“The Government wants to help areas get the balance right, and today we have an incomplete picture of the size and spread of our short term lets market. This consultation on a national registration scheme will give us the data we need to assess the position and enable us to address the concerns communities face.”
Government plans to tighten control over properties offered for short-term lets
The Government is planning new rules to give communities greater control over short-term lets in tourist hot spots by introducing the need for planning permission for an existing home to start to be used as a short term let.
A consultation published today by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is said to support local people in areas where high numbers of holiday lets are preventing them from finding affordable housing.
It will also consider whether to give owners flexibility to let out their home for up to a specified number of nights in a calendar year without the need for planning permission.
Short-term lets are now a significant part of the UK’s visitor economy. They provide increased choice and flexibility for tourists and business travellers, and also those attending major sporting and cultural events.
The Government wants to ensure the country reaps the benefits of diverse and sustainable accommodation and support the visitor economy, while also protecting local communities and ensuring the availability of affordable housing to rent or buy.
Secretary of State for Levelling Up Housing and Communities, Michael Gove said: “Tourism brings many benefits to our economy but in too many communities we have seen local people pushed out of cherished towns, cities and villages by huge numbers of short-term lets.
“I’m determined that we ensure that more people have access to local homes at affordable prices, and that we prioritise families desperate to rent or buy a home of their own close to where they work. I have listened to representations from MPs in tourist hot spots and am pleased to launch this consultation to introduce a requirement for planning permissions for short term lets.”
The new proposals come as the Department for Culture Media and Sport also launches a separate consultation on a new registration scheme for short-term lets.
The scheme aims to build a picture of how many short-term lets there are and where they are located, to help understand the impact of short-term lets on communities.
The DCMS consultation follows a call for evidence held earlier in the year, the results of which are published today and indicate broad support for a registration scheme across the sector.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: “This new world of ultra-flexible short term lets gives tourists more choice than ever before, but it should not come at the expense of local people being able to own their own home and stay local.
Electrical contractor grows with £100,000 investment from Finance Yorkshire
Birstall-based Owen Electrical Contractors has received a £100,000 investment from Finance Yorkshire to power its growth.
The investment, from Finance Yorkshire’s Business Loan Fund, will support the recruitment of additional staff, equipment and an expansion in office space for the firm, whichmanages installations for customers including property developers, schools and supermarkets.
Owen Electrical’s current projects include a development in Middleton, Leeds, that includes 116 new houses and a 60-bedroom care home. The company is also on-site at a new school in Rochdale and was recently awarded a contract for a 228-apartment development in Sheffield.
Martin Owen, who runs the company with long-standing business partner Lee Murphy, said: “The business started out with me and three others carrying out rewires and upgrades for council buildings. From there, we have formed trusted relationships with contractors and engineers that has enabled us to secure larger, private sector contracts.
“We have grown very quickly. 2022 was a massive year for us. This investment will help us to bring in new people and expand our space while looking into new areas such as electrical maintenance.”
The company recently achieved accreditation with the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting and became a gold member of Constructionline, the UK’s largest network of construction buyers.
Alex McWhirter, chief exec of Finance Yorkshire, said: “Owen Electrical’s client portfolio of well-known residential and commercial construction companies is testament to the excellent service it provides.
“With a reputation for quality and value for money, it is no surprise that its services are in high demand. We look forward to supporting Owen Electrical to further realise its business growth potential.”
Finance Yorkshire’s Business Loan Fund is part of a wider regional business fund which is expected to provide more than £50m to SMEs over five years. Investment is also available from its Growth and Seedcorn Funds.
Iconic Yorkshire hotel sold
On behalf of Peel Hotels, specialist hotel property adviser, Christie & Co has sold Yorkshire’s iconic ‘The Midland Hotel,’ Bradford, to Britannia Hotels.
Built in 1890 by the Midland Railway Company, to showcase a grand example of Victorian architecture in the United Kingdom, The Midland Hotel dominates Forster Square in the heart of Bradford. The hotel has long been one of the city’s grandest hospitality venues, welcoming the leading entertainers, celebrities and politicians of their day over the years.
