All posts by Paul Andrews

Paul is the founder and editor of More Yorkshire, the latest digital publication that he has launched.

44% Of Hospitality Businesses Operating At A Loss

A new survey of 250 senior decision-makers within UK hospitality businesses has found that:

  • 44% of businesses are operating at a loss, with 53% impacted by rising cost of goods and 50% by higher energy bills
  • 70% feel they will have to increase prices to survive, while a third (34%) do not think their business will survive the next 12 months

Over two fifths of the UK’s hospitality businesses are operating at a loss, with the vast majority eyeing price increases during the next year, new research by Peckwater Brands has found.

Europe’s largest virtual food brand operator commissioned an independent survey of 250 decision-makers in senior management positions within UK hospitality businesses (restaurants, takeaways, cafés and bars). It found that 44% are currently operating at a loss.

A third (34%) of hospitality leaders do not think their business will survive the next 12 months, while 70% expect they will have to increase prices within that timeframe.

The study found that more than half of hospitality firms have been negatively impacted by the rising cost of goods (53%), with a similar number affected by record energy bills (50%). A third (34%) are struggling with higher interest rates, while 29% struggle with increased commercial rents. Most (55%) are struggling to find enough staff to operate effectively.

Inflation is not just ramping up hospitality businesses’ costs – the majority (70%) say customers are spending significantly less than they were 12 months ago.

Sam Martin, CEO of Peckwater Brands, said: “Conditions for hospitality businesses are undoubtedly tough, with record food inflation, skyrocketing energy bills and falling consumer spending all having a notable impact. Our research shows lays bare the stark reality; so many establishments are loss-making and many fear for their survival.”

“Unfortunately, the challenges facing the hospitality sector will not disappear any time soon. Raising prices might be the only option available to many businesses, but with consumers wrestling with a cost-of-living crisis and seeking out lower prices wherever possible, this action could damage their customer bases.”

“Just as during the pandemic, hospitality businesses must rely on ingenuity, efficiency and innovation to survive, let alone thrive – they must seek out all opportunities available to them, whether that is to lower costs or find ways of boosting revenue and order volumes, such as improved marketing or operating secondary virtual food brands out of their kitchens. One can only hope that in the coming months, inflation falls sharply and overheads drop, ensuring hospitality firms are not forced to close their doors. If they were, local high streets would be greatly diminished, as would the UK economy.”

Huddersfield Town Launch New Home Kit For Next Season

Huddersfield Town are proud to unveil their 2023/24 Umbro home kit, with the latest take on their famous blue and white stripes designed in tribute to their first of three consecutive league title victories in the 1920s!

Available for purchase ahead of Father’s Day from Friday 16 June 2023 both online and in store, the Utilita and SportsBroker sponsored kit was unveiled by First Team stars Jack Rudoni, David Kasumu and Rarmani Edmonds-Green in front of their new 1920s inspired mural outside the Millers Oils High Performance Complex.

Several design features across the kit also tip their hat to the centenary of the Club’s first ever league win, with ‘Huddersfield Town AFC 1923/24 Champions of England’ proudly featuring inside the neckline. With gold detailing around the neck, collar and Umbro’s double diamond, the woven embroidered Club crest is also enveloped in gold.

Two subtle changes are a thin pinstripe alongside their blue and white stripes, with the stripes themselves housing a prominent pattern of stars within them. On the rear of the kit, the three stars now sees the first detailed in gold, with the remaining two silver to represent the first of their three league titles.

Names and numbers will also feature in gold on the rear of the kit, matching seamlessly with the SportsBroker branding across the shoulders. Playing shorts will remain predominantly white with gold trim and blue down each side, with white socks featuring a blue ring across the top with gold HTAFC and Umbro detailing on the calf and shin.

Head of Retail Luke Cowan commented: “It’s always a brilliant occasion to launch the new home shirt, and we can really start to look forward to the 2023/24 Sky Bet Championship season now we know what we’re wearing!”

“As always, we have worked extremely closely with Umbro in the development of our kit design to focus on the intricate details across the shirt, and are proud that this bespoke kit allows us to tell the story of that first league title win.”

