“These proposals are an important part of our plan to decarbonise transport in the UK, with skilled jobs in British companies helping roll out this cutting-edge hydrogen technology, making it more affordable and commonplace.
“Hydrogen-powered construction and farming vehicles can improve the sustainability of the sector by reducing emissions from the tailpipe.” The launch of the consultation comes after the government issued construction equipment manufacturer JCB with a vehicle special order last year, giving the company permission to test its hydrogen-powered diggers on UK roads. Today’s proposals will expand this permission permanently across the sector, meaning manufacturers can more easily scale up production of sustainable equipment where battery electric isn’t practical.Farming and construction get green light for hydrogen-powered vehicles
Tractors, diggers, and forklifts powered by hydrogen will help building sites and agricultural businesses go greener under government plans.
New regulations, set out in a consultation running until April 24th would allow hydrogen-powered tractors, diggers and forklifts to be used on public roads.
Technology and Decarbonisation Minister Anthony Browne said: “Allowing hydrogen-powered tractors, diggers and forklifts to use our roads is a common-sense move to help reduce emissions.
Energy-intensive industries expected to see cost reductions
Almost 400 businesses employing 400,000 skilled UK workers will benefit from lower costs from today thanks to the British Industry Supercharger today.
The Supercharger includes a series of targeted measures to bring energy costs for key industries in line with other major economies, levelling the playing field for UK businesses.
The support will be made available to sectors particularly exposed to the high cost of electricity including steel, metals, chemicals, cement, glass and paper, and is expected to be worth up to £410 million in savings to UK businesses next year.
The Supercharger’s measures will fully exempt eligible firms from certain costs linked to renewable energy policies, including the small-scale Feed in Tariff, Contracts for Difference and the Renewables Obligation.
There will also be a 60 percent reduction in network charges – the costs industrial users pay for their electricity supply.
Taken together, this support is expected to be worth up to an average £30 per Megawatt Hour with the most electricity-intensive industries such as steel benefiting the most.
This is the average estimated saving and will mean a British energy-intensive business ends up paying about the same in electricity costs as its competitors in countries in the EU.
Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said: “With this unprecedented energy support we’re levelling the playing field for hundreds of businesses in steel, chemicals and other key sectors.
“Energy-intensive industries are vital to our economy. The announcement today will ensure that the UK remains an attractive investment destination and support thousands of high-skilled jobs across the country.
“Putting energy-intensive industries on an equal footing with the world’s other major economies is crucial to helping these businesses remain internationally competitive.” It will also enhance the UK’s appeal as a target for international investment as well as remove barriers on the road to greener technology and a sustainable net zero future.Small firms’ VAT rules change from today
From today the VAT registration threshold goes up from £85,000 to £90,000, and £4.3 billion of business rates relief comes into force.
Raising the threshold will take 28,000 businesses out of paying VAT altogether.
The small business multiplier for business rates will also be frozen from today for a fourth consecutive year, protecting over a million ratepayers from a 6.6% increase in their bills. The measure is part of the £4.3 billion business rates support package announced at Autumn Statement that includes the 12-month extension of the 75% relief for 230,000 Retail, Hospitality and Leisure properties, also coming into force today.
Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Gareth Davies, said: “We’re rewarding work and backing Britain’s small businesses– the lifeblood of the economy and beating heart of communities – with support on VAT and business rates.
Transformation of former brewery site in Sheffield moves step forward
The transformation Sheffield’s former Cannon Brewery site in Neepsend into a new neighbourhood has moved a step forward.
Social impact developers Capital&Centric have completed the purchase of the site, paving the way for a new chapter after more than a quarter of a century of dereliction. Initial remediation and site investigations will now begin on site this spring.
With an outline planning application submitted, work has also now started on detailed designs for the district – set to feature over 500 rental homes, new workplaces and spaces for independent shops, delis and café-bars.
Capital&Centric are working with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and Sheffield City Council to make the blueprint a reality. The Combined Authority awarded a £11.67 million grant to kick-start Cannon Brewery, with further Homes England funding also announced for other development sites in Neepsend.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “Cannon Brewery, which takes its design cues from Neepsend’s historic identity, is an exciting opportunity to bring an under-developed brownfield site back to life.
“Through collaboration with Capital&Centric, we want to ensure that the plans being developed set a new high bar for regeneration across South Yorkshire.
