West & North Yorkshire Business Q2 2022 by West & North Yorkshire Business

West & North

Yorkshire

usiness PRODUCED & PUBLISHED BY WEST & NORTH YORKSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Skills for work West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce British Chambers of Commerce Accredited

CONNECTING, SUPPORTING & REPRESENTING BUSINESS IN THE REGION

Q2 2022

Up to 67% off † Business Breakdown Cover for Chamber members Service level

Roadside

Relay

Relay Plus

Home Start

Accident Management

Offer Price

Standard Price

Difference

Fleetwide 1

£87.49

£236.50

£149.01

Fleetwide 2

£78.69

£202.50

£123.81

Fleetwide 3

£64.74

£189.50

£124.76

Fleetwide 4

£55.94

£155.50

£99.56

Fleetwide 5

£47.27

£114.50

£67.23

Fleet Europe

£16.44

£44.50

£28.06

Minibus Rescue

£193.16

£316.50

£123.34

£174.32

£387.00

£212.68

Specialist 2

Specialist 4

£149.66

£306.50

£156.84

Specialist 5

£96.99

£202.50

£105.51

The table below gives you more details about the specific services which can be included within our Business Breakdown cover Roadside

Repair or recovery to the AA’s choice of appropriate local repairer.

Relay*

Transportation of vehicle, driver and up to 7 passengers to a UK mainland address if prompt local repair not possible.

Relay Plus*

Extended Relay service to include one of three alternative arrangements for driver and passengers; car hire, accommodation or public transport services.

Home Start

For breakdowns at or within ¼ mile of your home address.

Accident Management

Takes the hassle out of arranging repair, recovery and insurance claims after an accident or vandalism.

For more information, please contact your local Chamber of Commerce Direct Debit. To make life easier, you can now pay for your breakdown cover by Direct Debit. Based on Fleetwide 3 Standard rates for 3-6 vehicles. All the above prices are per vehicle per year, inclusive of IPT (Insurance Premium Tax). All prices are subject to change. Fleetwide cover does not apply to: specialist vehicles, ie: taxis, mini cabs, hire vehicles, ambulances, police vehicles, vehicles on tradeplates, minibuses, privately owned vehicles (unless used for business purposes), motorcycles and courier vehicles (all of which can be covered on Specialist rates as above), or any vehicles over 3.5 tonnes gvw. Terms and conditions apply. *Relay and Relay Plus services are not provided at or within ¼ mile of driver’s home address. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer prices are only available while your Chamber membership is current. We reserve the right to review pricing at any time. Full terms and conditions available on request by calling 0800 55 11 88. Business Breakdown cover is provided by Automobile Association Developments Limited (trading as AA Breakdown Services). Relay Plus is underwritten by Acromas Insurance Company Limited. Acromas Insurance Company Limited is authorised and regulated by the Commissioner of Insurance, Financial Services Commission, Gibraltar, and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, United Kingdom. Acromas Insurance Company Limited is a member of the Association of British Insurers. Head Office: 57-63 Line Wall Road, Gibraltar. Registered Number 88716 (Gibraltar). UK brand address: Acromas Insurance Company Limited, Enbrook Park, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3SE. Automobile Association Insurance Services Limited is an insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: Fanum House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 4EA. Registered in England and Wales number 2414212. †

BSF_BCC_0360 (0217)

West & North Yorkshire Business

WELCOME 3

Protecting and promoting businesses is key! It is a great privilege and honour to be writing these welcome notes for the first time as Chief Executive of the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. Although my appointment was announced in March, at the time of writing these notes (early June 2022) I have only been in post for a matter of weeks. Thanks however to a thorough handover from Sandy Needham who was in the post for over 25 years (and deserves all the accolades she has received), I feel well versed with what this Chamber stands for and what we need to do to protect and promote our members’ interests going forward. James Mason Chief Executive West & North Yorkshire Chamber

After a very difficult couple of years due to the pandemic, the first two trading quarters of 2022 have seen other factors compound an uncertain time for business. The war between Russia and Ukraine has been difficult to observe on so many levels and of course, has affected many supply lines leading to increases in the costs of many commodities. Add to this the impact of Brexit for many importers and exporters, the cost of living crisis for employees and the spiralling costs of running a business, I believe it’s now more than ever that we need to highlight some of our membership services including debt recovery, legal advice, marketing and the representation of your concerns to key decision-makers. Finally, I look forward to meeting and working with many of you over the coming months and years.

08455 240 240 editor@yorkshire-business.com www.yorkshire-business.com @WNYChamber

West & North Yorkshire Business

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ADVERTISING marketing@wnychamber.co.uk

REGIONAL NEWS

SUBSCRIPTIONS marketing@wnychamber.co.uk

WEBSITE yorkshire-business.com

TWITTER @WNYChamber

FEATURE

West & North Yorkshire Business is a quarterly business

FEATURE

EDITORIAL marketing@wnychamber.co.uk

magazine produced by the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. The audience for this publication is comprised of a targeted audience of the major decision makers and senior executives across both the Yorkshire region and the wider UK business community. © 2022 West & North Yorkshire Business - No Part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form of advertising or promotion without the express permission of the editorial team. West & North Yorkshire Business has taken all reasonable care to ensure that the information contained in this

Chamber of Commerce. Printed by Hart & Clough www.hartandclough.co.uk The Chamber group includes Chamber International, Business Enterprise Fund and West & North Yorkshire

36 37

FEATURE Skills improvement plans

Skills initiatives

Leeds Trinity University

Bradford Manufacturing Weeks

PAPI Grants and workshops

FEATURE

Investing in future talent

International Excellence Academy

FEATURE

Cyber security in schools

Digital skills bootcamp

Entrepreneurial hub

Tutoring charity

FEATURE Business champions

POLICY New appointment

NETWORKING RAF Leeming

INTERNATIONAL

HIGHWAY CODE

PROFILE

YORK

OPINION

BUSINESS SUPPORT

SOCIAL IMPACT

SOCIAL

EVENTS

Rugby League World Cup

Accredited

EVENT

FEATURE

Chamber of Commerce.

West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce British Chambers of Commerce

News from across the region

magazine is accurate on the date of publication. This magazine is published by the West & North Yorkshire

News from Bradford, Leeds, York & North Yorkshire

Exporting sausages to Germany

Update from the AA

City Fibre

Revitalise the riverside

Leeds Chamber President

Case study

Members raise the bar

What you missed online

Upcoming events

West & North Yorkshire Business

CONTENTS 5

World-class manufacturing

Cyber security begins at school

18 Skills initiative

Award winning apprentice

32 Entrepreneurial business hub

High flying networking

West & North Yorkshire Business

BRADFORD NEWS

It’s our time! I have to start this column with the brilliant news that Bradford will be the UK City of Culture for 2025 . If we can echo and emulate what Hull and Coventry did with the designation, it will do great things for the City and District. It does not mean, however, that we take our foot off the gas when it comes to lobbying for Northern Powerhouse Rail and Levelling Up projects to be adequately funded; we’ll still be pressing the case along with stakeholders such as Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority so that we play a full part in delivering more economic growth and business success for Bradford and West & North Yorkshire. Winning City of Culture is testament to the collaboration between communities, business and local government across West Yorkshire. Credit to the Bradford 2025 team for giving us the opportunity to shine on a world stage as well as encouraging confidence and positivity in our great City. The boost to the economy will be significant and the opportunity to inspire current and future generations will be grasped. The Chamber is 100% behind the 2025 team and looking forward to playing a role. Victoria Wainwright President Bradford Chamber

High-flying Bradford association scoops two Northern Housing Awards Manningham Housing Association, the BAME organisation, which manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley, won the prestigious Northern Housing Team of the Year Award with Cath Bacon named as Tenant of the Year. MHA was also shortlisted for Landlord of the Year at the ceremony held at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. The association’s Community Engagement Team secured the Northern Housing Team of the Year Award for their success in delivering Building Bridges Bradford, a pioneering new venture devised to bolster community resilience and bring individuals and families from diverse backgrounds together through social action activities. The project also supported those affected by COVID-19 including people experiencing mental health challenges, loss of income and isolation due to lockdown. Nasir Hussain, MHA Community Partnerships and Investment Manager, who collected the trophy, said: “I am proud of every single member of the team. This includes my colleagues at MHA, the many community volunteers who did so much of the heavy lifting and the more than 2,200 people who took part in activities ranging from outdoor physical exercise to online coffee mornings. “The foundations for Building Bridges Bradford were already in place before the pandemic struck. However, rather than be deterred by the huge challenges it inevitably created, everyone involved simply rolled up their sleeves with the shared objective of improving life experiences in some of the most vulnerable communities across the district. “It is also an immense pleasure to fly the flag for Bradford and Keighley, where lots of good work is going on to bring communities together. In collaboration with our partners across the district, we will continue to be at the forefront of these positive initiatives.”

Expansion of buying team Chemical manufacturer and distributor, Airedale Chemical, has strengthened its dedicated procurement team with the appointment of two new positions, reflecting the increase in demand experienced over the last 24 months. David Harker joins the company as procurement manager and with more than six years of experience in manufacturing and construction buying, he will assist in the development of purchasing systems to maximise efficiency throughout the department. He explains: “The procurement department has become increasingly busy and it was clear that the team needed additional support. I will be managing relationships with existing and potential suppliers

Brook International at FESPA Global Print Expo 2022 Brook International attended this year’s FESPA (Federation of European Screen Printers Associations) Global Print Expo 2022 at the Messe, Berlin in Germany. The event is Europe’s leading exhibition for screen and digital, wide-format printing, and textile printing. With the growth of customised ondemand production, digital textile printing continues to be a key growth market. Brook International’s Chris Melia said: “Our aim has always been to supply top quality, specialist textiles for the flag and banner market. As our market share continues to expand, we consider it a privilege to offer our knowledge and expertise to help our customers achieve fantastic imaging results, using our extensive range of textiles.”

which are absolutely key to our success and can make a huge difference to keeping the continuation of supply of key chemicals which are essential to retaining the trust and custom of our clients. David is joined by Cecily Moffat who fills the role of procurement administrator with five years in industry. Cecily said: “I am bringing several years of administrative experience to the role which will help with the smooth running of this very busy department, but I am really looking forward to the role developing over the coming weeks and months and learning more about the function of procurement in the business and becoming more involved in the procurement of goods and services into Airedale Chemical.”

T L Dallas Group further extend their successful sponsorship of Bradford City FC T L Dallas Group has agreed a new and improved long-term partnership with Bradford City AFC, which will see The TL Dallas Stand (South) remain in place for at least the next three years. The Bradford-based insurance broker has invested a significant fivefigure sum to remain one of the Bantams’ principal partners, and take its affiliation with the club beyond the 20-year mark. The extension of this long-standing relationship will see TL Dallas continue to be referred to as the club’s official academy partner, on the back of a hugely successful campaign among City’s youth ranks. ‘The Bradford End’ on the south side of the Utilita Energy Stadium will remain The TL Dallas Stand, originally unveiled in 2003.

