We love it when businesses send us their good news and here’s our latest good news round-up, kindly sponsored by PALADIN. Awards, expansion, new contracts or new appointments, if you’ve got some good news you want to share please email the editor, Martin Shaw, on martin@huddersfieldhub.co.uk.
Mirfield-based Fishtank Agency has been shortlisted for three awards in the upcoming Prolific North Awards.
The nominations include Integrated Agency of the Year and Creative Studio of the Year along with Rising Star for head of partnerships and growth, Jacy Davis.
The recognition demonstrates Fishtank’s commitment to creativity, innovation and client satisfaction throughout 2023 with pioneering campaigns that push the boundaries.
Jacy has been recognised as a Rising Star for her outstanding dedication to client satisfaction and innovative problem-solving.
Jacy’s exemplary account management skills and commitment to excellence have earned her praise from clients and colleagues alike.
The Prolific North Awards will be announced at a ceremony on May 9.
Fenay Bridge-based Reliance Precision Ltd has announced the appointment of David Jennings as its new chief executive officer.
David replaces Ian Walter, group finance director, who served as interim managing director following the departure of Steve Woollven in August 2023.
The recruitment process was led by Reliance’s family board, Reliance RG Limited (RRG).
David has a strong background in mechanical and manufacturing engineering having started his career as an apprentice at Rolls-Royce in Bristol.
Over a period of 17 years, he worked his way up through roles including European strategic planning and business development manager (defence), director of customer service and general manager (operations).
David has since developed an excellent track record in successfully leading manufacturing and engineering businesses including Pailton Engineering Limited, Shepherd Group Engineering and Doncasters Group.
David brings his passion for all things engineering, strategic management and people-focused leadership to his new role at Reliance.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining the Reliance team, and very much looking forward to working with them as we embark on the next stage of the journey.
“Everyone that I have met has been incredibly positive, supportive and friendly, with company values that resonate with me.
“My sense is that Reliance is a great company with lots of opportunities and even more potential; the challenge is to build on all of its strengths and lead it to the next level. I simply cannot wait.”
Kirklees College is a proud partner of Film Buddy, a work experience company endorsed by the BFI in its 2022 Skills Report.
With direct links to the film and TV industry and sessions delivered by industry professionals, Film Buddy offer a training experience to Kirklees College students like no other.
As part of their Work Experience Programme, Creative Industries students at Kirklees College have partnered with Film Buddy on a number of projects.
Most recently, Performing Arts and Media students at the college collaborated on a live brief with Film Buddy to produce four short films documenting different cases of sexual harassment to raise awareness of the college’s ongoing ‘Call It Out’ campaign.
The campaign, which was originally launched in collaboration with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Kirklees College Students’ Union, aims to encourage staff and students to call out misogyny and sexual harassment when they see it.
The campaign aims to address behaviour and attitudes which, if gone unchallenged, could lead to violence against women.
Through this, the college aims to create a culture of being an ‘upstander’ instead of a ‘bystander.’
Each of the short films produced by the students focuses on a different scenario and calls on young people to challenge their friends when they are acting inappropriately, or pressuring their peers into sexual situations they are not comfortable with.
Emma Crosland, the work experience supervisor who manages the college’s partnership with Film Buddy and supplied the live brief, said: “Every time we work with Film Buddy the students gain valuable experience that they wouldn’t get in a classroom.
“Throughout our partnership we have produced a number of pieces, including music videos and short films, that the students are then able to add to their CVs to showcase their industry experience to employers.”
Speaking about the student’s input, media tutors Jon Salmon and Stewart Jackson said: “This project has given our Level 3 Media students a great opportunity to undertake industry roles relevant to the course they are studying.
“We have been able to teach techniques and skills, and they have then applied it to the brief.
“Having a partnership with Film Buddy is invaluable to students, they have gained an insight into industry standards with regards to film shots, RECCE days, as well as how to use lighting and sound effectively.”
Ben Sweet, founder of Film Buddy, also celebrated the students’ achievements, and said: “Film Buddy provides a professional platform for aspiring student filmmakers to gain practical experience under the mentorship of industry professionals.
“Through our collaborative partnership with Kirklees College, we have created an opportunity to produce a series of impactful films addressing the issues of misogyny and female harassment, which is in line with our commitment to connecting students to their communities and conveying important messages.
“The students gained valuable filmmaking skills, while instilling in them a sense of responsibility in addressing societal challenges.
“Their sensitive approach to the project and continued skill development resulted in a fantastic series of films that they should all be very proud of.”
This partnership with Film Buddy is part of Kirklees College’s Work Experience Programme. The college has a unique Employability Pledge that sees all students interact with employers from their course industry built into their curriculum timetable.
Within the Creative Industries, students also have chance to work with major employers such as Oxfam and work on creative briefs from various organisations, including the Dewsbury Town Board and local women’s charity Soroptimist International.
Applications for Creative Industries courses starting in September 2024 are now open. To find out more, visit www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk.
Berry Brow-based Carlton Alarms has been purchased in a management buyout deal.
Founded by Carlton Littleford in 1986, Carlton Alarms offers a range of security systems including intruder alarms, fire alarms, CCTV and access control systems to domestic and commercial clients throughout Yorkshire.
The takeover deal has been agreed with longstanding employee Matt Wilson who has been with the firm for 25 years.
Carlton said: “I couldn’t be more happy to pass the business on to Matt who has shown his dedication and commitment over the years.
“I know that our customers are in safe hands with Matt as he knows the business inside out. Matt originally joined the firm in 1999 as an engineer and throughout his career at Carlton Alarms, he has always exceeded expectations.”
Matt said: “Carlton has played a pivotal role within my career progression at Carlton Alarms. I couldn’t be more proud to have this opportunity to continue the business with the same values and passion as Carlton.
“I’d like to wish Carlton all the best for the future and a very happy retirement.”
Staff at YES Energy Solutions celebrated three awards in a week.
The first win came from the Federation of Small Businesses, recognising the community and charity work YES do with the Community Award win for Yorkshire and the Humber.
Each financial year, YES nominate a local charity to fundraise throughout the year and staff are encouraged to join in with volunteering opportunities across the area.
This year YES created a dedicated Warmer Homes Fund, using their profits for purpose to contribute to local organisations to assist those in fuel poverty, youth football teams for new kit and equipment, the oldest purpose-built cinema in the UK in their local community and a range of charities close to the staff’s hearts.
The second win came from The Sheffield Business School Help to Grow Management Alumni, recognising the growth at YES with the Best Business Growth Award.
Established in 2000 as a division of Kirklees Council, YES Energy Solutions grew quickly and soon became an independent Community Interest Company. But their biggest growth has come recently – doubling their growth two years in succession.
The third win came from the Energy Efficiency Awards, and a win for the Large-Scale Project for the Sustainable Warmth LAD3 Derby programme alongside partners RenderClad Ltd and Derby Council.
YES, based in Holywell Green, works with councils across the country on schemes and projects to deliver home improvements and upgrades to make homes greener, warmer and cheaper to heat, which is all the more important during the current cost of energy crisis.
CEO of YES Energy Solutions Duncan McCombie said: “It is humbling to have received these awards which reflect the hard work, dedication and passion of every staff member.”
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