All fuel retailers to be forced to come clean on road fuel profits or face large fines

Stuart Pearcey
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All fuel retailers to be forced to come clean on road fuel profits or face large fines
UK motorists will be protected at the pumps under tough new powers designed to shine a light on attempts from retailers to hike up fuel prices unfairly. Under new amendments tabled to the Digital Markets, Competition & Consumers Bill, the CMA will become the body responsible for closely monitoring road fuel prices and reporting any sign of malpractice to the government. The move aims to help improve competition in the market, making sure customers across the country are given a fair choice of prices when they buy fuel. Fuel retailers, including supermarkets, will be forced to come clean on how much they are charging customers on their forecourts versus their profits. Those that fail to comply could face a fixed fine from the watchdog of up to 1% of their worldwide turnover, or an ongoing fine of up to 5% of daily turnover. Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho cautioned retailers that she will not hesitate to hold them to account, if there is any evidence of unfairly hiking up prices and holding back savings from UK motorists. The warning follows a report from the CMA earlier this year that revealed some supermarkets had failed to pass on savings in oil prices – charging drivers 6p more per litre for fuel, which amounted to £900 million in extra costs in 2022 alone. It forms the latest step in the government’s drive to halve inflation and reduce costs for families across the country. Claire Coutinho said: “At a time when many were struggling with increased living costs, we saw shocking behaviour from some fuel retailers who failed to pass on savings at the pump. Now we are cracking down on any petrol station bosses found to be unfairly hiking up their prices.

“That’s why we’re giving the CMA new powers to bring fairness back to the forecourts and make sure UK drivers get a competitive fuel price.”

Work is already under way from the CMA to step up their oversight of the fuel market. Last week, the watchdog published their first road fuel monitoring report – which found that there may be some early signs the road fuel market is not working as it should be, but it is too early to confirm. Although many retailers have voluntarily increased transparency of their costs and returns, the CMA also revealed that Shell and Moto-way had failed to meet their information requests, despite calls from the Energy Security Secretary to do so. On top of this, twelve of the biggest retailers, including all four fuel-selling supermarkets, have already signed up to the CMA’s voluntary scheme to share daily price data – allowing news outlets and websites to create price comparison tools for customers to easily compare costs. The government is progressing plans to make this legal requirement for fuel retailers to share daily price information that will help customers to easily shop around for deals. A consultation on the design of government’s open data scheme is due to launch this autumn. Minister for Energy Consumer and Affordability Amanda Solloway said: “Today marks an important step in our commitment to stand by UK drivers as we continue to keep costs down for families. “I’m pleased to see many retailers cooperate with the CMA so far, to share their price information and bring competition back to our petrol stations.

“I now urge comparison sites and others to get onboard to help UK motorists find the best local price for their fuel.”

New hire at Leeds-based architects

Stuart Pearcey
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New hire at Leeds-based architects
Leeds-based Watson Batty Architects has appointed John Nall to its team. He is a highly experienced architect with particular skills in the high-rise sector.  His involvement with several prestige projects, overseeing delivery of around 2,000 Build-to-Rent homes in Leeds over the last four years, brings a significant boost to the Watson Batty residential design proposition. Watson Batty MD Peter White said: “We are very pleased to be able to report sustained growth at Watson Batty with an increasing workload across both Leeds and Loughborough.  This is boosted particularly through the education, leisure, later living and care sectors where there is continued client investment and a commitment to deliver, UK wide. “Our ongoing success is reward for our commitment to investment in new talent over the past few years that has placed us in such a strong position. We are acutely aware of the rapidly changing agenda for the built environment, not least through sustainability and net zero carbon commitments, and this has been our primary, future focused approach for clients.” The company, currently trading ten percent ahead of its £3.3m turnover target just six months into its current financial year, has recently worked on new educational facilities with Tilbury Douglas and ISG, as well as further successes with Algeco via the Modern Methods of Construction framework. The later living and care sector continues to expand through clients Exemplar and Torsion, whilst recent leisure sector successes include new build projects in Goole and Caerphilly which is part funded via the Governments levelling up fund. Employing a team of 35 people, the practice is credited for a number of major public and private sector projects including schools, universities, sport and leisure, distribution facilities, commercial, master planning, residential and care developments and transport hubs. Its team is also involved with the RIBA Student Mentoring Programme at the University of Sheffield, De Montfort University in Leicester, and Loughborough University.

