West & North
Yorkshire
CONNECTING, SUPPORTING & REPRESENTING BUSINESS
usiness
Q4
artof innovation The
2023
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
3
3
3
3
3
£87.49
£236.50
£149.01
Fleetwide 2
3
3
3
3
£78.69
£202.50
£123.81
Fleetwide 3
3
3
3
£64.74
£189.50
£124.76
Fleetwide 4
3
3
3
£55.94
£155.50
£99.56
Fleetwide 5
3
3
£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
3
Specialist 2
3
3
3
Specialist 4
3
3
3
£149.66
£306.50
£156.84
Specialist 5
3
3
£96.99
£202.50
£105.51
3
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)
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WELCOME
It starts and ends with skills In 2023 the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, along with our partners and stakeholders set upon two journeys to develop a Local Skills Improvement Plans for both West and North Yorkshire respectively. In 2024, these journeys continue. If we get this right it could be transformational for this generation and generations to come. Getting it ‘right’ means working together to understand the skills challenges we face as a country, the gaps within sectors, the qualifications needed for future industries and the preparation of the labour force to be ‘work ready’.
James Mason Chief Executive West & North Yorkshire Chamber
08455 240 240 wnychamber.co.uk @WNYChamber
At the core of everything the Chamber does in 2024 it will require impactful leadership across our whole organisation and the groups within our structure. It’s important that we cultivate strong relationships, nurture flexible work conditions and interconnected relationships which will enable us to collaborate reduced duplication and heighten engagement, which hopefully will lead to a continued retention of members and partners. As always we look forward to working with businesses to be their voice for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. Communication will be key and this works both ways. In the way we communicate information but also how we gather it from our members. Our Quarterly Economic Surveys will continue to be the most accurate barometer of business sentiment but only if we can encourage you all to participate in this and share widely. That would be our one ask. Wishing everyone a successful and productive 12 months.
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CONTACTS EDITORIAL marketing@wnychamber.co.uk ADVERTISING marketing@wnychamber.co.uk SUBSCRIPTIONS marketing@wnychamber.co.uk WEBSITE yorkshire-business.com X (FORMERLY TWITTER) @WNYChamber
West & North Yorkshire Business is a quarterly business 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. © 2023 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 magazine is accurate on the date of publication. This magazine is published by the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. Printed by Hart & Clough
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MEMBERS’ NEWS
12
REGIONAL NEWS
14 16
Karol Wyszynski. The Chamber group includes Chamber International, Business Enterprise Fund and West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.
News from across the region
INNOVATION Grants & funding
INNOVATION Silicone Straws Case Study
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INNOVATION
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INNOVATION
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FINANCE
22
INNOVATION
23 24 27 28
www.hartandclough.co.uk Cover photo courtesy of Bradford 2025. Photography by
News from Bradford, Leeds, York & North Yorkshire
32 33
Chamber Finance Finder
Digital education
INNOVATION Towards net zero
INTERVIEW The art of science
ENVIRONMENT Bio Net Gain
PROFILE Buttercrumble helps a business bloom
30
PROFILE
31
PROFILE
Lexus Leeds
Adams Foodservice
Excellence Academy
INTERNATIONAL CBAM
34
ENVIRONMENT
36
PROFILE
37
Intellectual property
Leeds Beckett University
INTERNATIONAL
Reducing carbon footprints
University of York
ENVIRONMENT Hawley Energy help improve efficiency
38
SKILLS
39
PROFILE
40
REPRESENTATION
42
EMPLOYMENT
44
CHARITY
45
Bradford College
Cedar Court Hotel
Updates from the policy team
Update from Andrew Jackson Solicitors
One In A Million
CHARITY York Against Cancer
46
MANUFACTURING
48
SOCIAL
50
ADVICE
Future of women
What you missed online
Advice Lines included in Chamber membership
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CONTENTS
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Photography by Karol Wyszynski
Art and science working together
New career routes
7 46 Education & collaboration 38 11
Women in manufacturing
16 Innovation case study: Silicone Straws
Magic ingredients of success
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BRADFORD NEWS
A tale of two stations As the sixth biggest city in England and one that is home to a business community that has punched above its weight for centuries, Bradford is a crucial part of Britain’s economy. However, for a city with so much to offer, it has long been let down when it comes to connectivity. Here I am speaking specifically about rail. Given the scale of what Bradford has to offer, its stations do not do the city justice and the fact that we do not have a through station is just simply not good enough. For years we business leaders in Bradford have been calling for this to change and for far too long it has fallen on deaf ears. Now, thankfully, this is starting to change. In November the Department for Transport built on its promise of building a brand-new railway station in Bradford by providing £400,000 for the local authority to kickstart master planning on the project. Finally, Government is putting its money where its mouth is and the work will consider how the new station can best support regeneration in the surrounding area and maximise its potential to create new homes, jobs and local economic growth – as well as significantly improving transport links and cutting journey times. It might be easy to assume, as I did at first, that the actual opening of the station will be many years in the future. But the timelines we are hearing about could see the new station operational a comparable amount of time in the future to that which we staged the London Olympic Games in 2012, something I think we would all agree doesn’t seem that long ago. At last Bradford is on the verge of getting the connectivity it deserves. Mark Cowgill President Bradford Chamber
Haworth military uniform specialists make school’s Art Week a totem success! Donated materials from a Haworth manufacturer which produces ceremonial military uniform accoutrement and regimental colours and flags, have been used to create totem poles at a local school. For almost 60 years, the fourth generation family business Wyedean, has specialised in the manufacture of military uniforms and ceremonial accoutrements including fabrics for medals, military badges and braiding. Based in Bridgehouse Mill in Haworth, Wyedean produces 1.5million ceremonial uniform regalia and insignia items each year and this summer, was awarded the contract to manufacture the British Armed Forces’ new regimental flags following King Charles III’s Coronation. With 20 in-house staff who weave, braid and hand craft, Managing Director Robin Wright said it’s important to the team that any leftover materials are reused and recycled. He explained: “Our products are rich in tradition, history and heritage so it’s right and fitting that any waste items such as medal ribbons and cones, webbing, laces and cardboard tubes continue their useful life by bringing pleasure and excitement to local children and inspiring creativity. “We donate our textile waste to around 10 local schools each year for everything from school parades and plays to events like Arts Week – it’s just one of the ways we aim to give back to our local community and support the creative education of young people.” The latest use for Wyedean’s textile waste was to make a school hall full of totem poles at Stanbury Village School as part of its bi-annual Art Week where more than 100 pupils aged from three to 11 got creative with members of their family and the local community. Foundation Stage Teacher Emma Dowson said: “For two full days we had our pupils and their families in school building, making, creating and assembling totem poles. When we receive fantastic donations like these vibrant and varied materials from Wyedean, it really brings our activities to life.”
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Creating a path to new careers Bradford College, and most recently, Shipley College.
options open and looked into less traditional routes.
The new recruits are all from Bradford. They join the 16 current Incommunities apprentices who are at various stages of their 2 to 4-year apprenticeships, spending the week split between learning ‘on-the-job’ skills with time at either Leeds College of Building,
Emma Thompson, from Wibsey, who is the first ever Horticultural apprentice at Incommunities, said: “I’m not your typical apprentice! I’m 33 and have been a dental nurse for the last 7-years, but my real passion is gardening. So, when I decided to make the leap and look for a new job, I kept my
“I’m now loving what I’m doing, gaining knowledge and skills – even learning about soil pH levels and, at the minute I have to learn the Latin names for 20 UK plants – every day is different. Overall, the thing I’m enjoying the most is seeing the difference that our work makes to people.”
Housing association and partners visit local scheme
Delegate travels from New Zealand to attend Verner Wheelock course
Winning a National Sustainable Catering Award
Kinara Close in Keighley was the centre of attention when Bradford Council Neighbourhood Wardens and representatives of West Yorkshire Police and Bradford District Credit Union joined Manningham Housing Association (MHA) board and staff members on a special visit to engage with local residents.
Such is the respect within the flavourings industry for flavour chemist Professor David Baines and flavour application specialist Richard Seal, that a delegate waited three years and travelled halfway around the globe to be trained by them.
Yorkshire Garden Centres, owner of Tong, Tingley, Bingley and Otley Garden Centres, won the Sustainability award at the 2023 Garden Centre Catering Awards.
Housing provider Incommunities has welcomed a new group of apprentices for 2023.
It was the latest in a series of Scheme Focus events organised by MHA which manages more than 1,400 affordable homes for over 6,000 residents in Keighley and Bradford. The initiative seeks to enable residents in MHA housing developments across Bradford district to meet team members at every level of the organisation alongside key stakeholders who work closely with them to support local communities. Lee Bloomfield, MHA chief executive, said: “It is important for us as to get out and about to meet residents in their neighbourhoods.”
The two specialists created and deliver Verner Wheelock’s 5-day Creating Thermal Process Flavours course, which took place in Skipton recently. The only course of its kind in the UK, it is aimed at flavourists working in New Product Development and flavour technology in the food, seasonings and flavour industries. Julie Ilagan, an NPD Manager from Sherratt Ingredients in Auckland, said “I had been looking for some savoury flavours training for some time. It’s been great! David and Richard really know their stuff and I’ve learnt so much from them. It has everything you want from this type of course, from flavour theory through to application and networking.”
Yorkshire Garden Centre’s Commercial Director, Sharon McNair, is delighted with the win: “Sustainability and community are the heart of our business and we are investing significant time, money and manpower to achieve our ambition of being Carbon Neutral by 2026. “From harnessing solar power and harvesting rainwater to using green electricity and improving our waste streams, we have already taken many steps to achieve this goal and are proud that our team’s efforts have been rewarded with this prestigious award.” The Yorkshire Garden Centres group employs almost 500 people across its four West Yorkshire sites.
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LEEDS NEWS
What we do best In business one of the key lessons you need to be aware of is the importance of rolling with the punches. Running a business is always going to have its peaks and valleys. That’s just the nature of the world. And in Leeds, picking ourselves up when we get knocked down is something we are brilliant at. So much so, that someone once wrote a pretty famous song about it. Take Capital of Culture. When the European Commission pulled the rug from under our feet for our 2023 bid we did not complain or moan – we decided to go ahead and do it anyway. While our sports teams in Leeds may not have had the most vintage of years (although Leeds Rhinos women’s team made it to the Challenge Cup Final!) you can bet that they will be back where they belong in short order. Our ability to dust ourselves off and come back fighting was best demonstrated during the pandemic when so many businesses – including ourselves – changed course in the face of seeming impossible barriers. The news that Leeds will not be linked to London via a game changing high speed rail line is just the latest setback. However plans are underway already to look at new options and opportunities to enhance capacity on both our routes and our station. We may get knocked down here in Leeds, but we always get back up again. And we always come back better than before. It’s just what we do. Chris Black President Leeds Chamber
Trust in employees Specialist design and contracting business moves to employee ownership and expands leadership team. A West Yorkshire company specialising in the design, fabrication and installation of building facades has become an employee-owned business, supported by a host of Yorkshire advisers working on the deal. MTW Architectural, based in Wakefield, was founded in 2005 by Richard Moore, Managing Director and Neville Taylor, Commercial Director. It has developed over the years to be one of the UK’s leading façade contractors focused on delivering quality projects through the business’ extensive technical and commercial knowledge. The £14m turnover business specialises in the design, fabrication and installation of the Schuco System, a high quality solution for windows, doors and facades, working with clients such as Galliford Try and Bowmer & Kirkland. MTW Architectural has now become 100 per cent employee-owned with the founders transferring their shares to an Employee Ownership Trust (“EOT”). All of the company’s employees will benefit financially from the future success of the company. Richard Moore and Neville Taylor will remain in their current roles and continue to be directors of MTW Architectural. They will be joined on the board by Joanne Abbott, Financial Director and Michael Davany, Production Director. Richard Moore said: “Selling the company to our outstanding employees through an EOT has felt like the most natural option for the business. It is recognition of the fantastic contribution of the whole team to MTW Architectural’s growth and success and will secure the stability of the company for years to come. MTW Architectural was advised by Dan McCormack at Lupton Fawcett LLP (legal), Roger Esler at Dow Schofield Watts (corporate finance) and Russ Cahill at Tax Advisory Partnership (taxation). Daniel McCormack, Partner at Lupton Fawcett, said: “This is a great result for MTW Architectural and all of its employees. The founders have built a first-class business with support from a top-quality team. This is the perfect time for the company to broaden the ownership and the leadership team whilst it being very much business as usual.”
