pay me with smiles and good reviews - there’s nothing better for me.”
With support from BEF Investment manager Christian Elvidge, Andrzej successfully applied for a Start Up Loan, giving him the confidence and financial backing to launch Pasta Point without having to rely on personal savings.
Andrzej added: “Everything you see around me is built based on this money. I didn’t use any of my own money, and that was so helpful because it gave me the confidence and time to build everything properly. Without this finance, I would probably never have done it - I was scared to use my savings or to borrow from other banks with higher rates. This was perfect.”
Christian Elvidge, Investment Manager at BEF, said: “Being here today, I can see how quickly the food is flying out. Andrzej’s idea was strong from the beginning and seeing how well he’s doing now is fantastic.”
Wealth and Wellbeing Networking Morning
Tuesday 17 March , 10am - 12pm th fit20 Leeds Farsley 83-85 Town St, Sunny Bank Mills Leeds, LS28 5UJ
in partnership with
Tickets are £19 per person including strength training, refreshments, panel tips & networking
Book tickets: lazenbysfs co uk/wealth-and-wellbeing-networking/
What role should professional firms play in the communities that sustain them?
In regions like Yorkshire, sport shape’s local identity, strengthens wellbeing, builds resilience and creates opportunities across generations. Around it sits a wider ecosystem of clubs, charities, schools and businesses that contribute in different ways to the health of the community.
Professional firms are an integral part of that ecosystem. They advise clubs and governing bodies, support charities, mentor emerging talent and provide the specialist knowledge that helps organisations thrive. However, their role can go beyond delivering a service.
At Chadwick Lawrence, a deeper commitment to people and place extends beyond providing expert legal advice across disciplines from sport to employment law. The firm actively encourages the wellbeing and personal development of its team members while giving back to the Yorkshire community it serves.
This ethos is exemplified through an ongoing wellbeing commitment to colleagues, legal support for local sports club clients and sharing guidance within the community –demonstrating how professional expertise and community purpose can work hand in hand.
Resilience beyond the workplace to the rugby field
One person who embodies the firm’s values is Dan Bell, Chadwick Lawrence’s Head of IT, who plays a central role in ensuring technology
continues to support growth, security and innovation. Dan’s professional journey reflects the same determination that drives his personal success.
In 2021, he faced a life-changing diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, which affected both his mobility and speech. Determined to reclaim his strength, he worked closely with therapists and re-engaged with fitness through the Leeds Rhinos Foundation running group – a connection made possible through Chadwick Lawrence’s 20-year partnership with the club.
With a long-standing passion for rugby, this pathway back to fitness reignited Dan’s sporting ambitions, leading him to Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) – where he now represents Yorkshire. His dedication on the field has been extraordinary: helping his team win the Yorkshire Series, gaining certification to play internationally, and most recently, being selected for the England Squad for the 2026 PDRL World Cup. In recognition of his resilience, leadership, and commitment, Dan was named Player of the Year at the Leeds Rhinos Awards in 2025.
The firm has proudly sponsored Dan’s sporting journey from the start, sponsoring him as a player and backing his team. Its ethos of giving back to the community and encouraging people to support one another, both inside and outside the workplace, is reflected in Dan’s journey.
Strengthening support for professional rugby in Yorkshire
Beyond PDRL, Chadwick Lawrence has established itself as a longterm supporter of local sport and community causes. The firm currently works with five local rugby league clubs to offer legal support, including Leeds Rhinos, Bradford Bulls, Wakefield Trinity, Huddersfield Giants, and Castleford Tigers.
The firm recently sponsored an exclusive event, An Evening with Dan Carter, at the Howard Suite at Headingley Stadium. Guests had the rare opportunity to meet the legendary rugby union fly-half, ask questions in a live Q&A, and receive signed copies of his book. Dan Carter, a two-time Rugby World Cup winner and three-time IRB Player of the Year, shared insights from his record-breaking career, inspiring all in attendance.
'As the event partner, Chadwick Lawrence reaffirmed its dedication to supporting professional sport.
Extending legal expertise and guidance to the community.
This focus on sport is mirrored in the leadership of Neil Wilson, Chadwick Lawrence’s managing partner, who brings both expertise and passion to the firm’s specialism in sports law. Neil serves as legal director on the board at Leeds Rhinos and as a trustee of Leeds Rhinos Foundation, where the firm provides pro bono legal support.
Beyond legal counsel, Neil is a prominent speaker on employment law, culture, and inclusivity, using his experience to mentor colleagues and
contribute to the development of talent within the firm and the wider professional community.
Through initiatives like Dan Bell’s sponsorship, the Dan Carter event, and ongoing advisory roles, Chadwick Lawrence demonstrates how legal expertise and community engagement work hand in hand with one another.
Whether navigating the complexities of professional sport, supporting personal development, or giving back through local partnerships, the firm’s approach affirms that wellbeing, teamwork and community are important values that define a firm and the people that work there.
How historic club is aiming to restore its national reputation
Yorkshire support for big challenges facing the coast’s legendary ground
Exclusive for YBM by Ed Asquith, Yorkshire Coast Editor
Yorkshire Businessman presents an exclusive Q&A with John Riley and Neil Fletcher, two members of the new, dedicated highly-experienced team running Scarborough Cricket Club.
They are calling for business and public support as they aim to hit a catalogue of problems for six.
The ground has historically attracted the biggest international names in the sport – and its calendar has been a colourful part of the town’s tourism portfolio, attracting enthusiastic visitors from across the country for the annual cricket festival.
But recent years have seen a turmoil-rocked club, a boycott on legend Sir Geoffrey Boycott, team chaos - and growing financial and structural problems with public dismay.
The recent annual meeting heard of widespread improvements over the past five months, with more positive news on the stands, capacity and refurbishments of key areas.
Here the new widely-skilled leadership which took over a few months ago, explains to this
Sir Geoffrey Boycott whose ban has been rescinded.
Picture courtesy of JandK Hodgson
magazine its determination for a fresh direction …
Why is the new leadership so determined to give the club a new beginning?
Without our intervention, the club would have gone bankrupt. We are all ex-players who are determined to see the club that we love flourishing once more. None of us are taking any payment.
