Plans have been approved for sweet giant Haribo to expand its manufacturing operation in West Yorkshire.
The confectionary company says the new scheme will ensure production at the site in Castleford is "world class".
It's expected around 680 jobs will be secured for the construction of the new facility which will be built on 13 hectares of land next to the already existing Haribo factory on Whitwood Common Lane, beside the M62.
The new warehouse will secure the future of the 600 employees currently onsite, as well as 80 jobs across its wider network of retail outlets.
Image: Haribo UK
The original planning statement submitted on behalf of Haribo says: “This application will facilitate the delivery of more orders, creating more employment and ultimately cementing Haribo’s position in the district, providing skilled jobs, training opportunities and allowing Haribo to continue their innovative approach to food manufacturing.
“It also builds on the £22m investment Haribo made in the site in 2021, demonstrating their commitment to Wakefield. Haribo UK has played an important role in the local area for half a century. This application demonstrates their commitment to both Wakefield and Yorkshire as a centre of excellence for food manufacturing.”
Image: Haribo UK
A whopping 80% of Haribo sweets sold in the UK are produced in the Yorkshire district.
Haribo secured permission to build a factory and warehouse at the site in 2012 but the warehouse is yet to be constructed as products are stored within the factory.
The statement reads: “They are now at a stage where they need dedicated warehousing space, albeit not currently on the scale originally envisaged. This will free up capacity. This amended approach to delivering the world class Haribo manufacturing facility should be approved without delay.”
Rachel Woolford, the winner of the BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’, has revealed plans to launch her first joint business with Lord Sugar.
The exciting new business venture will see Leeds local Rachel expand her hugely successful fitness space, North Studio, to offer a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio - right next door.
Lord Sugar has partnered with Rachel to purchase the commercial premises which will be part of the expansion of the existing Leeds studio and will add to North Studio’s Pilates offering with an extra 120 classes a month.
Image: Supplied
Former business management student turned fitness entrepreneur Rachel beat pie shop owner, Phil Turner, in the recent final of the The Apprentice with both pitching to Lord Sugar to win £250,000 and go into business with him.
Speaking about the investment Lord Sugar said: "Our acquisition of the commercial premises marks not only a significant milestone for North Studio but also a bold step forward in our new business partnership.
"This project brings an expansion of the existing North Studio offering is a direct response to the growing demand in the fitness industry for Reformer Pilates”.
Image: Supplied
Speaking on the expansion Rachel said: “At North Studio, we're all about delivering the highest quality, small group personalised fitness experiences. With investment from Lord Sugar, we are now able to achieve the next stage in our planned growth with the addition of a fantastic new space dedicated to Reformer Pilates that is still in keeping with our boutique studio vibe.
“I am extremely excited to start this new chapter in partnership with Lord Sugar and the team is working hard to bring the new studio to life ready to welcome clients.”
For more information about North Studio, check out their website.
Popular LGBTQ-friendly Leeds coffee shop put up for sale with an asking price of £45,000
Clementine Hall
Flamingos Coffee House in Leeds' Central Arcade on Briggate has recently been put up for sale.
Providing a safe and welcoming space for everyone in the LGBTQ community, Flamingos Coffee House is a well known spot amongst locals.
Serving up delicious cakes, sandwiches and hot drinks, it's also known for their numerous events held during the week such as open mic nights, student Sundays and loads more.
Constantly raising money for LGBTQ charities, it's a real asset to the city.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Flamingos has recently gone up for sale, with an asking price of £44,950.
The ad listing states: "Ernest Wilson are delighted to bring to market this immaculately presented city centre coffee shop. Our client has operated this business since 2023, during which time the premises have undergone an extensive refurbishment throughout and really must be seen to be appreciated.
"The business trades in easy hours over six days, opening at 10.30am daily – wonderful scope for enthusiastic new owners to consider opening earlier to develop the breakfast trade and boost turnover.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
"The premises occupy a prime trading position within a busy shopping arcade in the heart of Leeds City Centre with thousands of people passing daily. The premises are held on secure lease and comprise glass fronted coffee shop providing 26 covers in comfort."
This coffee shop is a real asset to the city and we hope it gains a wonderful new owner to maintain Flamingos in all its glory.
Clementine Hall -
17th January 2024 
