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Editors notes
Welcome to this edition of Yorkshire Businessman magazine.
By group editor Gill Laidler
We have so much happening this year, lots of events planned for all businessmen across the region and we have teamed up with the charity Andy’s Man Club to create awareness of the fabulous work they do.
As usual, we have more than 70 pages of business news for you within the magazine, but don’t forget to check out our new website too as there are lots of news stories on there, not in the magazine.
There is still lots of building work going on around Leeds and none more so than on Elland Road, home to Leeds United. The successful UKREiiF returns to Leeds, and you can read the full story on page 12.
Our cover this edition features Tom the operations manager at our partners Dakota Hotel Leeds. From a hospitality family, Tom has worked his way through the ranks and now is on secondment at the new Dakota Hotel in Newcastle, returning to Leeds in late Spring. Check out his story on page 30.
Keep an eye out on the website for Yorkshire Businessman events coming this year with details of how you can get involved.
Gill X
Blacks Solicitors is ‘movin’ on up’ with major office move in Leeds
Reflecting its growth, ambition and investment in its people, Blacks Solicitors has today announced that the firm is ‘movin’ on up’, relocating its Leeds headquarters at 29 King Street from the second floor to the newly acquired fourth and fifth floors.
The move will increase the firm’s workspace from 11,500 sq ft to 17,000 sq ft, with its team of over 240 people set to occupy the new office from summer 2026.
As the space covers two floors a central feature staircase is being created to keep everyone connected. The space will also boast three roof terraces with city views, a client lounge, a multi-functional wellbeing room and a state-of-the-art event suite.
Chris Allen, managing partner said: “This move is about more than just extra space. It’s about creating an environment that inspires the next generation. We want our less experienced team members to feel excited about coming into the office, learning from our partners and peers, and experiencing the benefit
of collaborating in person. Our future depends on their growth and development, and we believe hands-on experience and shared learning are what keep us among the very best firms in the UK.”
Blacks has worked with Oktra (interior design and fitout), Cubic Works (construction) and Crowther Booth Turnbull (chartered building
surveyors and project managers) to bring the new space to life.
The firm has also taken steps to ensure a responsible fit-out, including the use of repurposed furniture and energy-efficient systems.
Chris, adds: “Whilst other law firms are struggling to get their teams into the office, we are investing in a fabulous environment that reflects who we are - a people-first firm built on relationships, teamwork and excellence.”
The move marks another milestone in Blacks’ growth story, with turnover set to reach £22 million by the end of 2025, up from £11 million nine years ago when it first moved into 29 King Street.
Media production company expands with Finance Yorkshire investment
A leading independent media production and technology company is expanding with investment from Finance Yorkshire.
Leeds based Sticks & Glass specialises in production, post-production and live broadcasting. Many of its clients are Yorkshire based independent production companies who benefit from the company’s state of the art finishing facilities.
Sticks & Glass counts the BBC and Channel 4 among its clients and has recently secured a prestigious three-year contract to be the host broadcaster for the Women’s Super League 2 (WSL2) – strengthening its offer in live sports broadcasting.
A £250,000 investment from Finance Yorkshire’s growth fund will support Sticks & Glass in recruiting experienced production staff to support its WSL2 operation.
Sticks & Glass was founded in 2018 by Adam Bennett and Martin Oliver, experienced editors, directors and camera operators. Having worked around the world, the duo decided to establish their business in Leeds – home to several broadcasters including Channel 4.
Adam said: “When Channel 4 moved to Leeds we decided to turbo charge the business and build a world class post-production facility in the city to secure the work we wanted.
“We are in a unique position in the market, offering production, post-production and live broadcasting expertise and facilities.
“Finance Yorkshire’s investment has come at a great time for us and enables us to make senior hires to grow the business.”
Sticks & Glass’ business strategy is to continually reinvest in the company, ensuring its facilities evolve to meet the requirements of the ever-changing broadcast industry.
Adam added: “Leeds has been a massive part of our story and so is our physical space. We like challenging and innovating so we’re not following but leading where our industry should be going.”
Finance Yorkshire chief executive Alex McWhirter said: “The creative and digital media industry in Yorkshire is thriving and Finance Yorkshire is pleased to support Sticks & Glass in cementing its place in the sector as a leader in production and post-production services through this investment.
“The winning of the WSL2 contract marks a new chapter for the company, providing other opportunities for live broadcasting across sport, entertainment and factual programming.”
Finance Yorkshire is preparing to make further investments after a positive review of its investment performance over the last three years during which 70 SMEs were supported, creating and safeguarding over 780 jobs and attracting £30m of private sector investment.
Investments from Finance Yorkshire’s growth, seedcorn and loan funds are expected to total £50 million by 2027, enabling more SMEs across Yorkshire and Humber to grow and prosper.
MD to run London Marathon to support Andysmanclub
Decormax Limited managing director Luke Johnson is embarking on a major fundraising initiative in support of Andysmanclub, the national men’s mental health charity working and Yorkshire Businessman charity of the year 2026, to reduce stigma and create safe, judgement-free spaces for men to talk.
The campaign holds huge personal significance for Luke, who is passionate about championing mental health and encouraging open conversations across his male-dominated industry and his wider community.
Founded to provide free-to-attend peer support groups for men across the UK, Andysmanclub has grown rapidly in recent years, helping thousands of men access vital support every week. Luke’s fundraising will contribute directly
to the charity’s ongoing expansion, enabling more groups to open and more men to access life-changing help.
Luke said: “Last year I raised £3500 at the London Marathon for Wakefield Hospice, and this year I wanted to give back more – I have personal experience of Andysmanclub, they have helped me personally through challenging times and the fundraising target is £25k.
“Mental health affects every family,
every workplace, and every community. The charity is doing incredible work to break down barriers and offer support when people need it most. I wanted to do something meaningful that helps raise awareness and funds for a cause that genuinely changes lives.
“Being MD of Decormax Limited puts me at the centre of a male-orientated industry that is challenged with uncertainty, where the words “I’m struggling” are often replaced with “I’m fine, mate.” On top of that, our industry is facing some of the toughest conditions in years, some firms have gone into administration. The industry should be a more open and approachable place.
“I’m running this marathon as a team of 34 in memory of a friend who sadly took his own life a year ago. I will be wearing a shirt with his image on to commemorate him, and to raise awareness and funds for a charity that gives men a lifeline when everything else feels like it’s cracking around them. The driving force is to make a song and dance about Andysmanclub
and even one person in our industry sees this, reaches out for support and goes to a group I’ll think I’ve succeeded.”
Lucas Whitehead of Andysmanclub added, “75% of men who take their own life don’t engage with a support service before they do so, not enough men do. Men need to open up more.
“Personal stories like this are so important, people find it relatable and it encourages other people to come forward. There are loads of reasons people struggle, from financial strain, work life, home life – it’s good to talk if you need help.”
The initiative comes during a landmark year for Decormax, as the company celebrates 25 years of supplying premium decorative surfaces to the trade. While continuing to invest in new product ranges, an expanded fleet, and enhanced nationwide distribution, the team is equally committed to supporting causes that make a real difference to people’s wellbeing.
Eric Johnson, founder of Decormax, added: “We’re incredibly proud of Luke - not just for leading the business into its next chapter, but for using his platform to support such an important charity. Mental health matters, and we’re pleased to stand alongside him in raising both funds and awareness.”
As part of the fundraising campaign, Decormax will share updates across its networks, encouraging industry partners, suppliers, and customers to get involved and help amplify the message that #ItsOkayToTalk.
Learn more about the charity at www.andysmanclub.co.uk
D Croft & Son appointed to lead landmark Huddersfield rugby league facility project
D Croft & Son Limited, a family-run building contractor with a long-standing reputation for quality and reliability, has been appointed to lead the construction of a brand-new permanent training and operational facility for Huddersfield’s professional rugby league team - marking a major milestone for both the club and the local construction business.
Originally brought onto the project to deliver infrastructure works and specialist groundworks, D Croft & Son quickly impressed project stakeholders with their professionalism, attention to detail and consistent quality of delivery.
As a result, the club has now entrusted the Mirfield-based company with full responsibility for running the project through to completion, with the facility scheduled to be finished in mid-February.This appointment represents a defining moment for the club, which has never previously had a permanent base.
For the first time, the team will benefit from a dedicated, purposebuilt home - a development that many are already describing as a historic step forward for rugby
league in the area. For John Croft, director, the project holds a deeply personal significance.
As a young man, John spent a season with Huddersfield, making his involvement in the creation of the club’s first permanent home a powerful full-circle moment.“This new training facility is more than an upgrade - it’s a launchpad for what comes next. We’re creating a space built for progress, ambition, and possibility. With this facility, we’re unlocking new potential, pushing standards higher, and setting the stage for the next generation to train, grow, and lead the future.”
Founded in Mirfield, the firm is a well-established, family-run building contractor with decades of experience delivering highquality construction projects across Yorkshire and the wider region.
Record £2m revenue milestone as Fantastic Media enters its 20th year
Leeds-based full-service marketing agency Fantastic Media has begun 2026 by surpassing the £2 million revenue mark for the first time in its history, as it enters its 20th year of business.
The milestone follows a period of sustained growth driven by the agency’s strategic approach to marketing, which has seen increasing demand from ambitious businesses seeking clarity, focus and measurable commercial impact. This consultancyled approach has supported a series of new client wins across manufacturing, engineering, technology and food retail.
Fantastic Media’s growth has been fuelled by its belief that effective marketing starts with insight, not tactics. By placing commercial understanding, audience insight and market opportunity at the centre of every relationship, the agency helps clients make confident, evidence-led decisions about where to invest and
how to achieve long-term returns. This strategic foundation enables joined-up marketing programmes that are designed to drive sustained performance rather than short-term activity.
The agency operates an integrated model, bringing brand, PR, digital, content and demand generation together under a single strategic framework. This ensures all channels work in service of the same commercial objectives, giving clients greater alignment, fewer inefficiencies and increased confidence in outcomes.
Managing director Sally Willis says: “As we enter our 20th year, surpassing £2 million income feels like a significant
moment and reflects a clear shift in how ambitious businesses want to work with agencies. Our growth hasn’t come from chasing volume or adding layers of activity; it has come from a disciplined, strategic approach that focuses on what genuinely drives value.“At a time when many organisations are navigating economic uncertainty, leaders are looking for clarity rather than complexity. They want to understand what will make a real difference to their business and why. By putting strategy first and integrating everything around it, we help clients cut through the noise, make smarter decisions and achieve stronger, more sustainable results over time.
Communications director, Stefanie Hopkins, adds: “Reaching this point is as much about our people as it is about performance. We’ve built a team that truly understands our clients’ businesses and operates as trusted consultants, not just marketers. That depth of understanding is a key reason organisations place their confidence in us when making critical decisions. As we approach 20 years, our culture remains one of our strongest assets.”
Based in Leeds city centre with a 28-strong team of professionals, the agency is targeting £2.5m turnover in its 20th year. Its growing portfolio of 50+ retained national and international clients across a diverse range of sectors includes STADA Thornton & Ross, British Weightlifting, Schades Group and SEW-EURODRIVE.
New board for brand specialist in 25th year
Strategic brand agency The Engine Room has announced a new senior leadership team, as the industry stalwart heads into its 25th year in business.
Founder and former design director Darren Evans has moved into the role of managing director, following the departure of long-standing MD Lesley Gulliver, who stepped down in December.
A design associate at Design Council and former board director of Design Business Association, Lesley joined The Engine Room in 2012. Although originally intended as a five year position, she stayed for 14 years, shaping the structured growth of
the organisation. Lesley will remain a shareholder and non-executive director, but Darren will now take the reins of the business.
Leo Parker, who joined the company as designer 18 years ago, has also worked up the ranks to creative director, with a recent promotion to the board. He is joined by Alice Broadbent, who was hired as client services director last spring. With more than 16 years of experience, Alice has successfully led crossfunctional teams at The Sharp Agency and Ponderosa – with expertise spanning financial services, retail, healthtech and pharmaceutical to name just a few – and has an impressive track record of strategic growth.
Having recorded The Engine Room’s best ever year – which marked 23% revenue growth for the tight nine-strong team – Darren believes this 25th milestone year is about doubling down on the firm’s brand specialism in what he has coined ‘act three’.
“The Engine Room’s story – our first ‘act’ – began in 2001, and I had strong ambitions for the agency I wanted to create and the work I knew we could achieve,” Darren explains. “But over the years, I learned what I wasn’t good at. It took 12 months, a lot of mistakes – and plenty of stress – to realise I needed the right business partner to allow me to be the founder I wanted to be.
“Appointing Lesley as MD – ‘act two’ – is hands down the best business decision I’ve ever made. She brought experience, critical and strategic thinking, a tight handle on the numbers and a black and white view of things to counter my creative ‘grey’ matter. Our partnership inspired me to do things The Engine Room would likely never have ever done, and we had the confidence to take on exciting and challenging projects, together.
