UK agriculture is at a crital crossroads, warns industry expert

Stuart Pearcey
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UK agriculture is at a crital crossroads, warns industry expert

As many as one in ten UK farmers could abandon the industry ahead of the new government’s Autumn Budget on the back of Capital Gains Tax and reduced subsidies, putting the future of British agriculture at risk, according to an agriculture expert.

Mark Chatterton, Head of Agriculture at Duncan & Toplis accountancy and business advisers, notes that a significant proportion of farmers in the East Midlands are currently considering selling their land, giving it to the next generation, or contracting out to bigger businesses.

He said that as farmers grappled with economic uncertainty, faced shrinking financial support and two successive poor harvests, the sector simply can’t survive without urgent investment. “The future of British farming is at a critical crossroads. This Autumn’s Budget could deliver a devastating blow if Capital Gains Tax is hiked as expected. Farmers are already struggling after poor harvests and diminishing subsidies—another financial hit may push many out of the industry for good.

“Confidence is at an all-time low, with DEFRA figures showing that nearly half of farmers fear for the future and the NFU revealing that confidence in the sector is at its lowest since records began. The Sustainable Farming Incentive is the last lifeline for many, but even that is only guaranteed for three more years. Without urgent investment, we could see a collapse in agricultural production.

“The new government has vocally affirmed the UK’s agricultural sector as a matter of the utmost national security – and I couldn’t agree more. I’d urge the government to apply firm and consistent support for the sector when it needs it most.

“For struggling farmers, we’re seeing an increasing number taking stock of their options. Those without clear succession plans seem to be considering seizing the opportunity to capitalise on historically high land prices before it’s too late. This makes sense to a degree, as waiting could prove a costly mistake if the Autumn Budget diminishes financial prospects further, but what could this mean for the sector as a whole?”

Mark Chatterton’s comments come as speculation grows that this year’s  Autumn Budget will include major tax reforms, with Capital Gains Tax possibly rising to 45% and changes to Inheritance Tax expected to bring more farmers into its scope.

“Although the government has promised new measures to boost confidence in agriculture, it has yet to provide clear timelines. Chatterton says, “Farmers are hoping the Autumn Budget will turn these promises into reality – one with clear and decisive deadlines and deliverables.”

Leeds office building bought for £78m

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Leeds office building bought for £78m
Ashtrom Properties UK has acquired Central Square in the heart of Leeds’ financial district for £78m. The landmark office building transaction represents the largest office investment deal in the city for more than 5 years. Guy Lewinsohn, CEO of Ashtrom Properties UK, said: “We remain committed to strategically investing in the UK’s regional markets, confident they offer substantial opportunities for sustainable growth and long-term value creation.” CBRE and Knight Frank acted for Ashtrom Properties UK on the purchase. Savills acted on the sale. Central Square comprises 217,249 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation across 11 upper floors above 13,126 sq ft of retail, restaurant and ground floor leisure units. It has one of the largest column free floor plates in the city of circa 25,000 sq ft and houses a Winter Garden and Sky Garden with break out and entertainment space for tenants along with 128 basement parking spaces. It has exceptional sustainability credentials including BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A. Located off Wellington Street and Whitehall Road, Central Square is close to Leeds Station and Trinity Shopping Centre in Leeds City Centre. Current tenants include Marks & Spencer PLC, PWC, RSM UK Management, Freeths, GXO Logistics, Sky, Sanderson Weatherall, BDO Services. Guy Lewinsohn, CEO of Ashtrom Properties UK, added: “The successful acquisition of this prominent building in the heart of Leeds marks a significant step in our ongoing commitment to invest in the future of the UK’s regional city centres, which we believe are poised for strong growth. “I would like to extend sincere appreciation to the vendor for their professionalism and collaboration throughout this process, which ensured a smooth and mutually beneficial transaction. “A special thanks goes to our in-house team, whose dedication and expertise were instrumental in driving this acquisition forward. Their commitment, along with the support of our external partners, guided us to a successful outcome.” Will Kennon, Executive Director, CBRE, said: “Central Square is one of the best regional office assets located outside of London. Leeds is experiencing significant growth across all metrics, and the office market is facing an acute shortage of prime office space which we believe will lead to continued strong rental growth over the next cycle. “With the market facing continued development viability challenges, we consider this acquisition will deliver strong risk adjusted returns over both short and long term. We are delighted to have helped Ashtrom Properties UK secure this exceptional asset, to add to their strong UK office portfolio in line with its current strategy to invest in core regional cities.” Henrie Westlake, Head of the North Knight Frank LLP, said: “The acquisition of Central Square by Ashtrom Properties UK aligns with their strategic decision to selectively invest in the UK Office market. As a long term holder of assets, the strategy is driven primarily by the strong underlying market fundamentals that will drive rental growth for prime assets. “Notwithstanding this, there is no question that a normalised market will see significant yield compression that will further validate this approach. This will almost certainly be viewed as the bellwether deal of this cycle.”