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Style & substance Save the date for the forthcoming Style Hatchery Summit on the 2 February 2024, based in Leeds. It will be the first of its kind in the UK, providing a supportive platform, showcasing the best of children’s lifestyle brands, and influential keynote speakers.
The Summit will host expert consultants and representatives from Mothercare, the University of Leeds and the Roald Dahl Children’s Charity. As well as indies: thelittleloop (from BBC’s Dragon’s Den), Pip & Henry, and Dubs Universe.
It will welcome a curated assembly of the best professionals from children’s lifestyle and fashion brands, British manufacturers, and young designers. The programme promises attendees a fresh outlook on upcoming trends, sustainability, and exporting.
The Summit is proudly endorsed by Visit Britain. The Summit has been established by Abigail and Chloe Baldwin of the award-winning creative studio, Buttercrumble, who are keen to build a community of like-minded experts within the children’s industry.
New Leeds campus opens to support vulnerable young people
Developing a novel low-cost building airtightness testing tool
Strengthening the management team with key promotions
A multi million pound purpose-built campus has opened in Leeds to support the most vulnerable learners in West Yorkshire. The Vine, in Burmantofts, has been purpose-built – amidst a national shortage of such specialist provision – to meet the needs of young adult students with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD).
Building performance experts at Leeds Beckett University have teamed up with world-leading technology manufacturers, Coltraco Ultrasonics, to develop their Portascanner® Airtight, a novel rapid low-cost ultrasonic device which can be used to quickly assess and quantify the airtightness performance of a building.
The Harris Partnership has announced a series of senior promotions as the leading architectural practice continues its growth.
Featuring a hydrotherapy pool, sensory rooms and rebound facilities, it offers a level of all-encompassing support to learners.
The Portascanner® Airtight is a handheld tool which uses ultrasound to detect and locate air leakage sites. It is the first system of its kind to also quantify the extent of any air leakage.
Sarah Simpkins, Deputy Director of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) at Leeds City College, said: “We have a bespoke curriculum which will sometimes require a level of personal and specialist care that could include using hoists, physio, hydro and rebound therapies along with other treatments and equipment. We’re pleased that our new space accommodates these specialist facilities to help our students thrive.”
Dr David Johnston, Professor of Building Performance Evaluation in the Leeds Sustainability Institute at Leeds Beckett University, said: “The airtightness performance of building fabric can have a significant impact on energy use and CO2 emissions. It is important to develop low-cost tools that are capable of rapidly assessing and quantifying the airtightness performance of a building. These tools will be important in helping the UK meet its Net Zero obligations.”
In recognition of their ongoing valuable contribution to the business, Iain Church, Ian Perrell, Russell O’Donoghue and Sarah Charlesworth are now Directors of parent company The Harris Group. Other key figures across the group have also been recognised with Mark Hendy promoted to Director of the successful Harris Project Management business. In the Manchester office, Sarah Rhodes is now Design Director at The Harris Partnership and Marisa Rigby has been promoted to Associate in Harris Project Management, further strengthening the group’s presence in the North West market. Jonathan Wrynne has been made Associate in The Harris Partnership’s London office following a sustained period of expansion in the capital.
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YORK & NORTH YORKSHIRE NEWS
Together stronger As the new year gets underway York and North Yorkshire can finally get ready to take its seat at the top table. From May this year, our region will at last have its own mayor. Not only will this bring more than £100m a year in extra funding into North Yorkshire, it will also mean that we will have a figurehead and a champion who can represent our region at the highest levels, both nationally and internationally. It is important to reflect at this stage how far we have come. For a long time, devolution looked to be too complex and difficult a task for North Yorkshire. But, thanks to leadership and compromise, we are now ready to sit alongside the likes of Greater Manchester and the West Midlands as a fully devolved region that can make its own decisions, shape its own destiny and not be controlled by Whitehall. Given the scale of our region’s geography and its unique and special economic offering, it is absolutely crucial that whoever is elected on May 2, 2024 is able to hit the ground running. To that end, York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce is launching a Devolution Alliance. Run in conjunction with our two great universities in the shape of the University of York and York St John University, we will commission work to research the economic strengths and potential of our region. This means that whoever is elected next year is announced, they will have the best economic picture possible in order to make York and North Yorkshire’s business community be at their very best. As ever I thank all of our strategic partners in the region and wish everyone well for 2024, a year which I hope will be the start of one of the most exciting chapters in our region’s history. Sarah Czarnecki President York & North Yorkshire Chamber
York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce
Solar power project at Teesside Airport Energy giant SSE Energy Solutions has launched an office base at Teesside International Airport as part of the company’s ambitious growth plans for the region. The FTSE 100 company has signed a lease for a unit in the airport terminal, with staff now working from the location. The agreement follows an announcement last month that SSE is to deliver a major solar power project at Teesside International Airport. The new office is part of a wider recruitment expansion across the Tees Valley by the company, providing opportunities and skills for workers from across the region. Nehal Mehta, Director of Regions and Social Value with SSE Energy Solutions, said: “As part of our ongoing commitment to the region we are opening an office hub at Teesside International Airport to help recruitment in green jobs and bring in local talent from a diverse range of backgrounds. “Our aim is to upskill local talent – whether they be managers, engineers or apprentices – and get them working on projects that are close to them. We have aspirations to create even more regional hubs across the country over the coming years and, ultimately, to do three things: unlock investment in low carbon infrastructure, create jobs and deliver the skills needed for net zero.” The first phase of the solar farm project is due to enter construction early next year and will see up to 3MW of solar generation initially installed to meet airport and local demand. Further phases could ultimately deliver 50MW of capacity over the coming years, which could make it one of the biggest solar projects in the UK and capable of displacing over 20,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the electricity supply network each year. Alongside the airport development, SSE is also looking to develop the creation of more vehicle charging points. Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Future proofing our airport by making it the first in the country to be Net Zero is now within grasp thanks to this new solar deal. “It’s a true vote of confidence a huge name such as SSE has set up home at our airport in quick time – and I can’t wait for spades to go in the ground so we can reap the rewards of this major solar project.”
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A magical potion of success
The Potions Cauldron has been a haven for those seeking a unique and magical experience that transforms wizards into the realms of fantasy and wonder. With a popular Potion Making experience to a wide range of magical potions the award winning venue has transcended into a beloved destination for both residents and tourists.
The Potions Cauldron located on Shambles, York, houses York’s smallest visitor attraction – The Cauldron Experience. It also is home to the TikTok Famous Spellbound Butterbeer, selling over 35,000 a year!
From a £125,000 year turnover and 5 staff in 2018, the Potions Cauldron has evolved into The Potions Cauldron Group with a team of 50 wizards and an annual turnover of £3 million, with brands and experiences including; The Hole in Wand, The Potions Cauldron and The Potions Express. The Group currently produce half a million potions a year for their guests as well as supplying key UK Retailer HMV and holiday resorts Centre Parcs. The group ships to the USA and are currently negotiating the product for the European market.
Rollits inspires client confidence in latest Chambers legal rankings
Yorkshire businesses ‘pushed to the brink’ by financial distress
City Cruises successful launch of the Boat Bar
Leading York law firm Rollits LLP has reinforced its strong credentials across its practice areas in the latest legal directory rankings.
High interest rates, together with persistently high inflation and a weakening economy, are combining to push increasing numbers of businesses across Yorkshire to the brink, according to the latest Red Flag Alert data from leading independent business rescue and recovery specialist Begbies Traynor.
City Cruises York, the number one sightseeing and dining cruise operator on the River Ouse, launched a Boat Bar, situated at Lendal Bridge Landing in the heart of York during the city’s annual Christmas Market.
The 2024 volume of Chambers and Partners UK highlight’s the firm’s work in agriculture & rural affairs, employment law corporate, particularly mergers and acquisitions involving SMEs and owner-managed businesses, and in social housing. Employment law expert Caroline Neadley and agriculture and rural affairs specialist Neil Franklin are highlighted as “Notable Practitioners” in Chambers for their experience and ability in their respective sectors. Both Caroline and Neil also were recognised as ‘Leading Individuals’ in the recent edition of The UK Legal 500. Client testimonials reported “outstanding” levels of care and attention with Caroline Neadley noted for her “deep understanding” and for being “extremely responsive” to client needs.
The report found that in Q3 of this year combined distress rates in the region had risen rapidly. Very severe, or ‘critical’, distress was up, leaving 2,495 Yorkshire firms facing potentially major financial problems, with a marked deterioration in key financial ratios and indicators. Julian Pitts, Begbies Traynor’s regional managing partner in Yorkshire, said: “Inflation is still extremely high, despite the recent fall, and firms in Yorkshire and across the country are facing continued increases in the costs of running a business, as well as the challenges of weakening customer demand and high borrowing costs.
This unique and stationary boat was been designed to offer a cosy and festive atmosphere, where visitors could enjoy a wide range of drinks from wine, beer, spirits, hot beverages as well as non-alcoholic options. The boat – River Palace – was decorated for the festive season and offered a warm picturesque option for visitors. Chris Pegg, Commercial and Marketing Manager, City Cruises, says: “With the launch of our Boat Bar we offered a unique experience with drinks on the River Ouse, which is promised to be an experience to remember. We know consumers are always on the lookout for unique venues and experiences and we’re confident our Boat Bar provided just that to visitors.”
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WEST & NORTH YORKSHIRE NEWS
New year, new start The end of last year saw some unexpected and very welcome pieces of good news land. Inflation, having not played much of a role in our lives for more than a decade, has been sky high for months but fell by more than was expected to 4.6 per cent. Our last Quarterly Economic Survey for Q3 showed significant improvements in expectancies on profits, investment, overseas sales and hiring. The Autumn Statement delivered much needed boosts in the forms full expensing on investing, upgrades on the electricity grid, planning reform and National Insurance reductions. And, at long last, we seem to be moving in the right direction with a much-needed new railway station for Bradford now looking more and more likely. Our membership deserves enormous credit for their resiliency and hard work during these challenging times. Economies do not grow by themselves and the businesses in West and North Yorkshire have worked tirelessly to deliver improved levels of growth. Equally our Chamber has played a role in campaigning and lobbying to make improvements to our region. Our voice is being heard and that is down to you telling us what Yorkshire needs. One swallow does not a summer make and, if we have learned anything from the last seven years it is to expect the unexpected. However, by remaining optimistic and upbeat, we can avoid the pitfalls of talking ourselves down and failing to recognise what a truly special region Yorkshire is, both to work and to live. Amanda Beresford Chair of the Board West & North Yorkshire Chamber
100% affordable housing Much-needed 100% affordable, energy-efficient homes are to be delivered across the city by the Council and social housing partners. Affordable housing is to be increased to 100% on the council’s Ordnance Lane Passivhaus site in Fishergate which the number of affordable homes can be doubled from around 50 to 100. 100% affordable homes have also been agreed for the site of the former Willow House on Walmgate homes where around 40 new energy-efficient homes are planned alongside improvements to the neighbourhood. Other plots ready for development are at the former 68 Centre in Heworth and the former Woolnough House care home site. These will be offered to registered social landlords to deliver 100% affordable housing which aim to meet the emerging Future Homes Standard. To influence the development of the type and number of affordable homes in the city and region, City of York Council has joined the ‘York and North Yorkshire Housing Partnership’ and is working alongside the co-owners of York Central. Also tackling homelessness, the report details how ten homes will be bought using the Local Authority Housing Fund to support former rough sleepers into living independently, and to house Afghan refugees. Cllr Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing and Safer Communities at City of York Council, said: “The average home in York currently costs 10.9 times the average earnings, rents have risen 10% in the last year and energy costs continue to rise. To tackle this, a core commitment of the new Council Plan ‘One City, for all’, is to increase the supply of good quality, affordable housing with high energy efficiency and low emissions. “Creating 100% affordable homes meets that commitment. Now, on our Ordnance Lane site alone, we’re doubling the high-quality Passivhaus housing which will be affordable to rent, buy and run, from around 50 to 100 homes.”
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Building skills for the future Yorkshire Building Society has announced FareShare as its charity partner, pledging £1million to support the charity’s Building Skills for the Future programme to help 2,500 people enter the world of work. FareShare is the UK’s biggest charity fighting hunger and food waste. The charity redistributes quality surplus food from the food industry – that would otherwise go to waste – to over 8,500 local charities across the UK. In addition to providing food, these charities help tackle the root causes of poverty and provide vital services including lunch clubs for older
people, community kitchens, breakfast and after school clubs, domestic violence refuges, and homeless shelters. The partnership between the mutual and FareShare will see the creation of employability programmes in seven of the charity’s 34 regional centres, including London, Bristol, Milton Keynes, Leeds and Barnsley, Edinburgh, and Cardiff. The Building Skills for the Future programmes will offer coaching, support, workshops and 12-26 weeks of work experience to help enable users to secure full-time employment.
