Vital funds raised during the Big Calderdale Sleepout will be match funded by a local environmental company.

The annual event saw over 228 people camp out overnight in the Piece Hall, raising more than £25,000 for Calderdale SmartMove. This will now be match funded by Halifax-based Leo Group, a leading specialist in animal by-products and renewable energy. 

SmartMove supports homeless and vulnerably housed people, by helping them find suitable accommodation. They also provide them with the support and resources they need in order to live independently. In 2019, 96% of people that received help from SmartMove were still in accommodation twelve months later.

Cassie Irving, Leo Group’s PR Manager said: “We’re delighted to be able to support such a vital local cause by donating much needed funds. The fact 228 people swapped their warm homes for a cold floor, to highlight the plight of those who are homeless, demonstrates what an important service this is. Obviously, we would like to live in a world where charities like this didn’t need to exist, however whilst they do, we will endeavour to help in whatever way we can.”

The charity will ringfence the £25,000 donation ensuring it will be used where it is needed most including to provide new starter packs for people who require basic household items such as kettles and toasters, emergency aid parcels for those sleeping rough and a bond scheme for those requiring housing.

The funding will also be used to provide crisis grants for families with nothing and who may require immediate housing or for people with young babies who need essential items such as a pram or clothing.  

Any money left will be used to develop a new mental health course for SmartMove’s clients as well as other vulnerable individuals across Calderdale, working alongside Unmasked Mental Health. 

Stuart Rumney, Chief Executive at Calderdale SmartMove, said: “We’re absolutely overwhelmed with the incredible support from Leo Group. It really is an unbelievable amount that will make a huge difference to our clients who are vulnerable individuals and families needing support at what is often the lowest point in their lives. We want to thank the Leo Group for their huge generosity and their support. It is truly appreciated.” 

Local environmental company, Leo Group, is hosting a community engagement event in Penrith.

The firm, which owns and operates Omega Proteins in Penrith, is inviting local people to attend the event at Evergreen Community Hall MCP room, on February 5 from 11am til 4pm, and engage with members of staff from the company.

It will provide attendees with the opportunity to find out about the rendering process, the products produced and the huge investments the company is making in odour abatement equipment and renewable energy.

Leo Group is one of the UK’s leading specialists in animal by products and renewable energy.  The site in Penrith is a category 3 animal by-products rendering facility and plays a critical role in the food and agricultural industries; collecting and processing material which is converted into meals and oils for use in pet food, cosmetics, oleochemicals and renewable fuel.

Cassie Irving, Leo Group’s PR Manager, said: “We continue to be committed to engaging with the local community and I would urge as many people as possible to attend this event. We play a critical role in the British meat and agricultural industries and support the UK’s target to reduce its carbon footprint.

“This event gives us the opportunity to liaise with the community and showcase the important work Leo Group does in this sector and I hope people will take the time to come and see us.”

Halifax environmental company, Leo Group, served up a free meal and festive cheer for elderly people and their carers.

Volunteers from the firm cooked and dished up a four-course Christmas dinner - consisting of soup, turkey roast, Christmas pudding, tea, coffee and mints and biscuits - for 100 people from Calderdale and Queensbury. Attendees to the event held at Halifax Ukrainian Club on December 23, were also treated to festive music, a Christmas present each, bingo and a raffle with top prizes of £100.

Cassie Irving, Leo Group’s PR Manager, said: “We wanted to make Christmas as special as possible for elderly people who may otherwise have spent it alone. It was fantastic to be able to put on an event like this that could be enjoyed by so many people. Our members of staff who volunteered got just as much out the day as the people who attended.”

Leo Group is one of the UK’s leading specialists in animal by products and renewable energy.  The business plays a critical role in the food and agricultural industries collecting and processing material - which is converted into meals and oils for use in pet food, cosmetics, oleochemicals and renewable fuel.

The Christmas dinner event forms part of a wider community outreach programme which also includes supporting local charities, volunteering days, planned site visits and educational events.

Paul Barker, Queensbury Support Centre’s Manger, said: “What a perfect way to start Christmas. Many of the people who attended were spending much of the period alone. It was a brilliant party; the food was spot on and all the fabulous prizes really made for a special day.

“It’s really reaffirming human nature to know there’s someone out there willing to put the true meaning of Christmas back into the festive season.”

Nikki Ayrton, Fundraising Executive at Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees, added: “We felt completely honoured to be invited to the Leo Group Christmas party. Their generosity and kindness shone throughout the day, with a four-course dinner, raffle and bingo which everyone enjoyed.

“Some of our clients are not able to enjoy a Christmas Day with friends or family, so this event certainly provided them with an extra special Christmas treat, and we would like to say a huge thank you from Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees.”

Environmental company, Leo Group, is investing £30 million to upgrade their odour abatement equipment at their Penrith facility.

The business is one of the UK’s leading specialists in animal by products and renewable energy. It plays a critical role in the food and agricultural industries collecting and processing material; which is converted into meals and oils for use in the pet food, cosmetic, oleochemical, renewable fuel and power industries.

​The upgrades to the Omega Proteins site in Penrith, which is owned and operated by Leo Group, will see the installation of innovative, renewable and clean technology.

A new multi-fuel thermal oxidiser is being installed which will run on biomass fuel; this is in addition to the thermal oxidisers and biofilters already on site. It will also provide high energy recovery as it will use biomass fuels instead of fossil fuels to generate steam and electricity via a turbine which will allow the company to take less off the grid thus improving their carbon emissions.

A spokesperson for Leo Group said: “We take our responsibilities seriously and endeavour to be good neighbours. We are continuously investing in new technology and have done since acquiring the site in 2002. We are also working closely with the environment agency in conjunction with our environmental permit.

“As part of the development we have built a new trailer shed and a separate automated washing facility. This will allow vehicles to be stored in an airlocked environment until they are moved to be washed. Our plans also include landscaping the area surrounding the site with the planting of trees and the inclusion of a wet reed bed.”

The company is also inviting local residents to join its liaison group which meets every other month at the Penrith facility on Greystoke Road.

The spokesperson added: “We are committed to engaging with residents and the council to keep them informed, discuss issues and make improvements where required. We would welcome new members to the liaison group who could offer fresh ideas and proactively work with us to make positive changes that benefit the local community.”

Anyone wishing to join the group should email pr@leogroupltd.co.uk for details.