MEMBERS’ NEWS

Decisions and indecisions

Is the year end (calendar, not financial) a time to look forward or back? I guess that many of you would say both. Knowing the difficulties many businesses have been in recently, and have still to work through, we could be excused for being a little indecisive on this. Despite the economic difficulties and the mistakes and wrong decisions being made in government, I do believe that we still have plenty to be positive about in Bradford (as well as elsewhere in West & North Yorkshire). We have various regeneration and other development schemes underway that are keeping our Property Forum engaged and active. Bradford Manufacturing Weeks was another success recently and we’re now looking at who will attempt to fill Nick Garthwaite’s shoes – maybe an impossible task? – as he heads into retirement. Big shoes to fill there, for sure! Interest around Bradford Live – the former Odeon building – continues to grow, and Darley Street Market will change the landscape in the heart of the city. There is also the latest proposals for Odsal that we would love to see realised. We will keep campaigning on the issues that Bradford businesses tell us about and work with partners like West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Bradford Council to offer the best possible business support that is available. We will not gloss over the concerns that members raise with us, and difficult yet honest conversations will take place as necessary. Victoria Wainwright President Bradford Chamber

BRADFORD NEWS

Appointment signals evolution for Airedale Chemical

The Airedale Group has cemented its position as a leading force in the chemical industry with the appointment of Richard Ward as group business director. With almost three decades of industry experience including mergers and acquisitions, business growth, systems and processes and commercial relationships, Richard joins the company at a pivotal time as the business continues to deploy its five-year plan based around growth, automation and increased efficiency. His role will involve leveraging his relationships within the industry to develop Airedale Chemical’s product portfolio and increase market penetration in selected sectors. He will build on the company’s existing reputation for customer service and assist in its plans for development through acquisitions. Richard said: “I’m joining the team at an incredibly exciting time as they continue on their path to expansion following some great investments in its site, its employees and the fleet. The ambition here is infectious and I’m delighted to be joining them on the journey to achieve its ambitions, while retaining its outstanding commitment to customer care. “I truly believe a successful business is based on its suppliers, its customers and most importantly, its people, which is something I share with the team at the Airedale Group.” Group CEO, Chris Chadwick, adds: “Richard joining us at Airedale is the final piece of the jigsaw as we continue to roll out our plans for growth and improvement. His experience and connections in the industry are second-to-none and we’re over the moon to have him on-board. We’re entirely confident his presence will be transformative for the company and is indicative of the gravitas and position of strength we now hold in the industry.”

Education and sport working in league

Bradford College and Bradford Bulls Rugby League Club have signed an educational partnership agreement for 2022/2023 devoted to transforming lives through sport. In this development between two of Bradford’s most well-known brands, the partnership will strive to deliver a Bradford primary and secondary school challenge cup in summer 2023. The Bulls Foundation Community Outreach team will also be powered by Bradford College - sharing course information, supporting community visits, and providing guidance training to the Outreach Team. Bradford Bulls will be the official employer partner for Sports and Fitness programmes at Bradford College. The arrangement incorporates plans for a Level 3 Bradford Bulls Academy for students who strive for a career in rugby with access to an elite support programme. The Bulls coaching team will share industry insight on sports coaching, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy and massage, and sports event management at Bradford College taster days, guest lectures and student masterclasses.

Management buy-in for box making firm after multi-million investment

Bradford-based box manufacturer ASC Cartons has received a £2.1million investment from Frontier Development Capital to part fund a management buy-in of the firm. ASC Cartons was established over 40 years ago and specialises in the creation of high-quality corrugated boxes for a wide range of applications. The firm produces bespoke boxes to meet the requirements of customers’ needs to reduce costs and waste. Customers include both large corporate accounts and smaller consumer accounts that ASC is able to service through its website, www. ascdirect.co.uk, that is fully integrated with its modern production facilities – customers who require additional support and more complex packaging are serviced by a team of experienced account managers. Small business grants boost local growth and jobs in Keighley

Bradford Council has successfully secured funding to provide local small businesses in Keighley with grants to accelerate business growth and stimulate new jobs. Grants of between £1000 and £5000 are available to new business start-ups, the self-employed and existing micro and Small Medium Enterprise businesses that operate within a defined area in Keighley. Applicants are required to provide 20% towards total grant project costs. The Keighley Community Led Local Development (CLLD) Small Scale Business Grant scheme is part funded by Bradford Council and the England European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. Further information about the grants scheme can be found at the Invest in Bradford website. Guyson staff clock-up 180 years!

