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Editors notes
Welcome to this edition of TopicUK magazine.
By group editor Gill Laidler
We have a packed edition for you with stories from across the Yorkshire region.
Whilst I cannot say too much now, I urge you to save Thursday 20th November in your diary as we will have something very special for you. More will be announced in the next edition due out i n early August.
We’d like to offer our congratulations to ThinkOTB on gaining the Kings Award for Enterprise and to the two Yorkshire sailors who are due to set off at the end of August, helping to lead a team of non-professionals ar ound the globe.
Our sister publication, Yorkshire Businesswoman’s charity of the year, Smart Works Leeds are moving to a new unit, doubling the size of their current space, which will allow them to accommodate 100 women each week. This is great news.
Following a successful round of funding from the National Lottery, there are plans to regenerate the historic mercantile quarter in Bradford known as Little Germany. And at the same time, plans to develop the 200-year-old Grade 11 listed former Crown Court building on Wood Street in Wakefield will see the space become a creative
workplace, cultural and community leisu re destination.
All these stories and more can be found in this edition.
See you in August
Gill X
Leeds College of Building named National Quality Award finalist
The Quality Team at Leeds College of Building has been selected as a finalist in The Quality Professionals Awards (QPA) for Further Education and Employability.
The Quality Team at Leeds College of Building has been selected as a finalist in The Quality Professionals
Awards (QPA) for Further Education andEmployability. Whittled down from over 500 nominees, the elite
finalists represent the best and most inspirational quality assurance and compliance professionals in the further education and employability sectors chosen from across the UK,
Republic of Ireland, and beyond. Leeds College of Building is shortlisted in the 'Quality Improvement Team of the Year (FE Colleges)' category against three other institutions. The category recognises teams that have delivered impactful and measurable improvements in quality and driven positive organisational change. Sponsored by headline partner OAL, the FE Colleges award celebrates teamwork, creativity,
and a commitment to enhancing outcomes for learners, job seekers,
staff, or institutional performance. Last year, over 200 guests from across the Further Education and Employability sectors gathered for the first-ever QPA ceremony in Leeds. Rob Holmes, Leeds College of Building vice principal quality, curriculum & innovation, said: "Leading Quality is one of the most rewarding parts of my role because it directly impacts the experience our students receive. Together with our tremendous teaching, assessment, pastoral, and professional support staff, the Quality Team helps bring a collective vision to life and supports our students to succeed, so it's great to have that recognised." Daniel Grimes, head of quality added: "We're thrilled to be chosen as one of four finalists in such a competitive category. It's incredible to be recognised alongside so many inspiring peers. Being selected is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our superb Quality Team. It is an honour and a privilege to lead such talented and committed quality professionals. This is richly deserved recognition
for a hugely determined and gifted team who make quality improvement at Leeds College of Building a daily reality." The 2025 award winners will be announced at a special ceremony taking place at the Marriott Hotel Leeds on 6th June. Guests will receive a welcome drink before taking their seats for afternoon tea.
Lou Doyle, CEO of Mesma (QPA founder and host), said: "The Quality Professionals Awards honour the outstanding contributions made by quality improvement practitioners and leaders in further education and employability. These are the people who play a critical role working alongside delivery teams to pave the way for a bright future for learners and job seekers. "These awards celebrate the individuals and teams whose unwavering commitment to quality and compliance has made a significant impact towards achieving their organisation's ambitions and demonstrate the professionalism of the many people in these roles who make a difference to our sectors."
Lichfields’ Leeds office moves to larger premises amid continued growth
National planning and development consultancy Lichfields has relocated its Leeds office to a new, larger space in the heart of the city centre as the team continues to expand and diversify.
The new office provides room for further growth and improved collaborative space. The move marks a significant milestone for the Leeds team, which has grown from just three people when it was established in 2011 to what is soon to be a 20-strong team.
Chris Darley, head of Lichfields’ Leeds office, said: “We’re proud of how far the Leeds office has come since we opened our doors. The move to larger premises reflects not only our growth in headcount and the expanding range of specialisms and sectors we support, but also the strong and lasting relationships we have built with our clients. The new space puts us at the centre of the action, close to many of our clients, partners and key transport links and offers the right environment to take the next step in our development.”
Leeds plays a central role in Lichfields’ national network, acting as a hub
for planning work across Yorkshire, the Humber and North Midlands. The team is currently supporting clients including a range of national house builders, land promoters, developers, infrastructure providers and major retailers.
High-profile projects include ongoing planning support for Dyecoats on Kirkstall Road, one of Leeds’ largest brownfield regeneration sites, which will deliver over 1,600 new homes, commercial space and a new riverside park. Other recent work includes securing consent to repurpose the Grade II* listed former Bank of England building in Leeds into 11,000 sq.m of modern office space acting for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust on the redevelopment of the Leeds General Infirmary which, along with other initiatives in the area, will form part of Leeds’ transformational world-class health tech innovation hub.
The team is also leading the planning work on a Development Consent Order for a major hydrogen gas storage facility at Aldbrough in East Yorkshire - one of the largest of its kind globally, supporting the UK’s decarbonisation and net zero ambitions.
The move follows the recent promotion of Emma Gomersal and James Cox to planning directors, highlighting the consultancy’s commitment to developing talent and growing its capabilities from within. James and Emma bring extensive expertise across sectors including strategic land, residential, retail, tourism and infrastructure. Their progression is part of a wider growth strategy to meet increasing demand from clients across Yorkshire.
Chris added: “We’ve built a fantastic team in Leeds and our success is down to the people we’ve brought on board and developed over time. As we look ahead, the new office gives us the space and setting we need to continue that journey - growing sustainably, delivering for clients and supporting the region’s development priorities.”
mattress imports follow Trump’s China tariffs
Leaders in the bed industry in Yorkshire, where almost half of UK bed and mattress manufacturing is based, are warning that US tariffs could create a damaging knock-on effect for Yorkshire-based bed and mattress companies as well as consumers.
Experts are bracing themselves for a rise in the number of potentially unsafe, noncompliant mattresses being shipped to the UK following the huge import duties the US has placed on Chinese products, which could also erode sales of legitimate products made in the region.
The new 145% tariffs on Chinesemanufactured products will lead to many Chinese exporters seeking new markets such as the UK to replace the US which is now unviable, and the UK already imported over £6.8m worth of Chinese-made
mattresses in February 2025, a number that grew by 42% over the previous month as the threat of tariffs loomed.
“There is no doubt that we will see a rise in Chinese produced
Tristine Hargreaves
mattresses coming into British and Irish ports where we have much lower duties for importers than now in the US, and these will be in direct competition to those products made in the region to exacting UK standards,” said Fara Butt, director at Dewsburybased bed manufacturer Shire Beds, and board director at the National Bed Federation.
“Yorkshire has a really important cluster in the sleep sector, employing a significant number of people in manufacturing, retail and their supply chain. The work of the NBF, based in Skipton, ensures that NBF members manufacture safe, clean and compliant mattresses giving the UK consumer peace of mind. Retailers also know that when they sell a mattress made by an NBF member, they are offering a
product that meets UK standards and that they are supporting British and Irish jobs, many of which are in Yorkshire.”
The NBF works closely with Trading Standards and is warning consumers to be mindful of buying products that do not meet UK regulations and standards.
Tristine Hargreaves, executive director of the NBF added; “We already know that when people have less money in their pockets, they are tempted to buy what can appear to be ‘bargain’ mattresses. Unfortunately, we are expecting a wave of products to hit the UK as a result of the overnight shift in export markets for Chinese manufacturers, many of whom already had products manufactured for the US market where product safety standards, in particular flammability can be different from the UK and may result in non-compliant products on the market.
“More than ever, people buying products from online marketplaces such as Facebook and Amazon should be very careful to do their due diligence and be 100% sure that the products they are buying are bona fide and meet UK standards. The old adage of that if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is comes to mind.”
“It’s a false economy to buy a cheaper product that is likely to last a fraction of the time of mattresses that meet the NBF’s stringent standards, so consumers need to look out for the ‘made by an approved NBF member’ logo which gives peace of mind that the products meet all of the UK’s regulatory standards.”
Brand8 pr announces trio of new client wins
Leeds-based corporate and consumer communications agency Brand8 PR has started its fifteenth year in business with the announcement of three new client wins.
Water boosting product manufacturer Salamander Pumps, online metal and steel retailer The Metal Store and specialty insurance managing general agent Fiducia have all hired the agency.
Founded in March 2010, Brand8 PR provides integrated public relations, social media, content and search services to clients in the property, online retail, manufacturing, sustainability and professional services sectors.
The agency’s other clients include housebuilder Avant Homes; urban logistics property developer and investment asset manager Chancerygate; running and outdoor gear retailer SportsShoes.com; water and energy company Cenergist; and law firm Gordons.
Commenting on the new account wins, managing director, Rob Smith, said: “These new business wins further demonstrate the diversity of our client base and our ability to work across a range of sectors.
“Our continued success is driven by being able to provide strategic advice combined with commercially impactful tactical implementation.
“This is an effective formula and one which helps us build long term relationships with clients, three of which have retained us for the entire 15 years we have been trading.
“We have clear plans in place for Salamander Pumps, The Metal Store and Fiducia and look forward to playing our part in helping them all achieve their business objectives.”
ThinkOTB achieves King’s Award for Enterprise
ThinkOTB, an innovation andmarketingconsultancy in Headingley that helps global organisations innovate, has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise.
It builds on a previous stamp of royal approval in 2020, when the consultancy was awarded the Queen’s Award for International Trade.
ThinkOTB has been recognised for its excellence in International Trade for outstanding shortterm growth in overseas sales over the last three years. Its overseas revenue grew by over 300%, and the percentage sales exported more than doubled to 54% in the three-year period.
ThinkOTB is one of 197 organisations nationally to be recognised with a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise. A total of 199 Awards are made with two companies being recognised with two Awards.
The firm operates in 21 countries with clients ranging from financial services to energy sectors. The majority of its business comes from Germany, Dubai, Singapore, the USA, and Ireland.
The specialist consultancy helps global organisations to innovate, from strategy and branding, to creative, and digital design. It has worked for some of the world’s most recognisable and high-profile companies. Clients include Google, Siemens Energy, Visa, NHS, Sellafield, and National Grid.
Mark Davies, founder said: “It’s a huge honour to follow on our Queen’s Enterprise Award five years ago, with a King’s Award. We’re proud to be one of the UK’s most creative companies operating in a niche marketplace, which combines innovation with marketing, becoming a ‘go-to’ expert for many international businesses. We’ve pioneered highly successful techniques that have helped some of the world’s most recognisable brands to innovate.”
ThinkOTB enable organisations to create and develop innovative ideas and lasting tools and processes that have resulted in profitable growth and countless ‘breakthrough’ moments leading to more focused commercial strategies, new products, and services.
Managing director Jo Waddington, has been instrumental in the consultancy’s international growth.
Jo said: “We have not only survived, but thrived through the decades and countless periods of economic turbulence and change. From a small office in Leeds, we have created an international organisation. Trends and platforms change, and change quickly, but the building blocks of creativity and ideas are what our consultancy is built on, alongside strong, longlasting relationships.”
The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed in 2023 to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s by recognising outstanding UK businesses.
The Award programme, now in its 59th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country, with successful businesses able to use the esteemed King’s Awards Emblem for the next five years.
ThinkOTB has a string of award wins over the years, including the Drum Award for Digital Innovation and CIM Marketing Exc ellence Awards.
Jo Waddington, Tina Catling and Mark Davies (l-r) ThinkOTB. Photographer’s credit Guzelian Media
Ward Hadaway Appoints New Finance Director
Ward Hadaway has appointed James Foster as its new finance director, strengthening its senior team during a period of significant growth for the firm.
James brings extensive experience in venture capital and financial services. He has a strong track record of supporting companies of all sizes, providing financial guidance and strategic insight. His expertise will be instrumental in driving forward the firm’s expansion strategy, which includes the opening of a new Birmingham office this summer and ongoing merger discussions with Teesside-based The Endeavour Partnership LLP.
The appointment comes as the firm makes 34 new hires across its Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle offices in the first quarter of 2025. These include three partners, one director, three managing associates, three associates, four solicitors, two conveyancers, two paralegals and 15 professionals in business support roles across teams such as real estate, corporate finance
and construction. Eight are based in the Leeds office.
Steven Petrie, managing partner said: “This time last year we set out ambitious plans to double the firm’s revenue within five years and reach £100m by 2034. Continuing to invest in talent and infrastructure and attracting the right people is essential to achieving this growth.
“James brings invaluable commercial and financial insight that will support our next phase of expansion. We’re also pleased to welcome new colleagues across our business who strengthen the specialist teams we’ve built across the entire firm.”
Other new starters include Tom Wills and Richard Bradbury who join the Real Estate department as partners, with Tom bringing substantial experience
and expertise to the firm's agricultural team and Richard specialising in a wide range of commercial property matters. Meanwhile, Louise Masters brings almost two decades of experience in high value and complex financial remedy cases, as well as being a pioneer in the "one lawyer" approach to divorce settlements.
