Train operator predicts travel transformation as cost of driving continues to rise

Stuart Pearcey
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Train operator predicts travel transformation as cost of driving continues to rise
Train operator TransPennine Express is predicting travel transformation as the cost of driving continues to escalate. Highlighting that car insurance quotes have risen by an average of £348 this year alone, Kathryn O’Brien, Customer Experience and Transformation Director at TPE, said: “We could be on the precipice of a huge transformation in the way we travel according to our latest research. Car running costs are increasing year on year, faster than the rate of inflation and they’re that high that it’s forcing them off the road.” She added that 17-24 year-olds are being impacted most, with the average car insurance quote rising by £688.
Further research from TPE reveals that more than a quarter (28%) will now switch from driving to travel by train, and this percentage is set to increase as 13% of drivers say that if costs don’t come down they will stop driving forever. Kathryn added: “Our affordable prices mean that if Brits want to make the switch and start travelling by train, they can sit back, relax and make the most of our modern, clean and comfortable trains without watching the pennies as they get behind the wheel.” The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) compared per passenger emission data from rail business routes in Britain with the equivalent per-passenger emission data for the same trip by car. According to its research across 100 routes, it has been measured that the train is almost nine times greener than using a petrol or diesel car​, more than four times greener than using a plug-in hybrid electric car​ and almost two-and-a-half times greener than using a battery electric car.

Zenko Properties plans for growth with new office and new appointments

Tess Egginton
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Zenko Properties plans for growth with new office and new appointments
Independent Leeds city centre residential sales and lettings agency, Zenko Properties, has completed a move into a prominent position on the ground floor of Graphical House in Leeds city centre and appointed two new team members, as it gears up for growth. Zenko Properties has leased 1,200 sq ft of space in the recently refurbished building, which is three times the size of its previous office. The firm has appointed two highly experienced property professionals, Lisa Dennett and Faye Batty, who have more than 20 years’ combined experience of the city centre residential market. Managing Director Tobias Duczenko, who founded Zenko Properties, said: “We have been based on The Calls since 2015, when we were appointed to sell the apartments at The Chandlers, but as the business has grown and we’ve recruited more people, we have outgrown the space. “Expanding into Graphical House was the logical next step, with room for 12 desks, a board room, a welcome area for clients, as well as a breakout area with a kitchen for our team, it’s ideal. There’s also the potential to take more space in the building as we grow. We are delighted to welcome Lisa and Faye to our team and are really looking forward to putting the new office through its paces.” Zenko Properties currently manages 500 properties including prominent city centre developments, Lamberts Yard, Spencer House and Devonshire House.

Major investment in UK expansion for recruitment specialist

Tess Egginton
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Major investment in UK expansion for recruitment specialist
Stafforce, a recruitment specialist and part of Nicholas Associates Group, is making a significant investment in its future by opening seven new hubs across the UK. The new hubs will be located in Newport, Blackburn, Daventry, Bristol, Barnstaple, Loughborough and Tilbury. This ambitious growth initiative is a key element of the strategic plan being implemented by Kelly Kendall COO, who has recently joined the Group and taken charge of driving growth. The plan emphasises investing in people, talent, and new locations to ensure that Stafforce continues to be the recruiter of choice for both clients and candidates. This expansion is backed by the unwavering support of Executive Chairman Nick Cragg and CEO Paul Smith, reflecting their confidence in the recruitment sector’s potential for growth. The new hubs are set to strengthen Stafforce’s ability to serve clients and candidates across the UK, reinforcing the company’s commitment to excellence in recruitment and its long-term vision for sustainable growth. Kelly Kendall, COO, Nicholas Associates Group, said: “Our investment in these new hubs is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional service to our clients and candidates. By focusing on strategic locations and investing in our people, we are positioning Stafforce to be the recruiter of choice across the UK. “This expansion strengthens our presence and enhances our ability to connect top talent with leading employers in the region.” Paul Smith, CEO of Nicholas Associates Group, added: “This ambitious growth plan is a clear signal of our confidence in our potential to lead the market. “With the full backing of our executive team, we are committed to driving this expansion forward, ensuring that we continue to deliver outstanding results for our clients while creating new opportunities for our employees and the communities we serve.”

