Dan Smith, Partner and Head of Yorkshire at LDC, added: “The 55 Group is a great example of a fast growing Yorkshire business led by a hugely ambitious team. It represents LDC’s third investment in the region in just under 12 months, underlining our commitment to supporting the best businesses in Yorkshire.
“It is also another example of the strength of our leading software and data credentials in the built environment space, where we continue to see a shift towards more digital ways of working and an increased focus on ESG.”
Will Scales, Investment Director, added: “We are delighted that Simon and team have chosen LDC as their partner to support the delivery of The 55 Group’s next phase of growth.
“The quality of The 55 Group’s offering and technology in supporting sustainable and compliant practices is unique and we are excited about what the future holds for the business as it continues to invest in its people, products and services.”
The 55 Group was advised by Rothschild (Stephen Griffiths), Addleshaw Goddard (Richard Hunt and Peter Wood), Graph Strategy (James Tetherton) and KPMG FDD. Management were advised by Park Place (Richard Firth).
LDC was advised by KPMG (Ben Taylor), Squire Patton Boggs (Paul Mann and David Milne), DSW FDD (Jonathan Steed), PMSI (David Crout), Better Faster Growth and Catalysis.
HSBC, advised by DLA Piper, provided financing and working capital facilities to support the transaction.
Historic England funding to spur on multi-million-pound redevelopment of Rutland Mills
Wakefield Council has welcomed funding from Historic England to repair an historic mill as part of the multi-million-pound redevelopment of Rutland Mills.
Historic England has awarded £625,000 to help breathe new life into Phoenix Mill, a former textile mill in Wakefield.
Phoenix Mill forms part of phase two of the multi-million pound redevelopment of the Rutland Mills complex in Wakefield. The waterside area is being transformed into Tileyard North, a creative industries hub housing state-of-art recording studios, creative workspaces and events venues.
Cllr Michael Graham, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth at Wakefield Council, said: “We’re investing alongside Historic England and City and Provincial Properties so that the former mill buildings can be transformed into vibrant spaces for creativity. They will provide world class facilities to artists and creatives based right across the north of England.
“This is part our wider regeneration plans for Wakefield. Our programme is attracting external investment from across the public and private sector, making a positive impact as we position our district as a great place to do business.”
Duncan Wilson, Historic England’s Chief Executive, said: “After lying derelict for many years, it’s wonderful to see that Phoenix Mill is now rising from the ashes and will soon be given new life as an integral part of the fantastic Tileyard North.
“I applaud the bold vision of City and Provincial Properties who have rescued an important part of Wakefield’s industrial heritage and reshaped it into an engine of the town’s future prosperity.”
Paul Kempe from City and Provincial Properties said: “We extend our thanks to Historic England for the awarding of this invaluable grant, igniting the transformation of Phoenix Mill. With their generous support, we eagerly anticipate breathing new life into this historic gem, creating more space for our creative industries hub to grow.”
Wakefield Council has enabled the project from inception, with funding also provided by the Government’s Levelling Up Programme (LUF) and City and Provincial Properties.
This is seeing the refurbishment of Phoenix Mill along with the demolition of a second mill and construction of a new building alongside, called Gradient Mill. Further office space along with bars and a restaurant will be created.
Historic England’s £625,000 grant will fund work to the outside of the building including roof, drainage and wall repairs, as well as new windows. This will secure the building’s structure, enabling its future redevelopment as part of Tileyard North.
Phase one of the scheme saw the restoration of five mill buildings. It has created space for creative industries, music studios, outdoor events space, indoor events, space for festivals and concerts, a hotel, gin distillery, restaurant and bar. Utility corporation acquires Sheffield waste management business
Beauparc has acquired independent recycling and waste management company Fletchers Waste Management, expanding its UK footprint.
With over 40 years’ experience, Fletchers has built a robust reputation for providing regional and national waste management solutions for commercial and residential customers from their South Yorkshire base.
