Leeds marketing firm acquires communications agency
Leeds-based marketing agency Fantastic Media has acquired Faith Brand Communications for a six-figure sum.
This move comes after nearly sixteen years of collaboration between the two Yorkshire firms on various projects.
While both brands will maintain their distinct identities for the immediate future, this partnership has expanded the collective strength of the business duo, which now boasts a team of 33 marketing professionals. Together, the firms will oversee a portfolio of over 45 retained clients with a combined turnover exceeding £2 million.
Founder and former Managing Director Stefanie Hopkins will continue to play a pivotal role as communications director while Fantastic founder Andy Hobson and co-owner, Andrew McCarthy, will become owner directors of Faith, supported by a leadership team which spans both firms.
The Faith Brand Communications team will relocate from Brighouse to Fantastic Media’s offices over the next quarter.
Fantastic Media founder and CEO Andy Hobson said: “Fantastic, very much like Faith, has grown organically over the past 18 years by delivering high quality, targeted brand and marketing strategies based on emotional connections and strong relationships between agency and client teams.
“This approach is testament to the longevity of both companies’ approach and confirms that people are at the core of our DNA. The coming together will be a perfect fit for all parties and will strengthen the offering to new and existing clients.”
Stefanie Hopkins, founder and MD of Faith Brand Communications, added: “I’ve known Andy and the Fantastic team for many years, having provided PR both for the agency and its clients, so I am thrilled to join forces. This move marks an exciting chapter in our journey, opening up new horizons of growth and possibilities.
“Since launching Faith from my kitchen table with just one £250 a month client in 2007, we have built a solid foundation as a PR agency in Yorkshire and beyond, and this union allows us to take our expertise to new heights.
“The synergies between our strengths in public relations and Fantastic’s comprehensive marketing capabilities promise a truly integrated offering for brands. Together, we can deliver a seamless, end-to-end solution that addresses the diverse needs of businesses and brands in today’s dynamic market.”
Manufacturers cut back investment as output and orders weaken
Sentiment within the manufacturing sector stagnated in the three months to January, as output volumes fell unexpectedly, according to the CBI’s latest quarterly Industrial Trends Survey.
Output is expected to rise slightly in the three months ahead, but the share of firms citing weak orders or sales as a constraint on production rose to its highest in three years, with total new orders falling at their fastest pace since July 2020.
Growth in average costs accelerated in the quarter to January, putting pressure on margins. The pace of growth in domestic selling price inflation was unchanged, but export selling prices rose over the quarter.
Investment in tangible assets (buildings, machinery, equipment) is expected to fall sharply in the year ahead, with investment in innovation also expected to weaken. However, manufacturers expect to increase spending on training & retraining amid lingering concerns over shortages of labour.
The survey, based on the responses of 246 manufacturing firms, found:
- Output volumes fell in the quarter to January, after being unchanged in December (balance of -10% from 0% in the three months to December). Firms expect volumes to rise marginally in the next three months (+7%).
- Total new orders fell at their fastest pace since July 2020 (balance of -13% from +2% in October) and manufacturers expect orders to remain unchanged over the next three months (-1%).
- Growth in average costs per unit of output accelerated in the quarter to January, with the pace of costs growth standing well above average (balance of +43%, from +29% in October, long run average of +18%). Cost growth is expected to remain elevated in the quarter to April (+43%).
- Domestic selling prices were reported as broadly stable over the three months to January (balance of +2%, from +5% in October), the weakest balance in over three years and matching the long-term average. Export price inflation accelerated from October (+14%, from +10%) and stands above the long-term average (-4%). Domestic price growth is expected to pick up in the next three months (+9%), while export price growth is expected to ease (+6%).
- Investment intentions for the year ahead were mixed. Manufacturers expect to raise spending on training & retraining (+6% from +5% in October). Investment in product & process innovation is expected to fall (-5%, from +6%, the weakest since the quarter to January 2021). Investment in tangibles is expected to fall rapidly, including buildings (-29% from -31%) and plant & machinery (-15% from -11%, also the weakest since January 2021).
- The main constraint on investment was uncertainty about demand (cited by 58% of manufacturers, the highest since January 2021). Other factors include: inadequate net return (40%, the highest since July 2020); the cost of finance (22%, the highest since January 1991 – excluding the pandemic period) and labour shortages (20%, down from a record 37% two years earlier – excluding the pandemic period – but still above the long-term average of 11%).
Switch to digital import labels will save money for business, says Government
Businesses are set to benefit from reduced costs and burdens as import labels are made digital for the first time.
Digital labelling will allow businesses to put important regulatory or manufacturing information online rather than requiring them to physically print it on products – saving time and money which can be pushed towards scaling up and growing their company.
