College takes almost 13,000-foot space at Dean Clough

Stuart Pearcey
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College takes almost 13,000-foot space at Dean Clough
Calderdale College has taken on a 12,834 sq for space at Dean Clough in Halifax for a  digital creative skills hub. ‘Mill Studios’ now serves students aged 16+ with high-tech facilities for studies in film and TV production, design and editing, esports and games design. The centre has dedicated learning studios with the very latest equipment and software for games design and filming as well as collaborative spaces for events, exhibitions and engagement with employers. The new facility was made possible by funding from the Local Skills Improvement Fund and the College’s own capital investment. LSIF aims to tackle skill shortages by responding to employers’ needs and giving young people the skills to get good jobs and increase their prospects. David Malone, Principal and Chief Executive at Calderdale College, said: “We are incredibly fortunate to have partnered with Dean Clough, whose spacious and professional venue provides the ideal environment for our students to thrive and excel in these fast-growing industries. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jeremy and everyone at Dean Clough for their unwavering support throughout this project. Their collaboration has been instrumental in bringing Mill Studios to life, and I am confident that this partnership will open new doors for both our students and the broader creative community in Calderdale. “This is just the beginning, and I look forward to seeing how our students and staff make full use of this incredible facility as we continue to innovate and expand our curriculum to meet the demands of the future.”

East Yorkshire to share in £500m bus bonanza

Stuart Pearcey
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East Yorkshire to share in £500m bus bonanza
Up to 500 UK manufacturing jobs could be supported because of the decision by bus operator Go Ahead to invest £500m investment to decarbonise its fleet, which operates in areas including East Yorkshire. The investment is set to fund Northern Ireland manufacturer Wrightbus building up to 1,200 new zero emission buses over the next three years for operator Go Ahead. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh is to create a new UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel, bringing together industry experts and local leaders to explore ways to ensure the UK remains a leader in bus manufacturing, help local authorities deliver on their transport ambitions, and begin to seize opportunities to embrace zero emission transport technologies. She said: “This announcement will see communities across the country benefit from brand new, state of the art green buses – which will deliver cleaner air and better journeys. “We’re creating the right conditions for businesses to flourish, so we can support jobs and accelerate towards decarbonising the transport sector.”The Transport Secretary will also announce plans to create a new UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel. This panel will bring together industry experts and local leaders to explore ways to ensure the UK remains a leader in bus manufacturing, help local authorities to deliver on their transport ambitions, and begin to seize opportunities to embrace zero emission transport technologies. Go-Ahead Bus CEO Matt Carney said: “This multi-million pound investment and partnership with WrightBus will accelerate the transition to zero-emission fleet across the UK. “We are proud to be working in partnership with the UK Government and local authorities to deliver transformational environmental change for communities, while supporting UK jobs and the growth of the country’s supply chain.”

Pickard Properties appoints construction partner for next stage of £40m Spinning Acres development

Tess Egginton
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Pickard Properties appoints construction partner for next stage of £40m Spinning Acres development
Pickard Properties, the Leeds-based property development, management and letting specialist, has appointed C & A.J. Marshall Builders Ltd as the construction partner for the next stage of its £40 million Spinning Acres development in Far Headingley, Leeds. The appointment will see Weetwood-based C & A.J. Marshall Builders deliver the sensitive regeneration of Moor Grange, a historically significant Victorian villa, into eight self-contained apartments. Located in the heart of the Far Headingley Conservation Area, Spinning Acres has transformed a former Leeds University estate into a residential community. The development has taken inspiration from the area’s rich textile heritage, and the latest phase continues this tradition by preserving and enhancing the character of Moor Grange. The villa, which dates back to the 19th century, will undergo careful conversion to retain its original architectural charm while introducing modern comforts. The project will see the restoration of key features, including the sensitive replacement of the villa’s windows with heritage timber frames and ultra-thin double glazing. The interior design will also reflect Victorian styling, paying homage to the building’s historic past. Moor Grange has a rich history, having once been home to notable figures such as Professor Arthur Mayo-Robson, a pioneering surgeon and former Professor of Surgery at the Yorkshire College, the precursor to Leeds University. Later, the villa became part of Leeds University’s estate and was incorporated into Tetley Hall. Simon Pickard, Director of Pickard Properties, said: “We’re excited to begin this next phase of Spinning Acres with the restoration of Moor Grange. This building is a key part of the area’s heritage, and we are committed to preserving its historic features while creating beautiful, modern apartments. “We are pleased to be working with C & A.J. Marshall Builders, which has a track record for high end luxury housing and shares our vision for maintaining the architectural integrity of Moor Grange while delivering a project of the highest quality.” Simon added: “Spinning Acres is more than just a housing development; it’s about creating a community that people are proud to call home. We’re excited to see Moor Grange take shape and become part of this thriving neighbourhood.” Andrew Barrett, Commercial Manager for C & A.J. Marshall Builders, added: “We are delighted to be appointed as the construction partner for Moor Grange. Our team is committed to delivering a project that respects the heritage of this iconic building while providing high-quality new homes that complement the existing Spinning Acres community.”

