York’s historic city centre to be reimagined

Tess Egginton
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York’s historic city centre to be reimagined

With funding from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, City of York Council and its partners will reimagine York’s historic city centre and develop a ‘city centre spatial plan’ known as ‘Reimagining York Streets, to tell a new story about the city centre’.

The plan will identify investment opportunities, development and improvements and will better connect the city centre with change taking place in different locations, such as Coney Street, York Central and the Minster Neighbourhood Plan. Reimagining York Streets will align with Our City Centre Vision which describes an ambitious future for the city centre, with residents and businesses at the heart of it. Councillor Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Economy and Culture, said: “We are incredibly proud of our city centre which is already recognised the world over, bucking trends across the country with more visitors and higher shop occupancy than the national and regional average. “York’s strong and vibrant independent business sector is at the heart of our local economy and this, together with the outstanding festivals and events and beautiful built heritage make the city centre a unique, and much loved, national treasure. “We are determined to make the city centre the best place it can be for residents and businesses as well as the millions of visitors who are welcomed here every year. “This new plan, Reimagining York’s Streets, aims to bring economic benefits which will benefit everyone across the city with more skilled jobs, investment, travel and leisure opportunities. “In the coming months we will start in-depth engagement with residents, businesses and visitors to make sure the city centre is an even better place we can all be proud of, and we want to hear as many voices as possible!” David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “York’s city centre is the heart of our region’s economy, culture, and heritage. “I was pleased to support the Reimagining York Streets plan through the Mayoral Investment Fund, investing in the future and ensuring our city centre remains a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving space for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. “By working together with the community, we can shape a city centre that is not only beautiful and welcoming but also future-ready.” In October 2024, at the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Committee Meeting, £430k funding from the Mayoral Investment Fund was approved to develop a public realm improvement strategy for city centre public spaces, delivery strategy and identified pipeline of capital regeneration projects. An officer delegated decision has been made which will start work on developing this strategy. This will include a citywide engagement process to hear from a range of voices as to what they want from the public spaces in York city centre.

FourJaw expands with new Sheffield headquarters

April Lara
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FourJaw expands with new Sheffield headquarters

FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics has relocated its headquarters to a newly refurbished 3,500-square-foot office at Pennine Five in Sheffield City Centre. The company, a spinout from the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), provides machine monitoring technology to over 140 manufacturers worldwide, aiming to boost productivity, energy efficiency, and profitability.

The move is part of FourJaw’s expansion strategy, with plans to double its team from its current 27 employees. The new office provides capacity for up to 50 staff, with the option to take on more space as the business continues to scale.

This relocation places FourJaw within Sheffield’s Innovation Spine, an area rapidly becoming a hub for technology companies. The move is expected to support the company’s global growth ambitions, enabling it to continue supporting both multinational and small manufacturers. CEO Chris Iveson highlighted the company’s growth and commitment to transforming productivity in the manufacturing sector, thanks to strong support from local organisations including the University of Sheffield and Sheffield City Council.

Leeds cloud services firm virtualDCS acquired by MonacoSol

April Lara
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Leeds cloud services firm virtualDCS acquired by MonacoSol

Leeds-based cloud services provider virtualDCS has been acquired by private equity firm MonacoSol, securing a majority stake in an undisclosed deal. MonacoSol’s acquisition is part of its broader strategy to expand its portfolio, which includes investments in sectors like construction software, fintech, and B2B services.

Key leadership changes accompany the deal. Co-founder Dan Nichols returns as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) after a decade-long tenure at Sleek Networks, Secura Hosting, and WebContractor. Former CTO and co-founder John Murray takes on the role of solutions director. Kieran Brady has been appointed Chief Revenue Officer, bringing experience from major companies such as BT, Capita, and Deutsche Telekom.

MonacoSol’s backing is expected to help accelerate virtualDCS’s growth. The company will focus on enhancing its offerings in data protection, cyber resilience, and technological capabilities. The company aims to modernise its services and expand its resilience-driven solutions to better meet businesses’ growing data security demands.

