Leeds makes money available to support world-class thinking by city’s businesses

Stuart Pearcey
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Leeds makes money available to support world-class thinking by city’s businesses
Leeds City Council has put up £175,000 for grants intended to provide advice, guidance, mentoring or training to encourage world-class innovative thinking and activity by the city’s businesses. It is hoped that, through the Innovation@Leeds programme, grants of between £15,000 and £25,000 will mean firms can deliver cutting-edge products, processes and services to make Leeds a healthier, greener and more inclusive place to live. The exact nature of the projects will depend on the proposals submitted by grant applicants, who are being asked to show how their idea can achieve at least one of three main aims. These are:
  • Boosting the capabilities of innovative businesses already operating in fields such as artificial intelligence or financial, health and legal technology;
  • Supporting people from diverse backgrounds who want to launch their own innovation-led businesses;
  • Raising the profile of Leeds as a centre for innovation and showcasing its strengths to outside investors.
To be considered for a grant to set up and run a project, applicants must be a Leeds-registered small business or microbusiness. They should also be able to demonstrate a proven track record in providing development support for innovation-led businesses. Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader, said: “We know Leeds is a city bursting with ideas and inspiration, and we are keen to do whatever we can to ensure local residents realise their full potential. “We’re also committed to helping innovative businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs find solutions and ways of working that will have a positive impact on our communities. “The new grants will support both of those ambitions – and underline the power of collaboration – by giving innovators access to top-quality knowledge-sharing opportunities. “I’d encourage as many eligible small businesses and microbusinesses as possible to apply for a grant, and look forward to seeing the results achieved by the successful projects.” Innovation@Leeds was launched by the council in 2021 to ensure that people from all backgrounds have the means to make the most of their talents in fields such as digital and other emerging technologies. The programme’s latest grants are being funded through central government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is administered locally by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. The award of the grants will align with a city-wide vision – co-created by the council with key local partners – for stimulating innovation in a way that has a positive social impact. One crucial aspect of that vision is the further development and transformation of the Leeds Innovation Arc, an area on the west side of the city centre that is home to globally-renowned educational, health and cultural establishments as well as an array of start-ups, scale-ups and major businesses. For more information about the Innovation@Leeds grants, click here. Applications can be made until November 21, while the projects that secure funding must be delivered by March 28 next year.  

Housebuilder submits plans to deliver 170-home development in Lincolnshire

Tess Egginton
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Housebuilder submits plans to deliver 170-home development in Lincolnshire
Housebuilder Honey has submitted plans and exchanged contracts on a 12.3-acre site in Witham St Hughs, Lincolnshire, to deliver a £45m, 170-home development. The proposed site, which will be called Nova, is located off Warren Lane and is a short drive from the A46. Subject to planning, the development will comprise a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes and feature 17 of Honey’s different house types. Of the 170 homes, 28 have been allocated as affordable housing. The proposed site in Witham St Hughs will form part of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan which looks to ensure that all new homes are well-designed and in appropriate locations to benefit the needs of the community. If given the go ahead by North Kesteven District Council, work at the development is anticipated to start in early 2025 with the first residents expected to move in by the end of next year. Since being launched in October 2022, Honey has secured 19 sites across Yorkshire and the East Midlands that will deliver 2,349 homes and a combined gross development value of £665m. The housebuilder is backed by private equity firm Alchemy Partners and its Alchemy Special Opportunities Fund IV which has £937m of fully committed capital. Honey Chief Executive Officer, Mark Mitchell, said: “Our thorough market research identified Witham St Hughs as a popular residential location for us to build in and expand our development footprint in the East Midlands. “We are seeing strong demand for high-specification homes from prospective buyers living in and looking to move to the local area. Our thoughtfully designed homes, which combine style, substance and sustainability will satisfy this. “Now that we have exchanged contracts and submitted plans for our Nova development, we look forward to North Kesteven District Council considering our proposal.”

Demolition works mark start of Rotherham Markets transformation

Tess Egginton
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Demolition works mark start of Rotherham Markets transformation

Work has started on the demolition of the former Drummond Street shops – also known as the Guardian Centre buildings – at the Rotherham Markets site this week.

