Digital pharmacy swoops for Lincoln firm

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Digital pharmacy swoops for Lincoln firm

Pharmacy2U, the digital pharmacy, has acquired The PharmPet Co, a Lincoln-based veterinary online pharmacy.

The deal, for an undisclosed sum, follows a partnership in November 2023, which saw the two brands come together to deliver prescriptions to pet owners more conveniently and cost-efficiently.

Established in 2019 by brothers Neil and Phil Younger, and their father, Keith, The PharmPet Co is a highly regarded and ethical provider of online pet medicines. The acquisition aligns with Pharmacy2U’s commitment to offering comprehensive consumer healthcare solutions and NHS prescriptions as it expands its portfolio to include pet health services.

The deal speeds up plans to give customers a holistic approach to healthcare, covering themselves and their pets in one place. Since the partnership last year, Pharmacy2U Pet Health has gone from strength to strength and Pharmacy2U has plans to further transform the prescription market at a time when owners are finding it increasingly hard to get a good deal from their vets.

The two founders of The PharmPet Co join Pharmacy2U to head up the pet health proposition.

Gary Dannatt, Chief of Staff at Pharmacy2U, says: “It’s rare to come across a business that has a strategy, service, and set of values so aligned with your own, that it’s easy to see how it will slot neatly into our existing proposition.

“Following a successful partnership last year it’s become clear The PharmPet Co is one of those cases. The founders have done a remarkable job of creating a service that pet owners across the UK find invaluable, especially during a cost-of-living crisis, and I’m proud to be bringing them into the Pharmacy2U family.

“We look forward to working together to deliver exceptional value and service to our customers, while offering a digital-first approach that allows our pharmacists to deliver expertise in medicine.”

Neil & Phil Younger at The PharmPet Co say: “With over 60 years of combined experience in the pharmacy sector we created The PharmPet Co with a vision to deliver veterinary-standard medication to the fingertips of pet owners, and are both excited to embark on this next chapter of growth as part of Pharmacy2U.

“The deal will allow us to continue doing what we love most, improving the lives of animals, while improving access to affordable and trusted medication.”

Pharmacy2U were advised by Squire Patton Boggs. The PharmPet Co were advised by Ward Hadaway.

14.6 acre Bradford manufacturing site bought to meet demand for cooling equipment in data centers

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14.6 acre Bradford manufacturing site bought to meet demand for cooling equipment in data centers
Modine, a thermal management technologies and solutions firm, has bought a 14.6 acre manufacturing site in Bradford to support increased production of Airedale by Modine precision cooling equipment used in the data center industry. “We are excited to expand our manufacturing operations in the UK to serve our key customers in Europe and beyond,” said Adrian Trevelyan, Managing Director, Data Centers, EMEA. “The market for data center cooling equipment is experiencing rapid growth. Having available plant capacity is crucial as data center operators look to secure production slots in advance to support their growth. We are pleased with the positive signals from our customers about our expanded capacity.” The Bradford purchase includes 312,000ft² of existing manufacturing space that will be used for manufacturing and testing computer room air handlers and fan walls, as well as offices and warehouses. The first Airedale by Modine units are expected out of Bradford by the end of 2024. The existing facility in Leeds will focus on chiller production. Between the two sites, overall production capability is expected to increase 150%. In addition to increased production capability, the development of a 2MW test center at Bradford will be a centerpiece of the new site.

JMG Group expands reach with Surrey broker

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JMG Group expands reach with Surrey broker
Strengthening its commercial insurance services and footprint in the south, Leeds’ JMG Group has acquired Surrey-based insurance broker SIA Insurance.

SIA Insurance is led by directors Chris Browne and Colin Duxberry, who have collectively worked in the insurance industry for over 75 years. Since establishing SIA Insurance in 1996, the business has acquired five companies and now employs ten staff who provide commercial, property and motor insurance services from its offices in Surbiton, Surrey.

Selling to JMG Group is part of the succession plan, giving the business a solid platform from which it can grow further. 

As part of the deal, JMG Group will also integrate SIA’s subsidiary, Evergreen Insurance Services. Established in 2017 by founder Dave Gardiner, Evergreen donates up to 25% of its commission to ethical and environmentally focussed charities – including wildlife and environmental conservation charities – to ensure insurance purchases serve a greater purpose. 

JMG Group will also acquire Evergreen’s innovative Tankershield and Oilshield products, offering specialist insurance and risk management solutions with prevention, protection and continual improvement at their core. 

Colin Duxberry says: “Joining the JMG Group marks an exciting chapter for SIA Insurance and for our dedicated team. The acquisition presents a fantastic opportunity for growth and for our staff to further develop with the support of a larger group of experienced insurance professionals.