MKM’s new Rotherham branch opens with hospice donation

Stuart Pearcey
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MKM’s new Rotherham branch opens with hospice donation
Hull-based MKM has opened its 130th branch in Rotherham, creating 18 new jobs and supporting the area’w charities. Branch Directors Ryan Brooks and Jack Griffiths, both lifelong residents of South Yorkshire, bring a combined experience of over 35 years from some of the UK’s largest merchants. Their deep-rooted connection to Rotherham and passion for the local community is evident in their approach to the new branch. Said Ryan: “The opportunity to lead MKM Rotherham and create jobs in my hometown feels incredible. I’m proud to be from Yorkshire, and as a community Rotherham is still small enough to know and care about the people that live here. “We want Rotherham to feel the benefit at home. We’re not just here to provide building materials; we’re here to be a part of the community. We’ve already started building relationships with local charities like Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and are eager to explore more ways to give back to the town that means so much to us. “I also want to be the first person that people think of when they’ve got a building project, I can’t wait to start seeing our bags pop up, knowing that we have supplied that site.” Jack Griffiths, who has spent his entire career in Rotherham’s building merchant sector, added: “For me, this branch is about more than just business; it’s about creating something from the ground up that genuinely serves the people of Rotherham. Our team is made up of local people who understand the needs of local customers, and we’re committed to delivering a personal, community-focused service.”  

£2.2m grant secured to revamp Goole’s Victoria Pleasure Ground

Tess Egginton
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£2.2m grant secured to revamp Goole’s Victoria Pleasure Ground
Goole Town Council, together with the Goole Town Deal Board, has secured grant funding from the Football Foundation for more than £2.2 million towards plans to refurbish the town’s Victoria Pleasure Ground. Via the Football Foundation, the Premier League, The Football Association and the Government will provide 31 per cent of the total £7,266,385 million cost of the project. The home of football in Goole for more than 100 years, the Victoria Pleasure Ground (often referred to as the VPG) is home to the town’s semi-professional football side Goole AFC (Goole Association Football Club), which plays in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division, along with Goole Vikings Rugby Club, a semi-professional rugby league side competing in the Yorkshire Men’s League. Several other local sports clubs and groups also use the VPG. The site is owned by East Riding of Yorkshire Council (having formerly belonged to Boothferry Borough Council) and is leased to Goole Town Council for a 30-year period. No longer fit for purpose, it is in need of investment if it is to remain open. Goole Town Council currently subsidises the VPG to the tune of £32,000 per year, just to keep the venue open and operating. Fears for the long-term viability of the ground prompted the Goole Town Deal Board to prioritise the site’s redevelopment as part of its strategic proposals to reinvigorate the town centre by allocating it a share of the town’s £25 million in Town Deal funding. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government made some early funding allocations to towns involved in the Town Deal process, which had to be spent by a strict deadline. Some of this money was used to install energy efficient LED (light emitting diode) floodlighting at the Victoria Pleasure Ground, helping to reduce the running costs of the venue and making it more environmentally-friendly. This new lighting will also be incorporated into the redevelopment plans. Councillor Barbara Jeffreys, who represents Goole Town Council on the Goole Town Deal Board, said: “This is wonderful news for the Victoria Pleasure Ground, and for the town as a whole. The funding award from the Football Foundation has required an enormous amount of work and its success demonstrates the strength of our shared commitment and vision to secure the VPG’s long-term future and enable it to serve many more people and organisations.  “To know that our local sports clubs, together with the hundreds of children and young people who are part of the various grassroots teams in Goole, will soon have sporting facilities that we can all be proud of is just the best news. The late Councillor Josie Head, together with Councillor David Jeffreys, were huge ambassadors for the VPG and I feel proud we are close to making their wish to safeguard its future a reality. “In fact, this grant funding allocation means that we are able to deliver a sports stadium that will be far superior to anything that we could have envisaged originally. It will be something the town can be proud of, both for people now and for generations to come.” Phil Jones, Chair of the Goole Town Deal Board, said: “From the very beginning, we’d always set out to secure match funding from the Football Foundation for the VPG project but, until now, that was not a given. The Board is delighted to learn that Goole Town Council’s grant application to the Football Foundation has been successful and everything is now finally in place for us to be able to proceed.” Councillor Anne Handley, Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “This is yet another major investment in Goole! We’re absolutely delighted that the Football Foundation saw the enormous potential of refurbishing the VPG and understood the many benefits that it will bring to so many local people, and to the town centre as a whole.” Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country.  “Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities.  “This grant award to Goole Town Council and Goole Town Deal Board towards to revamping the facilities at Victoria Pleasure Ground is fantastic news for the local community and will help give more people access to a great place to play.” A business case developed for the site estimates that the proposed improvements will increase the number of visits to the VPG by 376 per cent, from 13,000 to 63,000 per year. It also forecasts that the VPG will become financially viable within three years of the improvements being carried out, with no need for Goole Town Council to subsidise it beyond that. Goole Town Deal developed the visionary business case for the Victoria Pleasure Ground, working in close conjunction with Goole Town Council and specialist consultants Steve Wells Associates, who bring their vast experience of developing top class sporting venues nationally to the project. Planning permission for this project was secured in 2023 and work is due to start this year, with completion in 2025.