The demolition paves the way for the development’s brand-new town centre library. This key milestone in the project marks the first visual change at the historic markets site for members of the public, showcasing tangible progress in the creation of a more inviting, inclusive and accessible area of the town centre. The demolition of the Guardian Centre buildings will last approximately six weeks. Once cleared, the site will become the location for the new modern, central library, which will tie into the vibrant refurbishment of the indoor and outdoor-covered markets, and extensive public realm improvements. The new library building has been designed with the town’s community needs in mind. It will feature a dedicated children’s area, café, community meeting spaces, working spaces, a business development facility, IT centre and more. Lead contractor for the Rotherham Markets redevelopment Henry Boot Construction is keen to support the local supply chain wherever possible and has appointed Rotherham-based Demex as their demolition subcontractor. Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy Cllr Robert Taylor said: “We are committing to investing in Rotherham’s future, and the removal of the older buildings brings us one step closer to a fantastic market development which will contain dynamic spaces for all to enjoy, whilst providing exciting opportunities for local businesses. “In the meantime, Rotherham Indoor Market remains open for business as usual with a range of outdoor markets now taking place in the town centre, so I encourage everyone to continue to support our local traders until they are in their new facilities.” Henry Boot Construction will be managing the demolition process, reducing dust and noise pollution as much as possible throughout. They will be using a water mist suppression technique to minimise any dust, as well as installing noise monitors around the site to ensure the team can work safely, whilst also reducing any inconvenience to town centre visitors and local businesses. Once the demolition of the Drummond Street shops is complete in December, the distinctive 3,500sqm outdoor market canopy – including fabric cover, support wires, and structural frame – will be removed in stages. Tony Shaw, MD of Henry Boot Construction, said: “This is a significant moment in the Rotherham Markets redevelopment project, as it marks a key period of visual change for the town centre. This phase is making way for the future vision of the town centre – one that will help increase footfall and drive further growth and investment in the town. “We look forward to continuing our work with Rotherham Council to breathe new life into the town centre.” Work on the entire Rotherham Markets development is expected to complete in 2027.

Hull locksmith finds key to £60,000 investment

Stuart Pearcey
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Hull locksmith finds key to £60,000 investment

Hull-based locksmith J O’Neill & Co has secured £60,000 from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, and will use it to meet increased demand, buy new equipment, create six new jobs, and safeguard 30 existing ones.

And the decision makes it one of the first businesses in the Humber to benefit from a NPIF II Smaller Loan since the launch of the £660m fund in March this year.

MD Ben Hicks said: “This funding marks an important milestone for J O’Neill & Co as we continue to build on our 80-year legacy. It will allow us to invest in new equipment, meet growing demand, and create valuable job opportunities for the local community. We take great pride in our roots, and with this support from BEF and NPIF II, we’re well positioned to strengthen our service offering while driving sustainable growth for the future.”

Duane Walker, investment manager at BEF said: “We’re delighted to support J O’Neill & Co through the NPIF II and CIEF2 funds. As a longstanding, family-run business with deep ties to the local community, they exemplify the kind of enterprise we’re committed to helping grow and thrive. This funding will not only enable them to invest in new equipment and expand their operations but also contribute to the creation of new jobs, further supporting economic growth in the region.”

Founded in 1945 by James O’Neill, the business provides 24/7 locksmith services, garage door installation services, property maintenance, and safe engineering across the East Riding of Yorkshire.

The £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIFII) covers the entire North of England and provides loans from £25k to £2m and equity investment up to £5m to help a range of small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.

The purpose of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the North of England. The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II will increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for the North’s smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and help to break down barriers in access to finance.

Princess Royal presents thank you awards to business supporters of maritime charity

