Humber region to be given £85,000 to boost maritime economy

Stuart Pearcey
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Humber region to be given £85,000 to boost maritime economy

The Humber region is one of nine maritime clusters across the UK earmarked to receive a share of government funding to help secure investment for local industry and deliver skills, training and educational programmes.

It’s to get £85,000 to help unlock regional economic growth to revitalise coastal towns and cities, help build the UK’s economy and break down barriers to opportunity, as well as driving innovation in the sector.

Maritime Minister Mike Kane said:  ”The UK is a proud maritime nation, with our coastal communities being vital in unleashing our full potential and unlocking economic growth across the country.

“By investing in our excellent maritime clusters, we can deliver jobs, skills and training for local communities and turbocharge growth by delivering investment into the sector.”

Chris Shirling-Rooke MBE, Chief Executive of Maritime UK, said: “Today is an incredible milestone for the maritime industry across the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The maritime cluster development fund will create a real impact and make a tangible difference to our most precious of places – our coastal communities.

“Having been on this incredible journey with partners at the Department for Transport for more than 6 years, this labour of love for all of us is a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership. I look forward to seeing all of our maritime clusters thrive and creating those vital jobs and growth where they’re needed most.”

Large employers pledge funding for SME apprenticeships

Stuart Pearcey
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Large employers pledge funding for SME apprenticeships
Large employers in West Yorkshire have pledged a total of £9m to fund hundreds of apprenticeships in smaller firms. In a major boost for SMEs a new £3m package for apprenticeships has been announced by Mayor Tracy Brabin this morning on Small Business Saturday. The new funding is part of a regional scheme that links large employers with smaller businesses to fund new apprenticeship opportunities. So far, £6m from large employers has been delivered to create 1,000 apprenticeships in SMEs. By working with large employers like Bradford-based Morrisons, the Mayor has helped to ensure that funding which would otherwise go to the Treasury has instead been used to support local SMEs. The Mayor praised the large employers that are part of her apprenticeships scheme for helping to “keep the West Yorkshire pound in West Yorkshire”, by using the percentage of their annual pay bill that must be spent on apprenticeships – known as “the apprenticeship levy” – to support SMEs in the region. Other large employers to “transfer” some of their apprenticeships funding to other businesses and public sector organisations include ASDA, which has funded new apprentice PCSOs and call handlers in West Yorkshire Police; Howdens, which has boosted the number of construction workers building vital new infrastructure for the region; and Card Factory, which has provided funding to upskill more people into essential healthcare roles, bolstering the frontline of the NHS. The Mayor of said: “By teaming up with our region’s biggest businesses, we’ll create £9 million of apprenticeships in smaller firms, giving a thousand people the skills they need to succeed. “Our apprenticeships scheme is putting more money in people’s pockets, growing the workforce of our small and medium-sized businesses, and keeping the West Yorkshire pound here in West Yorkshire, boosting our economy. “By partnering with business, we’re upskilling people into the vital jobs we need to build a stronger, brighter region.” Clare Grainger, Group People and Corporate Services Director at Morrisons, said: “We’re proud of Morrisons’ ongoing commitment to apprenticeships, building skills and supporting the next generation of leaders in our company. “In partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Morrisons has shared £1 million of apprenticeship funding to help other local businesses and public sector organisations develop their workforces. “This is an important part of our commitment to the region and will help to ensure critical sectors have the skilled professionals they need.”

Name change announced for major Lincoln property development

Stuart Pearcey
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Name change announced for major Lincoln property development

The new neighbourhood being created by the largest development project to take place in Lincoln for decades will be called Charterholme, it was revealed today.

Previously referred to as the Western Growth Corridor, Charterholme has been more than 100 years in the making and will evolve over the next 25 years to create 3,200 homes, shops, a business park, leisure village, community services and improved transport infrastructure. The unveiling of the community’s official identity is a significant milestone for the scheme, which is being brought forward by City of Lincoln Council in partnership with city-based regional construction business Lindum Group. Construction of Charterholme is already under way, with a new signalised traffic junction at Skellingthorpe Road and Birchwood Avenue and a new access road into the site now complete. Planning permission has been granted for the first phase of 52 homes at the Skellingthorpe Road end of the site, with construction due to start this year. Civil engineering company GRAHAM has been appointed by City of Lincoln Council as the main contractor to design and build the eastern access over the railway for vehicles, cycles and pedestrians, linking Charterholme to Tritton Road. Cllr Naomi Tweddle, City of Lincoln Council Leader, said:“We’re delighted to launch Charterholme, and start a new chapter for this exciting project within the city. “Working with partners to bring our vision for this area of the city to life has been incredibly rewarding. “Charterholme will be somewhere our communities can thrive and have a real sense of belonging, and its creation is a key priority for the council. The Charterholme name will help provide a strong sense of place for all those who choose to live there. “I would like to thank all those involved with the project for helping us get to this point, the hard work and collaboration from City of Lincoln Council and Lindum has been a great success, and we can’t wait to see the development grow and evolve.”

