” Sometimes the simplest things are the most profound. My job is to bring out in people & what they wouldn’t dare do themselves “
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Goldthorpe logistics company grows with grant
Expansion works have completed at a logistics firm’s Goldthorpe base.
Mallinson Properties has added two major extensions to the premises of its logistics arm, KMS Transport, thanks to a grant from the Goldthorpe Towns Commercial Investment Fund.
The investment has increased warehouse capacity at the site on Goldthorpe Industrial Estate and helped to create more than 20 jobs.
The £1.2 million grant was secured with support from Barnsley Council’s business development arm, Enterprising Barnsley.
It’s part of the broader £23.1 million Goldthorpe Town Deal, which is revitalising Goldthorpe, Bolton upon Dearne and Thurnscoe with funding from the UK Government’s Towns Fund.
This investment aims to unlock major employment growth in the Dearne Valley area by supporting new and existing businesses to create well-paid jobs and attract new investment.
Cllr Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “Our investment in supporting this expansion is already paying off in terms of jobs created and the growth of the Dearne’s economy.
“This is more evidence that Barnsley is a great place for businesses to invest and add to an economy that benefits everyone.
“We will continue to do whatever we can to help businesses and developers bring forward projects creating new employment opportunities.”
Stephen Mallinson, managing director of Mallinson Properties, said: “We are delighted with the completion of our expansion project, which has been made possible by the Goldthorpe Towns Commercial Investment Fund.
“Not only has this allowed us to meet the growing demand for our services, but it has also benefitted the local economy and community by creating new job opportunities.”
Architects appointed to lead Sheffield Town Hall restoration
The architect leading on the project to restore, refurbish and secure the long-term sustainability of Sheffield Town Hall has been appointed.
Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios was chosen following a competitive selection process and will lead the work to breathe new life into the building that first opened its doors in 1897. Since then, the Town Hall has hosted some of the most important events in the city’s history, from council meetings and civic events, to sporting celebrations and marriages.
Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios are known for their work in sustainable design and social design with their projects including the transformation of the Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre along with Bath Abbey. The team has also worked on Sheffield’s Heart of the City 2 project, including the Grade II* Listed Leah’s Yard.
Cllr Tom Hunt, leader of Sheffield City Council and chair of strategy and resources policy committee, said: “Our iconic and historic Town Hall is at the heart of Sheffield’s democracy and public life. From weddings to citizenship ceremonies, council meetings and elections, this special building has a unique place in the lives of Sheffield residents.
“I’m delighted that our work to restore and refurbish the Town Hall is moving forward with the appointment of Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios as project architects. Through this work we will breathe new life into the Town Hall so that the building can continue to serve everyone in our city and be a modern, accessible workplace.”
Geoff Rich, partner and director of heritage and creative reuse at Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, said: “We are thrilled to be selected to lead the design team for the renewal and refurbishment of Sheffield Town Hall.
“The project represents an exciting opportunity to complement the building’s unique heritage with inclusive and sustainable design, and to ensure the Town Hall meets the future needs of Sheffield’s communities.
“Our practice and project team have many strong links with Sheffield, and we feel hugely honoured to be invited to collaborate with the City Council and RLB on this transformative project.”
My Pension Expert secures £25m refinancing to support expansion
My Pension Expert, a UK-based at-retirement advisory firm, has secured a £25 million refinancing deal through digital lender OakNorth. The agreement is set to aid the company’s expansion, particularly through acquisitions, following a strong trading performance.
The funding will enable My Pension Expert to settle its previous debt with Beechbrook and provide additional capital for future mergers and acquisitions. The firm, which offers independent pension advice through remote consultations, is backed by Palatine Private Equity, which invested in the business in 2022.
Acquisitions are central to the company’s growth strategy, as demonstrated by its recent purchase of adviser Tenet&You in May 2024. The acquisition supports My Pension Expert’s goal to increase its market presence and value through strategic partnerships.