The acquisition expands Beauparc’s portfolio of 10 other well-known brands in the UK. The Group, which has UK coverage across Yorkshire, Merseyside, Manchester, Scotland and East and West Midlands operate a fleet of 400 vehicles, manage 2.0M tonnes of waste annually from 50k customers and are further developing the current network of 26 sites which focus on extracting valuable resources from waste to return to the circular economy via material recycling facilities.
Beauparc Chief Executive Brian McCabe said: “We’re delighted to welcome Fletchers to the Beauparc group of companies. As we continue our growth strategy, Fletchers is a significant geographical connection for our existing UK infrastructure.
“As part of the wider group, existing customers will experience tangible benefits such as a more expansive service offering, greater coverage, share in the developed ESG/Safety programmes and have the support from the wider Beauparc management team.”
Sheffield manufacturer acquires new site
A long-standing, family-owned Sheffield manufacturing business is set to expand following the purchase of a new site.
Tufcot, which is based on Coleford Road in Darnall, has purchased a neighbouring site on Catley Road. The acquisition will enable the business to separate its manufacturing facility from its engineering facility, to further grow the company.
Cathy Thomas, solicitor and owner of Mason Thomas Law who advised Tufcot on the purchase, said: “I am delighted at the successful outcome of the site purchase for Tufcot. Being able to assist them with their plans to expand the business further in Sheffield was wonderful to be involved in.”
Tufcot, a specialist manufacturer of composite materials and global distributor, will move the manufacturing division of the business to the new site following the demolition of an existing building. On the site, Tufcot will construct a new purpose-built, carbon-neutral facility.
Demolition of the Catley Road building is expected to commence next year ahead of construction of the new site.
Once completed, the new site will increase capacity at Tufcot by 50%, enabling the business to grow its workforce by 10% over the next three years.
Greg Majchrzak, Managing Director of Tufcot, said: “It has been a nail-biting 12 months securing the new site, but now that we have it, we can forge forward with our plans for business growth.
“Since the business was established 42 years ago, we have grown year-on-year, reinvesting heavily in both equipment and people. The new site takes Tufcot to another level. I am really excited by the projected growth of the company over the next five years.”
Tufcot was established in Sheffield in 1981 by three former employees of British Steel. From just one machine and operating out of a garage, the company now has 120 machines and employs more than 50 people.
Greg added: “We are a very proud Sheffield business. This is where we were founded and will continue to be based.”
Dunelm takes 20,400 sq ft logistics space in Barnsley
Harworth Group has let 20,400 sq ft of Grade A space at Gateway 36 in Barnsley, a major hub for logistics and manufacturing in Yorkshire totalling 127 acres.
Harworth has signed a 10-year lease with FTSE 250 retailer Dunelm, which will be used as a site to support the business’s Home Delivery Network, improving the 2-man delivery service for its customers. The unit is part of a total of 110,000 sq ft of new logistics space constructed in 2023 as part of the development’s second phase and has been built in line with Harworth’s commercial building specification, achieving a rating of BREEAM “Very Good” and benefitting from the installation of solar PV panels. The wider scheme includes 20 EV charging points, rainwater harvesting and a sustainable heating and cooling system, as well as a building envelope design that is sympathetic to the surrounding environment. With this letting now complete, only one 50,255 sq ft unit remains available for occupation within Phase 2. Phase 3 is also in the pipeline following the receipt of planning last year for a further 138,800 sq ft unit together with a further 429,000 sq ft envisaged across three more buildings. Gateway 36, which is located adjacent to Junction 36 of the M1, has benefited from significant infrastructure funding from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and last year became part of the UK’s first Investment Zone, focused on advanced manufacturing. Jonathan Haigh, Chief Investment Officer, Harworth Group plc, said: “We are seeing strong demand for our newly developed industrial & logistics space across our regional areas of operation, including Yorkshire, where the supply of high-specification more sustainable space remains constrained. “Our development at Gateway36 is progressing well and we are delighted to welcome Dunelm to the scheme which aligns with our strategy announced in 2021 to progressively transition our Investment Portfolio to entirely modern Grade A space.” Harworth was advised by GV&Co and Knight Frank.Cathy named as Director to lead company’s regeneration activities
Leeds-based construction consultancy Walker Sime has appointed Cathy Palmer as Director of Regeneration Delivery to lead a newly-launched Region delivery Service.
