Hull business prosecuted over waste disposal
Hull City Council is urging businesses to act responsibly when managing the disposal of waste, to avoid being fined or prosecuted.
The warning comes after Ideal Centre Hull Limited was prosecuted in Hull Magistrates’ Court last month (June) after being found guilty of fly-tipping waste on Beverley Road, in October 2023.
The business was convicted of offences contrary to section 34(5) Environmental Protection Act 1990 and section 34(1)(c) Environmental Protection Act 1990 and were ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £301 and obtained a criminal record.
Doug Sharp, head of street cleansing and waste management at Hull City Council, said: “Fly-tipping is a crime that we do not tolerate in Hull. It is unsightly, potentially harmful to human health, and damaging to the environment.
“There is no excuse for businesses to not have lawful arrangements in place or for fly-tipping their waste.
“Everyone, including businesses, have a responsibility to look after our local environment and help tackle fly-tipping. By taking such a tough stance on enforcement action, we can deter any potential offenders.”
Plans lodged for housing scheme preserving railway’s past
Plans have been submitted by Brierley Homes for a 34-home scheme that will help preserve a North Yorkshire village’s past while building for its future.
The plan involves transforming the former council highways depot in West Ayton, near Scarborough.
Known as Forge Valley, it will see the conversion of an historic engine shed and station house, enabling the site to retain its proud heritage.
West Ayton is located at the gateway to the North York Moors and is an attractive proposition for home buyers, with its picturesque setting on the banks of the River Derwent, commuting potential, local amenities, and a primary school in nearby East Ayton.
If given the go-ahead, the development will feature a selection of one, two, three and four-bed properties, consisting of maisonettes, terraced houses, semi-detached and detached homes.
The site was previously home to the Forge Valley railway station. However, the line closed to passenger trains in 1950.
Rather than demolish the station house, designers have opted to convert it into four one-bed flats. The engine shed, meanwhile, is set to become a new community facility.
Brierley Homes’ Managing Director, Stuart Ede, said: “Opportunities such as this don’t come along every day. Preserving the county’s past is important and we are delighted to have been able to make the station house and engine shed integral parts of the plan.
“This scheme will help breathe new life into some of the old railway station features and will also give the community a great space that will enhance the village as a whole.”
Affordable housing will make up 30 per cent of the scheme, with properties built to the latest environmental standards. Their design will be in keeping with other developments locally.
If granted planning permission, construction is scheduled to begin in the autumn.
York Business School partners with Aesthetica for creative skills bootcamp boosting start-ups
York Business School has partnered with award-winning arts and culture organisation Aesthetica to deliver a new business skills training programme. The Creative Business Skills Bootcamp will offer start-ups a progression route into the creative industries, whilst supporting them to develop and launch their business.
York is one of 25 cities in the world to hold a UNESCO City of Media Arts designation. The partnership aims to leverage this status to encourage more start-up businesses, create more jobs, alongside talent and skills development in the region.
Free to attend, the 12 week course includes a series of workshops and masterclasses specifically aimed at start-ups. Attendees will be offered 12 months free rent at the Enterprise Centre on the York St John University campus to support that crucial first year in business. Applications were encouraged from creatives across architecture, film, fine art, gaming, extended reality (XR), textiles, fashion and more.
Cherie Federico, Director of Aesthetica, said: “The idea for the Creative Business Skills Bootcamp was developed in response to Aesthetica celebrating its 20th anniversary. The company was founded in 2003 when Co-Director Dale Donley and I were students at York St John University.
“Since then the company has expanded to include a portfolio of publications and events, such as the BAFTA-qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival and the Aesthetica Art Prize, along with the Reignite series of events in York.
“It was a big moment and a time of reflection in which I looked at the development of Aesthetica from a student idea into an international brand across media arts. I thought about the ups and the downs, and the resilience it takes to launch, sustain and grow a business in the creative industries.
“I want to do what I can to help new start-ups in the sector, leverage our UNESCO City of Media Arts designation, develop skills and training opportunities and take our region and city to new heights. This is just the beginning.”
Dr Brendan Paddison, Interim Dean and Associate Professor of York Business School, added: “Working with Aesthetica on developing the Creative Business Skills Bootcamp brings a high level of expertise and knowledge to the city.
“At York Business School we are proud to support the development of Creative Industries in York, leveraging our global UNESCO City of Media Arts designation, as we push ahead in furthering our engagement across all sectors of the business community.”