“I’ll continue to work with our existing clients while supporting the team through the transition. I’m excited to see the business grow and see the opportunities which lie ahead for our business.” 

JMG Group CEO, Nick Houghton, says: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Colin, Chris, Dave and the whole team to the group. Their business approach and ethos are a perfect fit for JMG Group.

“Colin and Chris’ experience in the industry, coupled with Dave’s experience and passion for the environment are a winning combination and will help us to provide an even better service to clients.” 

Premium sportswear brand acquires Leeds business

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Premium sportswear brand acquires Leeds business
Premium sportswear brand Castore has finalised its acquisition of Infinity Inc, a supplier of branded merchandise, clothing and uniform based in Leeds. Already a key supplier to Castore, the acquisition strengthens its supply chain and enables greater speed to market when servicing both UK and international sporting partners. Phil Beahon, co-founder of Castore, said: “We have long admired Infinity and have worked closely with Darren and his team over the years so know the quality of product they can deliver. We look forward to integrating the business with Castore but also continuing to service the wide array of customers already being serviced by Infinity.” Darren Cohen, CEO of Infinity, said: “I am delighted to lead Infinity Inc into this exciting new chapter and partnership with Castore. With over 25 years of experience providing branding expertise, innovative solutions, and world class service, we look forward to supporting Castore with their vision to become the number one British sportswear brand.”

Abingdon Health acquires IVDeology

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Abingdon Health acquires IVDeology

Abingdon Health, a York-headquartered lateral flow contract research (CRO) and contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), has acquired IVDeology Holdings Limited, together with its subsidiaries, in a £700,000 deal.

IVDeology is a UK-based provider of regulatory consultancy support to an international customer base in the in vitro diagnostics sector. Co-founded by regulatory experts Stuart Angell and Nancy Consterdine, both will continue to lead IVDeology as part of the wider Abingdon Health group. 

Chris Yates, CEO, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Stuart, Nancy and the rest of the IVDeology team to the Abingdon Health group. The acquisition of IVDeology is in line with Abingdon’s strategy of providing our customers with all the pieces of the jigsaw required to bring products from idea to commercial success.

“The IVDeology team will strengthen Abingdon’s existing knowledge leadership and regulatory expertise. We look forward to working with the IVDeology team and supporting existing and new customers in navigating a regulatory environment going through a period of significant change.”

Stuart Angell, Managing Director of IVDeology, said: “Nancy, the rest of the IVDeology team and I are excited to be joining the Abingdon Health Group. The in vitro diagnostics sector is undergoing a significant period of regulatory change in the UK, EU and internationally.

“By combining our collective skills, knowledge, and expertise, we can support our customers and the wider IVD industry with the comprehensive service that this opportunity provides.”

Clare joins Rollins as Trust Administrator

Stuart Pearcey
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Clare joins Rollins as Trust Administrator

Experienced accountant Clare Stones has joined law firm Rollits as Trust Administrator to its Private Capital team.

She attended Joseph Rowntree Secondary School in York and then embarked on her career in accountancy, completing her Association of Accounting Technicians studies with YH Training and then her Association of Chartered Certified Accountants qualification at Kaplan in Leeds. After gaining a degree in applied accounting at Oxford Brookes University she worked as Client Manager at Garbutt & Elliott, provided accountancy support to her own clients on a self-employed basis, and more recently worked as Group Client Director at Delve Accounting Group. Clare’s role at Rollits is to provide day-to-day trust administration services and prepare annual accounts and tax returns for income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax. Away from work Clare is an active supporter of charities. She spent 10 years as treasurer of the Special Care Baby Unit at York Hospital and she runs to raise money for various causes, with plans to complete Ultra-Marathon later this year.

Sheffield Chamber names three new non-exec directors

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Sheffield Chamber names three new non-exec directors
Sheffield Chamber of Commerce has appointed three new Non-Executive Directors to the Board. Amy Grey, CFO at Sheffield Forgemasters, joins the Board with more than 20 years’ strategic finance experience – 10 at executive team level – and has held a raft of senior positions across both regional and multi-national companies. The Chamber also welcomes Dr Sam Chapman, Senior Vice President of Innovation & Co-founder at The Floow, who specialises in transport, new technologies, new markets and research projects. He was also elected as the first ever ‘digital cutler’, during his tenure as a Freeman and Council Member of The Company of Cutlers, back in 2015. Erica Thompson, General Counsel at Pricecheck Toiletries, offers a wealth of legal experience, specifically in the regulatory compliance arena, gained from working within multiple businesses and industries from around the Sheffield region over the past 10 years. Louisa Harrison-Walker, CEO of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, said: “It’s a very exciting time for our city, and our new colleagues will further strengthen the collective knowledge and experience of our existing Board. “With their impressive professional backgrounds spanning many corners of the business landscape — legal, finance and digital — each of the new NEDs brings with them fresh perspectives, skills, and decision-making capabilities. “As well as making Sheffield the best place to start, grow and run a successful and sustainable business, the Chamber is passionate about working together and leading the way in making that happen. The new appointments are crucial in helping to achieve this.”

