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.”
West Yorkshire pair must pay almost £183,000 or face jail terms
Two directors of an industrial laundry installation firm who set up a ‘phoenix’ company while disqualified from running a business have been fined a total of £182,700.
Colin Marsh, 54, and Robert Farrell, 53, both from Halifax, appeared at Bradford Crown Court in December where Marsh was ordered to repay £133,000 within three months or face 18 months in prison and Farrell was ordered to pay just over £49,700 over the same period or face nine months in prison.
The pair were directors of Direct Laundry Installations Limited, based in Halifax, which supplied and fitted trade laundry installations, before it went into liquidation in October 2015.
But before the company’s liquidation, they set up a second company, Direct Laundry and Steam Installations Limited. In setting up the new company, the directors breached insolvency law as the business had a similar name, traded from the same address, and carried out the same activities as the liquidated company.
The two were convicted of acting as directors while disqualified and using a prohibited company name in February 2022.
Investigators from the Insolvency Service’s Financial Investigation Unit then carried out further investigations and in December 2023, Bradford Crown Court ordered for the money they had gained improperly to be confiscated.
Alexander Grierson, Senior Accredited Financial Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: ”Directors of an insolvent company are not allowed to start a new company with the same or similar name, in order to protect businesses and customers from being duped by directors who fail to run a business in a professional manner.
“Colin Marsh and Robert Farrell abused the insolvency regime when they incorporated an almost-identical second company while they were in the throes of winding-up the first failed business.
“Their conduct was totally reckless and their punishment should serve as a warning that we will prosecute and seek appropriate confiscation from company directors who break the law.”
Care group purchases 70-bed development site in North Yorkshire
Prestige Care Group has purchased a 1.2 acre site in Aiskew, North Yorkshire in a deal arranged by Colliers for £1.1m.
The group, which already has seven homes in the Yorkshire area, is seeking to build a new 70-bed development which will provide care facilities for the elderly in the region.
Work is expected to start on site in March and the home is expected to open its doors to residents by June 2025.
Raj Singh, chairman of the Prestige Care Group, said: “We’re pleased to have been able to secure this site in order to develop a new home for clients in this much sought over part of North Yorkshire.
“Our new home will provide essential, good quality care for residents from the area, providing purpose-built modern accommodation within a quaint village in the unspoilt English countryside.”
Liam Prickett from Colliers’ Healthcare team added: “I’m pleased that Raj and his team have recognised the potential from this site, and that we have been able to negotiate this deal with them.
“Prestige are one of the most recognised elderly care home developers and operators in the region, and I’m sure that once completed it will add to the care home mix in the area.”
Halifax accident management services firm acquired
Elysian Capital III LP has revealed its acquisition and investment in Activate Group Limited and Activate Accident Repair Group Limited. This represents the seventh investment in the Elysian Capital III LP Fund which closed in September 2020 at £325 million.
Established in 2015, Activate provides accident management services to insurance groups and corporate fleet operators through its MRN and Sopp+Sopp brands, undertaking the vehicle repairs either in house through its own network of nine repair centres or externally through its network of third-party repair centres.
Led by Hannah Wilcox, who became CEO in 2018 having joined as CFO, the Halifax business has built a strong reputation with its customers for high service and, importantly for their clients, short “key to key” times; i.e. the return of a repaired vehicle to its user. Since 2019, Activate has supplemented its third party repair centres with its own facilities in areas with an undersupply of capacity.
Hannah Wilcox, CEO, said: “I’m incredibly proud of Activate Group’s success. Over the past eight years we’ve taken the business from a start-up with a handful of team members to a UK-wide operation with a 700 strong team.
“Elysian Capital has an outstanding track record of supporting fast-growing businesses like ours, and I’m confident their investment and support will allow us to take Activate Group to the next level and move faster in delivering our key strategic priorities.”