The refinancing deal reflects the company’s ongoing organic growth, and future acquisitions are expected to build on its success. The firm’s leadership is optimistic about its ability to continue expanding rapidly and innovating within the sector.
Major expansion of York business park completes
A £3.3 million expansion of a long-established business park close to York’s Outer Ring Road has completed with the construction of three new industrial units.
The development at Northminster Business Park has seen three former agricultural buildings transformed into new and detached industrial and warehouse units, which range in size from 6,032 sq ft to 8,093 sq ft, in a self-contained area of the site known as Cropton Court.
The buildings are available to buy or let and are being jointly marketed by property consultancy practices GV&Co and PPH Commercial. One unit has been sold, with another unit currently under offer. They have been built by local contractor, Elvington Park Building Services with York’s LHL Group project managing construction.
Northminster Business Park is already home to more than 50 businesses, with approximately 1,000 employees.
George Burgess, managing director at Northminster Properties, which owns the site, said: “We’ve specifically designed these buildings to appeal to ambitious businesses that require high specification and quality space, along with exceptional sustainability credentials, in a secure environment.
“This all makes Cropton Court another exciting development at Northminster Business Park and we’re looking forward to welcoming more businesses into our thriving community.”
UK project aims to cut offshore wind farm maintenance costs with autonomous robotics
A new initiative funded by Innovate UK is working to revolutionise offshore wind farm maintenance with autonomous robotic systems. Sheffield-based robotics company BOW has teamed up with ORE Catapult and ACUA Ocean in the OSIRIS project, which aims to combine drones and subsea robots to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve safety in offshore renewable energy.
Currently, maintenance operations account for around 25% of the lifetime costs of offshore wind farms. Traditional methods rely heavily on human intervention, which is costly, time-consuming, and exposes workers to safety risks. The OSIRIS project seeks to address these challenges by deploying a fully autonomous inspection system that will be scalable and cost-effective.
BOW’s role in the project is focused on enhancing simulation and testing capabilities. The company’s software development kit (SDK) will integrate with ORE Catapult’s Synthetic Test and Unified Demonstration System (STUDS), allowing for more efficient testing of robotic systems in various environmental conditions before they are deployed in real-world offshore settings.
The project will also see ACUA Ocean’s hydrogen-powered unmanned surface vessel (H-USV) deployed as the central hub for managing and coordinating aerial and subsea robots. The combination of these robotic systems aims to reduce reliance on crewed vessels, cutting emissions and improving operational efficiency.
The initiative is part of the UK’s broader efforts to increase offshore wind capacity, with the government aiming to quadruple its offshore wind capacity by 2030. By integrating robotics into offshore wind farm operations, the project is not only set to reduce costs but also accelerate the transition to a Net Zero energy sector.
Expected to be fully operational by 2027, the OSIRIS project could set the stage for broader applications of autonomous robotics across the marine industry.
Yorkshire business confidence falls in April
Business confidence in Yorkshire fell 18 points during April to 34%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds.
Companies in Yorkshire reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down eight points to 45%, and lower confidence in the economy – down 27 points to 23%. Taken together, this gives a headline confidence reading of 34% (vs. 52% in March).
Looking ahead to the next six months, Yorkshire businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training (43%), introducing new technology (36%) and evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products and services (33%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
National picture
Overall, UK business confidence fell ten points in April to 39%.
Firms’ optimism in their own trading prospects dropped seven points to 50%, while their confidence in the wider economy fell 13 points to 28%.
The North East was the most confident UK nation or region in April (59%), followed by the West Midlands (53%) and the North West (52%).
Sector insights
Confidence fell across the four broad sectors. Manufacturing confidence remained broadly unchanged from last month, falling by one point to 38%, while the construction sector saw the largest decrease in business confidence this month, declining 22 points to 26%. Retail confidence also fell by 13 points down to 45% and the service industry fell seven points to 40%, both now at three-month lows.