“Just because you own a business doesn’t mean you have to be the boss,” Darren concludes. “But we spent three years planning for Lesley’s exit, and now is the right time, with the right senior leadership team, for me to move into that role. There’s no denying we operate in a crowded market, but ‘act three’ is about us owning the reputation we’ve proudly carved for ourselves over the past quarter century, in a segment of the vibrant creative industry that has always been our specialism.”
Leeds confirmed as host city for UKREiiF 2027
Building on several highly successful years, The UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) will remain in Leeds for a sixth consecutive year in May 2027.
Since its launch in 2022, UKREiiF has thrived in Leeds, rapidly establishing itself as the UK’s leading platform for the built environment. Each year, the forum brings together more than 16,000 investors, developers, occupiers, and representatives from local and national government to drive conversations that spark investment, regeneration, and long-term growth across the country.
UKREiiF’s continued presence in Leeds has delivered lasting value for the city and region, generating more than £60 million for the local economy and cementing the event as a cornerstone of Leeds’ annual calendar.
Nathan Spencer, managing director at UKREiiF, said: “Leeds has been an exceptional home for UKREiiF, and the enthusiasm, growth, and collaboration we’ve experienced here made the decision to return in 2027 an easy one. The support we’ve received from Leeds City Council, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Allied London and The Royal Armouries has been instrumental in our success, creating the foundations for an event that grows in scale and impact each year.
The city’s accommodation offer continues to strengthen too, with plans for two major new hotels set to add significant extra capacity to an already extensive range of rooms. In addition, the Leeds Hotels and Venues
Association has partnered with the vast majority of hotels across the city and surrounding areas to provide enhanced rates and greater choice for attendees, ensuring the growing delegate base is well served as UKREiiF expands.
We’re proud to continue driving investment and regeneration opportunities that benefit communities, not just in Leeds, but across the whole of the UK.”]
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said; “As a region where opportunity lives, I am delighted West Yorkshire will once again host UKREiiF 2027 in the fabulous city of Leeds.
“With an economy outperforming the national average, we can build on previous years’ success and provide visiting business with the ‘go to’ destination for inward investment.”
“I look forward to welcoming investors, businesses and the public sector back once again to UKREiiF as we work together to build a brighter region that works for all.”
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council said: “We are delighted to be able to continue to welcome UKREiiF back to Leeds for the next two years. Their presence in the city has been a resounding success story delivering significant economic benefits and raising our
profile on a national and international stage.
“We are immensely proud to
continue to play a part in its remarkable growth, from a local startup to its current position as the UK’s largest place conference.
“Beyond the impressive attendance figures, UKREiiF has made a substantial contribution to our local economy, generating an estimated £60 million for the city, supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and changing the face of conferencing, positioning Leeds as a prime location for major conferences.
“We look forward to welcoming thousands more delegates from across the world back to the city in May 2026 and 2027 to showcase our ambitions and accomplishments across the region.”
Nat Edwards, director general and Master of the Armouries, said: “We are so proud of the part the Royal Armouries has been able to play in helping UKREiiF grow from
an inaugural event that attracted 4,000 people in 2022 to over 16,000 delegates in 2025. We’re well on with the preparations for 2026, and it is great news for the region that the event will be returning to the city in 2027.
This decision is another vote of confidence in the Royal Armouries. Our development plans for the wider waterfront site will mean we’ll be able to substantially increase the capacity of the Royal Armouries to host bigger and better events like this in the future.”
Supported by many of the UK’s leading property and infrastructure companies, the fifth annual forum will take place in Leeds from 19–21 May 2026. UKREiiF will continue to attract inward investment, generate economic growth, and champion a more sustainable and inclusive culture within the property and construction industries.
New Adult Skills Funding Set to Boost Careers in Construction
An award of nearly half a million pounds from the Department for Education is helping Bradford College to support more young adults into the construction sector.
Over £994k in Adult Skills Fund money was made available to regional colleges via the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) to deliver comprehensive construction skills, with Bradford College securing nearly 50% of the funding.
A new Bradford College ‘Community Construction Academy’ has now launched, with the first cohort of 15 students enrolled on a fully funded City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Construction Skills. Adult
learners aged 19-24 will develop technical skills in bricklaying, joinery, decorating, plumbing, tiling, and electrical, as well as contextualised maths, English, employability, digital, and soft skills such as problem-solving.
Bradford College Project Manager John Wells explained: “Regionally, we have a significant issue with construction skills gaps but also with adult ‘NEETS’ (individuals Not in Education, Employment, or Training). The aim of this funding is, therefore, to boost construction worker numbers and help achieve national housebuilding targets, while getting more adults into work.
“This funding is the perfect solution for addressing both matters and offering a pathway into a very
rewarding and well-paid sector. Our male and female participants come from diverse backgrounds and skill levels, but they have sadly fallen through the system. This programme is offering a lifeline to determined young adults who can gain the skills needed to get back on track.”
“Students benefit from our taster sessions across diverse construction trades, which gives them a broad skillset that is attractive to prospective employers...
Bradford College is working in conjunction with key partners, including the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and The Sandale Trust in Buttershaw, which is providing a community venue for the training and signposting potential
participants. The cost of vital PPE equipment has also been covered to ensure all students can take part without facing financial barriers.
Procure Plus and Bradford Council are helping to source work placement opportunities, and international construction employer partners Morgan Sindall, Sewell Group, Kier Group, and NG Bailey are offering social value support through work opportunities, talks, workshops, and potential job opportunities on qualification.
John continued: “Delivered in small groups and with tailored support, this flexible training is designed to break down barriers and boost success rates, especially for those who have been out of education for some time.
“Alongside work experience, site
visits, masterclasses and networking, students like this also gain a Level 1 qualification, a Health & Safety Award, and a vital CSCS card –proof that a construction worker has the appropriate training and qualifications for their job.
“Students benefit from our taster sessions across diverse construction trades, which gives them a broad skillset that is attractive to prospective employers. It also allows individuals to find out what they enjoy before selecting a specialism. This superb skills package will give more young adults the foundation they need to succeed in a truly exciting and rewarding industry.”
Over the next academic year, it is hoped that around 70 participants will successfully complete the 20-week rolling programme and progress on to Level 2 training, apprenticeships, or employment.
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.
Bradford College ‘Junction Mills’ development achieves sustainability award
Bradford College is celebrating after attaining Morgan Sindall Construction’s platinum certification for outstanding carbon savings on a new building development. It was the only project in the whole of the Yorkshire region to achieve this status in 2025.
Bradford College’s £19.3 million Junction Mills building has saved an impressive 473 tonnes of carbon over the project’s design and construction phases to date. The four-storey new-build project has achieved carbon savings equivalent to heating 175 UK homes for a whole year.
Morgan Sindall deployed its Intelligent Solutions ethos to reach this achievement. This included the use of CarboniCa, a carbon reduction tool that measures whole life carbon emissions at a buildings design, construction, and entire lifecycle.
Set to open its doors later 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 Centre will be vital in supporting the growth of technology and low-carbon skills capability within West Yorkshire.
Pamela Sheldon, head of projects said: “Sustainability has been embedded into every stage of this project. For example, precast elements such as lift shafts and stairs have been manufactured off-site using Modern Methods of
Construction (MMC) to improve efficiency, quality, and sustainability in the building’s construction.
“This new facility represents a significant leap in how we equip young people with the skills needed for a low-carbon economy, so it is fitting that a building dedicated to low-carbon skills should be constructed with sustainability at its core.”
Design and material optimisation over the project has included changing the rear external cladding (69 tonnes saved), altering the internal partitions from blockwork walls to plasterboard (57 tonnes saved), using a cement replacement in the concrete pile foundations (57 tonnes saved), and utilising EFA steel for the framework from Electric Arc Furnaces (290 tonnes saved).
Morgan Sindall awarded the project a platinum certification in recognition of the volume of carbon saved and the number of case studies produced in evidencing the work. As a result, Bradford College has also been given £5,000 by Morgan Sindall for use on a sustainability project. Junction Mills achieved a full score under the Considerate Constructors Scheme’s Care for the Environment category, recognising efforts to minimise impacts and enhance the natural environment.
Ben Hall, Morgan Sindall’s area director for Yorkshire, said: “Achieving platinum certification on the Junction Mills development demonstrates what is possible when sustainability is embedded from the outset of a project. By applying our Intelligent Solutions approach and working collaboratively
with Bradford College, we’ve delivered significant whole-life carbon savings while creating a highly functional, future-focused learning environment.
“Junction Mills will leave a lasting legacy for students, the College, and the wider West Yorkshire region and it’s a project we’re immensely proud to be part of.”
Over the last two years, Bradford College has 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. The Junction Mills project was made possible thanks to £17.8 million from the Department for Education Further Education Capital Transformation Fund (FECTF) and a £1.5 million College contribution.
Ison Harrison appoints award-winning inquest specialist
Leading Yorkshire law firm Ison Harrison has strengthened its team with the appointment of award-winning inquest specialist Alistair Smith, as the Government confirms a statutory public inquiry into Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust.
The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for families across the North East and North Yorkshire, following the announcement by Health Secretary Wes Streeting that a full public inquiry will be launched into long-standing failings at TEWV NHS Foundation Trust.
The trust has been at the centre of sustained concern for more than a decade, amid serious incidents, preventable deaths and repeated questions over patient
safety, governance and leadership culture.
Throughout the lengthy and emotionally draining campaign, many of the affected families have been represented by Alistair together with solicitors Sarah Magson and Dawn Makepeace, who have also recently joined Ison Harrison.
Ison Harrison is representing a significant number of families affected by the TEWV scandal and has been closely involved in the campaign calling for a public inquiry.
Having been involved with TEWV cases such as the investigations into the deaths of Christie Harnett, Nadia Sharif in 2019, and Emily Moore in 2020 at his previous firm, Watson Woodhouse, Alistair brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. He joins the firm as part of
the specialist inquest and public law team, focusing on complex inquest investigations, particularly those involving mental health trusts and state bodies.
Alistair is widely recognised for his work supporting bereaved families through some of the most sensitive and challenging cases in the region. In 2024, he was awarded Outstanding Achievement at the Northern Law Awards, reflecting both his legal expertise and his tireless advocacy for accountability and systemic change.
For many families, the public inquiry announcement marked a long-awaited turning point. More than 40 families have spent years campaigning for meaningful scrutiny after losing loved ones under the care of TEWV. While previous reviews and investigations took place, families consistently raised concerns that these processes lacked independence, transparency and the power to compel evidence.
The newly announced statutory public inquiry will, for the first time, have the legal authority to require
witnesses to give evidence under oath and to demand full disclosure of documents. It will examine both inpatient and community services, offering families a genuine opportunity to understand what went wrong and why.
Across its network of 24 offices, Ison Harrison has supported hundreds of families through inquests, investigations and sustained advocacy, helping them navigate complex legal processes and maintain pressure for a process capable of delivering real accountability.
Alistair Smith said: “I am proud to continue representing families affected
by the TEWV failings and to stand alongside them at such a significant moment. This is what families have campaigned so tirelessly for over many years and I am privileged to have been on that journey with many of those impacted families.
“The announcement of a statutory public inquiry represents a vital step towards truth, justice and accountability. Crucially, it will have the power to compel witnesses to give evidence, which is essential to establishing the root causes of what went wrong and ensuring meaningful, lasting change. Above all, families want to know that no one else will have to endure what they have been
through, and this inquiry gives a real opportunity to deliver that change.”
Gareth Naylor, director and head of personal injury and inquests at Ison Harrison, said: “Alistair’s appointment comes at a hugely significant moment. He is a highly respected lawyer with a deep commitment to families affected by systemic failings, particularly within mental health services. The announcement of the TEWV public inquiry underlines why specialist, independent representation is so important. We are proud of the role our team has played in supporting families and campaigning for a process that has the power to deliver real accountability and lasting reform.”
DPP Planning welcomes new senior planner to Leeds office
DPP Planning, one of the UK’s leading independent planning consultancies, has hired Lee Kilcran as a senior planner at its Leeds office.
With more than a decade’s experience, Lee began his career as an environmental scientist and worked extensively with Darlington Football Club on its search for a new stadium. He then secured a role at a planning consultancy before moving on to Hartlepool Borough Council as a planning officer.
Lee joins with a wealth of local authority experience, as well as specialist expertise in how planning applications are assessed in line with current policies and legislation.
David Smith, director in the Leeds Office said: “It’s great to have Lee on board. His problem-solving ability and technical knowledge will help him deliver planning solutions for our clients and he is already taking a lead with major projects in the education and healthcare sectors.”