What are your urgent priorities?
To see competitive club cricket being played and enjoyed, to ensure that first-class cricket will continue to be played here and to get finances back on an even keel.
What else is part of your strategic improvement plans?
The ground is in dire need of attention and have already refurbished the pavilion with new furniture, carpets, curtains and redecoration, and the bar, kitchen, toilet areas – and a lot of unseen improvements which were essential. We have agreed a deal with Carlsberg Britvic for beverage supplies and this deal includes a full refurb of the antiquated cellar systems.
We are also in the process of forming a consortium of interested business partners in a 10-year plan which will totally transform our facilities. We must digitise our antiquated IT Marketing and Business systems – this is already underway.
What support would you like from the business community and local groups?
We have found a tremendous
amount of goodwill in both the town and the county in our determination to preserve and then enhance the jewel in the crown which is Scarborough Cricket Club.
It is difficult to quantify the time and effort our lads are spending in our desire to contact potential sponsors and businesses willing to help us out. How can members of the public and club supporters help?
We are asking for help in all aspects as we simply haven’t the money to shell out on casual labour. We have made a great start with volunteers in our first project assisting in our successful refurbishment of the pavilion which was looking very tatty. In an attempt to cut casual labour costs, we are also looking for volunteers to help John Dodds, the Groundsman, on first class match days on ground staff duties.
The club is a jewel in Scarborough’s crown, how did it become so tarnished?
We want to focus on the way forward but we believe it is true to say that previous regimes had neglected the maintenance of facilities, had not recruited players who had a strong enough desire to play for the club, had allowed the resignation of our First XI from league cricket, had not worked smartly enough to bring money into the club and had allowed relations with our mother club, Yorkshire, to deteriorate.
The new committee is united in trying to right these wrongs and the early feedback on our efforts has been encouraging and heartening.
How is the financial situation, how can it be improved and is big-name sponsorship the only way forward?
The financial situation was bleak, with all the troubles we inherited. But the club is now not at risk – we have reduced the wage bill, increased revenue through business accounts and we have put in new steps – for the first time we have introduced an early bird offer for ticket sales (near 20% reduction) and new packages are available for supporters and businesses for 2026:
• Business Membership £250 (+VAT);
• Advertising Boards £500;
• Marquee Tables £1,200 per table of 10;
• Player Sponsorship £50 per player;
• Match Ball Sponsorship £30 per ball;
• Centurion Club From £2 per month; Major Match Day Sponsor on Application;
• Marquee Sponsor on Application;
• Marquee Hire - exclusive terms.
What is needed to make the big Cricket Festival a success again?
We are fortunate to have secured a deal with Yorkshire CCC to secure 10 days’ cricket.
We need to ensure that marquee hospitality is revitalised and that spectators are going to have a firstclass experience in being well looked after with our revamped catering facilities.
We must remind ourselves that we have won the Outground of the
Year Award five years running and that the players love the pitch at Scarborough. We also need the sun to shine. The 2026 fixtures are:
• June 12-15 v Warwickshire
• July 21 v Hampshire
• August 7 v Derbyshire
• August 27-30 v Leicestershire
We have listened to all the complaints about the increased pricing for our Yorkshire games in the 2025 season and so we have consequently set admissions in 2026 at £26.50, payable over 7 days before the fixture. Tickets bought thereafter would revert to last season’s figure of £33. Senior tickets will be £22.50 if purchased over 7 days beforehand and £25 on the day. Junior tickets will cost £5.
What has been the reaction to the reinstatement of Sir Geoffrey Boycott? (the legend was previously suspended following an internal disagreement with the club; Sir Geoffrey’s suspension was immediately lifted at a special general meeting - with the new club leadership giving him its full support) The reinstatement of our iconic
president was one of our first priorities. His suspension under the previous board was a truly surreal moment and we are gratified with the overwhelming support we have received on his return.
How is the relationship now with Yorkshire CCC?
Our relationship with Yorkshire CCC was an issue with the previous board but the county has been brilliant in our reset and have put the expertise
of their staff at our disposal. Our committee have specialist skill sets and to enhance these, each of us has a link to our specialist equivalent at Headingley.
We both recognise that Scarborough is part of the fabric of Yorkshire cricket and neither party wants to see that situation decline.
We have secured a mutuallysatisfactory deal and Yorkshire will now deal with the administration of ticket sales. On 18 March, two hybrid pitches provided by Yorkshire were installed on our square and these will help considerably with the increasing number of fixtures and practice facilities we will need in this and future seasons.
Regarding the ground, the West and North Stands and public facilities, what renovation is required? When you stand on the square on a lovely spring morning and take in a panoramic view of the ground, it looks an absolute picture.
Capacity at the ground was also a main issue, with the North Stand in
particular which was considered a risk. Surveyors said the 1926 North Stand where the concrete was mixed with sand straight off the beach, was unsafe to use – but an initial re-assessment we are on with has shown that the area around the press box is built differently, with brick and that has given us more positives.
The AGM applauded our actions to help resolve that issue and a structural engineer is making a new assessment – and also importantly, the overall capacity numbers for the
Tim Watts
I joined Scarborough Cricket Club in 1980 as an 18-year-old and spent my entire 25 year playing career with the club. I made over 250 appearances for the First XI and scored almost 7,000 runs, winning the Yorkshire League title in 1984 and the YL Knock Out Cup in 1984 and 1993. I have been a Life Member of the club for 40 years. I worked in the NHS for over 40 years, holding various positions including 15 years as Management Accountant (responsible for budget setting and financial control). In 2007, I graduated from Hull University with an Executive Master’s in Business Management (MBA). In 2009, I was appointed to the position of Deputy Director of Contracting and I subsequently went on to negotiate and manage contracts for Clinical Services worth over £500 million per annum. I retired from the NHS in 2021.
Neil Fletcher
I first represented the club in 1981 and I played there until the end of the 2003 season in the East Yorkshire Cup, the Yorkshire League and latterly the Yorkshire Premier League North. I still live just outside Scarborough and have witnessed the steady decline of the club and I now wish to use my time and expertise to rebuild the finances, infrastructure and playing side of the club. Having worked with a series of businesses and high net worth individuals,
ground will not be the issue that we had feared. The capacity numbers have been re-assessed and are up to whatever is necessary or likely.