Progeny appoints Director of Data and Digital

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Progeny appoints Director of Data and Digital
Progeny has appointed Phillip Liu to the role of Director of Data and Digital. A newly created role, the Director of Data and Digital will lead an increasingly data-driven approach and provide strategic leadership to Progeny’s data team. With over 20 years in data leadership, Phillip Liu is an experienced transformational data change leader and was previously at Atlanta Group as Director of Data. He has also held leadership roles for Yorkshire Building Society, General Electric and International Personal Finance. In his new role at Progeny, Phillip will have responsibility for overseeing, building on and enhancing the group’s data capability, to help inform and support Progeny’s continued growth. He will also act as Data Protection Officer, overseeing all aspects of data stewardship, data quality and data protection. Phillip Liu said: “I’m excited to start my journey at Progeny and to lead on data and digital as an integral pillar in our global expansion. My focus will be on enabling continued growth and driving value creation in the data and digital landscape as part of Progeny’s ambitious plans for the future.” Tim Gillman, Chief Operating Officer, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Phillip and with his extensive experience and expert strategic knowledge, he’ll be leading the innovation in our approach to data so it matches our aspirations as a globally expanding business. “Data is core to us serving our clients effectively, now and into the future, and this role will also be key in ensuring we fully leverage the available digital capabilities.”

Key Capital invests in cruise technology company

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Key Capital invests in cruise technology company
Leeds-based private equity firm Key Capital Partners has invested in theICEway, a specialised cruise technology company. This strategic investment will enable theICEway to enhance its technological offerings and drive expansion across key markets in the global cruise and travel sectors. Key has invested in excess of £7m for a significant minority stake. With a strong reputation for delivering cutting-edge IT solutions tailored to the cruise industry, theICEway has become a trusted partner to cruise operators and travel companies worldwide. Their innovative technology services include cloud solutions, managed services, system integration, and digital transformation, helping clients navigate the unique challenges of the maritime industry. The growth investment from Key will further support theICEway’s mission to stay at the forefront of technological advancements. With an increased focus on innovation, the company plans to develop new services, strengthen its infrastructure, and enhance its presence in key markets. This partnership will also allow theICEway to invest in talent and expand its team to meet growing customer demand. “We are thrilled to partner with Key Capital Partners, whose expertise in supporting growth businesses aligns perfectly with our vision for the future,” said Ian Richardson, CEO and Co-Founder of theICEway. “This investment is a major step forward in our journey to becoming the leading global technology provider for the cruise and travel industries. With Key’s backing, we are confident in our ability to continue delivering exceptional value to our clients and expanding our capabilities.” Matt Tice, Director at Key, said: “We are excited to work alongside theICEway and help drive their ambitious growth strategy. Their deep industry expertise and strong client relationships make them a standout company in the specialised cruise technology sector. Together, we look forward to unlocking new opportunities for innovation and expansion.” Sam Davies, Partner in the Cowgills team that advised the shareholders on the deal, said: “The investment backed by Key is the culmination of many years of partnership between Cowgills and Iceway. This is a great result for the shareholders and the new partnership with Key I am sure will be very profitable for both parties. “This was a team effort from Cowgills with support from our Tax, Strategic Support and Lead Advisory teams, notably Brett Marsden who has worked very closely with management.” The deal was led by Matt Tice, James Hall and Hannah Kirkup, investors at Key. Legal advice was provided to the Key team by John Hamer and Kayleigh Watson at Walker Morris and tax structing work by Fletcher Adamowicz of BHP. Due diligence was conducted by Laura Bollen of RSM (Financial), Jack Hibbs of Armstrong (Commercial), Ben Morton of Intechnica (IT) and Dan O’Connell of Gallagher (Insurance). Advisers to the company and shareholders included Cowgills Corporate Finance (Sam Davies, Brett Marsden, Ed Higham), Cowgills Tax (Georges Daubney, Jason Gauthier, Claudia Harrison), and Bermans (Jon Davage, Robin Hastings, Nathan Hughes).

