Metal recycler acquired by Leeds private equity investors
Endless LLP, the Leeds-based mid-market private equity investors, has acquired Enablelink.
Founded in 2007, Enablelink is one of the UK’s most prominent metal recycling businesses processing over 300,000 tonnes of material per year. The business plays a vital role in the green circular economy with recycled metal being of critical importance to the UK and worldwide steel and manufacturing industries.
Based in the Birmingham area, Enablelink operates from three production sites and specialises in the acquisition, processing and distribution of ferrous and non-ferrous material. With over 60 employees, the business is ready for further growth from its current £110 million turnover base, having recently invested in new shredding and processing capabilities.
Endless’s acquisition will further strengthen Enablelink’s position and provide it with additional capital for growth and to support the management team to capitalise on the increasing demand for recycled metals.
Operations Director, Josh Long, will take over as Managing Director following the retirement of Roy Millard. Josh Long said: “This is fantastic news for Enablelink. While it is business as usual, we are excited by the opportunities new ownership will bring and we look forward to continuing our rapid growth and development both organically and through acquisition.
“We would like to thank Roy Millard for building such a strong business and supporting the company and its employees over the last 17 years.”
John Stevens, Investment Director at Endless, added: “We are thrilled to have been given the opportunity to acquire Enablelink. Through its strong relationships with suppliers and customers, Enablelink has demonstrated its importance to the UK green economy and the growing demand for recycled materials both in the UK and internationally.
“We extend our warmest gratitude to Roy for the fantastic business he has built and we look forward to working with Josh and the Enablelink team.”
The acquisition is the fifth platform investment in Endless Fund V, following on from their acquisition of ASCO in August 2023.
Endless was advised by Walker Morris (legal), KPMG (Tax), Aon (Insurance) and Kroll (Commercial). Enablelink was advised by Finvos (Corporate Finance) and Shoosmiths (Legal).
Sewell Group companies appointed to three new consultancy and construction frameworks
Companies from Yorkshire-based Sewell Group have been appointed to three new Pagabo frameworks for consultancy and construction, enabling clients across the public sector to access the companies’ decarbonisation or estates consultancy to help improve their estate.
The success includes the appointment of Sewell Construction and I&G to two new decarbonisation frameworks for health and the wider public sector, which will allow clients to go directly to contractors to support their efforts towards achieving their Net Zero plans. Projects delivered under this framework will be geared towards retrofitting of existing buildings and may include schemes such as installation of specialist heating, cooling and ventilation systems, renewable energy sources or energy saving lighting, as well as fabric upgrades and the replacement of inefficient glazing. The company’s estates consultancy, Shared Agenda, has also been successfully reappointed to Pagabo’s professional services framework, one of only 33 organisations to be continuing on from the previous iteration of the framework. This framework provides clients access to solutions across the full spectrum of estates services, with Shared Agenda having expanded the range of service they are able to offer to clients, including master planning, strategic programme advice and leisure strategies, as well as broader asset and estate management services. Sewell Group have almost 150 years of experience in planning, advising, investing and delivering construction, estates and facilities projects across the north of England, with a great deal of expertise around refurbishment, remodelling and new build in public sector estates including healthcare and education. Jo Barnes, MD of Sewell Estates, said: “Over the past few years we’ve really showcased our expertise in projects that enable our clients to be more sustainable, so we’re particularly pleased to see this recognised through our appointment to the decarbonisation frameworks. “Across our group, we have extensive experience across the public sector, enabling us to take projects from strategic planning right through to completion and delivery. We’re looking forward to working with partners across the country to bring their estates projects to life and help support them on the road to Net Zero.”New investor for Harrogate environmental risk reduction specialist
The Private Equity business at Goldman Sachs Alternatives is to acquire a majority stake in Adler & Allan from an affiliate of Sun European Partners.
Founded in 1926, Adler & Allan is a Harrogate-headquartered environmental risk reduction specialist, supporting organisations in managing, improving, maintaining, and upgrading their critical infrastructure across the entire asset lifecycle.
The company is a national turnkey partner to the utilities sector with services from strategic infrastructure advice to monitoring, data and analytics, frontline operational capability, and environmental consultancy.
Under Sun European’s ownership, the company has more than doubled in size and newly established a Water Services division dedicated to supporting the UK’s largest water utility companies on managing their wastewater and freshwater networks.
As Adler & Allan embarks on its next phase of growth, focused on broadening their service offering to further support clients with a wide range of environmental risk challenges, the partnership with Goldman Sachs will accelerate the company’s growth plans both organically with investment in people, innovation, and technology, and through targeted M&A activity to expand its service offering and geographic footprint.