Gareth Hooper, CEO added: “Our independence and planning focus is an increasingly rare offering in the marketplace, which continues to make us an attractive option to talented and knowledgeable individuals like Lee.
“Lee is still early in his career but he has already hit the ground running. His experience working with Hartlepool Borough Council has put him in a unique position to deliver positive outcomes for our clients. He has been a pleasure to work with so far and I can’t wait to see what his hard work achieves in the long run here at DPP.”
Dishang UK marks 20 years with major investmentHarrogate and new headquarters
Global apparel specialist Dishang UK is marking 20 years since opening its UK office with a significant investment in Harrogate, underlining its long term commitment to the UK and Europe as it relocates its headquarters to a landmark building in the town centre.
The North Yorkshire-based business has spent two decades building its reputation as a trusted manufacturing partner to some of the UK and Europe’s largest brands across fashion, workwear, uniforms and performance apparel. What began as a small extension of Dishang Group’s global operation has grown
into a thriving UK hub delivering consistent 20 per cent year on year growth over the past 20 years.
Dishang UK’s turnover has exceeded $100m in 2025 while globally Dishang Group’s turnover stands at $2.6bn with a 50,000-strong workforce.
The anniversary coincides with a major operational milestone for the business following the relocation of its head office to The Chapel, an 8,000 sq ft historic Grade II* listed building that has undergone a full refurbishment to create a purpose-built space for buyers, designers and development teams.
The significant investment reflects Dishang UK’s growing scale and ambition, with the new headquarters designed to strengthen collaboration with customers and showcase the group’s end to end manufacturing capability in one central UK location.
The completion of the project was officially marked in December when general manager Kris Zhu travelled from Dishang Group’s head office to cut the red ribbon at The Chapel during the company’s annual team development day.
Dishang UK employs a 46-strong team of designers, garment technologists and business development specialists, working directly with Dishang’s global manufacturing network to deliver technically robust, scalable and commercially successful products for major brands.
Richard Watts, managing director of Dishang UK, said the dual milestone reflects the long-term vision behind the UK operation: “Reaching 20 years in the UK is a proud moment for everyone involved. What we’ve built in Harrogate is a highly skilled team focused on innovation, integrity and long-term customer success.
“The move to The Chapel is a natural next step, giving us a space that reflects both the scale of Dishang’s global manufacturing capability and the collaborative
way we work with our customers across the UK and Europe.”
The Chapel now houses ten dedicated showrooms, each focused on a specific product category, alongside a comprehensive fabric library and design spaces. The investment enables buyers to develop collections with full visibility of Dishang’s endto-end capability, from initial concept through to large scale production.
Since opening, the building has quickly become a destination for UK and European buyers seeking a direct manufacturing partner with advanced technical expertise and international reach.
Dishang Group operates 90 wholly owned factories with a combined annual capacity of 54 million garments, supported by more than 200 certified partner factories, bringing total output to approximately 100 million pieces annually. The group continues to invest heavily in AI supported design, 3D development, automation and digital platforms to improve efficiency, traceability and sustainability across its supply
Andrew Thomson, general manager at Dishang UK, added: “Our role is to help brands turn ideas into commercially successful products faster and more efficiently. Being based in the UK, with direct access to Dishang’s global manufacturing and innovation teams, allows us to support some of the largest and most demanding brands in the UK and Europe at every stage of the process.”
As Dishang UK enters its third decade, the business remains focused on long-term partnerships built on transparency, technical excellence and responsible manufacturing.
Yorkshire property veteran launches new consultancy
Adam Cockroft, a highly regarded veteran in the commercial property industry, has established bespoke consultancy practice, AC7. The new venture offers a more personalised and tailored solution to clients with a multi skilled advisory platform.
Cockroft was previously partner at global real estate services firm, Cushman & Wakefield where he enjoyed a successful 36-year career advising on some of the most prolific commercial property transactions in Yorkshire and the North-East.
He was instrumental in securing Leeds’s biggest offices pre-let to HMRC and NHS Digital at Wellington Place, and the city’s largest out-of-town offices pre-let to Lowell Financial at Thorpe Park Leeds.
AC7 Consulting offers an inclusive service, advising clients nationally on leasing, development, acquisitions, disposals, and marketing for leasehold and freehold offices and mixed-use projects.
Adam said, “I am excited to venture
solo after a fantastic, long-standing career at Cushman & Wakefield. Last year I decided I wanted to express myself more freely in relation to clients and geography, tailoring my expertise to give more rounded value to clients across their entire real estate portfolio.
“I am providing Landlords, developers and occupiers with a much more personalised and holistic approach to commercial property development, leasing and acquisition on a truly one-to-one basis.
“AC7 Consulting comes at a pinnacle point in my wisdom and expertise, and I am committed to providing a level of service that exceeds expectations and delivers results that make a real difference.”
Natwest backs forge new homes in £4.7m funding deal
NHQB-registered homebuilder Forge New Homes has secured a £4.7m funding facility with NatWest, just weeks after completing a separate, multi-million-pound funding agreementwith HomesEngland.
Forge is a growing residential developer, creating much needed new homes across Yorkshire, Derbyshire and surrounding regions. The £4.7m NatWest deal will pave the way for development at Waverley Green at Olive Lane in Rotherham, where 32 fully electric, two-, and three-bedroom terraced homes are being built.
Alison Dean, chair of the Forge New Homes Board, said: “This funding is a major milestone for Forge and demonstrates strong market confidence in our growing portfolio.
“Since our inception, we’ve focused on delivering affordable and attainable homes that meet the needs of our communities. Alongside
our recent Homes England deal, this NatWest facility ensures we can continue creating high-quality homes across Yorkshire and beyond.”
Andrew Dexter, relationship manager at NatWest, added: “We’re proud to support Forge New Homes as they expand their footprint in the North of England. Their commitment to sustainable, community-focused developments aligns perfectly with
NatWest’s own goals to back projects that make a tangible difference to local areas.”
Waverley Green sits at the heart of Olive Lane, a 1.5-acre mixeduse development led by Harworth Group. Constructed by Lindum Group, the site will form part of a thriving new neighbourhood, complete with cafés, restaurants, bars, a convenience store, pharmacy, nursery, independent retailers, and a medical centre.
Sustainability is central to the Waverley Green scheme, with all homes featuring innovative all-electric energy systems.
Andy Beattie, managing director of Forge New Homes, concluded: “Waverley Green is a perfect example of what Forge stands for: well-designed homes in the right locations, rooted in community. This funding allows us to keep delivering on our ambitions here while actively exploring other new opportunities across Yorkshire and the surrounding regions.”
Business owners and the Budget verdict-not all bad
As expected,and as inadvertently flagged by the Office for Budget Responsibility, the 2025 Budget included a raft of changes for business owners. From tax hikes to changes to allowances and incentive schemes, there is much to digest. But here’s the thing, not all that was announced falls on the negative side of the ledger. There were positive changes too. In short, it was not all bad.
And if you take into account all the various measures that did not make the final cut of the chancellor’s statement - remember all that talk of a wealth tax, the equalisation of capital gains tax (CGT) rates with those of income tax and the scrapping of inheritance tax (IHT) reliefs? - the Budget was certainly not as bad as it could have been.
First the negatives
Pensions: Once again, pensions did not escape unscathed, this time with
salary sacrifice taking centre stage. From 6 April 2029, only the first £2,000 of salary sacrifice pension contributions each year will not be charged National Insurance (NI). This comes after measures announced in the previous Budget which will bring IHT charges on most unused pension funds and death benefits within the value of a person’s estate from 6 April 2027 onwards. Together, the pension regime is set to become less generous. And yet, pensions still have plenty to offer.
Putting money into a pension continues to offer significant tax advantages. For example, pension contributions still receive income tax relief at your marginal rate, capped at £60,000. Furthermore, a reduction in salary, irrespective of whether there is a NI saving can help preserve child benefit and, for those with incomes above £100k, help preserve free childcare and the personal allowance.
Nevertheless, change is coming. So, for those who can vary their salaries, consideration should be given to making use of the time left before the £2,000 annual cap comes into force.
And when the cap does come into force, business owners will have another decision to make, this time on behalf of their employees: do
they compensate staff losing the NI saving or do they let employees bear the costs?
Dividends: Dividend income tax is set to be increased by 2% — the ordinary tax rate on dividend income will rise to 10.75% from 8.75% and the upper rate to 35.75% from 33.75% (the additional rate is unchanged at 39.35%) from 6 April 2026 onwards. The headline rate of dividend income tax may still be lower than income tax equivalents, but dividends are paid out of profits already subject to corporation tax — 19% for businesses with sub £50,000 profits and 25% for companies with profits over £250,000. Dividends are effectively taxed twice. With business owners often paying themselves via a combination of salary and dividends, the 2% tax increase may therefore require a rethink of the salary/dividend split as drawing dividends may now only be marginally better than drawing a salary from the business.
Employee ownership trusts: With immediate effect, CGT relief on disposals made by business owners to employee ownership trusts (EOT) will be halved from 100% to 50%. Previously, sales of company shares to an EOT were free of CGT, making this an attractive option for owners looking to sell their businesses. Alternative disposal strategies may now need to be explored.
Now for the positives
Business property relief: From 6 April 2026, any unused portion of the cap on assets qualifying for 100% relief can be transferred to a spouse or civil partner. This follows the prior Budget’s announcement that 100% business property relief (BPR) was to be capped at £1m with a 50% relief applied to amounts above this. The proposed threshold for the 100% rate of BPR was subsequently increased to £2.5m per individual post-Budget in December 2025. Allowing unused amounts of the now £2.5m allowance to be transferred is a positive step, but business owners will need to make provision for this in their wills. Consideration will also need to be given as to how assets are distributed on the first death to avoid the unused allowance being lost.
Enterprise Management Incentives (EMI): The scope of EMIs, an employee share options scheme that benefits from tax relief, will be significantly widened from 6 April 2026 so more companies will be eligible. Companies with gross assets of up to £120m will be able to qualify for the scheme, a four-fold increase on the previous £30m limit;
the employee number limit is to be doubled to 500; while the total value of outstanding unexercised EMI options is set to double to £6m and the maximum time period for an EMI option will increase to 15 years from 10 years. The EMI scheme is a useful tool for incentivising and therefore retaining staff. Any widening in its scope is to be welcomed.
An ever-expanding to-do-list
A mix of positives and negatives for business owners then. But arguably this misses the point. What matters more is that further changes, regardless of whether they are deemed to be positive or negative, were made. Coming on top of those announced in the prior Budget, the to-do-list for business owners is getting longer. More than ever, business owners need a plan.
Quilter Cheviot
2nd Floor, Toronto Square, City Square, Leeds LS1 2HJ
T: +44 (0)113 513 3973
E: enquiries@quiltercheviot. com quiltercheviot.com
Investments and the income from them can go down as well as up, you may not get back what you invest. This material is not tax, legal or accounting advice and should not be relied on for tax, legal or accounting purposes. Quilter Cheviot Limited does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice.You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting adviser(s) before engaging in any transaction. Quilter Cheviot Limited is registered in England and Wales with number 01923571, registered office at Senator House, 85 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4V 4AB. Quilter Cheviot Limited is a member of the London Stock Exchange and authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority and as an approved Financial Services Provider by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority in South Africa.This is a marketing communication. Approver: Quilter Cheviot, 30 December 2025.
EY North teams advise on deals worth more than £2.2bn in 2025
EY teams in the North of England, based across the firm’s Manchester and Leeds offices, acted on 14 transactions worth more than £2.2bn in 2025. A number of deals completed in the second half of the year worth a combined total of more than £1.2bn.
EY in the North provided a range of advisory services to clinical trials company, Panthera Biopartners, as part of their sale to private equity house, LDC, with re-investment from private equity firm, BGF.
As part of a significant transport and infrastructure transaction, EY advised international airport operator, Aena, as it invested in both Leeds Bradford and Newcastle International airports. The deal, worth £270m, saw Aena purchase a 51% shareholding in a newly-formed holding company which owns 100% of Leeds Bradford Airport and 49% of Newcastle International Airport.
With the technology deals market continuing to see regular activity, EY supported private equity house, Partech on its investment in IMP Software.
Mark Clephan, UK M&A leader and North M&A partner at EY Parthenon, said: “We were delighted to support a number of clients across a wide range of sectors and industries in 2025 as they leveraged the deals market to explore and maximise strategic opportunities. The UK has seen relatively subdued economic growth in the last few years and
the cost of borrowing remained high relative to historical norms in 2025. Against this backdrop it’s encouraging to see that clients took these headwinds and challenges in their stride and continued to complete important transactions. The most successful businesses continue to be highly sought after.
“There is a strong pipeline of deals activity for 2026, and we are looking forward with optimism as our teams across the North continue to provide a comprehensive range of transactions services to clients. In keeping with last year’s trends, we expect to see further activity in the technology, healthcare and business services sectors in 2026.”