The West Stand has a lifespan of 5-10 years so these replacements are also at the top the major modernisation plans required.
Regarding the SCC teams, league status and the players, can you share an update on the First XI?
We will be fielding a very competitive First XI which will
I feel I can attract new members, sponsors and businesses to the club and be a perfect link to the local village sides who have lost faith in Scarborough Cricket Club and no longer send us their better players.
Darren Barton
I played at Scarborough Cricket Club from a young age for several seasons in the 1990s and was part of a successful Yorkshire League Cup winning team. I then crossed the Pennines to Lancashire and I have been an investor in Small Cap Companies for over 15 years, working alongside companies like Spreadex who have sponsored several Premier League and Championship sides. I became chairman of Formby Cricket Club which resulted in success with the juniors winning the Lancashire Under-15 Knockout competition and the first team becoming a competitive and stable side in the Liverpool and District Cricket Competition.
Luke Jarvis
I am originally from Whitby and I travelled down to play in the junior sides at Scarborough prior to playing Premier League cricket for many years in the Bradford League where I was recognised as one of the leading bowlers in the county leagues for many seasons. I played Minor Counties cricket for Cumberland and I have gained 150 caps for MCC. I currently
be aiming for promotion through the ranks. We have a five-year plan to get the first team back in the Premier Division.
We acknowledge that the glory years of 1972-82 when we won five National Club Championship titles are a long way off but it has been really heartening to see the amazing number of junior cricketers who have been attending our winter coaching programmes. The future looks very bright if these boys and girls can maintain their interest and development.
have 20 England 50s caps having just played earlier this year in the 50s World Cup in Sri Lanka. I am still playing Premier League cricket for Collingham and Linton and I both play for and help select the Yorkshire over-50s side. After playing three winter seasons in Australia and South Africa, I obtained a job as a graduate at the Whitby Potash mine (Cleveland Potash) and navigated into international mining, working for many international mining houses. I have taken on Senior International Strategy and Marketing Roles and I have been actively involved in raising funds (Debt and Equity) for new potash and lithium projects. I am currently a consultant fundraiser for several new global potash projects.
Robert Harrison
I first represented Scarborough Cricket Club in 1991 and played until the end of the 2003 season, initially in the East Yorkshire Cup Competition before progressing into the First XI. For seven seasons between 1997 and 2003, I commuted from London (where I was working on the London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange) to play for Scarborough. Since 2001, I have run my own business in Leeds. At the age of 58, I am still attempting to play cricket which keeps me in touch with the local leagues around Scarborough. I
THE YORKSHIRE COAST
have been on the Committee at Malton and Norton Rugby Union Football Club for 13 years, eight of them as chairman. I managed to increase sponsorship at the club, improve the club’s finances from a significant loss with minimal cash in the bank to registering a profit in every one of the eight years, all whilst overseeing the construction of the new changing room block. I appointed an Australian Player Coach who took the First XV from Level 9 to Level 6 with 3 promotions. I still
organise the Annual Sportsman’s Dinner every March to raise money for the club.
John
Riley
I became a Life Member of the club in 1973 and played at every level from 1981 until 1996. I made over 50 First Team appearances but really enjoyed my cricket the most when I was appointed as Ridings League captain and we were able to field a wonderful mix of both experienced and up and coming young
players, many of whom came to the club from the hotbed of talent we have in local village cricket. They were able to play on Yorkshire League grounds with great pitches and show progression. It would be great to replicate this model over the next few seasons. In my working life, I was employed as a schoolteacher in various East Riding Secondary Schools as Head of English and latterly as an Assistant Head Teacher. I have written several books.
Redefining the classroom with Yorkshire grit
Headmaster Guy Emmett speaks about inspiring young people to develop perseverance and resilience.
Scarborough College headmaster Guy Emmett has spoken of the importance of perseverance, resilience and grit in a robust education.
Guy, who has run the regional school of note for seven years, promotes the multi-benefits of lessons that lie beyond the classroom door. “We talk about redefining the classroom with real purpose,” he said.
“But it does not just redefine learning. It also brings a new definition to what it is like to build friendships.”
He added: “The founding principle behind Scarborough College’s
Scarborough College headmaster Guy Emmett
Beyond the Door programmes is that life is rarely without challenge.
Children who develop a sense of resilience and grit discover their true potential and talents they never thought they possessed.”
Scarborough College, an independent day and boarding school from 3–18, was founded in 1898 and opened in 1901.
Students are encouraged to try new experiences – such as Surf Academy, the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, performing in musical productions, debating, treks and sport.
The college’s Director of External Relations Remco Weeda highlighted many examples of the
Scarborough College bonding
college’s ethos in practice, such as its tradition of students undertaking the gruelling 40-mile one- day Lyke Wake Walk crossing of the North York Moors.
The quest is so tough that it “begs the question why students are so desperate to sign up,” he said.
But they do. “While it is one of our most challenging ‘beyond the door’ activities, the Lyke Wake shows how Scarborough College takes learning outside the classroom.”
Remco added: “The drive for character-development led to projects like Yorkshire Pebbles and the
Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge (both for the Prep School students), TedX Youth (live video,
discussion), Activities Week, the Surf Programme and the sports centres of excellence.”
The latter has seen the college become one of the most successful sports schools in the UK, with
several international stars, athletics medals and domestic title wins in recent years. “There is clear
recognition that when talent meets self-belief, players can achieve at the highest levels and
recent investment, all donated by benefactors certainly highlights this recognition.”
The development of the college has been extra-ordinary over the past two years. It now has:
• state-of-the-art athletics track
• new netball courts
• four cricket nets
• new multi-use games area
In Year 9, the average take-up for Duke of Edinburgh is often exceeds 90%. “Students do not shy away
the Scarborough College's Bramcote Athletics facilities
from a challenge. They embrace the outdoors but most importantly, they know the rewards.”