“The ambition is not just for more and better homes, but for the whole development to attract investment, create spaces for new businesses to establish and further cement our well-deserved reputation as being a brilliant place to live. And I’m pleased to say we’re actively looking at other places across South Yorkshire where we can unlock more opportunities.”
The plan is to retain some of the most interesting buildings from the former brewery, with an urban park surrounding the existing water tower, as well as a new public square surrounded by shops and cafes, with spaces for pop-up events.
Richard Spackman, development director at Capital&Centric, said: “Cannon Brewery has stacks of potential and, by collaborating with the council and combined authority, we’re unlocking regeneration at a massive scale but in a considered way. There’s a real buzz about the future of Neepsend as the city’s next growth district, but everyone wants to see the neighbourhood designed in a way that Sheffield can be proud of.
“Sheffield is having a real moment and is successfully attracting more start-ups, investment and people that want to live here. We committed to securing about £200 million of investment into regeneration sites in the city a few years ago and we’re making good on that vision, with a brownfield-first approach to growing the city and a pipeline of projects in the works.
“With the Cannon Brewery site now fully acquired, we’ll be getting going with surveys and investigations that will underpin the detailed plans we aim to submit to Sheffield City Council later this year.”
Once home to Stones Brewery, the site – made up of two triangular plots bordered by Neepsend Lane and Boyland St – was the birthplace of the UK’s best-selling bitter at the time, before the doors closed for good in 1999.
Capital&Centric’s outline application aims to set the initial parameters for the district, including the footprint of the new buildings, buildings to be retained, heights and access points. Whilst previous plans had proposed for all buildings at the site to be demolished, Capital&Centric is aiming to keep those that it’s feasible to retain and repurpose.
Yorkshire company snaps up Harrogate fire and security business
IXP was established in 1970 and has been run by Marcus Wayman for the last 30 years from a base on Otley Road. The firm provides security services including safe installations, fire safety, intruder alarms, and emergency locksmiths to commercial and domestic customers within Harrogate and the surrounding areas.
Following the acquisition, Steve Graves, senior engineer at Gough & Kelly, will be permanently based at IXP to support Marcus and established engineer, Zbigniew Halinsky, as they expand the company’s product and service range.
Steve has spent 20 years in the security industry and brings both technical and managerial skills to the business. He says that IXP will remain a familiar sight on the high street, with investment to support and build on the company’s success in Harrogate. This includes a refurbishment of the existing Otley Road premises to create a new showroom and updated shop front.
Marcus says it will be “business as usual, with additional benefits” for IXP customers: “Joining Gough & Kelly means we can offer new products and services, including state-of-the-art electronic security technology, as well as providing round-the-clock 24/7 monitoring through the centralised G&K control room in Leeds.
“Like IXP, Gough & Kelly has family-run roots, and the team has nurtured a similar client base to ours for 35 years. They have the resources, skills, depth of knowledge, and passion to continue keeping our valued customers safe and secure. It’s exciting to develop my father’s vision of 53 years ago into a new chapter, which will continue to grow long past both his and my retirement.”
Gough & Kelly Managing Director James Stork says the move brings added value for existing Gough & Kelly customers, too: “IXP’s track record in providing locks and safes will be a great addition for our domestic customers and will strengthen our overall security offering.
“We are a fast-growing business: we added 700 new customers, installed over 1,000 new security systems and brought more than 500 new people into the team in 2023, as well as investing significantly to accelerate our technical advancements in electronic security.
“These growth plans continue into 2024, and welcoming IXP to the group is the first step. We’re looking forward to meeting and supporting IXP customers over the coming months and years.”
Insurtech firm to take space at Bruntwood SciTech’s West Village
Bruntwood SciTech – a joint venture between Bruntwood, Legal & General and Greater Manchester Pension Fund – will welcome one of the world’s largest insurance and insurtech firms, QBE, to its new city centre workspace in Leeds, West Village.
Australia-headquartered QBE, with global operations across 27 countries, are set to move into three floors of the transformed workspace, totalling 37,000 sq ft – one of the largest deals in the city this year.
