Lincolnshire County Council’s sale of 10.28 acres of land at Kirton Distribution Park paves the way for Dhoot Transmission UK, known locally as Parkinson Harness Technology, to build a new factory making specialist vehicle parts.
Planning permission for the development, which could create 80 jobs, was granted last year.
David Earnshaw, MD at Parkinson Harness Technology, said: “The facility will enable the company to further develop our position as a leading supplier of High Voltage leads for the UK specialist vehicle market alongside our long standing Low Voltage product.
“When your bins are emptied, it is in part, with product made here in Lincolnshire. We’d like to thank both Lincolnshire County Council and Boston Borough Council for their critical help in putting this project together.”
Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy and place at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “This new factory will be a fantastic addition to the 27-acre Kirton Distribution Park, and Parkinson Harness Technologies will be joining other high profile businesses on the site such as Duckworth Jaguar Land Rover and Sportsbikeshop.
“All of the land here has now been allocated, and Kirton is another example of how the council is providing the investment to encourage businesses to start-up, re-locate and grow, in our county.”
Nuclear industry develops apprenticeship scheme for employees of the future
The Nuclear AMRC and AMRC Training Centre have together created the new Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer Degree Apprenticeship to develop graduate professionals with the skills to work across the UK’s current and future civil nuclear programmes.
Employers to attend this special event to find out more about the apprenticeship, and how you can use the programme to develop new talent in your company.
As well as introducing the scope and requirements of the course, the half-day event will include presentations from a range of nuclear industry representatives on the importance of the new degree apprenticeship and how it aligns with plans to tackle the skills shortage across the sector.
The event also provides an opportunity to see the industry-leading training facilities available at the AMRC Training Centre, close to the Nuclear AMRC on South Yorkshire’s Advanced Manufacturing Park.
The Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer Degree Apprenticeship has been developed with the support of industry partners including UKAEA, Westinghouse, Rolls-Royce, Sellafield and Jacobs. It is designed to provide the engineering and management skills needed to ensure that nuclear systems and equipment can be operated safely and efficiently and in an environmentally sustainable way.
Specialist modules include the principles of nuclear engineering, advanced manufacturing and materials for nuclear applications, and industry codes and standards. Depending on previous experience, the course will take up to five years to complete.
Yorkshire companies acquired by logistics group
Burnley-headquartered EFS Global has acquired a substantial group of companies including: YDL, Leeds Parcel Company and Pass the Parcel.
The group of companies service the pallet and parcel distribution sectors across five sites within North and West Yorkshire. The group of companies represents the largest acquisition EFS Global has made, adding more than £30m+ turnover to the group.
The day to day running of the companies will remain in the hands of the existing senior leadership teams with Jordan Kellett (director of EFS Global) overseeing from a wider group perspective.
This acquisition adds a further three trading companies to the 23 acquisitions the group has made since 2015. This also takes the site tally up to 40 premises throughout England and Scotland.
Jordan Kellett, director at EFS Global, said: “We begin 2024 with the incredibly exciting acquisition of these well-known and reputable companies. I am thrilled that we have managed to get our largest acquisition to date over the line, plugging some key areas of the country in North & West Yorkshire.
“We are not only acquiring well-known and reputable companies, but an extremely experienced team of people that I am excited to work with on both their own companies and the wider group.”
The corporate team at Davis Blank Furniss advised EFS Global on all transactional matters. The team was led by Sonio Singh, partner and head of the corporate department. He was supported by colleagues Lauren Sever, senior associate and Hannah Kay, trainee solicitor.
Sonio Singh added: “We were very pleased to once again advise the EFS Global team on its latest strategic acquisition. It is fantastic to see EFS continue to grow in what is a very competitive market and I am sure this deal will further augment their rapid reach across the UK.”
Aon names new Leeds-based partners
Aon plc, the professional services firm, has promoted two of its Leeds-based colleagues to partner.
Sue Austen has had a career in the UK pensions industry spanning over 30 years, the majority of which have been spent with Aon. She leads a team of over 100 colleagues who support trustees and in-house pensions teams in the management of their pension arrangements.
Sue said: “Having briefly held roles at other consultancies, it was joining Aon that provided me with the opportunities that have shaped my career.