Mark Puttick, Partner at Elysian Capital, said: “Since 2015, Activate has created a strong proposition in the claims and repair market and we are excited to be working with Hannah and the rest of the team to realise the business’s full potential through additional sites, enhanced technology and new services.”
Elysian Capital was advised by: Squire Patton Boggs (legal); 8Advisory (financial due diligence and tax); Oliver Wyman (commercial due diligence); Aon (Insurance); Ringstone (IT); CBRE (property) and Strategic Awareness (management due diligence). Working Capital Facilities were provided by Barclays.
Barnsley FC and Barnsley Council agree new lease
Barnsley Council and Barnsley Football Club have agreed a new lease of 30 years less one day which secures the future of professional football at Oakwell and will see long-awaited investment into the stadium.
This investment is an important lynchpin in a partnership which will see Oakwell become even more of a sporting centre and cultural home for the whole borough long into the future.
It will create a platform for Barnsley FC to use Oakwell for unique fan experiences and events, music concerts, corporate conferences and community activities on a regular basis for generations to come. The move also secures the future for the newly formed Barnsley FC women’s team who will continue to play games at Oakwell throughout the regular season and beyond, as they’ve done successfully already this year.
In 2023, the council became the sole owner of Oakwell Community Assets Limited (OCAL), which owns the stadium and land around it. This followed successful negotiations with the Cryne family, who had been joint owners of OCAL with the council since 2003.
The council and football club have developed a positive working relationship and have now agreed on a new lease which provides long-term security and stability for both organisations.
OCAL will invest in the facilities using the income generated by the agreement, which means the investment will be cost-neural to the council.
This is part of a long-term commitment to work together, and will support a variety of works to prolong the life of the stadium and improve the experience for supporters.
Leader of Barnsley Council, Cllr Sir Steve Houghton CBE, said: “I’m delighted we’re able to announce this fantastic news that Barnsley FC are here to stay at Oakwell.
“Barnsley FC is part of our heritage, and one of our anchor institutions with significant economic, social and wellbeing value for the borough. It’s a badge of identity for our communities, contributing to pride of place and a sense of belonging for Barnsley people.
“The council became a 50 per cent owner of Oakwell Community Assets Limited (OCAL), which owns the stadium and land around it, in 2003. This was part of a deal that saved Barnsley Football Club from going out of business at the time. That deal proved hugely successful and secured the existence of a professional football club in Barnsley.
“We’re proud to have played a key role in securing the future of professional football in the borough and we’re now proud to be taking the next step in securing that future for many years to come. This agreement helps unlock much-needed investment at Oakwell, to improve community provision and improve the experience for visitors to the club.
“Both the council and Barnsley FC acknowledge the huge contribution the late Patrick Cryne made to securing the survival of Barnsley FC, and building the successful and resilient club it is today. We’re grateful to the Cryne family for their co-operation in securing this future for Oakwell.”
Jean Cryne, an owner and director of Barnsley FC and previous joint-owner of OCAL, said: “I am pleased that the council have acquired my 50% share of the stadium. This is very positive for the Club and the town and I hope the fans can now feel safe in the knowledge that Oakwell is secure for the future of Barnsley Football Club.
“It’s been a tough few years – in more ways than I can begin to say – but myself and James along with Neerav and Julie Anne are doing our utmost to build on what we have achieved in this first year.
“To our supporters – please try to support the club in the best way you can by building up our fanbase. Please put the word out that we need you all, that we can’t do this alone.”
Neerav Parekh, Chairman of Barnsley FC’s board, said: “This is another step forward for the Club, with the future of Oakwell now resolved. This was a key task after the reconstitution of the board just over 18 months ago – to agree a new long-term lease. We want Barnsley Football Club to remain in Barnsley, and this agreement now guarantees that.
“We also promised to repair our relationship with the town and the community of Barnsley. As directors of the Club, we’re delighted to be working hand-in-hand with the council, and would like to thank them for their support throughout this process. I would also like to thank Jean Cryne in particular, for putting the interests of the Club and town at the heart of everything she does at Barnsley.
