Housebuilding starts on former mine site in Rotherham
Work to build 32 fully-electric homes on a former open cast mine in Rotherham is under way.
Waverley Green will feature two- and three-bedroom terraced homes – sustainable thanks to developer Forge New Homes’ innovative use of electric energy supplies.
The 1.5-acre site sits at the heart of Harworth Group’s Olive Lane mixed-use development at Waverley, which aims to transform the area into a new sustainable community featuring cafés, restaurants, bars, a convenience food store, a pharmacy, a nursery, small retail shops and a medical centre.
Forge has now moved onto the site, marking the occasion with a sod-cutting ceremony attended by representatives from Harworth Group, Forge New Homes, and Lindum Group marking the fruition of a shared vision of a masterplan which infuses indoor/outdoor living, with a strong emphasis on encouraging interaction between residents.
The site is Forge New Homes’ third development in the Sheffield City Region. A location which boasts excellent connectivity with its proximity to Sheffield Parkway. £885,000 in funding for Waverley Green was awarded by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority from the SYMCA Brownfield Housing Fund.
Andy Beattie, MD for Forge New Homes, said: “Olive Lane is a fantastic scheme by Harworth, one that will continue to transform the area and create a strong community at Waverley.
“The development will have a focus on open space and outdoor community areas, providing a vibrant neighbourhood for buyers. With customers at our heart, we’ll continue to build liveable spaces for thriving households and growing communities.”
Kcom gets two nominations in internet ‘oscars’
Hull-based KCOM has been shortlisted in two categories at the Internet Services Providers’ Association Awards, dubbed the “Oscars of the internet industry,” bagging nominations for the Best Consumer ISP and Best Enterprise ISP for businesses.
This is the second year running that KCOM has been shortlisted at the ISPAs as the UK’s best consumer broadband provider.
CEO Tim Shaw said: “We’re delighted to pick up two nominations for our work empowering customers and businesses across our region with ultrafast and reliable connectivity. Winning external recognition like this is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all our people at KCOM. I’m very much looking forward to the awards in November and let’s hope we can bring the trophies back to Hull.”
Last year KCOM scooped the ISPA Award for the UK’s Best Integrated Communications Category for its work raising awareness of its £17m copper to fibre network upgrade which is currently underway across Hull and East Yorkshire.
ISPA Chair Steve Leighton said: “The 2024 ISPA awards are a celebration of the tireless work and effort we have seen from the UK’s industry sector.
“It is safe to say that it’s not all been plain sailing for the sector in the past 12 months, but through their continuous efforts these outstanding organisations have not only strived to, but also succeeded, in consistently improving their quality of services.”
The winners will be announced on Thursday, 21 November, in London.
New cohort of small firms aim to be ‘North Yorkshire Stars’
The York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub and Lifted Ventures has launched the new cohort for its ‘North Yorkshire Stars’ Investment Readiness Programme, aiming to support and prepare a fresh group of regional start-ups and early-stage businesses for investment opportunities.
The North Yorkshire Stars Programme is a fully-funded 12-hour support initiative that offers a blend of in-person and virtual workshops. It is open to businesses across all sectors. The course is designed to be inclusive and supportive of diverse founders, helping them refine their business models, access funding, and pitch effectively to investors.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, expressed his enthusiasm for the new cohort. He said, “The North Yorkshire Stars Programme has proven to be a vital resource for our entrepreneurs. It not only equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to attract investment but also fosters a spirit of innovation and inclusivity. I am confident that this new cohort will continue to build on the success of the previous one and further strengthen our local economy.”
Lifted Ventures, co-founded by Helen Oldham and Jordan Dargue, continues to play a pivotal role in the programme. Their mission to increase early-stage capital for diverse founders outside London aligns perfectly with the goals of the Growth Hub. Mr Dargue said: “After the fundamental success of the first North Yorkshire Stars Access to Finance programme, we are delighted to be supporting the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub for a second time. The programme aims to support all businesses across the region, guiding participants through the process of making their businesses investment ready.
The comprehensive support provided by the programme has been lauded by past participants. One testimonial said: “The Lifted Ventures North Yorkshire Stars programme has been instrumental in our journey, providing unwavering support, valuable introductions, and the opportunity to meet so many other great founders and advisors. Jordan and Helen’s dedication has been pivotal to our progress and success.”
The programme schedule includes a series of workshops and events starting from 23rd September 2024. It will focus on developing business plans, exploring funding options, financial forecasting, legal requirements, and crafting effective pitch decks. The course will culminate in a pitch event on 3rd December 2024, where participants will present their investment opportunities to a panel of seasoned investors from the North Yorkshire Angel Network.
This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The funding was allocated by North Yorkshire Council and is available exclusively to businesses registered in the North Yorkshire Council area.
