Following the completion of a series of deals, Wellington Place’s office space in its flagship 11 & 12 buildings are fully let less than a year after completion.
The buildings have been hailed amongst the UK’s most sustainable commercial office space and have seen lettings from a host of well-known companies, including global accountancy firm EY, which is the latest business to announce its move to new offices having agreed to take 25,000 sq ft.
The EY deal follows on from Lloyds Banking Group letting 124,000 sq ft at 11 & 12, marking the largest regional office transaction in the UK in 2023.
Employee-owned consultancy Arup recently expanded into 36,000 sq ft of office space at 11 & 12, whilst British brand ghd (good hair day) has launched its new headquarters there.
With commercial law firm Hill Dickinson and global real estate adviser JLL also having agreed deals at 11 & 12, a total of almost 230,000 sq ft of office space has been taken at the buildings since they were completed in spring last year.
The connected 11 & 12 Wellington Place buildings total 254,879 sq ft and will also feature a gym, business lounge and ground floor leisure and retail spaces.
Paul Pavia, head of development at MEPC, the developer and asset manager behind Wellington Place, said: “To have fully let the office space at 11 & 12 Wellington Place in such a short space of time is a fantastic milestone and one that we are rightly proud of.
“As with all our new lettings, we faced tough competition from across Leeds, the Yorkshire region and beyond to attract these leading organisations to 11 & 12 Wellington Place. We have made no secret of our belief that the office remains an absolutely vital part of the economy and society and these deals further cement this view.
“They also support the values first introduced at Wellington Place more than 15 years ago, to raise the bar in sustainable development, to offer a socially cohesive and community-focused environment that people want to be a part of, and to use urban regeneration to support positive social impact.”
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has announced Scarborough Group International (SGI) as the preferred developer to transform its historic Old Medical School into a globally recognised health-tech innovation hub.
The proposed agreement to acquire and refurbish the grade II*-listed building represents the first phase in the delivery of the Innovation Village, a world-class cluster for science, innovation and technology surrounding the new hospital development at Leeds General Infirmary.
The Innovation Village is a transformational project encompassing more than 2.2m sq ft of development which will create up to 4,000 new jobs, more than 500 new homes and an economic boost of £13bn for West Yorkshire.
As part of its proposal, SGI has set out ambitious plans to create a “health-tech ecosystem” at the Old Medical School to encourage collaboration between clinicians, academics, researchers and entrepreneurs, supporting start-ups and scale-ups to grow and help transform the future of healthcare.
It will build on the success of the trust’s Innovation Pop-Up, founded in 2021 to provide a front door for new and established businesses to partner with one of the UK’s largest teaching hospitals.
SGI’s vision includes preserving the Old Medical School’s historic Tudor Gothic style while implementing contemporary enhancements to offer a dynamic and functional workspace. These includes laboratories, co-working spaces, offices and communal areas, along with a new atrium over the inner courtyard.
Completed in 1894, the original red-brick building was designed by Leeds architect WH Thorp as the home to one of the first provincial medical schools in England. The building currently houses the trust’s pathology department, which is relocating to the state-of-the-art Centre for Laboratory Medicine at St James’s University Hospital.
West Yorkshire Combined Authority has provisionally identified the Old Medical School as a major project set to benefit from the £160 million West Yorkshire Investment Zone. The project is expected to create 237 jobs.
The site is within the Innovation Arc, a series of connected neighbourhoods formed around Leeds General Infirmary, University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds Arts University and the city’s West End. The proposed use for the Old Medical School is in line with the council’s strategy to create a world-class district for research and innovation west of the city centre, as set out in its Innovation Arc supplementary planning document.
Leeds has one of the highest concentrations of health-tech employees in the UK and has the most high-growth health tech firms securing investment; the most health and care patents, strong demand for research and innovation skills and the highest proportion of bioscience undergraduates.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals has a long track record of medical breakthroughs including the world’s first double hand transplant and the world’s first procedure using non-invasive sonic beam therapy to target and destroy cancer tumours. Its fully-funded new hospital development at Leeds General Infirmary will include a new adults’ hospital, a new home for Leeds Children’s Hospital, and the UK’s largest single-site maternity and neonatal centre.
Property advisor Fox Lloyd Jones advised Leeds Teaching Hospitals during the marketing process for the Old Medical School.
The first CGIs for Bradford City Village have been revealed, as momentum builds towards creating a sustainable residential neighbourhood in the heart of Bradford’s city centre.