The move will see QBE relocate and expand its 300-strong employee base from its current workspace into the heart of the city centre, along with cementing the new home for its robotics centre and technology development hub where it uses robotic process automation (RPA) to free up employees’ time to focus on delivering greater value for customers – reducing manual tasks, speeding up processes, and boosting customer satisfaction in the process.
Deploying such innovation into the insurance market has so far saved QBE 50,000 work hours.
The firm is now set to carry out fitting out its new workspace at West Village, which is being delivered by contracting specialist Denton.
Bruntwood SciTech is currently undergoing a £20m redevelopment at West Village.
Andrew Cooke, Regional Director – Leeds, Bruntwood SciTech, said: “QBE is one of the world’s leading insurers, so the business’s decision to choose West Village as its hub for technological development is a key deal for the region.
“It also reaffirms West Village as a hub for innovative and evolving businesses and it’s exciting to see that we are continuing to succeed in our mission to grow a cluster of high-growth and forward-thinking organisations that will benefit from collaboration and knowledge-sharing with other like-minded firms.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming QBE to the West Village community and to continue growing our network of innovative, sector leading businesses ahead of its opening later this year.”
Nathan Fuller, Chief Operations Officer, QBE Europe, said: “QBE has had a presence in Leeds for over 20 years and our expansion in recent times has been about leveraging the strong local talent base to support us in our technological development, including the establishment of our robotics centre of excellence almost three years ago.
“Moving to West Village is the next chapter in our story with the city, and we are excited to be moving our people to such a prestigious location that is in tune with our commitment to sustainability, modernisation ambitions and focus on employee wellbeing.”
CBRE’s Occupier Services team in Leeds acted for QBE on the deal. Charles Parkinson, Associate Director, CBRE’s Occupier Services team said: “It has been great working on this move with QBE over the past 12 months and sees another occupier relocate to a best-in-class building in the city centre, highlighting the business’s goals of finding more sustainable, amenity-rich buildings. The central location and good transport links, combined with its green credentials, were a real draw for QBE.”
130 year old food wholesaler acquired
Kitwave Group plc, the delivered wholesale business, has acquired Total Foodservice Solutions Limited, an independent food wholesaler in the North of England.
Established over 130 years ago, Total Foodservice delivers wholesale catering supplies of around 4,000 product lines including chilled, frozen and ambient food, non-food and cleaning products.
Total Foodservice’s depots are located in Clitheroe, Lancashire and Huddersfield, Yorkshire with customers including licensed trade and restaurants, coffee shops and sandwich bars, schools and universities and the care industry across the North of England.
Total Foodservice Solutions Limited will be incorporated into Kitwave’s existing Foodservice division which currently comprises the trading operations of David Miller Frozen Foods Limited, M. J. Baker Foodservice Limited, Westcountry Food Holdings Limited and H.B. Clark & Co. (Successors) Limited.
Ben Maxted, Chief Executive Officer of Kitwave, said: “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of Total Foodservice, which is a one-stop shop for wholesale commercial catering supplies and enables us to further expand our product range offering across the North of England and in particular Yorkshire and the North West, complementing our existing foodservice offering.
“Total Foodservice is a well-established business in the catering industry and we look forward to welcoming its team to Kitwave and integrating the business into our Foodservice division.”
Hull and East Yorkshire devolution proposal to be submitted to Secretary of State
Hull and East Riding Unitary Leaders Board has approved the submission of Hull and East Yorkshire’s Devolution Proposal to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Over 5,800 people shared their views and feedback on the proposals during an eight-week consultation, giving broad support for devolution to Hull and East Yorkshire.
The proposal, along with a summary of the consultation results, will now be submitted for consideration by the Secretary of State.
If the Secretary of State is satisfied that the tests for the creation of the new Combined Authority have been met, the new authority could be established in autumn 2024.
Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire Councils will now be working closely together to help to establish a combined authority for the area, including delivery of over £26 million capital projects over the next year.
These projects will see investment in transport, flooding, coastal protection, brownfield land, and green skills.
Cllr Jackie Dad, deputy leader of Hull City Council, said: “I am delighted that the proposal submission has today been approved and that we can take the next steps in our journey towards devolution.
“I’d once again like to thank all those who took part in the consultation and would like them to know that their contribution has played a vital role in shaping the region’s future.”
Cllr Anne Handley, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “I would again like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who took part in the consultation.
