Category Archives: News Headlines

News, News Headlines, North Yorkshire, York

York Fitness Coach Set For International Snow Sculpture Competition!

While most personal trainers will be spending January helping their clients stick to their New Year’s Resolutions, Martin Sharp will be taking on a different kind of challenge.

The York-based fitness coach and business consultant will be taking part in an international snow sculpture competition with Justin Scott, a tree surgeon and gardener from Driffield. The pair will be creating a snow boat called Unsinkable 2, which has been designed by Justin, an experienced and trained sculptor.

Shapes in White, the 29th international snow sculpture competition, takes place in Silvretta Arena in Ischgl, Austria, from January 8 to 14. It sees artists and sculptors from all over the world turning the piles of snow into masterpieces – some as big as 10 metres high.

Martin, who runs the fitness and lifestyle coaching business Sharp Fit For Life, said: “I’m really looking forward to the challenge – it’s a great way to start a new year. I started competing with Justin back in 2016 when his original team mate had to pull out at the last minute.”

“I’m not particularly artistic so, at first, I was really just there to shovel snow. Over the years, Justin has taught me a lot about snow sculpture and I’m looking forward to helping make his latest design a reality.”

Earlier this year, the pair, who first met at Leeds Canoe Club back in 2002, came fourth in the competition. They created a huge snow sculpture of Eddie the Eagle, which was the same size as a double decker bus.

The new design will be a sailing boat gliding through the snow in the mountains to fit in with the competition theme of future mobility and climate.

Once their creation is complete, Justin and Martin will go on to compete in another snow sculpture competition in Swedish Lapland, 140km north of the Arctic Circle. It will be the first time the pair will take part in the Kiruna International Snow Sculpture Competition and they will be recreating an abstract bronze sculpture of the human form by Justin using snow.

Martin added: “We are really excited to be competing in Sweden for the first time. It is a major competition and the snow there is excellent quality so it should be a great experience.”

The Swedish competition is part of the Kiruna Snow Festival, which takes place from January 25 to 29 and includes a range of other winter activities, including dog sledding, figure skating and the snow blower world championship.

News, News Headlines

Shop Independent Yorkshire Retailers Ahead Of Christmas

Three quarters of Brits believe supporting independent retailers is important, ahead of Christmas according to latest research from Direct Line.

Key Findings:

  • Over two-thirds (67 per cent) of Brits believe it is important to support local retailers who face cost-of-living pressures
  • People intend to buy over a quarter (27 per cent) of their Christmas shopping from independent retailers this year
  • Those shopping with independent retailers will spend on average £164
  • Increased living costs have led to a third (33 per cent) buying fewer gifts this Christmas

Nearly three quarters (74 per cent) of Brits believe it is important to support independent retailers this Christmas, according to new findings from Direct Line business insurance, an increase from 72 per cent in 2021. As living costs have soared over the last 12 months, 67 per cent of people believe it is particularly important to support local businesses facing cost-of-living challenges.

Over half (57 per cent) of people will shop at independent stores because they believe they have less generic and more unique items than major retail chains, while (46 per cent) say that the quality of goods at independent stores is better. Over two-thirds (68 per cent) say it is important to shop with independent retailers to support local employment, and 60 per cent say they have better customer service than major chains.

While people recognise the importance of supporting local businesses, people continue to buy Christmas presents from a variety of different stores. On average, purchases at independent retailers will make up over a quarter (27 per cent) of people’s Christmas shopping. People expect to spend on average £164 with independent retailers.

The increasing cost-of-living is impacting general attitudes towards gift-shopping. A third of people (33 per cent) are buying fewer gifts overall this year, while 27 per cent are buying gifts for fewer people. Nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of people started buying presents earlier in the year to spread the cost, a fifth (19 per cent) have taken advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday reductions, and one-in-ten (11 per cent) are buying the same number of gifts as in previous years but purchasing cheaper alternatives. Although many are taking measures to mitigate cost-of-living challenges, one-in-five (19 per cent) will be buying gifts as they normally do.