This follows the Product Safety Review consultation and extensive industry engagement – looking at ways to cut costs while benefitting consumers and ensuring our regulatory system is agile and a move towards digital labelling has been something the industry have consistently called for.
SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said: “Recognising CE marking indefinitely is very welcome and a common sense decision that will benefit the motorist and the competitiveness of the UK automotive industry. It means that thousands of aftermarket and supply chain businesses can continue to source vital automotive parts without unnecessary additional cost and complexity, keeping costs low for consumers and ensuring vehicles are built and maintained to the highest possible standards.”
Business and Trade Minister Kevin Hollinrake said: “I know first-hand the difficulties businesses face with regulations and red tape, and what we’re announcing today will not only ease business burdens and costs but will enable them to spend their time growing their companies and creating jobs.
“We’ve worked closely with multiple sectors to create policy that works for them and this is another step in the right direction to back British businesses.”
Training provider gets £300k grant to double training capacity in race to bridge skills gap
South bank training provider CATCH has been awarded £300,000 to help upgrade its existing welding, pipefitting and electrical training facilities in Stallingborough.
The money will comes as part of the ECITB’s million investment in Regional Skills Hubs, and will see an upgrade as part of a joint venture with industry to increase learning capacity at the training centre by 100% over the next two years, as part of a broader Humber Skills Plan to increase training output by 1000% by 2029.
The ECITB’s £1 million investment in Regional Skills Hubs is designed to boost training provider capacity and grow new entrant numbers in the ‘Industrial Cluster’ hot spots and other major engineering construction industry (ECI) centres of activity which will be at the heart of the UK’s decarbonisation agenda.
David Talbot, Chief Executive at CATCH, said: “This £300,000 funding from the ECITB marks a significant milestone for us, securing the transformation of our training facilities in Stallingborough, as we move towards our goal of increasing our learning capacity by 100% this year as part of scaling up the number of new entrants to industry to create the workforce that is required for our region to build net zero infrastructure.
“As we embark on this exciting journey, we are extremely grateful for the support of our industry partners and the ECITB, aligning with our vision to provide a pipeline of skilled workers for the Humber region’s engineering construction projects.”
Paul Fursey, UK Lead Executive and General Manager Humber Refinery at Phillips 66 Limited, said: “It is great to see the support from the ECITB in the development of a leading National Net Zero Training Centre.
“There is a great urgency to increase apprenticeships and skilled resources locally and nationally to support the development of critical UK infrastructure.
“Year after year we are seeing a drop in skilled labour, and it is vital we act now. CATCH is a great example of how industry and public bodies can come together to combat this.”
ECITB Chief Exec Andrew Hockey said: “The ECITB is delighted to support CATCH as it continues to develop a pipeline of trained, skilled workers for major engineering construction projects in the Humber region.
“We know from the Labour Forecasting Tool, launched in December, that the labour demand gap for new workers in the engineering construction industry will get wider with an estimated shortfall of 40,000 workers by 2028.
“The Regional Skills Hub grant is targeted specifically on capacity-building projects in the UK’s industrial heartlands that will directly increase the flow of workers into the industry.
“The proposal clearly highlighted the project participants’ commitment, externally leveraged funding and clear outputs and delivery milestones. Our investment will support the training of more skilled workers to help decarbonisation projects, such as the Viking CCS projects in this area.”
HARIBO appoints firm to deliver Castleford factory expansion
HARIBO UK has recently received planning approval for a new, purpose-built warehouse at its Castleford site. This new facility will help meet increased demand for products.
Now, HARIBO has appointed local firm Caddick Construction to deliver this expansion.
The site in Castleford first started producing HARIBO’s treats in 2015. The new warehouse facility will allow HARIBO to manage increased volumes of finished product, stock more raw materials and packaging, and will help safeguard 600 jobs across both its West Yorkshire sites.
Jon Hughes, Managing Director of HARIBO UK and Ireland, said: “Following another successful year, we’re pleased to have recently received planning approval for a new, purpose-built warehouse at our Castleford site.
“We expect to break ground and begin construction soon and are delighted to have appointed local Yorkshire construction firm Caddick Construction to support the build. For fifty years, we’ve been part of Yorkshire’s sweet-making tradition, and we continue to invest in our two sites in Pontefract and Castleford to deliver delicious treats for our consumers across the UK.
“The new warehouse will mean that we can create more moments of childlike happiness, and the investment demonstrates our commitment to Yorkshire as a centre of excellence for food manufacturing.”
Paul Dodsworth, Caddick Construction Group’s Managing Director, said: “Our appointment to HARIBO UK’s expansion plans is very exciting for Caddick as we grow our manufacturing portfolio.