Sheffield pilot scheme looks to boost health and wellbeing in the workplace

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Sheffield pilot scheme looks to boost health and wellbeing in the workplace
Businesses from across the region are joining forces to improve understanding and better support approaches to mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing in the workplace. A pilot scheme has been launched by Sheffield Chamber of Commerce’s Health and Wellbeing Consortium, in partnership with Sheffield United Community Foundation, to bring together businesses and explore shared experiences. The pilot comes as 91% of UK adults reported high or extreme levels of pressure or stress in the past year, leading to one in five workers (20%) in the UK needing to take time off work in that period. Employees from 15 pilot organisations are sharing their experience to help develop a School of Excellence which will eventually provide valuable resources for businesses seeking to support and develop their workforce. Over the coming months the pilot group will work closely to co-create meaningful outcomes and establish a framework for ongoing improvement in employee wellbeing across the region. Tracy Viner, Sheffield Chamber’s Executive Manager (Policy and Public Impact), said: “Together, we’re not only committed to improving health outcomes but to driving change and economic growth. “We know that our regional economy will only flourish if it is powered by healthy workers achieving higher productivity. “The businesses involved in the pilot will be mapping the challenges they face and examining how to improve health and wellbeing in the workplace. “By working together we’ll be able to generate and share a baseline of current data which we can use to measure improvement. This work is the foundation stone for creating a Health and Wellbeing School of Excellence in the region and will set out a range of goals that will deliver real impact.” Chris Bailey, CEO of Sheffield United Community Foundation, said he hoped the innovative collaboration would highlight gaps in services and aid employers to better support their employees. “Sheffield United Community Foundation tackles many of the key issues our society faces and working with strategic partners to achieve local and national health outcomes is one of our strategic priorities.” Businesses and organisations involved in the pilot include Sheffield United Community Foundation, BetterMinds, Mortgage PA, Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield Occupational Health Advisory Service, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, University of Sheffield and Westfield Health. Dave Kneeshaw, Founder of BetterMinds, added: “Good health and wellbeing is critical for successful employee engagement and organisational performance. As a business community we are stronger when we work together and this pilot is set to deliver real insight into how we can build more supportive workplaces, improve health, and ultimately better outcomes for businesses and individuals.”

Businesses take on Nashville with West Yorkshire Mayor to secure trade deals and regional growth