Built across the ‘Top of Town’ and Darley Street areas which includes the Oastler and Kirkgate Shopping Centres, the new City Village will repurpose what was historically Bradford’s commercial and retail area. It will create 1,000 homes, as well as independent retail and leisure opportunities, business spaces and a high-quality public realm.
Bradford Council is developing the plans in partnership with ECF (formerly the English Cities Fund). The new CGIs reflect the latest development of the masterplan, which has been shaped and refined following feedback from hundreds of local people during the initial public consultation programme which ended in January 2024. Priorities from local people included more community amenities and services, a mix of housing types and more green spaces.
Initial proposals, which are still to undergo further public consultation, currently include:
Oastler: This site could contain around 70 townhouses, with gardens and parking, and around 380 apartments. The buildings could range from four to six storeys, with the potential for one building to reach a maximum of ten storeys.
Kirkgate: This site is considered most appropriate for higher-density apartment living, with buildings set around attractive new courtyards. Around 400 new apartments could be accommodated, with lots of active ground-floor spaces for shops, places to eat and drink and other leisure uses. Potential building heights are still being explored.
Chain Street: This site could provide lower-density family housing in the form of modern townhouses, set around a new community green. Around 50 new townhouses could be accommodated, in a mix of two-four-bedroom properties with gardens and parking.
All three sites will include green spaces with three new community parks. On Kirkgate this will be in the form of a significant new linear park stretching along Darley Street, tentatively titled ‘Darley Park’.
Image credit: 5plus / Dematerial, 2024. Courtesy of Bradford Council
Bradford Council’s Lead Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw said: “City Village is the next stage of our ambitious regeneration programme to reshape our city centre.
“Key projects like One City Park and Darley Street Market are now nearing completion and City Village shows the direction of the city centre for the next ten years – quality housing, more public spaces and a shift away from an over-reliance on traditional retail that has now changed forever with online shopping and changing customer habits.
“This draft masterplan is a key step forward to unlocking the funding and investment required to deliver the necessary regeneration to Bradford city centre and provide jobs and opportunities to people across the district.
“Our vision is to create a healthy, sustainable and community-friendly neighbourhood. While housing is at the heart of these plans, City Village will also create opportunities for new independent retail, cafes, bars and business spaces.
“Bringing more homes into the city centre will also increase custom for the existing businesses on North Parade, where our recent investment shows what a sustainable, greener high street can look like.”
Image credit: 5plus / Dematerial, 2024. Courtesy of Bradford Council
ECF is a strategic joint venture between developer Muse, which has recently delivered the 56,400 sq ft One City Park office scheme in Bradford; investor Legal & General; and the government’s housing and regeneration agency, Homes England.
Simon Dew, development director at ECF, explained: “Bradford is investing at an unprecedented level in its transport and public infrastructure to drive future success and realise its full economic potential. City Village is about responding to these new opportunities by balancing retail against other uses that will bring more people into the city centre.
“City Village will transform Bradford and these latest plans reveal the current thinking, and we’re really keen to hear what people think about them. There is another phase of engagement planned and we’ll encourage everyone to look at the plans and have their say before the final masterplan is approved.”
People will have another opportunity to have their say on the plans in Autumn this year. The planning application will be submitted in Spring 2025 and construction could commence later that year.
The wider project team for Bradford City Village also includes 5plus Architects and re-form Landscape Architecture.
Image credit: 5plus / Dematerial, 2024. Courtesy of Bradford Council
The University of Lincoln, UK, has joined a groundbreaking coalition of 17 universities, in support of a £3m international campaign which has been launched this week to drive economic growth in the Midlands.
Each year, the University contributes more than £400 million to the local economy and has forged sustainable, long-term relationships with a diverse range of organisations. These global connections will be leveraged to attract inward investment into R&D, innovation and science. This important work supports the University’s ambitions laid out in its Strategic Plan 2022-27 – of being a university which contributes significantly to the success of the region and beyond.
The campaign is led by Midlands Innovation and the Midlands Engine Partnership and hosted at Loughborough University, the Invest in UK University R&D – Midlands Campaign has been developed with a range of regional partners including the West Midlands Growth Company, Midlands Enterprise Universities and the East Midlands Freeport. It was launched at the UK Real Estate, Infrastructure and Investment Forum (UKREIIF), attended by nearly 13,000 investors, delegates and developers.
The university consortium will showcase five sectors in which the Midlands is world-renowned for the strength of its research and innovation. International alumni, industry and university connections in six markets (Australia, Germany, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and the USA) will be drawn upon to engage investors and raise the profile of the Midlands.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, Professor Neal Juster, said: “The University of Lincoln is proud to be a member of this consortium whose aims align with, and further support, its commitment to driving economic growth and prosperity in the region and contributing significantly to the nation’s success through regional regeneration and international connectivity.
