Robert Grafton Interiors invests £250k in refurb
Richard Grafton Interiors’ flagship showroom in Harrogate’s Montpellier Quarter has seen a complete facelift following a £250,000 investment.
“As it is 12 years since we opened our doors in the town, we have taken the opportunity to completely transform the whole showroom with an updated, contemporary look to reflect changing trends,” explains director Charlotte Grafton. “The importance of the kitchen as the heart of the home is evident and with continued client demand to see and touch our offering, we decided to put it at the centre of our refurbished Harrogate furnishings and interior design showroom.”
MD Richard Grafton adds: “We’re constantly adapting, investing and improving to offer
the very best service to clients and, in particular, we’re continuing to see huge growth within the architectural design side of the business.”
Visitors to North Yorkshire from across world bring £4bn boost to economy
New figures have revealed that tourism contributed more than £4 billion to North Yorkshire’s visitor economy last year, attracting in excess of 31 million people to sample the delights of the county.
The data highlights a strong outlook for the sector, as the summer holiday season gets underway with the average length of stay for visitors in North Yorkshire being four nights and surpassing the national average of 2.8 nights as recorded by Visit England.
The report also demonstrates how the local tourism industry supports 38,486 jobs through direct and indirect employment making up 13 per cent of all employment across North Yorkshire.
The figures have been collected for the first time on a county-wide scale using the STEAM model, which measures the economic impact of visits to an area. This provides an important baseline for the future growth of the sector.
North Yorkshire Council leader, Cllr Carl Les, said: “The release of these new figures not only confirms the importance of tourism to our local economy, but it also provides a baseline to work from as we begin an exciting new journey for the visitor economy in North Yorkshire.
“The value of the visitor economy must not be underestimated which is why we have made it a priority for us. It supports tens of thousands of jobs and sees visitors come to the county from across the world, and we are committed to ensuring that the sector continues to grow.”
Tourism businesses in York and North Yorkshire are already being given more support through a vision to help to ensure that the multi-billion pound visitor economy reaches its full potential.
It was announced in November last year that a joint bid for a Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) for both York and North Yorkshire had been approved, paving the way for a far more co-ordinated and strategic approach to promoting the tourism sector.
LVEPs have been introduced as part of the national response to an independent review of how the country’s visitor economy is co-ordinated and promoted and have the potential to draw in additional support and funding from Westminster.
The partnership, which was approved by a panel involving the Visit England tourism organisation and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, is aimed at ensuring that the greatest benefits are achieved for both York and North Yorkshire’s visitor economy.
Barwood Capital acquires site in Lincoln in new strategy focused on self-storage sector
Barwood Capital has acquired its first site in Lincoln, as part of a new investment strategy focused on the growing self-storage sector which will see the company partner with self-storage specialist, Flexiss.
The acquisition was made through the Barwood Regional Property Growth Fund V. Barwood is partnering with Flexiss as an operator and development partner for the new strategy, helping to acquire vacant buildings to be transformed into modern, energy efficient self-storage assets.
Flexiss currently has c.£200m in assets under management, including new build development projects and conversion projects. The new facilities acquired in partnership with Barwood will trade through its SureStore brand.
This first acquisition centres on the Scott Storage Centre Facility, which sits within the Lincoln Westminster Industrial Estate and currently includes a purpose-built storage and removals operation, totalling 14,500 sq ft, plus 13,885 sq ft of external storage containers.
Barwood has acquired the freehold interest in this prime location and plans to repurpose the existing unit into a state-of-the-art self-storage facility with a full SureStore rebrand in early 2025. Once complete, the new store will incorporate 60,840 sq ft of space arranged over four floors, including 6,840 sq ft of external containers.
The plans target an EPC rating of A, with new features including a solar array, EV charging points and motion sensor activated energy-efficient LED lighting.
“The self-storage sector is currently under-served, with demand from both individuals and businesses, and our aim is to create a regionally focused portfolio of assets to support the sector’s growth,” said Edward Henson, Director, Head of Transactions at Barwood Capital.
“This first acquisition is a unique opportunity to create a high-quality facility, in an area where there’s an acute under-supply of self-storage accommodation. The facility will offer a cost-effective solution for domestic and business customers in the area and create direct employment opportunities.
“As with all our projects, environmental responsibility has been among the priorities; our stores will be run with the highest energy efficiencies, keeping our offering cost effective for our customers and our environmental impact to a minimum.”