Cathy joins from the role of Head of Regeneration Delivery at Wirral Council where she led Birkenhead’s once-in-a-generation transformation programme.
He department will offer a range of support including project mobilisation, investment plans, business case development, delivery strategies, governance, grant funding advice, bid support, procurement strategy, project planning and risk management, making it a significant offer in the industry.
She said the launch of the dedicated service had come in response to the increasing demands for regeneration initiatives, driven by government funding for Levelling Up, Long Term Plan for Towns, Future High Street and Sustainable Transport Settlement Funds. “I am excited to lead the Regen Delivery service at Walker Sime and look forward to collaborating with Private Developers and Local Authorities to bring about positive transformative change in communities.
“We are already seeing significant interest from several authorities and developers, and I am confident that our expertise and comprehensive approach will help drive successful regeneration initiatives in our communities,” she added.Carbon emission take a battering at eco-friendly Barnsley chippie
Barnsley chippie owner Craig Butcher has used a low carbon grant to revolutionise the way he prepares one of the nation’s favourite dishes.
He’s just finished the Net Zero Barnsley programme for his Two Gates Fisheries shop, delivered by The Business Village, in partnership with Barnsley Council.
That’s meant a review every aspect of the way he serves fish and chips to save energy, minimise waste and reduce food miles, and used his Low Carbon Grant of £12,499 to invest in a new £56,000 state-of-the-art electric frying range.
Craig, who runs the fisheries with partner Sarah Thompson, said: “Joining Net Zero Barnsley has really helped me look at my business differently and develop it in ways that are good for the planet and for our bottom-line.
“We want to invest in our future and the Low Carbon Grant is a great help. The new range is a huge initial outlay for us but if you’re buying the Ferrari of all chip shop ranges it’s going to be expensive.
“This range is engineered to be the quickest, safest and best insulated ever; and once it’s fired up the heat retention is phenomenal. When you need your range on eight hours a day, six days a week that’s absolutely core to the business.
Energy consumption analysis shows the new range should reduce Craig’s energy bills by £3,537 a year and reduce carbon emissions by 160.8 tonnes of CO2 during its 20-year life.
Net Zero Barnsley business development manager Kevin Steel said: “Two Gates Fisheries has embraced all the opportunities presented by the government’s legal requirement for UK businesses to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 – and Barnsley Council’s earlier target of 2045.
“Craig must be running one of the most forward-thinking fish and chip shops in the country and we hope his example will give others food for thought.”
First two plots sold on West Lindsey enterprise park
The first two plots at the new Enterprise West Lindsey business park on the A57 in Saxilby have been sold, with sales of further plots expected to complete in the coming weeks.
Enterprise West Lindsey is described as a ‘next generation business park’, on its 20-acre site adjacent to the A57 west of Lincoln.
Plots range in size from 1 acre to 2.5 acres and the first two plots sold are 3.81 and 2.1 acres. In total, there are seven plots of land being marketed by Eddisons, and has outline consent for a number of industrial and office commercial uses.
William Wall, Director, Eddisons Lincoln, incorporating Banks Long & Co, which is part of the JV company involved with the site, said: “The JV partners’ commitment to Enterprise West Lindsey sees a level of multi-million investment in infrastructure raise the profile the developable plots in appealing to land & property investors who share the developer’s and contractor’s vision for the overall development.”
Theakston’s Brewery welcomes sixth generation to the business
Independent Yorkshire brewery, T&R Theakston, has appointed William Theakston as channel development manager. William is the eldest son of the company’s chairman, Simon Theakston, becoming the sixth generation of the Theakston family to become part of the business.
He joins the family brewery following a career as an officer in the British Army, where he completed two operational tours in Afghanistan and held a role in the Ministry of Defence.