Private equity investor sets sights on Leeds’ Assured Data Protection

Tess Egginton
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Private equity investor sets sights on Leeds’ Assured Data Protection
Private equity investor Oakley Capital’s Oakley Capital Fund V is investing in Assured Data Protection, a Leeds-based Managed Services Provider (MSP) focused on Backup, Disaster Recovery and Cyber Resiliency as a Service.
Founded in 2016 by serial tech entrepreneur Simon Chappell and four co-founders, Assured uses Rubrik software and Assured’s own proprietary software platform to provide mission-critical backup and disaster recovery services for companies globally. Assured enhances its customers’ cyber resilience by protecting their data and ensuring business continuity, with near-zero server recovery time in the event of a significant IT failure or cyber-attack.
Assured operates in a high growth segment of the disaster recovery space which is expected to expand almost 5x over the next five years, as companies’ data architecture becomes more complex and as the prevalence and severity of cyber threats grows. Oakley will support Assured’s management team to capitalise on strong growth in its underlying markets including the US, with a focus on providing the required capital and organisational structures to enable sustained organic growth. Given Assured’s significant hosting infrastructure, this is also an opportunity to leverage Oakley’s extensive hosting experience. The five co-founders including Simon Chappell will remain invested in Assured and will continue to manage the business. This will be Oakley’s seventh new investment announced or completed in 2024.

Peter Dubens, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Oakley Capital, said: “This is a rare opportunity to invest behind a proven team that has built a business that will benefit from several structural tailwinds and has an attractive business model that is differentiated and scalable.

“Assured is an IT services business with strong organic growth and recurring revenues, genuine IP, and led by exceptional founders. We’re pleased to be partnering with Simon and his team as they leverage the significant opportunities in a fast-growing market.”

Renewable electricity supplier swoops for Lincolnshire solar installation company

Tess Egginton
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Renewable electricity supplier swoops for Lincolnshire solar installation company

Good Energy Group, the renewable electricity supplier and innovator in clean energy services, has acquired Amelio Solar, a Lincolnshire-based solar installation company.

The acquisition represents a further step in delivering on Good Energy’s strategy to expand its capability in decentralised energy services by significantly expanding its geographical presence in the solar installation market. Amelio Solar has established operations in Lincolnshire and the north of England.

Amelio Solar has built a reputation for delivering rooftop solar solutions for businesses, education and public sector entities. This builds upon Good Energy’s current offering, that is weighted to domestic installation, and is in line with the company’s vision of powering a cleaner, greener future by making it simple to generate, use and share clean energy.

Good Energy has acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Amelio Solar on a debt-free, cash-free, basis for an initial consideration of £5.5 million, payable in cash upon completion. Further deferred consideration of up to £0.5 million may become payable in cash in the first quarter of 2025, subject to Amelio Solar achieving gross profit targets for the year ending 31 December 2024.

For the financial year ended 31 December 2023, Amelio Solar reported revenue of £7.1 million and profit before tax of £1.4 million.

Richard Jones, Amelio Solar founder and Solar Energy UK board member, will remain employed to support the post-acquisition transition and integration period.

Nigel Pocklington, CEO of Good Energy, said: “Amelio Solar is a perfect fit for Good Energy as we continue to grow our clean energy service offerings, especially in the commercial and public sectors where demand for solar installations remains strong and less susceptible to the cyclical fluctuations seen in the domestic market.  

“Amelio Solar’s proven ability to deliver large, complex solar projects will enable us to better support businesses and public sector bodies in cutting their carbon emissions, while positioning Good Energy as a leader in commercial solar solutions.”