A wide range of independent retailers are set to benefit from the festive spending, with clothing and arts and craft shops set to see the biggest windfalls.

Alison Traboulsi, Product Manager at Direct Line business insurance commented: “The past three years have been turbulent for small businesses. Soaring operating costs combined with shoppers tightening their belts are causing increasing concerns to independent retailers. Christmas is an extremely important trading time for small businesses, so it is great that people understand the need to support small businesses in the face of extreme competition from the major chains and online-only stores and a cost-of-living crisis.”

It is always important that SMEs have the right insurance in place to help protect themselves in case things do go wrong. Direct Line business insurance offers a wide range of insurance cover for small businesses. For more information please visit their website here

Community, News Headlines, Sheffield, South Yorkshire

Chemical Pollution In Yorkshire’s Rivers To Be Studied In New Project

Sheffield scientists are to investigate the impact of chemical pollution in Yorkshire’s rivers as part of a £1.6 million study.

  • Just 14 per cent of the UK’s rivers meet a good level of ecological status, with pollution due to sewage, agriculture, human activity and plastics becoming increasingly problematic.
  • The team, which includes scientists from the University of Sheffield, will investigate the most dangerous chemicals and chemical mixtures being emitted into the county’s waterways and the role they are playing in nature loss.
  • It is hoped that the findings will identify ways to better monitor and mitigate the impact of chemicals on water quality and nature loss.

The research team will investigate the most dangerous chemicals and chemical mixtures being emitted into the county’s waterways and the role they are playing in nature loss.

Researchers from the University of Sheffield will work alongside experts from the universities of York and Durham to analyse chemical pollution levels along nine rivers in Yorkshire – the Aire, Calder, Derwent, Don, Nidd, Ouse, Swale, Ure and Wharfe.

Rivers and other freshwater waterways in the UK are becoming increasingly polluted by agriculture, sewage, human activity and plastics – only 14 per cent of rivers meet a good level of ecological status.

Chemicals are discharged into rivers and streams on a daily basis through domestic and industrial wastewater containing things like cleaning chemicals, personal care products and pharmaceuticals, as well as from the application of pesticides or the use of veterinary medicines.

The research team, which includes Professor Lorraine Maltby and Professor Andrew Beckerman from the University of Sheffield’s School of Biosciences, aims to use their findings to identify ways to better monitor and mitigate the impact of chemicals on water quality and nature loss, both now and into the future as our climate and population changes.

Professor Lorraine Maltby, from the University of Sheffield, said: “Pollution in our rivers is an issue which needs urgent attention – last year, raw sewage and chemical pollutants were discharged into English rivers at least 375,000 times and runoff of nutrients and chemicals from agricultural land continues to be a problem.”

“With this research we hope to ultimately guide environmental and economic policy towards limiting the impacts of chemicals on biodiversity by predicting how climate change and land use change will alter the amount of contaminants that reach and impact our streams and rivers.”

Leader of the study, Professor Alistair Boxall from the Department of Environment and Geography at the University of York, said: “We are facing a global biodiversity crisis and the quality of freshwater ecosystems is declining more rapidly than either terrestrial or marine systems.”

“One in 10 freshwater and wetland species in England are threatened with extinction and two thirds of existing species are in decline. Regulatory data suggest that chemical pollution from wastewater discharges, transport, urban environments, agriculture and mining all contribute to failures against existing quality standards.”

“Our study responds to the urgent need for more effective methods for assessing, predicting and managing the impacts of chemicals both now and in the decades to come. This will bring us closer to halting biodiversity loss in UK rivers while continuing to realise the societal benefits of chemicals.”

The £1.6 million project is being funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and is one of five new research projects which have been awarded a share of £8.4 million to investigate how pollution impacts UK rivers.

The researchers from Sheffield, York and Durham will work closely with partners including key representatives from the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), the government’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE), major industries including Unilever, UKWIR and Network Rail and the charities the National Trust and the Rivers Trust.