“I am delighted that we are now able to submit these exciting proposals to the Secretary of State and we look forward to his response.
“In the meantime, we will begin preparatory works with Hull City Council on the first steps towards the new combined authority, aimed at achieving funding for major investment in significant projects to benefit our local residents.”
Trio buys Wakefield pharmacy
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold Carlton Lane Pharmacy in Lofthouse, Wakefield.
Carlton Lane Pharmacy is a well-established standard hours community pharmacy that dispenses an average of 9,778 items per month. It is located on Carlton Lane in the village of Lofthouse, between Wakefield to the south and Leeds to the north.
The pharmacy has been owned by Susan Bargh for the last 17 years and was brought to market as part of her staged retirement.
Following a confidential sales process with Jon Booth and Tom Young at Christie & Co, and with funding sourced through David Ward at Christie Finance, it has been purchased by Raif Pharma Ltd which plans to expand the pharmacy’s services offering.
Susan Bargh, the previous owner of Carlton Lane Pharmacy, said: “Carlton Lane Pharmacy has been a pleasure to own over the years. Located in the village of Carlton near Wakefield, it has always been well-placed to serve this semi-rural community and I am so pleased that the pharmacy has passed onto the Directors of Raif Pharma who inherit an excellent business and team that form a great platform for the growth into services. I wish them all the very best.”
One of the new Directors of Carlton Lane Pharmacy said: “I am so pleased to have completed this acquisition. With us all having a medical background, it is exciting for us to move into the provision of pharmacy services, a challenge we are relishing but is made much easier by inheriting such a well-run and long-established business from Sue.”
Jon Booth, Director – Pharmacy at Christie & Co, said: “When we launched this pharmacy to market in 2023, as expected, we had a lot of interest. Single sites of this quality and turnover where the current owner is looking to retire are very much the market ‘sweet spot’ even more so when you consider this lies almost equidistant between Leeds and Wakefield where there are plenty of buyers for pharmacy businesses. I am keen to see how this business develops under the new owners, and we wish them the greatest of success.”
David Ward, Senior Director at Christie Finance, said: “With the lending market being a little tougher at the moment due to higher interest rates and a reduction in appetite from some lenders, I am pleased to have worked with the clients to secure the right funding for this purchase. I am sure that they will make a great success of Carlton Lane Pharmacy.”
Carlton Lane Pharmacy was sold for an undisclosed price.
Derbyshire firm selects Sheffield agency to enhance its digital marketing
Alfreton-based fashion brand David Nieper has selected Sheffield-based The SEO Works to manage its SEO and PPC as the 60-year-old firm seeks to increase its digital presence and move away from more traditional marketing methods.
The company is seeking to promote its commitment to sustainable manufacturing in the UK, using traditional skills such as sewing and knitting. The proposed strategy will bring plenty of change, including incorporating lead generation-focused adverts to help drive new business, further in-depth keyword research to help locate target audiences, and expert support in the early stages of their new website launch.
Nieper CEO Christopher Nieper said: “It’s a pleasure to find an agency that will go the extra mile to satisfy their clients. I’m optimistic about good results with The SEO Works!”
Having already utilised both their internal resources and external consultancy to progress both SEO and PPC, the addition of the award-winning agency would look to lean on their proven expertise to take things to the next level.
Alex Hill, Sales Director of The SEO Works, said: “Working with a prestigious company like David Nieper is a great opportunity for us! The distinct ability of our SEO and PPC teams to work in unison has allowed us to generate some spectacular results for our clients, and I know that this campaign will be no different. Our proven track record of successful clients within the fashion sector also makes me believe that we are best placed to help deliver results that David Nieper is worthy of!”
Yorkshire advisers help with partial sale of crew transfer vessel business
A team of Yorkshire advisers has assisted the shareholders of crew transfer vessel specialist Mainprize Offshore on its partial sale to private equity fund Alcuin Capital Partners, together with the re-financing of its fleet with Siemens Financial Services.