“This campaign will help to redefine how academia works in partnership with industry, and we look forward to showcasing what the University of Lincoln has to offer. From its R&D equipment and facilities spanning a range of key disciplines such as agri-food, engineering, and life science technologies, we have a wealth of opportunities for collaboration with.
“An example of this is the University’s sector-leading Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology, which was recently awarded the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize for its work supporting the success and sustainability of the UK’s food and farming industries through innovations in research, education and technology.”
Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation, Andrew Griffith MP, announced an award of £1.5 million from the UK’s International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) to support the campaign over the next two years, which has been matched by universities and regional partners. The Minister said: “The UK is home to world class research hubs and by bringing together the expertise and connections of universities, government and industry, we can bolster our efforts to win international investment into some of the Midlands’ strongest sectors.
Contractor Clegg Construction has handed over a new 65-bedroom care home to Barchester Healthcare.
The £9m Highfield Care Home at Barkston Ash in North Yorkshire is located on the former Scarthingwell Park Estate and replaces an ageing care home that had previously been on the site.
The new two-storey facilities include lounge, dining and communal areas and will provide 24-hour residential care tailored to the individual in a warm, friendly, and modern environment, as well as specialist care for those living with dementia.
Throughout the build, Clegg Construction consistently achieved high Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) scores in testament to Clegg’s engagement with the local community, its approach to safeguarding the environment, and the protection of the workforce.
Darren Chapman, operations director at Clegg Construction, said: “Highfield Care Home is situated in an idyllic location, with peaceful and picturesque surroundings which will provide future residents with a sense of well-being. It is less than five minutes away from Tadcaster and all the services and facilities that the town offers.
“Clegg Construction is proud to have delivered such a wonderful scheme for Barchester Healthcare, which has a reputation for providing high quality, person-centred care services in superior care environments.”
Clegg Construction has vast experience in managing the construction of new-build, state-of-the-art care and nursing homes across the country for a number of respected operators, delivering over 400 care home beds in recent times.
As part of its commitment to engaging with the local community during the build of Highfield Care Home, Clegg Construction visited Barkston Ash Catholic Primary School to speak to pupils about how local flora and fauna have been protected during construction and also organised a bird box design competition. Clegg also donated fencing to a local residents’ group and wood to residents.
More than 20 existing trees and hedgerows on the site, including a mature turkey oak, a sycamore maple, a Lawson cypress, and a hazel tree, were safely protected, and common pipistrelle bats found at the site were moved to a place of safety.
The team on the Highfield Care Home scheme working alongside Clegg Construction included project manager and quantity surveyor Holden & Lee, architect Harris Irwin Architects, structural engineer Cameron Darroch Associates and M&E consultant Harniss.
Senior Property Development Manager for Barchester Healthcare, Michael Coggin, said: “We’re now welcoming residents to our stunning new care home in Tadcaster. Not only will our residents have a home set in beautiful grounds, the new home will also offer a range of job prospects boosting employment in the neighbouring areas. We look forward to showcasing our home to the local community, if anyone has questions about care please do come and see us.”
Yorkshire law firm Ramsdens Solicitors, which has 11 offices across the region, is strengthening its company and commercial practice by appointing Edgerton-based Adam Cockroft to step up to take the reins of the nine-strong team, supported by former head Stephen Newman.
Having joined Ramsdens in 2010, Mr Cockroft has played a key role in the growth of the practice acting for a diverse range of clients from small businesses to large corporates, across a broad range of sectors spanning healthcare, retail, industry and professional services.
He also represents a number of clients with large property portfolios, and his specialisms include sales, acquisitions, mergers and corporate re-organisations.
Former head of corporate, Stephen Newman, who is stepping aside from leading the team after more than two decades, remains a partner and will continue to advise his clients and assist Adam Cockroft as the team continues to grow and build its reputation.
Mr Newman said: “It is time to hand over leadership of the team to the next generation of lawyers. For any business to thrive, it’s important to acknowledge when to make change, and Adam is an excellent lawyer whose enthusiasm and new ideas will take the practice into a bright and exciting future.
“Stepping back from head of the practice also gives me the opportunity to concentrate on what I enjoy most, serving the needs of this firm’s clients. My passion for my work has never diminished and I am looking forward to getting back to the ‘coalface’.”
