Category Archives: North of England

Construction, Construction News, News, North of England

Roann Limited appointed exclusive kitchen worktop supplier for £82 million Leeds-based project

Granite and quartz worktop supplier, Roann Limited, has been appointed as the exclusive supplier of kitchen worktops, for the £82 million Leeds city centre apartment project, the Phoenix.

Set for completion in the summer of 2023, the Phoenix scheme off Saxton Lane, consists of two residential blocks, with a total of 367 apartments, rising to 18 and 22 stories high.

Appointed by Leeds-based contractor Torsion Developments, Roann Limited is supplying £165k worth of Fugen White Shimmer Quartz with Upstands and Fugen Carrara Quartz worktops, to both apartment blocks.

The new accommodation will offer a number of disabled accessible compliant apartments, alongside communal facilities, basement car parking, landscaping and public open spaces.

Scott Wharton, Sales Director at Roann Limited, says: “We’re delighted to have been appointed as the exclusive supplier of kitchen worktops for this Leeds-based project! We’re passionate about providing high quality, durable and aesthetically-pleasing quartz worktops to projects around the UK, but it’s great to be a part of this local investment. Here at Roann Limited, we’re currently experiencing substantial business growth and we’re thrilled to add this project to our ever-growing portfolio.”

News, North of England

Fast-growing WeDo Business Services moves to new headquarters

A fast-expanding business services group with revenues soaring towards £10m has moved to new headquarters to accommodate its growing team.

WeDo Business Services has relocated to Meadowbank House, on the Meadowbank Business Park in Chadderton, Oldham.

The group previously had its head office at the nearby Hollinwood Business Centre.

WeDo provides a range of services to small and medium-sized companies, including invoice and trade finance, start-up funding and HR, back office, IT, digital and payroll support, with a focus on the recruitment sector.

The business was founded by Mark Lindsay and Chris Robinson in 2019 as WeDo Finance with just four staff and has grown rapidly through organic expansion and acquisition.

Turnover for the year to July 31 is forecast to be £9.5m, an increase of nearly 60 per cent.

The group has offices in Colchester, Sheffield and Swindon as well as at MediaCityUK in Salford and at Chadderton, and employs 95 staff in total.

Its new HQ gives the group scope to accommodate more recruits as well as staff visiting from its other offices.

Group chief executive Mark Lindsay said: “The move to Meadowbank House is transformational for the business. We had been at Hollinwood since our creation in 2019 but our expansion meant we required more space for our head office team.

“Many of them live in and around Greater Manchester, so it was important that our new base was close to the Metrolink and the motorway network, with plenty of available free parking for staff and visitors. Most staff have a short commute, and some can even walk to our new offices, which is great.

“We are easily accessible and can be in the city centre quickly if necessary, so it’s an excellent location for us.

“The new office also gives us scope for further growth as we look to continue our organic expansion and seek acquisitions to bolt on new services.”

WeDo’s new office features breakout areas with a pool room and a PlayStation.

Mark said: “We encourage staff to get away from their desks regularly and create a social environment that supports creativity, positivity and productivity as well as positive wellbeing.”

He said the pandemic and its lockdowns had presented growth opportunities for the group, as clients sought additional areas of support such as HR advice, business forecasting, business advice and investment.

“We’ve developed rapidly by becoming a true business service partner to our clients, helping new and existing businesses to significantly improve their cash flow, their operations and their earnings potential,” he added.

“Our strategy is to continue to expand the range of services we are able to offer and to further strengthen our relationships with existing clients as well as helping us to attract new ones across the country.”

News, North of England

Plans submitted for ‘next generation’ pioneering workspace at NOMA

PLANS for two pioneering office buildings at NOMA, which pay homage to the city’s heritage and underline its status as one of Europe’s most forward-thinking cities, have been submitted. 

The new buildings, 2 and 3 Angel Square, will jointly deliver around 440,000 sq ft of Grade A office space, providing a new benchmark for sustainability, wellbeing, smart connectivity and flexible use of amenity spaces. 