Opportunities for highways and infrastructure professionals
First tri-mode long distance trains for the East Coast main line
Bus operators join forces to launch The Best for West Yorkshire
Align, the award winning, multidiscipline building design consultancy, is gearing up for an expansive and growth-driven year in 2024. As the year promises to be the busiest in our history, and with a host of new projects in the pipeline, we are thrilled to announce opportunities for passionate individuals to join our Highways and Infrastructure team.
London North Eastern Railway (LNER) is pleased to confirm that CAF has been named as the successful bidder to deliver a fleet of 10 new trimode trains for LNER. The trains will be able to operate in electric, battery or diesel mode.
As a public consultation opens on the future of bus services in West Yorkshire, bus operators from across the region have revealed a dynamic new plan for Bus Reform, which they are confident meets the ambitions of the Mayor, Tracy Brabin.
Benefits of tri-mode trains range from a reduction in emissions, particulates, noise and vibration pollution, lower maintenance and operating costs and upgradeable technology, with an expected increase in range and performance as technology develops. Battery power reduces the need to use diesel traction in areas where overhead power lines are not available.
‘The Best for West Yorkshire’ campaign sets out the case for the ‘Enhanced Partnership Plus’ (EP+), which operators are confident will deliver benefits for customers including accelerating public control without the burden and financial risk of a franchise model.
At Align we strive to be the building design consultancy of choice and it is our people who make us who we are. We are looking for industry professionals who can bring their experience and expertise to our roles and in return we will support them to build a career in an innovative and forward-thinking environment. We understand that every team member of our team plays a crucial role in the services we provide. This understanding forms the foundation of our work culture – one that is professional yet friendly, and where and where everyone is treated with respect and support.
David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said: “Successfully delivering this new fleet is an integral part of LNER’s Business Plan. Our focus is ensuring we create a fleet that truly matches the needs of our customers, with clear targets on setting new standards for comfort, accessibility, and exceptional customer service.”
An independent auditor’s assessment of options for bus reform presented to the Combined Authority concluded that the “…Enhanced Partnership ‘Plus’ would according to the assessment be justifiable…in terms of delivering Value for Money…” It builds on a successful partnership, seeing stronger collaboration between the bus operators, the Mayor’s team and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Finding funding Finance and support to shape the future of businesses in the region. Grant Funding
North Yorkshire Small Business Programme
In 2023 the Business Funding ecosystem underwent a big change, with European funding schemes coming to an end, new grant schemes have been launched with more on the horizon in 2024 across West & North Yorkshire. In this article, we delve into the various grants offered by region’s funding bodies, exploring the eligibility criteria, and where to find further details. Whether you are a startup with ambitious goals or an established business seeking avenues for growth, this exploration of grant opportunities will provide valuable insights into how the local authorities are actively shaping the future of businesses in the region.
Funding is available throughout North Yorkshire (excluding York) to increase business growth, productivity and sustainability through investment in long lasting assets including tools, equipment and technology. Grants of £1000 - £10,000 (75% contribution from UKSPF, with businesses contributing 25% towards the project) are available through the Small Business Grant Programme as well as 100% funded grants for projects under £1000.
Whilst there are some sector specific grants available and in the pipeline, we’re bringing you information on some of the less niche funding schemes across the West & North Yorkshire regions.
Start Up Funding Amongst support on a 1:1 level and workshops to help you grow your new business, Ad:Venture provides matched funded grants of £1500-£10,000 to assist eligible Growth Businesses in West Yorkshire, under 3 years old to purchase Capital Expenditure such as equipment and tools, marketing, website development, initial marketing collateral design or purchasing IT equipment. To access the Grant funding scheme the business needs to be engaged with a local Business Manager, who will contact you if you enquire through www.ad-venture.org.uk
To make an application, businesses will need a business plan and cashflow forecast, and fill out the application available on the North Yorkshire Council website www.northyorks.gov.uk
Digital Accelerator Grants The Digital Enterprise programme is aimed at growth focussed businesses trading over 3 years with 5-100 employees based in West Yorkshire. Amongst excellent advice and guidance available through their Digital Growth Advisors, businesses aiming to accelerate, innovate or transform through digital solutions can access 50% matched funded grants of £2000 - £10,000 to invest in software, hardware, digital communication and data management projects. Full guidance and how to submit an expression of interest is available on the Digital Enterprise website www.digitalenterprise.co.uk
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INNOVATION
Growth Support
Sustainability
The Business Productivity Service provides tailored consultancy support to produce a productivity improvement plan to increase profitability. There’s grant support of £5000-£25,000 (25% intervention rate) to invest in new technologies or equipment to accelerate the profitability of the business.
Not only does cutting your energy usage save your business money on bills, there’s support on hand for sustainability audits, as the West Yorkshire Combined Authority has experts on hand to provide audits, specialist consultancy and access to funding to help your business measure its carbon footprint to help develop a plan to achieve net zero emissions and invest in energy saving equipment such as LED lighting, more efficient heating systems and install solar panels.
Eligibility: • 5-100 employees • Based or relocating to West Yorkshire • Majority of business comes from other businesses • Minimum project cost of £20,000 These grants are available throughout West Yorkshire, you can express interest by phone on 0113 348 1818 or email business@westyorks-ca.gov.uk
Grant support is available across West and North Yorkshire through the York & North Yorkshire Growth hub, and West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Register online via their respective websites to speak with a local adviser. Whilst this list is by no means exhaustive, we endeavour to bring you further details of widely available funding and support schemes and their eligibility criteria in further articles.
Get advice on funding and innovation from our specialists, email innovation@wnychamber.co.uk or call 08455 240 210
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16
INNOVATION
Silicone Straws Case Study Charlotte Walsh, Founder of The Silicone Straw Company, is on a mission to make it easier for families to live greener. Charlotte lives with her family in Grassington and along with the holidaymakers loves to spend sunny days down by the river with her children – picnicking and paddling. But sometimes the aftermath isn’t always so picturesque: Plastic bottles, coffee cups, sandwich wrappers and straws wash downstream. Seeing the impact single use plastics can have on the area got her thinking – how could she use her 15 years of manufacturing experience to make being green that little bit easier? So, she came up with a simple mission – to create convenient alternatives to single-use plastic items. The products are beautifully designed and made in the UK using the highest quality food-grade silicone. ‘For me it was about creating products that allowed people to do the right thing without noticing’ says Charlotte ‘and even better if the result was a better experience than people were used to’. Charlotte’s favourite example is the McDonalds straw. “In a desperate attempt to reduce their single use plastic footprint, McDonalds now use large paper straws’. But that’s not the full story argues Charlotte. ‘McDonalds have forgotten the user experience. These straws feel funny on your tongue, they go soggy if they’re left in the drink too long and young children just chew the end of them.” Charlotte thinks putting the user experience first will result in better quality sustainable products which will have a greater overall benefit for the planet in the long run. Taking this approach has served the Silicone Straw Company well. After months of design the Company started small with a single batch of reusable straws, but these quickly sold to Booths supermarkets which meant Charlotte could extend the range and now offers a full rainbow of straws and travel tins so customers can more easily take their straws out. Charlotte met Kris Keighley in the early stages of setting up the business, meeting initially for a 1:1 drop in session but drew upon the expertise of a wide range of services from the Innovate UK Edge team including Intellectual Property advice when registering a trademark, searching for new suppliers as demand for the product grew and more retailers came on board. As the company grew, the team assisted to secure a grant to assist with stock management, marketing collateral and IT equipment.
When Silicone Straws had its first order from overseas our exporting advice was on hand to provide guidance on the documents she’d need to ensure her shipment got to her customers without issues. The fledgling company has gone from strength to strength during the last 3 years and has saved around 2 million single use straws from being sent to landfill illustrating the benefit of reuse over recycling. Every supply chain has an impact on the planet and small value items like this are often shipped half-way around the world to be used once and then thrown away. Buying something that can be used over and over again therefore multiplies the benefit many times over. The company now has its products stocked in Booths, Waterstones, Oliver Bonas, over 200 independent stores, and made it to the Finals for the Giftware Association Gift of the Year Awards 2023 for Ethical & Sustainable Gifts and Gifts under £15. The business has plans for further product development in 2024 with two new markets to move into, with the view to improve the experience of using drinking straws, cut waste and encourage people to move away from single use items. Identifying market opportunities with Innovation is integral to growth, if you’d like to speak with an Innovation Growth Specialist from Innovate UK Edge, email innovation@wnychamber.co.uk Grab your Silicone Straws today via www.thesiliconestrawcompany.co.uk
Q4
18
INNOVATION
Innovation & intellectual property When it comes to innovation, it can be very easy to get wrapped up in a brilliant new idea and to run with it without much consideration for formal legal proceedings related to the idea. Many businesses have been guilty of doing this and, unfortunately, many have faced the wrath of cease-anddesist letters and expensive lengthy legal proceedings. This is why it can be crucial to the success of your business to think about intellectual property and trademarking before going public with your innovative idea. So, what is intellectual property? The term is defined by the UK Government as “something that you create using your mind - for example, a story, an invention, an artistic work or a symbol”. Your intellectual property can be protected – through copyright, patents and trademarks - in order to ensure these creations cannot be stolen or copied by others. Some intellectual property protection is automatic, whereas other protections have to be applied for. Many will remember that back in 2019 a Welsh brewery, Boss Brewing, received a cease-and-desist order from fashion behemoth Hugo Boss –
culminating in famous comedian Joe Lycett temporarily changing his name by deed poll to Hugo Boss in protest. Hugo Boss objected to the brewery’s use of the word ‘Boss’ on some of its beers, merchandise, and brand name. Regardless of whether consumers were likely to confuse a small Welsh brewery with one of the largest fashion brands in the world, Boss Brewing nevertheless ended up spending nearly £10,000 on a legal battle which took several months to resolve. On top of these costs, the company was forced to change the name of some of its products in order to appease Hugo Boss, rendering money spent on marketing and advertising virtually worthless. When considering the fact that it would have cost the company a few hundred pounds to register a trademark for their brand of beer, it is clear to see that businesses should be thinking about trademarking early on in their operations in order to avoid huge losses down the line in legal fees. These cases are not particularly rare within the UK legal system. More recently, indie pop band Easy Life were forced to change their band name after a threat of legal action from easyGroup – the conglomerate responsible for easyJet – who own the brand name ‘Easylife’. Although the pop group have been operating since
prior to the acquisition of the ‘Easylife’ brand name by easyGroup, they did not have any measures in place to protect their intellectual property and therefore easyGroup were able to threaten legal action against the use of their band name. As a result of this case, the group have been forced to change their name, damaging the brand that they have spent years creating, as they were unable to battle it out with easyGroup in a court of law due to an inability to afford legal fees. As is shown by the Huge Boss v Boss Brewing and easyGroup v Easy Life legal battles, many businesses are unaware of the intellectual property within the business and, as a result, do not think to put any protections in place. This then leaves businesses at risk of intellectual property theft or legal proceedings against their brand. At the Chamber of Commerce, we have a dedicated intellectual property advisor who can assist you in understanding what intellectual property you have within your business and how you can go about protecting it. Intellectual property, just like more tangible assets, adds value to your business and therefore it is important for businesses to understand, value and protect it. Written by Ben Forrest.