“The mix of continuing to advise clients, developing industry-leading solutions, and holding management responsibilities provides genuine variety which, when combined with working with an inclusive and diverse team, makes this such an exciting role.
“The pensions industry continues to face challenges and with regulatory changes on the horizon, I am very much looking forward to continuing to work with clients and colleagues.”
Andrew Grime is a qualified actuary with over 20 years of pensions industry experience, advising a range of pension schemes, varying in size from £40 million to £4 billion.
With his breadth and depth of expertise, Andrew helps schemes set and execute long-term benefit and financing strategies, with a key emphasis on the risk settlement market, where he has a particular focus on the rapidly developing superfund and capital-backed journey plan market.
Andrew said: “I’ve spent my entire career at Aon and am privileged to be part of such a diverse and highly talented team.
“My role is all about helping clients solve problems, and the pace of change within the pensions industry has provided an enormous opportunity for sponsors and trustees to improve member outcomes, as well as providing exciting opportunities for colleagues looking to broaden their career paths.
“Becoming a partner will enable me not only to shape and influence wider business priorities, but also to focus on further developing the fantastic junior colleagues within the team, so they are equipped to support evolving client needs.”
Growth Hub supports Dales-based furniture maker
Yorkshire Dales-based furniture maker Tom Addison has been helped to boost his business with support from the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub.
He said: “I discovered the Growth Hub through a local business group that introduced me to business relationship manager Nick White. Our first meeting was online, and that’s when the journey began.”
Nick said: “Tom came as a referral to the Richmondshire Small Business Grant. Our online discussions led to helping Tom produce an application to the fund.”
Tome said:“I’ve received a lot of support through the Growth Hub, with signposts to various funding and potential grants. I secured the startup grant from Richmondshire District Council, amounting to £1,000, which I used towards a bandsaw. This has significantly improved what I’m able to do. It has allowed me to take on a broader range of jobs and produce intricate curved work.”
Beyond the funding, Tom highlighted the Growth Hub’s role in improving his digital marketing efforts. “I’ve received a lot of training on social media platforms, which I’ve made the most of. The Growth Hub has contributed to the growth of my business by providing me with the skills to promote my business online. I’ve created short videos, some of which have gone viral, and my audience has grown tenfold into the thousands of followers.”
Nick added: “Tom is typical of a small business in a rural area. His business is a good examplar for others working from home, but seeking a market outside their local area.”
Tom endorsed the Growth Hub, saying, “I recommend the Growth Hub to other businesses. It mentors in the early stages, providing ongoing support, a reliable point of contact for queries. Their experience and contacts can point you in the right direction. A fantastic springboard for young businesses.”
2024 Business Predictions: Dr Edward Ziff, Chairman and CEO, Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS)
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Dr Edward Ziff, Chairman and CEO at Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS).
As we enter the new year, Leeds’ property sector is poised for transformation amid discussions on the cost-of-living crisis, inflation and rising interest rates. I feel this shift in focus is expected to drive efforts in rebalancing and fortifying the UK economy, with a specific emphasis on enhancing major cities in the North.
Leeds is experiencing significant momentum in private rental and purpose-built student accommodations. Whilst anticipating a slowdown, I am confident that these sectors will remain resilient.
The working landscape in Leeds seems to have adopted a hybrid model, reshaping office demand and emphasising the importance of environmental credentials for prime offices. Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS) has promptly responded by prioritising high-quality, multi-tenanted schemes and we are now exploring alternative uses, including office-to-student-accommodation conversions for key sites.
In Leeds’ retail sector, grappling with online shopping challenges, our strategic portfolio diversification has reduced retail exposure from 60% to 19% over seven years. The focus persists on resilient segments such as food, discount stores, and convenience outlets and we expect this to continue.
Consumer preferences for sustainability are driving transformations in Leeds’ property sector, aligning seamlessly with TCS’s commitment to high environmental standards, EPC A ratings, and BREEAM Outstanding certifications. The planned expansion of our CitiPark and CitiCharge electric vehicle charging infrastructure will also further cater to Leeds’ evolving needs.
In conclusion, I hope our strategy stands resilient in navigating economic dynamics, leveraging strategic assets, adapting to work trends, and prioritising sustainability and I wish you all a prosperous 2024.