The Midland has been acquired by the UK’s largest private hotel group, Britannia Hotels, and will be their 64th hotel. The property will complement many of the other hotels in their existing portfolio, which are similarly grand heritage properties, offering a glimpse of the grandeur of bygone days.
Having agreed to sell the hotel to Britannia Hotels just last month, Robert Peel of the eponymous Peel Hotels is delighted that the sale rapidly moved to completion. He says: “The Midland Hotel has always been a great favourite of mine. The industrial and cultural communities of Bradford have always appreciated having one of Yorkshire’s finest hotels in their midst.”
Alex Langsam, Managing Director of Britannia Hotels, says: “We are thrilled to have secured The Midland Hotel as a new addition to Britannia Hotels in a matter of weeks, from first seeing it, to completing the purchase by way of an all-cash deal.
“From Aberdeen to Torquay, Britannia Hotels operate hotels which accommodate millions of guests each year who are looking for our trademark value accommodation, health and leisure facilities as well as an incredible food & beverage range. We are well versed at being custodians of a wonderful heritage property, operating ‘grand dames’ including The Adlephi, Liverpool and our all original Britannia Hotel, Manchester. We are very much looking forward to welcoming guests to The Midland Hotel, Bradford.”
Jeremy Jones, head of Hotels Brokerage at Christie & Co, who brokered the deal, says: “I am so pleased that Peel Hotels have secured a timely sale so the hotel can trade under Britannia’s banner. Bradford’s appeal will soon be on a global scale, now the city has been awarded the City of Culture 2025.”
David Lee, regional director of Christie & Co’s North Hotels team, says: “I have really enjoyed working with Peel Hotels on the sale of this iconic building in the heart of Bradford. It’s another example of Christie & Co’s track record in meeting the demand for hotels from a whole range of established hospitality groups and new entry entrepreneurs. In fact across the last 18 months we have sold over 30 hotels across the North of England and the Midlands. We wish Britannia Hotels all the very best with The Midland Hotel.”
Huddersfield asbestos risk management consultancy sold to AIM-listed group
An asbestos risk management consultancy has been sold to AIM-listed Marlowe, a UK leader in business-critical services and software which assure regulatory compliance.
The shareholders of PCS Asbestos Consultants, based in Huddersfield, were advised by HURST’s Max Perry and Danielle Tierney, who provided corporate finance advice, and James Thompson, who provided tax advice.
Ryan Brown, Ceri Jones and Harpinder Nahl at Browne Jacobson provided legal advice.
PCS, using its PCS Risk Manager software platform and apps, provides professional asbestos surveying, management and consultancy solutions throughout the UK and Ireland.
PCS has a wide-ranging blue-chip customer base with extensive commercial property estates across the private sector, spanning retailing, pubs and leisure and mobile telecoms.
The business has been acquired by Tersus Consultancy, which is part of Marlowe PLC. The terms of the transaction are undisclosed.
Marlowe provides specialist services which assure safety and regulatory compliance for its clients. Its extensive portfolio of group companies manages risks for businesses across individual divisions that focus on health and safety, HR and employment law compliance, fire safety, security, water safety, water treatment, air quality and occupational health services.
Max Perry said: “It was a pleasure to advise the shareholders of PCS on the sale of the company to Marlowe.
“After a competitive process, this deal satisfied the requirements of all shareholders and I’m sure that Marlowe will see the benefit of PCS’s qualities throughout all areas of its business for a very long time.”
Lincs firm secures £30m to drive smart home technology growth
Lincolnshire technology manufacturer, myenergi, has secured a £30m funding package from HSBC UK to support the development and production of innovative smart home energy products.
The funding will be used to expand the company’s operations, enhance its production capabilities, and invest in research and development to create new and innovative products that meet the evolving needs of consumers, including electric vehicle chargers and batteries for storing energy.
Lee Sutton, myenergi co-founder and Chief Executive, said: “The new financing facility from HSBC UK will enable us to further accelerate our growth and innovation in smart home technology.
“Over the last four years, HSBC has supported the business with various financial solutions to facilitate our ever-increasing growth. The introduction of the new funding facility will enable us to accelerate our business development strategy and support us in the next chapter of our amazing journey.”