Designed by architects Cartwright Pickard to connect with the public realm around NOMA, and to encourage collaboration and interaction, the new buildings will be net zero carbon operational energy*, targeting BREEAM Outstanding and targeting a five star NABERS rating. Other features include: a potential rooftop restaurant, stunning garden terraces including a water feature, a piano nobile terrace overlooking Angel Square and lower and upper ground floor commercial retail uses. 

Dan Hyde, Development Director at real estate asset manager and developer MEPC which is delivering the NOMA masterplan, said: “This flagship development will raise the bar in the North by delivering Grade A office space that is truly environmentally friendly for today and tomorrow, as well as providing enhanced amenities that will optimise the workspace.  

“We’re in a time where having sector-leading sustainability credentials matters not just to investors and funders, but to occupiers too. The next generation of employees are more sustainably conscious than ever before, and providing them with the most sustainable and user-friendly working environment with access to green space, can become the important differentiator. At 2 and 3 Angel Square, we’ll be delivering exactly that.”  

Standing 14 storeys in height 2 Angel Square will deliver 197,926 sq ft of office space and a further 17,200 sq ft of potential commercial space on the top floor. 3 Angel Square will be 13 storeys, delivering 241,531 sq ft of Grade A office space and 22,690 sq ft of commercial space. 

2 and 3 Angel Square will complement the landmark 1 Angel Square, and 4 Angel Square, which is due to be completed in early 2023 and is Manchester city centre’s largest, and most sustainable speculative development.  

Peter Cartwright, Founding Director at Cartwright Pickard said: “Designed with the future in mind, these striking, contemporary buildings will be of the highest standards, with health, wellbeing and sustainability at the core. The open plan ground floor and upper ground floors with a mix of complementary uses and interconnecting spaces will help create an inviting entrance to the building for tenants and the wider community. 

“By encouraging footfall along Thread Street and maximising the extent of active frontage around the building we believe the scheme will add incredible vibrancy to the surrounding streets and strengthen links between Angel Meadow to the north and the city to the south.” 

The façade of the buildings will be in keeping with the heritage buildings in the NOMA estate, and use glazed, angled terracotta panels, which will reflect different colours as the sunlight reflects on them at different times of the day. 

With a further nod to Manchester’s industrial heritage, the public realm around 2 and 3 Angel Square pays homage to its past – the site was the location of textile pioneer Richard Arkwright’s Shudehill Mill. 

Kevin Redhead, Landscape Architect at Planit.IE, which is responsible for the public realm explains: “The significant level change between Angel Square and Thread Street provides the opportunity to create a dynamic series of steps and planted terraces. A proposed water feature will run through the terraces, taking advantage of the natural level change and referencing the historic water wheel associated with Shudehill Mill.” 

Wellbeing is at the heart of the design, with excellent levels of natural light and access to outdoor space for office workers. More than 250 cycle spaces are planned for across the two buildings as well as facilities to encourage active travel.

By using the east-west level change to their advantage, the design team have effectively ‘buried’ amenities such as cycle storage, waste facilities and car parking in the lower part of the site. 

*Net zero carbon operational energy as defined by the UK Green Building Council 

Awards, News, North of England

Great British Entrepreneur Awards finalist – Sam White – continues to disrupt insurance industry

Samantha (Sam) White, founder & Chair of Cheshire-based insurance company, Freedom Services Group, has been recognised as one of the best in the business after being named as a finalist in the 2022 Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

Sam has been shortlisted in the ‘Disruptor of the Year’ category for her strongly principled approach to business and people-driven leadership style as she pioneers change within the insurance industry through her ever-expanding group of MGA, broker and claims businesses operating across the UK and a female-centric motor insurance business called Stella, which operates in Australia.

Here are three reasons why Sam White is an entrepreneurial ‘disruptor’ of the insurance industry:

Vocal Advocate for More Women in Insurance

Sam is a vocal advocate for levelling the playing field for women and championing female leaders within the insurance industry. Recognising that there is a lack of insurance products designed with women in mind, Sam launched Stella Insurance in Australia in July 2020 and will be launching into the UK markets later this year. Stella is an unapologetically female-first insurance brand led by women and focuses on designing products for women with a simplified customer journey.