Sewell FM helps health centres reduce carbon footprint through lightbulb switch
Hull-based Sewell Facilities Management has worked with Hull Citycare to replace almost 7,000 light fittings with low-energy LEDs in 13 health centres across the city.
The final light of the programme was fitted by Sewell FM technicians Andy Richardson and Craig Webb at Elliott Chappell Health Centre, making Hull the only city to have all its health centres fully fitted with LEDs. Sean Henderson, MD of Sewell FM, who manage building maintenance for the health centres, said: “Changing a lightbulb in a health centre isn’t as easy as you think, as you need to close off the space, put up barriers and sometimes even bring in mobile elevating working platforms to reach fittings in higher and difficult to reach areas. It causes disruption for the building’s users and staff, takes our facilities team away from urgent jobs and then, a year or so after you’ve put the new lightbulb in, it needs replacing again. “After trialling LEDs at Bilton Health Centre, we knew the benefits that moving to LEDs would bring for the buildings, patients and our staff, so we agreed to pay for and fit the new lights to all the health centres ourselves. It was an ambitious target to get all the replacements completed within two years, and our technicians have worked really hard to get the job finished. Now we have much longer lasting lights that don’t need changing every year, they can put their time and energy into ensuring all our buildings stay in the best condition.” Tim Wigglesworth, Chief Executive of Hull Citycare, said: “Decarbonisation is at the top of everyone’s priority list at the moment, so when Sewell Facilities Management came to us saying they could reduce energy consumption and also save money, it seemed like a win-win situation. It’s already saving the health centres thousands of pounds every year, which is money that can be spent on clinical services and making the health centres even better for patients.”Financial services volumes dip in fourth quarter
The fourth quarter of 2023 saw financial services business volumes contract for the first time since June 2020, according to the latest CBI Financial Services Survey. Volumes are expected to be broadly flat over the next three months.
The quarterly survey, conducted between 21 November and 15 December, also showed that optimism and profitability were both flat across the quarter, with profitability set to fall in the three months to March. Headcount growth accelerated over the quarter and is expected to remain quick in the months ahead.
There was a mixed picture for investment intentions, with firms expecting to increase investment in IT and vehicles, plant & machinery, while cutting back on capital expenditure in land & buildings. Notably, this was the first survey since December 2014 in which FS firms expect to increase investment in vehicles, plant & machinery.
Key findings:
- Business volumes fell at a quick pace in the quarter to December (weighted balance of -23% from +27% in the quarter to September). Firms expect volumes to be broadly flat next quarter (-3%).
- Optimism was broadly unchanged in the quarter to December (-3%).
- Average spreads declined slightly in the quarter to December (-4% from +5% in September). Firms anticipate that spreads will fall at a quicker pace next quarter (-23%).
- The value of non-performing loans was broadly unchanged in the quarter to December (+3% from +8% in September) but is expected to grow marginally next quarter (+4%).
- Profitability was broadly flat in the quarter to December (-3% from +13% in September) but is set to fall next quarter (-19%).
- Headcount grew at a fast rate in the quarter to December (+46% from +34% in September). Firms expect headcount growth to ease next quarter, while remaining quick overall (+32%).
- Firms expect to increase investment in IT and vehicles, plant & machinery in the next 12 months (compared to the last 12). Capital expenditure on land & buildings is set to be cut back.
- Uncertainty about demand was the most commonly cited factor likely to limit investment in the next 12 months (53% from 47% in September).
- The share of firms citing cost of finance as a potential limiting factor for future investment declined noticeably from last quarter (9% from 28% in September).
Farmers could get £25,000 flood recovery grants, says NFU
The support has been made available for those affected by Storm Henk through Defra’s Flood Recovery Framework, which is used in exceptional circumstances to support councils and communities following severe flooding.
Farmers who have suffered uninsurable damage to their land will be able to apply for the funding to go towards repair and reinstatement costs.
As was the case with Storm Babet, farmers should also be eligible for up to £2,500 from the Business Recovery Grant to help them return quickly to business as usual, says the NFU, and up to £5,000 from the Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme to help make their homes and businesses more resilient to future flooding.