Trio of Yorkshire garden centres acquired
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co has brokered the sale of Langlands Garden Centres to British Garden Centres, the family owned garden centre group. The acquisition includes three garden centres in Shiptonthorpe, Whinmoor and Loxley.
The purchase of these three established sites brings British Garden Centres’ (BGC) total portfolio to 65 locations across the UK. The new stores will benefit from BGC’s extensive buying power, allowing them to offer customers a wider selection of plants, garden care products, and homeware at competitive prices.
Similar to other BGC centres, the Loxley and Whinmoor stores will adopt local names and rebrand as Sheffield and Leeds to better reflect their areas. Langlands in Shiptonthorpe will keep its current name, due to its rich heritage and history within the community.
Charles Stubbs, Founder and Director of British Garden Centres, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the Langlands Garden Centre team and loyal customers to the British Garden Centres family. Langlands has a long-standing reputation for quality products, expert advice, and a dedication to the communities they serve, values that perfectly align with our own.”
James Ducker, Director of Langlands, adds: “I’m delighted that the centres and nursery are becoming part of the British Garden Centres family. We have been working with the BGC team for a few months now to ensure the transition is smooth for both the Langlands team members and our customers.
“My Grandad moved from Bingley to the site in Shiptonthorpe 60 years ago and the business has grown from there. I would like to pay tribute to my Mum and Dad who have worked so hard to make Langlands the success it is.
“We have the most amazing team and I’m sure that Langlands joining BGC will create huge opportunities for them. I’m pleased to be joining the British Garden Centres team and having a part in the future development of an amazing business.”
Tom Glanvill, Director – Garden Centres at Christie & Co, says: “This transaction is one of the largest in the garden centre market in recent years and is a great strategic acquisition for British Garden Centres, who will no doubt carry on the excellent work of the Ducker Family, along with their loyal workforce by adding three fantastic sites to their portfolio.”
Yorkshire brewery wins gold at brewers’ competition
Wold Newton-based Wold Top Brewery’s Landmark Lager and Headland Red have won gold awards and new beer Sun Drench won a silver award at the Society of Independent Brewers North East Regional Keg Awards in Sheffield.
Landmark Lager won the Session Lager Category, Headland Red won the Amber, Brown, and Red Ale Category, and Sun Drench was the runner-up in the Pale Ale Category. In a result described by judges as ‘an incredible and rare achievement to receive two overall awards in one competition,’ Headland Red was awarded a second gold medal for being the overall winner, and Landmark Lager was the runner-up. As North East category winners, Headland Red and Landmark Lager will now go forward to the national SIBA competition at BeerX in March 2025.
Director Alex Balchin said: “Our team are committed to developing and brewing great beers using Yorkshire-grown cereals and water from our farm’s borehole, so it’s really rewarding when brewers and industry experts judge our beer as award-winning.
“In changing economic times, it’s more important than ever to support our region’s independent manufacturers and retailers, and we’re grateful to SIBA for helping to facilitate this.”
The SIBA Independent Beer Awards, run across SIBA’s eight geographical regions, represent the very best beer from the UK’s independent brewers. They are judged by fellow brewers and industry experts, making these awards the “Brewers’ Choice” awards in the UK.
Wold Top Brewery was founded in 2003 and is located on the Mellor family farm at Hunmanby Grange near Filey. The team uses home-grown barley and water from the farm’s borehole to produce a range of cask, keg, and bottled beers that are available throughout Yorkshire and nationwide.
SMEs get only a fifth of public sector procurement spend, says report
Only 20% of direct procurement spend from the wider public sector (including central government) went to SMEs in 2023, according to the latest report by the British Chambers of Commerce and data provider Tussell.
The BCC’s SME Procurement Tracker powered by Tussell – now in its second year – is the market’s benchmark source for reporting on how well the government is supporting small businesses by doing business with them.
The report reveals that while absolute public spending directly with SMEs has grown over the past 6 years, SMEs only make up a fifth of overall spending last year. It was the same as 2023 (20%) and only slightly up on 2018 (18%).
Based on open procurement expenditure data published by public bodies for transparency purposes and then analysed by Tussell, the value of reported procurement expenditure by the UK Government in 2023, was £194.8bn.
Local government had the highest procurement spend directly with SMEs last year, both as a share of total procurement spend (34%) and in absolute terms (£24.1bn). The figure for the NHS was 20% of total spend and £8bn in absolute terms, while for central government 11% (£5.8bn).
Public sector spend with SMEs varies across different sectors. The Health and Social Care sector earned £11.9bn in direct public sector revenue in 2023. This accounts for 34% of total public spend in the sector, up from 29% in 2018. £4.0bn was spent on public sector spending with SMEs in education, training and recruitment.