Martyn Kendrick, regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber at Lloyds, said: “Despite an overall dip in the region’s business confidence this month, it’s encouraging to see that firms are still setting out plans to drive further growth, including investing in their own teams and introducing new technology.
“We’ll continue to work with local businesses through our on-the-ground teams to support their ambitions, providing resources, insight and funding to help them succeed.”
Network Rail appoints Henry Boot Construction to deliver low-carbon Maintenance Delivery Unit in North Lincolnshire
Henry Boot Construction has been appointed to build a new sustainable Maintenance Delivery Unit (MDU) for Network Rail in Barnetby, North Lincolnshire.
Located adjacent to Barnetby Station, the new MDU will comprise a two-storey 9,500 sq ft main building – featuring welfare facilities, an office, and a stores – alongside associated services infrastructure, a service yard, staff and visitor car park, additional storage facilities, and reconfigured roads.
The main building will have a timber aesthetic and greatly enhance facilities for workers with modern offices, meeting rooms, a canteen and changing facilities.
As part of the upgrade, the new space will benefit from reduced embodied carbon and improved thermal performance. An optimised building layout will maximise natural daylight and remove the need for uneconomic storage heaters.
Additional sustainability measures such as EV chargers, air-source heat pumps, triple-glazed windows, and rooftop solar PV panels will also be installed on the site, supporting Network Rail’s long-term environmental commitments.
The sustainability enhancements have been funded through Network Rail’s Green Bank.
Lee Powell, managing director at Henry Boot Construction, said: “We’re proud to be working with Network Rail on this forward-thinking development – creating a space that not only meets their long-term vision but enhances the experience for its users.
“From the outset, we identified and delivered several sustainability measures designed to go beyond baseline requirements. These initiatives will significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce the project’s overall carbon footprint – positioning the site as a leading example of sustainable construction and human-centred design within their MDU portfolio.
“For Henry Boot Construction, it also aligns with our plans to expand our footprint beyond Yorkshire, delivering quality construction projects across Lincolnshire, the Humber, East Midlands, Teesside and the surrounding areas.”
Chris Round, senior portfolio manager MDU upgrade portfolio, NR Eastern routes capital programmes, added: “We are delighted to be working with Henry Boot Construction on the new Barnetby Maintenance Delivery Unit. Their expertise, commitment to sustainability, and collaborative approach perfectly aligns with our goals.
“We’re confident that together, we will deliver outstanding results, and we look forward to a successful partnership.”
Henry Boot Construction is the main contractor on the project, whilst built environment consultant Ridge is leading on the structural and architectural design.
The project, which was procured through the Crown Commercial Service Construction Works and Associated Services (CWAS) framework, is now underway and expected to complete by early 2026.
Yorkshire mid-sized firms look overseas despite trade and skills pressures
Nearly one in five mid-sized businesses in Yorkshire plan to expand or boost exports in the next year, according to new research from BDO. The report reveals a clear international focus, even amid uncertain trading conditions and operational challenges.
The survey of 500 mid-sized UK firms found that 18% of Yorkshire businesses are prioritising international growth. Target markets include South America, Australia, and the EU, each cited by 44% of those eyeing exports. Africa also attracted attention from 35% of respondents.
However, growth ambitions are running up against several barriers. Around 24% of firms in the region report shortages in export and supply chain skills, while 12% are seeing weaker demand, likely linked to inflationary pressures and squeezed budgets among both business clients and consumers.
Despite these issues, sentiment remains broadly positive. The vast majority (94%) of Yorkshire mid-sized businesses believe the UK Government’s upcoming Small Business Strategy will help them. A quarter are calling for specific reforms to simplify customs processes and expand support through channels such as UK Export Finance.
The findings reflect a continued appetite among regional firms to scale up internationally, with many looking to government policy and local authority partnerships to help navigate a complex global trade environment.