Ward Hadaway now employs over 500 people across its offices, with headcount expected to rise further as recruitment continues in line with the firm’s long-term strategy.
James Foster added: “It’s a very exciting time to be joining Ward Hadaway. The scale of the firm’s growth plans is ambitious, but the clarity of vision and client-first approach I’ve seen so far gives me every confidence in what’s ahead. I’m looking forward to contributing to a firm with such deep roots in its regions, an extremely strong and diverse client base, and a depth of legal talent."
L-R James Foster with Managing Partner Steven Petrie
Watson Batty aims for highest design accreditation
Watson Batty Architects has started works on a new care home for Exemplar Health Care with plans to achieve the highest accreditation in desig n for dementia.
Construction has commenced to deliver Springfield Vale, a 33-bed complex care home in Barnsley. The scheme comprises of three units of accommodation each providing ten bedrooms with
communal areas, an activities hub, a therapy room, a hair /beauty salon and communal accessible gardens.
The state-of-the-art development is to provide nursing care for adults
living with complex needs arising from brain injuries, dementia, mental health conditions, neuro-disabilities and physical disabilities.
Understanding the importance that specialist design for aging and dementia has in assisting independently living, Exemplar Health Care has selected Springfield Vale FF
to be assessed by the University of Stirling DSDC (Dementia Services Devel opment Centre).
Stirling DCSC is an international centre of knowledge and expertise dedicated to improving the lives of people living with dementia. It draws on research and best practice from around the world by providing comprehensive up to date resources on all aspects of dementia helping to translate into policy-informing practice. It houses a design and technology suite showcasing inspiring technology and equipment, a virtual care home that allows for visualisation of new ideas, and a conference centre which hosts regular international masterclasses bringing together dementia-care experts from aro und the world.
Sustainable
With construction underway, Springfield Vale is in the detailed design stage of the accreditation process. The building will be audited by Stirling University DSDC early 2026 when operational following completion in December 2025.
Watson Batty has already delivered ten new homes for Exemplar Health Care with a further four developments currently on site. With a highly specialised team in creating environments for Specialist Care, Watson Batty is assisting Exemplar Health Care to ensure that its care homes are future focused and sustainable for those whose needs are considered too complex for mainstream care providers.
Gemma Bottomley at Watson Batty said, “We are delighted that Exemplar Health Care are
working with us to achieve this important recognition with Stirling DSDC. This is the highest accolade achievable for dementia care environments and will become a benchmark for future develo pments to come.
“Statistics indicate that by 2030 there will be over one million people living with dementia in the UK. We have a duty as designers to ensure that our projects are designed with the user in mind, not just for care homes but for all public buildings and external spaces where more independent living can be supported.”
Care,we are committed to creating homes that support independence, dignity, and quality of life for people with complex needs.
“Springfield Vale will reflect this commitment, offering stateof-the-art facilities designed to promote wellbeing while ensuring a truly person-centred approach to care. The accreditation from the Dementia Services Development Centre will not only recognise our continued e fforts but also help us lead the way in innovative design in the compl ex care sector.
As we expand our services, we remain dedicated to creating highquality care environments that empower people to live fulfilling lives...
“As we expand our services, we remain dedicated to creating high-quality care environments that empower people to live ful filling lives.”
Exemplar Health Care is one of the UK’s leading nursing care providers for adults living with complex and high acuity needs. It operates over 50 complex care services across England and employs more th an 5000 people.
Charlotte Lloyd, director of commissioning at Exemplar Health Care, said “We are proud to be working with Watson Batty Architects to create a care home that sets a new standard for dementia care. At Exemplar Health
Established nearly 50 years ago, Watson Batty Architects is a future focused business offering architectural, i nterior design and master plan ning solutions for all sectors. Employing a team of 35 people across offices in Leeds and Loughborough , the practice is credited for many major public and private sector projects including schools, universities, sport and leisure, distribution facilities, commercial, master planning, residential and care developments and transport hubs.
Watson Batty i s working with the University of Leeds, Leeds Bec ket University and Loughborough University to provide several new specialist health, science, and engineering facilities. Its team is also involved with the RIBA Student Mentoring Programme at the University of Sheffield, De Montfort University, Huddersfield, Leicester, and Loughboro ugh University.
Two Yorkshire sailors set to help lead a team in world’s toughest endurance challenge
Two sailors from Yorkshire, Millie Apperley and Otto Kulow, have been selected to help lead a team of non-professionals around the globe in the upcoming edition of the Clipper Round the Wo rld Yacht Race.
The duo will each take on the role of First Mate, supporting their Skippers in racing 40,000 nautical miles around the world when the race gets underway from Portsmouth on 31 August.
Speaking about the opportunity, Millie, who is from Marsden, said: “This role is a huge responsibility but a challenge I am ready for. It will be an amazing thing to develop as a crew on board and to able to say that ‘we did it’ as team.”
The Clipper Race is the only event of its kind which trains people from all walks of life to become ocean racers and take on the endurance challenge of a lifetime. Each of the teams is led by a professional Race Skipper and First Mate.
The role of First Mate is a demanding but rewarding role; offering invaluable experience to further develop a professional sailing career. These
highly skilled sailors will work closely with their Skipper, utilising their sailing experience and supporting the goals of their appointed team. They will not only work towards gaining those all-important places on the podium, but apply their knowledge to help create a competent, safe and competitive race team.
For Otto, who was born in Harrogate, but who has lived in Germany and more recently Barcelona, Spain, where he has been a sailing instructor, becoming a Clipper Race First Mate is an accumulation of a lifetime of sailing. He started sailing on dinghies
in Northern Ireland, before moving onto racing and then increasing in boat size to yachts.
Speaking about the opportunity, Otto said: “I hope to achieve the best possible performance I can imagine for myself, as well as my crew, and personally to be challenged to my limits and land on top. I want to display my character and skill by being part of something triumphant.”
All First Mates go through a rigorous selection process led by the Clipper race management team. The team’s race director, deputy race director and race manager have all competed as race skippers on previous editions and therefore understand the unique requirements of this role.
Max Rivers, deputy race director, said: “Our talented first mates all hold the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore qualification and have plenty of experience to go with it. From Skippering yachts, carrying
out deliveries and teaching RYA accredited courses, they have sailed all over the world and come from diverse maritime backgrounds. We look forward to incorporating their skills and knowledge into the Clipper Race challenge ahead.
“Their primary role throughout the race is to support the team skipper in all aspects of boat management, meaning this bunch are not only great sailors but also teachers, leaders and mentors for the Race Crew.”
The Clipper Race has created a pathway to becoming a sailing professional and on previous editions has supported race crew to progress through the ranks including from participant to first mate to skipper. And both Millie and Otto are ambitious for the future.
Millie said: “I hope this role will develop my leadership skills and build on my confidence with offshore racing to then go on to be a skipper on yachts sailing in similar conditions offshore.”
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race was founded by Sir Robin KnoxJohnston, thirty years ago (March 1995) and trains people from all walks of life to learn seamanship and become ocean racers. Each participant must complete four stages of intensive training before signing up for one or multiple legs or can complete the full 40,000 nautical mile circumnavigation. The ten strong fleet of matched Clipper 70 ocean racing yachts make six ocean crossings – including the North Pacific - and the Clipper Race is the only round the world yacht race to cross this ocean.
The race will make 14 ports of call on its global route, with Portsmouth (UK), Cape Town (South Africa), Qingdao (China) and Tongyeong City (Korea), Seattle (USA) and Oban (Scotland) announced so far.
Applications are still open for crew to sign up to participate in the Clipper 2025-26 Race. To find out more visit clipperroundtheworld.com.
NG Bailey strengthens facilities services team
NG Bailey, the UK’s largest independent engineering and infrastructure services business, has appointed Simon Ball to its facilities services team as its new work winning director, as it continues to strengthen its Built Enviro
Simon joins as a senior leader, where he will play a pivotal role in driving innovation, customer experience and business growth across the company’s expanding facilities services portfolio. In recent years NG Bailey has built a strong presence in this market, supporting clients by maintaining premium spaces and critical assets, as well as helping to improve efficiency and optimise performance through its digital maintenance offering.
Simon brings a wealth of experience in
having previously held senior positions at Equans, Mitie and Interserve, where he specialised in delivering strategic solutions for clients with critical assets, in the corporate, industrial, manufacturing, transport, utilities and government sectors.
Simon said: “It’s an exciting time to be joining the team as it continues its mission to maintain exceptional and more sustainable spaces. The firm has a strong reputation in the
industry and I’m looking forward to contributing to its continued success and supporting the evolving needs
Sarah Hotchen, managing director said: “We’re delighted to welcome Simon to the team. His proven track record in driving strategic growth and building lasting client relationships makes him an exceptional asset to our business. As we continue with our longterm strategy and growth plans for our Built Environment Division, our work winning team will be essential to our goals and we are looking forward to having Simon’s experience in our team.”
Digital agency, Engage is celebrating after winning two prestigious accolades at the UK Company Culture Awards.
The business, which recently became 100 percent employee owned, was awarded Best Team Culture and Best Workplace Health and Wellbeing Awareness Initiative at the annual ceremony held at Hilton Bankside in London.
The awards celebrate companies creating welcoming and meaningful work environments, with 38 titles up for grabs in an array of categories. Engage took home two accoladesa clear mark of its commitment to support its people and champion a positive workplace culture.
The Leeds-based agency landed the award for Best Workplace Health & Wellbeing Awareness Initiative thanks to its Olympics programme. This programme is an
Leeds marketing agency celebrates double win at UK Company Culture Awards
incentive for the team to raise their heart rates and in turn, raise money for charity. Whether it be cycling, running or swimming, Engage staff convert miles into money. Over the last decade, the Elympics has raised over £76,000 for charities including CATCH, Tech She Can, Getaway Girls and Women’s Aid.
Following a compelling entry, the agency also took home the Best Team Culture award, recognised for its 96 percent staff retention rate, progressive workplace initiatives and positive community impact.
Eloise O'Grady, people & culture business partner said: “The best assets for any business are its people and culture. These are at the heart of Engage, and it's a privilege to have this recognised by the UK Company Culture Awards. We feel a real sense of ownership and pride in the business we’re helping to shape, driving success we can all share in.”
In addition to its employee owned status, Engage is also a Certified B Corporation, further confirming Engage’s focus on its people and the planet.
Triple amputee passes halfway point of his world record breaking Pacific sailing challenge
Despite experiencing a number of technical issues with his boat, Craig Wood is now halfway through his sail with well over 4000 nautical miles under his belt and feeling positive about reaching the finish line at Osaka in Japan in just over
The 33-year-old former Army rifleman from Doncaster has gallantly worked to resolve a rope breaking on his Gennaker sail, affecting his speed; another sail tearing; a second reef line snapped and was re-rigged; and has fixed a broken rudder, improvising a new mount after it started pointing 30 degrees in the wrong direction.
capable of out here in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean.”
“I’m still moving with enough speed to miss Japanese cyclone season, but it will be tighter than planned but I’m more determined than ever,” said Craig.
“It’s been a really challenging few weeks where I’ve felt a lot of different emotions and wondered if I’d see the finish line, but then I dug deep and got cracking with some repairs and realised that what I set out to achieve was still very much possible.
“I’d be surprised if any boat sailed over 3,000 nautical miles and didn’t have a breakage of some sort, but the amount I’ve had to deal with has been a lot. However, I’ve been repairing things and it’s all part of my daily routine – to run checks and make repairs.
“I’ve seen many rainbows, lots and lots of flying fish and a Booby that seems to have made my boat its home is keeping me company and has helped
Craig now only has approximatively 3000 nautical miles left to sail until he reaches his destination after setting off from La Paz in Mexico on 25th March at 4:45pm GMT on his gruelling expedition.
“Another issue I have is that water has got into my starboard engine and it’s seized. This isn’t a concern at the moment, as I am sailing, but I will need the engine once I arrive in Japan to enter the harbour so I have spent some time working on it and will hopefully get it sorted before I arrive,” he added.
“Other than missing my family, I have generally been really at peace out on the water despite the obvious dangers such as hidden coral reefs, upcoming tropical storms and then fishing fleets as I get closer to Japan, but as I’m still making headway, I’m hopeful that my
Craig lost both legs and his left hand in an IED blast in Afghanistan in 2009, July 30th. His face was also ravaged by shrapnel. Waking up 14 days later from an induced coma, nothing would ever be the same again.
It took eight months for Craig to learn to walk again and four-and-a-half years of rehabilitation work to improve his quality of life.
Back home as a triple-amputee, he returned to the hobby his father had shared with him as a child on their family trips to Bridlington - sailing.
Today, Craig is the world’s first triple amputee to achieve a Yachtmaster status – the pinnacle of yachting qualifications.
Through his record-breaking trip, Craig is aiming to raise £50k for two charities that supported his recovery: Blesma and Turn to Starboard.
Craig Wood Credit GD Media
SGI launches bold vision for the future of Thorpe Park Leeds
Following a decade of accelerated growth and investment, leading property regeneration and placemaking specialist, Scarborough Group International (SGI) is looking ahead to the next phase for Thorpe Park Leeds.