Frances Howell, MD, Head of Corporate Midlands at HSBC UK, added: “myenergi is a great example of a British business that is leading the way in developing smart home technology, helping people make the transition to renewable energy in their homes. This deal will allow the development of new green technologies, optimising renewable energy usage to create eco smart homes while putting British manufacturing back on the world stage.”
Founded in 2016 by Lee Sutton and Jordan Brompton, myenergi has grown to almost 450 employees, and annual sales last year broke the £50m barrier. Myenergi’s headquarters in Stallingborough is currently undergoing a major transformation, with a new 65,000 sq ft production facility under construction to expand capacity to meet demand.
43 Clicks builds support for event showcasing Hull’s talent in digital sector
Hull-based digital marketing company 43 Clicks North is building support across the region for an event which showcases the city’s growing strength in the sector.
The company attracted another full house for Power Hour 6, the latest in a series of sessions which put top tech talent from East Yorkshire alongside some of the key players from bigger cities. The latest event drew an audience of industry colleagues, clients and contacts including business owners and marketing managers as well as students from the University of Hull who seized the chance to bolster their academic work with some real-life experience. Guest speakers from some of the leading agencies in Leeds said the Power Hour programme at Social in Humber Street, Hull, will strengthen digital marketing in the local area and further afield. Pete Lowes, Strategy Director and co-founder at Present Works, said: “The Power Hour is really important. I went to university in Leeds and most of the people there wanted to leave after three years and go back to London, taking their skills with them. “We have always been very passionate about creating opportunities in Leeds and across Yorkshire so people don’t have to move to London and Manchester to work for forward thinking companies. “What 43CN are doing in Hull is brilliant and this was another great turnout. I didn’t know what to expect but it was a really good event and a nice mix of people with students and business owners, marketing managers. It’s a thriving scene here and it’s good to see that.” Ash Liddell, the SEO Content Lead at Reprise who has returned to the University of Hull to study for his Masters, added: “The idea of bringing other agencies in from outside the city is really important in terms of putting Hull on the map in the digital sector. “If we are working with other agencies from the bigger cities it can only have a positive effect. It’s about talent and about showing that Hull can serve the sector’s needs and has the student population to support that. “This was a useful non-academic opportunity for the students. One of the biggest questions when I left university was what comes next, so the opportunity for students to come and speak to people at an event like this is important.” Marisa Crimlis-Brown held a number of senior marketing roles before relocating to Hull with her family during the pandemic. She told how Power Hour helped to pave the way for her move to 43CN as Senior Client Strategist. Marisa said: “I wanted to work in the place where I live. I saw there was a lot going on at 43CN and I attended a Power Hour and found it really interesting and vital. “Also with the other agencies round here as well I saw, there was a lot going on especially for a city of this size. I got to know them a bit better and felt it would be a very nice move. “The brain drain is reversing and pulling people to Hull from other cities. It shows that Hull is on the map. There’s an interest here, drawing people in and getting fresh ideas.”BAE Systems signs new ten-year lease at Brough’s Humber Enterprise Park
Humber Enterprise Park has signed a new ten-year lease agreement with BAE Systems which will maintain its 500,000 sq ft centre for digital engineering excellence on the strategic site.
The global defence and aerospace company leases office, warehouse, and R&D space at HEP. The renewal of the lease coincides with BAE Systems’ recent recruitment announcement for potential 100 new roles, adding to the existing 700 BAE Systems employees already working at the site.
BAE Systems has a long heritage at HEP, stretching back to 1916 when aeroplane pioneer Robert Blackburn chose the Brough site for its manufacturing facility due to its proximity to the Humber. The site has since transformed into the Company’s centre for digital engineering excellence, with activities supporting the delivery of the world’s most advanced defence programmes. These include the Future Combat Air System –Tempest, and the Dreadnought submarine fleet.
James Hardstaff, General Manager of the BAE Systems Brough site said: “There’s a really bright future ahead for BAE Systems in Brough. With activity focusing on engineering some of the most advanced Air and Submarine programmes in the world, our people will be contributing to the development of critical future technologies.
“The renewal of our lease with Humber Enterprise Park and recent investment in the site ensures we will retain our longstanding history with the area, providing high-skilled jobs and supporting the local supply chain.”