Yorkshire launches summit to drive ESG action in the events industry
The Yorkshire Events Sustainability Summit (YESS) will debut on 16 June at Horizon Leeds, targeting professionals across the events industry seeking to improve their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact.
Designed for venues, suppliers, agencies, and planners, the B2B-focused summit will feature panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions with an emphasis on practical tools and peer-led learning. Topics will include carbon reduction, inclusive event design, mental health considerations, neurodiversity, and using technology to track and improve sustainability metrics.
A notable feature of the summit will be the release of the second edition of the Temperature Check Report, which will expand insights on sustainability trends across the UK and Europe. The event will also host Green Action Labs, covering sustainable catering practices, alternative approaches to carbon offsetting, and strategies to cut waste through digital innovation.
Backed by organisations including Conference Leeds, Visit Hull & East Yorkshire, Make It York, and several local councils, YESS is positioning Yorkshire as a national hub for sustainable event practices. The event is produced by Your First, with support from Horizon Leeds, Production Light & Sound, and Soror Pro Consulting.
YESS is expected to become an annual fixture, aiming to move past ESG rhetoric and encourage collaboration across the sector.
ABF considers closure of Vivergo bioethanol plant as profits fall
Associated British Foods (ABF) is warning that its Vivergo bioethanol plant in East Yorkshire may be mothballed or closed, putting around 150 jobs at risk. The move follows sustained losses and production cuts caused by falling bioethanol prices.
The Vivergo facility, located in Saltend near Hull, converts UK-grown wheat into bioethanol fuel and animal feed. It was launched in 2007 but now faces operational uncertainty amid concerns over how UK biofuel regulations are being applied.
ABF is currently in discussions with the UK Government, seeking regulatory support to maintain commercial viability at the site. However, the company has indicated there is no guarantee of a resolution and may proceed with closure if market conditions fail to improve.
The situation coincides with a broader earnings decline at ABF. Pre-tax profits fell by 21% to £692 million in the 24 weeks to March 1, with revenues down 2% to £9.5 billion. Its sugar division was notably weak during the period.
North Yorkshire towns to receive strategic investment planning boost
A £1.2 million funding package has been approved to develop tailored investment plans for 32 towns and service centres across North Yorkshire. The initiative, funded by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and delivered by North Yorkshire Council, aims to guide future regeneration efforts and ensure a consistent, evidence-based approach to development across the region.
The towns selected for the programme represent over 60% of the county’s population. The planning work will focus on key areas such as revitalising high streets, expanding local workspace options, improving transport links, enhancing cultural and heritage assets, and addressing health disparities.
The programme will run over three years starting in May and will include input from local businesses, councils and community groups to shape investment priorities for each location. The intent is to position the towns for future public and private sector investment and ensure economic growth is aligned with the region’s specific challenges and opportunities.
The 32 towns and centres identified are: Bedale, Bentham, Boroughbridge, Catterick Garrison and Colburn, Easingwold, Eastfield and Cayton, Filey, Grassington and Threshfield, Harrogate, Hawes, Helmsley, Ingleton, Kirkbymoorside, Knaresborough, Leyburn, Malton and Norton, Masham, Northallerton, Pateley Bridge, Pickering, Richmond, Ripon, Scarborough, Selby, Settle, Sherburn-in-Elmet, Skipton, South Craven, Stokesley, Tadcaster, Thirsk and Whitby.
The grant will be formally considered by North Yorkshire Council’s executive next week.
Skipton pharmacy sold to local growing group
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold Carleton-in-Craven Pharmacy near Skipton, North Yorkshire.
Located in a self-contained unit in the village of Carleton-in-Craven, the community pharmacy dispenses almost 15,000 items per month. Alongside two consultation rooms, it boasts a range of modern tech, including deliveries via three self-charging hybrid vehicles which make up over half of the business, and a BD Rowa Vmax dispensing robot.
The pharmacy has been owned and operated by its founder, Jonathan Taylor, for the last 12.5 years. He recently decided to sell the business in order to retire.