Tramlines and Tramlines Fringe bring multi-million-pound boost to Sheffield economy

Tess Egginton
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Tramlines and Tramlines Fringe bring multi-million-pound boost to Sheffield economy
This year’s Tramlines Music Festival and The Fringe at Tramlines provided a combined £7.3 million boost to Sheffield’s economy. Tramlines is one of the UK’s longest running, city-based music festivals and a highlight in Sheffield’s year-round calendar of events and festivals. Whilst Tramlines in Hillsborough Park is a ticketed event, 2024 also saw the return of the Fringe at Tramlines – in Association with Sheffield BID – a free, city centre event taking place in Sheffield’s outdoor spaces, pubs, bars and music venues. A report, to be discussed at an Economic Development and Skills Committee meeting next week (Thursday 12th December), has now revealed some of the major benefits of the festival to both the city and its residents. Following a review, the main Tramlines event in Hillsborough Park, which took place earlier this year in July, has been estimated to have generated around £5.45m for the economy, with over 108,000 people attending the event over the course of the weekend. In addition, The Fringe at Tramlines is estimated to have generated approximately £1.86m of economic benefit, with approximately 45,000 attendees. Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skill Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “Events like Tramlines are hugely beneficial to the city. “They bring visitors from across the country and beyond, and this in turn brings a boost for Sheffield based businesses. Whether it’s seats in restaurants, cups of coffee, beds in hotel rooms or even people ordering taxis, it is all for the benefit of the Sheffield economy and the people of Sheffield. “On top of that, the festival helps to raise much needed funds for Sheffield-based charities, and organisers offer work placements to local people and students, donate tickets to local communities and offer paid opportunities to local and emerging artists.” The Tramlines Trust – the festival’s official charity and fundraiser – also raised over £62,000 at the 2024 event. £32,000 will be granted to Sheffield and Hillsborough charities, with over 50% to go directly to Hillsborough. Some of the organisations to benefit include A Mind Apart, which provides inclusive theatre education, and Kids Plant Trees, a group dedicated to enhancing local green spaces through youth-led tree planting. Holme Lane Community Garden received funding to expand its urban garden, while Hillsborough Pumas Under 12s, Hillsborough Arena Sports Association and Hillsborough Hornets Disability FC will use grants to boost facilities and opportunities for youth in sports. This year, the festival also continued to shine a spotlight on Hillsborough’s businesses through the ‘Hillsborough Hotspots’ guide, showcasing where to visit before heading to the main event. In addition to promoting these local businesses online and at the festival, Tramlines provided heavily subsidised stalls for local traders in their ‘Little Hillsborough’ area, with all infrastructure provided by the festival. In total, they worked with 125 local businesses with over 1200 local staff working the event. The Fringe also did its bit to support local businesses, bringing business to 40 venues across the city. Diane Jarvis, Head of Business Operations at Sheffield BID, said: “The Fringe at Tramlines is a vital component of Sheffield’s vibrant cultural landscape. “It not only enhances the festival experience for attendees but also significantly boosts the city centre economy. By drawing thousands of visitors to the city centre, the Fringe supports our businesses, from independent shops to hospitality venues, and provides a platform for nearly 400 local and emerging artists. “This event exemplifies the collaborative spirit of Sheffield, showcasing the best of what our city has to offer and reinforcing our commitment to fostering a thriving business community. The estimated economic benefit of £1.86m represents 9.7% of the total spend in the city centre during July and is a very welcome uplift to the trading environment.” Both events also support local, upcoming talent. Local groups were offered the opportunities at this year festival through the Sarah Nulty Power of Music Trust. Since moving to Hillsborough Park in 2018, Tramlines has offered 296 slots to local artists and since 2022, they have welcomed 47 young artists through their development programmes, providing a platform to connect the artists with their aspirations of performing on a major stage in front of thousands of people. On top of this, The Fringe at Tramlines provided opportunities for almost 400 local and emerging artists and groups to take to the main stage at Devonshire Green.

Forecourt operator acquires longstanding site in South Yorkshire

Tess Egginton
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Forecourt operator acquires longstanding site in South Yorkshire
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold Bawtry Road Service Station in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.
Located on Bawtry Road, a busy main road linking the M18 and M1 motorways on the outskirts of Rotherham, the business benefits in high volume fuel sales from passing and commuter trade. In addition to fuel, the business also includes a kiosk shop, which provides a range of convenience items. The business has been purchased by Mr. Tanvir, an existing forecourt operator with several sites in the North East. Mr. Tanvir purchased the business as he saw it as a perfect opportunity to expand his portfolio. He comments: “We intend to create a modern, Premier branded convenience store and expand the range of products on offer, including hot food and drinks to go.” Andrew Birnie, Director at Christie & Co who handled the sale, says: “Bawtry Road Service Station provided an excellent opportunity for a potential new owner, and we had a number of enquiries as soon as the business was listed. “We quickly secured a deal with the purchaser, Mr. Tanvir, who has exciting plans for the business going forward – I wish him the best of luck in this venture.”