Mike Wilson, CEO of Flexiss, said: “We are proud to be working in partnership with Barwood Capital on this project, which will be the first in a number of projects together. We are delighted to be able to offer our customers in Lincoln innovative, sustainable and convenient self-storage solutions.”
CBRE gave agency advice, with Napthens and Osborne Clarke giving legal advice on the purchase and structure.
North Yorkshire origin testing firm snapped up by Australian company
Agroisolab UK Ltd (AIL UK), an expert team leading the development of international projects verifying the origin of food, drink, timber, and protected species using stable isotope analysis and other laboratory-based authentication technologies, has been acquired by Source Certain International Limited, an Australian company specialising in advanced forensic traceability technologies.
Agroisolab UK, based in Malton, North Yorkshire, is known for setting up projects for retailers including detecting wine fraud and authenticating organic food, such as eggs, vegetables and grain products.
The acquisition by Source Certain International Limited represents a significant milestone in the latter’s global expansion strategy, bringing in a UK-based operation with experienced technical personnel and specialised scientific solutions.
Roger Young, CEO of Agroisolab UK, will assume the role of CEO of Source Certain UK. Commenting on the acquisition, he said: “I am excited to be joining the Source Certain team.
“I can see so much opportunity in leveraging the AIL UK experience including the exciting opportunity of introducing our customers to Source Certain’s capabilities, reputation, and experience. Now it’s back to work as new regulations are imminent that require more due diligence and verification of origin.”
Two York firms, Clive Owen LLP and Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP, played an integral role in facilitating the acquisition.
Michael Cantwell, Corporate Finance Partner at Clive Owen LLP, said: “This was a fascinating deal to work on, given the cutting-edge technology and the potential for significant growth in the sector. We are delighted to have facilitated this strategic deal which is a testament to the expertise of our York office and our ability to work in a global, cross-border market.”
Susie Mortonson, Corporate Partner at Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP, who led the legal team advising Agroisolab, added: “Having personally worked with the Agroisolab team for over a decade, it was a real delight to see this deal come to fruition for the company. It has been such a pleasure to work with Roger and his team over the years and I am really excited to see what the future holds for them, working in partnership with Source Certain.
“Working together with the team at Clive Owen LLP on the transaction ensured a smooth process and successful outcome for all parties involved.”
Green light granted to replace ageing leisure centre with state-of-the-art sports hub
Plans to transform an ageing leisure centre site into a new state-of-the-art sports and wellbeing hub have been approved by members of Leeds City Council’s north and east plans panel.
Fearnville Leisure Centre in Gipton – which dates back to the 1980s – will now be replaced with a much-needed new facility that will enhance the health and well-being of children, families, the local community and sports clubs in the area.
The new-look centre will be built on part of King George V Playing Fields, a 28-acre green space where the current leisure centre is housed, and will include high-quality amenities such as a 25-metre main pool, learner pool and water splash pads, a 120-station gym, all-weather pitch, spin studio, family changing village, soft play, party rooms and a café.
Work is expected to start on site early in the new year and take around 18 months to complete.
The existing centre will remain open for use while the new facility is built, before being demolished once construction is complete.
It is hoped the new site will encourage more take-up of physical activity among residents in Gipton and Harehills and Killingbeck and Seacroft – densely-populated wards which suffer from low life expectancy and high obesity rates – as well as benefiting wider east Leeds.
Councillor Salma Arif, executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “This is an exciting step forward in the delivery of brand new facility that will provide a significant boost to the health and wellbeing of people in east Leeds.
“We hope the new centre will be a great source of pride for the local community, offering increased opportunities for physical activities as well as bringing social and mental health benefits to all who use it.
“Improving the health and wellbeing of our residents is one of the foundations of the council’s Best City Ambition and this new facility reaffirms our commitment to ensuring the people who are the poorest improve their health the fastest.
“We now look forward to progressing to the next phase of the plans and seeing this long-standing ambition become a reality.”
The plans also include tree-planting and soft landscaping to increase the site’s biodiversity, with inspects, birds and other wildlife giving people fresh opportunities to get in touch with nature.
Local demand for sports and leisure facilities is set to grow over the coming years, with thousands of new homes planned through the East Leeds Extension and related development sites.
Ownership of Elland Road transferred back to Leeds United
Elland Road Limited is now wholly owned by Leeds United Football Club Limited.