Christeyns helps ease driver shortage and expands HGV fleet Bradford-based hygiene chemical specialist Christeyns has added HGV driving qualifications to its apprenticeship scheme in order to provide a solution for the current driver shortage. Two new apprentices, Tom Grundell and Danny Clark, commenced their apprenticeships in September 2021 and following 18 months of training and immersion in the business, will be out on the road delivering chemicals for use in the Industrial laundry and construction sectors. “The driver shortage has hit the supply chain hard,” said Richard Boardman, Transport Manager at Christeyns UK. “We wanted to find a way to encourage young people into the profession as well as futureproofing our own business.”

West & North Yorkshire Business

LEEDS NEWS

Calling for clarity and certainty Despite ongoing pressures and challenges, posed by the series of issues plaguing economies the world over, Leeds delivered a robust performance over the spring months. This has been a busy period for the Chamber, as the Policy Team and Leadership Groups have engaged with our public and private sector partners on a range of pressing policy issues, including energy, skills and infrastructure. In support of the Chamber’s stated policy positions on matters concerning regional transport and infrastructural investments, we again met with senior Ministers and policy-makers to champion the voice of our business community. Calling for greater clarity, certainty and confidence in Government’s plans for our region, we have repeated the calls for better transport connectivity and improved skills investment. Enabling our talent to access opportunity will create a fairer, more productive region that can continue to be one of the key net-contributors to HM Treasury. The incoming HS2-to-Leeds Review, a £100m investigation into how Leeds can still be a destination for HS2 trains, will reportedly establish it’s Terms of Reference in the coming months. There is still much work to be done, and indeed much to be hopeful for. Following two years of disruption, the Leeds Waterfront Group has reformed in order to review the Waterfront Charter, established in 2018. With the aim of re-establishing Waterfront-related activities to enhance this part of the city centre. With new development accelerating along both the north and south banks, now is a great time to ensure we are developing the places where people want to be and bring new vibrancy back to this historic part of Leeds City Centre. Mike Briffett President Leeds Chamber

Volta Compliance helped Thorite transition to electric There are plenty of reasons why people are making the move to electric cars. They’re better for the environment and cheaper to run. Those benefits are amplified for businesses who have multiple vehicles in their fleet – or the possibility of several staff wanting to use charging infrastructure. Having electric chargers on site encourages employees to make the switch and makes businesses more attractive to staff that already drive an electric car. However, that’s also the biggest hurdle involved in the transition. Before you can move to electric, you need the chargers in place. That was the challenge faced by Thorite, who wanted electric vehicle chargers installing in their car park after moving to a new site. Thankfully, another local business and member of the West & North Yorkshire Chamber – Volta Compliance – was on hand to help. Thorite moved to a new 44,000 square foot purpose-built facility including plenty of free parking. To add to the modern amenities at their new home, Thorite wanted to install electric charging infrastructure. Based just down the road in Leeds, Volta Compliance was the ideal partner for the transition. After a quick consultation, they determined that two 7.4kW sockets in between parking bays 1 and 2 would be the ideal solution, complete with tethered leads for connecting cars. Thorite also wanted smart functionality so the sockets could be easily managed and monitored going forward. Volta’s installers supplied and installed EO Charging sockets with tethered leads, so cars can easily be connected, even if drivers have forgotten their own charging cable. The chosen infrastructure has all the capabilities required by Thorite’s team. Users can login to set up and remove drivers, adjust the charging tariff and minimum charge, and see the status of their chargers. The network connectivity also gives Volta Compliance remote access to the hub for a range of functions. They can assist with reboots or unlocking of the hub or sockets, as well as recording usage for auditing purposes.

Finishing on a highlight Leeds manufacturer, Pland Stainless, has reported a positive 10% growth in sales during 2021, despite the market challenges faced with the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit uncertainty. The business, which has been manufacturing stainless steel products, mainly for the commercial market since 1919, has seen the largest growth on bespoke made-to-measure products from all sectors including healthcare, catering, secure accommodation, and education.

Pland had a busy year all round with lots of investment secured in the business too. They purchased and have been trialling two robots for welding and polishing, designed to be used for repetitive tasks, particularly

where vibration causes health and safety concerns for their skilled polishers. Steve Duree, MD said: “It’s all credit to the team that we achieved so much in very challenging and uncertain times.” Pland’s employee retention record is certainly above average with a number of employees achieving over 30 years of service with the business. It employs traditional skilled craftsmen and continually recruits apprentices to learn and continue the trades. It’s this experience and knowledge, coming from years in the market, that has helped Pland make the right choices over the past two years, helping it to grow in unprecedented times.

Investing in the arts to creatively communicate to businesses

FaberExposize UK and Northern Flags expand their print might

Haines Watts celebrate at Yorkshire Accountancy Awards

Square One Law has taken a unique approach to highlighting its capabilities with an innovative investment in the arts. The firm engaged some of the North’s leading creative artists to create its ‘Fearlessly Solving’ campaign.

Leeds-based FaberExposize UK and sister company Northern Flags welcomed a new Jeti Tauro H3300 printer as the firm expands further into UV rigid and roll to roll products. This is done alongside the recent dye sublimation expansion with the new Agfa Avinci that arrived in December bringing them a total of three high capacity dye sublimation machines.

Haines Watts Leeds is celebrating winning at the Yorkshire Accountancy Awards earlier this month, having secured the Trainee of the Year Award 2022!

Working in collaboration with creative agency, The Traveller and the Bear, they brought together leading drummer, Ed Smith, who has played with Geordie rock star Sam Fender, and spoken poetry performer Lerato Azula. The centrepiece of the campaign is a striking film telling an impactful story that being fearless is not only about breaking from tradition, standing apart and solving problems creatively, but also encouraging your people to act with integrity, watch their clients’ backs and help drive the business forward.

Iain Clasper-Cotte, Managing Director of FaberExposize UK said: “This is the 10th wide format printer we have invested in over the past six years and is undoubtedly the fastest. We already operated 2 Annapurna UV printers but as we have grown our Rigid and Vinyl business through COVID when the demand for fabric collapsed, we needed some extra firepower to keep up with our expansion and the demand for environmentally friendly substrates.”

The winner of Trainee of the Year, Charlotte Holland, is regarded internally by many colleagues as an invaluable member of the team and already a go-to expert for help with accounting software. Managing Partner, James Sutton said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won this award. Charlotte is an exceptional trainee with a very bright future. Credit goes to all of our fantastic team and their continuous hard work supporting our clients.” Charlotte added: “It means a lot have won this award. It is great to have hard work recognised and it made me feel really valued by Haines Watts.”

West & North Yorkshire Business

YORK & NORTH YORKSHIRE NEWS

Working together to bridge the skills gap As we begin to approach the summer months, York and North Yorkshire (YNY) can look forward to what is shaping up to be a strong spell of regional development and seasonal trade. Despite mounting concerns relating to energy and the wider cost of living, our region has nonetheless continued to demonstrate unrelenting tenacity. Businesses across York and North Yorkshire have much to anticipate, as a series of key regional opportunities will begin to develop over the coming months. Among these include the reopening of the York’s famed Guildhall, the launching of YNY Chamber’s digital sector project and the announcement regarding the outcome of the City’s bid to become the new home of Great British Railways. The Chamber continues to meet Government inspectors in reviewing the York Local Plan. The need for a robust and comprehensive Local Plan has never been greater, with serious progress needed in securing new homes, office and industrial space for businesses and workers alike. If our region is to continue to thrive, and postCOVID confidence is to be maintained, it is imperative that this issue is addressed sooner rather than later. The Chamber’s digital project is a prime example of how the business community can actively engage with its public and private sector partners. As part of this new collaborative effort, the Chamber will be working with key stakeholders from across the region; including City of York Council, YNY LEP and our colleges and universities. A far-reaching mission, the project will address workforce skills gaps, facility and premises shortages, infrastructural limitations and reversing graduate retention trends. Laurence Beardmore President York & North Yorkshire Chamber

Trainees progress to dispute resolution roles at Rollits Rollits has bolstered its dispute resolution team with the addition of two solicitors who began their careers as paralegals with the firm. Abbie Bielby has been recruited into the department after recently being admitted as a solicitor on completion of her period of recognised training. She joins Harriet Kingston, who completed her training at Rollits and qualified as a solicitor in 2021. Abbie studied at Longcroft School in Beverley before gaining her Law Degree with Honours at Queen Mary University in London in 2015. Abbie also gained a distinction in her LPC LLM in Professional Legal Practice BPP in Leeds and joined Rollits in 2018 as a property paralegal with the social housing team based at York. Harriet Kingston studied at St Swithun’s in Winchester and Bryanston School, Dorset, before moving north to study at Hull University, graduating in biomedical sciences in 2012. She received a commendation in 2013 for her Graduate Diploma in Law at York College of Law and undertook several paralegal positions at firms in both Leeds and York, before joining Rollits’ York office in 2017 following her graduation from BPP in Leeds with a distinction in her LPC. Both Harriet and Abbie worked as paralegals within the social housing team at York before successfully gaining training contracts with the firm. Chris Drinkall, who is Head of Rollits’ Dispute Resolution Department said: “Harriet and Abbie are great additions to the team and it is particularly pleasing that they both came through the property paralegal route, gaining even more experience and knowledge during their periods of recognised training.”

Market-leading recruiter joins all-female board of directors

Louise Scott has been appointed as a director of Castle Employment Group after 8 successful years with the company.

Louise has been instrumental in establishing Castle Accountancy & Finance as one of the foremost specialist recruitment businesses in Yorkshire and is also overseeing the expansion of Castle’s Human Resources and Technology divisions.

Solicitors branches out The York office of Andrew Jackson Solicitors has appointed Sarah Parker, who joins the firm’s growing team as a senior solicitor. Sarah’s expertise across a range of property law issues, along with her knowledge of agriculture and rural affairs, will add further value to the firm’s client offering. Sarah Parker said: “I am excited to join the firm and look forward to providing in-depth legal expertise and pragmatic advice, which is tailored to the needs of the businesses and individuals we work with.” Sarah has advised commercial clients, including rural land owners and farmers, on matters including assisting clients with their solar panel farm and wind turbine projects, Selion land transactions, farming partnership agreements and Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies.

Louise becomes the fourth member of an all-female team of directors, which also comprises Managing Director Kerry Hope and Directors Jessica Russell and Anna Wilson. Louise said: “I’m absolutely delighted to join the team of directors at what is an incredibly exciting time for the business. The past two years have demonstrated how important recruitment

360 Accountants team up with York City Knights 360 Chartered Accountants is delighted to announce it has become the official team sheet partner for the York City Knights 2022 season. The firm, which opened its York office earlier this year, is fast becoming a familiar fixture in the city’s community and, as huge sports fans, say it’s the perfect partnership. Adrian Hunter, Managing Director of 360, said: “As a local business, we think it’s important to support our local clubs, from grassroots sports right up to the professionals. We moved to York at the same time as the Knights new owner Clint Goodchild, so it’s great to be at the heart of the club’s future ambitions. It’s an exciting time for the Knights and we are thrilled to be involved.”

professionals are to the local economy as we have helped hundreds of local companies to find talented people who have been essential to the continuity of their business.” “I’m now looking forward to growing our accountancy and finance division and to developing our HR and Technology divisions into equally successful businesses.”

