Offshore Wind Group plans £2m investment to unlock UK manufacturing potential
The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership has launched its new Manufacturing Facility Support Programme intended to unlock investments in UK manufacturing to support the growth of the offshore wind sector.
The fund has £2m available for UK businesses looking to either build new manufacturing facilities or significantly expand existing facilities that make key components, equipment and/or systems required for the offshore wind sector. The Stage 1 application window is open now until Friday 20th September 2024.
The Partnership aims to increase UK offshore wind manufacturing capability and capacity by stimulating early-stage investment. Matched funding of up to £500,000 will be provided via a two-stage application process to help accelerate pre-investment development activities, and two reduce the risks involved.
Iain Sinclair, Executive Director at Global Energy Group and Non-Executive Director for OWGP said: “This new programme will provide highly-focused support to innovative UK-based manufacturing companies with the necessary resources to develop new or additional production capacity geared towards providing locally-produced equipment and systems. Developing these resources is key to helping accelerate the deployment of offshore wind in the UK, helping us to reach our ambitious target of 60GW by 2030.
“The MFSP programme further advances our mission to improve productivity, increase business competitiveness, boost innovation, and support a globally competitive offshore wind supply chain in the UK.”
Funding will be awarded on a competitive basis in the form of a grant. Successful proposals will demonstrate a long-term business plan that covers investment plans, forecast market share, revenue, profitability, employment and exports.
Garden centre group appoints managers for sites in York and Scarborough
Bradford-headquartered Yorkshire Garden Centres group has appointed new managers to lead two newly-acquired sites in North Yorkshire.
Yorkshire Garden Centres acquired Dean’s of York and Scarborough following the retirement of Richard, Helen and Sarah Dean earlier this year. Their retirement, plus that of Jim Cockerton from the Scarborough centre, created vacancies for managers at the two sites.
Experienced garden centre manager Mike Waugh has been appointed as the centre manager at York, and Adam Bailey has been promoted from within to manage the Scarborough site, where he has worked for 21 years.
Mr. Waugh joins Yorkshire Garden Centres from California Lodge and Ellerker Lodge garden centres in East Yorkshire. He said: “I’m looking forward to joining a company with real ambition and drive to take the company forward, and in my role, I’m most looking forward to leading the team to reach these new heights.”
Mr. Bailey is looking forward to using his knowledge of the centre and the team to grow the business, relishing “the challenges it will bring and new opportunities.”
Both roles will involve leading the teams and making improvements where needed while maintaining high standards across the centres to ensure an exceptional customer experience.
Neil Barwise-Carr, Yorkshire Garden Centres’ Head of People and Culture, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Mike to the Yorkshire Garden Centres family and to congratulate Adam on his well-deserved promotion. We’re looking forward to working with them both and benefitting from their vast experience.”
York embarks on skills initiative to bridge construction skills gap
City of York Council is investing in a new construction skills initiative called Construction York, to reduce inequality, address the construction skills gap and enable inclusive economic growth.
The city about to embark on several key housing developments, plus retrofitting work needed to hit carbon reduction targets, there will be an increasing number of opportunities for skilled construction workers in the York area.
This initiative aims to ensure local residents are able to take full advantage of these opportunities, and can access training needed to meet employers’ skills requirements.
The council is working with leading social value enterprise CHY to manage the collaborative design, development and implementation of Construction York during its first phase from June 2024 to March 2025.
Construction York aims to equip York residents with relevant skills, qualifications and experience to progress in construction, particularly those from disadvantaged, underrepresented and underemployed groups.
The initiative will provide advice and guidance on future employment, apprenticeship and training opportunities and developing clear routes to well-paid, sustainable employment for people at every stage in their construction career, as well as improved access to opportunities across York’s development and construction activity.
By connecting individuals, training providers, community organisations and employers, the scheme hopes to address current skills gaps and boost local employment.
Cllr Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader of City of York Council, said: “It was the right decision to get behind Construction York and we continue to work with partners to help connect York residents to well paid jobs in the construction industry.
“It is really important that we maximise job opportunities for local people while closing the skills gap that exists in the region.