Barnsley engineering company invests in expansion to meet global demand

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Barnsley engineering company invests in expansion to meet global demand
A Barnsley engineering company which designs and builds bespoke polyurethane processing equipment has invested in expansion of its manufacturing and stock facilities. CTM UK Ltd is a leader in the supply of polyurethane (PU) processing technologies to worldwide clients in a diverse range of sectors. It is a pioneer in the bespoke building of systems for offshore windfarm, oil and gas industries where PU is essential to seal and protect pipes and cables under the sea. The company’s growing global reputation as a specialist in this field has led to significant growth since 2002 and it has now invested in an upgrade of its premises, to give the business more room to grow. CTM has added a 100 sq m mezzanine floor to its existing 500 sq m unit at Zenith Park, enabling it to restructure its workshop, streamline production, expand storage space and increase the volume of spare parts it can hold in stock. The company’s £30,000 investment has been backed by a Business Productivity Grant, secured with the support of Barnsley Council’s Enterprising Barnsley programme. The grant, which covered a third of the cost of the project, is supported by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and part-funded by UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Director of CTM UK Ltd, Shane Wootton, said: “Very few businesses worldwide do what we do, and we’ve built a global reputation over 30 years. We’ve always been committed to innovation and investment, and the only thing holding us back from doing more at this stage has been a shortage of space. “So, this expansion and restructuring of our site is a huge bonus. It has allowed us to optimise workflow and dramatically increase productivity.” CTM, which is led by Shane and his wife Ruth Wootton, estimates that the additional workspace and improved layout will enable them to work on more projects at the same time, speed up builds and increase productivity by 45-60 percent. It will also allow them to take on much larger system builds than they were previously able to handle. The larger storage area, which can accommodate much higher component stock levels, has already boosted the spare parts, repairs and servicing side of the business, with nearly 30 percent more orders being despatched daily. Mayor of Barnsley Cllr John Clarke JP, on an official tour of CTM’s expanded premises, said: “CTM is a small but mighty manufacturing Barnsley business which punches way above its weight in the global polyurethane equipment industry. “It’s impressive to see the CTM team use their experience, expertise and ‘can-do’ attitude to design, build and deliver whatever their customers need. It’s not surprising the company has become the preferred supplier across many industries and especially for offshore clients working in challenging environments. “We’re very proud to support CTM’s expansion at this time and look forward to seeing this innovative company continue to grow as part of Barnsley’s diverse industrial economy.” Shane said: “We’re very grateful for the support we’ve received from Enterprising Barnsley to back our investment. They’ve stepped up in these difficult times to help us secure finance which has enabled us to move faster with our plans to increase capacity and efficiency and achieve significant growth sooner.” Enterprising Barnsley has also backed staff development at CTM, supporting its new Business Unit Manager to hone skills in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, along with enabling its design and programming team to expand and update their electrical schematic software know-how.

Plans approved for £120m residential development in Hull

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Plans approved for £120m residential development in Hull
Plans have been approved for a £120m development which will bring 450 new homes to a neighbourhood in Hull. A planning application by East Yorkshire-based housebuilder Beal Homes for a 52-acre site west of Richmond Way in Kingswood has been given the green light by Hull City Council. The “hybrid” application included full planning permission for the first 214 homes and associated works, as well as outline plans for a further 236 homes. The approved plans also include engineering works to raise the embankment on the nearby River Hull, and improved drainage measures, to enhance flood resilience for the whole of the Kingswood area. These works will also involve creation of a 3m-wide gravel riverside footpath and cycleway for local residents to enjoy on the crest of the raised embankment along the full eastern boundary of the development site. The development will also include provision of a large managed country park, planted with more than 800 trees, and Beal will make a financial contribution to enable 99 new primary school places. Hull City Council’s Planning Committee granted approval for the scheme, subject to conditions. Beal Land Director Chris Murphy said: “We’re pleased to have received planning consent to proceed with our latest major investment in Kingswood. “We have worked very closely with the local authority and statutory bodies to develop and refine these plans, which will bring much-needed new homes to the area and offer wider benefits to the local community. “Kingswood is a thriving and growing neighborhood with continuing high demand for new homes, which this development responds to. “As well as increasing the availability of high-quality homes in the area, the development will benefit the entire Kingswood community through the riverbank works and creation of a new footpath and cycleway on the raised embankment.” The full planning permission for the first 214 homes covers a range of two, three and four-bedroom house types, including terraced, semi-detached and detached homes.