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INNOVATION
New RFID and AI technology set to revolutionise performance of greetings card company A team of academic experts from Leeds Beckett University are driving innovation and boosting productivity in the region – by supporting the development of new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology with Wakefield-based Riverside Greetings, a leading supplier of greeting card solutions. By embedding the new technology, the team are set to dramatically boost the performance of greeting cards in the convenience and forecourt sector. It has been developed as part of a two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by the Government through Innovate UK. Andrew Glen, Managing Director of Riverside Greetings, said: “Many small businesses struggle to access the resources they need to innovate effectively and at scale. By participating in a KTP we’ve been able to work closely with a team at Leeds Beckett University who have helped us to develop this initiative.” The team has created an automated inventory and category management system that combines AI with RFID technology to analyse and increase the performance of greeting cards – whilst significantly improving the productivity and effectiveness of Riverside’s merchandising service. The new, patent pending, technology, is now being piloted in several test stores in England. It will allow merchandisers to complete a full stock count of hundreds of cards by design in less than two minutes, with 100% accuracy – versus the current manual counting system which can take 30 to 45 minutes. Dr Akbar Sheikh Akbari, Reader in the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing at Leeds Beckett University, said: “I am delighted with the transformative level of innovation and efficiency provided through the combination of AI and RFID technology in facilitating greeting cards delivery. Benefits include: efficient management of card stocks in shops, delivery vans, and
production lines; reduced costs; reduced waste; increased accuracy; and a reduced carbon footprint.” Riverside Greetings estimate that this new approach will grow sales with existing customers by more than 20%. Riverside’s operational model provides consignment stock for retailers who then only pay for what they sell, which means that they don’t have cash tied up in stock. Andrew Glen said: “The project is innovative in a number of ways: firstly, because it employs RFID with relatively low value items; and secondly because it will utilise tags in close proximity to each other. This revolutionary new technology is going to provide us with real-time information and transform the overall performance of greetings cards in the sector. “We are very excited about this new approach. Our conservative estimate for the scale of the opportunity for the sector measures it at £25 million*, a sales figure which will generate approximately £12.5 million of incremental profit for retailers.” Dr Nick Halafihi, Head of the Leadership, Governance and People Management subject group at Leeds Beckett, said: “Our Academic team have provided support to this KTP across each of their specialist research areas. Thanks to the pro-active, professional and engaging delivery team at Riverside and the KTP Associate, Daniel Lamsdale, a significant and innovative project is reshaping the industry in a dynamic and ground-breaking way.” Dr Esther Pugh, Research Lead for Retail and Consumer Behaviour at Leeds Beckett, added: “Working with Riverside Greetings on the marketing aspect of the project with our associate, Daniel, has been an absolute joy, and we have been able to fuse marketing theory and concepts with real life practice, to design some innovative brand communications initiatives. We have been delighted to see such fast progress towards achieving our goal of business growth and diversification.”
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20
FINANCE
Funding the future How entrepreneurs can get ideas to market fast Speed is of the essence when technology is involved. How a business acquires funding can make all the difference Technology drives economic growth: as a business owner, who is building technology products, it usually means that you have found and solved a problem that is hard for people to solve for themselves.
How your Chamber Finance Finder can help: Our partner Swoop provides an equity support package where they act as an introducer and matchmaker to our large investor network of around 250+ active contacts within VC funds, angel syndicates, individual angels, and family offices.
Where do grants fit into the picture?
Often, new developments in science and technology create a need for new ways of working, new strategies and new solutions. Through technology, you are able to take advantage of these developments and outstrip competitors.
Technology businesses offer many opportunities for you to pick up grant funding – and for businesses in this sector, grant funding can make a big difference not just to the bottom line, but also to the viability of newlycreated technologies.
What do businesses in technology need to consider when they are raising funding?
While the offer of grant funding is attractive, business owners should be aware that funds often come with strings attached: you as a business may be limited in how you can use the money, it is often paid in arrears (so you may have to borrow to cover costs in advance) and you will need to ensure that your business and project are eligible under each competition.
First, the need for funding is crucial to ensure that products can be developed at a pace so that they can be relevant to their target market. The world of technology moves fast, and delays in R&D can result in obsolescence before a product has even gone to market. Equity investment is a clear opportunity for growing technology companies: as well as providing the allimportant funds, VCs will have networks of helpful individuals who will be able to advise and accelerate growth of your business. You will be able to spot and correct weaknesses in the journey from idea to market, suggest fruitful collaborations and see the bigger picture when it comes to new opportunities and novel applications.
You may decide that the upsides of a successful application for the right kind of funding outweigh the downsides. Apart from having the money in their bank, a successful grant application can make you more attractive to investors.
Final thoughts If you work with technology, the approach to funding can be the difference between success and failure.
To get the best from investment in your business, you will need to have a good idea of the investors who would be right for your business: finding the right investors requires knowledge of the key players and what their particular specialisms are.
Your Chamber Finance Finder can help you at every stage of the funding journey, from acquiring start-up capital to making the business investible and connecting them with the right people to see your idea thrive in the market.
For the best outcomes, you should also check that they qualify for investment under EIS/SEIS. These schemes are set up to reward investment through tax breaks and qualifying makes the business more attractive to investors.
Explore what grants you are eligible for, email info@wnychamber.co.uk to get started with the Chamber Finance Finder
Investor matching helped tech startup get to market Case study
Solution
“My experience with Kerry and Swoop has been nothing but positive. We wouldn’t have applied for what we got if Kerry hadn’t told us about it and we wouldn’t have secured our capital if we hadn’t worked with Swoop.”
How the Chamber Finance Finder partner, Swoop, helped source funding to turn an idea into a product. For a technology company, taking a product from the idea stage to market can be a long, difficult journey. This can make finding VCs willing to invest challenging, but with the right help, all things are possible.
Vamplew was introduced to Kerry Dwyer, Account Manager at Swoop. In an echo of how Paranimo works, Swoop matched the company with their community of VCs and Angel investors. Vamplew says that winning £150k of Innovate UK grants proved to be vital in securing further investment:
Matthew Vamplew is Founder at Paranimo, a platform which enables HR and wellbeing companies to increase revenue and improve the mental health of their customers, with a white label therapy platform they can use to match people to the right counsellor. The company has already won £150,000 in funding from Innovate UK, and Vamplew says the funding proved to be essential to provide traction on the journey towards positive cash flow for the business.
“Winning that funding gave our business a definite seal of approval that helped us with investors. Kerry matched us to Worth Capital, a micro VC that opened the door to us raising a further £150k.”
Problem
Matthew Vamplew
“To go from an idea to testing, to a prototype to an MVP to a launch… for us that was too expensive unless we got help. Kerry and Swoop helped us to take that journey and introduced us to the investors we needed to develop our business.”
Vamplew said: “Thanks to Kerry and Swoop, we have been able to buy enough time to test a business model that initially didn’t work. We were then able to make the pivot and get customers and are in the process of going back to the VCs for some top up cash.”
With the current funding in place, Paranimo has been able to prove that there is a market for their product. Over time, the company has had to refine and pivot on their model and is now in a place where there is a clear route forward towards profitability.
Q4
22
INNOVATION
Digital innovation in education West Yorkshire Colleges, including Leeds College of Building, have been successful in securing £6.9 million from the Department for Education to digitise teaching and learning in key sectors. The funding is part of the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) and will launch a West Yorkshire digital innovation project led by colleges. The project will support colleges and partners to build capacity to meet local skills priorities that were identified in the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), launched by the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. Working through the consortium, colleges and partners will collaborate for maximum impact. They will develop current and new digitised training provision and curriculum for key industries. The colleges will open specialist hubs and academies offering high level curriculum using immersive and digital technology and Artificial Intelligence. The capital investment will include equipment and resources needed to use virtual reality, augmented reality, Artificial Intelligence and robotics to equip colleges with the means to develop relevant and in-demand skills. The funding has been split into six key areas with investment for digital innovation in: • Construction, • Creative industries, • Health and social care, • Advanced manufacturing, • Financial technology (Fintech), • The wider digital development of teaching and learning. Each area will be led by a West Yorkshire college that will lead the innovation, host the digital hub and share experience and knowledge and develop teaching and learning across all colleges.
Project Director of the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges, Joanne Patrickson said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the region to advance the skills needed in technology to keep up with industry changes. Not only will the funding of new equipment help to improve the learning experience in colleges, the collaboration between our partners will grow the skills and knowledge of the teaching staff who can deliver relevant training to the current and future workforce.” The West Yorkshire colleges benefiting from the funding include Leeds College of Building, Bradford College, Calderdale College, Kirklees College, Luminate Education Group (Leeds City College and Keighley College), Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, and Shipley College. Leeds College of Building has been awarded funding for the development of new specialist hubs for digital skills within the construction industry to meet the demands in the area for diverse skilled workers. This will also include funding for mobile digital hubs across the region with AI technology and VR/AR equipment. Nikki Davis, Principal and CEO of Leeds College of Building said: “We are delighted to be awarded this funding to help support local people to access high quality provision, with industry leading facilities. The focus on digital construction will provide opportunities for employers and future employees to develop vital skills.” Over the course of the project approximately 5,000 learners will benefit from around 100 new courses, with over 7,000 learners using the new equipment purchased with LSIF capital funds. Over 700 college staff will benefit from CPD activities. The project runs until March 2025 and is part of the Government’s drive to transform skills training so that more people can secure good jobs close to home.
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INNOVATION
Innovating the drive to net zero Parkinson Spencer Refractories Technical Manager, Dr Jafar Daji, and Parkinson Spencer Refractories were delighted to be presented with two industry awards at the British Ceramic Confederation’s “Delivering Net Zero for British Ceramics 2023.” Technical Manager Dr Jafar Daji recently attended the flagship UK Ceramics Industry Decarbonisation Conference “Delivering Net Zero for British Ceramics 2023”; organised by the British Ceramic Confederation. Jafar and Parkinson Spencer Refractories were delighted to be presented with two industry awards, and Jaafar was also able to share research project updates with the delegates. This year’s conference, in its second year, was held at Staffordshire University. Its focus was to promote and celebrate the sector’s activities in continuing to drive the sector’s net zero transition on ongoing decarbonisation initiatives and related developments crucial to ceramics’ progress towards net zero. It was a great day that gave people an
opportunity to network, to celebrate their achievements and to showcase the work being done in their endeavour to reach Net Zero. Jajar received his individual Individual Recognition award for his engagement in all the sector support sessions and projects, helping PSR and the ceramics industry in their drive towards Net Zero. PSR also received a Special Recognition award in the SME Decarbonisation category for it’s commitment to decarbonisation through investment in on-site renewable electricity and voltage optimisation systems, and engagement in research projects such as PSR’s Low CO2 Refractories for the Foundation Industries project and the BCC’s Hydrogen project. Following the event, Jafar, said: “It was an honour and a pleasure to receive both, an individual award and an award on behalf of PSR, for contribution to decarbonisation and recognising the efforts being made by undertaking a number of projects and activities. Congratulations to all the
other winners too.” This conference provided an opportunity for Jafar to network with like-minded industry professions, give his input into the industry’s challenges towards 2050 net zero, and share some of the progress and findings from ongoing research projects. In particular, Jafar has been the PSR lead on a project funded by the UK Government’s ‘Transforming Foundation Industries’ (TFI) Challenge fund, and working in collaboration with Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) and the British Ceramic Confederation (BCC). This project has focused on finding a cost-effective solution to reduce energy consumption in the refractory manufacturing process; investigating the addition of dopants to enable firing at lower temperatures or for shorter times, reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Current refractory manufacturing methods include long firing cycles where substantial energy savings and corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions could be achieved by reducing the lengths of firing cycles.
Q4
24
FEATURE
Art of technology
Can art be scientific? Can Science be artistic? Can creating art be sustainable? For Cat Scott, the concept of art and science together is a partnership of equals, with art paving the way for imagination whilst combining the technical aspects of research in science. She is currently one of the tenants at the Chamber’s Commerce Court, a space designed with SMEs and creatives like Cat in mind.
“Location is key when starting any business and Bradford is the ideal place. Along with the support from the Chamber, I plan to expand my work to the next level and recruit a team in 2024, ahead of a very exciting year for Bradford, as the UK City of Culture in 2025.”
Photography courtesy of Mediale. Photography by Adam Garbutt
Cat describes her work as experimental: “Creating installations that spark curiosity and wonder.” She has recently acquired Arts Council England funding for her projects and has been working as an artist for a decade, beginning as an artist-in-residence at science labs before diversifying into sculpture and technology.
25 Q4
Science stems from art Described as a maverick by her tutors at University, Cat’s path was a world away from the traditional routes into STEM roles. “I had a love for art, and science and pursued textiles, but I’ve never been formally trained in science and technology.” Her curiosity for science, art and engineering peaked in her third year at Manchester School of Art. Working across all parts of the art school, including 3D design, fashion and creative technology, led her to become a member of The Superposition Collective in Leeds, whose collaborative way of working enabled her to experiment. Despite establishing a successful career in the industry, Cat believes there is still a lot of work to be done to increase inclusivity in both STEM and the creative sectors, particularly non-binary and female representation. “As a woman working across technical male-dominated disciplines, I aim to eliminate barriers and to use art as a universal language, to spread equality across sectors and society. I strongly believe that art is for everyone and that everyone is born with the instinct to be curious and creative. Accessing the arts should be easy and accessible for everyone.