Alcuin has partnered with Scarborough-based Mainprize Offshore to help drive its growth plans, expand its fleet and take full advantage of the market opportunity. The current directors and founders of the business, Bob and Sharon Mainprize, will continue to operate and grow the business alongside Alcuin and the senior management team. Bob Mainprize said: “We are very grateful to Philip, Stephen and their respective teams at Andrew Jackson and Azets for all the support and hard work they have put in over the last few months and years to facilitate this significant investment in the growth and development of our business.” Philip Ashworth, corporate partner at Andrew Jackson, said: “It has been a pleasure to act for Bob, Sharon and their team and we are confident that they will go from strength to strength. “The complexity of a private equity and debt funding deal was added to by the multi-flag vessel fleet operated by Mainprize.” Stephen Garbett, corporate finance partner at Azets, added: “This transaction not only underscores its leading position in the crew transfer vessel market within the burgeoning offshore renewables sector, but also recognises the family’s considerable contributions to date. “This partnership marks a significant milestone for Mainprize Offshore, setting the stage for accelerated growth and innovation in the renewable energy sector with ambitious plans for new vessel builds.” Nick Seaman, partner at Alcuin Capital, said: “Mainprize Offshore is a leader in the European CTV market and we are delighted to have partnered with Bob, Sharon and the wider team. The business enjoys strong relationships with several of the largest global wind farm developers and operators, and will play a key role in supporting the rollout of European offshore wind and the transition to net zero. Azets has offices in Leeds, Bradford and York. Andrew Jackson has offices in York, Hull, Grimsby and Scarborough. The shareholders of Mainprize Offshore were advised by a team from Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP comprising Philip Ashworth, Matthew Smith and Nicole Waldron (corporate); Fiona Phillips (tax); Robert Hill (property); Dominic Ward and Rebecca Forder (shipping); and Nick Wilson (employment). Members of the Yorkshire-based corporate finance team from Azets were Stephen Garbett and Martin Miller (corporate finance), Steve Holmes (corporate tax), and Richard Whitelock (employment taxes). Alcuin were advised by a team from Stephenson Harwood led by Sam Gray and Gerald Seeto.Sheffield clean energy firm builds and installs first-of-a-kind equipment in Japan
Sheffield-based clan energy company ITM Power has built and installed Japan’s first-ever imported PEM electrolyser, completed in a collaboration with Sumitomo Corporation.
The equipment is a Neptune electrolyser, and it has been fitted at Tokyo Gas Co Ltd’s Yokohama Techno Station. This is the first deployment of a megawatt-class made overseas and imported into Japan.
Made by ITM in the UK and shipped to Japan, the electrolyser is now installed and ready for commissioning, after which it will produce hydrogen for use in the e-methane production of Tokyo Gas – an important milestone on Japan’s journey to carbon neutrality by 2050.
ITM Power CEO Dennis Schulz said: “ITM is proud to work with Sumitomo to support Tokyo Gas in advancing hydrogen technology deployment in Japan. We are keenly observing the wider developments in Japan, such as the government’s CfD style support scheme, which could see Japan emerge as one of the most fertile countries for green hydrogen projects in the region.”
Forgemasters appoints Turner & Townsend to help with recapitalisation work
Sheffield Forgemasters has appointed consultancy firm Turner & Townsend as the Delivery Support Partner for its recapitalisation programme.
The Turner & Townsend UK team, co-located on-site in Sheffield, is leading the programme to deliver the construction of the UK’s largest open-die forging facility and installation of a 13,000-tonne forge-line for critical defence work.
Turner & Townsend will provide a range of services to Forgemasters, including project management, programme controls, digital solutions, advisory services, and health and safety, alongside a team of industry experts.
This appointment adds to the previous work between the two companies, with Turner & Townsend as the support provider in the collaborative creation of a redevelopment masterplan for the Sheffield Forgemasters site and manufacturing capabilities.
Craig Fisher, Recapitalisation & Transformation Director at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “The appointment of a delivery support partner is a pivotal point in the development of new facilities, which will create an unparalleled manufacturing facility in Sheffield, supporting highly-skilled engineering jobs and delivering on UK defence commitments.
“Turner & Townsend added value to our recapitalisation programme, primarily through the employment of local resources, but their digital offering was also a differentiator.”
Chris Sargent, MD of Real Estate at Turner & Townsend, said: “This substantial work builds on our relationship and proven track record with Sheffield Forgemasters and its other delivery partners and our proactive client engagement.”
The first stage of the recapitalisation programme will be creation of a 140,000 sq ft building to house the new forge line, followed by delivery of a new machining facility.