Overcoming Pandemic Challenges

The pandemic caused a decrease of £10m in turnover across Freedom Services Group, as people stopped using their cars for a long period. During this time, Sam launched competitive black box insurance policies where monitors were fitted to cars to help better tailor to individual customer driving habits. This supported a steady recovery of the business with turnover increasing to £14.5m in 2021.

Human-first Approach to Leadership 

The cultural shift in a post-pandemic era has led Freedom to place more focus on employee wellbeing than ever before. The business has introduced schemes including: a 4-day work week; flexible working location; national living wage salaries; annual leave flexibility;  support for parents. All staff are offered a hybrid working regime with no requirement to work from the office, encouraging and enabling them to have the best work-life balance possible.

Commenting on the award: “I am honoured to be shortlisted for the awards this year. I am a passionate believer that building the right kind of businesses has the power to change the world for the better. Over the years, I have always aimed to build the businesses that sit within the Freedom Group to work for everyone – the people we employ, the communities we operate in and the customers we serve.” – Sam White, founder & Chair of Freedom Services Group

Sam is one of the business leaders to have been shortlisted from over 5,300 entrants across the nation – the most the awards has ever had. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the highly coveted accolade, which acknowledges and champions the hard work and uplifting stories of business owners across the UK, with an emphasis on their journey and resilience over financial achievements.

This year’s event in partnership with Starling Bank, will be held at the Grosvenor Hotel in London on 21st November 2022.

Sam has also been shortlisted as a finalist in two categories in the British Business Awards 2022 with SmallBusiness.co.uk – ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ and ‘Insurance Provider of the Year’ – in addition to also being named as a finalist in the Enterprise Vision Awards 2022, North West’s premier leading business awards for women.

Construction, Construction News, Education, Education News, News, North of England

Construction Principal & CEO Derek Whitehead Retires After 37 Years in Education 

Derek Whitehead, Principal and CEO of Leeds College of Building, is to retire this week after 37 years working in Further Education and vocational skills training.

From teenage Keighley carpentry and joinery apprentice to leader of the UK’s only General Further Education College that specialises in construction, Derek has spent decades training and leading the next generation of builders, engineers, and construction-craft professionals.

Derek began his education at Ingrow School, Bronte School, and Oakbank Grammar school in Keighley. From a young age, he excelled at craft skills and thrived in woodwork and metalwork. Derek cites a local teacher who changed the course of his life after recognising Derek’s potential. Derek said:

“I always preferred hands-on learning, and it was a teacher at Oakbank – David Carter – who told me I had a knack for passing on my knowledge and passion for the subject, even at age 16. I was always in the workshop after school and would help other students where I could, especially if the woodwork teacher wasn’t available.

“David stretched me, pushing me to try more complex techniques. I made various furniture items, learnt to French polish, and even turned rosewood handles for a bedside oak cabinet that my parents still have to this day! He sowed the seed that I should teach others too, even though I tended towards being more practical than academic.”

Derek left school at 16 and joined the construction industry as Apprentice Carpenter & Joiner at Norman Hollins Ltd and then JSD Hamilton (Construction) Ltd. He gained a fantastic grounding in bespoke joinery products, new build housing, renovations, and shopfitting projects. It was a great platform to learn broader construction skills too. Yet, despite becoming a qualified construction worker, Derek’s experience at grammar school reinforced his desire to teach.

Derek’s first teaching job was in 1985 at Keighley College’s Carpentry & Joinery Department, where another lecturer (Peter Hakes) mentored him. It wasn’t long before Derek enrolled at HollyBank to study professional Teacher Training qualifications, followed by Bradford College to attain a teaching degree. Derek was then promoted to Section Leader for Timber Trades before leaving Keighley for a role at Bolton College as a Senior Lecturer. After that, Derek became Head of Construction and led self-assessment quality assurance across Bolton College.