New HR manager for Sheffield solicitors

Tess Egginton
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New HR manager for Sheffield solicitors
Wake Smith Solicitors in Sheffield has appointed a new HR manager to further develop its workplace culture, people policies and industry accreditations.Laura Bathgate, who lives in Rotherham, studied law before moving into HR, gaining chartered membership status MCIPD in 2020 and then working across South Yorkshire at in-house roles in solicitors and manufacturers.Her role will be to undertake all aspects of HR at Wake Smith including managing recruitment and selection processes; facilitating training and development; co-ordinating provision of benefits and continuously reviewing and improving HR practices from talent management to employee satisfaction.Laura said: “I am delighted to join Wake Smith. I am all about people and culture, and this is exactly the right fit for me here. It’s clear Wake Smith has strong values of integrity, loyalty and quality, and a positive culture, created by great people across the firm. “I’m looking forward to supporting Wake Smith’s directors in developing its people strategy and collaborative and supportive environment further, where everyone can feel invested in, and excel.”Ivor Donn, finance director at Wake Smith, said: “We are excited to welcome Laura as our new HR manager. Her extensive experience in human resources and strong people skills make her a valuable addition to our firm.“We have already made great strides to build a positive workplace culture, and we hope Laura will play a crucial role in fostering further employee engagement, creating effective policies, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.“Wake Smith values collaboration, communication, and innovation, and we believe Laura’s expertise will help us achieve our goals.”

CBRE demonstrates ongoing commitment to retail with senior regional hire

Tess Egginton
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CBRE demonstrates ongoing commitment to retail with senior regional hire
Real estate advisor, CBRE, has appointed Stephen Proudley as executive director and head of Northern retail. Stephen will be responsible for spearheading CBRE’s retail offering in the North, using his knowledge, regional expertise and extensive client relationships to further elevate CBRE’s position in the sector. Stephen joins from Savills, where he has been a director in the retail team for over five years. Prior to this, he was head of North West transactional agency at Lambert Smith Hampton following the firm’s acquisition of Tushingham Moore in 2015. Stephen was one of five equity partners at Tushingham Moore, having joined in 1997. Stephen has advised on some of the largest occupier transactions and flagship acquisitions across the shopping centre, out-of-town and high street sectors, with clients including Primark, Next and other major retailers. Stephen’s appointment demonstrates CBRE’s continued commitment to its retail growth strategy, following the firm’s acquisitions of UK asset management and development management firm, Sovereign Centros earlier this month, and independent retail and leisure property consultancy, CWM last year. John Ogden, Managing Director for the North at CBRE, said: “Stephen brings with him a wealth of experience and has become a recognised, trusted advisor to many leading retailers, notably in the North. His appointment adds regional depth and gravitas to our 125-strong retail team at a strategic, senior level, further enhancing our ability to provide best-in-class service to our clients.” Stephen Proudley added: “It’s an exciting time to be working in the retail sector, following years of rapid change brought about by evolving consumer shopping habits and the growing demand for experience-led offerings. Activity levels are high, with occupiers seeing the true value of bricks-and-mortar stores and I’m really looking forward to joining CBRE at a time of significant opportunity.”

Leeds private equity house invests in facilities management provider

Tess Egginton
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Leeds private equity house invests in facilities management provider
Leeds-based private equity house Key Capital Partners has completed a significant minority investment in Smarter Services Limited. Smarter provides facilities management services to local housing authorities, corporate landlords and regulated medical clients. Based in Walton-on-Thames, Smarter was established in 2006 with a focus on commercial cleaning services. Over the past few years, the business has built an enviable reputation in the Facilities Management sector by expanding its breadth of services into fire doors and grounds maintenance. Through its acquisition of Low Cost Cleaning in April 2023, Smarter has further diversified its offering into the regulated medical sector. The investment was led for Key by Philip Duquenoy and Sandeep Banga. Key were advised by Addleshaw Goddard (Legal), HMT (Financial and Tax), PwC (Commercial), RPL (Commercial), GB3 (Technology), AON (Insurance) and Stratton HR (Management). SSL’s shareholders were advised by Lock Dutton (Corporate Finance), Azets (Tax) and Hart Brown (Legal). Investment manager, Sandeep Banga said: “We are delighted to partner with Smarter Services. Jason and his team have embedded an unparalleled culture of delivering a high-quality and environmentally focused service offering to Smarter’s client base. “The recent acquisition has demonstrated Smarter’s ability as a platform for further acquisitions within Facilities Management, a sector that possesses a credible buy-and-build opportunity. The potential for future M&A and the organic growth plan were key considerations for our investment.” The highly experienced management team, led by Jason Southwell (CEO), Ryan Meredith (Finance), Ian Whittingham (Business Development), Michael Poppa (Operations) and Kye Gbangbola (Non-Executive Director), will remain in the business. CEO, Jason Southwell said: “As founder, the Smarter Services Board and I are delighted to be partnering with Key on the next stage of our growth. The partnership will bring many opportunities for our incredibly talented team to grow with the business, as we continue making a difference in the Facilities Management and Commercial Cleaning sector. “Key share our passion for delivering market leading solutions and service levels. We are now uniquely positioned to capitalise on the current trends driving industry growth and consolidation.” This is the fifth investment from KCP IX.

