TopicUK Business magazine October 2022 edition

Editors notes

By group editor Gill Laidler

Welcome to the 56th edition of TopicUK as we now countdown to our tenth anniversary in early 2023.

I was pleased to see the refurbishment of the iconic Taylors Corner building, featured on page 10. The building was originally the home to Hepworth’s Tailors, and this was one of the very first accounts I worked on when I started in marketing many years ago. I was tasked as a junior ironing the model’s clothes for the photography shoot which went on to appear in the brochure we were creating for them. Happy memories!

The sustainability awards are back for 2022 and entries are open until 13th October. The awards are dedicated to showcasing the organisations and NHS Trusts that have proven themselves to be striving to implement sustainable change within our healthcare system. For details of how to enter check out page 11.

We would welcome your thoughts on the ongoing works around Leeds City Square! For weeks now the roadworks has caused chaos for cars trying to get into the City Centre. It seems to me entering the city from South Leeds as I do there are just two routes to get to East Parade, The Light, Albion Street etc and these are Water Lane onto Globe Road then turning right onto Whitehall Road and head towards the train station. Problem with this is cars are backing up unable to turn right into Whitehall Road because of the traffic heading along Whitehall Road who have come into the city by the only other route leaving the M621 and travelling through Holbeck. The e-bike scheme is a step closer too

and whilst I understand we need to look after our environment, I for one won’t be using the scheme going to a business meeting in heels carrying lots of files! We understand these routes are to be made permanent. We would like to hear from readers what you think?

We have the pleasure this edition of interviewing Clare Lilley, director of Yorkshire Sculpture Park. We have worked with the park for a number of years and it never ceases to amaze me when I visit as sculptures and artwork change frequently amongst the stunning landscape from the 500-acre estate. If you haven’t visited, it is a must for your to-do-list!

Our next edition publishes at the end of November and our sister publication Yorkshire Businesswoman is out in both print and digital now!

Until next time

Digital marketing agency boostssocial media team

Yorkshire-based digital marketing agency, Xpand, has further strengthened its team with the appointment of digital marketing executive Matthew Judd.

loyal to the company which gave him an apprenticeship and a start in the industry and that was something we valued and admired.

“We are proud to welcome Matt on board and hope to help him achieve his ambitions for the future.”

Matt’s new role will be social mediafocused, seeing him undertake various tasks including creating and ideating LinkedIn content, managing paid advertising, and taking the lead on email marketing.

Xpand also plans to further enhance his SEO skills through CPD.

Danni added: “Matt also brings leadership experience and people management skills to our team. As he’s really calm and measured, he’s the perfect person to work in our industry, which can sometimes be pressured.

“His values and attitude are aligned to what we, as a company, believe in and we know our clients will be in safe hands.”

Matt explained he was excited to launch the next stage of his career, adding: “I was with my previous employer for six years. I started there as an apprentice and always feel very grateful for the opportunity they gave me – it shaped my career.

Matt, aged 24, joins the Saltaire based agency, looking to further develop his career in marketing, specifically social media and e mail marketing.

Matt joined his previous employer as an apprentice straight after completing his A-levels at Benton Park Sixth Form and stayed for six years.

It was this loyalty, along with his breadth of experience and the ambition to learn and grow his skillset

that led to his appointment at Xpand.

Danni Johnson, marketing manager said: “We were very impressed with Matt and from meeting him you could tell he wasn’t just looking for a job. It became very clear early on that Matt was looking for the next step in his career and was clearly passionate about a future in marketing.

“He has a great deal of experience already, having started his career at the age of 18. He was committed and

“I learned a great deal there and I hope to keep learning and developing with Xpand. From what I’ve seen already, the Xpand team works very closely together, and they are all completely focused on making a difference for their clients, every day.

“I can’t wait to meet the clients I’ll be working with, getting under the skin of their businesses and helping be their voice on social media and in their digital communications.”

Wakefield’s creative leaders CAPA College and BackstageAcademy announce newpartnership

A new partnership between two of the country’s leading Creative Arts organisations: CAPA College and Backstage Academy has been announced

From their respective corners of Wakefield, West Yorkshire, these two pioneering organisations have been shaping the future of Performing Arts, Production Arts, Live Events and Arts Education for the past two decades with an influence that extends from the West End stage to Hollywood film production to the global tours of such musical giants as Ed Sheeran, Beyonce & Jay-Z. Now CAPA College and Backstage Academy are joining forces for the first time to further enhance Yorkshire’s reputation for world-class Arts Education.

CAPA College and Backstage Academy are both world-leading organisations with specialist training and education provision spanning across a wide range of careers from TV, film and theatre to performance and live events. This partnership comes as these two artistic stalwarts declare their intention to

collaborate and further the exceptional provision for Arts Education in West Yorkshire.

This groundbreaking collaboration will give young people a unique opportunity to benefit from the finest artistic and creative education provided by CAPA College (which is delivered by an award-winning team of top professional teachers, directors, choreographers, musical directors, designers and technicians) alongside the cutting-edge technical and production expertise of Backstage Academy (Production Park’s trailblazing Live Events Production University, which is the only centre of its kind in the UK).

This partnership brings together the academic and research teams of two of the UK’s highest rated Creative Arts organisations. CAPA College

and Backstage Academy are also unrivalled in terms of the industrystandard facilities that they offer to their students. Operating from a brand new, multi-million-pound site in Wakefield city centre, CAPA College offers state-of-the-art dance, drama and singing studios, a 150-seat theatre, an outdoor amphitheatre, arthouse cinema and recording studios. The recently expanded Backstage Academy campus in South Kirkby is the number one Live Events Production destination in Europe with incredible studios, the latest equipment and pioneering technology.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, says, “I am delighted that this partnership between CAPA College and Backstage Academy is taking place. Our region is fortunate to have two organisations that excel in what they do. I hope that through working together to create a creative arts pathway for talented young people they will present opportunities for people across a range of careers in TV, film, theatre and live events. This initiative will help our region become more attractive for businesses in these sectors to come here and invest”.

With incredible new programmes of study, original opportunities for collaborative research and an unprecedented focus on immersive entertainment and performance, this new partnership between CAPA College and Backstage Academy marks the beginning of something unprecedented in Arts Education and its happening right here in West Yorkshire.

IoD appoints DebraLeeves as East Yorkshire chair

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has appointed Debra Leeves to lead its East Yorkshire branch.

Debra is chief executive of Vertual, a technology spin-out from the University of Hull that specialises in virtual reality training systems in radiation therapy.

She has worked in technology, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals for 25 years, managing companies in the US, Middle East and Europe. Debra has held several board positions and is currently on the board of AIM-listed technology company Cambridge Cognition.

As IoD chair, she has responsibility for setting professional standards, providing branch leadership and offering commercial guidance. Debra will support members across East Yorkshire to build connections, gain professional development and influence decision-makers.

The IoD secured vital support

for directors during the Covid-19 pandemic, including financial assistance for wage bills and changes to insolvency rules.

Debra said: “I am honoured to be selected as chair. The region has an abundance of successful entrepreneurs and self-made business leaders with a strong presence in energy, manufacturing and engineering, technology and digital, agri-foods and bio-renewables, as well as ports and logistics.

“As chair I want to ensure that, in the post-pandemic world, all directors are as prepared as they can be to trade and accelerate their business operations. My aims are to help shape the IoD agenda and make it relevant to all directors in the region while promoting East Yorkshire to the

wider IoD community and government policy makers.”

Delroy Beverley, IoD regional chair for the Yorkshire and the North East, said: “We were looking for a leader of leaders and Debra is the ideal candidate. She will continue the legacy of inspiring local directors, amplify their voices and provide regular opportunities to expand their network and skills. In addition, she will bring a commercial thought process that will galvanise the wider region, whilst remaining true to the one IoD methodology.

“Debra also shares my passion for mentoring the next generation of leaders. As we emerge from the pandemic and build back better, we will open up relationships between business and education providers to ensure that young people in East Yorkshire are supported as they climb the career ladder and become tomorrow’s directors.”

Debra succeeds Pat Coyle of law firm Rollits, who stepped down upon the successful completion of her full term as chair. Delroy added: “We owe Pat a debt of gratitude for all she has done for the branch network, but also for the wider business community.”

Investment for iconic Yorkshire brand

The Wensleydale Creamery, based at Hawes in Wensleydale, in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, is investing in its offering at its popular Visitor Centre by launching a brand-new cheese tasting area; ‘A Taste of Yorkshire’.

‘A Taste of Yorkshire’ will give visitors the opportunity to taste Wensleydale’s extensive range of award-winning cheeses, all perfectly paired with a range of delicious local products. The new guided tasting experience is part of Wensleydale Creamery’s continuous investment plans, following the success of its e-commerce investment earlier this year to facilitate the projected increased demand from UK consumers.

The experience will showcase the Creamery’s rich cheesemaking heritage and provenance and visitors will have the opportunity to taste the range of

Wensleydale cheeses, as well as learn more about how it is made, what gives each cheese its unique flavour and texture, and pick up top tips on accompaniments that pair perfectly. There will also be a retail space showcasing the Creamery’s rich cheeses, available for visitors to purchase.

Wensleydale Creamery is also launching a new loyalty card scheme which entitles visitors to free entry for 12 months as part of the continuous investment plans.

Trish Cannon, director of the Visitor Centre, said: “As the UK’s flagship

cheese visitor experience, we’re always looking at ways to continue to update and evolve our offering. It’s all about making our guest’s visit as enjoyable and memorable as possible, providing them the opportunity to learn more about our cheese range and impart our knowledge of how best to eat and pair with other amazing local food and drink.

“We’re excited to see our vision of the new space come to life and look forward to welcoming more guests to the Creamery to see all the incredible work that goes on behind the scenes, and of course to taste all the delicious local produce.”

Iconic Tailors Corner building suits music vine

The Leeds office of leading global property consultancy Knight Frank has brokered a significant deal at Tailors Corner, the iconic central Leeds building which was originally the home of Hepworth Tailors.

The deal swiftly follows the completion of a £5million refurbishment of the 25,000 sq ft building, which has created some of the finest flexible Grade A office space in the city.

Music Vine, a music licensing company which represents some of the most exciting independent musicians in the world, has taken 1,657sq ft of high-quality office space on the second floor. The rent is £34 per sq ft.

Tailors Corner, formerly known as Wellington Park House, was bought for an undisclosed sum by

award-winning property developers Boultbee Brooks in 2018. It is situated on the corner of Wellington Street and Thirsk Row.

Victoria Harris of leading global property consultancy Knight Frank in Leeds, who are marketing Tailors Corner, commented: “Tailors Corner has led the way in terms of providing prime office space which has found the perfect balance between creative and corporate, creating an environment that appealed to the market and corporate occupiers at the beginning of the flight to quality movement.

“This movement aims to bring staff back to a new office environment they will enjoy working in, which will help attraction and retention. The roof terrace is a perfect example of added building amenities that play a key role in occupier considerations and its design and style has set a new standard of expectation within Leeds.

“The Music Vine deal is a resounding endorsement of Boultbee Brooks’

A green agenda is paramount here. We’ve done away with basement parking for the privileged few, in favour of installing bike storage and shower facilities for everyone...

substantial investment in this very special building,” she added. “The tenant fell in love with Tailors Corner at first sight.”

Set over seven floors, there is currently 12,000 sq ft available to lease, with office suites from 1,500 sq ft. All suites are available for immediate occupation.

Current occupiers include: Wealth managers James Hambro and Partners; Fenchurch Law; financial advisers Interpath Ltd; and retail and e-commerce specialists Circus PPC.

The comprehensive refurbishment included: Cleaned and overhauled elevations; a new communal roof terrace with feature planting, decking and views of the Leeds skyline; architecturally sympathetic feature ground floor entrances; new double glazed windows throughout; a new,

The Sustainability Partnerships annual awards

back with a b ang for 2022

Sustainability Partnerships’ mission is to drive and accelerate the NHS’s green agenda through connecting businesses with innovative products and services with Trusts across the UK through a combination of events and knowledge sharing.

The awards are dedicated to showcasing the organisations and NHS Trusts that have proven themselves to be striving to implement sustainable change within our healthcare system and driving a greener future. The awards are split into two category lists, one focussed on awards for Trusts and individuals within the NHS and one on awards to be given to businesses with new products and services working alongside the NHS.

bespoke 8-person lift; dedicated entrances on Wellington Street and Thirsk Row; showers and changing rooms; and 30 cycle racks.

Elizabeth Ridler of Knight Frank added: “This iconic building is steeped in history — formerly a fabric and garment warehouse with a state-ofthe-art retail space at street level, it’s always been a site for trailblazers and forward-thinkers.

“A green agenda is paramount here. We’ve done away with basement parking for the privileged few, in favour of installing bike storage and shower facilities for everyone. And there’s an incredible communal roof terrace, with feature planting, for all the tenants.

“Set in the hubbub of the city just moments from Leeds station and the new Channel 4 HQ, and with the

Cycle Superhighway literally on the doorstep, Tailors Corner is designed as an inspiring modern space where businesses thrive within a community of like-minded people.”

The renovation of Tailors Corner was led by the same architectural team GPad, Hollis and Hoare Lea LLP, as many of Boultbee Brooks’ past developments, including the multi award-winning Concordia Works in Leeds.

Wellington Park House was originally built in 1881 for Hepworth Tailors but was badly damaged by the Great Fire of Leeds in July 1906. It was subsequently completely rebuilt and continued to be occupied by Hepworths, the forerunners of Next, until the 1920s.

The joint marketing agent for Tailors Corner, alongside Knight Frank, is the Leeds office Agent Savills.

The Sustainability Partnerships Awards are back for

place

date of the 13th of

time for

online ceremony

10th

The initiative is part of a trial which aims to prove the technical and economic viability of intelligent sorting at scale, enabling new recycling streams that currently do not exist. The trial is being overseen by AIM – the European Brands Association and the Alliance to End Plastic Waste - and is supported by over 130 companies and organisations.

PFF digitalpioneerswatermarking technology infood sector

Food packaging manufacturer PFF Group is pioneering the use of digital watermarking technology on its products which will enable more accurate sorting of packaging waste and deliver higher recycling rates.

Digital watermarks are imperceptible codes on the surface of packaging carrying information about the product’s journey including manufacturer, plastic type, composition, and usage.

The ambition is that these codes can be read at waste sorting facilities by high-resolution cameras, resulting in more accurate sorting and detection of higher quality recyclates, helping to achieve better recycling goals.

Innovation and digital are the core drivers towards sustainability. At PFF we take our carbon zero commitments seriously...

PFF’s championing of sustainable packaging solutions has seen the company invest heavily in technology and systems to support this. Recent investments have included £200,000 in new transformer technology to reduce the company’s carbon emissions by 5%, as well as the launch of a groundbreaking, fully recyclable packaging product - IMPAC-T - which uses less plastic than equivalent PET packaging and is suitable for all food applications.

Ian Smith, group sales director at PFF Packaging, said: “Innovation and digital are the core drivers towards sustainability. At PFF we take our carbon zero commitments seriously as evidenced by our continued investment in new processes to engineer plastic out of products. This watermark technology provides a digital record of a product’s journey and has an important role to play in helping to achieve recycling targets and in making the use of recycled polypropylene in food applications a reality.”

PFF’s commitment to the environment is recognised by Operation Clean Sweep - an international initiative that aims to ensure that plastics do not end up in waterways – and by membership of the NEXTLOOPP global initiative, helping deliver the world’s first commercially available, recycled high-quality polypropylene (FGrPP).

PFF Group is a member of Made in Britain, an initiative which champions UK manufacturing.