The Creative Business Skills Bootcamp will include workshops and training on branding, marketing, project management, developing income streams, networking, accountancy, legal, HR, sales, negotiation, business planning, scaling and growth. Speakers include Pablo Ettinger (Founder, Café Nero), Edward Twiddy (Founder, Atom Bank), Helen Marriage (CEO, Artichoke), Helena Jones (Ay-Pe), Cherie Federico (Aesthetica), Kit Monkman (Viridian FX) and more.
Laura joins ABP Humber as Head of Commercial
Associated British Ports has appointed Laura Wood as the new Head of Commercial to lead the team responsible for the port operator’s customer relationships central to Keeping Britain Trading across its four Humber ports of Grimsby, Immingham, Goole and Hull.
Laura joins the Humber team after working as Business Development Manager across ABP’s portfolio looking at opportunities for the energy transition, fuels of the future and products of the future. The role involved working closely with senior stakeholders across both business and government to build partnerships to progress complex projects in areas like alternative fuels and carbon capture.
Simon Bird, Regional Director of the Humber said: “We are delighted to welcome Laura to the Humber. She brings with her a wealth of expertise and skills to the role, and has already had an established background in the ports sector before she joined ABP.
“Laura’s appointment is the next step in a refreshed, focused and reinvigorated Commercial team.”
Laura said: “It’s exciting to be heading up the dynamic Humber Commercial team who are experienced across multiple sectors and focused on delivering customer solutions.
“I am also looking forward to working alongside our property team and optimising what we can do in the port to bring customers supply chain solutions that combine ABP’s unrivalled land holdings, operational experience and port infrastructure.
“ABP have shown real commitment to supporting me in developing my career including through maternity leave. My experience is that they have broken the mould when it comes to supporting women in their careers.”
Laura used to work at the Port of Immingham when she brought the hydrogen fuelled Terberg terminal tractor project to the container terminal. The joint pilot project received funding from ORE Catapult through Innovate UK’s Hydrogen Innovation Initiative, following funding of initial feasibility from the Department for Transport’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition.
Before working for ABP Laura worked for Peel Ports at the Port of Liverpool where she worked in the commercial team helping to boost freight volumes using the Manchester Ship Canal and has also worked for Frontier, the UK’s leading crop production and grain marketing business, for several years.
Laura is keen after coming out of a long-term strategic view to look at long term solutions for customers integrating her green energy experience to create opportunities for ABP and customers to meet targets.
Lincolnshire radiator firm acquired in seven-figure deal
Brand K Group, one of the largest suppliers of radiators and bathroom equipment to independent merchants and showrooms, has acquired Lincolnshire-based Paladin Radiators in a seven-figure deal.
The acquisition is the seventh in the past five years for Brand K Group and marks a further step towards its ambition to become a UK leader in the HVAC and bathroom sector. Paladin will continue to operate under its existing brand, while shareholders Dean Chughtai and Gareth Charles will remain with the business and continue to lead its growth.
Paladin is an independent producer of traditional cast iron radiators, supplying direct to retailers and installers. All its products are assembled and finished in Britain and it has its own dedicated foundry. Based in the hamlet of New York, the company was founded 30 years ago and now employs 26 people.
Brand K Group, which is based in Bedford with operations in Wigan, Leeds, Willenhall, Hull and Tewkesbury, was established in 2008 by Alex Norford. It now employs more than 750 people and turns over in excess of £163m.
Kartell UK was the first company in the group and remains the largest distributing radiators and bathroom fixtures and fittings under the K-RAD and K-VIT brands, however since 2019 the group has acquired a series of UK-based manufacturers including Just Trays, Vogue UK, Summerbridge and MX Group.
Alex Norford, CEO of Brand K Group, said: “I am delighted to welcome Dean, Gareth and their team to the group. We’re excited to have acquired another of the most respected brands in the UK radiator market and to expand further our offering to the heritage and design-led home improvement sectors.
“Paladin is a business that combines the best of traditional design and innovation in a single product range; we’re looking forward to helping them continue their growth story.”
Paladin’s turnover has doubled since Dean Chughtai and Gareth Charles acquired the business from the original founders in 2017. Dean Chughtai said: “When Gareth and I first began leading the Paladin business, we saw an opportunity to grow an innovative business delivering quality products direct to consumers, whilst also being well-respected by the professional market.
“Thanks to the team at Paladin, we’ve achieved all of that and are very pleased to see the business well-positioned to continue on its path of success moving forwards.”