Major milestone reached in new Leeds city centre PBSA development
A new purpose-built student accommodation scheme being built in the heart of Leeds city centre’s Arena Quarter has topped out and the scaffolding has now come down to reveal the new Merrion Street landmark, ahead of the development opening this summer.
The part five, part seven and part nine storey building has been designed by Brewster Bye Architects and is being delivered by Urban Developments (York) Ltd on a site previously occupied by a bar and nightclub.
In late 2022, Q Investment Partners (QIP), the Singapore headquartered private equity real estate firm, acquired the scheme in a deal worth approximately £15million.
James Coppack, from QIP Development Group, said: “We are very proud of our recent collaboration with Urban Group that included a strategic revamp of our product standards as we continue to best position our upcoming UK PBSA developments. This Leeds asset will be an important addition to our expanding student housing platform.”
Once complete the development will offer 88 high specification studio apartments with associated amenities, including a lounge, gym, study rooms, a cinema room, laundry facilities, staffed reception area and cycle spaces, and will be operated by Prestige Student Living.
Nick Gould from Urban Developments (York) Ltd said: “Work on this development is progressing well which is testament to the strength and experience of the whole development team and everyone involved is pleased to reach these important construction milestones.
“We’re now looking forward to completing the internal fit-out and are on track to hand the development over to QIP this summer, with students moving in for the start of the 2024/25 academic year.”
Mark Henderson, a director from Brewster Bye, said: “After designing the scheme and securing planning permission for it in 2022, it’s brilliant to see it heading towards completion and now the scaffolding is down, it’s revealed the façade and high-quality materials that are a key feature of the development.
“It’s also rewarding to see how its stepped design complements the surrounding streetscape, in such a great location, just a short walk from the universities and surrounded by bars, restaurants and shops, which will make it a very popular place to live.”
First look revealed for second phase of Aire Park masterplan
Vastint UK, the developer behind Leeds’ mixed-use district Aire Park, has revealed a first look at its plans for the final phase of its masterplan.
The next step in transforming the former brownfield site in Leeds South Bank into a vibrant new destination, the plans feature 502 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes, including affordable housing, 20,000 sq ft of leisure space, earmarked for cafes, restaurants and cultural activities, and a new 500-space multi storey car park.
Plans are being shared during a public consultation period which is due to end on April 10th, before the final plans are submitted to Leeds City Council later this year.
In addition to the new elements of the built environment, the plans also reveal the final hectare of the park and extended public realm. This extension will make the park the largest new city centre green park in the country, providing a wide range of benefits to visitors and future residents including additional outdoor event space for cultural activities.
Situated south of Crown Point Road with Black Bull Street running from the north-east to the south west, and the A61 along the south-west boundary, phase two of the masterplan strategically connects the South Bank to the city centre and Leeds Dock, creating an accessible and safe route for pedestrians and cyclists to use.
Simon Schofield, Head of Development at Vastint UK, said: “Moving into the second phase of the Aire Park masterplan is a really exciting time. We are already underway with 290,000 sq ft of commercial space and have seen strong demand from the market already.
“Along with our recently revealed ambitions for The Tetley building and the ongoing plans for the first residential homes within Aire Park, phase two of our masterplan expands the site to the other side of Crown Point Road.
“As long-term investors in Leeds, we’re excited to be bringing new spaces forward for residents and visitors to enjoy. Revealing these plans shows our ambition to not just regenerate part of the city’s South Bank but to create a vibrant neighbourhood that is socially, economically and environmentally sustainable, breathing new life into this area of Leeds.”
On the creation of Aire Park, Vastint UK is working with masterplan architect Supervene and landscape architect Planit as well as transport consultant Stantec and planning advisors Turley.
Once completed Aire Park will include 1,400 modern homes, and over 1 million sq ft of mixed-use office, retail, leisure and commercial space. Anchored around an 8-acre public park with the refurbished Tetley at its heart, the development will be an ideal location for setting city centre living, with proximity to retail and financial quarters, The Calls, and Leeds railway station.
Lupton Fawcett names new head for Sheffield office
Law firm Lupton Fawcett LLP has appointed a new head for its Sheffield office.
Sarah Sargent will lead the South Yorkshire team as Lupton Fawcett continues to make strides in their ambitious plans for growth and culture over the coming months.
