Training 26 success story continues two decades on

A specialist IT and business skills training provider is increasing its capacity at Leeds Media Centre after a surge in demand for its services.

Training 26 offers classes and bespoke tutoring in Microsoft Office, Adobe, Sage and related IT packages, together with a comprehensive range of management and personal development courses for individuals and SMEs.

The company has now taken additional space at the Unity Enterprise-run facility and recruited a new member of staff.

Established in 1999, Training 26 was taken over almost two years ago by Mike Cunningham, a technical consultant with vast experience in IT, and Angela Jones who held a customer facing role in the property industry.

Since then, the pair have expanded the scope of courses on offer and, six months ago, became a Pearson VUE© Authorised Test Centre, allowing the firm to deliver computer-based exam delivery services for some of the biggest names in IT including Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco, Oracle, HP, and VMware.  

Training 26 Office Manager Angela Jones with (from right to left) Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive Chief Executive Ali Akbor, Training 26 Director Mike Cunningham and Unity Enterprise Manager Adrian Green at Leeds Media Centre

Mike Cunningham, Training 26 Director, said:  “The move to Leeds Media Centre has worked incredibly well and we are happy to be taking more space in an excellent building.  We recently recruited our first apprentice who is already proving to be a great asset for Training 26.

“As a one-stop shop for IT and business training needs, we are able to source the best trainers available and have plans to add new courses in the months ahead.  Our clients enjoy the modern facilities at Leeds Media Centre where parking is plentiful and there is the option to open on Saturdays. 

“Whilst most of the businesses we cater for are based in the North, our reach is expanding nationally. These are exciting times and it’s good to be part of the Unity family.”                 

Harrogate-based greeting card creator Pigment Productions is one well-known employer whose staff have benefitted from courses delivered by Training 26.

Debbie Saltmarsh, General Manager at Pigment Productions, said: "We use Training 26 for their flexible, varied and great presentation-style training courses. We have had candidates attend courses at their offices and also more bespoke courses held in our offices, which makes for easier staff attendance.  They are extremely easy to work with and flexible to your requirements. We will definitely continue to use them for all of our future training requirements.”

Leeds Media Centre is one of three business locations in the city owned and managed by Unity Enterprise, a not-for-profit subsidiary of Unity Homes and Enterprise, which provides 130 managed workspaces for around 80 employers including charitable groups.

Ali Akbor, Chief Executive of Unity Homes and Enterprise, said: “Training 26 is a shining example of the first-class work going on across our business centres. 

“Unity’s ethos is based on improving people’s lives.  Social and economic regeneration are of equal importance to physical regeneration, thereby empowering local communities to help themselves.  Training 26 helps people – in the business, public and social sectors – to improve their skills, progress their careers and contribute to the development of their colleagues. 

“I am particularly pleased that, in common with other valued Unity Enterprise tenants, Training 26 has taken on a local apprentice.  It is terrific to have the company operating at the heart of Leeds Media Centre.”          

Adrian Green, Unity Enterprise Manager, added: “Mike and Angela are a pleasure to deal with.  I have also spoken to a number of their clients as they come and go from Leeds Media Centre and have heard nothing but positive comments about Training 26.

“Mike and Angela’s absolute commitment to the task in hand is second to none.  They deserve every bit of success they get and I know that many more achievements lie ahead as they to expand their business offer.”      

More information about Unity Enterprise and its services is available from Adrian on Tel: 0113 242 5996 or email: adrian.green@unityha.co.uk 

Fairydogmother plans magical Easter on Otley Chevin

A Leeds dog expert has invited owners to bring their pets to Otley Chevin Forest Park on Easter Sunday to hunt for novel prizes.

The Easter Super Sniffers Challenge is a free event to encourage owners to properly engage with their dogs when on walks.

Large plastic Easter eggs will be hidden around the Park.

Most will contain toys for the dogs, but there will also be two special eggs for owners.  One will have a £50 gift voucher inside and another a £25 gift voucher.

The event has been organised by Yeadon-based dog trainer and behavioural expert Kerry Lawson, also known as the Fairydogmother. 

Kerry Lawson, the Fairydogmother        

“To find the Easter eggs, the dogs will have to use their amazing sense of smell and rely on their owners for encouragement – teamwork is all-important,” she explained. 

“I will be there to educate owners on how best to coax their dogs to use their noses.

“In my professional life, I teach clients to train their dogs to stay with them instead of running away when off the lead.  I want to show owners how much more fun they can have with their dogs by keeping them engaged on a walk and working together as a team.”

Kerry added: “As I explain in my forthcoming book, having a great off-lead dog depends on dogs wanting to be with their owner.

“It’s also about building amazing relationships so their dog chooses to be with them instead of running off to play with other dogs, chase squirrels or investigate piles of leaves.”

Dog owners can register free of charge for the Easter Super Sniffers Challenge and also receive clues to help in the search for prizes by visiting https://easter.funnelmaker.com/

This Sunday’s event begins at noon.

Anyone wishing to enquire about Kerry’s range of bespoke canine services and dog training classes can contact her on Tel: 07891 371144 or email: kerry@fairydogmother.co.uk

‘UK has become a hard sell,’ veterinary leader tells European conference

Brexit is doing “untold damage” to the veterinary profession and risks permanently undermining the UK’s global status, a leading Yorkshire vet has told a conference in Portugal.

Jason Aldiss, Managing Director of Leeds-based Eville & Jones which provides Official Veterinarians (OVs) to every abattoir in England and Wales, said he was finding it increasingly difficult to recruit staff and the situation would become critical if Brexit further restricted access to foreign workers.

Speaking at the 9th Training Meeting of the Veterinary Medical Association (EFOMV) at Lisbon Congress Centre, which featured 116 lectures and 72 speakers over two days, Dr Aldiss said: “The UK veterinary profession is reliant on the free movement of vets. Despite 95 per cent of Official Veterinarians coming from abroad, the British Government has failed to add vets to the Shortage Occupation List of high-demand employees.

“Since the EU referendum in 2016, many of my staff have returned to their countries of origin.  Finding replacements has been incredibly difficult given the deepening uncertainties Brexit has created.    

Dr Jason Aldiss BEM

“To put it bluntly, the UK has become a hard sell.”