Scampton-area businesses invited to meeting to discuss site’s future

Stuart Pearcey
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Scampton-area businesses invited to meeting to discuss site’s future

At the end of this month businesses operating around RAF Scampton will be given the opportunity to take part in an informed discussion about development of the site at Scampton to be used for asylum accommodation.

The event will provide an opportunity to gain insight into the Home Office’s proposals, engage in thoughtful discussions and provide reassurances to your concerns. Security will be tight. Bookings must be made by registering through Eventbrite and provision of a business address. Upon arrival, a security personnel will verify identities and proof of addres, requiring production of a valid form of identification and proof of address documentation to establish your work address is within the catchment area. Anyone failing to meet the criteria will not be permitted to attend the event. Ticket sales will end at3pm on Wednesday 29 November, and the event will take place at the Lincolnshire Showground on Thursday 30th November at 6.30pm.

New shipping service links Hull to the Baltic ports

Stuart Pearcey
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New shipping service links Hull to the Baltic ports
A new weekly service to ABP’s Port of Hull has begun, bringing vessels from Riga in Latvia and Helsinki in Finland. Operated by Samskip, it will connect Rotterdam, Helsinki, Riga, and Hull, and has been launched in response to demand for a reliable short sea service from the Baltic Sea and a high level of customer care and reliability will be their trademark on this route. Simon Bird, Regional Director for the Humber ABP ports said: “This is a great addition for the market. The new service will give existing and new customers the opportunity to connect directly with the UK as Hull is ideally located for the east west corridor and access to the Midlands and the North. “This major new trade link between northern Europe Baltic area and East Yorkshire adds an option for shippers looking to reduce their cost and carbon emission, which sits in with our Ready for Tomorrow vision.” Richard Beales, UK Regional Director for Samskip said: “We are excited to have established Samskip’s first direct call from Finland and Latvia to the UK. This new dedicated short sea product offers our clients reliability of transit, coupled with the ability to help decarbonize their products journey to market. Our home port of Hull offers an ideally situated gateway for onwards delivery to the major hubs in the North and Midlands.” Hull Container Terminal and Immingham Container Terminal are desirable locations for cargoes destined for the UK locations in the North and the Midlands. The Port of Hull is one of the leading ports for general cargo and is located two and a half hours from five of the UK’s largest cities. More than £50 million pounds has been invested into the Humber container terminals, including an automated gate entry system, new cranes, electric vehicles, and land expansion, which are preparing the ports for future growth without impacting productivity. The Humber’s provision to serve the container sector goes from strength to strength. The extra space and equipment are evidence of the growing value the terminals have in the economic life of the North of England and the Midlands. Samskip, a global logistics company, also operates a Humber-based owned truck fleet and customs brokerage activities.