“As a Yorkshire business, we’re very proud to once again be leading on a development that will boost industry and employment, making this great region home to world-leading manufacturing. We are looking forward to starting work on site and working with HARIBO UK to fulfil their expansion plans.”
Restoration of Hull landmark begins
Regeneration specialist Wykeland Group has begun a £2m restoration project to revive Hull’s historic Castle Street Chambers building and former Earl De Grey pub.
Castle Street Chambers, which is adjacent to the Connexin Live arena in Hull city centre, was built in 1900 as offices for Hull steamship owners and brokers Messrs G R Sanderson.
The Grade II-listed building has been unoccupied since the 1970s and has fallen into dereliction, supported by protective scaffolding for more than 20 years.
A similar fate befell one of Hull’s oldest pubs, the neighbouring Earl De Grey, which dates back to the 1840s and was once a popular haunt for seafarers from around the world who docked in the city.
In 2020, the Grade II-listed Earl De Grey’s historic frontage was painstakingly removed brick by brick, before being placed into storage, prior to the start of the ongoing £350m A63 Castle Street improvement scheme to relieve congestion on the main route through Hull.
Now, a significant restoration project on Castle Street Chambers is underway which, once completed, will incorporate the reconstructed Earl De Grey.
Hull-based Wykeland Group is delivering the project, which will create more than 6,000 sq ft (557 sqm) of prime commercial space. Wykeland has liaised closely with National Highways, Historic England and Hull City Council to bring the restoration project forward.
Wykeland Development Director Jonathan Stubbs said: “Castle Buildings is one of the most complex and challenging restoration projects we’ve undertaken.
“Having been unused for decades, the building is understandably in a very poor condition. Since acquiring the site in recent years, we have worked hard to bring forward this project which is now coming to fruition
“That has included taking down the Earl De Grey before the A63 works, while retaining its listed frontage in order that it can be reinstated as part of this exciting development.
“In all of our restoration projects, protecting and enhancing heritage is at the forefront of our approach. That is certainly the case with Castle Street Chambers and the Earl De Grey.”
The first phase of the restoration will see the scaffolding removed from Castle Street Chambers, revealing the derelict building behind it.
Piling work will then commence at the site of the new Earl De Grey, before Castle Street Chambers is re-scaffolded for roof and window repair work, as well as general improvement to the brickwork.
A small single-storey extension will be built on the side of the building, before the frontage of the Earl De Grey is brought back to the site and reassembled, facing the Connexin Live arena.
The full restoration project is expected to take around a year, with completion due in early 2025.
The Yorkshire Demolition and Reclamation Company, based in Thorngumbald, East Yorkshire, was appointed to carry out the first phase of the restoration.
The company will first remove the scaffolding and hoarding surrounding Castle Street Chambers, before carrying out work on the internal strip-out of the building.
Paul Thurlow, Director at Yorkshire Demolition, said: “We have a long history of working with Wykeland Group on significant projects in Hull and the surrounding area.
“We were the first company on the site of the C4DI building in Hull’s Fruit Market, taking down some of the old warehouses that were previously on site.
“It’s great to be working with Wykeland again on another important project for the city.”
Hull-based Voase Builders was successful in a competitive tender process to carry out the restoration of Castle Street Chambers and the rebuilding of the Earl de Grey.
Voase has previously worked with Wykeland on projects to rejuvenate derelict buildings in Humber Street as part of the transformation of the Fruit Market into a thriving urban village.
Keith Ritchie, Director of Voase Builders, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Wykeland on another historic, prominent building in the city.
“Castle Street Chambers, including the incorporation of the Earl De Grey, is exactly the sort of project we love working on – restoring historic buildings to their original glory.”
Grimsby-based ID Architecture has supported the project through a variety of services – from concept and detailed design of both Castle Street Chambers and its single-storey extension, to acting as Wykeland’s planning agent and coordinating technical information from consultants.
LHL Group, which has offices in Hessle, East Yorkshire, has acted as the employer’s agent for Wykeland, supporting the management and delivery of the project.
The Castle Street Chambers restoration is supported by £162,000 of Levelling Up Funding, allocated by Hull City Council.
Yorkshire property firm makes five promotions
Yorkshire property firm Dacre, Son & Hartley has made promotions across its residential, agricultural and customer service divisions, as well as a director level promotion in its specialist commercial division, Dacres Commercial.
Laura Nicholas and Zoe Harrison have both been promoted to associate, Anita Rydings is now a senior sales negotiator, Will Shakeshaft-Gee has become a sales negotiator and Ed Pawley has been made a director of Dacres Commercial.
Ed joined Dacres Commercial in 2021 as a senior associate. He now carries out valuations, rent reviews and lease renewals, as well as advising on investment transactions, spanning all types of healthcare property including GP surgeries, medical centres and pharmacies. He covers an extensive area spanning Yorkshire and into the North West, Midlands and down the M1 corridor.