Dr Aldiss, also Secretary General of the Union of European Veterinary Hygienists, said it was time for UK politicians to admit that Brexit had been a disaster for the country.

He continued: “Brexit has been a test for MPs but, as events of the past few weeks have shown, few have been able to rise to the challenge.

“Most politicians I speak to, including many who campaigned for Leave, concede that Brexit is now a failed experiment.  We are told that the House of Commons is strongly pro-Remain but too few of its occupants have been prepared to stand up and fight for the country to stay in the EU.”  

Dr Aldiss said the current talks between Prime Minister Theresa May and Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn seemed to be pushing the UK towards a softer form of Brexit which lacked any clear advantages.

“I have long believed that, if Brexit does happen, it will inevitably bear a very close resemblance to the Norway model,” he said.  “That will mean the UK being bound by most EU rules and regulations whilst losing the ability to influence them.  It will be Brexit in name only but with the restrictions vastly outweighing any percieved benefits.”

The Eville & Jones Managing Director urged MPs to “take a responsible path” and revoke Article 50 or hand the decision back to the British people in a second referendum.       

“I am strongly in favour of pulling the Brexit plug by revoking Article 50,” he said.  “This would create the time and space for the UK to re-evaluate its relationship with our European neighbours and allow diplomatic bridges to be rebuilt.

“But should our politicians view that as a step too far, there is no sound reason not to consult with the electorate on what is best for our country.  A recent poll of 9,500 voters in England, Scotland and Wales found that almost 60 per cent now want a final say on Brexit including a majority in nine out of 10 Parliamentary constituencies.”

Dr Aldiss added: “It is not generally a wise career option for MPs to tell voters that they’ve got it wrong but, in the 2016 referendum, UK voters did get it wrong.

“We must have honesty on all sides.  Brexit has been a catastrophe but an enduring nightmare can yet be averted.”       

Leading charity grows Yorkshire footprint with move to Leeds Media Centre

St Giles Trust, the award-winning national charity that helps people facing severe disadvantage to access jobs, homes and specialist support, has expanded its Yorkshire presence after opening a new regional base at Leeds Media Centre.

The facility is one of three sites close to the city centre owned and managed by Unity Enterprise, a not-for-profit subsidiary of Unity Homes and Enterprise, which provides 130 managed workspaces for around 80 businesses, social enterprises and third sector bodies.

St Giles Trust was established 57 years ago in Camberwell, South London as a soup kitchen.  It has since expanded its work across England and Wales to offer a vast array of services including skills training, help for individuals and families affected by financial hardship, prisoner rehabilitation and professional guidance for vulnerable adults. 

In 2017/18, the charity helped 24,982 people through its services.

St Giles Trust has achieved extensive national recognition for its work, including several prestigious Excellence in Diversity Awards.  Last month it was named in the Best Companies Top 100 for 11th consecutive year.

St Giles Trust staff with Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive Ali Akbor (back row, second from right) and Unity Enterprise Manager Adrian Green (back row, extreme right)

Ali Akbor, Chief Executive of Unity Homes and Enterprise, said he was thrilled that the charity had chosen Leeds Media Centre to broaden its support for local communities in Yorkshire.

He commented: “St Giles Trust is a perfect fit for us.  Unity was set up as housing association more than three decades ago to help people in greatest need, with a particular emphasis on BME communities.  We have achieved a lot in the intervening period but our ethos has never changed.

 “We have expanded our range of activities over the years to support local entrepreneurial endeavour through Unity Enterprise, and help our tenants and others to access jobs and training opportunities through Unity Employment Services.   

“There are clear opportunities for synergy between St Giles Trust and ourselves, which I look forward to exploring.  It is wonderful to welcome St Giles Trust staff into the Unity family.”  

 Penny Hales, Support Services Manager at St Giles Trust, said: “As a charity who are committed to using our resources on our frontline work, finding high quality office space at affordable rates can often be a real challenge but is a necessary tool to be able to develop our work.

“We are very pleased to be working with Unity Homes and Enterprise, and our team are working well in Leeds Media Centre.”

The charity’s move to Leeds Media Centre was facilitated Unity Enterprise Manager Adrian Green. 

He said: “It has been a real pleasure to work with the St Giles Trust team as they settle into their new Yorkshire home. 

“They arrive with a very well-deserved reputation for excellence and have improved tens of thousands of people’s lives over their long history.  It is a delight to have them onboard.”

Businesses seeking more information about Unity Enterprise and its services can contact Adrian Green on Tel: 0113 242 5996 or email: adrian.green@unityha.co.uk 

Unity expands Leeds portfolio with major property acquisition

Unity Homes and Enterprise has increased its presence across Leeds by adding 22 newly-refurbished properties to its affordable housing stock in a £1.25 million investment.

 Last year, the BME-led housing association completed a deal with the Riverside Group to purchase 12 two-bed semi-detached houses in Harehills and 10 one-bed flats in Pudsey.

 A major works programme has since been undertaken to fit new kitchens and bathrooms, upgrade central heating and replace windows and external doors.

 Other improvements include insulation in roof space areas, new smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, energy efficient lightbulbs in all rooms and brick work repointing.   

 Ali Akbor, Chief Executive of Unity Homes and Enterprise, said: “We were delighted to have the opportunity to purchase these homes, following a process of due diligence.

 “Riverside, which has its headquarters in Liverpool, undertook a national review of its stock and this acquisition made good sense for Unity.

 “Following the works programme, all 22 homes are now in pristine condition and represent excellent additions to our expanding portfolio in Leeds and beyond. 

 “Unity has long-established Harehills as one of our priority areas and have been active there for many years.    

 “Although we own and manage significant stock in West Leeds, Pudsey is a new and exciting part of the city to be involved with.

 “Our staff are forming good relationships with the tenants at both locations and look forward to working with them and the surrounding communities to improve lives.”  

 Mr Akbor visited two tenants at Chapel Fold in Pudsey to find out how they were settling into their modernised homes, which were originally constructed in the 1970s

Mrs Mortimer, a Chapel Fold tenant, in her brand-new kitchen with Unity Chief Executive Ali Akbor

Mrs Mortimer, who has lived in her flat for more than seven years, was delighted with the improvements.  

 She said: “They’ve made a big difference.  I only had a small kitchen but it’s lovely now.  It serves its purpose, everything fits in.” 