Since leaving the military in 2016, he has held a number of roles in the drinks and hospitality industry, working with Fullers, Smith & Turner, Marston’s and most recently Charles Edge London, a company specialising in the development of brands, where he was export and UK sales manager.
William’s new role as channel development manager at T&R Theakston will see him develop the brewery’s on-trade sales force, with a particular focus on customers in the Southern half of England and Wales. He will work with wholesale partners, national pub companies and key account groups to grow the Theakston footprint outside of its traditional Northern heartland, as it looks to capitalise on consumer demand for quality British beer.
Managing Director of Theakston’s Brewery, Richard Bradbury said: “William’s appointment is the latest stage of a long-term growth strategy. Over the last four years, we have been steadily strengthening all aspects of our organisation in Head Office functions and front-line sales to support our ambitions.
“The investment in our organisation has been careful and measured to deliver commercial and financial return alongside our steady growth in market share. In parallel, we have worked hard to ensure our beers remain affordable to consumers and customers despite inflationary pressures.
“As we look forward to celebrating our bi-centenary in 2027, we seek to demonstrate that a business doesn’t survive for 200 years by ever standing still. Our focus is on building our business strength to support a successful third century, with William’s appointment forming a key part of that growth journey.”
William said: “I’m hugely proud and thrilled to be joining the family business and carrying on the work of growing our customer and consumer base in a very important area of the market. In past decades, we established a great track record of sales in the south of England and so I look forward to building on this proud heritage in the months and years ahead.”
£6m to be approved to drive economic growth through West Yorkshire’s creative industries
Over £6 million is set to be approved by regional leaders today (14 March) to help drive economic growth through West Yorkshire’s creative industries.
The majority of the investment (£5.7 million) will contribute to the delivery of Bradford UK City of Culture 2025 – a landmark year of cultural events, festivals and celebrations to showcase the vibrant communities of Bradford, and West Yorkshire’s dynamic creative industries, to the world.
Previous cities with the prestigious title, including Coventry and Hull, have benefited from a surge of local and global visitors as well as significant economic growth. Next year’s cultural celebrations are expected to have a similar, major impact for Bradford and the wider region.
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin said: “West Yorkshire is the place to be for culture and creativity – more so now than ever, with the epic Bradford UK City of Culture 2025 just months away.
“This will give us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow our economy and show the world what we’ve got – from our vibrant, heritage-rich hotspots, to our gold standard creative talent.
“Investing in culture is a key part of building a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”
To further boost tourism in the region, £500,000 is also set to be approved to drive forward initiatives for West Yorkshire’s newly established Local Visitor Economy Partnership.
The partnership, approved by VisitEngland in July, aims to capitalise on the upcoming cultural opportunities for the region whilst increasing the awareness of West Yorkshire as a top destination for tourists, businesses and people to visit, live and work.
Supporting the development of events, transport and accommodation, the new investment is expected to boost visitor numbers, grow the economy, and support new skills and jobs.
The proposed £6.2 million investment supports the Mayor’s pledge to deliver a ‘Creative New Deal’ for West Yorkshire, and follows the launch of her flagship ‘You Can Make It Here’ programme – designed to support businesses and freelancers, and make the industry more accessible for all.
Hotel project kicks off at Bramall Lane
The development of the DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield City hotel has commenced.
The hotel will be located at Bramall Lane football stadium and is expected to welcome guests from late Summer 2024.
The project will bring a boost to the local economy with the creation of 100 new jobs in the city and enhance the Bramall Lane offering for locals and travelers alike. Fans of Sheffield United will have the opportunity to enjoy pre- and post-match gatherings in the hotel’s lounge bar and take advantage of its extensive events facilities.
The vision for the property is to establish it as the leading upscale hotel in the city under the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel brand.
Richard Farrar, Managing Director of leaf HOSPITALITY, said: “We are delighted to embark on this exciting project at Bramall Lane on behalf the Club. The DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield City conversion will elevate the hospitality experience for visitors and fans alike. This is a really special project and we’re delighted to kick off.”