By the time Derek left Bolton, he was responsible for the Construction & Engineering faculty. He returned to Keighley College, this time as Head of Construction & Engineering. Then in 2004, Derek interviewed for Deputy Principal – Curriculum & Quality at Leeds College of Building and was selected for the role. Derek said:

“Getting the post at LCB was such a fantastic accolade, especially with it being the only General Further Education College nationally that specialised in construction and the built environment education & training. I felt like I was back to my roots – where industry training moulds individuals into construction specialists. I am a massive advocate for vocational skills training and the vast opportunities this can unlock.

“I loved working at the College so much that I continued in this role before becoming Principal & CEO.  I have fully enjoyed all 18 years that I have spent at Leeds College of Building. I’m delighted to be leaving the College in such good shape. Inspections now show quality at ‘good or better’, our HE meets all UK standards, we achieved ‘good’ in our most recent Ofsted inspection, the ESFA gave us a ‘good’ rating too for our healthy financial position.

Leeds College of Building now trains around 5,500 students from across the UK, covering 16-18 full-time study programmes, adult provision, HE courses, and bespoke programmes for employers. Over half of these students (around 2,800) are enrolled on apprenticeship training across all areas of the College’s provision, from Level 2 up to degree apprentices.

Derek continued:

“I’m extremely glad my teacher showed me how vocational training – such as apprenticeships – can lead to various careers and job roles. Schools play a critical role in showcasing vocational training as a viable, alternative route to reach the same endpoint as academic qualifications. These skills can lead to jobs at all levels and involve travel and an extensive variety of work, with lasting legacy projects.

“It’s so gratifying to see former students running successful companies themselves, as well as attracting a more diverse cohort of students to the sector today. We have come such a long way. So, this seems the right time for me to step down.

“I have lots of plans with my wife Heather (who retired from her role as Principal at Keighley College a few years ago). We hope to travel and see friends. We’re very active so enjoy walking and spending time with family. I have lots on my bucket list! I met my wife at Keighley College, and like me, she came from a vocational background as an apprentice too (Hair & Beauty in her case). Our families were thrilled when we became lecturers, so both progressing to the top of FE institutions was a very proud moment.  

“I have never lost a love of construction after all these years. Although Further Education is a challenging sector, to help students develop skills that can make a transformative difference to their future and society is an absolute privilege. It is the accomplishment of which I’m most proud. 

“I would like to give a special thank you to all employers and stakeholders who have supported the College, students, and me personally, over the 18 years I’ve been here. I trust the commitment and dedication will continue with my successor, Nikki Davis. Leeds College of Building is a fantastic organisation to lead, and I know it will continue to go from strength to strength. I wish the College, our stakeholders, my amazing colleagues and friends, and Nikki all the very best.”

Nikki Davis, current Leeds College of Building Vice Principal for Teaching, Learning & Quality, will take up the role of Principal & CEO in August and becomes the first woman to hold the post in the 60-year history of the institution.

Housing, News, North of England, Property News

Celebrations as Leeds Jewish Housing Association completes historic development

The National Housing Federation Chief Executive and the Lord Mayor of Leeds were the guests of honour as Leeds Jewish Housing Association (LJHA) celebrated the opening of the biggest development project in its 69-year history.

Kate Henderson and Cllr Robert W Gettings jointly unveiled two plaques at a special ceremony attended by residents, political representatives and members of the local community to mark the completion of 85 new properties at Queenshill Avenue in Moortown, Leeds.

The scheme encompasses two buildings, Cherry Tree House, home to 51 sheltered housing apartments for those aged 55 and over, and Hillside, comprising 34 general needs flats.

The sheltered apartments are connected to 130 existing properties to form a sheltered village of 181 apartments for older people with secure access to the Ziff Community Centre.

The £14 million project, delivered with support from government housing agency Homes England, has increased LJHA’s overall stock by 13%.

Jayne Wynick, LJHA Chair, thanked the former residents of 22 homes which had to be demolished to make way for the new buildings.

She also praised the contributions of LJHA staff and friends, alongside a range of external organisations including the Leo Baeck Housing Association which funded initial feasibility studies, CAF Bank, Acanthus Architects, Identity Consult and development partners EQUANS.