North Yorkshire-based Reed Boardall sees rise in profits as extended cold store heads towards full utilisation

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North Yorkshire-based Reed Boardall sees rise in profits as extended cold store heads towards full utilisation
Reed Boardall, operators in the temperature-controlled food storage and distribution sector, has seen profits before tax rise to £2.51m in its latest financial results as it moves towards complete utilisation of its extended cold store. The increase in net profit to 1.9% of revenue (for the year ending March 2024) compared to 1.1% in the previous year, was achieved despite the highly competitive market as the business drove up volumes at its 168,000 pallet-capacity single site in Boroughbridge. Having completed a multi-million-pound project in 2021 to expand capacity and create an  extensive, modern cold storage facility, Reed Boardall is now seeing utilisation volumes, turnover and profit, increase across all areas of the business in the last 12 months. In addition to storage and transport, demand for the group’s dedicated ancillary services, such as blast freezing, picking and packing, have also grown. Marcus Boardall, chief executive of Reed Boardall, said: “After a tough few years which saw the industry reeling from the impact of Covid and then spiralling costs, we are now seeing the business entering calmer waters. It’s gratifying to start to realise the benefits of our significant investment in increasing capacity and strengthening our single site model. “While it continues to be a dynamic market with some of the major players moving between logistics providers, we are finding that the strength of our reputation for delivering product on time, every time, is attracting new customers as well as helping us to retain or expand our existing contracts. “Having served the country’s leading food retailers and manufacturers for over 30 years, it’s reassuring to see that customers are continuing to prioritise quality of service and seeking a reputable long-term cold storage and transport partner.” Reed Boardall group finance director Sarah Roberts added: “These latest encouraging financial results are a further demonstration of the success of our single site strategy which enables us to serve customers efficiently. “Over the last year, we’ve increased volumes, meaning that we expect to be operating full utilisation of our extensive cold storage facilities by the end of our current financial year in the spring. “During 2024, we have been less affected by labour shortages, largely due to the success of our inhouse driver training academy which has resulted in 80 new HGV drivers qualifying since our scheme began. We are continuing to invest in developing our dedicated team which is at the heart of our ability to provide exceptional service. “We pride ourselves on our innovation and look forward to further strengthening our customer relationships as we remain committed to being at the forefront of the industry. “We are approaching the year ahead from a position of strength, confident that our can-do attitude and solid reputation will continue to reassure some of the best-loved names in the British food sector that they are in the capable hands of a long-established, reliable partner.”

Transformation of Rowntree’s Factory completes in York

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Transformation of Rowntree’s Factory completes in York
Latimer, the development arm of Clarion Housing Group, has completed its flagship project to transform the iconic Rowntree’s Factory into an £80m residential development called The Cocoa Works – delivered by the principal contractor for the scheme, Henry Boot Construction. The famous site, which was established in 1890 and was home to some of the nation’s most loved confectionery brands including KitKat, Aero, Smarties and Milkybar, has been redeveloped into 279 apartments – 30 per cent of which are affordable homes. As part of the development, the former Joseph Rowntree Memorial library has been re-imagined as a co-working and meeting space for residents, including a concierge. A new William Sutton pavilion, named after the Victorian social housing visionary who played a crucial role in establishing what is now Clarion Housing Group, has also been created and is home to independent York café CAVO, alongside a flexible, bookable communal space for residents. Ryan O’Loughlin, Director at Henry Boot Construction, said: “The Rowntree’s Factory is an iconic part of York’s heritage and we’re proud to have delivered its transformation to The Cocoa Works. This ensures the story of this beloved building continues for decades to come with a residential development of outstanding quality. “We are also extremely proud of the work we have done within the local community, supporting some incredible charities and other initiatives over the last three years.” Richard Cook, Chief Development Officer at Clarion Housing Group, said: “Our work to breathe new life into the Rowntree’s Factory has been a huge endeavour of which everyone involved can be really proud. “We all understand just how important the Rowntree’s Factory is to York’s heritage. It created some of the country’s best loved confectionery and was a major employer in the city, with a founder in Joseph Rowntree who was ahead of his time when it came to championing workers’ rights and social value. “That’s why we made a promise to honour this important legacy through our redevelopment of the factory. We wanted to do more than just build homes at The Cocoa Works. “We aspired to deliver more by sympathetically redeveloping the factory to sit at the centre of a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood which provides quality homes, amenities and shared spaces to help foster a genuine community. “With The Cocoa Works now complete, it gives me tremendous pride to be able to say we’ve delivered on that promise.” Despite its important cultural status, the Rowntree’s Factory fell out of use after production at the factory halted in 2006. It was left standing unused and derelict for more than a decade before Latimer secured planning permission to redevelop the site in 2017.