EY North teams supported 10 deals during the first half of 2025 EY
in the North advised technology company, Telent on its sale to infrastructure services provider M Group.
In another technology deal, EY also provided financial, taxation and technology vendor due diligence for software company, Continia on its investment from private equity firm, VIA Equity.
Within the business services sector, EY provided a host of services on the sale of IMS Euro Group to private equity firm, Elysian Capital. IMS Euro, a fast-growing non-pharmaceutical medical consumables business, was advised by EY’s M&A, debt, strategy and tax teams on the transaction.
EY’s M&A team led the sale of Adare SEC, a specialist printing business, to Mail Metrics Limited.
EY’s Financial Diligence team supported home delivery and warehousing company, ArrowXL on its sale to transport and logistics business, Jacky Perrenot.
EY supported agriculture manufacturing company Carr’s Group PLC on the sale of its engineering division to safety products provider, Cadre Holdings.
There was further deals activity in the industrials sector, as EY provided buyside financial
Headline – Kirklees College
apprentices reflect on career journey so far
National Apprenticeship is a week-long celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
It encourages organisations to celebrate how apprenticeships and skills help us all reach our full potential.
Kirklees College is one of the top apprenticeship providers in the region, employing over 1,000 apprentices with 1,000 employers every year
Meet two of the current Kirklees College apprentices thriving at the start of their careers
James Rudge, an apprentice at AMJ Electrical Solutions, said: “My favourite part of the apprenticeship is being on-site and seeing a job through from
and taxation due diligence to personal protection manufacturer and provider of sustainable safety solutions, Globus Group, on its acquisition of Global Glove & Safety Manufacturing Inc.
EY provided financial and taxation vendor due diligence for GEV Wind Power which was bought by sector-focused investor, Certek.
EY in the North also provided sellside advice to FES International - a provider of fluid transfer solutions to the offshore oil, gas and renewables industrieson their sale to precision engineering group Hunting PLC.
start to finish. I have also appreciated the time in college and learning more of the theory side of things.”
Bryn, another apprentice who currently works with Cedar Building Solutions, added: “I chose to do the Bricklaying apprenticeship because Kirklees College has a great reputation.
Bryn also offered some advice to those considering making a start on their apprenticeship journey, saying: “If you’re in school now and finishing your last year soon, I would make a start on the process now.”
How to start your apprenticeship journey
Visit the apprenticeship section of the Kirklees College website to discover a range of exciting opportunities.
fds advises on meaningful transition to employee ownership trust
Corporate finance boutique fds has advised Coating Technologies Limited on its transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), marking a significant milestone in the company’s succession planning journey.
Founded in 1979, Coating Technologies is a leading supplier and distributor of chemical products, adhesives, and coating solutions. Serving diverse sectors, including agriculture and construction equipment, automotive, defence and aerospace, manufacturing, and paint and powder coating, the
company has built a reputation for quality and innovation over more than four decades.
Coating Technologies transitioning to employee ownership reflects a commitment to protecting the company’s unique culture and values while securing its long-term future. By giving employees a meaningful stake in the business, the transition strengthens their influence over its direction and recognises their dedication and contribution.
Andy Thomas, owner and former shareholder, comments: “The employee
ownership trust has worked brilliantly for the employees as it gives them benefits and stability, whilst keeping the culture in the business that we have always had. The team are fully enjoying the business now being employee-owned, it’s been a great motivational tool and ultimately great for the business.
The expertise and professionalism of fds were evident from the start, particularly during the valuation and creation of our Employee Ownership Trust. Their significant experience streamlined the entire process, making HMRC approval straightforward and instilling a high degree of confidence in our decisions.”
Poonam Kaur, CEO of fds, advised the business on its journey to becoming employee-owned. Poonam comments: “We are delighted to have advised and supported Coating Technologies through this transition. At fds, we know how important it is that the values of your business do not get lost when undergoing your succession planning journey. Our first-hand insight into EOTs enabled us to handle this transaction with the sensitivity, care and empathy that the business deserved.
We are confident that this transaction will appropriately reward the team at Coating Technologies for their hard work and commitment to the operations of the business.”
As a trusted advisor in business strategy and succession planning, fds partners with owner-managed businesses to deliver tailored succession strategies. From early planning to successful exits, fds combines technical expertise with a personal approach to help businesses achieve sustainable, long-term success.
Coating Technologies Employee Ownership Trust - Andy Thomas, Poonam Kaur and Tim Baker
Record £2m revenue milestone as Fantastic Media enters its 20th year
Leeds-based full-service marketing agency Fantastic Media has begun 2026 by surpassing the £2 million revenue mark for the first time in its history, as it enters its 20th year of business.
The milestone follows a period of sustained growth driven by the agency’s strategic approach to marketing, which has seen increasing demand from ambitious businesses seeking clarity, focus and measurable commercial impact. This consultancyled approach has supported a series of new client wins across manufacturing, engineering, technology and food retail.
Fantastic Media’s growth has been fuelled by its belief that effective marketing starts with insight, not tactics. By placing commercial understanding, audience insight and market opportunity at the centre of
every relationship, the agency helps clients make confident, evidence-led decisions about where to invest and how to achieve long-term returns. This strategic foundation enables joined-up marketing programmes that are designed to drive sustained performance rather than short-term activity.
The agency operates an integrated model, bringing brand, PR, digital, content and demand generation together under a single strategic framework. This ensures all channels work in service of the same commercial objectives, giving clients greater alignment, fewer inefficiencies and increased confidence in outcomes.
Managing director Sally Willis says: “As we enter our 20th year, surpassing £2 million income feels like a significant moment and reflects a clear shift in how ambitious businesses want to
work with agencies. Our growth hasn’t come from chasing volume or adding layers of activity; it has come from a disciplined, strategic approach that focuses on what genuinely drives value.“At a time when many organisations are navigating economic uncertainty, leaders are looking for clarity rather than complexity. They want to understand what will make a real difference to their business and why. By putting strategy first and integrating everything around it, we help clients cut through the noise, make smarter decisions and achieve stronger, more sustainable results over time.
Communications director, Stefanie Hopkins, adds: “Reaching this point is as much about our people as it is about performance. We’ve built a team that truly understands our clients’ businesses and operates as trusted consultants, not just marketers. That depth of understanding is a key reason organisations place their confidence in us when making critical decisions. As we approach 20 years, our culture remains one of our strongest assets.”
Based in Leeds city centre with a 28-strong team of professionals, the agency is targeting £2.5m turnover in its 20th year. Its growing portfolio of 50+ retained national and international clients across a diverse range of sectors includes STADA Thornton & Ross, British Weightlifting, Schades Group and SEW-EURODRIVE.
Sally Willis and Stefanie Hopkins of Fantastic Media
Intrepid duo of Yorkshire rowers complete 3,000 mile transatlantic challenge
Two Yorkshire lawyers have completed the ‘World’s Toughest Row’, an unsupported Atlantic crossing from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua, in aid of two regional charities.
David Knaggs and Richard Larking, racing as Greens2Blue, began their Atlantic attempt on 14 December after months of intensive preparation, and crossed the finish line in Antigua at 1:30pm UK time on 29th January greeted at the dockside by more than 20 friends and family who had travelled from the UK, and dozens of locals and fellow race competitors.
The pair, who have so far raised more than £180,000 for Maggie’s Home of Cancer Care and Friends
of Alfie Martin with donations and sponsorship still flowing in, were among the oldest teams in this year’s fleet of 43 boats, finishing 32nd overall.
During their 46 day journey they survived capsizing in heavy storms in the mid-Atlantic, David was even thrown overboard during severe weather several hundred miles from the finish line, surviving only thanks to a harness and lifeline that ensured he was able to be hauled back aboard the 7.1m rowing boat, Brizo.
David said: “The vastness of the ocean was probably the high point and the capsize was definitely the low. It was frightening, thrilling and exhausting, and you learn so much about yourself, and your partner. We always said we just wanted two things, to make it to the other side, and still as friends. We never had a cross word at any point.”
Richard added: “It was just relentless, two hours on, two hours off, always tired, and always wet clothes. We’ve had such great support from so many people and we really, really appreciate everyone who helped us to make this happen. From the trainers and coaches who helped
up prepare for the experience, to the sponsors, and especially all our friends and family, it’s been incredible.”
They had trained for two years to cope with the sleep deprivation and physical demands of ocean conditions as they took two-hour shifts throughout the gruelling task, which took them 46 days, 1 hour and 19 minutes to complete. The pair fought 40 ft swells, a near miss with an ocean trawler, several ocean storms and were even hit by flying fish as they took their turn at the oars.
Julian Pitts, from lead sponsor Begbies Traynor Group (BTG), said: “The guts and determination of David and Richard is honestly remarkable. From the day they hatched this plan on the golf course together, they have singlemindedly battled to get the boat and equipment together to make it to the start line, raise the huge sums of money for charity, and be in the right mindset and condition to complete this massive challenge. We’re hugely proud of the guys and look forward to hearing all about their adventure when they land back in Yorkshire.”
A number of businesses have supported the duo’s fundraising efforts, including headline sponsor, financial advisory and real estate firm Begbies Traynor Group, and Leedsbased corporate finance boutique Sentio Partners.
Other supporting businesses include Ginetta; Happy Drains; Optivet Referrals; Cellular Pathology Services; Macintosh James & Partners Wealth Management; El Gato Negro Tapas; Middleton Law; Richard Fahey Racing; Springfield Healthcare, Waterer’s Services Limited; Walker Morris and SBFM Ltd.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park announces new director and chief executive
Joe Hill’s appointment marks the organisation entering a pivotal phase looking ahead to its 50th anniversary in 2027. Set within 500 acres of historic parkland in West Bretton, West Yorkshire, YSP has established itself as a leading international cultural destination, renowned for its pioneering approach to sculpture and artistic practice.
The Trustees’ appointment of Joe reflects his proven track record of leading cultural organisations through periods of growth, transformation and national recognition, and his ambition for YSP and the region. He brings exceptional insight into how cultural institutions can shape place, foster creativity and connect meaningfully with diverse audiences and teams with care.
Joe was appointed following a highly competitive recruitment process, with brilliant applications from 3 continents, 10 nations and cultural leaders from across the UK. As director and chief executive, he will lead YSP’s next phase of artistic and
strategic growth, advancing its role as a centre for commissioning, learning and research; strengthening its long-term vision across its outdoor landscape, several distinctive indoor galleries and award-winning visitor facilities.
Tuesday 17 March , 10am - 12pm th fit20 Leeds Farsley 83-85 Town St, Sunny Bank Mills Leeds, LS28 5UJ
Originally from Yorkshire and a trained artist, Joe is currently director and CEO of Towner Eastbourne, a position he has held for eight years. His tenure at Towner has been marked by a strong artistic vision, major collection development and an embedded commitment to community, ensuring artists and audiences remained central to the organisation’s purpose. His leadership experience and artistic vision align with YSP’s ambitions for the future. Under his leadership, Towner Eastbourne won Art Fund Museum of the Year in 2020, hosted the Turner Prize in 2023, and secured funding for a major capital project to create a new arts, environment and heritage centre at Black Robin Farm on the South Downs.
Joe, who will start his new role in April, also brings a combination of creative insight, strategic leadership and partnership-building experience to YSP. He is an active contributor to national cultural policy, including serving as a member of the Turner Prize 2026 jury.
Peter Clegg, Chair of the Trustees, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, said: “On behalf of YSP’s Trustees I am delighted to welcome Joe. We went through an exhaustive process alongside our senior leadership team and chose Joe unanimously from an exciting longlist of applicants. Joe has completely transformed Towner Eastbourne into the centre for creative arts across the region that it is now, and has initiated a new cultural and educational centre for landscape and the arts in the South Downs National Park. ”
Joe added: “Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a place I have admired for a long time for its ambition, generosity and deep connection to artists and landscape. I am thrilled to be joining and look forward to working with
the team to ensure YSP continues to grow as a truly global destination for sculpture, while remaining deeply rooted in Yorkshire and the communities and landscape that make it so distinctive. I’m excited to
build on YSP’s remarkable artistic programme and to strengthen its long-term resilience, ensuring it continues to support artists and welcome audiences in ever more inspiring ways.”
Muse strengthens Yorkshire and North East presence with key hire
Nationwide placemaker Muse has welcomed Michael Ramsden as senior project manager at its Leeds office, reinforcing its commitment to delivering transformational regeneration across Yorkshire and the North East.
Michael brings over a decade of experience in project and commercial
management, having led some of the region’s most complex urban regeneration schemes. He joins Muse from Latimer Developments, where he managed one of Leeds’ largest residential projects focused on creating 1,800 new homes in the city centre. His expertise spans the full development lifecycle, from land acquisition and design development
to procurement, cost planning, and stakeholder engagement.