NFU Deputy President Tom Bradshaw welcomed the news on the funding and said the NFU would be looking through the details carefully to see what is covered and who is eligible to apply. “Many areas of the country are continuing to experience devastating floods and our thoughts are with those communities affected.
“Thousands of acres of productive farmland are still under water and many crops are not going to survive the winter with the huge financial stress and misery that brings.
“We are continuing to monitor the situation and supporting our members via our network of contacts in the Environment Agency and local authorities.”
Defra Secretary Steve Barclay said: “45,000 properties are already protected thanks to our flood defences, and I would like to pay tribute to the work of Environment Agency teams, first responders, and others.
“For those who have sadly been affected, our Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme will soon be open to help residents protect their property in the future, while our Farming Recovery Fund will support farmers who have suffered damage as they work to put food on our tables.”
The Farming Recovery Fund is triggered following exceptional weather events and was last made available in 2019/20.
Leeds engineering group expands into the Midlands with Birmingham office opening
Leeds-based engineering consultancy the JPG Group has expanded its reach by setting up a new base in Birmingham’s Cornwall Buildings from which it will seek to expand its area of operation.
JPG provides civil and structural engineering consultancy services and currently employs 45 people at its Leeds HQ. New team members will join the Midlands office under the leadership of long-serving board director, David Allwood, who said: “We see fantastic opportunities in the Midlands, particularly in the feasibility support on strategic sites identified for much needed new residential conurbations as highlighted in the Birmingham Development Plan.
“Whilst we have an established project portfolio across the whole of the UK, having a more permanent base in the Midlands will allow us to expand our regional project pipeline with a team that can also more readily deliver projects in the South. This strategic move forms an important milestone in our growth plans.”
JPG Group has expertise in every aspect of civil and structural engineering from initial site investigation, detailed civil and structural engineering design and construction support. The team also offers dedicated consultancy services in Strategic Land Engineering, Geospatial Analysis and BIM Services.
Recently completed projects include St Hilary’s Retail Park, in Basildon, Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth and 640,000 sq ft of strategic logistics development at Integra 61, in Country Durham.
Business conditions are improving in South Yorkshire, says new report
Business conditions are improving across South Yorkshire, according to the region’s latest Infrastructure survey.
But the survey also says it’s worth noting that organisations are continuing to face significant inflationary pressures, and that many of them are forecasting an imminent rise in the costs of their goods and services.
Conducted by the three regional Chambers of Commerce — for Doncaster, Sheffield and Barnsley & Rotherham — this questionnaire ran between November and December 2023, and was used to gauge the views of local business owners on a wide range of different issues.
Chief Execs for all three South Yorkshire Chambers issued the following joint statement:“While none of our results are especially surprising — given the current macroeconomic climate and the assorted headwinds that businesses are contending with — they are nevertheless incredibly revealing.
“Although there have been tentative improvements in sales figures and order books, growth remains weak across South Yorkshire and several factors are putting additional pressure on firms at the moment; most notably high levels of inflation, rising interest rates and corporate taxation. Meanwhile, recruitment continues to be a perennial sticking point for many organisations in the region, with 85% of the firms that have tried to recruit in this last quarter having struggled to do so.
“Of course, these findings are in line with the national trends being observed by our umbrella body, The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) right now. As such, we are echoing their call for a long-term plan for growth from the Government, and are similarly urging politicians to remain focused on growing the economy and helping businesses thrive, as they head into a noisy election year.
“On the subject of South Yorkshire’s transport infrastructure, our survey respondents made it clear that improvements are widely needed. The majority of organisations (65%) reported that they are facing regular delays on the roads, while over a third of them also pointed out similar problems with our rail networks and our public transportation services.
“In turn, these various issues are leading to increased travel costs for firms, restricted access to prospective employees and even the loss of some business opportunities.”
Peter Kennan and Sam Chapman, Co-Chairs for the South Yorkshire Transport Forum, added: “These findings are very much aligned with what businesses have previously told us and reaffirm many of our own priorities. It is particularly clear that opportunities to enhance business at home and abroad are being negatively impacted by poor infrastructure in the region, which is why we must continue to press for investment in our road networks, railways, trams and buses.”
Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, said: “I’m grateful for this report, and the insight it offers into the challenges facing our businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators. It offers yet more evidence that our shared priorities are the right ones: better public transport, skilling up our communities, and making economic growth a priority. Because I am determined to build a bigger, better economy in South Yorkshire.
“Of course that has to be a partnership between the public and private sector, and between us here in the region and national government. None of the challenges we face are easy to overcome but I will do everything I can to help our brilliant businesses to thrive, and continue to push Westminster to do the same.”
Outdoor furniture manufacturer attracts multi-million pound investment
Akula Living, a marine-grade outdoor furniture manufacturer to hospitality and cruise operators, has attracted a multi-million pound investment from BGF.
Founded by CEO Tim Appleton in 2009, Akula is a Yorkshire export success story, which counts global brands such as Royal Caribbean, Four Seasons, Holland America, Marriott, and Hilton among its list of clients.
With 95% of sales to overseas markets, the company was recently honoured by the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade 2023.
Tim Appleton, CEO at Akula Living, said: “We’ve achieved strong growth to date, but wanted to partner with an investor who could help us to supercharge our ambitions.
“When you combine our experience, originating from a nearly 100-year legacy of textile manufacturing, with BGF’s expertise and track record of scaling businesses, we’re a force to be reckoned with. This latest investment will not only enhance the company’s market position but also contribute significantly to the broader economy.”
The partnership was led by Chris Boyes and James Baker, investors in BGF’s Yorkshire team, with BGF portfolio director Becky Odam joining Akula’s board on completion. Andy Dunkley has been named non-executive chair (NXC), having been introduced via BGF’s Talent Network – one of the UK and Ireland’s largest groups of board-level non-executives.
Chris Boyes, investor at BGF, said: “Akula is a fantastic company, which has demonstrated excellent growth, partnering with some of the world’s most recognisable brands in the hotel and cruise industries.
“We’ve been hugely impressed by Tim and the team and look forward to working together to achieve our global ambitions for the business.”
Doncaster distribution warehouse acquired for £21.2m
LondonMetric Property Plc has completed the acquisition of a long-let distribution warehouse in Doncaster for £21.2 million.
The 264,000 sq ft regional logistics warehouse is let to Next for a further 13 years at a rent of £1.42 million p.a.
Andrew Jones, Chief Executive of LondonMetric, said: “As the UK economy reaches an inflection point on both inflation and interest rates, we are increasingly attracted to triple net leased assets that have strong income compounding characteristics and certainty of growth.
“We have continued to successfully exit non-core assets and reinvest into sectors that benefit from structural tailwinds. We have now, based on purchase value, disposed of 39% of the Mucklow portfolio.”
LondonMetric was advised by GV & Co.
2024 Business Predictions: Matt Sheridan, Senior Fundraising Manager, St Luke’s Hospice
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Matt Sheridan, Senior Fundraising Manager at St Luke’s – Sheffield’s Hospice, who shares predictions on corporate fundraising trends in 2024.
In 2024, the UK hospice sector is anticipated to witness a paradigm shift in corporate fundraising strategies, aligning with evolving societal values and technological advancements. Corporations will increasingly prioritise purpose-driven initiatives, fostering long-term partnerships with hospices to create meaningful social impact. Collaborations will transcend traditional philanthropy, focusing on innovative campaigns tailored to engage employees and customers.
Personalised and immersive experiences will drive corporate involvement, leveraging augmented reality and virtual reality to offer stakeholders a first-hand understanding of the hospice’s mission and impact. Interactive digital platforms will facilitate employee engagement, encouraging more people to volunteer and fundraise, fostering a sense of shared purpose among staff.
Moreover, sustainability and environmental consciousness will influence fundraising approaches, with companies emphasising eco-friendly events and initiatives that resonate with both the hospice cause and broader societal concerns. Collaborative efforts will prioritise community-building events, leveraging social media and crowdfunding to amplify reach and garner support from diverse demographics.
Partnerships will evolve beyond monetary contributions, emphasising skill-based volunteering, pro-bono services, and knowledge-sharing sessions to empower hospice staff and optimise operations. The symbiotic relationship between corporations and hospices will shift towards a more strategic, integrated, and mutually beneficial alliance, driving innovative fundraising strategies rooted in shared values and amplified social impact.
