Business Record year for Leeds recruiter Leeds-based finance recruitment consultancy Headstar has reported record growth of 35% in its latest financial year, driven by a post-lockdown hiring boom in finance professionals. The business, which recruits all areas of a finance team from entry level to CFO, experienced surging demand for its services in 2021, with growth-focused By The Editor • 1 min read
Business Finance Yorkshire secures multi-million pound exit from Faradion Finance Yorkshire has realised its investment in Sheffield-based Faradion after the sodiumion battery business was acquired by India-based Reliance Industries. The sale represents a significant exit for Finance Yorkshire’s Seedcorn Fund, which initially invested in Faradion in 2010 and has since made follow-on investments to help the company scale By The Editor • 2 min read
Business Fox Agency reports 85% growth in record 10th year B2B tech marketing specialists, Fox Agency has announced growth of 85% in its latest financial year – increasing turnover from £2.4million to £4.4million within the last 12 months and increasing profit by 264% for the same period. The integrated agency, which works solely for global B2B tech brands celebrated By The Editor • 1 min read
Business Businesses approach the new year with caution as Omicron curtails optimism Business optimism and output growth across the UK fell in December, reflecting a cooling in economic activity as firms grapple with the effects of the Omicron COVID-19 variant, according to the latest Business Trends report from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP. The BDO Optimism Index slipped by 0. By The Editor • 2 min read
Business Sustainability certification and a key appointment boosts Bailie Group's net zero pledge Leeds-headquartered Bailie Group, a family-owned communication specialist and United Nations’ named climate leader, has bolstered its bold net zero ambitions with a duo of announcements — the appointment of sustainability lead Katie McShera, and the accomplishment of the internationally renowned Planet Mark sustainability accreditation. Acknowledging continuous progress, encouraging action, and building By The Editor • 3 min read
Business Leeds City Council offers assistance for pandemic hit businesses Businesses in Leeds are being encouraged to apply for fresh funding support to help them deal with the continuing financial challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Leeds City Council has already distributed more than £290m worth of assistance to the business and charity sector since the start of the pandemic. By The Editor • 2 min read
Business Azets advises on the MBO of Expect Distribution Ltd Azets, the regional accountancy firm and business advisor to SMEs, has advised on the MBO of Expect Distribution Ltd, supported by Shawbrook Bank who provided an undisclosed funding package. Expect Distribution is amongst the UK’s most successful contract logistics operators within the haulage and warehouse industries. The business was By The Editor • 2 min read
Business Investor in People award for Joe Browns Joe Browns, the Leeds-based fashion and homes retailer, has announced that it had been awarded The Investors in People Standard. The accreditation follows the recent announcement by Joe Browns of a new strategy to deliver annual sales of £100m by 2026, representing a 138% increase on current turnover. And with By The Editor • 2 min read
Business New Year Honours for Leeds Beckett University community Leeds Beckett University is congratulating six alumni and a current member of staff who have been recognised in the New Year Honours. The achievements of the recipients span the fields of sport, finance, community, higher education and inclusion. Ed Anderson, who graduated in 1972 after studying BSc Economics, has been By The Editor • 2 min read
Business Sheffield Hallam secures 'substantial' investment for latest health business accelerator The application window for Sheffield Hallam University’s latest Wellbeing Accelerator has opened for start-up businesses seeking fully-funded R&D support to bring new health products and services to market. Participants receive up to £20,000 of support to accelerate product development and market access activities. The Wellbeing Accelerator, By The Editor • 3 min read
Business Huddersfield Unlimited appoints programme director to drive 2022 strategy Business and innovation mentor, Charles Maltby, has been announced as the new programme director of Huddersfield Unlimited, an organisation made up of local business and community leaders championing the economy of Huddersfield. Charles has been appointed to drive and deliver the group’s ambitious plans for 2022 across areas including By The Editor • 2 min read
Business New index reveals highest performing eCommerce websites A new list - the Web Vitals Index - has revealed the highest-performing eCommerce websites in the UK. The premier league of sites is powered by next-generation website testing specialist RapidSpike - a fast-growing Leeds-headquartered firm that counts Tesco, Sofology, Kurt Geiger and William Hill among its customer base. The By The Editor • 2 min read
