Latest News
Work Begins On £2 Million Envirowaste Waste Transfer Station
- 17th February 2012
Work has started on a £2m state-of-the-art waste transfer station in Calderdale.
The building, located at Swalesmoor, is being built by leading environmental company, Envirowaste, to replace a similar structure destroyed in a blaze earlier this year.
The building, measuring 40,000 sq ft, is due to be completed in Mid 2012 and, once operational will handle in excess of 75,000 tonnes of waste each year.
Envirowaste is part of the Leo Group, which is currently investing more than £5 million at Swalesmoor, to help it retain its place as one of the UK’s major environmental and renewable energy companies.
Leo Group Managing Director Danny Sawrij said: “Envirowaste is a core part of the Leo Group of companies and, each year, we are able to recycle 80 per cent of the waste that comes to us.
“The new waste transfer station will allow us to not only handle more waste, but recycle even more, thus reducing the burden on landfill sites.
“Envirowaste is committed to recycling and creating a reusable product from the waste we receive. Each year we produce in excess of 20,000 tonnes of woodchip and sawdust, which is further used in panel boarding, fuel for power generation and also animal bedding.”
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Digging Deep! Leo Group property manager Brian Maguire stood with earth-moving machinery which is preparing the site for the construction work. Photo by Victor de Jesus
Calderdale Gets Housing Boost As Leo Group Bring Redundant Farm Buildings Back To Life
- 17th February 2012
After standing idle for many years, the properties at Moor Fall Farm, on Ploughcroft Lane, have been converted into seven family cottages by the company, one of the country’s leading environmental businesses.
The Leo Group, which employs in excess of 400 people, appointed local firms to undertake a major programme of renovation to the properties – giving the local community a double boost.
Leo Group Property Manager Brian Maguire said: “This was an extremely exciting project for a local company like ours and, because it directly helps our local community, it is one that we are very proud of.
“The farmhouse and neighbouring buildings sit high above the Shibden Valley and enjoy a spectacular view. To have left them redundant would have robbed our local community of a fantastic opportunity.
“The buildings had fallen into disrepair and were not fit to be lived in. We are delighted that our dream to create two and three-bedroomed family homes for use solely by local residents have now come to life.
“We cannot think of any better way to breathe new life into these buildings and offer local people the chance to make a new home for themselves in one of the area’s most picturesque parts.”
As part of the Leo Group’s continuing commitment to support the community wherever it can, it employed local builders and suppliers to carry out the modernisation work.
Mr Maguire added: “We have supported the local community for many years by being one of its biggest employers. More than 150 of our total workforce is based at our Halifax headquarters.
Details of how to make an application for renting one of the new cottages can be obtained by contacting Mr Maguire via e-mail at: enquiries@leogroupltd.co.uk
Brought back To Life! The buildings at Moor Fall Farm, which have been converted into family homes by the company. Picture by Victor de Jesus
Local Councillors Visit Alba Proteins’ Penrith Site
- 14th February 2012
On Tues 10th January 2012, a group of Councillors from Penrith and the surrounding area took a guided tour around the Alba Proteins rendering site. As a significant manufacturing industry in the area, the company felt it was important for them to see, at first hand, how the site operates and the types of products produced.
Feedback following the visit was very positive – they found it interesting and informative and noted evidence of investment in a progressive business. The visitors were fascinated to hear how by-products from the food chain were taken from the meat industry and processed into a range of useful products – pet food ingredients, oils, fertilisers, soap ingredients.
Following the tour there was a meeting of the Liaison Group. This was set up five years ago and encourages communication between the local community and the company. Meetings are held every two months with the aim for attendees to learn more about the workings of the plant and discuss current issues.
Further information about the Liaison Group can be found by contacting – enquiries@leogroupltd.co.uk
- 9th February 2012
Leo Group Announces
Sponsorship of:
Leo Group are proud to announce sponsorship for the Sue Ryder Mascot Gold Cup 2012 at Wetherby Races.
The Leo Group already supports Sue Ryder in a number of ways including funding for bereavement counselling for young children between 7 and 11 and young adults up to the age of 22. Leo Group’s financial support will ensure the continuation of bereavement counselling to children and young adults.
In addition, Leo group contribute to funding a weekend bereavement session held in the Yorkshire Dales and transport for members of the counselling groups and their close family to the Mascot Gold Cup.
First run in 2006 the Mascot Gold Cup has quickly become the world's largest mascot race with a field of between 50 and 100 every each year.