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Businesses take on Nashville with West Yorkshire Mayor to secure trade deals and regional growth
West Yorkshire has gone stateside, with a dozen of the region’s businesses joining Mayor Tracy Brabin in Nashville, Tennessee, to meet with potential investors and trade partners. The trade mission, which has been organised by the Mayor to create opportunities for West Yorkshire businesses, began yesterday (Monday 7 October) and will conclude ahead of the government’s inaugural International Investment Summit in London on Monday 14 October. It will see the Mayor and businesses working together to secure new contracts and sign new trade agreements, helping businesses to export and scale, create new jobs, and grow the economy. Trade in goods and services between West Yorkshire and the US is worth over £4 billion, with almost 2,000 local businesses exporting goods to the US. By putting forward a united public-private plan for investment, the Mayor hopes to inspire confidence in the region’s fastest growing sectors, including its health and life sciences sector. Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “By coming together with business to champion our great region abroad, we’ll attract investment, create good jobs, and put more money in people’s pockets. “This public-private trade mission will help our businesses to grow and succeed, by opening up export and investment opportunities in a stronger, brighter region. “And here at home, our investments in transport, skills and homes will help create the right environment for growth, by connecting businesses to the talent and finance they need to succeed.” As part of the mission, the Mayor will speak at the NCQA Health Innovation Summit and meet with the Mayor of Nashville, Freddie O’Connell, to progress talks on a new partnership between the two regions’ health and life sciences sectors, to increase the flow of knowledge, products and investment. As the home of NHS England’s headquarters and Europe’s largest teaching hospital, West Yorkshire is recognised as a global leader in health innovation. The sector employs over 100,000 people across over 300 companies, and will be supported to grow even further through a 10-year, £160 million Investment Zone secured from the government. Nashville, which has almost doubled its number of health and life sciences jobs since 2000, has been identified by the Mayor as a prime trading partner for West Yorkshire. Overall, the state of Tennessee ranks third in the US for the export of medical supplies and equipment, worth over $4 billion. Joining the delegation on behalf of Health Innovation Leeds, Kate Lodge, Partnership Director at the Leeds Academic Health Partnership, said: “I’m delighted to join our regional partners as, together, we further strengthen our burgeoning health innovation industry sector. “As well as showcasing the world-renowned strengths of Leeds and West Yorkshire, I’m sure we’ll bring back valuable insights and opportunities as we connect with other global health innovation leaders.” Regarded as the birthplace of country music, Nashville will also host representatives from Leeds Conservatoire, The Piece Hall in Halifax, and Tileyard North in Wakefield, to deepen trade, investment, and knowledge sharing between the two regions’ music industries. Since her election in 2021, the Mayor has invested more than £13 million into the creative industries, including in a brand-new music network for musicians and industry professionals to collaborate on shared opportunities. Nicky Chance-Thompson MBE DL, CEO of the Piece Hall Trust and Deputy Chair of the WYCA Culture, Heritage and Sport Committee, said: “The music and cultural scene in West Yorkshire has always been rich with talent, and due to investment, the region is now achieving unprecedented recognition. “However, there is still so much more untapped potential and opportunity to realise if we can nurture and forge stronger worldwide partnerships. “Famed as the birthplace of ‘country’ and with some of the most iconic venues in the world, Nashville is arguably now the world’s epicentre of music. In many ways it mirrors the talent and assets we have here in West Yorkshire. “Building strong and collaborative partnerships with the world’s best, will help the region achieve the Mayor’s ambition of putting culture at the heart of its growth and super boost the economy. “We’ve seen firsthand in Halifax the impact of the success of our summer gig season and the economic impact it has had on the town and region, and The Piece Hall Academy is bringing through the next series of writers, artists and event specialists. “This is just one catalyst. There is so much more we can do across the whole county. By making these important connections in Nashville, we can really elevate our music scene and realise long lasting benefits to the region.”

285,000 sq ft urban logistics scheme acquired in South Yorkshire for £43.7m

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285,000 sq ft urban logistics scheme acquired in South Yorkshire for £43.7m

Harworth, a regenerator of land and property for sustainable development and investment, has completed the acquisition of Catalyst, a 285,000 sq ft, Grade A, urban logistics estate in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. The £43.7m purchase price reflects a net initial yield of 5.4%.

The asset, completed in 2023, is strategically located adjacent to the Group’s flagship industrial development and major UK manufacturing hub, the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP). Comprising of five units, the scheme is currently 90% let to a diverse range of occupiers, with a WAULT of 6.6 years to break and 10.1 years to expiry. Harworth is confident of securing a letting for the final 28,000 sq ft, and when fully let the scheme will generate £2.5m of annualised rent. The acquisition provides an opportunity to implement tailored asset management initiatives and deliver additional value across the wider AMP, where Harworth continues to see strong demand from occupiers, and rents have recently exceeded £10 per sq ft. Lynda Shillaw, Chief Executive, Harworth, said: “This acquisition, the largest of an Industrial & Logistics investment asset in Harworth’s history, aligns with our strategy to grow our high-quality Investment Portfolio. It also continues our track record of strategic site assembly, providing an opportunity to extend the AMP, further establishing it as one of the leading manufacturing and distribution centres in the region. “Increased direct development and the retention of Grade A Industrial & Logistics assets across our major sites, supplemented by select, income producing acquisitions, is core to our strategy, whilst we will also look to recycle properties where value has been maximised through completed asset management initiatives.”