Laura joined Dacres in 2015 as a customer services representative and is also a qualified mortgage advisor, which further enhances her understanding of the property market. In 2022 she was promoted to head of Dacres’ customer services centre, leading the team and working with clients at all stages of their property journey. She also provides internal training across the firm’s 20 residential offices, located throughout North and West Yorkshire, on best practice requirements and software systems.
Chartered surveyor Zoe has worked as a land agent in Dacres’ agricultural division since 2019. Zoe, who is a RICS member and registered valuer, handles the sale, valuation and management of agricultural and sporting property throughout the North of England. Based in the firm’s Harrogate office, Zoe works across a wide portfolio of clients from single farms to some of the finest country estates in the region.
Anita joined Dacres’ Knaresborough office in 2018 and has a proven track record in sales and strong focus on high standards of customer service. She is a Fellow of the National Association of Estate Agents and has almost 20 years’ experience working in the property sector, after starting her career in commercial property in Leeds, before becoming property manager at The Harewood Estate and then moving into residential sales.
William Shakeshaft-Gee joined Dacres’ Burley-in-Wharfedale office in 2022 as a sales assistant and after developing in the role for the last 18 months he’s enjoyed numerous sales successes throughout Burley and the surrounding area, as well as being a hit with clients.
Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential at Dacres, said: “Ed, Anita, Laura, Zoe and William are all integral members of our team, with their own specialisms, who work across different divisions and areas within the business. They’re all very hardworking and go above and beyond to deliver the best results for our clients, and therefore they thoroughly deserve their promotions.”
David Ogilvie, who heads up Dacres Commercial, added: “Ed’s promotion is recognition of his strong performance since joining Dacres Commercial and the key role he has played in helping to drive forward the expansion of our highly regarded healthcare department.”
Work completes on Leeds city centre student tower
Work is complete on a brand new 20-storey student accommodation scheme in the heart of Leeds’ Arena Quarter on Wade Lane, which consists of 212 apartments that are all already fully let.
Live Oasis St Albans Place is owned and managed by Leeds-headquartered property company, YPP Lettings.
The development’s communal areas, including open lounges, study spaces, a state-of-the-art gym, private dining suite and an eighth storey residents’ roof terrace, have been a major attraction for students reserving apartments in the scheme.
All the furnished apartments have their own kitchens, en-suite bathrooms and living areas. The development also offers a concierge service and 24-hour security.
A spokesperson from YPP Lettings said: “We’re very pleased to complete work on YPP’s biggest development to date. The attention to detail and level of quality that flows through every aspect of the scheme is testament to the hard work of everyone involved in its delivery.
“It’s also a key reason why the development has immediately become so popular and attracted significant interest from the international student community, who want best in class accommodation.
“Live Oasis St Albans Place is now a genuine landmark building in one of the city centre’s most sought after areas and sets a whole new benchmark in terms of student accommodation in Leeds when it comes to luxury and quality.
“The apartments are stunning, but the communal areas take this development to the next level combining sumptuous interiors with lavish furnishings akin to a smart hotel. The eighth storey roof terrace is a key feature of the scheme, offering magnificent views over the city’s skyline.
“We’re now excited to be welcoming the development’s first residents into their new homes, and it’s already proving to be a superb place to live.”
Promotions and health & safety appointment for G&H Group
Leeds-based G&H Group has strengthened its team with the promotions of Marc Ambler to G&H Group director, Wayne Sharp to G&H Projects division manager, and the appointment of Jayson Barton to G&H Group health and safety manager.
With a career spanning 21 years, most recently as operations manager overseeing G&H Group’s Project division, Marc will draw on his vast experience and extensive industry knowledge to lead the mechanical, electrical and public health service (MEP) provider’s business development strategy across the UK.
Marc will focus on emerging markets including energy/decarbonisation and long term framework agreements in health, education and government schemes.
Wayne Sharp, who has 25 years industry experience, has been promoted to G&H Projects division manager and will be responsible for day-to-day operations and maintaining a high standard of delivery. He will be supported by Marc who will maintain overall responsibility.
Jayson has joined the business as group health and safety manager. In the newly created role, Jayson will implement and monitor health and safety policies across the group’s five divisions – Building Services, Projects, Maintenance, Engineering Services and Air Conditioning – on site and in G&H Group’s offices.
He will establish health and safety standards and goals, ensure safe working procedures are implemented, undertake regular site safety inspections, and collaborate with The Safety Consultants Company.
G&H Group’s chairman Graham Kelly said: “Since joining G&H Group five years ago, Marc has significantly grown the Projects division and proven that he has the skills and attributes to deliver the group’s new business strategy.