Rob Burrow’s family make lasting impression on centre being built in his name

Stuart Pearcey
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Rob Burrow’s family make lasting impression on centre being built in his name
The family of rugby league legend Rob Burrow have made their mark on the first of a series of concrete paving slabs to be used at the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease being built at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds. Macy, 12, Maya, nine, and Jackson, five, made their handprints in concrete along with their mum Lindsey and their grandparents. Marking the next milestone in the new centre, the Burrow family created the first in a series of concrete paving slabs, which will be used throughout the centre’s landscaping, whilst the concrete foundations were poured on site. A series of paving slabs with prints from others involved in the creation of the site, including Dr Agam Jung and specialist nurse Claire Lang, will form the Hands of Hope Walk and sit in the gardens, a key part of the new site. Craige Richardson, Director of Estates & Facilities for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust says: “It’s exciting to mark this milestone in the new centre build and it was a really touching moment to be able to do this with Rob’s family. The type of building and construction that we opted for means that people are going to pretty quickly see the centre take shape, and that feels like we’re moving ever closer to getting it open and working for our MND patients. “I’m grateful to everyone involved in the build for making this moment possible. It means the family will always have a connection to the place their father inspired and helped make a reality.” A full construction schedule is in place, with the frame expected in November and the centre open by summer 2025. Leeds Hospitals Charity continues to fundraise for the centre, now just £400,000 short of their £6.8m target. Paul Watkins, Director of Fundraising at Leeds Hospitals Charity says: “It has been great to involve the Burrow family in the new centre in this way, they have been a crucial part of this appeal from the start and, alongside Rob, have been dedicated to fundraising and to raising awareness of MND. It’s really exciting to share the progress of the build with the public; it won’t be long now before there is a shell in place for people to really appreciate what the centre will look like and the positive impact it will have on patients.”

Leeds Beckett helping to boost growth of Leeds-based national programme management consultancy

Tess Egginton
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Leeds Beckett helping to boost growth of Leeds-based national programme management consultancy
Leadership and marketing experts at Leeds Beckett University have formed a new partnership with Mercury3 Consult, a programme management consultancy primarily specialising in the rail sector, to support the company’s growth into new services and markets. The project is a two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by the Government through Innovate UK. Academics based in Leeds Business School will lead the project to embed in-house, sustainable, skills and expertise within Mercury3 – allowing them to develop new strategic opportunities. Dr Karen Vollum-Dix, Senior Lecturer with the Leadership, Governance and People Management subject group at Leeds Business School, explained: “Mercury3 Consult are an ambitious and successful business that want to grow to include the delivery of products as well as services, and to reach new clients and markets. “This KTP will directly address the need for a wider, strategic approach to marketing and re-positioning of the company. We will embed strategic insight within the business, and the skills to measure, analyse and address new opportunities, and increase brand awareness.” Mercury3 Consult is a specialised programme management consultancy, based in Leeds city centre, with offices in Middlesborough and team members helping to deliver programmes of work nationally. Mercury3’s relationship with Leeds Beckett University began when one of its three owning directors, Trevor Marshall, took part in the Government-funded Help to Grow: Management programme and discussed the company’s ongoing growth ambitions with the Leeds Business School tutors. Trevor Marshall said: “Mercury3 is built around the provision of high-quality knowledge and expertise in our team. We want to recruit and retain new talent, and support the development of our team, to grow the business and ensure our knowledge and skills are captured and shared. “This project will embed a new business model that reflects our diverse and evolving team, whilst also addressing one of our key strategic aims to improve our coordination and efficiency between functions of the business and across our sites.” The work will be managed by a KTP Associate – a skilled graduate who will be recruited as a full-time member of Mercury3, with the full support of the Leeds Beckett academic team. Alongside Dr Vollum-Dix will be a team of experts in Leeds Business School, including Dr David Andrews – Senior Lecturer in Marketing and Help to Grow tutor and business coach.