Expanding employment Expanding law firm Ware & Kay Solicitors is delighted to announce the appointment of Employment Solicitor, Kalpesh Nakeshree as Head of the Employment Department. Kalpesh specialises in all aspects of employment law and will provide bespoke employment law advice to both employers and employees. This will include dealing with restructuring, redundancies, grievances and settlement agreements. He will also advise on change management, flexible working, Transfer of Undertaking Protection of Employment (TUPE) and tribunal claims. He regularly represents clients taking initial instructions to the point of the tribunal hearing and provides a range of employment law and HR training programmes for managers and HR professionals.

West & North Yorkshire Business

WEST & NORTH YORKSHIRE NEWS

Keep on doing what you’re doing! I think it’s fair to say that 2022 continues to be a ‘funny old year’. What started as a slight breathing out due to the relaxation of Covid restrictions, quickly led to more twitchiness due to, first, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, then the cost of living crisis. Of course, we’re not in the business of crystal ball gazing, and we can only keep on running our organisations in the best possible way we know how; and on that score, at least, I’m pleased to be able to say that there is still plenty of that going on. As well as being able to read lots of good news stories in this magazine, the ‘Yorkshire Business’ website also features all the latest business news. I don’t wish to gloss over the difficulties of being in business, but neither do I want to dwell on circumstances that are either outside our control or could perpetuate negative news. Our marketing team will keep helping our members promote their goods and services; our business advisers and other specialists will keep helping SMEs and start-ups to grow; and our Policy & Representation team will keep lobbying and campaigning for better measures and conditions that support economic growth, job creation and entrepreneurship. I’m also pleased to say that the Chamber is bidding to lead two ‘Local Skills Improvement Plans’ for our areas, and you can read more about that in the ‘Representation’ section of this magazine. Keep on doing the great things that you do, and don’t hesitate to both tell us about it, and tell us what could make you do it better. Amanda Beresford Chair of the Board West & North Yorkshire Chamber

Andrew Jackson Solicitors published advice for landowners on solar farming The UK solar and battery energy storage market continues to develop apace, with over four hundred solar farming schemes in operation around the country. Such schemes are playing an increasingly important role in powering the UK, supporting the grid network and speeding up the replacement of fossil fuels. Developers continue to approach landowners for consent to place solar panels and battery energy storage systems on their holdings and any scheme – large or small – which a developer proposes needs to be handled carefully by the landowner. It is important to seek advice from a land agent on the commercial terms and independent advice on the legal implications and the documents. Developers normally insist on using their own documentation which will be drafted with their interests paramount. It will generally be presented as “standard” but in fact will need change to put it into a format which is fair to both parties and properly protects your interests. Your main driver will be financial – the developer will be the principal investor, incurring the expense of relevant surveys and investigations, planning applications and construction. However, you will be providing the site and the land for the relevant infrastructure. You need to ensure that you get a decent return from granting the rights to the developer – there are numerous rent and profit share alternatives to be considered – and that you are comfortable with the effect of the scheme, the rights granted and the restrictions which the developer requires you to accept. Participating in a scheme means that you are not only giving up land for the equipment but will also be making available land for access and necessary infrastructure, such as cabling requirements. You may also be impacting on future flexibility for farming operations and development potential, to the extent that the developer may require that you accept restrictions on farming and forestry activities, or development and change of use, which it considers could impact adversely on its operations over the long term.

West & North Yorkshire Business

Contacts for contracts Drax teamed up with Worley, NOF, and the West & North Yorkshire and Hull & Humber Chambers of Commerce to deliver a series of events to provide British businesses with information about how they could win contracts to deliver its vital carbon removal technology, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). Drax has previously said that it aims to source 80% of construction materials and services from British firms and build a robust UK supply chain for BECCS, ahead of construction getting underway as soon as 2024, with the creation of around 10,000 jobs. Graham Backhouse, Drax’s Commercial Director for the BECCS project, said: “We want to put British businesses at the heart of our plans to deliver BECCS, allowing them to benefit from hundreds of millions of pounds worth of new contracts.

“Negative emissions technologies like BECCS will play a vital role in enabling the UK to reach its net zero goals, as well as creating exciting opportunities for Britain to lead the world in a vital technology, creating a new sector of the economy, as well as export opportunities. Drax has a proven track record in delivering ambitious and pioneering infrastructure projects – the conversion of its power station in North Yorkshire to use sustainable biomass has enabled it to become the UK’s largest single site renewable generator, supporting more than 6,600 jobs throughout its supply chains across the North, whilst reducing its emissions by over 95% and paving the way for the deployment of BECCS. Drax aims to deliver the world’s largest carbon capture in power project this decade, making a significant contribution to the UK’s decarbonisation targets.

Shortlisted for Start-up Awards

M is for motivation

Technology is integral to success

Yorkshire based Chequered Flag Motorsport CiC has been named one of the most exciting new businesses in the region after being shortlisted in The Start-up Awards National Series. The start-up scene across the UK accelerated since the pandemic began. In 2020, when most of the world was shutting down, more than 400,000 start-ups were set up in Britain.

Award-winning motivational speaker Marcus Child has been helping year 11 pupils to stretch their ambitions and build resilience at two North Yorkshire schools.

Whatever a company’s size, sector, or geography, IT will always play a major part in its success.

Gary Booth, Founder of Chequered Flag Motorsport CiC said: It isn’t about recognition for me as an individual that matters, it’s about the recognition for those individuals and organisations that have supported the launch and continued progress of Chequered Flag Motorsport and most importantly to shine a light on the communities and individuals which it helps, through the form of motorsport experiences.

Marcus, who has worked with hundreds of big brands over a 25year career, spoke to teenagers at Scalby School in Scarborough and then at Lady Lumley’s School in Pickering. The talks have been funded by Castle Education, a division of Scarborough-based Castle Employment Group. They come as part of the business’ work to support young people after two years which have taken a huge toll on their mental health, and also follows on from providing free packs of textbooks to a number of primary schools in the area.

The last two years has meant great changes to the working environment. Hybrid working is here to stay for the foreseeable future, 2022 is the year to build on the flexibility that hybrid working brings and to optimise its potential. Business leaders will need to adapt to find ways to sustain a company culture where teams, individuals and customers all feel engaged and valued even if much of the contact is through a screen. One common thread is that IT does not stand alone; it has to be part of every business decision, strategy, future development and be integral to every department.

“As a sporting spectacle The Rugby League World Cup will be fantastic, but also it presents a big opportunity for businesses in our region to be part of the commercial activity, from corporate hospitality, restaurant and hotel bookings, transport requirements and service delivery opportunities.” James Mason CEO West & North Yorkshire Chamber

West & North Yorkshire Business

RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP 15

The world in your hands The West & North Yorkshire Chamber join forces with Leeds Rhinos and the Rugby League World Cup to host a business breakfast impact day. The Rugby League World Cup is set to dominate the sporting calendar later this year, with the tournament coming to England this autumn. It is set to be the most diverse and inclusive event to date, with the men's, women's and wheelchair competitions set to run side-by-side. With most of the games to be played in the North of England, many in North and West Yorkshire, we are delighted to announce a partnership with Leeds Rhinos Rugby League club to host a very special Host Impact Day at Headingley Stadium on Wednesday 20 July. This Business Networking Breakfast will take place 9:00am – 10:30am, is free to attend and will give West and North Yorkshire Chamber members the opportunity to hear about what this means for the region and business. Guests will enjoy breakfast amidst the backdrop of the iconic rugby and cricket ground in the company of a rugby league legend while learning more about the tournament taking place later this year. This event will allow Chamber members to learn about what is happening in the local area when the tournament starts and how you and your business can get involved. There is the opportunity to network and ask the players and tournament experts questions. To make this event even more exciting, you will have the chance to win tickets and other great prizes, see the trophies on display, meet a rugby league legend and take photos with them.

Speaking about the partnership, James Mason, Chief Executive of the West and North Yorkshire Chamber said: "The Rugby League World Cup will be one of the biggest sporting events to hit our shores since before Covid. After the Commonwealth Games this summer, the World Cup provides the sports mad population of West and North Yorkshire the opportunity to see world class sport and be part of a huge celebration of many cultures coming together after over two years of being apart. “As a sporting spectacle it will be fantastic, but also it presents a big opportunity for businesses in our region to be part of the commercial activity that will take place in a quieter period of the year. From corporate hospitality opportunities, to restaurant and hotel bookings, transport requirements and service delivery, it will be a busy few weeks. We're delighted to be able to partner with the Leeds Rhinos and the Rugby League World Cup to host this event and encourage our members to sign up as we expect demand to be high." Gary Hetherington, Chief Executive of Leeds Rhinos said: “The Rugby League World Cup will provide a fabulous festival of entertainment for the region, and we are delighted to be hosting so many of these big events. To have the worlds best men and women players here from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Jamaica, and Ireland, as well as the opening ceremony of the women's tournament where England will take on Brazil, there is so much to look forward to.” Mick Hogan, RLWC2021 Revenue Director, said: “We are delighted to partner with the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. The Rugby League World Cup’s commercial programmes continue to set new standards and the cornerstone of our success is the many partners we have made with key organisations in our host towns and cities.”

West & North Yorkshire Business

16 EDUCATION FEATURE

Make

skills work for business

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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 17

Shape the Local Skills Improvement Plans In January 2021 the Government released its Skills For Jobs White Paper, with the aim of ‘Putting employers more firmly at the heart of the skills system’. The approach being taken by the Government is to ask employer representative bodies (ERBs) to develop proposals which will set up processes for gathering of market intelligence about current and future skills needs of businesses. Known as Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs), eight trailblazer projects took place in 2021, all of which were led by Chambers of Commerce. In April 2022 the Government launched a second round asking for expressions of interest and is looking to establish up to 40 LSIPs in England.

LSIPs will be responsive to business needs and aligned to economic geographies currently occupied by Local Enterprise Partnerships or Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCA) where they exist. The Chamber has submitted two expressions of interest covering York & North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire MCA. LSIPs have the potential to reshape the skills landscape so that they are more responsive to the needs of business. Working with colleges and independent training providers a Chamber-led LSIP would seek to understand the challenges facing employers in developing the skills needed for the 21st century.