“He is succeeded by Wayne, who having worked closely with Marc has developed a great understanding of G&H Projects division and will maintain its outstanding track record.
“In addition, the health and safety of our staff is our number one priority, with many working in high risk environments. Jayson’s appointment is imperative to building on our partnership with The Safety Consultants Company.
“I’d like to congratulate Marc and Wayne on their well deserved promotions and welcome Jayson to the business. All three will play a key role in G&H Group’s continued success.”
Clarion expands banking and finance team
Having built a 21-strong dedicated banking and finance practice over the last seven years, Clarion is continuing to grow its specialist team with the appointment of Gresa Bakolli as an associate solicitor.
Gresa trained at an international law firm where she worked with a number of UK clearing banks and corporate borrowers on transactions involving debt, development, real estate and acquisition finance.
Andrew Curtis was also promoted from senior associate to legal director after joining the firm’s banking and finance practice four years earlier as an associate. With 13 years’ banking experience, he has worked with debt and equity providers and corporates on a wide variety of finance deals, including real estate finance, leveraged finance, private equity and general corporate finance.
Ben Slack, partner in Clarion’s banking and finance team, said: “In 2023, we completed transactions with a combined debt value in excess of £950m, and our workstreams and client base are continuing to grow.
“It is vital that we continue to develop the careers of the lawyers within the team and recruit new talent to keep pace with the growth of our clients and our client base. The arrival of Gresa is a welcome boost to the team and we are delighted to see Andrew’s well deserved progression.
“We believe a key part of our success is our ability to advise on the full spectrum of financial services and the size and skillsets within the team. As a result, we are rising above the current economic challenges and going from strength to strength.
“We are proud that a team of just four lawyers at its inception in 2016 has gone on to become one of the largest dedicated banking and finance teams in the North. During that time, not only has the size and complexity of the transactions we have worked on increased, but our geographic and international reach has also expanded.”
Business student wins top award for online fashion creations concept
University of Bradford business graduate Sonya Byrne has won a top award after developing a concept to sell virtual copies of her own fashion creations.
She has been named Association of MBAs Student of the Year 2024 in the AMBA & BGA Excellence Awards.
Sonya enrolled in the School of Management’s Executive MBA in 2020. She had previously taken part in Bradford Business Challenge, where she first worked with MBA students on solving real-world problems. During her time at Bradford, she helped develop the first ever MBA Summit.
Having spent 15 years working for some of the biggest names in fashion – including Inditex, Miroglio and BESTSELLER – she started her own business with husband Liam and designed non-fungible tokens to go alongside bespoke women’s fashion items.
She said: “I am deeply honoured and thrilled to have been awarded the AMBA Student of the Year 2024.
“This recognition reinforces the profound impact of education as a catalyst for personal and collective transformation on multiple levels, extending beyond academic accomplishments. It underscores the pivotal roles of leadership, collaboration, and the creation of a vibrant and inclusive community, which, for me, has been a monumental experience.
“The award has fundamentally elevated my personal and professional development, sharpening my entrepreneurial abilities and equipping our start-up business with the skills needed to compete on the international stage.”
With the deadline a week away, almost four million have yet to file self-assessment tax returns
With only one week to go until the 31 January Self Assessment deadline, HMRC is urging the 3.8 million people yet to file their tax return to act now or risk facing a £100 penalty.
HMRC is expecting more than 12.1 million tax returns to be filed for the 2022 to 2023 tax year, along with any payment that is owed. To date, more than 8.3 million online returns have already been received.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “If you are a Self Assessment taxpayer, now is the time to take action and get your return done. People can familiarise themselves with the process by checking out HMRC’s online resources on GOV.UK. Once a tax return is submitted, it’s easy to find out what’s owed and to pay online or using the HMRC app. Just search ‘pay my Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more.
“For anyone unable to pay in full, HMRC wants to help find an affordable way to pay the tax they owe. They may be able to set up a Time to Pay arrangement and can find out how to do this online, without speaking to HMRC, if they owe less than £30,000.”
Harrogate firm leads international acquisition by US software buyer
Manchester-based telephony technology business Invosys has been acquired by Dura Software, a leading US buyer of niche software companies in a deal originated and led by Harrogate-based CorpFin.
The deal led by Corpfin means the founders and existing shareholders will sell their stake in the business for an undisclosed eight-figure sum.
Best known for its cloud comms platform and call logic software, Invosys was established in 2006 and provides high-tech inbound and call management telephony solutions. In 2020, the firm broadened its reach with the acquisition of installation and maintenance services provider Atrium Telecom.
Invosys co-founder Peter Crooks, who will remain with the business as a consultant, said: “This sale makes perfect sense for both businesses. It opens an exciting new chapter for Invosys, taking our innovative telecoms products into many new global markets alongside some fantastic complementary technologies that Dura has been bringing together through a number of key acquisitions.”