As well as being a great day out for mascots and their friends and family the race has become a major event. This year we expect to break through £100,000 mark in terms of funds raised by the event for charities,
including Sue Ryder who are now co-organisers of the event. Part of a full programme of horse racing on Wetherby's “Family day", the fun starts with the Mascot Parade, where the 'best turned out' are judged. The 8,000 race goers can then bet on mascots in the 'predict the winner* competition. New for 2012 a 'one minute mascot warm up' will be held in the parade ring and the presentation of the 'Mascot of the Year" award will be made.
The Mascot Gold Cup is run along the final furlong (220 yards) in front of the Grandstands. The crowds cheer on the mascots as they hurdle, stumble and fall over the 6 small fences. Cash prizes are on offer for the charity of the successful mascots' choice.
For more information and a link to online entry please click here.
For more information contact Andrew Wood on 01535 640176 or andrew.wood@sueryder.org
Leo Group supports the Leeds City Region formal bid to host the world's first green investment bank
- 31st January 2012
The city region is one of about 20 areas bidding to host the bank, which will employ 50 to 75 staff and invest £3bn in the renewable and low carbon sectors over the period to 2015.
The bid document refers to the Leo Group, as a case study, highlighting the group’s specialist knowledge and innovations in the green energy sectors.
Leeds City Partnership brings together eleven local authorities in including Bradford, Calderdale, Leeds, Kirklees, Wakefield, Selby, York, Harrogate, Craven , Barnsley and North Yorkshire County Council to work towards a prosperous and sustainable city region.
"We firmly believe that there is no better location for the green investment bank than Leeds City Region," said Leeds City Region LEP chairman Neil McLean.
"Ministers have already commended the strong business case we presented to them last year, so we look forward to them considering our self‐assessment. The bank will be the first of its kind in the world, and its location will become a focus for investment, leadership and expertise in the green economy.
"This will clearly bring significant opportunities for low carbon businesses located in the city region and across Yorkshire."
A decision on the bank's location is expected in February 2012.
To learn more go to the Leeds City Region and the Green Investment Bank bid visit:
http://www.leedscityregion.gov.uk/home.aspx
Leo Community Fund Proves Extremely Popular With Local Community Groups
- 24th January 2012
Leo Group have received a record number of applications for grant funding through the companies Community Fund. The closing date for applications was 14th January 2012 and the Fund has received 35 applications from a variety of organisations.
The Fund is considering all of the applications and as a result there will be a slight delay in awarding grants due to the number of applicants. The Leo Group Community Fund hopes to be in a position to publish a list of successful applicants by mid-March 2012.
Leo Group Announces Sponsorship of Bradford Business Awards
- 20th January 2012
"Leo Group are proud to announce a sponsorship deal promoting the Bradford Business Awards in association with Bradford Metropolitan District Council, Bradford Chamber of Commerce and the Telegraph and Argus".
Leo Group are sponsoring the "Winner of Winners" award which will be the most prestigious award recognising the highest achievers.
Leo Group Managing Director, Danny Sawrij commented "It is important for businesses such as ours to support local companies and recognise their achievements through events like the Business Awards.
We play an important role in the local econony buying goods and services form hundreds of businesses in Bradford and we are delighed to support other employers in this way".
Child's Play as Leo Group Give Cash Boost to Autism Charity
- 6th December 2011
A CHARITY that supports people with autism across Bradford and Calderdale is the latest good cause to benefit from a newly-launched community fund set up by one of the district's major employers.
Bradford and District Autistic Support Group has been handed £1,688.17 from the Leo Group – at the forefront of the UK environmental sector with bases in Bradford and Halifax – to help fund activities and play equipment which will add an extra dimension to the social skills sessions it stages.
The activities focus on social interaction, team games, new interests and creative pursuits for children aged 11-18.
The charity supports up to 600 people of all ages across Bradford and Halifax. In many parts of the community it helps, the prevalence of autism is more than three times the national average. With long-established funding streams from the NHS and Bradford Council either lost or under threat, the charity is battling to raise money from other sources to ensure its valued role continues.
It has used the Leo Group grant to purchase a new pool table, and a table top football and air hockey set. In addition, it will enable the charity to develop the social skills of young people by taking them on activity days, such as ten-pin bowling and music production sessions.
The charity, based on Caledonia Road, is the second in the district to benefit from the Leo Group’s Community Fund.