Within central government, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport spent the highest proportion of its procurement spend directly with SMEs in 2023. DCMS spent 29% of its procurement total (equivalent to £256m). The Department for Education spent the highest absolute amount directly with SMEs, amounting to £2.0bn in 2023, or 25% of its total procurement spend.
Jonny Haseldine, Policy Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “While it’s welcome the value of SME procurement contracts is continuing to increase, government deals remain out of reach for too many businesses.
“It is vital that public bodies always consider SMEs when tendering contracts. Central government can learn lessons from local authorities who are consistently spending more on SMEs deals. We’d welcome further devolution of decision making to allow more procurement contracts to be awarded at a local level.
“The Procurement Act coming into force at the end of October has the potential to make the system simpler and more transparent for businesses. In addition, it’s crucial we hear more from the new government on their pledge to give SMEs greater access to contracts.
“Businesses up and down the country want to see a reformed process in which they can properly compete.”
Gus Tugendhat, Founder of Tussell said: “We’re delighted to partner with the British Chamber of Commerce to produce the market’s reference statistics on how much the government purchases directly from small businesses.
“Our joint SME Procurement Tracker uncovers how well the government is delivering against its objective of supporting SMEs by doing business with more of them, highlighting significant trends and data-led opportunities for improvement.
“We hope that our findings will help policy-makers across all parts of government to support local communities by reducing the official obstacles to awarding public contracts to small businesses.”
Hobson & Porter wins contract to build two schools
Two new 210-place primary schools in North East Lincolnshire will be built by Hull-based contractor Hobson & Porter.
The schools, close to Matthew Telford Way in Scartho and on land off Sunningdale in Waltham, have been commissioned by North East Lincolnshire Council working in partnership with EQUANS and will be run by Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust.
Joe Booth, Business Development Director for Hobson & Porter said: “Winning these two contracts is testament to both our experience working in the education sector and our continued growth across Lincolnshire, where we have established a strong and diverse local supply chain.
“We’ve recently started work on the new £12m Skegness Learning Campus for the TEC Partnership and we also currently delivering the pioneering Grimsby Youth Zone project in the town centre.
“These two new primary schools in Grimsby are also very similar to one we are due to handover to North Yorkshire County Council in Northallerton this summer. We’ll be utilising all this experience on these two latest education projects and we’re looking forward to starting work on site soon.”
Martin Brown, CEO of Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust, appointed to run free schools Waltham Gateway Academy and Scartho Gateway Academy, said: “We’re delighted the council has appointed contractors and look forward to the builds quickly taking shape.
“We’re excited about working with partners to create dynamic learning and teaching environments and look forward to welcoming our first children at both academies in September, 2025.”
FSB offers counter-riot advice to small firms
The Federation of Small Businesses’ Insurance Service is offering guidance to firms affected by recent rioting around the country, as wells business continuity plans for any forms concerned that they could become affected if the disorder continues.
Insurance Cover: Some policies will provide cover for malicious damage, riot and/or civil commotion. However, all policies are different so your Insurer/Broker should always be your first port of call to check what your insurance covers. Government compensation following civil disturbances is covered by The Riot Compensation Act 2016 (RCA) but, not all instances of damage or loss that occur during a period of civil disturbance will meet the criteria for compensation under the RCA. A brief guide can be found on the Government’s website.
Precautions: If you have a Business Continuity Plan in place, perhaps now is the time to review it. Make sure that entry and access points are secure, including loading bays and car parks.
Risk Check: Look at your safety plans. It goes without saying to make sure that your staff are not exposed to danger. Think about extra security you might need in the event of a major incident.
Business Interruption: Think about how problems could affect your ability to continue trading. Insurance might help if you lose money because you can’t work due to damage or having to close.
Following Damage: Notify your Insurer as quickly as possible. Take reasonable steps to limit damage, for example boarding doors and windows.
Talking to Customers: Keep your customers up to date if there are problems with your services. Clear messages can help keep trust and manage what people expect.
Following Rules: Make sure you follow any new rules or advice from local authorities.
Bishops Trade Park letting brings new sport to Lincolnshire
Sports company Vida del Padel is bringing padel – the fastest growing sporting pursuit – to Lincolnshire for the first time in formal courts in a dedicated unit after a search for the right premises and county location that has lasted over a year.
The company has chosen a 10,000-foot unit at Bishops Trade Park on Lincoln’s Outer Circle Road, scored well with Vida del padel in fulfilling a number of the operator’s criteria.
Director Ross Carlin said: “In location terms, Lincoln holds a demographic attraction. Not only does it have a vibrant retail and leisure scene in the city centre, boosted by a university cohort, but there is an advantageous reach of population within a 30 to 45 minute drive.