“This new agreement will open up key investment opportunities as we look to modernise Oakwell and work together with all relevant parties to maximise our combined assets for the betterment of the Club and town.”
Jon Flatman, Acting Chief Executive of Barnsley FC, said: “This is truly the best partnership for the football club and the borough. The work now starts to maximise the investment and improve the facility and the opportunities this now creates.
“I want to thank my colleague Robert Zuk and his team for their work during this process and the Cryne family alongside the board’s commitment to assuring this deal would happen.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to make sure Barnsley FC has the proper foundation to look ahead to what we believe are exciting times.”
North East Lincolnshire Council chooses design architect for Cleethorpes Market Place revamp
A design architecture practice with offices in London. Oxford, Manchester and Leeds has been appointed for Market Place as part of the Cleethorpes Levelling Up Fund projects.
Gillespies will play an integral role in the rejuvenation of the historic square, charged with adding space for social interaction by reconnecting the busy seafront and town centre, creating jobs, and boosting the economy.
The project will be paid for from the £18.4m of levelling up funding given to North East Lincolnshire Council to transform Cleethorpes seafront. This includes three key areas – Market Place, Pier Gardens and Sea Road.
The council’s delivery partner Equans and NELC’s project management team will work in partnership with the successful design consultancy to develop designs. Community engagement events will be undertaken with local businesses, the wider community, and residents within the vicinity of Market Place. These events will be designed to generate interest and ideas which will assist with the development of concept designs for Market Place. Once designs are finalised, a main contractor will be appointed during the summer, with works starting thereafter.
Tom Walker, Partner at Gillespies, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be helping NELC, local businesses and residents rethink and redesign the Market Place at Cleethorpes. This project is an incredible opportunity to transform a space with enormous potential. What is particularly pleasing is working at a seaside resort and space, where joy, richness, and fun can be the focus. It’s important work, but not too serious. There are some excellent businesses around the area that will significantly benefit from the redesign, which could also transform the lives of local people and the visitor experience.”
Leading tax specialist joins Streets Chartered Accountants
Acclaimed tax specialist Andrew Cockman has joined Streets Chartered Accountants.
Andrew Cockman is a Chartered Tax Adviser and Trust and Estate Practitioner who has focused on private client and trust related taxation throughout his career in accountancy, having worked in Big 5 accountancy practices, as well as other firms in the top 10.
His specialism includes tax planning for non-UK domiciliaries and their offshore trusts, as well as inheritance tax and capital gains tax consulting for shareholders in family companies and their family trusts. He is particularly interested in estate planning.
Andrew is also closely involved with the Tax Faculty of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and is a member of the Private Client Committee of the Tax Faculty. He contributes a monthly article on estate planning for Croner i’s Tax Weekly as well as contributing regularly to the Tax Faculty’s TAXline magazine.
Commenting on his appointment, Paul Tutin, Chairman and Managing Partner at Streets, said: “We are delighted to welcome Andrew to the firm with his appointment as a Tax Partner within our Tax practice and as a member of our Private Client team.
“With the expansion of our practice, it is important we can service the needs of our clients and in particular the requirement for more specialist high-end tax advice and planning. Andrew will therefore be a great asset to our team and clients alike. We are very fortunate to have secured his appointment.”
When asked what attracted him to Streets and what the new role means to him, Andrew Cockman said: “I was particularly attracted to the role with Streets as it has a progressive approach and it provides me with the opportunity to work with like-minded private client tax specialists in a supportive and entrepreneurial environment.
“I am looking forward to both looking after the needs of clients but also being a key member of the firm’s private client tax team and developing the firm’s service and offering to meet the needs of individuals and owner managed businesses now and in the future.”
In his role, Andrew will be working with and looking after clients from across Streets’ 23 offices, including those in London and the South East, the East of England, the South West, the Midlands and Yorkshire.