Remco said: “Completing the Lyke Wake Walk for instance is not about the certificate or counting
blisters, it is about camaraderie, accomplishment and belonging. It is the college’s ‘Passport for Life’ and why its students stand out from the crowd for more than just academic accomplishments.”
Other activities include the Yorkshire Pebbles for three and four-year-olds, a playful nod to its older
Yorkshire Grit programme for the 1115s in the bracing North Sea, among other things. The Prep
School’s parting gift is a three-day Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge. To some, a significant trial but
also a highlight. Other opportunities include sailing, climbing, surfing and martial arts lessons.
Innovative teaching methods were pointed out by the 2025 ISI report: digital transformation,
continued investment in teaching spaces with a newly-developed arts & design building, and sports coaching.
“All of which has seen Scarborough College mix it up with the very top of British schools’ sports,” said Guy.
Further planned provision includes a gym, dry surfing areas and an ambitious tennis development.
Guy, although a keen sports enthusiast himself, is keen to point out that selfbelief and determination are not just confined to sport though. “We have seen tremendous support for our major Lisvane Hall redevelopment project, which we are starting this summer.”
This involves plans for a renovated theatre which reflects the breadth and ambition of performing arts, where students gain the confidence to stand tall on stage and in life. School plays, concerts, debates and assemblies will enjoy stateof-the-art lighting, sound and multi-media, improved seating, stage and backstage area, adaptable for drama, music, public speaking and community events.
“More than 200 of our students play an instrument or take LAMDA (London Academy of Music and
Dramatic Art) lessons. That’s more than one-third of the school,” he said.
Scarborough College Surf Academy
Jack Costigan at the long-derelict landmark former Pentecostal church in Scarborough
The brave businessman taking on town’s longabandoned landmark
Building restoration specialist Jack Costigan has earned plaudits from throughout Scarborough for his bold move to buy and renovate the town centre’s most popular but derelict landmark.
The former Eastborough Congregational Church, also known as the Pentecostal, has been boarded up for half-a-century, with gaping holes in the roof causing extensive damage to the entire interior.
But Jack has taken on the huge task
needed to bring back life to the ornate monument which was redesigned in the mid-19th century, although there has been a chapel on the site since the early 18th century.
He purchased it just two months ago. It has been boarded up since
the 1970s and the renewal will cost him tens of thousands.
“I’m proud to share the beginning of a very special project for this former Pentecostal church which is more than 300 years old.
“Hopefully doing up the property will bring some life back to Scarborough and uplift the whole area for all the businesses around.”
Jack applauded for investing in mission to renovate derelict old church
The Blue Rose specialist cleaning team who cleared the mass of debris from the old church
Jack is the one-man band behind Costigan’s Pointing and Restoration, a Scarborough property, home improvement and building materials enterprise.
“It’s only me, I have been in the trade since I was 16, just over 20 years. I was taught by my dad Sean – he was a builder, now retired. My aim is to restore twwhe building as sympathetically as possible. From a work perspective, restoring buildings like this is exactly what I specialise in. Followed in my dad’s footsteps, I’ve been around construction and restoration from a young age.
“Over the years, I’ve developed a real appreciation for older structures, especially ones with history and character.
“My work focuses on restoration,
repointing, and preserving original features, which is essential for a building of this age.”
Jack added: “This church deserves to be treated with care, respect, and the right skillset to ensure it stands for many more years.”
The church frontage carries the words, ‘Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,’ part of Psalm 100:4 which continues with ‘and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name,’ encouraging worshippers and passers-by to laud the Lord.
For Jack, it’s also a personal mission.
He grew up in a different church - on Manor Road, where he lived.
But he has taken on the new project
because the building means a great deal to him personally as well as professionally.
“I actually grew up in the Church from around the age of four, it played a big role in my early life.
“The church was a place for me and my friends to hang out and socialise. Later on, it became a youth club where me and my friends spent a lot of time — playing table tennis, listening to music and just having a place to go.
“We even had a name for it back then, “MRM – Manor Road Massive,” which still makes me smile now. So stepping back into the building all these years later brings back a lot of memories.
“It’s hard to see it in the condition it has been left in.”
Stone samples have been taken from the old church to be sent to Womersley’s Ltd, quality suppliers of traditional building materials. The samples will be used to ensure the most accurately-matched and effective results for the stonework repairs.
He has also been devoted to clearing up the scale of wreckage and pigeon debris inside the chapel, calling on the local specialist cleaning services of Matt Erye and his team from Blue Rose. “It’s hard to access the church in its current state and Blue Rose have a big job in emptying the place next week, it’s full of guano.”
Jack added: “The church has stood as a quiet part of the town’s history for centuries. Like many old buildings, time has taken its toll,
Work underway on the long-derelict Pentecostal
but its character, stonework and presence remain unmistakable.
“It needs traditional methods that suit its age and significance. This isn’t about quick fixes or modern shortcuts; it’s about preserving what makes the building special and ensuring it stands strong for generations to come.
“The project is deeply personal because it represents everything my business stands for: quality workmanship, attention to detail, and a genuine respect for historic buildings. I’m looking forward to bringing this old building back to life, one careful repair at a time, while honouring its past and securing its future.”
He has received big support from the public, with one member of the public offering his services to restore the metal gates.
PUBLIC COMMENTS OF SUPPORT
• Great news, thank goodness someone is brave enough to do it
• Costigan castle, renovation extraordinary
• Brilliant! Thank you!
• That is fantastic news, Scarborough has some unique historical buildings that deserve all the love and care
• Great news for the building and the street as a whole. I pass it regularly and have always been intrigued by the history of the place
• This is great news! I went there to a youth group, obviously many years ago back in the 60s!
• Excellent news, such a beautiful building
• Oooh... Make sure progress pics are taken please!
• Fantastic news. I lived in Scarborough for 14 years and always wondered if anybody might rescue that beautiful building!
• Good luck Jack
• Look forward to the results xxx
• Wonderful news. Such a beautiful space
• Fantastic, good luck with it all
Jack said: “In an ideal world we would like to create some luxury apartments and, possibly on the ground floor, have it set up to lease out to the right small business) but with today’s current financial climate, we are uncertain that it will financially viable for us to lease out like that.”