Construction underway onprime warehouse in Sheffield

Investor, FTSE 250 listed Urban Logistics REIT Plc (ULR) and developer, Newsholme Developments, have commenced construction on the speculative development of a new warehouse at Newhall Business Park, Sheffield with practical completion in May 2023.

The proposed warehouse is situated on Newhall Road, and is part of the wider Newhall 58 development, and ideally situated to benefit from strong transport links with excellent labour accessibility and supply.

The warehouse will be built to a high specification with strong sustainability credentials, targeting BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating and EV charging points. The warehouse is self-contained and set within a Secured by Design site and has the abilit y to create up to 150 new jobs for the area.

Located c.2.5 miles off J.34, M1 and situated on the fringes of Sheffield city centre the warehouse is positioned to access the regions strategic road network, alongside a strong labour supply and set within a well-recognised occupier mix.

Adam Jones of Newsholme Developments commented: “We are delighted to have started on site with the final phase of the highly successful Newhall 58 development which has seen significant investment, regeneration, and job creation within Sheffield since our initial purchase. Having agreed a deal with Urban Logistics REIT to purchase the completed building, Newsholme Developments will now manage the development phase with Newhall 131 being one of a number of active projects currently on-site and being delivered by Newsholme Developments across the UK.

John Barker, head of development at Urban Logistics REIT, commented: “We’re delighted to be the funding partner of Newsholme Developments on this scheme and look forward to working with them in delivering the

stand alone, self-contained building. The location is ideal for both the city centre and J34 of the M1 which will help with staffing and access to the motorway network”.

Progress on site has been swift and completion of this speculative unit is expected by the end of May 2023. The market fundamentals remain strong and healthy interest in the unit is expected, which is extremely positive and testimony to the scheme’s location and delivered specification.

Toby Wilson of marketing agents M1 Agency added “The Sheffield warehouse market is currently starved of Mid box 100,000 sq ft – 200,000 sq ft new build Grade A stock and the units’ size and specification will help to fill this void, especially given the strong sustainability credentials and good surrounding labour supply. The occupier market is still robust with good levels of early initial interest pre-practical completion in May 2023, therefore we are confident of quickly securing occupier interest.”

Celebrating three-year partnership with Yorkshire Air Ambulance

Boroughbridge-based Reed Boardall, one of the leading providers of cold storage and distribution services to food producers and retailers across the UK, is celebrating a three-year partnership with the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

As part of the agreement which began in autumn 2020, Reed Boardall will wave the YAA flag by displaying Yorkshire Air Ambulance visuals on its fleet of refrigerated semi-trailers, helping spread the word about the rapid response charity across Yorkshire and beyond. In return, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance will feature Reed Boardall’s logo on both of its aircrafts.

Katie Collinson, corporate and partnerships manager for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have Reed Boardall on board and we are very appreciative of their commitment to our charity.

“The support they have provided will help greatly towards the vital funding of our service. It costs £12,000 a day to keep both of Yorkshire’s air

ambulances maintained and, in the air, and the more people who see the Reed Boardall visuals and donate to our charity, the more lives across Yorkshire we will be able to save.”

Marcus Boardall, chief executive of Reed Boardall, said: “As a Yorkshirebased family business, we’re proud to support this fantastic charity which does such a vital job for the region.

“With our fleet covering huge distances throughout the UK, we hope they will play a part in raising awareness and encouraging other businesses and individuals to lend their support to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) serves five million people across Yorkshire and carries out over 1,500 missions every year. The charity operates two, state-of-the-art Airbus H145 helicopters and needs to raise £12,000 to keep these two air ambulances maintained and flying over Yorkshire, saving lives every day.

Reed Boardall is one of the largest temperature-controlled food distribution businesses in the UK, storing and delivering frozen food from manufacturers across Britain, Europe and further afield to all the UK’s best-known supermarkets.

ENJOY DINING AT THE WESTON

RESTAURANT | GALLERY | SHOP

Visit The Restaurant at The Weston to enjoy a delicious seasonal menu, with stunning views across Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Open Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays, 9.00–17.00 Book a table at ysp.org.uk/book-the-weston

The Weston is available for private hire on Mondays and evenings. Contact celebrate@ysp.org.uk

Free entry to The Weston restaurant, gallery and shop. To visit the rest of YSP, book a ticket at ysp.org.uk

The Weston, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Huddersfield Road, Haigh, Barnsley, S75 4BX | 0.75 miles from M1 J38

The Community Foundation for Calderdale are relaunching their membership scheme this summer for individuals and businesses to be able to support Not-For-Profit organisations in the community.

There are different levels of membership, you can choose the one that’s right for you. Voluntary and Not-

for-Profit organisations can join for £10 per year, individuals or small businesses/ sole traders can join for £120 annually or £10 per month and larger businesses can join for £600 annually or £50 per month.

If you are a Foundation Club Member or a Friend of the Foundation, 100% of your membership fee goes towards making grants for one of the priorities you choose. Plus, in the first year we

will match fund your membership to double the amount going towards making grants. If you are a Foundation Club member, your membership fee is £600 so £1200 will go towards grants which we will give out to charities in Calderdale. There will be monthly business networking events where you can meet like- minded local people who care about making a difference in Calderdale. Plus, you get to choose which cause you want the grant to be made available to. You can choose from housing and homelessness, poverty and disadvantage, community cohesion, health and wellbeing, or towards the climate emergency fund.

For more information and to join, visit https://cffc.co.uk/ foundation-club/

York Minster’s pioneering Centre of Excellence plans receive council approval

York Minster’s plans to establish world class campus facilities for research, education and training in ancient craft skills have been approved by City o f York Council.

The Centre of Excellence for Heritage Craft Skills and Estate Management will be a first-of-its-kind project encouraging learning and knowledge sharing on an international scale.

Comprising a Heritage Quad and a Works and Technology Hub, the Centre of Excellence will allow current and prospective apprentices to learn cuttingedge digital techniques such as modern saw technology, data scanning and

computer aided design. It will also enable the Minster to offer international exchange programmes with cathedrals and universities as far afield as Milan, Washington and Singapore, to enable the further development of these skills.

Existing buildings within the Precinct will be sustainably reordered, repurposed and renewed to provide new workspace and associated facilities, enable greater engagement and interaction with the public around key crafts and trades and allow improved links with education. Through this, the Minster will also be able to offer dedicated residential accommodation for its first and second-year apprentices, as well as for its international exchange visitors and trainees.

Alex McCallion, director of works and precinct at York Minster, said: “We are delighted that our pioneering plans for preserving the ancient craft skills necessary to secure the future of the Minster have received approval from City of York Council. These skills have long been the lifeblood to the fabric of York Minster and the creation of the Centre of Excellence will enable us to continue to develop and pass down these skills with the help of modern digital technology.

“We thank City of York Council for recognising the importance of the Centre of Excellence, the establishment of which will be crucial in allowing us to safeguard the Minster’s long-term environmental, financial and heritage sustainability for future generations to enjoy as we do today. This is also a major project for the city and will continue to raise our profile not only as a leading international city for heritage and

education, but also a city that is forward looking.”

The £5m fully funded project is being co-ordinated by the York Minster Fund and is expected to be delivered in early 2024.

The plans form the next stage of the implementation of the York Minster Neighbourhood Plan, an ambitious masterplan to secure a sustainable future for York Minster, which was recently ratified by City of York Council. Delivery of the Neighbourhood Plan will herald the largest planned programme of works at the Minster and its surrounding Precinct since the Victorian era. The York Minster Refectory, Minster Garden and the conversion of Church House to residential accommodation are all underway, having received planning permission earlier in the year.

Richard Shaw, chairman of York Minster Fund (YMF), said: “The Centre of Excellence is the culmination of a three-year research and development project, which benchmarked the Minster against other heritage sites around the world. With sustainability at its heart, the Centre of Excellence vision will allow us to maintain and enhance the cultural significance of the Minster.

Not only will the Centre of Excellence create opportunities for education and knowledge exchange on a local, national and international level, but it will also act as a shining example of best practice in managing and preserving complex heritage estates.“We are delighted that the City of York Council is supporting this project and we are pleased to announce that purchase orders worth over £600,000 have now been placed for key machinery to be housed in the Technology Hub.”

Kirklees College join Huddersfield Town Football Club as Official Partner

Kirklees College is to continue its long-standing relationship with Huddersfield Town, which stretches back to 2010.

The college and Huddersfield Town are two of Huddersfield’s most iconic institutions in terms of the work they carry out to the benefit of the community. Over the course of this new partnership, the club and the college will link up to create and deliver a unique education programme, which will create exclusive opportunities for aspiring footballers in the region.

This partnership will also see the return of the annual ‘Town Takeover’, which provides college students with a unique work experience opportunity by offering an insight into a professional match day and showcasing their excellent work.

Helen Rose, director of external relations at Kirklees College said:

“We are delighted to announce the continuation of our long-standing partnership with Huddersfield Town. We are passionate about creating opportunities for our students and our partnership with the Club allows us to provide unique experiences for our students that set our offer apart. The new education programme will help us promote our culture of excellence and support upcoming young talent in Kirklees.”

Ian Birtley, Town’s commercial director commented: “There is a natural synergy between our two organisations. We absolute share Kirklees College’s culture of high aspiration, expectation, and success. The Club has enjoyed our working relationship with the college and its staff for over 11 years now, and look forward to that furthering over the years to come.”

For more information about Sport courses at Kirklees College,

Scarborough Group Yorkshire’slandslargest office letting

Leading property regeneration and placemaking specialist, Scarborough Group International (SGI) has secured Yorkshire’s largest office letting for a second-year running, having leased the entirety of its 65,000 sq ft speculative office building at Sheffield Digital Campus, Endeavour, to global technology and telecoms firm, BT Group.

The deal follows hot on the heels of SGI’s 133,117 sq ft pre-let at Thorpe Park Leeds in February 2021, which represented the largest single out of town office deal ever recorded in West Yorkshire and the biggest property transaction in the Northern Powerhouse region over the preceding twelve months.

In addition to being the largest office letting in Yorkshire so far this year, the BT Group deal is

also understood to be the largest office letting in Sheffield city centre since 2016, when HSBC took 140,000 sq ft at Heart of the City II, and the largest letting at Sheffield Digital Campus since the development was first established in 2007.

Designed by CJCT architects, Endeavour features an impressive double-height reception, seven highly-efficient and flexible

floorplates of up to 10,323 sq ft each, 4,844 sq ft of ground floor amenity space, club-class changing and shower facilities to promote active-travel, and a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of the Steel City’s skyline.

The state-of-the-art office building is the final phase of the acclaimed Sheffield Digital Campus, marking the completion of 15 years of development and the creation of circa 243,000 sq ft of business space that is home to a plethora of household names including Sky, IBM, Kennedys and Atkins, supporting up to 2,500 skilled jobs

BT Group has signed a 15-year lease for the FF

eight-storey building to create a new office hub which will be able to house around 1,000 colleagues as part of its ongoing Better Workplace programme anchoring the Group as one of Sheffield’s major private sector employers.

Speculative construction of the BREEAM Excellent building commenced in June 2021 and practical completion is scheduled for early 2023, with BT Group expected to take occupation later in the year following the completion of its CAT B fit out programme, which will feature the latest technologies and collaborative workspaces.

Adam Varley, development director at SGI, commented: “The way we work has evolved significantly in recent years and the leasing success we’ve achieved at Sheffield Digital Campus, despite the challenges impacting both the construction sector and the evolution around the use and future of ‘the office’,

is testament to the quality of the workspace and the environments we continue to create as a Group.

“In order for organisations to attract and retain the best talent, they need to provide workplaces that go above and beyond in terms of flexibility, accessibility, sustainability, wellness, technology and amenity provision, and that’s precisely what we have done with Endeavour.

“BT Group’s letting is not only significant because it represents the largest single office letting in Sheffield for six years, it is also a longterm commitment to the city and a major vote of confidence for the regional economy, sending a strong message to any other businesses looking to locate in Sheffield that the city has strong credentials as a place to invest, recruit and grow.”

Brent Matthews, BT group property director, said: “Our new base in Sheffield will provide colleagues

with a state-of-the-art new base equipped with the spaces and technology which will make an office fit for the future.

“Despite the economic challenges and changes to working patterns caused by the pandemic, we think this is an important investment and it secures our presence in Sheffield and Yorkshire. This investment follows the refurbishment of our Doncaster Contact Centre.

“Endeavour provides us with the perfect location in the heart of the city and surrounded by the renowned Digital Campus, which reflects the growth, creativity and ingenuity which are core to BT’s work.

“Our new offices reflect a move to more hybrid and flexible ways of working, with colleagues able to come together, using the latest technologies, to collaborate in inspiring workspaces. It will help us attract and retain brilliant people.”

Wakefield becomes regionaloffice number 17 for leadingYorkshire law firm

Ison Harrison solicitors, one of Yorkshire’s leading law firms, has opened its latest branch in Wakefield, taking its total network of offices to 17.

Since becoming a 100% employeeowned business at the beginning of the year, the firm has experienced significant growth in the number of people and businesses that it acts for and the opening of its 17th office will further strengthen the firm’s foothold within the region.

The new Wakefield office, located at 4-6 Cross Street, boasts a team of legal experts led by branch manager Faye , a conveyancing solicitor and expert in new build property law. Faye joined the property team in 2020 and has 10 years’ experience working in conveyancing.

Joining Faye in the new office will be conveyancing colleagues Charlotte Oxby, Katie Henstock and Dayne

Bailey-Mayfield and Arooj Begum will be providing a family law service. The firm will also be recruiting for a variety of support roles.

Dominic Mackenzie, who is a director at Ison Harrison, will be providing a wills and probate service for clients at the Wakefield office. Dominic, who is from Wakefield, is the firm’s divisional head of wills and probate. Since he joined the firm, he has grown the wills and probate department to be one of the largest of its type in the area. Ison Harrison hold over 50,000 wills for people across Wakefield and Yorkshire.

In addition to the key services of property, family law and wills and probate, the new Wakefield office will

handle all legal matters, personal and business, via its network of regional offices and the vast and broad experience of its in-house lawyers.

Managing partner Jonathan Wearing, said: “We’re excited to open our 17th office in the region, which is our first foray into Wakefield. This latest launch sees us further consolidate our position in West Yorkshire. It continues our progressive expansion enabling us to broaden our offering of the full range of legal services through a network of offices spanning the Yorkshire region. Our clients value the ability to access local legal advice by approaching a large and established modern law firm with a prominent high street presence to meet their needs.”

Pictured: Ison Harrison’s Jonathan Wearing, Faye and Dominic Mackenzie

Luxury cashmere company eyesgrowth

Yorkshire based Loop Cashmere is set for growth after securing a £250,000 investment from Finance Yorkshire.

The company specialises in luxury cashmere garments, sourcing its sustainable yarn and products from Inner Mongolia.

Founders Claire Heathcote and Richard Levin launched Loop Cashmere two years ago after careers in the fashion industry

Finance Yorkshire has invested £250,000 from its Growth fund which will support Claire and Richard’s ambition to be one of the largest independent cashmere retailers in the UK.

The funding has enabled the company to open a warehouse in Leeds and appoint a head of marketing. It will also support Loop re-platforming

Loop’s new autumn collection in September, as well as allowing the use of designers and technologists with years of experience in crafting and fitting the most beautiful cashmere styles.

Richard said: “Finance Yorkshire’s investment has come at the perfect time as we reveal our new autumn collection which will be stocked by our first 10 independent boutiques. We plan to increase our customer base by 500% in the next two to three years through our own ecommerce site, wholesale, marketplaces and expanding our presence overseas.”