Stephen Bettis, CEO, Sheffield United FC, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the DoubleTree by Hilton to our prestigious and historic Bramall Lane stadium. This new addition will further enhance the matchday experience for our supporters and contribute to the ongoing development of the S2 area. The return of the hotel is welcomed by everyone at the Football Club.”
When completed this Summer, DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield City will be the third Hilton branded property in the area, joining DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield Park and Hampton by Hilton Sheffield. The 155-room hotel will include a penthouse suite, a fitness centre, and events space for up to 300 guests.
Decarbonisation funding granted to Bradford Manufacturing Futures partnership
Bradford Manufacturing Futures, a local partnership planning a collaborative, progressive and investible approach to decarbonisation, has been granted Local Industrial Decarbonisation funding up to £726,729 from Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
This Council led project will identify opportunities for decarbonisation across the Bradford district in some of the highest emitting sectors such as Chemicals, Food, Basic Metals, Mineral Products and Metal Fabrication, which produce 52% of the district’s CO2 emissions. The lead manufacturing partners will work with specialist energy consultants CR Plus, University of Bradford and other local manufacturers, profiling energy use and assessing decarbonisation opportunities across the sectors.
Manufacturing, core to Bradford’s success over centuries, now faces existential energy cost and decarbonisation challenges. The sector is diverse, with 1,220 businesses accounting for 12.6% of jobs in Bradford District, generating 0.7Mtpa CO2 emissions.
Bradford Council will take the lead for project management including engaging businesses and sponsoring infrastructure development. This contributes to the 2021-25 District Plan and its commitment to Net Zero by 2038.
Bradford Council and partners CR Plus Ltd, University of Bradford, the business-led District Sustainable Development Partnership and local manufacturers Produmax Limited, Texfelt Ltd, Teconnex Ltd, Denso Marston Ltd, Solenis UK Industries Ltd, and Calbee Group (UK) Ltd are collaborating to develop decarbonisation best practice and map the master plans for the Bradford district.
The University of Bradford are creating a Virtual Zero Carbon Hub ensuring access to the University’s research and innovation expertise to develop visualisation of decarbonised energy integration, business support tools and impact case studies. This collateral will be shared across the wider region through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. The Council will contract specialist consultancy to generate district level evaluation and feasibility work, based upon cluster and individual company studies.
Carolyn Escreet, Sustainability Programmes Delivery Manager at Bradford Council, said: “We are excited to be leading the Bradford Manufacturing Futures partnership on this key Local Decarbonisation project that will contribute to building a sustainable and prosperous economy that works in the interests of everyone to minimise waste and the use of finite natural resources
“Tackling climate change is important to Bradford and reaching the District Net Zero targets by 2038.”
Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “Undertaking decarbonisation by switching to use lower carbon energy sources is part of our journey towards reaching the districts Net Zero targets by 2038.
“The Bradford Manufacturing Futures partnership is a great decarbonisation initiative for those businesses and organisations already involved and is a starting point for best practice, networking and knowledge sharing across the wider region.”
The Bradford Manufacturing Futures project will run until the end of December 2024, providing a District-wide roadmap for decarbonisation, an investment prospectus for the District and shared learning across manufacturers in the District and West Yorkshire region.
Plans to develop 60-acre East Leeds site move step closer following allocation into local plan
Plans to develop a strategic 60-acre site in East Leeds have moved a step closer following its confirmed allocation into the Leeds Site Allocation Plan (SAP) for major employment use.
The site, known locally as Brown Moor, is situated adjacent to Scarborough Group International’s Thorpe Park Leeds business destination and The Springs retail and leisure centre.
Bounded by the M1 motorway and TransPennine railway line, the site already benefits from connectivity to key infrastructure such as the East Leeds Orbital Route (ELOR) and established bus routes through Thorpe Park Leeds.
