Good News Business Round-up with Fishtank Agency, Reliance Precision, Film Buddy, Kirklees College, Carlton Alarms and YES Energy Solutions

We love it when companies send us their good news and here’s our latest good news roundup, kindly sponsored by PALADIN. Pricing, expansion, new contracts or new appointments: if you’ve got good news to share, email the editor, Martin Shaw, at [email protected].

Mirfield-based Fishtank Agency has been shortlisted for three awards at the upcoming Prolific North Awards.

Nominations include Integrated Agency of the Year and Creative Studio of the Year, along with Rising Star for head of partnerships and growth, Jacy Davis.

The recognition demonstrates Fishtank’s commitment to creativity, innovation and customer satisfaction throughout 2023 with groundbreaking campaigns that push the boundaries.

Jacy has been recognized as a Rising Star for her outstanding commitment to customer satisfaction and innovative problem solving.

Jacy’s exemplary account management skills and commitment to excellence have earned her praise from clients and colleagues alike.

The Prolific North Awards will be announced at a ceremony on May 9.

Fenay Bridge-based Reliance Precision Ltd has announced the appointment of David Jennings as its new CEO.

David replaces Ian Walter, group finance director, who served as interim director following the departure of Steve Woollven in August 2023.

The recruitment process was led by Reliance’s family board, Reliance RG Limited (RRG).

David has a strong background in mechanical engineering and manufacturing engineering. He started his career as an apprentice at Rolls-Royce in Bristol.

Over a period of 17 years, he worked his way up through positions such as European strategic planning and business development manager (defence), customer service director and general manager (operations).

David has since built an excellent track record of successfully leading manufacturing and engineering companies including Pailton Engineering Limited, Shepherd Group Engineering and Doncasters Group.

David brings his passion for all things technology, strategic management and people-oriented leadership to his new role at Reliance.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining the Reliance team and very much look forward to working with them as we embark on the next phase of the journey.

“Everyone I met was incredibly positive, supportive and friendly, with company values ​​that resonate with me.

“My feeling is that Reliance is a great company with a lot of opportunity and even more potential; the challenge is to build on all its strengths and take it to the next level. I just can’t wait.”

Kirklees College is a proud partner of Film Buddy, a work experience company endorsed by the BFI in its Skills Report 2022.

With direct links to the film and TV industry and sessions delivered by industry professionals, Film Buddy offers a training experience to Kirklees College students like no other.

As part of their Work Experience Program, Kirklees College Creative Industries students have been working with Film Buddy on a number of projects.

Most recently, the University’s Performing Arts and Media students collaborated on a live briefing with Film Buddy to produce four short films documenting various cases of sexual harassment to raise awareness of the University’s ongoing ‘Call It Out’ campaign .

The campaign, which was originally launched in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Kirklees College Students’ Union, aims to encourage staff and students to call out misogyny and sexual harassment when they see it.

The campaign aims to tackle behaviors and attitudes that, if left unchallenged, could lead to violence against women.

With this, the council wants to create a culture in which people are an ‘upstander’ instead of a ‘bystander’.

Each of the short films produced by the students focuses on a different scenario and calls on young people to challenge their friends when they behave inappropriately or pressure their peers into sexual situations they are not comfortable with .

Emma Crosland, the work experience supervisor who manages the university’s partnership with Film Buddy and provided the live briefing, said: “Every time we work with Film Buddy, the students gain valuable experience that they would not get in a classroom setting.

“Throughout our collaboration we have produced a number of pieces, including music videos and short films, which students can then add to their CV to showcase their industry experience to employers.”

Speaking about the student input, media lecturers Jon Salmon and Stewart Jackson said: “This project has given our Level 3 Media students a great opportunity to take on industry roles relevant to the course they are studying.

“We were able to teach techniques and skills, and they then applied them to the assignment.

“A collaboration with Film Buddy is invaluable for students. They gained an understanding of industry standards regarding filming, RECCE days and how to use lighting and sound effectively.”

Ben Sweet, Founder of Film Buddy, also celebrated the students’ achievements and said: “Film Buddy provides a professional platform for aspiring student filmmakers to gain hands-on experience under the mentorship of industry professionals.

“Through our partnership with Kirklees College, we have created the opportunity to produce a series of impactful films addressing the issues of misogyny and women harassment, which is in line with our commitment to connecting students with their communities and delivering important messages.

“The students have acquired valuable filmmaking skills while instilling in them a sense of responsibility in tackling societal challenges.

“Their sensitive approach to the project and continued skills development resulted in a fantastic series of films that they can all be very proud of.”

This collaboration with Film Buddy is part of Kirklees College’s Work Experience Program. The college has a unique Employability Pledge where all students interact with employers from their course sector, built into their curriculum timetable.

Within the Creative Industries, students will also have the opportunity to work with major employers such as Oxfam and work on creative briefs from various organizations including Dewsbury Town Board and local women’s organization Soroptimist International.

Registrations for Creative Industry courses starting in September 2024 are now open. For more information visit www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk.

Berry Brow-based Carlton Alarms has been purchased in a management buyout deal.

Carlton Alarms, founded by Carlton Littleford in 1986, provides a range of security systems including burglar alarms, fire alarms, CCTV and access control systems to domestic and commercial customers throughout Yorkshire.

The takeover agreement has been agreed with former employee Matt Wilson, who has been with the company for 25 years.

Carlton said: “I couldn’t be more pleased to hand over the business to Matt, who has shown his dedication and commitment over the years.

“I know our customers are in safe hands with Matt, because he knows the company inside and out. Matt originally joined the company in 1999 as an engineer and throughout his career at Carlton Alarms he has consistently exceeded expectations.”

Matt said: “Carlton has played a pivotal role in my career development at Carlton Alarms. I couldn’t be more proud to have this opportunity to continue the company with the same values ​​and passion as Carlton.

“I would like to wish Carlton all the best for the future and a very happy retirement.”

YES Energy Solutions employees celebrated three awards in one week.

The first win came from the Federation of Small Businesses, who recognized YES do’s community and charity work with the Community Award win for Yorkshire and the Humber.

Each financial year, YES nominates a local charity to raise money throughout the year and staff are encouraged to get involved in volunteer work across the area.

This year YES has established a special Warmer Homes Fund, using profits with a purpose to contribute to local organizations to help people in fuel poverty, youth football teams for new equipment and equipment, the oldest purpose-built cinema in Britain in their local community and a range of charities close to the hearts of employees.

The second win came from The Sheffield Business School Help to Grow Management Alumni, recognizing growth at YES with the Best Business Growth Award.

Established in 2000 as part of Kirklees Council, YES Energy Solutions grew rapidly and quickly became an independent community interest company. But their biggest growth has happened recently: doubling their growth two years in a row.

The third win came from the Energy Efficiency Awards and a win for the large-scale renewable heat project LAD3 Derby program together with partners RenderClad Ltd and Derby Council.

YES, based in Holywell Green, works with councils across the country on programs and projects to deliver home improvements and upgrades to make homes greener, warmer and cheaper to heat, which is all the more important during the current cost of the energy crisis.

CEO of YES Energy Solutions Duncan McCombie said: “It is humbling to have received these awards, which reflect the hard work, dedication and passion of every member of staff.”

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