Gareth Charles added: “In Brand K Group, we’ve found the perfect home for Paladin. Alex and his team have a deep understanding of the UK radiator market and offer the business a great opportunity to expand and develop even further.
“Dean and I are grateful to the team at Paladin for their hard work in more than doubling the turnover of the company during our tenure and we are personally very pleased to see this investment supporting the continued growth of this customer-focused business.”
Harry Walker and Fahim Kassam from the Midlands office of Dow Schofield Watts (DSW) provided corporate finance advice to Brand K Group. Harry Walker, partner, has also advised Brand K on six previous acquisitions.
Harry said: “Under Alex’s leadership, Brand K has gone from being a start-up to one of the largest suppliers in the UK, and its acquisition strategy has been a key part of its growth story.
“Paladin is another excellent addition to its existing stable of high-quality British manufacturing brands. We look forward to working with Alex and the team in the future to help them pursue their ambitious growth strategy.”
A team from Fladgate led by Cem Usten and Ravi Goonesena provided legal advice to Brand K, with financial due diligence provided by a team led by Paul Kithoray of Cortus Advisory. The shareholders of Paladin were supported by a legal team from Hegarty Solicitors led by Andrew Heeler and received finance support from Mark Bradshaw of Streets Accountants.
Shawbrook Bank provided Kartell with increased facilities to finance the acquisition of Paladin and were advised by a team from Shoosmiths LLP, led by Jon Bew.
Logistics real estate developer acquires 65-acre site on Nottinghamshire/Yorkshire border
Panattoni, the logistics real estate developer, has acquired a 65-acre site on the Nottinghamshire/Yorkshire border with planning consent for over 1.2 million sq ft.
The two phase development, called Panattoni Central A1(M), by junction 34 of the A1(M), has been acquired from Mulberry Developments in an off-market deal. Panattoni will commence construction of what it says will be the largest-ever speculative logistics unit in the North of England, a building of 770,000 sq ft, in the autumn. Practical completion is expected in September 2025.
Panattoni is targeting net zero carbon development, an EPC rating of ‘A’ and BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ sustainability rating. The cross-docked unit will benefit from 18m eaves, 55m service yards, EV van and car charging and 15% rooflights. Winvic Construction has been appointed as the contractor.
The remaining 27-acre plot, which already benefits from reserved matters planning consent for a 461,000 sq ft building, will initially be marketed on a build-to-suit basis.
Dan Burn, Head of Development North West & Yorkshire at Panattoni, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to acquire a prime logistics site in an established location by the A1(M). The development provides us with the opportunity to capitalise on the dearth of supply of XXL units across the country.”
Panattoni was advised by Cushman & Wakefield and Mulberry Developments was advised by M1 Agency.
Board members helping shape Hull and East Yorkshire’s economic future sought
In March 2024, the Hull and East Riding Unitary Leaders’ Board (a joint committee for the two Councils of Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire) took the decision to establish a Business, Growth and Skills Hub, upon the cessation of the operation of the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
That hub took over from the LEP and is now seeking to recruit members to both its ‘Business’ and ‘Skills’ boards and is welcoming Expressions of Interest (EOI) for these roles.
Those recruited to the boards will contribute to the development of the economic framework for the region’s economy, assisting the Hull and East Riding Unitary Leaders Board with such decisions as may require to be made to drive productivity, connectivity and sustainability while promoting inclusivity.
It is envisaged that each board will comprise individuals who have ambition for the development of the area and can provide an effective business and community voice upon economic and skills matters.
Through these two boards, the hub will take forward the work formerly undertaken by the LEP, pending a decision being taken by the Secretary of State upon the establishment of a Combined Authority for the Area.
The Business Board will provide strategic business input to support economic growth, maximising the natural assets of the region’s geography, sector strengths and people skills.
The board will need to build upon the significant strengths of the major sectors in the region, the diversity of local communities and the important role of the VCSE sector, as well as its reach into business and local neighbourhoods and the unique role they can play in delivering transformational change.
The Skills Board will reflect the existing education and training provision in the region and maximise opportunities to shape provision to meet current and future employer’s needs.
It will ensure that local people benefit from high-quality post-16 education and training and that adults are supported to upskill, reskill and are best placed to find employment in good jobs, further their careers and to gain the confidence and ability to overcome any existing barriers to success.
Teresa Chalmers, chief operating officer for HEY Business, Growth and Skills Hub, said: “The Business and Skills boards will play a key part into helping to shape the region’s economy.