Last month, it awarded Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice £2,310 to support bereaved young children people between seven and 11, as well as young adults up to the age of 22. This financial support ensures the continuation of bereavement counselling.
David Riley, Service Coordinator at Bradford and District Autistic Support Group said: “For more than 20 years we have provided a much-needed lifeline to people living in the community with autism and their carers.
"We are very grateful to the Leo Group for their very generous donation, which supports our plans to take our work into a new era. The money allows us to purchase a number of items for our games room as well as funding a new range of activity sessions.
"We are looking at throwing open our doors to other like-minded charities in the district, so they can also take advantage of our play facilities. This donation will therefore also benefit them.
“Like all charities we rely extensively on donations from individuals and businesses. Without them we could not provide the level of support for people with autism as well as their family members.”
Danny Sawrij, managing director of The Leo Group, said: “The fund was set up to help good causes just like Bradford and District Autistic Support Group continue and expand the important role it plays at the heart of our local community..
“We are delighted the fund has again been able to help another worthwhile local charity in the Bradford and Calderdale area.
“We look forward to seeing how the children develop through the activities we are funding."
Community groups interested in finding out more about the Leo Group Community Fund – or wanting an application form – should write to: The Leo Group Community Fund, Leo Group Ltd, Swalesmoor Road, Halifax HX3 6UF
Leo Group Announces Funding for Hospice in Oxenhope
- 6th December 2011
The Leo group community fund has made one of its first grant awards to Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice.
The Hospice already provides a bereavement programme, where trained staff and volunteers, keep in contact with bereaved relatives and help them deal with their loss. The Leo Group funding will specifically support bereavement counselling for young children between 7 and 11 and young adults up to the age of 22. Leo Group’s financial support will ensure the continuation of bereavement counselling to children and young adults.
In addition to counselling, Leo group will contribute to funding a weekend bereavement session held in the Yorkshire Dales and transport for members of the counselling groups and their close family to the Mascot Gold Cup which is held every year at Wetherby Races and is a major fundraising event for Sue Ryder.
Danny Sawrij, Managing Director of the Leo Group said, “The running costs of the Sue Ryder Hospices services amount to £2.7 million every year, and £1.6 million has to be funded from voluntary giving. We recognise the importance of the good work that the people at Manorlands Hospice do and are proud of our contribution to ensure continued emotional support for children and young adults following the passing of a loved one.”
Leo Group's First Recruit Under the New Graduate Training Programme
- 28th September 2011
Jane Brindle, Group Technical Manager, welcomes new recruit Jodie Horner to the team. Jodie, from West Yorkshire, has just graduated from Huddersfield University with a degree in Business Studies with Environmental Management and has been employed on a 12 month programme to gain valuable work experience in this sector. Jodie’s career ambition is to “become an environmental manager who understands the wide business implications, costs and benefits of good environmental practice” and is already off to a good start.
This addition to the technical team further strengthens the knowledge base which currently covers animal by-products, environmental permitting, waste management and effluent treatment.
Leo Group Community Fund Helps Local Bradford Charity
- 28th September 2011
Bradford and District Autistic Support Group have been awarded a grant to fund various activities. The grant will fund activities and resources for the group’s social skills sessions. With the assistance of Leo Group, the organisation can buy a new pool table, table top football and air hockey table. In addition, members of the group will be attending a number of activities such as bowling and music production sessions. A spokesman for Leo Group said, “We are delighted to be able to help a worthwhile local charity in Bradford and we look forward to seeing how the children develop through the activities we are funding”.
New recruit helps company mark job creation milestone
- 2nd September 2011
The Leo Group has said ‘You’re hired!’ to its latest recruit – 16-year-old apprentice Joe Willmott.
His appointment marks the creation of the 50th new job across the Group this year.
And – as a further signal of its commitment to support young people take their first steps up the career ladder – the group is this year also launching a graduate recruitment programme for the first time.
Joe, who lives at Illingworth, Halifax, was educated at the town’s Trinity Academy and joins the company employed in its vehicle workshop.
“We are delighted to welcome Joe to the Leo Group – and to celebrate the creation of our 50th new job this year,” said Managing Director Danny Sawrij. “It is a milestone of which we are very proud.
“Since 1996 the number of apprenticeship placements in the UK had steadily declined.
“However, the Leo Group strongly believes that some of the most valuable skills are best developed in the ‘real life’ situations only experienced in the workplace, and are best delivered in the learning programmes and mentoring provided by an apprenticeship.