Manufacturing slips back into contraction as output and new orders decline

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Manufacturing slips back into contraction as output and new orders decline
The UK manufacturing sector showed renewed signs of weakness at the start of the second quarter. April saw output and new orders slip back into contraction territory following short-lived upturns in March, as uncertain market conditions, client destocking and supply-chain disruption (mainly relating to the Red Sea crisis) stymied opportunities for sustained expansion. The seasonally adjusted S&P Global UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ IndexTM (PMI®) fell to 49.1 in April, down from March’s 20-month high of 50.3. Four of the five PMI constituents (output, new orders, employment and stocks of purchases) registered contractions. Longer supplier delivery times was the only variable to buck the negative trend on the PMI. However, this was largely a ‘false positive’, largely reflecting disruptions caused by the Red Sea crisis as opposed to stronger conditions driving up demand for raw materials (input buying activity actually fell during the latest survey month). The latest contraction of production volumes – the thirteenth during the past 14 months – was mainly the result of output being scaled back in both the intermediate and investment goods industries. The link between market demand and the trend in production was highlighted by these two sectors also seeing lower intakes of new business. In contrast, the performance of the consumer goods industry continued to strengthen, with output and new orders in this category rising for the second successive month (albeit at slower rates of growth). Total new business placed with UK manufacturers contracted in April, amid signs of weaker demand from both domestic and overseas sources. The downturn in new export business extended to 27 successive months, with reports of weaker intakes from Germany, Ireland, Asia and the US. Strong competition, distribution issues and cost increases were all factors contributing to lower new export order inflows. Average purchasing costs rose for the fourth successive month in April, with the rate of increase accelerating to its highest since February 2023. Multiple inputs were reported to be up in price, with specific reference to higher costs for energy, polymers, steel, textiles, timber and transportation. There were also reports citing increased shipping costs (Red Sea crisis), market forces and the pass-through of higher wages at suppliers. Manufacturers’ selling prices rose in response, taking output charge inflation to an 11-month high.
The continued subdued performance of the UK manufacturing sector was reflected in the labour market. Staffing levels were reduced for the nineteenth consecutive month. Job losses were mainly in the consumer and intermediate goods sub-industries, as employment rose in the investment goods category. April saw weak demand, cost control initiatives, supply-chain disruptions and a preference for reduced stock holdings influence levels of purchasing activity and inventory holdings. Input buying volumes subsequently fell for the twenty-second month in a row, while stocks of both purchases and finished goods were further depleted. The decrease in holdings of inputs at warehouses was also affected by delays in receiving goods ordered from suppliers. Average vendor lead times lengthened for the fourth month running, amid continued reports of disruption caused by the Red Sea crisis. The outlook for the UK manufacturing sector remained positive in April. Over half of companies (52%) forecast that output would increase over the coming year, compared to only 8% anticipating a decline. Optimism was linked to hopes for a revival in demand, new product launches, efficiency gains and an improvement in market conditions.
Commenting on the latest survey results, Rob Dobson, Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said: “The UK manufacturing sector suffered a renewed downturn in April, as output and new orders contracted following short-lived rebounds in March. “The sector is still besieged by weak market confidence, client destocking and disruptions caused by the ongoing Red Sea crisis, all of which are contributing to reduced inflows of new work from domestic and overseas customers, with specific reports of difficulty securing new contract wins from Europe, the US and Asia. “The downturn is also sustaining cost caution at manufacturers, leading to lower employment, stock holdings and cutbacks in purchasing activity. The news on the prices front is also worrisome for those looking for a sustainable path back to target (consumer price) inflation, with cost pressures growing in industry and feeding through to higher selling prices at the factory gate.”

Sustainable development wins King’s Award for Beeston-based bed manufacturer

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Sustainable development wins King’s Award for Beeston-based bed manufacturer
Beeston-based bed maker Harrison Spinks has won the King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development. MD Nick Booth said: “Receiving the King’s Award for Sustainable Development is a tremendous honour, especially after previously holding a Queen’s Award in this category, and it reflects the unwavering dedication of our whole team’s efforts to be the UK’s most responsible bedmaker. “As a proud British manufacturer, this award win is testament to our commitment to driving the business forward through industry-leading responsible business practices that also enrich the lives of our colleagues and communities. “Whether it’s actively encouraging biodiversity on our farms, supporting children’s bed charity Zarach with mattresses each month for children and families in poverty, or helping our employees achieve a better work-life balance by introducing a compressed four-day working week, we know the importance of making a positive difference to the world around us. “We’re immensely proud to have been recognised by the most prestigious Awards for Enterprise in the UK. Having previously won seven Queen’s and King’s Awards for Sustainable Development, Innovation, and International Trade, this latest accolade only reinforces our position as world leaders in sustainable bedmaking.” The company has been building beds since 1840, including introducing a world-first pocket spring recyclable due to its glue-less design, and made from wire drawn in-house. It’s the only bedmaker to have its own farms to produce home-grown natural materials for use within its mattress filling pads, and the only British bed manufacturer to create 95% of our mattress components in-house, including our fire-retardant chemical-free mattress fabric woven in Yorkshire.