“These roles are for people from a diverse range of business, community and provider backgrounds and we look forward to welcoming Expressions of Interest and meeting potential candidates.”
Fintel acquires threesixty in £14.6m deal
Huddersfield-based fintech and support services business Fintel has acquired threesixty from abrdn in a £14.6m deal.
threesixty serves 900 intermediary customers, providing regulatory and business services to leading IFAs and wealth managers.
It will join SimplyBiz, Compliance First, and SIFA in offering compliance and business support to intermediaries as part of Fintel, which also houses industry brands including Defaqto, VouchedFor, Competent Adviser, AKG, MICAP, Owen James, ifaDASH, and Synaptic.
Neil Stevens, Joint CEO of Fintel, said: “I’m delighted to welcome the very talented team and prestigious client base of threesixty to Fintel, and we are committed to upholding and helping to further build upon its strong brand and quality services.
“threesixty’s leadership team is fully supportive of the acquisition and will remain with us to see it grow and develop moving forward, as will all existing teams within the business.
“We are confident we can further enhance services for threesixty clients with joint investment in technology and will explore opportunities to make the benefits of our wider technology and data platform available over time. We will work with Russell and his team on the most effective approach to delivering these services to clients moving forward.
“Fintel remains committed to offering as much choice as possible to advisers and will continue to run threesixty as an independent business with its own offerings and pricing in the market, alongside our existing businesses.
“With a shared commitment to promoting the value of professional financial advice, we believe this deal will further expand the choice of quality services in this vital sector.”
Russell Facer, threesixty CEO, added: “The threesixty brand and offering is a premier choice for professional advisers. We have a talented team that is passionate about looking after our clients and their regulatory and business support needs.
“We are delighted to join Fintel, a business which shares our vision and values and one that we have known for many years. We are also able to offer the strongest commitment to our clients and our teams that the threesixty brand and independent offerings will remain in place to continue to provide genuine choice for adviser firms.”
Pocklington-based tyre wholesaler Bond International makes Scottish acquisitions
Pocklington-based tyre wholesaler Bond International has acquired Easityre Ltd and Fife Autocentre Ltd, expanding its presence in Scotland.
The news follows Bond’s recently announced acquisition of a 200,000 sq ft warehouse in Bathgate, Scotland.
Scott Meechan of Easityre will join Bond and will assume the role of Managing Director for Scotland. Brian Meechan will also remain in the business to give his support and expertise in all areas of the combined tyre business north of the border.
Charlie Bond, CEO of Bond International, said: “Easityre and Fife Autocentre are major players and are well respected in the tyre industry in Scotland. Bond International has a very strong relationship with Brian and Scott, a relationship that was initially forged by my father Reg and Brian many years ago.
“When the Board set out its expansion plans in Scotland it made perfect sense to approach them and discuss a deal. Brian and Scott have an extensive knowledge and experience of the tyre industry in the area, and have developed strong relationships with many customers.
“For this reason, it was important for us that both Brian and Scott remain in the business and made perfect sense to appoint Scott as Managing Director for Bond International in Scotland. We are all extremely excited for the future of all our businesses moving forward.”
Brian Meechan, CEO of Easityre and Fife Autocentre, said: “We at Easityre Ltd and Fife Autocentre Ltd are excited about the future with Bond International. We believe that it is a good fit for both businesses and will provide a better service and range of products for all our Scottish Customers.
“It will also create many opportunities for our Staff which will be the key to our continued success. Our relationship with Bond International goes back many years, initially with Reg and latterly with Charlie who has taken the business in a new direction, and, after listening to his vision for the future, that sealed the deal for us.”
Dogger Bank Wind Farm creates £25m legacy for coastal communities
The East Riding of Yorkshire is to share in a new £25 million commitment to coastal communities as long-term legacy for Dogger Bank Wind Farm.
The commitment includes funding projects in East Riding of Yorkshire, Redcar and Cleveland and South Tyneside, to enhance STEM education, and help young people gain the skills and knowledge required to fulfil their potential in a net zero world.
The £25million investment will be delivered over the 35-year operational lifespan of Dogger Bank Wind Farm – set to be the world’s largest offshore wind farm when it is complete. It builds on the £1million community fund already invested during the construction phase of the wind farm.