“I’m also delighted that Umbro have got the home kit to us early this summer so that fans can buy theirs ahead of Father’s Day and the summer holidays.”

“Kit releases are always popular thanks to our amazing supporters, so to give everyone a great chance of making one their own as soon as possible the home shirt will be available both in store and to purchase online at shop.htafc.com from the morning of Friday 16 June, with no pre-order or click-and-collect service available on release.”

New Whitefriargate Rooftop Bar To Be Created

Visitors to Hull city centre will soon be able to enjoy a new rooftop bar thanks to Levelling Up Funding.

Added Value Portal Limited has been awarded £75,000 from the government-funded scheme towards creating the facility at 55 Whitefriargate.

The project will include a multi-functional bar, food and leisure area on top of an extension at the back of the original building, creating six full-time equivalent jobs and adding to the area’s evening economy.

Once completed, it will accommodate up to 60 customers and will be accessed by a new staircase and chairlift.

Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, Hull City Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “This project complements what is already a vibrant place for people to work and socialise. This new rooftop bar will enhance the appeal of the city centre as a destination to help drive footfall and boost the hospitality and evening economies.”

55 Whitefriargate, on the corner of Parliament Street, has undergone significant regeneration in recent years.

Built in 1879, the former bank is now home to Bar55, situated in the old bank vaults.

Gerard Toplass, The 55 Group chief executive, said: “Whitefriargate was the heart of the city for so long and it’s fantastic to be part of the regeneration that will bring life back into this fantastic part of Hull.”

“We have built our business in Whitefriargate and we are looking forward to continuing our investment with help from the Levelling Up Fund. We are excited about building an urban landscape and rooftop experience to rival what is available in cities like Manchester and London.”

In 2021, Hull City Council was awarded £19.5million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund to support infrastructure and deliver a package of city centre regeneration works.

£7.5million of this being used for the Levelling Up Fund grant scheme, which aims to bring unused floorspace of any vacant or partially occupied property back into use and creating new jobs.

Similar to previous grant schemes in the Old Town, the Levelling Up Grant scheme will allow various diverse businesses to open and operate, breathing new life into the area.

Innovative Digital Health Hub For South Yorkshire

A new £4 million digital healthcare hub to tackle healthcare inequalities is set to transform how patients are treated in South Yorkshire.

The South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub, led by the University of Sheffield, will drive the development of innovative digital technologies to improve the way diseases are treated and diagnosed by using cutting-edge research using data from smartphones, wearables, new sensors, combining this with NHS data and using artificial intelligence to develop new clinical tools.

The hub will bring together a range of partners, including the University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, GPs, mental health services, the Sheffield Integrated Care System in South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw, businesses and patient and public groups, to share knowledge, skills and build upon the existing regional strength in developing innovative digital health technologies.

Sheffield is one of five hubs across the UK to be awarded part of £16.5 million from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Health Ageing and Wellbeing and Tackling Infections UKRI Strategic Themes.

The hubs will focus on four key healthcare challenges:

  • Antimicrobial Resistance
  • Health and care outside hospital and disease prediction, diagnosis and intervention
  • Tackling health inequalities by developing digital healthcare technologies to the point of use in the NHS
  • Addressing the health needs of underserved communities

    The South Yorkshire Digital Hub will cover a region of 1.4 million people affected by high levels of disease and health inequalities. The hub will respond to unmet needs of urban and rural populations which are shaped by significant health and social inequalities.

    It will also offer new opportunities for improving health and economic growth in the region through digital skills training and sharing, networking and knowledge exchange, connecting diverse stakeholders in digital health from academia, healthcare, industry, public and private organisations, and the wider public.

    The hub will offer specialist health training for researchers, clinicians, patients and the public, made freely available online.

    Professor Tim Chico, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine from the University of Sheffield and Director of the South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub, said: “People in South Yorkshire are affected by widening health inequality and high levels of disease, including heart and lung disease, cancer and mental health issues. This investment in cutting-edge health technology research aims to tackle the issue by developing digital healthcare to use in the NHS and benefit patients in our region and beyond.”

