Revenue and profit on the rise at Gateley

Tess Egginton
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Revenue and profit on the rise at Gateley

Revenue and profit are on the rise at Gateley, the professional services group, according to a trading update ahead of half year results for the six months ended 31 October 2024.

The firm says its “increasingly diverse business lines combined to deliver a strong performance in the Period,” in which group revenue grew by 5% and is expected to be not less than £86m.

Underlying profit before tax, meanwhile, is expected to be not less than £10.5m, representing growth of 5%.

Rod Waldie, Chief Executive Officer of Gateley, said: “I am pleased with the Group’s performance in H1 25 and the ongoing improvement in activity levels as the financial year progresses, which means that we have good momentum into H2.

“The Group continues to benefit from the resilience created by our strategy of investing in a diverse and complementary range of professional services.

“We are pleased that our more recent organic investments are beginning to generate positive returns alongside the strong performance from our recently acquired businesses. Our balance sheet provides a strong foundation from which to take a long-term view of potential opportunities to further invest in both legal and consultancy services.

“Finally, as always, I would like to thank our clients for their support and our dedicated people for their ongoing hard work, commitment and can-do attitude.”

Work completes on major innovation facility at University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre

Tess Egginton
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Work completes on major innovation facility at University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre
Henry Boot Construction, part of Henry Boot, has completed work on a major innovation facility at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). Located next to the AMRC’s flagship Factory 2050 at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District, the new 29,700 sq ft building delivers a state-of-the-art research and development hub which will be home to Composites at Speed and Scale (COMPASS). The open-access facility will house cutting-edge research programmes aimed at meeting the growing demand for lighter commercial aircraft and supporting the aviation industry’s ultimate goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The building itself has been awarded a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating, with notable sustainable features including the installation of solar PV panels on both the lower and upper roofs, and air source heat pumps – combining to reduce the building’s overall carbon footprint. A high-performing building for the future, the facility has also been constructed to enable seamless integration with Sheffield’s district heating network by Veolia. As part of its commitment to regional growth, lead contractor Henry Boot Construction has worked closely with local supply chain partners on the project, including Sheffield-based firm Elecomm, who was selected as the principal Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) partner for the project. Tony Shaw, Managing Director from Henry Boot Construction, said: “We are pleased to have successfully delivered this world-class facility in partnership with the University of Sheffield and our regional supply chain. Our work on the AMRC further strengthens our long-standing relationship with the university and demonstrates our commitment to delivering truly innovative projects. “We are particularly proud to have built a facility that will be used by some of the world’s largest manufacturing brands, helping to drive our economy forward and create more high-quality jobs in the region.” Emma Hutton, AMRC director of major projects, added: “This new facility represents a significant milestone in the UK’s aerospace and manufacturing sector, offering a unique opportunity for industry partners to access cutting-edge equipment and expertise. “This is a collaborative R&D environment which will foster innovation and accelerate technological advancements, contributing to the nation’s economic growth and global competitiveness.” The new innovation facility has been jointly funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Sheffield City Council, the University of Sheffield and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. It will house a raft of advanced-manufacturing equipment secured through a £29.5m grant from the UK Government’s Aerospace Technology Institute Programme. The first programme to be undertaken in the new space is the Isothermic High-Rate Sustainable Structures (IHSS) project, led by global aerospace leader Boeing in partnership with AMRC, Loop Technology and Spirit AeroSystems.

Incommunities appoints new Director of Financial Operations

Tess Egginton
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Incommunities appoints new Director of Financial Operations
Bradford-based housing provider Incommunities has appointed Adam Hutchinson as its new Director of Financial Operations. Adam joins Incommunities after more than 20 years’ experience in the housing sector, having previously been Director of Resources at two other Yorkshire-based housing associations in the last eight years, where he acted as strategic lead for finance, IT, HR, communications, risk and governance. Prior to that, Adam had worked for Anchor for 13 years, working as a Finance Business Partner, where he owned management accounts and was in charge of forecasting and budgeting for all major projects. In addition to his day job, Adam is a Board Member and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee at Berneslai Homes, who manage 18,000 homes on behalf of Barnsley Council, and chairs the National Housing Federation’s Finance Network in Yorkshire and the Humber. Adam said: “I’m really looking forward to joining the team at Incommunities and working in my home town of Bradford. “With the recent launch of a new five year Corporate Strategy, this is an exciting time to join Incommunities and provides an opportunity for me to work with the Finance Team and stakeholders across the organisation to make an important difference for our customers.” John Wright, Executive Director of Finance at Incommunities, added: “After a comprehensive interview process, I am delighted to announce we have offered the role to Adam Hutchinson who will be joining us from 54North Homes where he is currently Director of Resources. “Adam knows the area well, living locally and has a wealth of housing finance experience, along with a dedication to social housing.”