Michael’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Muse, as it continues to expand its presence in the region and deliver placeled regeneration across Yorkshire and the North East, in partnership with local authorities and communities. Michael will play a key part in the delivery of Muse’s new Strategic Regeneration Partnership with Wakefield Council. This partnership is progressing ambitious plans to transform the city centre, creating new homes, green spaces, and public realm improvements, alongside better connectivity and leisure opportunities – all designed to attract more people to live, work and visit Wakefield.
In addition to working on the Wakefield SRP, Michael will also bring his expertise to a number of new projects, including the recently announced partnership between ECF and Gateshead Council to deliver the Baltic Quarter.
Simon Dew, director of development management said: “We’re delighted to welcome Michael to the team. His proven track record in delivering complex, multi-phase developments and navigating challenging regulatory processes will be invaluable as we continue to create vibrant, sustainable places across Yorkshire and the North East. At Muse, our purpose is to build communities and create places that stand the test of time – places that are greener, better connected, and full of opportunity. Michael’s expertise will help us deliver on that vision, working in partnership with local authorities and stakeholders to bring lasting positive change for both people and businesses.”
Navigating pension disputes and death in service entitlements
Following the death of a loved one, disputes often arise when family members or dependents disagree over who should benefit from payments that might be made by pension trustees or an employer.
These disputes can easily become acrimonious when a deceased person’s personal life is complicated, or any wishes expressed are unclear or contested. This may occur as a result of outdated or missing expressions of wishes; separation,
divorce, or new partners not reflected in pension records; or financially dependent children or former partners.
Trustees often make decisions relatively quickly after a death. Once a decision is made and funds are distributed, it can be difficult to challenge. Therefore, taking early legal advice is crucial in ensuring the process is handled with confidence.
Pensions and inheritance
A pension is a public or private savings plan that is intended to provide a regular income upon retirement. National Insurance Contributions help to fund the state pension, which becomes payable on
the applicable retirement age and ceases on the death of the person making the contributions.
Additional contributions, usually from an employer and/or employee, fund private pensions, which usually become payable on the applicable retirement age but often have third-party benefits that survive the death of the person making the contributions.
Examples of private pension benefits that might be paid to a third party are a continued income to a partner or a lump sum payment to a dependant. Unless pension funds have been used to purchase an annuity – an income for the life of the contributor and,
possibly, their partner – they will usually be held in a discretionary trust.
The person who has made the contributions can tell the pension trustees who they would like to benefit on their death. Although that expression of wishes is usually followed, the pension trustees can exercise their discretion to benefit others unless the policy permits a binding nomination to be made.
If private pension benefits are to be paid to a deceased person’s estate, they will form part of the deceased person’s estate. However, private pension benefits paid to others do not form part of the deceased person’s estate. Pensions paid outside the estate are often free from inheritance tax.
Death in service benefits
A death in service benefit is unrelated to a pension. It is a taxfree, lump-sum payment provided by an employer to a third party if an employee dies whilst employed. This benefit functions like a life insurance policy and is similar to a pension only insofar as the employee can tell their employer or associated trustees who they would like to benefit on their death, and, again, although that expression of wishes is usually followed, the employer can exercise their discretion to benefit others.
Those making private pension contributions or who are members of a death-in-service scheme should consider making an expression of wishes unless they have already
done so. Those who might expect to receive pension or death in service benefits should be ready to alert the relevant trustees as to their circumstances as soon as a death occurs and before any payments are made.
Avoiding disputes with early legal advice
Trustees, beneficiaries, and executors should consider seeking legal advice at an early stage, particularly where there is uncertainty about entitlement or where competing claims may arise. Early advice can help clarify the scope of any discretion, ensure that relevant factors are properly considered, and reduce the risk of costly and protracted disputes once decisions have been made or funds distributed.
Similarly, individuals should take proactive steps during their lifetime to review their pension arrangements and any associated death benefits. Expressions of wishes should be kept up to date and revisited following significant life events such as marriage, separation, divorce, or the birth of children. Taking these steps now can help ensure that benefits are paid in accordance with current intentions and reduce the likelihood of disagreement or distress for loved ones in the future.
Get in touch with Chadwick Lawrence’s Wills & Probate solicitors for advice on how to handle a dispute relating to a will, the administration of an estate, land or property, or inheritance.
Hospitality is in the family for Tom
Tom Fraser, the operations manager at the Dakota Hotel in Leeds was originally brought up in Scotland. Here, he shares with us a little more about himself and his career to date.
“I relocated with my family to West Yorkshire at age 11, my hospitality journey began with junior management
roles at Welcome Break Services just off the M62. This early experience sparked a passion for service that led
me to the University of Huddersfield, where I earned a First-Class Honors degree in 2018. A defining moment in my development was a year spent at the Greenwich Country Club in the USA, where I immersed myself in the standards of five-star hospitality.
My professional growth accelerated during a seven-year tenure with the Red Carnation Hotel Collection from 2018. This journey took me across Ireland, the Scottish Highlands, and London, allowing me to refine my leadership style within some of the world’s most prestigious properties.
2025 was a year of transformation. The year was one of significant milestones. My wife, Alice, and I relocated to the vibrant city of York, where we navigated new careers and planned our wedding simultaneously. In April 2025, I joined Dakota Leeds as operations manager, drawn to the brand’s dedication for delivering exceptional hospitality to each guest as well as its commitment to investing in its team.
I am currently on secondment at Dakota Newcastle (January – April 2026), supporting our newest property before returning to Dakota Leeds. My aim is to take my next step to a hotel manager role in the next 2 years with Dakota as they continue to grow their portfolio of hotels.
What inspired you to pursue a career in hotels?
I often say that I didn’t just choose the hospitality industry; I grew up in it. My father has been in hotels for over 30 years, and my childhood was spent watching the ‘magic’ happen behind the scenes. Seeing his dedication to guest service firsthand is where I fell in love with the fast-paced, people-centric nature of the industry.
What do you love most about working in hotels?
It’s a uniquely rewarding experience because no two days are ever the same. There is a special kind of energy in being centre stage for someone’s travel experience, whether you are helping a family create lifelong memories or providing a seamless sanctuary for a weary business traveller. I love the fast-paced, problem-solving nature of the environment and the genuine fulfilment that comes from anticipating a guest’s needs before they even voice them. I
love working with a fantastic team who have a drive to make each and all guests stay a home away from home.
Can you share a moment in your career that you’re particularly proud of?
It must be winning an Acorn Award in 2024 with the Caterer for one of the rising 30 under 30 talents in the hospitality industry.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in hotels?
Cherish every opportunity given to you, learn the workings of each department and challenge yourself to learn something new every day. Having great mentors is essential for growth and attending networking events to broaden your professional network. I am a big advocate for Degree Apprenticeships in the Hospitality Industry which is a brilliant way to gain the right experience whilst also gaining an academic qualification.
Milestone Hotel London
Begbies Traynor Group rebrands to BTG
One of the region’s leading professional services and real estate advisory groups, Begbies Traynor Group plc, has announced a comprehensive rebrand that will bring the business and its eight service lines together under a unified BTG banner.
The move, which reflects the group’s evolution from a regional insolvency specialist to a UK-wide, multi-service advisory group, follows more than a decade of increasing revenue and the growth of its service lines.
The new core brands of BTG and BTG Eddisons will position the group’s full service offering more clearly in the market. The restructuring, financial advisory, deal advisory and funding and insurance service lines will trade under the BTG brand, while real estate advisory services, including agency and auctions, valuations and asset advisory, projects and developments and property management will be delivered under the BTG Eddisons brand.
Julian Pitts, Leeds-based BTG national managing partner for restructuring, said: “For clients and colleagues alike this is about a stronger, more coherent identity that reflects the scale of our capability. That’s crucial to continuing our organic and acquisitive growth in the coming decade.”
The group has bolstered its regional presence in Yorkshire and the North East, with offices in Leeds, York, Teesside and elsewhere. Headquartered in Leeds, BTG Eddisons employs more than 450 specialists across 30 offices nationwide and traces its origins back to Huddersfield in 1851.
Mark Fry, group CEO of BTG, said: “This strategic shift is more than a change of name. Recognising the rapidly
changing needs of UK businesses across industries, we are evolving our group for clients to better understand our expertise across all stages of a company’s lifecycle.
“We have already been successful in delivering a wide range of services for clients across all areas of financial and real estate advisory and this move means more clients can understand how we can help navigate a path to success. This is the next step for us and the culmination of years of hard work putting expertise into action to build strong relationships with clients.
“This hard work has seen us grow and expand as we helped more and more businesses revive, thrive and evolve, but our ambition is to keep growing and strengthen our position as a large, leading advisory group and partner to UK business.”
Begbies Traynor was founded in 1989 and floated on AIM in 2004, growing from an insolvency practice into a broad professional services business. The group now comprises eight specialist service lines and employs around 1,400 professionals, providing insolvency, restructuring, funding and real estate services to businesses across the UK.
BTG continues to hold a leading position in insolvency work, remaining number one by overall volume of corporate insolvency appointments and second nationally for administrations.
Anthony Spencer, who leads BTG Eddisons nationally from the firm’s Wellington Place head office in Leeds, said: “Being part of the unified BTG brand enhances clarity for clients and emphasises our integrated advisory strength that combines real estate expertise with broader financial services.”
Property consultancy Eddisons has rebranded as BTG Eddisons. The Leedsheadquartered firm, which provides surveying, agency, auctions and consultancy services across the UK, has changed its name following the rebrand of parent company Begbies Traynor Group to BTG.
The new BTG Eddisons brand will give clients greater access to all financial and real estate advisory services across the BTG group, including financial advisory, restructuring and real estate services. This follows multiple significant acquisitions since BTG Eddisons joined the previously-named Begbies Traynor Group 11 years ago.
The real estate division, under BTG Eddisons, encompasses four service lines: agency and auctions, valuation and asset advisory, projects and developments, and property management and insurance. These teams will collaborate with BTG’s restructuring, financial advisory, deal advisory and funding and insurance service lines.
As part of the rebrand, a number of the auctions businesses and their expert teams that were part of Eddisons will also be renamed under BTG Eddisons Property Auctions, including SDL Auctions, Pugh Auctions, Mark Jenkinson. Recent acquisitions Network Auctions and Kirkby Diamond will take on the BTG Eddisons identity in due course.
Anthony Spencer, managing partner said: “This is a strategic move for the BTG Eddisons brand and brings us closer to our colleagues across BTG as well as expanding our UKwide footprint. Our clients will gain simplified access to a wider range of skillsets that will make
Eddisons becomes BTG Eddisons as part of BTG rebrand
their businesses stronger and help them capitalise on opportunities and tackle any issue across their lifecycle.”
He added: “All our clients will of course continue to work with the same trusted people, with the same expertise and professionalism that has always been expected.
“We have already been supporting some clients beyond our traditional real estate offering, and they have
seen the benefits that working across BTG can bring. This is a significant moment in the history of our brand and I’m looking forward to working closer with the rest of BTG and our clients moving forwards.”
BTG Eddisons is one of the fastestgrowing property consultancies in the UK and has completed 10 acquisitions in the past five years, including Kirkby Diamond and Network Auctions in November 2025.
Director appointed at Great Yorkshire Showground
Businesses on the Great Yorkshire Showground have been given a boost thanks to the internal appointment of a new commercial director.
2026 is already looking strong, with a number of brand new events coming to both venues as well as returning bookings.
A restructure has seen the
appointment of Graham Thompson who has been promoted from head of venue operations to commercial director, to further develop The Great Yorkshire Events Centre and Pavilions of Harrogate which host
conferences, meetings, dinners and events throughout the year.
Graham will also oversee the Showground’s café shop Fodder – the Great Yorkshire Food Hall as well as Harrogate Caravan Park.
He joined the Showground in 2006, and has worked his way up through the ranks after initially being appointed deputy events manager at Pavilions of Harrogate.
In that time, the Pavilions of Harrogate has grown into hosting an event nearly every day of the year and the Great Yorkshire Event Centre has become a large-scale exhibition, conference and events venue for national events.
He said: “The Society has really gone from strength to strength and I am really delighted to be overseeing the commercial strategy for our commercial businesses including the Great Yorkshire Events Centre, Pavilions of Harrogate, Fodder and Harrogate Caravan Park. When I started here 20 years ago, I knew it was a special place and I am more committed than ever to see the commercial side of the business go to the next level, helping to raise funds to support the charity work of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.”
Allister Nixon CEO of Yorkshire Agricultural Society said: “I am delighted to appoint Graham. He has been a valued member of our management team since joining the Society in 2006 from Morrisons. During his time with us, Graham has made a significant contribution to the organisation’s success.”
A raft of exciting new events have been announced for 2026, which will see thousands of visitors flock to Harrogate this year.