New laws aimed at disrupting economic crime on track for March 4th introduction
Companies House is aiming to introduce the first set of measures under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act on 4 March 2024.
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, which received Royal Asset last October, gives Companies House the power to play a more significant role in disrupting economic crime and supporting economic growth.
The first set of changes includes:
- greater powers to query information and request supporting evidence
- stronger checks on company names
- new rules for registered office addresses
- a requirement for all companies to supply a registered email address
- a requirement for all companies to confirm they’re forming the company for a lawful purpose when they incorporate, and to confirm its intended future activities will be lawful on their confirmation statement
- the ability to annotate the register when information appears confusing or misleading
- taking steps to clean up the register, using data matching to identify and remove inaccurate information
- sharing data with other government departments and law enforcement agencies
Lincoln glazing firm in the running for a quartet of awards
Lincoln-based double glazing manufacturer and installer Tradeglaze has been selected as a finalist in four categories in this year’s GGP Installer Awards.
Hosted by industry publication Glass & Glazing Products and judged by a panel of independent experts including industry regulators the Glass and Glazing Federation and CERTASS, the national GGP Installer Awards celebrate the best in window, door, conservatory and curtain walling installation companies for both residential and commercial clients across the UK.
Tradeglaze MD Jeremy Wetherall says, “The historic investment over the past year has revolutionised our production process, making it faster, safer, and more efficient for both our dedicated staff and valued customers.
“These advancements have enabled us to begin in-house production of several new glass and glazing products over the past 12 months. They have also helped to provide shorter lead times, more design options, and competitive pricing for the latest glazing products, catering to our trade, commercial, and domestic customers. As we continue into the year ahead, we plan further investment in our machinery, production process as well as training and professional development.
“Being nominated in four categories is a true honour. We pride ourselves on exceptional service and installations, and this recognition across the board is a testament to our dedicated teams. I’m incredibly proud of their hard work.”
The winners of the 2024 GGP Installer Awards will be announced on the 14th of March 2024, at The Midland Hotel in Manchester.
Tradeglaze and its retail sister company Jackson Windows stand to win in four categories with nominations in: ‘Best Feature Door Installation’, Best Installation – Commercial, and ‘Best Installation – Residential (up to £20,000)’. The company’s sales coordinator, Sam Corner has also been selected as a finalist in the ‘Rising Star’ category.
Among the nominations is a four-way collaboration between members of the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce. Property developer and contractor Stirlin Developments appointed Tradeglaze to supply aluminium curtain walling, windows and doors for the new Duncan & Toplis and Wilkin Chapman LLP offices ‘Oxley House’ in Louth.
Spencer Group builds permanent mooring for Spurn Lightship to enhance Hull Marina
Engineering company Spencer Group is building a wet berth for the Spurn Lightship on Hull Marina, as part of a £30m cultural regeneration project.
The Hull City Council-led Hull Maritime project has been launched to celebrate and preserve Hull’s rich maritime heritage.
The lightship was built in 1927 and served for 48 years as a navigation aid in the approaches of the Humber Estuary. It was decommissioned in 1975 before being bought by Hull City Council and moved to Hull Marina as a museum.
It has been closed since 2018, but is now set to reopen in its new home in the north-west corner of the marina, close to the Murdoch’s Connection footbridge, later in the summer.
The works by Spencer Group will include dredging of the berthing area and the installation of five mooring piles and a steel walkway to allow access onto the lightship once it has been moved into place at its new home, close to the Holiday Inn.
The majority of the works will be carried out from floating pontoons.
Richard Green-Morgan, Off-Site Construction Director for Spencer Group, said: “We’re really excited to have started work on this important project in our home city, which will help raise awareness of Hull’s fantastic history.
“The Spurn Lightship is a truly iconic vessel and an important part of the city’s maritime heritage, so we’re incredibly proud to be playing our part in making it accessible to the public when it’s in its new permanent home.