Yorkshire outdoor media company acquires long-established Hastings firm

Tess Egginton
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0
Yorkshire outdoor media company acquires long-established Hastings firm
Outdoor media company, Yorkshire-based CP Media, has acquired long-established Hastings-based Keegan Ford Sponsorship Limited, expanding its portfolio in local authority sponsorship. Over the last six years, CP Media has acquired a raft of operators in the outdoor advertising world, including Eye Airports, Adverta Transport Advertising and Lamppost Banners. However, this is the first acquisition in CP Media’s core sector, namely roundabout sponsorship. Mike Brennan, CEO of CP Media, said: “We’re growing well organically so we are very discerning about acquisitions. The companies that we buy have to fit our marketplace but equally importantly they have to fit our ethos, be high quality and have good reputations. Keegan Ford have these qualities, hence why this acquisition is an absolutely ideal fit.” Mark Barfoot, managing director of Keegan Ford, said: “Having founded the company 23 years ago I am very proud of how we’ve grown both financially and reputationally. “Over the last year, I’ve been looking for the best place for the company, it’s concessions and our advertisers to go, as I look to finally retire. CP Media are the ideal next owners, as they also have both an excellent reputation and significant experience in our sector. “I wish them all the best, and I will be working with them over the next few months to ensure a smooth and successful transition.” Established in 2010, CP Media now employs over 70 staff. In the last four years it has tripled its revenues as it continues to grow its regional outdoor advertising market.

Underfunded waterways pose business risks for UK industries

April Lara
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Underfunded waterways pose business risks for UK industries

A recent protest across Lincolnshire, involving a flotilla of canal boats and cruisers, highlights growing concerns over the lack of government funding for the UK’s inland waterways, posing a potential business risk for industries reliant on them. The protest, organised by Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW), draws attention to the urgent need for increased investment in maintaining the nation’s canals and rivers, contributing significantly to the UK economy.

Waterways generate £2.5 billion annually through water-based tourism, while also offering vital social, health, and environmental benefits. However, the FBW, a coalition of groups representing hundreds of thousands of users, warns that rising maintenance costs and climate change challenges threaten to undermine the sector’s sustainability.

For businesses that depend on waterways for logistics, tourism, and recreation, the risk of reduced government funding could result in deteriorating infrastructure and diminished operational capacity. While the Canals and Rivers Trust currently receives £740 million in government grants through 2027, future funding remains uncertain, with reduced support expected beyond that period.

Lincolnshire Co-op commits £8.5m to renewable energy through long-term wind power deal

April Lara
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Lincolnshire Co-op commits £8.5m to renewable energy through long-term wind power deal

Lincolnshire Co-op has signed an £8.5 million Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) to secure renewable energy for the next 10 years. The agreement, part of a £40 million partnership with four other co-operatives, will cover approximately 50% of the society’s emissions across 220 outlets.

The contract, beginning 1 April 2025, ensures Lincolnshire Co-op will receive 10,000 megawatt-hours of energy annually from the London Array offshore wind farm. The facility, located off the north Kent coast, is operated by German energy giant RWE and supplies 10% of the UK’s wind power.

The deal, facilitated by Inspired PLC with legal support from Shoosmiths LLP, aims to provide price stability while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. In addition, Lincolnshire Co-op has invested £2 million in solar panels for 62 sites and is upgrading refrigeration systems for greater energy efficiency.

For businesses, the move highlights the growing role of long-term renewable energy contracts in managing operational costs and sustainability commitments.

Rotherham Council invests £25,000 in theatre future study

April Lara
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Rotherham Council invests £25,000 in theatre future study

Rotherham Council has allocated £25,000 for a comprehensive study to assess the future of Rotherham Civic Theatre, a 65-year-old venue currently facing structural concerns. The research will determine whether the theatre should be renovated or replaced, with experts warning that significant repairs are needed to keep the building operational.

The study will examine the structural viability of the theatre, located on Doncaster Gate, and assess local demand for performing arts in the town centre. It will gather insights on the types of performances that would attract audiences and explore financial strategies to ensure long-term sustainability through ticket sales and events.

Findings from the research will guide the council’s decision on whether to refurbish the existing venue or build a new one elsewhere in the town. The results will also inform broader regeneration plans for the town centre. The public and local stakeholders can provide further feedback before final decisions are made.

Delifresh plans expansion with new facility and job growth

April Lara
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Delifresh plans expansion with new facility and job growth

Delifresh, a Bradford-based food service supplier, is expanding its operations following a funding boost from HSBC UK. The company is moving into a new 80,000 sq ft facility in Bradford, where it plans to implement cutting-edge systems to enhance its operations.

The £1 million investment will fund the complete fit-out of the new premises, which will feature advanced pick-and-pack technology, energy-efficient chilling systems, and an upgraded enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. These improvements streamline productivity, maintain high-quality standards, and enhance the customer experience.

Founded in 2002, Delifresh supplies restaurants, hotels, and independent food service businesses across the UK. The company expects its workforce, currently at 417 employees, to grow as it expands its geographical reach and increases turnover over the next 12 months. Investment will also go towards upgrading its fleet to meet growing demand.