Elland Road Stadium has been the club’s home since 1919, but was sold in 2004 during a period of financial difficulty.
In 2017, Elland Road was purchased by Greenfield Investment Pte Ltd, an Aser Group company, which at the time was the parent company of Leeds United Football Club Limited.
Ownership of the stadium was then transferred, following the formation of a new company, to Elland Road Limited in December 2020.
In July 2023, 49ers Enterprises Global Football Group LLC assumed full control of Leeds United Football Club Limited and Elland Road Limited.
On 27th March 2024, the ownership of Elland Road Limited was transferred to Leeds United Football Club Limited. This transaction ensures Elland Road Stadium is now back in full control of the club, for the first time since 2004.
Angus Kinnear, CEO of Leeds United, said: “Whilst this may seem like only a subtle change in corporate structure, I know that our supporters will understand its broader significance in signalling our ownership’s intent that Leeds United and Elland Road should always be inextricably bound.”
Elland Road is also an Asset of Community Value (AoCV), which was formally approved and listed by Leeds City Council, following an application by the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust.
Planning application submitted for final phase of Aire Park Masterplan in Leeds
A planning application has been submitted for the final masterplan phase of Aire Park.
Transforming the former brownfield site into a vibrant new destination, the plans for the second phase feature 502 homes, including affordable housing, over 20,000 sq ft of flexible, ground floor space for leisure use, including cafes, restaurants and cultural activities, and a new 353-space multi storey car park.
The application also details the final hectare of Aire Park’s park, set to become the largest new city centre green park in the country. Designed by landscape architects Planit, the whole park will introduce 700 new trees, dedicated areas for residents as well as public exercise routes and flexible spaces for outdoor events, bringing a range of opportunities and benefits to the locals, neighbouring communities and visitors.
Situated south of Crown Point Road and bordered by Black Bull Street and the A61, phase two of the masterplan strategically connects the South Bank to the city centre and Leeds Dock, creating an accessible and safe route for pedestrians and cyclists whilst reducing traffic flows through the site.
Alongside the new buildings will be a refurbished and revitalised Crown Pub and Hotel, which was originally built in the late 19th Century and been closed in the late 20th Century. The venue, now owned by Vastint UK, was granted planning permission for a change of use and extension to create new commercial space in 2019, alongside the reinstatement of the pub.
Simon Schofield, Head of Development North at Vastint UK, commented on the second phase of the development: “We always envisioned and masterplanned Aire Park in its entirety.
“As work continues on the first phase of this landmark development and we prepare for the completion of 1 & 3 South Brook Street and opening of the first pieces of the public realm, Tetley Triangle, Tetley Green and Theatre Gardens, we’re pleased to be moving forward with our vision and plan for this second and final phase of Aire Park.
“The plans in their entirety aim to breathe new life into the Leeds South Bank and create new opportunities for people to live, work and enjoy this part of the city.
“Throughout the delivery of Aire Park, we are focusing on cultivating an accessible and welcoming environment, these plans show how we will use the new public park to not only promote active travel but create much needed new greenspace within this part of the city for everyone to enjoy whilst also providing a boost to biodiversity.”
Michael Westlake, director at Supervene Architects, added: “We have been working on this project since 2016 so submitting the final phase to the masterplan is a fantastic moment for us.
“Aire Park supports the Southbank vision for Leeds, providing new connections to improve the quality of access through the city centre and the communities to the south. Aire Park is in the process of transforming this former industrial site into an exciting new part of Leeds City Centre.
“The conceptual masterplan was designed as a balanced neighbourhood with an expansive city park at its centre that makes new connections across the site whilst embedding itself in the city’s heritage. Leeds Southbank strategy sought to introduce a 20% contribution to create a city centre park.
“The conceptual masterplan introduced a larger, more meaningful contribution creating a green corridor that with other sites connects all the way to the River Aire in the North and allows for future connections to the South of Aire Park.”
Independent advisors, Turley provided planning, strategic communications, EIA and townscape and landscape services. Director, Taylor Cherrett added: “We are proud to support Vastint UK in bringing their vision for Aire Park to life, reflecting Leeds’ strategic goals and community aspirations, alongside ensuring the development is truly a part of the fabric of the city.
“This development is set to transform Leeds’ South Bank, creating vibrant new spaces for living, working and leisure, whilst enhancing the city’s green infrastructure to deliver a thriving neighbourhood.”