Whilst the Chamber represents a significant number of businesses across our region we acknowledge that we will have to collaborate with other employer groups and we have already confirmed support from the CBI, Federation of Small Businesses, Institute of Directors and Make UK along with trade bodies including the Construction Industry Training Board. Expressions of interest were submitted in June and if successful we will look to go live with this work in September. We are keen to engage with business groups, trade bodies, training providers and other organisations with an interest in skills. To get involved please contact us at info@wnychamber.co.uk

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18 EDUCATION

Skills initiatives

step up a gear The importance of skills development for our business communities cannot be over-stated right now. A tough labour market is making it difficult for many firms to grow, and so initiatives that help in this area are welcomed. Bradford is gearing up for a month of skills-based activities later in the year, while Leeds has the Manufacturing Festival, the University Technical College (more about the latter in our ‘Business Engagement’ piece) and various other schemes. October will see the very first ‘Bradford Skills Month’, which pulls together both current and new initiatives that sees businesses and young people come together for mutual learning and development. Key stakeholders such as the Chamber of Commerce, the education sector, Newsquest and the Council are working on a programme of events when businesses will, among other things, open their doors for young people to learn about career options and skills needs.

This is the coming together of Bradford Manufacturing Weeks (BMW) and Tech Week, as well as organisations from the health and social care and culture sectors, to support, nurture and inspire future talent. More information is due out soon, but for starters a webinar on 12 July will provide more details – contact Laura Slevin at bradfordcte@bradford.gov.uk and request to join it. The initiative builds on the success of BMW, established in 2018, and Tech Week, launched last year, to ensure that quality employment opportunities and fulfilling career paths are explored and demonstrated by young people. Bradford Chamber President commented: “This is an extension to the great work already being done in the area of career opportunities, skills enhancement, and better mutual understanding of enterprise, employment and education. I’m confident that our members will get behind Skills Month as continue to adapt to changes in the world and new ways of working.”

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Chartered Management apprentice wins regional award Leeds Trinity University student Leanne Wilson has been recognised at the West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards 2022 where she won the Higher or Degree Apprentice of the Year award. Leanne, 39, received the award in recognition of her achievements managing a specialist team at Leeds Community Healthcare Trust, where she undertook the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship. In this time, Leanne had to balance a challenging professional role in the NHS with her degree studies and the needs of her young family, against the backdrop of a global pandemic. Leanne recently achieved a First Class Honours Degree and Distinction for the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship at Leeds Trinity University. She said: “The past few years have been a real challenge, completing the degree apprenticeship whilst working full time in the NHS during a pandemic has certainly kept me on my toes. I’m immensely grateful to the team at Leeds Trinity University for their support and encouragement.”

Claire Newhouse, Director of Leeds Trinity’s Centre for Apprenticeships, Work-based Learning and Skills said: “The leadership and management skills that Leanne has developed have helped her to progress and excel in her career. Her award is deserved recognition for her outstanding achievements over last three years and we are proud to have played a role in her development, as well as hundreds of other apprentices at Leeds Trinity.” The West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards took place on Thursday 10 June at Bradford City FC. The University’s next Chartered Manager apprenticeship will start in September 2022 and provides an opportunity for other individuals and employers to develop leadership skills that could accelerate their careers and business growth. Leeds Trinity also offers Apprenticeship programmes in Business to Business (B2B) Sales, Digital Marketing, Senior Leadership, Supply Chain Leadership, Systems Thinking and Children, Young People and Families.

For information about apprenticeships at Leeds Trinity, visit www.leedstrinity.ac.uk/courses/apprenticeships

Making

connections between education and manufacturing

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EDUCATION 21

Local schools and manufacturers are being mobilised as the Bradford Manufacturing Weeks 2022 careers initiative announced its ambitions at a launch event in May. Apprentices, pupils, manufacturers and dignitaries including Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin, joined manufacturing host Christeyns UK Ltd at its Bradford site to announce this year’s itinerary which includes skills workshops, apprentice Q&As and special educational needs (SEN) focussed events. Since 2018, the annual campaign, led by West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, has created more than 15,000 manufacturing experiences for the district’s 14-18 year old students by delivering two weeks of employer-led manufacturing activities into Bradford’s schools and colleges. Sponsors for 2022 are Bradford Council, E3 Recruitment, the University of Bradford, Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, Naylor Wintersgill and LCF Law,

Bradford Manufacturing Weeks will run from 3-14 October and include the popular Women in Manufacturing Q&A event, “Meet the Manufacturer” and “Meet the Apprentice” panel events, University of Bradford faculty tours and a host of factory site visits, work placement opportunities and activities tailored to pupils with special educational needs. Bradford Manufacturing Weeks is delivered in partnership with Bradford-based school and career specialists The Opportunity Centre and following last year’s success, which saw manufacturing experiences delivered to 3,000 local young people, this year’s fortnight will continue to combine online and in person experiences.

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Addressing guests at the launch event, Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “By bringing together the region’s manufacturers with schools and colleges, our young people get to see first-hand the creativity and innovation that is happening on their doorstep. “As your Mayor, I am championing our fabulous regional businesses and ensuring that we have skills and training provision that helps people to get up and get on. Our manufacturing industry plays a central role in this. West Yorkshire is home to more manufacturing jobs than anywhere else in the North and I want us to do all that we can to support our world-class manufacturing sector.” She added: “I look forward to Bradford Manufacturing Weeks this October and working together to help shape the future of Bradford’s brilliant manufacturing industry.” Nick Garthwaite, founder of Bradford Manufacturing Weeks said: “Every year, we want to reach as many young people as possible and give them the experiences that will shape their views and career aspirations. Today’s event and announcements kickstart five months of preparations and communications before we deliver on our promise, in October, to bring meaningful manufacturing experiences into the lives of our young people. “We want Bradford Manufacturing Weeks 2022 to be our most impactful yet. We can change lives, change futures and change perspectives on the career opportunities manufacturing brings – but we can’t do it alone. We need manufacturers and schools to register now on the Bradford Manufacturing Weeks website to ensure we can plan for and deliver the experiences in schools and onsite to ensure our young people recognise and reach their potential.”

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24 SUPPORT

Time is running out to access PAPI grants and workshops! Don't miss out on PAPI grants and workshops!

40% grants are available between £8,000 and £20,000 to businesses in York, North Yorkshire, and Leeds City Region. Now is the time to speak to our team about your project and start your grant and workshop applications! The Product and Process Innovation (PAPI) project, delivered by the University of York, encourages innovation and regional economic development by awarding capital grants to small-and-medium-sized businesses to support the development of new products and services. 40% grants are available between £8,000 and £20,000 to businesses in York, North Yorkshire, and Leeds City Region who have project capital expenditure costs of £20,000+ which will lead to the creation of a new product or service and at least one new, full time job. Since PAPI began in 2016, over £4.3m of grants have been awarded, supporting over 260 businesses. This has led to the creation of over 400 new products and over 550 new jobs.

The project will come to an end in 2022, with final grants being awarded in summer 2022.

West & North Yorkshire Business

Case study: Involution

Innovation workshops: no cost, huge impact

Businesses who have been successful in receiving a grant include Involution, based in Leeds. Involution supplies workwear, clothing and branded merchandise to businessto-business clients. A PAPI grant helped them to purchase a direct-to-garment digital printer and conveyor dryer in order to expand their printed garment product range. Operations Director, Nathan Cookson, said; “The PAPI grant has been a true support to Involution. It has allowed the business to grow further, enhance customer service and recruit local talent. We are excited to see what innovation 2022 brings for Involution.”

The team at PAPI also deliver high-impact, fully-funded innovation workshops for businesses looking to thrive and innovate. They comprise two days worth of business support, in two parts, from top business coaches as well as bespoke mentoring sessions with innovation and business growth expert, Dr Jo North. PAPI has delivered 16 workshop programmes to 120 businesses in Yorkshire so far, ranging from new start-ups to established businesses looking to reevaluate and re-energise their operations.

Case study: The Distance The Distance, based in York, are an app development company, creating cutting-edge apps and digital solutions for national and global enterprises. They were awarded a £20,000 PAPI grant to assist with the purchase of software which helped to create an innovative app framework solution. Director Anthony Main said; “PAPI provided a grant to help fund ‘The Core’ which has been featured in a variety of applications for clients including the NHS and EDF Energy. The benefits of the grant have been felt across the business, with an increase in turnover and new jobs created.”

The final PAPI workshop for businesses in the Leeds City Region will take place in June 2022 and for businesses in York and North Yorkshire, the final workshop will take place in October 2022. There is no charge to attend, but a short application form is required; the PAPI team is able to help with the application process, should you need assistance.

Find out more For more information about grants or workshops, visit www.papi.org.uk, call 01904 328076 or email papi-project@york.ac.uk.

The PAPI project is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and delivered by the University of York, in partnership with The Northern Powerhouse.

Investing in

future talent

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The Chamber Policy team share insight into workforce development. In the Chamber’s Q1 quarterly economic report we asked some extra questions about investment plans for 2022. Top of the list was investment in technology but the second most popular choice was investment in early talent development such as apprenticeships, internships and industrial placements. Given nearly 70% of firms in Q1 said they had struggled to fill vacancies this should be viewed as a positive step to try and solve labour market challenges. These challenges are not likely to dissipate in a hurry with ONS data released in April showing unemployment rate at around 3.7% overall. In May the number of job vacancies stood at around 1.3m, outnumbering the number of unemployed people for the first time. However for those aged 16-24 in Yorkshire, the unemployment rate currently stands at 9.5%. Whilst this is down considerably from the dark days of 2012 where it peaked at 26%, this still equates to around 32,000 unemployed young people. This seems such a waste and begs the question whether we are doing everything we can to prepare young people for the world of work. As employers could we be playing a part in this? In a report published recently (May 2022) by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, called Meet The Future, they set out the positive impact which employers can have through engaging with schools. More importantly they point to a strong correlation between level of engagements by young people with business and their future life outcomes. The study followed thousands of students over a ten year period, from ‘classroom to workplace’, and came to the conclusion that

young people who had participated in employer-led careers activities had lower levels of youth unemployment, got paid more and had greater job satisfaction. In 2012 following conversations about the availability of talent with regional manufacturing companies we set up a working group made up of industry leaders to discuss what we could do. The view from this group was that we must do more to engage with secondary education and raise awareness of the fantastic opportunities which existed in the region. Whilst this proved harder than expected, it ultimately led to the successful delivery of a new school in the region, West Yorkshire’s first University Technical College which opened on Hunslet Road in Leeds in September 2016. However our key reflections are that it is the ongoing involvement of businesses in helping contextualise the learning that is having such a significant impact on student outcomes; this echoes strongly with the OECD conclusions. As their report says, authentic voices and authentic experiences. We hear similar feedback from young people engaging with the

two annual Chamber manufacturing initiatives, Bradford Manufacturing Weeks and Leeds Manufacturing Festival. Bringing the world of work to life is very powerful. But it is also a win for businesses as they get a chance to set out their stall and attract applicants for job vacancies and apprenticeships. Employer engagement can take many forms, and all have some impact. Examples include • Career Talks (especially from your younger employees) • Job fairs • CV workshops and practice interviews • Workplace visits • Job shadowing • Work placements • Coaching and mentoring The good thing for our region is that if companies want play a role there are established initiatives to help. Some web links are listed below. As businesses we cannot sit back and do nothing on this and whilst it isn’t without some cost, be that time or resources, there is payback. View it an investment into your future workforce development.