NFU President takes farmers’ concerns to Number 10

Stuart Pearcey
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NFU President takes farmers’ concerns to Number 10
NFU President Tom Bradshaw has travelled to Number 10 to issue a warning to the government that without on the agricultural budget in October, UK food security “could fall off a cliff”. He has warned that the confidence farmers need to invest in delivering food security is underpinned by being able to obtain a fair return from the supply chain.
The NFU has repeatedly called for government policies to deliver transparency in markets, food labelling, public procurement and food messaging, including the need to develop core production standards that apply to agri-food imports. He said the government could “send a really strong message” to the industry by taking action on this. “With the right support in place, farming can be a key partner to deliver the Government’s missions around economic growth.” Harvest concerns, bovine TB, the agriculture budget and fairness in the supply chain were high on the agenda at his meeting with advisers across business, Defra and DESNZ (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero).

Topping out ceremony marks completion of military’s medical centre at Catterick

Stuart Pearcey
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Topping out ceremony marks completion of military’s medical centre at Catterick
A topping out ceremony for the 12,000m2 Catterick Integrated Care Campus has taken place to mark completion of the building’s steel frame. Tilbury Douglas started work earlier this year on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and has now completed the supporting structure. The next stage is to attach external cladding and curtain walls before installing the roof. The building should be wind and weather-proof in early 2025 when work will begin on the interior of the building. David Salmond, DIO’s Major Projects and Programmes lead for UK Strategic Command, said: “We’re pleased to reach this significant construction milestone for this groundbreaking new facility. The success of the project to date is thanks to the working relationships built between the MOD, NHS, AECOM and Tilbury Douglas, and we look forward to those relationships continuing to bear fruit as we focus on the next stage of construction.” The building will host medical services for military personnel based at Catterick Garrison, as well as some primary and community NHS services for members of the public and military families. The building is the first MOD-NHS integration of this scale, providing benefits to both parties and residents of Catterick and wider Richmondshire through shared learning and experience. Representatives from the MOD’s Defence Infrastructure Organisation and Defence Medical Services , the NHS, contractor Tilbury Douglas, and Technical Support Provider Aecom attended the event and were briefed on the progress of the project. The building is expected to be completed in early 2026, with medical services moving in later in the year.

Bassingham-based firm joins Uptech in Kings Lynn

Stuart Pearcey
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Bassingham-based firm joins Uptech in Kings Lynn
Lincolnshire IT firm Jalapeno Business Services has joined Kings Lynn-based UptechLtd, signalling a change in name for the Bassingham-based company. Mark Brown, owner and director of Jalapeno Business Services, said: “This partnership allows us to provide our clients with even more comprehensive and robust IT solutions, backed by Uptech’s decades of experience and success. “Our clients will benefit greatly from the additional resources and expertise now available to them.” James Fowler, Business Development Manager at Uptech Ltd, said: “This merger marks a significant milestone, promising enriched service offerings and greater innovation. “Jalapeno’s clients will benefit from Uptech’s extensive knowledge base, cutting-edge technology solutions and industry-leading expertise.” Despite the change in branding, all Jalapeno’s current employees will stay on board, continuing to operate from the same office locations. This continuity will ensure that the company’s clients will receive consistent and familiar support while gaining access to the expanded capabilities that Uptech brings to the table.

Duncan & Toplis acquires North London business

Stuart Pearcey
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Duncan & Toplis acquires North London business

Accountants and business advisers Duncan & Toplis has acquired Haines Watts North London.

This move will see Haines Watts North London rebranded as Duncan & Toplis, with all team members remaining in their roles. Amilios Costa, Managing Partner, will continue to lead the team in this exciting next phase of their growth journey.

Damon Brain, CEO of Duncan & Toplis said: “It was clear from the first meeting that Amilios and his team share our focus on culture and growth for the right reasons. He brings incredible expertise, energy and experience and will be instrumental in supporting growth in the region. I’m delighted to welcome our new team members and help them deliver on their own ambitions, as part of Duncan & Toplis.

Amilios Costa said: “Joining forces with Duncan & Toplis represents a fantastic opportunity for both our clients and our team. The amazing combination of deep-rooted history and a profound ambition to grow in the right way is a huge cultural synergy. It means we can offer a wider range of services and even greater support to our clients, as well as provide our team with new opportunities to progress their careers at a company with serious growth ambitions.