Once completed Aire Park will include 1,400 modern homes and over 1 million sq ft of mixed-use office, retail, leisure and commercial space, anchored around an 8-acre public park with the refurbished Tetley at its heart.
Machinery safety experts acquire Bingley company
Wolverhampton-headquartered machinery safety experts Fortress Safety has acquired Remlive, a Bingley company that specialises in electrical safety warning indicators.
This strategic move aims to enhance the Fortress product portfolio by integrating Remlive’s advanced live circuit detection technology, which helps reduce workplace accidents and improve overall safety.
John Rollason, Managing Director of Remlive, said: “Fortress has the expertise and market reach to accelerate our mission to improve safety in the workplace.
“We see huge potential to enhance global workplace safety and bring innovative new product ideas to market by combining our electrical safety capabilities with Fortress machinery safety expertise.”
The acquisition is an important step for both companies, allowing Fortress to expand its offerings in the safety market while leveraging the expertise of Remlive in electrical safety.
Pete Browitt, Managing Director of Fortress Safety, said: “Remlive and their indicator products have a strong market reputation. This acquisition allows us to further live our purpose of ‘saving lives by providing the best safety solutions’.
“By adding Remlive to our portfolio, we strengthen our position as machinery safety experts and enhance our ability to help our customers provide comprehensive solutions that ensure people’s safety.”
Leeds pharma company makes US acquisition
Rosemont Pharmaceuticals, a Leeds-based developer, manufacturer, and distributor of liquid medicines for over 50 years, has acquired Sabal Therapeutics and its affiliates Metacel Pharmaceuticals, Palmetto Pharmaceuticals, Athena Bioscience and Sarras Health, a group of privately owned specialty pharmaceutical companies and distributors of prescription, liquid medicines, based in Watkinsville, Georgia, USA.
This acquisition further enhances Rosemont’s ability to serve patients with swallowing difficulties across the USA. Previously, Rosemont has developed, registered and supplied medicines to the US market via distribution partners. This acquisition now provides the company with the ability to supply branded and generic medicines directly into the US market.
Howard Taylor, CEO of Rosemont, said: “Acquiring Sabal is a key milestone for Rosemont to commercialise our world class medicines to help US patients with swallowing difficulties, building on our platform of high-quality development teams in both the UK and Greece.
“Our Vice President for the US Market, John Denman, who heads our Rosemont Inc US operations, will be leading this venture and all of us at Rosemont are looking forward to working with the Sabal team.”
Sabal president and CEO, Jeff Bryant said: “This fusion of Rosemont and Sabal allows us to greatly expand our vision across therapeutic areas, with the ultimate mission of changing patients’ lives for the better. We are delighted to join the Rosemont team to deliver even greater value to our providers and those in their care.”
Chancellor gets to work with Mayors on growth mission
Yorkshire’s Mayors welcomed a “new dawn” for devolution after Tracy Brabin hosted talks with the Chancellor on the government’s growth mission in West Yorkshire yesterday (11 July).
The meeting, which included West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard and York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith, was convened by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP to discuss how deeper devolution could stimulate greater economic growth in Yorkshire and across the UK.
With the promise of new “freedoms and flexibilities” in next week’s King’s Speech, the Mayors hope to be empowered to boost economic growth and deliver record numbers of jobs, through bold action on skills, transport, housebuilding and supporting businesses.
By ensuring that everyone can get on the housing ladder, get the skills they need to succeed, and get to work quickly and reliably using public transport, the three Metro Mayors hope to transform their regional economies and put money back in people’s pockets.
The proposals will be formalised in Local Growth Plans that pay special attention to the unique strengths of each region. Meeting with the UK’s Mayors earlier this week, the Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed to put more power in the hands of local leaders who have “skin in the game” and know what is best for their regions.
Speaking after her visit to Leeds, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves MP, said: “Economic growth is a national mission and my top priority. To achieve it we must fix the foundations of the economy and reset our relationship with local leaders. That starts with the grown-up conversations like we’ve had today.
“Through partnership with the Mayors in Yorkshire, we are entrusting them to deliver change for their communities, secure investment and power growth so that people here feel better off.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “It was fabulous to host the Chancellor in her first week in post. This new dawn in the working relationship between the Government and the regions will help create growth and put money back in people’s pockets.
“We’re already cracking on with our local growth plan and today’s discussion was a helpful chance to ensure we maximise West Yorkshire’s contribution to growing the UK economy.