“We’re on track to complete the project in time for the lightship to be moved from its current temporary location on the marina to the new berth later in the summer.”
National Highways, which is carrying out major improvements to the A63 Castle Street route in and out of Hull, has awarded Hull City Council over £1m through its Designated Funds programme for the delivery of the wet berth.
Rebecca Wathen, National Highways Assistant Project Manager, said: “It’s a very proud moment for us to see the works commence on the new home for this icon, which embraces the city’s maritime heritage, next to the landmark Murdoch’s Connection footbridge.
“It’s really important to us that we continue to support projects such as the Spurn Lightship through our Designated Funds programme, which we aim to bring lasting benefits to communities.”
Leeds councillors contemplate selling city’s first-ever number plate
Leeds City Council is contemplating the sale of a the U1 number plate, used on the Lord Mayor’s civic car, to help bridge its £58.4m budget shortfall.
The number plate U1 was the first number plate bought in the city, having been acquired in 1903 by Rowland Winn, a motoring pioneer and founding member of the AA.
When his friend Arthur Currer Briggs was elected Lord Mayor of Leeds that same year, Mr Winn gave the U1 plate to him to use on his civic vehicle, and it has been used by Lord Mayors of Leeds ever since.
Mr Winn, one of the city’s first car dealers, was himself later elected Lord Mayor of Leeds in 1938-39. He retired from public life in the 1950s and was awarded the Freedom of the City in 1956, in recognition of his contribution to the city’s life and prosperity.
Council officials have ben told the U1 plate could fetch a substantial amount, with all proceeds from any sale going back into the council budget and helping to protect front line services.
Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s executive member for resources, said: “The sale of any assets is never something we take lightly and, in an ideal world, would not be something we’d wish to do. However, the financial pressures we are facing are simply so acute, we are being forced to look at all manner of options which we have never explored before.
“After consulting with experts, it’s clear that the sale of this number plate gives us a one-of-a-kind opportunity to secure a significant amount of funding, helping us protect vital services where we can whilst having no tangible impact on the people of Leeds.
“In the current circumstances, it’s an opportunity we can’t afford not to examine in more detail and our priority has to be to do whatever we can to balance our budget, meet the needs of residents and not risk being driven to the point of financial distress.”
Free flow tolling one step closer at the Humber Bridge following contractor appointment
Free flow tolling has moved a step closer at the Humber Bridge.
The Humber Bridge Board has appointed US company Neology to install a new tolling system designed to improve the customer experience and revolutionise how payments are taken.
The new system will see the bridge go fully booth-free for the first time in its 43-year history, with payments being made through a new website and mobile app.
As part of the project, a scheme similar to Payzone will also be launched enabling people to pay cash at key locations across the region, although cash will not be taken at the Humber Bridge or the Humber Bridge offices.
Once completed, the new system will increase requirements for back-office staff, meaning those currently working in the toll booths will be offered the opportunity to apply for new roles.
Richard Hannigan, Chair of the Humber Bridge Board and Deputy Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, described the appointment of Neology as a key milestone in delivering the new toll system project.
The multi-million pound scheme will utilise key technologies including artificial intelligence and automatic number plate recognition, Cllr Hannigan explained, to significantly improve the user experience.
He said: “We conducted a thorough and extensive tender process to find the right partner to provide the new tolling system, and received some impressive bids from companies across the world.
“However, Neology’s submission stood out as the best design solution to address the needs of our customers.
“We are very excited to see this vital project move forward as it will deliver a range of significant improvements for motorists using the bridge, helping to bring the two sides of the estuary closer together, and ensure that making payments is a quick, easy and painless process.
“We know these are the improvements our customers would most like to see and we’re committed to delivering them as part of this fantastic project.”
Andrew Arundel, Chief Operating Officer of the Humber Bridge, reassured motorists that disruption will be kept to a minimum during the installation phase of the scheme.
He said: “Currently, the project is in the design stage meaning work will not begin on site for several months.