Duncan & Toplis, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025, is on course for the biggest period of growth in its history after securing private equity investment in 2023. The company’s strategy is primarily focused on strong organic growth, supplemented by a number of highly strategic acquisitions that broaden the service offering to clients and expand the business geographically into new key locations.

Guitar case specialist marks 20th year in business

Stuart Pearcey
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Guitar case specialist marks 20th year in business
Hull-based international guitar case manufacturer Scott Dixon Inc. is celebrating its 20th anniversary and the 70th birthday of founder John Dixon. The brand, which launched in 2004, is market leader in lightweight aluminium flight cases and is very much focused on the touring music industry. The Scott Dixon signature product is the Triple Row Guitar case, a lightweight case that safely holds three guitars – and is used by bands worldwide. MD Dave Hutty, who heads up the management team, including his wife Tracy along with John & Lee Dixon, said: “In the last year alone, our cases have been sent to The Pretenders, Niall Horan and Seal, to name just a few.  We also produced some bespoke cases to support Bruce Dickinson’s recent Mandrake Project Tour.” Having survived the global pandemic on the touring music industry, the team is now working hard on several new products to expand its range both within the music industry as well as looking at other markets where a lightweight case will make a great impact.  Dave continued: “It’s a very exciting time to be a part of this company – and myself and the team are looking forward to the next twenty years of developing new and exciting products.  We can make a case for pretty much anything!” Founder John Dixon said: “It’s great to have Dave and Tracy on board, along with my son Lee.  I’m looking forward to seeing what the next twenty years brings.”

Work to start on 187 new homes in Doncaster

Tess Egginton
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Work to start on 187 new homes in Doncaster

Work is set to start on 187 new homes in the Cantley area of Doncaster.

Housebuilder Persimmon received planning approval from Doncaster Council for the new houses to be built on land south of Doncaster Road allocated for housing in Doncaster’s Local Plan. Everingham Place, as the new development will be known, will provide homebuyers with a range of house sizes and types ranging from one-bedroom terraced, to four-bed detached. All homes will be fitted with EV chargers and built to new building regulations, ensuring improved energy efficiency and helping to reduce energy bills for homeowners. The development will have significant areas of public open space, including an on-site play area and a trim-trail. 43 of the new homes will be made available through shared ownership and affordable rent schemes. Over £1 million will be provided by Persimmon to fund additional school places at two local schools. Joel Frank, Land Director at Persimmon Yorkshire, said: “We’re delighted to have received planning approval and are looking forward to getting on site later this year. “Everingham Place will provide much needed high quality new homes, with a range of properties to suit all local homebuyers.”

IT and architect firms relocate to iconic period building in Leeds

Tess Egginton
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IT and architect firms relocate to iconic period building in Leeds
A global provider of imaging IT solutions and a national commercial architect’s firm have accelerated their growth plans by relocating to the Calls Landing building in Leeds. Sectra Medical and Box Architects will now occupy the second and third floors of the period building overlooking the River Aire, with strategic property advisors, Fox Lloyd Jones and Carter Towler having received a wealth of enquiries for the property since it was first brought to market earlier this year. Built in the early 1900s as a warehouse to support the adjacent Grade II listed Fletland Mills, Calls Landing will offer its new tenants a modern, creative workspace environment, which still retains its original industrial features. Owned by property investment company King & Co., it is uniquely situated in the heart of the vibrant Calls district of Leeds and offers easy access to both the train and bus stations and other main city centre amenities. Sectra Medical was founded in Sweden in 1978 and quickly established a reputation as a major innovator within medical IT and cybersecurity, supporting healthcare organisations across the globe. It now operates across 18 countries and has agreed a five-year lease to operate its regional office from Calls Landing, by occupying 2,390 sq ft of space on the second floor. With offices in Leeds and London, Box Architects will occupy a 1,237 sq ft space on the third floor, having also secured a five-year lease. The firm specialises in commercial projects in sectors ranging from health and education to sports and leisure. Harry Finney, associate director at Fox Lloyd Jones, said: “With Calls Landing situated in one of the most exciting areas of Leeds city centre and a building which retains all its traditional period features and charm, demand for creative workspaces of this calibre is inevitably high. “To welcome to the property a global innovator within medical IT and cybersecurity and a nationally renowned architect’s firm, is hugely satisfying. The workspace provides the perfect location for both businesses to thrive and spearhead their growth plans across the region.” John King, director at King & Co, added: “Calls Landing is an iconic period building steeped in history and has always been a hugely desirable office location for creative and professional service businesses across Leeds. “With picturesque views overlooking the river and convenient access to all the local amenities in the Calls area and city centre, I’m confident both businesses will feel energised by moving to their new home.” Clem McDowell, director at Carter Towler, said: “Calls Landing is a terrific example of the wealth of commercial properties across Leeds that are rich in heritage and history but also designed to meet the modern office needs of businesses operating across a range of sectors. “It’s been a pleasure working closely with King & Co and FLJ to help bring this property to market and we wish Sectra Medical and Box Architects all the best in their new home.”

