A local environmental company is recruiting, following a period of continued growth.

Leo Group, which owns and operates Omega Proteins in Penrith, is one of the UK’s leading specialists in animal by products and renewable energy.

During lockdown the company, which plays a critical role in the agri-food chain, remained fully operational, collecting and processing animal by-products from abattoirs, converting it into meals and oils for use in pet food, cosmetics, oleochemicals and renewable fuel.

The business has permanent vacancies for production operatives, cleaners, mechanical and electrical engineers and Class 1 HGV drivers. For those looking for office-based roles there are positions available for an office administrator and an environmental officer.

Rachel Whiteley, Group HR Manager said: “Our fantastic team of key workers have shown incredible dedication and resilience to ensure our business has continued to thrive during what has been a difficult time for all.

“We’re looking to grow our teams in all areas of the business and therefore have a number of vacancies available. Sadly, many people will have lost their jobs during this crisis and we are committed to providing those people with career opportunities within Leo Group. I would encourage those who are currently out of work due to Covid-19 to get in touch and we will discuss your options.”

To enquire about a role with Leo Group please email recruitment@leogroupltd.co.uk

Residents, farmers and councillors are being invited to take a tour of a local environmental companies’ rendering facility in Kintore.

Leo Group, the owner and operator of Scot Proteins, is hosting the open day event at the Cottown-based site on Wednesday, October 7 from 12 noon til 3pm. It will give attendees the opportunity to liaise with staff, find out about the rendering process, the raw materials received, and finished product made. As well as chance for farmers to understand the new partnership between Scot Proteins and Keith-based fallen stock collection business Douglasbrae.  

Leo Group is one of the UK’s leading specialists in animal by products and renewable energy. The site in Kintore is a category 1 animal by-products rendering facility and was acquired by the Group in 2008. 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 renewable fuel.

Cassie Irving, Leo Group’s PR Manager, said: “After hosting a successful open day last year, we are keen to continue engaging with residents and councillors. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic this has been delayed slightly but we are pleased we are now able to welcome people on a tour of our site once again, albeit socially distanced.

“We play a critical role in the Scottish meat and agricultural industries and our partnership with Douglasbrae only cements this further. This event will give people the opportunity to learn about the important work Leo Group does in this sector as well as the chance to ask questions and address any concerns.”
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To confirm your attendance please email douglasbrae@scotproteins.co.uk as timeslots will need to be allocated and PPE will need to be arranged.

Local environmental company Leo Group is hosting an open day at its site in Bradford, which has been upgraded following a fire last year.

The firm is inviting local residents and councillors to attend a tour of the factory facilities, at their Omega Proteins site, on Tuesday July 28 from 12 noon til 2pm. Attendees will also have the opportunity to find out about the rendering process, the raw materials received and finished product made, as well as the huge investments the company has made in upgrading the factory and its odour abatement equipment.

Leo Group is one of the UK’s leading specialists in animal by products and renewable energy. The site in Bradford is a category 1 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 renewable fuel.

Cassie Irving, Leo Group’s PR Manager, said: “Throughout the rebuild we have taken into consideration the concerns and recommendations of Environmental Health. We have also engaged the services of independent odour consultants to assist with the re-design and commissioning of the plant.
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“We take our responsibilities seriously and have used the opportunity to make significant improvements to our buildings, processing equipment and odour prevention technologies.

“We are keen to showcase the upgrades we have made to the site and welcome all residents and local councillors to attend this event, which will provide them with a behind the scenes look at how we operate and how important we are in the green energy creation cycle.”

To confirm your attendance please email cassie.irving@leogroupltd.co.uk as PPE will need to be arranged.

A local environmental company has launched a recruitment drive to employ new workers.

Leo Group is hiring production operatives, engineers and Class 1 and Class 2 HGV drivers with temporary roles and permanent contracts available in Halifax, Penrith, Kintore and Ingleton.

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 - 100% of which is converted into meals and oils for use in pet food, cosmetics, oleochemicals and renewable fuel.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, as an essential business Leo Group is continuing to fulfil its critical role in the food chain by collecting animal by-products from abattoirs. 

Rachel Whiteley, Group HR Manager said: “We play a significant role in the food chain and we are working around the clock to support our suppliers and customers to meet demand. Without our service abattoirs wouldn’t operate leading to meat shortages in supermarkets.

“We’re committed to providing jobs for local people in the communities in which we operate, and we are all too aware people in these communities will be out of work due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

“It makes sense for us to try and support as many of these people as we can, and we would encourage them to get in touch.”

To enquire about a role with Leo Group please email recruitment@leogroupltd.co.uk 

Environmental company, Leo Group, has provided much-needed funding to Queensbury Support Centre.

The firm, based in Halifax, stepped in and donated £6,000 after the centre’s funding was cut by two thirds leaving them without the money they required to stay open.

For 24 years Queensbury Support Centre has provided a day centre service, three days a week for elderly people; collecting them from their homes using their minibus and returning them home later that day.  

Of the 30 regulars that attend the centre, which is held at the Baptist Church on Chapel Lane, most may not otherwise leave the house and live in isolation for the rest of the week. Attendees have their lunch provided and get to enjoy the many activities on offer including day trips, exercises, raffles, bingo, skittles and sing-a-longs.

Cassie Irving, Leo Group’s PR Manager said: “When we heard about Queensbury Support Centre’s plight, we knew we had to help. The service is vital to the community; I have heard first-hand from those that attend what a difference it makes to their lives and how much it means to them, you can’t put a price on that.

“Moving forward we will continue to support Queensbury Support Centre in whatever way we can to ensure it remains open for many more years to come.”

The centre is run by four staff and 20 volunteers and before the funding was cut the charged people £7.50 per day for the service, however they now charge £11.50 per day in an attempt to bridge the gap. The money provided by Leo Group will be used to bolster the centre’s reserves, ensure their ability to keep the service open and prevent the social isolation of many elderly people in the area.

Paul Barker, Queensbury Support Centre’s Manager, said: “We’re extremely grateful to Leo Group for providing us with a lifeline to keep the centre open.
 
“Following the devastating decision to cut our funding, if it wasn’t for the Leo Group then many elderly people in Queensbury would be subject to isolation, seeing nobody for days and even weeks on end.”

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.