This includes the delivery of a significant industrial and logistics hub, new residential apartments, as well as further Grade A business accommodation with supporting amenity - building on more than 25 years as a cornerstone of East Leeds’s business and community landscape.
Today, Thorpe Park Leeds stands as one of the region’s most significant mixed-use destinations. Over the past decade, the development has expanded to more than 1.4 million sq ft of business, retail and leisure space, including landmark offices such as Paradigm and Lumina, and the creation of The Springs retail and leisure centre. The most recent addition of No. 1 The Square has further strengthened Thorpe Park’s
role as a centre for employment and secured Yorkshire’s largest-ever out-of-town pre-let deal.
Significant infrastructure enhancements have underpinned this transformation. The construction of a new bridge over the TransPennine Railway and the Manston Lane Link Road have greatly improved access, enabling completion of the East Leeds Orbital Route and unlocking land for the East Leeds Extension - one of the largest residential expansion areas in the city. Together with direct motorway access and comprehensive on-site transport connections, these improvements have positioned Thorpe Park Leeds as one of the most accessible and well-connected destinations in the region.
With a strong foundation in place and outline consent for a further 1m sq ft of mixed-use space already secured, SGI is now focused on accelerating the delivery of the next phase at Thorpe Park Leeds. This will see the repositioning of the whole estate, with an expanded vision that includes bringing Integral at Thorpe Park Leeds - a purpose-built industrial and logistics hub - firmly into the heart of the masterplan. Additionally, SGI is actively exploring opportunities to deliver up to 450 urban apartments on the estate, supporting the creation of a thriving residential community and offering a variety of options for modern city living.
Reflecting this renewed clarity of purpose and commitment to placemaking, SGI has launched a new website for Thorpe Park Leeds. The site brings together every aspect of the development in a single, accessible platform, offering a significantly improved user experience potential occupiers and investors. The new website sets out a clear vision for the future, showcasing the estate’s diverse opportunities and SGI’s ambition to create an inclusive, sustainable and connected destination.
Kevin McCabe, chairman and founder at SGI, said: “The transformation of Thorpe Park Leeds over recent years provides a strong foundation for future growth. As we prepare to accelerate delivery of the next phase, our focus is on creating high-quality workspace, homes and amenities that support the ambitions of Leeds as a city and deliver long-term benefits to businesses, residents and investors alike. The launch of our new website marks a key milestone in bringing our vision together, providing greater clarity and a more engaging experience for everyone who is part of Thorpe Park Leeds.”
Creative businesses secure over £1m for West Yorkshire
A specialist programme designed to grow West Yorkshire’s creative industries, and the regional economy is back for a second year after helping around 40 businesses to secure over £1 million of investment.
helping around 40 businesses to secure over £1 million of investment.
The region’s ‘Create Growth’
programme - funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport - is now open to applications from creative businesses that are
ready to scale-up, attract investment and break into new markets through tailored support, mentoring and highprofile networking opportunities.
In the inaugural year of the programme, 78% of the 41 businesses that took part expanded their teams, 61% developed or launched new
Mayor Tracy Brabin speaks to Sam Cordingley, owner of Samson Athletics
products, and 66% reported a growth in turnover, securing a combined total of £1.2 million in investment from private sector investors and Innovate UK, the country’s inn ovation agency.
It follows the creative industries being identified by the UK Government as a key growth sector, with West Yorkshire being named as one of six creative industries priority places set to receive funding as part of next month’s Spending Review. It will
support the region to maximise its strengths, deliver on its growth plans, and encourage strong, continued investment in the creative industries to create jobs and vibrant places.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Ensuring that our creative sector thrives, creates more jobs and attracts inward investment will turbocharge economic growth and help us to build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire.
“This innovative programme has given creative businesses in West Yorkshire the tools and support they need to grow.
“I’m thrilled that more local businesses will have the opportunity to fulfil their potential as we open applications for a second year.”
Caroline Norbury OBE, CEO of Creative UK, said: “It’s positive to see the Create Growth Programme return to West Yorkshire for another year. Its first iteration, delivered by Creative UK and West Yorkshire Combined Authority, was a vital springboard for some of the most innovative creative businesses from the region, who were able to gain exposure to a broad range of investors at our regional and national investment summits earli er this year.
“This second run of the West Yorkshire Create Growth Programme promises to continue the job of providing investment readiness support to businesses who will help drive forward the creative industries which, in 2024, made up 9.8% of all UK businesses and which have been identified
by UK Government as a key g rowth sector."
In February, the successful businesses exhibited their ideas at the Big Creative UK Summit in Bradford to an audience of over 150 investors, partners, creative networks and local business owners, with several taking part in a pitchin g competition.
Bradford based gym wear brand Samson Athletics delivered the winning pitch and won a stand at the UK's Festival of Business Growth, Climb25 - taking place in Leeds in July.
Sam Cordingley, owner of Samson Athletics said: “The Create growth programme has really pushed me out of my comfort zone.
“I am often squirrelled away working in the business and not on the business; the programme has pulled me out and put me in f ront of people.
“I've been pitching, which is certainly not something I would have been doing without th e programme.”
The ‘Create Growth’ programme is delivered in partnership with Creative UK and West Yorkshire Combined Authority as part of Mayor Brabin’s You Can Make It Here campaign - a £2.3 million support package designed to grow the region’s creative industries and create opportunities for ta lent to thrive.
Oldest scissor smiths has fresh rebrand and new website
Sheffield-based scissor manufacturer, Whiteley, has evolved its brand with a new look, intertwining both history and modernity to create a refreshed name, logo, and website.
Whiteley has been handcrafting the finest quality scissors, blades, and shears since 1760, and has decided to update its brand as it enters its 265th year in operation, celebrating its continued innovation and presence in the world market.
With the aim of recognising its heritage as a legacy Sheffield brand, whilst unifying its brand identity and modernising itself, the firm has simplified its name from ‘William Whiteley & Sons’, to just ‘Whiteley’.
The rebranding includes a refreshed logo, which embodies the heritage of Whiteley, with the inclusion of ‘Sheffield, England’. A new brand icon encapsulates design elements from a pair of scissors created for Queen Victoria in 1838, representing the brand’s history of crafting bespoke scissors for iconic figures and organisations worldwide.
Complementing the rebranding
to Whiteley, the Wilkinson brand, which merged with Whiteley in 1875, will now be known as ‘Wilkinson by Whiteley’, to further unify and simplify consumers’ understanding of the Whiteley brand.
Central to the rebrand is a new sharp and fresh multifunctional website, to create a seamless shopping experience for customers.
In celebration of the launch, Whiteley is once again collaborating with historic marking and traceability technology
manufacturer Pryor, a fellow Sheffield business, to create 25 sets of special edition scissors.
Each pair of the scissors, which are 12” big bolt shears with blue handles and brush gold bolts, will be handstamped by Pryor, who Whiteley has been working with since the 1800s.
Mark White, managing director said: “Whiteley has an incredible heritage, with a history of making high-quality pairs of scissors and shears dating all the way back to the 1700s.
“While Whiteley has been synonymous with handcrafting in Sheffield for the past 265 years, we knew it was time to modernise the brand and create a new look that reflects the constant innovation we pride ourselves on.
“The updated branding represents our history, whilst also expressing a refreshed feel and name, which simplifies our brand for our customers.
“In line with the contemporary look, our new website offers a superior experience for our customers, with effortless navigation and easier checkout ensuring that buying from Whiteley is always seamless and stress-free.”
Helmsley Group brings Welburn Business Park development to market
Helmsley Group has brought to market a prime residential development site at Welburn Business Park after securing full planningconsent fornine much-needed family homes.
The site, now available offers a unique opportunity to invest in a highly desirable rural location. Welburn Business Park, which is located within the designated Howardian hills area of outstanding natural beauty in North Yorkshire, boasts excellent transport links to the A64, providing easy access to York, Malton, and Scarborough.
The location is further enhanced by its proximity to the historic Castle Howard estate and established, highend family housing in the surrounding area.
The approved development comprises nine large four-bedroom family homes, each ranging from 1,500 sq ft to 2,600 sq ft. These modern homes are designed to replace vacant office
and commercial buildings with highquality family housing.
Helmsley Group had previously secured permission for ten onebedroom apartments under permitted development rights. This earlier approval was then used to demonstrate the site's residential potential and secure consent for a larger, family-focused scheme.
Tom Riddolls, development surveyor said: “We’re proud to be bringing the site to market and to be moving forward with plans to deliver much-
needed family homes in the area. While the planning process involved some challenges, we’ve worked collaboratively with stakeholders to bring forward an exciting scheme that responds positively to both local needs and planning expectations.
We saw real potential in transforming this brownfield site into a development that makes a meaningful, lasting contribution to the community. The scheme has been carefully designed with that vision in mind, and we’re excited to see it come to life.”
James Ratcliffe, partner and head of commercial agency at Colenso, said:
"We’re thrilled to be bringing this thoughtfully designed scheme at Welburn Business Park to market. The development presents a fantastic opportunity to deliver high-quality family homes in a wellconnected, sought-after location."
Joshua Franklin, associate director at Savills, added: “This is a rare opportunity as the site benefits from strong local demand as well as excellent transport links. With planning permission in place and the potential to deliver spacious family homes, we expect significant market interest from a range of purchasers.”
Laura Baxter Julian Pitts Mike Jenkins
Begbies Traynor Group boosts partner promotions
Begbies Traynor Group has promoted Laura Baxter and Mike Jenkins to partner, enhancing its senior-level insolvency and restructuring support for businesses across Hull, the Humber, York and the surrounding areas.
Laura and Mike have almost two decades of collective experience as qualified insolvency practitioners, supporting businesses across a full range of insolvency and restructuring activities, as well as complementing the other business services provided by Begbies Traynor Group across the region.
Based in the Hull, Grimsby and Scunthorpe offices, Laura has been with the firm more than 12 years and delivers advice to businesses across Hull and East Yorkshire. After obtaining a law degree at the University of Hull, Laura completed her Legal Practice Course in 2006. She then moved into financial services consultancy, climbing the ranks before qualifying as an insolvency practitioner in 2019. She
regularly advises both corporate and personal clients across a range of industries including manufacturing, construction, hospitality and retail.
Mike has been at the firm since 2008, when the business he started at as a trainee was acquired by Begbies Traynor. He qualified as an insolvency practitioner in 2013 and has risen to partner at the firm. In his role he works across industries including agriculture, retail, construction, hospitality and manufacturing, supporting businesses in York and its surrounding rural areas and towns.
Julian Pitts, group regional managing partner for Yorkshire, said: “Businesses across the region need senior advice to help them make difficult decisions and
navigate their way through the current economic climate. Both Laura and Mike have proven time and time again that their guidance and support to businesses is vital. These promotions are richly deserved and I know that the clients they work with on a daily basis appreciate the valuable guidance they offer during times of extreme pressure and distress.”
Laura said: “There is much positivity across industries in the Hull and Humber region, but there are also many that need support at this time. Due to the opportunities in the region we have been able to see significant success with CVAs and restructuring work, especially for those businesses that get in touch at the first signs of distress.
“In my new role as partner I am looking forward to continuing to help businesses survive, assist those that need to restructure or refinance and support the continued growth of the group services across the region.”
Mike said: “York and the surrounding area have always created vibrant, successful businesses and there are some exciting industries cropping up in the region. However, some more traditional sectors do need support and we can help them at this time.
“We also have the ability to bring in other parts of the Begbies Traynor Group to offer a full range of services including restructure, refinance, revival and growth. This is a very exciting time to be promoted to partner at the firm and help companies across the York region take the next steps in their journey.”
Bradford’s historic Little Germany sets its sights on a new chapter
Following the completion of a successful round of funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, a team led by Impact Hub Bradford has revealed plans to regenerate the city's historic mercantile quarter, Little Germany.
Home to 55 Grade 2 Listed buildings, the area is home to one of the most remarkable heritage destinations in the country and is known as having the highest concentration of protected buildings per square mile.
The business and communityfocussed organisation has led efforts to help revitalise the area, thanks to a collaborative project with the newly formed stakeholder group.
The steering group – which is headed up by Kamran Rashid, CEO of Impact Hub Bradford and chaired by James Mason, CEO of the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce – was formed with a focus on placemaking, business development, and the integration of local communities.
In partnership with a diverse group of stakeholders—including businesses, local organisations, and cultural enterprises—the team aims to bring both the public and busi nesses back to the area, celebrating the role it played in the region’s histor ic prosperity.
To showcase the rich architectural character of the area, a special invite-only Heritage Day is planned to welcome local businesses, stakeholders, and resident s to the area.
Commenting on the ambitious plans, Kamran said: “Work that will help drive a prosperous future for Little Germany is progressing at pace, with a clear vision to develop the area into a vibrant and thriving part of Bradford’s city centre. The collective efforts of the steering group, supported by a significant pot of funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund will ensure that Little Germany’s future will be both sustainable and comm unity driven.
“As Bradford’s future unfolds, Little Germany will undoubtedly be a key player in shaping the city’s heritage and economic landscape for generat ions to come.”