Planning application submitted for key 43-acre M18 site in Yorkshire

Tess Egginton
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Planning application submitted for key 43-acre M18 site in Yorkshire
Privately-owned property development company, Premcor Estates (Premcor), has submitted a planning application for its 43-acre, Mode 18 development site at Junction 3 on the M18. The planning application relates to the redevelopment of the overall site at Rossington, Doncaster, which has the potential to deliver around 450 new jobs. Planning permission was granted three years ago at the site for the installation of a much-needed Link Road to divert industrial traffic from the surrounding residential areas and construction of this road forms part of the proposed scheme works. Proposals include for a mix of employment and an element of operational vehicle storage with supporting infrastructure including a gatehouse. A further planning application will be submitted shortly for land to the western end of the new Link Road for roadside uses, including an electric vehicle charging station and petrol station with shop, as well as providing new restaurant/coffee shop facilities with drive-through lanes. Premcor director, Rob Lane, said: “We acquired this site off market and have spent the last four years on site assembly. Our work has also included securing agreements for a new Link Road for commercial traffic to the Bankwood Lane Estate to bypass Rossington and the large volume of residential development that has taken place there. “The Link Road will make a big difference to local residents and Doncaster Council who have been supporting and promoting the link road for the last six years. “We have ambitious plans for the site which will build on our established links with major occupiers. Potential occupiers have already been secured for the petrol filling station and the EV charging facility as well as two restaurants with drive through provision. We will also be welcoming Yard Storage Solutions, which will provide self-storage and commercial storage facilities, on the remainder of the site.” Mode 18 is so called because of its location on the M18, close to the A1(M) and M1 Motorways as well as its proximity to the iPort Rail terminal which is just a five-minute drive away. The two separate planning applications could generate and sustain over 500 new full and part time jobs – the proposed employment development site at the eastern end of the new Link Road will lead to the creation of around 450 jobs, while the commercial / retail uses at the western end of the new Link Road, provide a further 87 new jobs. Premcor has appointed the Sheffield office of ID Planning to handle the planning application for Mode 18. Director, Jeremy Williams, said: “ID Planning is well known for providing creative and innovative planning solutions for complex development proposals and this has been one such. We are hopeful that we will receive a positive determination as a result of the local support for the Link Road and the general development proposals, which will make a tremendous difference. “Whilst the Link Road alone will deliver many local benefits, Premcor plans to bring forward a phased commercial development across several sites in need of regeneration and investment. This will support existing local commercial businesses and provide substantial new, modern warehouse space and general industrial floorspace that will also attract inward investment, so there is an appetite to get started on site as soon as possible.” Architects for Mode 18 are C4 Architects and the Sheffield offices of Knight Frank and BNP Paribas have been advising.

Raworths appoints new leadership for TWE team

Tess Egginton
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Raworths appoints new leadership for TWE team
Harrogate-based Raworths has made a change of leadership at the helm of its Trusts, Wills and Estates (TWE) team. Partners Alison Walker and Sam Jenner are stepping up to take over as joint heads of the 23 strong team. Alison’s and Sam’s promotions will enable the former Head of TWE, Rachel Tunnicliffe – who has led the team for a decade – to focus on expanding her other leadership roles as Senior Partner at Raworths and Head of Private Client Services. She will continue to manage her existing portfolio of client work offering specialist legal advice on wills, trusts and succession planning. Rachel Tunnicliffe, Senior Partner at Raworths, said: “I’m so proud of this incredible team. On the back of achieving national recognition at the recent Chambers HNW awards – which are solely based on feedback from our clients and contacts – now is the perfect time to hand over the reins. Alison and Sam each bring a unique set of skills and knowledge which together make for an inspirational leadership team. “I’m looking forward to embarking on a new chapter at Raworths, supporting our Managing Partner, Simon Morris, in my role as Senior Partner and Head of Private Client Services – and continuing to work with my clients, many of whom I’ve advised for more than two decades and who I hope to continue working with for a long time to come.” Alison Walker, who joined Raworths in 2015, advises on all aspects of wills, trusts and wider succession, wealth structuring and tax issues, particularly for business owners. Alison has specialist knowledge in the administration of complex estates, with business interests and overseas property. Sam Jenner, who has been with the firm since 2014, offers a breadth of technical expertise on complex succession planning, administration of estates, family investment companies, wills and tax. Sam is also involved in leadership on the firm’s IT projects. Both Sam and Alison play an instrumental role in mentoring younger members of the team. Alison said: “I’d like to thank Raworths for this opportunity. Rachel has been an inspirational leader over the last ten years, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work alongside Sam to oversee the future direction of the team, whilst providing the very best service to our clients.” Sam added: “I have really enjoyed mentoring junior team members and as joint head of TWE, I hope to play an even bigger role in the development of the next generation of talented lawyers. Raworths has a special culture that places value on building relationships, as a team within the firm and with our clients and referrers. “Alison and I both have families – and I’m glad that Raworths supports joint leadership roles that enable us to have work/life balance, which can only be a positive for both our professional and personal lives.”