Whilst HEP is known as a major heritage site and centre of excellence for BAE Systems, it is also a well-established business location in its own right with other occupiers including Eco Engineering, Wren Kitchens, and Supercraft Ltd.
Following its acquisition of the 79-acre park in 2020, Westcore Europe has invested heavily with a view to repositioning the significant site and its mixed-use proposition.
Victoria Morgan, Director of Asset Management at HEP owner Westcore Europe said: “BAE Systems commitment to remain at Humber Enterprise Park for the longer term, whilst also creating more potential jobs. This is testament to the strategic location and strong connectivity, with the railway station just a few minutes’ walk away, as well as the expanding amenity/wellbeing provisions on site for our working community.
“Thanks to BAE Systems, HEP is well known for enterprise and we have a thriving mix of large corporations through to incubator businesses expanding on site. We have invested significantly in recent years to deliver high quality workspaces and make enhancements to the public realm as part of our ongoing commitment to transform the Humber Enterprise Park into a destination.”
Humber Enterprise Park is located on a 79-acre site to the West of Hull City Centre. The development is within a few minutes’ walk of Brough railway station with daily services to the North of England and Kings Cross,10 minutes’ walk of the vibrant Brough town centre and two miles drive to the M62 and motorway network.
Leeds brewer and bar chain secures invoice discounting package from Bibby
Leeds-based brewer and bar chain North Brewing Co has received a £375,000 Confidential Invoicing Discounting package from Bibby Financial Services – the UK’s largest independent invoice finance provider – to help it strengthen cashflow and fuel national and international expansion.
The new funding line will allow North’s co-founders to manage cashflow, so they can focus on planning ahead and growing the business.
The business was introduced to BFS’s commercial team by Conor Smyth at TFS Finance Ltd, an independent commercial finance brokerage focused on the SME market.
BFS’s Yorkshire-based deal team, led by Ian Hayes, structured a Confidential Invoice Discounting funding facility worth £375,000. BFS was chosen due to its speed, agility and understanding of the business’s needs.
John Gyngell, Director and Co-founder of North Brewing Co, said: “We’re so proud of where our business is today, in large part thanks to our great staff and a lot of love from our customers and community. But, as a business owner, cashflow is a daily concern, especially over the past 12 months. It’s been a really tough year for the brewing industry, due to a combination of challenges, such as the rising cost of grain, energy, shipping, and the impact of Brexit on international business operations.
“In order to grow the business, we need to be able to focus on the future, rather than just respond to the day to day. We really appreciated BFS’s commitment to understanding our business, and quickly coming back to us with a solution. BFS’s funding and support gives us the breathing space to concentrate on what we’re best at, plan ahead for business growth over the next few years and have more time to enjoy the day job.”
North has been growing its business and operations over the past few years. In 2020, the business signed a lease for a larger, 21,000 sq ft former Victorian Tannery in Springwell, Leeds, which they converted into a modern brewery, taproom and workspace during the pandemic – and which now serves as the business’s HQ.
The mid-sized brewery has also been expanding its footprint, with beers now stocked in leading supermarkets and restaurants across the UK, and sold abroad, including in markets such as Japan, China and Australia. Within the past year, North has opened its first two bars outside of Yorkshire, in Birmingham and Manchester, and has launched its own beer festival, Springwell Sessions at its brewery site – with the second iteration due to take place at the end of April 2023.
Conor Smyth, Senior Funding Partner at TFS Finance, said: “North Brewing Co has seen huge success over the past 26 years in its local bars and brewing operations, and is also seeing growing national and international demand. This has made managing cashflow a much bigger task, especially considering the challenging economic landscape. The BFS team were great partners to work with, as they demonstrated their ability to tap into the business’s needs and deliver a suitable funding line in just a couple of weeks.”
Ian Hayes, Business Development Manager at BFS commented: “It’s been a pleasure to work with North Brewing Co and TFS Finance to provide this funding line. North has been incredibly resilient over the past few years, but as the business and external challenges have become more complex, the business’s leaders have seen their time and energy eaten up thinking about cashflow. We quickly worked to understand their needs and pressures and deliver a funding line that would take the weight off John and Christian’s shoulders and minds, so they can focus on the future of the business. BFS is in growth mode, and our partnership with North Brewing Co is a great example of us working hand-in-hand with our valued intermediary base and with our clients to unlock working capital for growth.”