Knaresborough firm acquires Newcastle-based financial advice business
Knaresborough-based independent financial adviser and employee benefits consultants Prosperis Limited has acquired long-established Newcastle-based financial advice business Stephen McDine Limited.
Niall Gunn, Chief Executive Officer and founder of Prosperis Ltd., said: “We are delighted to have been able to acquire such a high-quality business, allowing us to continue to provide clients with an excellent level of service going forward.
“As an independently owned business, this acquisition will greatly benefit all clients. We are on track to add further locations within the Northeast as we continue with our growth plans.”
Paul Meehan, chairman, said: “These are exciting times for the whole Prosperis team, and we remain very acquisitive. The purchase of the Stephen McDine business sets us up nicely as we now move to the next phase of our strategy to buy more businesses. We expect to complete on another deal before the end of Q1 2024 in addition to further senior hires.”
Prosperis was established over 20 years ago and is based in Knaresborough. It manages in excess of £450m of client assets, employs 30 staff, and provides individual and corporate advice to more than 1,200 individual clients and businesses throughout the region.
LCF Law makes high-profile appointment in insolvency division
Experienced insolvency lawyer, Natalie Nattress, has become the latest partner to join LCF Law’s specialist insolvency division in the firm’s Leeds city centre office.
Natalie joins LCF Law from Knights and has worked in insolvency in Leeds for more than 22 years, dealing with all types of business recovery scenarios, as well as handling large scale investigations in bankruptcy and liquidation estates.
She now predominantly specialises in contentious insolvencies and deceased insolvent estates, which often involves investigating where money and assets are, before seeking to recover them on behalf of financial institutions, insolvency practitioners and individuals.
She will work alongside the insolvency division’s existing partners, comprising of Jo Barnes and Wayne Parker, as well as its additional four lawyers in the team who handle all types of corporate and personal insolvency cases.
Natalie said: “I’ve known Jo professionally for more than 20 years and although we’ve never worked for the same firm before, our paths have crossed many times. It’s always apparent that we have a similar way of working and both Jo and Wayne are also renowned for offering solid, no nonsense commercial advice, which is something I pride myself on, so there’s no doubt we will complement each other.
“Plus, LCF Law has a reputation for having strong core values and being a quality employer, which all combined to make this an appealing career move for me.”
LCF Law’s head of insolvency, Jo Barnes, added: “Natalie is very well-known in the world of insolvency and adds significant experience and expertise to our team. Her appointment also comes at a time of very high demand for our services due to our strong track record for securing victories in several landmark legal cases, as well as businesses being forced to navigate the current challenges facing certain areas of the economy.
“Natalie is therefore a very welcome addition to our team and there’s no doubt that her track-record in solving her clients’ financial problems will further strengthen the level of service and expertise that we are renowned for.”
Specialist pensions law firm bolsters team with two new associates
Pension lawyers Clare Pollard and Tom Cosgrove have joined Arc Pensions Law’s Leeds and London offices.
Clare brings broad pensions expertise to the firm, having grown her pensions practice during her seven-year tenure at Squire Patton Boggs.
She has wide-ranging experience advising clients on matters including the interpretation of scheme rules, eligibility for scheme benefits, scheme amendments, trust deed and rules re-writes, investments, pensions litigation and PPF entry/eligibility.
Tom joins from a position as a manager in the pensions legal team at PwC. He is proficient in both contentious and non-contentious matters, with notable expertise in matters relating to liability management exercises, corporate restructuring member complaints, and advice on the pensions aspects of corporate transactions.
Anna Rogers, senior partner, said: “Our clients continue to face pensions issues on every front – surplus, deficit, compliance, consolidation, insurance and M&A – and we’re delighted to welcome Tom and Clare to our growing team.”
High volume dispensing pharmacy sold to Lincolnshire operator
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold D L Ogle Pharmacy in Worcester to a Lincolnshire operator.
D L Ogle is a standard hours community pharmacy that dispenses an average of 12,000 items per month and is located in the Worcester city suburb of St Johns.
The business has been owned by David Ogle and his family for more than 30 years and was brought to market in 2023 to enable family members to either retire or pursue different business interests.