“While Unit C at Bishops Trade Park scored in terms of customer accessibility and parking too, internally, the layout of the unit also offered us carte blanche to have the padel court layouts we want.
“Our unit has a really good eaves height for clearance. Padel is, conventionally a sport played by doubles and so the size of the new premises lends itself to us having two full sized padel courts and, in addition, what will be the UK’s first singles padel court.”
William Wall, Director, Eddisons incorporating Banks Long & Co, said: “In taking its place at Bishops Trade Park alongside high profile trade counter and retail brands such as MKM, Screwfix and Toolstation, Vida del padel certainly brings a different kind of occupier offering.
“As Lincolnshire’s first, dedicated, formal padel courts, it’s an exciting offer and we’ve been pleased to play our part in putting padel on the local map.”
Charity plugs into historic connection with MS3 to tackle digital poverty among disadvantaged families
Disadvantaged families of seafarers will receive expert help to overcome the impact of digital poverty as a result of a new charity partnership.
The Sailors’ Children’s Society will also upgrade its own tech capabilities after being appointed as charity of the year by tech business MS3, which in addition will generate cash to support member families nationwide.
At the heart of the collaboration is the historic connection between the Society and MS3 Chief Operating Officer Tony Jopling.
Tony said: “My grandparents were very close to the Society. They used to have the children over for tea and my parents made friends with them. Those who didn’t go home to their families during holidays, or who didn’t have families, used to stay with my grandparents.
“I went to the Society’s bonfire night every year. I had swimming lessons in the pool and I was at secondary school with friends who lived with the Society. For a time we had a little job locking up the swimming pool at night.”
Natasha Barley, Chief Executive of the Society, said: “The benefits from the partnership for the business and the charity are mutual and it is such a collaborative approach.
“It’s a win-win because there are so many different ways that we can work together. It’s about partnering with like-minded organisations. We can see this is a good, ethical company which is doing some great work in our area.”
The Society, which was formed in Hull 203 years ago, now works to support disadvantaged children across the country from the Royal Navy, merchant navy, offshore wind industry, fishing fleets and inland waterways.
Hull-based MS3 operates an ultrafast full fibre network across East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire and areas of South Yorkshire.
Under the partnership, MS3 will use its expertise to improve online connectivity for the Society’s families in the region.
It will also become the main sponsor of the Society’s Sportsman’s Lunch, an event which has taken place every October for more than 30 years and last year raised £75,000.
The 140-strong team at MS3 has set up a committee to drive the fundraising campaign. Among other activities, they will donate gifts as part of the Society’s letter to Santa initiative. Zachary Whitelam, a technical support adviser at MS3, will next month join a corporate cycle ride of more than 200 miles from the Severn Bridge to the Humber Bridge.
Liz Owen-Dyce, Talent and Brand Partner at MS3, said: “We sought a unique charity partner to enhance our impact, and partnering with the Sailors Children’s Society achieves that goal. The Society recognises our capabilities and is open to receiving input from everyone. This partnership is fostering a strong sense of identity and purpose within our organisation, as we engage in volunteering, promote digital inclusion, and support fundraising efforts.
“Our internal committee, comprised of team members from various departments, will collaborate closely with the Society’s team to ensure mutual understanding and alignment of charitable goals. We are truly excited to be working with Natasha and her team!”
Natasha said: “Technology can present all sorts of challenges for our families – children absolutely need access to the internet to do their school work. MS3 use a lot of equipment which can be passed on to our families once they no longer need it.
“They will also provide support for us as a team. Part of my work is to modernise the charity and this partnership will help us upskill our team. The whole package will make an important difference for the families we are supporting from disadvantaged backgrounds.”
Tony added: “Nobody should be disadvantaged when it comes to the internet because it has become the most important utility. Education is driven by it. Your entire home environment is built around the internet so why should anybody be without that?
“We can provide support by ensuring that the children and families within the Society are connected. We will work with the Society and the families to understand what they need. It might be connectivity, training and support around using the internet, getting access to the internet or to equipment, guidance around security.”
Leeds office building acquired for ‘megachurch’ transformation
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Christ Church City of Mercy, has acquired the office building at 11 New Princess Street, Holbeck, Leeds, from property experts Towngate Plc. The purchase, which was completed for an undisclosed sum, follows the recent award of Planning Permission to convert the space into a new place of worship.
The newly acquired property, previously occupied by ICT service provider GCI (now Nasstar), features 4,338 sq ft of self-contained accommodation spread across the ground and first floor levels, as well as generous ceiling heights on the first floor, ample parking facilities, and a private car park to the rear.
The building’s strategic location on the southern edge of Leeds City Centre, situated next to the M621 motorway, offers excellent transport links to support access for the community.