“With greater freedoms and flexibilities over devolved funding and a more formal relationship with the heart of government, we will help deliver the change our country so desperately needs.
“We will be giving more details about our plans for a West Yorkshire mass transit network, starting with trams in Leeds and Bradford, next week, and we look forward to progressing them with this government. This project will be instrumental in boosting growth and helping create a brighter future for all.”
Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire’s Mayor, said: “I’m delighted that in her first week in the job, the Chancellor has come back to Yorkshire to begin a conversation about how we can work together to grow our economy, and create real opportunity for everyone across South Yorkshire.
“The tone and approach of Rachel, Keir and Angela in this first few days is making real their commitment to deliver power, control and hope back to communities across the north.
“Today we agreed to quickly work together to unlock the potential of South Yorkshire. We’re home to the largest cleantech cluster in the UK and the world’s first and best advanced manufacturing innovation district. By working with government to capitalise on our unique strengths, we can deliver on our shared promise that everyone can stay near and go far.”
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “The meetings we have had this week with Government are creating a real momentum. It’s hugely positive that Government is so engaged with Mayors around the country.
“By engaging so closely with us, we can ensure that Growth Plans can truly support the distinctive needs and opportunities of our regions. Each region is unique and with our rural strengths, York and North Yorkshire has so much to offer towards UK Growth.
“In York and North Yorkshire, we urgently need more affordable homes and to unlock the potential for growth in our green economy that creates new, higher paid jobs. These are two key areas for our developing economic plans. The prospect of deeper devolution is exciting and will help us all to reach our full potential.”
Strategic Regeneration Partner to be sought for Wakefield
A plan to accelerate Wakefield’s ambitions to regenerate parts of the city centre and attract investment is to be discussed by Cabinet members.
Senior councillors meeting on 16 July will be asked to support the Council’s intention to seek a Strategic Regeneration Partner to work with the Council and partner organisations to deliver the vision.
“Working with a Strategic Regeneration Partner will help us to drive forward our ambitious plans for an even better city centre for businesses, residents and visitors,” said Cllr Michael Graham, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth.
“This new partnership will help us to increase public and private sector investment in Wakefield. It will help to transform our city centre, accelerating our masterplan for the benefit of everyone who lives and works here.”
The regeneration partnership would be a long-term programme, in place for a decade or more, that would work closely with city centre businesses and the wider community to shape any strategic plans.
The partner would also work with public sector regeneration partners such as Homes England and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA). The aim is to bring in a partner who can add development and commercial capacity to complement the work of the Council.
If Cabinet members agree, the next step would see the Council holding a competitive process for organisations interested in becoming the Strategic Regeneration Partner, to be completed by the end of the year.
The selected partner would need a strong track record of working on similar strategic development plans.
Once appointed, there will be engagement with residents and businesses to share the strategic approach for future development of the city.
Development work will take place in accordance with the Wakefield City Centre Masterplan, that includes heritage led regeneration.
New £20m plan for Scarborough to be sent to Government
A £20 million development plan for Scarborough, shaped by residents, businesses and community organisations, is to set to be sent to the Government in the next few weeks.
A total of 55 towns across England, Scotland and Wales are set to receive funding as part of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) initiative.
The money can be used for reviving town centres, regeneration, promoting heritage and culture and addressing safety and security concerns. Improving transport and connectivity are also key considerations.
Next Tuesday, the plan will come before a meeting of North Yorkshire Council’s executive, where members will be asked to agree a series of proposals to enable it to be submitted to the Government by 1 August.
North Yorkshire Council have been working in partnership with the Scarborough Town Board to develop a 10-year vision document and three-year plan for investment.
In addition, there has been extensive public consultation with more than 1,600 people taking part in Let’s Talk Scarborough events in the town centre and surrounding area and an online survey.
Full results of the consultation will be presented to the Scarborough and Whitby Area Constituency Committee on Thursday (11 July).
People said they wanted the plan to include:
• A cleaner, more attractive town centre
• More frequent bus services, especially for teenagers and the elderly
• A desire to balance the needs of residents and tourists
• The need for more public spaces, including a town square, fountains, and seating areas where people can gather and interact
The area covered runs from Eastfield and Cayton to the south of the main town and up to Newby and Scalby in the north.
The vision focuses on a number of measures that can be delivered within the town centre including the further redevelopment of the Scarborough Station area in Westborough, improving the appearance of the town centre and the inclusion of more public spaces.