The inaugural graduate recruitment programme is currently seeking applications from people with degrees relating to engineering, property and environment management.
Mr Sawrij added: “The graduate and apprenticeship schemes offer young people an opportunity to further their career in a successful and growing company.
“With unemployment growing, particularly among the young, we make every effort to buck the economic trend and support school and university leavers wherever possible and create sustainable employment.
“There is no shortage of young talent in Yorkshire and we are determined to develop these skills in a variety of roles across the group.”
New offices trigger employment boost for Bradford
- 2nd September 2011
IT is not just within the company that the Leo Group is bucking the trend and creating new jobs – it is also generating hundreds of new employment opportunities in the heart of the local community.
Its property arm has recently won planning approval to create a flagship business park designed to breathe new life into the Bradford district.
Bronte Business Park, which is situated in Thornton, will provide some 16.5 acres (6.7 hectares) of employment land, suitable for up to 280,000 sq ft (26,000 sq m) of warehouse, factory and office space.
The company has already secured detailed planning consent for employment uses on part of the site. It is now looking to bring forward the remainder of the site for development once a new access from Thornton Road has been completed.
The proposed units will provide a wide range of accommodation right through from small and medium enterprises to large businesses. One of the buildings, extending to 115,000 sq ft, would be ideal for a single warehouse or manufacturing company.
Brian Maguire of the Leo Group added “ We have been overwhelmed with enquiries since we started marketing the development in June. We are working with stakeholders, including Bradford Council, and hope to start construction by late 2011”.
The site - which is located off the B6145 Thornton Road, five miles from Bradford city centre and six miles to the north-east of Halifax town centre - is being marketed by Eddisons Commercial and Gent Visick.
Earlier this year, the company welcomed Standard Wool (UK) as tenants of its newly-built two-storey office development at Trevor Foster Way, near the M606 motorway.
The firm – an expanding Bradford wool trade survivor with customers in more than 30 countries – relocated from its head office at Carlton Buildings on Clifton Street, near to Bradford City football club.
Affordable housing boost for local families
- 2nd September 2011
The Leo Group is transforming redundant farm buildings overlooking the picturesque Shibden Valley into affordable housing for the local Calderdale community.
After standing idle for many years, the properties at Moor Hall Farm on Ploughcroft Lane are to be turned into seven family cottages after a successful planning application was made by the company.
It is expected that the first tenants will pick up their keys and move in later this year after a major renovation programme.
“This is an exciting project for a local company like ours and, because it directly helps our local community, it is one which fills us with great pride,” said Brian Maguire of Leo Group.
“The farmhouse and neighbouring buildings nestle high above the Shibden Valley. To have left them redundant would have robbed our local community of a fantastic opportunity. “We cannot think of any better way to breathe new life into these buildings and offer local people the chance to make a new home for themselves in affordable rental accommodation.
As part of the Leo Group’s continuing commitment to support the community wherever it can, it is employing local builders and suppliers to carry out the modernisation work.
Queensbury Name Is Set In Stone, Thanks To The Leo Group
- 2nd September 2011
Queensbury has new boundary marker stones - thanks to the generosity of the Leo Group.
The boulders, located at each of the main roads into Queensbury, have been provided by the company to highlight the contribution made by the community.
Brian Maguire of the Leo Group said: “We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to fund these boundary stones, which mark the approach to Queensbury.
“They pay tribute to Queensbury’s best known export, the Black Dyke Mills Band, who have helped put this part of the country on the map.”
The boundary stones were officially unveiled at a dedication ceremony attended by Queensbury’s three ward councillors and members of the band.
The ceremony also marked the launch of the company’s Community Fund designed to support local good causes.
One of the country’s leading waste management businesses whose head office is located just outside the town at Swalesmoor – from its newly launched Community Fund Grant.
The fund will provide grants, up to a maximum of £2,500, to local groups, in particular those involving children and youngsters.
Mr Maguire added: “We have set up this initiative in order to give something back to the community where we work and operate.
“In the last year or so, charities and good causes which rely solely on donations from businesses and individuals have been victims of the current economic climate.
“Our aim is to support local organisations, in particular those involved with children and young people, who need some financial support, be it to buy sports equipment, fund one off projects or pay for activities.”
The Yorkshire Post Publishes Special Supplement on Leo Group
- 1st September 2011
Click Here to read the special supplement recently published by the Yorkshire Post