Tess Egginton
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Princess Royal presents thank you awards to business supporters of maritime charity
A charity which has been supporting the families of seafarers for more than 200 years invited some of its most dedicated partners to a Royal presentation as a thank you for efforts ranging from the historic to almost superhuman. The Sailors’ Children’s Society also announced the launch of a new corporate partnership which will drive the growth and development of the charity as it continues its nationwide endeavours to help disadvantaged children from the Royal Navy, merchant navy, offshore wind industry, fishing fleets and inland waterways. Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, who has served as Patron of the Society since 2003 and renewed that status last year, was the guest of honour at Trinity House in Hull, where she presented certificates, trophies and plaques to recognise the commitment and achievements of individuals and organisations. Among the recipients were long-standing supporters who were each presented with lifetime contribution awards. Also honoured were members of the Society’s 200 club, which was formed in 2017 and has now been closed, with the charity setting up a new partnership programme. Three of the Society’s key supporters received commemorative plaques from Her Royal Highness to recognise their backing under the new programme. Emily Summerson, Group Operations Director at the Ashcourt Group, received a plaque as an Admirals of the Seas partner. Simon Bird, Regional Director of ABP’s Humber ports, was presented with a plaque to acknowledge the company’s Captains of Industry status. Rebecca Dobson, People and Property Director at MS3 Networks, also received a plaque to mark the company adopting the Society as its charity of the year. Awards were also presented to the corporate cyclists who in September raised £20,000 for the charity with a bridge-to-bridge ride, pedalling 212 miles from the Severn Bridge to the Humber Bridge in just two days. The achievement came a year after team leader Adam Walsh, CEO of John Good Group, provided the inspiration by completing the challenge as a solo rider in just one day. Natasha Barley, CEO of the Society, told her guests: “The 200 club was established to help the charity raise funds to purchase caravans for our respite breaks, enabling our families to get away from the stress of their circumstances and spend precious time together healing as a family. “The lifetime contribution awards recognise individuals who are long standing supporters – phenomenal people who have consistently gone above and beyond to support the charity giving their time, knowledge, and advice to further our work and ensure the charities future viability. “The bridge-to-bridge ride was created by Adam Walsh and this year he decided to do it again but to grow it. He ended up riding with seven other brave souls who raised a staggering £20,000. We are indebted to each rider who set an individual fundraising target making this possible, and we want to increase the numbers again next year. “We also thank all of the generous donors and our ride sponsors including Wilkin Chapman, IT@Spectrum and Eastern Airways, DFDS and Ken Ellerker Cycles, for their support in achieving this target. “In addition we are immensely grateful to the early adopters of our new corporate partnership, and we will soon be releasing further information to individuals and organisations about how they can get involved.” Natasha also thanked keynote speaker Martin Johnson, founder of Trans2 Performance, for sharing his seafaring experiences in the Royal Navy, whose personnel are among those supported by the Society. Natasha said: “We are all here because we believe in the work of Sailors’ Children’s Society and are committed to helping the families of seafarers who find themselves in financial and emotional crisis through no fault of their own. “A child does not choose the career of their parents but they can be adversely effected by it. When the worst happens, Sailors’ Children’s Society is there to help. Because of the kindness and support from everyone in this room we are able to help some of the country’s most disadvantaged families, enabling them to have a better quality of life and improved long term outcomes.” Simon Bird, Regional Director of ABP’s Humber ports, said: “The Society provides such important help to children and families from seafaring backgrounds who have fallen on difficult times. It was an honour to be invited to such a significant event and to be presented with a plaque by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal in recognition of the role ABP plays.” Rebecca Dobson, People and Property Director at MS3 Networks, said: “The charity does some amazing work with seafaring families in Hull and across the country and we are pleased to be able to support it in several ways including digital inclusion, fundraising events and volunteering opportunities across our teams. “It was wonderful to meet Her Royal Highness and have the opportunity to celebrate our partnership. She was lovely and took a real interest in our efforts supporting Sailors over the coming year. It was a moment I’ll remember for many years to come.” Emily Summerson, Group Operations Director at the Ashcourt Group, said: “We are very proud to be continuing our support to the Sailors Children Society as an Admiral of the Seas sponsor. We have supported this charity for many years and plan to do so for many more. It was a pleasure to meet HRH at the recent ceremony and to spend a few hours surrounded with lovely people who clearly all care deeply for the charity.”