Claire added: “We saw a gap in the market for a sustainable cashmere brand offering contemporary styles

cashmere. Sustainability is the heart of brand from the way we source our sustainably accredited yarn, who we select as expert makers to craft our styles, our small production runs and the use of recyclable and compostable packaging.”

Initial investors in Loop Cashmere included Tony Thwaites and Tracy Lewis who is now company chairman.

Alex McWhirter, chief executive of Finance Yorkshire, said: “Our Growth fund supports ambitious SMEs like Loop Cashmere to grow and create jobs across the Yorkshire and Humber region. “In just two years Loop Cashmere has developed a strong brand with sustainable credentials which will appeal to fashionconscious customers. We look forward to supporting them in the next chapter of their growth journey.”

Finance Yorkshire’s Growth fund is part of its newly launched fund which is expected to provide £50m to SMEs over the next five years. Investment is also available from its Seedcorn fund as well as through large and

Photo: Left to right, Richard Levin, Loop Cashmere; Anne Blanden, Finance Yorkshire; Claire Heathcote, Loop Cashmere; and Alex McWhirter, chief executive of Finance Yorkshire.

Jobs Outlook: Spotlight on Yorkshire

The latest data for Yorkshire & Humber is a stark reminder that we are facing difficult times with growing economic uncertainty not going away any time soon. This has a serious knock on effect on business confidence which in turn impacts negatively on the growth potential in the region.

Richard Topliss, Chair of NatWest North Regional Board, commented:

“The Yorkshire & Humber private sector registered a notable slowdown in growth at the start of the third quarter as the cost-of-living crisis, subdued client confidence, ongoing supply issues an d rapid energy price inflation all weighed on the economy.”

“Of concern will be the decline in private sector order books, highlighting the damaging impact that high inflation is having on demand. Confidence in the outlook has deteriorated, with business optimism slumping to its lowest level since the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.”

Business confidence and outlook

On a positive note firms in Yorkshire & Humber were more optimistic than the other UK regions monitored but having said that confidence has dropped to a 27-month low in July.

Supply issues, high prices, the prospect of a recession and high

An in-depth look at Yorkshire's economic and recruitment activity

Demand for consumer facing services such as restaurants, hotels, travel and other recreational activities is collapsing under the weight of the cost-ofliving crisis...

interest rates were notable causes in the lack of confidence as budgets are being squeezed to cope with the current economic climate.

Manufacturers and service companies highlighted a lower intake of new work which signalled the first drop in demand for goods and services since early 2021. Experts believe other sectors are experiencing sluggish market activity.

Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, commented: “Demand for consumer facing services such as restaurants, hotels, travel and other recreational activities is collapsing under the weight of the cost-of-living crisis, with demand for business services also coming under pressure amid concerns over rising costs and the darkening economic outlook.”

Inflation

UK inflation is currently sitting at its highest rate in more than 40 years. Increases in energy, transport and raw materials are putting considerable pressure on private sector companies in Yorkshire & Humber.

Worryingly enough the Bank of England has warned that little can be done to stop the UK falling into a recession as the war in Ukraine continues. The economy is expected to continue shrinking until the end of 2023.

The government must look at introducing monetary policies to curb the flow of inflation to offset the cost of living crisis as it hugely reduces the spending power of businesses and households alike.

Dr John Glen, Chief Economist, Chartered Institute of Procurement

and Supply (CIPS), commented: “Input costs continued to rise at a rapid rate this month with services businesses left with no choice but to pass the pain onto clients and consumers. While port disruption, Brexit paperwork and shortages all continue to play a role in driving inflation, the sector is relatively powerless in the face of ever-increasing energy bills. Services businesses will have their eyes firmly on the new Prime Minister this week as they hope for a policy driven solution to rocketing costs.”

Employment

The data shows that staffing levels have increased for an eighteenth successive month in August albeit the growth has eased to its lowest since March 2021. Evidence suggests that this has been in response to increased workloads, understaffing and positive sales and strategic projections for growth have contributed to the need to hire new staff.

Plan ahead as City Square preliminary highway work begins

Work has begun to transform City Square into a more people-first environment, and motorists are being advised to plan their journeys in advance to avoid being affected by any disruption.

Traffic management works are diverting all through-traffic away from City Square, ahead of its permanent closure to traffic in February 2023 – helping to create a world-class gateway to the city centre and making it an even safer place to live, work and visit.

The traffic management arrangements only permit access to Wellington Street from Bishopgate Street for buses and taxis and are necessary to create a safe environment f or the work to start this week and to protect buses from worsen ing congestion.

General traffic that previously passed through City Square as part of their journey is now no longer able to do so. Private vehicles travelling along Bishopgate Street are now only able to turn right onto Boar Lane.

Motorists travelling along Bishopgate Street, passing through the new Bus Gate into City Square, are in breach of traffic restrictions. Traffic enforcement cameras are

being installed to ensure the safety of colleagues working on-site and members of the public using this busy gatew ay to the city.

Leeds City Councillor Helen Hayden, executive member for infrastructure and climate, sa id: “The works on City Square represent a major change for the highway network in the city centre, and we are working hard to manage this as effectively as possible, minimising disruption and ensuring the safety of those working on site and members of the public.

“At the same time we would like to thank those who have begun using different routes or changed the way they travel into t he city centre.

“It is important that motorists plan their journey in advance and consider either alte rnative routes or methods of travel, especially as the works will start in earnest shortly and this will help ensure public transport services a re not delayed.

“If you do travel along this route

by car you must adhere to the restrictions.”

Plan ahead

Motorists who normally travel into the city centre along this route are urged to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra time and consider alternative ways to travel.

This could include:

• Using Park and Ride schemes such as Stourton, Elland Road an d Temple Green.

• Travelling by bus or rail.

• Cycling or walking into the city.

Motorists who must travel into

the city centre are encouraged to consider a number of diversionary routes which involve using junctions 2 and 4 , off the M621.

Drivers wishing to gain access to the railway station pick-up/drop-off on Aire Street will need approach from the Whitehall Road direction instead of driving through the Square. General vehicular access

will still be permitted to Lower Basinghall Street from Bishopgate Street for localised access and designated blue badge parking bays, as at present.

More information is available at www.leeds.gov. uk/planahead including maps to key destinations in t he City Centre.

What is AD:VENTURE, and how can we helpyour business?

Full Amity Team

For any small business owner, it’s tough out there. And let’s be frank, it’s not getting easier anytime soon as too many challenges to mention keep getting thrown in our way.

And for start-ups, it’s all of that, plus the extra hurdles you face getting the business up and running and generating a profit.

In the face of all this, how can you keep up your momentum and keep things moving in the right direction?

That is where AD:VENTURE can help. We can’t fix the issues the nation faces, but we can give you a helping hand.

Since launch, AD:VENTURE has helped over 3,550 businesses and 2,100 individuals. It has delivered more than 950 events and paid out £2.84m in growth grants. This

support has led to an additional 705 jobs.

All we need from you is the ambition to build your business and the time to work with us. If your business is less than three years old and you want it to succeed, we can probably help!

We are backed by all nine local authorities across North and West Yorkshire and have other partners including the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, The Business Enterprise Fund, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds Trinity University and The Chamber of Commerce. We are fully funded by those

partners and the European Regional Development fund, so there is no cost to you.

What’s on offer? One-to-one advice from your own dedicated advisor, workshops on the top topics you need to develop your business, everything from business planning to marketing strategy.

The programme also has grant funding between £1000 and £25,000. If you are looking to grow and recruit staff, our grants could help with that. They are especially suited to capital purchases such as new IT equipment, machinery, website build for example.

So, if you are starting out or have been trading for less than three years, have ambitions to grow, are looking for help and guidance, need to make

connections, have skills you want to develop and not sure how, want to raise finance, diversify, increase your capacity or you just need a chat to know what help you can get and how to do it, please do get in touch.

What do our clients say?

Verity Clarke, communications director at Amity Brew Co, said: "Our start-up journey has not been an easy one, so we have relished in receiving external support from AD:VENTURE. We're still a very small team and we value the courses,

training, networking and general cheerleading from the AD:VENTURE team. It means so much to us that we're being recognised and supported."

Matt Wheeler, co-founder of Made By Studio said: “With AD:VENTURE it’s all the different aspects that help. Our adviser’s advice, the workshops, Accelerate and the funding all work together. Each one was a boost to us. It all really paid-off. I think there’s a correlation there with how much we grew the year after we got this support.”

Karol-Ann Hewgill, founder of Lekker Wines said: “It’s been an absolute learning curve and it’s very helpful to have some support and to know that you could just contact somebody for advice.

I can’t recommend AD:VENTURE enough. The quality of the courses was great, as is the one-on-one help. My adviser is so helpful; nothing is too much trouble.”

To find out more or register for the programme, please visit www. ad-venture.org.uk Please note eligibility criteria does apply.

Karol-Ann Hewgill

Made by Studio team

Bingley entrepreneur looks to make fuel deliveries more efficient

A West Yorkshire entrepreneur has created a business that could make fuel deliveries more efficient.

Supply Fuel Solutions offers sensors that remotely monitor fluid levels in tanks, using the Internet of Things. The monitors work in tanks containing a variety of liquids including fuel oil, diesel, chemicals, lubricant oils and water.

Dalbinder Ram, who runs the business from his home in Bingley, has already signed contracts with the UK’s biggest online fuel distributor, the second largest fuel distributor on the Isle of Wight and the largest in Ireland.

He plans to move the company into bigger premises, so he can bring more of the manufacturing in-house.

The sensors mean the fuel or chemical supplier can check on their customers’ fluid levels and work more efficiently and make sure tanks are topped up before they become empty.

Dalbinder is also working on an app for householders to improve domestic user experience.

Dalbinder has already been supported by AD:VENTURE, which helps businesses under three years old in North and West Yorkshire, with a grant for IT equipment and a new website...

“Basically, it’s all about giving the customer, whether that’s the supplier or end user, data which is understandable and helps them work in a more efficient way, which ultimately could have an impact on costs,” he said.

Efficient

“For example, a heating oil supplier will know when a customer’s tank is running low and can deliver when they are in that area,

rather than having to make a special trip.”

The company also supplies alarms for giant tanks to alert the users to any leaks.

Dalbinder set up the business after a career which started in banking and training, before landing a job in the fuel supply sector.

Just before lockdown he left that job and spent the next two years developing the products, most of which are assembled in-house, with parts from around the world.

Dalbinder is now working with business support programme AD:VENTURE with his plans to bring the manufacturing in-house and move into bigger premises within the next 12 months. He has a contracted product manager and design engineer

and plans to build a bigger team.

Dalbinder has already been supported by AD:VENTURE, which helps businesses under three years old in North and West Yorkshire, with a grant for IT equipment and a new website, and with advice and guidance over issues like Intellectual Property and exporting. Dalbinder is in discussion with potential clients in Poland, USA, Canada and South Africa, and is looking at other markes.

Success

“The suppor tI have had from AD:VENTURE has been absolutely fantastic. If I had to give them marks out of ten, I would give them ten out of ten,” said Dalbinder.

AD:VENTURE is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), with other funding and delivery partners across the

Leeds City Region, including Bradford Metropolitan District Council.

Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, said: “I am always impressed by the ingenuity of the entrepreneurs in our region. Dalbinder is a great example of someone who saw a gap in the market and went for it.

“And what is so good about his business is that it could help cut waste and increase efficiency, and in this day and age that is the kind of business that should thrive.

“A big part of that success is down to AD:VENTURE, which can help businesses in the early stages, which can be difficult to navigate. The more successful businesses we can create in Bradford and the region the better for us all, as it brings jobs and prosperity.”

Do You have photoshoot anxiety?

Lincoln & Perrin from TopicUK officially appointed agency Roth Read Photography, contine to share their advice with us:

Photographs encourage your clients to engage

Feeling anxious is generally fleeting and can affect us for a whole range of reasons. However, let people know you are a photographer and even the most confident people will often respond with feelings of apprehension.

Regrettably, it can deter business owners from having a photoshoot, despite professional images contributing to their overall branding and success. Market research reports that photographs encourage engagement and increase the likelihood of people to act.

We are checking out the most popular statements we hear in the hope you are reassured that a photoshoot is not only confidence building but enjoyable too!

“I hate having my picture taken”

We hear this a lot . . . an awful lot.

Facing lights and lenses is enough to make anyone feel vulnerable and unsettled. All those natural expressions and smiles disappear if you over-think the situation. The outcome usually resembles an uncanny likeness to Wallace & Gromit!

A good photographer will guide you through your photoshoot session and uncover those genuine expressions.

It can take time to look beyond the camera and naturally engage with the photographer, but it is well worth it for the end results.

“I don’t know how to pose”

A combination of lens, lights and camera tilts can make what you love about yourself prominent and what you least love concealed.

Whole books are written on posing techniques but as a rule they create shapes and space, enhance natural

lines and angles, and help you to look natural and convey the message you want to get across.

No need to worry about all of this though – as photographers, we’ve got you.

“I hope you have Photoshop”

This statement is usually followed by “You'll need it if you're photographing me!"

Initially the aim is to ensure you look remarkable at the point of taking the picture using the techniques we spoke about.

However, we do use Photoshop and post process our images. Typically to adjust highlights, shadows, balance skin tones and soften lines (as they can be enhanced by strobe lights). Of course, any stray hairs or unexpected blemishes are removed.

Feeling a little better about having your picture taken? If nothing else, do it for your business . . . and stand out from your competition.

Lincoln & Perrin Roth Read Photography

Help us make double the difference to families suffering the loss of a baby

Our charity of the year, Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, is launching its Every Minute Matters campaign this October with an ambitious aim to raise at least £300,000 to fund vital support for families devastated by the loss of their baby. And Topic UK is getting on board too!

Luen Thompson, chief executive of Forget Me Not said: “Very sadly, hundreds of families suffer the pain and grief of losing a baby every year in West Yorkshire. Without support, this devastating loss can have a profound effect on the health and wellbeing of these families long into the future.

Forget Me Not is here for these families. By providing midwifery support, counselling and a place to spend precious time with their baby, we can help families feel less isolated and better able to cope, not just through the immediate trauma, but throughout the rest of their lives, helping families learn to live with their loss and in many cases, navigate the challenges of another pregnancy.

We receive no NHS or government

funding to run this vital service. That’s why we’re asking for your help to raise at least £300,000 - enough to help up to 100 local families.”

Arrianne, who was supported by Forget Me Not when her baby Aziah was very sadly stillborn, said: “We had the chance to spend precious time with Aziah, to read to him, to show him off to our family. It was all we wanted to do, but without Forget Me Not, we wouldn’t have had that time.”

The Every Minute Matters campaign will run over just 48 hours (12-14th October) during Baby Loss Awareness Week and every donation made will be matched by Forget Me Not’s generous backers. Meaning that if you donated £10 it would be doubled to £20, if you donated £25 it would be doubled to £50 and so on. It’s an easy way to make double the difference and that’s why

we at Topic UK are so excited to get involved. All you need to do is visit our Topic UK fundraising page www. charityextra.com/everyminutematters/ topic-uk to make your donation.

Gill Laidler, TopicUK’s editor, said: “It means a great deal to be able to support Forget Me Not’s campaign. As readers will know, my much-missed friend and colleague, Mandy Taylor, was instrumental in raising the funds the charity needed to get its hospice built in the first place. So, it feels like a fitting legacy to together try and raise as much as we can to help Forget Me Not continue its vital work supporting families who have lost a baby. Please donate if you can. Thank you.”

Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards celebrates 10 Years

Nominations are open for the prestigious Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards (YCCA).  In aid of the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, the awards – now in their tenth year - celebrate the phenomenal achievements of young people who have demonstrated courage, determination, and strength in exceptional circumstances.