The resurgence of Little Germany has already begun to capture the attention of members of the public, the busine ss community F
and the creative industries. The area has also gained recognition as a filming location, with popular productions like Peaky Blinders using the district as a backdrop.
James said: “Little Germany’s social and architectural heritage provides a perfect backdrop for innovation, making it the perfect office location, studio or workspace. The buildings here need to be celebrated and protected, making the area ideal for forward-thinking organisations like the Chamber and Impact Hub Bradford. This blend of old and new makes the area an attractive location for growing businesses and a promising opportunity for the hospit ality sector.
“This blend of history, culture,
and modern-day appeal ensures that Little Germany will continue to attract both visitors and businesses, contributing to the long-term growth and prosperity of Bradford.”
Impact Hub Br adford is part of a wider global network, aimed at building a regenerative economy where business and profit serve people a nd the planet.
The project team will be rolling out a number of new initiatives over the coming months to help reinvig orate interest in the historic quarter, including new Bradford Civic Society blue plaques, improved wayfinding, new heritage walks and self-guided trails, new public art, and a new website to help promote
Little Germany as a destination. The team ha s been working wwith other agencies such as Bradford BID to ensure that the area is benefitting for regular cleansing and efforts to boost public safety.
The project has also involved working closely with local designer Jimmy Smith — who recently created Bradford's striking new street and boundary sign designs — to produce a new eye-catching visual identity for the area.
The project is looking to drive inward investment through the launch of a new website, and further details will were revealed at the UK Real Estate Infrastructure and Investment Forum (UKR EiiF) in May.
Firms support Northern growth with over £1.7 million in smaller loan funding.
GC Business Finance and River Capital have provided over £1.7m in the first year of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II). The funding comes from NPIF II - GC Business Finance & River Capital Smaller Loans, which is managed by the consortium as part of NPIF II.
Since the launch of the fund in April 2024, the consortium has supported 32 businesses across the North West and is currently managing a strong pipeline of applications under review.
As part of their role delivering NPIF II Smaller Loans up to £100k, GC Business Finance and River Capital have played a key role in unlocking early-stage growth capital for small and medium-sized businesses across the North West.
Given that NPIF II is sector-agnostic, this enables the consortium to support a wide variety of businesses, regardless of industry, showcasing the depth of innovation and ambition across the North. So far, this has included Liverpool-based sustainable packaging distributor Green Bell Packaging, Cheshire-based online, high-end
L-R John Gray, Sue Barnard, Andy Nichols
homeware store Tilly and Ted, and Lancashire-based Kidz Pamper Bus.
Of the funding provided, 41% has gone to female-led businesses, highlighting a shared commitment across the fund to supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs and improving access to finance for all.
Andy Nichols, investment manager at GC Business Finance, said: “The team has played a key role in delivering NPIF II, backing ambitious and underrepresented entrepreneurs across the North. With 41% of investments going to female-founded businesses, we’ve supported gamechanging growth for companies with underrepresented founders like Tilly and Ted, Green Bell Packaging and Kidz Pamper Bus, and we’re excited by the strong pipeline ahead.”
John Gray, head of debt at River Capital, said: “NPIF II Smaller Loans provide a vital stepping stone for businesses that are scaling, investing in growth and innovation. It’s been a strong first year for delivery, and we look forward to continuing to back brilliant Northern businesses and their ambitions through this fund.”
Sue Barnard, senior manager at the British Business Bank, said: “Access to early-stage capital is vital for driving regional growth and boosting regional opportunity. GC Business Finance and River Capital have made a strong start in delivering NPIF II Smaller Loans, and it’s great to see this support reaching such a broad range of sectors and entrepreneurs across the North West.”
The £660m Northern Powerhouse
Investment Fund II (NPIFII) covers the entire North of England and provides loans from £25k to £2m and equity investment up to £5m to help a range of small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.
The purpose of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the North of England. The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II will increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for the North’s smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and help to break down barriers in acc ess to finance.
New Hull Academy brings bespoke training to Yorkshire
A Hull-based social care provider is offering its training expertise to the wider business community for the first time.
The HICA Group, which provides care and support to older people and adults with learning disabilities across Yorkshire, has expanded its long-established in-house training offer to local employers, charities and individuals through its new Hullbased training academy.
Based just off Freetown Way, the HICA Training Academy has opened its doors to organisations across the Humber region looking to upskill staff, meet compliance requirements and invest in professional development.
The HICA academy has long delivered sector-leading training for its 1,500-strong workforce. With a growing demand for high-quality, flexible training across multiple industries, the group has made
its extensive portfolio of courses available to all.
Courses on offer range from emergency first aid and fire marshal training to dementia awareness, safeguarding and managing aggression in the workplace. Sessions are run by experienced trainers and can be delivered at the new citycentre academy or on-site at the client’s premises.
Steve Reed, head of learning and development said: “Our aim has always been to raise standards through good quality, engaging training. We’ve worked hard to create a professional, welcoming environment that businesses can trust and that their teams enjoy learning in. Whether you’re a café
looking to boost your first aid credentials or a housing provider needing safeguarding support, we’re ready to help.”
The decision to open up the academy is part of HICA’s broader commitment to supporting communities and improving workplace wellbeing.
Terry Peel, HICA Group’s CEO, added: “This expansion is a natural step for us. We have the expertise, the infrastructure and the passion to make a difference beyond our own workforce. Businesses are looking for training partners they can rely on and that’s what we offer - practical and personalised programmes delivered by professionals who genuinely care.”
The academy plans to hold a public open day later this spring to welcome businesses from across Hull and East Yorkshire, with live demonstrations and the chance to meet the trainers.
Law Firm Opens 22nd Yorkshire Office With New Branch In Brighouse
A Yorkshire law firm has opened its newest regional office in Brighouse, taking its total network of offices to 22.
Ison Harrison’s first office in the town continues the firm’s expansion as it strengthens its communityfocused legal services throughout Yorkshire.
Formerly home to the GMB Trade Union for over a decade, the new Brighouse office will be managed by Laura Walsh, who will lead a team offering a full range of legal services to individuals and businesses in the area.
Laura, a residential conveyancing expert with the firm, joined in 2019 and was previously an associate solicitor working in residential conveyancing at Ison Harrison’s Huddersfield branch.
Joining Laura at the new branch is conveyancing assistant Charlotte Rackstraw who also relocates after spending 3 and a half years at the
firm’s Huddersfield branch. Also part of the team is Holly Edwards, who trained with the firm and is a private client solicitor specialising in wills and probate.
As with all of Ison Harrison’s branches, the new office will combine expert legal advice with a strong commitment to local communities.
Branch manager, Laura Walsh, said: “We’ve brought together a skilled and enthusiastic team here in Brighouse, and we’re excited to build a strong presence in the town. Opening this office marks an important milestone in Ison Harrison’s ongoing growth and allows us to connect closely with the local community, deliver a full range of legal services, and replicate the success we’ve seen across the wider Yorkshire region.”
Jonathan Wearing, managing director said: “We are thrilled to be opening another office and especially proud to bring our services to Brighouse, the hometown of a few of our employees. The town has a vibrant community and strong local identity, which aligns perfectly with our ethos of being a truly local, accessible law firm. Our ongoing expansion is driven by our belief that people should have high-quality legal support on their doorstep whilst benefiting from the efficiencies that can come from being part of a much bigger outfit.”
The expansion follows a period of sustained growth for the firm, which became a 100% employeeowned business in 2022. Since transitioning to this model, the firm has almost doubled its turnover, opened six new offices and made individual profit distributions to employees totalling over £11,500 each.
Rewiring Success from the inside out
From addiction and burnout to ultra-marathons and mindset mastery — how one speaker is reshaping how business leaders define resilience.
At first glance, Cliff Sewell’s story reads like many successful business leaders'. He built a thriving recruitment business, ran global
searches for elite talent, and pushed himself to the limits of professional success. But behind the accolades was a different story — one marked
by silent struggles with addiction, ADHD, and a crash that would become the foundation for his reinvention.
Now a sought-after speaker, mindset coach, and host of The Magical Mindset Podcast, Cliff is on a mission
to help ambitious professionals break free from burnout, reconnect with purpose, and build what he calls “a life that works.”
We sat down with Cliff to talk transformation, tools, and the myth of high-performance.
Cliff, your journey is incredibly powerful — from business success to personal crisis, what was the turning point?
It started as a slow realisation that I’d built a life that looked great on the outside but felt completely unsustainable inside. I was successful, yes, but I was drinking too much, working all hours, and pretending everything was fine. Eventually, I broke. That breakdown became the turning point and I lost everything. I had to rebuild from zero — mentally, physically, emotionally. That’s where the real work started.
You’ve spoken openly about addiction, a late ADHD diagnosis, and your recovery journey. How do those experiences shape your work today?
They’re everything. I coach high performers — CEOs, creatives, athletes — and so many of them are masking something, pushing too hard, ignoring the signs. Because I’ve lived it, I know the language, the patterns, the cost of ignoring your inner world. I help people reconnect with themselves and redefine what thriving looks like — not just what performing looks like.
Let’s talk about that. What does success look like to you now?
It’s personal. That’s why my first book is called Success: It’s Personal. For me, it’s about peace of mind. It’s
waking up and feeling proud of how I live — not just what I do. It’s being present with my kids, loving the work I do, and having the energy to run a 50-mile ultra if I feel like it. Success used to mean achievement. Now it means alignment.
A lot of high achievers silently struggle with mental health — what are signs someone might be on the edge?
They’re always ‘on’, but never present. They wake up tired, even after sleeping. They avoid being alone with their thoughts. They might overwork, over drink, or overcompensate with achievements. If someone says, “I can’t stop — everything will fall apart,” that’s usually the biggest red flag. The truth is: nothing external will fix what’s going on internally.
For someone reading this and feeling stuck — what’s one tool or mindset shift you’d recommend right now?
Start small, but start! One of the simplest tools I recommend is the 2-Minute Mindset. Just pause everything and set a timer, and ask yourself:
What am I feeling? What do I need? What can I let go of right now?
For me when I was first overcoming alcoholism I would do this often. Set the timer and think why do I feel like I want that drink. Do anything for 2 minutes - when the 2 minutes was up how did I feel? If I still felt that I needed a drink set another timer! It works!
It’s fast, grounding, and surprisingly powerful. We’re taught to solve everything with our heads, but real change starts when we listen to what’s going on beneath the surface. You can’t outrun burnout by working
smarter — you have to feel smarter, too.
You've coached hundreds of people through transformation. Is there one story that’s really stayed with you?
Yes — a CEO who came to me after a panic attack at an investor meeting. On paper, they were at the top of their game. But they hadn’t taken a proper break in six years. We worked on building a mindset of enough-ness, not just achievement. Six months later, they scaled back, launched a passion project, and finally took their family on a monthlong trip. They told me, “For the first time, I’m not running away from my life — I’m running toward it.” That’s the kind of transformation I live for.
You’ve got a new book, A Magical Mind, coming this year. What can readers expect?
It’s about mindset, but not in the hustle-culture way. It’s about selfrespect, presence, recovery, and resilience. It’s for anyone who’s ever looked successful but felt lost. It’s not just a book — it’s a reset.
And finally — what’s the message you most want business leaders to hear right now?
You don’t have to break in order to change. You’re allowed to be successful and supported. You can still be ambitious — but do it in a way that honours your health, your family, and your values. You’re not a machine. You’re a human being. Treat yourself like one.
Want more of Cliff’s story? Listen to The Magical Mindset Podcast or learn more at
York Supervisor recognised in annual Garden Centre awards
A retail supervisor at Dean's Garden Centre in York has been crowned a values champion in Yorkshire Garden Centre Group's annual awards.
Richard Kettlestring was one of 10 values champions who celebrated their success with a lunch at the Mezzanine Restaurant at Tong Garden Centre in Bradford.
Richard won the team values award which recognises someone who leads by example, supports those around them, and consistently goes above and beyond. The judges
commented: "Richard is the kind of person who sees what needs to be done, rolls up his sleeves, and gets stuck in—no hesitation, no fuss, just pure dedication and hard work."
Throughout 2024, the team at all seven Yorkshire Garden
Centres sites voted for their colleagues to be recognised as monthly values award winners in the seven categories of team, honest, respectful, excellence, accountable, climate and community and positive. The management team then selected the ten overall champions from the monthly winners.
The annual awards are organised by the group's people and culture team. Director, Neil Barwise-Carr, said: "While we usually host a big annual awards evening, we switched things up this year with local breakfast ceremonies at our sites, which created a real sense of pride and celebration.
"With 548 nominations, 61 shortlisted team members, and
10 incredible champions crowned, we've truly seen the spirit of our values shine through."
Huge congratulations to all our nominees and a massive shoutout to this year's Values Champions — we're proud of each and every one of you!"