Government must create right conditions for business, says BCC

Stuart Pearcey
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Government must create right conditions for business, says BCC
It’s crucial that Government creates the right conditions for businesses to stay competitive and grow in communities across the UK, according to Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce. Responding to the Prime Minister’s Plan For Change announcement she said it was good to hear the Prime Minister double down on his commitment to grow the economy and highlight the importance of reforming the planning system. She said: “The target of 150 new infrastructure projects is one that business will welcome, with its potential to boost regions and reinvigorate supply chains – but there is still a huge gap between the what and the how and when. “With a bruising budget forcing many firms to revisit their investment and hiring plans, the pathway to this promised growth needs to accelerate. “The cost-of-living crisis and the cost of doing business – are two sides of the same coin. They can’t be dealt with in isolation. Boosting private sector investment is fundamental to improving the cost of living.  

Yorkshire and Humber insolvency-related activities fall by a third in November

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Yorkshire and Humber insolvency-related activities fall by a third in November
Insolvency-related activities fell sharply across the country in November, according to the latest research from the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body, R3. In Yorkshire and the Humber, insolvency-related activities, which includes liquidator and administrator appointments and creditors’ meetings, were down by almost a third (29%), falling from 309 in October to 220 in November. Insolvency-related activities dropped across every English region as well in Northern Ireland, which saw a 53% fall, with only Scotland seeing an increase (of 9%). Outside of Greater London, the North West had the highest number last month, at 382 – a figure that was down 13% on the previous month. While insolvency-related activities decreased in November, R3’s analysis, which is based on data from business intelligence and credit checking provider Creditsafe, also revealed a decrease in the number of start-ups across the country in the same month. In Yorkshire and the Humber there was a 16% decline in the number of start-ups, at 3,843, compared with 4,570 in October. Northern Ireland saw the highest percentage decrease in entrepreneurial activity with a fall of 28%, while the South West saw a drop of 22%. Dave Broadbent, chair of R3 in Yorkshire and partner at Begbies Traynor in York and Teesside, said: “The fall in the numbers of start-ups is concerning, and is likely to be an extension of the general business confidence plunge that we have witnessed in the aftermath of the Autumn Budget. “While entrepreneurs and businesses take time to absorb the consequences of the Budget for their future plans, the hope is that announcements early in 2025 on tax reform, industrial strategy and infrastructure may help boost growth and provide a lift to start-up numbers too.” He added: “In the meantime, for businesses facing financial problems, whether as a result of the Chancellor’s Budget announcements or otherwise, we would always urge them to seek advice from qualified professionals to achieve the most positive outcome possible.”

County Council plans £20m investment to boost business growth

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County Council plans £20m investment to boost business growth

An investment of £20m over four years will be made by Lincolnshire County Council to fund business growth projects in the county.

The council’s executive have agreed to use the council’s own money for economic development to encourage and support businesses to start up, grow and re-locate to the county. The money will be used to expand business parks, create new office spaces and to build a new facility supporting manufacturing companies to get the skills and expertise they need to thrive. Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We know that in many parts of the county there is a limited amount of suitable serviced land for businesses to grow or re-locate to. This investment means we can keep businesses in the county and provide around 3000 new high quality jobs. “It also means that, with the devolution investment in Sleaford Moor Business Park, there will be significant investment in business infrastructure in every district of the county in the coming years.” The decision is based on the acknowledgement that the Lincolnshire economy has several important sectors providing value locally whilst contributing to national propsperity. These include food manufacturing, defence, and advanced manufacturing. Each of these sectors presents significant economic opportunity, but potential growth is constrained by the availability of suitable sites. Similarly, small businesses in some parts of the county say their growth is constrained by the availability of sites or business units that they can grow into.

New industrial units to be built near Holbeach

Stuart Pearcey
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New industrial units to be built near Holbeach
A new-build scheme of 22,000 sq ft of industrial & office space on a 1.23 acre site just north of Holbeach has been launched. The scheme is Stirlin Innovation Park, which received planning approval earlier this year for a dozen high-specification purpose built industrial business units. The South Lincolnshire FEZ is home to a range of public and private sector partners involved in pioneering further developments in the county’s key AgriTech sector, including the University of Lincoln. According to agents Eddisons, the development offers the chance to be in a central part of the UK Food Valley where, in producing 30 per cent of the country’s vegetable & salad production, satellite and associated business opportunities look set to grow further in the AgriTech sector. Work on site is expected to start early next year, with the units scheduled for completion later in 2025.