Photography by Karol Wyszynski
“My auntie Patricia Sutcliffe strongly believed in inclusion for disabled artists, so she co-founded The Art House, in Wakefield, which is still running after over 30 years. The Art House enables artists with and without disabilities to make art in the same space and her legacy is nationally recognised today.”
The success of ‘Inner Horizons’ has driven Cat to further her passion for sustainability and change the perception of what art is, after a successful regional pilot tour of the work at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, The Art House and BD is LiT in 2023, where over 34,000 people experienced the work.
New horizons
Art & technology
Pushing the boundaries is key to Cat’s art, who enthuses: “Scientists want to have fun! That is likely why they love to work with artists like me, as we bring a different agenda. To explore, imagine and play without limits, and that’s what my work embodies.”
How do you think the perception of art will change in the future as technology advances?
In terms of a partnership between art and science, do you think there will be more influence on kinetic art? “Definitely! I am biased, as this is my field! Kinetic art, to me, is taking inspiration from the natural world and creating moments of wonder using technology, making art that moves, lives and breathes.” One of her most interesting developments has been a bubble system, featuring a fluid sculpture that comprises chemical and electrical engineering under the name Inner Horizons. “Everything starts with a question”, says Cat, such as “What does it sound and feel like to be inside of a bubble?”
“People will become more open to what art is and how it can be experienced. Art will become more fluid, both materially and in the way it is experienced, e.g. art that is interactive, that you are encouraged to touch and play with. “In our technological world, the role of art will be more essential, enabling us to find moments of stillness and quiet and interact with different senses such as touch and using ephemeral elements such as water as materials, to give us that ‘physical realness’ that can’t be experienced through a screen. “My ideas guide me to choose the right materials and processes to create my art. I want the audience to have a new feeling when experiencing my work, whether that is wonder, curiosity, or something else.”
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26
Local suppliers, global opportunities Much of Cat’s work centres around the use of local suppliers and manufacturers. Sourcing niche businesses for production and assistance can be a challenge while working abroad, but it is easier with the diverse range of engineers and manufacturers while working in Yorkshire. “I always look locally for suppliers for choice and variety, I prefer to work with local manufacturers to support them as much as possible, and to reduce the environmental impact of my work.” Her nomadic business has taken her as far as South Korea, where her fluid sculpture ‘Inner Horizons’ was originally created and exhibited following on from a three-month residency at the Asia Culture Center, and later in an online exhibition for the Changwon Sculpture Biennale (Republic of Korea). The language barrier, Cat admits, was the main challenge in that project, but advises that this should not prevent anyone from pursuing a market outside of their locality. “In my Arts Council funded project, I have been making ‘Inner Horizons’ tour-ready, for light festivals and exhibitions and researching an international tour. The focus is to make the work as accessible, environmentally responsible and commercially viable as possible. One example is using slow touring models, which means touring the work for longer periods of time to enable me to avoid using flights to reduce carbon emissions.”
Business challenges “Due to the project-based nature of visual art, I have learnt so much about how to be patient and how to build
up my business over time. The Coronavirus lock-downs were very hard for me, as I had no work, and prior to that, I had left my full-time job in marketing to focus on my art business, doing my first international residency in South Korea in 2019. “I spent most of the lock-downs upskilling in production techniques and learning how to fundraise, as I knew that if I wanted to be a full-time artist, I needed to be able to write successful funding bids. Access to support to write bids has been a major turning enabling me to sustain my practice financially. Having mentors, such as curators Ceri Hand and Ariane Koek, has helped me sustain my practice, be authentic, and set audacious goals.”
Creative connections “With art, you have to be in it for the long game, and you have to be great at networking, finding a community, getting funding and commissions and be a good collaborator. It’s a myth that artists work alone in their studios all day, as is the myth of the struggling artist. There are many people involved, at least in my practice, such as technical managers, fabricators, suppliers, scientists, creative technologists and producers. “The business skills that enable any artist to monetise their work is essential, I feel this is where many artists struggle. Before I can afford to pay for a producer, I have had to learn everything myself, and there is some freedom but also restrictions in that. The time that it takes to write funding bids is the trickiest part, especially if you come from a working-class background, as imposter syndrome is always a challenge. “The hardest part was starting out, as I was working full-time and had no idea how to get funding/ commissions. I found collaborators to
Photography courtesy of Mediale. Photography by Adam Garbutt
work with to make kinetic art through my involvement in The Superposition Collective in Leeds, and we all collaborated for fun, unpaid, and many of these projects I self-funded through my income from full-time jobs. Good examples of this are In Transition and State Changes.”
Creative space “In 2017 I started trying to find a home for my business. The hardest part was finding a suitable studio that wasn’t temporary, that I could afford and where I felt comfortable. Being awarded my first major grant from Arts Council England in 2023 enabled me to move into my first long-term studio at Commerce Court, where I have been settling in since November 2023. Commerce Court is a hive of activity, with an interesting range of small businesses. The staff are friendly and welcoming which makes me feel at home, and the easy-in / easy-out terms give me the flexibility to expand in the future. “Without the funding and getting bookings to tour my work, Inner Horizons, I wouldn’t be able to have my first studio.”
The business of culture “I am currently working on a project for the Bradford City of Culture 2025. The City of Culture will provide great opportunities for entrepreneurs.” “You need some entrepreneurial spirit to pursue a business but mostly it’s about taking action, applying knowledge and connecting. In the future, I would like to create some architectural scale fluid artworks for public space and tour my work nationally and internationally. Discover more of Cat’s work at catscott.co.uk For business space enquiries email info@wnychamber.co.uk
27 Q4
ENVIRONMENT
“Biodiversity Net Gain is an approach to development, land and marine management that leaves biodiversity in a measurably better state than before the development took place.”
Bio Net Gain David Campbell (Biodiversity Officer) joined the latest Property & Economic Forum to discuss all things Bio-Net Gain (BNG). Having recently celebrated two years at Bradford Council, David went into detail how BNG is calculated, the challenges, opportunities, and Bradford’s Biodiversity journey. As part of the presentation, David provided slides, showing evidence for his findings but also how it relates to Bradford. The picture above demonstrates how BNG works (simply) and without the replanting and further work (carried out on land), BNG cannot be achieved. Property developers and housing contractors, as of next year (January and April) must show some form of BNG, as part of the Environment Act, 2021 – Will make 10% Biodiversity Net Gain a condition of planning permission. This was relevant news for members of the group and was a valuable update for them. Achieving BNG can provide opportunities for residents and businesses. Opportunities that can accomplish long term social, health and economic benefits. It can create new areas to work and improve socialisation. This can be positively linked to productivity mental health. Natural and more attractive workspaces can lead to an increase in employment and can draw companies to region. With damage being done yearly to the eco systems (nearly 1 in 6 British species at risk of extinction… 54% of plans have reduced across Britian) – Introducing achievable targets can provide long term solutions, provide solid relationships with authorities and housing creators, and make BNG achievable.
29 Q4
PROFILE
Helping a boutique brand blossom Recently, Buttercrumble has been supporting the wonderful Bluebell Petite brand, which launched its first boutique in central Leeds. The collaboration between Buttercrumble and Bluebell Petite bears heartfelt social impact on multiple fronts. Buttercrumble became brand guardians for the new boutique, going beyond standard design services to source sustainable print options, a practice they’re keen to make an industry standard. Furthermore, Buttercrumble’s involvement in sustainable packaging and retail merchandising for Bluebell Petite’s launch showcases a commitment to the holistic brand development. Bluebell’s ethos rejects fast fashion, they are actively promoting a more sustainable and responsible consumer mindset. Their collections maximise materials to prevent waste; the garments are beautiful and durable, perfect for passing down through generations. The collaboration has contributed to growth of the local economy as both businesses are based in Leeds, plus Bluebell Petite is generating local employment opportunities. This collaboration exemplifies the creativity of our region and encourages others to shop local. Rebecca Connell, fashion designer, is thrilled to have opened her enchanting children’s boutique, Bluebell Petite, located in the prestigious Victoria Quarter in Leeds. This unique store promises to be a kooky‑yet‑stylish experience for families, fostering creativity and encouraging little ones to embrace their individuality. Inspired by her daughter and driven by the desire to provide kids with an outlet for imaginative play, Rebecca Connell has carefully curated her offering to cater to the whimsical fantasies of children. It includes accessories such as capes and wands. These magical items are designed to inspire, turning ordinary days into extraordinary adventures. Furthermore, the brand rejects fast-fashion with each garment being heirloom-worthy and crafted with care. Bluebell is a showcase of Rebecca’s expertise and experience as a designer. Rebecca Connell shared her vision for Bluebell Petite, saying, “I am so excited to have a permanent base for Bluebell in my home city of Leeds. Trading at summertime family festivals over the past few years inspired me to open my first Bluebell boutique. The reaction from children and parents at the festivals was totally overwhelming. When a child tries on one of our capes and their little face lights up – it is just priceless!
“I want to encourage children to embrace their uniqueness and express themselves through imaginative play, to be whatever they please and be proud of who they are. Life would be so dull if we were all the same, don’t you think?”
Q4
30
PROFILE The Allure of EVs for UK Businesses The transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs) isn’t merely a nod to ecofriendliness. There are compelling fiscal incentives too. With the promise of tax breaks, the continuous fall in battery costs, and a notably attractive 2% Benefit in Kindt (BIK) tax rate for company car drivers, EVs present a compelling economic case.
Assessing Your Business Travel Needs Before embracing the electric avenue, it’s vital for businesses to meticulously scrutinise their current and impending travel needs. In urban environments such as Leeds, where daily commutes are relatively brief, EVs shine. Their adeptness in city traffic and the convenience of nightly charging at a central depot make them an enticing choice. However, when covering considerable distances is part of the business model, factors like the EV’s range, available charging infrastructure along the route, and time taken for recharging come into sharp focus.
Charging: A Mixed Blessing While the UK has made commendable strides in enhancing its charging infrastructure, especially along motorways and in major cities, gaps persist. Some rural areas or less-travelled routes might pose challenges. It’s paramount to bear in mind that even with rapid chargers, refuelling an EV is seldom as quick as a traditional petrol fill-up. Charging sessions, often stretching beyond 30 minutes, could disrupt time-sensitive agendas.
Electric Plug-in Hybrids: A Balanced Alternative Vehicles for Business Users A Tailored Solution? Matthew Wong, the newly appointed Business Centre Manager at Lexus Leeds talks through the move towards electric vehicles and what this means for businesses. As the newly appointed manager at Lexus Leeds, I am eager to immerse myself in the local business community. I’m committed to championing local enterprises, bolstering the Leeds economy, and steering our beloved city towards a sustainable, green future.
Where distances become challenging and charging infrastructure are sparse, Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) emerge as an effective compromise. They seamlessly blend the best of both worlds, harnessing battery power for shorter local commutes while boasting the extended range of a hybrid engine for longer journeys. Furthermore, PHEVs come with a competitive 8% BIK, making them a worthy consideration for businesses seeking flexibility.
Finding the Right Fit Although EVs present a promising alternative to conventional combustion engines, they might not be the ideal fit for every business. A city center manager making local journeys would see EV as a win, benefitting from minimal running costs and a robust ‘green’ brand image. Yet, a company with a broader regional footprint could find the existing charging landscape a potential hurdle.
Final Thoughts The push towards electric is undoubtedly exhilarating, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all proposition. As businesses weigh the advantages against potential limitations, Stuart and I stand ready to advise and support. Together, let’s embark on a journey towards a prosperous and eco-friendly Leeds.
31 Q4
PROFILE
Bradford headquartered Adams Foodservice wins top national industry award for Foodservice Wholesaler of the Year. In a momentous achievement, Bradford headquartered Adams Foodservice Trading Ltd has been awarded the prestigious Federation of Wholesale Distributors Gold Award for Foodservice Wholesaler of the Year. From its humble beginnings as a corner shop on Little Horton Lane funded by World War II veteran Mirza Khan (Dad), Adams Foodservice has evolved into a leading entity within the Foodservice sector. The Federation of Wholesale Distributors' Gold Award, recognising Adams Foodservice as the best Foodservice Wholesaler, is a testament to the company's unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the industry. The competition was stiff, with esteemed runners-up Bidfood UK and JJ Food Service Limited, both formidable players in the wholesale business. Adams Foodservice attributes this success to its dedicated team, valued partners, family, and the well wishes of the community. The company expressed gratitude for the collaborative spirit that has propelled them to the pinnacle of the industry.