Awards were also presented to:
• Team values champion Ian Hoyle, chef who was formerly at Tong and is now at Pennine Garden Centre honest values champion Louis Shepherd, mission out team leader at Tingley
• Respectful values champions Marina Janetta, catering manager at Otley Garden Centre and Karen Hopkins, retail supervisor at Tong
• Excellence values champion Emily Edmond, buyer for the group
• Accountable values champion Andy Bradley, centre manager at Otley
• Climate and community values champions Lynsey Dyson, retail supervisor at Otley and Chantelle Brayson, customer service assistant at Tong
• Positive values champion Sarah Mark, catering assistant at Tingley
The Yorkshire Garden Centres Group employs 615 people at its garden centres at Tong, Tingley, Otley, Bingley, Pennine plus Dean's York and Scarborough.
Supporting adults with maths and English at Kirklees College
Kirklees College supports hundreds of adults every year to gain vital maths and English qualifications, that will help them up skill in their careers.
As part of Learning at Work Week in May, the college spoke to a number of Functional Skills students who are currently juggling weekly classes, with their daily jobs. Thanks to the support of the college and their employers, these students are able to study for this essential qualification duri ng work hours.
Ali Katab, civil engineer at Kirklees Council is currently studying Level 1 Functional Skills English at Kirklees College. Speaking about his experience, Ali said: “Support from my teachers has meant I have been able to develop my English skills. I have been able to use my knowledge from the course in my daily life and everyone has been really hel pful and kind.”
Another student, who is an estates caretaker at the Council and taking both maths and English classes said: “If all goes well, I can see myself furthering my career as a result of the Functional Skills courses. Being able to study at
home as well as college has been my favourite part of the course.”
Kirklees College works with a number of employer partners, including Kirklees Council, to help support employees working at all levels work towards these essential qualifications. Adult learners wanting to gain maths and English GCSE or Functional Skills certificate in their own time can also enrol this Summer to start classes at one of the college’s centres in Huddersfield or Dewsbury.
Find out more about the college’s maths and English offer by visiting www. kirklee scollege.ac.uk.
Bradford garden centre group appoints new finance director
A Bradford garden centre group has recruited a new board member as it prepares for future growth across its multi -site business.
Yorkshire Garden Centres group has appointed Emma Bristow as its full-time finance director.
In her new role, Emma will lead the finance team to support the continued growth of the business. An early priority is to accelerate the use of technology within the finance function to improve the efficiency of all the finance processes.
Emma joins the team from the leisure industry where she has spent the last 12 years working with high growth SMEs. She is looking forward to the opportunities her
new role presents: "I'm excited to join a local business in a great sector with so much potential for growth and development. It was important to me to find a role within a company that showed a real passion for its people, with strong values that aligned with my own."
"We are delighted to welcome Emma with the creation of this full time finance director role in our business. Emma will work alongside Charlie Barker, who retains overall financial control across the wider group of companies. Our business has grown quickly over the last
three years, and we need to ensure that our systems and processes are truly fit for purpose and fit for the future. Emma has a wealth of experience and a great track record in managing these challenges. We are really looking forward to working with her." said MD, M ark Farnsworth.
Outside work, Emma enjoys spending time with friends and family, fitness, travelling and eating out.
The Yorkshire Garden Centres group comprises Tong, Tingley, Otley and Bingley Garden Centres, plus Dean's York and Scarborough and the recently acquired Pennine Garden Centre in Huddersfield.
L to R Sharon McNair Emma Bristow Neil Barwise-Carr and Mark Farnsworth
Five fee earner promotions at Chadwick Lawrence
Leading Yorkshire law firm Chadwick Lawrence has announced the promotions of five fee earning team members, as it looks to build on its continued success entering the new financial year.
Julia Wilding is promoted to salaried partner, wills and probate. Having qualified as a solicitor in 1997, Julia has 28 years of experience in private client work. She has been with Chadwick Lawrence for nine years, specialising in wills, probate and trust work covering the Wakefield area.
Following her qualification as a notary public in 2007, Julia’s practice is an important part of her work, and she continues to build upon this at Chadwick Lawrence.
Katherine Booth-Law has been promoted to associate solicitor, also in the wills and probate department. Katherine qualified in 2016 and specialises in wills, powers of attorney and probate matters, having worked in the field
for six years. Julia and Katherine’s promotions highlight the firm’s continued investment in the wills and probate department’s growth.
Chadwick Lawrence has made three further promotions across its employment, corporate and contracts, and real estate teams.
Sunnia Khaliq has been promoted to associate solicitor in the employment team. She has an extensive legal background, dealing with an array of legal matters, and specialists in employment law working on both contentious and non-contentious work.
Prior to joining the firm in April 2023, Sunnia worked in top-tier law firms in Manchester where she completed her degree and master’s in law.
Gaia Hinchliffe has progressed to associateship within the corporate and commercial department. Gaia joined Chadwick Lawrence in 2017 and has developed a strong legal foundation at the firm, with a particular focus on both corporate transactions and commercial contracts. She is bilingual in Italian and English, and oftens supports the firm’s translation needs to enhance its service to a broad customer base.
Vicky Sneddon has been promoted to associate conveyancer within Chadwick Larence’s home and property department, with 15 years’ experience working in conveyancing. Having started her career as a re-mortgage post completion assistant, Vicky has worked her way up to team leader and leads the firm’s offi ce in Bradford.
Commentin g on the news, Neil Wilson, managing partner, said: “Our fee earner promotions are always a significant event in the calendar, and I am pleased to congratulate Julia, Katherine, Sunnia, Gaia and Vicky on their respect ive promotions.
“As a firm, we are committed to nurturing our team through personalised development programmes, and these progressions ar e testament to their hard work to support the firm’s ongoing growth. Congratulations to all and we look forward to seeing your successes as y ou continue to thrive!”
Chadwick Lawrence Fee Earner Progression Candidates with Neil Wilson, Managing Partner, and Lisa Bailey, Head of Human Resources
Protecting your legacy for future generations
The largest ever transfer of wealth from one generation to another is expected to occur in the next 30 years, with somewhere in the region of £5.5tn-£7tn passing on in the UK . This is being called the great wealth transfer. Therefore, it is unsurprising that inheritance planning is an increasingly important part of wea lth management.
Rising property prices, asset price inflation and frozen tax thresholds mean that more and more people are being dragged into paying inheritance tax (IHT), with HMRC
receipts reaching £7bn between April 2024 and January 2025 . Given that even though this figure is large it represents less than 1% of total tax revenues and was levied
on only 4% of the population, a chancellor looking to shore up public finances may find IHT an appealing target.
History suggests that preserving and growing intergenerational wealth is notoriously challenging. Unfortunately, it is far too common for people to address this issue in the wrong place, initially focusing on what they invest in rather than their personal financial
framework. Identifying investment goals, aims and timeframes is the best place to start in our experience, allowing you to identify the optimal approach that will provide the bases and essential guidelines in managing your wealth.
Being proactive gives you the best chance of achieving your goals. Having discussion around death and legacy can be difficult, but it is far easier to talk about it when you are in a stable position in your life. Managing finances and investing are often emotive, so it is far from ideal o gave to make big decisions when you’re going through emotional distress linked to sickness or bereavement. Even high-level discussions with practical steps of who to contact if you become incapacitated can make the process far less painful.
We help our clients look at various ways they could reduce their IHT liability, pass on as much wealth as possible to loved ones, and structure their family wealth to suit their own needs and circumstances.
What is i nheritance tax?
A 40% inheritance tax rate is generally charged on the value of everything owned above an allowable threshold, known as the nil rate band. The nil rate band is currently set at £325,000 and is frozen until 2030. There is also a residence nilrate band, which means that no IHT is charged if a home is left to “direct descendants”. The residence nil rate is currently£175,000 and also frozen until 2030.
How can I reduce my IHT bill?
The main approach to avoiding inheritance tax is to reduce the value of your estate. The smaller your estate on death, the less your IHT liability will be.
Gifting and exemptions:
You can reduce the value of your estate and therefore the amount of IHT you are liable for by “gifting away” some of it during your lifetime. Some gifts are completely free of IHT whereas others will still be liable, albeit at a reduced rate in many cases.
There is no IHT to pay on transfers between most married couple or civil partners living in the UK, whatever the amount. However, if you do decide to pass your estate on to your spouse or civil partner, a potential liability can build up again on their death. This is why many couples decide to pass their estate on to their children of grandchildren.
Individuals are entitled to give away £3,000 in any tax year, free from IHT. The allowance can be backdated by one year, meaning a married couple could give away a total of £6,000 a year without incurring IHT (or £12,000 if the previous year’s allowances were unused).
Wills:
Writing a will and keeping it up to date is an essential part of estate planning and can also be used to reduce a potential tax bill. Many
people incorrectly believe that their whole estate will go to their spouse or civil partner when they die. However, without a will this may not be the case.
Business relief:
Owners of businesses are eligible for certain tax reliefs, depending on the type of business. In many instances, a business transfer on death is completely from any IHT liability.
This article is intended as an introduction to inheritance tax and if you would like to know anything further, please don’t hesitate to download our IHT and wealth transfer guide using the below QR code or get in contact with a Quilter Cheviot financial planner who can assist with any queries at enquiries@quiltercheviot.com.
Quilter Cheviot and Quilter Cheviot Investment Management are trading names of Quilter Cheviot Limited. Quilter Cheviot Limited is registered in England 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.
New online platform matches Yorkshire charities in need
A Selby businessman has launched a new non-profit brand, which aims to plug the gap between charities in need and companies that are willing to help them for free in Yorkshire.
Chris Worthington, from Selby, has established Cause Matcher a firstof-its-kind online platform for good causes in the region to find willing volunteers to fulfil their support requirements.
From IT, marketing and recruitment to assistance with electrics, plumbing, maintenance and everything in between, Cause Matcher is the platform for charities to use to identify businesses and
skilled volunteers that can help them.
After working in recruitment for 21 years’, Chris found himself wanting to find a way he could support local non-profits and give backsomething he’s always wanted to do but had never previously had the time to.
Speaking about Cause Matcher and his inspiration behind launching the new service, Chris said: “After
working in recruitment for more than two decades, I came to the realisation that I could do far more with my time and skills to help local good causes and make a real, lasting impact.
“I quickly identified the need for a central resource that both Yorkshire-based charities and businesses willing to help them could utilise to bring them together and help them collaborate for the greater good - and so, Cause Matcher was born!
“Cause Matcher’s mission is focused on supporting local businesses and skilled volunteers in working with local worthy causes that need their help. Rather than asking for monetary donations, the impact of which is difficult to accurately measure, Cause Matcher allows people to donate their time and skills, which are often more beneficial.”
With almost 20 Yorkshire-based charitable organisations, companies and volunteers already signed up to Cause Matcher, and even more on the cusp of becoming members, Chris hopes that it will become the go-to resource for willing businesses and in-need good causes to come together and support one another.
Chris concludes: “The aim with the platform is for it to become the number one resource in the region that matches charities and businesses together to form meaningful partnerships. There’s potential for the brand to generate several million pounds worth of in-
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Tessa Jowell Centre of Excellence accolade
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has been designated a centre of excellence for the care and treatment of brain tumours by the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission (TJBCM).
The Trust was measured on a range of criteria including dedicated and specialised provision for patient care, outstanding clinical trials and basic/ translational research, strong links with local services and exemplar model of rehabilitation with national contributions.
For patients, getting treatment in a designated centre will mean that they can be confident that they receive the highest standard of care under the NHS and are able to access the latest cutting-edge trials and research, regardless of where they live. For centres, designation as a Tessa Jowell (TJ) Centre of Excellence will serve as a national recognition of their staff going above and beyond. The TJ Centres will also act as an important
network for sharing and promoting best practice, as a way of supporting centres that are doing brilliant work but still need more help.
Mr Ryan Matthew, associate professor and honorary consultant neurosurgeon said: “We’re deeply honoured that the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission has named us a Centre of Excellence. Across multiple hospital sites and specialities—neurosurgery, oncology, radiology, pathology, genetics, therapies, specialist nursing, palliative care, neurology and psychology—our teams work as one to give every patient the most advanced, compassionate care possible.
“Achieving this status required a rigorous evaluation of all parts of
our service, from clinical pathways to training and research. I’m immensely grateful to the colleagues who shaped the submission and to the many more who make our brain-tumour programme exceptional every day. While we’re proud of this recognition, it’s also a push to keep innovating, turning research into patients benefits, and continuing to strive for greater excellence in the years ahead.”
Brain tumours affect over 11,000 adults in the UK every year and kill more people under the age of 40 than any other cancer. In the absence of a cure, the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission (TJBCM) has committed since 2020 to ensuring all UK patients with a brain tumour can have access to the best standard of treatment, care and research, through the Tessa Jowell Centre of Excellence initiative.
About Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is one of the largest and busiest acute hospital trusts in the country. They are the local hospital for Leeds and provide specialist services for our local communities, the Yorkshire and Humber region and beyond.
This means that people in Leeds have access to some of the very best care in the country and benefit from a seamless provision of all services.
They play an important role in the training and education of medical, nursing and dental students, and are a centre for world-class research, innovation and pioneering new treatments.
Dynamic Duo Set to ignite a new era in health and ageing
A local duo, inspired by their own health challenges are on a mission to redefine ageing as a time of strength and power, with the launch of their groundbreaking health and fitness venture.
Founded by health and fitness expert Sam Guest and medical scientist Dr Hannah Beaumont, Promethean Longevity offers a science-driven, personalised approach to reclaiming vitality and extendi ng health span.