Connective link for York’s Coney Street Riverside recommended for approval

Tess Egginton
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Connective link for York’s Coney Street Riverside recommended for approval
Yorkshire property specialist Helmsley Group has received recommendation for approval for the final part of its Coney Street Riverside masterplan which will play a key role in reconnecting Coney Street to the riverfront. Approval of this section would see the development of 3-7 Coney Street, with work expected to start on site as early as summer 2025. The development will also create a new snickelway connecting Coney Street to a riverside walkway on the River Ouse. The recommendation follows recent approval from City of York Council (CoYC) for the development of 19-33 Coney Street and 39 Coney Street to 2 Spurriergate which saw members vote both the masterplan planning application and a separate listed building application through with overwhelming majorities. Currently used only for bin storage, the land Helmsley Group hopes to develop is not utilised by the general public and would be another example of the business’s “fantastic use of unused space,” as noted by CoYC in its recent planning meeting. The creation of the new snickelway will also allow for the introduction of restaurants and cafés with external seating and is in keeping with Helmsley Group’s ambition to create a much-needed public realm of national standing and improve both connectivity and accessibility within central York. In addition to the creation of an extensive public realm through the introduction of the access route, the plans would also introduce new residential apartments into the currently unused upper floors of buildings 3-7 Coney Street. Bringing underused upper floors back into use is a key aspiration across the Coney Street Riverside regeneration. Max Reeves, development director at the Helmsley Group, said: “A recommendation for approval brings us a step closer to securing the final piece of our much anticipated Coney Street Riverside masterplan. Our plans would realise a 50-year ambition to reconnect Coney Street with its riverfront and honour the area’s rich heritage while sensitively taking the necessary strides required to secure its long-term future. “As well as creating a welcoming, family friendly offer through the realisation of these plans, we’re also seeking to introduce much-needed housing within the city centre. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reinvigorate a much-loved but sadly under-appreciated area of the city centre, and one that has played such an important role in York’s history to date.” Led by York-based developer the Helmsley Group, the Coney Street Riverside masterplan seeks to create 250,000 sq ft of mixed-use retail, leisure, commercial, residential and student space, alongside extensive public realm. The project team for the scheme includes Helmsley Group, brown + company, O’Neill Associates, Corstorphine and Wright, Montagu Evans, Aspect4, Gillespies, Troup Bywaters & Anders, Billinghurst George & Partners, Jane Simpson Access, Knight Frank, DS Emotion and Aberfield Communications.

Time running out for York businesses to get free green makeover

Tess Egginton
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Time running out for York businesses to get free green makeover
York businesses are being urged to sign up in time for a free green makeover scheme that has already made 587 tonnes of CO2e savings. Run by the Green Economy in partnership with City Of York Council, the carbon reduction scheme offers a package of free tailored support to help businesses reduce energy costs and boost their green credentials as they transition to Net Zero. Alongside access to training and expert advice, the successful scheme includes green makeovers – with specialist decarbonisation consultants producing carbon reduction plan masterplans after conducting onsite inspections and reviews of buildings and energy use. More than 35 businesses have signed up since its launch in September 2023 and a whopping 587 tonnes of CO2 savings have already been identified – equivalent to taking 214 petrol cars off the road for a year. Savings have been achieved in a host of ways ranging from switching to LED light fittings, implementing low and no cost energy efficiency solutions and investing in green tech. But the scheme, funded via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and part of York’s ambition to be a net-zero carbon city by 2030, can only accept applications until the beginning of January. City of York Council has set an ambition for York to be a net-zero carbon city by 2030. With businesses accounting for around a third of emissions through industry, farming and buildings, the local business community has a vital role to play. Green Economy officials issued a rallying call for applications and is particularly keen that rural businesses and those in the hospitality and services sector don’t miss out on the free support. Green Economy Sustainability and Net Zero consultant, Suhail Ahmed, said: “The scheme is already achieving huge carbon savings as well as slashing businesses’ energy costs across York, but we want to ensure other businesses sign up while they can and benefit from a superb package of free support to transition to Net Zero. “These green makeovers have a raft of benefits including reduced energy bills through a mix of quick wins and longer-term planning to improve efficiency and reduce carbon footprints. “Aside from the Net Zero and sustainability benefits, a proper environmental strategy can also increase your competitiveness and demonstrating green credentials will help businesses win more work and play a key role in recruitment and retention of talent.” Businesses already benefiting from the scheme include City Cruises. Since signing up they have replaced 38 fluorescent bulbs with LEDs, generating anticipated annual energy savings of 5,788 kWh, annual cost savings of £1,157.67, and carbon savings of 1,304 kgCO2e. They’re now planning to present a business case to their US parent company to install solar power onto their site. Chris Pegg, Head of Regional Commercial, Sales & Marketing of City Cruises, said: “We do as much as we can to be sustainable, but our options aren’t always clear. The Green Economy team visited our site and outlined six suggestions for sustainable growth. We’ve since acted on two of these six recommendations, focussing on two quick wins. “The support was enormously helpful in helping us focus on activity that will bring results, and we’re starting to see how sustainability can give our business a competitive edge and attract more customers.” Applications for the scheme which is open to businesses that reside in York close on 10 January 2025. To apply click HERE.