Mr Cockroft said: “With our long-established name, which is trusted by businesses and individuals throughout Yorkshire, I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the company and commercial practice into the next phase of our development.
“It will very much be about harnessing the latest technology and modern ways of working while delivering the outstanding service our clients have come to expect.
“Stephen’s knowledge and years of experience will be invaluable as he supports our dynamic team which includes some of the region’s most talented dealmakers. With deal volume and size increasing every year, we have established a solid client base and have our sights set on further growth.”
The man who created furniture maker DFS from a roof above a snooker hall in Carcroft is to be a speaker at the 2024 Doncaster, What’s Next Business Conference.
He’s Lord Kirkham, and will outline what he thinks are the biggest opportunities within Doncaster’s collective grasp, where the city ought to be heading and what needs to be done to put it on the best trajectory possible, while also sharing his own experiences in a range of business sectors and in politics.
Dan Fell, Chief Exec of Doncaster Chamber, said: “Our business conference is a true highlight in the calendar each and every year, giving attendees an opportunity to participate in a high level discussion about our city’s assorted fortunes and aspirations. Indeed, we always come away from the event feeling galvanized and eager to do what we can to help Doncaster reach its full potential.
“Having Lord Kirkham participate in the conversation this time around will be an immense privilege. Given how much he has achieved over the course of his illustrious career, I am positive that the audience will be interested in what he has to say and that he will have an insightful perspective to share on a great number of topics.”
Lord Kirkham added: “I owe stellar gratitude to the City of Doncaster. My family and I grew up here, my values and standards were formed here, and the foundations of my business career were built here. It will be an absolute privilege to share my lifetime of knowledge, proven business concepts, hard-earned experience, passionate beliefs, and insights with delegates at this business conference in June.”
At the age of 25 Graham Kirkham created his fortune by producing high quality furniture sold directly to the public at fiercely competitive prices made possible by cutting out warehouse dealers in the middle of the supply chain. From these humble beginnings, the company — known then as Northern Upholstery — eventually became the retail giant DFS, which was valued at £271 million when it was first floated on the stock market back in 1993.
He was a director and major shareholder in the Iceland supermarket chain, a long-serving chair of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a philanthropist working for and supporting many other charities, and an active member of The House of Lords. He holds a number of prestigious titles as well, including two knighthoods and a life peerage. Closer to home, he is also a freeman of the City of Doncaster and a past winner of Doncaster Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement accolade, which was bestowed in recognition of his manifold accomplishments over the years.
Huddersfield’s immense potential for health innovation investment and business growth was showcased to a high-profile business audience at a sold-out event held in Leeds last night, as part of the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) 2024.
The ‘Huddersfield: the Future of Health Innovation’ event brought to the fore the catalytic impact for wider investment in the town that the major developments at the University’s National Health Innovation Campus (NHIC) and the West Yorkshire Investment Zone represent.
Over 6,000 investors, funders and developers from across the world flocked to Leeds for UKREiiF, which is being held in the city for the second year running. The fringe event attracted over 150 public and private sector stakeholders, including investors, developers, health businesses and more, to discuss the opportunities that Huddersfield offers and create connections.
Manufacturers reported that output volumes rose for the first time since November 2022 in the three months to May, according to the CBI’s latest Industrial Trends Survey (ITS). Manufacturers expect output to rise further in the three months to August, albeit at a modest pace.
Order books remain under pressure, with both total and export order books weakening in May. Manufacturers reported that stocks of finished goods were more than adequate to meet expected demand. Meanwhile, expectations for selling price inflation softened, having picked up earlier in the year.
The survey, based on the responses of 245 manufacturers, found:
Output volumes rose in the three months to May, having been flat or falling in every month since November 2022 (weighted balance of +14%, from +3% in the three months to April). Output is expected to rise modestly in the three months to August (+7%).
Output increased in only 8 out of 17 sub-sectors, but this was sufficient to offset flat or falling volumes in the remaining sub-sectors, with the chemicals, food, drink & tobacco and motor vehicles & transport equipment sub-sectors driving overall growth.
Total order books weakened in the three months to May, with a net balance reporting order books as “below normal” falling to -33% (from -23%). The level of order books therefore remained below the long-run average (-13%).
Export order books were seen as below normal and deteriorated relative to last month (-27%, from -23%). This was also below the long-run average (-18%).
Expectations for average selling price inflation softened in May (+15%, from +27% in April), having picked up steadily over the first four months of 2024.
Stock adequacy for finished goods improved in the three months to May, with the net balance of firms reporting that stocks were “more than adequate” rising to +14% (from -1% in the three months to April), broadly in line with the long-run average.