Independent garage charges up growth plans with EV investment

Tess Egginton
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Independent garage charges up growth plans with EV investment
A Rotherham-based garage is charging up its future growth and expansion plans by offering additional support to electric car owners. Treeton Auto Services has become one of the first independently owned garages in Yorkshire to provide specialist maintenance and repair services for electric vehicles, a move which has been made possible through a six-figure investment in the business. The investment, which has been self-funded by the business, has seen Treeton Auto Services relocate to new, larger premises which will double the size of its workshop space. The expansion will see the creation of two dedicated electric vehicle repair bays, eight ramps and next month the business is planning to open a new MOT testing facility. One of the challenges facing garages working on electric vehicles is the need for additional physical space required to work on the vehicles safely. Due to the high voltages involved, additional safety precautions are required, especially when diagnosing and repairing faulty batteries, which means repair bays for electric vehicles are much larger than those used to maintain their petrol and diesel counterparts. The move will create four new jobs in the business, and the independently-owned garage has also secured help from the skills bank. Delivered by SYMCA, the match-funded grant has been used to train the company’s workforce of experienced mechanics and vehicle technicians to develop their knowledge and expertise, particularly in relation to the charging and drivetrain systems – key components in powering electric vehicles. In recent years, Treeton Auto Services has found its vehicle repair services to be in high demand. When larger premises became available in Canklow Meadows Industrial Estate, business founder Dave Geldard recognised that the site didn’t just provide a chance to expand and grow the business, but diversify the services offered. With new petrol and diesel cars set to be banned in 2030, Dave recognised that the current high demand for his services could be short-lived if the business did not respond to meet changing driver needs. Today, electric vehicles account for one in five vehicles on the road, and with many owners looking beyond dealerships to maintain their cars, Dave realised that few independent garages were responding to the changing marketplace. Although the company has no intention of stopping its support for petrol and diesel car owners any time soon, Dave believes that investing in EV technology will give the business a golden opportunity to build and grow the company further, as well as creating new opportunities for the mechanics of tomorrow. Dave Geldard, founder, Treeton Auto Services, said: “Expanding to larger premises is a major milestone for Treeton Auto Services, one that will result in new jobs being created, we have recognised that vehicles on Britain’s roads are changing and our business needs to respond to these changing demands. “Adding an MOT testing facility to the business has been a long-held ambition of mine, and the relocation means that we are finally able to put these plans into practice. “Although electric vehicles experience the same wear and tear as petrol cars when it comes to brakes and tyres, a greater degree of specialist knowledge is required when diagnosing and repairing faults associated with the cables, battery and vehicle drive train and due to the high voltages involved, additional workshop space is needed to work safely on the vehicles. “Taking this step now will help us to futureproof the business. At present, there are very few options for electric car owners when it comes to repairing and maintaining their vehicles beyond the main dealerships and I predict that demand for electric vehicle repairs and maintenance is likely to be an area that will see significant growth in the years to come.”

CitiPark welcomes new Chief Technology Officer

Tess Egginton
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0
CitiPark welcomes new Chief Technology Officer
Leeds-based car parking operator, CitiPark has promoted Pete Dowling to Chief Technology Officer (CTO). With more than 18 years of experience in the technology sector and a proven track record of leading innovative solutions, Pete will now oversee the company’s technology strategy and innovation efforts. Since joining CitiPark in 2012, Pete has served as the Head of Systems and Infrastructure, where he played an integral role in scaling the company’s IT operations, optimising infrastructure, as well as implementing cutting-edge technology that enhanced operational efficiency. In his new role as CTO, Pete will spearhead the development and execution of CitiPark’s long-term technology vision. He will be responsible for driving innovation across all departments, aligning technology initiatives with business objectives, introducing artificial intelligence technologies and overseeing the development of new products and solutions to meet the evolving needs of the company’s business and its partners. “Pete’s deep expertise and strategic mindset have been instrumental in transforming our technology operations,” said Ben Ziff, CEO of CitiPark. “We are confident that in his new role as CTO, he will continue to elevate our technology landscape and position us for even greater success.” Pete Dowling said: “I’m excited to take on this new challenge and help shape the future of technology at CitiPark and our subsidiary businesses. Technology is at the heart of everything we do, and I’m looking forward to leading our talented team as we continue to innovate and drive success for our clients.”

Vertu Motors acquires Yorkshire dealership group

Tess Egginton
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0
Vertu Motors acquires Yorkshire dealership group

Vertu Motors, the automotive retailer with a network of 202 sales and aftersales outlets across the UK, has acquired Yorkshire-based Burrows Motor Company.

Burrows is a family-owned group of dealerships operating five Toyota dealerships, two Mazda dealerships and one Kia dealership. The acquisition significantly increases Vertu’s brand presence in Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire adding outlets in Barnsley (2), Doncaster, Rotherham, Sheffield (3), York and Worksop.