Heb Group expands with new Leeds office

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Heb Group expands with new Leeds office
The Heb Group, a provider of mechanical, electrical, facilities management as well as cleaning services, has expanded with a new office in Leeds. Located at Viscount Court, 243 Leeds Road, Rothwell, the new office marks a significant step in the company’s strategic expansion across Yorkshire and the broader UK as it heads towards a group turnover of £40 million. The opening of the Leeds office follows a series of significant developments at Heb Group, including a recent full rebrand from the HE Barnes brand and the launch of additional offices in Liverpool. Martin Womersley at Heb Group said: “We are excited to expand our footprint in Leeds, a vibrant and growing city. This new office will enable us to better serve our clients in Yorkshire and beyond, while also providing a base for further growth in the North of England. “Last year we celebrated 100 years in business, which showcases our longevity as we now look to the future and expand to meet the changing needs of our clients both regionally and nationally.”

Bridge-to-bridge bikers gear up to establish annual charity challenge

Tess Egginton
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Bridge-to-bridge bikers gear up to establish annual charity challenge
The organisers of a bridge-to-bridge cycle challenge are bidding to make it an annual event reinforcing the Sailors’ Children’s Society’s nationwide reach with the backing of growing numbers of businesses. Adam Walsh, CEO of John Good Group, completed the inaugural event in 2023 as the sole cyclist covering 212 miles from the Severn to the Humber in one day. For this year’s event he will be joined by three more businesses and seven new riders. Plans are coming together to increase the peloton to 20 or 25 next year, and then the brakes will really come off! Natasha Barley, CEO of the Sailors’ Children’s Society, said: “We’re already looking at another step up next year because more businesses are showing interest, and not just locally because we are a national charity with supporters all over the country. “The vision is to grow it year on year. The more riders we get, the more prestige we will build and the more money we will raise to help the families who rely on us. It will become a key fixture in our calendar and it started as a fantastic gift from Adam.” The Society, which is based in Hull and is 203 years old this year, works nationally to support disadvantaged children from the Royal Navy, merchant navy, offshore wind industry, fishing fleets and inland waterways. Adam took up his post in 2022 and was hooked by the links between the charity and a business whose founder first went to sea in 1813, became master of his own ship in 1826 and opened his chandlery in the Old Town of Hull in 1833. Adam said: “We are steeped in maritime and the work of Natasha and her team resonates so strongly with the heritage of the group. Our business relies on those seafarers, and the work the Society does to support families aligns so closely with what we do.” This year John Good Group has partnered with Boluda Towage SMS Ltd, Drax and MS3 to assemble a team of eight who will set off from the Severn Bridge first thing on Saturday 14 September and aim to reach the Humber Bridge on the afternoon of Sunday 15 September. Sponsorship has come from Eastern Airways, DFDS, Spectrum and Ken Ellerker Cycles. Among the riders will be Simon Clarke, commercial director of Boluda Towage SMS, and Martin Coffey, the firm’s operations manager. Martin said: “I got involved because the company is closely associated with John Good Group and we have always been strong supporters of the Society. We also have some keen cyclists and it seemed a good opportunity for us as a business to raise some extra money for the charity.” Angie Rawson, an accounts assistant at Boluda SMS, will also be taking part and has recruited husband Geoff as a guest rider. Both are members of the Hull Thursday Road Club, which dates back to 1908, and Geoff is the current president. Geoff said: “We do a lot of cycling every weekend and in the evening. We ride all over East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire and the furthest we have done is Newcastle and back in two days. That was 135 miles. “We also have cycle holidays. We will be in Mallorca in October and we’ve completed the Paris Roubaix, a one-day ride from the north of Paris to the border with Belgium. It’s said to be the hardest sportif in Europe and is known to cyclists as ‘the Hell of the North’.” Adam sees the ride as a test for the team and for the route, which will take them past Gloucester and Cheltenham, round the south of Birmingham, past Leicester, Loughborough and Nottingham and then via Newark and Gainsborough to the Humber Bridge. He said: “Last year it was just me in one day. A few people said they would have come with me if they’d known I was doing it so this year there are eight of us. We’re pretty confident. All but two of the riders are pretty accomplished and have decent miles in their legs. The two new ones have been putting the work in. They’ll find it tough but I’ve no doubt they will get through. “One of the things we’ll be doing is considering whether the route works as well for more riders, so it’s a big fundraiser and a test event for the future.” Natasha added: “What they are doing is amazing. It’s a phenomenal challenge that would be beyond so many people physically and mentally. They are going to be pushing themselves to the limit and giving it everything they have got. “The whole idea is to build up an events calendar that people all over the country can take part in because we support families nationwide. We want more cyclists, and Angie will be helping us to recruit more women!” To support the Bridge2Bridge fundraising ride please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/team/johngoodgroup