Major milestone marked for affordable housing scheme

Tess Egginton
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Major milestone marked for affordable housing scheme
Leeds Federated Housing Association has brought residents and councillors from Leeds City Council together for a ground-breaking event for its latest affordable housing development in Oulton. Partly funded through Homes England’s Strategic Partnership with Accent Housing, as part of the Government’s Affordable Homes Programme (AHP) 2021-26, the regeneration of Sugar Hill Close and Wordsworth Drive by Yorkshire-based contractor Termrim Construction will see a total of 70 homes delivered. Leeds City Council’s executive board will next week be asked to approve a grant of £2.8m that will enable Leeds Federated to increase the number of affordable rented homes across the scheme, which on completion will comprise a mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses for local people. The not-for-profit housing provider purchased the site last year with plans to replace its existing prefabricated Airey homes, built in the 1940s by the National Coal Board as a temporary solution to the post-war housing crisis, with much-needed affordable housing. Most of the original development was regenerated nearly 30 years ago, providing modern homes on Shelley Crescent and Oulton Drive, with the remaining Airey homes on Sugar Hill Close and Wordsworth Drive the last to be redeveloped. Phase one of the development is expected to complete next autumn with the first 10 homes allocated to residents currently living on Sugar Hill Close and Wordsworth Drive who have regulated or assured tenancies. Leeds Federated is also working closely with the council to enable former residents who did not have assured or regulated tenancies to be given, where possible, an opportunity to move into the newly built affordable rented homes. Residents will benefit from solar panels installed across the scheme, with each home built to high energy efficiency standards and achieving an EPC-B rating. Kim Brear, chair at Leeds Federated Housing Association, said: “Over the last year we have worked closely with residents and the council to move forward with the redevelopment of Sugar Hill Close and Wordsworth Drive. “We want to ensure the new scheme is a place that people want to move to and enjoy living in, and I would like to thank everyone involved for positively engaging with our team who are wholeheartedly committed to not just developing affordable housing but helping people to make a home. “It’s great to see phase one of the demolition complete and I look forward to seeing the homes take shape over the next year.” Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing, said: “Increasing the provision of good-quality, energy-efficient and affordable housing forms a key part of our efforts to ensure Leeds is a place that has opportunities and communities for all. “The regeneration of Sugar Hill Close and Wordsworth Drive is a great example of how ambitious thinking and partnership working can help us achieve that aim, and it was a pleasure to attend the ground-breaking ceremony at the site. “The council has worked hard to support both current and former residents during the recent period of change for this tight-knit community, and I look forward to seeing how the scheme now takes shape in the months and years to come.” Gerry Doherty, construction manager at Termrim Construction, said: “We are really pleased to be working with Leeds Federated to deliver this exciting new development which will bring new and affordable homes to Oulton. “At Termrim Construction we are dedicated to improving communities and the lives of those within them and we are looking forward to building these new quality homes and bringing them to reality for our client and the new homeowners. “Having met with the existing residents as part of our contractor engagement sessions we are excited to have them join us on this journey.” The regeneration of Sugar Hill Close and Wordsworth Drive will be completed in phases, with the development expected to be completed in 2026.

Government plans crackdown on food delivery drivers to weed out illegal workers

Stuart Pearcey
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Government plans crackdown on food delivery drivers to weed out illegal workers
Food delivery firms such as Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat have been urged by the government to conduct checks on all delivery drivers, to protect the British public and prevent illegal working. Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick has demanded an end to the practice of unchecked account sharing, known as ‘substitutions’, by implementing stricter controls. Under the current model, food delivery companies allow account holders to substitute deliveries to multiple people who are not checked by the companies. This means customers have no way of knowing whether the person who hands over their order has been properly vetted, and the delivery companies do not know if the delivery driver has the right to work in the UK. In a letter to each company ahead of a meeting with them the Minister called for the practice to end, warning that the substitution business model is enabling illegal working, allowing exploitation and putting the British public at risk. He said: “When someone orders a takeaway to their home, they deserve to know that the person arriving at their door has been properly vetted and is who they’re expecting. “Unchecked account sharing places the public at risk, enables – and therefore encourages – illegal migration, and leads to the exploitation of workers. That’s why I’m calling on these companies to end the use of unverified substitution.

“We’re taking the action needed to safeguard the British public and prevent the scourge of illegal working. It is critical these companies work with us to achieve this.”

The government is calling on firms to introduce stricter vetting measures to make sure people representing each company are allowed to work in the UK, and do not have a criminal record. Immigration Enforcement teams have already ramped up action targeting illegal working in the food delivery sector, conducting over 250 enforcement visits and making over 380 arrests involving food delivery drivers so far this year. The Home Office has led engagement with Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Just Eat over recent months. In August, an agreement was secured with the businesses to strengthen existing recruitment processes and improve awareness of illegal working in the UK. The government will continue to work with the food delivery sector to build on this cooperation and prevent illegal working.