Anna Leach, CBI Deputy Chief Economist, said: “While it’s positive to see that manufacturers’ expectations for higher output volumes have finally been realised in the three months to May, this has been accompanied by a sharp deterioration in order books to close to their weakest since January 2021.“Manufacturers expect to increase output through the summer months, but any recovery looks set to be fairly gradual, with order books soft and inventory levels relatively high.
“As the economy is starting to show signs of recovery, now is the time to pursue reforms that will boost growth and investment for manufacturers as well as ensuring the UK’s competitive edge globally. “The CBI’s latest report ‘Tax and Green Investment’ highlights the role that tax policies should play in incentivising green investment to help drive up to £57 billion annually in additional GDP, sending a strong signal to business that the UK is an attractive place to invest.”
A cut in interest rates is starting to feel overdue, and all eyes will now turn to the next base rate decision in June
Responding to news that CPI rose by 2.3% in the year to April 2024, down from 3.2% in March, Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair at the Federation of Small Businesses said getting back within touching distance of the Bank of England’s 2% target had been a difficult road for many small businesses.
She aded: “Small firms will overwhelmingly feel relief that inflation has fallen precipitously in recent months. However, they’re still feeling battered and bruised by the impact that spiralling prices have had on them since inflation hit a peak in October 2022, and are still having to adjust to prices significantly higher than they were a couple of years ago.
“A cut in interest rates is starting to feel overdue, and all eyes will now turn to the next base rate decision in June. Yesterday, the IMF recommended that the Bank of England should cut the base rate by up to three times this year, and that the base rate should be taken to around 3.5% by the end of 2025, from its current level of 5.25%.
“Core inflation’s decline has not been as rapid, however, and it rose by 3.9% in the year to April 2024, down from 4.2% in March. This may make the Bank of England less inclined to cut the base rate at the next meeting, which would be a missed opportunity.
“Small firms’ confidence levels started to rise over the first quarter of this year, according to our research, and we want to see this valuable momentum keep and even pick up pace, rather than stalling or slipping back again.
“The economic growth we all want to see will be powered to a great degree by small firms, so it is vital to get their growth ambitions back on track, not held back by cost pressures and high interest rates.
“The needs of small businesses should be top-of-mind for policymakers and politicians, as it is their trajectory which will shape the future direction of the economy.”
New data shows that three in every ten of the UK’s small business owners have been given financial backing from a family member – with three-quarters saying it was essential for setting up their business.
And it’s suggested that the trend is based on a reluctance by banks have a weakened appetite to lend to small businesses.
From parents to grandparents, siblings to partners, new data from iwoca, one of Europe’s largest small business lenders, finds that families can be a significant contributor when a small business gets off the ground.
Over a third said they had received more than £25,000 from their relatives, with one in five receiving over £50,000.
iwoca’s study with 500 SMEs found that a third (35%) asked family members for support because they needed the funding urgently; a sixth because they couldn’t afford loan repayments; and one in ten either had their funding application rejected by a bank or the bank’s financing terms didn’t work for their business.
Mark Di-Toro, Director at iwoca, said: “Time and again data shows that the major banks are reducing their appetite to lend to small businesses, meaning they’re increasingly having to look for finance elsewhere.
“This means families have also been filling the gap. From parents to grandparents to brothers and sisters, millions of small business owners are seeking the support of their families to help get their businesses off the ground.”
Inflation has continued its journey towards the Bank of England’s 2% target, coming in at 2.3% in April, down from the 3.2% reported in March.
Measured by the consumer prices index (CPI), it is, however, slightly ahead of forecasts (2.1%).
Falling gas and electricity prices resulted in the largest downward contributions to the monthly change, while the largest, partially offsetting, upward contribution came from motor fuels. There were also large downward effects from alcohol and tobacco, food and non-alcoholic beverages, recreation and culture, and communication.
Meanwhile, core inflation, which takes out volatile factors like energy, food, alcohol and tobacco to give a clear picture of underlying trends, stood at 3.9% in the 12 months to April 2024, down from 4.2% in March.
Alpesh Paleja, CBI Lead Economist, said: “A big fall in inflation was always on the cards for April, given Ofgem’s 12% cut to the energy price cap. Households and businesses will welcome a more benign inflationary environment, but it’s worth noting that many will still be struggling with a high level of prices, particularly in food and energy bills.
“Today’s data further sets the stage for interest rate cuts in the coming months. While the Monetary Policy Committee is likely to reduce interest rates over the summer, they are still holding out for more definitive falls in measures of domestic price pressures.