In the meantime, everyone has praised his actions in buying the building and making the investment to restore its majesty.
Exterior archaeological excavations in 2005 found preservation of leather. Although the Congregational Church (1703, enlarged in latter decades) is also known as the Pentecostal, it was only used by Pentecostals for a short period. The building was long, linked to St Sepulchre Street which runs parallel and one record states that there was a knights hospitaller building.
Decades of decay at old church.
Business and tourism news talking points …
Get set for more Wuthering …
Scarborough opens a new chapter on its latest Books by the Beach event at venues in town, taking place June 5-7 - with a Bronte bonanza.
Coinciding with the National Year of Reading, the line-up of liveauthor events opens with a focus on the Bronte sisters, starting with The Life of Emily (£9) on Friday June 5 at the Queen Street church in a new book on the events, delights and tragedies of Bronte life which inspired her writing.
That is followed at the same venue for also £9, ‘You thought you knew Wuthering Heights … what if you were wrong?’ Author Essie Fox has re-imagined the Bronte classic, in the narrative voice of Catherine Earnshaw, risen from the grave.
On Sunday evening finale June 7, historian Mary Beard MARY BEARD (professor emerita of Classics at Cambridge) shares her new book,
asking what’s exciting about a piece of bread 4,000 years old? Or pots of paint abandoned in the eruption of Pompeii?
She will share the stage with festival friend Alan Johnson.
The event has been run by Heather French from the beginning, and also features musical musings, history, politics and poetry. The book festival will highlight tales of happy holidays, daring sea rescue, wonders of nature and followers of fashion. There is also a top thriller writer, a famous face from ITV’s News at Ten plus the outspoken ‘Queen of Shops’ https://www. booksbythebeach.co.uk/
Latest time-travellers on the
Spa’s launch pad
Sci-Fi Scarborough is on the launch pad for its 12th year, again inviting all of Yorkshire and beyond to ‘geek beside the seaside’.
The weekend runs Saturday April 18-19 and is organised by the creator
Steve Dickinson, a local businessman. Utilising different quadrants of the Spa, the stellar festival embraces fandom, guest stars, gaming,
cosplayers, comic books, artists and authors and traders over two full days. There are also artists, authors, creators and events and activities.
Leading the galaxy this year are Paul McGann, Janet Fielding, Annette Badland, Danny JohnJules, Femi Taylor, Trevor Butterfield and Duncan Pow. Previous Sci-Fi Scarborough timetravellers include Mike Teavee and Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt) from the 1971
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory film, last year’s film legend Caroline Munro (now Talking Pictures TV), plus: Dave Prowse, Caroline Blakiston, Paul Blake (Star Wars), Craig Charles, Chris Barrie (Red Dwarf), Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy, Fraser Hines, Michael Troughton, Carole Ann Ford, Katy Manning (Doctor Who), Shane Rimmer, David Graham (Thunderbirds), Josephine Gillan, Miltos Yerolemou, Luke Barnes, Ross Mullan (Game of Thrones), plus many more from popular sci-fi related big attractions.
Whitby jet shop re-launches
Whitby’s famous jet jewellery retailers W. Hamond which once had several smart shops under different names throughout the town centre, is now just back to its Original Whitby Jet Store which dates back to 1860.
The parent company Derbyshirebased CW Sellors was rocked by financial problems and entered administration. It initially made 36 people immediately redundant with £2m losses.
Only the shops W. Hamond in York’s Shambles and the Whitby’s jet shop in Church Street, will remain now open after it was bought out of administration.
A message that had been displayed at one of the Whitby closed stores said: “Please be advised, Lee Causer and Benjamin Peterson of BDO LLP have been appointed as joint administrators of C.W. Sellors (Gold And Silversmiths) Limited and Cressbrook Investments Limited.”
Rebecca Sellors, of the founding family, will continue in a main role in, as will Alan Lloyd, C.W. Sellors finance director.
Stunning festival returns to prestige Ryedale venues
One of the UK’s most prestigious music festivals has launched its new programme – again inviting businesses across Yorkshire to be supporters.
The Ryedale Festival runs from July 10-26 and brings outstanding artists from across the world to perform in North Yorkshire’s historic settings.
The festival has been highlighted in our previous editions and it quotes Topic UK Magazine, quoting ‘the global reach of this prestige festival … there are few events in the country with the stunning reputation of the Ryedale Festival’.
The artistic director is Christopher Glynn.
Events across North Yorkshire are performed at Castle Howard, York Minster, Scarborough Spa, Hovingham Hall, Duncombe Park, Sledmere House, Birdsall Hall, Ampleforth Abbey, Selby Abbey, Ripon Cathedral, York University and Malton’s Milton Rooms, as well churches, arts centres and theatres.
The festival centres on classical music, but also features jazz, folk, poetry, folk, talks, masterclasses, family events, concerts, workshops, and touring opera.
Founded in 1981, the festival has partnerships with The Hallé, Opera North, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Leeds International Piano Competition, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and many other organisations.
The festival has twice been a finalist at the Royal Philharmonic Society Awards where it was praised for ‘an extraordinary breadth of programming’ and the way it ‘wraps its arms around the community’. The festival has an online platform called RyeStream.
Zooming to the new zoo
Flying the flag for Filey this year is the new Filey Zoo, re-branded from the Filey Bird Garden & Animal Park, which opened in 2008.
Filey Zoo is a five-acre family-run attraction surrounded with 75 species of exotic and domestic animals and birds and wildlife areas and gardens.
It includes animals, birds and reptiles from around the world. These include agouti rodents, zebu cattle, cockatoo, meerkats, geckos, alpaca and other reptiles and bugs – with daily keeper feeding and talks.
There is an Asian Leopard Cat which leaps across platforms for hidden food, and a 14ft iridescent-scaled reticulated python. Domestic animals include Shetland ponies, goats and donkey.The zoo is being promoted by Filey Tourism Association, a group of businesses dedicated to promoting tourism and trade in Filey and surrounding areas.