Corpfin founder Chris Silverwood, along with fellow Corpfin partner Phil Winspear, advised the board of Invosys on the deal after successfully securing Dura as a buyer during a 12-month strategic global sale process.
DWF in Manchester provided legal advice to the shareholders in the transaction, David Wilson of Wilson & Co in Leeds provided tax advice, and Farrer & Co provided legal advice on the transaction on behalf of Dura.
Chris Silverwood of Corpfin said: “Sometimes, bringing two businesses together can add more value to both, and that’s precisely the case here. Over the last two decades, Invosys has secured a market leading position in its niche field and built up some remarkable tech IP that has huge potential within a larger technology group.
“Congratulations to the founders and to the management team who now have a massive opportunity to take the venture forwards and go global.”
ABP agrees lease deal with recycler of scrap from British Steel
Associated British Ports has given a lease to Enicor in support of the company’s multi-million-pound deal with British Steel to export 400,000 tonnes of Skim Iron, sometimes known as pig iron skulls, from Immingham on the Humber.
Two deep sea vessels have been organised for a total of 47,000mts to ship the by-product to international markets. This is the largest scrap export shipment within the last few years. The first vessel arrived in port mid-January to collect the first shipment.
Simon Bird, Regional Director for the Humber ports said: “Enicor recognises the importance of Immingham as a gateway to the rest of the world. The Port of Immingham is ideally located with excellent links to global markets and will be vital in helping them fulfil their plans as a business.”
James Bowers, CEO of Enicor said: “Enicor has gone from strength to strength in recent years seeing turnover exceed £100M and tonnages exported reaching new levels.
“The opening of our Immingham dock operations is a milestone moment for the company allowing us to sell deep sea cargos worldwide. We understand that our first vessel of scrap exported will be the largest in recent years. We hope to maintain a close relationship with ABP over the coming years and push to execute vessels of similar size every four to six weeks. We would like to thank ABP for their support thus far.”
Enicor was founded last year after KJB Consulting acquired BW Riddle, a metal recycling business. Its HQ is in Derbyshire, and it operates a further office at Bourne in Lincolnshire.
Bramall Properties promotes Jonathan to a seat on the Board
Harrogate-based property and investment company Bramall Properties has appointed Jonathan Duck to its Board as Property Director.
Having already spent nine years with Bramall Group, Jonathan joins the Board alongside founder and Chairman Tony Bramall, MD Miles Chilton, and Company Secretary Alison Lockwood.
Jonathan has more than 35 years of industry experience, having previously worked with the estates team at British Rail Property Board before joining Sanderson Weatherall, where he spent 27 years.
As a Board Director at Bramall Properties, Jonathan will take a more strategic role in managing the property portfolio. He will specifically lead the company’s real estate management and asset management programme across sectors including industrial, retail, leisure, office and automotive.
Tony Bramall, said: “Over the last nine years Jonathan has made a considerable contribution to become a valued team member and a real asset to the business.
“He will be instrumental in helping us to realise maximum value for our portfolio of property assets and future acquisitions programme. Indeed, we are seeking opportunities to invest in new properties and development projects including private and public securities through our Guernsey Investments finance third party property development fund.”
Bramall Group owns a £300 million portfolio of commercial real estate, arable land, forestry, property developments and financial securities. The group is family-owned and is led by Tony Bramall. Over the last six decades Mr Bramall has built and exited two successful public companies while overseeing the growth of the Group and funding a charitable trust which has supported a variety of good causes for the last 30 years.
The Bramall Group managed estate portfolio includes the 568,297 sq ft Hedon Road industrial estate in Hull, the 90,000 sq ft St James Retail Park in Knaresborough and 5/7 Lands Lane in Leeds. Tenants for other investments include M&S in Harrogate, Mercedes Benz in Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield, Premier Inn Hotel in Halifax and Hull, and Bettys and Taylors Group in Knaresborough.
Miliband meets Doncaster businesses for wide-ranging discussion
Ed Miliband recently met businesses in his constituency at a roundtable event that was organised by Doncaster Chamber.
The conversationspanned a number of topics, including: current macroeconomic conditions; the importance of championing Brand Britain when it comes to international trade; the latest developments in relation to Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA); and what needs to happen to rejuvenate our languishing city centre.
Given Ed’s position as Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, the green agenda was inevitably a subject of great interest as well, with firms articulating the various challenges and opportunities they are facing at the moment in that particular area.
Equipped now with these valuable insights, the hope is that the MP will be able to use his platform going forward to better represent the local business community and more authoritatively speak on their behalf. The open forum also gave attendees an opportunity to pose questions directly to Ed and to raise any concerns that they think ought to be on his radar.