ABP aims to provide better facilities for seafarers at its ports

Stuart Pearcey
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ABP aims to provide better facilities for seafarers at its ports
ABP is taking steps to offer better facilities to seafarers arriving at its ports by allowing shipping agents to pay an optional contribution in support of the work of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board. Adam Northover, ABP’s Marine Designated Person and the company’s technical lead for marine matters, explained: “In the modern marine environment where ships are facing shorter turnarounds and smaller crews it is not always possible for seafarers – the unsung heroes behind the 95% of UK trade that moves by water – to get ashore or take shore leave. “This makes the work of the charities and seafarer centres even more important to the welfare of seafarers visiting our ports. We are proud that the seafarer welfare facilities in the Humber that have been supported by a positive default contribution have been used as examples by the Merchant Navy Welfare Board. We are delighted to be extending this easy way for the shipping industry to support this crucial work.” Maritime Minister Mike Kane said: “I have said before that we will not leave seafarers behind, and I am delighted to see ABP strengthen support for the Merchant Navy Welfare Board and its charities. Seafarers deserve our upmost respect and it is great to see the positive default contribution for welfare facilities be extended to ports across the country.” Stuart Rivers, Chief Executive of the MNWB, welcomed the initiative by ABP. “Our 47 constituent charities work tirelessly to ensure that seafarers and fishers have access to the best possible welfare facilities in UK ports. Our Port Welfare Committees are the front line of welfare development and play a vital role in securing the wellbeing of all seafarers. “With 45 seafarers’ centres, around 400 welfare workers, a fleet of over 70 vehicles for seafarer transport and WiFi and mobile broadband services, the UK’s welfare charities are proud to support crew visiting UK ports and grateful to ABP for extending this to 21 of its ports. Our hope is that other port owners will follow and introduce their own welfare levy schemes in the near future.” The change to a positive default will take effect from 1 January. It is hoped that organisations will support this worthwhile cause, but they can opt out in PAVIS should they wish not to pay.

£200k grant secured by ag-tech pioneer for bioacoustic monitoring tech

Tess Egginton
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£200k grant secured by ag-tech pioneer for bioacoustic monitoring tech
AgriSound, a bioacoustic monitoring technology firm, is close to launching a fully automated acoustic landscape monitoring system, made possible by securing a significant industry research grant of almost £220,000 from Innovate UK. The new system in development is set to revolutionise biodiversity monitoring, with a primary focus on scaling environmental surveillance for agriculture, businesses and policymakers alike. The project sees AgriSound collaborating with two strategic partners: Baker Consultants, a  UK ecological consultancy, and Crop Innovations, a charity driving agricultural diversification. The project builds upon AgriSound’s existing innovative insect monitoring system, Polly, to offer an even broader range of environmental insights. By using sophisticated audio analysis algorithms and cloud-based AI, this new product will automatically generate comprehensive biodiversity metrics across diverse landscapes, offering actionable insights into natural ecosystems. The technology is being developed to address critical challenges, including the need for real-time ecological data amidst growing demand for biodiversity protection, particularly with new government policies such as the Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMS). With a shortage of qualified ecologists and fragmented ecological data, businesses are increasingly struggling to meet regulatory demands. Casey Woodward, CEO and co-founder of AgriSound, said: “Our new acoustic monitoring system is the first solution to offer fully automated, maintenance-free landscape monitoring at scale, giving industries and landowners access to more accurate, timely, and comprehensive biodiversity data. “This will allow for improved compliance with government policies and offer key insights to manage land sustainably. “AgriSound’s innovative solution promises to deliver low-cost, holistic biodiversity monitoring and actionable insights for industries, developers, and farmers, as they continue to scale up their efforts to safeguard the environment while meeting stringent regulatory requirements.” Dr Carlos Abrahams, Director of Ecoacoustics at Baker Consultants, said: “We are anticipating that the new system will greatly expand our capabilities to rapidly generate biodiversity information, and make this available in real-time across a landscape-scale array of sensors. “This automation of data collection goes beyond, but complements, what we can achieve through manual field surveys, ensuring that ecological methods keep pace with technological advancements – and offering clients more detailed data at a lower cost.” James Theobald, Chair of Crop Innovations, said: “Our field facilities and expertise in biological innovation make us perfectly suited to guide the deployment of this game-changing technology. We look forward to supporting AgriSound in shaping the future of environmental monitoring.”