Last year, Scarborough Group International (SGI) tabled proposals to develop the site for a major new employment park, submitting an outline planning application for up to 55,417 sq m (596,500 sq ft) of purpose-built accommodation.
‘Integral’, as the proposed development has been named, aims to deliver a range of high-quality buildings suitable for companies of different sizes within the advanced manufacturing, logistics and industrial sectors, with the potential to support around 1,700 new jobs.
The scheme will retain the vast majority of the established woodland and hedgerows across the site, while adding to these with new green spaces and landscaping corridors to seamlessly connect into the existing amenities and public rights of way within the adjacent Thorpe Park Leeds, The Springs, and local conurbations to the East and West of the site.
Adam Varley, Development Director at SGI, said: “We are delighted that Brown Moor has been allocated with the Local Plan following recommendations from the Planning Inspectorate.
“We see that site as a key strategic site to allow the expansion of Thorpe Park Leeds and our development proposals support the continued growth of the park and future diversifying the mix of employment opportunities generating major economic benefits for the region.
“The logistics sector is one of the fastest growing areas of employment in the UK and our plans and proposals for the scheme will deliver against a tight supply of prime space within West Yorkshire designed to cater for sustainable business practice as well as attracting exceptional talent.”
SGI hopes to be able to submit a detailed planning application for the first phase of development in the second half of the year upon the determination of the current outline application.
Vital Energi gets £22m to build Hull East District Heat Network
Vital Energi has been awarded more than £22m from the Green Heat Network Fund for the commercialisation and construction of the Hull East District Heat Network, which will use waste heat from industry, with Phase 1 utilising heat from the Saltend Chemicals Park.
The heat network will provide low carbon heating to 14 council buildings and a mixture of industrial customers, helping to decarbonise one of the UK’s industrial hotspots. As part of the network, Hull East is also hoping to secure green solar energy to help power the network whilst feeding energy into other customers across Yorkshire Energy Park, a next generation energy and technology business park currently in development. Construction of the heat network is expected to begin later this year, and could expand to supply further connections and use using other renewable heat sources across the energy park once completed. Vital Energi MD Mike Cooke said: “Taking waste heat from Saltend Chemicals Park situated on the Yorkshire Energy Park, we aim to decarbonise commercial and residential buildings across Hull, bringing them closer to a net zero future with low carbon heat and hot water.” Lots of waste energy is generated in various industrial processes as well as in our daily activities. Manufacturing and human waste disposal processes produce waste heat as a by-product which can be harnessed to produce low-cost, low carbon heating. Today, funding from the Green Heat Network Fund continues to enable innovative solutions like these to be deployed.Uniper reveals plans for Humber hydrogen project
Uniper has outlined its plans for the Humber H2ub® (Green) project, to produce electrolytic hydrogen which meets the UK Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard at its Killingholme site, in the Humber region.
The Humber H2ub® (Green) project includes plans for an initial electrolytic hydrogen production capacity of up to 120 MW, with the potential for future expansion. The green hydrogen production facility would be developed as part of Uniper’s wider aspirations for the Killingholme Energy Transformation Hub.
Uniper and Phillips 66 Limited have signed a collaboration agreement to work together towards a supply of green hydrogen from the Humber H2ub® (Green) project to Phillips 66 Limited’s Humber Refinery from 2029. The hydrogen would be used to replace refinery fuel gas in industrial-scale fired heaters, as part of Phillips 66 Limited’s plans to reduce the Humber Refinery’s scope 1 operational emissions.
Hydrogen production is a key pillar of Uniper’s strategy, and the aim is to build more than 1 GW of electrolyser capacity across the business by 2030.
The Humber H2ub® (Green) project development and the supply agreement with Phillips 66 Limited are subject to financial investment approval from Uniper’s and Phillips 66 Limited’s management, and several pre-conditions that would have to be satisfied; including securing the necessary planning consents and environmental permit, agreement on terms for the hydrogen offtake and a Low Carbon Hydrogen Agreement with the UK Government.