All outlets will be rebranded Vertu and integrated into the Vertu systems platform in the coming weeks.

For the year ended 31 December 2023, Burrows Motor Company Limited achieved revenue of £168.9m and an operating profit of £1.4m.

Robert Forrester, CEO of Vertu Motors, said: “We have long admired the Burrows business and are delighted to have completed this acquisition creating further scale for the Group with key Manufacturer Partners.

“The acquisition of Burrows gives us considerable scale in our partnership with Toyota and strengthens the Vertu brand in Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire. This is in line with our strategy to actively pursue value accretive growth opportunities to enhance our portfolio, applying strict investment return metrics as well as returning cash to shareholders.”

Majority stake snapped up in Leeds medical equipment manufacturer

Tess Egginton
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0
Majority stake snapped up in Leeds medical equipment manufacturer

Reinsberg Group, the MedTech holding of BHM group, a Prague-based investment firm, has acquired a majority stake in Brandon Medical, a Leeds-based company specialising in the development and manufacturing of medical equipment.

This acquisition is a key part of Reinsberg Group’s strategy to build a strong group of independent European medical manufacturers, leveraging their capabilities to achieve economies of scale in the global consolidation of the medical industry.

“This move strengthens our market position especially in the UK market as well as in the area of hospital products as lights, integration and other products while supporting the growth and innovation of Brandon Medical,” said Dr. Markus Keussen, CEO of Reinsberg Group. “We are excited to welcome this company into our family and continue developing it with a focus on its key products, both in the UK and globally.”

Brandon Medical is a manufacturer and designer of advanced technological solutions for operating theatres, critical care, and primary care, with over 70 years of experience in the healthcare sector. This acquisition is part of Brandon Medical’s long-term succession plan to ensure the company’s strategic growth and sustained success in a dynamic and fast-changing marketplace. Adrian Hall, Chief Executive Officer, Brandon Medical, said: “As part of a larger group we now have the opportunity to leverage a wider pool of expertise, resources, and innovation. This will allow us to accelerate innovation and enhance the value we deliver to our customers, partners, and stakeholders. Together, we are positioned to drive even greater success, fostering innovation and creating new opportunities in our global markets.”

Work starts on development of West Yorkshire solar energy site

Tess Egginton
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Work starts on development of West Yorkshire solar energy site
Work on the development of a West Yorkshire solar energy project has reached a major landmark with the start of construction work on site. OnPath Energy (formerly Banks Renewables) secured unanimous planning approval in 2021 for the Barnsdale Solar Energy Park, which sits between Kippax and Allerton Bywater to the east of Leeds, and which will be able to generate enough electricity to meet the annual requirements of up to 13,000 family homes. Since then, the OnPath project team has been finalising the detail of the project, which will include solar panels covering an area of around 50 hectares of south-facing land and will link directly into the Ledston Primary electricity sub-station to the south east of the site. And now, work has begun on creating the Barnsdale site entrance, which will then allow for its overall development to proceed in the new year. The initial work is being carried out by contractor Cheetham Hill Construction, under the supervision of specialist infrastructure consultancy AECOM. Alongside the green energy it will generate, the Barnsdale Solar Energy Park’s detailed ecology and biodiversity strategy will also see the biggest increase in biodiversity for any renewable energy project within Leeds to date. As part of OnPath’s policy of delivering tangible benefits to the local communities in which its operations are based, over £800,000 of the revenues generated by Barnsdale will be directed into a community fund that will provide grants to support local community groups and voluntary organisations over its lifetime. OnPath Energy owns and operates four onshore wind farms in Yorkshire, including the Hook Moor Wind Farm near Leeds. Will Rust, development planner at OnPath Energy, says: “This is a significant landmark in the development of a project that will deliver a wide range of environmental, ecological, energy security and social benefits to local communities and the wider region. “The Barnsdale Solar Energy Park will also further extend the contribution OnPath Energy is making in Yorkshire towards meeting the UK’s crucial Net Zero targets, and we’re excited to see development work now starting at the Barnsdale site. “Our four Yorkshire wind farms generated enough electricity in our last financial year to meet the annual electricity needs of more 33,400 homes, or a city around the size of Wakefield, and we’re very pleased to be moving quickly towards adding to this figure.”
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