The awards ceremony, which takes place on Friday 14 October at New Dock Hall, Leeds, will include categories for children aged between 0 - 12 years and young adults between 13 – 18 years. There will also be a separate category for the charities who focus on supporting children and families across Yorkshire.

This year will also see the addition of a very special 10 Year Fellowship Award for 2022. This award will be

presented to a previous YCCA winner from the last 10 yearsan individual who has shown dedication to their cause and made a notable difference to the lives of others.

Commenting on behalf of the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, Ewan Dowes said “We are delighted the awards are now recommencing after a short break due to the pandemic. These awards are tremendously important in recognising and applauding the children and young adults who are so deserving of proper recognition. We are again excited to be hosting this year’s award ceremony with support from our sponsors; who’s commitment to these awards has been unfaltering over the last ten years. This year we are pleased to welcome Boodles to our family of sponsors, and we’re sure they will agree the award ceremony promises to be a sensational evening”.

All monies raised at the YCCA awards ceremony will be matched pound-for-pound by St. James’s Place.

Over the last 10 years, funds raised by the YCCA have contributed hugely towards helping children, community groups and organisations in the Yorkshire region. Most recently, this has included the 2021 charity of the year winners The Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.

Nominations for the special 10 Year Fellowship Award and others are now open, these can be accessed via the YCCA website.

To find out how to nominate and see how your support can make a real difference to so many lives please visit www. yorkshirechildren.co.uk.

In an ever-competitive recruitment market it’s important to consider how to set your business apart from competitors when attracting and retaining talent. Here, Rebecca Davison, Director and Head of Tax at Parsons York, gives an insight into the tax efficient benefits and incentives that could help.

With recruitment incredibly difficult across all industries right now, keeping great people once you’ve found them is even more important. Having paid the price to recruit –including paying recruiter fees of up to 30% of salary and through time spent interviewing and onboarding new people – you really want to make the most of that investment.

So what tax-efficient ways are there to retain key employees, attract new ones, and mitigate the costs of recruiting?

Cycle to Work Scheme

There are various Cycle to Work Schemes but the most popular is the salary sacrifice scheme.

Salary sacrifice is where an employee agrees to give up part of their gross salary in exchange for a benefit from their employer, in this case, for a bicycle and/or safety equipment. If the scheme meets the relevant criteria, it can be exempt from tax. Since the employee has given up a part of their salary, they pay less tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs) and the employer is also able to save on employer NICs.

On the purchase of a bike costing £1,000, a basic rate taxpayer could save tax and NICs of £320, with a higher rate taxpayer saving £420. In

Tax efficient ways to keep great staff

Maximising trivial benefits

Employees don’t have to pay tax on a benefit if all of the following apply:

• it cost you £50 or less to provide

• it isn’t cash or a cash voucher

• it isn’t a reward for their work or performance

addition, the employer would save up to £138. These schemes are very popular with businesses based in city and town centres where parking is at a premium!

Electric cars

Company cars have become an expensive benefit for employees, with up to 37% of the vehicle list price being taxed year on year. But the benefit in kind for electric cars is just 2%, which means the tax cost to an employee for a fully electric car with a list price of £50,000 is just £200/year in tax, or £400/year if they pay at higher rate. The company also gets the benefit of offsetting the cost of the vehicle in full in the year of purchase by claiming 100% first year allowance. You can also set up a salary sacrifice scheme for employees to buy electric cars.

Pensions

All eligible employees must now be provided with a workplace pension with a total minimum contribution of 8%, of which the employer must pay 3%. Employers could choose to pay a greater percentage of the 8% contribution, which would reduce what the employee pays, allowing them to keep more of their earnings.

• it isn’t in the terms of their contract

Share schemes

An increasingly popular incentive often used to reward and incentivise key members of the management team who are vital to the company’s success are employee share schemes. These come in a variety of guises, some more tax efficient than others and with varying benefits. We will be covering this topic in greater detail in next month’s edition but if you can’t wait, give us a call now!

Other benefits

There are a number of other benefits which can be provided to employees free of tax including things like mobile phones, health screening and check-ups, welfare counselling and parking.

If you would like to find out more about tax efficient incentives for your team, please get in touch with Rebecca Davison or one of the friendly team at Parsons by calling the York office on 01904 925300 or Wakefield office on 01924 669500.

Rebecca Davison, Director and Head of Tax at Parsons Accountants

Law firm hires five new trainee and apprentice solicitors

Law firm Gordons has welcomed its latest cohort of aspiring lawyers with the appointment of three new trainee solicitors. and two apprentice solicitors.

Antonia Nita, James Harrison and Arran Crump have started training contracts and will undertake four six-month seats which will see them involved across various Gordon s specialisms.

The three new starters will benefit from the firm’s distinct approach to developing its trainee solicitors. This places as much emphasis on personal growth and relationship building as it does on enhancing profe ssional skills.

Taylor Barker-Hales and Neve Cooper have joined the Law Apprenticeship, the firm’s

pioneering, multiple award-winning apprenticeship scheme.

As apprentices, they will both train to become qualified lawyers through a combination of handson experienc e and academic study. Gordons will pay their salary and course fee s, meaning they will not accumula te any student debt.

Corporate partner Amy Pierechod is responsible for mentoring and managing the trainee solicitors whilst Gordons Law Apprenticeship graduate, Megan Stocks, will do the same for the apprentices.

Welcoming the new trainees and apprentices to the firm, partner, Victoria Davey, said: “There is fierce competition for our training contracts and apprenticeships, which means we see some outstanding candidates.

“All five of our new trainees and apprentices were exceptional during the recruitment process. Each one of them demonstrated their clear potential to become trusted advisers who will build strong relationships with clients and colleagues.

“We have a particular ‘people first, lawyers second’ culture and will always support and encourage people who demonstrate great attitudes. We look forward to supporting our new colleagues as they learn to ensure they can contribute to the continued.

Trio of senior leadership changes Leeds agency

For any small business owner, it’s tough out there. And let’s be frank, it’s not getting easier anytime soon as too many challenges to mention keep getting thrown in our way.

Leeds-based digital marketing agency Fusion Unlimited has undergone an internal restructuring and paved the way for three long-standing members of staff to achieve impressive company progression.

Kyle Brogan and Katie Harling will be stepping up as joint managing directors whilst Craig Broadbent will become operations director. Kyle and Katie joined the agency over 14 and 19 years ago respectively as placement students, with Craig joining in 2007. Between them, they have 48 years of experience at the agency and will be

working with the current managing director, Mark Curtis who will be taking on a new role as managing partner.

The trio plan to steer the agency in a new direction with a fresh, ambitious leadership team. Though the agency hasn’t historically focused on its own Marketing or PR, they have an impressive roster of clients.

In the past year, they have added eight new clients, grown turnover by 36% and been named as a Google Premier Partner for the 6th year running –which places Fusion in the top 3% of digital agencies in the UK. They’ve also been featured in Prolific North’s top 50 digital agencies.

Kyle said “Katie, Craig and I are so excited about our new roles. We’ve seen Fusion grow and adapt to an

ever-changing industry and we’re thrilled to be leading its next chapter.”

Katie said “To think that when I accepted my first job out of University at Fusion, that I’d still be here 19 years on and now joint managing director, is testament to what an amazing place it is to work!”

Craig added “I joined Fusion as an account manager back in 2017, and was given the opportunity to build and lead a brand new team. I never imagined back then that I would be here, almost 15 years later, given the opportunity to join the leadership team and help direct the business into the future.”

Mark Curtis founded Fusion Unlimited back in 1997 when the digital marketing landscape was almost unrecognisable compared to how it looks today. After almost 25 years at the helm, Mark is taking a slight step back from the dayto-day running of Fusion, but he will remain firmly involved in the business that he founded back in 1997.

US exports surge by 120% for Yorkshirebased natural paint manufacturer

Leeds-based Brouns & Co, a business that manufactures traditionalpaintsbasedonlinseed oil made from Yorkshire-grown flax, has seen orders from the US for its natural and sustainable products increase by more than 120% in the last 12 months, with the support of the Department for International Trade (DIT) in Yorkshire and the US.

CEO Michiel Brouns is about to embark on his third visit this year to the east coast of the US as demand for the firm’s products grows, and a series of landmark restoration projects have recently been completed using Brouns & Co linseed paint in New England, Virginia, North and South Carolina and Georgia.

“Thanks to US architectural heritage,

there are huge numbers of timberbuild properties in the States and we’ve been focusing our efforts over there, particularly on the east coast, where the maintenance and preservation of historic wooden buildings is a major conservation priority,” said Michiel.

“In Europe we assume the US does not have old buildings, but the majority

of the historic properties there, as in Britain, date from Georgian and Victorian times. The great thing is that these American historic buildings are young enough that with the right care and maintenance they can easily exist for hundreds more years.

“Linseed paint is a centuries-old, natural way to protect timber from exposure to the elements, which is both sustainable and durable. Unlike plastic-based coatings which seal in moisture, linseed paint works with the timber and allows wood to breathe, which ensures that it won’t rot. Linseed paint doesn’t flake or peel.”

One of only a handful of linseed paint manufacturers in Europe, Brouns & Co had already seen US orders, fulfilled from the firm’s Leeds warehouse, top over £100,000 for the first time in March this year, and orders are now coming in every day

from US clients, compared to weekly just two years ago.

As part of a drive to educate architects and preservation specialists on the benefits of linseed oil paint, earlier this year Brouns delivered a programme of continuing professional development events with the American chapter of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

On this month’s US trip Brouns will visit restoration projects recently completed using Brouns & Co linseed paint including a landmark Maine bakery, and the Printmaker’s Inn, a luxury hotel in Savannah, Georgia. He will also provide lunch-and-learn sessions as well as RIBA approved CPD presentations.

The Yorkshire firm’s linseed oil paint will also be used on the Wilton House Museum, a 1750s building converted to a museum in Richmond,

Virginia. Brouns has also recently advised on the restoration of the Ailey Young House, a historically important African American building in North Carolina.

Michiel said: “I very much see our product as preserving the past as well as future-proofing buildings, given that our paint is natural, sustainable and environmentally-friendly. Not only does it contain only natural ingredients, across Europe, original coats of linseed paint have survived perfectly well on houses that are well over 500 years old.”

Conservation expert Brouns, originally from the Netherlands, relocated to Yorkshire in 2006, launching his Garforth-based business with Histoglass, a specialised thin doubleglazing product ideal for historic properties, before recognising the demand for high quality natural paints.

Neil Spencer

GNG sports division expands in Wakefield

Having seen sales increase by 50% year on year, GNG’s sports division has expanded its operations into the company’s entire 28,000sqftmanufacturing facility in Wakefield, doubling its floorspace.

Previously occupying 14,000sq ft of floor space in a nearby building in Navigation Yard, the sports operation

has now moved into GNG’s main premises following the mattress division’s relocation to its new factory in Normanton. The company has made a £200,000 investment into the Wakefield site to meet the requirements of the fast-growing sports division and has recently also invested in new CNC machinery as well as continuing its focus on R&D. GNG Sport currently employs 40 people including a 20-strong team of sewing machinists.

Established in 1995, GNG Sport manufactures white label branded sports equipment and has become the leading manufacturer of rugby training equipment suppling a large range of foam-based products from tackle bags and contact shields to post protectors and pitch kits. It is also becoming

well-known within the fast-growing fitness industry, manufacturing plyo soft boxes, punch bags and exercise mats as well as many other products. Its blue-chip customers include Gilbert, Life Fitness, Decathlon and Manchester United.

“Over the last 20 years, we’ve established ourselves as a leader within the rugby sector and we’re fast establishing a similar reputation within the flourishing fitness industry,” explains Neal Spencer, managing director. “Since the Covid outbreak, we’ve seen a surge in orders, initially with more people needing gym equipment as they worked out at home and then following gym refurbishments and upgrades post-lockdown as well as benefitting from the many new sectors we’ve moved into.

“This uplift has been accelerated by the disruption of the global supply chain with more customers here wanting to source good quality, British-made products. As a result, we were rapidly reaching capacity in our previous manufacturing space, so to be able to double our footprint at the Wakefield site is fantastic, giving us the opportunity to continue to grow – we expect to create another 10 jobs here during 2022.” “We are proud to have built such a successful business and to be continuing to invest in Wakefield. We remain committed to providing on-going staff development, giving our team the specialist training they need to work with a range of technical materials. There’s no doubt that it is our ability to produce everything in-house, from traditional screen printing to state-of-the-art digital printing, laser fabric cutting machines, along with converting our own foam, that gives GNG the edge over our competition.”

Jones Homes has been awarded a 2022 Gold Award for Customer Satisfaction from independent research company In-house Research, which means that more than 90 per cent of its buyers would recommend the developer to a friend.

Jayne Swift, sales and marketing director said: “Being awarded this accolade from In-house Research recognises the hard work of the whole team at Jones Homes.

“This award is particularly coveted within the industry because it is a real measure of how happy your customers are with the service you have provided.

“Such an endorsement represents a powerful vote of

confidence in Jones Homes as a housebuilding company, and we remain committed to delivering the highest standards of build quality and customer care.

“We pride ourselves on our reputation of delivering topquality new homes since the company was launched in 1959. Internally, we have committed to upholding the Consumer Code for Home Builders, which outlines exactly what purchasers should expect from the

Jones Homes secures national customer satisfaction award

house-buying process.

“We thank all our cust omers who took the time to participate in the survey and to our staff and contractors for

Yorkshire electrical engineering firm welcomes pair of apprentices

their ongoing dedication and commitment.”

Jones Homes Yorkshire is currently building new homes across Yorkshire.

A Yorkshire-headquartered highvoltage electrical engineering firm has extended its commitment to reducing the industry’s skills gap, by continuing its popular apprenticeship scheme – and is in the process of enrolling this year’s intake.

Smith Brothers will provide vital handson experience to a pair of trainee cable jointers, which will be dovetailed by a two-year City & Guilds academic

course and three years with Utility and Construction Training (UCT).

The candidates include Tristan Fallowfield who previously worked as an accredited technician for Volkswagen, and Zachary Naylor, who joins from Trinity Sixth Form Academy.

“As an employer, it’s our responsibility to support the ambitions of those in our sector and region,” Richard Smith, cofounder of Smith Brothers explained.

“If you qualify as a jointer, you have a ready-made, lifelong career – anywhere in the world. It’s important that we do our bit in addressing the skills gap when it comes to fostering the brightest and best in engineering talent.” The annual apprenticeship scheme is not solely reserved for school-leavers though, as Richard continued: “We take apprentices of all ages because we believe that everyone deserves the chance to learn a trade. Some of the best engineers left school and went straight into a labouring job, but years later, they might be keen to back up that practical experience with a formal qualification.”

As part of the programme, trainees will spend one month per year at the training centre, 9-10 months on site with Smith Brothers, and the remaining time focused on completing the City and Guilds academic requirements.

Company of the Month

BPI Auctions appoints two

of the team

Wakefield-based online asset disposal specialists

BPI Auctions has appointed two new members of the team to launch its industrial division. Focusing on all areas of the UK with bases in Scotland and the Midlands.

Joe Hodgson joins the team as director, from his previous role at Fabricom. After a successful career spanning 15 years in oil, gas, and petrochemical industries.

Peter Clouston will also be joining the business as director, following a successful 30-year career of working with SME and corporate businesses up to CEO level. Peter will focus on the development of the BPI Industrial division, using his background in nuclear, renewable oils and energy.

The appointments mark a period of growth for the Wakefield-based auction platform, which has invested heavily in

revolutionising traditional auctions and offering best-in-class online service to both bidders and sellers.