Following a confidential sales process with Jon Booth at Christie & Co, the pharmacy has been purchased by Zakar Hayat and Mubashir Ahmed of Mpharm Holdings Limited which owns two other pharmacies – one in Sheffield and one in Burnley.
Jonathan Taylor, former owner of Carleton-in-Craven Pharmacy, said: “After starting my pharmacy from scratch over 12.5 years ago, it was an incredibly tough decision to sell but I believe we have found the right buyer to hand the pharmacy over to. I wish Zakar and Mubashir all the best for the future.”
Zakar Hayat, director at Mpharm Holdings Limited, said: “We feel like now is the right time to take on a new challenge – a modern, thriving and busy pharmacy set in the heart of the scenic village of Carleton.
“The previous owner, Jonathan, has built this wonderful project and we aim to further expand the reputation and array of services to ensure Carleton-in-Craven remains the hub of North Yorkshire for all healthcare needs.”
Jon Booth, director – pharmacy at Christie & Co, said: “Carleton-in-Craven Pharmacy consistently dispenses almost 15,000 items each month, with almost a third of these being MDS patients delivered via a fleet of self-charging hybrid vehicles across the region.
“The opportunity for the new owners is to grow the provision of additional services across the patient base, and it is pleasing that the new owners have a vision to move this successful business forward. I look forward to seeing how that progresses and wish them the greatest of success.”
Carleton-in-Craven Pharmacy was sold for an undisclosed price.
Clarion grows completions and turnover but warns of £20m building safety hit
Clarion Housing Group increased its home completions by 12% over the past year, delivering 1,727 homes compared with 1,538 the previous year. However, it fell short of its revised target of 1,828 completions for 2024/25.
The group’s future development pipeline now stands at 20,173 homes, up slightly from 19,694 a year earlier. Clarion, which manages around 125,000 homes, had previously scaled back its ambitions amid cost pressures, lowering its target from 2,161 to 1,828 completions for the year. Despite this moderation, it maintains a longer-term goal of building 3,000 homes annually.
Spending on new homes dropped from £501m to £439m, mainly due to delays starting larger projects. Investment in existing properties also declined slightly, from £129m to £123m.
Turnover rose 9%, reaching £1.1bn, while the operating surplus, excluding one-off items, grew from £171m to £195m. Clarion attributed the revenue increase partly to the return of inflation-linked rent rises, following the lifting of the previous year’s 7% cap.
The group also cited early benefits from its Connect transformation programme, aimed at tightening cost control and enhancing customer service. However, Clarion flagged a forthcoming £20m building safety provision in its final accounts, which will weigh on its overall surplus. It is seeking to recover some of these costs from third parties. Audited financial statements are expected to be published this summer.
Works starts on site at Shepley residential development
Work has now started on site at Vivly Living’s residential development at Shepley, near Huddersfield.
52 new homes are now being built at Knowle Grange, which forms Phase 2 at Vivly’s development in the village. Phase 1, comprising 31 homes, has completely sold out.
Oliver Bottomley, associate director – land and development at Vivly Living, said: “We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve now started on site at Shepley Phase 2. This means we are now building fantastic range of new and much-needed homes to the community. These homes will be energy-efficient and offer additional garden space, providing comfortable and sustainable living for our customers.
“I’d like to say a personal thank you to Coun John Taylor, the Shepley ward member and deputy leader of the Conservatives on Kirklees Council, who has helped to ensure that we can build much-needed affordable housing for Shepley and allowed us to introduce the First Home Scheme, helping first-time buyers get a foot on the property ladder.”
Coun Taylor explained: “I’m really pleased to see this second phase of the development getting underway. The first phase proved popular and in both phases I am pleased to see properties for first-time buyers. It is important that the younger generations get the same opportunities to get their foot on the housing ladder as I did.