“It’s encouraging that pay growth is now a touch below the Bank of England’s forecast, but there’s still a long way for it to get closer to levels consistent with inflation at target.
“The Bank will also be mindful of growing upside risks to inflation in the near-term: with the growth outlook improving at home, and tensions in the Middle East threatening to stoke commodity prices and supply pressures globally.”
The University of Bradford has signed a strategic partnership with energy infrastructure company SSE Energy Solutions to collaborate on education, research, and the implementation of sustainable energy initiatives.
Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford, said: “This new partnership with SSE aims to develop further innovation of green technologies, something we feel passionate about at the university.
“We are committed to taking action on sustainability and decarbonisation on our own campus, whilst enabling the development of green skills, jobs and technologies, working closely with the West Yorkshire Mayoral Green Task Group.
“We are excited to establish this partnership and look forward to working with SSE on a range of green opportunities.”
Neil Kirkby, MD of Enterprise at SSE Energy Solutions, said: “Strategic collaborations like our agreement with the University of Bradford are crucial in driving the transition to a sustainable energy future. By utilising our combined expertise and resources, we can accelerate innovation, create skilled jobs, and unlock the potential of clean energy as a lever for regional growth.
“This partnership is a testament to the transformative power of collaboration in addressing the critical challenges of climate change and shaping a net-zero future for generations to come.”
The intention to use the expertise and resources of both organisations to enhance educational opportunities, foster cutting-edge research, and explore innovative solutions to address the university’s energy supply and decarbonisation goals. The collaboration will also focus on developing a talent pool of students and graduates equipped with the skills to enable West Yorkshire and the UK to become leading net carbon economies.
As part of SSE’s commitment to championing a fair and just energy transition, the company will work closely with the University of Bradford to foster strong regional relationships and contribute to the economic growth of the West Yorkshire region as part of its Social Value strategy designed to create sustainable cities and communities.
The strategic MoU will also look to challenge inequality through inclusive recruitment practices and initiatives that promote diversity in the energy sector. This includes inspiring low-carbon career education by providing students with opportunities to engage in real-world sustainable energy projects and gain valuable industry experience.
SSE is a member of the West Yorkshire Mayoral Green Task Group, which aims to create green jobs and skills for young people and unites experts from business, education and training, and the third and public sectors.
Batley-based family furniture business HSL has been awarded the prestigious Manufacturing Guild Mark for business excellence by The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and furnishing industry charity.
The Manufacturing Guild Mark has been the mark of excellence for Britain’s top furniture and furnishing manufacturers for 30 years, and is awarded to companies demonstrating the highest standards in design, product development and function, manufacture, human resources, financial stability, sustainability and sales and marketing.
Steve Bulmer, Manufacturing Guild Mark chairman, said: “Gaining the Manufacturing Guild Mark is the result of an extremely rigorous audit and assessment process. We scrutinise every aspect of a business’s operation and the fact that HSL passed with flying colours is testament to their pedigree and credentials as an exceptional British furniture manufacturer.”
He added: “The team really impressed us with their commitment to continuous improvement. They have refined and re-engineered their manufacturing processes after establishing their own design and development team eight years ago, investing in high-spec machinery and technology to improve efficiencies and quality.”
The firm has also launched new product ranges, gaining the Queen’s Award for Innovation.
“Equally impressively, HSL now work with a local college, which delivers the company’s furniture manufacturing apprenticeship standards. They are also keenly focused on sustainability, reusing much of their own packaging, installing a new, super-efficient extraction system in the factory and expanding LED lighting, with plans to install solar panels at its Leeds distribution facility.”
HSL operations director Ben Waters said: “We are incredibly proud of our craftsmen and craftswomen and delighted to be awarded this prestigious mark of excellence from The Furniture Makers’ Company. The award is testimony to the hard work and dedication of everyone in the HSL family.”
Harrogate-based purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) company, Homes For Students (HFS), has welcomed a new major shareholder with international real estate company Far East Orchard Limited (Far East Orchard) buying a 49% stake in the business in a deal worth £17.6 million.
Founded in 2015, HFS operates over 40,000 beds in more than 50 university towns and cities in the UK and Ireland and is considered the largest independent PBSA operator in the UK.
Far East Orchard, which has built a reputation in real estate development, investment and management across residential, commercial and hospitality properties in Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and the UK, moved into the development and investment of PBSA properties in the UK in 2015.
Legal firm Raworths, also based in Harrogate, advised HFS on the deal, having represented the company since its inception.