In partnership with community partners, North Yorkshire Council are also considering how a safe and secure area where young people can gather and socialise can be provided.
The plans are yet to be finalised and are subject to change, with final costings still to be decided.
North Yorkshire Council executive member for open to business, Cllr Mark Crane said: “This is a hugely significant plan for Scarborough and a great deal of work has gone into getting it to this stage.
“We are very grateful for the input of the Scarborough Town Board and the invaluable contribution from people living in and around the town who have helped inform the process to this point.
“Obviously, there is now a new government in place at Westminster, but we are confident that Ministers will understand the importance of this funding to the future of Scarborough.”
Chair of the Scarborough Town Board, David Kerfoot, said: “Given the tight timetable imposed by Government, the board and wider team have worked extremely hard to get our submission to this stage.
“Consultation has been extensive, and we are grateful for this vital input. This will be of huge benefit to Scarborough and while there is much more work to be done, I am confident we can make a difference on the ground where it really matters.”
The regeneration plan is set to build on previous investment in Scarborough, including the Green Construction Skills Village and more than £500,000 in funding that is transforming the town’s cricket ground in North Marine Road.
Trio of deals for former aircraft production base
Humber Enterprise Park in Brough is marking its first decade as a strategic business location, with two major long-term lease extensions and a significant new office tenant.
Three completed property deals are providing owner Westcore Europe with the thrust to take it to the next level, 10 years on from the sale and part leaseback that ended the site’s exclusivity as a BAE Systems facility.
The historic home to the Hawk jet, afforded iconic status by the Red Arrows, was opened up to new occupiers when the defence giant significantly reduced its East Yorkshire footprint in 2014.
Cablescan and Supercraft have now made long-term commitments to the site, with seven-and-a-half and nine-and-a-half year deals respectively. Both work in the defence arena. Also arriving on site is Pure Renewables, with its commercial and industrial division, on a three-year deal.
Cablescan, part of Fortune 500 listed Amphenol Corporation, manufactures high performance electrical cable assemblies and control panels for defence, aerospace, marine, industrial, and commercial applications, with a team of 100 employed on site. Brough is the company’s UK headquarters, with further satellite facilities in the UK and Europe.
Lloyd Cooper, Cablescan’s Business Unit Director, said: “We are delighted to commit to Humber Enterprise Park, a business location steeped in history and ripe with innovation, that really sets itself apart. As a company with global partners, the site’s heritage is a source of real pride.
“The decision has underpinned our plan to invest in the facilities we operate from, with a refurbishment of our office space underway and improving shop floor facilities next on the agenda, further enhancing the great working environment we provide.”
Scarborough hotel snapped up
Schofield Sweeney has advised Caledonian Leisure on the acquisition of its fourth hotel for the brand, for an undisclosed sum.
The 55-room New Southlands Hotel in Scarborough joins in-house properties in Arrochar, Scotland; Blackpool and Torquay.
Caledonian Leisure operates under the Caledonian Travel and UKBreakaways brands, and will rename the hotel as The Caledonian New Southlands Hotel.
The acquisition of the New Southlands Hotel follows Caledonian Leisure recording an annual turnover of over £55 million for 2023, a 40% increase on the previous year.
Managing director Graham Rogers said: “The Caledonian New Southlands Hotel in Scarborough is the perfect addition to The Caledonian Hotel Collection as we continue to expand our portfolio of hotels in key UK destinations.
“The hotel is renowned for providing excellent accommodation and a warm Yorkshire hospitality delivered by a friendly team who share our customer first ethos. Scarborough remains one of the UK’s top holiday destinations and one of our best-selling resorts, with customer numbers increasing year on year across our brands.
“We look forward to offering a variety of packages to the Caledonian New Southlands Hotel through both our own brand channels, digital platforms and established network of travel agents.”
“We are delighted to have once again supported Graham, David and the rest of the Caledonian team on a further portfolio acquisition,” said Dan Bisby, partner, Schofield Sweeney.
Developments team at Caddick grows with new generation of leaders
Caddick, the privately-owned property and construction business, has appointed a new board member and made a number of promotions within its developments division as its project portfolio grows and it expands into new regions.
Group Legal Director, Helen Gardner takes up a new position on the newly formed operations board of the developments business, whilst continuing to spearhead the organisation’s growing legal team. Based at the Group’s Yorkshire headquarters, she will be implementing a cohesive, national legal and governance strategy for Caddick and ensuring efficiencies across the businesses.