Cranswick secures place in top ten firms for animal welfare

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Cranswick secures place in top ten firms for animal welfare
Food company Cranswick has been awarded a Tier 3 classification in the latest Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare results, placing our business in the top 10 of the 150 businesses assessed. Now in its fourteenth year, the BBFAW remains the leading global measure of farm animal welfare management, policy commitment, performance and disclosure on food companies. This achievement is a reflection of our continuous commitment to the highest farm animal welfare standards across the business, in which we take great pride.

North Yorkshire micro businesses could earn major financial boost

Stuart Pearcey
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North Yorkshire micro businesses could earn major financial boost

Tiny firms forming the bedrock of North Yorkshire’s economy have the chance to benefit from £1 million in funding through a new package of capital grants.

Small and micro businesses, which make up 98 per cent of the county’s economy, can apply for the small business grant scheme, administered by North Yorkshire Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The scheme is focussed on increasing business growth, productivity and resilience and grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 are available.

This is the second round of small business grants, following an incredibly successful first round of this programme in the last financial year which saw £750,000 awarded to businesses across the county.

Alex Brown, a videographer based in Selby, was awarded a grant of £4,300 to buy new camera equipment including a drone to expand and upgrade his services.

Thanks to the new equipment, Alex was able to secure two commissions from a German international TV news channel, a job he would not previously have been able to take as his old camera did not meet the broadcaster’s requirements.

Alex said: “The fact I’ve got a better camera which is Netflix-approved means people will be getting a better product. I’ve had two jobs already that I simply wouldn’t have been able to do had I not had the funding, so that’s great.”

Micro businesses, with fewer than 10 employees, and small firms with less than 50 can also access free support beyond the grant through the business advisory teams at the council and the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub.

North Yorkshire’s economy is heavily slanted towards smaller businesses and there are more than 32,700 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises alongside 90 large businesses in the county.

Council leader and the chair of the SPF Board in North Yorkshire, Cllr Carl Les, said: “We are delighted to open this grant scheme once again after seeing such a positive uptake for the first round.

“Hundreds of small businesses applied for funding and accessed support and we hope to work with even more this year – including sole traders, start-ups, home businesses and social enterprises as well as landlords and people looking to diversify their farm businesses and limited companies.

“This time we have allocated an even larger funding pot to the scheme to enable it to be bigger and better, and have used learning from last year to improve the application process. Our ambition is to see a broad range of applications which seek to make long-lasting improvements to our small and medium businesses across the county.”

To aid businesses with their applications, the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, with its partners at Enterprise Cube, has organised two webinars on writing a business plan and a cash flow forecast which will take place on 16 and 17 May.

The development manager at the York and North Yorkshire Federation of Small Businesses, Carolyn Frank, said: “This scheme has provided a practical way that the local authorities have been able to work together with us and other partners to unlock Government funding and get it directly to businesses in our area, to help them to innovate and grow.

“It is exciting to see the transformations taking place across so many small businesses thanks to the small business grants and other business support.

“Small businesses are the mainstay of the economy of York and North Yorkshire and seeing flexible local support designed specifically for their needs and with them in mind has been an exciting step forward thanks to UK SPF.”

Award will honour memory of Hull and East Riding computer pioneer

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Award will honour memory of Hull and East Riding computer pioneer

An entrepreneur credited with introducing Hull to global brands from Amstrad to Take That will be remembered for his lifelong commitment to training with a new award bearing his name.