Martin Corbett, chief executive officer for Homes for Students (HFS), said: “The shareholders and I are pleased to welcome Far East Orchard as a new principal investor to the Homes for Students team following their purchase of 49% of the share capital from four of our exiting investors.
“Since May 2023, we have been operating Far East Orchard’s PBSA property and already established a successful partnership. We very much look forward to continuing to grow our enterprise together, investing in our people, technology and new business streams.
“Today, HFS employ over 800 colleagues and our turnover this year is forecast to be over £80m. We have become increasingly influential in the PBSA sector across the UK and Ireland, so together with Far East Orchard, will take PBSA to greater heights as part of our 2030 vision.”
Simon Morris, managing partner at Raworths, said: “We are proud to be on this journey with HFS, facilitating the company’s strategic growth plan. The investment by a significant international real estate business is a major show of confidence and further boosts HFS’s reputation as the leading PBSA provider in the UK.
“We look forward to continuing to work with HFS on this exciting new chapter as they continue to expand into new markets and locations.”
Far East Orchard was represented by CMS and the exiting investors were advised by Walker Morris and Dentons.
Sheffield-based Duke Homes and Developments is to bring a derelict factory site into new residential use.
The company has bought Cliffefield Works and Fulwood House, the former Goodman Sparks workshop and office buildings on the junction of Derbyshire Lane and Cliffefield Road in Sheffield, for an undisclosed sum in a joint venture with a group of the previous owners.
The residential project, already granted permission by Sheffield City Council, will see the existing abandoned buildings demolished on the half-acre plot, with new two-storey accommodation spread across four groups of three terraces. There will be 12 three-bedroom townhouses featuring ‘heightened’ roof space and gardens.
The development, designed by Sheffield-based architects AAD, is being built on an existing sustainable 17,825 sq ft brownfield site, and will include residents’ only off-street parking to be located to the rear accessed by a short private road.
An existing stone wall along the Derbyshire Lane frontage will, in the main, be retained as part of the development, which aims to be started this summer.
Brendan McMenamin, director at Duke Homes and Developments, said: “The development features high quality designs which respect the character of the area, whilst maintaining good living conditions for occupants and any neighbouring residents.
“Sustainability forms an integral part of the plans which aim to tackle issues of climate change through good quality design and make efficient use of land and infrastructure.
“Our development will enhance the character of the street-scene and create a lively and interesting environment on a former derelict site.”
Sheffield solicitors Wake Smith adopted a multi-practice area approach advising on the company law elements plus commercial property matters for the purchasers.
Tom Haywood, associate in Wake Smith’s company team advised on the joint venture and associated financing work, while Ben Spencer, director in the commercial property team dealt with the acquisition of the site from the original owners.
Tom Haywood said: “Joint ventures are a common method of combining the business prowess, industry expertise, and personnel of several otherwise unrelated parties and can be used, as here, to combine assets and operations, share risk and make use of each party’s skills and capabilities.”
Energy and regeneration specialist Equans has been appointed by social housing provider 54North Homes to make 98 flats in Leeds more energy efficient.
St Mary’s Court and St Mary’s Close in Chapeltown, as well as Wood Lane Court in Headingley, will undergo significant energy improvement work to make the homes warmer and more affordable to heat.
Each building will be fitted with new external wall insulation to trap in heat and keep out cold air in winter. The insulation will also help to keep out hot air as temperatures rise over the summer months, keeping the flats cool. This highly efficient insulation will be topped with a modern rendered finish, giving the buildings a stylish look.
Each of the one-bedroom flats will also have upgraded ventilation systems installed to allow air to circulate and to help reduce the likelihood of damp and mould occurring.
New smart heating systems will be fitted to give residents better control over the temperature in their homes and to help them keep track of how much they are spending on energy.
New doors will be added at both schemes, which will also help to control the temperature inside the homes.
It is estimated that the project will reduce 54North Homes residents’ energy bills by up to £400 per property annually, whilst yearly carbon emissions will be reduced by up to a tonne in each home – enough to fill an Olympic size swimming pool five times over.
As a result of the improvements, Energy Performance Certificate ratings in the flats will increase from as low as E to at least C.
Sean Corcoran, Regional Director at Equans, commented: “Much of the carbon produced nationally comes from our existing homes, so projects like this are vitally important when it comes to meeting the UK’s net zero ambitions. “This improvement work will also bring huge benefits for the residents living in these homes by helping to ease the strain of paying expensive energy bills, whilst also making sure their home is a comfortable environment to live in.”