The additional funding will give Delifresh the flexibility to better meet the needs of its clients in the competitive hospitality sector, helping the business stay responsive as it scales operations.

virtualDCS strengthens leadership team following private equity firm’s investment

Tess Egginton
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0
virtualDCS strengthens leadership team following private equity firm’s investment
Cloud hosting and cyber resilience specialist virtualDCS has revealed a new senior leadership team as it enters its next growth phase, backed by investment from private equity firm MonacoSol. Newly appointed chief executive officer (CEO) Alex Wilmot will lead the company’s next chapter, succeeding original founder Richard May, who transitions into product development director, continuing the ongoing solution innovation. Alex brings over 20 years of experience in managed services, strategic transformation, and sales growth. Having held senior leadership roles at Ingram Micro, Redcentric, and Daisy, he has a proven track record of scaling businesses and driving innovation. Under Alex’s leadership, virtualDCS will strengthen its technical capabilities while evolving its sales strategy to deliver more outcome-driven solutions for its clients. Alex believes virtualDCS’ data integrity-driven managed services are the key differentiator in an increasingly competitive market, and will be central to the company’s continued success. Commenting on his appointment, Alex said: “I’m thrilled to be joining virtualDCS – a business renowned for its expertise in data integrity, data protection, and cyber resilience – at this point in its journey. Its portfolio of services couldn’t be more relevant for organisations looking to protect their data against the growing threats entering the landscape every day. “With MonacoSol’s backing, we’re building on an already exceptional proposition while accelerating our ability to scale. As Richard and John move into their new roles, we’re able to retain their invaluable industry expertise, providing continuity as we move forward at pace.” Dan Nichols, a co-founder of virtualDCS, has also returned as chief technology officer (CTO) after more than a decade leading technology teams at Sleek Networks, Secura Hosting, and WebContractor. In his role, Dan is focused on strengthening virtualDCS’s technology partnerships and streamlining transactions as the company scales. Meanwhile, former CTO and fellow co-founder John Murray has transitioned to solutions director, where he will continue to work closely with clients to build long-term partnerships. “We’re a business built on trust, and I want to ensure we continue delivering the level of service our customers expect while broadening our technological capabilities,” Dan said. “We’ll be modernising our offerings, expanding our resilience-focused solutions, and working with the right partners to enhance our services.” Joining as chief revenue officer (CRO), Kieran Brady brings over 40 years of experience in sales leadership at major telecom and IT firms, including BT, Capita, Deutsche Telekom, Gamma, and Redcentric. Kieran is passionate about fostering high-performance sales teams through a coaching-first approach. “My priority is ensuring we deeply understand customer needs and provide solutions tailored to their business continuity and cyber resilience requirements,” Kieran said. “We’ll use AI-driven insights to target the right customers and continue building a team to deliver best-in-class service. Customers and colleagues are my joint priority because having the right team enables us to provide industry-leading services.” The leadership changes follow MonacoSol’s acquisition of a majority stake in virtualDCS.

Long Sutton dental practice sold to expanding group

Tess Egginton
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0
Long Sutton dental practice sold to expanding group
Long Sutton Dentistry in Lincolnshire has been sold to an expanding group. Set up by the previous owners, Kenny Doig, Jez Hyland, and Sam Wright, in 2013, it is located in the market town of Long Sutton, near Boston and Spalding in South Lincolnshire. Over the last 12 years, it has grown into a four-surgery practice and become a mainstay for the local community. The practice was brought to market to allow the sellers to concentrate on their other business interests. Following a confidential sales process with Tom Morley at Christie & Co, it has been sold to The Dental Design Studio. Dr Kenny Doig, former owner of Long Sutton Dentistry, said: “It’s reassuring to know that our staff and patients are in excellent hands, thanks to DDS’s outstanding track record of professionalism and expertise. The trust and confidence we feel stems directly from their proven capabilities. “We would like to express our appreciation for Jeff and Larry, who made every interaction a pleasure. Their approachability and professionalism ensured the process was not just straightforward but truly instilled confidence that we had made the correct decision to sell to a group rather than a large corporate.” Dr Jeffrey Sherer, Clinical Director at The Dental Design Studio, said: “We’re very happy to have acquired Long Sutton – our twenty-second dental practice. It is a fantastic practice with a great team, and we are so pleased to have it as part of our group.” Tom Morley, Associate Director – Dental at Christie & Co, said: “It was a pleasure to represent, Jez, Kenny, and Sam in the sale of Long Sutton, and I wish Larry and Jeff all the best with their new acquisition. Another successful sale in the East Midlands demonstrates to the market that quality private practices are continually acquired by aspirational groups.” Long Sutton Dentistry was sold for an undisclosed price.
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