“When it does, understandably there will be some concern it will generate a large amount of disruption for bridge users. Whereas this might be the case during some of the key moments in the project, the schedule of work will be designed to keep disruption to a minimum.
“Once the work is completed, crossing the bridge will become a more pleasant experience.”
Commenting on the appointment, Luke Normington, Neology’s Senior Vice of Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), said: “Following a highly competitive tender, which focused on technical expertise and innovation, we are proud to have been entrusted with this project.
“Bringing our global expertise in the tolling solutions, coupled with our long-term expertise in the UK, provides the perfect understanding of how to deliver this solution to improve the experience of the people who travel on that bridge, every day.
“We look forward to a long and successful partnership with Andrew Arundel and the team at the Humber Bridge.”
Beechbrook appoints new Managing Director and continues to expand regional footprint into Leeds
Beechbrook Capital, a lower-mid-market debt manager, has appointed Richard Smart as Managing Director.
Richard’s appointment is to drive the firm’s UK direct lending strategy and originate new SME investment opportunities working with the Beechbrook UK Investment team. This appointment continues to expand Beechbrook’s regional footprint into Leeds.
Richard joins from NatWest, where he spent 22 years, most recently as Head of UK Financing Solutions responsible for the regions and London. He led the origination, structuring and execution of event driven transactions for growth SME to FTSE 100 customers and leveraged finance (private equity).
His responsibilities included over £4bn in debt deployment across c. 115 transactions per annum, alongside external Board Directorship of RBS Invoice Finance, managing the P&L of NatWest’s UK corporate ABL business.
In addition, Richard was a member of the NatWest UK Debt & Financing Solutions Management Team, Chair National investment committee, and a quorum member of the bank-wide Capital & Pricing approval committee. He led multiple business transformations leading geographically dispersed teams, while pioneering a culture led strategic approach. Prior to this he qualified as a Chartered Accountant with PwC.
Paul Shea, Managing Partner, said: “We have a long-established track record and commitment to providing debt financing to the UK lower mid-market and have closed 95+ transactions to date across the UK and Europe.
“Our success in sponsorless lending has been built around our commitment to this significant market opportunity and investing in a regional network that allows us to access local advisors to bring debt financing to all corners of the UK.
“We are delighted to welcome Richard to the team, who brings his regional and national experience and vision to our SME funds. This will accelerate our footprint, expand our support for borrowers and benefit our investors.”
Richard Smart, Managing Director, said: “The success of the Beechbrook Capital brand and the future growth aspirations in UK SME direct lending, creates a huge opportunity.
“I am excited to build on the three existing UK funds invested to date, and ultimately to make debt solutions available to a wider subset of companies, without the need for majority equity ownership.
“Offering differentiated and tailored financing solutions that align with borrowers’ needs is essential to fill the gap left by bank retrenchment, and beyond that, to help drive economic growth in the UK.”
Getech sells part of head office
Getech, a locator of subsurface resources needed for the world to decarbonise, has revealed the partial sale of its head office.
The company’s head office is located at Elmete Hall near Leeds, which comprises of three adjoining properties known as Kitson House, Nicholson House and The Old Hall, of which the company owned two properties: Kitson House, which is a 5,726 sq ft Grade 2 listed Georgian building, and Nicholson House, which is a modern 6,996 sq ft office building.
During Covid, the company vacated Kitson House to reduce costs and Getech staff are now located within Nicholson House.
Getech has now sold Kitson House for gross proceeds £0.65m. Getech intends to use the net proceeds of the sale to paydown bank debt secured on the property, which is currently in discussion with the bank, with the remainder retained by the business for working capital.
Meanwhile, the company continues to market Nicholson House for sale, with the intention of selling the property and moving to premises in central Leeds.
Richard Bennett, acting CEO, said: “We are pleased to have sold Kitson House and we will use the net proceeds to continue to develop the business.