Employees from the company’s blast and wash division were awarded long service awards. And between them amassed a total of 180 years of service at Guyson. The long service awards culminated with the presentation of an etched glass vase and gratuities from the Guyson group’s Managing Director, James Thomson. Machine assembler Keith Miller achieved a magnificent 50 years of continuous service. Keith said: “I have worked with some good people over the years but I think this will be my last long service award!” A number of other long service awards were presented to staff including Chris Holmes, Machinist, Pauline Wildman, Credit Controller, Oonagh Briggs, Finance Director, David Wood, Business Development, John King, Technical Support Manager and Mick Banks, Field Service Manager.

Highlighting hope

“Hope is being able to see the light despite all of the darkness,” Archbishop Desmond Tutu once noted. His words ring truer than ever as we approach the one-year anniversary of his death. After years of economic and political turbulence, it very much feels like finding that light in the darkness is all too difficult. But find it we must. Economies run on more than just money and revenue accumulation. They rely on confidence and optimism. And if we succumb to wallowing in misery, we have no platform for growth or social equality. There are plenty of stories that give reason to be hopeful that should be celebrated. Take for example a cause close to my own heart. Leeds is home to the regional centre for the NSPCC. As an organisation, the NSPCC receives contact from a child every 25 seconds. It should remind us all that every childhood is worth fighting for. In 2018, Leeds City Council launched their Inclusive Growth Strategy. As part of that document one of our patrons, First Bus, pledged to move its fleet to lower-emission vehicles and in doing so promote alternative modes of transport such as cycling and walking. In September, the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce received confirmation that it will be running Local Skills Improvement Plans for both West and North Yorkshire. They will have the power to change the way both children and adults are educated. There are so many more stories out there providing reasons to celebrate, be cheerful and proud of our region. We just have to take time to look around and listen.

Mike Briffett President Leeds Chamber

LEEDS NEWS

Pland investment gets a lift

Pland Stainless has invested in a new ‘Elephant Lifting’ Machine for its Leeds facility. The machine is used to manoeuvre large stainless steel sheet materials from stock onto the company’s 4m Bystronic Fiber Laser Machine, used for the precision cutting of stainless steel and essential for the manufacture of the commercial products. “The new machine, which can lift up to 250 kilos, gives Pland the capability to use larger stock size sheets and therefore enhanced nesting of product when looking at yield from the available capacity. It also reduces the risk of operator harm and surface scratching when dealing with larger materials,” said Steve Duree, Managing Director. Pland has been producing stainless steel products for over 100 years at their Leeds facility. Their products are targeted at many sectors including healthcare, sanitaryware, washrooms, laboratory, education, catering, janitorial or their anti-vandal range for secure accommodation.

Gas engineering apprenticeship

A new apprenticeship for Commercial Gas Engineering Operatives has launched at Leeds College of Building. The apprenticeship is the first of its kind in Yorkshire, and the first time the College has offered a commercial rather than domestic pathway for gas engineers. The training is aimed at individuals employed by gas, heating, and ventilation firms who specialise in business services. Jim Branney, Curriculum Manager for Gas and Short Courses, explained: “Since changes were made to the entry requirements to allow people to work in the gas industry, employers have been unable to easily tap into this kind of commercial gas engineering training. We have therefore been responsive to employer feedback and adopted a BPEC curriculum framework, endpoint assessment, and accredited certification specifically for these apprentices working in commercial organisations. “There is a huge demand for trained professionals needed for thousands of opportunities nationally. This apprenticeship is an ideal route for individuals looking to specialise as commercial gas engineers.”