Every Thursday, enjoy a delicious two-course meal with a selection of elegant drinks, all set to the soothing sounds of live acoustic music from hand-picked artists. £30 per person for two courses, or upgrade to three courses for just £7 50 more J O I N U S E V E R Y T H U R S D A Y 0 1 4 2 3 8 5 8 5 8 5 A M B E R S R E S T A U R A N T . C O . U K D E L I C I O U S F O O D , L U X U R I O U S S E T T I N G , L I V E A C O U S T I C M U S I C
LCB welcomes new vice principal of finance & resources
Leeds College of Building (LCB) had announced Chris Duncan as its new vice principal - finance & resources. He takes up the role after serving as deputy director of finance at Leeds Trinity University and group finance director at Luminate Education Group.
Chris’s extensive experience spans positions in the private and public sectors, including roles at KPMG, Leeds City Council, and Leeds City College, before joining Leeds Trinity University.
Leeds College of Building is the only further education college in the UK dedicated to construction and the built environment. The college was established in the 1960s and is split across two campuses, both based in Leeds city centre.
Nikki Davis, CEO & principal of LCB, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Chris on board. He brings broad experience of the further and higher education sector, understanding of the regional teaching and learning landscape, and in-depth expertise of public sector financial leadership.
“Chris will play a pivotal role within the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for a portfolio of vital corporate
services that underpin the college’s growth and support excellent learner outcomes. I look forward to working together to help build the next chapter of LCB.”
Chris added: “I first walked through the doors of Leeds College of Building almost twenty years ago as a first-year audit trainee with KPMG, and I’m delighted to be back. I am excited to join an ambitious and growing organisation with a strong local and national presence.
“The recent acquisition of the new site next to North Street Campus and the achievement of Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC) are both evidence of LCB’s exceptional standing in the field of construction and built environment training. I was delighted to be offered the role and look forward to helping the college to capitalise on the exciting opportunities it has already created.”
Chris takes over the position following the retirement of long-serving senior leader, David Pullein. The role is responsible for Finance, Human Resources, Estates, Digital Support, Exams, Data & Information Services, Funding Compliance, and Data Analysis & Process Improvement.
Chris joins the college at a pivotal time in its history. Last year, LCB was named one of the first ever Construction Technical Excellence Colleges (CTECs). Only 10 colleges across England were awarded the status for the 2025 - 2026 academic year, with LCB selected to represent the Yorkshire & the Humber region.
LCB also announced the purchase of a 5,000 m2 building adjacent to its North Street Campus, which will effectively increase the size of the estate by a third, marking a significant investment in the college’s future growth. The purchase of the Melbourne Street building followed an impressive £750k renovation programme, which transformed the North Street Campus over eight weeks.
Intellectual property law firm relocates to Dean Clough
Intellectual property law firm, Appleyard Lees has agreed a new lease for Grade A offices at Dean Clough in Halifax. The deal will see the relocation of more than 50 people to occupy the entire 9,000 sq ft 3rd floor within G-Mill at the award winning, iconic destination.
Appleyard Lees is moving from existing premises in Halifax, where it has been for decades, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s evolution as it continues to grow and invest in the future of its people and its work.
The decision follows an extensive review of how best to enhance the working environment, and the new office will provide a modern, purpose-designed space that meets these needs while reflecting the firm’s longstanding commitment to innovation and excellence.
“Our new office represents more than just a change of address,” said CEO Adam Nabozny. “It’s a step forward in creating a workspace that empowers our people. The open-plan design will foster greater collaboration, flexibility, and connection - key ingredients for delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients.”
The new office will feature an open and contemporary layout, expanded collaboration zones, improved meeting
facilities, and a range of adaptable spaces to support hybrid working and cross-functional teamwork. Its central location within a beloved local landmark underscores the firm’s deep roots in the community while signalling a bold, forward-looking direction.
“We are proud to be moving into a building that holds such significance for the town,” added managing partner Bobby Smithson. “This move honours where we’ve been while positioning us strongly for where we’re going. With offices in Halifax, Manchester, Cambridge, and Leeds, and a team of 188 staff including 23 partners, we’re building on strong foundations to support future growth.”
Jeremy Hall, chairman and managing director at Dean Clough, said, “We are thrilled to announce this latest deal with Appleyard Lees, a highly successful business with a deep-rooted history in Halifax. This deal demonstrates the attraction of Dean Clough with all its placemaking attributes that include heritage, wellbeing, dining and retail amenity, cultural attractions and engaging public realm. With over 150 operators employing some 3,500 people on site, we have the infrastructure and critical mass to support any business seeking space with great character and green credentials. The deal also supports Halifax as a thriving town that can compete and retain major employers that have many other options.”
The town that was based on a business venture
Scarborough’s historic anniversary – 400th year as an official spa town
Scarborough as we regard it today became the hot place to be thanks to business enterprise – 400 years ago.
Its history extends back several thousand years to ‘visitors’ including Celts, Romans, Danes, Saxons, Normans – but it was tourists seeking health and well-
being in previous centuries who created the genesis of the current Scarborough seaside brand.
The town of the modern era
this year celebrates its 400th anniversary as a spa and its reputation as the country’s first seaside resort.
Plans are flowing in to help commemorate the year of 1626 after the supposedly-magical medicinal waters of the “Spaw Well” were discovered by Mrs Farrow, described as “a gentle woman of good repute,” who announced that the reddishorange spa sulphates of magnesia and lime waters (plus doses of iron) off South Bay were efficacious in every way for what were later listed as a long tally of c ommon ailments.
As the spa health benefits spread became widely-spread talking
Scarborough's 400th anniversary, how spa water led to development of the Spa complex
Scarborough's 400th anniversary, a model of the town in the middle ages
point, the Scarborough spa “became an object of admiration all over our country and even in other countries, as the influx of visitors from year to year bears testimony,” says Brogden Baker History of Scarborough.
Following the support of “medical men” and “the nobility of the land,” businessmen setting up as accommodation providers and the growth of sea-bathing attendants, the local corporation saw the opportunity for extra income.
The local rulers secured a lucrative annual revenue at the time of £50 to £70 by bottling and selling spa water and later stamped a monopoly on nature’s provision of the water by imposing 6d fines on any “persones who att any time shall sell any caskes or vessels with spa water to take awaye b y land or sea”.
The council rented out the wells, a castellated spa building was created, and investments in hotels and lodging houses, building new
transport links and toll bridges became an economic multiplier that led in its turn to public amusements, cliff tramways and a boom in sea-bathing. A century on from the heavy promotion of Mrs Farrow’s discovery there were three pleasure boats at Scarborough – solely to cate r for visitors.
...Scarbrough has marvellously advanced in all that is attractive, elegant and he alth-giving....
Brogden Baker recorded in the 1880s
By the 1730s, the town was featured in songs and poems, with entertainments or the simple enjoyment of the flat wide beaches.
Even Daniel Defoe, author of Robinson Crusoe, joined the waves of holidaymakers and wrote: “Scarbrough, formerly famous for its castle, is well-built, pleasant and populous and we found a great
deal of company here, drinking the waters, who have not only come from the north of England but even from Scotland. And here such a plenty of fish that I have hardly seen the like.”
Amusement and recreation, public education rooms, lecture halls, many theatres, medical baths and gentrified hotels, charabancs and tourism extending throughout the town vicinity, geological firsts and even the international ripples of a dedicated song, Scarborough Fair, all followed on from the pivotal time 1620s – and then eventually the railway deluge when the town went to a new crest, with marching bands greeting passengers at the station.
The spa water wells had created the burgeoning economy through employment and a new tide of entrepreneurs, new waves of revenues and commercialism, creativity and entertainments, architecture and no-expense-spared quality agenda infrastructure, collectively
Scarborough's 400th anniversary, the Scarborough's old spa
luring people from the bigger cities and sparking multi-generational family memories.
Brogden Baker recorded in the 1880s (itself the stunning decade of huge, ornate house-building in South Cliff, as this magazine as previously recorded), the basis on which Scarborough became a renowned gem of leisure and refreshing, open horizons at a time when people holidayed mostly within Britain.
He said “… it is one of the surest proofs of the value in which Scarborough is held as a watering place and, dating back to (the spa waters discovery) goes to shew that Scarbrough has marvellously advanced in all that is attractive, elegant and health-giving.”
Arthur Rowntree’s History of Scarborough added: “It was a storm in a tumbler but Scarborough has begun to grow as a watering-place … Mrs Farrow’s discovery now shared with fortunate visitors who come from all parts of Britain.”
Even London, he pointed out, reflecting Scarborough’s elevation in the world of leisure and health tourism.
The family of actor Charles Laughton, who was born in Victorian Scarborough, owned big hotels in town, attracting
a prestige clientele, and had their own glass bottles made and stamped with their name.
The popularity of the russetcoloured spring water phenomenon from the transformative 1620s also went to on to unfurl Scarborough’s name across the globe so that there are now 17 othe r Scarboroughs:
Scarborough's 400th anniversary, today's water sold at the Spa, a centre borne from its spa waters
How Scarborough marked a millennium 60 years ago
Scarborough celebrated a different local key anniversary in 1966 - based on a tale that Icelandic raiders Thorgils and Kormak Skarthi took over the town in 966, a date decided by the local council. For this event, they pushe d the boat out:
• Scarborough was the starting point for a voyage to show that Norsemen discovered the Americas (hailed as a success by a national newspaper)
• A massed torchlight procession followed by burning a ‘Viking longship’ in South Bay, plus a sound and light show at Sca rborough castle
• A millennium sponsored walk along the Scarborough-Whitby moors attract ed 1,300 people
• Visits by Scandinavian ships and a march by the Green Howards, plus a concert by the Halle Orchestra under Sir John Barbirolli
America: Maine, Georgia, Westchester County in New York, Greenville in Pitt County in North Carolina
Australia: Perth in Western Australia, Moreton Bay in Queensland, Wollongong in New South Wales
Plus: Scarborough in Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Western Cape, South Africa; Timaru, New Zealand; Christchurch, New Zealand; Tobago, the other half of Trinidad, Caribbean; Saint James Windward, Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Ann, Jamaica; Christ Church, Barbados; Scarborough Shoal, South China Sea
For this year, a small group of volunteers and Scarborough Museums Trust pushed for local council involvement and a steering group has evolved, now with North Yorkshire Council’s “Head of Culture” at the helm, and the new “Head of Tourism” is devising events for July. The group called Scarborough Fair, plus independent groups are also deep in idea-creation mode.
Local and national councillor Rich Maw has indicated that total funding to date for the 400th anniversary includes the Rural England Prosperity Fund - £95,000 (for a sculpture at or near the Spa, to be ready by March/ April) and the Area Committee£10,500 (for spa pump room scans and draining). Scarborough Town Council has pledged £5,000 for ‘commu nity projects’.
Scarborough's 400th anniversary, Charles Laughton's family hotel vintage bottles
The future of SMEs in the era of AI … and it’s only just started, get set!
So-called ‘Artificial Intelligence’ and what it means for Yorkshire SMEs
By Kelly Dunn (MD of Yorkshire coast-based Kelly Dunn Recruitment)
It isn’t a distant ‘sci-fi idea’ anymore. It’s here.
It’s already changing how businesses across Yorkshire serve their customers, how they recruit staffing and small and medium businesses keep hold o f great people. After years in recruitment working with SMEs across the Yorkshire region, I hear two questi ons on repeat … “Will AI repla ce my people?” “Am I going to be left behind?”
The honest answer - some roles will change, some tasks will disappear … but new job s will emerge.
The winners won’t be the firms with the f lashiest tools.
That shift was disruptive, but it also created new industries and raise d productivity.
AI is shaping up to be a similar kind of turning point for our generation.
We’ve bee n here before.
Yorkshire’s mills and factories were transformed by steam power and machinery during the Industri al Revolution.
They’ll be the ones who plan, who commu nicate and who upskill.
Right now, AI excels at repetitive, rules-bas ed, data-heavy work, but the impact dif fers by sector:
• Manufacturing & engineering: predictive maintenance and vision systems reduce downtime and defects, while cobots shift shopfloor roles toward technicians, quality, and continuous improvement
• Logistics & warehousing: route optimisation and forecasting re-shape planner and supervisor jobs, and raise the bar on data literacy
• Retail & hospitality: self-service handles the simple stuff, but frontline teams spend more time resolving exceptions and protec ting reputation
• Professional services (finance, HR, legal, accountancy): firstdraft work and document review speed up, pushing firms toward advisory skills, judgement, and client communication
• Health & care: AI is used for triage, scheduling, and admin load, which can free up time for human care if it is implemented with the right safeguards.
This is where recruitment and retention collide. AI can make
jobs better (less admin, clearer workload, faster decisions) or worse (more monitoring, less autonomy, “always on” expectations).