Dan Fell, Chief Exec of Doncaster Chamber, said: “This event generated a lot of stimulating and constructive debate and I am sure that Ed found it to be an incredibly useful experience, just as we did.
“Among other things, our conversation touched upon the need for more long-termism in Government, the economic conditions that are necessary for business growth and, of course, the ever-pressing issue of how we can support businesses to meet their Net Zero commitments. A lot of important points were raised in respect of each of these, and I am confident that Ed came away from the session with lots of homework to be getting on with.
“From our perspective as a Chamber, we too will be striving to improve things for Doncaster this year, as we develop a brand new vision in the form of our upcoming Business Manifesto and continue to lobby for meaningful change wherever we can. The insights from this roundtable were therefore equally valuable to us and so I’d like to thank those businesses who attended for sharing their experiences and making this such a productive discussion.”
Mr Miliband, MP for Doncaster North, said: “The discussion was a fantastic opportunity to talk to local businesses about their work to take advantage of the opportunities of transitioning to Net Zero, as well as to hear about the challenges that they are facing.
“Working together with business is the way to help Doncaster succeed and the event was a great opportunity to speak to local businesses, with some excellent discussions about our City.”
Firms urged to toughen up on cyber protection as one in three falls victim to hackers
A draft Code of Practice on cyber security governance published today will help directors and senior leaders shore up defences from cyber threats, as the government launches a new call for views from business leaders.
The guidance comes as figures show almost one in three 32% firms have suffered a cyber breach or attack in the past year, with a rise in damaging ransomware attacks and malicious actors posing significant threats as they look to take advantage of cyber security vulnerabilities.
Aimed at executive and non-executive directors and other senior leaders, the measures look to establish cyber security issues as a key focus for businesses, putting them on an equal footing with other threats like financial and legal pitfalls. As part of this, the Code recommends that directors set out clear roles and responsibilities across their organisations, boosting protections for customers and safeguarding their ability to operate safely and securely.
A key focus of the Code, designed in partnership with industry directors, cyber and governance experts and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), is making sure companies have detailed plans in place to respond to and recover from any potential cyber incidents. The plan should be regularly tested so it’s as robust as possible, with a formal system for reporting incidents also in place.
Organisations are also encouraged to equip employees with adequate skills and awareness of cyber issues so they can work alongside new technologies in confidence. Today, the government is calling on businesses of all sizes from all sectors with an interest in cyber and governance issues to share their opinions on the draft Code, helping shape and deliver the future of improved cyber security in the UK.
Viscount Camrose, Minister for AI and Intellectual Property, said: “Cyber attacks are as damaging to organisations as financial and legal pitfalls, so it’s crucial that bosses and directors take a firm grip of their organisation’s cyber security regimes – protecting their customers, workforce, business operations and our wider economy.
“This new Code will help them take the lead in safely navigating potential cyber threats, ensuring businesses across the country can take full advantage of the emerging technologies which are revolutionising how we work.
“It is vital the people at the heart of this issue take the lead in shaping how we can improve cyber security in every part of our economy, which is why we want to see industry and business professionals from all walks coming forward to share their views.”
The benefits of the UK’s rapidly growing cyber landscape are said to be sizeable, unlocking new opportunities and ways of working, and creating new jobs to grow every sector of the UK economy – a key priority for the government. However, the risks associated with growing an increasingly digital economy need to be addressed with practical action and robust safeguards. The introduction of the Cyber Governance Code of Practice marks a pivotal step in how the leaders and directors of all organisations approach cyber risk, underpinning the UK’s credentials as a cyber power and protecting our economy.North Yorkshire haulage company sold to transportation group
Big plans are being made for Floyd Schofield Haulage following the company’s sale to DAA Transport in a deal overseen by KBS Corporate.
Floyd Schofield, based in Settle, North Yorkshire, was established in 2014 and serves the bulk and general haulage market across the UK.
After substantial interest from both trade and private equity acquirers with 49 parties initially coming forward, Floyd Schofield was sold to DAA Transport Ltd – joining the parent company’s existing businesses SL Transport (UK), Norman E Webb Ltd, Norman E Webb Logistics and Linney Refrigerated Transport, although the last-named was consolidated in 2023 and no longer operates as a separate entity.
With a strong presence in the South of England, DAA was eager to become established further north – hence the appeal of Floyd Schofield.
“Floyd Schofield Haulage has a well-established reputation in the haulage industry and is an ideal company to join our existing portfolio, expanding our reach to the North of England,” explained Jon Dando of DAA Transport.
“The primary appeal was the company’s strong local presence and expertise in the North Yorkshire region. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our strategic goals of geographical expansion and enhancing our service capabilities.