Care home set for Lincolnshire village following land sale

Tess Egginton
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Care home set for Lincolnshire village following land sale
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold a development site in Nettleham, Lincolnshire, which benefits from planning permission for a 65-bedroom care home. Care home developer, Frontier Estates, secured the planning consent for a ‘specialist 65-bedroom dementia care home’ development scheme (Use Class C2) inclusive of 100 per cent en suite bathrooms and accommodated over 2.5 storeys. The site sits on a circa 1.4-acre plot in the Lincolnshire village of Nettleham. Following a sales process with Jordan Rundle and Sara Hartill at Christie & Co, it has been purchased by care provider, Country Court, which plans to complete construction in 2026. Matt Croger, Land Director at Frontier Estates, said: “Nettleham is an attractive village with good transport links to Lincoln that doesn’t currently have any care facilities. Through the planning process and with the positive feedback from local residents and businesses, Frontier and the Council both recognised that this would be a great scheme appreciated by the community. “Country Court is an excellent operator with an exciting development pipeline who we look forward to working closely with. Frontier is very pleased to have passed the scheme in Nettleham on to them and looks forward to it being a hub of the community once built.” Al-Karim Kachra, Co-CEO at Country Court Care, said: “We’re pleased to secure an excellent site and expand our presence in Lincoln and surrounding areas. We hope to be on-site by the end of Q1 2025 with a view to opening in late 2026.” Jordan Rundle, Director – Healthcare Investment & Development at Christie & Co, said: “Nettleham presents a superb opportunity for a newbuild care home, underpinned by strong affluence indicators for the area. “The site itself benefits from a highly prominent roadside location and will provide the local community with a state-of-the-art care facility. Following several other planning approvals this year, Frontier Estates has secured another excellent consent in what continues to be a challenging planning environment. “With a significant presence in the region already, Country Court Care will be exceptionally placed to deliver outstanding care for the growing need of Lincolnshire’s elderly demographic.” The development site was sold for an undisclosed price.

Former CEO of Sheffield Forgemasters and director of BAE Systems named chair of SY Energy

Tess Egginton
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Former CEO of Sheffield Forgemasters and director of BAE Systems named chair of SY Energy
The former CEO of Sheffield Forgemasters and director of BAE Systems, David Bond, has been unveiled as the chair of SY Energy, a new partnership that will maximise economic investment and jobs in South Yorkshire’s clean-tech sector. The vision of SY Energy is to support and maximise the economic opportunities in South Yorkshire in emerging areas of the energy sector, such as Small Modular Reactors, Hydrogen and Sustainable Aviation Fuels. Mr Bond will lead the work of maximising supply chain development in the clean-tech sector as well as attracting investment and jobs within the region. SY Energy, a partnership of private sector companies, researchers and public sector bodies was launched by South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, earlier this year. South Yorkshire has unique strengths in Small Modular Reactors, Hydrogen and Sustainable Aviation and is becoming the natural home for these emerging sectors. SY Energy will work to de-risk investment decisions for clean-tech businesses together with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) who will help to attract talent and develop targeted skills programmes. Businesses will also be supported to grow and build links with other regions and businesses in the UK and across the world. David Bond comes to the role with decades of experience having worked for BAE Systems for 39-years before leading Sheffield Forgemasters between 2018 and March of this year. Chair of SY Energy, David Bond, said: “I am very excited to be asked to lead the important work of SY Energy – a partnership that will help the region meet its significant potential to be a major contributor in driving the UK transition to clean energy, whilst unlocking new export opportunities. “I know from my time at Forgemasters what South Yorkshire is capable of delivering in terms of technical innovation and manufacturing prowess. SY Energy will help to build upon our region’s legacy for a wealthier, greener future.” South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “Step by step we’re making South Yorkshire a clean energy manufacturing superpower. SY Energy, chaired by David Bond, will be one of the most important parts of that plan; helping us to build on our industrial strengths to continue creating those new industries of the future right here. “David has an unparalleled wealth of experience, knowledge and industry contacts, which is why we’re so grateful he has chosen to continue his long association with South Yorkshire by agreeing to take on this new role. “Working together with our universities, industrial partners and communities, under David’s leadership SY Energy is going to maximise investment, jobs and opportunities for the benefit of our region, the north and the whole of the country.” SY Energy will create a Supply Chain Centre of Excellence, promoting the region, establishing links with key partners, building local capability, and developing investment proposals. The main partners within the SY Energy Partnership are SYMCA, Sheffield City Council, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Forgemasters. It comes after South Yorkshire was chosen as the new home of Holtec’s planned advanced Small Modular Reactor (SMR) factory.