    “The hub will allow colleagues from healthcare, academia, business and patients to come together to drive pioneering digital health which will transform the way we treat and diagnose diseases and most critically improve health.”

    Professor Steve Haake is the Deputy Director of the Digital Health Hub, which will be based at Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre. He said: “The establishment of the South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub is a fantastic opportunity for the region.”

    “Our vision is to develop digital health tools that incorporate information from daily life to help patients and healthcare professionals make the right decisions at the right time. The hub will support patients, clinicians, companies and the general public to design their own apps and tools and help them to be used successfully in the NHS.”

    Oliver Coppard, Mayor of the South Yorkshire Combined Authority, said: “The Digital Health Hub will help advance our plans to address the health inequalities holding our region back. South Yorkshire being at the forefront of this work is a testament to the ever-increasing collaboration between the NHS, our Universities and our business community, and yet more evidence of the strength of our cutting-edge health and wellbeing sector.”

    “As ever, South Yorkshire is rising to the challenges facing our region in a way that is truly world-leading.”

    The Digital Healthcare Hubs are part of a wider £36.5 million investment in healthcare technology from EPSRC.

    Dr Kedar Pandya, Executive Director of Cross-Council Programmes of EPSRC, said: “The projects and hubs announced today will deliver a variety of innovative approaches to improve healthcare outcomes for patients.”

    “This investment will support scientists and engineers who are transforming the way we treat and diagnose diseases by using the latest developments in robotics, computer modelling and imaging.”


Get Back Into Work After A Summer Vacation

A summer holiday can be a great way to recharge your batteries and take a much-needed break from the everyday stresses of life. However, it can often be difficult to get back into the swing of things once the holiday is over, which can cause procrastination and a general lack of motivation.

With this in mind, the tech experts at SaaSGenius.com have compiled a list of sure-fire methods to get yourself back into work mode after a vacation.

Put On Your Favourite Playlist
Nothing quite gets people in the mood for a productive day like a feel-good list of songs. Whether it be the ultimate 80s, a compilation of rock classics or some cheesy pop, music can, quite literally, lift our spirits and motivate us.

So, instead of having the TV on in the background or sitting in silence, stick your headphones in and switch on the tunes.

Make A Realistic To-Do List
One of the first things you may be tempted to do is make a daunting list of things to achieve throughout the day, especially if you feel like you have fallen behind. However, this could lead to you feeling overwhelmed and encourage procrastination.

Making a short, easily-achievable list of tasks would allow you to feel like you’re getting things done, without taking on too much.

Have A Catch-Up With Colleagues
Feel like you’ve missed out on too much of the office gossip? Why not schedule a short call or in-person meeting with some of your colleagues for a light-hearted catch-up, so you can get to grips with anything that might have changed in your absence?

As well as this, being social and starting the day with a conversation could help you to feel more energised.

Surround Yourself With Your Favourite Drinks And Snacks
We all know how important it is to stay hydrated, so make sure you are regularly refilling your water bottle or glass, to keep your energy levels as high as possible. As well as this, in order to add some variety to your day, you could treat yourself to a comforting tea or coffee, or an ice-cold canned beverage for a first-day-back caffeine hit.

If you find yourself distracted by snacks, place some nutrient-dense almonds on your desk, and make sure you have a healthy, balanced breakfast to kickstart your morning.

Wear Something Smart But Comfortable
If you work from home, it can be tempting to remain in your pyjamas for most of the day – after all, who is there to stop you? However, getting up and dressing the way you would to go to the office, applying makeup and styling your hair could help you to feel more motivated.

It would also help to remind you that your vacation is over (for now) and that reality has resumed.

Rotherham’s Food Sustainability Partnership Wins National Recognition

Rotherham’s food sustainability partnership, Rotherham Food Network, has achieved membership of the Sustainable Food Places network to support their efforts to make local, healthy and sustainable food available to all residents across the borough.

The membership highlights that the Rotherham Food Network is an inspirational example of how local communities, businesses and the Council can work together to make affordable good food a defining characteristic of Rotherham.