The existing management team under the leadership of Group CEO Henrik Pedersen will continue to lead the company through the next stage of its journey.
Henrik Pedersen, Chief Executive Officer of Adler & Allan, said: “The announcement today is a real endorsement of the critical nature of the services we provide, our dedicated people, and the growth potential in the environmental services market we operate in.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Sun European team for the support they have given us during our partnership, which has been transformational for the company and positioned us well for the future.
“I’m deeply excited to partner with the Goldman Sachs team who share our vision on the next phase of growth, enabling us to continue to support our customers overcome their biggest environmental challenges of the 21st century.”
Jose Barreto and Mihir Lal from the Private Equity business at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, said: “Adler & Allan has a 100-year heritage in supporting operators of critical infrastructure assets with their most complex environmental challenges including pollution, climate change, sustainability and preventing environmental harm.
“We have been impressed with the company’s leading reputation for high service quality, deep technical expertise and the breadth of their service offering. We are delighted to partner with the Adler & Allan team and look forward to accelerating the company’s growth trajectory.
“We see tremendous value creation opportunity for the business via our platform both organically, and through a targeted acquisition strategy both in the UK and overseas with a continued focus on sustainability, climate transition, and water.”
Alexander Wyndham, Managing Director at Sun European Partners, said: “We are extremely proud of Adler & Allan’s growth and success since our investment in 2020. The company is a unique platform, with a leading reputation for excellence, in the growing environment risk management market.
“It’s been a pleasure working with Bob, Henrik, and the whole Adler & Allan team during our partnership and we look forward to watching them continue their growth trajectory with their new investor. We’d like to thank them for all their hard work and wish them all the success for the future.”
The deal is expected to complete during the second half of 2024, subject to customary antitrust and regulatory approvals.
Sun European was advised on the transaction by Houlihan Lokey (M&A), OC&C (Commercial), KPMG (Financial & Tax), Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP (Legal) and Park Place (Management). Goldman Sachs was advised on the transaction by Linklaters (Legal), EY Parthenon (Commercial), and KPMG (Financial & Tax).
Hannah takes over as CISI’s Yorkshire committee Presidency
Hannah Daniel has been appointed at President of the Yorkshire committee of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, taking over from Rebecca Keating.
Hannah is an investment manager at LGT Wealth Management based in Leeds. She has over eight years’ experience in wealth management. Since joining the CISI Yorkshire committee in 2020, she has organised various social and continuing professional development events. Her current focus is promoting the CISI Young Professionals’ Network locally.
Hannah said: “It is a privilege to be made branch president of the committee to follow on from Rebecca’s hard work. I look forward to working with the team to continue building relationships with local schools and universities to support students embarking on their careers. It’ll be nice to catch up with fellow industry practitioners at our social and CPD events.”
Tracy Vegro OBE, CISI chief executive, said: “This is an exciting time for the Yorkshire branch, with lots happening as we welcome Hannah into her new role on the committee. We would like to thank the outgoing president, Rebecca Keating, for her service and dedication to the committee over the past few years. She hands over to Hannah with the committee in great form and with our best wishes.”
Transformation of grammar school near Rotherham completes
Contractor Clegg Construction has completed a £5.9m renovation scheme to transform Maltby Grammar School near Rotherham into a community resource and education centre.
During the course of the project, Clegg invested more than £3m into the local economy by using local labour and materials wherever possible.
The company’s commitment to South Yorkshire provided local employment opportunities for those living in the area which also enabled reduced travel-to-work times and distances – helping the environment too.
Nine former Maltby Grammar School students, as well as a number of people from the Maltby area, were part of the workforce.
Pre-construction director at Clegg Construction Ross Crowcroft said: “We are delighted to have handed over the repurposed and renovated Maltby Grammar School to Maltby Learning Trust.
“The building has had a distinguished past and now has a bright future as a superb community resource, providing local services and learning facilities.
“Clegg Construction takes pride in supporting local communities wherever we work, which has been aptly demonstrated by our commitment to the local economy in the Maltby and South Yorkshire area and the people who live there.
“We wish Maltby Learning Trust all the best as Maltby Grammar School once again comes to life to provide facilities for the local community.”
During the course of the renovation, Clegg worked with clock repair and dial restoration specialists, Smith of Derby Ltd, to repair the iconic clock tower at Maltby Grammar School – getting it working again for the first time in ten years.
The renovated Maltby Grammar School will accommodate local services, support wellbeing, employment and enterprise, and provide substantial learning opportunities.