 The Unity Chief Executive also called in with Mrs Emerson, who has resided in her Pudsey home for almost three years.  She was also pleased with the refurbishment work.   

 Mrs Emerson said: “I like it here. The new breakfast bar is really helpful and creates a lot more space.  The washer/drier is fabulous and saves me having to go out in bad weather.”      

Unity Chief Executive Ali Akbor pays a visit to Mrs Emerson in her newly-refurbished Chapel Fold home

 Commenting afterwards, Mr Akbor said: “It was a real pleasure to meet both Mrs Mortimer and Mrs Emerson, and to hear their positive feedback. 

 “Unity’s mission is to provide high quality affordable homes, improve people’s lives and help the communities we serve to become more vibrant, inclusive and prosperous. 

 “These are solemn commitments from which we will never waver.”       

European vet market leader sets sights on Middle East and Asia

Leeds-based veterinary services firm Eville & Jones is expanding its global reach after announcing new initiatives in the Middle East and Asia.

Founded in 1993, Eville & Jones is Europe’s leading provider of out-sourced veterinary controls.

Its Official Veterinarians and Meat Hygiene Inspectors ensure meat safety and protect animal welfare under EU and domestic regulations in plants throughout England and Wales on behalf of the Food Standards Agency.

Highly-trained Eville & Jones staff also deliver audit, verification and enforcement services in continental Europe, Australia and South America.  

The establishment of a new strategic alliance, Eville & Jones Partnership (Middle East & Asia), will enable the business to tap into additional fast-paced international markets  

It will be formally launched at Gulfood 2019, the world's largest annual food and beverage trade exhibition, held at the iconic Dubai World Trade Centre from 17-21 February.

The sold-out event will welcome more than 98,000 people from 193 countries including senior government representatives and industry professionals from a vast array of sectors.  

The Eville & Jones team in Dubai will include Dr Jawad Khawaja and Dr Amer Rashid who have been appointed as Regional Directors of Eville & Jones Partnership (Middle East & Asia). 

(Left to right): Dr Jason Aldiss BEM, Managing Director, Eville & Jones; Dr Jawad Khawaja, Regional Director, Eville & Jones Partnership (Middle East & Asia); and Dr Amer Rashid, Regional Director, Eville & Jones Partnership (Middle East & Asia)

They will work alongside the existing Eville & Jones core leadership team.

Dr Jason Aldiss BEM, Managing Director of Eville & Jones, said:

“We are particularly excited about the possibilities this venture opens up.

“Both Jawad and Amer have first-class knowledge of the Middle East and Asian markets.   

“I expect many useful conversations to take place in Dubai as we work to develop the Eville & Jones brand and reputation for excellence across new borders. 

 “Following on from the UAE, we intend to showcase our range of bespoke services in targeted locations across the region including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.

“I am also due to visit Pakistan in the coming days for a series of high-level meetings.     

“Fascinating times lie ahead.”

MPs must put country first in crucial Brexit vote

One of the country’s leading vets has called on MPs to “put the country’s future ahead of their own” in tomorrow’s vote on Theresa May’s Brexit deal.

Dr Jason Aldiss BEM

In a statement, Dr Jason Aldiss, Managing Director of Leeds-based veterinary services company Eville and Jones, argued that “petty political game-playing could lead to the United Kingdom sleepwalking into a no-deal Brexit” which, he said, would be “disastrous.”  

He said: “I have a high regard for most of our politicians and believe that, in the main, they try to follow the right course on behalf of the people they have been elected to represent.  But the current scenario in Westminster will put that theory to the test.

“We are constantly told that there is no majority for no-deal in the House of Commons.  But as the clock ticks down to Brexit Day on 29 March, there also appears to be no majority for any other outcome. 

“Theresa May’s deal represents the only fully worked-up solution on the table.  It also has the support of the other 27 EU member states.  Without something in its place, we will leave with no deal.  That is the stark legal reality.”      

Dr Aldiss made clear the food, agriculture and veterinary sectors were at particular risk from a no-deal Brexit.

He said: “A rejection of the Prime Minister’s hard-won deal will have a devasting impact across countless areas of our economy and national life.

“A torrent of extra regulation will rain upon us, crippling export tariffs will be imposed, there will be delays at ports, animal movements will be heavily restricted, many types of food will be unavailable and medicine shortages will be unavoidable.”

Dr Aldiss, who also serves as Secretary General of the Union of European Veterinary Hygienists, said it was imperative for MPs to cast their votes in the national interest.

He continued: “I was strongly opposed to Brexit and campaigned vigorously against it.  But the potential damage any further delay to the Brexit process will cause has outweighed my huge reservations. 

“The real challenge will come after Brexit has happened and work begins on recasting our relationship with the EU in a future trading arrangement.  

“I’m sorry to say it, but too many of the ongoing Parliamentary skirmishes are about point-scoring and feeding egos.  MPs have a duty to put the country’s future ahead of their own and support Theresa May’s deal.

“Petty political game-playing could lead to the United Kingdom sleepwalking into a no-deal Brexit, which would be disastrous for generations to come.

“Our country is better than that and good days can still lie ahead.  The House of Commons must do the right thing and vote for the only plausible way forward.”     

Guiseley communications agency backs inaugural beer festival

Guiseley-based Vanbar Associates has stepped forward to support Aireborough RUFC’s first-ever beer festival.

The integrated communications agency, established in 2014 by Vanessa and Barry White, will sponsor one of 19 real ales offered at the two-day event on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd February.

Rob Rattray (centre), organiser of the Aireborough RUFC Beer Festival, with Vanessa and Barry White of Vanbar Associates

It coincides with the opening weekend of the Six Nations Rugby Championship, and all three games will be shown on a big screen including Saturday’s crucial clash between England and Ireland which kicks off at 4.45pm.

Entry is just £5 each day and includes two drinks tokens.  Further tokens can be purchased at the bargain rate of five for a fiver.   A range of gins and ciders will also be available, together with hot food from the club kitchen. 

All profits will go towards the future development of the club’s facilities at its Nunroyd Park home in Yeadon, which will host the festival.

Vanbar Associates delivers an extensive range of communications services including media relations, public affairs, crisis management, copy writing and event management to clients in the public, private and charitable sectors.