Buttercrumble boasts all-female team with new appointments

Buttercrumble, an award-winning design agency, has grown its team after a recent office expansion to Bowcliffe Hall. Two new appointments allow Buttercrumble to provide creative consultancy and forecasting options alongside their graphic design while supporting new creative innovation. Thyra Bankole joins as Creative Champion, following her spell at Burgess Pet Care. Thyra is a recent graduate of Plymouth College of Art. She is a bright and supportive teamplayer who also spends her time highlighting women of colour in the UK creative industries through her magazine, Melanated. Laura Hooton, former Senior Visual Merchandise Manager at Joules, joins as Buttercrumble’s new Community Happiness Manager. Laura Hooton brings a wealth of commercial experience and is accomplished in bringing brands to life by creating compelling retail environments.

Qualification success for four lawyers at Clarion

Four more trainees have qualified into the Clarion team and have been retained as associates as part of the firm’s ongoing commitment to bringing young talent into the legal profession. From September, Jordan Yelland-Hey joins the real estate team; Isabelle Hammond qualifies into the corporate team; Georgina Lill moves into commercial; and Rosie Day joins the family practice. Martin Grange, partner, and training principal at Clarion, said: “Ensuring that we continue to look after our people, nurturing young talent and encouraging progression, is a central part of the Clarion culture. We are proud to see our dynamic training programme going from strength to strength with an intake increase of 25% over the last couple of years.” Leeds Media Centre set for enhanced role in city’s success

Work has begun on a £1.8 million redevelopment scheme to create new business space and improve life chances for aspiring entrepreneurs in Leeds. The project to upgrade Leeds Media Centre in Chapeltown is a partnership venture between Unity Enterprise – a not-for-profit subsidiary of locallybased housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise – and Leeds City Council. The refurbishment work, which is part-funded by European Regional Development Fund, is due to be completed in June 2023. The project will increase capacity within the Media Centre, by re-purposing unused space for up to 12 new business units, alongside a bespoke business hub with hi-tech virtual facilities and meeting areas. Slung Low Theatre Company to open In Temple, Leeds

Renowned Leeds theatre company, Slung Low, is opening a new theatre and production space in the heart of the Temple District in Leeds. Property developer, CEG, has agreed a temporary two-year lease of 131 Water Lane, a warehouse with outdoor space on the corner of Water Lane and Bath Road. Slung Low will transform the space into production, rehearsal and workspace for independent artists and companies all dedicated to contributing to the artistic future of Leeds. With LEEDS 2023 around the corner, the city is set for a year-long celebration of culture with events and creative experiences and Slung Low at Temple will play a key role. The theatre company is also expanding to open a 200-seater cabaret space at Holbeck’s Jamyang Buddhist Centre.

Helping you face the headwinds

As we head towards Christmas and yet more uncertainty, it can be easy to fear that the almost relentless bad news we have become accustomed to will never end. However, this is far from the case, the Chamber is here to provide support and comfort during both good times and bad. Studies consistently show that companies that are members of business representative organisations have far better prospects than those who go it alone. We are here to help. One area you can expect to hear from us on soon is hospitality. This crucial sector makes up as much as 25 per cent of GVA in parts of our patch and it is impossible to think of York and North Yorkshire without its fantastic cafés, pubs, hotels and restaurants. However, this much-valued sector is currently facing some pretty significant headwinds and it is vital we rally to provide support. In the coming weeks we will be launching a Hospitality Forum to look at ways we can protect businesses in this sector and we have already had a great deal of support on this matter. Watch this space. With so much turmoil in the economy it is vital we grasp every opportunity for growth. Sadly, this did not happen when City of York councillors knocked back plans that Pavers had to expand their operations in York with a new warehouse. The facility would have impinged on an old potato field and made no negative impact whatsoever on the city and would have entailed an investment of nearly £20m into York and the creation of hundreds of jobs. There was happier news in the north of the Chamber’s patch with the announcement of a new Rolls Royce facility and film studio being planned for the Scotch Corner Designer Village, a move that is set to create more than 1,000 jobs. This is a brilliant investment and one that shows how attractive the region is for investors. Finally I must pay tribute to my dear friend Andrew Digwood who we so tragically lost recently. Andrew, a former president of the Chamber, was a force of nature who loved York and North Yorkshire dearly. York has lost one of its most treasured sons and I, like so many, have lost a most treasured friend. Our thoughts are with his family who he so loved at this most difficult of times. Laurence Beardmore President York & North Yorkshire Chamber