“We have a lot of work to be getting on with, including various sites across the city, York Central and the imminent adoption of the Local Plan.
“Our vision is that when people look down over York from a vantage point like Severus Hill they see it as teeming with opportunity for them, their friends and families.”
Duo of deals secured at urban logistics industrial park in Leeds
A duo of lettings totaling more than 60,500 sq ft have been completed at Velocity Point, the UBS AM Real Estate & Private Markets (UBS AM REPM) funded logistics park in Leeds. The latest deals follow a flurry of lettings at the urban logistics industrial development with occupiers signing up to 7 of the 9 specialist units since PC just 7 months ago.
Garolla, the garage door company, has taken Unit 9, totaling 33,500 sq ft over ground and first floor. The company, which supplies and installs made-to-measure electric garage doors nationally, has acquired the site as part of its growth plans as it expands in the garage door market and adjacent categories. Avison Young advised Garolla on the acquisition.
Total Hardware, a window and door hardware supplier, has agreed terms on Unit 6 totaling 27,000 sq ft over ground and first floor. The company is moving to Velocity Point to facilitate its business expansion into larger, more practical, modern premises. The company supplies a comprehensive range of hardware products to the trade.
Velocity Point is a Grade A, speculatively built Industrial Park set across 13 acres and offers nine units across five buildings from 3,500 sq ft to 108,500 sq ft.
CBRE, Carter Towler and Savills are joint marketing agents for Velocity Point.
Jonny Ufton, Investment Manager, UBS AM REPM, said: “Velocity Point, which is set against the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, offers occupiers a high quality working environment with vast green spaces and has been designed to promote a positive work life balance by putting people at its heart.
“The development is built to the highest standard with future-thinking design firmly focused on sustainability, with renewable and environmentally responsible features being integral to the scheme.
“It’s a real draw for businesses of all sizes from those looking to integrate their operations into national and international supply chains to companies seeking strong links to academia excellence and places occupiers in a prime position for growth.”
Dani Raunjak, Associate Director at CBRE Leeds, said: “The deals secured on seven out of nine units within a few months of completion at Velocity Point demonstrates the appeal of well positioned, quality stock in a supply constrained Northern logistics market.
“Carter Towler, Savills and our team have received considerable interest in the remaining units and look forward to achieving full occupation soon.”
Rob Oliver, Principal at Avison Young, who advised Garolla on their search and acquisition, said: “We have undertaken several acquisitions across Yorkshire in recent months, with a number of further projects ongoing.
“We were delighted to work with Garolla on this matter, undertaking a thorough review and consideration of their options, and then securing a lease on this high quality new unit at Velocity Point. Availability of quality units across the region ready for immediate occupation is getting challenging, given the limited amount of current development.
“It is particularly pleasing to support a manufacturing business looking to upgrade and expand their operation.”
Council awards contract for 83 homes in Doncaster
Willmott Dixon is extending its track-record for building homes in South Yorkshire with a contract from City of Doncaster Council to build 83 homes across four sites.
Procured through the framework YORBuild, it will see Willmott Dixon build 48 homes at Cedar Road, Balby, four homes at Edlington Lane, Edlington, as well as a further 21 homes at King Edward Road, Balby, and 10 homes at Goodison Boulevard, Cantley.
The developments at King Edward Road and Edlington Lane will complete summer 2025, while Cedar Road and Goodison Boulevard will be completed in early 2026. These properties will be the first ‘gas free’ homes built by City of Doncaster Council.
Willmott Dixon has also previously built numerous affordable homes across various sites for City of Doncaster Council, delivering a mix of one, two, three and four bedroomed family homes and bungalows.
Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing and Business at City of Doncaster Council, Cllr Glyn Jones, said: “I am delighted that a further 83 affordable homes will be built across Doncaster. We have worked alongside our partners at Willmott Dixon over a variety of exciting projects and the standard of housing delivered is always of the highest standard.
“I look forward to seeing these innovative new projects come to life, and welcoming new residents to their new homes.”