Guy Phillips, Team Lead, Business Development Hydrogen, UK for Uniper, said: “The Humber H2ub® (Green) project is a key part of Uniper’s hydrogen ambitions in the UK and we’re pleased to be collaborating on it with Phillips 66 Limited.
“The Humber region is recognised as the UK’s most carbon intensive industrial region and hydrogen will be vital in decarbonising and securing the region’s economy. The Humber H2ub® (Green) project could make an important contribution to kick starting the hydrogen economy in the Humber region.
“Our Killingholme site is ideally placed with excellent utilities infrastructure. It has the potential to support the UK’s hydrogen and decarbonisation ambitions, creating new high-skilled employment opportunities and ensuring the site continues to make a valuable contribution to the regional economy.”
Duncan Hammond, Humber’s Decarbonisation Projects Manager at Phillips 66 Limited, said: “We are excited to collaborate with Uniper on their low carbon hydrogen project. Hydrogen refuelling will be a big step in lowering the refinery’s emissions as we evolve with the energy transition. Energy security is vital for the UK.
“Utilising technologies such as low carbon hydrogen produced by electrolysis and also carbon capture will enable us to continue to produce essential products for the transport sector and supply chain, some of which are used in the production of electric vehicle batteries, wind turbine blades, pharmaceuticals and much more. We believe hydrogen will attract new industry, protect jobs, and develop the local economy.”
Equans cuts home energy bills by half in £25m Leeds scheme
Two years of work by contractor Equans in a £25m energy efficiency improvements scheme in Leeds means hundreds of council flats will see heating costs halved.
The company began work in late 2022 to transform seven tower blocks as part of Leeds City Council’s drive to deliver high-quality homes while also tackling fuel poverty and the climate emergency.
Improvements have been completed at six of the blocks – Parkway Court, Parkway Grange and Parkway Towers in Seacroft and Lovell Park Grange, Lovell Park Heights and Lovell Park Towers in Little London.
The work has included the reroofing of buildings and the installation of new external wall insulation and ventilation systems. – will reduce the amount of energy needed to heat individual flats.
Sean Corcoran, regional director at Equans, said: “The transformation of these flats will have a long-lasting positive impact on residents’ lives by making their homes more comfortable and reducing energy bills at a time when living costs are so high.
“Housing is one of the biggest contributors to the UK’s carbon emissions, so projects like this play a crucial role in improving the environment. We’re proud to be supporting the council in its ambitions to make Leeds a more sustainable place to live.”
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “Reducing Leeds’s carbon footprint is a priority for the council, but it’s important that this is done in a fair way that also helps improve standards of living in all our local communities.
“The benefits of such an approach are perfectly demonstrated by the changes at these flats in Seacroft, Little London and West Park, where emissions and energy bills are both set to be significantly reduced.
“The scheme is also testament to the power of partnership working, with Equans playing a vital role alongside the council in bringing about a bright new era for the properties and everyone living there.”
Planning permission granted for Louth residential development
Planning permission has been granted to developer Charterpoint and housebuilder Snape Properties for a 90-home residential development in Louth.
It marks the sixth and final phase of the popular Westfield Park scheme masterminded by Charterpoint.
The developer has now sold the 12-acre site off Daisy Way to Snape Properties – paving the way for work to get under way on the final 90 homes.
Once these have been delivered, the 47-acre site will be complete – featuring a total of 330 homes, plus Meadows Park Care Home.
Adrian Goose, CEO of Charterpoint, said: “Westfield Park has developed into a flourishing community and this additional piece of land will facilitate the natural extension of it. It is the sixth and final phase of a residential scheme that we are very proud to have masterminded.
“The site off Daisy Way will provide 90 much-needed homes for the Louth area, and we are delighted that East Lindsey District Council has granted full planning permission for the scheme, which allows building work to start.”
The 90 properties include a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes, plus a children’s play area, surface water attenuation ponds, wildflower meadows, sustainable drainage and an amenity lawn for communal informal recreation.