Joe said of his appointment: “I’m excited to be taking on this role at BPI Auctions to develop the new Industrial Division within an energising business. I’m looking forward to creating new and maintaining existing clients”.

Peter said of his appointment: “I’m thrilled to be joining the fantastic team at BPI Auctions at such an exciting time for the business. The new industrial division is something new and

completely different to anything in the market, and we can’t wait to unveil it to our customers, old and new”.

David Boulton, managing director at added, “I am

thrilled to welcome Peter and Joe to the BPI Auctions team. Their vast experience in the offshore and energy industry will prove invaluable to the growth of our industrial division”.

Greenarc Ltd appoints Faye Robertshaw as HR Director

Greenarc Ltd is a national supplier of residential and commercial fuels. Their latest division supports the decarbonisation of homes and businesses by providing customers with the knowledge and advice on their journey to achieving carbon neutrality. Most recently they ranked fourteenth on The Sunday Times 100 list of Britain’s fastest-growing private companies

As part of their continued growth, Greenarc Ltd are delighted to announce their latest appointment, Faye Robertshaw who joins the Greenarc team as HR Director. Faye has over 10 years of experience in a HR role, she specialises in change management and has a rich history of working with growing businesses like Greenarc Ltd.

Coming from leading companies such as Prism Medical UK, Faye brings with her a wealth of experience, especially in relation to operational HR. She has supported several acquisitions and mergers and has a strong emphasis on training and development.

As a HR Generalist, Faye will look to expand Greenarcs HR operations

by implementing several new and exciting initiatives. Faye is open to speaking to talented individuals who are looking to join an ever growing and successful company.

As a Halifax-based business, Faye will be looking to connect with local organisations to promote the opportunities available to the local community.

Matthew Crockett, Managing Director at Greenarc comments:

“Over the past 12 months we’ve grown massively as a business and now is the perfect time to bring someone like Faye on board. She has such a wealth of experience in stakeholder management and the recruitment process and I’m looking forward to seeing our team grow.

I’m passionate about our values and a ‘one team culture’ and I’m confident that Faye will promote these internally and support our future growth.”

Faye said: “As someone who is local to Calderdale, I’m excited to be spearheading the HR operations at such a successful local business with its roots in Halifax. There’s so much potential and opportunities available to support the future growth of the business and I look forward to working with our teams to align our values and create a streamlined HR structure.”

To find out more about a career at Greenarc email hello@ greenarcenergy.co.uk.

Reinforcing YSPas a world class destination

Yorkshire Sculpture Park covers 500 acres on the 18th century Bretton Estate. Over the years since she joined, director of the park Clare Lilley has made an enormous contribution to the growth of YSP, helping it to develop into the leading international cultural destination it is today.

The park opened in 1977 and Clare joined in 1992, working in a number of positions before taking over from founding director Peter Murray CBE when

he retired in March 2022 after 45 yea rs at the helm.

Yorkshire businesswoman editor Gill Laidler caught up with Clare recently, to learn a little bit more about her and her career to date.

Growing up, Clare didn’t have a strong idea of what she wanted to do. “It was all very vague until I got to the University of Manchester where I studied the History of Art – when my direction became crystal clear – but I was always certain I would never be dependent on a partner or anyone else.”

Whilst interning at the then new contemporary art space, Cornerhouse in Manchester, Clare worked as assistant to the curator of an incredible exhibition of late Medieval art called the Age of Chivalry, at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. “Both of these were hugely important experiences. They were rapidly followed by working at Theatr Clwyd in North Wales, where I programmed three exhibition spaces – it was a real baptism of fire! Very quickly I learned a lot about community, relevance and fundraising and I really loved my time in Wales,” Clare told us.

Clare took over the helm at YSP in April 2022, as the pandemic was ending. “This was a difficult time for all of us, relentless, fearful, exhausting. The prospect of YSP going under was real and it dominated every day. I dreamed cash flow projections.” She added, “On the flip side, both our daughters came home, one of them for the first time in two years because she works at sea, and that was utterly, utterly brilliant. We drank a lot of rosé!”

“Now that we’re through the pandemic, my ambition is that Yorkshire Sculpture Park is widely recognised as the leading world-class destination for art, nature and learning for all people.”

“Yorkshire Sculpture Park is complex,” Clare explained. “Art, farming, education, food, historic landscape, shopping, all interconnect and I know it all extremely well. It’s a privilege and very exciting to be in a position where I can start to shape our future and I’m fortunate to have such skilled staff and trustees. I love welcoming people to YSP for the first time and seeing their eyes widen with amazement; I can’t tell you how often I’ve heard ‘I never realised it was like this!’ and I never tire of hearing it.”

So what is frustrating for Clare? “We have brilliant people who have great ideas and energy but we don’t have the

resources to put all those good ideas into action. Also, the time and cost of conserving sculptures after they have been climbed on or marked by people is huge and while I understand the temptation to do this, particularly for children, it’s so disheartening to see people do something that has such negative consequences.”

“Ours is an unusual and successful business which serves our charitable objectives,” she continued, “but never to the extent of our needs or ambitions, especially when it comes to the historic landscape, so money is always a concern. A lovely

big endowment would be a game changer, but in the absence of that, we’re intent on creating successful business opportunities on site.”

So what is a typical day like for Clare?

“Not much is typical but I’m an early riser and usually get into the office before 8am. The drive over Emley Moor is such a nourishing part of my day, as is turning into YSP and seeing the valley with Henry Moore sculptures unfold in front of me. The land is forever changing and it gives so much. I like to have thinking and planning time in the morning, with meetings and walkabouts in the

afternoon. Trustee and international conversations tend to be in the early evening. I’m not travelling so much as pre-pandemic,” she continued, “but I’m in London and Europe fairly frequently.”

Recruiting new and diverse trustees who can support their work and be critical friends is a strong focus at the moment for Clare and her team. So, too, is sorting out YSP’s historic infrastructure, much of which is over 250 years old and in need of radical conservation. Developing biodiversity and planting so that YSP can be enjoyed for future generations is a priority, as is creating a more sustainable organisation. “We have terrific exhibitions and projects lined up and I’m passionate about making a place where creative activity is readily available to a broad audience, amplifying YSP as both a creative community hub and an international institution.”

So what advice would Clare give to

her younger self and if starting out again, what, if anything would she do differe ntly? “I think my advice would be not to worry so much and to have more selfbelief, though I probably wouldn’t take much n otice! I would also spend more time with my children and access more training to build my confidence at a younger age.”

FACT FILE:

Husband / partner name: Jonty

Children: Alice (25), Esme (22)

What car do you drive? Red Audi

TT TDI Q uattro S Line 

What do you do in your leisure time? Lots of walking, friends, cooking, reading, looking at art, watching films

Where is your favourite restaurant? The Moorcock Inn, Norland and Rovi, London

What is your favourite food and drink? Robust salads, Persian/ Mediterranean, nothing too fancy, rich red wine

Where is your favourite holiday destination? Coastal Italy, Portugal and Spain

Where is your favourite place in Yorkshire? Yorkshire Sculpture Park…sorry… I also love walks around Snailsden Reservoir

What is your favourite gadget? My Bialetti espresso stovetop pot

What couldn’t you live without? My husband and daughters (and my hair dryer)

Leeds e-bike hire scheme moves a step closer

The arrival of Leeds’s first public e-bike hire scheme has moved a step closer with potential operators being invited to bid for the contract.

The scheme, which is due to launch next year, will initially see e-bikes for hire at docking stations in the centre and along key routes, before expanding to other areas of the city.

The aim is to enable more people to switch to cycling for shorter journeys, with tariffs comparable to public transport fares.

It has been made possible thanks to funding secured through the West Yorkshire Mayoral devolution deal in partnership with Leeds City Council.

Subject to further funding, it is hoped the Leeds e-bike hire scheme is the first of many to be rolled out across West Yorkshire in the future.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “I’m delighted to bring this electric bike hire to our region. We want to grow our economy, connect people with opportunities and tackle the climate emergency.

to do this and both cycling and walking have a vital role to play.”

The Mayor will be visiting organisations at the forefront of accessible cycling to learn from the experts how the Combined Authority, in partnership with others, can build on the work already underway to ensure everyone has access to the same opportunities.

The tender publication, which has been released under the trademark name ‘Leeds City Bikes’, seeks applications from experienced bike hire providers to deliver and operate the service.

“We need a reliable transport system

Councillor Helen Hayden, executive member for infrastructure and climate said: “We want Leeds to be a city where you don’t need to own car and a key part of that is expanding and supporting our cycling network. Cycling is a great way to travel for short journeys, as well as long, and this proposal will make it easier for people to ma ke that change. “Leeds City Bikes will help promote active travel as viable transport alternative in Leeds. We’d hope to attract use from a wide range of users such as commuters, students and residents who want to make eco-conscious choices for the ‘final mile’ of their journey.

“E-bikes are a fun and easy way to get around and will help promote a healthier lifestyle away from private

vehicles. The fully electric service shows Leeds means business in terms of providing the best quality public service and signals investmen t in the city.

“We are looking forward to working with colleagues across the region to develop a West Yorkshirewid e hire network.

“The Connecting Leeds Transport Strategy sets out the reasons for, and benefits of, increasing cycling in Leeds and is vital to meet our pledge for Leeds to become carbon neu tral by 2030.”

Peter Sheaf, Chair of Leeds Cycling Campaign, said: “E-bikes are opening up cycling to a new audience - people who may never have considered cycling to work, to

the shops or for leisure, and that’s something to be celebrated.

“We’re excited about the plans for an e-bike hire scheme in Leeds and look forward to seeing more people reaping the benefits of cycling ar ound the city.”

The scheme is being funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority through the Transforming Cities Fund programme, which is aimed at making it easier for people to walk, cycle and use public transport.

The tender publication is available at https://yortender. eu-supply.com. Once logged in please search for 58700 – Leeds City Bikes. The closing date for tenders is Monday 17th October at 12 noon.

57 electric vehicle charging points, including 4 rapid chargers.

Managing director, Mark Farnsworth said: “Having launched Mission Out epic adventure play on the site earlier this summer, we’re proud and excited to open Tingley Garden Centre, our second site.

Bradford Garden Centre’s second site has opened

Tingley Garden Centre, the sister site of Tong Garden Centre, opened to the public on 26 September following a £14 million investment on the former Acanthus Golf Club site.

The garden centre complex will provide jobs for more than 250 people and will be home to a 1000m2 plant canopy, a 300-seater Blooms Kitchen, Grass

Hoppers indoor and outdoor play, Hearty’s Food Hall and a brand new botanically themed restaurant, The Garden Room, serving lunch and Afternoon Teas for 140 guests.

The centre has been designed to make the most of the natural landscape and has been developed with sustainability in mind, with air source heating, a solar array, rainwater harvesting tank and

“We look forward to sharing our inspirational garden and home products, unique new restaurant, Grass Hoppers play areas and a warm Yorkshire welcome for our customers, in particular at our Christmas Launch Day.” Tingley Garden Centre was designed by architect, Pleydell Smithyman. The main contractors, all Yorkshire based, include Brambles Construction, ACN Groundworks, TJ Atkin and MSJ Civil Engineers, Waingap Contracts, EBA Climate and Gralyn Joinery.Tong and Tingley Garden Centres are owned by the YGC Group which recently acquired two Stephen H Smith garden centres in Harden and Otley.

Global fizzy drinksbrand calls Leeds’ CO2Sustain ‘the best thing at drinktec’

Leeds-based CO2Sustain may be a small business, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to attracting the attention of some of the biggest global brands. This was clearly demonstrated this month when they exhibited at drinktec, the world’s foremost trade show dedicated to drinks.

CO2Sustain makes a patented additive for carbonated soft drinks which delivers an enhanced customer taste experience by making drinks fizzier for longer.

This September saw the first post-COVID return of drinktec,

– and it’s resonating with even the biggest manufacturers.

“While we can’t mention who they are, over 50 representatives from one particularly well-recognised name came to talk us. They said our product was ‘one of the best things they’d seen at the show’.”

According to Jonathan two key issues dominated conversations at the trade show. “We already know that manufacturers are deeply concerned about serious CO2 shortages – especially in Europe and North America – which is threatening their ability to produce and market their beverages. This is one area where we can really help, because using our additive allows fizzy-drinks manufacturers to cut the amount of CO2 they use by around 12%, with no discernible difference to the consumer experience.

which is always held in Munich. With 1,002 exhibitors from 55 countries this year vying to attract business from 50,000 visitors from 169 countries, it really is the global meeting place for anyone in the bev erage industry.

According to Jonathan Stott, general manager: “Because there’s been quite a gap between the last drinktec show and this one, the difference for us this year really stood out. It’s clear that fizzy drinks manufacturers around the world are now well aware of our leading position in innovative bubble technology

“Secondly, manufacturers are concerned about the shelf life of the CO2 in their drinks, which can be as little as 4 months. Shorter shelf lives can lead to returned stocks and all the associated financial and sustainability costs. Manufacturers are very interested to hear that our CO2Sustain additive can extend shelf life by an extra 4 weeks, which means fewer returned products, less dumping of stock and packaging, less transport, more saleable products per production run, and wider distribution capability.

“We’re working really hard right now to follow up on all of the interest we generated at the show. We now have quite a number of meetings arranged with some leading brands, and a couple of production trials already agreed.”

Plan your visit to Halifax.

Taylor Franks Percy Shaw

Music as medicine start-up secures Finance Yorkshire investment

Hull-based MediMusic uses artificial intelligence to compile personalised playlists that have been proven in NHS trials to ease stress in dementia patients. The firm has created an app and streaming device called MediBeat that dispenses personalised playlists.

The technology can be used in hospitals, dental surgeries and care homes to manage chronic pain or support patients before and after operations.

Initial clinical NHS trials at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust found the use of MediMusic led to a reduction in heart rate of up to

22 per cent in patients with dementia during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The investment is part of a wider £1.2m funding package that also includes investment from the University of Hull, Sauce Consultants Limited and private investors.

MediMusic CEO and co-founder Gary Jones is an entrepreneur with 30 years’ experience in content management and music. He has spent seven years developing MediMusic and MediBeat.

He said: “This investment will take MediMusic to the next level. We passionately believe this will be a real game-changer in how we

treat dementia patients and people suffering from pain, anxiety and stress.

“MediMusic has managed to digitally fingerprint the DNA of music so we can deliver the right songs as medicine. You could say it’s a musical pharmaceutical. Our initial clinical trials prove it has a very encouraging future in the treatment of patients.”

Alex McWhirter, chief executive of Finance Yorkshire, said: “MediMusic has developed highly innovative healthcare technology that could transform the way we treat people. Our new fund is designed to support innovative and disruptive start-ups like MediMusic to scale up, realise their potential and create jobs in Yorkshire and the Humber. We look forward to supporting the MediMusic team on the next stage of this exciting journey.”

Finance Yorkshire’s new fund is expected to provide £50m to SMEs over five years. It has been structured to provide a range of support through Seedcorn and Growth Fund (primarily equity) investments, along with large and small Business Loans.

New website for The Club by Sarah Restrick

The Club by Sarah Restrick are thrilled to announce the launch of their brand-new website www. theclubbysarahrestrick

The site boasts a user-friendly, one stop destination in which existing clients can book onto any of their upcoming events, and help any potential clients easily sign up to become a member, making it easier than ever to contact Sarah Restrick on a more personal level. Featuring a gallery page where users can view all the exciting past events and stunning venues Sarah works with, alongside a history of The Club, where the name

originates and a breakdown of all The Club’s valued members.