The study will provide policy makers with the knowledge and frameworks to make important changes to the way chemicals are risk assessed, enabling the protection of biodiversity and key environmental functions in areas where they are vulnerable. Identifying the most harmful chemicals and chemical mixtures will put manufacturers of chemicals in a better position to produce substances that are beneficial to society but which do not negatively impact the natural environment.

Professor Boxall added: “Only by taking the integrative and system-wide approach adopted in this project will we be able to deliver the Environment Act’s aspiration to ‘reverse the decline in species abundance by the end of 2030.”

Council Headlines, News Headlines, Out & About

Yorkshire Museum Hosting Women In Rugby League Exhibition

A new exhibition that showcases the female pioneers of international rugby league opens today (14 November) at Pontefract Museum.

‘Women in Rugby League: Life with the Lionesses’ was created in partnership with the Women in Rugby League project and shows how inspirational sportswomen challenged rugby league’s traditionally male supremacy. It also follows their ground-breaking journey on and off the field.

Many of the trail-blazing women featured in the exhibition come from or have played in the Wakefield district.

Visitors will discover a previously hidden history with a timeline spanning 100 years of women’s achievements in international rugby league. They will hear from the Lionesses themselves, through inspiring quotes and short films. Young rugby league fans and budding international stars of the future can enjoy a selfie opportunity and dress up, in support of the national teams.

The exhibition pays tribute to the pioneering efforts that has led to England’s women now playing on an equal stage with their male counterparts. This year’s Rugby League World Cup is the first time that the men’s, women’s, and wheelchair tournaments have all taken place at the same time. In contrast, the first Lionesses were forced to fund their own international tour in 1996.

Inspirational coach, Jackie Sheldon played for the Wakefield Panthers before becoming Great Britain’s Assistant Coach and later Head Coach. Her team tracksuit, jersey, and suit from the inaugural 1996 tour will be on display in the exhibition alongside other previously unseen objects from the women’s rugby league archive, kindly lent by Heritage Quay, University of Huddersfield.

Jackie is delighted that the former Lionesses are finally getting the recognition they deserve. She said: “I would like to thank Wakefield Council for hosting this exhibition.”

“The Council’s strong tradition of supporting the female game has helped to put women’s rugby league on the map, and highlights the excellent work done by the pioneers both on and off the field.”

“Women’s rugby league has been played in the district for over 30 years, with the initial seeds sown by council programmes, which is a testament to its long tradition of supporting diversity and inclusion.”

“The exhibition records the wonderful history, one that is at the heart of the Wakefield district, where rugby league has played its part in bringing these communities together for over a century.”

Councillor Michael Graham, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “It is very fitting to be hosting this exhibition here in the rugby league heartlands of the Wakefield district.”

“We are incredibly proud that women from Pontefract and across the district have represented their country at the highest level and are so pleased to honour their achievements in this exciting exhibition.”

“We hope lots of people will come to celebrate our strong tradition of women’s rugby league and that other women and girls will be inspired to follow in the Lionesses footsteps.”

The World Cup final is being held in England, on Saturday 19 November, and fans can get in the spirit by visiting the exhibition which is open until 26 August 2023.

The exhibition was originally designed by Women in Rugby League as a touring pop-up display. Pontefract Museum has adapted the original format and will be the first location to host it on a long-term basis.

To find out more about the Women in Rugby League project, visit their website here

Photo Credit: Simon Wilkinson

Football, News, News Headlines

Harrogate Town Players Help Out During Meals On Wheels Week

On Wednesday 2nd November, Players and Management from Harrogate Town AFC joined volunteers and staff at non-for-profit organisation, Harrogate Neighbours to deliver meals with a difference to mark National Meals on Wheels Week.

Kayne Ramsey, George Horbury, Lewis Richards, First Team Manager and Director of Football, Simon Weaver and CEO of Harrogate Town AFC, Sarah Barry spent the morning at The Cuttings, Harrogate Neighbours’ extra care scheme learning about the vital service which sees over 100 meals prepared and delivered into the community every single day.