The Rotherham Food Network is made up of 16 local organisations and community groups including Rotherham Council, Voluntary Action Rotherham, Rotherfed, Citizen Advice Rotherham, and many more.

Over 60 members have already pledged their time and effort into providing residents advice, guidance and support on how to access healthier, more sustainable foods, as well as combating key issues related to food, including:

• tackling food poverty
• sustainable food growing and distribution such as community orchards
• social supermarkets and community fridges
• healthier eating

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, Cllr David Roche, said: “It is fantastic for Rotherham Food Network to be recognised and become a member of the Sustainable Food Places Network. We set out on our sustainable food journey a year ago and being granted membership at this stage is a giant step forward. The partnership work being done by the Rotherham Food Network will really help residents get the most out of their food while driving new projects to help them access healthier, more sustainable food in the future.”

“Being invited to join the Sustainable Food Network will also give us the opportunity to work towards hopefully achieving Bronze status within the network next year.”

Rotherham Federation of Communities’ Chief Executive Officer, Phil Hayes, said: “RotherFed provide money management support and home energy advice and guidance on an outreach basis across Rotherham, primarily in the most deprived communities and including many venues/outlets that provide food support for local people. It’s great that the Rotherham Food Network is to be recognised and become a member of the Sustainable Food Places Network, and I hope that this enables more people who need support the most across Rotherham, access to what’s available through the network.”

Voluntary Action Rotherham’s Director of Services (Infrastructure), David Plumtree, said: “Food is a thread that runs across many themes, so it’s exciting to see the development of the Food Network and a joined-up approach to all things food. We’re pleased to be working in partnership to make sure food is accessible, sustainable and provides opportunity for the community.”

Sustainable Food Places is a network of cross-sector partnerships in towns, cities, boroughs and counties that are using food as a vehicle to drive positive change. With support from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and The National Lottery Community Fund, the Network helps people and places to share challenges, explore practical solutions and develop best practice in all aspects of healthy and sustainable food.
Rotherham Food Network joins a network of over 80 members across the UK.

Tom Andrews, Director of Sustainable Food Places, said: “In over 80 towns and cities across the UK, individuals and organisations have come together to develop a joint vision of the kind of food culture and food system they would like to see and are working together to make that vision a reality. Rotherham Food Network has shown a real ambition to transform things for the better in and we are delighted to be able to support them in achieving their goals.”

The Sustainable Food Places Network works to tackle some of biggest social, economic and environmental issues today, from an epidemic of food poverty and diet related ill-health to the loss of independent high street food businesses and family farms through to climate change, biodiversity loss and food waste.

Further information about the Rotherham Food Network can be found online here

£3.5 Million To Boost Travel Around Wakefield

Wakefield Council’s decision makers will be asked to give the green light to £3.5million of transport improvements when they meet next week.

Following successful recent bids, the district is set to benefit from £2.8million of funding from the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund and £720,000 of funding from Network Rail. The Active Travel Fund will support the completion of two schemes which will make it easier and safer for residents to walk and cycle around the district.

This includes £2.55million to extend the existing Dando Way to provide a link between Ackworth and Fitzwilliam for cycling and walking and to upgrade part of the existing route in Ackworth. The route will be widened to provide more space for cycling and walking. The upgrading of existing paths around the southside of Fitzwilliam Country Park will allow walking and cycling access to the railway station at Fitzwilliam all year round.

The funding from Network Rail will allow for improvements to be made in and around Castleford Train Station.

Cllr Matthew Morley, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Highways, commented on the Active Travel funding: “Active travel creates healthier lifestyles and a healthier environment, and that’s why we want to make it easier for our residents to choose alternatives to using a car, by improving conditions for pedestrians and cyclists and access to employment and train stations.”

Cllr Michael Graham, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said of the Network Rail funding: “It is important that as part of our regeneration plans for Castleford we re-connect key parts of the town. Making it easier, safer, and more pleasant to walk from the train station to the town centre is central to us doing that.”

“This will give our local businesses a real boost and bring more money into the town centre, as well as contributing to a greener district. The station improvements in 2022 have already had a significant impact and received positive feedback. It’s great to continue the positivity around the station and the surrounding area.”