She said: “15 per cent of the Leeds Jewish community live with us. People go but others come back or move here.

“We have a vibrant Jewish and cultural life and people engage in many activities and voluntary work.

“We care for each other and our housing association is the envy of many in other communities.”

Looking to the future, Ms Wynick said: “We are not an organisation that stands still and are now looking at the family homes our community desperately needs.

“We need more to ensure we can provide families with the same safety net we offer our youngsters, elderly, couples and singles.

“We need gardens where children can play safely and homes with room to grow.”

Kate Henderson, National Housing Federation Chief Executive, told guests: “What is so wonderful about this is that it is about people – your home, your neighbourhood, your place – this community of everyone together.

“Massive congratulations to all of you, particularly to the team at Leeds Jewish Housing Association for creating homes that reflect what the community wants and for being at the heart of the community.

“Regeneration is never the easy option, but it is a brilliant thing you’ve done for this community and with this community.”

Cllr Robert W Gettings, Lord Mayor of Leeds, referred to his previous visit to the Ziff Community Centre only last month.

He said: “I expected to meet lots of Jewish people.  In actual fact, I met not only lovely Jewish people but also Muslims, Sikhs, Catholics and others.

“Everyone was so wonderfully pleasant and happy to be living together.  I thought it was community cohesion absolutely at its best.

“Leeds is doing fantastically well as far as community cohesion is concerned.  Leeds Jewish Housing Association is a wonderful example of that.”

Events, News, North of England

Cheshire estate reveals summer events series

Bolesworth Estate has announced it is hosting a series of fun-packed events for all the family to enjoy over the summer holidays.

 Set in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, Bolesworth promises its most exciting summer to date, offering affordable days out and the perfect spot to enjoy quality time together, in a beautiful location which is just 8 miles south of Chester off the main A41.

 

Outdoor Movies 19 – 21 August

 It’s lights, camera, action as tickets went on sale this week for a long weekend of outdoor movies at Bolesworth from 19 to 21 August. Guests are invited to sit moat-side and enjoy a day or night out full of drinks, snacks and the latest motion pictures, including The Greatest Showman, Encanto, Mamma Mia, Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocket Man.

 For those looking for an extra treat, there is a VIP dome in prime location to enjoy a film and the company of family and loved ones, all whilst soaking up the breath-taking scenery.

 

Summer Maze 20 August – 4 September

Bolesworth also holds its first Aladdin themed Maze and Sunflower Picking Patch from 20 August to 4 September, which is set to offer stunning photo opportunities and a fantastic experience. Whilst exploring and navigating the maze, there will also be an opportunity to pick one of the beautiful varieties of sunflowers growing on the estate to take home with you.

Stroll through the bee-friendly wildflower collection and get stuck into crafts, with the opportunity to make wish catchers and bubble wands.  There will be ice creams and refreshments on site, and there is also a picnic area in a picturesque spot to relax and have your lunch or a tasty treat after completing the maze.

 

Spectators go FREE to Horse Show at Bolesworth 10 – 14 August

In another Bolesworth first, the world-renowned Al Shira’aa Young Horse Show will be free to attend next month. Taking place from 10 – 14 August, the event will showcase the best of British Showjumping with both top names competing in International classes, and a selection of Britain’s best young horses qualifying for their place at the World Breeding Championships. Free tickets are now available to the public via registration with a car parking fee (£5.50 per car)

The five-day show will take place against the stunning backdrop of Bolesworth Castle, with undercover seating to watch the action, equestrian and lifestyle shopping, as well as extensive food and drink options, fully licensed bars and family activities over the weekend.

The venue is also dog friendly, with a Have a Go Dog Agility course and a family dog show on both Saturday and Sunday, with professionals in attendance, too.

Nina Barbour, managing director at Bolesworth, said: “We understand that times are hard and we would like to take this opportunity to open our doors to our existing customers, and also welcome new faces to our beautiful venue. It’s certainly going to be a summer to remember.”

Last month, visitors flocked to the Dodson & Horrell International Horse Show at Bolesworth, which saw VIP appearances from former footballer turned racehorse breeder Michael Owen and retired jockey Sir AP McCoy for a thrilling Ride & Drive performance.