Sam rebuilt himself after burnout collapsed his extreme sports business, while Hannah overcame teenage autoimmune disease with her dedication to scientific knowledge and lifestyle changes. This has led to the duo combining science and passion to empower people to live stronger, longer.
The team have developed their own science based algorithm which gives participants their biological age before embarking on their flagship 6-week ‘Stealing Fire’ programme. Grounded in evidence-based coaching, they are already seeing remarkable results, with one participant reducing their biological age by 17 years.
“We all know our chronological age—our birthday—but our biological age reflects how well we’re truly living,” explains Dr. Hannah Beaumont. “Poor diet, stress, or inactivity can age us faster than we realise. With personalised, sciencebacked coaching, we’re helping people turn back that clock— sometimes by decades, and in only 6 weeks!” One early participant even slashed their biological age by 17 years, a testament to the gramme’s power.
“Health isn’t a luxury—it’s the foundation of a life well-lived,” says Sam Guest, “We’re here to challenge the idea that decline is inevitable as we get older. This isn’t about quick fixes. Our evidence-based programme uses science and support to help people thrive at any age.”The pair will host an official launch event Wednesday 14th May members of the public are invited to attend for free. Held at Sancta Cafe, Otley they will unveil the brand’s flagship 6-week programme which is designed to add at least 6 years on to the health span of participants. From 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, guests will experience live demonstrations, hear from founders Sam and Hannah, and meet the community already transforming their lives with Promethean Longevity.
Sam and Hannah’s own health struggles has fuelled their vision:
City centre regeneration scheme reaches final stages
Yorkshire-based developer and heritage specialist Rushbond has submitted amended plans for the 200-year-old Grade Il* listed former Crown Court on Wood Street, Wakefield, refining the original 2024 planning approval to enhance access, usability and heritage integration, and further progressing a sustainable business model.
The updated designs take the vision to the next stage, paving the way for construction to begin in summer 2025. With the site on track to reopen as a creative workspace, cultural, community and leisure destination by summer 2026, this major milestone marks the final key piece in the significant civic quarter regeneration project.
The new planning submission— developed by Yorkshire-based architects Group Ginger — reimagines the courthouse as a multi-use venue, a kind of modern-day ‘village hall’ for the city and underpinning the residential community of the neighbouring Wood
Street Collection, currently under construction. Developed in partnership with Wakefield Council, the Wood Street Collection is a distinctive new neighbourhood that includes 63 new homes and apartments for sale and rent, delivered by Fallowdale Homes, Rushbond’s housebuilding arm.
New design elements within the former Crown Court include:
• A new accessible entrance at street level inserted into an existing window bay—creating inclusive public access for the first time.
• A redesigned public terrace, sympathetic to the building’s Georgian stonework, softened with planters and a balustrade.
• A layered internal layout that brings new life to each courtroom and office: from an events space in the main courtroom, to a food hall, and co-working studios for creatives, as well as workspace.
• The first glimpse of how these architectural interventions will be expressed visually, with a CGI showcasing the exterior of the building, highlighting the blend of heritage and modern craft.
Jonathan Maud, founder and chairman of Rushbond said:
“Wakefield’s historic administrative city status means it’s got more than its fair share of heritage and architectural jewels and we’re proud to be in a position to restore one of its most dazzling, the former Crown Court, into an important destination at the heart of the city’s life once again.”
“Wakefield’s really starting to turn heads. This development is part of a bigger wave of change happening across the city—alongside standout projects like Production Park and Tileyard North, which are putting Wakefield on the map as a hub for creativity and innovation. With world-class cultural gems like The Hepworth, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, together with Neon Workshops already here, and the recently opened Wakefield Exchange (WX) – a new space hosting events, street food, studios and more, there’s a real energy building. It’s becoming
a place where culture, business and community thrive—and where people can afford to live and work in a great compact, well-connected and inclusive city. That’s exactly the kind of city we want to invest in.”
A newly commissioned neon sculpture from internationally acclaimed, Turner Prize-winning artist Martin Creed, entitled ‘EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE ALRIGHT’, will be installed on the portico of the former Crown Court towards the end of 2025 with further public artworks from local artists planned for the Wood Street Collection area.
Milestones
• Summer 2025: Construction begins on the Crown Court
• Late 2025: Martin Creed’s neon installation revealed
• Summer 2026: Crown Court reopens to the public
• Other 2025 milestones across the Wood Street Collection include a show home launch, mural unveiling, and community engagement events.
Cllr Michael Graham, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said: “This is one of our city’s most iconic landmark buildings. I am extremely pleased that plans are progressing to bring this historic building back to life. I can’t wait to see it finished, with its doors open, playing an important role in the community once again.
“It’s also great to see work continuing across the road from the Old Court House on an other historic asset, the former Police Station. Once complete this regeneration project will create fantastic new city centre living opportunities. Ideal for people who want to enjoy the benefits of having shopping, entertainment, restaurants, and job opportunities right on the doorstep.
“Rushbond have been working closely with the Council to finalise the securing of funding for these projects. The work being carried out on Wood Street is part of a much wider programme of work the Council is facilitating to support and transform our high streets. This really is an exciting time for Wakefield.”
Law firm Gordons expands private client
Law firm Gordons has expanded its private client practice by appointing an additional specialist lawyer to its existing team.
Victoria Jones, who joins from Ridley & Hall Solicitors, has particular expertise in the preparation of wills, trusts and lasting powers of attorney. She also handles the administration of estates.
At Gordons, Victoria is both advising the firm’s longstanding private clients and forging close relationships with new ones.
Commenting on her appointment, Victoria said: “Gordons’ private client practice is extremely well regarded, so I am very pleased to have the opportunity to contribute towards its continued success.
“I have joined a highly capable team with a deep and diverse range of clients, and one which has the desire to attract more individuals who want to benefit from the firm’s distinct relationship-led approach.”
Victoria’s appointment follows that of chartered tax advisor, Isca Watson. She specialises in inheritance tax, capital gains tax and income tax, advising trustees, personal representatives and private individuals.
Partner and head of private client, Greg Dixon, said: “Victoria has the ideal combination of being both highly personable and technically excellent at what she does.
“In the short space of time since joining the firm, Victoria has made a significant positive impact and we look forward to her continuing to do so.
“By expanding the team with her and Isca’s appointments, we are able to provide our clients with additional insight and advice.”
Promotions and appointments at Aon’s Leeds and Humber offices
Aon PLC a leading global professional services firm has made a series of promotions and appointments across its Leeds South and Humber advisory teams.
Following the promotion of James Fell to head of advisory clients, Taz Begum and Andrew Hall have been promoted to head of office for Leeds, and head of office for Humber respectively.
Taz draws on 29 years’ industry experience while Andy has 27 years’ experience. They will oversee the direction and operational performance of their offices, support team members, ensure clients receive exceptional service, and drive growth.
To support Aon advisory’s strategic focus on clients within the technology and IT industry, Andrew Robson has been promoted to technology practice lead. Drawing on 14 years’ industry experience, Andrew will develop advisory’s technology and IT client
service proposition and take overall responsibility for the development of clients within these industries.
In addition, Mark Brown has been appointed to the role of client management director, and Kieran Fields as an account executive. Prior to joining Aon’s Leeds advisory team, Mark, who has 36 years’ experience, spent over five years at Brown & Brown Insurance Brokers (UK) where he oversaw two offices, led teams, and managed external client caseloads. Kieran previously worked at One Call Insurance where he managed a portfolio of clients.
Mark joins the Leeds advisory leadership team and is responsible for client account management and
overseeing the team. Drawing on his previous experience, Kieran will manage a book of clients.
Sarah Hanson meanwhile has joined the Humber team as a client director, bringing over 20 years' experience. In her new role Sarah will manage a book of clients and ensure she secures the best deal to meet their needs and goals.
James Fell, head of advisory clients said: “Congratulations to Taz, Andy and Andrew on their well-deserved promotions, and a warm welcome to our new colleagues.
“Taz, Andy and Andrew’s dedication to our colleagues and clients is second to none, and their promotions are part of our continued growth strategy. Mark, Sarah and Kieran, with their wealth of experience and local market knowledge are a valuable addition to our advisory team.
“By acquiring and nurturing highly skilled talent and creating a supportive culture that places colleagues at the heart of our business, we continue to invest in our capabilities, ensuring we can provide our clients with a first-class service.”
Sarah Hanson, client director said: "Since joining Aon, my work-life balance has greatly improved, and the culture of the company is one that places equal importance on career and family, which is refreshing. The team has been incredibly welcoming, and I couldn't be happier with my decision to join Aon. I'm truly grateful for the opportunity Aon has given me.”
L-R Kieran Fields, Taz Begum & Mark Brown (L)
Empowering Female-Led SMEs: Join our
SME Leaders Forum this July
Are you a female entrepreneur steering a growing small or mediumsized enterprise (SME)? The SME Leaders Forum, hosted by *Leeds University Business School, offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside fellow business leaders.
This engaging afternoon event, “Profit or Peril? – GenAI for SMEs,” is designed to cut through the hype around Generative AI and explore its true impact on small and medium-sized enterprises. Whether you are cautiously curious or already experimenting with AI tools, this forum will help you determine how—and if— Generative AI fits into your business.
Why Female-Led SMEs Should Attend
Women in business are redefining innovation and resilience. This forum offers a rare space to connect with peers, explore emerging tech, and share practical strategies tailored to SME growth. With a blend of academic insight and industry experience, the conversation will focus on real-world applications, risks, and opportunities of Generative AI, looking at the balance of productivity gains with ethical concerns.
What You’ll Experience:
• A thought-provoking fireside chat with Amy Warburton, Managing Director of Energyline Ltd, sharing her journey in scaling a multidisciplinary consultancy in the energy sector.
• Expert insights from Professor John Palfreyman, digital strategy specialist and former IBM leader, on the evolving landscape of AI, digital transformation, and r isk management.
• Hands-on breakout sessions to reflect on how Generative AI could enhance—or challenge— your business model.
• A dynamic Q&A and an hour of relaxed networking over drinks, perfect for building connections with other female entrepreneurs a nd SME leaders.
Event Details:
• Date: July 2025
• Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Location:Nexus, University of Leeds
• Cost: Free (registration required)
With Generative AI fast becoming a competitive differentiator, this is your chance to step ahead—not just to adopt the latest tools, but to do so strategically, ethically, and confidently.
Join a Supportive Community
The Leeds University Business School SME Leaders Forum is more than just an event series; it is a community of driven professionals committed to mutual growth and success. By participating, you will become part of a network that supports and uplifts female-led businesses.
Secure your free ticket now and be part of a future-focused conversation built for female founders and SME leaders. Register here:
World’s largest unicorn inflatable to boost big attraction
The launch of the new Unicorn Splash Park in time for the summer season,features three inflatables - the smallest features a bouncy trampoline, the medium-sized includes a fun slide and the largest has a five-metre jump into the lake.
Gareth Davies, general manager at North Yorkshire Water Park, said: “We’re always looking for ways to bring something fresh and
exciting to the park and we think this does it perfectly.
“The giant unicorn inflatables are
set to be a huge hit with visitors of all ages. They’re also perfect for group bookings.”
For safety, there is a minimum height of 1.2m and a minimum age of six. Youngsters aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult ticket; for anyone 13
years and over the adult can stay at the waters edge. The 45-minute session for the SplashPark includes a safety brief and transition on and off the water.
The Dawnay Estates venue at
Wykeham includes both waterbased and land-based activities, as well as accommodation, walking and fishing.
Water pursuits include paddleboarding, kayaking, electric boats,
pedalos, sailing and open swimming.
The land-based aspects include Zipline, cycle tracks and walks, Bushcraft, Laser Tag outdoor battle zone for team games, axe-throwing, archery, climbing wall, Low Ropes and an upgraded Puzzle Room to crack clues before the clock runs out.
The new splash zone is opposite the Warrior and Wipeout Aqua Parks, both with new layouts for this season. Splash Kingdom is back in action for the summer. The obstacle courses offer towering slides, balance beams, climbing walls and wipeout challenges.
The water attraction is a major centre for people of all ages, and hosts corporate team-building activities, school groups and parties.
£5m for region’s business innovation
A new fund worth £5 million will give businesses across York and North Yorkshire a major boost for the next two years.
The Business Innovation Fund is part of the Mayoral Challenge Funds, and follows months of collaboration between York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, businesses and innovation experts.
As a result, the Business Innovation Fund will come in five programmes focussing on ‘Sector Activity’, ‘SpinOut and Start-Ups’, ‘Get Exporting’, ‘Great Ideas’ and ‘Get Funded’.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “York and North Yorkshire has always been a place of innovation. From building the first railways and social houses, to transforming farming with new technologies.
“That pioneering spirit makes this
region special, and it’s why many of our businesses have made their mark, not just here in the UK but also right across the world.
“Our businesses drive so much growth in the region, but with the right support we know they can drive greater innovation and create an even larger impact.
“That potential is why I am excited to see what we can achieve together with the Business Innovation Fund.”