Director Sajad Hussain, elated with the achievement, remarked, "This award is a testament to the vital role our organisation plays in the local community and the broader Foodservice landscape. Being featured on the BBC is a recognition we are immensely proud of." Beyond their industry accolades, Adams Foodservice has been making significant strides in sustainability. The main trading company is proud to be a net-zero entity, recently featured by British Gas for its commitment to environmental responsibility. Their fleet of electric company vehicles, reliance on 100% green energy, and installation of solar panels on major depots (totalling over 9) underscore their commitment to a greener world. Not content with business success alone, Adams Foodservice has also become a pivotal player in the Ramadan Charities Cake Campaigns. Over the past decade, they have distributed over 60,000 cakes during the holy month, generating an impressive £2.3 million in net proceeds for various charities. These funds have been utilised for causes both domestic and international, exemplifying the company's commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Even in retirement, the founders of Adams Foodservice are not resting. Engaging in philanthropic endeavours, they run a sustainable profit-for-purpose farm in Pakistan. The farm not only promotes environmental responsibility but also provides employment opportunities, particularly for women on the poverty line. Mohammed Kola, Finance Director at Adams Foodservice, revealed the company's commitment to substantial growth aligning with a broader ethos of community support. Emphasising Adams Foodservices integral role in represented communities, Mohammed credited the workforce’s dedication for the company's remarkable growth. Ambitious plans are on the horizon, reflecting a steadfast commitment to further community impact through ongoing expansion. Adams Foodservice Trading Ltd has indeed carved a remarkable niche for itself, not just as a leading fastgrowing entity in the Foodservice sector but as a beacon of innovation, community engagement, and sustainability. Their story is not just about business success but a testament to the positive impact a company can have on both local and global communities.
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32
INTERNATIONAL
Market-leading Cardinal Global Logistics joins Excellence Academy spring line-up Experienced freight industry professional Amanda Brunyee will join the roster of top presenters for Chamber International’s fourth Excellence Academy programme, beginning in February. A full member of the Institute of Export and International Trade, with 20 years of experience in the freight-moving sector, she now holds a pivotal role at Cardinal Global Logistics, reportedly the UK’s fastest-growing logistics services provider, serving more than 6,000 clients, from more than 25 offices around the world. As Cardinal’s business development manager, Amanda understands well the challenges that British businesses face, in today’s challenging freight-moving environment. She is also uniquely positioned to see how a major logistics company works, from the point of view of her customers. Both air and sea freight rates have seen huge fluctuations in the last few years, as a result of erratic demand levels, regional conflicts, and changing fuel prices. Businesses have also had to make adjustments to their operating models, as a result of Britain’s exit from the EU. These factors have added volatility into the freight-moving market, leaving some exporters and importers feeling “all at sea”.
Amanda will deliver the third session in the Excellence Academy program, entitled “Getting the Best out of Your Freight Forwarder”. Each cohort of Academy delegates is strictly limited to ten, in order to ensure a more personal, individual learning experience. Course leaders and guest experts are renowned industry professionals, supported by a qualified team of assessors, accredited to Training and Development Lead Body (TDLB) standards. Chamber International director, Tim Bailey, said, “A good freight forwarder is crucial at any time, but more so now, as we see an increase in global geopolitical challenges disrupting trade. We’re pleased to be working with an industry leader and look forward to Amanda’s contribution to this, our most popular training programme.” Visit the Chamber International website for more information - chamber-international.com/training-1/ excellence-academy/
33 Q4
CBAM
Significant changes in the international trade landscape CBAM’s implications for global trade already growing On 1 October, the EU’s landmark Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism policy (CBAM) came into force, and UK exporters are busy working out how to come to terms with it. There are even indications that the USA will follow suit, with a version of its own. The implications are far-reaching. CBAM marks a significant change in the international trade landscape. Its purpose is to ensure that the EU's climate policies are not undermined by production from countries with less ambitious green standards. By imposing fees or tariffs on imported goods based on their carbon emissions, CBAM aims to prevent unfair competition from less-regulated producers. It stands to be one the EU’s most powerful tools for encouraging global industry to embrace greener, and more sustainable, technologies.
Global response CBAM’s impact could become greater still. Speaking in 2022, US trade representative Katherine Tai said, “There are a lot of concerns coming from our side about how this is going to impact us and our trade relationship”. There is already bipartisan support among US lawmakers for creating a CBAM-type regime there. As a result, the US could also impose import fees or tariffs based on carbon emissions from the country of origin. Details are still being determined, but it is likely that the US will implement a similar policy to the EU’s, to address carbon emissions and protect domestic industry.
New reporting In this, CBAM’s early “transitional” phase, only imports into the EU of cement, iron, steel, aluminium, fertilisers, electricity and hydrogen, are subject to the new regulations. EU importers now have to report on the volume of these imports, and the greenhouse gas emissions embedded in them during production, but don’t yet need to pay any financial adjustments. A new CBAM transitional registry became available on 1 October to help EU importers perform and report their calculations, and the EU Commission is gradually making sector-specific guidance available. From 2026, EU importers will need to buy and surrender “CBAM certificates” corresponding to the greenhouse gas emissions embedded in relevant imported goods – a system similar to carbon offsetting and the use of carbon credits. CBAM will undoubtably affect global trade and consumer prices in the long-term. Less-regulated steel producing countries, most notably China, may well challenge it at the World Trade Organisation. CBAM’s explicitly green agenda may mean that it gains international support, and that trading blocs decide it is better to develop their own localised versions, rather than challenging it head-on.
Q4
34
ENVIRONMENT
Reducing carbon footprints
Yorkshire partnership pioneers sustainability in the pet food industry
Leeds Beckett University (LBU) joined forces with Inspired Pet Nutrition (IPN) on a Governmentfunded innovation project - to reduce the carbon emissions of the Thirsk-based company’s full supply chain. The partnership is supporting IPN’s goals to achieve net zero carbon and secure their position as industry leaders in sustainability through the cutting-edge research of the university. The project is a two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme, part-funded by the Government through Innovate UK. The aim is for IPN to become the first UK pet food manufacturer to analyse the sustainability of the company’s whole supply chain, using a Carbon Footprint Evaluation Model. To achieve this, IPN are working with a team of academic experts at LBU, led by Dr Jim Parker, Reader in the Leeds Sustainability Institute, and Dr Alfred Chinta, Course Director in the Leeds Business School, who has more than 20 years’ experience of working in supply chain management and sustainability. Dr Parker said: “IPN are already well on their way to achieving net zero. They have already achieved carbon negative accreditation in relation to their on-site emissions, such as fuel and electricity consumption, known as ‘Scope 1 and 2’ of the international Greenhouse Gas Protocol. We are now halfway through the KTP project, and have been setting up a framework to analyse and evaluate IPN’s ‘Scope 3’ emissions – the carbon produced within the supply chain.” Dr Chinta said: “We have been capturing exactly where the energy use is within IPN’s supply chain and then applying data analysis techniques to monitor and evaluate this. This means we can determine which supply sources and materials IPN need to prioritise to achieve the biggest energy savings. The key thing is to identify areas where suppliers can make the biggest changes in their approach to production and supply planning to become more sustainable and build a roadmap to zero carbon.” This value chain evaluation will enable IPN to make strategic decisions about their choice of ingredients and suppliers. A key part of the project is working with IPN’s smaller suppliers to assist them in measuring their own carbon emissions and becoming more sustainable. The university team will fully embed the new skills into IPN to create a sustainable, resilient, whole systems approach to evaluating their energy sources and select the best suppliers for high value, environmentallyfriendly products – now and in the future.
IPN are one of the top UK-based manufacturers of dry pet food – including some of the biggest and most sustainable brands in the UK, like Harringtons and Wagg. They were the first pet food company in the UK to introduce recyclable and compostable packaging – and the first Scope 1 and 2 carbon negative major pet food manufacturer in the UK, through their use of recyclable packaging, green energy, and a variety of off-setting initiatives. Will Bushell, Digital Marketing Director at IPN, said: “This project has already uncovered a number of valuable insights that are helping us to make better decisions to reduce our carbon footprint as a business and build stronger, more sustainable brands and products. It has also been incredibly beneficial to have embedded expertise in the business to help to upskill and provide information to our teams and stakeholders on the subject of sustainability and carbon emissions.” Leading the project is KTP Associate Imogen Froggatt – an experienced graduate who is embedded as a fulltime Sustainable Supply Chain and Lifecycle Analyst within the IPN team for the duration of the project. Imogen explained: “In our first year of the project, we have been able to identify a few areas in the supply chain with the highest carbon intensity, and these are the areas we are beginning with to drive the change. “Working between IPN and LBU is great - it allows a flexibility in where and how I work, which suits me perfectly. It also means double the support, double the knowledge and double the interest. “The development budget I receive as a KTP Associate is a huge bonus - so far I’ve been able to attend conferences in Europe and begin my Masters by Research degree.” Dr Chinta said: “IPN are a very progressive company – they are very keen to be the first pet food manufacturer who can really say with confidence, and scientifically backed-up data, that they are genuinely sustainable. By looking at alternative sources for their ingredients, and selecting more sustainable ingredients, their actions are putting them on the path to achieving a net zero carbon footprint.” LBU has a strong reputation for leading successful Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, and is now in the top 13 universities in the country for the size of its KTP programme. The Leeds Sustainability Institute is currently leading on multiple Government-funded projects and industry collaborations to help the UK to achieve its net zero goals.
Please contact ktp@leedsbeckett.ac.uk for more information or visit leedsbeckett.ac.uk/ktp
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36
Register now for The University of York’s CMI Level 5 Professional Coaching Programme The University of York are delighted to be delivering an in person CMI Level 5 Professional Coaching Programme starting in March 2024. The course is impact-driven and makes a difference to you and your business from day one. Teaching is informed by the latest innovations in business practice. We'll equip you with the skills, confidence and interpersonal development you need to help your business grow. You'll have the option to gain industry-recognised qualifications and enhance your CV. Our tutors will challenge and stretch you in a supportive learning environment, so you can achieve your full potential. Taught modules will give you an in-depth grasp of the principles of professional coaching:-
Module one Learn how coaching can positively impact organisational success. You'll be taught how diverse coaching strategies can impact people in different ways. Develop a broader understanding of workplace challenges and how to effectively coach a variety of people.
Module two Put theory into action and understand how to successfully build trust and rapport with others. Engage in practice coaching sessions and cultivate lasting change in your organisation. Identify the role of supervision in coaching, and discuss emerging practices including systemic coaching.
Here is what some of our recent course participants have had to say:
“ It was really well structured and paced. The lecturer did a great job of engaging everyone and inspiring everyone. It was a very interesting and thought provoking module and I really liked the teaching style.” 2023 cohort, Megan Stacey, Spectrum First
“ The course is of outstanding quality and delivered to the highest standard. I have found this so valuable already and the skills learned are going to make a huge difference to my work.” 2022 cohort, Alexander Stelfox, Cummins Inc
The programme is open for registrations now with the course starting on 12th March 2024. There are limited spaces available so do not hesitate in booking your place now! For more information, please visit The Professional Coaching Programme webpage or email cpd@york.ac.uk
“ I would highly recommend this programme to anyone who wishes to improve their skills as a coach/mentor. The CPD team staff are so friendly and organised. The trainer delivers the course in a very accessible and fun way too.” 2022 cohort, Kirsty Dixon, Menopause consultant, trainer and coach
37 Q4
ENVIRONMENT
Improve your energy efficiency We are Independent Energy Management Specialists.
We establish this by conducting an energy audit.
This means we have no allegiances to any brand or methodology so all our Energy Solutions are tailored to our clients’ needs.
Energy Audits are: Our advised first step as they are factual, re-viewable - defined by your business actuals. We have a specialist team covering all elements including Electricity, Gas and alternative energy creation.
Our deliverable is this: As a team of professional energy specialists, we manage investment expectation based on unique considerations for each business premises and usage. We advise and implement the most relevant and sustainable solution aligned to our client needs – not ours! We believe our independence helps us to standalone in an often-confusing Business landscape. To begin: Energy Management is data driven. The data gleaned confirms; influences and defines business need and identifies improvement opportunities. Detail: Usage data is varied, complex and often misunderstood. The key point is to understand what data is relevant.
Therefore • An energy audit will identify energysaving opportunities. • It will help you understand your energy usage and ways to use energy better. • An energy audit can identify safety concerns with electrical systems, wiring, and ventilation, thus making your business safer. • Help identify leaks and wastage. • It will assist in sustainable energy investment. • Helps identify how to reduce hazards such as Carbon Monoxide.