Residents, business owners and visitors are being urged to have their say on the future of the resort through the Filey Town Investment Plan consultation https://www.northyorks.gov. uk/.../filey-town-investment-
NG Bailey appoints low carbon director to drive decarbonisation growth
NG Bailey, the UK’s largest independent engineering and services business, has appointed Jonathan Kershaw as low carbon director.
Jonathan’s appointment follows the creation of the role which will work across the Group to develop and deliver sustainable, futurefocused solutions for its clients which accelerate their transition to more efficient, resilient, and sustainable buildings. This will include the creation and implementation of a strategic plan to expand the business’s low carbon offering, ensuring NG Bailey can support clients at every step of their decarbonisation journey.
With a focus will be on delivering measurable outcomes by combining data insight, engineering expertise, and practical delivery to unlock the long-term value of reduced carbon assets, Jonathan will oversee projects which supports clients from early feasibility and investment planning through to technical design, installation, maintenance and longterm performance optimisation.
Bringing over 15 years of experience supporting businesses to reduce carbon and improve resilience through large infrastructure and engineering projects, Jonathan was most recently the managing director of Dalkia Energy Services, previously Breathe Energy. In this role he supported public and private sector clients in delivering energy reduction and decarbonisation projects.
Commenting on his appointment
Jonathan said: “It’s an exciting time to be joining NG Bailey as the business continues to invest in and grow its Low Carbon offer. There is a clear focus on delivering practical, measurable outcomes for clients and supporting them as they transition to more efficient, resilient and sustainable buildings.
“NG Bailey’s depth of engineering expertise, combined with its endtoend approach to delivery and longterm asset performance, creates a compelling platform to help clients unlock real value from lowercarbon buildings. I’m delighted to be part of the
next phase of the business’s growth.”
Alex Chilvers, strategy director said: “I’m pleased to welcome Jonathan to NG Bailey. With decarbonisation remaining a key target for many of our clients as they look to manage energy transition or mitigate the current market volatility within the energy sector, Jonathan’s expertise will be invaluable to the business.
“I look forward to working with him to further develop our Low Carbon business which complements our existing work in sustainability and energy management across the group both for ourselves and for our clients.”
Study Inn Brotherton House, Leeds, wins two major awards
Study Inn Group is proud to announce that its Leeds property, Brotherton House, has been recognised with two top honours at the Unipol Rate Your Landlord Awards 2026, winning Best PBSA Provider and Best PBSA Building in the City.
This nationally recognised award celebrates operators who consistently deliver high standards of accommodation and service, based entirely on student feedback. The Rate Your Landlord Awards are informed by hundreds of student reviews, covering areas such as customer service, maintenance, safety, value for money, and overall living experience. Hosted by the student executive teams at Leeds University Union and Leeds Beckett Students’ Union, the event
brings together universities, local authorities, landlords, and students from across the city.
Since opening in September 2022, Study Inn Brotherton House has quickly established itself as one of the leading student accommodation providers in Leeds. Operating at 100% occupancy, the property has also been ranked the #1 best student accommodation in the city for two consecutive years on Student Crowd (2024 and 2025),
reflecting consistently high levels of student satisfaction.
Matt Shakespeare, managing director of operations at Study Inn, commented: “We are incredibly proud to be acknowledged as being the Best PBSA Provider and having the Best PBSA Building in Leeds. To achieve this recognition based entirely on student feedback is a testament to the dedication of our on-site teams and the experience we strive to deliver every day. At Study Inn, our focus has always been on creating a true home away from home, particularly for students who may be living away from their families for the first time. Special recognition must go to Centre Manager Terrie and her team, who have done an outstanding job at Brotherton House. Their commitment to student wellbeing and service excellence has been instrumental in achieving this success.”
For Study Inn, this is an endorsement of our brand standards in terms of product, service delivery, and overall business model which prioritises student wellbeing, quality, and consistency across every touchpoint.
Study Inn’s approach is centred on delivering a complete student living experience, combining high-quality design with service-led operations. Its residences offer fully furnished studios and en-suite apartments, dedicated wellness and social spaces, 24/7 onsite support, regular housekeeping, secure access, and an all-inclusive living model designed to provide comfort, safety, and convenience throughout the student journey
Study Inn remains committed to delivering high-quality student accommodation that supports both domestic and international students throughout their university journey.
Kiera Barrass - Leeds Welding Company
Entries open for Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards
Entries have opened for this year’s Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards, with manufacturing and engineering employers across West Yorkshire being encouraged to put forward their most promising young talent at a time when a new generation is helping to redefine the industry’s image.
Now in their fifth year, the awards, which take place in June, recognise apprentices, rising stars and future leaders in manufacturing and engineering, while also highlighting the employers that are creating opportunities for young people to build long-term careers in the sector.
Organisers say this year’s awards come as increasing numbers of young people are choosing manufacturing pathways that offer variety, progression and hands-on experience, challenging outdated perceptions of the industry.
Ben Wilson, managing director of MPM Group and spokesperson for the festival, said: “What we’re seeing across the sector is a new generation coming through with a completely different view of manufacturing. They are embracing the opportunities to develop skills, work with new technologies and build a career.
“The awards are about recognising that talent and making it visible. When you showcase the people
behind the industry, it helps change perceptions and encourages others to follow.”
Among those already benefiting from that recognition are last year’s young award winners.
Eesa Mahmood an apprentice fabricator and welder at prefabricated pipework manufacturer Waites Mechanical Services, scooped last year’s Apprentice of the Year Award. “Winning the award gave me a real confidence boost and made me realise how much I’ve progressed,” said Eesa. “Since starting out, I’ve developed a wide range of skills and taken on new challenges.
“It’s an industry where you can keep learning and improving, and I think more people would consider it if they understood what it’s really like.”
Kiera Barrass, an engineering operative apprentice at Leeds Welding Company, who was a winner in the Rising Stars category, added: “The award win has helped me gain the confidence to believe that I can make a good life for myself in engineering. “I might be small in stature but I’ve been able
to achieve just as highly as my male colleagues in this industry and can see a range of options ahead. I now have a clear sense of what I want to do in the career that I have studied for.”