Network Rail takes over lease at former Doncaster rail college

Tess Egginton
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Network Rail takes over lease at former Doncaster rail college
Rail infrastructure provider, Network Rail, has been revealed as the new tenant of the former National College for Advanced Transport and Infrastructure.
Network Rail has taken over a lease for the site from City of Doncaster Council (CDC) for 25 years which will continue with the educational purpose of the uniquely designed building on Carolina Way near Lakeside. Network Rail, which is a Department of Transport (DfT) public sector arm’s length company responsible for maintaining the national rail network, will develop the vacant site into a bespoke training facility that will offer a range of apprenticeship and trainee engineering opportunities. Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones said: “This is great news for Doncaster and our nation’s rail industry. Our city has a great heritage and legacy of rail over centuries as the birthplace of the Mallard and Flying Scotsman, it is wonderful to see that that tradition is continuing with more rail expertise joining our already successful rail industries which call Doncaster their home. “It is fitting that Doncaster will be the home of training facilities that boost the city as a national rail hub with advanced manufacturing and engineering at its heart promoting higher level skills opportunities as part of our Education and Skills Strategy. “I am looking forward to visiting the site as it gets ready for students over the coming months and to welcome Network Rail to Doncaster and I would like to thank everyone involved at CDC and Network Rail for making this happen.” Jake Kelly, Network Rail’s Eastern managing director, said: “We’re delighted to have taken over the building and believe it’s fitting that our new training facility will be in Doncaster as it’s an historic railway city. “It will be an industry leading facility that will enable us to give our current and future workforce bespoke training and education that in turn will help us run a safe and reliable railway. “Work will now begin on getting the building ready for our first cohort of colleagues.” CDC’s Cabinet approved the lease arrangements in August and its training activities were in keeping with a Department of Education (DfE) covenant which is in place until 2043 that stipulates the building must be used for post-16 education and the development of training and skills. Continuing the use of the site in post-16 education would support Doncaster’s Education and Skills 2030 strategy opening up opportunities towards local and skilled employment that will benefit Doncaster’s economy.

JMG Group business acquires HSEQ Smart

Tess Egginton
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JMG Group business acquires HSEQ Smart

JMG Group business Lighthouse Risk Services has acquired ISO management system specialist HSEQ Smart in a strategic move which enables growth and broadens its services.

Specialists in health and safety and employment law consultancy, Leeds-based Lighthouse was established in 2007 and became part of the JMG Group in 2023. Investment and strategic support from the JMG Group has assisted it in pursuing its first acquisition. This purchase will expand Lighthouse’s services meeting increasing demand from customers seeking ISO accreditation support.

HSEQ Smart, which specialises in helping businesses achieve ISO management systems and ensuring compliance through health and safety training, will retain its name and operate from its newly refurbished offices in Durham. Director Brian Green will continue to lead the business, ensuring continuity for customers.

Gwyn Evans, commercial director at Lighthouse, says: “We’ve seen an increasing desire from our clients to achieve ISO certification and having Brian on board will allow us to meet that demand internally. We were attracted to HSEQ Smart due to their like-minded client-first approach and excellent reputation in the industry. We’re happy to be in a position where we can bring their additional expertise on board and we’re looking forward to working together.”

Brian Green says: “Joining Lighthouse will accelerate our growth while allowing us to stay hands-on and provide the same high standard of service to our clients. Lighthouse is an ideal partner for us; together, we’ll be able to offer a wider range of services, and our clients will benefit from the additional pool of knowledge available within the group. 

“We’ve earned a reputation for preparing clients for ISO certification, achieving a 100% first-time pass rate. This partnership will allow us to further build on this success and strengthen our ability to meet customer needs and keep them on track to meet their compliance goals.”

Alongside growth through acquisition, Lighthouse will continue to prioritise organic expansion through their traditional health, safety and employment related consultancy services, alongside a rising client demand for fire risk assessments which are delivered in accordance with their BAFE SP205 accreditation.

Carter Towler relocates headquarters

Tess Egginton
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Carter Towler relocates headquarters
Independent chartered surveyors Carter Towler has relocated its headquarters to a more prominent and spacious office at Apsley House, Wellington Street, Leeds. The company has secured a 5 year lease on 5,650 sq ft of ground-floor office space within the distinctive Grade II listed building situated at the junction of Queen Street and Wellington Street. Constructed in 1903 and featuring an impressive brick and red terracotta facade, four-storey Apsley House is located just minutes from the train station, city square, and retail quarter. Commenting on the new headquarters, managing director Ian Greenwood said: “We are proud of the fact that we have over 7 decades of business under our belts but know only too well that we must continue to evolve to succeed. “This is a pivotal step in our future development. It is all about providing the best possible environment for our staff to thrive in, and our clients to visit. “Although Apsley House is a charming historic building we wanted to create a highly contemporary workspace, and thanks to the expertise of our fitout partners, Building Interiors, I think we have achieved that. “This relocation endorses the positivity we have for the future growth of Carter Towler.” The company employs 58 staff and in addition to its head office in Leeds, it has offices in York and Durham. Director Matt Faulkes concluded: “The move has brought an added energy across the whole of the business, and it has been an absolute pleasure working with Pullans our new landlords – who also happen to be longstanding clients – on finalising the details of the new lease. We hope this new dimension to our working relationship will prove to be a resounding success for us all!”
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