Like so many areas of the social care sector, meals on wheels requires greater government funding to support older and vulnerable people living within the community, who without the dedicated volunteers who run the service would not receive a nutritionally balanced, hot daily meal.

Player Lewis Richards said, “I really enjoyed meeting the service users and seeing how much effort goes into preparing the meals. The volunteers are amazing – it was a real feel good factor.”

Speaking on behalf of the club, Sarah Barry, CEO of Harrogate Town AFC said, “Sue and her team are doing a fantastic job of tackling the issues facing this vital service. We were honored to be able to see first-hand how the service works and how important it is for so many vulnerable people living within our community.”

“The players really enjoyed seeing the meals being prepped, meeting the volunteers and joining them on their deliveries – the service users were all very excited to see Simon and the players at their door and hope our involvement helps raise awareness for this vitally important campaign”

Commenting on the initiatives, CEO of Harrogate Neighbours, Sue Cawthray said, “We’re so grateful for the support of the local community and especially the Harrogate Town AFC players who have dedicated their time to the cause.”

“As Chair of the National Association of Care Catering, Meals on Wheels Week is an opportunity to raise awareness of the service, say thank you to the volunteers, who without, the service would not be possible and do our bit here in Yorkshire to encourage more funding to ensure the sustainability of such a vital service.”

“Due to the rising cost of living, many people are going to have to choose between eating or heating and that’s just not right. Malnutrition in older people is on the rise, our service supports those at risk, protects the NHS and allows our team to provide not only hot food, but a daily ‘check-in’ which is vital to people’s wellbeing.”

Business, Business Headlines, News, News Headlines, North Yorkshire, Ripon

Kettlewell Fuels Sold To Fellow Yorkshire Family Firm

Yorkshire professionals advise Kettlewell Fuels on its sale to Northern Energy. The shareholders of Kettlewell Fuels Limited have sold their stake for an undisclosed sum.

Founded in 1987 and based in Melmerby near Ripon, family-run Kettlewell Fuels is a leading independent heating and fuel oil supplier to domestic, agricultural and commercial customers across North Yorkshire. A member of the UK & Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA), the business has built an enviable brand based on its excellent customer service.

Northern Energy has been fuelling communities since 1932 and is the North’s largest independent family-run energy supplier. Based in Hampsthwaite, near Harrogate, the firm supplies communities in the North of England with domestic, commercial, and agricultural oil and LPG. Northern Energy recently celebrated its 90th birthday and the strategic acquisition of Kettlewell Fuels will support the firm’s growth ambitions.

Janet and Trevor Kettlewell, Managing Shareholders of Kettlewell Fuels, who were advised by Rob Burton of Azets and David Strachan of Schofield Sweeney, said: “For over three decades, we have been supported by a loyal and dedicated team and we are very proud of what the business has achieved. We believe Northern Energy will sustain our legacy and we are leaving the business in great hands. We would like to thank our fantastic team, customers, and suppliers for their support over the years.”

“We have received terrific support from the team at Azets and our lawyers at Schofield Sweeney, who helped us navigate and negotiate the sale. We appreciate the dedication of the team in managing a smooth process throughout and delivering a successful transaction.”

Stuart Illingworth, Northern Energy Managing Director said: “We are thrilled to be joining forces with Kettlewell Fuels, a business that has been built on strong family values like our own. With the existing team we will continue to deliver the same unbeatable service to which Kettlewell Fuels’ customers have become accustomed.. Together, the future looks very exciting.”

Northern Energy’s corporate finance advice was provided by a team led by James White from Brown Butler. Philip Ashworth and Nicole Waldron of Andrew Jackson Solicitors in York provided legal advice to Northern Energy.

Rob Burton, Corporate Finance Partner at Azets, was supported by Richard Weston. David Strachan, Partner and Jack Venable of Schofield Sweeney provided legal advice to the Kettlewell Fuels shareholders.