Barry White, partner at Vanbar Associates, said: “It is a pleasure to be involved.  We’ve had a long association with Aireborough RUFC, including a period when I was the worst coach in the entire junior section.   

“Thankfully for the players, those days are in the past but it is wonderful to see the awe-inspiring work still being done by so many committed people to promote rugby union in Guiseley and Yeadon. 

“Vanessa and I are delighted to sponsor a beer and would encourage anyone who has a free couple of hours to come along, even for a soft drink, and support a well-organised venture for a first-class cause.”

The event is the brainchild of Rob Rattray, managing director of educational marketing and student outreach specialists Syno Limited, who also serves as a volunteer with Aireborough RUFC’s junior section.

Rob said: “We’re immensely grateful to Vanbar Associates and all our sponsors for enabling the inaugural Aireborough RUFC beer festival to happen. 

“There is tremendous passion for rugby union in the area.  We want local people to know we’re here and enable them to get involved with what we do. 

“The funds raised will help us to improve our offer and develop the game at junior and senior levels.  It promises to a wonderful weekend of fun at a very modest cost. The fact that it’s happening just as Dry January ends is not a coincidence.”     

The event will run from 7pm-11pm on Friday 1st February and from noon-11pm on Saturday 2nd February. 

Brexit compromise call from housing association CEO

The chief executive of one of the country’s most prominent BME-led housing associations has called on Westminster politicians to “grasp the Brexit nettle” to avoid local communities being thrown into chaos as the countdown to the UK’s departure from the EU gathers pace.

In a New Year message, Ali Akbor, who has headed Leeds-based Unity Homes and Enterprise for two decades, warned that fears over a no-deal Brexit or second referendum were causing deepening anxiety amongst tenants.

And he argued that MPs from across the political divide now had a responsibility to reach an agreed way forward.

Ali Akbor addresses the 2018 Unity Annual General Meeting last September

“Unity is not a political organisation and has no desire to become one,” Mr Akbor said.   

“But our staff are close to the people we serve and it is clear that the decisions politicians make in the coming weeks will impact on tenants’ lives for years to come.

“I am particularly concerned about the aggressive tone and negative rhetoric we have heard from both sides of the Brexit debate, and the dangers this poses to community cohesion.   That is why I am wary of the damage a second referendum campaign may inflict. 

“Our tenants wish to live in a society at ease with itself, and side by side with people respectful of each other’s differences.  This is not helped by politicians who advocate a ‘my way or no way’ doctrine and who seek to denigrate those who hold a different viewpoint to their own.”             

The Unity chief executive - also secretary/treasurer of BME National, a collective of over 60 BME housing associations - said it was “essential” that a Brexit compromise was reached in Westminster.

“The wheels of government have ground to a halt,” Mr Akbor said.  “That’s not a criticism, it’s a fact.   The Integrated Communities Strategy Green Paper and the Social Housing Green Paper are gathering dust in Whitehall.  We need to be moving on to the next stage on both.”

Mr Akbor said there were apprehensions about the damage that Brexit uncertainty was doing to local businesses .   

“Unity Enterprise, our not for profit subsidiary, hosts more than 80 businesses across three locations,” he said. 

 “The ability of these companies, many of them start-ups, to expand and create new employment opportunities is being restricted because of diminishing confidence amongst entrepreneurs.  Existing jobs could also be at risk.  These businesses need greater clarity to enable them to plan for the longer term and make investment decisions.” 

Mr Akbor said he was proud that Unity had utilised its 2018 Annual General Meeting as a platform to pay tribute to the bravery of BME Commonwealth soldiers in the First World War, which ended 100 years ago.    

“Those soldiers fought for our freedom over oppression,” he continued.  “They played their part in creating the rich fabric of the modern United Kingdom.  Millions of British citizens of BME origin now form a central plank of our nation.  We need to continue to reach out, not pull up the drawbridge. 

“As Brexit approaches, our politicians should follow their shining example.”      

New board members join housing association’s quest for Unity

Unity Homes and Enterprise has appointed seven new board members following a competitive process.

The successful candidates were welcomed to the housing association’s headquarters in Leeds by Unity Chair Shruti Bhargava and Chief Executive Ali Akbor.

Unity owns and manages more than 1,300 homes across the city and will shortly complete its second affordable housing development in Huddersfield.

The association also supports local entrepreneurship through its subsidiary, Unity Enterprise, and provides employment support and training with a team of qualified staff.

Unity Homes and Enterprise Chair Shruti Bhargava (front right) and Chief Executive Ali Akbor (front left) welcome the new recruits to the association’s offices in Leeds

Unity’s Housing Board will have four new members.

They include Nahim Ruhi-Khan, Head of Housing and Corporate Property Management Services at Leeds City Council, and Liz Cook, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Sheffield.  Alongside them will be Dave Richmond, City Neighbourhoods and Housing Manager at Hull City Council, and Abdul Hamied, Senior Programme Manager - General Practice Development Team at NHS England.

Kalsoom Iqbal, Quality Assurance and Contracts Manager at Rochdale Borough Council, and former Bradford College Group Chief Executive Andy Welsh, now a self-employed consultant, will join the Unity Enterprise Board.

The seventh new member of the team is management accountant Abdul Rashid who has been co-opted onto Unity’s Audit and Management Committee and will act as a Unity Housing Board observer. 

Each appointee will serve an initial three-year term, which can be extended.

Unity has also announced the appointment of Ann Marie Matson to the newly-created position of Director of Resources.  For the past five years, Ms Matson served as Head of Finance and Procurement at Leeds Federated Housing Association.  

Shruti Bhargava, Chair of Unity Homes and Enterprise, said: “I offer my heartfelt thanks to our retiring board members, Shazia Khan, Tim Yeardley and Andrea Tara-Chand for their dedicated service over many years.  They set the bar very high and, in the finest traditions of Unity, have left legacies of remarkable personal and community achievement.

“Their successors are of the finest calibre.  Each is dedicated to furthering community cohesion and positively impacting the lives of local people.  They also possess an enduring sense of social purpose, which is forever at the heart of our work.  Being able to attract candidates of such quality and renown underlines Unity’s ever-growing reputation for excellence. 

“I look forward to working with them to deliver first class affordable homes and address wider inequalities in the diverse communities we are privileged to serve.”