The RCCG plans to utilise the ground floor space for administrative functions related to the church’s operations, while the first floor will be modified to accommodate a larger room for congregational worship.
Badmus Olanrewajuat, pastor at the RCCG, said: “We are thrilled to have finalised this purchase and are eager to start transforming the space. This new location will significantly enhance our ability to serve and engage with the community. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our new home and expanding our outreach efforts.”
The RCCG is a holiness Pentecostal megachurch and denomination headquartered in Nigeria. Founded in 1952, RCCG operates globally. The church already has several locations in Leeds.
Tom Lamb, property manager at Towngate Plc, said: “We are delighted to have been able to assist the RCCG in their plight to acquire the perfect building for their latest church. The building’s prime location and modern features will provide a significant boost to its transformation efforts, offering a substantial ‘step up’ in their ability to serve and engage with the community. We wish them every success and hope they will be welcoming their new congregation soon.”
Richard Fraser of Carter Towler, who represented Towngate Plc, added: “The successful acquisition of this prominent property represents the growing demand for significant community spaces in Leeds and surrounding areas. The location’s visibility and accessibility will enhance RCCG’s outreach efforts, and we are proud to have played a role in facilitating this important project.”
Rotherham engineering group continues global expansion with acquisition
Rotherham-based engineering and reliability group, AES Engineering Ltd, has further increased its reliability services and product offering in North America by acquiring a controlling stake in the reliability company, Condition Monitoring Services (CMS), for an undisclosed sum.
The group also owns AESSEAL, in Rotherham, the homogeneous designer and manufacturer of mechanical seals. This latest expansion in the global market follows acquisitions in the Netherlands, Canada, Australia and USA. CMS, headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada focuses on the states of California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah & Colorado with a specialised skill set in the power generation & municipal sectors. The acquisition will allow the existing customers of CMS to benefit from a wider product and service offering from the AES Reliability Group of companies owned by AES Engineering Ltd. CMS President Kirk Cormany said: “The selection of AES Engineering Ltd as our partner was an easy decision due to their product technology, similar dedication to customer service and reliability focus. This partnership allows us to immediately meet the demand from customers for an expanded product range as well as opening new opportunities in other markets.” Chris Rea, Group Managing Director of AES Engineering Ltd, said: “The acquisition of CMS supports our strategic decision to globalise our reliability focused businesses and further strengthens our customer reliability offering in the important North American market.”Duo of companies secure Finance Yorkshire funding
SMEs across Yorkshire and Humber are growing and creating jobs with investment from Finance Yorkshire.
The funding body’s loans fund is supporting businesses to expand by investing in technology, marketing spend, new product development and the hiring of new staff.
Wetherby-based video production and animation company Reel Film Media has received £70,000 from the loans fund. The investment is being used to increase its marketing and sales capacity including the appointment of new staff.
Reel Film will also use the investment to attract potential customers by generating new content for its website. In addition, the company has hired a content creation lead to provide a new service for clients.
Founder Adam Chandler said: “Finance Yorkshire has been great. They saw the vision we have for the business and feel more like a partner rather than just a funder. The investment will make a big difference to our marketing strategy and accelerate where we want to go with the business.”
Finance Yorkshire’s loans fund is also supporting Trustist, an award-winning customer reviews platform company based in York with high profile clients including Timpsons, Johnsons the Cleaners and Max Spielmann.
Trustist is using its £250,000 investment to develop its own technology, marketing and hire more staff.
Founder Nigel Apperley said: “Finance Yorkshire’s investment is essential to us being able to grow the business. We are recruiting more developers who will be based in York and have plans to develop franchising as a route to growing Trustist and its reach even further.”
Finance Yorkshire chief executive Alex McWhirter said: “Our loans fund is a key route to access to finance for the region’s SMEs and is supporting exciting growth in a number of sectors particularly creative, digital and tech.
“SMEs see us as a trusted partner in their businesses as witnessed by Reel Film and Trustist who are expanding at pace and importantly creating jobs in Yorkshire and Humber. We are delighted to support them in their growth journeys.”
Financial Conduct Authority to expand in Leeds, creating more jobs
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is set to base a further 100 of its workforce in Leeds as it expands its footprint in the city.
The FCA will increase its floor space by nearly 5,000 square feet of its 6 Queen Street office – an additional 35%.
The refurbishment project will begin late summer, and the new space will open in the autumn.
Nikhil Rathi, Chief Executive at the FCA, said: “We have really benefitted from having a base in Leeds – both in the breadth of talent that has joined the FCA and the different perspective our Leeds colleagues bring to the full breadth of our work. This further expansion is testament to the success of our Leeds office and the warm welcome we have received.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “West Yorkshire is going from strength to strength as the largest financial services centre in England outside London.