Rob Burton, Corporate Finance Partner at Azets said: “This is a fantastic deal for everyone involved and it is always rewarding to see a strong family business secure its legacy having sold to an ambitious buyer like Northern Energy which is in a fantastic position to take Kettlewell Fuels from strength to strength. This deal demonstrates the vibrant business environment in Yorkshire and the importance of independent family firms, which are the backbone of the Yorkshire economy.”

Community, Council Headlines, Council News, Farming, Forestry & Fishing News, News, News Headlines, Wakefield, West Yorkshire

Help Wakefield Council Plant A Forest!

Wakefield Council is inviting communities to get involved in planting two new woodland areas, that will cover a total of 19 hectares of land, in the Gawthorpe area of Ossett and Snapethorpe area of Lupset.

All volunteers are welcome, including individuals, families, schools, community groups and businesses – anyone looking to get their hands dirty and join in doing something good for themselves and the community.

Between 30,000 to 50,000 trees will be planted over winter 2022/23 as part of the Council’s drive to plant thousands of new trees to help tackle climate change and make Wakefield a greener and healthier place to live.

The Council is also inviting residents to suggest names for the two new woodland areas – something which local communities can relate to. Name suggestions can be made online here before Friday 25 November 2022. Residents will then be invited to choose their favourite name from a shortlist.

Cllr Jack Hemingway, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: “Last year, hundreds of residents helped us plant thousands of trees and I hope we will see fantastic support again this year.”

“I hope people will join us to plant trees and help us give our new woodlands fitting names.”

“Our tree planting programme is ambitious but it’s a key part of our fight against climate change and commitment to protecting nature. Every tree we plant will capture a tonne of carbon, help prevent flooding and provide habitat for wildlife.”

Over winter 2021/22, the Council planted more than 50,000 trees across the district. More than 400 volunteers – including 176 children – helped plant.

The Council is appealing for volunteers to help again. The planting season runs from November to March. Tree planting days that are open to the public will be arranged and details publicised as soon as possible.

The trees will be a mix of broadleaved and coniferous native trees, carefully selected to thrive in the environment.

The Council will continue to plant trees at various locations across the district over the next few years.

Wakefield Council is a partner in the White Rose Forest initiative, which will form part of the Northern Forest of 50 million trees.

Creating new woodlands is part of the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan, a mission to make the authority’s operation carbon neutral by 2030 and help the entire district achieve ‘net zero’ by 2038.

Business, Leeds, News, News Headlines, People

Leeds Entrepreneur Handpicked To Launch Co-Working Footfall Drive

Leeds-based entrepreneur, Laura Bartlett has been appointed as Director at Swurf, a new mobile app which connects remote workers to welcoming spaces to work from.

Swurf has already attracted 20 hospitality venues in Leeds including Issho, Grand Pacific and Novotel creating an additional revenue stream in a sector which has struggled due to rising costs. Plans to sign up other locations in the surrounding suburbs are also in place to make sure everyone has access to a safe space to work.

Director at Swurf, Laura Bartlett said, “I’ve been living the ‘Swurf life’ for over a decade and I’m delighted to be appointed as Director at Swurf to make remote working more accessible in Leeds for workers and create additional revenue streams for venues.”

“The cost of living is a real challenge, particularly for the hospitality industry, so our aim is to create more opportunities for venues to attract a new customer base and drive footfall, whilst helping individuals to locate safe and welcoming places to work.”

Swurf was launched in Edinburgh in 2021 to bridge the gap between individuals – ‘Swurfers’ and hospitality venues, including hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes.

Following a positive response to the app which now has over 2,500 users, founder Nikki Gibson selected Leeds as the second city to launch in and has appointed Laura to drive the business forward in the city.

Nikki Gibson said “Leeds is a thriving city and a melting pot of entrepreneurs. Laura is a fantastic example of a successful business owner who runs multiple businesses remotely. She has the experience, knowledge and insights into what both the host venues and ‘Swurfers’ need from remote working spaces and will be instrumental for the growth of Swurf in Leeds and beyond.”