The Club by Sarah Restrick was founded in Manchester in 2021, Sarah Restrick having previously ran the Clique 100 Club since 2019 in Manchester and Leeds. Sarah took over solely in August 2021, launching in Liverpool in May 2022 and with plans to expand to London and Newcastle in 2023.

More than just Networking, The Club take pride in connecting Business Owners, High Level Executives and HNWI through a schedule of luxury events at 5-star venues across the North.

Their upcoming events calendar ranges from intimate private dining events with top chefs, to business lunches featuring

a range of guest speakers, their next one taking place in Leeds, working with one of their valued partners, Dakota Hotel.

Guests will be enjoying a selection of delicious Bowl Food, curated by the talented Craig Rogan, Head Chef of Dakota, Leeds with Accompanying Wine, Beer and Soft Drinks, whilst enjoying the atmosphere the renowned Salon Privé has to offer.

These bespoke events are designed to bring together the best Business Leaders within our network and spark key conversations which facilitate Business return and growth.

For more information on how to become a member visit www. theclubbysarahrestrick.com

Historic Monk Fryston Hall Hotel placed into administration

includes 29 acres of land with ornate gardens, lakes and mature parkland, is being marketed by Eddisons.

The hotel is currently not trading and around 10 staff who were laid off following the Covid outbreak have now been made redundant.

In September, Begbies Traynor were appointed as joint administrators of Monk Fryston Hall Hotel Ltd

Located in the Vale of York, between Leeds and Selby, the Grade II listed country house hotel dates back to the 12th century. Set in extensive parkland, it has function rooms, a restaurant and 29 en-suite bedrooms, and was a popular wedding venue.

Having traded successfully for many years, the hotel was forced to close

during the Covid pandemic and faced challenges that prevented it from re-opening. Despite interest from a number of parties, a sale has not been concluded and the directors have now appointed Begbies Traynor to place it into administration in order to protect the business while a purchaser is sought.

Monk Fryston Hall Hotel, which

Julian Pitts, joint administrator and regional managing partner at Begbies Traynor in Yorkshire, said: “Monk Fryston Hall Hotel is a magnificent historic building set in acres of beautiful parkland and has been successfully trading as a hotel and wedding venue since the 1950s. Unfortunately, like many businesses in the hospitality sector, the disruption of the pandemic proved to be too great a burden for it to bear.

“We are currently working closely with Eddisons to market the business in order to provide the best return for creditors as well as enabling it to continue to trade and provide jobs for local people.”

For further information about the sale contact Eddisons on 0113 209 1064.

ICB appoints contract manufacturing manager

ICB (Intercontinental Brands), one of the UK’s leading independent alcoholic drinks manufacturers and distributors, has appointed Andrea Rogers, 38, as contract manufacturing manager to manage individual accounts and oversee contracted bottling agreements across its ent ire portfolio.

Andrea brings 16 years of FMCG experience, previously working in the Chilled Food manufacturing industry and within account management for more than a decade.

The new role with ICB will see Andrea managing production plans and liaising with customers to inform them of existing products and NPD, as well as overseeing excellent service.

Commenting on her new position, Andrea said: “I am really excited to get

started with my new role, everyone has been so welcoming, and I already feel like part of the ICB family. It’s amazing to see products being developed firsthand and the technology behind the production process. The drinks industry is a new area for me, but with my wealth of FMCG experience, I know my skills will be put to great use. Every year, ICB bottles up to 8.2 million drinks bottles across nearly 400 SKUs and various

formats, so I’m excited to learn all about this fascinating fast-paced industry.

“ICB has seen the Contract, Development and Manufacturing (CDM) side of the business go from strength to strength. It has built a solid reputation over the years working with mainstream brands, large multiples and helping start-ups to get new products off the ground. We are currently making improvements in our factory to increase our production capabilities through additional packing lines. This will increase our available capacity for all sales aspects, whether it be our brands, own label volumes, or CDM volumes. I’ll be working hard to help continue driving ICB’s growth with contract bottling.”

David Milburn, operations director added: “We are delighted to welcome Andrea into her new role. We hope her invaluable experience and customer-focused, analytical approach will aid in fostering great relationships and the growth of our customers, as we continue to deliver the detail they require.”

New traffic offence of causing injury by careless driving

A new road traffic offence of causing serious injury by careless driving was introduced earlier this summer, with potentially significant consequences for all motorists.

The new offence was created because it was felt that careless drivers who caused injury were receiving sentences which were too lenient. The new offence applies to a person who causes serious injury to another person, by driving a mechanically propelled vehicle on a road or other public place without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road.

The key difference therefore between this new offence and the well-established offence of careless driving is the fact that serious injury

has been caused, which covers a wide range of injuries, as serious injury is defined as ‘really serious harm’.

This new offence is an either-way offence, meaning it can be tried in either the Crown Court or the Magistrates Court. A person who is convicted of this offence could be sentenced to imprisonment for up to 2 years if the case takes place in the Crown Court, or 12 months in the Magistrates Court, in addition to a disqualificatio n from driving.

This is a significant increase in sentence when compared with careless driving. The maximum sentence for careless driving is a disqualification or 7 to 9 poi nts and a fine.

It was felt by many that where a driver had committed an act of careless driving which caused injury,

that disqualification or points and a fine were not enough. Careless driving is an act where the driving falls below the standard of a competent and careful driver. The Prosecution will still have to show that the driver’s standard fell below the standard of a competent and careful driver, but where serious injury has occurred, motorists now find themselves in a very different situation to that prior to 28th June 2022 when this new offence was brought in. Motorists are now more likely than ever to face stressful and potentially life changing prosecutions which previously would only have attracted driving disqualification, or points and a fine. It is absolutely imperative therefore that if you find yourself in this situation that specialist legal advice and representation is sought. If you are charged with causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving, this is no longer a case where your driving licence is simply at risk, but a case where your liberty may potentia lly be at risk.

Peppercorn rent for your property?

Blink and you missed it, the biggest change within property law for a generation has happened: The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022.

Although the grandeur of the change is not matched by the modest title, the impact on you as either a landlord, leasehold owner, developer, or purchaser moving forward cannot be underestimated.

The purpose of the Act is to restrict the level of ground rent a landlord can obtain from the majority of new residential leases in England and Wales. The reduction is to a token peppercorn rent per year: thereby, in essence, reducing the financial value of the lease to zero.

Prior to the Act, there was no cap on the level of ground rent that a

landlord could charge a leasehold owner, however from Summer 2022 the reduction will be enforced. The Act will not be applied retrospectively and therefore will not be applied to current leasehold agreements.

The impact on you and your position, no matter which standing you find yourself in, will have to be carefully considered moving forward: –

The Act will have significant impacts for developers and purchasers moving forward, and developers may wish to act now and pre-empt the changes by abolishing ground rents moving forward. In addition, current development schemes will have to be carefully managed moving forward as schemes which are half completed when the Act is enforced will likely result in certain properties paying ground rent and others which do not.

On the contrary, the pending changes will have tactical advantages for some purchasers who may wish to wait until Summer 2022 for when a higher ground rent cannot be enforced. A point to note for purchasers, and landlords, is the penalties which can be applied if the Act is not followed, as steep fines can be enforced if a breach is found to have occurred. The enforcement of a breach can be applied against past and current landlords: therefore, when purchasing a property subject to a long leasehold agreement, it would be prudent for a purchaser to obtain confirmation regarding the past liability.

Landlords moving forward will also have to tread carefully as to not inadvertently surrender and then re-grant a lease on which ground rent is payable but not subsequently enforceable. This would leave the landlord in an unenviable position in which a breach of the lease cannot be enforced.

The Government has made it very clear that this is the start of a series of changes to residential leases and no matter which position you find yourself in, the key is to be proactive.

An arresting development at ULaw!

Bradford area on a Neighbourhood Policing Team, I spent the ensuing years moving between postings on Response, Investigations and Safeguarding, culminating in working in Counter Terrorism intelligence. During my career I deployed in public order serials and was a taser officer: I did a bit of almost everything uniform policing involves! Just before leaving I received the Queen’s Jubilee medal. I am now a Lecturer at ULaw Leeds in Professional Policing Studies.

What prompted the move to teaching?

After 14 years of policing I realised that it was time to either get promoted, or to move on. I had done everything I wanted to do in policing. I had acted up as a Sergeant in the Domestic Violence Unit and realised that the police promotion route wasn’t for me. I was never short of offers of assistance with the promotion process, but ultimately I felt it was time for something new.

With the start of the academic year upon us once again, the University of Law’s newest Lecturer in Policing, Liz Beck, introduces herself and shares her top tips for those considering a career in the police.

Tell us a bit about you

I joined West Yorkshire Police in 2008. Before that I was working in a share dealing company by day and as a TaeKwondo instructor at night

but had been interested in joining the police since doing a placement in Leeds when studying my BSc in Criminology. After completing my probation in the

I felt I had learned a lot from helping younger student officers develop, so when a family member mentioned to me an opportunity to be a Policing Lecturer at ULaw I decided to explore further.

Speaking with staff at ULaw about the Policing Studies course was a really positive experience: they were really interested in the expertise I had gathered over the years. I got on well with the staff and decided that this would be just the new challenge I needed.

What advice do you have for aspiring police officers?

My first piece of advice to anyone looking to join is to really get to grips with the terms/conditions relating to the different pathways into the police. Some of the pathways have clear advantages over others – you firstly need to work out how you want to do it.

Completing the Professional Policing Degree I teach offers candidates a fantastic knowledge base across all aspects of policing before you join, as well as ensuring a significantly better starting wage.

Secondly, for younger people looking to join the police from school or university, I would give the same advice I will give my students: get a part time job, or do public-facing volunteer work. The experience you will gain from any job where you interact with the public will become

the backbone of your application form’s examples and will help you with the carousel role plays and interviews. The police thrives on the life experience of its officers, they need young officers who have had to deal with members of the public and who can talk with confidence: these are basic skills which people who have dealt with the public develop with ease.

Any other tips?

There is a huge misconception that joining the Police is easy or that you are guaranteed to be accepted. These days, the opposite is true: the process is extremely rigorous and competitive. You have to be prepared for it. The good news is, there are now institutions such as ULaw who can help you navigate the process. Having left the police now, I am able to offer my students honest, realistic, up to

date and relevant support regarding the recruitment process: the kind of information and support I wish had been available to me 14 years ago.

www.law.ac.uk

Strong performance for Yorkshirelaw firm in latest Legal 500

The firm, which has offices in Leeds, received a total of 10 recommendations across the country, including recognition for its work in the Court of Protection, and representing clients in matters relating to Education and Children’s rights, as well as Civil Liberties and Human Rights.

The team also offers advice and representation to those seeking protection from or responding to allegations of domestic abuse.

Commenting on the latest Legal 500 outcome Simpson Millar’s CEO Greg Cox, commented: “The latest Legal 500 results are indicative of the hard work and dedication of our legal teams, and our wider support teams.

Simpson Millar’s Yorkshirebased family law team has once again been recognised by the Legal 500 UK 2023 Guide, securing a Tier 4 ranking in the prestigious legal directory.

While the family law team helps clients with all aspects of Family Law such as divorce, financial settlements and child arrangements, the child care team works with parents, other carers and children in care proceedings and matters related to disputes regarding children.

“We are very proud to have secured continued recognition in such a prestigious directory, and particular congratulations goes to those colleagues who have been individually named for their efforts in delivering expert legal advice in their fields, and to opening up the law for our clients.”

The University of Law offers a three-year undergraduate BSc in Professional Policing designed to meet the requirements of the College of Policing National Curriculum. To find o ut more visit: https://www.law.ac.uk/ study/undergraduate/ policing/bsc-honsprofess ional-policing

The Register of Overseas Entities (Roe)

The Government has sought for many years to create a public register to keep record of all oversees individuals who own UK Property. Whilst this has been on the Government's agenda for a while, the legislation has been slow to follow. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has seen this plan come to fruition at an ac celerated pace.

The new ROE which came into effect on 1st August 2022 seeks to accurately record anyone who owns, or is the tenant of, a long lease of property in the UK.

Provisions relating to the registration of such came into force on the 5th September 2022.

Information regarding all beneficial owner(s) must now be disclosed to Companies House and these records updated annually. In the event that the overseas entities are unable to provide information regarding the beneficial owner(s), details of their directors/ managing officers should be provided instead.

The ROE's primary aim is to control any potential money laundering activity by overseas entities by increasing transparency of UK property ownership by overseas entities.

The application must be submitted digitally and must include any information relating to any registrable beneficial owners, if applicable. If there are no beneficial owners, details of all managing officers must be provided.

Notice must be made to each beneficial owner one month prior to making the application. This is to allow sufficient

time for any information to be amended, if so required. The beneficial owner is then to confirm / amend the information prior to the submission to Companies House.

The information comprised within the application must also be verified by a person acting in the course of business carried on by that business in the U.K. It is currently unclear as to whether law firms are able to offer such a service, as further guidance from the Law Society is yet to be released.

Once the above has been adhered to, Companies House will process each

application for a fee of £100.00. Upon completion of such registration, a unique identity number will be provided to the overseas entity via email.

It is for the overseas entity to comply with their duties under the Act, unless expressly agreed between client and solicitor, whereby the submission can be made by the agents on behalf of the overseas entity. However, the Law Society in their statement have advised that this is to be done ‘with diligence and caution’ as delivering false or deceptive information to Companies House is deemed a criminal offence. Failure to register, or to demonstrate a pending application for registration, will constitute a criminal offence, both for the entity and its officers. Severe sanctions are put in place for such occasions – fines up to £2,500 per day on the overseas entities and possible imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

HM Land Registry is obliged to enter a restriction on the title register of the overseas entity preventing the overseas entity from transferring the property, granting a lease for a term of more than 7 years or granting a legal charge over the property unless it becomes registered at Companies House.

Any submitted registrations of property to HM Land Registry will be unable to complete if the overseas entity is not registered in the ROE from the 5th September 2022.

The employment law specialists at Ramsdens Solicitors have found that more than one-in-four employers find it difficult to handle employee grievances satisfactorily.

The findings come from a survey on employer confidence conducted by the legal firm to determine which issues employers are lacking the requisite understanding to address appropriately.

The survey has found that 27.32% of respondents were not confident when handling grievances and over half of those (56%) were not at all confident, highlighting the lack of knowledge employers have in this area.

This lack of knowledge is also shown in other areas linked to grievances. For example, 30.6% of respondents also said they were not confident when recognising and handling a whistleblower report.

David Bradley, Head of Employment at Ramsdens, said: “The lack of confidence that employers are reporting when it comes to grievances is concerning. Issues that employees bring to their employers need to be able to be handled swiftly and with a full knowledge of the law.

“It is important that employers know where they stand so that grievances can be fully addressed to the satisfaction of both parties. If employers are not confident when sorting these issues, it can have long-reaching negative consequences for the company. In these situations, it is imperative that the correct legal advice is sought by an appropriate legal specialist so that the business can continue to deliver their service s effectively.”

Ramsdens Solicitors

A quarter of UK business owners and employers are not confident that they can handle grievances to a satisfactory outcome

Photo Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com

Dining Manhattan style

Overlooking Leeds Kirkgate Market above Victoria Leeds, East 59th brings bundles of style and fun to Leeds with perfect views over the city skyline.

Perched on the penthouse spot of Victoria Gate, East 59th comprises a modern restaurant, energetic cocktail bar and a Mediterranean style rooftop terrace that makes this restaurant one of Leeds’s most sought after social settings.

Yorkshire Businesswoman editor was lucky to be invited to dine there recently to try their new lunch menu.