Useful links: North Yorkshire Business Education Partnership www.nybep.org.uk Leeds City Region Education Ambassadors www.the-lep.com/skills/theschools-partnership-team The Ahead Partnership www.aheadpartnership.org.uk The Opportunity Centre theopportunitycentre.com

Navigate new global challenges Excellence Academy will help trade professionals save costs and navigate new global challenges A new Excellence Academy and international trade award is being launched this summer by overseas trade specialist Chamber International, to help British exporters and importers adapt to the practical and technical challenges of today’s international trade environment. According to a recent British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) survey, Britain’s overseas trade has stagnated in the last 12 months due to factors including adapting to the new free trade agreement following Brexit, rising raw material and energy costs, clogged supply chains following pandemic lockdowns, and the advent of the Northern Ireland protocol. The Excellence Academy, a series of six half-day interactive online workshops starting on 16 July, being held in partnership with Germany’s Fidelitas International Training, will examine why international trade has become more complex for UK companies and how businesses can prosper in spite of the challenges.

Accredited by British Chambers of Commerce, the Excellence Academy will be delivered by a team of trade professionals and training and development assessors. In keeping with the hands-on nature of the training, numbers will be limited to just 10 participants. Sponsored by their employers, each will also benefit from two months’ individual mentoring immediately after the course, as they put their newly-honed import and export skills into practice. The course, aimed at candidates from companies involved with import, export, freight forwarding and related sectors, will comprise six modules: Preparing to Trade Internationally; Transport Procedures From Dispatch To Delivery; Getting the Best Out Of Your Freight Forwarder; Official Procedures; Payment Methods; Advanced Customs Procedures. Candidates who complete the course and assessments within two months will be invited to a prestigious annual awards ceremony next year in Mayfair, London, at the Arab British Chamber of Commerce. Chamber International says the programme will give candidates a major career boost from gaining expertise, leading to greater job satisfaction, lower company staff turnover, and freeing up management time by reducing the need for supervision. The BCC’s Quarterly Trade Confidence Outlook released this spring surveyed more than 2,700 UK exporters; it

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INTERNATIONAL 29

confirmed that UK export sales growth has stalled during the past year while EU countries, such as Germany, have seen exports, inside and outside the EU Single Market, increase in double figures with pandemic trade-losses recovered. The survey showed the proportion of exporters reporting increased overseas sales was unchanged at 29%, while those reporting a decrease rose to a historical high at 25%. Fidelitas International Training, based in Ubstadt-Weiher, south-west Germany, was founded in 2008 by Englishman Steve Townsley, an accomplished, nationally-recognized international trade trainer; the company provides training to UK businesses through chambers of commerce. Steve Townsley said: “Although the circumstances around international trade are changing, the training fundamentals remain: to help businesses ensure legal compliance and to enable them to avoid unnecessary costs through better procedures - more important now than ever, due to rising energy and raw materials prices. “Focussing on only 10 candidates will give our course leaders an opportunity to go into more depth, making the training especially valuable for participants, and creating a high level of expertise among those who complete the modules and receive the mentoring.”

“Applications are open to ambitious individuals with a minimum of six month’s supplychain experience, who want to boost their career prospects. It’s a coaching- and competency-based programme for those looking for fastmoving, in-the-moment, job-ready skills rather than the traditional academic format.” Tim Bailey, Chamber International

Visit www.chamber-international.com/training-1/excellence-academy

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30 EDUCATION

How to approach cyberthreats affecting the educational sector Remote learning is here to stay, and it’s time to make cybersecurity an integral part of the classroom.

The current cybersecurity landscape for schools Unfortunately, schools tend to have less resources to build and maintain robust cybersecurity, making them an attractive target for cybercriminals. Additionally, schools possess valuable information about students and staff, such as personally identifiable information and bank account details. Because of this, it’s no surprise that behind healthcare and financial institutions, schools are the third most targeted victims of hackers.[1] The most prevalent cyberthreats affecting schools include ransomware and phishing. According to the 2021 Landscape Retrospective report, 52% of cyberattacks in the education sector were caused by ransomware.[2] This vulnerability was likely due to outdated IT systems and lack of awareness about phishing emails. Furthermore, 69% of educational institutions were exposed to a phishing attack in 2021.[2]

Tips and best practices

Moving forward

So, what does this mean for your school, and how to stay secure? Here are a few tips to get started.

Although there have been some risks attached to remote learning, there are also new opportunities. With remote learning, more students can have access to more education — it’s just important to ensure that the online environment is a secure one, much like any physical school building.

Back up your data Stay protected against ransomware by backing up important data with a reliable backup solution. Even if you pay the ransom, restoration of your data is never guaranteed. By saving a copy in a safe place, you can easily retrieve and restore your data in the event of a ransomware attack.

Not sure where to start? Get a free trial of our integrated security solutions, and experience how Avast Business can keep your school powerfully protected.

Prioritize cybersecurity training Avoid successful phishing scams by training your students and staff on how to identify malicious emails. These emails typically impersonate senior staff in order to get confidential information, ask for something with unreasonable urgency, and/or contain suspicious links. Always be sure that the email is from a credible source, and make sure your team is aware of basic cybersecurity best practices.

Implement layered security It’s important to build layers of security, such as antivirus, firewalls, secure gateways, patching software, and more to build a strong defence. If one layer is compromised, additional layers are in place to ensure your data is safe.

Article by Emily Winn Emily Winn is the UK SMB Sales Manager at Avast, a FTSE 100 company with over 30 years experience of safeguarding more than 435 million people worldwide, protecting their digital data, identity, and privacy. Having worked in the cybersecurity industry for over 12 years she has a proven track record for building resilient working relationships in a variety of end user sectors, and also within the partner and distribution channels. Sources [1] FE News [2] Stunited

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Institute of Coding Digital Skills Bootcamps In recent months, the Government and Department for Education have been focussed on ‘levelling up’. As part of the ‘Lifetime Skills Guarantee’ and ‘Plan for Jobs’, the scheme aims to help re-train adults in high demand skills to get them back into employment. To support this effort, Deloitte have collaborated with a consortium of leading universities and the Institute of Coding to develop new skills bootcamps. Open to 1,500+ adults, these digital and flexible courses provide training in areas such as programming, creative digital media, cyber security, and artificial intelligence. The skills bootcamps are training diverse talent (44% women), and many participants (60%+) already have a degree or graduate degree. Deloitte understands how in demand these digital skills are, and is looking to connect current and future skills boot camp graduates with potential employers. If you have particular skills gaps in your business or are looking for new talent with the latest digital-focussed training and would like to learn more, please email SkillsBootcamps@Deloitte.co.uk

New hub to empower entrepreneurs and improve communities The University of York has launched a new business hub to help support the region’s entrepreneurial community with dedicated facilities and expertise. Enterprise Works offers a range of business services, including office space; conference facilities; shared workspaces; incubation programmes, training and networking events. Members of the Enterprise Works team will be based at the newly-renovated Guildhall, which has just been acquired by the University on a 15-year lease following a multi-million pound renovation. The facility is available for entrepreneurs from the Yorkshire region, as well as building on existing services offered to University staff and students.

Power of enterprise Professor Kiran Trehan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Partnerships and Engagement, said “Enterprise Works will support the region’s entrepreneurs and businesses, but more than that, enhance the power of enterprise and entrepreneurship to support communities, economies, and lives.

“We want to ensure that everyone who wants to be enterprising is supported to do so, whatever their background, and to make enterprise everybody’s business.” Enterprise Works will also offer small business training and funding opportunities to entrepreneurs across York and the wider region. It will deliver a wide-range of events to bring together thought leaders, business owners, policy makers and researchers to work on crucial social and business issues, as well as create a new community allowing entrepreneurs to access expertise and peer support.

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Social innovation

Next generation

Director of Enterprise Works, Sam Gardner, said “Community is at the heart of Enterprise Works, and we are thankful for the generosity we have seen from our alumni and the local business community for this initiative so far.

Julian Richer, Good Business Charter and Founder of Richer Sounds, said: “I am excited by the prospect of Enterprise Works and all it will do to support the next generation of responsible business leaders and entrepreneurs.

“We are excited to support local businesses at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey and to work with them to shape this community in the future.”

“Supporting the region’s economies to recover quickly and to recover well by providing opportunities and inspiring entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds is exactly what we need now. And I am particularly proud that it is based here in York which is the UK’s first Good Business Charter City”

Enterprise Works will run social innovation projects to improve access to entrepreneurship support for all communities and work with the entrepreneurial community, researchers and policy makers to influence government policy.

Talent base Helen Simpson, Chair of York and North Yorkshire LEP, said: “The next generation of entrepreneurs will grow some great new businesses, which will support the development and expansion of our regional economy. “We’re delighted to see the University’s commitment to entrepreneurship and to developing our talent base. We look forward to continuing to work with the University in the development of partnerships across the city and the region to ensure holistic, connected support for our start-ups.”

Businesses and entrepreneurs interested in accessing support from Enterprise Works, should contact Enterprise-works@york.ac.uk, ring 01904 321420 or visit www.york.ac.uk/enterprise-works

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34 EDUCATION

Charity that transforms lives through tutoring opens at Merrion Centre A charity that tackles inequality in education has opened at the Merrion Centre, in the heart of Leeds’ Arena Quarter, to support its work with its Leeds-Bradford city region school partners. Tutor Trust’s mission is to transform lives through tutoring, by ensuring every child who needs additional academic support can access a great tutor. Tutor Trust operates across three city regions – Leeds-Bradford, Greater Manchester and Merseyside – partnering with schools so that they can support young people who come from disadvantaged communities, to achieve their potential. The charity’s new base on the upper balcony level inside the Merrion Centre opened on 25 May, enabling the growing Leeds-Bradford team to have a centrally-located home from which to meet the increasing demand for tuition from schools following the pandemic. Research has highlighted the detrimental impact of COVID-related disruption on education outcomes for disadvantaged students, and there are some signs that the ‘real’ disadvantage gaps in attainment may have increased materially. An eight-strong school and tutor support team, led by Sharon Sadler, the Leeds-Bradford Schools Partnership Manager, with support from Kerry McCormack, Schools Manager, and Lewis Howell, Risk Manager, will be based in the new offices. In order to deliver high quality tuition in schools, Tutor Trust recruits and trains motivated individuals as tutors to

support young people, in Years 5 to 11, in the core subjects of Maths, English and Science. Those working as tutors with the Trust are predominantly students and graduates from local universities, but also include later-life professionals, Qualified Teachers and the newly retired who seek a flexible and rewarding role. Tutor Trust Co-Founders Nick Bent, Chief Executive, and Abigail Shapiro, Executive Director, commented: “Our Leeds-Bradford team has expanded in the last year to meet the growing demand for tuition from schools since the pandemic, which has meant we have outgrown our current space. We are delighted to make our new home in the Merrion Centre, as it is close to our university partners, where we recruit many of our tutors, and gives us a convenient base from which to make new connections with schools in the city region. “Being able to recruit more people to train as tutors with us means that we can, ultimately, work with more school partners in Leeds-Bradford and reach more young people to ensure they get the support of a great tutor.” Edward Ziff, Chairman and Chief Executive of Town Centre Securities PLC, owners of the Merrion Centre said: “We are delighted to welcome such an important charity which is helping to transform the achievements and life chances of British school children to the Merrion Centre. It will benefit hugely from being in a prime location with immediate access to the student population at leading Universities and Colleges within the city.”