The other £224,171 scheme which will be completed from the Active Travel Fund is to upgrade part of Grandstand Road at Outwood by resurfacing and widening a 500m section of path that connects Outwood railway station to the Junction 41 Industrial Park and a new pedestrian crossing on Lingwell Gate Lane.

For Castleford train station, improvements to the town’s transport hubs are an important part of the Council’s ambitious regeneration plans for the town centre. Currently the routes from the train station to the shops, bars and cafes are disconnected.

The funding will allow for further lighting and CCTV to ensure that residents and visitors feel and are safer when walking through town, as well as increasing its visual appeal through the installation of new and vibrant artwork, signage, green areas and new seating.

The decision will be taken at the next Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 13 June.

New Community Box At Bradford Bulls

In partnership with West Yorkshire Police, Bradford Bulls are delighted to officially open their ‘Community Box’ – situated in the Sekhon Group Stand at Odsal Stadium.

The Community Box will be attended by 10 children each game and hosted by West Yorkshire Police, these are children who would not normally get the chance to attend and watch the Bulls.

This community based initiative brings together local businesses who have funded the community box where children and young people can come together to enjoy the match day experience. The partnership also sees the police Early Help teams working with the Bradford Bulls on matchdays providing refreshments, support and safe environments following successful engagement with local support services.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Farrell of Bradford District Police said:
“The initiative came as part of our wider commitment to neighbourhood policing in South Bradford, working closely with wider partnerships seeking to identify early intervention opportunities for children and young people preventing them getting involved with crime and Anti-Social behaviour.”

“Through positive engagements with the on track programme, young people are rewarded for taking part and they can now see how sport can provide positive lifestyle choices.”

“I am grateful for the support or Arif and Safeer, local business owners who have provided the funding for this initiative and the continued engagement and willingness to deliver an effective partnership from Joe Pitts as commercial director and Tracy Erby as general manager. The partnership is continuing to flourish as we seek to build on this with the Bradford Bulls foundation working with the chief executive, Chris Chamberlain as part of the longer term community intervention work.”

Judith Cummins, South Bradford MP said: “I would like to congratulate everybody for coming together, great to see a positive initiative with Bradford businesses, Bradford Bulls, West Yorkshire Police and Bradford police coming together to make a real difference investing in the future of young people, it is really positive.”

Chris Chamberlain, Bradford Bulls Foundation Chief Executive said:
“This is a massive opportunity that we really welcome, using sport as a tool to engage with young people to make a positive difference in Bradford. These partnerships are really welcome and we look forward to developing this moving forward.”

We would like to place on record our thanks to Smorgasbord Coffee Bar (Arif Mehmood) and International Restaurant (Safeer Khan) for their contribution to this partnership.

Private Collection Of Paintings Set To Be Auctioned

A private collection of paintings from a Yorkshire Estate are to be auctioned in the British, European and Sporting Art Sale at Tennants Auctioneers on 18th March. The collection comes from Denton Hall, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, a popular wedding and shoot venue.

Amongst the twenty-four paintings from Denton on offer in the sale is “Cowslips” by George Dunlop Leslie (1835-1921), offered with an estimate of £10,000-15,000 (all estimates exclude buyer’s premium). The picture, depicting a trio of young girls collecting cowslips, was exhibited in the Royal Academy in 1877 and was in the collection of The Rt. Hon. William George Armstrong of Cragside, Rothbury between 1900 and 1910. George Dunlop Leslie was a member of the St John’s Wood Clique, an influential circle of artists who acquired large fortunes and high social status. His early work was markedly influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites, but as his career progressed, he began to paint in a more academic manner, portraying gentle and pleasing scenes of everyday life. The critic John Ruskin praised his depictions of the “sweet quality of English girlhood.”

A painting by fellow St John’s Wood Clique artist William F Yeames (1835-1918) is also on offer from the collection. Yeames, who set up his studio in Park Place, London, was not a stereotypical bohemian artist; rather he lived a civilised and comfortable existence in a smart house in London and holidayed on the Devon coast. He had a fascination with British history, particularly the Civil War, reflected in the present painting which depicts “Dr Harvey and the children of Charles I at the Battle of Edgehill” (estimate: £7,000-10,000).