As part of a series of decisive actions to drive organisational development and embed change, Sarah will play a pivotal role in supporting people in the Sheffield office to achieve firm-wide goals.
Sarah, who is also Head of Residential Property, joined the firm in 2015 and became a partner in 2019. She has more than 20 years’ legal experience and is also a Law Society Council member.
Sarah said: “We are a close-knit team here at Sheffield who all complement each other well to meet the needs of our clients and we have a real strength in experience and expertise in the fields we are working in.
“I’m looking forward to leading the team to further accomplishments in the coming months and am excited about maximising the opportunities that are available to us.
“We have the people, the teams and the experience and now we’re ready to make further impacts on the Sheffield legal scene and build upon on our reputation for providing client service without compromise.”
James Richardson, Lupton Fawcett’s managing partner, said: “Sarah brings a wealth of experience to this role. She has played a key role in driving our change initiatives firm-wide and her leadership skills have been key to the development of our people in Sheffield.
“Sarah’s practical and engaging approach is an example for all at Lupton Fawcett and we are proud to have her in our leadership team. Our plans for growth in Sheffield are supported and driven by this appointment and we are confident that Sarah is the perfect fit for us moving forwards.”
Renewables company makes eleventh strategic acquisition
Cleantech business Green Building Renewables has expanded its nationwide network into Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire with its eleventh acquisition.
Newark-based JL Phillips Renewable Energy Limited increases the company’s turnover to £42 million as it remains on track to reach its £100 million turnover target by the end of 2025.
Since 2021, Green Building Renewables has increased its turnover more than tenfold from £3m to over £40m. Its rapid growth reflects the increasing demand for renewable technology in domestic and commercial settings.
JL Philips’ acquisition allows Green Building Renewables to expand further into Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. The company already has an existing office in Nottingham.
Green Building Renewables’ continued strategic vision is to extend the benefits of solar energy and low carbon heating to as many local communities as possible by investing into existing local reputable renewable installation companies.
Managing Director of Green Building Renewables, Chris Delaney, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jason and his team to ours. JL Phillips is our eleventh acquisition and it demonstrates our commitment to continually investing in renewables and low carbon technology across the country as we aim to build the largest renewable installation company in the UK.”
Jason Phillips, Managing Director of JL Phillips, added: “Our team is excited about joining Green Building Renewables’ nationwide network of renewable energy experts. The model that Chris and his team are building to offer local installers across the country is important. It ensures that customers get the best local service they can from installers who know their area and understand their needs.”
The investment into JL Phillips will increase jobs by 25% in the region and is part of a wider strategy to recruit and train the renewable workforce of the future. There remains a skills shortage in the UK when it comes to qualified solar panel installers and heat pump engineers.
In the last two years, Green Building Renewables has grown from one office in York to 15 regional offices across England. By the end of 2024 the company aims to have full coverage of England.
Staff numbers have increased sixfold in the last two years and the aim this year is to increase staff numbers by a further 60%. The SME has recruited 19 staff already in 2024 and currently has 20 vacancies across the business.
Chris Joubert, Merger and Acquisition Director at Green Building renewables, added: “JL Phillips is the second acquisition of the year for the company and it’s only March. We are in active conversations with other companies, and we are confident that by the end of the year we will have complete coverage of England through our nationwide local network. This will ensure everyone in the country will be able to access our trusted and highly rated services.”
Lease agreed to transform Cole Brothers building
Plans to transform Sheffield’s former Cole Brothers building in Barker’s Pool are one step closer with Urban Splash signing a lease for the building with the Council.
The ambitious plans will see the space turned into a mixed-use entertainment, leisure and retail venue.
In the coming months, the regeneration company will begin consulting with the people of Sheffield on their plans for the building and gathering thoughts and ideas.
The proposals would see the building become a mixed-use scheme comprising flexible workspace and cafes/retail/leisure/cultural uses/event space which are all considered to be complementary uses to the rest of the Heart of the City project.
Bringing this listed building back into active use will be hugely beneficial both for the wider city centre and the surrounding Heart of the City scheme.
Cllr Tom Hunt, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee, said: “It is fantastic to see another significant milestone achieved for this project. The former Cole Brothers building is an important and much loved part of Sheffield city centre and it will be great to breathe new life back into it.