The programmes are designed to help York and North Yorkshire’s key sectors and identify barriers and opportunities for our three universities to nurture companies.
The programmes are:
The ‘Sector Activity’, ‘Spin-Out and Start-Up’ programmes, backed by more than £800,000
• ‘Get Exporting’ with more than £600,000 in grants available. This follows in the footsteps of a similar programme in 2024 which provided grants totalling £200,000 and resulted in millions of pounds in sales
• From October, the £200,000 ‘Get Funded’ programme will provide businesses with financial training so they can attract investment and grow
• The largest of the funds worth £2.5m, ‘Great Ideas’ will launch in January next year and will involve a ‘dragon’s den’ style application process. Successful businesses will benefit from wrap around coaching and investment training
to turn innovative ideas into reality
• Earlier this year, the Mayor launched three other funds including the £10m Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund, the £7m Carbon Negative Challenge Fund and the £2.3m Skills Innovation Fund.
The York and North Yorkshire devolution deal includes a Mayoral Investment Fund worth £540m. This is £18m every year for 30 years. This fund is in addition to devolved funding for transport, education and business support.
In July 2024, the Mayor announced plans for four new funds worth up to £27.5m over four years. These funds are Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund, Carbon Negative Challenge Fund, Skills Innovation Fund - and the Business Innovation Fund.
Taking Wakefield Hospice forward into the next generation
Images: Roth-Read Photography
In April 2025, Fran Lightfoot stepped into her new role as director of income generation at Wakefield Hospice, bringing with her not only a wealth of experience but a deep personal connection to the hospice movement. Passionate, driven, and people-focused, Fran's journey to this position reflects a career shaped by purpose and a deep-rooted commitment to making a difference.
Fran joined Wakefield Hospice in August 2023 as deputy director of income generation, a newly created position that allowed her time to get to know the organisation, understand the community, and prepare for the transition into leadership. She officially succeeded Helen Knowles following Helen's retirement in spring 2025 after 38 years at the hospice.
“It is an absolute privilege to have taken up this role. I was fortunate to
work with Helen for over 18 months and saw first-hand the passion and enthusiasm which she tackled every day. I am looking forward to building on the incredible near-four decades of commitment and hard work which Helen leaves behind, whilst integrating my own vision and plans for future.”
Fran's career path has been defined by adaptability, empathy, and a natural talent for connecting with people.
Her first job, a part-time role at a supermarket, introduced her to the working world. "I loved it," she recalls. "It taught me early on how much I enjoy being around people and how satisfying it is to help them find what they need."
While studying Marketing and Consumer Studies (BSc) at London Metropolitan University, Fran got her first taste of fundraising. As a street fundraiser in the early 2000’s, she represented householdname charities, Barnardo’s and Great Ormond Street Hospital. "It was tough but incredibly rewarding. You had to be confident, resilient, and genuinely passionate about what you were talking about – and thankfully I was, in fact I really enjoyed the challenge of the role and was proud to represent such incredible organisations."
After graduating, Fran moved into banking, working as a customer service advisor and quickly rising to the role of regional sales coach. While successful in the commercial sector, Fran couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. "I really enjoyed helping people and leading teams, but I missed the passion and purpose I'd felt while fundraising."
It wasn’t until a deeply personal experience brought her back to the world of charity. In 2009, Fran’s mother was admitted to Rotherham Hospice. During one of her visits, she noticed a sign for the hospice’s fundraising office. "It was a lightbulb moment. I hadn’t realised that the hospice was a charity, let alone that it had a fundraising team. It felt like a brilliant opportunity to combine my skills and passions."
Six months later, after her mum passed away, Fran saw a vacancy for a community fundraiser at the same hospice. She applied and was successful. "It felt like everything had aligned. I could use the skills I'd built in sales
and leadership for something that truly mattered to me – the day I was told I had got the job still sticks with me today and was the catalyst for the next fifteen years of my working life."
The role at Rotherham Hospice was just the beginning. Fran moved on to St Luke's Hospice, where she took on increasing responsibility, eventually becoming head of fundraising. Her success in these roles was driven by a strong belief in the value of community and the tangible impact of local giving.
Later, she took a bold step into a different environment, joining Astrea Academy Trust as the head of fundraising – the sole fundraiser supporting 26 schools. "It was a completely different world," she says. "I loved the challenge and the variety, but I missed being part of a larger income generation team and seeing the direct impact of the work every day."
Despite the contrast, the role at Astrea helped Fran diversify her skill set. She gained valuable experience in trust and foundation fundraising—an area she hadn’t previously focused on—and supported schools to develop the skills needed to deliver sustainable income. "It really broadened my perspective," she says. "And those skills have absolutely helped me in my current role."
When the opportunity at Wakefield Hospice came along, it didn’t just feel like a natural next step, it felt like the perfect place for Fran to utilise her skillset to give back to a charity with a mission so close to her heart. "Hospice care means a lot to me personally, and the idea of returning to that world, in a leadership role, was incredibly exciting."
Now Fran is focused on building on the hospice’s strong legacy. "Wakefield Hospice has been here for 34 years. It’s a vital part of this community. My goal
is to grow our fundraising capacity, strengthen the team, and develop new partnerships across the health and voluntary sectors to ensure we continue to provide outstanding care for generations to come."
Her approach to leadership is collaborative and inclusive. "My aim is to nurture talent, create opportunities for people to grow, and work together to meet our goals. Fundraising is at its best when everyone feels connected to the cause."
A typical day for Fran can include anything from strategic planning meetings and one-to-ones with her team to donor engagement, data analysis, or representing the hospice at external events. "There really is no such thing as a typical day," she says with a smile. "That’s part of what I love. Each day brings new opportunities to make a difference."
Fran is also deeply committed to ensuring the hospice remains forwardthinking in its income generation strategy.
"We need to balance tradition with innovation. That means maintaining the brilliant community events and supporter relationships we’re known for, while also exploring new income streams, digital engagement, and collaborations."
As a woman in a senior leadership role, Fran feels fortunate to work in an inclusive sector. "The charity sector has long been a place where women have thrived in leadership. It’s one of the few industries where female leadership is not only present but celebrated."
She’s quick to credit the support of those around her in helping her grow into the role. "I've been lucky to work with incredible teams and mentors.
Now I’m in a position to give that back." Reflecting on her journey, Fran says if she could offer her younger self any advice, it would be to embrace challenges, not avoid them. "Don’t be so hard on yourself. Every obstacle is a chance to learn. And if I could do one thing differently, I’d have made the move into the charity sector much sooner."
"From day one I have always loved the fact that in this sector, especially in hospice care, you see the difference your work makes every single day. It gives me such pride to know I’m part of something that truly matters."
That sense of purpose, coupled with strategic vision and an unwavering belief in the power of people, is what makes Fran Lightfoot such an inspiring leader. Under her direction, Wakefield Hospice is in great hands; poised to build on a solid foundation, growing their income streams and innovative ways of working in the months and years ahead.
Fact File:
How many children do you have?
I'm a mum to two little girls who keep me on my toes every day!
What do you do in your leisure time?
Spending time with my family is everything to me. Whether we're off on a little adventure to the seaside, going for walks in the countryside, or just getting stuck into the chaos of soft play, it's
all about making memories together.
Where is your favourite restaurant?
I love Café Fish in Scarborough, it's a mustvisit for seafood lovers. Just top-quality seafood every time.
What is your favourite food and drink?
Good quality seafood would definitely be my favourite for a special occasion or just a midweek treat (when paired
with a glass of white wine all the better!)
Where is your favourite holiday destination?
Rhodes will always be incredibly special to me –it’s where I got married. It just has such a warm and welcoming feel, beautiful beaches, amazing food, and sunsets that take your breath away.
Where is your favourite place in Yorkshire?
Whitby is my favourite spot in Yorkshire. I’ve got so many happy childhood
memories there and it’s one of those places that just feels like home, no matter how much time passes.
What is your favourite gadget?
I’d have to say my mobile phone!
What couldn't you live without?
My kids, but my Netflix subscription would come pretty high on the list too! I love winding down in the evenings with a good series.
Bradford College connects to energy network in net zero push
Work to connect Bradford College to the £70m Bradford Energy Network is officially underway, marking a significant move away from fossil fuels and towards achi eving Net Zero.
Heat networks (also known as district heating) supply heat from a central source. Underground pipes carry hot water to buildings on a network, enabling the rapid decarbonisation of heating - the country’s biggest source of carbon emissions. These networks are playing a key role in achieving Britain’s climate goals by providing a locally generated, sustainable alternative to fossilfuel gas boilers.
The Bradford Energy Network led by 1Energy, the UK's leading low-carbon city heat network developer, is set to benefit three
anchor partners: Bradford College, the University of Bradford, and Bradford Courts. External infrastructure work for the project is being delivered by ThermaMech with underground pipes being laid throughout the city centre.
The College joined the scheme thanks to a £2.6 million grant delivered by Salix and run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The Phase 3c Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) supports energy-efficiency works in public sector buildings. The latest internal works will connect Bradford College’s David
Hockney and ATC buildings to the Network.
Pamela Sheldon, head of projects at Bradford College, said: “As one of the UK’s youngest cities, Bradford must be future proofed for the next generation. Bradford College is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, and we are proud to be leading the way in this crucial work. Our transition to renewable energy will benefit nearly 3,500 staff and students in two of our main college buildings and marks a major step forward in Bradford College’s sustainability efforts.”
The Bradford District Heat Network
will use one of the largest air source heat pumps in the UK, with an annual direct carbon saving of over 285 tonnes per year predicted for the College. In total, buildings on the Network will benefit from an 85-90% decrease in emissions, contributing to a city-wide reduction of approximately 8,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in the first phase.
Positive social change is at the heart of the Bradford Energy Network. Alongside supporting sustainability objectives, the project is also maximising community and social value outcomes. 1Energy’s group project director for Bradford, Marissa Granath said: “The Bradford Energy Network is a huge, longterm investment in the city, and we want this to have as much impact as
possible, not just on reducing carbon emissions but also bringing wider benefits to the city. 1Energy has made a number of commitments to deliver these benefits – for example, opportunities for Bradford College and The University of Bradford
students to join us for work experience, placements, site visits, and learning sessions.”
Contractor ThermaMech has also agreed to provide study-programme placements for Construction and Engineering students, live project industry masterclasses, student and staff site tours aligned with curriculum, resource support for the ongoing Bradford Beck Community Project (led by Morgan Sindall, Groundworks UK, and Friends of Bradford Beck), and industry insights via a staff CPD day for Construction and Engineering areas.
The pipework for the Bradford Energy Network is due to be completed later this year. A new energy plant for the scheme will be completed next Spring, with a view to the Network providing heat by September 2026.
Major remediation works complete on 12-acre gas works
Dudleys Consulting Engineers has completed works to remediate a complicated former gas works site close to York city centre.
The award-winning practice was retained to oversee all ground engineering works for ‘The Gas Works’ to prepare the site for intended residential development.
The 12-acre brownfield site at Heworth Green in York was previously occupied by an array of structures including 22m tall gasometers, low rise warehouse and office buildings, major gas distribution pipework and infrastructure, an electricity sub-station, and a telecoms mast. In 2020 planning approval was secured for full site demolition,
site remediation and development of a residential led development for up to 600 homes.
Dudleys was appointed principal engineering partner to the development in 2018 when it supported the planning phases with expert evidence and advice. It undertook considerable site investigations in conjunction with Dunelm Geotechnical & Environmental Ltd to establish contamination levels and prepare a strategy with the Council for the safe removal of the gasometer, and the diversion of a major over-
ground gas main serving York City Centre moving underground.
Dudleys worked alongside remediation specialist, The Sirius Group with an extensive programme involving a full site turnover, excavation and treatment of contaminated soils, reengineering of site materials, crushing of demolished materials, protection of a gas main, civil engineering works and service diversions.
Andy Walker at Dudleys consulting engineers, said, “We have been advising on The Gas Works in York for over six years with a very carefully procured strategy to clean up the site ready for new development. F
We faced many challenges due to significant contamination from 100 years of coke and sea gas uses with many buried structures. Our expert team has successfully navigated these challenges, and we are delighted to hand over this strategically important, disused brownfield site ready for much needed new residential accommodation in York.”
“The scheme has been a great ‘Team Effort’ drawing on the experience and capabilities of many consultants and individuals including Aspect4 Ltd (Project Management), O’Neill
Associates (Planning Consultants), Vincent & Partners (Architecture), Dunelm Geotechnical (Site Investigation/Remediation), and Ellmes (Development Director).”
Dudleys has extensive experience in providing structural and engineering solutions for historic sites with major contamination issues. Previous projects include Greenside Mills near Huddersfield, Blossom Fields in Temple Newsam for Lovell, and AAA Park in Mirfield with Caddick.
The consultancy team is retained to
advise on the ongoing redevelopment of Sunnybank Mills in Leeds and Globe Mills in Slaithwaite and is also assisting Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Preservation Society across its heritage portfolio.
Established more than 15 years ago in Leeds, Dudleys is an award-winning, privately-owned consultancy. It employs a team of 28 highly skilled people offering structural and civil engineering advice across the UK and operates in all key real estate sectors including residential, industrial, commercial, retail and education.