Mercia passes £5m milestone from Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II

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Mercia passes £5m milestone from Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II
Mercia Debt – which manages part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) – has marked a key milestone, having provided over £5m in debt finance since the launch of the fund earlier this year. Mercia has provided a total of £5.5m in business loans to 17 companies covering a wide range of sectors, with the majority based in Yorkshire and Humber. They include Change Accountants in York, Thornton Park Farm near Sowerby Bridge which is setting up a glamping site, Ilkley-based Talk Straight which provides broadband and cloud services to schools, Leeds cybersecurity firm Xentra, Lab Systems Furniture of Hull and Birkenhead-based energy and environmental consultancy Inteb. Pete Sorsby, Fund Principal at Mercia Debt, said the new fund had generated strong interest from the business and advisory community, with many more deals in the pipeline. “Debt funding plays a critical role in supporting business growth,” he said. “Our mission is to help SMEs in the North to access the finance they need, particularly those that might otherwise not receive it. “Mercia provided over £77m in debt funding to almost 300 companies through the first Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF I) which resulted in some fantastic growth stories. The latest fund builds on the success of NPIF I, however the maximum loan amount has increased to £2m and the fund has additional flexibility which enables us to support a wider range of business sectors. “We have also worked hard to build our networks and extend our reach into different areas and communities to make them aware of the funding available. As a result we are already seeing a more diverse mix in terms of the type of businesses, founders and locations. We are looking forward to working with them as they build their business and to speaking with other ambitious entrepreneurs seeking funding for growth.”

Lincoln business celebrates 10 years of gourmet gifting with £3m turnover, expansion and ambitious growth plans

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Lincoln business celebrates 10 years of gourmet gifting with £3m turnover, expansion and ambitious growth plans
From kitchen table to £3 million turnover, Lincoln-based The British Hamper Company is celebrating 10 years of business success as it gears up for its busiest Christmas and unveils plans to double its turnover by 2026. The family-run business, which was founded in 2014 from a gazebo at the family home, was born from a shared enthusiasm for great food, British individuality and a love of gift giving. After a decade of business growth, it has marked its landmark year with a number of major milestones including a branding overhaul, the launch of its products into wholesale, expansion of its Lincolnshire premises and growth of its senior team. The business is now preparing to fulfil more than 2,000 orders a day over the Christmas period, with the creation of 30 additional seasonal jobs. This year The British Hamper Company has rolled out an ambitious growth strategy as it forecasts a £6 million turnover by 2026. Central to this growth is the launch of a wholesale product range, which will see its artisan food and drink products, including Cornish Fudge, All Butter Cheddar Biscuits, Lemon Butter Shortbread, Raspberry Zing Jam, fine teas, and handcrafted sweets, sold in gourmet food stores across the UK and rest of world for the first time. To meet growing demand from consumers, corporate gifting clients and its growth into the wholesale market, this year the business has significantly expanded its Lincoln-based warehouse facilities. The investment into its premises has increased its storage capacity by 36%, bringing the total operational area to approximately 15,000 square feet. With 35% of its orders being sent to recipients overseas, The British Hamper Company has also opened a European distribution hub in the Netherlands to streamline its distribution to global markets and to help support its global growth ambitions. The business has been further bolstered with the appointment of three new senior positions including an Export Sales Manager, National Wholesale Account Manager and Marketing Manager, taking the total number of permanent employees to 20. With a commitment to supporting the local community, 2024 saw the business form a partnership with Lincoln City Football Club. “Celebrating 10 years of The British Hamper Company is an incredible milestone for us as a family and as a business,” says Alice Tod, Sales Director of the Lincoln-based business. “This year has been particularly transformative, from unveiling a refreshed brand identity to launching our wholesale range – we’re immensely proud of how far we’ve come. It all started from humble beginnings in a gazebo at our family home, we are now proud to be a multimillion pound business at the heart of the luxury gifting market. “Throughout this journey, our Lincolnshire roots have been a constant source of inspiration and pride.” James Tod, Managing Director, continued: “Lincolnshire has provided us with a strong foundation to grow, from the talented local workforce to the support of the community that has championed us every step of the way. “This year, we’ve expanded our premises to meet rising demand, creating more jobs and investing in our future, all while staying true to our local heritage. Our new partnership with Lincoln City Football Club is a further example of how we’re staying connected to the region that means so much to us. “As we reach the end of our anniversary year and prepare for our busiest Christmas yet, we remain committed to delivering exceptional gifts that showcase the very best of British craftsmanship and quality. We’re excited about what the future holds and look forward to sharing this next chapter with our loyal customers and partners.”

cardfactory steps into the US with acquisition

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cardfactory steps into the US with acquisition

cardfactory, the Wakefield-headquartered retailer of greeting cards and gifts, has entered the US gifts and celebration essentials market with the $25m acquisition of Garven Holdings and its subsidiaries.

Garven trades as Garven Design and Cadence Packaging and is a leader in the design and wholesale of gifts and celebration essentials, based in Minnesota.

Garven has an established customer base of general and speciality retailers which will allow cardfactory to further explore design and buying synergies, alongside opportunities to introduce its own ranges into the US wholesale market.