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New business champions The Yorkshire Champions Group is an initiative founded by Gill Arnold JP DL, Chair of the West Yorkshire Magistrates’ Bench, facilitated by the Education Partnerships Team. Supported by Bradford Council, the Chamber of Commerce and Bradford Breakthrough, the aim of the initiative is to bring together Yorkshire individuals and businesses to visit and work in partnership with schools, colleges and universities, in order to prepare a workforce of the future. There are a growing number of Champions in the Yorkshire Champions Group: • Business Champions • The Community Champions • The Sports Champions The Business Champions will open a gateway for businesses/companies to offer a unique service to education providers. They can provide an insight both visually and hands on, into the world of work today. This will give our young people a realistic opportunity to understand and appreciate the world of business and its opportunities. It will enable them to understand how the businesses function on many levels. And now, with the new technology and ‘Artificial Intelligence’, many of the career paths, they may have taken, will cease to exist. The Business Champions, will help to focus their minds, expectations and

ambitions. There will be visits to businesses, hands on experience, mentoring, business representatives visiting schools, colleges etc., which will open a whole new and exciting world for the students. Schools will play a full and active part in requesting what they need, as well as embracing offers proposed by businesses. They can base that need on curriculum, interests, age, and the individual strengths if students. And this service is ‘free’! Students will meet, and be able to have a rapport with real people in business, and form a safe and continuous relationship if needed, over the school years. Long term mentoring can take

If you are interested in becoming a Business Champion, please visit yorkshirechampionsgroup.co.uk or email Charlie.Jerram@bradford.gov.uk. If you would like to register your interest to become a Business Champion, please use our Business Interest Form online.

place, with a view to possible apprenticeships, work placements, and future employers. The businesses can offer sound guidance, experience and the opportunity, to see first-hand, what they produce, or what services they provide. Our aim is for this new, amazing and exciting initiative, to benefit both the young people in the region and the business world. In addition to that, the businesses will not only fulfil their ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ which is hugely important, especially in today’s current economic climate. They will be contributing to the successful future of our next generation.

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36 REPRESENTATION

New head of Policy & Representation The West and North Yorkshire Chamber are delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Casci. Mark will join the team later this year and take on the role of the Head of Business Representation and Policy.

“I have constantly said throughout my career that Yorkshire is home to a world-class business community, encompassing everything from cutting edge manufacturing, professional services and tech firms.

Initially having joined the Yorkshire Post as Rural Affairs Correspondent, Mark has served as the title’s Deputy News Editor, Head of News, Business Editor and most recently as Head of Business and Features, as well as serving as a duty editor as part of the title’s senior management team.

“With inflation, the disruption caused by the pandemic and the urgent need to improve skill levels and productivity, the economy faces its share of challenges but I am convinced the Chamber is ideally suited to be the convening space where these issues are faced and resolved.

During his career Mark has become a well-connected and trusted figure in the county’s business community, having broken dozens of stories about the region’s economy. He was the 2017 winner of the Wincott Foundation’s Journalist of the Year in the Nations and Regions. A people manager of more than a decade, Mark brings with him an enthusiasm and deep-rooted passion for Yorkshire business and its people.

“I am massively grateful to the board for offering me the role. I must pay tribute to Mark Goldstone who is leaving me massive shoes to fill. His contribution to the region’s economy and people is a superb legacy and one I am proud and humbled to inherit.

Speaking about his new role, Mark said: “I am thrilled and humbled to be joining the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. Throughout my career I have witnessed at first hand the crucial work it does for the region’s economy. “The Chamber is home to a fantastic range of talented, knowledgeable and driven people and I cannot wait to join the team.

“I cannot wait to start the new role and will be giving it my all to make Yorkshire the most attractive place to do business in the nation.” Chair of the West & North Yorkshire Chamber, Amanda Beresford, added: “I am delighted Mark is joining us, he will be a great addition to our team. Mark’s skills, knowledge of and commitment to the region will be invaluable in helping us to connect, support and represent business in the area.” Outside of work Mark enjoys competing in triathlons, cooking and travelling. He is a husband and father of two daughters. He lives in Leeds.

West & North Yorkshire Business

NETWORKING 37

High flying networking The West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce hosted a unique event at RAF Leeming on 30th March 2022. The North Yorkshire base trains, delivers, and supports UK and overseas Expeditionary Air Operations and is home to a diverse range of squadrons and lodger units, including the 90 Signals Unit, and a Mountain Rescue Team.

Following a networking session, Laurence Beardmore, President of the York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, introduced guest speaker Captain Gareth Prendergast, Station Commander, who explained the Station’s links to local businesses and the wider community.

pledging support for those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families. The Covenant is a voluntary pledge in which, by signing, organisations agree to promote being an Armed Forces-friendly organisation to staff, customers, suppliers, contractors and the wider public.

The Chamber’s Chief Executive, James Mason, took the opportunity to sign the Armed Forces Covenant, thus

The event ended with a short-guided tour of the RAF Leeming base.

Northern England butcher exports sausages to Germany, home of Bratwurst and Frankfurter, with help from Chamber International A major order for specialist Yorkshire sausages has been exported to Germany with support from Chamber International. Swaledale Butchers, Skipton, has exported 220 boxes of artisan breakfast sausages in an order worth more than £30,000 to a Hamburg-based international food supplier specialising in cruise ships. Chamber International provided advice and paperwork to Swaledale Butchers to meet the new requirements for shipping goods to Germany following Brexit. Rare breed specialist Swaledale, which works only with smallscale farmers seeking to preserve native breeds, supplied pork sausages, made with nutmeg, mace, ginger and other spices to its German customer. Swaledale Butchers, founded in 2010 by brothers-in-law Jorge Thomas and Charlie Cowling, supplies mainly well-known gastro pubs, 80 per cent of which are in London, and include Anchor and Hope, Moro, wellknown chef and author, Josh Katz at Berber & Q, and Burger & Beyond, a recent winner of the best burger in London. Charlie Cowling said: “We are a whole carcass butcher dedicated to supplying native, rare breed meat and our award-winning sausages are made to our own recipes and scrutinized by our chef community. “We have previously traded with Greece but now export only to Germany and required Chamber International’s expertise because of new regulations which apply following Brexit. They did a very professional and efficient job for us.” Swaledale Butchers, which has a multi million pound turnover and 28 staff, sources from farmers in Buckden, Malham, Hellifield and Helmsley, who are preserving traditional native breeds, such as Belted Galloway, Dexter and Highland Cattle; free range Middle-white pigs; Ross herbfed chickens and Ryland Sheep which declined following the introduction of cheaper, higher-yielding and leaner continental breeds. The business, which uses traditional storage and preparation methods including a Himalayan salt room and smoking pig’s check over beech, launched its e-commerce website to supply the public in 2020. Chamber International Director, Tim Bailey, said: “Exporting sausages to Germany, home of Bratwurst and Frankfurter, shows how popular high quality British artisan foods are overseas. UK food and drink is an international success story and we are pleased to help Swaledale Butchers be part of it.” Chamber International helps hundreds of new and experienced exporters throughout the UK with a wide range of specialist services to make exporting easier and more cost effective.

West & North Yorkshire Business

INTERNATIONAL 39

West & North Yorkshire Business

40 AA BREAKDOWN

The Highway Code

Key changes you need to be aware of With a number of drivers still unaware of major changes to the Highway Code which came into force on 29 January 2022, we’ve produced this handy guide to the key points that will affect you. Motorists and commercial vehicle drivers now have to follow the new risk-based hierarchy of road users, meaning they have more responsibility to watch out for people cycling, walking or riding a horse, and cyclists have more responsibility to be aware of pedestrians.

Key changes to be aware of include: • Drivers must leave a distance of at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists • Drivers turning into a road should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross There is also a recommendation for car users to reduce the risk of opening a door into the path of a cyclist by using the hand on the opposite side to the door. This will often lead drivers to look over their shoulder and see if anyone is approaching the vehicle. Often known as the Dutch Reach technique, this method can help avoid collisions and protect drivers being struck by an oncoming vehicle.

It's important that drivers are aware of these new rules now they have been implemented. These changes affect everyone, so we encourage people to read the updated code now so we can make our roads safer. At the AA, keeping drivers up to date with the latest rules of the road is extremely important to how we work. We’re always here for drivers and will support them every step of the way so if you need extra guidance, reach out and we will advise you on the new Highway Code. Safe driving!

West & North Yorkshire Business

PROFILE 41

CityFibre gives the power of Full Fibre to thousands of homes in Yorkshire, one of the UK’s bestconnected regions Today, the internet has become an absolutely essential utility and the Government has pledged to connect at least 85% of UK homes to Gigabit capable broadband by 2025, which will bring with it a whole host of opportunities and benefits. As the UK’s largest independent full fibre platform, we’re playing our part to support the Government’s ambitious plans to future-proof the UK’s connectivity from the ground up – literally. We’re building new communications infrastructure that

brings the best available technology (full fibre) within reach of nearly every home and business in each town or city that we operate in. This is all part of our up to £4 billion Gigabit City Investment Programme, which will see us bring full fibre within reach of up to 8 million homes and businesses across the UK by 2025. This is a game-changer for the people and businesses of Yorkshire, as it will last for generations and help to drive the region’s growth today, while also unlocking a world of opportunities in the future. The network will offer a real boost to businesses, with experts saying it will drive a range of economic benefits, such as making us more productive and innovative. Few UK regions have embraced the digital age more readily than Yorkshire and it is a real hotbed of activity for CityFibre. Not only do we have builds in progress in over ten towns and cities, a number of these have now been

designated ‘ready for service.’ This means residents are finally able to choose to connect to the best infrastructure and the fastest and most reliable internet services in the UK as and when they go live in their area. Services are currently live in areas of Bradford, Leeds and York from a growing list of national and local internet service providers (ISPs) including Vodafone, TalkTalk, Boundless and Zen. More new addresses are going live day by day as our work to extend the network continues throughout the region. It is a crucial time to be rolling out this game-changing technology and we look forward to seeing how people and businesses across Yorkshire use the platform we are creating to flourish and prosper. To find out if your address is live, register your interest or to simply find out more about the build, visit CityFibre.com.