“Hot on the heels of the Bank of England’s expansion in Leeds, I’m thrilled to welcome this new commitment from the Financial Conduct Authority.
“It’s a fantastic vote of confidence in our region as we work to drive economic growth in a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”
The FCA first opened its office in September 2022 and currently employs almost 240 staff in the city.
Genuit Group makes acquisitions to bolster sustainable solutions strategy
Genuit Group, the Leeds-based provider of sustainable water, climate and ventilation solutions for the built environment, has acquired Sky Garden Limited, Omnie and Timoleon.
Sky Garden, acquired for a cash consideration of £2.5m, is a leader in green roof technologies providing design, supply, installation and maintenance services for green and bio-solar roofs, podium decks and green walls.
The business, based in Tewksbury, Gloucestershire, will join the Water Management Solutions (WMS) business unit and will extend the Group’s blue green roof offering. It will provide an additional route to market for Genuit’s Permavoid business, which it complements, and synergies are also expected with the Keytec installation business.
Omnie and Timoleon are leaders in underfloor heating (UFH) board technologies and providers of full UFH system design and supply services. The trade and assets of the group operating the Omnie and Timoleon businesses have been acquired for a cash consideration of £2.7m.
The businesses operate and manufacture in Exeter, Devon and Lomza, Poland. The brands will complement and enhance the Group’s UFH offering and will be part of the Climate Management Solutions (CMS) business unit.
Omnie serves direct customers and the merchant channel whilst Timoleon supplies OEM customers. Strong synergies are expected with the existing Nu-Heat business in CMS and with the Group’s Polypipe UFH offering for new housebuilding in the Group’s Sustainable Building Solutions (SBS) business unit.
Joe Vorih, Genuit Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are excited by these acquisitions, which present a compelling opportunity for Genuit and align with our Sustainable Solutions for Growth strategy. They complement our existing portfolio, expand our product offering and will enable us to drive further growth in attractive end markets.
“I am delighted to welcome our new colleagues from Sky Garden, Omnie and Timoleon, and look forward to working together as we continue to address the challenges posed by climate change and urbanisation.”
Positive half year results for West Yorkshire & Humber industrial market
According to the latest Logic Industrial Property report from the Leeds office of global property consultancy Knight Frank, a robust 722,000 sq ft of take-up was recorded in the West Yorkshire and Humber region during Q2 2024, bringing the half year total take-up figure to 1.2 million sq ft (Units over 50,000 sq ft).
Iain McPhail, partner in Knight Frank’s Yorkshire Industrial & Logistics team, said: “This puts the market in a good position against last year’s total of 1.6 million sq ft, reflecting a 20% improvement, and the highest H1 volume in three years.
“One of the main drivers impacting the positive figures is the notable increase in demand from the manufacturing sector. Out of five leasehold and three freehold transactions to complete this year (as of end of June 24), all three freehold purchases have involved manufacturers.
“The largest of these transactions was air conditioning manufacturer, Airedale, who acquired the 314,714 sq ft former Hallmark Cards facility at Dawson Lane in Bradford. In addition, the 275,413 sq ft former Ilke Homes factory in Flaxby, Knaresborough, was bought by bottled water manufacturer, Shepley Spring Water earlier this year.
“The West Yorkshire and Humber market has seen a mini revival during H1 2024, which has also been driven by the increased availability of speculatively developed warehouse space in the region, with developments like Leeds Valley Park, Konect 62 and Velocity Point benefiting from pent-up occupier demand for small and mid-box units.
“With the marked rise in manufacturing enquiries, we have seen increased demand from occupiers needing buildings with large electrical capacity. This further emphasises the need for developers to factor-in sufficient power supply to their speculative schemes to accommodate not only the B8 distribution sector, but also B2 manufacturing end users.”
During the past year, over 1 million sq ft of space has been taken by manufacturers in the region. This is substantially higher than the circa 200,000 sq ft recorded in the same four-quarter period last year. Manufacturers now comprise over half of the space taken (56%), with distribution companies making up an additional 30%. This marks a shift from the previous year, when distribution firms occupied 72% and manufacturers only 16%.
The largest letting in Q2 involved food and beverage logistics company, Oakland International who secured K161 at Konect 62 in Selby. The 161,578 sq ft new build unit was speculatively developed by Cole Waterhouse and reached practical completion in Q4 2023.
Prime rents in Leeds for units over 50,000 sq ft remained stable in Q2 at £8.75 psf, however, with quoting rents for prime mid-box units now at £9.50-£9.75 psf, Knight Frank expects to see a substantial increase in headline rents within the next two quarters.