Chief Operating Officer, Anne Schulze and Chief Financial Officer, Walter Jungbauer will continue to manage the Garven business.

Darcy Willson-Rymer, cardfactory Chief Executive Officer, said: “The acquisition of Garven is an important strategic milestone in our partnerships strategy. Together with our separate wholesale supply agreement covering over 1,100 stores across the US, it establishes a physical presence in the US market.

“Over a number of years, Garven has built a reputation as a trusted brand known for its quality products and impressive design capabilities, with Anne and Walter building an excellent customer proposition. We are excited to welcome the Garven team to cardfactory and look forward to building upon their existing commercial relationships, as well as forging new ones.

“International partnerships are a key component of our growth strategy. This acquisition is a key step in delivering the growth from partnerships as we guided at our Capital Markets Update in May last year. Garven represents an exciting opportunity for cardfactory to build scale in the world’s biggest celebration occasions market.”

Yorkshire-based Advanced Alloy Services set for expansion with £20m funding package

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Yorkshire-based Advanced Alloy Services set for expansion with £20m funding package
Advanced Alloy Services, a South Yorkshire-based supplier of high purity metals, revert and toll-process for the manufacture of high temperature superalloys, has received a £20m funding package from Santander Corporate and Commercial Banking. The package includes a £10m General Export Finance facility (GEF), £10m Invoice Finance, FX facilities, and transactional banking, which will enable Advanced Alloy Services to grow its business both domestically and internationally, as it pursues its strategy for growth in the UK, US and Asia. The arrangement offers the metals business flexibility, tailored to its needs. The new financing agreement will also allow the business to expand its partnerships with UK universities to research and develop new critical metals recovery processes with material from secondary sources. Financial support from Santander will facilitate these crucial innovation projects and help the UK develop security of supply of critical minerals and metals, essential for key infrastructure projects. Metal recovery projects will also help towards Net Zero targets, by reducing reliance of metals from primary sources and corresponding high carbon emissions from mining and refining processes. Advanced Alloy Services Ltd was founded in 1993. The business has a turnover of £56.7m and in May received its first prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade. The firm employs over 40 people who are all based in the Dinnington, South Yorkshire premises. Stephen Hall, Managing Director, Advanced Alloy Services, said: “With our new financing arrangement, Santander has differentiated themselves from other banks. Crucially, they have demonstrated support for the UK metals industry and with it the UK Critical Mineral Strategy, helping security of supply essential for key infrastructure.” Liz Pickering, Relationship Director, Santander Corporate and Commercial, added: “We are delighted to have supported Advanced Alloy Services and delivered a bespoke refinance package which will support the company’s exciting opportunity for UK and international growth. “Advanced Alloy Services Ltd is a well-established local business growing in its sector. The remit at the outset from the management team was to provide a flexible funding solution to enable the metal supplier to maximise international growth, which we achieved by working alongside UKEF. “This has been collaborative approach, and we look forward to continue working with the Advanced Alloy team.”

£40m funding from Octopus Real Estate to deliver three new care homes

Tess Egginton
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£40m funding from Octopus Real Estate to deliver three new care homes
Octopus Real Estate has announced £40 million of funding for three new purpose-built care homes in the Octopus Healthcare Fund’s (OHF) portfolio of over 100 homes. These new care homes will provide a total of over 200 beds, each with a private wet room, having been funded as part of a strategic partnership with operator Torwood Care. The sites are prominently located in Durham, Worksop and Bradford, and will operate as Tanglewood Care. The homes, which are being developed by Torsion Care, will be fully electric, powered by air source heat pumps and featuring solar panels. All homes are targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’, contributing to the Fund’s ESG performance and net zero targets. These acquisitions mark sites three, four and five of a seven-home forward funding portfolio with Torwood Care, a joint venture partnership between Torsion Care and Tanglewood Care. The three new homes are expected to open in the first half of 2026. Forsters LLP acted for the Fund on all three acquisitions. Max Weitzmann, Investment Director, Care Homes, Octopus Real Estate, said: “We’re pleased to build on our partnership with Torwood Care, an experienced and well-respected operator. We have now worked together on the development of five best-in-class elderly care homes across the UK, totalling over 350 beds. “It’s another example of Octopus Real Estate’s commitment to delivering quality, sustainable homes that are fit for the future and meet the needs of society. We look forward to working with Torwood on additional developments going forward, working together to address the undersupply of high-quality care beds across the UK.” Nick Kempster, Director, Torwood Care, said: “At Torwood, we believe that everyone has the right to live in a home that is fit for their needs, and we take great pride in providing quality care in comfortable, relaxed and homely surroundings. “The developments we have funded with the Octopus team are a prime example of that commitment; we’re delighted to be working with Octopus Real Estate to fund and operate these three purpose-built care facilities.” Martin Hutson, Director, Torsion Care, said: “We’re thrilled to have secured project funding with Octopus Real Estate to enable us to deliver three more excellent schemes in an increasingly demanding market. We are expanding our own development portfolio and are excited to continue working with both teams.”