PDS Design & Build herald near era with family buy-out
PDS Design & Build, one of the leading design & build companies in the retail, leisure and hospitality sector, is under new leadership following the successful completion of a family buy-out.
Nicholas Taylor, the firm's managing director and the person in charge of providing strategic and operational leadership over the last few years, has acquired the business from Andrew Taylor, the business's founder and Nicholas's father.
Based in Calder Park in Wakefield in West Yorkshire, the well-established design and build company was established in 1998 and has grown from a small fledgling company into a multi-million-pound organisation which generates average annual revenues of approximately £20m, according to the most recent set of financial statements filed at Companies House. The Company serves a wide range of clients which include leading national and international businesses such as
Pret a Manger, David Lloyds Clubs, Greene King or Tesco Café.
The change in control should provide the business with renewed vigor and allow it to continue its legacy and build on its reputation of a leading provider of high quality design and build services to the retail, leisure and hospitality sector, whilst simultaneously targeting new clients and taking the business to the next level.
lan Parsons, managing director and head of Corporate Finance at Parsons Accountants, who advised on the buy-out, said: "With a presence in Wakefield spanning more than 25 years, PDS Design & Build has established itself as a leading entity in the local business community. The company has grown steadily over the
years and decided that the time was right for control to be passed down to the next generation so the business could benefit from a new direction and fresh energy. Helping a fellow Wakefield based business to enter a new era whilst working with other local advisors is a particularly proud moment for us and we wish the new owners every success."
A team, led by lan Parsons and Daniel Andreca, senior tax manager, from Parsons Accountants advised on the corporate finance and tax elements of the transaction.
The legal assistance was led by Alex Hall, legal director, in the corporate team at Blacks Solicitors. Alex, commented: "It's been a privilege to supportPDS Design & Build, facilitating a smooth and successful transition from founder to next generation leadership. We wish Nicholas and the team every success as they embark on a new era."
Flagship Goolebased engineering specialist, Salko UK has grown by 65 fold in revenue since its inception in 2000 as it celebrates 25 yea business.
The mechanical and electrical solutions provider has also announced it has been awarded the entire mechanical scope of work to create a new open-cycle gas turbine (OCGT) at a project in Immingham, adding to an existing portfolio of 16 clients built up over the last quarte r of a century.
Over the last 12 months, the firm employed a record-breaking 161 people nationwide across its highprofile projects, including the newbuild energy project in Immingham and is predicted to grow a further 20 percent by the e nd of the year.
Founded by chairman Dean Murphy and headed up by managing director Steve Mason, the family-business currently employs 20 full time staff at its dedicated HQ, as well as site-based specialists including site supervisors, pipefitters, electricians, quality engineers, rigger nstru ction managers.
Dean said: “I’m incredibly proud to be celebrating a quarter of a century of Salko UK. We’re a flagship East Yorkshire based business that operates heavily in our home patch right across the Humber, Yorkshire and the North East whilst maintaining a
strong presence on projects across the U K and Ireland.
“As we look ahead to the next 25
years, we’ll be continuing our work to provide solutions for our varied roster of clients, leading the way when it comes to innovation and
priding ourselves on our dynamic, customer-led service.
“With a background in electrical contracting, I set up Salko UK in 2000, working from a multioccupancy office complex located on the site of the former Goole shipyard and it’s been a pleasure to see it grow and develop into a business consistently going from strength-to-strength. Now working from our bespoke 3.5-acre site within the village of Spaldington, we have also developed our own fabrication and workshop facilities. The business has continued to deliver ambitious expansion plans, with industry targets widening and covering the nuclear sector alongside our continued growth in Europe and the Middle East.”
Salko UK has a longstanding heritage, with its operations dating back to first working on Hatfield Colliery - one of the last operational coal mines in the United Kingdom. The company’s initial engagement in power generation began with the provision of a single mechanical fitter, working alongside the client’s in-house team.
Today, Salko UK delivers fully integrated electrical, mechanical and Balance of Plant (BOP) teams, reflecting its sustained growth and technical capability.
While its commercial portfolio is now more foc used, Salko UK has previously delivered significant electrical and mechanical upgrade projects for major national brands, including David Lloyd leisure centres and the Macdonald hotel group. In its early years, Salko UK also supported film production crews - highlighting the company’s diverse expertise and unique history.
Steve added: “As the Humber region gears up for the 2030 vision for industrial decarbonisation, we’re keen to support renewable energy facilitation as a key service we excel
at. We’re incredibly excited about the pivotal change that will take place in the next decade. As a business that has flourished in the sector for 25 years we bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the projects taking place, particularly the energy project in Immingham supporting new build energy.”
As well as offering mechanical and electrica l expertise to the power generation, construction and engineering industries, Salko UK has extens ive experience in mining, welding, heating and cooling. Most recently, the firm has bee n instrumental in providing specialists for nuclear businesses to thrive in the face of a l abour shortage.
Salko UK Managing Director Stephen Masong
Salko UK Chairman Dean Murphy
Bradford School of Art students support textile installation
A group of Bradford School of Art higher education students were given the opportunity of a lifetime after being selected to support one of America's most distinguished visual artists.
We Will Sing is a new, large-scale, site-responsive installation by renowned artist Ann Hamilton, commissioned for Salts Mill as part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. The artist’s first UK show in over 25 years - and her largest to date -the project is inspired by the history and regeneration of Salts Mill and the district’s rich textile heritage.
Drawing on the origins of the textile processes that once filled the huge space and working with artefacts from the Mill, Ann’s installation brings together song, printed word, cloth, raw and woven wool. The
textiles are sourced from local companies in Bradford, including H Dawson, founded in 1888 and now based at Salts Mill, and William Halstead, which this year celebrates its 150th anniversary.
As part of the incredible project, 16 students enrolled on either the Bradford School of Art Foundation Degree (FdA) in Textiles Practice or the BA Textiles Practice degree experienced working as Fabrication Assistants. Over three weeks, students constructed large-scale textile elements for the installation and worked directly with Ann
The first stages of fabrication took place at Bradford College in specialist textile workshops and performance spaces, before being carefully relocated to the vast top floor of Salts Mill, where students continued to work on the project in situ.
Described by Ann as a work of memory and imagining, the installation features immersive, site-specific soundscapes developed in collaboration with vocalist and world champion whistler Emily Eagen from recordings made on site and in workshops with local schools and community groups.
of Art programme leader (BA/FdA Textiles Practice), said: “Being involved in this project has been a profoundly rewarding and inspirational experience. For several weeks in April, we played host to Ann Hamilton and her studio team at Bradford School of Art. A group of our students assisted with the making of huge wool panels, which now form part of Ann’s immense installation work at Salts Mill.
"Bradford 2025 has described this project as one of their stand-out projects for UK City of Culture, so this was an incredible opportunity for our higher education students. The opportunity for us to work alongside an artist of this calibre has been a dream come true and will continue to inspire us for years to come.”
Ann is acclaimed for her largescale multimedia installations, public projects, and performance collaborations. She has created major commissions for institutions around the world, including Park Avenue Armory and The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Ann Hamilton said:
“We Will Sing began the moment I first opened Salts Mill’s large wooden doors.I immediately sensed
this as a place of transformation committed not just to its architecture but to the future of a community and to imagination’s transformative power.
“I hope my project is a small part of envisioning this possibility. It has been an honour to work with the community, to find openness and generosity, and, like all touch, to be touched in return. This exchange, this sharing, is the heart of We Will Sing.”
Engagement with the public is central to the making and sharing
of the work. Ann is extending an open invitation to write a letter to the future, addressing the question at the heart of We Will Sing: “what does the future need to know?” A selection of letters submitted will be included in a gallery newspaper, and others will be posted in a digital archive and form part of a daily public programme of readings and events in the roof space.
Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture is supported using public investment from HM Government, City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and through National Lottery funding from Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Lottery Community Fund, British Council, Spirit of 2012, as well as private investment and donations from a number of trusts, foundations and corporate sponsors.
We Will Sing is additionally supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Latest space shuttle is launched Volkswagen Passat gets an update. It’s better than ever
By: Motoring Correspondant Graham Courtney
The outgoing Passat load lugger was a huge favourite with big estate car fans. Massive load area, excellent driving characteristics and a decent level of standard kit were the major plus points. Okay, it looked a tad boring, but when it came to doing the job of hauling a chest of antique drawers or a heap of luggage for a family camping trip over colossal distances, it was given a unani mous thumbs-up.
This latest Passat Estate merely picks up where the previous model left off.
It’s also a better car.
It’s now sharper to drive, looks smart inside and out, and benefits from more
safety gadgetry and lifestyle goodies.
It’s one of the best estate cars out there.
In terms of power options, everything kicks off with a 1.5 litre 148bhp petrol engine which has a mild hybrid system
to eke-out as much performance and economy as possible. (Diesel power has been dumped)
At the other end of the spectrum, and if you want straightforward power, head for the 2.0 litre petrol unit which churns out 201bhp. It’s only available in top of the range R-Line trim.
However, we’d point you in the direction of two plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models which are available in all but the entry level trim.
Both use a 1.5 litre petrol powerplant,
but the PHEV system gives you added oomph and a very handy predicted pure-electric range of around 80 miles which could be a day’s commute f or many of you.
The cheaper of the 1.5 TSI eHybrid PHEVs gives you a power output of 201bhp which equates to 0-60mph in 8.1 seconds. Prices start at £47,540 in Elegance trim (May ’25). There is a more powerful eHybrid (272bhp) but it ups the price by around £2700 and only slices one second off the 0-60 sprint. The all-electric range stays
at 80 miles, so we’d stick with the c heaper version.
Out on the road, the Passat Estate is excellent to drive. The ride just shades onto the firm side, but this means that the car is an agile performer and feels really composed at both town and motorway speeds. Bearing in mind that estate cars are usually bought
to do a job and can rack-up a high mileage, it’s important to make them good to punt around. The 6-speed DSG gearbox works well. One thing which struck us was how quiet the Passat is. Laminate windows are standard in the two higher trims.
Build quality is excellent. We thought the quality was better than some of
the latest Volkswagen models. Three trims are available…Life, Elegance and R-Line. Stick with Elegance… you get everything you could sensibly ask for including tilting and sliding sunroof, matrix headlights, sport front seats with a massage function, heated steering wheel, 12.9-inch central touchscreen, and seriously smart alloy wheels.
The driver gets a 10.5-inch digital display which you can configure to show different information. It might
be worth going for the Infotainment Pack (around £850) because this adds a head-up display which projects data like your speed onto the windscreen.
Load capacity is important for an estate car. This is a strong point for the Volkswagen Passat Estate because the boot will hold a huge 510 litres of baggage. Flop the rear seats forward and you’ll have a load area which extends to 2027mm. If you need a rough idea of what that looks like, I managed, with room to spare,
to carry an old bath, toilet, washbasin and towel radiator to the tip.
The Volkswagen Passat Estate might be into it’s ninth generation, but it has got better with age. This latest model is outstanding in terms of driving characteristics, standard kit and versatility. Granted, it’s not exactly a styling masterpiece, but it makes up for being a tad anonymous by attracting admiring nods from those who really know that the car is up to the job. It’s a winner.
Pop-up your brand to market
Retail is ever-changing, over the past few years there has been much discussion regarding the impact the plethora of retail channels has on the success in b uilding brands.
Whilst choice is great –from online via your website, through to Amazon and third-party marketplaces, opening a retail store, listing a brand in retailers, along with selling through social channels – choice can blur the boundaries when it comes to reaching your target audience.
Every brand starts out online with their own website, a great opportunity to build a direct relationship with customers before selecting other channels to layer into their sales mix. Some brands remain purely online. As a direct-to-consumer brand, it is important to understand how your customers perceive you and what better way to do this than through a pop-up? Like brands, retailers are also vying for
attention, many retailers are offering the same brands to their consumers. How can retailers encourage footfall when consumers can shop online from the comfort of their homes, cherry picking those retailers who are offering their preferred brands at the most cost-effective pricing and shortest delivery periods?
2025 appears to be the year that brands are truly embracing pop-ups. Key to success is to create an immersive experience that excites consumers, generates buzz, word-of-mouth, whilst educating consumers on all touch points of the brand. Location is critical – understand where and when your audience shops – this has a significant impact on footfall and traffic.
Timing is of the essence, not just in terms of duration but the best time of the month. The nature of a pop-up is a shorter period – some brands invest in pop-ups for a weekend, at key trading periods. Westfield and retailers
ABOUT JANET MILNER-WALKER
Janet Milner-Walker is the founder and managing director of Bespoke Advantage, and BeautytoLife. She is an international speaker, a trusted advisor, and a freelance writer. Bespoke Advantage is a London based brand consultancy working with awardwinning brands, retailers, investors, trade bodies and embassies to support them in developing and growing their brands across the marketplace – visit:
www.thebespokeadvantage.com.
Rodney Pedroza Portraits London
GREEK STREET TERRACE
Indulge in al fresco dining with our delectable small plates, perfectly portioned tapas style dishes made for sharing, or delight in classic and contemporary cocktails.