Retention will increasingly depend on whether people feel AI is being done with them, not to them: transparent change plans, training time in working hours, and redesigned career pathways so entry-level talent still gets real learning, not just “task leftovers”.
Alongside this technological revolution, policy is nudging employers the same way.
The UK’s Employment Rights Bill is moving through Parliament with proposals to expand protections, including changes around unfair dismissal qualification.
For SMEs, that’s a clear signal.
You can’t simply automate your way out of your responsibilities as fair process and capability building have to sit alongside any tech rollout.
So if AI is going to create new jobs in the future, what are they going to look like? Think humanin-the-loop AI supervisors, data/ AI governance leads, cyber and privacy specialists, AI operations (MLOps, Machine Learning Operations) technicians, workflow and prompt designers, and customer-experience problem solvers who thrive in the messy moments automation can’t handle.
There will be de-pavers hired as more and more cities look to get rid of concrete and pla nt more trees.
The future of work in Yorkshire won’t be humans ve rsus machines.
It will be humans with machines and SMEs using AI to handle the heavy lifting, while doubling down on trust, skills and good employ ment practice.
Those are the businesses that will attract talent, keep customers loya l … and thrive.
Business news: a coastal trawl of talking points
Hotel’s tribute to national legend
A Scarborough hotel that hosted one of the country’s most highlyregarded World War One poets has now been added to the National Heritage List – six years after the installation of a Blue Plaque by the local civic society.
Wilfred Owen was recuperating at the Clifton Hotel (formerly the majestic Clarence Gardens) at North Bay, before being sent back to the frontline and fatally wounded on the front line. The hotel has been listed for its “special historic interest” and “intrinsic architectural merit” for its time when Owen regarded it as a sanctuary.
Many hotels, including the Grand in Scarborough, display plaques to past legends, in an era where more visitors
are attracted by local connections from a bygone era. The memorial in Scarborough for Anne Brontë is at St Mary’s churchyard, and attracts tourists from throughout the world.
Of the most recent commemoration, Owen had been to Scarborough as an 11-year-old in the summer of 1905 – but in November 1917 he was billeted at the hotel following shell shock and concussion from explosions.
After being posted to Ripon for a while, he later stayed in army barracks tents in Scarborough to train young recruits for the trenches. He died
while leading troops across a canal in France – buried with a postcard of Scarborough.
The following year Scarborough poet Edith Sitwell dedicated her works to him and including seven of his poems. The hotel plaque will attract a cultural following.
College aims to take centre stage
Scarborough College, the town’s prestige school, has launched Scarborough College Foundation, in conjunction with Lisvane Hall redevelopment project.
The foundation is to connect the work of the Old Scardeburgians’ Association former pupils and staff to ensure the continuation of the college’s development. It will provide supporters the opportunity to consider legacy-giving and regular donations.
For generations, Lisvane Hall has been at the heart of life at Scarborough College – and now with a fundraising initiative to develop Lisvane Hall into a fully-renovated, modern theatre that reflects the breadth and ambition of performing arts. The new Lisvane Theatre will be a space where students gain the confidence to stand tall on stage and in life.
THE YORKSHIRE COAST
School plays, concerts, debates and assemblies will enjoy stateof-the-art lighting, sound and multimedia, improved seating, stage and backstage area, adaptable for drama, music, public speaking and community events.
A range of sponsorships and naming rights are available.
Lisvane was originally the name of the college’s junior school before it relocated to the main campus.
Next stop: railway station gateway
The latest stage in long-running discussions to o pen up and significa ntly modernise the public area around Scarborough railway st ation into a more attractive environment has been announced.
North Yorkshire Council planning department is considering ideas which were mooted in 2020 under what was the Station Gateway idea to replace the dull area with a more attractive setting and, at the time, with green transport options, for £6.68m.
The ‘Station Gateway’ project would include outdoor seating areas, better footpath surfaces and possible tree planting.
Parking restrictions have already been implemented to make way for the change and the railway clock and other internal and external areas are covered in scaffolding. There are also hopes for later and more frequent trains.
The town centre location is the most prominent crossroads, opposite the Stephen Joseph Theatre and the main shopping area.
‘Passport’ stamps for the coast
In the styl e of the Camino de Compostela walkers’ ‘passport’ in northern Spain’s pilgrimage route, trekkers on the Coast to Coast Walk from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hoo d’s Bay can now have their own record of their journey.
A mini pass port of eithe r 24 pages or a full er version of 140 pages includes information about ve nues al ong the coastal walk – with a selection of offers from some shops and retailers. As in the Camino, walkers can secure stamps from along the way.
Each of the 90 county councillors has a budget of £5,000 every year to hand out. The Coast to Coast Passport scheme is operated by
Richmond Yorkshire ‘Community Interest Company’.
Cllr George Jabbour, who walked the route and raised £4,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said it was useful guide for to shops, pubs and those who provide accommodation en route.
Walkers can order the full passport online, for £15.
Scarborough’s away games only
The relatively-new Scarborough Athletic Football Club stadium is still abandoned as the club awaits costly pitch repairs reported to run into millions of pounds.
The long-awaited repairs have just begun to replace its 3G pitch where it has played for the past nine years but it is hoped that the renovations might be ready for the start of the 2026/27 season.
Scarborough Athletic is currently having to play its ‘home’ matches at Bridlington’s ground, where it played prior to the opening of its new stadium.
Major structural issues were discovered during a planned resurfacing last year, with drainage and masonry concerns.
The repairs might require new foundations to ensure the pitch is up to playing standards. The county council has agreed to assist and is in negotiations with the contractor Willmott Dixon.
Story of the Bay renewed
The popularity of Robin Hood’s Bay continues – with full parking spaces at the start of 2026.
But now visitors can see a refreshed The Story of Bay – Footprints Through Time, with dozens of mosaics along the sea wall at the north end of the village have been renovated.
They feature aspects of the village’s past from the Jurassic period and including smuggling,
fishing and wildlife, commissioned by the North York Moors National Park in 2016.
Blasts from the north sea hitting the protective sea wall had taken a toll on the 50 mosaics – leaving a major mission to restore and re-paint the mosaics, which has now been completed.
Wh-otter project!
New funding for coastal tourism
By Andrew Clay, general manager Scarborough Sea Life
Merlin Entertainments is investing in Scarborough’s future - this time in the form of a new Otter Enclosure at the SEALIFE Centre.
In the region of £200,000, this is good news for the centre and the wider visitor economy in North Yorkshire.
The otter project is part of a longerterm investment programme, initiated in December 2024 with the installation of a new solar roof, costing £450,000.
Opened in 1991, by the Blue Peter presenter Sarah Greene, the SEALIFE Centre has made a significant contribution to the region's visitor economy and marine conservation on the coast.
Its pyramidal form has become an iconic part of the local topography,
and reminds us that alongside the castle, Rotunda Museum, Grand Hotel, Stephen Joseph Theatre and the harbour, Scarborough is one of the UK's most attractive and popular seaside destinations.
In addition, the centre has an illustrious heritage. An earlier aquarium, built by Eugenius Birch (1818-1884) in 1877, and located near the Spa, was sadly demolished in the 1960s, But happily, Merlin Entertainments operate Birch's earlier aquarium built in Brighton in 1870, where some of the original tanks are preserved.
Scarborough's SEALIFE Centre employs about 20 permanent members of staff, but in the summer this number increases dramatically. The team is varied and includes experts in animal care, but also catering, events and retail. There is even a Jellyfish Supervisor, recently moved from Canada, who is responsible for an important study and breeding programme, and the supply of jellyfish throughout the UK.
Conservation and learning lie at the heart of the centre's philosophy, and in addition to breeding programmes, the
team is involved in other initiatives including a project looking at mussel habitats in Scarborough's North Bay.
Monthly beach cleans are also organised, and in April, SEALIFE Scarborough will be hosting a Conservation Evening.
The otter enclosure will provide new learning opportunities for guests and school groups and enable the team to learn more about otters and their habitats. There will be a new holt adjacent to the enclosure which will allow the team to develop new guest products, such as a unique Otter Enrichment experience.
The enclosure replaces an earlier one built 20 years ago (the architect and contractor are local) and forms part of a sequence of external spaces including Penguin Island which is home to 21 Humbolt Penguins and the Seal Pool which houses four common seals – named Ed, Boo, Pendle and Mando.
There is also a Seal Hospital (recently refurbished at a cost of £20,000) where injured or poorly wild seals are carefully rehabilitated and then released.
More building improvement investments are due to follow, to ensure the SEALIFE Centre continues to be one of the best attractions in Yorkshire and to ensure it complies with the all-important regulations laid down by the Zoo Standards Authority.
It will be another busy year and an important one for Scarborough as it celebrates its 400th birthday as a spa town.
The SEALIFE Centre has fully embraced Scarborough400 and the team is look forward to working with its key partner, North Yorkshire Council, to make 2026 a memorable and prosperous year for tourism on the Yorkshire Coast.
Men reaching out for hope
Each year, Yorkshire Businessman choses a charity to support through publicity and awareness. This year we have chosen AndysManClub.
ANDYSMANCLUB takes its name from Andrew Roberts, a man who sadly took his own life aged 23 in early 2016. Andy’s family had no inkling that he was suffering or struggling to the extent that he would do this, and as a result looked deeper into male suicide and men’s mental health.
They soon discovered that male suicide is the biggest killer of men under 54, with male mental health surrounded by well-ingrained cultural stigma in the UK. Elaine Roberts and Luke Ambler, Andy’s Mum and Brother-in-Law, together came up with the idea of ANDYSMANCLUB.
The first ANDYSMANCLUB session ran in Halifax in 2016, with 9 men in attendance on the night. Fast forward to today, they now have over 320 clubs nationwide, stretching from Plymouth to Aberdeen, with 6500+ men attending each week. Whilst the increase in numbers might appear negative on the surface, at ANDYSMANCLUB we see it as a powerful step forward, a sign that the stigma is fading, and more men feel
Following on from the COVID-19 pandemic, ANDYSMANCLUB created an online function via Google Meet. This follows the same model as their face-to-face clubs and enables men who cannot leave their home due to a variety of issues to join sessions. In the long-term, the charity aims to have a location within 30 minutes travel of any man in the UK.
#ThatOneMan is our promise to you, our volunteers, our attendees and our supporters, that no matter how quickly they grow, how many awards they win, how many partnerships they strike up or how many clubs they open, they will always remain true to our original goal. To be able to provide support to #ThatOneMan in his time of need and help him see that his tomorrow can be better than his today.
ANDYSMANCLUB has free support groups nationwide, running every Monday from 7PM except bank holidays. In these groups, men can open up about the storms affecting their lives in a safe, judgement-free and non-clinical environment. Our clubs are designed to be free of pressure, there is no obligation for men to speak, they can simply listen if they wish.
To find out more, email info@andysmanclub.
Staying Motivated when you feel like Poop!
By Richard Hill. Director at IVERIDGE HEALTH CLUB, Oulton, Leeds.
Do you feel like poop somedays? I feel this every February after the January NY’s resolutions have peaked too soon and training when motivation is low is a whole different level.
Here are 10 practical, no-BS tips that actually work when you’re running on empty:
1. Lower the bar. Way lower. Tell yourself: “I’ll just do 5 minutes.” Once you start, momentum often kicks in. If it doesn’t? Congratulations, you still showed up.
2. Stop relying on motivation— build autopilot. Same time, same place, same routine. Treat training like brushing your teeth, not a heroic act of willpower.
3. Change the goal from “progress” to “participation.” Forget PRs. The win is simply doing something. Consistency beats intensity every time.
4. Do the easiest version possible. Bad day? Lighter weights, shorter run, fewer sets. Training at 50% is infinitely better than 0%.
5. Create a “non-negotiable minimum.
6. Example: 10 squats, 10 pushups, 10 minutes walking. That’s it. Anything extra is a bonus.
7. Use friction in your favour. Lay out your clothes. Keep equipment visible. Make not training slightly more annoying than training.
8. Train for your future self, not current feelings. Motivation lies. Futureyou will always be glad you moved, even when presentyou didn’t want to.
9. Switch the stimulus, not the habit.
Bored of the gym? Walk, swim, climb, dance, box, do circuits. Same habit, new flavours. Try a different gym.
10. Track streaks, not performance.
Don’t write down weights or times—just tick the day as “trained.” Streaks are weirdly powerful.
11. Be kind, not dramatic, when you miss days. No “I’ve failed, so what’s the point.” You just… continue. Missing once is human. Quitting is optional. Truth is:
Loss of motivation is often a sign of fatigue, stress, or burnout—not laziness. If it’s been long-term, consider whether you need rest, eat better food, improve sleep by getting to bed earlier, or choose a deload, not more discipline.