West Yorkshire Mayor unveils multibillion-pound growth plan

Tess Egginton
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West Yorkshire Mayor unveils multibillion-pound growth plan
The Mayor of West Yorkshire has today (5 December) set out a Local Growth Plan that will transform the region, boost the economy and put more money in people’s pockets. The ten-year Local Growth Plan, published ahead of a meeting of regional leaders next week (12 December), is projected to support the creation of 33,000 new jobs and add £26 billion to the UK economy, according to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. The plan sets out the Combined Authority’s commitment to invest £7 billion targeted at supporting businesses to grow, ensuring people have the skills they need to succeed, building a quick and reliable public transport system, and creating vibrant places with affordable and sustainable homes for all. The five priorities of the Local Growth Plan are:
  1. Boosting the region’s fastest growing business sectors, including financial and professional services, advanced manufacturing and engineering, life sciences and health technologies, and the creative industries.
  1. Supporting small and medium-sized businesses to grow and succeed, with greater access to finance, skills, workspace, innovation, markets, promotion, and a supportive eco-system of public-private partnerships.
  1. Building a region of learning and creativity, where people of all ages and backgrounds can access the qualifications, skills and employment support they need to secure well-paid work and fulfil their potential.
  1. Creating a better-connected and integrated transport network, with more reliable and frequent bus services under local control, greater rail capacity to reduce congestion and journey times, and a new tram system fully integrated with bus and rail to connect the entire region.
  1. Developing thriving places, with warm and affordable homes for all, safer communities free from crime and antisocial behaviour, neighbourhoods resilient to flooding and the impacts of climate change, and greater access to culture, heritage and sport for everyone.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Our Local Growth Plan will lay the foundations for the renaissance of our great region, transforming the economy and society of West Yorkshire for future generations. “By ensuring that everyone has the skills they need to succeed, warm, affordable and sustainable homes, and quick and reliable public transport links they can rely on, we’ll enable the creation of thousands of well-paid jobs and help deliver the nation’s growth mission. “By harnessing the full potential of devolution with a single funding settlement, West Yorkshire will finally be able to forge its own future, and we will create a brighter region that works for all.” Mandy Ridyard, Business Advisor to the Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Our diverse and dynamic businesses form the bedrock of our £66 billion regional economy, and their growth is essential to the delivery of this plan. “Ensuring they have the skills, investment and access to markets they need to deliver on their business plans will be key to that growth. “Successful businesses that are growing will help to leverage further investment into our region, creating more well-paid jobs that are instrumental to an inclusive, successful economy. “With a keen focus on our fastest growing sectors, our new Healthtech & Digital Tech Investment Zone, and further inward investment, we will deliver for the region and the nation.” Cllr James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council and Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Economy Committee, said: “The launch of the Local Growth Plan marks a real milestone for West Yorkshire. “It brings together our ambitions of reliable transport, skills for adults, well-paid jobs, and supporting and investing in our businesses meaning we can create a thriving and vibrant region. “This plan paves the way for future generations to enjoy West Yorkshire for years to come, whether for work, leisure or tourism.” Developing a Local Growth Plan for West Yorkshire was a central manifesto pledge of Mayor Tracy Brabin and if agreed, it will be adopted locally. This will feed into work the Combined Authority is doing with the Government to develop a statutory Local Growth Plan based on shared priorities and informed by the National Industrial Strategy. The Combined Authority will also be presented with a draft budget for 2025-26, which sets out initial plans for how funding will be allocated to deliver the ambitions of the Local Growth Plan.

UK signs North Sea fishing industry agreement with EU and Norway

Stuart Pearcey
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UK signs North Sea fishing industry agreement with EU and Norway
A new trilateral deal with the EU and Norway has secured UK fisheries more than 290,000 tonnes of North Sea stocks, worth up to £310m based on historic landing prices. The deal agreed catch limits on six fish stocks including cod, haddock and herring in the North Sea and other waters around the UK. Fisheries Minister Daniel Zeichner says the opportunities secured by the UK will support a sustainable and economically successful fishing sector, which in turn will back coastal communities by providing local jobs and boost economic growth. The agreement also highlights all parties’ continued commitment to ensure the long-term sustainability of shared stocks. Sustainability is at the heart of the UK’s approach to negotiations, pushing for decisions based on the best available science to protect key stocks and support the long-term viability of the UK fishing industry. Advice from scientists at the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea is the starting point for the UK’s approach and, where possible, catch limits have been set at or below these advised levels.  Economic and social considerations are appropriately balanced alongside this scientific advice. The outcome of annual fisheries negotiations will be published in the Secretary of State determination of fishing opportunities for British boats by the end of the year.
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