VIP guests including the city’s Lord Mayor joined project partners and community members at Leeds Media Centre in Chapeltown to celebrate the opening of its new hi-tech business hub.
The building underwent a £1.8 million redevelopment last year to create extra business space and boost opportunities for aspiring local entrepreneurs.
The scheme was delivered by Unity Enterprise – a not-for-profit subsidiary of BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise – in partnership with Leeds City Council and the European Regional Development Fund.
Leeds City Council, which owns the building, also provided £80,000 from the Innovation@Leeds capital fund to equip the new business hub with furniture, video conferencing facilities and computer hardware.
Speaking at a special ceremony to mark the completion of the hub kit-out, Unity Enterprise Chair Sharon Jandu OBE paid warm tribute to Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive Cedric Boston, Unity Enterprise Manager Adrian Green and Leeds City Council Head of Business Support Phil Cole and their teams for successfully completing the building refurbishment and business hub.
She said: “This is a real celebration because it has taken a lot of hard work to get here. These projects are instrumental for our community. To have an enterprise hub at the heart of the community with high level people bringing in their resources and social capital will provide a huge lift.”
The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Al Garthwaite, unveiled a wall plaque as a permanent reminder of the hub opening.
She said: “There is something about the structure of this building. It encourages entrepreneurialism, it encourages success, it encourages looking upwards and feeling hope. A new generation of entrepreneurs will really do well here. It is fantastic. It will do wonders, not just for the local community, but for others as well. On behalf of the city of Leeds, I really welcome from the bottom of my heart initiatives like this. They make so much difference to so many people.”
The gathering was also treated to a short address from Hanif Malik OBE, Director of the Parklane Foundation.
Heim Global Investor has made its first UK investment in the 375-home build-to-rent
development BeckYard in the South Bank regeneration area of Leeds.
The investment is being forward funded by Heim, with McLaren Living acting as developer, and with strong support from West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Construction has begun onsite, with completion expected in early 2027. BeckYard is being built by HG Construction.
The site is in the heart of the South Bank regeneration area, a 10-minute walk from the city centre. Significant public and private sector investment is facilitating the development of the area with 8,000 new homes and over 1 million sq ft of commercial space. The new homes will consist of two buildings up to 26 storeys, with completion expected in January 2027.
The development is being fully funded by Heim, with grant support from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund.
Head of UK Investments at Heim Global Investor, Christian Birrell says: “We are thrilled to announce our first investment for our UK build-to-core fund in Leeds. This project is
just the first of many projects we plan to deliver, as we develop a 5,000+ unit portfolio targeting mid-market rental homes across the UK’s key cities.
“Leeds is a strong city with an undersupply of affordable rental homes, and we are delighted to be working with such a strong development partner in McLaren Living. BeckYard marks the first investment in our UK fund, and we are currently looking at an interesting pipeline of deals across the UK.”
Matthew Biddle, Managing Director, McLaren Living, said: “This is a pivotal moment for BeckYard, through our trusted partnership with Heim we’ve secured forward-funding for a major build-to-rent development in Leeds City Centre.”
honey has submitted plans for a £46m, 185 new home development on a 39-acre site on Tickhill Road in Maltby, near Rotherham.
honey acquired the site from land and property development specialist Hargreaves Land for an undisclosed sum.
Hargreaves Land promoted the site, securing a greenbelt release in Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council’s Local Plan in 2018 and subsequently secured outline planning permission earlier this year.
Called Jet, the proposed development will comprise a mix of two-, three-, four-bedroom homes and will include terraces, semi-detached and detached properties.
If given the go ahead by the local authority, work at Jet is anticipated to start in the summer with the first residents expected to move into their new homes early next year.
Of the 185 homes, 25 per cent have been designated to affordable housing. honey will also make a £786,000 contribution to local initiatives that will benefit the community if planning is granted.
honey Chief Executive Officer, Mark Mitchell, said: “Maltby is a great location for us to build our high specification, sustainable homes. Our vision is to further enhance the town by providing the community with a well thought out development with homes that suit today’s lifestyles.
“Our extensive market research has shown there is strong demand in and around the town for the types of properties we build.
“All our house types combine style, substance and sustainability to demonstrably provide people with more than other new build homes do at the same price point. We now look forward to Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council considering our plans for the site.”
Andrew Johnson, head of asset management at Hargreaves Land, added: “Hargreaves Land has a longstanding and proud history working in the Maltby area and we are delighted to have completed the land sale with Honey.
“We are excited to see Honey’s proposals for the development of sustainable new homes for the local community and wish them well with the site.”
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