Alistair Smith has been promoted to Director, focusing on delivering and strengthening Caddick’s industrial and logistics pipeline – from inception and planning, through to active development and delivery on site. His work includes the delivery of a number of landmark schemes as well as contributing to the growth of the wider development pipeline.
Tom Park and Ryan Lewis have been promoted to Associate Development Director and Associate Director, respectively. Tom will concentrate on developing out Caddick’s existing industrial and logistics portfolio with a keen focus on expanding the pipeline across the North West and Midlands.
Ryan’s new role involves leading the expanding project management and technical leadership functions across the portfolio. Both Tom and Ryan are based at Caddick’s Manchester office and their new leadership roles underscore the increasing importance of the region within the business.
David Baker-Brook has also been promoted to Associate Director, leading on the promotion of new and existing sites across residential, commercial and mixed-use schemes. David is based in Birmingham, where Caddick’s construction arm has recently opened a new office. With a strong background in sustainability, he will play a key role in ensuring Caddick continues to create developments with sustainability at their heart.
Myles Hartley, Managing Director of Caddick Developments, said: “It’s been another really strong year for the developments team at Caddick, having achieved approval for the final phase of our mixed-use SOYO scheme in Leeds, as well as reaching practical completion on a number of key industrial and logistics schemes, including phase one of Farington Park in Lancashire and Leeds Valley Park. More recently, the team have been applauded by Leeds City Council councillors for our transformative South Village, Leeds proposals.
“These milestones would not be possible without the hard work of these individuals, as well as the support of the wider team, so it’s fantastic to see them recognised for the roles they have played in our journey to date.”
Former haulage warehouse in Lincoln hits the market for £3.3m
The former home of a family-run haulage firm is being marketed for sale by Watling Real Estate, who are seeking offers in the order of £3.3 million for the 78,733 sq ft industrial / warehousing unit in Lincoln.
The property comprises a detached, self-contained, four bay industrial/warehouse premises, located within the principal commercial district of Lincoln.
Ben Holyhead and Chris Davies of Watling Real Estate’s Birmingham office have been instructed to sell the vacant unit on Freeman Road, North Hykeham, on behalf of joint administrators from Kroll, who were appointed over Cartwright Bros. (Haulage) Ltd on 20 June this year.
Ben Holyhead said: “Given market demand for freehold industrial and warehousing accommodation, we anticipate a good level of interest, from occupiers and property investors alike. We expect demand to be supported by the property’s sub-division and asset management potential.
“Given the critical shortage of standing freehold industrial stock within Lincolnshire and the wider East Midlands, and with the cost of developing new accommodation exceeding £100 per sq ft, we expect the property to be an attractive proposition to a variety of potential purchasers.”
UK economy returns to growth
The UK economy returned to growth in May, following a flat April, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, showed a 0.4% month-on-month uptick in May, ahead of expectations.
All three main sectors contributed positively, with services output growing 0.3% in May, production output growing by 0.2%, and construction output growing 1.9%.
Ben Jones, CBI Lead Economist, said: “The latest data shows that the UK’s economic recovery is starting to put down roots. While growth in May was driven by a rebound in sectors such as retail and construction, which were hit by poor weather earlier in the spring, recent months have seen activity creeping up across a wide range of sectors.
“The new Labour government will benefit from some economic tailwinds going forward, with consumer confidence rising as lower inflation and strong wage gains support household incomes. However, many firms remain cautious about the near-term outlook. While the outcome of the election will help dispel some of the recent uncertainty, it could take a turning of the interest rate cycle for the recovery to really bed in.
“The new government’s focus on making growth a priority is welcome. However, to put the economy on a pathway to long-term, sustainable growth, we need to see concrete actions to deliver that vision within the next 100 days.
“While recent commitments to reforming the planning system are hugely welcome, firms are also keen to see progress in other key areas. A Net Zero Investment Plan would support ambitions to boost green growth, and a clear business tax roadmap would help deliver the stability that firms are looking for.”
British Steel starts rail shipments to Turkey
The first shipment in a multi-million-pound rail contract leaves British Steel for Turkey this week.
The company is supplying tens of thousands of tonnes for the project connecting Mersin with the cities of Adana, Osmaniye and Gaziantep in southern Turkey.