The East Riding programme has been developed in partnership with East Riding of Yorkshire Council and local skills and education stakeholders. Bespoke science, technology, engineering and maths learning programmes will be available to all nursery and primary schools. Hundreds of teachers have already benefitted from STEM and careers focused professional development as they bring STEM learning to life within classrooms.
Hornsea Nursey is one of the settings which benefitted from funding through the community fund set up during the construction phase.
Claire White executive headteacher for Hornsea, Beverley Manor, Bridlington and Hedon nursery schools said: “Young children are natural scientists and engineers. Their inquiring minds and fearless approach to taking things apart and discovering how they work make them the perfect age to get excited about STEM. If we can foster this enthusiasm in the early years and ensure they develop a thirst for learning in subjects not typically introduced at this age, we can ignite a passion that will endure throughout their formal education and beyond. We can help cultivate the next generation of scientists, engineers, architects, mathematicians, ecologists, and more. This is the impact and potential legacy of the Dogger Bank funding.”
Dogger Bank Project Director Oliver Cass said: “It’s been our great privilege during the last three years to work with education providers and local communities to kickstart a programme of investment that is bringing long-term benefits for communities.
“It is vitally important that developers work in partnership with local communities in order to sustainably deliver the critical green energy infrastructure that will shape our future.”
Dogger Bank is more than 130km from the Yorkshire coast and will produce enough renewable energy to supply electricity to six million homes in the UK every year. The wind farm, a joint venture between SSE Renewables, Equinor, and Vårgrønn, produced first power in October 2023. The first two phases of the wind farm will transmit renewable energy into the national electricity network via the Creyke Beck substation near Beverley, close to the site where the project has built two onshore convertor stations over the last five years.
The project has already created or supported over 2,000 jobs in the UK, contributing to over 100,000 UK offshore wind jobs needed to meet current national targets to generate 50GW of capacity by 2030.
Liberty appoints CFO for its European business
Liberty Steel Group has appointed Andreas Böcskör as the new Chief Financial Officer of its European business which includes plants at Scunthorpe, Brinsworth, Rotherham, and Stockbridge in our region.
Andreas brings a wealth of experience to Liberty’s business, most notably from his recent tenure at the industry group Schoeller-Bleckmann Oilfield Equipment, where he led key projects in strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and played an integral part in establishing a robust global organisation with a focus on legal, finance, and sustainability initiatives.
He will oversee all financial aspects of Liberty’s European operations, including strategic financial planning and reporting, risk management, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. As a key member of Thomas Gangl’s executive team, his expertise will be crucial in aligning Liberty’s financial strategies with its sustainability objectives and accelerating its green steel transformation agenda.
Sanjeev Gupta, Executive Chairman, Liberty Steel Group said: “Andreas’s arrival comes at a pivotal time for Liberty as we complete our restructuring in Europe and set a strategic framework for the future. With Thomas Gangl and Andreas now in post we’re building a strong and experienced leadership team in Europe that will help us weather tough market conditions and forge a sustainable future in green steel.”
Andrew Jackson names new partner in employment team
Gillian Markland has joined Andrew Jackson Solicitors’ employment team as a partner.
Gillian brings several years’ experience acting across a broad range of employment matters, and regularly advises both public and private sector employers on a range of matters including contracts of employment, handbooks, disciplinary and dismissals, poor performance, grievances, settlement agreements, restructure/redundancies and TUPE.
Gillian also has vast expertise of advising employees on grievances and settlement agreements
She said: “Andrew Jackson’s employment practice has built a strong reputation for providing high quality advice to a diverse client base. I’m excited to have joined the firm and I’m looking forward to ensuring that we continue to provide an outstanding service for clients, which is tailored to their needs.”
Jonathan Dale, partner and head of employment at Andrew Jackson, added: “I am delighted that Gillian has joined our team and she has already proven to be a fantastic addition. Her friendly, professional and knowledgeable approach has won praise from clients and I know she will be an asset to our employment practice.”
New company takes helm of Yorkshire Food and Drink Festival
The future of the Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival has been secured by Cocker Hoop Creative, which has stepped in to acquire the assets and IP of the event after its previous owner, Events By B3 Ltd, went into liquidation last month.
Jonathan Amor and Richard Oddy, licensed Insolvency Practitioners with UK top ten accounting and advisory firm Azets, managed the Creditors Voluntary Liquidation and have overseen the acquisition by Cocker Hoop Creative.
The company’s plans to revive the Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival include a new rebranded website, social media campaigns, and regular updates. More information about how people can register to receive the latest information will be released in the coming weeks.