“I have to admit this is one of my favourite bars in Leeds. It’s modern, contemporary, has a great outdoor terrace and serves some great cocktails at affordable prices. Parking is easy but for those wanting to enjoy a cocktail or two, the restaurant is adjacent to Leeds bus station and there is a taxi rank just outside.

“It was quiet when I arrived, and the pleasant welcome host asked if I had a reservation (always recommended

to secure your table) I told her I did and as it was a warm day she asked if I preferred inside or the terrace. Of course, I chose the terrace.

“My invitation came from Sharon Brigden managing director from SLBPR who looks after a number of restaurants in the city as well as London, including East 59th. I didn’t have to wait long for her to arrive.

“With lots to catch up on, we settled down and ordered a glass of Seleni Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough New Zealand. With an extensive cocktail menu I must admit a pleasant afternoon could be spent working through them all from the restaurants own 59th Fizz, Tanqueray Gin, Elderflower and apple, topped with Prosecco and finished with Blue Curacao to a fragrant and fresh Rose Bud, Ketel One Rose and Grapefruit, Lemon, rose syrup and lemonade.

“The a la carte menu is just as extensive with a selection of appetisers, mains, sides and of course a grill. I ordered an appetiser but asked for this to come as a main course, Chicken skewers Tzatziki with lemon and a side of skinny fries, this request was no trouble at all. I was delighted to

see that they now list calorie values on the menu, although I suspect many would be put off when they see a veg stack burger comprising a veg patty, avocado, halloumi, feta,

gem and fries comes in at a whopping 2020 calories! A similar burger with Chicken is slightly more! Sharon chose the Flat Iron steak with fries from the Grill and I have to say both

meals were delicious, with quick service and the food piping hot!

“We had no room for dessert but th double chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream did look rather tempting as did the waffle sandwich with salted caramel ice cream. Probably best not to look at the calorie value on these!”

The restaurant holds a number of events throughout the year such as Friday and Saturday night rooftop DJ sessions and cocktail weekends, check out the website for details and booking.

The restaurant is open every day with food typically served from noon until 9.45pm, but again, the full list of opening times can be found on the website https:// www.east59th.co.uk/

Yorkshire Children’s Charity launch set to be a Royal affair

Following its official opening on 1st January 2022,Yorkshire Children’s Charity has announced it will be hosting an exciting and unforgettable celebration at the region’s most prestigious 5-star hotel and spa, Grantley Hall this November. ‘A Night Under the Stars’ will be held on 4th November 2022 - an official launch event for the charity at which Yorkshire Children’s Charity has the privilege of welcoming a Royal Head of State as its honourable guest.

Yorkshire Children’s Charity launched with the aim of doing things differently and work tirelessly to support the 92,000 children in Yorkshire with disabilities, and approximately 352,000 of the region’s children who are currently living in poverty. Having already raised over £500,000 in six months

to support families and children who are living at a disadvantage, this star-studded event will celebrate an incredible first year, whilst toasting to the future plans of this ambitious regional charity.

The Yorkshire Children’s Charity team has a long-standing connection with this particular Royal family, who has passionately supported children at a disadvantage in the Yorkshire region for over 60 years and is delighted that a representative of their family has agreed to attend.

Supported by Grantley Hall and Berry’s, the event will be held on 4th November 2022 in a breathtakingly beautiful orangery, supplied by The English Marquee Company and dressed by florist to the stars Fulford Flowers. The full event will be designed and styled by the esteemed

Party Architect and legendary Royal party planner, Johnny Roxburgh. Johnny has generously donated his services to deliver a spectacular evening

of fun for Yorkshire Children’s Charity’s guests. Featuring a champagne reception, an exceptional four-course banquet designed by Grantley Hall’s Executive Chef, Simon Crannage, a sensational firework display and incredible entertainment including the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra and more well-known surprise guests, its set to be an incredible night to remember.

Party Architect and Royal party planner, Johnny Roxburgh, said: “This year celebrates one year of Yorkshire Children’s Charity and I’m thrilled to be taking the lead on planning such a special occasion. The event will welcome famous faces and even Royalty at arguably the most prestigious venue in the region – Grantley Hall. Guests can expect immaculate décor, service and entertainment - it’s going to be a fantastic night which really will change children’s lives in Yorkshire.”

Charlotte Farrington, CEO at Yorkshire Children’s Charity said: ‘We have had an incredible start to the year since our launch in January and I have been blown away by the support from individuals and businesses across

Yorkshire. This event is going to be extremely special, and we are incredibly honoured that a Royal Head of State has agreed to attend – it’s such a generous act of kindness. However, despite all the excitement for what is set to be a spectacular event, above all we are there to raise vital funds for the children in Yorkshire who need our help. In just the first six months since our launch we have already been able to make a tangible difference to Yorkshire’s most vulnerable children, and fundraising events such as this one will allow us to elevate that important work. Whilst this event presents the opportunity to showcase Yorkshire at its finest, I assure you that we never lose sight of the responsibility we are entrusted with to raise significant funds for the children and young people who depend on us.”

Tickets for ‘A Night Under the Stars’ are priced at £10,000 for a table of ten sold by invitation only. For more information contact hello@ yorkshirechildrenscharity. org

Yorkshire’s bravest sailor with good hope

A year on from the TopicUK article on Yorkshire sailor Guy Waites, we look at how he is faring in what is regarded as the world’s toughest challenge from Sables d' Olonne in France - and back, the long way round …

As you read this and with fair winds, Yorkshire’s bravest sailor will have reached the Cape of Good Hope as he heads thousands of miles from the continent of Africa to Tasmania.

Guy Waites, from Scarborough, is undertaking the gruelling global challenge of the Golden Globe Race competition - single-handed, non-stop for seven months.

Guy aims to show that a top-level international event could be funded through a grassroots initiative.

Competitors in the race must use

boats no longer than 36ft and with 1968 technology, so no satellite navigation, no internet weather forecasts and no communication other than with the race organisers.

Guy spent more than a year renovating and strengthening his long keel masthead sloop the Sagarmartha in Whitby harbour, with support from local businesses and organisations.

Scarborough Yacht Club members were present at Sables d' Olonne, the French town aside the Atlantic Ocean, for the start of the race. Other members were at the club bar to watch a live stream, cheering him on from the town’s Vincent Pier.

At the time of writing, he had past the Portuguese coast towards Lanzarote and had reached west Africa. He was on a

good speed of 5.2 knots and at latitude 22 deg 59.06 North and longitude 017 deg 38.32 West, but with 24,541 nautical miles to sail. He was lying eighth – and had just treated himself to the gift of a cake made by one of the yacht club members.

Guy and his fellow competitors had to stock up with enough food supplies for the entire trip – and relying on rainwater until reaching the finish line back at the same French port in spring 2023.

Funding was also a challenge. “The hardest part of the race, apart from winning it, was getting to the start line on time with a certified seaworthy vessel,” said Guy before he departed.

He decided to raise funds as much as possible by asking the Scarborough and Yorkshire communities and small businesses. He attracted sponsorship and support by Scarborough Business Ambassadors and public and corporate sponsors, which also include the Castle Group, Heroes Welcome, Seagrown, Paul Coopland, Andrew Pindar and others.

Scarborough Yacht Club also provided donations and race prep support. Simon Bull, who went to cheer Guy off at the start of the race, said: “Scarborough was front and centre in terms of promotion – and there is the potential to bring the Clipper round-the-world race to the north east coast.

“Guy is flying the flag for Scarborough across the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans, several other sea routes and the five great capes in the most arduous conditions.

“He is navigating by the stars and eking out his rations. He led the cheers as he set out from Sables d' Olonne.

“There were big gales and hurricane

winds at Bay of Biscay but after about 1,900 nautical miles he was bunched up with a number of the other boats off central Africa, giving him a good chance to catch up to the front-runners.”

Sir Robin Knox-Johnson congratulated the yacht club for its vigorous support of Guy.

Club Commodore Clive Murray said: “I have confidence that Guy has an excellent chance of winning, and we look forward to him crossing the finish line in first position. Hats off from us to all competitors.”

Guy, 55, is a Royal Yachting Association Ocean Yachtmaster and is one of seven British sailors taking part among the international line-up of 16 sailors. Nine skippers had to pull out before the the start.

See https://guywaitessailing. com/ and https://www. yachtingmonthly.com/boatevents/golden-globe-race/ guy-waites-golden-globerace-2022-skipper-79891

I have confidence that Guy has an excellent chance of winning, and we look forward to him crossing the finish line...

How the new leader of the coast's most influential business organisation is setting a new course

Jo Thompson, managing director of independent cleaning company Spectrum established 25 years ago and now serving the UK with more than 700 customers a year, is the new leader of the Scarborough Business Ambassadors.

Jo Thompson, managing director of independent cleaning company Spectrum established 25 years ago and now serving the UK with more than 700 customers a year, is the new leader of the Scarborough Business Ambassadors.

She heads a 13-member board of widely-experienced directors who give their time freely to help promote economic prosperity in Scarborough and forge multi-sector regional and local partnerships.

Jo, who took over from the original 19year leadership of Peter Wilkinson, is building on his foundations but adding her own collegiate style.

"I inherited a great set of fellow directors and a tremendous legacy including the local University Technical College and the Science and Engineering Week, as well as a well-known dynamic set of Ambassador links," she said.

"But where I would like to go is to embrace a wider range of businesses as associate members or observers who can enrich our aims and progress.

"We are looking at themes that are soundly-based on aspiration, quality and linkage with cultural, educational, health and industry.

"I think that all these sectors have one aim: to make the local economy more resilient and on a higher level."

Jo has already strengthened the board with new appointments and conducted a skills audit.

Speaking after her first board meeting, she said: "I will be sharing information on our efforts and actions on a regular basis - and may I say how impressed we were with our tally of more than 130 new followers on LinkedIn and their comments.

"We all look forward to contributing to our work for the greater good of Scarborough.

"Our sub-group leaders are looking for volunteers to work with them in their work pillars. Anyone wanting to officially associate with the SBA can email me at Jo@ spectrumcleaningsolutions.co.ukplease state your field of interest and I will pass on."

She said the Health and Well-being Subgroup leader Su Richings is waiting to catch up with the team responsible for delivering the

NHS Urgent Emergency Care Appeal to discuss how we can help to raise a significant sum of money. "We hope to arrange a dinner in 2023 to stimulate momentum and support."

Jo added that the Aspiration Subgroup leader, Mel Bonney, has been working hard to create a spectacular new indoor climbing attraction to the town. From initiation of concept, she has made great progress at gaining more attention for what could be a major attraction.

The new input of Laura Mason as SBA Education Subgroup head, is also welcome, said Jo. Laura, chief of the North Yorkshire Business and Enterprise Partnership, is working with Scarborough's Coventry University to help introduce a new degree in Tourism and Hospitality.

"It seems extraordinary that a busy tourist resort doesn’t offer a degree at the town’s university and it would help our efforts for a quality agenda," said Jo.

She has already worked previously with two of the Scarborough Business Ambassadors 16 years ago when they joined together to help advise and encourage new entrepreneurs.

Former chairman has accepted the offer of being the SBA Patron.

Jo said: "Peter continues to demonstrate great enthusiasm for Scarborough and still wishes to lend his time where he can connect us to his contacts and generally help progress our activities."

Chris Taylor

Thirty guitars set to rock the coast

Classic hits from legends including Hank Marvin, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Mark Knopfler and 30 authentic guitars are strumming their way to the Yorkshire coast.

As the historic Scarborough Spa maintains its varied music portfolio to help attract more tourism and leisure business to the town, it has unveiled one of the UK’s premier live concert experiences, The Story of Guitar Heroes.

Performing at the Spa’s theatre, the

show has won critical acclaim nationally and internationally for its stunning homage to some of the most iconic guitarists from the past 50 years of popular music.

Featuring talented world-class musicians and state-of-the-art video

projection, the show journeys through five decades, from Rock ‘n’ Roll through to the most creative guitar heroes of the modern era.

The Story of Guitar Heroes recreates the unique sounds of each guitar legend with incredible accuracy.

The show also includes classics from Eddie Cochran, Chuck Berry, Brian May, Jimmy Page, Van Halen, Slash and more on October 29 2022 and also

at Bridlington Spa on March 25 2023.

The show uses more than 30 guitars to recreate the sound and ambiance of each guitar hero. The presenter and lead is guitarist Phil Walker.

The Spa Theatre is a 557-seat Victorian theatre, is home to summer season shows, comedy and music shows and pantomimes.

The Spa also includes the Grand Hall for concerts, Ocean Room, Promenade Lounge and Sun Court for open air concerts cafes and bars.

From the colonnade shops to the Cliff Lift, the complex is nearly half a mile in length and can accommodate conferences of 2,000 or more delegates.

Visitors to the Spa can see the architecture of the 1880s and the scale and style of its Grand Hall. Additions and alterations have been made, and a major restoration programme was carried out in the early 1980s to reinstate some original features and decorative styles.

Performers who have visited the Spa or been filmed there include Helena Bonham-Carter and Rick Mayall in

Dancing Queen and Ewan McGregor and Jane Horrocks were filmed in the Sun Court for Little Voice.

The Grand Hall seats 1,500 and hosts live entertainment including the Scarborough Spa Orchestra and the Scarborough Jazz Festival. Ken Dodd’s last Scarborough performance was held on stage there.

The Spa area has been welcoming visitors since its healing waters were first discovered in the early 1600s. These days people are more likely to visit to enjoy music and entertainment as well as the seascape.

Lee Williams

New York, New York, inspired by a Manhattan diner

Restaurant review by Brogan Huntington

Inspired by the original TGI Fridays bar situated in New York in 1965, 63rd+1st in Harrogate invite guests to step away from it all and enjoy tempting sharing plates and a curated selection of

cocktails,spirits,wine and beers. It is the perfect place for an early crowd to grab a fresh coffee or an easy brunch at the weekend or what about a handcrafted martini after a shopping spree.

Food offered is simple. Small plates encourage guests to try new flavours and share these because according to them, life tastes better shared!

The restaurant has a beautiful

club like interior spanning 314 square metres with seating for over 100 people, there are also 12 tables available for dining outdoors.

When Yorkshire Businesswoman were invited to dine there, of course we couldn’t resist and asked member Brogan Huntington, director of Marketing Adventures to go along and find out more.

“63rd + 1st is the place to be. The outdoor design is certainly attractive

and sets up the luxury experience from the offset. We were greeted by a lovely lady who showed us to our seats and explained to us the different menus and what was on offer that day,” explained Brogan. “When it comes to ordering there are two options, my colleague and I could either choose from a tablet on our table or just tell the waiter.

“At first, we initially thought the menu was selective compared to other restaurants, but we learned that the menu options change every

three months. This is a great feature of 63rd+1st, as it ensures that there are always new things to try and diners are not overwhelmed by a large selection. All the food we are assured is cooked from fresh.

“We ordered our first course and whilst we waited it gave us the opportunity to browse around. One of the most striking things about the restaurant is the décor, we certainly could feel the luxury American style. All tables were set perfectly, and the restaurant was super clean. Although the lighting was set to dim to give that luxury feel, it was still bright enough and the modern prints on the walls added to the American style.

“The waitress arrived with our starters promptly. Between us we enjoyed short rib croquettes + pulled short rib and cheddar, jammy chicken lollipops and chilli jam. The croquettes were full of flavour and the chicken lollipops were something different that we had not seen before, we would definitely order those again.”