To improve your energy efficiency, call Patrick at Hawley Energy – 01484 819 347 for an initial discussion or email hello@hawleyenergy.co.uk See more about us on our Energy Consultancy at hawleyenergy.co.uk
Outcomes of Energy audits A re-viewable set of options that are designed to optimise, reduce usage and structure energy needs. To expand on equipment and techniques: Data Loggers - these show in detail where, when, what areas are consuming energy. Once understood many options become available to us that are aimed at reducing your usage and fiscal cost as well as supporting your sustainable journey. On a global scale energy reduction and move to more sustainable energy forms is well defined. Our Mission is to reduce your costs whilst not costing the earth. How we use the data to reduce overall energy usage We will in consultation with you, define your needs within a bespoke improvement plan that is costed and supported by our experience and usage metrics. This defines understanding and confidence in investment as the best fit solution for your business.
Q4
38
SKILLS
Bond Bryan Architects launch new partnership with Bradford College A brand new ‘Academy’ based at the Bradford College Trinity Green Campus has launched in partnership with Sheffield-based architects, Bond Bryan. The ‘Bond Bryan Academy’ will see the company’s team of highly skilled professionals serve as guest lecturers, adding vital industry knowledge and perspective to Bradford College students’ learning. Bond Bryan will also undertake workshops, site visits, and mentoring programmes for students across various courses in the College’s Construction & Engineering Department, immersing them in the day-to-day operations of a successful architecture firm. As part of the partnership, a specially designed Bond Bryan base room has been designed and built in the heart of Trinity Green Campus. As well as serving as a purpose-built classroom to support T Level students, architects will use the facility to oversee new estate projects on site. Bond Bryan has in-depth knowledge of the education sector and curriculum requirements at Bradford College. The team has collaborated on various successful projects to date, including the design and construction of both the College’s David Hockney Building and Advanced Technology Centre. Speaking at the launch event, Bond Bryan CEO Matt Hutton said: “Our ethos is ‘more than design’ which, for us, is about doing something with our clients and communities beyond just the boundary of the projects we’re working on. “This partnership with Bradford College is a perfect example of how to reach students and create pathways for them into vocational courses, hopefully within this brilliant industry. It’s all about trying to show them that there are opportunities out there beyond what they’ve even considered. “We have success stories of people that we’ve worked with before at colleges who are now doing really good things for us. We genuinely want to give something back and as an
organisation; I want to ensure we are doing things which will make a difference, rather than just box ticking.” The launch event saw Matt Hutton visit Bradford College to deliver an insightful talk to staff and students about his route into architecture and how students will benefit from the partnership going forward. Stephen Smith, Bradford College Head of Department for Construction & Engineering, said: “We’re thrilled with the exciting new partnership with Bond Bryan. This collaboration will provide valuable opportunities for students to gain real-world experience and insight into the architecture and construction industries. “Bradford College students will develop the practical skills and network needed to excel in their future careers. We are confident this relationship, with such a respected industry leader, will greatly enrich our T Level in Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction. Our students are eager to learn from Bond Bryan’s experts and we look forward to seeing the fruits of this effort. We are also proud to deepen our commitment to preparing work-ready graduates through partnerships with respected companies like Bond Bryan.” Asa Gordon, Curriculum Vice Principal, added: “Partnerships with employers like Bond Bryan are fundamental to the College delivering our mission of working together to transform lives. Giving our students the opportunity to meet with Matt and understand the career opportunities available to them following studying with the College, is essential for meeting future skills needs. “Bradford College students will benefit from the expertise of a number of industry experts, as well as gaining access to work experience through this partnership, supporting them in their journey as the future workforce needed in the Construction industry.” Bradford College offers an extensive range of courses in Construction and Engineering for school leavers right through to degree-level and advanced professionals.
39 Q4
PROFILE
Destination Bradford
Investment into Cedar Court Bradford reflects hotel group’s commitment to Yorkshire
Cedar Court Hotel Bradford reopened its doors to guests in September following a renovation as part of the Yorkshire hotel group’s business strategy to invest post Covid and attract new visitors to Bradford ahead of it becoming City of Culture in 2025. Marking the reopening was a grand event held at Cedar Court Bradford on Wednesday 8 November 2023 for the city’s business community in celebration of the investment and opportunities being created in the city. Whilst more than 10% of all UK independent hotels have closed in the past few years, Cedar Court Hotels Yorkshire has remained stable despite the challenging times, instead choosing to invest into its portfolio of properties to ensure it remains a popular choice for both business and leisure visitors in the region. Established for 35 years, Cedar Court Hotels is Yorkshire’s largest independent hotel group and is led by Managing Director, Wayne Topley, judge of The Yorkshire Post ‘Yorkshire Tourism Awards 2023, Chairman of Leeds Hotels and Venues Association, Director of Harrogate BID, Committee Member of the Institute of Hospitality, and Managing Director of NorSpark Hotel Management. Wayne Topley, Managing Director said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming guests back to Cedar Court Hotel Bradford after a refurbishment, reaffirming our commitment to being an integral part of the local community. The hotel has always been a cornerstone of luxury and comfort in the region, and we wanted to blend its rich history with contemporary elegance and create a premier destination for leisure and business travellers. We know how important it is to work closely with our local community and believe in collaboration, and we’re excited to be welcoming business leaders and professionals on 8 November to celebrate, network and create new opportunities to work together. This event was proudly supported by the esteemed Bradford City Football Club, West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Telegraph and Argus and YABA.
Q4
40
REPRESENTATION West & North Yorkshire Chamber gave a cautious welcome to the Government’s Autumn Statement. Among the measures announced were cuts to National Insurance payments, new investment zones and ‘full expensing’, which will allow businesses to invest without paying additional taxes. Amanda Beresford, Chair of West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, reacted to the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement: “It’s pleasing to see some of the measures announced in the Statement. Business needs assurance and support right now, in order to help grow the economy and create jobs; we’ve seen some of that, and that’s welcomed; but the pressures are still tough. The significant increase in the living wage, for example, means that the tax cuts for business announced are needed. “Measures to potentially boost consumer spending and help some of our hard-hit sectors like hospitality – like the national insurance cut – are welcomed; as are things like planning reform and investing in innovation and green energy; but these things take time to work through, and time isn’t on the side of some of our small firms. “We recognise that measures to increase investment in infrastructure and people is desirable – like the ‘full expensing’ measure and the new investment zones – but the level of uncertainty currently around might mean these also take some time to take effect. Speeding up planning applications will be welcomed by some of our members in property and development, too. “As always, the devil is in the detail and we will be poring over the Treasury’s paperwork for further information, especially on the measures designed to support business and growth.”
Band of England briefing The Chamber shared the stage with the Bank of England at the University of Bradford where more than 70 people gathered to hear an economic briefing. The Chamber’s head of policy Mark Casci presented the findings of the latest Quarterly Economic Survey alongside Monetary Policy Committee member Ben Broadbent. Both presenters outlined the economic challenges that the region faces, as well as delivering some optimism on outlook. The event, held at the university’s Norcroft Centre, was staged on the day that inflation was confirmed to have fallen to 4.6 per cent – a more significant drop than had been expected.
Double celebration York & North Yorkshire president Sarah Czarnecki has been named Business Personality of the Year at the 2023 York Press LocaliQ business awards. Ms Czarnecki, director of the business clinic at York St John University and known for her association with the Grays Court Hotel in the city, clinched the award at the newspaper’s award ceremony held at the Knavesmire. The Press’s BusinessiQ business awards showcase the best of business and have established a benchmark of entrepreneurial excellence in the region. Ms Czarnecki said: “It is a great honour to win such a prestigious award. I have worked in York for a long time and love this city dearly. I am just pleased to have been able to make a contribution to its success.”
Continuing a career journey Sarah Czarnecki has been appointed Director of the Business Clinic at York St John University. In her new role, Sarah will oversee the strategic development, operations and growth of the Business Clinic to ensure that it remains a hub of experiential learning, innovation and real-world problem-solving. A spokesperson for York St John University said: “Sarah comes to us with an impressive background in business, academia and leadership making her the perfect fit to lead our Business Clinic into a new era of innovation and impact.
41 Q4
REPRESENTATION
Unlocking potential Bradford Station
Investment Zones
West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce has welcomed new Government commitments towards the creation of a new railway station in Bradford.
West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce has welcomed a new Investment Zone for the region.
The Department for Transport is building is providing £400,000 for the local authority to kickstart master planning on the project.
Focused on Huddersfield, Bradford and Leeds, the initiative could create more than 2,500 new jobs over five years across the region and unlock over £220 million of investment.
The work will consider how the new station can best support regeneration in the surrounding area and maximise its potential to create new homes, jobs and local economic growth – as well as significantly improving transport links and cutting journey times.
As a result of the Investment Zone, revamped sites specialising in health tech and digital will open up around West Yorkshire, unlocking over 2,500 jobs and over £220 million of investment across the region over the next five years.
Once complete, the findings will form part of a wider business case for the project which will include details on the proposed location and delivery date for the station. Mark Casci, head of policy at the Chamber, said: “This is great news for the region. It will hopefully see Bradford given the railway station it deserves and will ultimately benefit the whole country.” Rail Minister, Huw Merriman, said: “I have championed the case for a new railway station in Bradford for a long time and the funding announced today will make this commitment one step closer to becoming a reality.”
This can be used flexibly between spending on interventions such as skills, research and development and local infrastructure, dependent on local need, and tax incentives such as 100 per cent Stamp Duty Land Tax relief, an enhanced structures and buildings allowance at a rate of 10 per cent per annum, an enhanced 100 per cent first-year capital allowance, employer National Insurance Contributions relief, and 100 per cent business rates relief. Amanda Beresford, chair of West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The announcement of a new Investment Zone for West Yorkshire has the potential to make an incredibly positive difference to our region. “The project plans to create more than 2,500 jobs across Bradford, Huddersfield and Leeds and to unlock more than £220 million of investment. “The mixture of funding and tax relief is exactly what our region’s economy needs after such a challenging few years. “Given how much West Yorkshire is leading on life sciences, the focus on this sector is hugely welcome.”
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42
EMPLOYMENT
Employment law update What’s the latest? It’s a busy time for employment law, with the Government having announced new sets of regulations which come into force over the coming weeks. Andrew Jackson Solicitors employment partner, Nick Wilson, considers the implications for business owners to help them plan ahead.
• Payments, including commission, intrinsically linked to the performance of tasks which a worker is contractually obliged to carry out
Holiday pay
• Payments, such as overtime payments, which have been regularly paid to a worker in the previous 52 weeks
The new year sees the introduction of the Employment Rights (Amendment, Revocation and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2023. Whilst the regulations deal with a number of matters, we’re focusing on the calculation of holiday pay. As a result of Brexit and higher courts' powers not to follow retained EU law, the new Regulations seek to ensure that the calculation of statutory holiday pay is simplified, which, for some employers, may be a blessing. There are two components to annual leave entitlement in England and Wales. The first four weeks is derived from the EU Working Time Directive (which the UK implemented as the Working Time Regulations (WTR)); the additional 1.6 weeks was introduced by the Government under the WTR. For many years, different rules have applied for how to calculate holiday pay. However, from 1 January 2024, when calculating holiday pay for the first four weeks, the calculation must be based on the worker's normal pay and include the following:
• Payments for professional or personal status relating to length of service, seniority or professional qualifications
There are no changes to the additional 1.6 weeks where basic pay can be paid when the worker takes annual leave (subject to exceptions), although most employers already pay their workers the same rate of pay across the full 5.6 weeks, so the application of these changes may be limited. Another notable feature of the regulations is that of permitting the concept of ‘rolled-up’ holiday pay. This allows employers to pay holiday pay by way of 12.07% uplift to the normal rate of pay. Workers can still take annual leave but they will be paid for that leave via the sum rolled up into their pay. Such arrangements were generally unlawful, as they acted as something of a disincentive for workers to take annual leave with the resultant health and safety concerns. It should be noted that rolled up holiday pay will only be permitted for workers with irregular hours of work, or those who work only part years. This change also applies for annual leave years that begin on or after 1 April 2024.