Jon Arrowsmith, MD of Cocker Hoop Creative, said: “There are many similarities between the Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival and the Lichfield Food Festival, and we will bring our experience, commitment to excellence and determination to make this event a success to benefit residents, visitors and local businesses.
“We are thrilled to bring the Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival onto the portfolio of Cocker Hoop Creative. As a growing business, this was an opportunity we couldn’t refuse. We are keen to preserve the strong heritage of the festival while introducing new and exciting elements to make it even more exciting for visitors, traders and campers.
“With the next event in 2025 we will continue to showcase the best of local and regional food, drink, and culinary talent. Visitors can look forward to a vibrant celebration of gastronomy, artisanal products, live entertainment from top UK bands, and interactive experiences against the backdrop of the picturesque Yorkshire Dales.
“We know that good traders are the lifeblood of a food festival, and we are committed to supporting those traders that have unfortunately suffered financially as a result of the liquidation of Events By B3 Ltd. For any traders that have already paid to attend this year, we will honour those payments for the next Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival in 2025. We hope that this helps them to recover after their losses this year.
“One of our goals is to reduce ticket prices and camping fees so that as many people as possible can attend the event. With this in mind, ticket holders affected by the cancellation of the 2024 festival will be offered a discount for the 2025 event. We are looking forward to putting on a weekend in 2025 and beyond that everyone remembers.”
Drax pumps £20,000 into school visits by Yorkshire pupils
Drax has allocated £20,000 to help schools to organise visits to its power station at Selby, with a further £10,000 to support visits to its operations in Scotland.
Providing schools meet the qualifying criteria, including being sited within 15 miles of a Drax power station and having at least 20% of their pupils being on free school meals, they can apply for transport grants of up to £500 online. Drax hopes schools will apply for the funding for the new school year in September.
Shona King, Drax’s Head of Community, said: “Our schools’ transport fund will ensure that pupils, including those from less privileged backgrounds, can participate in STEM focused trips to our sites throughout the UK.
“Our visits team plays a key role in educating young people on how we keep the lights on by generating renewable power that is used by millions of homes and businesses.
“We hope that visits to iconic sites like Drax Power Station to learn how they operate can inspire the next generation of engineers. We are actively encouraging applications for the fund and would like to see more schools coming to our power stations in the autumn.”
New Audit Partner appointed at AAB’s Leeds office
Helen Daniels has become an Audit Partner in the AAB Leeds office. Helen has been a key member of the Audit team specialising in owner managed businesses and the financial services sector.
Her promotion is one of a number just announced by the company, with the others in Scotland.
Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive Officer of AAB, said: “Helen, like the others we have promoted, is dedicated team members at AAB and it is a great pleasure to recognise each of these individuals with their promotion to our leadership team.
“We are committed to promoting from within, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to progress their career. As we continue to grow, their contributions will be pivotal in driving our vision forward and maintaining the high standards our clients know we can deliver to support their own business and individual growth.”
Work begins on transformation of iconic pub site
Work has started on the £1.5 million transformation of the former site of Lincoln’s famous Golden Cross pub, which closed in 2020.
Following the recent demolition of the old pub, the Gelder Group has embarked on a special housing project, after being awarded a contract by Framework Housing Association.
Although the building site is quite small, the Young People’s Learning Provision (YPLP) – which is part of the county council’s Children’s Services – has kindly allowed the company to park site traffic on their land. This has removed the need for additional traffic to be on the road, relieving potential congestion.
The new building will comprise 15 supported housing flats, which meet the Secured by Design accreditation. This is a police-preferred specification which provides a recognised standard for all security products that can deter and reduce crime.
Gelder Group Chief Executive Officer Steve Gelder said: “We are delighted to be working on this project for several reasons. Obviously, winning this work was great news for team Gelder.
“It is also special to be transforming a site which, historically, had connections with Lincoln City Football Club. Being so close to City’s Sincil Bank ground, it was a natural watering hole for Red Imps’ fans.
“On a more serious note, we have also long admired the amazing work done by Framework, in supporting people who are homeless or at risk of being so. Also, it doesn’t stop there, because it also supports its ‘clients’ with their health, social care and employment needs.”
The building is due to be completed by March 2025.
Framework Director of Corporate Services, Dave Newmarch said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to help address the shortage of accommodation for homeless people in Lincoln with these purpose-built premises providing 15 self-contained, one-bed units for single homeless people.