The building will also extend Maltby Learning Trust’s post-16 specialist facilities and create an incubator space for training, apprenticeships and start-up support in the leisure and hospitality sectors.
Maltby Learning Trust CEO, David Sutton, said: “We are thrilled with the work that Clegg Construction has done to renovate and refurbish the former Maltby Grammar School Building. The Trust will now be working to fit out the interior of the multi-purpose building to make it suitable for our sixth form, business, and community audiences.
“This project will make a huge difference to the area by offering a space for people to learn, reskill, work, and thrive. We are looking forward to opening the building later in the year with a series of events.”
Built in the early 1930s, the school closed in 2012 and had fallen into a state of disrepair after being mothballed.
The redevelopment project was part of a winning bid to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund secured by Rotherham Council, which focused on boosting the leisure and hospitality sectors in the area. The Levelling Up Fund provided £4.5m towards the project.
During the renovation, Clegg supported careers events at Maltby Academy, sponsored Maltby Learning Trust’s 2023 annual staff conference and awards, and also delivered 212.5kg of food, nappies and other donated items to Maltby Foodbank for distribution to local families as part of its commitment to the area.
Other members of the team involved in the scheme included Self Architects, engineer GCA Ltd and employer’s agent and project manager Cube.
Quartet of rail companies unite in Dragons’ Den-style search for innovation
Four train operators have joined forces on a Dragons’ Den-style scheme to support innovation in the rail industry.
LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express, and Southern are looking for cutting-edge technology startups to apply to Future Labs – a scheme designed to accelerate ideas that address common and emerging issues for the sector.
Successful applicants will gain access to industry data and resources as well as mentors and subject matter experts working for the train operators to bring their products and services to life.
They will be able to apply, test and demonstrate their ideas in real-world environments over a 12-week period.
A spokesperson said: “Future Labs is all about transforming the rail industry through open, pioneering and proven innovation. By giving technology startups access to live environments and expert mentorship they can test their proposed solutions in a real-world environment.
“Ultimately, this is all about advancing the passenger and employee experience as well as supporting performance and operational excellence.”
Undersea surveys to begin for more North Sea wind turbines
RWE and Masdar have commissioned global leading geo-data specialist Fugro to undertake detailed geotechnical surveys on the site of two Dogger Bank wind farms more than 100km off the UK in the North Sea.
Three vessels, Fugro Quest, Fugro Voyager and Normand Mermaid, will survey the ground conditions below seabed from June to October this year at the location of each proposed turbine and platform foundation, and associated seabed infrastructure. The ground investigation will use a combination of Cone Penetration Tests and sampling boreholes and will be an extensive geotechnical campaign for one of the world’s largest offshore wind projects.
Colin McAllister, Development Project Manager, DBS offshore wind farms said: “The geotechnical data from these site investigations will give our engineers a detailed and accurate picture of the individual ground conditions at sites of the foundations and associated offshore infrastructure. We already have high-level data about the seabed conditions from reconnaissance surveys conducted in 2022. With the level of detail captured from the new surveys, however, we can design the most effective foundations for each turbine and platform in the project. We expect similar detailed surveys to take place at DBS East in the future.”
John ten Hoope, Fugro’s Regional Director Marine Site Characterisation said: “We are excited to continue working with RWE on this prestigious project. Our successful combination of innovation technology and expert project teams will safely deliver timely high-quality data and insights crucial to optimising the design of DBS West offshore wind farm. The fieldwork, which comprises seabed cone penetration tests, and vibrocores from the Normand Mermaid and geotechnical boreholes from the Fugro Quest and Fugro Voyager, will start in June 2024. The subsequent extensive laboratory testing will take place in Fugro’s laboratories in the UK.”
James gets Director role at SMH Group in Sheffield
Yorkshire and Derbyshire based Chartered Accountants SMH Group have appointed James Salim as Director at its Sheffield office.
James joined SMH Group as a Client Manager in 2017 before being promoted to Senior Manager in 2023, and also gained his practising certificate and audit qualification in 2023.
Specialising in Audit and Assurance, James utilises his experience to advise the group’s larger corporate clients, in addition to advising clients across other service offerings including company accounts and taxes, personal tax, and estates and trusts. He also has specialism with charities and the not-for-profit sector and leads this offering in the Sheffield office.
Jonathon Dickens, Group Partner at SMH said: “As we’ve experienced substantial growth in recent years, and anticipate this trend to persist, it’s crucial to have the right team and infrastructure in place to take us to the next level.
“We have offered James a Director role due of his dedication to providing clients with a first class service, and his impressive work in growing the audit department. James has also done some highly commendable work with charities and the not-for-profit sector.”