Brogan continued “For our main course

we ordered the 63rd+1st Burger and a fillet steak with peppercorn sauce. These were served with loaded fries, candied bacon and garlic mayo. Delicious. The burger was juicy with the brioche bun giving a sweeter flavour to the dish. Personally, I would have preferred a little more cheese but that is just my preference! The fillet steak was ordered medium rare, but I would have preferred it to have been cooked slightly less, however it was still very soft and delicious. The accompanying peppercorn sauce had a very strong pepper flavour. Our favourite was definitely the loaded fries, all diners visiting must try them,” she added. “They were cooked perfectly crisp and salty whilst the candied bacon added a

sweetness to the dish all topped off with garlic mayo, this is the perfect side dish for any meal.”

With just the right amount of time between courses, it was ti me for dessert.

“We opted for the waffle cone ice cream as there was lots of flavour options. We agreed that our favourite flavour was the chocolate fudge brownie. We also tried honeycomb, vanilla, chocolate sauce, peanut maple sauce and for toppings we tried fudge pieces, chocolate strands and Crunchie pieces. The cones were served on stands and sauces and toppings in side dishes, so things did get a little messy. That said, they all tasted delicious, but I think I would

have liked a spoon to make the dish a little more practical.”

So, what did Brogan think overall? “I would definitely return, particularly after learning they have a live DJ on Saturday’s and Jazz on Wednesday’s. The cocktail menu was extensive too, so I think I need to return on an evening to sample one, or two!

The restaurant is located in Westgate House on Albert Street, just a three-minute walk from Harrogate railway station. They are open Monday to Wednesday from 9am to 11pm, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9am to midnight and Sunday 9am to 10pm. Booking is always advisable.

To supplement, or not to supplement?

So, here’s the magic question – to supplement or not to supplementwhich side of the fence are you sitting on?

By: Janet Milner-Walker - Founder of Bespoke Advantage

In 2017 the Wellness industry was reported to be worth $4.2 trillion globally according to the Global Wellness Institute and it certainly shows no signs of slowing down. One of the biggest changes we have seen over the past few years is how beauty, nutrition, fitness, and health have merged. It is no longer about a ‘one size fits all’ but about understanding our bodies and our genetics, and we are now taking a far more personalised approach to investing in our health.

The Wellness in dustry includes

• beauty an d personal care

• nutrition and weight loss

• fitness

• tourism

• alternative medicine and wellness i n the workplace

Previously wellness was considered a luxury and a form of pampering –going to the spa or the gym – now it is how we lead our daily lives. We have become far more conscious of our mental health, nutrition, exercise, stress, sleep and what makes us happy. One of the greatest trends we have seen within the wellness industry over

Abou t Janet-MilnerWalker

Janet is the founder and manging director of Bespoke Advantage, a brand management company specialising in developing and launching beauty and wellness brands across the industry from ‘concept to shelf.’ Janet writes on the topics of beauty and wellbeing, she is a speaker, a coach, and a trusted advisor to businesses.

Bespoke Advantage knows what it takes to build a brand from the ground up and we are now teaching you how to do this too! If you have a great idea for launching a brand in the beauty or wellness industry, and you are looking for support to make this happen come and join our new beauty accelerator programme called BeautytoLife® – www. beautytolife.co.uk

Delivered as online masterclasses over three months, we are teaching you how to develop and launch your brand, together with a group of likeminded entrepreneurs and expert guest businesses. Enrolment is now open; we are offering 20% off our next programme starting in January 2023. Get in touch to find out more

the past few years, is the growth of the supplement category. The global dietary supplement market is forecast to reach a market value of $185.1 billion in 2025, whilst the global vitamin supplements market is projected to reach $71.37 billion in 2028, with online sales growing at a rate of 6.9%. More than 60% of people globally are taking vitamins as part of their daily regime, which is a phenomenal figure naturally boosted by the onset of the pandemic, where during 2020 alone it experienced a growth of 10.8% People have become far more aware of the benefits of supplements not only for their health, beauty, and wellbeing but to prevent diseases such as dementia, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. In the UK 36% of adults have trouble falling asleep at least once a week, and are turning to supplements to induce a better night’s rest.

In the UK we just need to walk down the aisles in our nearest Holland and Barret store to see the array of capsules, liquids, powders. Whether you are looking to improve the condition of your skin, manage an iron deficiency or boost your immunity, there are numerous brands you can turn to as a solution. Collagen is

one of the areas driving growth, you have probably heard about it or even tried collagen related supplements. Several studies reveal that collagen supplements can slow down the aging of your skin by reducing dryness and wrinkles. Collagen is a protein that is naturally produced by your body, it keeps your connective tissue and bones healthy, strong and provides structure to your skin. Adding it into your daily diet could boost your overall wellbeing and improve your overall appearance – from the health of your hair to your skin and your nails. Brands like Kollo, Dose & Co, Ancient Brave and Vida Glow  all offer collagen in dif ferent formats.

Adaptogens have been around for centuries in the medical health world and are a plant-based substance that help to maintain our stress levels. Ashwagandha, tulsi,

trendy in the wellness world, and you can purchase them in capsules, powders, and teas. You can also add adaptogens in their raw form or as powders to your favourite recipes. Puresport is a great brand that caters to concerns from lack of sleep, to treating anxiety, lack of concentration and boostin g our immunity.

About Capsule s, Liquids and Powders

So, what is the best format to take? Powders, liquids, or supplements? If you are shopping for Collagen there is a number of brands available from liquid sachets such as Absolute Collagen or Revive, to a collagen peptides powder format from Vital Proteins, or capsules from Holland

and Barrett. Which of these is going

Let’s start with understanding more about capsules; these come in two formats – hard shells and soft shells. The hard shells tend to be made with gelatine and contain dry ingredients. Soft or gel capsules contain liquid forms or ingredients that have been dissolved in oil. Gelatine is made from collagen which is a protein present in the tissues of animals (typically cows). With a rise in veganism, manufacturers have now started producing vegan and veggie alternatives. In terms of supplementing with capsules, and which works best, it does come down to your preference based on ease of consumption, taste, and size. Sometimes capsules can be difficult to swallow hence why other formats are considered. When taking vitamins in capsule or tablet format, your body needs

to break them down into a fine powder before absorbing the vitamins into your bloodstream. As with any other type of vitamin, it’s key to take them with food, as this is kinder to your stomach and aids in bet ter absorption.

Liquid vitamins tend to have the best rating when it comes to absorption as our body absorbs 98% of the nutrients in liquid format. This is because the vitamin can bypass the digestive process and go directly into your bloodstream. Liquid is also preferred over the other formats in those of us that are unable to swallow pills or who would prefer

not to take them. It’s also a feasible option for young children. The big disadvantage of liquid vitamins is their short shelf life. They lack preservatives which vitamins tend to break down in liquid, so their shelf life tends to last a month or two before losing its effectiveness.

Powdered vitamins are quite popular as they are convenient and easy to mix into food and drinks. You can adjust the dose of how much you take which can be a pro depending on your needs. Powders tend to have a longer shelf life than liquids and capsules. Like capsules, powdered vitamins must be digested before

entering your blood stream which again means that you are not absorbing most of the nutrients in the powder. Like liquid formats travelling with powders isn’t always easy especially if they are packaged in bulky packaging and cartons.

To see the true benefits of supplements, you need to take these regularly, and for a minimum of 3 months. This is something you should do alongside other beauty treatments, and as we age, even more so. If you haven’t yet added this into your daily regime, perhaps now is the time to start reaping the benefits. Convinced yet?

Making comeback!your

By: by Lisa Darwin - fashion stylist & life coach

Hello Ladies! I’m so excited to join Gill with my new column, giving me the opportunity to chat with you all about being your true, happy self! I’m so passionate about setting women up to win, helping you feel and look your best, the best version of you!

A little about me so you know who’s chatting with you, I’m a Yorkshire girl, happily married and have three wonderful children. I love what I do, a good job really, as I have enjoyed nearly 30 years of fashion, styling, events and coaching. As well as being a Fashion Stylist and Life Coach, I host the Lavish Programme, a community of like-minded, empowered women on a mission to feel and look fabulous! We have a wonderful, fun and inspiring community, a safe place to talk, learn and enjoy the journey. For our first chat, I wanted to help you “Make Your Comeback” taking a look at your personal style and giving you top tips on what’s hot this season AW/22.

Autumn/Winter is my favourite season by far, you can have so much fun with accessories, fabrics and layering and you get to cover everything up in a big cosy jumper and comfy boots! Timeless tones and artful brights embrace our contrasting desire for serenity and stability with energy and excitement. Trends are created on the catwalk and don’t come alive until they hit the streets, so you have more influence than you realise. This season’s popular trend is head to toe bright and bold colours of

pink, orange, lime, blue and green, a palette of playful punches of colours. I hear you,” I only wear black”, so implementing dramatic colours into your outfits can be hard for some, but with easy-to-digest outfit hacks you’ll be dressing like a colourful goddess in no time. The most dominating colours on the rise are hot pink, deep orange, zesty lime, jewel green and pacific blue.

A/W tones like grey, vanilla-latte beige, and brown are also key to our AW/22 style and because dressing in all white and our fav all black is seasonless, there are off-white and jet black takes that feel more ‘fall fashion-forward’.

If you’re hesitant to take the colour leap my suggestion is to start small with accessories, a handbag, scarf, jewellery and if you’re feeling sassy a pair of bold heels.

If you’re like me, your signature style probably needs a revamp too, we just don’t give ourselves the luxury of “Me Time” to look through our wardrobe or stay looking in the mirror for more than 5 minutes. How would you like to dress? What’s your desired image? Who’s your style icon? If you could change any part of your image what would this be and

why? These simple questions are a must and will help you create your comeback look, I love fashion and dressing up, so I encourage you to get playful and start dressing up again.

One word to describe AW/22 fashion trend is “Nostalgia” seeing trends brought back from the 90’s and 00’s, so you can rework your style on a budget, as I guess like every other women you have clothes hanging in your wardrobe from these eras, probably still with tags on. My top trends for you to adapt into your personal style are long hemlines that drop to the floor, so if you love a maxi dress, you’re in luck. The classic blue jeans and white T-shirt are a must, may be the comeback of Top Gun has inspired this look. Oversized shoulders and sleeves on blazers and blouses are necessary with the return of corset features too. Cosy and soft to the touch knitwear, shimmer and shine fabrics with dresses and blouses adding a famine

quality. Clothes that move with the use of tassels, sparkle with sequins and are quirky with retro bows. I get the sense the designers are having fun with recreating old classics and personal favourites and after such a tough couple of years why not give people an excuse to dress up, have fun and not give a damn, after all the 90’s era was called the “ Good Era” and the 00’s era was the “Noughties” it’s all about what makes you happy and feel fabulous right?!

My personal top tip for relieving the stress of dressing for work or a night out is preparation, pre-style your outfits and your good to go! If you feel your personal style or your life plan would benefit from a refresh, rebuild or you wish to reinvent, I would love to help you.

Why not get in touch for a chat

love to hear from you E:lisa@

@lisadarwin1111

Ideas to pre-style your outfits

Plug & Play

Jaguar I-pace 400 hse

By: Graham Courtney - Motoring Correspondent

Don’t forget, you might not be sure about electric cars, but when the clock ticks past midnight on January 1st 2030, that will mark the beginning of the end of petrol and diesel cars in the UK (and a lot of other countries too.) The government has banned the sale of all conventionally powered new cars from that date. Some hybrids get a stay of execution until 2035…but…whether you like it or not, 100 per cent battery driving is on the way.

Which is why Jaguar is pushing ahead with all-electric cars like the i-Pace.

This is one of the best and most versatile SUVs on the market. The fact that it’s Jaguar’s first attempt at an all-electric family car is quite an achievement. Future models should be fantastic. 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds. Top speed 124 mph and a range of up to 286 miles. Impressive figures.

Flick it into ‘drive’, press the throttle

Did you know that by 2025 every Jaguar which rolls off the assembly lines will be battery powered? If you want to go down the PHEV…plug-in hybrid…route then Jaguar can offer you the F-Pace and E-Pace, but in terms of 100 per cent electric power, first up at Jaguar is the i-Pace.

and you rocket off the line. Remember, with electric cars you have 100 per cent power instantly. No revs to build. No gears to change. Driving has never been so simple.

On motorways, this electric Jag is an effortless cruiser and, thanks to electric power, you waft along in near silence with only some wind noise and tyre rumble for company. On the twisty stuff it handles brilliantly.

Having hefty batteries slung under the passenger compartment keeps

the weight distribution nice and low. It’ll even cope with mild off-roading as all-wheel drive comes as standard.

The Jaguar i-Pace is roomy, comfortable and well-equipped with climate control, sat nav, LED headlights, heated windscreen, parking sensors and a really clever bit of kit called Pivi-Prowhich allows you to download apps, stream music and even connect two smart phones for hands-free calling. The audio system, which includes DAB radio, is a powerful Meridian system.

Of course, at some point you’ll need to charge the battery. By using the sort of charger you find at motorway service areas, you can get a rapid charge of up to 78 miles within about 15 minutes. You can do a 0-80% charge in 30 minutes. With that potential range of 286 miles, many folk will be able to charge the Jaguar i-Pace on a Sunday night and be okay until the following weekend.

Great family transportation or work commuter-mobile. Looks fabulous too.

All of this comes at a price which, you have to say is the downfall of a lot of the all-electric cars, although the situation is improving as more and more become available. Anyway, the Jaguar i-Pace kicks off at £66,350.

We reckon that when it comes to a premium badge, this is an all-electric car that could make you seriously consider ditching petrol and diesel and go for battery power.

Škoda and q… masters of invention

By: Graham Courtney - Motoring Correspondent

Q is the boffinbehind the gadgetswhich James Bond has access to. He always keeps onproducing somethingextremely clever.

Which is a bit like ŠKODA because four of the best cars in their range have a Q in their name

Kodiaq, Karoq, Kamiq, and the latest to arrive…this one…the Enyaq

It’s a large, family-sized SUV which differs from its stablemates because it is 100 per cent electric. It’s the first fully electric car to come from ŠKODA and it’s gone straight to

the top of the electric car charts…it really is that good.

The Enyaq has been named in the latest Which? awards as the best buy in the medium to large SUV category. It’s been named as Best Value Electric Car by Auto Trader

and won the Best Family Car gong at the annual Autocar awards. Not bad going for car which is new territory for ŠKODA.

As with most electric cars you get a choice of battery. You’ll soon get used to the jargon…bit like ccs, bhp, mpg. Batteries are measured in kWh… Kilowatt hours.

The entry level Enyaq 60 gets a 58kWh battery, but the one we had… and the one we’d recommend…is the Enyaq 80 which gets a bigger 77kWh battery.

What that means is the Enyaq 80 develops 201bhp with power going to the rear wheels. You can get more powerful Enyaq 80s and allwheel drive, but we’d stick with the standard 80 model. 0-60 takes a very respectable 8.4 seconds and the top speed is 99mph.

The crucial figure for any electric car though, is the range. This is a strong point for the Enyaq because it will cover 338 miles before you need to charge the battery. This means most users can charge the car on a Sunday night and not need another charge until teatime on Friday. Brilliant. It also allows for a weekend trip to the Dales, Lake District or Aunt Meg in Wales without panic setting in after 150 miles. If you need a top-up, find the sort of public charger which is becoming more common (50kW) and you’ll get a full charge in around an hour. Find an ultra-rapid charger and that will drop to about 35 minutes.

And it’s terrific to drive. There are quicker battery powered cars out there, but few can match the ride comfort of the Enyaq. ŠKODA aims this car fair

and square at families so it quite rightly avoided a firm ride.

Everything else about the Enyaq is pure ŠKODA which means it’s versatile, roomy and well built. You get all of the essential goodies including sat nav, air

con, DAB radio, rear view camera, LED headlights…and an umbrella.

Starting price for the ŠKODA Enyaq is £42,435. Form an orderly Q please.