Ali Akbor, Chief Executive of Unity Homes and Enterprise, said: “These are exciting times for Unity.  I am delighted that our new board members will be with us on the journey ahead.

“I am equally thrilled that Ann Marie Matson has joined us as Director of Resources with a brief to sharpen Unity’s business focus and strengthen our relationships with key partners.  

“2018 has been an excellent year which saw the association shortlisted for three national housing awards.  Amongst many other highlights, we added 58 new affordable homes to our expanding portfolio, opened an incubator at Unity Business Centre, helped 110 people to find employment and another 177 to improve their work skills.      

“2019 promises to be a landmark year as we move towards the completion of a host of affordable housing projects including our first scheme in Cleckheaton.

“Unity is forever in a quest for new horizons and fresh ways of regenerating local communities.  The reconfigured boards and new senior staff appointment will bring added vigour to these endeavours.”

Manningham Housing Association celebrates well-earned boost to regulator gradings

The Chief Executive of Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has hailed a significant improvement in its performance ratings as the beginning of a “bright new future” for the Bradford-based organisation and its tenants.

Lee Bloomfield, who took up post in January, was responding to news that the Regulator of Social Housing has restored MHA’s financial viability rating to V1, the highest possible grading, with its rating for governance raised to G2.    

Lee Bloomfield

Following a formal In Depth Assessment in late 2016, MHA had its governance rating downgraded from a G1 to a non-compliant G3, followed shortly afterwards by a viability regrade from V1 to V2.

As part of a process of improvement, MHA entered into a voluntary undertaking with the regulator to transform its governance. 

This incorporated a full review of board and administrative arrangements including the recruitment of new board members and the appointment of a new Chair, Barrington Billings.

Barrington Billings

Alongside Mr Bloomfield’s appointment as Chief Executive, Helen Rourke was recruited as Director of Finance to work with him and the board to deliver the improvements needed.

Founded more than three decades ago, MHA owns and manages more than 1,400 homes in the Bradford and Keighley for people in housing need, with a particular emphasis on those of South Asian heritage.

Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said: “Being a non-compliant organisation is not a good place to be.

“Registered providers must have the confidence of the regulator and our funders.  Being downgraded to non-compliant puts a cloud over this. I am delighted that the brave and ambitious changes we have made over the last two years have been acknowledged.

“I am confident that these well-earned results signal the start of a bright new future for MHA and our tenants.  We are already focused on the next In Depth Assessment and our goal of achieving the top governance rating.”

Barrington Billings, Chair of the MHA Board, said: “This is a great outcome for the organisation and has placed MHA back on track to where we need to be. We have worked extremely hard over the last two years to deliver governance improvements and embed cultural change across the organisation.

“This is testament to the board, staff and our tenants who have been on this journey with us.

“We have a new corporate strategy which gives us clear direction and see us investing our resources into the communities we serve”.

Cllr Cath Bacon

Cllr Cath Bacon, who chairs MHA’s Customer Panel, described how frontline services to customers were not adversely affected by the governance and viability ratings, as satisfaction levels from tenants remained at over 90 per cent and performance stayed in the top quartile.

She said: “Tenants have been supportive of the organisation and received regular progress updates at Customer Panel meetings.

“It was crucial to ensure that MHA remained as an independent association providing homes and top-notch services for the BME community in Bradford and Keighley.” 

Commons must back Brexit deal to avoid chaotic future

MPs must support Theresa May’s Brexit deal if they are to place themselves on the “right side of history” and avoid plunging the UK into a state of chaos, a prominent vet has argued.

Dr Jason Aldiss BEM

Jason Aldiss, Managing Director of Leeds-based veterinary services company Eville & Jones, made the call in advance of tomorrow evening’s House of Commons vote on the terms of the UK’s separation from the EU and accompanying political declaration which sets out what a future trade arrangement may look like.

Dr Aldiss has previously voiced concerns that a poorly-managed Brexit process could “decimate the United Kingdom’s veterinary, food and agricultural sectors” and warned that a no-deal outcome would be “the worst of all worlds.”

In a statement, Dr Aldiss said: “I have believed from the outset that Brexit is an act of folly that is bad for the UK and bad for the EU.  But we have reached the moment of truth and it has become clear that Theresa May’s Brexit deal, despite its many imperfections, is the best and only option available to avoid plunging the country into a state of chaos.   

“I have also come to the conclusion that the Prime Minister herself is one of the few politicians who has acted with a sense of honour and duty throughout the Brexit process.

“We are on the precipice of a desperately uncertain future and, despite that stark reality, too many MPs have been making calculations based on what they believe to be best for their personal political prospects or those of their party.

“The country’s path for generations will be deeply influenced by the decisions they make in the coming hours and days.  Their choices should be based solely on what’s best for their constituents and the United Kingdom as a whole.”

Dr Aldiss, who is Secretary General of the Union of European Veterinary Hygienists, said that Brexit holds particular uncertainty for the veterinary profession, together with the food and agricultural sectors it serves.

He continued: “Eville & Jones needs guarantees of post-Brexit access to highly-trained foreign vets to work in abattoirs and on farms, as well as lower skilled workers to fill other essential roles.       

“I had hoped that the Immigration White Paper would have provided some assurances on these matters but its publication has been delayed yet again.  

“The wheels of Government have stopped turning and, without a Brexit deal in place, the situation will only get worse.  We need a sense of momentum to return and that can only happen by the House of Commons supporting the Prime Minister’s proposals.”

Dr Aldiss added: “It is time for MPs to rise to the challenge and place themselves on the right side of history.” 

Senior peer urges Government to adopt UN Sustainable Development Goals

Lord Rogan has called on Ministers to fully implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into UK Government policy.

Lord Rogan of Lower Iveagh

The 17 goals, set by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, cover a wide range of social and economic development issues including poverty, hunger, health, education, global warming, gender equality, sanitation, water, energy, urbanisation, environment and social justice.  

Speaking in the House of Lords, Lord Rogan - who also serves as Deputy Lord Speaker - paid tribute to former Prime Minister David Cameron for his role in formulating the SDGs when he chaired a panel established by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to advance the post-2015 development agenda. 

“These goals have the collective aim of ending extreme poverty, fighting inequality and injustice, and tackling climate change in the period to 2030,” he said.  