YORK & NORTH YORKSHIRE NEWS

Beyond Housing welcomes eight new apprentices

Beyond Housing has welcomed eight new apprentices to its teams in Redcar and Scarborough with two joining as part of its new VIP scheme. The scheme, which provides Beyond Housing customers a route into apprenticeships, is part of the housing association’s ongoing commitment to developing local talent. Jack Crookes, who is a plastering apprentice in Scarborough, and Megan Beckley, who joins the housing team in Redcar, are customers of Beyond Housing, and gained their apprenticeships as part of the VIP scheme. An ICT role was also offered to 18-year-old Ben Passman, an existing internal apprentice from Redcar. The apprenticeship programme provides local young people with the opportunity to earn a wage while studying their chosen profession at the same time. Along with Jack, Megan and Ben, five other apprentices recently joined the programme, which includes roles in plumbing and heating, painting, plastering, housing, ICT and business administration. Emma Tooth, Apprentice and Volunteer Team Leader at Beyond Housing said: “Our apprenticeships offer fantastic opportunities to local people looking for a chance to earn a wage while they study towards their chosen profession. “We like to make sure our apprentices get the best start in their careers, so we prepare them with interactive sessions in partnership with local colleges and training providers, so they smoothly transition into their new roles.”

My Marketing Button wins Online Marketing Platform of the Year

Darlington-based My Marketing Button picked up the Corporate LiveWire “Online Marketing Platform of the Year” accolade at a ceremony held in Manchester. Delighted Managing Director, Mags Bradshaw said: “I’m so thrilled – not only to win but also to contribute to the Tees Valley’s growing reputation as a digital powerhouse. “Our platform connects all the key elements of a business to help achieve growth, development – and results. “My Marketing Button is an evolving platform which takes on feedback to ensure the software remains relevant and up to date to meet the needs of marketing professionals across a host of industries. A spokesman for the LiveWire judging panel said: “We were particularly impressed by the bespoke nature of the platform. “My Marketing Button is customised to each client, a powerful solution that offers a coordinated plan for marketing across the whole businesses – leading to joined up thinking and commercial success.”

Parsons, Chartered Accountants arrive in York

Parsons, Chartered Accountants has recently opened a new practice in York, to offer accountancy and tax planning services to clients in the area. The practice will be managed by Mark Stanton, Director and Head of York, and Rebecca Davison, Director and Head of Tax. The pair have a wellearned reputation for establishing excellent relationships with clients built on sound business advice, effective tax planning and technical expertise. Mark said: “We are excited to be working in collaboration with Parsons, it allows us to offer a more diverse suite of services which matches the portfolio offered by the UK’s top 10 accountancy firms. Combined with our partner-led approach which commits senior talent to each client, this makes for a level of service quality which is tough to beat.” Law Clinic reopens to pursue justice free of charge

The York St John Law Clinic is once again set to serve those in the community who need legal advice but are unable to afford professional help. Based in the University’s Business School, the York St John Law Clinic has been providing free legal help and advice since its launch in 2020. Last year, students and professionals worked on over 150 cases covering a broad range of legal matters. Chris Smith, a solicitor and Course Lead for LLB Law & LLM Legal Practice (LPC) at York St John University, said: “The cost-of-living crisis means accessible legal advice and help is more important than ever. There are people who may find themselves trapped in difficult situations that they are unable to resolve due to financial worries.” 360 Accountants announce energysaving partnership

With energy-led inflation at a 40-year high and businesses becoming increasingly concerned with the rise in energy bills, 360 Chartered Accountants is delighted to announce its new partnership with Hull-based River Energy. Adrian Hunter, Managing Director at 360 said: “Businesses haven’t been covered by the price cap and have had to swallow rising gas and electricity costs. Bills are becoming unsustainable, jobs are at risk, not forgetting further inflation rises to come. River Energy ensure our clients get the help to weather this crisis.” Energy audits, reducing gas and electricity costs and greener alternatives are all on the agenda, as well as help with access to available grant funding and/or tax incentive.