“The work complements the schemes already being developed across the city including the Heart of the City, West Bar, and Fargate. We are creating a city centre that will be a destination for people to come and relax, shop, eat, work, and drink.”
Nathan Cornish, Group Board Director at Urban Splash, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by Sheffield City Council to regenerate this iconic building.
“Almost everyone I meet from Sheffield has a story to tell and we’re thrilled to be playing a part in its next chapter. We are still in the early stages and we are looking forward to consulting with the local community and stakeholders as we start to work up our plans.”
Water company workers given access to new whistleblower portal
A new portal has been launched to make it easier for internal water company whistleblowers to safely report serious environmental wrongdoing by their water companies.
In a bid to crack down on sewage pollution and other environmental wrongdoing, workers are being encouraged to alert the Environment Agency to any concerns, which will then be assessed by the regulator’s expert intelligence teams, with the identities of reporters protected and treated as confidential sources.
Any findings can be used to support enforcement action against companies, if appropriate, including unlimited financial penalties and criminal prosecution.
As well as water companies, people working in the waste, nuclear, fishing, agricultural, and chemical sectors can also use the portal to report concerns and they are urged to use it if they do not feel able to raise issues with their company directly.
Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency, said: “We share the public’s disgust with sewage pollution and know there’s always more that can be done to protect our waterways. This new whistleblowing portal allows workers to raise their concerns and we encourage people to come forward, knowing any information will be treated in confidence and with sensitivity.
“The more evidence we have to identify potential criminality, then the more actions we can take to make lasting improvements to our environment.”
Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: “We have been clear we will not tolerate pollution and water companies need to act quickly to improve their environmental performance. This whistleblowing portal is another measure which will help the regulator gather vital intelligence and hold rule-breakers to account.“It builds on our recent work to ban inappropriate executive bonuses and plans to quadruple the number of water company inspections by the Environment Agency – ensuring we continue to protect our waterways with more investment, stronger regulation and tougher enforcement action.”
The announcement follows a series of improvements the government and the EA has delivered to water regulation in recent months, including plans for a fourfold increase in water company inspections to hold companies to account. Subject to consultation, EA inspections will rise to 4,000 a year by the end of March 2025 and then to more than 10,000 from April 2025. This will include an increase in unannounced inspections – strengthening oversight of water companies and providing greater assurance alongside operator self-monitoring. To find the portal search ‘whistleblowing’ at gov.ukAcquisitive IT firm secures investment for growth
Managed IT service provider Everything Tech Group has expanded its strategic growth plans following an investment deal with NatWest.
The funding will support Everything Tech Group’s growth strategy and the first acquisition following the NatWest investment has been secured.
Everything Tech Group has completed the purchase of North West-based outsourced hosted solutions business, Cardium Outsourcing Limited, which has traded as Your Office Anywhere.
Mark Allen, CFO & Co Founder of Everything Tech Group, said: “The support from Max Ward at independence Capital alongside NatWest underpins our strategic acquisition approach, enabling us to deliver our growth plans at an accelerated pace.
“Armed with this investment, we will continue to grow both organically and through M&A during 2024 and beyond, aligning with our clear business objectives and vision for the future. The immediate M&A growth this investment will finance allows us to scale up faster and amplify our current growth further.”
On the acquisition of Cardium Outsourcing Limited, Mark said: “It’s not just Enterprise customers who need visibility, cost control and security from cloud platforms. We felt this presented an excellent opportunity to extend our products further and was an excellent fit for Everything Tech. It will bolster and enhance our existing portfolio.”
Tom Murray, Vice President of UK Financing Solutions at NatWest, said: “We are delighted to have supported Everything Tech Group with our recent investment and look forward to continuing to work with them.
“At NatWest, we are proud to champion ambitious businesses by providing smart financing solutions that unlock strategic growth opportunities for our clients. This is a great example of a flexible investment that will support Everything Tech Group, as the business goes from strength-to-strength.”
With offices in Sheffield, Derby and Manchester, Everything Tech Group — which started life as MITSG — was founded in 2021 by Mark Allen and Phil Smith.
It has grown rapidly following a series of acquisitions through a secured investment from BOOST & Co in February 2022 and went on to complete four acquisitions that year, including IT Farm, the CSS Group, cloud communications specialist Nexbridge Communications and finally Everything Tech.