According to the catalogue note that accompanied the painting when it was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1871, “The Young Princes accompanied their father the King, whilst he waged war with Parliament. At the outset of the Battle of Edgehill, their tutor Harvey, the famous discoverer of the circulation of the blood, took them to a place of safety, as he though, and all absorbed in his meditations, sat down and pulled out his books, and plunged into his studies. It was only when the bullets whistled about their heads that he became aware of the danger to which his young charges were exposed.”

Further notable paintings in the collection include ‘St Paul’s London’, by John O’Connor (1830-1889) (estimate: £6,000-9,000), two floral still lifes by Cecil Kennedy (1905-1997), ‘Romneya’ and “Summer,” offered with an estimate of £6,000-9,000 each, and “Hauling Timber, Loweswater, Cumberland” by Herbert Royle (1870-1958) (estimate: £4,000-6,000).

Amongst the lots from other vendors in the sale are two fine marine works by Yorkshire artist John Steven Dews (b. 1949). Dews was born in Beverley and is one of the most successful living maritime artists. His work has been exhibited across the world, from an early sold-out show in San Francisco to exhibitions in London and New York. Born into a seafaring family, he set up his studio on the Humber Estuary where he studied the ever-shifting waters.

As an avid sailor, he imbues his works with meticulous detail and realism gained from his close affinity with the sea and sailing. On offer are two depictions of legendary racing yachts “Shamrock Racing, Velsheda & Britannia Thames Estuary, c.1930” and “White Heather II battling it out with Britannia off Fishburn, Cowes”, on offer with an estimate of £8,000-12,000 each, alongside a smaller historical scene “Shipping off Sunk Island, 1830”, on offer with an estimate of £800-1,200.

How Does Sleep Affect Work Productivity?

Sleep is essential for maintaining good physical and mental health, as well as overall well-being. Getting enough quality sleep is important for our ability to function at our best, both in our personal lives and in the workplace.

Here, Martin Seeley, Sleep Expert and CEO of Mattressnextday shares how a lack of sleep can affect us physically and mentally, and also shares tips on getting a better night’s sleep.

Concentration and Focus: Lack of sleep can lead to difficulty concentrating and focusing, making it harder to stay on task and complete work efficiently. A good night’s sleep can help improve cognitive function, attention span, and decision-making abilities.

Energy and Alertness: Without sufficient rest, workers may feel sluggish, fatigued, and lacking in energy. This can make it harder to perform tasks that require physical exertion or mental effort, leading to a decrease in productivity.

Memory and Learning: Sleep plays a critical role in consolidating memories and learning new information. Without adequate sleep, the brain may struggle to process and store new information, making it harder to learn and retain new skills.

Mood and Emotions: Lack of sleep can lead to irritability, mood swings, and decreased emotional regulation. This can impact communication with colleagues and decrease overall job satisfaction.

How can I get a better night’s sleep?

  1. Stick to a regular sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This can help regulate your body’s internal clock and improve the quality of your sleep.
  2. Create a sleep-conducive environment: Your bedroom should be quiet, cool, and dark to promote restful sleep. Use blackout curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine to block out any distractions.
  3. Limit screen time before bed: The blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with your body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Try to avoid using electronic devices for at least an hour before bed.
  4. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine: Develop a relaxing routine before bed to help your body unwind and prepare for sleep. This could include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing.
  5. Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Stimulants like caffeine and alcohol can disrupt your sleep cycle and make it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep. Try to avoid consuming these substances in the hours leading up to bedtime.
  6. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can improve the quality of your sleep and reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep. Just make sure to avoid exercising too close to bedtime, as this can interfere with your ability to fall asleep.

By making these simple changes to your daily routine, you can improve the quality of your sleep and feel more rested and productive at work. Of course, your sleep quality also depends on the comfort of your mattress and bedding, making sure you are comfortable is the number one thing you can do for your sleep routine.