Iain McPhail added: “Despite a small handful of second-hand modern warehouse space returning to the market recently, for example Unit TL2, Towngate Link in Leeds (see photo), we have seen total supply reduced by around 13% this quarter due to take-up levels and the notable absence of proposed speculative development on the horizon.
“The exception is Baytree Developments, who are currently underway with their impressive speculative warehouse scheme located in South Leeds (Baytree Leeds), which consists of two best-in-class warehouse units of extending to 76,000 sq ft and 145,000 sq ft respectively.”
York Handmade Brick aids York Racecourse transformation
The pivotal role played by York Handmade Brick in the transformation of the southern end of York Racecourse has been highlighted by the racecourse’s Chief Executive.
William Derby praised York Handmade for the company’s “magnificent contribution” to the multi-million-pound project, which comprised a significant upgrade to the 1913 Bustardthorpe Stand and the brand-new Roberto Pavilion
The company, based at Alne, near Easingwold, supplied 70,000 bricks to the racecourse from its Ebor Range. The contract was worth £80,000.
William Derby said: “York Handmade Brick is our brick supplier of choice and has been for some time. The previous development of the Northern End of the racecourse and transformation of the parade ring, weighing room and saddling boxes also used York Handmade and resulted in award-winning, world-class facilities for horses, jockeys and racegoers in 2015/16.
“We wanted the Southern End development of our buildings at York to complement the quality and heritage of this development as part of our twenty year masterplan to transform the facility at York Racecourse as one of the best racecourses in the world. The transformation of the Southern End of the racecourse has now been completed and will be officially opened at the flagship Sky Bet Ebor Festival next month (21-24 August). We are thrilled with the finish, quality and architectural these high-quality bricks give to the area which will improve the facilities and race day experience for our racegoers.
“We are proud to have worked in partnership with York Handmade Brick to deliver this scheme. Their contribution has been magnificent and strengthens what is already a brilliant relationship between us. It is wonderful to have such an accomplished quality brick-manufacturing company on our doorstep.
“A key element of this new development is our emphasis on sustainability as part of our Green Knavesmire 300 commitment to the environment. With an eye on both the local economy and the inherent sustainability benefits, some 90 per cent of the works have been undertaken by Yorkshire firms, including the main contractors Lindum and, of course, York Handmade.
“Sustainability has been embedded into the design and construction with solar panels, rainwater harvesting and a living roof all incorporated. A newly created and landscaped 900 square metre lawn area is covered by a canopy structure, six metres above the heads of racegoers, to give both the outdoor feel of a summer afternoon’s racing while offering protection from the elements.”
Guy Armitage, managing director of York Handmade, said: “This was a very significant project for us. Apart from enhancing our special relationship with York Racecourse and helping to create even more superb facilities at one of the greatest racecourses in the world, it is a showcase for our brand-new Ebor Range of bricks.
“This brick has a smoother finish than our standard texture bricks and is perfect for matching the style of the bricks on the historic outer wall of the racecourse designed by Walter Brierley, the Yorkshire Lutyens. The blend of colour is based on the Knavesmire Blend supplied for the earlier Northern End development in 2015-16.
“This project was also a massive endorsement of our recent £1.5 million investment in brand-new machinery which has transformed how we make our bricks. Over the years, we have undertaken significant technological improvements, culminating in this overhaul and renewal of our manufacturing process, which has speeded up production, facilitated two brand-new products and increased efficiency.
“This has played a major part in the success of this contract with York Racecourse, a stunning example of what we are able to manufacture with our brand-new plant.”
Apart from the new lawns and open-air canopy structure, the area next to the refurbished Bustardthorpe Stand and Roberto Pavilion now features catering facilities, betting facilities, toilets and a new wrought iron gate that remembers Yorkshire owner-breeder, Reg Bond. The Roberto Pavilion itself provides racegoers with a bar, feature fish and chip shop, Tote and William Hill betting booths and a new Pimm’s bar.
Mamas & Papas secures funding to support future growth
OakNorth, the digital bank, has provided a bespoke funding package to premium nursery brand, Mamas & Papas, to support its continued growth.
Founded in 1981 by new parents at the time, David and Luisa Scacchetti, and headquartered in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, Mamas & Papas is a designer, wholesaler, and retailer of nursery and baby products including travel systems, nursery furniture and children’s clothing.
The business is now the largest nursery brand in the UK, operating an omnichannel shopping experience, including over 60 dedicated stores and concessions, across the country, in addition to an international footprint that sees them operating in 23 countries through various wholesale channels.
Initially a family-owned business, Mamas & Papas was acquired in 2014 by Bluegem Capital Partners, which was founded in 2007 by Marco Capello and Emilio Di Spiezio Sardo. Bluegem is a private equity firm based in London, which invests in European consumer brands and businesses with baby care being a core subvertical.
