REGIONAL NEWS

2022 got off to a busy start as restrictions were pared back and with the economy recovering, although there are many headwinds to face as inflationary pressures come to the fore and recruitment proves extremely challenging. The UK-EU Trade & Co-operation Agreement continues to hinder imports and exports with the continent. Research conducted across the Chamber network and published in February said 71% of exporters felt the EU trade deal is not enabling them to grow or increase sales and the majority said the deal had put UK firms at a competitive disadvantage with additional costs, delays and increased paperwork all contributing to this. Despite these challenges many firms are beginning to adapt to customs documentation and trade procedures, many for the first time, and having developed the skills and capabilities to move goods across borders the Chamber is keen to help these firms seek out new markets around the world. The first quarter of 2022 was also taken up by the search to find a successor for our CEO Sandy Needham, who announced before Christmas she would be retiring in the Spring. I am delighted to say following an extensive search that we have appointed James Mason as your new CEO. James will be well known to many from his time at Bradford City, the BBC and most recently at destination marketing organisation, Welcome 2 Yorkshire. James will take up his role from May 2nd. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank Sandy for her tireless support and advocacy for the region’s business community and for everything she has done to ensure the Chamber continues to be a force for good business across West & North Yorkshire. Amanda Beresford Chair of the Board West & North Yorkshire Chamber

A group of Year 10 girls from Beeston in Leeds sampled hands-on construction taster sessions to mark International Women’s Day 2022. Hosted at Leeds College of Building’s Southbank Campus, the pilot event gave female pupils aged 14 and 15 the opportunity to sample construction-related training. These sessions are ideal for those considering a career in the industry. Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, joined the cohort from Cockburn School as they learned more about Transport Planning, Architecture, and Painting & Decorating professions. The students listened to talks by female lecturers and then experienced trade skills first-hand. More than 70,000 people in West Yorkshire alone work in construction. However, many employers struggle to recruit people with the right skills. Currently, women only make up around 14% of construction industry professionals in the UK. Nikki Davis, Vice Principal – Teaching, Learning & Quality at Leeds College of Building, said: “The theme for International Women’s Day 2022 is #BreakTheBias. At the College, we are passionate about being inclusive, challenging stereotypes, and responding to the inadequate number of women employed in construction in the UK. “Our past female students have an excellent track record of high achievement. Many have gained managerial posts, worked on big construction projects with global firms in areas such as civil engineering or architecture, or won industry accolades. Perhaps some of the girls here today may join their ranks.” Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “For us to deliver the fair and ambitious recovery our region needs, it’s vital that we narrow the skills gap many employers are facing today, and showcase the well-paid, skilled jobs on offer in the construction industry. On International Women’s Day, this event is a fantastic opportunity for young West Yorkshire women to try something new, build their confidence and learn about an exciting new career.”

Meet Kraish Symes – at just 18 years of age, he’s become the youngest ever qualified bus driver to take the wheel with Yorkshire-based bus firm Transdev. Kraish has left behind his day job behind the till for a new career on the road with Transdev – and for him, it’s the job he always wanted to do. “I’m enjoying every single minute” Kraish said. “Every day is different, and the best part of it is making someone’s day with a smile or a quick chat when they get on my bus. “I’d worked in a discount store for almost two years when I decided to make this change into bus driving, and I’ve never looked back since. “I enjoy driving, plus the customer service skills I learned behind the till are helping me now to look after people on my bus. I’m usually on the Otley Dash route – we’re the local bus in and around Otley and already I’m getting to know my regular customers every day. “The people I meet are all happy and friendly and I’m just glad to be here for them. This is the job I always wanted to do.” Kraish qualified as a bus driver at The Academy, Transdev’s dedicated training facility, under the watchful eye of instructor Barry Dean – who shares his many years of on-the-road experience with trainee drivers.

De-carbonising hat-trick for William Birch

York based main contractor, William Birch, has secured three new projects and a place on the national Fusion21 De-carbonisation framework to de-carbonise public buildings in the region. East Riding of Yorkshire Council has awarded William Birch a £1.5m project to de-carbonise three public buildings; Bridlington Spa and Beverley based Annie Reed Road Depot and County Hall. Simon Potter, Construction Director said: “We’re all at different stages of the journey towards net zero, and we are helping our customers develop their own roadmap for reducing emissions, maximising savings and efficiencies, while creating cleaner futures for all.” Haines Watts bolsters corporate finance with new appointment

Leading accountancy and business advisory firm Haines Watts has continued to strengthen its corporate finance offering in the North, having appointed Lee Jefferson to support their growing client base. The new appointment comes as the team continues to expand its pipeline of corporate finance work across Leeds, Humber, the North East and Manchester. Lee joins the team as Corporate Finance Assistant Manager and brings a wealth of experience having worked in the industry for over 16 years. Lee is the second senior corporate finance appointment over the last 12 months, with Maria Mckenna having joined as Manager earlier in the financial year. New Chair for Yorkshire & North East Advisory Board

The Canal & River Trust, the waterways and wellbeing charity that cares for 316 miles of waterways in Yorkshire and the North East, has appointed Helen Grantham as the new chair of its Regional Advisory Board. The voluntary role, for an initial threeyear term, will help the Trust connect people and communities with the region’s waterways – covering North, South and West Yorkshire, East Riding, and parts of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Helen, from Harrogate, will lead the Advisory Board to give people a voice in developing and improving their local waterways and an opportunity to help guide the Trust’s decisions and strategies.