“Although the property market remains challenging, we shall continue to offer Nicholson House to the market and use the proceeds to relocate within Leeds to more appropriate offices closer to the university and its innovative community.
“This will enhance the business as we accelerate the development of the Globe geoscience platform.”
Scunthorpe United transfers in new accountant
Scunthorpe United has welcomed back Louise Butler in the role of club accountant.
She previously spent 11 years at the club when she was Louise Whittaker, but that was almost nine years ago.
After leaving college, she spent over eight years at accountants Forrester Boyd before joining the Iron in January 2004. When she left in 2015, Louise went on to be Senior Management Accountant at the Press Association and then Financial Controller at Smiffys, but kept up her involvement with the Iron Foundation throughout that time.
Having been at the club as colleagues when owner Michelle Harness was Commercial Manager, Michelle said: “Louise has an amazing amount of experience, and was someone I was keen to add to our team. She will work tirelessly to get this side of the business back on track, and install a clear structure to help us move forward.”
Farm Electronics Ltd consolidates Grantham operation onto just one site
Dutch-owned Farm Electronics Ltd, which makes ventilation and refrigeration crop storage equipment, has moved from two sites in Grantham to just one on the town’s Mallard Business Park on Trent Road.
The new premises give the engineering firm almost 16,000 sq ft of warehouse and office accommodation on its own independent site within Park’s wider secure and gated setting.
Mallard Business Park is managed by Grantham Estates, which manages more than 200 properties across the East Midlands and Eastern region.
There are four units in total at Mallard Business Park where Farm Electronics Ltd joins operators and distributors from a range of sectors, including stone & porcelain tiling, sewing & crafting, and clothing care tools & accessories.
Adam Fryer, Commercial Director at Farm Electronics, said: “Our search had been low key for the past couple of years. While not retained as our agent, when Eddisons alerted us to availability at Mallard Business Park and brokered the introduction to Grantham Estates, it became clear that Unit 1 was the obvious location for the next phase of our planned business growth – which already sees us adding two new recruits this month to our current headcount of 13.”
James Moore, Estates Manager at Grantham Estates, added: “The park’s proximity to the A1 is one of its strongest features and, as such, Unit 1 attracted a number of enquiries after we began to market it last spring.
“However, following Eddisons introducing Farm Electronics to us, it was clear that this firm was in the best position to become the new tenant. That negotiations proceeded swiftly from there and concluded before the end of the year is a testament to the professionalism and focus of all parties involved.”
Former Leeds council official joins Eddison’s in new role as head of sustainability
Property consultancy Eddisons has appointed Nazar Soofi, former head of decarbonisation at Leeds City Council, to the new role of head of sustainability and decarbonisation.
The move marks a major strategic hire for the company as it launches its own sustainability centre of excellence, based at its Leeds head offices. Headed by Soofi, the new centre will act as a hub to provide leading-edge advice on carbon reduction and environmental best practice across the public and private sectors.
Credited with delivering the £50m decarbonisation programme at Leeds City Council that has become a global benchmark for sustainable urban development, Soofi has led the transformation of more than 80 sites in the city since 2021, including Leeds Town Hall, Civic Hall and Central Library, transitioning them from fossil fuels reliance to renewable energy.
Mr Soofi said: “I’m really excited to take on this new role with Eddisons, which as a business is ahead of the curve on sustainability. My appointment is testament to the fact that they are fully committed to supporting their clients to realising their net zero ambitions.
“The new centre of excellence will be an accessible one stop shop providing practical advice on anything from a cradle to grave project to troubleshooting, and the most practical ways to achieve sustainability aims. I am looking forward to working with private and public sector organisations and steering sustainable and environmentally conscious practices right across the UK.”
Anthony Spencer, Eddisons managing partner, said: “Naz is a leading light in the field of decarbonisation and sustainability and we are absolutely thrilled that he is joining Eddisons, where his contribution will enable us to make a step change in the services we can offer our clients in providing the very best advice and practical assistance on sustainability.