“Framework is a registered charity and a registered provider of social housing and we have been providing services for homeless and vulnerable people in Lincolnshire since 2011.
“This new housing on the High Street will be our fifth major capital investment in Lincoln to provide good quality, purpose-built accommodation for people in need. It brings our total investment in the city to more than £9.6m and enables us to provide accommodation for more than 100 homeless people at any one time.
“With support from the City of Lincoln Council, the £2.65m project has been funded under the government’s Single Homeless Accommodation Programme which provides homes and crucial support for people with high and enduring support needs, including rough sleepers.
“The government grant of £1.7m has been supplemented by a contribution from Framework itself worth £850,000.
“We are delighted to be working with the excellent Gelder Group – keeping the work in Lincolnshire and ensuring that the project is delivered to the high standards we wish to provide for the people we support.
“When the flats are occupied in spring 2025 residents will receive dedicated support from staff who will be on site 24/7 to address the issues that contributed to residents’ homelessness in the first place.”
Frasers Group acquires Doncaster Shopping Centre
Shirebrook-based Frasers Group has acquired Frenchgate Shopping Centre in Doncaster.
The 770,000 sq ft retail centre is a major regional shopping destination welcoming over 16 million customers a year.
The shopping centre is a key part of the retail offer within Doncaster town centre and the South Yorkshire region, with major high street tenants, including Next, H&M and TK Maxx.
The deal facilities the opportunity to more than triple the Sports Direct store size to over 35,000 sq ft and provide customers with access to other brands from the Frasers Group ecosystem including USC, GAME and Evans Cycles.
Michael Murray, Chief Executive, Frasers Group, said: “The acquisition of Frenchgate Shopping Centre in Doncaster further demonstrates the Group’s commitment to investing into brick-and-mortar.
“Acquiring property in key trading locations to unlock new opportunities for our retail and leisure businesses, such as Sports Direct, Everlast Gyms, Frasers and FLANNELS, is a key
priority.
“We are committed to re-inventing retail and injecting new life into high streets across the UK to bring the very best brands, environment, and experience to customers across the country.”
Frasers Group was advised by CBRE on this acquisition.
Senior partner appointed at GSSArchitecture
Architecture practice, GSSArchitecture, has appointed Jonathan Hunter as senior partner, following the retirement of Tom Lyons in June.
Jonathan has been part of GSS for over 23 years, having first joined in 2001 as a graduate architectural technologist. He soon progressed through the company, gaining promotion to associate in 2007 and then partner in 2010.
Jonathan has been central to the growth of the practice over recent years. Building on established relationships in the Midlands, Jonathan has built and nurtured strategically important long-term relationships with key clients across Yorkshire and the Northeast.
In 2009 Jonathan had the vision to establish an office in Yorkshire to provide a stronger, locally focussed service to clients in the region. Continuing to enhance the practice’s reputation, he then went on grow the business in the Northeast, opening a Newcastle studio in 2016.
Both studios have gone from strength to strength under Jonathan’s direction. The Yorkshire team has recently moved into central Leeds while the Newcastle team has moved into larger premises, to accommodate their sustained growth and strengthen their offering in both regions.
Jonathan has also been directly responsible for delivering many large-scale developments throughout his career to date. Across a range of sectors, projects include the Catalyst at Newcastle Helix and more recently the £500m masterplanning of the UK’s first Health Innovation Neighbourhood in partnership with Newcastle University and Genr8/Kajima JV.
As senior partner, Jonathan will maintain his focus on continued growth at a national level. He will utilise his extensive technical knowledge and cross-sector experience to set the strategic direction for the practice at all six of its office locations and will build on the foundations laid by previous partners delivering high-quality, sustainable architecture for clients.
Throughout his time at GSS, Jonathan has worked side-by-side with Ian Bray, and this relationship will continue with Ian Bray remaining as the practice’s managing partner.
Ian Bray said: “We have been planning for Tom’s retirement for the past few years to ensure we have a robust succession plan and management structure in place to deliver a seamless transition for our clients and teams. I have every confidence in Jonathan as he continues to drive the practice forward in his new role.”
Jonathan said: “I’m really excited about the future! We have a fantastic team at GSS, full of dedicated and creative people who are at the heart of what we do. There are many exciting opportunities for us to grow the business together, building on our history, substantial experience and by driving innovation.
“Stepping into this new role as senior partner is an honour. I have a duty to do my best for this practice and to represent every member of our extensive team in the best possible way. It is a responsibility that I take very seriously, and I hope to do the team proud during my time in post.”