Award categories include Apprentice of the Year, Rising Star, Future Manufacturing Leader, Mentor of the Year, Graduate of the Year, SME and Employer of the Year, alongside a Manufacturing Ambassador Award.
Each award will be presented by a sponsor, with the Manufacturing Ambassador accolade awarded to the person judged to have done most over the last 12 months to promote and raise the profile of the manufacturing sector.
The awards form part of the wider Leeds Manufacturing Festival and will take place at Leeds Beckett University on 4 June, with nominations open until 17 May.
Cash prizes will be awarded to winners, and a donation to the Howarth Foundation, a charity that works with business to help people who are homeless into employment or training, will be made on behalf of the Employer of the Year.
Further information and entry details are available at: www. leedsmanufacturingfestival. co.uk
Law firm marks 15 years of UK’s first legal apprenticeship scheme
Law firm Gordons has announced two further graduates of its pioneering, multi-award-winning law apprenticeship as the firm celebrates 15 years of the scheme.
Katie Breckin and Danny Knee, who joined as apprentices in 2019 and 2020 respectively, have both qualified as chartered legal executives.
They achieved the qualification by successfully completing the Gordons Law Apprenticeship. This was the first apprenticeship of its kind in the UK legal sector when it was launched in 2011 to enable greater social mobility within the profession.
The five-year long programme admits bright and determined 18-year-old A-level school leaver entrants each September with an emphasis on those
from disadvantaged or challenging backgrounds.
Since it began, more than 40 young people have been apprentices at the firm and this year the firm will offer further places in September, which are conditional on A-level results.
Following their graduation, Katie is continuing her career as part of the firm’s residential conveyancing team whilst Danny is doing the same within the commercial property specialism.
As apprentices, both trained to become qualified lawyers through a
combination of hands-on experience and academic study whilst Gordons paid their salary and course fees.
The Gordons Law Apprenticeship was the idea of senior partner, Paul Ayre, who wanted to increase social mobility in the legal profession.
He commented: “We want our firm to be full of talented, determined people with a great attitude. We wanted to find bright young people who work hard and that is exactly what we have done over the past 15 years with our law apprenticeship.
“Katie and Danny are two great examples of why we remain totally committed to the scheme. They should be very proud of what they have achieved and the way they have done it.
“They are both great assets to the firm, and we will continue investing in their personal and professional development to enable them to fulfil their potential.”
The firm’s legal apprenticeship has also been highly commended for excellence in diversity and inclusion by the Law Society, won the Raising the Bar Awards for education and won the most effective diversity programme award at The Lawyer Management Awards.
For further information on the firm’s apprenticeship search ‘Gordons law apprenticeship’
EY appoints new financial due diligence leader
EY has appointed Jason Kenneally, a transactions professional with more than 15 years of experience in the Northern market, as a partner and the firm’s new financial due diligence leader for Yorkshire and the Northeast.
The role will focus on supporting clients with strategic transactions in a variety of sectors and industries as EY’s North team continues to advise businesses on mergers, acquisitions, investments, divestments and listings.
Jason rejoins EY from Croda International, where he worked for more than three years across all aspects of corporate development and as a finance director with a commercial focus, after previously working in EY’s transaction diligence team. His appointment is part of the continued investment in EY’s deals teams in the North
Jason’s transactions market credentials and industry experience, combined with a master’s degree in chemistry, have enabled him to develop deep sector expertise in chemicals, ingredients and the wider industrials sector. He also brings a holistic understanding of corporate transactions to the role, having managed and completed deals from within a business as well as advising clients on deals.
Jason said: “I am delighted to have rejoined EY to take on this exciting new role. Having lived and worked in
about the business community in Yorkshire and the Northeast, and I am relishing the opportunity to support new and existing clients. I have a talented and experienced team behind me – and they are equally as motivated as I am to make a difference in the market. We are all aware of the headwinds that persist in 2026 but forwardthinking businesses with a clear equity story still have compelling opportunities to transact. I look forward to working closely with our clients to help them achieve their strategic objectives.”
Kate Jarman, Leeds office managing partner said: “Jason is an excellent addition to our growing team in Leeds as we continue to invest in our regional business. His experience and knowledge will be invaluable to both our team and our clients as we continue to support businesses across Yorkshire and the Northeast in the deals market. With a strong, high-performing team alongside him, I have every confidence that Jason will help us continue providing exceptional
LCB to receive over £919k in Government funding
Leeds College of Building (LCB) is one of 18 colleges in Yorkshire and the Humber set to benefit from government funding for essential estates and building improvements.
In a recent announcement, it was confirmed that LCB will receive £919,871 from the FE College Condition Allocation (FECCA) fund.
This latest £30 million package from the Government will be distributed between institutions over the summer, ranging from £6,000 for smaller institutions to £7 million for large college groups for the next academic year.
Colleges have the flexibility to decide how to spend the funding. LCB will use its allocation towards the renovation of a newly acquired building adjacent to its North Street Campus. The 5,000 m2 site on Melbourne Street
increases the size of LCB’s estate by a third, marking a significant investment in the college’s future growth.
LCB was named one of only 10 Construction Technical Excellence Colleges (CTEC) across England for the 2025 -2026 academic year. LCB’s new site will support the CTEC mission of training up to 40,000 more people in high-demand trades by 2029 to tackle construction skills shortages.
LCB Vice Principal, Rob Holmes, said: “We’re delighted that this funding brings us a step closer to renovating our newly acquired CTEC building, helping us address critical regional skills gaps.
This investment is key to creating a specialist training environment in priority areas such as infrastructure, sustainability, and groundwork.
“As one of the country’s only Construction Technical Excellence Colleges, we play a vital role in strengthening the workforce that will keep both the construction industry and the wider economy moving forward. FECCA funding will enable us to develop the facilities needed to achieve this.”
Skills Minister Jacqui Smith added: “The young people in these colleges are the engineers, bricklayers and designers of the future, and they and the dedicated staff teaching them deserve the best possible environment to learn and succeed.
“This £30 million investment will repair and modernise facilities across all 18 colleges in Yorkshire and the Humber, giving young people the spaces they need to build the skills they need for good careers, helping to drive economic growth.”