Founded in 2015, North Brewing Co started as North Bar on New Briggate high street in Leeds, and today operates 10 bars across Yorkshire, Birmingham and Manchester and produces around 20 thousand hectolitres of beer every year which is sold into supermarkets, restaurants, and bars all over the world.
ABP stages consultation on onshore wind turbine plans for Grimsby and Immingham
Members of the public are being invited to attend a consultation as part of plans by ABP to install onshore wind turbines at the ports of Grimsby and Immingham.
The two Humber Ports will be the first onshore wind projects for consultation with a generation capacity potentially up to 36MW. Plans are being developed for up to four turbines at Grimsby and at least two at Immingham.
The consultation will take place at Grimsby Town Hall (Crosland Suite), on Wednesday 19 April between 1.30pm and 7.30pm, and at Immingham Civic Centre (Burrton Hall) on Thursday 20 April between 11.30am and 7.30pm.
At these events people can view the proposed plans and talk to members of the project team.
ABP supports government ambitions to achieving net zero and recently launched its own £2 billion plan for Energy Transition growth and Net Zero 2040. Called Ready for Tomorrow it looks to meet the challenges and grasp the opportunities. ABP has already reduced its own CO2 emissions by over 35% since 2014 and invested over £55 million in sustainability measures, which includes the largest commercial rooftop solar array in the UK at the Port of Hull, electric vehicles and cranes across the group and a new fleet of more fuel-efficient pilot boats. The Port of Immingham recently trialled a Terberg hydrogen fuelled tractor in its container terminal.
Plumbers warned of asbestos danger lurking in Britain’s buildings
Plumbers across Great Britain are being warned about the hidden dangers associated with asbestos as part of the Health and Safety Executive’s Asbestos and You campaign targeting tradespeople about the personal risks from asbestos that still exist in properties across the country today.
About five thousand people a year die from asbestos related illnesses, and asbestos can still be found in buildings built or refurbished before the year 2000.
But HSE is warning despite the ban on its use, many buildings still contain asbestos, and it is still a serious risk to anyone exposed to it at any age.
Tim Beaumont, HSE’s acting head of construction policy sector, said: “Asbestos can be found in things like Artex, cement boards under eaves, garage roofs, old bath panels, boiler houses and fires and even mortar between bricks can contain asbestos.
“There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure but that’s not to say it can’t be managed safely.
“All tradespeople should make sure they know the basics about identifying asbestos. Before carrying out any construction work, there’s a legal requirement to identify whether asbestos is present and could be disturbed.
“Younger tradespeople need to know the dangers behind asbestos as it could affect them in later life like it is affecting older tradespeople now.”
Asbestos is only dangerous if not maintained in a safe condition or if physically disturbed without the right measures in place to control exposure to fibres.
Craig Evans, COO of the United Kingdom Asbestos Training Association said: “I wholeheartedly support HSE’s campaign to raise asbestos awareness and the importance of training across industry.
“The dangers of asbestos are very real, with over 5,000 people in the UK dying each year from asbestos-related diseases.
“It is crucial that tradespeople are aware of the risks involved in disturbing or damaging asbestos-containing materials, as inhaling these fibres can lead to devastating diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
“UKATA members are committed to providing high-quality asbestos training, delivered by highly experienced and competent professionals with extensive knowledge and expertise in their field, to help prevent unnecessary exposure and protect the health and wellbeing of all those working in the industry.”
From the 1950s until 1999, asbestos containing materials were used extensively in the construction and maintenance of buildings in Great Britain.
When materials that contain asbestos are disturbed or damaged, fibres are released into the air. If these fibres are inhaled, they can cause serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestos related lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural thickening. These diseases will not affect you immediately as they often take a long time to develop, but once diagnosed, it is often too late to do anything.
It can take 20 to 30 years before symptoms appear. Symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent cough, wheezing, extreme tiredness, pain in your chest or shoulder and in more advanced cases, swollen fingertips.
If asbestos cannot be safely managed, it should be removed by a licensed asbestos contractor. Where present, asbestos should be closely managed by those responsible for the building.
Find out more about the Asbestos and You campaign