Following a confidential sales process with Carl Steer at Christie & Co, it has been purchased by brothers Ali and Mohammed Talib, Tapiwa Masamha and Chikondi Mlia, who also own Gohil’s Pharmacy and Whistlers Pharmacy in Lincolnshire, the latter also being sold by Christie & Co.
Carl Steer, director – Pharmacy at Christie & Co, says: “The sale was confidentially marketed but, within just a few days, interest was achieved from multiple parties, and we were able to present our client with an acceptable offer – this was a truly remarkable achievement but one that the long-standing business deserved.
“The buyers own two sizeable pharmacies in the East Midlands and now add this well-performing profitable pharmacy to their portfolio. It was a pleasure to deal with everyone on the deal.”
D L Ogle Pharmacy was sold freehold for an undisclosed price.
Lindum Group applies for permission to develop Overfield Park near Newark
Lincoln-based Lindum Group has submitted an Outline Planning Application to Newark and Sherwood Council to create an additional 450,000 sq ft floorspace of employment land at Overfield Park, Newark.
Subject to planning approval Lindum will buy 12 acres of the land to be included in the development from Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society, providing an economic boost for the Showground and expanding the current Overfield Park development to provide future employment opportunities for the district.
Dean Bower, Senior Development Manager at Lindum Group, said: “This is a very exciting opportunity to continue expanding our Overfield Park development. This application shows the confidence in Overfield Park and its location within Newark and Sherwood District Council against an uncertain economic backdrop. This application is outline in nature to be flexible to suit occupier requirements. Across the development we can provide units from 10,000 sq ft up to large, strategic industrial and warehouse units.
“We are pleased to help generate further investment and employment opportunities in the region, whilst providing a revenue for our neighbour and local charity, Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society. Subject to planning approval we can react quickly to deliver opportunities within 12 months.
“We have already seen the success of current occupiers of the site, with John Deere, Wirtgen, and Starbucks. Not only are these successes testament to the opportunities available from this next phase, but the location of the Starbucks providing food and refreshments on site will also be of appeal to future occupiers.”
A spokesperson for the Agricultural Society said: “The Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society has agreed to release an area of under-used land in the South-West corner of the Showground, which has largely been surplus to operational requirements for some time. The Society is pleased to have agreed the sale of the land to Lindum Group as an extension to the existing Overfield Business Park for the development of business and commercial units. This development will generate much needed employment and enhance economic prospects for the district in this strategic location.
“The impact on our operational activities and customers will be limited and will be readily offset using alternative arrangements. Part of the agreement will also facilitate an additional multi-mode, all-purpose entrance/exit for the Showground via Godfrey Drive (and the A17), which we are sure will be welcomed by everyone and will help with access and egress to some of the existing events held on the site and in particular assist with mitigating the occasional weekend congestion on the A46 Winthorpe roundabout.”
The application follows on from another recent application at Overfield Park for 129,000 sq ft of employment land which was submitted in July 2023 and is nearing planning determination. The combined plans highlight further significant investment in the Newark development, creating additional jobs and economic growth in the district.
Road closures planned as contractors start work on A180 bridges
Vital structural repairs are being planned to ensure the main road into Grimsby and Cleethorpes can safely carry traffic in the decades ahead.
The project, one of the most important of its kind along the A180, is being supported by £8m of funding from the Department of Transport, secured by North East Lincolnshire Council due to the importance of the road for the borough’s economic and visitor growth in the future.
Contractors VSL have been awarded the first contract for doing the works to two of the bridges that was released last year. The third structure is subject to a separate contract which will be tendered shortly, informed by the survey works that were undertaken in November.
Next week, another set of high-tech surveys on the bridges need to be undertaken to help map out in greater detail the structural defects which will enable the works programme to be finalised.
The surveys will be undertaken from today for six nights, and will involve overnight closures to reduce disruption to businesses and residents as much as possible. The closures on the bridges will only be on the bridges, and localised diversions will be in place for each closure.
Each night, from 8pm to 6am, individual closures will be put in place overnight as follows (please note, the bridges will be opened as soon as works are completed each night):
- Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 January – full closure of Gilbey Road flyover
- Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 January – full closure of Alexandra Dock flyover
- Friday 12 and Saturday 13 January – full closure of Cleethorpe Road flyover.