Discrimination Draft Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 have been published to deal with law which may have fallen away as a result of Brexit and the UK no longer following all EU law. The regulations seek to reproduce EU law relating to the following areas: • Direct discrimination related to pregnancy, maternity and breastfeeding • Indirect discrimination where a person without a relevant protected characteristic suffers substantively the same disadvantage as those with that protected characteristic • Direct discrimination in the context of access to employment and occupation as regards public statements outside a recruitment process • The right to equal pay where employees’ terms are attributable to a single source (Article 157 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union1 ) • The definition of disability in relation to employment and occupation The regulations are due to come into force on 1 January 2024 and once we have digested the detail, we will look at them in greater detail. For help and advice on these and other employment law matters, please get in touch with our friendly team on (01482) 325242 or email nick.wilson@andrewjackson.co.uk
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The plan helps policyholders to access essential healthcare, diagnosis and treatment, provides money back towards selected medical expenses, and can be combined with our hospital treatment insurance to provide truly continuous cover. As a leading provider of corporate health insurance, nobody works harder to keep your employees at their ft and healthy best than Westfeld Health.
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CHARITY
One In A Million is a Bradford based charity, that engages with over 1500 children and young people aged 5 to 19 years old, living predominantly in disadvantaged communities in the 5 constituencies of the Bradford District, providing Sports, Arts and Enterprise programmes & pathways. Our City
Our Mission
Our Goal
Bradford has one of the fastestgrowing youth populations in the country with many of our children living in areas of high deprivation. Many of the wards we work within in Bradford are among the top 1% of the most disadvantaged communities in the country.
To make a difference to our city. We work with parts of Bradford, which fall within the top 10% of national deprivation (according to the Governments Index of Multiple Deprivation). Canterbury, Keighley, Manningham, Tong and Windhill. Harmonising communities and integrating children from different cultural backgrounds. Canterbury for example is the most deprived area with 75.7 per cent of households deprived in at least one dimension at the time of the 2021 census.
To improve children and young people’s physical and mental wellbeing, skills, confidence and selfesteem through activities delivered in a fun and safe environment.
Our Daily Programmes Including our innovative 'Introduction to the World of Work programme' are based in their local communities, use formal and informal education as a delivery mechanism to break the cycles of deprivation hovering over their young lives, valuing and celebrating their uniqueness, letting them know they are ‘one in a million’.
Our Motivation To help change the negative statistics that hover over children and young people so that they can thrive socially, educationally and in their wellbeing.
Our Hope To instil young people aged 5 -19 years old, with skills, confidence and knowledge, providing progression pathways into employment, education and training.
Our Values Compassion, honesty, integrity and excellence.
We are honoured to be nominated as the Bradford Chamber of Commerce chosen charity and we look forward to working together to make a difference to our great city and district! www.oiam.org
45 Q4
CHARITY
York Against Cancer is an independent, local charity providing practical help and support for patients and their families living with cancer across York, North and East Yorkshire. Established in 1987 by three colleagues, Professor Steve Leveson, Professor Colin Garner and Mr John Craven, York Against Cancer was created to help raise funds to improve support and research into cancer in the local area. Since beginning, we have raised more than £20 million which has been
invested into a range of initiatives and services, such as funding worldleading research at the Jack Birch Unit in the University of York, where great strides in the prevention and cure of bladder cancer have been made. We are proud to fund a range of medical innovations, such as Yorkshire’s first mobile chemotherapy unit and York Hospital’s surgical robot. In addition to our cancer research funding, we also offer cancer patients free transport to their radiotherapy treatment every working day. Our minibus service aims to help people who might find it difficult to organise the journey themselves, picking them up from their homes in and around York and taking them to their radiotherapy appointments in Leeds. The offer of a lift means reduced stress, no fuel, no parking costs, and less reliance on family and friends. We also provide free respite breaks at two luxury properties for cancer patients and their loved ones to enjoy time away. Our family property in The Bay, Filey sleeps up to eight people, and offers access to The Bay’s on-site
leisure centre, with Filey beach just a short walk away. Our Yapham property grants tranquil views of the countryside in a beautifully refurbished cottage built for two. In 2023, we opened our cancer support centre The Leveson Centre for anyone affected by cancer to pop in for a cuppa and a chat or make use of our various support services. The Centre offers resources such as adolescent psychology services, Pilates classes, a weekly Wellbeing Choir, complementary therapy sessions and much more. As a charity, we continue to grow and develop our services all thanks to the ongoing support we receive from local donors, individuals, businesses and groups. Our aims today are the same as they were when the charity was founded; to support as many people affected by cancer as possible.
Future of women
47 Q4
MANUFACTURING
in manufacturing Hundreds of students from the Bradford district have been given access to some of the leading figures in manufacturing, all thanks to the Bradford Chamber of Commerce’s Bradford Manufacturing Weeks initiative. Held in October, young people were able to hear the experiences, benefits and successes that a career in manufacturing can bring. Now in its sixth year, Bradford Manufacturing Weeks has successfully connected dozens of the region’s leading manufacturers to new generations of talent, with more than 15,000 young people given experiences of what it is like to work in the sector. This year’s event saw sessions held on everything from apprenticeships to skills to degree-level training. Most importantly the sessions allowed students to hear first-hand accounts from those working in the sector and learn more about One of the highlights was an event exclusively dedicated to the futures of women in manufacturing, held at Bronte Girls Academy in Bradford.
At the event, Dr Elaine Brown, from the University of Bradford’s Faculty of Engineering, told the audience about how when she was at school, girls were not allowed to study metalwork, woodwork or technical drawing. “Girls were not expected to go into that sort of thing,” she said. “I really felt dis-empowered, but I still made sure I did maths and science before taking a course in engineering. The thing I love about engineering and manufacturing is that it is all about helping people. The things we make are making a difference to people’s lives. “It helps us to live safely, cleanly and improves our health. That is the heart of engineering.” The event also heard from two women who had entered the sector more recently. Ayesha Nawaz, a recent graduate from the University of Bradford and now employed by Solenis, said: “I have been lucky enough to travel all around the UK with work and have even been abroad. The main thing I love about the job is knowing that women can complete the job. “I really enjoy what I do.”
Ms Nawaz’s remarks drew cheers from the students in attendance. Alisha Nadeem, University of Bradford Biomedical Engineering Student, said: “When I was in secondary school and sixth form a lot of people told me I could not do engineering, that I was not made for it. “Fortunately, I do not like being told what to do. So, I did the opposite and went into it to prove to people that I could do it. “I am so interested in my field. I have a lot of freedom.” Charlotte Meek, of Stich Society, advised those in attendance to not fear change but rather to embrace it. “Some of the most rewarding things I have done are those I have done when I have been outside of my comfort zone.” Rita Collins, regional director for Yorkshire and the North-East at sponsors NatWest, said: “If they had this kind of event when I was at school this would have been so inspiring for me. “This will be an inspiration to these young leaders for Bradford and beyond.”
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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 X (Formerly Twitter) by tagging us @WNYChamber and mentioning #YorkshireBusiness.
Our profiles X ( Formerly Twitter) @WNYChamber
LinkedIn West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce
Facebook West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce
Instagram @WNYChamber
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What’s included in your membership ACCESS TO ADVICE Quality, professional, HR, health and safety, legal, tax and VAT advice.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who are these services for? Everyone! Individuals operating as sole traders may use legal services, while small businesses with employees may utilize HR services. For larger companies, HR services are there to give support.
ACCESS TO DOCUMENTS
Who are Quest?
Comprehensive online documentation libraries that include a wide range of HR, health and safety, legal and business documents.
Quest is a national provider of comprehensive HR and Health & Safety services, training solutions, and consultancy. With over 30 years of expertise, we are the preferred supplier for over 80,000 members, as recommended by the BCC and TAF.
SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS By comparison to the cost of obtaining advice from consultants or solicitors, or the cost of access to online documentation services.
How can unlimited access be free? The service is subsidised by the Chamber as they pay us a fee. It's a national scheme for all British Chambers.
Chamber HR Chamber HR is a valuable resource for businesses of all sizes that employ people. For small businesses without in-house specialists, it provides access to expertise that is essential for managing the employment of their staff. For larger SMEs with in-house resources, it serves as valuable support for their HR department. Even large companies may use Chamber HR to assist with complex cases.
Chamber H&S Chamber H&S is the essential tool for ensuring that your business is fully compliant with Health and Safety regulations. This is a requirement for all businesses, regardless of size. Our H&S offers an easy and convenient solution for those without in-house expertise in this area. Additionally, Chamber H&S can provide valuable support for SME businesses in staying compliant with Health and Safety standards.
Chamber Tax Chamber Tax is a resource for businesses of all sizes that are seeking professional guidance on tax-related matters. Whether you are a small startup looking for advice on how to manage your finances, or a large corporation seeking guidance on tax planning, Chamber Tax can provide the expert support you need.
Chamber Legal Chamber Legal is an essential tool for businesses of all sizes, but it is particularly beneficial for small businesses and sole traders who may not have access to in-house legal expertise. Whether you are just starting out in business or are an established company looking to address
I have internal resources - do I need them? Yes - these services should be used as a resource by your HR Manager, both for documents and advice. Book a One2One Discover meeting to show them the service value.
We outsource our HR / HS - why do I need these services? Because they could save you a lot of money. If you are outsourcing HR or H&S services you may not need to. A One2One Compare meeting will show you how much you could save.
We never have any issues to manage - why do we need these services? Our services go beyond crisis management or problem-solving. They are designed to address any questions or concerns you may have, as staying informed in a constantly evolving world can be challenging.
How can I access it? Call the membership team on 08455 240 240 or visit www.chamberhr.co.uk and select West & North Yorkshire Chamber
51 Q4
Chamber HR An employer focused service Chamber HR is a valuable resource for businesses of all sizes that employ people. For small businesses without in-house specialists, it provides access to expertise that is essential for managing the employment of their staff. For larger SMEs with in-house resources, it serves as valuable support for their HR department. Even large companies may use HR to assist with complex cases.
How can you benefit? • Resolve any employment-related issue • Understand your HR responsibilities as an employer Reduce costs from in-house or external HR support Immediate answers to any questions/concerns • Stay compliant by ensuring you're up to date with all legislation • Operate with full peace of mind
What's included in the service? Advice line access - Talk to an experienced HR/Employment Law specialist for any queries or guidance on finding documents Website - Use over 450+ HR template documents which cover the lifecycle of an employee. In addition to reading our latest articles in the Newsroom, you can also take advantage of a HR Health Check One2One Common Call Enquiries • Disciplinary Issues • Persistent Absence • Workplace Disputes • Disability and Capability issues • Redundancy • Equal Pay Grievances Popular Documents • Redundancy • Maternity & Paternity • Employee Contracts & Handbooks • Disciplinary • Recruitment
HR Update
National Minimum Wage increases in 2024 The Government has accepted the Low Pay Commission’s recommendation to increase the current National Minimum Wage rates in April 2024. As this is a legal obligation, employers must be aware of the new rates of pay and plan to adjust their payrolls accordingly. While these changes will grant 2.7 million low-paid workers higher pay, the changes could also cause financial uncertainty for many small employers. The new rates are set out below. National Minimum Wage Rates from April 2024 • National Living Wage (21+) - £11.44 per hour • 18-20 Year Old Rate - £8.60 per hour • 16-17 Year Old Rate - £6.40 per hour • Apprenticeship Rate - £6.40 per hour This new increase will represent the greatest ever increase to the National Minimum Wage. The new rate is factored by the pay growth across the economy. How does this Compare to Current Rates? The minimum wage will increase above £11 in April. This rise represents a 9.8% increase for over-23s on the previous year, and a 12.4% increase for workers aged 21-22. Currently, the existing minimum wage for those aged 21-22 is £10.18 per hour. The National Minimum Wage for 18-20 year olds will also increase to £8.60 per hour, with current rates sitting at £7.49 per hour. What’s more, apprentices will get an hourly pay increase of more than 20 per cent, with rates rising from £5.28 to £6.40. Why are the Rates Changing? The decision for this rise has been made due to the increase in the cost of living squeezing household budgets. Low income individuals and families have been hit the hardest due to higher food, water, and energy costs. However, many employers will also feel the effect of the pay increases in other ways. Many have voiced concerns over higher wage bills and the risk of financial uncertainty for smaller businesses. Employers should now update their payroll systems and documents to reflect the new rate increases. They should also assess the impact this will have on their business. If necessary, consider your ability to keep staff on, and the need to restructure or make redundancies to make savings now.
Can an employer cancel pre-approved annual leave due to staff shortages? Failure to follow correct process could lead to claims of constructive dismissal. Find out what you can and can’t do and understand the risks involved.
Any questions…any doubts? Call the Chamber HR Advice Line on 08455 240 240