James Salim added: “I’m delighted to become a Director in our Sheffield Office. Since stepping up to become a Senior Manager in 2023 I have really enjoyed the responsibilities this brings, both on the client side and helping out with staff development.
“The continued growth of the group has allowed me to develop as an individual, as well as playing a key role in the growth of our audit department in South Yorkshire.”
James’ appointment comes as part of an extensive growth period for SMH Group, having merged with numerous firms across the Yorkshire and Derbyshire regions in recent years.
Packaging manufacturer fined after worker receives severe hand injuries
A packaging manufacturer has been fined for safety breaches after a worker received severe hand injuries at a factory in Yorkshire.
On 15 June 2020 an agency worker injured their fingers when using a table saw without a guard at Loadhog Limited’s site at Hawke Street, Sheffield.
The worker, who was operating the saw, received the injuries when his fingers came into contact with a rotating saw blade. Three fingers were partially severed although they were later reattached in hospital.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that the company had failed to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment, resulting in a failure to provide a suitable guard, allowing access to the exposed parts of the saw blade.
At Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on 25 April, Loadhog Limited of The Hog Works, Hawke Street, Sheffield pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. They were fined £100,000 and ordered to pay £3,139.75 in costs.
After the hearing the HSE inspector Laura Hunter said: “This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply implementing the correct control measures and safe working practices.
“HSE has clear guidance on the provision and use of work equipment that can help in preventing incidents like this from happening.
“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE Enforcement Lawyers Jon Mack and Kate Harney and supported by Paralegal Officer Rebecca Forman.
Whitby gin-maker crowdfunds for growth
A Yorkshire gin-maker has launched a crowd-funding campaign to promote sustainable growth and to encourage investors to become part of its operation.
Whitby Distillery’s campaign will support its planned expansion through trade, retail, tourism and export.
The gin-maker’s £400,000 equity crowd-funding campaign is being run by crowd-funding specialists Seedrs.
Whitby Distillery, makers of Whitby Gin, was founded in 2017 by Jessica Slater and Luke Pentith who have grown their business from a passion project to one whose gin is stocked in more than 200 outlets across the UK.
Luke Pentith explained: “Our equity crowdfunding raise on Seedrs will see us selling a small amount of the business through shares to our customers and to the general public. We believe this is a wonderful opportunity to become involved in our flourishing business, which has shown sustainable growth year and year and has tremendous potential.”
One of Whitby Gin’s key projects over the next couple of years is to renovate two derelict barns at Abbey Lands on the south-west corner of the Whitby Abbey grounds. This has planning permission and a 100-year lease agreed.
“This isn’t just about raising funds, it is an invitation to be an integral part of our growth and to own a piece of the dream. Once our new distillery is fully operational, we anticipate the business will grow by 500 per cent over the next five years.
“We will be creating one of the most iconic distillery visitor experiences in England, positioned on one of the UK’s most beloved and popular coastal locations and providing high-quality leisure and function space for the local community to enjoy.
“There is a huge opportunity for a destination gin distillery in Yorkshire. The gin market in the UK is flourishing, with a 50 per cent increase expected between 2023 and 2028. By 2028, the market’s value is predicted to be £3.18bn.”
Jess Slater continued: “The opening of our distillery and visitor centre will be a complete game-changer for us, amplifying our brand across the UK, allowing us to reach more hearts and glasses, unleashing a wave of innovation and crafting exciting new spirits and products that will leave a lasting impression.
“Whilst we have been very happy in our current premises in nearby Botany Way, our new home will take Whitby Distillery to the next level, stepping up production and giving visitors the opportunity to see us distilling and bottling through the week with our tour experiences.
“It is an honour and a privilege to be restoring these derelict buildings on such a world-famous site. For us, this is all about launching an amazing adventure on the atmospheric North Sea coastline, with tremendous knock-on effects for the local economy.
“Our new eco-friendly and sustainable distillery is a serious commitment to Whitby. We are making a significant investment into the local community and the future of the town. Once complete and established, we anticipate up to 25 employees.
“As well as the distillery, our plans include the visitor centre, which will showcase our production process and our various spirits, as well as paying homage to the amazing cultural heritage of Whitby and providing an educational and corporate business space,” said Jess.
Luke added: “Our new Whitby Distillery is designed to be an inspirational building that has minimal environmental impact. We are taking a ‘fabric first’ approach to refurbishment to improve the energy efficiency. Wastewater from the distilling process will be used where possible to irrigate plants and the vegetated roof.”