Lego displays boost footfall by 27,000 views in Harrogate

Stuart Pearcey
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Lego displays boost footfall by 27,000 views in Harrogate

Businesses in Harrogate have said this year’s Lego Trail from the BID had an important impact on driving footfall and spend into the town, with models visited almost 27,000 times.

More than 26,900 visits were made to the designated QR code pages and the BID website during the Lego Trail, which is more than double the last time the trail was held in 2022. But, as the Lego Trail was mainly completed by families and groups of two or more, the figure of those that took part is likely to be closer to the 50,000 mark say organisers.

Feedback from BID Members has been highly positive and encouraging, with one stating: “It definitely increased our footfall and our income, so thank you for making such a difference to our work!”

Harrogate BID Manager Matthew Chapman said the team was incredibly pleased to have brought another hugely successful Lego Trail to the town centre.

He said: “As the BID, we host a series of footfall and spend increasing campaigns and events across the year – and the Lego Trail has done just that!

“We’re so pleased it has brought such a positive feel to our town and we really appreciate all of the lovely feedback we’ve had so far.

“The Lego Trail is always a massively popular event in our calendar – and it seems this year definitely didn’t disappoint!”

Sale of Lincolnshire agricultural machinery business saves 68 jobs

Tess Egginton
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Sale of Lincolnshire agricultural machinery business saves 68 jobs
Sixty-eight jobs in Lincolnshire have been saved following the pre-pack sale of the Burdens Group. Headquartered in Boston, the company supplied a wide range of farm and groundcare machinery from leading manufacturers including New Holland, Horizon, Amarzone and JPM Trailers. From tractors and combine harvesters to trailers and mowers, its customers included farmers, groundcare professionals and potato growers across the UK. The Burdens Group offered both new and used agricultural machinery for sale from its depots in Sutterton, North Kyme, Louth and Brigg. It also had a division providing agricultural machinery for hire. The company began to experience financial difficulties due to the pressures facing the farming sector following poor weather during 2023 and 2024, resulting in poor crop yields, and this was exacerbated by changes to EU subsidies. These issues resulted in farmers reducing their investment in new machinery which had a significant impact on the company’s turnover. Joint administrators Gareth Rusling and Robert Dymond of Begbies Traynor were subsequently appointed as joint administrators on 19th August and a sale of the business and assets was immediately completed to Russell’s (Kirbymoorside) Limited in Malton and Stevenage-based Ernest Doe & Sons Limited, representing the northern and southern sales respectively. The sales secured 68 jobs therefore reducing total creditor claims. A significant amount of tangible assets which were not sold to either purchaser will be disposed of by Eddisons Commercial Limited and are likely to be sold via auction. “Having traded successfully for more than 40 years, the Burdens Group was a victim of problems hitting the farming sector with bad weather and changes to EU subsidies resulting in its key customer base reducing their spend,” explains joint administrator Gareth Rusling of Begbies Traynor. “We worked hard to quickly conclude a sale to two experienced agricultural businesses, and it’s fantastic that the sales have saved the jobs of 68 people.”
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