West & North Yorkshire Business

42 YORK

Revitalise the riverside The Chamber’s York Property Forum recently heard from Ed Harrowsmith and Max Reeves, directors at Helmsley Group, about the property investment and development specialist’s exciting vision for the Coney Street area of York. Attendees were also given a tour of the area. Helmsley has acquired a number of properties in the major city centre retail destination, including most recently 19 Coney Street - a 50,000 sq ft retail unit currently occupied by Next and Monsoon – which was purchased in a multi-million-pound deal. Helmsley also owns numbers 39-43, currently let to Boots and WH Smith,

as well as numbers three to seven, housing JD Sports, Lush, Mango and the newly-opened Rosa’s Thai. Ed Harrowsmith, Investment Director at Helmsley Group, said: “Helmsley is a proud York-based business with ambitions to bring a new lease of life to York’s riverfront and redevelop Coney Street as a high-quality commercial destination. “The purchase of 19 Coney Street from NFU Mutual not only brings another important building into local ownership but is the final piece of the puzzle in enabling us to move forward with our ambitions and help realise the potential of this underutilised area of the city.” Max Reeves, Development Director at Helmsley Group, added: “Helmsley Group has made a continued commitment to the regeneration of Coney Street, and we look forward to

continued collaboration with City of York Council. We are excited about sharing our vision for Coney Street with the public and other stakeholders and to obtain their valuable input over the coming months.” The York Property Forum also heard from members of the Street Life project, led by University of York researchers, which is running a series of events at 29-31 Coney Street, let to them by Helmsley. The premises have been transformed into a gallery, printing press and cultural hub with activities including music, creative writing, printing and heritage workshops. Street Life has received funding of £469,000 from the Government’s Community Renewal Fund to not only explore the 1,000-year history of Coney Street but support the creation of opportunities for the future.

West & North Yorkshire Business

OPINION 43

Reflections on Levelling Up A few thoughts from Mike Briffett, Leeds Chamber President Over the last few weeks, I have had quite a few conversations with businesses across Leeds and at UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UK REIIF) earlier in May, was able to listen to a wide range of views on the opportunities and challenges facing the City and the Region. I have been reflecting on those conversations and in particular the often talked about ‘Levelling Up’ agenda that formed part of the current Government election manifesto. The Chamber has always existed to promote the interests of the business community, whilst recognising that a strong economy can support the wider challenges of developing a fairer, more inclusive society. Economic growth in the UK has been below 1% since around 2008. Prior to that and for most of the post war years it was 2-3%. We have to solve the productivity conundrum in the North to be able to promote our talent, create opportunity, build more affordable housing and tackle climate issues to name just a few. Leeds is one of the few net contributors to HM Treasury in the North and could do so much more with greater support. Which brings us back to ‘Levelling Up.’ What does it mean to me and what role should the Chamber be playing in supporting our colleagues in the public sector and across the region to effect meaningful change? There are some incredible success stories in Leeds and West & North Yorkshire, but there is also a noticeable resigned frustration at the challenges that come from working in the region in a global economy. In typical Yorkshire spirit we just get on with things, but I wonder if we need a much stronger message to be relayed. Our responsibility is to create a level playing field, providing the opportunities for talent to reach opportunity, whether that be education, skills, business or culture. If we do that many of the other challenges we face will solve themselves. Successful cities and regions need great infrastructure to support safe, economical and effective travel, better connecting us to each other. Right now, we don’t have that and the opening of the Elizabeth Line in London whilst a feat of engineering triumph, serves only to highlight the challenge Leeds is facing as it seeks to tap in to the wealth of talented people that live here and create a more inclusive society. Recent decisions on HS2 and Leeds Bradford Airport, don’t help us to achieve our potential. I believe that Levelling Up can work and our region can continue to play a significant role, but it needs significant long term commitments and some brave decisions from Government.

West & North Yorkshire Business

44 BUSINESS SUPPORT CASE STUDY

AD:VENTURE Case Study Lekker Wines is an online wine supplier run by Karol-Ann Hewgill in North Yorkshire. Karol-Ann started off selling wines from her native South Africa, but now sells 450 different wines from around the world, including dozens of varieties from Italy and France. Karol-Ann had been working in London as a sales manager at a magazine, before she moved with her husband to Austwick about 20 years ago. She had several jobs which she juggled around being a mum of three, and then joined a local wine merchant, where she learned all about wine. In January 2020 she left that job and started looking for another. But when the vacancies and interviews dried up, she decided to fall back on her knowledge about the wine trade. “To find myself without a job pre-lockdown and think what am I going to do? And then thinking I have got some wine knowledge and got a garage. I know some suppliers and I know the licensing rules. It came from all of that,” says Karol-Ann. Karol Ann set up Lekker Wines in her garage. Lekker is an informal South African word, meaning ‘cool’. “I just want to choose nice wines, quality wines. The range isn’t vast, but it is wine I am happy to drink and recommend,” says Karol-Ann. Initially she sold to the public via her website, but then had several outlets asking for a trade sales website. It was at this point that she turned to AD:VENTURE for help and advice to set up the website for hotels, bars and shops. She was given a grant of £4,806 to pay for improvements to the website for trade customers to have their own accounts and allow for bulk orders, as well as to pay for IT equipment and marketing materials.

She was also given a mentor, Kris Keighley, and invited to AD:VENTURE webinars and workshops. Karol-Ann attended workshops on topics including one on legal matters called ‘getting the basics right’, and others on social media basics, creating engaging online content and business planning. Karol-Ann says: “The online courses were really helpful. I was absolutely clueless about some things as I had only been an employee. I had never employed anyone for example, so didn’t know what I needed to know. “And the webinar about legal aspects was very interesting, because you don’t want to be making mistakes and then saying ‘oh I didn’t know’. I realised through that course there were legal things I wasn’t aware of, but I am now!” Lekker Wines now supplies about a dozen trade customers, with that number likely to increase. Karol-Ann has sold more than 50,000 bottles of wine and is due to take on a member of staff, with plans to take on more. She still trades from her garage, but eventually hopes to expand to a warehouse. “It’s baby steps for me. I can’t believe I have my own business. I always thought I would work for somebody else, but now that I do work for myself I know what I want to achieve,” says Karol-Ann. “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,” says Karol-Ann. “I can’t recommend AD:VENTURE enough. The quality of the courses was great, as is the oneon-one help. Kris is so helpful; nothing is too much trouble. “You feel very welcome and that they are on your side and helping you out. And I know that Kris is still there if I need him.”

To find out more, visit www.ad-venture.org.uk

On the right course

West & North Yorkshire Business

46 SOCIAL IMPACT

Leaders from the Big Four accountancy firms and largest six law firms have joined forces to establish a network to champion racial diversity, inclusion and equality in the professional services sector in the Leeds City Region, which is one of the largest outside London. The Stronger Together network aims to promote and encourage best practice across the sector and show that diverse and inclusive leadership is a true driver for change. The network was launched in March at a high profile event at Leeds Civic Hall, hosted by Tom Riordan, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council. Panel members shared their personal stories around how they have overcome challenges in their career journey, while the goals and objectives of the network were also discussed. As part of Stronger Together, the launch of a cross-firm mentor programme seeks to share collective experiences of equality and diversity challenges, as well as approaches and ideas on how to overcome potential barriers. Recruitment initiatives are also planned to engage with the local education network – particularly at school leaver level – showcasing the diverse range of career opportunities within professional services. An events and speaker programme will also be developed to increase awareness of career opportunities in the sector. The professional services firms involved in the network are: Addleshaw Goddard, Deloitte, DLA Piper, Eversheds Sutherland, EY, KPMG UK, Pinsent Masons, PwC, Squire Patton Boggs and Walker Morris. Arif Ahmad, Private Business Partner at PwC in Leeds and co-founder of the network said: “The diversity and inclusion agenda is personally very important to me. When we first came up with the idea of a cross-firm network, we were not sure how it would be received but I’ve been delighted with the commitment, support and enthusiasm from all of the firms in launching this network. This is the first time that the Big Four accounting firms and largest 6 law firms have collaborated locally on the challenges around racial diversity, inclusion and equality. I’m convinced that by working together on this topic, we will make a difference and am optimistic as to what we can achieve by sharing our stories, expertise and networks. We hope that everyone, from the professional services sector, and beyond, joins us to engage

in these important conversations as we create a safe space for people to celebrate best practice and learn how we become more inclusive together.” Pervinder Kaur, Head of Leeds office at Addleshaw Goddard and co-founder of the network said: “Establishing this network is a stepping-stone towards further enhancing an inclusive and diverse culture in our region’s professional services firms. The focus on improving racial diversity, representation, progression and retention requires a different approach and for us all to work together. Having a succinct strategy around how to make racial diversity more effective has huge benefits for individuals, businesses and our collective success as a society.” Steve Blacker, Head of Corporate Tax at KPMG in Leeds and co-founder of the network said:“We hope this network will encourage more individuals from racially diverse backgrounds to enter and stay in our profession here in Leeds not just now but in years to come. The support for Stronger Together has been exceptional and I have been moved by each firm’s willingness to share their knowledge and collaborate freely. By collaborating, we can create what I hope will be a pivotal moment in time for racial diversity, inclusion and equality within professional services.” Tom Riordan, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, said: “Equality and diversity are right at the heart of our organisational values and we are 100% committed to having a diverse, happy workforce that is representative of our local population. I’m delighted our professional services sector is also embracing clear commitments to equalise opportunities and conditions for people who may not traditionally have easy access to fulfilling careers in the field. When a city and its workforce are aligned, everyone wins as not only do you tackle inequality but you also benefit from a rich diversity of people and talent.” For further information, please visit www.strongertogetherleeds.co.uk

West & North Yorkshire Business

SOCIAL IMPACT 47

The pandemic inevitably required most businesses and community organisations to reduce social contacts. However, Manningham Housing Association (MHA) took the opposite approach with the launch of Building Bridges Bradford. Spearheaded by its Community Engagement team, the project sought to bolster community resilience, enhance societal awareness across diverse communities and challenge racism, prejudices and community division through a range of social action activities. Building Bridges Bradford had three strands – community conversation, connecting communities and good neighbours events – coupled with online and outdoor exercise sessions as well as coffee mornings. Overall progress was immense with many users receiving continued support including help to access jobs and training, digital engagement, and mental health assistance through user-led groups, all facilitated by community volunteer champions. The project has received lots of encouraging feedback from users. Naheeda on confidence building training: “The sessions were very positive and encouraging for me. I felt guilty to leave my mother to do things for myself. I now understand that it’s important for me to look after myself so that I can continue to look after them, otherwise I was at the brink of burn out.” Resident on seated exercise for BAME women aged 50+: “I have not exercised in so long and I look forward to these sessions every week. I feel young again!.” Resident on budget planning and saving. “The sessions helped me recognise that the way I was managing money was an unhealthy coping technique response to my mental ill health. The course helped me to face my financial worries, budget and look at ways that I could save better for the long-term future of my family and me.” Resident on mental health awareness: “Sharing my phobia with others and understanding that some of us have similar phobias has made me feel at ease. I am more aware about the different types of mental health issues we face in our daily life. This course has impacted me to make positive changes to my life.”