New head of family law department at LCF Law
Harjit Rait, a Resolution accredited specialist family lawyer and partner, has been promoted at LCF Law. She will manage the family law team, who are based across the firm’s Bradford, Leeds, Harrogate and Ilkley offices.
Harjit said: “During my time at LCF Law I have been fortunate to help many people at difficult times in their lives. I always make sure that I deliver the best possible service when dealing with matters relating to their family, be it disputes around the arrangements for the children, or protection of assets before or after a marriage, as well as guiding them through the financial settlement process. My clients and my work, are both hugely important to me.
“Legally I make sure everything is watertight, but just as importantly, it’s my job to be there for my clients every step of the way emotionally. Each client is unique and needs to be fully understood and happy with the eventual outcome. As a family lawyer you need good inter-personal skills and I have always been a people person who is keen to understand, listen and find the right solution.
“In my new role I will continue to work with my own clients and support everyone in the family law team, but I will also become more involved with the strategic development of the department, which is something I’m looking forward to.”
LCF Law’s managing partner, Ragan Montgomery, said: “I’ve known Harjit since our university days, and I can confidently say she has the right personality and skills for the role. She builds excellent relationships with her clients, is a fabulous networker and is very supportive of the development of others.
“Her talent for forging and maintaining excellent working relationships during her 22-year legal career will stand her in good stead as she continues to build on the successes of our trusted family law team.”
Scarborough pier set for £11m refurbishment to boost area’s economy
An £11 million scheme to transform Scarborough’s historic West Pier to help boost the area’s economy and celebrate the town’s long-standing fishing industry has moved a step closer to becoming a reality with submission of a planning application for the project.
And for fish merchant TG Wood, which has been based on the pier since 1973, the development can’t come soon enough. Shaun Wood runs the business, started by his father, and said the pier is “crying out for investment”.
He added: “I’m hugely supportive of the plans and the sooner it happens, the better. We have a huge footprint that we rent from the council, but the building is in disrepair and needs modernising.”
His son Jack was running Cod and Lobster, a fishmonger on the pier, until recently but the family has closed the business until new premises are built.
Jack said: “We’ve shut the Cod and Lobster until these plans happen due to the building’s current condition. I don’t want to personally invest any more money into the inside until the outside is sorted.
“The West Pier is crying out for investment. It’s the first thing you see as you come on to South Bay and it’s an eyesore. If we’ve got this money, let’s spend it and let’s make the place look better and work better for fishermen, locals and tourists.”
Permission is being sought for the regeneration scheme centred on supporting and celebrating the town’s fishing industry as well as replacing current facilities and buildings with modern ones for existing tenants and businesses.
The vision for the West Pier includes new kiosks, improved offices, sheds and warehousing for the fishing sector and new parking and vehicle and pedestrian management, as well as restoration work of existing premises which have historical interest.
Chief executive Richard Flinton, said: “Reaching the planning application is an exciting stage for this project. Regenerating the West Pier will breathe new life into Scarborough’s South Bay whilst respecting and supporting the fishing industry working on the pier.”
Sustainable aviation fuels Clearing House officially launched
The UK sustainable aviation fuels Clearing House has officially launched, marking a major step in enabling the UK to bring new fuels to market and help reduce carbon emissions from the aviation industry.
Led by the Energy Institute at the University of Sheffield, and supported by engineering and environmental consultancy Ricardo plc, the UK SAF Clearing House is now accepting applications from fuel producers for technical support and funding towards the development, testing and qualification of sustainable aviation fuels.
Any new aviation fuel must meet strict performance standards before it can be qualified as safe for use in aircraft. To achieve this, fuel must undergo stages of testing in accordance with industry recognised standards. The cost and complexity of testing can be a significant barrier to new fuels entering the market.
The UK SAF Clearing House will provide advice to fuel producers on testing, signpost towards testing facilities and support the qualification of sustainable aviation fuels to help overcome this barrier.
The UK SAF Clearing House provides support for the development, testing, qualification, and production of sustainable aviation fuels, and it will play a key role in the government’s ambition to build a thriving UK SAF production industry, and establish the UK as a global leader in the use of SAF.
Professor Chris Lewis from the University of Sheffield, Director of UK SAF Clearing House, said: “It is great to see there is now a lot of activity in the development of SAF, however the increase in a diverse range of raw materials and processes means a major shift in the industry, which is both an opportunity to reduce aviation emissions and presents a challenge to get these increasingly diverse SAF products to market.
“The UK SAF Clearing House, in cooperation with the EU and US Clearing Houses, will provide technical advice and information, funding to support with testing, and help in understanding how the industry works, as well as helping producers engage with the industry in a positive way. We are delighted to announce we are open for business, so please do come and talk to us.”