Vic Golding, who died last November aged 86, supplied many businesses in Hull and East Yorkshire with their first computers. As founder and MD of Golding Computer Services, in 1982, he recognised that the hardware was worthless without training in how to use it. The company won numerous awards for excellence from Sage software, from the International Association of Bookkeepers, and from Hull City Council’s Making Changes for Careers project. Many of the accolades were for the training, delivered by Vic’s colleague Di Garbera, to equip young entrepreneurs and others in business with the vital skills they needed in computerised accounts. Now MC4C has announced that one of its annual awards will be named after Vic in recognition of his support for young people and for his remarkable business career. Charles Cracknell, Hull City Council’s Youth Enterprise and Microbusiness Manager, said: “Vic was a force of nature committed to supporting young people either as apprentices or entrepreneurs. He would often ask for updates on how they were doing as he felt encouraging them was the key to ensuring their success. “He was as proud as punch whenever one of the young entrepreneurs supported by MC4C passed their Level 2 book keeping course, and even more so when one former homeless young man won a national award organised by the IAB, which Goldings worked with very closely. It was the first recognition the young man had ever received. “It was obvious to me that we should recognise Vic’s commitment to Hull and to young people, hence we have decided to honour his service and memory by naming a youth enterprise award after him. We will present it at our annual awards evening during Global Entrepreneurship Week.”

John Good Group acquires Grimsby shipping services provider

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John Good Group acquires Grimsby shipping services provider

John Good Group’s DAN Shipping & Chartering Ltd has acquired Arthur Smith (Grimsby), a prominent shipping services provider in the ports of Grimsby and Immingham since 1936.

The acquisition of Arthur Smith is a pivotal expansion for the Maritime Division of John Good Group and a strategic move into the offshore sector. Arthur Smith, under the leadership of David Smith & James Smith, will be integrated into the operations of the Maritime Division, alongside DAN Shipping & Bay Shipping. David Smith said: “Joining with DAN Shipping opens a new chapter for us. It’s an opportunity to blend our expertise in offshore and renewables work with Dan Shipping’s longstanding reputation for service and John Good’s significant backing and areas of expertise in marketing, finance and HR.” Adam Walsh, CEO of John Good Group, added: “This acquisition brings expansion in our Maritime Division both in the quality of people and business, but also a strategic move to enter the offshore and renewables markets. Welcoming five new team members from Arthur Smith, we’re not just growing in numbers but also in our capabilities and reach. I’m really pleased for Steve Pullen, Paul Haste, Mark Mullins, Kevin Parker who worked on the deal, and the wider team at DAN Shipping, for getting this one over the line. “It’s also a bonus for the group, because we know how special family businesses are, and the completion of this process sees us welcome a fifth-generation business, into our sixth-generation family business. Family businesses, with all the heritage and values that go with them, are things to be cherished and I’m delighted to be welcoming the Smiths into our business and look forward to working with them to build a business for the future.”

New roles and new offices as legal firm expands into Bourne

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New roles and new offices as legal firm expands into Bourne

Law firm Hegarty has promoted four team members in what it predicts will see significant growth in its 50tha anniversary year.

The company already has offices in Peterborough, Market Deeping, Stamford and Oakham, and plans for a new office in Bourne this autumn.

Sarah Martin works in the Residential Conveyancing team at the Hegarty Market Deeping office and has been promoted to Partner. Sarah is a CILEX practitioner and has been with the firm since 2012. Sarah deals with all aspects of residential conveyancing including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, transfers of equity, remortgages and shared ownership transactions.

She said: “I am pleased to have received this promotion and am grateful to the Partners for this opportunity.  I’m now looking forward to assisting in the growth and development of the firm.”

Chris Brown, Head of the Family Law team, also becomes a Partner, having joined the firm in 2012. A Resolution -accredited family lawyer, Chris specialises in advising clients in respect of the division of assets when their marriage breaks down. Chris also recently qualified as a collaborative family lawyer, which is a non-adversarial, solution-focussed approach to dealing with issues on divorce or separation.

Rachael Griffiths and Tom Moore have been promoted to Associate.

Rachael began working for Hegarty after moving to Peterborough in April 2022 as a Chartered Legal Executive in the Wills, Trusts and Probate team. Rachael deals with a variety of cases including Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Deputyship Orders, and all aspects of estate administration, as well as assisting clients with Inheritance Tax planning and protection against care fees.

Tom joined Hegarty in 2022 as the firm’s Tax, Trust and Estate Planning specialist following 15 years working for local and national accountancy firms. His expertise is with private client matters, including high net worth individuals, trusts and estates; covering income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax, both the compliance and planning aspects.

Senior partner Kally Singh said: “I’m pleased to announce the promotion of four of our talented team members. Hegarty is proud of its reputation for excellence and we strive to support our team in their development throughout their careers. These promotions recognise our team members’ contributions to the firm and their focus and vision for delivering excellent client care.

“We value team members who share in our vision for the firm, and we are passionate about developing our team’s professional skills and helping them achieve their career aims. We value the contribution each member of our team makes, and I am sure they will continue their significant contribution to the firm.

“We have ambitious growth plans this year as we mark our 50th anniversary, with a new office planned to open in Bourne in the Autumn and plans to further expand our team.”