Over the period of the Building Bridges Bradford project, the team achieved: • Engagement with 2240 beneficiaries. • 1258 had direct support through attending multiple activities/sessions on wellbeing with over 65% reporting personal improvement to mental health. • 25 new (bottom-up) community initiatives were developed and launched. • 40 service users were supported on the employment project with 7 service users moving into full-time employment and 14 becoming volunteers. • 39 black and Asian women benefited from online business coaching of which 6 are setting up a business. • 412 beneficiaries reported improved physical mobility and reduced obesity through online and outdoor sporting sessions. 292 young people (8–24) and 120 female adults (24+) reported improved physical health. • 275 service users including those from marginalised groups (LGBTQ, refugee, and disabilities) benefited from community conversations and good neighbours day sessions of which over 56% reported improved community relations, better understanding of hate/race crime and healthy cultural friendships with fellow participants. • 98 service users (including 9 young children) reported improved healthy eating through participating and attending healthy cooking sessions on low budgets. • The team developed good working relationships with 25 small groups for continued collaboration and partnership working. • The local e-Community Partnership network was strengthened to include 80 local groups.

West & North Yorkshire Business

48 SOCIAL

What you missed online The Chamber has seen great activity across all social media platforms in the past several months. The selected posts below are examples of some of the valuable information and discussions shared by the Chamber and our members on a daily basis. We would love to know your thoughts on this quarter’s magazine and your local Chamber. What would you like to know more about or see more of in the future? Did any articles stand out to you? Get involved with the regional business discussion on Twitter by tagging us @WNYChamber and mentioning #YorkshireBusiness.

Our profiles Twitter @WNYChamber

LinkedIn West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce

Facebook West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce

Instagram @WNYChamber

West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce British Chambers of Commerce Accredited

West & North Yorkshire Business

50 EVENTS Dates for your diary Rugby World Cup Business Networking Breakfast 20 July 2022 9am – 10.30am Headingley Stadium Guests will enjoy breakfast amidst the backdrop of the iconic rugby and cricket ground in the company of a rugby league legend while learning more about the tournament taking place later this year. This event will allow Chamber members to learn about what is happening in the local area when the tournament starts and how you and your business can get involved. There is the opportunity to network and ask the player and tournament experts questions. To make this event even more exciting, you will have the chance to win tickets and other great prizes, see the trophies on display, meet a rugby league legend and take photos with them.

York & North Yorkshire President’s Lunch and Elections 5 July 2022 : 12noon – 2.30pm The Principal, York

Join us at the York & North Yorkshire Chamber President’s Lunch where you will be able to network with fellow Chamber members and meet those who are involved in making your Chamber work for you. This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy informal networking over a drink, a two-course lunch followed by our keynote speaker - Clint Goodchild, Chairman - York City Knights who will talk about his early career, business background and his vision for York City Knights.

Leeds President’s Lunch and Elections 15 July 2022 : 12noon – 2.30pm The Park Plaza, Leeds

Meet your local Chamber President - Mike Briffett and their Vice President - Dan Murray and find out what initiatives are happening in your Chamber. Enjoy networking and lunch followed by our keynote speaker Tracy Brabin - Mayor of West Yorkshire.

Bradford President’s Lunch and Elections 19 July 2022 : 12noon – 2.30pm The Midland Hotel, Bradford

Join Bradford Chamber President - Victoria Wainwright and find out what initiatives are happening in your Chamber. This is also an excellent opportunity to enjoy informal networking over a drink, a two-course lunch followed by our keynote speaker, Paul Cogan, Group Finance & Resources Director - Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate Ltd.

West & North Yorkshire Business

NEW MEMBERS 51

360 Accountants Limited

Expat US Tax Limited

Page/park

Adapt For Success Ltd

Family Fund

Pairings Wine Bar

ADG Print

Family Fund

Peacock and Smith Ltd

Airedale International Air Conditioning

Flanagan James Limited

Peopleist

AUS

Flow Business Psychology

Peoplist

Aysha Nazir LTD

Grays Court

Quilter Private Client Advisers

Barksy Media

Halapal

Rajas Food

Beyond Blonde Recruitment

halinajaroszewska.com

Rauf Zahid

Bio Pack Ltd

Haufson Limited

Reliable Fire Services Ltd

BIOxyplasma LTD

HCB Designs

Restore (York) Ltd

Birchfield Accountants

Inclusive Security Group

RunaGood.com Ltd

Blackrock Accounting

Infinity Sphere Ltd

Sales Geek

Blue Link Worldwide

Insight6

See Green Media Ltd

Bradford Mortgage co

JW Stead & Son

Servatec

British Fluorspar Ltd

Korkie Ltd

SilkScreen Europe Limited

BVRGRY

Kudu Search Careers

Simon Errington Ltd

Carla Training Health and Beauty

Kunafa Tea

Sports Prestige and Classics Ltd

Caroline Ryan

La Benz Corner

STREAT DRYCOM LTD

Catapult Sport

La Caverna

Teeside International Airport

Certus Solicitors CLP

Liberty 360 Ltd

Test Consulting limited

City Cruises York

Lisa Clifford Ltd

The Great Victoria Hotel

Claremon Ltd

Lock Strategic Marketing

The National Railway Museum

Community Furniture Stores

Love In Care

The Potions Cauldron Ltd

Corina Inverno

Marshall Wooldridge Ltd

The Social Media Tree

CSA Ltd

MedFind UK Ltd

Thrive Consultancy (Recruitment) Ltd

CSS Isotek Ltd

Midland Hotel

Tyro Studios Ltd

Cubed Resourcing

MR Reactive Ltd

Uniexpress Limited

Dark cherry creative

Napoleons Casino & Restaurant

Wellington Place

Develop Training

Neuron Mobility

Whole In The Ground Coffee

Durabella

New Vision Associates Ltd

York Mumbler

Entheos Media Group LTD

NFU Mutual

Your Small Business Board

Enzyme Supplies

Nimbuscare Limited

help@360accountants.co.uk

audra@adaptforsuccess.com david@adgprint.co.uk erica.latham@airedale.com adam.farmer@aus.co.uk ayshahafejee@hotmail.co.uk rob@barksy.co.uk

hello@blondebrownrecruitment.co.uk aiden@bio-pack.co.uk trevor@bioxyplasma.co.uk gg@bflds.co.uk

bilal@blackrock.accountants flevene@blue-link-worldwide.com sharaz@bradford-mortgage.co.uk helena.breen@fluorsid.com info@bvrgry.co.uk olimpia@carlatraining.co.uk

carolineryan@carolineryan.co.uk chris.snee@catapultsports.com naheem.anwar@certuslegal.co.uk info@citycruises.com

accounts@claremon.co.uk becci@cfstores.org.uk

hello@corina-inverno-comms.co.uk info@charlottesweeney.com accounts.isotek@connectorsubsea.com julie.attwell@cubedresourcing.co.uk info@darkcherrycreative.co.uk sanjeev.gill@developtraining.co.uk info@durabella.co.uk luke@entheosmedia.co.uk

sales@enymesupplies.com

melanie@expatustax.com

cheryl.ward@familyfund.org.uk cheryl.ward@familyfund.org.uk richard@flanaganjames.com flowbuspsych@gmail.com

enquiries@grayscourtyork.com hello@halalpal.co.uk halina@halinajaroszewska.com info@haufson.co.uk

hannah@hcbdesigns.co.uk info@inclusivesecuritygroup.co.uk nathan@escape2unwind.com ian.sadler@insight6.com accounts@jwstead.com r.cardoso5899@gmail.com hello@kudusearch.careers

hisham.mahayni@gmail.com info@alvynscaribbeankitchen.com info@lacavernapizzeria.co.uk ann.seach@liberty360ltd.com lisa@lisaclifford.co.uk hello@thisislock.co.uk

aqila.choudhry1@nhs.net susan.swallow@marswool.com info@medfind-uk.com accounts@midland-hotel-bradford.com f.mohammed@mrreactive.co.uk bradford@napoleons-casinos.co.uk henrietta.young@neuron.sg sue@new-vision.co.uk

caroline.pullich@btinternet.com ellie.holmes1@nhs.net

j.davidson@pagepark.co.uk hello@pairings.co.uk

sam.broadbent@peacockandsmith.co.uk karen@peopleist.co.uk admin@peopleist.co.uk qpcaadvice@quilter.com info@rajas.co.uk zrauf@hotmail.com paulsalkeld@reliablefireservices.co.uk duncan.craig@restoreyork.co.uk duncan@runagood.com

andrew.abbey@gmail.com hello@seegreen.uk hello@tptg.co.uk info@sseworldwide.co.uk

simon@gundoghrdevelopment.co.uk info@spc-cars.co.uk

wharris@streatdrycom.com

enquiries@teessideinternational.com info@test-consulting.co.uk

reservations@victoriabradford.co.uk katherine.mills@railwaymuseum.org.uk phil@thepotionscauldron.com

rebecca@thesocialmediatree.co.uk accounts@thrivetoday.uk hello@tyrostudios.com amandaw@uniexpress.co.uk info@wellingtonplace.co.uk jon@witgc.co.uk

emily@mumbler.co.uk info@yoursmallbusinessboard.co.uk

HIGH SPECIFICATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS INCLUDING BREEAM ACCREDITATION Set your business up to thrive with our newly refurbished, contemporary serviced office space situated in the centrally located and historic area of Little Germany. • ‘Easy in, easy out’ monthly terms with no requirement for a long lease • Competitive rents from as little as £275 per month • Secure environment and reception services • Landlord’s services and membership of the Chamber included • Fibre broadband provided • Access to meeting rooms • Member services and support staff on site • DDA compliant, accessible building

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serviced office space is the access to meeting rooms for client meetings.” Sean Pearson Twenty Twenty Films

For enquiries and information on how we can help you get the right business premises contact Andrew Robertson, Property Director.

T 01274 667266 M 07827 318671 E andrew.robertson@wnychamber.co.uk

Chamber Hub, Devere House, Vicar Lane, Little Germany, Bradford BD1 5AH West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce British Chambers of Commerce Accredited

West & North Yorkshire Business Q2 2022

Articles inside

SOCIAL IMPACT

BUSINESS SUPPORT

OPINION

YORK

PROFILE

HIGHWAY CODE

NETWORKING

POLICY

FEATURE

INTERNATIONAL

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MEMBERS’ NEWS

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REGIONAL NEWS