Natasha Robinson, Deputy Director of Low Carbon Fuels at the Department for Transport, said: “The UK wants to be an international leader in the transition to SAF, which is a crucial element of the UK aviation industry’s decarbonisation ambitions. The UK SAF Clearing House will accelerate the testing of fuels by streamlining the process, in order to help companies get the qualification for use they need.
“The UK SAF Clearing House will reduce the bottleneck in testing, ensuring a greater availability of SAF from a diverse range of feedstocks, which will enable the UK to achieve its target of 10 per cent SAF by 2030 and will also help with creation of new jobs and skills in this innovative green sector.”
Minister for Aviation and Decarbonisation of Transport, Anthony Browne, said: “As the UK SAF industry goes from strength to strength, it’s important it also has the capabilities to test the fuel being made, making the transition from the labs to the sky faster and easier than ever before.
“Funded by the UK Government, the SAF Clearing House at the University of Sheffield is making greener flying a global reality, accelerating crucial testing, removing barriers for overseas investment and keeping the UK at the centre of the global SAF industry.”
Sujith Kollamthodi, Director of Policy, Strategy & Economics at Ricardo, said: “The new UK SAF Clearing House is a step in the right direction towards a leaner and greener aviation sector in the UK. It joins other UK Government initiatives for the sector alongside the Advanced Fuels Fund, plans for a SAF revenue certainty scheme and backing for the world’s first transatlantic flight using 100 per cent SAF.
“We are proud that Ricardo experts are applying their renowned expertise in policy, strategy and the safe implementation of new sustainable technologies to this world-leading initiative which can accelerate the decarbonisation of the global aviation industry.”
For key clients including fuel producers, aerospace original equipment manufacturers, airlines and airports, the UK SAF Clearing House is a free-at-the-point-of-use service that will support fuel producers. It will work in collaboration with other international clearing houses and coordinate a programme of fuel qualification with the support of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Yorkshire law firm acquired by Castle Donnington counterpart
A Yorkshire law firm has been acquired by a Castle Donnington-based counterpart, creating a 60 plus-strong workforce and paving the way for future expansion.
WLR Law has purchased commercial, media, and sports law expert Front Row Legal (FRL) for an undisclosed fee.
Claire Dibb, WLR group CFO – who has worked with several legal firms in Yorkshire and across the UK, providing commercial financial management & CFO leadership to both SME & corporate clients – will be part of the Board of Directors, to help drive future growth.
Richard Cramer, FRL Managing Director, says: “This seamless integration of our expertise and resources is a remarkable opportunity to elevate our client offerings and tap into WLR Law’s vast resources.
“I’m thrilled to embark on this journey which will set new benchmarks for legal services in our focused sectors – further refining our approach to meet the evolving needs of our clients with even greater precision and care.”
Richard adds: “The new combined workforce will be around 60 – greatly enhancing the scope of services we can offer. We’re always looking to recruit quality professionals, and I’m confident this acquisition is just the start of an ongoing expansion plan to create additional jobs in the coming years.”
Martin Collins, WLR Law principal MD and board director, says: “This merger is a celebration of shared values and our unwavering commitment to client success. Together we’re perfectly poised to drive further innovation in the way legal advice is delivered, improving the impact and accessibility for our clients.”
FSB urges Ofgem to act over soaring standing changes for energy
The Federation of Small Businesses has called for energy regulator Ofgem to take action on the standing charges paid by small businesses, many of whom have seen soaring daily fixed prices.
The Federation is backing up requests from Ministers to Ofgem chief exec Jonathan Brearley that he ensures energy bills are fair an affordable, and has told him he must recognise the “specific, negative impact standing charges are having on small firms”.
FSB’s Policy Chair Tina McKenzie said: “We want Ofgem to do a thorough review of standing charges for businesses as well as consumers, for better transparency and to discern whether energy companies are behaving fairly towards their small firm clients.
“Small business energy customers behave in a way more akin to consumers than big businesses, lacking the resources, the expertise and the buying power necessary to get the best possible deal out of their energy suppliers. However, they do not benefit from anything like the same level of protection as that rightly available to households, leaving them caught between two stools.
“Many small businesses could be forgiven for suspecting that they have been seen as something of a soft target for price hikes in their standing charges, and they do not have a full picture of where the money they pay on a daily basis is going – something that needs to change.
“Small firms were put through the wringer by the energy price crisis, which sadly spelled the end for many otherwise viable businesses who saw their utility bills become completely unmanageable.