The 2026/2027 FECCA fund allocation has been boosted by £5 million since last year, when it was introduced in response to colleges calling for a reliable annual allocation to plan and maintain their estates. LCB used 2025/2026 funding to improve the facades of its North Street Campus and renovate the college refectory facilities.
The latest funding is part of a £1.7 billion investment from the Government’s Industrial Strategy for colleges to modernise buildings by 2030.
“It made me very nauseous. I’d be throwing up in my mask every single time”
Your support can mean kinder radiotherapy treatments for young patients like Annabelle. Search Leeds Hospitals Charity to donate today
Dream Machines
Let your imagination run wild with Urban Automotive.
Many of you reading this will be driving around in some very tasty wheels, but it’s possibly similar to the one owned by the person who works in the next-door office. Thankfully there is a way to avoid this potential embarrassment.
Contact Urban Automotive…and you’ll be following in the footsteps of Kim Kardashian, Romeo Beckham, Olly Murs, Anthony Joshua and several Premier League footballers.
The Milton Keynes based company, founded by Simon Dearn in 2013, can make your dreams come true by creating and, via a team of highly skilled workers, morphing a ‘standard’ car into something which is totally unique…like the Land Rover Defender 90 Convertible for example.
Don’t worry, Simon is a hard man to shock…he’s seen everything. He’s also the lead designer.
You have two options; you can let Urban Automotive source a brand-new car and then modify it according to your wishes, or you can use your current vehicle and let Simon’s expert team get to work on it. All the hand-built work is done In the UK…they even manufacture their own carbon fibre which allows the potential to create bespoke designs.
The Urban Automotive showroom is dripping with various models from Rolls Royce, Bentley, Audi, BMW, Mercedes etc, but the one brand which has become synonymous with the firm, is Land Rover. The original Defender was how it all started, turning something used by farmers and the Army, into a badass cruiser.
The latest version of the Land Rover Defender is
one of the most popular vehicles to get the Urban Automotive treatment…and we’ve tried one.
It’s a good example of what’s on offer and the sort of price you’ll be looking at. The original ‘donor’ car was a new Land Rover Defender X powered by a 419bhp 5.0 litre petrol V8 engine. If you rock up at your local Land Rover dealer and buy one off theshelf, you’ll pay £101,125. FF
Ask Urban Automotive to get an identical vehicle and then work their magic, and you’ll be given a rundown of what’s possible and what it would cost. There are certain items which Urban will have in stock, but if you want something extra special, they’ll sort it.
Our vehicle…similar to the one you see here…tipped the scales at £114,975. So, what did the extra circa £14k give us?
The modifications were based on Urban’s Widetrack kit which can be applied to a host of vehicles. This included Widetrack wheelarches filled by Urban 23-inch forged WX-5 alloy wheels. Modifications are made to the front lower spoiler, square daytime running lights are fitted along with a terrific carbon fibre roof light bar. There’s a new rear spoiler, side steps, Urban spare wheel cover, and Urban branded vents on the top and side of the bonnet.
And there’s no need to stop with the exterior of the vehicle. You can do anything you fancy inside… new seats, new materials, new colours, new tech…let your imagination run wild.
However, as with the Defender Widetrack which we sampled, it all looks very tasteful but certainly gives the Defender a mean appearance.
Which, of course, is exactly what Urban Automotive wants…to make the car look
as though it has been modified to factory standards and not as though bits and pieces have been stuck on. It might be a totally unique, bespoke Defender 110 V8, but it could have rolled off the Land Rover assembly line yesterday.
Urban Automotive is a UK success story which has grown into a globally wrecognised brand, with an everincreasing list of international customers especially in the USA. As a luxury vehicle modifier and designer, celebrated for its bespoke carbon-fibre enhancements and ability to transform already exceptional vehicles into personalised automotive statements, it gives the opportunity for discerning buyers to create a one-of-a-kind dream machine.
Hidden Textile Treasure Unearthed
The historic Sunny Bank Mills Museum & Archive in Farsley, WestYorkshire has beenawarded £243,449 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to deliver Dyevolution,anambitious threeyear project that will uncover, preserve and share a remarkable and little-known chapter of Britain’s textile history.
At the heart of the project are six dye ledgers dating from 1888 to 1908 which are fragile, hand-bound books containing samples of dyed wool fibres. These rare volumes capture a pivotal moment in industrial history: the shift from natural dyes to the early use of synthetic colour, a transformation that reshaped textile manufacturing worldwide.
The Dyevolution project will bring these extraordinary objects into the spotlight, revealing the experimental processes and innovations that defined a turning point in the industry.
Rachel Moaby, heritage director at Sunny Bank Mills, said: “This funding represents a vital investment in the preservation of one of West Yorkshire’s most significant textile heritage collections. We are incredibly grateful to National Lottery players for making this possible.”
She continued: “The dye ledgers are exceptionally fragile, yet they offer an extraordinary snapshot of dyeing practices at a time of huge technological change. They document the transition from natural to synthetic dyes, a moment that transformed textile production but remains largely unexplored.“Through Dyevolution,
Images: Guzelian/ Lorne Campbell
we will conserve and digitise these volumes, ensuring they are safeguarded for future generations. Just as importantly, we will carry out new research and share these findings widely, deepening public understanding of our region’s industrial heritage.”
The project will be delivered with the support of the British Museum, bringing
world-leading scientific expertise to the analysis of the ledgers.
Dr Diego Tamburini, Scientist for Polymers and Modern Organic Materials at the British Museum, said: “These ledgers are an invaluable and rare resource. Precisely dated and containing both natural and synthetic dye samples, they provide a unique window into how dyers experimented with new materials at the dawn of synthetic colour.”
“Using the British Museum’s stateof-the-art facilities, we can identify dyes at the molecular level, work that has the potential to significantly advance knowledge in heritage science. Dyevolution will help build vital reference data, supporting accurate identification of dyes in historic textiles and benefiting researchers far beyond this project.”
Heritage Director Rachel Moaby in the Museum & Archive at Sunny Bank Mills at the start of the Dyevolution project.
One of the historic dye ledgers discovered at Sunny Bank Mills, part of the Dyevolution project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