Development consortium gains momentum to deliver affordable Yorkshire and Humber homes
A recently established partnership tasked with supporting young and fledgling housing associations and community groups to build new affordable housing in Yorkshire and Humber is having a positive impact across the region.
The Unity Community Development Consortium (UCDC) was set up in May 2021 by Leeds-based BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise.
The consortium has since expanded its membership to include Chartford Housing, Manningham Housing Association, Harrogate Housing, and Hull and East Yorkshire Mind.
Unity has also been supporting Pickering and Ferens Homes to deliver new properties in Hull. To date they have completed eight new homes and are due to complete on a 24 unit bungalow development in September.
In the past year, Unity assisted Hull and East Yorkshire Mind to convert three large properties to produce 21 flats for people suffering from mental health and are also working on a development opportunity which will yield 26 new properties on behalf of Harrogate Housing.
UCDC has been granted Investment Partner status by the government’s housing and regeneration agency, Homes England, which allows it to apply for grant funding to deliver new properties through the Affordable Homes Programme 2021 to 2026 and the Rough Sleepers and Single Homelessness Programmes, providing much needed affordable accommodation for some of the most vulnerable people in the region.
Wayne Noteman, Director of Regeneration at Unity Homes and Enterprise, explained that the partnership arrangements have enabled consortium members to support each other’s development plans by sharing best practice, resources and expertise.
He said: “The vision behind the establishment of the consortium was to create a pathway for smaller providers to utilise their development capacity and increase the supply of affordable housing for the public good.
“Not all housing associations possess in-house development expertise to build homes. However, by drawing on the professional support of other members, construction programmes have gained momentum with numerous schemes now on site or at an advanced stage of preparation.
“Alongside new properties, assistance has also been given by Unity to acquire existing properties from the open market for affordable rent and facilitate the transfer of housing stock from other Registered Providers.”
Gudrun Haskins-Carlisle, CEO of Chartford Housing, said the knowledge transfer between the six housing associations which form UCDC has been “hugely beneficial.”
She continued: “We are a small organisation which manages more than 600 properties across West Yorkshire.
“Through our involvement as a founder member of the consortium, Chartford has developed four flats for homeless people and secured capital and revenue funding of over £2 million to deliver a further 22 new properties.
“The assistance we have received is also supporting our efforts to identify and acquire suitable properties on the open market to add to our existing stock.”
Manningham Housing Association, which manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley, has joined UCDC more recently.
Its CEO, Lee Bloomfield, said: “We were seeking to reboot our development plans and the support from UCDC and Wayne has been vital in progressing these.
“The result has been the stock transfer of 18 houses and the acquisition of a further 14 properties through Home England’s Purchase and Repair programme.
“On top of these achievements, we have concluded a deal to purchase 20 new homes and remain in negotiations to secure a further 30 properties.”
Leeds agency wins work in support of property company’s Manchester development
Leeds-based PR agency Yasper has been appointed by BR2.0 to deliver a media relations and content brief across its group businesses, supporting the firm as it moves its headquarters to Manchester city centre and launches new brands, Xpercity and Inspired, which will sit alongside its established construction business, Big Red, to provide an end-to-end property solution.
Originally founded in Huddersfield in 2018, Big Red has seen a swift rise, building a number of high-profile developments, particularly in Manchester city centre. The move to become a full-service property company through the launch of its development arm Xpercity, and its facilities management arm, Inspired, follows investment into the business and a reorganisation of its service offering.
Yasper’s services for Big Red will initially focus on media relations, social media content and marketing. The appointment builds on range of exciting projects Yasper has been delivering for a number of high-profile clients over the past six months, including those in the healthcare, transportation and infrastructure space. Yasper launched in 2023, with established Leeds agency Umpf taking a stake in the business.
Yasper’s work will initially focus on communicating the Group’s points of difference and helping to establish the offer across the North. In addition to a regional and national property media brief, Yasper will also seek to establish new brands, Xpercity and Inspired, in their respective trade titles. The Leeds-based agency will also support the production of unique content across the group’s social media channels and website.
Yasper founder and MD Julian Pearce said: “I’ve watched Big Red’s growth closely and seeing what’s been achieved in such as short space of time has been inspirational. This piece of work plays to Yasper’s strengths, not only in the sector, but also in taking two or more of our core services and expertly blending tactics towards a known goal.”