Mamas & Papas, which reported sales growth of 14% to £144m in its 2023 financial year, is set to report another record financial year thanks to continued sales and profits growth.
Nathan Williams, CEO of Mamas & Papas, said: “Over recent years, Mamas & Papas has continued to build momentum across all areas of the business, including our store footprint, digital offering, domestic market and overseas partnerships, helping us win a record share of the market and build our reputation as a purpose-led, parent-centric brand.
“OakNorth’s relationship-based approach to lending meant Stuart and his team were able to create a funding package that solves all our funding requirements under one facility.”
Mathieu Develay, Partner at Bluegem Capital Partners, said: “Mamas & Papas is one of the most well known and loved premium baby brands in the UK, and a haven for expectant parents.
“We were excited to acquire the business in 2014, and a decade on, we’ve been privileged to have a front-row seat as it has continued to go from strength to strength. Having worked with OakNorth before, we felt they’d be the ideal partner to support us with this transaction.”
Stuart Blair, Director of Debt Finance at OakNorth, added: “This is a very exciting transaction for OakNorth as it emphasises our strong ambitions to do more to support the UK’s retail sector moving forward.
“Given the expected growth in the UK nursery and baby products market, Mamas & Papas is well positioned to capture further market share and continue building its omni-channel presence. In Bluegem, they have a strong, long-term backer with an excellent track record in supporting retail and consumer brands across a range of sector verticals.”
Lindum Group starts work on 58 new homes in Derbyshire
Lincoln-based Lindum Group has begun work to transform the site of a former hospital in Bolsover into an development of 58 properties for Sheffield-based housing provider Forge New Homes.
The scheme will provide a mix of three and four-bedroom properties on a 6.5-acre site off Welbeck Road, the former home of Bolsover Hospital, which closed in 2019.
Freddie Chambers, chairman of Lindum Group, said: “The first phase of work involves segregating and securing the site and then conducting the bulk earthworks to level the land.
“We will be installing the first section of drainage and infrastructure before moving on to the construction stage. We plan to hand the homes over in groups of four, with the first properties due for completion in April.”
Andy Beattie, MD at Forge New Homes, said: ‘This development marks a momentous day for both Forge and Lindum Group as we join forces to bring affordable houses to Bolsover, a charming Northern town with a bonded community.
“We’re excited to bring new life to this historic location, and in the process contribute to the economy with the provision of new jobs as we create a vibrant neighbourhood with much needed family homes.”
Nick Atkin, Chief Exec of Yorkshire Housing and Chair of Forge New Homes, added: “This progress is testament to the work Forge has been doing in expanding its offering across the Midlands and Yorkshire. Our strategy is to move forward with much needed new homes for all and I am proud to see this now becoming a reality.”
The work is expected to be finished by June 2026.
Consent sought for conservation works on Grimsby landmark
Listed Building Consent is being sought for conservation works on Grimsby’s iconic landmark, the Dock Tower.
The Grade I listed structure owned by Associated British Ports (ABP) is the only one of its kind in the country and the work will include key structural repairs on the parapets, building of a new staircase, and drainage.
If approved by North East Lincolnshire Council, work could start on the historical structure later this year in the hope it can reopen to the public.
Simon Bird, Regional Director of the Humber ports, said: “It was during some routine maintenance work that it was picked up some of the further works that needed to be done to ensure the tower remains safe and accessible for the future.
“The Dock Tower is the jewel in the Port of Grimsby. It has been a beacon to so many over the years and for Grimbarians it is a symbol of home. As its custodians we have over the years spent time and money maintaining it, as it has such architectural historic value, and will be here for many more years to come once these essential works are carried out.”
Standing 309 feet (94.2m) tall to the top of the lantern, the tower was completed on 27 March 1852 to power the hydraulic machinery of Grimsby docks. Its height was to achieve the sufficient pressure needed to operate the machines.
It was built by James Meadows Rendel, the civil engineer who constructed the docks at Grimsby between 1844 and 1853 and opened by Queen Victoria when she visited the port in October 1854. Designed by James William Wild, an architect born in Lincoln, he also contributed to the Great Exhibition of 1851 and spent several years in Egypt, and you can see the middle eastern influence on the lantern at the pinnacle.
Jenny Bulmer, Conservation Engineer of Alan Wood & Partners, said: “Opportunities to work on such a unique and historically significant building as this come about rarely. Being able to discover some of the building archaeology and the history of its use throughout the process is a real privilege. Getting to see the tower brought back to life with a renewed purpose is something we can all look forward to.”
The current plans submitted include:
- Insertion of a new staircase
- Installation of internal lighting
- Brickwork repairs
- Metalwork repairs
- Paintwork
- Roofing
- Floor repairs
- Drainage
- Interpretation panels