“Floyd Schofield Haulage has a well-established customer base and a reputation for exceptional service, which complements our commitment to offering comprehensive and customer-centric transport solutions. Additionally, its specialisation in bulk haulage services provides us with an opportunity to diversify our offerings and better serve a wider range of client needs.”
Prospects for growth look bright under the new ownership, with the target being to set “new benchmarks” in the transport and logistics sector.
“The acquisition of Floyd Schofield Haulage represents an exciting chapter and aligns with our commitment to strengthen our position in the market and grow our fleet in 2024,” added Jon Dando.
“The outlook for the business is extremely positive. We are committed to investing in the growth and development of Floyd Schofield Haulage, ensuring it continues to thrive and serve its customers with the same level of dedication and quality.
“Our combined expertise and resources will enable us to enhance our service offerings, innovate in our logistical solutions and expand our reach to new markets.
“We are excited about the synergy between the two companies and are confident this will lead to increased efficiency, improved customer service and overall business growth. We look forward to a future where we set new benchmarks in the transport and logistics sector together.”
Luke Rae, KBS Corporate Deal Executive, who oversaw the transaction, said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for the business to grow as part of a larger group.
“Both parties worked diligently to get the deal across the line. I’m extremely proud to bring the sale to a successful conclusion.”
Hull family business acquires former maternity hospital site
Hull family business J.R. Rix & Sons Ltd has acquired an 11-acre industrial site on Hedon Road for a seven-figure sum.
The company, based in Two Humber Quays on Hull’s waterfront, has purchased Kingston Parklands – the site of the city’s former maternity hospital – from commercial developer the Horncastle Group PLC.
The move sees J.R. Rix & Sons build on its assets in the east of the city which also includes Kingston International Business Park – Hull’s largest multi-let industrial park – which it acquired in 2019.
Initially, the new site has attained temporary planning permission for external storage, but is earmarked for future development as an industrial and logistics hub.
Mike Fry, Director of Estates at J.R. Rix & Sons, said the acquisition represented a commitment by the business to ‘build for the future’.
He said: “Rix is well known for its petroleum, shipping and leisure home manufacturing businesses, but what is less well known is that the company has significant property interests in Hull.
“This latest acquisition signals our intent to build on that and provide the type of commercial developments that businesses in the city need to thrive, create jobs, and grow the local economy.”
Mike added that the company was already seeing opportunities in the market place, and these are expected to grow as work on Hull’s road infrastructure continues to open up the east side of the city.
“With the upgrades to Castle Street now well underway, we are expecting demand along the Hedon Road corridor to increase significantly moving forward,” he said.
“Given the site’s proximity to the ports, it is likely it will be developed as a state-of-the-art industrial, manufacturing and logistics hub.
“The Humber ports complex handles 12% of the UK’s seaborne trade, making it one of the country’s most important strategic locations for international trade.
“As a result, this site will suit growing businesses, especially port users, looking to upscale their facilities. It has the flexibility to be developed for a single occupier or multiple occupiers and once developed, will constitute some of the highest quality commercial space in the city.”
The former maternity hospital opened in 1929 and served the people of Hull and East Yorkshire until 2003, when it closed its doors for the last time.
The site has since been cleared in preparation for development and was acquired by the Horncastle Group PLC in 2021.
Tom Horncastle, Managing Director of the Horncastle Group, said: “We’re delighted to have completed this deal with J.R. Rix & Sons Ltd.
“Kingston Parklands is a fantastic development opportunity that will significantly enhance the attractiveness of the east of the city to major industrial and manufacturing businesses.
“We look forward to recycling the proceeds into our exciting pipeline of opportunities across the region and the wider UK.”
Sam gets new Associate Partner role in Leeds and Manchester
Sam Hutchison has ben promoted to Associate Partner at design architect Gillespies, where he’ll support the leadership team in Leeds and Manchester to drive new UK and international business.
Sam joined Gillespies’ London studio in 2013 as a Landscape Architect. He was promoted to Senior Landscape Architect in 2016 and became a Principal in 2018, before relocating to the practice’s Leeds studio. Two years later he was promoted to Associate.
Sam is a highly accomplished designer and project leader who has played a pivotal role in several noteworthy projects across London, the north of England and overseas, including the pioneering 300m-long roof terrace at the new purpose-built Google Headquarters in London’s King’s Cross, which is currently under construction.
Tom Walker, Partner at Gillespies’ Leeds studio, said: “Sam is a brilliant leader and imaginative designer who has shown an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional projects that focus on enhancing quality of life. His projects are characterised by immersive settings and enriched by compelling narratives.
“He has also played a key role in driving new business and developing key client relationships for the Leeds and Hale studio. We are really proud to support Sam in this next chapter of his story at Gillespies.”