“Shepley is a wonderful and active village and a great place to start and bring up your family. This plan includes some two-bed houses under the First Homes scheme which will be ideal for young people wanting to buy their first home. Being able to buy a home in the village you grew up in is an aspiration for many young people locally.
“As a Shepley resident, I am delighted to see such quality houses, with attractive stone, being built in our village. I have supported this sensitive development, which is perfectly in tune with the character and ambience of the rest of Shepley, since the early planning stages and it is very satisfying to see the original vision become reality and be so successful.”
Lidl ramps up UK expansion with £500m plan targeting 40 new stores
Lidl will invest £500 million this financial year to open 40 new stores across the UK, as part of a broader strategy to expand its presence in high streets, retail parks, and mixed-use town centres. The discounter has also identified hundreds of additional potential sites for future development.
This expansion will push Lidl beyond 1,000 stores in Britain, reflecting its rapid growth trajectory. It currently operates more than 980 outlets and 14 distribution centres, employing 35,000 people nationwide.
The company’s announcement follows government planning reforms aimed at reducing barriers to new developments, which Lidl credits for enabling its accelerated rollout. The retailer opened 23 new stores in the previous financial year, making this year’s target a significant step up.
Lidl’s expansion is set against a backdrop of strong sales growth. Recent data from Kantar shows a 9.1% increase in Lidl’s UK sales over the 12 weeks to 24 March, raising its grocery market share to 7.8%, and bringing it closer to overtaking Morrisons for fifth place.
The investment is expected to create new jobs and further opportunities for suppliers, underlining Lidl’s growing influence in the UK retail and logistics sectors.
Leeds expansion for Lichfields
Planning and development consultancy Lichfields has relocated its Leeds office to a new, larger space in the heart of the city centre as the team continues to expand.
The move marks a significant milestone for the Leeds team, which has grown from just three people when it was established in 2011 to what is soon to be a 20-strong team.
Chris Darley, head of Lichfields’ Leeds office, said: “We’re proud of how far the Leeds office has come since we opened our doors with just three members of staff.
“The move to larger premises reflects not only our growth in headcount and the expanding range of specialisms and sectors we support, but also the strong and lasting relationships we have built with our clients.
“The new space puts us right at the centre of the action, close to many of our clients, partners and key transport links and offers the right environment to take the next step in our development.”
The move follows the recent promotion of Emma Gomersal and James Cox to planning directors. James and Emma bring extensive expertise across sectors including strategic land, residential, retail, tourism and infrastructure.
Chris added: “We’ve built a fantastic team in Leeds and our success is down to the people we’ve brought on board and developed over time. As we look ahead, the new office gives us the space and setting we need to continue that journey – growing sustainably, delivering for clients and supporting the region’s development priorities.”
Palletower accelerates UK expansion with latest storage sector acquisition
Warehouse equipment supplier Palletower has acquired Leeds-based Alternative Storage Systems, continuing a rapid expansion strategy that has seen five acquisitions in the racking and shelving sector over the past eight months.
The move follows its recent purchase of Kingstonian Storage and Equipment and strengthens Palletower’s presence across the North and East of England. Alternative Storage Systems designs, installs, and maintains storage solutions for warehouses and commercial units, with a strong foothold in the warehousing and food production sectors.
Palletower, based in Sale, supplies more than 100 lines of logistics and storage equipment and exports to over 35 countries. The company’s recent acquisition drive is pushing annual turnover from more than £40m towards £50m, with staffing levels now exceeding 70.
The firm’s strategy focuses on broadening its industrial racking, shelving, and warehouse fit-out services across the UK, adding to a customer base that includes major players such as Waitrose, Walmart, and DHL.
Leeds-based consulting firm, Q5, welcomes new chief financial officer
Organisational health consulting firm, Q5, has welcomed Amanda Lewis as its new chief financial officer. This strategic addition to the leadership team marks a significant step forward as Q5 continues its global growth journey.