“The price increases which led to the crisis have thankfully eased off to an extent, but many thousands of small firms are now stuck on tariffs which are far higher than before, which is a leading driver of cost increases.
“While it’s possible for most firms to cut their energy use – something which many did in response to spiralling bills – the standing charge must be paid day in, day out, so ensuring that small firms aren’t being fleeced is absolutely vital.
“We’re very keen to hear what Ofgem’s next steps in this area will be, to ensure that small firms pay standing charges that are fair and transparent, no matter where they’re based.”
One small firm whose owner got in touch with FSB reported an increase in the business’s daily standing charge from 70.94p per day in July 2021 to 969.64p per day in September 2023 – over 13 times higher.
Standing charges are used to fund network infrastructure, operating costs, and policy costs for schemes such as the Warm Home Discount, but this can be difficult for small firms to comprehend. Business customers are not covered by the energy price cap for consumers and many small firms suspect that their costs have been hiked as a result.
Silence shocks tenants of soon-to-be-sold workshops in Leeds
Leeds City Council is shocked that tenants of the city’s Aire Street Workshops didn’t find out about plans to sell the premises until last week, in spite of discussions with the building’s leaseholder LCVS Enterprises last September.
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “The council recognises that the proposed sale of Aire Street Workshops is a subject of significant concern for businesses based there.
“Given their concerns and the wider level of public interest in the building’s future, we feel it is important to set out the full facts regarding this matter. Above all, we are determined to support the site’s tenants and help as many of them as possible find new premises within Leeds.
“They and their predecessors have made Aire Street Workshops a hub for cultural and creative activity. However, it is also an ageing building that needs major repairs and improvements.
“We estimate that, for its present use to continue, the building would require a seven-figure investment to ensure it meets regulatory and energy performance standards. The unprecedented budget pressures facing the council mean we are unfortunately not able to fund that level of investment.
“Furthermore, even if the necessary funds were to be found and the work carried out, we anticipate that the improvements to the building would have to be reflected by rent rises that would place an unfair burden on the current tenants.
“A meeting was therefore held between the council and the building’s leaseholder, LCVS Enterprises, in September last year. That’s when LCVS were made aware that the site had been identified as a likely asset for sale and that a commercial property firm had been engaged to prepare a valuation report.
“It was our expectation that LCVS, as leaseholder, would pass this news on to their individual tenants as soon as possible. The council is the site’s freehold owner and it has no formal relationship with the tenants of LCVS. As such, it is LCVS’s responsibility to liaise with them on matters such as a potential sale of the building.
“At September’s meeting, we also agreed to a request from LCVS for their current lease to be extended through to January 2025 so that their tenants had more time to find alternative accommodation prior to any sale.
“However, it appears that the tenants were not informed of the plans for the site until last week. This is clearly regrettable but we would once again stress that LCVS have known about our likely intentions since September.
“Indeed, it is hard to reconcile any suggestion of LCVS being unaware of the council’s intentions with their request for a lease extension that they linked to the need for tenants to find new premises.
“The council began discussions with LCVS as long ago as 2016 regarding the poor condition of the building and how it could impact its future operation.
“A letter was also sent to LCVS on February 19 this year confirming that the property was now scheduled for disposal during the 2024/25 financial year. This letter further confirmed that vacant possession would be required when the extended lease came to an end.
“At no point in the last seven months have LCVS given us any indication that tenants were not being kept fully informed of developments. As a council, we have been clear that, in light of our financial challenges, difficult decisions are having to be made across many service areas.
“We are keenly aware of the contribution made to life in Leeds by small businesses of the kind found in Aire Street Workshops.
“Our business support team will develop a targeted package of support for affected tenants over the coming weeks which, it is hoped, will help that contribution to continue and grow.
“The council can also confirm that, as part of the sale and bidder selection process, it will be willing to receive a range of offers, including ones that could allow the building to operate as a form of managed workspace.
“This approach reflects our wider ongoing commitment to culture and creativity in Leeds at a time when the council – like many other businesses and organisations across the city – is dealing with an extremely serious budget position.”
Manufacturers to be compelled to introduce tougher anti-hacking protection
From today manufacturers will be legally required to protect consumers from hackers and cyber criminals from accessing devices with internet or network connectivity – from smartphones to games consoles and connected fridges – as the UK becomes the first country in the world to introduce stronger consumer protection laws.