“And not only did Mr Cameron help to develop these admirable objectives, but he fought or them too.

“He told the UN General Assembly in September 2015 that fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals would require ‘actions not words.’   

“He reminded the leaders of developed countries that they should deliver on their overseas aid spending commitments.  

“And he went a step further, telling the presidents and prime ministers of less prosperous nations, and I quote: ‘Eradicating extreme poverty isn’t just something that developed countries can do. There’s a deep responsibility on the leaders of all countries.’”

Lord Rogan told peers that, following David Cameron’s resignation in July 2016, the focus of Whitehall and the wider British public had understandably been on Brexit.

“But despite these distractions, it is vital that the United Kingdom remains to the fore of the effort to ensure that leaders across the world keep to the commitments that Mr Cameron rightly asked of them,” he continued.  

“And this is where I believe Brexit provides the UK Government, under a different Prime Minister in Theresa May, with a golden opportunity to lead the way.

“It is unquestionably the case that, after leaving the European Union, the United Kingdom will be in search of new alliances and new partnerships, and not just in the area of trade.

“The phrase ‘Global Britain is one we hear regularly, although I would expand this term to ‘Global Britain and Northern Ireland.’ 

“As a nation, we do need to broaden our reach and our influence if we are to really punch our weight in the years ahead.

“That means setting an example for others to follow.  We must lead the way, and that must surely include the United Kingdom achieving the aim to ‘integrate the universal Sustainable Developments Goals into domestic policy.’”  

Lord Rogan reminded the House that, following Donald Trump’s election as President, the United States had withdrawn from a series of international agreements.

“President Trump has abdicated the position that his predecessors in the White House have traditionally held as the de facto Leader of the Free World,” he continued.

“If the United States, in the short term at least, is refusing to set the standard for the nations of the world to follow, then we in the United Kingdom and our allies must not be found wanting.  

“We must stick to David Cameron’s commitments and implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals with the minimum possible delay.”

Kirklees Council Leader praises new Unity affordable family homes

The Leader of Kirklees Council has toured a new £1.2 million Unity Homes and Enterprise affordable housing project which is nearing completion in Huddersfield. 

Cllr Shabir Pandor was joined by Cabinet Member for Housing Cllr Cathy Scott, Unity Chief Executive Ali Akbor and other senior representatives of the housing association. 

Nine family homes for affordable rent are being constructed on a former garage site on Quarmby Road. 

The land was owned by Kirklees Council before being acquired by Unity following a competitive process.

The new development comprises six semi-detached two-bedroomed properties and three terraced houses with three bedrooms apiece. 

Each home will have a garden and private parking.   

Construction work on the project is due finish in the coming weeks with the first tenants expected to move into their new properties shortly afterwards.

This is Unity’s second affordable homes development in Huddersfield.   It also owns and manages a scheme of flats at Fartown.

Ali Akbor, Chief Executive of Unity Homes and Enterprise, said: “Unity has a well-earned reputation for delivering the highest quality affordable homes.  The new properties certainly meet that standard.

“The internal fit out is now well underway.  This will be followed by external works which includes pathways, fencing and turfing. 

“I have no doubt that the prospective tenants will be delighted with their new homes and we look forward to welcoming them into the Unity family.

“We are proud to have played a part in improving people’s lives for more than three decades.  Most of our work has focused on Leeds, but we are glad to be on the cusp of opening our second scheme in Huddersfield. 

“Working in partnership with the Council, we hope to significantly broaden our footprint in Kirklees in the years ahead.”      

Mr Akbor was accompanied on the site visit by Unity’s Director of Regeneration, Wayne Noteman, and Unity Board members Abdul Ravat and Shazia Khan.

Cllr Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “It was excellent. The properties are really good, very spacious and will meet the needs of our residents and communities. It’s a really inspiring development. 

Cllr Cathy Scott, Kirklees Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: "The development is a good example of successful co-design with partners who have specific expertise and ability. With a shortage of affordable homes, Quarmby Road is a valuable contribution to our wider plans as part increasing available housing across Kirklees.”

The Quarmby Road scheme is the pilot project for Kirklees Council’s Small Affordable Housing Sites programme, which draws on the expertise and resources of registered providers to maximise the delivery of affordable homes in the district. 

Earlier this year, Cllr Pandor launched the Council’s ambitious plan to deliver 10,000 new homes by 2023.  The Big Build is a comprehensive programme of proactive activity to increase the rate of house building across Kirklees by working with private landowners, major house builders, housing associations and small site developers to increase the supply of new homes.

Government must tackle Brexit veterinary recruitment crisis

A leading Yorkshire vet has told a major international conference that Brexit has the potential to decimate the United Kingdom’s veterinary, food and agricultural sectors.

Speaking at Visegrád Vet Plus near Budapest, Dr Jason Aldiss said that the UK will be “in deep peril” if a post-Brexit deal with Brussels does not include guaranteed access to properly-qualified vets from other EU states and mutual recognition of professional veterinary qualifications. 

And he warned that a no-deal outcome would be “the worst of all worlds.”

Dr Jason Aldiss BEM

Dr Aldiss, Managing Director of Leeds-based veterinary services company Eville & Jones, said: “There is already a veterinary recruitment and retention crisis in the UK, and that problem is getting worse.  Currently 45 per cent of British Government Veterinary Services posts are filled by vets from other EU member states.  95 per cent of Official Veterinarians are non-UK EU vets.   With less than six months to go until Brexit, there is still no guarantee than these individuals will be allowed to remain in post.

“Understandably, many have already chosen to leave the UK.  At Eville & Jones, I am more than 50 vets short of what I need and that number is rising.   Our recruitment programme is running at full pace but we’re not able to stem the flow of staff moving on.”

Dr Aldiss, who also serves as Secretary General of the Union of European Veterinary Hygienists, cautioned that a no-deal Brexit would be the equivalent of “cutting the life-line on the UK to allow it to drift off into the wilderness.”

He said: “If the UK is to trade with Europe, it must maintain EU standards at the very least.  That means veterinary services must be properly funded to ensure high standards of animal welfare, animal hygiene and public health. 