Construction of new “heritage village” completes at Leeds mill
Caddick Construction Group has reached completion of Stonebridge Beck, Rushbond’s brand new “heritage village” at the Grade II listed Stonebridge Mills in Leeds.
Handover of the development marks the completion of a £25m renovation and new-build project to create 112 residential properties, including mill townhouses, contemporary new build homes and restored cottages.
Construction work began in May 2021 and has seen the derelict 19th century mill and cottages restored and refurbished to create a unique residential community spanning 9.1 acres.
Preserving the mill’s historic character was a crucial element of the Rushbond project with Caddick restoring and retaining existing features. These included original signage, a cast iron weigh bridge, an internal stone staircase with cast iron balustrade and chimney restoration.
Caddick’s work on-site also included the installation of incoming utility services, associated plot drainage, estate infrastructure, ancillary works, highway works and car charging for all properties.
The Yorkshire-based construction firm also facilitated 10 local apprenticeships, welcomed two construction T-Level students from Leeds College of Building into work placements, created 100 new jobs in Leeds and engaged with over 700 local pupils through 12 educational visits and workshops.
J W Maud, Chairman at Rushbond Plc, says: “We have been delighted to work with the talented Caddick team and to deliver the Rushbond vision – a respectful, significant heritage anchored residential community, harnessing and preserving Leeds’ gem for a new future.”
Steve Ford, Regional Managing Director of Caddick Construction Group in Yorkshire and the North East, says: “Delivering Rushbond’s vision to create Stonebridge Beck and bringing this historic mill site back to life was a project that required meticulous attention to detail and I’m very proud of what the Caddick team has achieved.
“Preserving history while creating something contemporary and sustainable is a fine balance and the result is a stunning residential development by Rushbond that pays tribute to Leeds’ industrial heritage.
“The historic significance of these Georgian and Victorian mills meant that it was important that we worked closely with the planning and heritage officers, as well as registering our site with the Considerate Constructors Scheme to make sure we delivered the development to an impeccable standard.”
Former police station begins transformation into apartments
Work has started on new homes that will help transform Wakefield’s historic Civic Quarter into a thriving city centre neighbourhood called the ‘Wood Street Collection’.
Cllr Michael Graham, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said: “It’s great to see the redevelopment work is getting underway at Wood Street in the first stage of creating new homes in an historic part of our city where people can live, work and socialise. “The transformation is part of our ambitious regeneration plans to breathe new life into this part of the city centre and to ensure its stunning historic buildings are restored for future generations.”
Sale secures future of Leeds direct mail business
The future of direct mail, fulfilment and print specialists, RNB Group, has been secured and the jobs of all 30 employees saved following its sale.
The business, which is based in Silver Royd Business Park, has been trading for almost 20 years. It handles entire marketing campaigns including providing creative design, digital and inkjet printing and data services.
Facing mounting cash flow issues, the directors of RNB Group turned to Begbies Traynor to market the business. There was substantial interest from potential buyers and a sale was completed to another print and delivery services company, PDMF, just two weeks later. The jobs of all 30 employees have transferred to the new owner which will continue to operate the business from its existing site in Leeds.
LCF Law provided legal advice to the administrators, and Freeths represented the acquirers.
The sale was led by Bob Maxwell and Louise Longley of Begbies Traynor Group.
“RNB Group is a long-established and well-known Leeds business which simply ran into some short-term cash flow problems,” explains joint administrator Bob Maxwell of Begbies Traynor.
“Fortunately, we were able to act swiftly to market the business and conclude a sale for it as a going concern. It’s great news for the staff, suppliers and customers that the business will continue in the hands of new owners.”
Promotion and placement for Knight Frank in Sheffield
Sheffield’s Knight Frank has promoted commercial property surveyor Harry Orwin-Allen to associate and has recruited Eddie Slater to join the team as part of their work placement scheme.
Harry Orwin-Allen joined the agency’s Sheffield office as a Graduate Surveyor in 2020 and has worked with a range of clients and developers across the South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire office and industrial market.
He has now established himself as an industrial specialist and has worked with clients including Mileway, Logicor, Devonshire Group, CRT and Roe Developments.