The estate is currently ramping up preparations for CarFest North which takes place 22 – 24 July. Those attending can expect a full-throttle festival weekend featuring performances from Steps, Richard Ashcroft, Melanie C and Sister Sledge as well as workshops, experiences and activities.

Bolesworth also has a series of treats in store during the autumn months with a spooktacular maze full of pumpkins to pick, whilst Gandeys Halloween Circus will also see a cast of 30 international artists thrill visitors with live entertainment.

Ending with a bang, Bolesworth will then be lighting up the Cheshire sky with bright and flamboyant fireworks on 30 October in a stunning display not to be missed.

Charity & CSR, Climate, News, North of England, Sustainability

Shoosmiths leads transformation at Trafford Ecology Park

LAW firm Shoosmiths and its Manchester office have transformed the kitchen garden of the Trafford Ecology Park, as part of its latest corporate volunteering efforts.
Five Shoosmiths employees, alongside 13 business and charity contacts of the firm, including Lloyds Bank, CBRE, Derwent Estates and Euro Garages, spearheaded a volunteering day to transform the green space hidden in the industrial area of Trafford Park – maintained by local charity Groundwork Greater Manchester.
Following years of manufacturing activity in Europe’s largest industrial estate impacting Trafford Park’s natural environment, Shoosmiths, alongside some of its key contacts, cleared overgrown areas to create a kitchen garden. The space will be utilised by the park’s visitors and employees as an area where they can learn about food growing and sustainable food production.
Post the day, plans are in place to reconvene the group of volunteers later in the year to discuss more productive collaboration across the business and charity sectors.
Robert Nieri, charity lawyer at Shoosmiths and head of the Manchester office’s charity committee, commented: “A huge thank you to the volunteers, who took the time to come together to transform an unused area of the nature reserve to create a better environment for workers in Trafford Park – in doing so creating a real haven.
“The purpose of the day was to first and foremost help maintain this beautiful space, but to do so in the company of likeminded people from other organisations, to talk about environmental, social and governance considerations and to forge closer collaboration between businesses and the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, for mutual benefit.”
Stephanie Wyatt, marketing and sales manager at Groundwork Greater Manchester, added: “It was fantastic to see so many new faces at the Ecology Park and hear from businesses who are committed to making sustainability improvements. The new kitchen garden that volunteers built will provide Groundwork with the opportunity to engage more people with the topic of sustainable food production and consumption, plus we’re excited to see what we can grow here! We’re extremely grateful to Shoosmiths for arranging the event and hope it inspires more businesses to volunteer and connect with nature.”
Construction, Construction News, News, North of England

MC Construction brings historic cottages back to life in £1.1m project for One Manchester

A row of historic cottages in Manchester which lay empty for nearly a decade have been brought back to life as affordable homes following a £1.1m refurbishment project.

The six terraced houses known as Westwood Cottages, which have Grade II listed status and are owned by One Manchester, have been given a facelift by Salford-based contractor MC Construction.

The cottages, in Raby Street, Moss Side, were built in 1876 as alms houses by prominent industrialist John Robinson in memory of his sister, Edith Marianne Robinson. They stand as individual dwellings in one block built in Flemish Gothic style.

The cottages were vacated almost a decade ago and their condition subsequently deteriorated. They became a target for vandalism and anti-social behaviour, and many of their original features were removed.

One Manchester, which provides housing and community services across the city, appointed MC Construction to carry out the renovations following the granting of planning approval and listed building consent.

The cottages are in an area of Moss Side earmarked for regeneration, including the delivery of new and suitable housing stock.

MC Construction’s team carried out a comprehensive programme of internal and external repairs and refurbishments and the cottages have now been returned to use as two-bedroom homes for affordable rent.

The project team worked closely with planning and local heritage officers to ensure the building was sympathetically refurbished. This involved retaining and restoring key features, including original gothic arched front doors, and using heritage-approved materials such as cast iron guttering, timber framed casement windows, and ironmongery.