Fintech disruptor takes space at Leeds office scheme

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Fintech disruptor takes space at Leeds office scheme

Leeds and London based property investment and development company Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), has added Amplifi Capital (U.K.) Limited as the latest tenant to its property located at 123 Albion Street, Leeds.

Amplifi Capital is the fintech disruptor behind financial services brands My Community Finance and Reevo Money.

The new office, which spans approximately 7,000 square feet, offers Amplifi Capital ample space to accommodate its operations and foster collaboration among its team members. With convenient transport links and close proximity to the city centre, the office promises enhanced accessibility and convenience for employees and clients alike.

Matthew Wright, Associate Director for TCS, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Amplifi Capital to 123 Albion Street, marking an exciting new chapter in the vibrant community of our building and the surrounding area.

“Alongside existing occupier StepChange Debt Charity, Amplifi Capital’s dedication to improving access to affordable lending, adds to the diverse and impactful presence within our property and we look forward to the positive contributions they will bring to the building and the broader community.”

Tobias Gruber, CEO of Amplifi Capital, expressed his enthusiasm about the company’s expansion saying: “We are excited to further establish our presence in Leeds, a city renowned for its vibrant financial landscape and rich pool of talent, which aligns perfectly with our mission to provide accessible financial services.

“With the valued support of Leeds City Council and our proximity to the city’s bustling financial district, we are eager to make a positive impact in Leeds and beyond.”

The opening of Amplifi Capital’s new Leeds office is expected to create numerous job opportunities, further contributing to the region’s economic growth and employment landscape.

Clair McGowan, Director at CBRE, facilitating negotiations between both parties, remarked: “This letting is testament to TCS’ commitment to excellence in refurbishment, attracting a tenant of Amplifi Capital’s calibre.

“The latest addition leaves just 3,500 sq ft of available space, with TCS intending to provide a seamless ‘plug and play’ option for prospective tenants, ensuring a smooth transition into their new office.”

First ever mayor elected for York and North Yorkshire

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First ever mayor elected for York and North Yorkshire

The Labour Party candidate, David Skaith, has been elected to serve as the first ever mayor for York and North Yorkshire to champion the region and bring a host of benefits to hundreds of thousands of residents and businesses.

The result of the election was announced in Harrogate after voters had gone to the polls.

The vote will be a major moment for a long-awaited devolution deal for the region, and the mayor will oversee the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, which launched on February 1, to introduce benefits ranging from new and better-paid jobs and improved skills and training to more affordable housing.

A total of six candidates stood for election, and the results were:

  • Cunliffe-Lister, Felicity Clare, Liberal Democrats – 30,867 votes.
  • Duncan, Keane Charles, The Conservative Party – 51,967 votes.
  • Foster, Kevin, The Green Party – 15,188 votes.
  • Haslam, Paul, Independent – 12,370 votes.
  • Skaith, David, The Labour and Co-operative Party – 66,761 votes.
  • Tordoff, Keith Graham, Independent – 13,250 votes.

The turnout for the election was 29.89 per cent from the 640,012 people who are registered to vote in York and North Yorkshire.

The result was declared by North Yorkshire Council’s chief executive, Richard Flinton, who was the combined authority’s returning officer as well as the local returning officer for North Yorkshire for the election.

City of York Council’s chief operating officer, Ian Floyd, was the local returning officer for the city.

The mayor, who will serve a four-year term, will develop close links with the Government to secure more funding and decision-making powers as the devolution deal evolves.

The deal includes an investment fund totalling £540 million over a 30-year term, which provides flexibility to target money to specific schemes on a more local level.

The mayor will continue work that is already under way on projects including £12.7 million to deliver 700 new homes on brownfield sites and a further £10 million to support the transition to net zero, unlocking economic opportunity, empowering business growth and creating new and better paid jobs.

The mayor will also take on the responsibilities of the police, fire and crime commissioner for York and North Yorkshire. The commissioner is responsible for holding the chief constable as well as the chief fire officer to account and ensuring their services are efficient and effective.

The commissioner sets policing and crime priorities and oversees the police budget. The commissioner also supports community safety activities and provides victims of crime with a range of services, as well as setting priorities in the fire and rescue plan and overseeing the brigade’s budget.