“We are passionate about sustainability and there is huge and growing demand from our clients for advice on best practice in this area. Headed by Naz, our new centre of excellence will be a ground-breaking facility that will act as a beacon in the progress to net zero.”
Harrogate agency wins award as top PR company
Harrogate-based sustainability communications consultancy Ethical Team Public Relations has been voted Specialist PR Agency of the Year in the Yorkshire Prestige Awards 2023/24.
The Yorkshire Prestige Awards 2023/24, dedicated to celebrating the achievements of SMEs, has acknowledged the Ethical Team for its outstanding contribution to supporting responsible businesses and propelling the narrative of sustainability communications.
Ethical Team founder Iain Patton said: “The success of Ethical Team PR stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to authentic brand news narratives while simultaneously fostering social equity and environmental sustainability.
“Our approach provides businesses with a flexible, ‘outside-in solution’ for purpose-driven organisations, enhancing their capacity to amplify their stories globally online and in broadcast media on vital topics such as climate change, science, health, and environmental challenges”.
UK Atomic Energy authority plans development of West Burton power station near Gainsborough
Thousands of jobs could be created in the wake of Bassetlaw District Council’s decision to approve the first stages of plans for a multi-billion-pound project transforming West Burton power station site to support the development of the UK’s prototype fusion energy plant.
It’s the STEP Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production – or STEP – programme, and it’s being ld by the UK Atomic Energy Authority
Bassetlaw District Council has approved plans for the first temporary building to be constructed on site, Coucnil leader James Naish said: “Delivering a prototype fusion energy plant at West Burton will bring massive investment to the area and is a game changer for our local economy.
“The granting of our first planning permission to the UKAEA and the first planning permission for new construction on the STEP site is a significant milestone for the Council. I look forward to more applications coming forward as the project continues to develop at West Burton over the next two decades.”
The temporary building will house project staff as they work on the plans to deliver a prototype fusion energy power station to prepare for future production of low carbon energy.
Fusion energy has great potential to deliver a safe and virtually limitless source of clean electricity, based on the same processes that power the sun.
James Cowan, Director of Programme Development for STEP as part of UKAEA Group said: “It’s going to be our first UKAEA base in North Nottinghamshire, and a location from which we can fulfil our vision of delivering a prototype fusion plant that moves us towards commercial viability.
“We are pleased to be working with Bassetlaw District Council on this programme of national significance. I hope this will be the first of many planning approvals in the future, helping us to collectively deliver social and economic benefits to the area.”
Rotherham-based printer commits £5m investment to create book binding division
Rotherham-based online printer instantprint is investing more than £5m in its latest factory upgrade with the creation of a book binding division.
Co-founder James Kinsella said: “The print market is highly competitive and to support our customers with high-quality books that make them look exceptional, we knew we need to invest in our factory to ensure that we can produce books at the highest quality and lowest unit cost. The first Landa press has fitted seamlessly into our workflow and has given us a lot more flexibility around what we can offer to our customers.”
“The area that the Landa is making the biggest impact is in booklet work, perfect bound books for example are printed as blocks and then run through our Kolbus KM600. The Landa has enabled much faster turnarounds as well as opening a wider range of materials that traditionally were only available on litho quantities.”
The launch and investment of the division has come directly from customer feedback. The printing giant is focusing heavily on guaranteed quality from their team of expert book makers with almost six decades of book printing experience and some of the worlds most advanced printing presses on hand.
The company has ordered a second printing press to bolster its operations in luxury and lay flat book printing, as well as stitched and perfect bound booklets – some of the fastest growing segments of the business.
As part of a broader £5m investment in its book printing division, the new seven-colour Landa S10P press will significantly enhance instantprint’s production capacity. The press will be integrated alongside the existing S10P in the instantprint workflow allowing a seamless flow from customer upload and approval through to printed sheets on the floor.