Premier Technical Services Group acquires Scottish electrical testing company

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Premier Technical Services Group acquires Scottish electrical testing company
Castleford-based Premier Technical Services Group Limited (PTSG) has acquired White Testing (UK) Ltd (Whites) – one of Scotland’s leading electrical testing companies. Whites’ core service offering includes portable appliance testing (PAT), fixed wire testing and emergency light testing. Nikhil Varty, PTSG’s Group CEO, said: “We are delighted to welcome White Testing (UK) Ltd as our latest addition to the Group. This acquisition extends our geographical coverage in these services and will be incorporated into Guardian Electrical Compliance Ltd, a PTSG company. “We are fully committed to the continuation of a successful strategy of achieving market leadership across the sectors in which we operate. This acquisition strengthens PTSG’s capability within our Electrical Services division and ensures our clients will be better served.” Nikhil concluded: “We will retain the Whites management team, who will continue to grow and expand the business as it is integrated into Guardian’s electrical division. We are really pleased to have Whites on board, and we offer the whole team a very warm welcome to PTSG and our highly successful niche specialist group of companies.”

Leeds engineering services group eyes renewable energy services market with acquisition

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Leeds engineering services group eyes renewable energy services market with acquisition
Renew, the Leeds-based engineering services group supporting the maintenance and renewal of critical UK infrastructure, has acquired Full Circle, a specialist provider of repair, maintenance and monitoring services for onshore wind turbines in the UK and Europe, for €60m (£50.5m). Full Circle was controlled and owned predominantly by AtlasInvest Holding, the Belgian family holding specialised in the energy sector.

The acquisition represents a compelling strategic fit for Renew, entering the high-growth renewable energy services market with a leading position, in line with the group’s stated strategy of capitalising on the green energy transition.

Renewable energy is forecast to become the largest component of Europe’s total energy mix by 2050. The onshore wind market is well-established and forecast to grow at 7.7% CAGR over the next six years.

Paul Scott, Chief Executive Officer of Renew, said: “The acquisition of Full Circle represents an exciting opportunity for the Group to enter a high-growth, and fragmented onshore wind services market.

“Full Circle operates a scalable technology-enabled platform across a diverse customer base with existing long-term contracts and a fast-growing brand in the UK and across Europe. The company’s proven track record in its core markets, and highly experienced management team mean the business is well positioned to service other turbine technologies and geographies both through acquisition and an organic growth strategy.

“With governments across Europe reaffirming their commitments to achieving Net Zero by 2050, the addition of Full Circle’s industry-leading offering will allow us to play a pivotal role in supporting the green energy transition and benefit from the long-term, non-discretionary funding programmes that underpin it. I am delighted to welcome the Full Circle team to the Renew family.”

Bradford Council backs first phase of Mass Transit scheme

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Bradford Council backs first phase of Mass Transit scheme
Bradford Council has submitted its response to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s proposals on the first phase of Mass Transit in West Yorkshire. The Combined Authority has been consulting on the first phase of its Mass Transit scheme, which would see two tram routes created: a Bradford Line connecting people between Bradford and Leeds city centres and a Leeds Line, entirely within the Leeds district, connecting people between St James’ Hospital and the White Rose Office Park and Shopping Centre. Bradford Council’s response to the consultation gives option B3 as the Council’s preference, with other options considered viable but less preferred. A decision on the route to be developed will be made by West Yorkshire Combined Authority when the consultation concludes. The preferred route proposals use a disused railway corridor to the north of Holme Wood, a route through the Parry Lane Enterprise Zone and along Bowling Back Lane to Wakefield Road. It would then approach the city centre via Bridge Street and Market Street before stopping at Forster Square Station. The main positives to this route are that it directly serves the Southern Gateway area, which has been identified as a key regeneration area with potential for significant housing growth. It would also serve more of the city centre area with potential for stops at City Park and Bradford Interchange. It could also be adapted to take in the proposed new through station in the Southern Gateway area. The preferred proposed route will also serve Holme Wood, giving this area better links to Bradford and Leeds city centres. The route also allows for better separation of Mass Transit from other traffic, leading to better journey times and less congestion. The council’s response to the consultation emphasises that to increase overall use of public transport Mass Transit must supplement rather than replace rail or buses. The response also says that any Mass Transit system should be planned to function as part of the overall wider public transport network and how it works for both transport within the city and also in connecting urban communities considered. Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and transport, said: “Connecting Bradford and Leeds with Mass Transit is such a huge opportunity to grow our economy and better connect our communities, not just across the district but the whole region. “We’re working with the Combined Authority ensure the proposed Mass Transit system contributes to significant growth and regeneration in central Bradford and the Southern Gateway and that the designs take into account all the work currently being done to make our city centre more pedestrian friendly. “Alongside the government commitment for a £2bn new Bradford rail station we now have a rare opportunity to develop a truly integrated transport hub, working across different modes of transport, with active and public transport as an attractive option for residents and visitors. “The project should also recognise the potential for easing the housing pressure between Bradford and Leeds. Having this Mass Transit scheme in Bradford aligns perfectly to the governments mission to kickstart economic growth and will help people have better access to jobs and opportunities, education and health as well as hospitality and leisure destinations.”