Nikki continued, “Since the first lockdown, 60% of adults have been working remotely and hybrid working is now set to become the standard for millions.”

Melissa Gray, Business Development Manager at Grand Pacific sad, “We are delighted to be one of the first host venues. There’s no denying the hospitality industry has struggled and continues to face challenges, creating an additional revenue stream, with the support of Swurf was a no brainer for us.”

“We look forward to welcoming Swurfers from near and far, providing a safe, inspiring and enjoyable working environment.”

The app is free for users to download and search for suitable remote-working spaces in Leeds. Venues will pay an annual hosting fee to join the Swurf community.

News, News Headlines, Sheffield

Environment Data Set To Be Collected by Swarms Of UAV’s

Swarms of advanced unmanned aircraft are set to carry out aerial surveys of Antarctica – gathering crucial data on changes to the region’s environment and wildlife – as part of new research with engineers from the University of Sheffield.

The exciting new project, involving researchers from the University’s Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering, will advance swarm aircraft technology to conduct survey missions and mapping of large areas in Antarctica, quickly and with less human resource.

The British Antarctic Survey will test the new technology – using the unmanned aircraft to gather environmental data, such as monitoring wildlife, ice accumulation and weather conditions.

Aside from Antarctica, the aircraft will also be tested in the UK to help detect wildfires. This will build on previous research with the Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service that used unmanned aircraft to detect wildfires as early as possible to limit their devastating impact.

The swarm will be made up of ULTRA UAVs – the largest commercial UAVs in the UK.

The new research will advance the technology onboard the aircraft, to control their sequencing during the flights and to develop the unmanned aircraft’s ability to detect and navigate around obstacles and to dynamically change their flight path.

Lyudmila Mihaylova, Professor of Signal Processing and Control at the University of Sheffield, said about the project: “This is very exciting research that will develop the use of unmanned aircraft vehicles in swarms and to be used in innovative ways to protect our environment.”

“In this project, the consortium partners aim to perform several live demonstrations of swarming unmanned aerial vehicles for survey missions in Antarctica and fire detection in the UK.”

“Our expertise at the University of Sheffield will be to develop the algorithms to programme the aircraft to move together and to follow the planned flight path to complete the surveys. We will develop computer vision algorithms that will enhance the vehicles’ autonomy, especially during landing, and automatic recognition software for use in unmanned aerial vehicles.”

“We have some of the world’s leading experts in control and systems engineering at the University of Sheffield, so this is a great opportunity to work with innovating companies as well as organisations that protect our precious environment.”

The project is being led by Windracers Limited together with the University of Sheffield, University of Bristol, Helix Technologies and Distributed Avionics.

Business, Food & Drink, Food & Drink News, News, News Headlines

Yorkshire Firm Creates A Baked Bean First!

The World’s first baked bean ketchup has been unveiled in a move that could divide breakfast tables. As well as the first baked bean ketchup, one made with eggs – dubbed ‘eggchup’ has also been created.

The baked bean ketchup is a blend of haricot beans, tomato and spices, while the ‘eggchup’ is a simple two-ingredient blend of egg and salt.

Yorkshire-based sausage factory Heck has created the new flavours for people to drizzle over their sausage butties, bacon sarnies and full English breakfasts.

The brains behind the maverick condiment is Calum Smith, a development chef for the brand, who has been overwhelmed by the responses from its Secret Sausage Society.

He said: “They are tough critics, but many have been telling us it feels like they are eating a full English breakfast, but all they’ve had to do is add the sauce, rather than rustle up more pots and pans.”

The sauces coincide with the launch of Heck’s new Breakfast Sausage, which have just landed in Tesco and Morrison’s stores.

Calum added: “There’s been a lot of late nights working on the perfect partner for the new sausages.”

“There’s so much to consider when creating a flavour bomb and balancing the sweet and savoury has been caused a few sleepless nights.”