Most people who train regular feel they have to do it to feel better. Fact is: It’s usually something deeper that needs addressing to feel better, not more exercise. Exercise is just a good way to deal with something temporarily. Maybe look at relationships, alcohol intake, processed food reduction, etc, before beating yourself up about a missed session.
My Top Tip:
Remember to always take 2-3 rest days a week as they are more important than your training days. Doing nothing is the new doing too much for my 2026!
A Yorkshire-based digital capture specialist has reported a 30% year-on-year increase in demand for ‘digital twin’ technology, signalling a major shift in how UK businesses manage large-scale estates and carbon targets.
As organisations face mounting pressure to reduce operational costs and hit Net Zero goals, Otley-based firm Apollo3D has seen its virtual mapping technology evolve into a critical infrastructure tool. Apollo3D’s list of clients now includes heavyweights such as the NHS, Primark, Marks & Spencer, Greene King, and the Environment Agency.
The surge in demand is driven by the need for ‘first-time fix’ maintenance. By creating an exact digital replica of a physical site, facilities managers can inspect layouts, monitor assets, and plan refurbishments remotely, eliminating the need for costly, carbon-heavy site visits.
The commercial impact is significant. Apollo3D’s partnership with retail giant Primark has already saved the retailer hundreds of thousands of pounds in operational costs across its pan-European store network by streamlining site surveys and reducing travel emissions.
Mark Shepherd, director commented: “We are witnessing a fundamental shift in the regional and national property
landscape. Digital twins are no longer just a futuristic concept; they are becoming a day-to-day necessity for any business managing multiple sites.
“In a climate where resources are tight and ESG targets are non-negotiable, having a reliable digital
view of a building allows teams to avoid the delays and expenses of repeated site visits. We’re proud to be leading this digital transformation from our base here in Yorkshire.”
The environmental benefits are proving to be a key decider for building and facilities managers across the country. Beyond reducing travel, the data provided by Apollo3D allows for more accurate energy management and less waste during construction and refurbishment.
The technology is also being adopted earlier in the building lifecycle. Apollo3D is increasingly commissioned to create models of proposed designs, allowing clients to test flow and layout before a single brick is laid, preventing expensive design corrections later.
Founded nine years ago, Apollo3D
has grown from a specialist startup into a leading national player in the PropTech space. The rise of digital mapping is also reshaping professional roles within the built environment. While traditional drawing and surveying remain important, Apollo3D says those who combine these skills with digital workflows are increasingly in demand as clients look for clearer insight and quicker answers.
As the built environment becomes more complex, the firm predicts that digital twinning will soon be the standard for compliance, risk management, and operational transparency across the UK.
Labskin doubles headcount at York Biotech Campus
York Biotech Campus (YBC) has announced it has supported Labskin Limited with doubling its headcount at the leading bioscience hub in the past year alone.
Since returning to YBC in 2024, the skin science company has grown to a team of 10, occupying three laboratories and two offices at the campus. Recent hires include a histology lead, three scientist roles, and a junior scientist.
This growth supports Labskin’s mission to develop advanced skin models that help global skincare, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical companies test products and treatments without using human or animal subjects.
Recent successes include securing an Innovate UK grant to create an in vitro skin model for melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer that
develops in pigment-producing cells.
The growing team will enable Labskin to launch more services, including disease-specific skin models that replicate conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis, two common inflammatory skin conditions. The company is also developing pigmented skin models to better represent different ethnicities in testing.
Further plans include exploring academic collaborations with leading universities to create nextgeneration skin models featuring true immune cells, blood vessels, and a fat layer, bringing them even closer to real human skin and opening new possibilities for drug development and dermatology research.
Labskin now has ambitions to double its headcount again within
two years and expand its footprint on campus to support these growth plans.
YBC has been part of Labskin’s journey for many years, including during its previous tenure at the science campus between 2018 and 2023.
On Labskin’s growth, Liz Cashon, estates manager at York Biotech Campus, said: “We are proud to be a long-standing partner of Labskin and to support its mission to transform how skin research is conducted globally. We’re pleased to be able to provide the environment and support that enables companies like Labskin to thrive and contribute to Yorkshire’s reputation as a leading centre for bioscience.”
Dr Nicola Kingswell, scientific director at Labskin Limited said: “It’s an incredibly exciting time for Labskin. Doubling our team reflects the scale of innovation we’re driving, from creating melanoma models to developing new solutions for chronic skin conditions. YBC has played an important role enabling this growth, providing the flexibility and support we need.
“Our growth also comes at a time when Life Sciences and Engineering Biology have been identified as priority sectors for York and North Yorkshire’s economic development. With a strong cluster of SMEs and proximity to major research centres across the North, the region is well-placed to lead the next wave of bioscience innovation. Alongside York Biotech Campus, we’re proud to play our part in this.”
Building a reputation over time
In an era where personal brand is increasingly intertwined with business success, Matt Jameson is a powerful example of how visibility, values and consistency can work together to build trust and influence.
Best known across Yorkshire as a host, presenter and public figure, Matt has carved out a career that goes beyond being “on the mic”. His brand is rooted in an ability to read a room, tell stories with authenticity, and make people feel genuinely included. For Matt, that’s leadership and connection in action.
Matt’s reputation has been built steadily over time by showing up, delivering consistently, and aligning himself with work that reflects his values. He has long supported charitable organisations including Macmillan Cancer Support, St Gemma’s Hospice and Martin House Hospice, lending his voice, platform and time to causes that matter. These partnerships align closely with Matt’s values and have strengthened his personal brand as someone trusted to represent sensitive, meaningful work.
That commitment to inclusion and community is also reflected in Matt’s role as co-founder and host of the Pride in Diversity Awards Yorkshire 2026. Returning in June 2026 for its second year,
following an incredibly successful inaugural event in 2025, the Awards celebrate individuals, charities and organisations driving positive change across the region. For Matt, the event is about bringing people together, amplifying underrepresented voices and creating spaces where everyone feels they belong.
Today, Matt continues that commitment through his role with Out Together, a charity supporting older members of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a role that speaks directly to his belief in representation and belonging and allows him to engage with people from all walks of life.
Alongside his charitable work, Matt’s career continues to evolve. He is set to feature in a new film project, expanding his presence into creative storytelling on screen, and has recently qualified as a celebrant - a move that feels like a natural extension of his brand. As a celebrant, Matt supports people through some of life’s most important moments with care, warmth and heart.
Matt’s journey is a reminder that personal brand is less about chasing attention and alignment. By staying true to his values, investing in relationships and using his platform with intention, Matt Jameson has built a personal brand that opens doors, creates impact and stands for something meaningful.
Work begins on co-living residential scheme in Sheffield
Construction is underway on Hive, a £24 million co-living residential development in Kelham Island that is set to become Sheffield’s biggest purposebuilt scheme of its kind.
York-based developer Grantside has appointed Edge a leading property and construction consultancy, and contractor HBC Construction Limited (HBC), to deliver the landmark project, winner in the Outstanding Property Awards, which is targeting completion in spring 2027. Both firms have offices locally.
The innovative development will provide 100 co-living homes, generous studio apartments, alongside shared amenity spaces – including a gym, yoga studio, co-working hub and roof terrace – designed to meet the growing demand for flexible urban living. It aims to provide private living space whilst also promoting social interaction between residents to boost wellbeing and combat loneliness. It aims to create an onsite community and connection hub.
The scheme will feature active ground floor retail units aimed at start-up businesses and independent traders, helping to create a lively street presence and support Kelham Island’s established independent character. The inclusion of commercial space reflects a strong focus on placemaking, ensuring the development contributes to the wider neighbourhood as well as its residents.
Sustainability is also a big part of this scheme, with BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standards integrated from the outset. The building will incorporate locally sourced materials and feature rooftop solar panels to supply energy to the amenity spaces.
The building is also designed to be at the cutting edge of digital
connectivity, achieving a WiredScore Platinum certification.
Aiming to support modern urban lifestyles, the development will place a strong emphasis on shared living and wellbeing. Communal kitchens, work and relaxation zones, laundry and café spaces, alongside rooftop planting and seating areas are all intended to encourage interaction and a sense of community, while still providing residents with private living space.
Hive marks another milestone in Kelham Island’s continued regeneration as one of Sheffield’s fastest-growing residential neighbourhoods and one of the UK’s most acclaimed.
EDGE is providing specialist services from its Sheffield office. Its work includes providing cost and project management services to support successful delivery, coordinating design teams, contractors and stakeholders, as well as providing strategic advice, managing contracts, and ensuring budgets and quality standards are met. EDGE will also be undertaking the Employer’s Agent role on the project.
HBC is delivering the scheme, bringing extensive experience in complex residential-led developments and a strong regional presence. Working closely with EDGE, the wider design team and Grantside, HBC will oversee construction from site mobilisation through to completion, with a focus on build quality, safety and collaborative delivery.
Kieran Barnes, associate director at EDGE, said: “It’s great to see work starting on Hive. This scheme sets a new benchmark for sustainable coliving design in Sheffield, and we’re excited to be involved in a model that genuinely has the potential to reshape how people experience city living.
“Sheffield has an ambitious goal of delivering around 20,000 new homes in and around the city centre over the next decade, so it’s great to be on site with a scheme that directly supports that vision and helps build confidence in the local residential market. We’re really looking forward to working closely with Grantside, HBC and the whole project team.”
Lee Powell, managing director at HBC, added: ”Hive is exactly the kind of complex, design-led residential project where HBC’s expertise in delivering high-quality urban schemes comes to the fore. Coliving developments like this require careful coordination of shared spaces and meticulous delivery.
“To manage this delivery, our project team has a combined service to HBC of 70+ years. We look forward to applying this experience and commitment to quality to create a space that works for the community. This project reinforces our established presence locally, and we are proud to be a part of bringing this landmark scheme to life.”
Steve Davis, CEO from Grantside, said: “Starting work on our first Hive co-living scheme marks a milestone in our residential growth plans and we are delighted to have appointed HBC as Main Contractor and be working with EDGE on the delivery of this exciting and innovative scheme.
“Together, HBC and EDGE form a highly aligned team focused on delivering a best-in-class co-living scheme that supports Hive’s wider vision of creating well-designed, sustainable and community focused living.”
Yorkshire proves the ideal location for innovative cereal producer
An award-winning cereal manufacturer has opened a production facility in Yorkshire with a £750,000 investment from Finance Yorkshire.
Spoon Cereals specialises in high quality, nutritious granola and porridge with a focus on ‘better’ – tasting, for consumer health and for the planet.
The company’s products are stocked by Waitrose, Ocado and Morrisons. It has won nationally accredited Great Taste Awards for its granola.
Launched in 2013 in Northwest London, Spoon Cereals previously outsourced its production. It has chosen to open its first in-house production facility at Shortwood Business Park, Barnsley.
Finance Yorkshire is the lead investor in an investment round totalling more than £1 million. Chairman Justin Cook, former CEO of Müller Yogurts & Desserts, is also an investor.
Finance Yorkshire’s investment from its growth fund is supporting Spoon Cereals’ development of its 11,000 sq
ft factory in Barnsley enabling it to create jobs, grow its customer base and innovate new products.
The factory’s location was selected by Spoon Cereals because of its closeness to the M1 motorway network, making it ideal for distribution as well as a key partner in the Enterprising Barnsley business community.
Jonny Shimmin and Annie Morris founded Spoon Cereals with a desire to make breakfast better and healthier, an ethos that continues to sustain the business today. The company’s success was initially fuelled by BBC Dragons’ Den investors.
Jonny said: “It’s always been our ambition to manufacture ourselves because of the control it gives us over our supply chain and quality of our products. Locating to Barnsley gives us so many strengths in terms of logistics and being part of the established
food manufacturing sector in South Yorkshire.“Recruitment was also a key factor in our decision to find the perfect location and South Yorkshire was right for us.”
Spoon Cereals has hired 10 people to date and expects to add another 10 to its headcount in the next 12 months.
Consumer demand is driving the company’s ambition to extend its production facility and add to its core cereal range as well as partnering with regenerative oat producers to develop co-branded products.
Jonny added: “We are addressing the key trends in breakfast retail at the moment for tasty, quality products delivered with regenerative ingredients which demonstrate sustainability in our production processes.”
Finance Yorkshire chief executive Alex McWhirter said: “Spoon Cereals is a fast-growing player in the breakfast retail market. Its decision to locate to Barnsley demonstrates the strength and breadth of the food manufacturing sector in South Yorkshire and the food-related innovation being led by the region’s education establishments.
Finance Yorkshire is preparing to make further investments after a positive review of its investment performance over the last three years during which 70 SMEs were supported, creating and safeguarding over 780 jobs and attracting £30m of private sector investment.
Left to right, Simon Hazlett and Jonny Shimmin, Spoon Cereals; Alex McWhirter and Anne Blanden, Finance Yorkshire 2