Network Rail moves into £26m former college building in Doncaster

Stuart Pearcey
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Network Rail moves into £26m former college building in Doncaster
Network Rail has signed a 25-year contract to move into the £26m former National College For Advanced Transport & Infrastructure promises in Doncaster, which closed in 2023. It will be developed into a bespoke training facility that offers a range of different apprenticeship and trainee opportunities. In its original form, NCATI was envisioned as a specialist institution that would provide the skills required to help deliver HS2. However, the college’s narrow remit was eventually expanded to try and improve enrolment, with it becoming the less niche NCATI when the University of Birmingham took over in 2021. Despite this broadening of scope, the institution continued to suffer from low student numbers and was ultimately forced to close its doors just two years later; winding down all of its education programmes in the process. Dan Fell, Chief Exec of Doncaster Chamber, said: “While not a fatal blow for our economy, the closure of NCATI in 2023 was certainly bruising for Doncaster. After all, the college had state-of-the-art facilities, an excellent faculty and a very exciting offer for students. Yet, thanks in no small part to Government indecision regarding HS2, it was sadly hobbled for the start and never allowed to reach its full potential. “As such, the announcement that a significant industry player, in the form of Network Rail, has signed a 25-year lease to be the new tenants of this building is extremely heartening. Not only does it signal that the outside world does indeed have faith in Doncaster — and in our well-earned reputation as both a historic rail city — but it also means that we will be able to draw upon even more expertise in this area than we already have. “Meanwhile, the fact that we will be getting another specialist, post-16 education provider on our doorstep will only serve to enhance our exemplary skills offer. While many of the operational details still need to be ironed out, it’s safe to say that our residents, businesses and economy are all set to reap the benefits of this.”

South Africa poultry deal could be worth £160m to UK producers

Stuart Pearcey
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South Africa poultry deal could be worth £160m to UK producers
British poultry producers now have access to South Africa after the UK secured market access worth up to £160m to the industry over the next five years. The development will allow UK traders to export poultry to South Africa for the first time in eight years, after restrictions were placed on UK imports following outbreaks of avian influenza in the UK. The UK was declared free from avian influenza earlier this year. Lowering this trade barrier has been one of the UK’s priorities for agricultural trade, and its resolution marks a significant step forward, benefiting South African consumers with access to high-quality and securely supplied poultry meat. Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner met South African ministers, Deputy Minister Rosemary Capa (Agriculture) and Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield (Trade), last week to finalise the deal. This access will provide further opportunities to grow the UK economy and strengthen the trading relationship between both countries. Daniel Zeichner said: “This deal not only opens new opportunities for UK poultry traders, but grants a new avenue through which to grow the UK economy.

“We’re one step further on our journey to securing better trade deals for UK farmers, improving industry resilience and kickstarting our food exports.”

South Africa has historically been an important market for UK poultry, with exports of poultry worth over £37 million to South Africa in 2016. Teams from across government have worked in combination with their counterparts in South Africa for many years to regain market access. International Meat Trade Association CEO Katie Doherty said: “The reopening of South Africa for UK poultry meat exports is fantastic news for UK producers and exporters – prior to the ban, it was a vital market for UK exporters.

“It is testament to all the hard work by Defra’s market access team and the agricultural attachés and other officials who have supported this crucial work over many years, for which we are very grateful.”

1,000 jobs lost as TGI Fridays goes into administration

Stuart Pearcey
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1,000 jobs lost as TGI Fridays goes into administration
More than 1,000 people lost their jobs yesterday as the owners of TGI Fridays went into administration. As Thursdays UK Limited, operating under the brand ‘TGI Fridays UK’, entered administration 51 off its sites were sold, securing for now almost 2,400 jobs, but 35 sites have been closed, resulting in 1,012 redundancies. Chief Exec Julie McEwan said: “We are doing everything possible to retain our team and support those impacted.” Buyers Breal Capital and Calveton UK already own restaurant chains Byron Burgers and Vinoteca as well as restaurant group D&D London. The Government has stepped in to help resolve issues around payment of wages and tips.