“All trade in products of animal origin requires veterinary certification – which obviously requires vets.  Without proper access to well-qualified veterinary professionals, UK-EU trade will be impossible.  That would inevitably lead to a scenario where food is left to rot at ports or animals destroyed by the side of the road.  It may sound dramatic, but it is the stark truth.

Dr Aldiss appealed to the UK Government to take swift action to deal with “an impending catastrophe.”  And he called on the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to “address the very real veterinary shortages and make firm recommendations to permit open access to foreign vets.”

He said: “The MAC recently presented a report to British Ministers which recommended that the Government removes the cap on Tier 2 working visas for highly-skilled migrants, currently set at 20,700 each year, which would make it easier to recruit foreign vets.  This is a step in the right direction, but no more than that.

 “The MAC is also in the process of completing a separate report on which professions should be included on the Shortage Occupation List of high demand employees, again removing barriers for employers to recruit appropriately qualified staff from outside the UK.  Vets do not currently feature, and it is time that they did. 

 “The simple fact is that the current British immigration system is not fit for purpose and certainly not for brave new post-Brexit world that Leave campaigners promised.

 “We must allow skilled migrants to come to the UK and bring benefit to our economy.  Further, we should permit quotas of unskilled migrants to work in sectors where their labour is desperately required.

 Dr Aldiss added: “Without sufficient numbers of slaughtermen working in abattoirs, there will be no need for vets.”   

Unity can help to solve national housing crisis

The Chief Executive of Unity Homes and Enterprise has challenged Government ministers to draw on the experience and expertise of the housing association sector to tackle the national housing crisis.  

Celebrating Unity’s success: (L to R) Colonel Karl Harris, Lucy Moore, Ali Akbor and Shruti Bhargava

Ali Akbor, who has led the Leeds-based housing association for almost two decades, told its Annual General meeting that Whitehall could not solve the housing shortage on its own. 

Ali Akbor

“Last autumn, Unity was delighted to host Housing Minister Alok Sharma on a visit to two of our affordable housing developments in Leeds,” he said.  “It was the first time a serving Government minister accepted such an invitation from us.  Sadly, he was reshuffled to a different department shortly afterwards and his replacement has since been replaced.”  

Mr Akbor said that he had since issued invitations to current Housing Minister Kit Malthouse and Housing Secretary James Brokenshire, “to follow in Mr Sharma’s footsteps and witness at first hand the good work Unity is doing to build new affordable homes and regenerate communities here.” 

He continued: “Unity is proud to be a forward-thinking, outward-looking organisation that is driven by a collective determination to deliver for the communities we serve.  We have a housing crisis in this country, which the Government freely acknowledges must be tackled.  As Chief Executive of Unity Homes and Enterprise, I will continue to reach out to ministers and anyone else in Whitehall who wants to work with us to build the homes we need to improve local people’s lives.”

Mr Akbor told the audience of Unity partners, tenants and special guests that the association had enjoyed another successful year, including the completion of 58 new properties and the acquisition of a further 22, taking the number of affordable homes under its ownership to more than 1,300.  Unity Enterprise, its not-for-profit subsidiary company, opened a new incubator in partnership with iota Business and Unity Employment Services helped almost 300 people to find work or improve their skills. The association has also been shortlisted for three national housing awards.

Opening the meeting at The Sheepscar function rooms in Chapeltown, Unity Chair Shruti Bhargava said it was important that the association continued its “social purpose,” which she defined as, “our commitment to improving lives in areas with high BME populations and turning them into vibrant multi-cultural neighbourhoods.” 

She added: “I believe that Unity is a shining light to others in the rest of the country, including the housing sector and politicians; showing them what can be done to address inequality, bring communities together and improve people’s lives.”

This year’s Unity annual report had a First World War theme, in recognition of the forthcoming Armistice centenary and in tribute to the vital contribution of BME Commonwealth soldiers in that conflict and since.   

Colonel Karl Harris

Special guest speaker Colonel Karl Harris told the audience about the positive good work being done by the British Army’s Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Network, which he chairs.

He said: “This is such an important year. The role that men and women of colour from all communities have played in the British Army for a hundred years and beyond is a story that isn’t necessarily told as much as it might be.”

Lucy Moore

And Lucy Moore, First World War Projects Curator at Leeds Museums and Galleries, gave a wide-ranging presentation on her research into the life of Bengali-born Jogendra Nath Sen.

She said: “He joined the Leeds Pals, the local volunteer battalion, in 1914.  Military records tell us that he trained with them in their camp in North Yorkshire.  He travelled with them to Egypt to guard the Suez Canal.  He then went to France and was killed in action on 22 May 1916, just before the Battle of the Somme.  Jogendra Nath Sen gave his life for the people of Leeds.” 

Unity Homes and Enterprise to honour Great War BME soldiers at AGM

A Leeds housing association will pay tribute to the bravery of black and minority ethnic Commonwealth soldiers in the First World War at its Annual General Meeting.

Colonel Karl Harris

Unity Homes and Enterprise - based in Chapeltown – has themed next week’s gathering to coincide with the centenary year of Armistice Day. 

It will be addressed by Colonel Karl Harris, Chair of the British Army’s Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Network, which aims to help inform, support and inspire men and women from ethnic minorities.  Colonel Harris recently completed a year-long deployment to Iraq as the United Kingdom’s Special Defence Adviser to the Ministry of Peshmerga, supporting the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Peshmerga Reform Programme.

He will be followed by Lucy Moore, Projects Curator: First World War for Leeds Museums and Galleries.  In 2017, Lucy received a grant from the British Council to visit India to research the life of Jogendra Nath Sen, a Bengali-born member of the Leeds Pals battalion. She is publishing more about his life in “The Leeds Pals: A Handbook” which is due out shortly. 

Lucy Moore

The meeting, which will be held on Tuesday (25th September) at The Sheepscar in Chapeltown, will begin with a performance from leading Bradford south Asian arts organisation Kala Sangam, which specialises in Bharatanatyam dance and Carnatic music.

Last year, Unity’s 30th anniversary AGM featured the late Baroness Brenda Dean, former Chairman of Housing Corporation, as keynote speaker.  

In 2017, Lord Patel of Bradford addressed the meeting held at Headingley Cricket Ground as a curtain raiser for a special inter-faith match between Mount Cricket Club, a team of Muslim players from Batley, and St Peter’s XI, the Vatican’s official cricket team.  