HMRC warns self-assessment tax filers to be on their guard against fraudsters

Stuart Pearcey
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HMRC warns self-assessment tax filers to be on their guard against fraudsters
HMRC is urging Self Assessment customers to be alert to potential scams and fraudsters ahead of the filing deadline at the end of January. Kelly Paterson, Chief Security Officer at HMRC, said: “With millions of people filing their Self Assessment return before January’s deadline, we’re warning everyone to be wary of emails promising tax refunds. “Being vigilant helps you spot potential scams. And reporting anything suspicious helps us stop criminal activity and to protect you and others who could have received similar bogus communication.

“Our advice remains unchanged. Don’t rush into anything, take your time and check ‘HMRC scams advice’ on GOV.UK. HMRC will not contact you by email, text, or phone to announce a refund or ask you to request one.”

Concerned customers reported nearly 150,000 scam referrals to HMRC in the last year, as Self Assessment filers are warned to be alert to fraudsters. Fraudsters are targeting people with offers of tax refunds or demanding payment of tax to get hold of personal information and banking details. Around half of all scam reports in the last year were fake tax rebate claims. There has been a 16.7% increase in all scam referrals to HMRC – 144,298 were received between November 2023 and October 2024, up from 123,596 the previous year. “HMRC will never leave voicemails threatening legal action or arrest, or ask for personal or financial information over text message – only fraudsters and criminals will do that,” added Kelly.  

Work starts to bring 393 new homes to Sleaford

Tess Egginton
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Work starts to bring 393 new homes to Sleaford
Bellway East Midlands has started construction work on two new developments at Handley Chase in Sleaford. Detailed plans for 393 homes within the new neighbourhood taking shape on the southern edge of the town were approved by North Kesteven District Council earlier this year. Bellway is building 204 homes at Quarrington Edge at Handley Chase, while Ashberry Homes – part of the Bellway Group – is building 189 homes at neighbouring Daedalus Park at Handley Chase. 31 of the homes will be provided as affordable homes for local people, available through low-cost rent or shared ownership. Steve Smith, Sales Director for Bellway East Midlands, said: “With work now underway on these two developments, which will bring nearly 400 much-needed new homes to Sleaford, we are looking forward to releasing the first homes for sale in March. “The mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes across the two developments has been carefully designed to provide the types of properties needed within the local area, while the affordable housing will give local people the opportunity to secure a high-quality place to live within the local community. “The new homes will be energy-efficient and feature solar PV panels and electric vehicle charging points. The properties will also benefit from Google Nest technology, with a smart thermostat to help people reduce their energy bills.” The two developments are part of the wider Handley Chase neighbourhood. Outline plans for 1,450 homes, a primary school, care home, local centre, public open space, sports pitches and allotments were approved in 2015, with work already underway on other land parcels within the scheme. Steve said: “We are proud to be part of the wider Handley Chase project which will not only deliver new homes to Sleaford but will also bring with it a host of new community facilities which will benefit the town as whole. “Our two developments – which lie to the east of Stumps Cross Hill and comprise the southernmost parcels of the Handley Chase scheme – will also feature green landscaping designed to ensure they will blend in with the surrounding natural environment. “We will retain existing trees and hedgerows wherever possible and carry out a new planting programme, creating ponds within the public open space and new habitats for local wildlife.”

Lincoln BIG wins mandate for a further five years

Stuart Pearcey
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Lincoln BIG wins mandate for a further five years
Lincoln Business Improvement Group has won a mandate to continue its work for the next five years, with more than 85% of voting businesses in favour. The organisation’s chair John Latham said the renewed mandate enabled BIG to further enhance the visitor experience, support local businesses, and contribute to the city’s continued growth and vibrancy. He said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the outcome of the ballot. This is an exciting time for us, and we’re full of anticipation for what the next five years will bring. Our focus has always been on creating an enjoyable environment for residents and visitors alike while boosting the amazing businesses that make Lincoln so special. “We would like to thank the businesses for the continuous support over turbulent five years and for us trusting to continuing delivering our services.” Lincoln BIG is already working on a number of exciting projects aimed at making Lincoln a must-visit destination. From enhancing public spaces and promoting local events to improving business support services, we are committed to fostering a thriving city that will continue to attract visitors and ensure a prosperous future for all. Mr Latham added: “We are so proud of our city, and the projects we’re working on will help ensure that Lincoln remains an enjoyable and welcoming place for everyone.”
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