Sheffield Forgemasters help with restart of world’s oldest working nuclear reactor

Stuart Pearcey
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Sheffield Forgemasters help with restart of world’s oldest working nuclear reactor
Work done by Sheffield Forgemasters has allowed the restarting of a nuclear reactor in Switzerland that has been offline for two years. Unit 1 of the Beznau nuclear power plant is the world’s oldest nuclear power plant still in commercial operation, having been commissioned in September 1969. It was taken offline for two years until confirmed to be safe by the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate. As an engineering consultant for the project, Sheffield Forgemasters was responsible for the entire process of recreating a section of the reactor, conducting materials testing and establishing a root cause analysis. Using the same techniques employed in the original manufacturing in the 1960s, Sheffield Forgemasters as faithfully as possible produced a large cylindrical forging almost identical to the original. Ultrasonic testing was conducted on the full-scale replica and similar ultrasonic indications were discovered. A spokesman for Forgemasters said: “The work carried out by Sheffield Forgemasters gave significant support to the overall safety case and allowed the reactor to be restarted after a significantly costly two year hiatus. It has also provided information which will help to assess the current and ongoing safety of the RPV and ensure the operation requirements of the whole power plant are met for the future of the reactors life.”

East Lindsey businesses warned about new ‘licence expiry’ scam

Stuart Pearcey
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East Lindsey businesses warned about new ‘licence expiry’ scam
Businesses in the East Lindsey area of Lincolnshire are being alerted to a new scam being attempted in the area, where fraudsters posing as Council officials claim alcohol licences are about to expire. A spokesman for the Licensing Officers of South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership said: “The scam involves individuals falsely claiming that your Alcohol Premises Licence is running out or expiring. This is incorrect, as alcohol licences do not expire or run out. Any annual licence fees due will be handled by the Council through the usual annual invoice/reminder process. “These fraudsters can seem very convincing, sometimes having accurate information such as the fee amount or the names of real Council staff. If you’re ever in doubt about someone claiming to be from the Council, contact your local council directly to verify their identity. “We are committed to protecting our local businesses from fraudulent activities. Please remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to ensure the safety and integrity of our community.” If you believe you’ve been targeted by this scam or have any relevant information, please report the incident to the Licensing Team at your local council, Lincolnshire Police on 101, and Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

National Grid put under pressure to ‘come clean’ over costs in pylon plan

Stuart Pearcey
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National Grid put under pressure to ‘come clean’ over costs in pylon plan

National Grid is being pressured by Lincolnshire County Council’s legal department to share the data used to justify its claim that 400 pylons running through Lincolnshire are cheaper than seabed cabling.

The council believes the costing for the Grid’s proposal for pylons and substations across 80 miles of productive farmland between Grimsby and Walpole are fundamentally flawed. Officers have already requested official costings twice and have been ignored by the Grid, which has cited commercial sensitivities. The council, which is supportive of the need to route offshore renewables to UK communities to achieve net zero, believes the Grid’s ‘value for money’ claims may be flawed on the following grounds:
  • They are deliberately using out of date costings to justify pylons over seabed cabling.
  • They are ignoring indirect costs like the compensation they would need to pay to land and property owners, the extra infrastructure needed to allow for the maintenance of the network and the compensation that councils would claim for loss of tourism.
  • They have not considered other alternatives like investing in existing pylon networks to boost their capacity.
The council has formally requested a response from the Grid on these points by 29 October, ahead of official consultations planned for spring next year. Martin Hill, leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We have been quite clear about the impact these proposals would have on the county if they came to fruition, and we deserve to have the full information to ensure that National Grid has truly considered all the options before decimating Lincolnshire’s countryside. “The county council is experienced with dealing with commercially sensitive information, so hiding behind this excuse simply does not make sense. “We believe their data is flawed, but if the Grid stands by the claim that pylons are a cheaper, they need to simply tell us how they have reached that conclusion – show us the figures. “Upgrades to national energy infrastructure need to be done properly, and we’re seeking assurances for our residents that every option is being properly considered.”  

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.”

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