Tracy Brabin re-elected Mayor of West Yorkshire

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Tracy Brabin re-elected Mayor of West Yorkshire
Tracy Brabin has been re-elected as Mayor of West Yorkshire.
The Labour candidate, who became the region’s first-ever mayor in 2021, was re-elected after being declared the winner following the counts which took place at the John Charles Centre for Sport in Leeds and venues across West Yorkshire. Votes were cast on Thursday in Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield, with an overall turnout figure of 32.71 per cent. Ms Brabin secured victory over second-placed Arnold Craven (Conservative) by 275,430 votes to 82,757 votes. Mayor Brabin said: “I am delighted to have been re-elected as Mayor of West Yorkshire. “People have renewed their faith in me and I’ll continue to deliver for every community in our region. “We will build on our work of the last three years to create a brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”

Yorkshire & Lincolnshire recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise revealed

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Yorkshire & Lincolnshire recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise revealed
The recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced, celebrating the achievements of UK businesses, including numerous firms in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. The King’s Awards for Enterprise were previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and were renamed last year to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 58th year, has awarded over 7,000 companies since its inception in 1965. His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants will be presenting the Awards to businesses locally throughout the year. Businesses are recognised for International Trade, Innovation, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity through social mobility. Minister for Enterprise Kevin Hollinrake said: “I congratulate the recipients of this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise, who exemplify the talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of British business.

“I wish them every success and commend the invaluable contributions they make to communities both at home and overseas, helping to grow the UK economy.”

  The recipients from Yorkshire and Lincolnshire include: INNOVATION Aanco (UK) Limited – North Yorkshire – Innovative and novel roof lantern that can be fitted in minutes and glazed in seconds. Advanced Manufacturing (Sheffield) Ltd – South Yorkshire – Precision manufacture of complex aerofoil geometries from forging, utilising patented dampening fixture. Gripple Ltd – South Yorkshire – Innovative pre fabricated bracket solution for the installation of mechanical services in restrictive spaces. Incremental Solutions Limited – North Yorkshire – OLErt – Real time dynamic monitoring of overhead line equipment on UK Rail. Safespaces (Cornholme) Ltd – West Yorkshire – Customised beds and spaces designed for young people with complex needs including autism and epilepsy. Warrendale Wagyu – East Riding of Yorkshire – Our innovation provides new and sustainable ways forward for the UK Meat and Dairy industry.   INTERNATIONAL TRADE Accu Limited – West Yorkshire – World-class e-commerce experience and customer service, enabling engineers and innovators to buy precision components quickly. Advanced Alloy Services Ltd – South Yorkshire – The UK’s leading independent supplier of pure metals and revert to the global superalloy industry. Ashley Bolser Agency Ltd – West Yorkshire – Delivering world leading digital strategies, user experience design, and technical product development for global brands. Carramore International Ltd – West Yorkshire – Carramore is a supplier of customized services to medical and life science research in LMICs. Casper Shipping Limited – North Yorkshire – One of the UK’s leading independent port agencies, logistics, customs and marine service companies. C-Kore Systems Limited – North Yorkshire – Innovative Subsea Measurement Tools which locate faults, prove functionality, save money and reduce emissions. Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance Limited – South Yorkshire – A global leader in the provision of qualifications, training resources, online training and digital events. ICD Europe Ltd – South Yorkshire – Global leaders in the procurement, processing and supply of specialised metals and super alloys. Ossila Limited – South Yorkshire – Materials and equipment that pave the way for scientific research and discovery around the world. Paralloy Limited – North Yorkshire – Paralloy Limited is a global specialist manufacturer and inventor of stainless steel and nickel alloys. Restrap Limited – West Yorkshire – Delivering technical in-house designed and manufactured cycling luggage globally, for every cyclist’s needs. SBD Apparel Limited – South Yorkshire – The global market leader in strength sports apparel, clothing and accessories worldwide. Works International Design Limited – North Yorkshire – Design and creative partner to the world’s biggest international sports brands, federations and governing bodies. Wrendale Designs Ltd – Lincolnshire – Leading supplier of beautiful quality design-led giftware featuring characterful illustrations inspired by the natural world. Zetechtics Ltd – North Yorkshire – Design and manufacture of high-quality intervention tooling and electronic controls for the global subsea industry.   SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Spinko Ltd – West Yorkshire – World leaders in luxury sustainable comfort innovation to create a happier and healthier world. The Bio D Company Ltd – East Riding of Yorkshire – The Bio-D Company has been formulating and manufacturing eco-friendly sustainable cleaning products since 1989.   Simon Spinks, Chairman of Harrison Spinks, said: “Receiving the King’s Award for Sustainable Development is a tremendous honour, especially after previously holding a Queen’s Award in this category, and it reflects the unwavering dedication of our whole team’s efforts to be the UK’s most responsible bedmaker. “As a proud British manufacturer, this award win is testament to our commitment to driving the business forward through industry-leading responsible business practices that also enrich the lives of our colleagues and communities. “Whether it’s actively encouraging biodiversity on our farms, supporting children’s bed charity Zarach with mattresses each month for children and families in poverty, or helping our employees achieve a better work-life balance by introducing a compressed four-day working week, we know the importance of making a positive difference to the world around us. “We’re immensely proud to have been recognised by the most prestigious Awards for Enterprise in the UK. Having previously won seven Queen’s and King’s Awards for Sustainable Development, Innovation, and International Trade, this latest accolade only reinforces our position as world leaders in sustainable bed and component manufacturing.”