It will help create a lower-emission transport link between Turkey’s second-largest container port and inland cities more than 150 miles away, with the project expected to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 150,000 tonnes a year.
A team from Ronesans Holding, which is building the railway on behalf of the Turkish Ministry of Transport has just toured our Scunthorpe operations for factory acceptance testing.
Following the success of that visit, the first part of the order will set sail from Goole.
Global venue management company named as new operator for Sheffield City Hall
ASM Global has been named as the new operator of Sheffield City Hall, as of January 2025.
Last year, Sheffield City Council revealed that the city’s leisure and entertainment venues were set to receive £117 million of investment including rebuilds of some of the city’s most popular leisure centres and improvements to Sheffield’s Arena and City Hall.
As part of these plans, in June 2023, a competitive procurement process was launched in a bid to attract the best in leisure and entertainment provision to run Sheffield’s venues.
Earlier this year, ASM Global were announced as the new operator for Utilita Arena Sheffield.
Operators were also invited to bid on the running of Sheffield’s historic and iconic, City Hall, and after a highly competitive tender process, ASM Global have also been selected as the successful bidder and the new operator of the venue.
ASM Global is an international venue management and event strategy company, and one of the world’s leading producers of entertainment experiences.
Sheffield City Hall and the Utilita Arena Sheffield will join ASM Global’s network of more than 350 venues, which collectively host 20,000 events and welcome 164 million guests every year.
Councillor Kurtis Crossland, Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “ASM Global have a world-class reputation within the venue and entertainment industry, and I am delighted that they have been announced as the new operator for the Sheffield City Hall, which is central to Sheffield’s cultural and civic life.
“I am confident that both Sheffield City Hall and the Utilita Arena Sheffield are in great hands with ASM Global and that this new investment will help our fantastic Sheffield venues compete on the global stage.”
Sheffield’s Grade II listed City Hall is one of the city’s most iconic venues and has hosted some of the biggest names in music, entertainment and public speaking, from Elton John to the Beatles and Kylie Minogue.
Since it first opened its doors in 1932, Sheffield City Hall has also provided a home to many local and community events, such as tea dances in the Ballroom or Manor Operatic Society’s annual panto.
Over the years, Sheffield City Hall has been a pillar of civic life within the city and has witnessed countless historic events, including Sir Winston Churchill receiving the Freedom of the City of Sheffield honour at the landmark.
It is currently host to over 750 events each year, including Sheffield’s International Concert Season and the Last Laugh Comedy Club, plus conferences, exhibitions and more.
Chris Bray, President of ASM Global Europe, said: “We are delighted to have been selected to operate the wonderful Sheffield City Hall – a truly beautiful and unique venue steeped in heritage.
“Sheffield’s rich culture and phenomenal music talent are recognised far and wide, and working with Sheffield City Council we have exciting plans to evolve and transform the city’s live entertainment experience for both residents and visitors, delivering content that is nothing short of world leading.
“Having announced just a few months ago that ASM Global has also been appointed to manage the city’s Utilita Arena, we are thrilled to be able to support the local community and the city’s economy, ensuring these venues are must-plays across a broad spectrum of acts and artists, from grassroots to world-renowned.”
York research consultancy joins Leicester group
York-based research, evaluation and insight consultancy, Qa Research has joined Leicester’s EMB Group.
EMB Group provides a range of professional services designed to drive meaningful change through business information & advice, grant & transaction processing, and research & insight services. This latest acquisition increases the number of people working in the research division of the business to over 60.
For Qa, the sale represented an opportunity to become part of a larger group of companies and tap into a sophisticated infrastructure, whilst continuing to operate as a stand-alone business under the well-respected Qa Research brand, retaining the current team of experts.
Richard Bryan, Managing Director of Qa, said: “Over the past few years, Qa has been growing steadily and we wanted to find a partner with the right systems and culture to underpin this growth.
“As a business that is already engaged with many of our sectors and which understands how research agencies operate, EMB Group is a great fit for us. We’re excited to be part of the Group and working alongside the other research teams.”
Danielle Gillett, CEO of EMB Group, said: “Since entering the research market in early 2023, we have been steadily increasing our capability and the sectors we cover.
“Through their wide range of qualitative, quantitative and data collection services, Qa bring a new dimension to our offer, as well as strengthening our existing research and insight expertise and we’re delighted to welcome them to the Group.”
Qa Research will sit alongside Blue Marble Research and Pye Tait Consulting and continue to operate from their base in York.