Ali Akbor, Chief Executive of Unity Homes and Enterprise, said he was hugely looking forward to the event which would also celebrate the association’s achievements over the past 12 months.

He commented: “Unity has had a particularly successful year as evidenced by our recent shortlisting for three national housing awards. 

“Our key strategic role is to increase affordable housing and we have just added a further 58 completions through our affordable homes development programme.

“But Unity remains strongly of the view that the regeneration of the communities we serve means creating life opportunities as well as building high quality housing.  To that end, we were delighted to open a new incubator at Unity Business Centre, one of three sites operated by our subsidiary company Unity Enterprise. 

“Unity Employment Services also continued its excellent work with tenants and local people to give them the skills they need to find work, with more than 250 individuals entering employment over the past year.”

Ali Akbor

Mr Akbor said he was excited to welcome an “outstanding” line-up of speakers and performers to the AGM.          

He continued: “We gave careful consideration to the theme for this year’s event.  To mark 100 years since the end of the Great War, we believe it is reflective of our roots as a BME-led organisation to highlight the heroism of black and minority ethnic soldiers in that terrible conflict whose contribution is sometimes forgotten amongst the many who lost their lives.    

“Lucy Moore speaks with great authority on these matters, and Colonel Karl Harris will bring us right up to the present day by talking about the valued role servicemen and women of BME origin continue to fulfil in the modern British Armed Forces.  It promises to be a memorable occasion.”

Leeds housing association shortlisted for three national awards

BME-led housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise has received national recognition for its work after being shortlisted for three prestigious 24housing Awards.     

Unity, which has its headquarters in Chapeltown close to Leeds city centre, has been singled-out in the ‘Community Achievement’ and ‘Customer Services Provider of the Year’ categories.

Ali Akbor, who has led the organisation since 1999, is also in the final running for ‘Chief Executive of the Year.’    

The winners will be announced on 18 October in an evening of celebration at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry. 

Unity was formed in 1987 with the objective of building a strong, BME-led, community housing association to address the needs of black and minority ethnic communities in Leeds.  It now manages 1,300 properties for tenants from all communities and ethnic backgrounds. Construction is also underway on its second affordable housing development outside the city. 

In 2000 the association established a subsidiary company, Unity Enterprise, to support local entrepreneurial activity. 

Unity Employment Services was set-up in 2011 to help Unity tenants and their surrounding communities to access employment and training opportunities.

Unity Homes and Enterprise staff celebrate the association’s 30th anniversary in 2017

Mr Akbor said: “On behalf of all staff, I am absolutely thrilled that our work has been acknowledged in this way.

“The nomination for ‘Community Achievement’ is a direct result of the hard work put in by our Employment Services team which last year helped 366 people into training, employment and volunteering.

“The shortlisting for ‘Customer Services Provider of the Year’ is a true group effort with Unity employees at all levels playing their full part.

“I am immensely proud of every single member of our team who have earned this high-level recognition for what they have done for our tenants, stakeholders and the wider communities that we serve.”  

Mark Lawrence, editor of 24housing Magazine, said: “Every year the number of nominations increases and the standard gets higher.

“Every organisation that has been shortlisted has showcased the amazing work they have been doing to improve the lives of their tenants and the communities they serve.

“The judges now have the hard task of choosing the winner in each category.

“I wish all the shortlisted entries the best of luck.”

Social enterprise sows seeds for growth at Unity Business Centre

A Leeds-based social enterprise which promotes better mental health through growing fresh produce is going from strength to strength after establishing an indoor farm at Unity Business Centre in Chapeltown.

Using a process known as hydroponics in which plants are grown in sand, gravel, or liquid rather than soil, Growing Better remains sustainable by selling its impressive range of healthy micro greens and shoots - including basil, broccoli, pea shoots and celery leaf - on the open market.

Customers can also purchase a starter grow kit which includes commercial grade seeds and hydroponic grow pads together with a tray and lid.

From left to right: Growing Better founder and chief executive Rob Moores at Unity Business Centre with Unity Homes and Enterprise chief executive Ali Akbor and Unity Enterprise manager Adrian Green

Rob Moores, founder and chief executive of Growing Better, said: “We aim to provide a supportive environment for people coping with mental health challenges, and there is lot of evidence which shows that growing produce can lead to better mental health.

"Our indoor, hydroponic vertical farm at Unity Business Centre is a first-class facility.  We share the building with many other fledgling businesses which enables us to exchange ideas and take part in on-site seminars and other enterprise-focused events. 

“We are also developing an outdoor community forest garden on a three quarters of an acre site in West Leeds where we run regular sessions and welcome volunteers. Our clients can self-refer or be referred directly by GPs, third sector organisations, counsellors and carer services.”

Unity Business Centre is one of three sites in Leeds operated by Unity Enterprise, a subsidiary of Unity Homes and Enterprise, which collectively provide 130 managed workspaces for around 80 businesses, social enterprises and third sector bodies.

Adrian Green, Unity Enterprise manager, said: “We were delighted to welcome Growing Better to Unity Business Centre and follow their progress very keenly. 

“Rob and his team have brought fresh thinking – as well as fresh produce - into the exciting and dynamic environment that our clients enjoy across all three of our centres. This atmosphere of boundless positivity has enabled an ever-increasing number of inner city enterprises and voluntary sector organisations to grow and prosper.

“As well as our dedicated workspaces, Unity Enterprise also offers first-rate conference facilities and meeting rooms for hire.”

 Ali Akbor, Unity Homes and Enterprise chief executive, said: “Unity Enterprise was set up in 2000 to complement the work were already doing to improve local communities through the provision of high quality, affordable homes.   

“Helping people to help themselves by increasing employment opportunities and promoting social inclusion via business activities is at the core of our work.  Growing Better is an excellent recruit as we strive to continue meeting these objectives. 

“The added benefits that Growing Better offers to people with mental health challenges are truly wonderful.  We are proud to be supporting them in what they do.”   

Anyone wanting to get involved with Growing Better should contact Rob Moores on Tel: 07853 607110 or email hello@growingbetter.co

Businesses seeking more information about Unity Enterprise and its services can learn more from Adrian Green on Tel: 0113 242 5996 or email: adrian.green@unityha.co.uk