Under the new regime, manufacturers will be banned from having weak, easily guessable default passwords like ‘admin’ or ‘12345’ and if there is a common password the user will be promoted to change it on start-up. This will help prevent threats like the damaging Mirai attack in 2016 which saw 300,000 smart products compromised due to weak security features and used to attack major internet platforms and services, leaving much of the US East Coast without internet. Since then, similar attacks have occurred on UK banks including Lloyds and RBS leading to disruption to customers.
The move is said to mark a significant step towards boosting the UK’s resilience towards cyber-crime, as recent figures show 99% of UK adults own at least one smart device and UK households own an average of nine connected devices. The new regime will also help give customers confidence in buying and using products, which will in turn help grow businesses and the economy.
An investigation conducted by Which? showed that a home filled with smart devices could be exposed to more than 12,000 hacking attacks from across the world in a single week, with a total of 2,684 attempts to guess weak default passwords on just five devices.
Data and Digital Infrastructure Minister Julia Lopez said: “Today marks a new era where consumers can have greater confidence that their smart devices, such as phones and broadband routers, are shielded from cyber threats, and the integrity of personal privacy, data and finances better protected.”
Special planning meeting will discuss British Steel’s furnace plans
A special planning meeting to discuss British Steel’s application to build an electric arc furnace on its Scunthorpe site will take place next Tuesday.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council said: “
Harrogate BID launches further round of match funding for shop front enhancements
Harrogate BID has announced the launch of a further round of match funding grants worth up to £750 to support members to improve shop fronts and accessibility.
Every year, the BID provides the match funding to levy paying businesses for support with improvement work. This helps to create a great first impression for any visitors to the town – and allows residents and business owners in Harrogate to take pride in their town – tying into one of the BID’s term 2 objectives.
The BID will provide match funding up to £750 towards these improvement works. All members within the Harrogate BID area are eligible to apply for the grant – which is available on a first come first served basis.
The aim is to offer investment into repairs and redecorations of business entrances and streets, refurbishment or replacement of graphics and signage and improvements on accessibility including the installation of ramps, handraild and automatic doors.
Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID Manager, said: “Harrogate is always championed as the jewel in Yorkshires crown and we know that first impressions really do count.
“This is why we are proud to once again launch the Shop Front Match Funding Grant to support our members and this worthy representation.”
Businesses unite to inspire next generation
Employers across the region are being encouraged to back a new Pride of Place campaign aimed at inspiring young people and ensuring they fulfil their potential.
Pride of Place, a group established by Business in the Community and made up of leaders from the public, private and voluntary sectors, is partnering with Sheffield City Council’s See it Be it in Sheffield campaign.
The aim is to increase employer engagement in schools, colleges and other educational settings across the city to help raise the attainment, aspirations and work-readiness of local young people.
Over 60 businesses came together at Meadowhead Secondary School this week to hear directly from the school, young people and Pride of Place businesses Aviva and Henry Boot about how time spent with employers can significantly help shape a young person’s future.
Kam Grewal-Joy, Headteacher at the school, said: “Meadowhead’s mission is to make a difference, we are here to help young people increase their chances in their next steps. Some of our pupil population have strong links to the world of work through their own networks but many don’t. Being part of this campaign will really help every young person in our school to achieve their full potential.”
Young people who had recently undertaken work experience placements were able to speak about how these activities had helped shape their future career plans. Interactions with employers had helped to teach them the skills they need in the workplace.
Pride of Place members, including Aviva, Henry Boot, Mott Macdonald, the NHS, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, and Sheffield City Council, as well as Voluntary Action Sheffield and SADACCA, are asking local businesses to join them in helping to inspire the next generation.
The campaign will be run in 25 secondary schools and will see business leaders and employees meet young people. Primary school children will also get the chance to be inspired about the world of work.
Tim Roberts, Chair of the Pride of Place campaign and CEO at Henry Boot, said: “All our young people deserve the opportunity to fulfil their potential regardless of their background. We were delighted to launch the campaign at Meadowhead School, this week.
“There will be a wide range of opportunities available for employers and employees to get involved in the campaign across a range of settings. All we’re asking for is a small time investment to get involved in mock interviews, give an informal career talk, offer workplace visits or provide 1-2-1 mentoring.”
Research suggests that four or more encounters with employers can significantly improve the life outcomes for young people, strengthen the link between education and employment, and drive a more inclusive and productive local economy.
In addition to outreach in Sheffield schools, the Pride of Place campaign also aims to support the development of technical and vocational pathways for young people aged 16-18 though a new Post 16: Careers Made in Sheffield campaign.
Tim Roberts added: “With your help we can ensure more young people in Sheffield are inspired about employment and their future – we have the opportunity to make a difference to young people in this city which can set them up for a lifetime.”