Businesses invited to shape future of Scarborough with £20m from Government

Stuart Pearcey
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Businesses invited to shape future of Scarborough with £20m from Government

Scarborough businesses are being urged to help to shape a multi-million pound investment in the town which is aimed at building on the successes of previous major regeneration schemes.

A new public consultation called Let’s Talk Scarborough has been launched this week to seek views on how £20 million of Government funding should be spent over the next decade.

The funding under the Government’s Long-Term Plan for Towns initiative has been provided to enhance safety and security in Scarborough, revive the town’s retail sector, preserve its famous heritage, and improve transportation and connectivity.

The wide-ranging regeneration plan is being led by the Scarborough Town Board and is being supported by us.

Executive member for open to business, Cllr Derek Bastiman said: “We’re at a crucial moment in shaping the future of Scarborough, and the input of residents and businesses in Scarborough is vital.

“With a £20 million grant from the Government’s Long-Term Plan for Towns, we have a unique opportunity to improve Scarborough in ways that reflect our aspirations and address our needs.

“The public’s voice in this consultation will directly influence how we grow and change for the better.”

The regeneration plan for Scarborough is set to build on previous investment in the town, including the Green Construction Skills Village and more than £500,000 in funding that is transforming the town’s cricket ground on North Marine Road.

The green skills village will build on the existing Construction Skills Village that has been operating in Scarborough since 2015.

The Construction Skills Village has trained more than 300 apprentices, worked with over 800 local small and medium-sized enterprises and secured in excess of £3.5 million of funding.

The future of first-class cricket matches in the seaside resort was secured in July last year following the completion of a half-million-pound upgrade to the famous North Marine Road ground.

Scarborough Cricket Club received a £250,000 contribution from the £20 million Towns Deal fund allocated to the coastal town to carry out repairs, improvements and upgrades to its ground.

Further funding was provided from the England and Wales Cricket Board and the club with extra funding from the council bringing the total investment to £509,627.

The £20 million in funding for the Long-Term Plan for Scarborough has been secured after the Government announced in September last year that 55 towns across the UK will benefit from a £1.1 billion investment as part of the national levelling up agenda.

Ministers unveiled the plan to provide long-term investment in towns that have been previously overlooked and often taken for granted.

The new consultation on the latest major investment in Scarborough will run until Monday, 3 June.

The area which is being covered under the Long-Term Plan for Scarborough runs from Eastfield and Cayton to the south of the main town and up to Newby and Scalby in the north.

Scarborough Town Board chairman David Kerfoot said: “This is the public’s chance to make a difference in Scarborough. Their insights will guide the strategic direction and prioritisation of projects, ensuring that our collective effort leads to meaningful, lasting change. This is more than just a one-time consultation – it’s an invitation to be part of a decade-long journey of transformation.

“People’s ongoing involvement will ensure that Scarborough not only thrives today but continues to flourish for future generations.”

Sheffield employers urged to sign up to apprenticeship pledge

Stuart Pearcey
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Sheffield employers urged to sign up to apprenticeship pledge
Employers are being urged to sign up to a new ‘big apprenticeship pledge’ being spearheaded by The Sheffield College, promoting the opportunity to mould new talent to their skills needs to support business growth. Employers can pledge to either recruit and train one or more new apprentices or upskill existing staff via an apprenticeship during the next year. Some employers have already backed the newly launched scheme with 44 apprentice pledges received so far. Daniele Palacios, Vice Principal, Apprenticeships and Work Based Learning at the College, said: “We have launched the ‘big apprenticeship pledge’ to encourage more employers to invest in their business success. Apprenticeships bring new lifeblood and ideas to an organisation, help to fill skills gaps and pave the way for training the skilled professionals of tomorrow. “It is exciting to see employers recognising the benefits and committing to training the next generation of talent and upskilling existing staff by signing the pledge.” One of the employers supporting the initiative is Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Andrew Jones, its Director of Facilities, said: “Sheffield Teaching Hospitals is one of the biggest employers in the city, and we’re really proud to show our commitment to supporting local people and their careers through apprenticeship training. “Our facilities department is very hands-on and covers a lot of important behind-the-scenes functions at the hospitals – from security, car parking and portering to laundry, catering and cleaning. “Apprenticeships really suit the practical nature of many of our staff and are a great way for them to develop and grow their skills and confidence, earn while they learn, and train on the job. “Within the department we’ve seen many staff progress in their NHS careers through qualifications like Level 2 Functional Skills, Level 3 Team Leader and Supervisors, Chartered Manager degree apprenticeships and even masters degrees.”
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