The site, which is bounded by the A16 Louth bypass to the north west and by Westfield Park to the south and east, will include green infrastructure to provide an attractive quality environment for residents and visitors with consideration given to access for pedestrians and cyclists, enhancement of wildlife biodiversity, sustainable drainage solutions and promotion of use of outdoor spaces for improved mental and physical health and well-being.
Open water, swales and ditches are also included as part of the sustainable drainage strategy to contribute to local biodiversity.
Increased GDP? Too early to celebrate yet, says FSB Policy Chair
Responding to Office for National Statistics figures showing that GDP rose by 0.2% in January 2024 compared with the previous month, the organiser’s Policy Chair Tina McKenzie said: “An increase in GDP is an encouraging start to the year, and one small firms will be relieved to see, as it raises hopes that we may be pulling out of the shallow recession declared following low levels of negative growth through the second half of 2023.
“It’s too early to celebrate with any great level of vigour, however, as small firms are certainly finding the going tough at the moment.
“The recent Budget contained some help for small firms, notably the raising of the VAT threshold from £85,000 to £90,000 and the cut to National Insurance contributions, but small firms hoped for more help with day-to-day costs.
“This isn’t just about existing businesses starting to turn to growth in 2024; this is about creating the conditions for people to set up in business for the very first time, the next generation of start-ups who will make up the ground we lost during the Covid years when the UK small business population contracted by 500,000, losing one in 10 of them.
“Our Small Business Index research has found particular cause for concern among hospitality and retail firms, which are trailing far behind the overall average in terms of confidence levels. Indeed, one in eight firms in the hospitality sector expect to close entirely in the next 12 months, nearly four times the rate for all businesses, which should be a huge wake-up call to the Government about the dangers facing many thousands of small businesses.
“Small businesses contribute an enormous amount to the economy, and a sustainable recovery will be built on their success and growth. Today’s news must be built on if it is not to turn into another false dawn for small firms.”
Onto takes ownership of almost 850 homes from The Guinness Partnership
Social housing provider Ongo has taken ownership of almost 850 homes in North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire, and East Midlands after bidding to buy them from The Guinness Partnership.
The move supports Ongo’s aims of increasing its stock size through development and acquisition so it can continue to grow and offer more services to more people in the region.
Four colleagues from The Guinness Partnership will join Ongo, with the impact on services being closely monitored and potential further growth being considered.
Steve Hepworth, Chief Executive at Ongo said: “Once we knew that Guinness were selling these homes, we felt it was an exciting opportunity for us and aligned well with our future aims as a business.
“As one of the largest landlords in the region we already have the people and resources needed in the area and can also offer the additional services that we provide such as training, skills development and support services.
“This is truly exciting for Ongo and I’m very proud of all of the work colleagues have put in to make it happen and to our tenants, new and old, for embracing the decision.
“It’s the largest amount of homes we’ve ever acquired and it demonstrates our commitment to not only growth, but making sure we’re a strong and stable organisation that our tenants can rely on.”
Catriona Simons, Chief Executive at The Guinness Partnership said: “We chose to work with Ongo as they have a good reputation for customer service and investing in their homes. Thank you to Ongo and to Guinness colleagues for making this transfer possible.”
Innocent postmasters get £600,000 and have convictions quashed
Hundreds of innocent sub-postmasters wrongly convicted as a result of the Horizon scandal will have their convictions quashed following landmark legislation that’s just been introduced.
This blanket exoneration, delivered through the Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill, will quash convictions brought about by erroneous Horizon evidence, clearing the names of many people who have had their lives ruined.
Affected sub-postmasters will receive an interim payment with the option of immediately taking a fixed and final offer of £600,000, so that they can finally begin to rebuild their lives.
Under the proposed Bill, convictions will be automatically quashed if they meet the following criteria:
- Were prosecuted by the Post Office or Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
- Were for offences carried out in connection with Post Office business between 1996 and 2018.
- Were for relevant offences such as theft, fraud and false accounting.
- Were against sub-postmasters, their employees, officers, family members or direct employees of the Post Office working in a Post Office that used the Horizon system software.