Amanda brings over two decades of experience as a transformative finance leader, and was most recently the chief financial officer at The Chemistry Group. She helped the business through an M&A process, attracting top-tier talent to help move the company into its next phase of growth. She also played a key role in fostering a culture of data transparency, facilitating strategic insights, improving operational efficiency, and aligning cost structures with financial targets.
Now, as chief financial officer at Q5, Amanda is responsible for shaping and executing the company’s strategy of doubling in size by 2030 in a sustainable way. Q5 has doubled in size between 2020 and 2025, and has grown from a footprint of four offices to nine. Amanda will work closely with the leadership team to achieve this goal, driving growth in the Middle East, North America, and Australia.
Reflecting on her new role, Amanda said: “I am thrilled to join the Q5 team and be part of an award-winning firm that is helping to build better businesses across the world. I’m passionate about driving client and partner success, while also coaching and mentoring a team to create a high-performing environment. I look forward to the growth we can achieve together.”
Olly Purnell, managing partner at Q5, added: “It’s wonderful to have Amanda on board. She inherits an excellent Finance team, but will bring experience and commercial finance nous and leadership that will hopefully enable us to be more global in the way we approach things.”
Director promotion for personal tax expert at Saffery
Longstanding Leeds-based personal tax expert, Simon Armitage, has been promoted to director at chartered accounting and business advisory firm, Saffery.
Simon has spent the past two decades advising clients on all types of personal tax issues and worked in London before relocating to Leeds in 2007. He joined Saffery’s private client and personal tax team in 2018.
From the firm’s Wellington Place office in Leeds city centre, he now specialises in advising entrepreneurs and high net worth individuals, as well as their families, on all types of tax related issues.
These can include family investment companies, trusts, share schemes, business structuring, succession planning and tax reliefs. In addition, a large part of Simon’s work now involves advising on inheritance tax after Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered the new Labour government’s first budget last October.
Sally Appleton, partner in Saffery’s Yorkshire office, said: “Simon joined our team more than six years ago and he’s extremely popular with both our clients and his colleagues, who both appreciate his first-class advice, expertise and ability to simplify issues that are often complex.
“Crucially, he’s adept at winning new clients and identifying areas where we can support existing clients, thanks to his thorough understanding of everything related to personal tax, so there’s no doubt he thoroughly deserves this promotion.”
Wholesale craft bakery Artisan Bakes cooks up expansion at Flanshaw Industrial Estate
Towngate PLC, the commercial and industrial property specialist, has secured a 12-year tenancy for Artisan Bakes Ltd, a wholesale craft bakery based in Wakefield, to support the company’s ongoing expansion.
Previously located at Sovereign House, Trinity Business Park, Artisan Bakes now occupies Unit 1, Flanshaw Industrial Estate, Flanshaw Way. The 6,366 sq ft modern warehouse/industrial property provides close proximity to Wakefield City Centre and junction 40 of the M1 motorway, making it an ideal base for the business’s growing logistics.
It also features a shared secure yard, ancillary offices, parking, and an eaves height of 6.18 metres. The relocation enables Artisan Bakes to scale production and better serve its customer base.
Tom Lamb, property director at Towngate PLC, said: “It’s been a pleasure to assist Artisan with its expansion plans in the region. Flanshaw Industrial Estate is a highly sought-after business hub, and its proximity to key motorway networks will be an invaluable asset for the bakery as it continues to expand. I look forward to visiting and sampling a cake or two!”
Jonathan Jacob, senior surveyor at GV Property Consultants, added: “This unit provides a rare food manufacturing facility in a strategic location, and we are pleased to have acted on behalf of Towngate to accommodate Artisan Bakes’ bespoke requirements.”
David Hardwick, managing director of Artisan Bakes, said: “We’re excited to start this new chapter as we celebrate a decade of baking excellence. The relocation represents a significant step in our expansion and will help us truly enhance our production capabilities. Towngate’s support has been invaluable in finding the perfect space, accommodating our needs as we continue to innovate and grow.”