Each cottage has had a complete internal refurbishment, including the installation of a new kitchen, bathroom, boiler and heating system and a rewire. Additional living space has been created at each property with a single-storey rear glazed extension to form a conservatory, making the homes more suitable for family accommodation.

Historical features such as mosaic porch floor tiles and the front doors have been retained.

The external works have included a refurbishment of the roof, new windows, repairs to the brickwork, chimneys and stonework, and landscaping.

David Lowe, Managing Director at MC Construction, said: “The refurbishment of Westwood Cottages has been a tremendously satisfying project for MC Construction.

“Working closely with a number of key stakeholders, we have successfully retained a part of the city’s heritage while giving a new lease of life to this historic building to provide affordable and energy-efficient homes for families in an area where there is a need for this type of accommodation.

“It has been a pleasure working with One Manchester, the city council and the other parties involved to bring this scheme to a successful conclusion.”

One Manchester Chief Executive Nicole Kershaw said: “I am delighted to see the Grade II listed Westwood Cottages back in use as affordable homes for local families.

“The cottages had been empty for several years, and we have worked hard to create light and spacious contemporary homes internally, whilst preserving the heritage qualities and landscaped shared gardens.

“We have also improved the insulation levels to achieve our 2030 energy efficiency targets, meaning the homes will be warm and affordable to run.”

Charity & CSR, News, North of England

The Vita Group teams up with Shelter to provide hundreds of mattresses for Merseyside children

One of Europe’s leading providers of flexible foam, The Vita Group has donated 280 mattresses to Shelter and the L6 Community Centre based in Liverpool, in a bid to support struggling families across the region.  

The Vita Group and Shelter have been working with the L6 Community Centre to distribute mattresses to families where they are most needed across Merseyside.  

In the North West, a total of 12,500 people – one in every 587 – are currently homeless, including more than 5,500 children. Of these, more than 220 people are sleeping rough while 12,200 people – including many families – are living in temporary accommodation due to a lack of permanent social housing and the soaring costs linked to private renting.  

L6 community centre’s close role within the Merseyside community means they are able to prioritise the areas where the mattresses are most needed,  ensuring children and families across the region who are rough sleeping  benefit from access to a clean, high-quality, durable bed, whilst  looking for a permanent housing solution.  

Liz Norris, Acting Strategic Lead at Shelter, said: “Here in Merseyside, and across the whole country, there is a housing emergency.  

“We are thrilled to be working with Vita again and this time, we are donating to families. Those children, those families, that are also homeless – whether that is living in temporary accommodation, sofa surfing, stuck in dire conditions – they now have a mattress and a bed to call their own and stay in longer term. The impact of this is going to be phenomenal!” 

Gerard Woodhouse, L6 Community Centre, said: “The cost-of-living crisis  mean that means that the main priorities are feeding and heating your home. Mattresses and other pieces of furniture slip to the back of the queue. People cannot afford to have it all. 

“We have been working with Vita and Shelter for a number of months and cannot thank them enough for what they have done! It is unbelievable. The smiles on parents and their children’s faces are unbelievable, you’d think it was Father Christmas coming again!” 

Mark Lewis, Regional Director at The Vita Group, said: “Being socially responsible is one of The Vita Group’s key values. We believe that responsibility extends beyond our employees and includes the communities in which we operate and society as a whole.  

“We are delighted to have seen the difference our previous donations have made within the North West first-hand and that our contributions are reaching the most vulnerable families and children in Merseyside.  

“The continued work Shelter and the L6 Community Centre complete is invaluable to the region and creating a resolution to the wider growing homelessness crisis we face. The Vita Group is honoured to offer our continued support to these two key organisations and play our part in their important work.” 

Alongside this Merseyside donation, the Manchester-based manufacturer has pledged to donate 300 mattresses over three stages – equating to £50,000 – to Shelter for the benefit of the Greater Manchester homeless population, with 200 already been delivered.  

Outside of the UK, The Vita Group’s Hungarian and Romanian facilities are manufacturing and supplying an additional 125,000 mattresses to the UNICEF organisation.