Rebecca Schofield, office head at Knight Frank in Sheffield, said: “Harry’s promotion is thoroughly deserved. He has contributed to the continuing success of the Sheffield office of Knight Frank and has successfully built a reputation in the industrial sector handling a wide portfolio of clients.”
Real estate student Eddie Slater (20) joins the Knight Frank team as part of his degree at Leeds Beckett University. He will work with the team on industrial and office agency matters across South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire for the next year.
Eddie, who has a family background in property, said: “To secure a placement at Knight Frank, with its global reputation and respect, means I can apply the classroom knowledge to a real life environment.
“Even though I am from Sheffield, I am already getting to know the whole region on a much more detailed level and see how buildings and people interact. Everyone is so friendly, I know I will be able to pick up and learn so much from them during my time here.”
Rebecca Schofield, Partner and office head at Knight Frank in Sheffield, added: “All our placement students gain a valuable insight into life as a commercial property agent, honing both their technical and commercial skills.
“As a company we are keen to support the undergraduate work placement scheme, to invest in talent and build our future property professionals.”
Streets Chartered Accountants continues run of mergers
Preston-based Turner Accountants has merged with Lincolnshire’s Streets Chartered Accountants, seeing the establishment of Streets Turner Chartered Accountants.
This latest merger is one of more than seven that Streets Chartered Accountants have completed in 18 months and which has seen the practice grow, now with more than 27 offices and fee income over £35 million.
Mike Turner, Managing Director at Turner Accountants, said: “I am delighted and excited about the merger. The practice was founded in 1996 by myself and over the years it has grown based on our reputation and the demands of clients in and around Preston.
“As with any business we cannot stand still and to overcome the challenges we and our clients face, we needed to develop our business. We looked for some time to find a perfect partner to support us and one with which we share mutual values and we believe we have found that in Streets.
“Certainly, there is a great match, both in terms of client focus and cultural fit. The merger has also given us the opportunity to promote three, highly valued, members of the team, Henry Abell, Lynda Rainford and Catherine Clifton to directors.
“Now that Turners is part of a larger practice, we can confidently promise greater continuity of service to our clients and improved career prospects for our team.
“We also believe that our clients will benefit in that the combined firm will be able to offer a wider range of services including areas of specialist corporate and private client tax planning, banking and finance, international advice, personal financial planning and even a virtual finance office whilst still retaining those personal relationships.
“As a result of the merger, we are also now able to undertake statutory audits for larger clients, as well as businesses and organisations across Preston.”
Streets Chartered Accountants’ Managing Partner, Paul Tutin, said: “In line with our strategy to become a truly UK practice we are looking at and working with a number of firms looking to become part of Streets. The merger of Turner Accountants in Preston is the latest in line with our plans to expand our geographical coverage and provides us with an ideal presence in Lancashire.
“We were delighted to enter into a conversation with Mike Turner and his team at Turner Accountants. Very early on in our discussions it was clear that we shared the same vision and values for the profession and for supporting our clients.
“We are really looking forward to working with Mike, Henry, Catherine and Lynda to grow the practice and to further establish it as a pre-eminent accountancy, business and tax advisory firm servicing the needs of businesses and individuals across Lancashire and the North West.
“Looking ahead with a number of further mergers and acquisitions in the pipeline which include a number of practices across the UK, we are on track to achieve our target revenue of £40m by the end of the year.
“The profession is going through significant consolidation with heightened levels of merger and acquisition. In contrast to many our approach seeks to build on the success of merging firms, ensuring we retain and build on their winning approach. An approach we believe is particularly liked by many of those looking to exit routes, the challenge of growing their practice or facing increased competition and the need to widen their service offering.”
Streets Law, Streets Chartered Accountants’ dedicated corporate and commercial law offering led by Managing Director and Solicitor, Adam Aisthorpe, undertook the legal work on Streets Chartered Accountants’ behalf for the merger, including drafting the sale and purchase agreement and dealing with the due diligence process in collaboration with internal colleagues in tax and audit teams.