Deirdre joins Clarion as senior associate

Stuart Pearcey
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Deirdre joins Clarion as senior associate
Senior associate Deirdre Lindsay has joined Clarion’s 52-strong real estate practice as it continues to expand. Having spent the last six years at a national listed law firm, working as part of its residential development team, Deirdre further strengthens the Yorkshire firm’s offering. She has experience of advising housebuilders, landowners and developers, large and small, across Yorkshire and nationally. Her expertise includes advising clients on strategic land acquisitions, conditional contracts and she acts on sales to affordable housing providers. Deirdre has also gained general commercial real estate experience and has advised clients on landlord and tenant matters. Lindsay Texel, partner, who leads Clarion’s residential development team, said: “We already have a strong reputation inresidential development and have been looking for the right person to grow the team and enable us to support continuing client demand. With her excellent track record in this field, Deirdre is a great fit, giving us additional resource at a senior level.” Deirdre said: “Having gained a solid grounding in residential development work, I was really looking for something a little different and wanted to move to a firm with a collaborative approach. Not only does Clarion have one of the largest and most respected real estate practices in Yorkshire, but it has a really positive culture where people are genuinely valued and go out of their way to support one another.” Clarion’s 52-strong real estate team, which includes six partners, provides a full range of property expertise from development, investment, asset management, corporate occupier work through to retail, leisure and secured lending.

Fall sees target to halve inflation met

Tess Egginton
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Fall sees target to halve inflation met
The rate of inflation fell sharply to 4.6% in the 12 months to October, the lowest rate in two years, achieving the Government’s pledge to halve inflation by the end of the year. Largely due to a drop in energy prices, it follows sticky figures last month where inflation failed to drop as expected, making for an annual rate of 6.7%. Meanwhile core inflation, which takes out volatile factors like energy, food, alcohol and tobacco to give a clear picture of underlying trends, though falling is still stubbornly high at 5.7% for the 12 months to October, down from 6.1% in September. Alpesh Paleja, CBI lead economist, said: “A big drop in inflation was always expected in October, with last year’s energy price cap rise falling out of the annual comparison. But even taking this into account, inflation is heading in the right direction and the Government’s pledge to halve inflation by the end of the year has been met. “Inflation should continue to fall in the months ahead. But the decline is set to be slow, and the CPI rate is likely to remain above the Bank of England’s target for much of next year. It’s worth noting that domestic price pressures remain sticky, and uncertainty over labour market data makes it difficult to gauge how much this is adding to inflationary pressure. “Nonetheless, we’ve likely reached the peak of rising interest rates, and many are expecting the Bank of England to cut rates at some point next year. But with inflation set to fall slowly and the Bank of England being clear in their ‘higher for longer’ message, businesses and consumers shouldn’t expect a significant reduction in rates anytime soon.”

Hospitals Trust gets £250k to enhance heating systems

Stuart Pearcey
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Hospitals Trust gets £250k to enhance heating systems

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has been awarded more than a quarter of a million pounds to improve heating systems at its hospitals.

The Trust is among several organisations to successfully bid for a share of £13.9m from the second round of funding from the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES). The £251,381 Government grant will enable the Trust to undertake critical upgrades to its heating infrastructure which will not only enhance patient experience but improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. At Castle Hill Hospital, the allocated funding will be channeled towards a comprehensive overhaul of the heat network, some parts of which are more than 35 years old. The plans include the installation of advanced monitoring and management controls, the replacement and enhancement of insulation, and the introduction of additional meters and heat exchangers. Hull Royal Infirmary will undergo similar improvements to its heating network which dates back to 1973, including an upgrade of the control system and replacement of insulation. By modernising this infrastructure, the Trust which will fund part of upgrade, aims to improve the energy efficiency of both hospitals and reduce wastage.

Funding boost for new train station in Bradford

Tess Egginton
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Funding boost for new train station in Bradford
Rail passengers in Bradford will be connected to more jobs, education and business opportunities, thanks to the government’s commitment to deliver a new train station in the city. The plan was first revealed last month as part of the government’s launch of Network North – a £36 billion long-term plan to improve the country’s transport across roads, buses and railways. Today (14 November 2023), the Department for Transport is building on its promise of building a brand-new railway station in Bradford by providing £400,000 for the local authority to kickstart master planning on the project. The work will consider how the new station can best support regeneration in the surrounding area and maximise its potential to create new homes, jobs and local economic growth – as well as significantly improving transport links and cutting journey times. Once complete, the findings will form part of a wider business case for the project which will include details on the proposed location and delivery date for the station. Rail Minister, Huw Merriman, said: “I have championed the case for a new railway station in Bradford for a long time and the funding announced today will make this commitment one step closer to becoming a reality.

“Bradford is soon to become the UK’s ‘City of Culture’ and our scheme to deliver a brand new station and railway line will help attract tourism, unlock access to neighbouring cities and provide the area with the huge regeneration opportunities it deserves to boost connectivity and economic growth.”

The station will be delivered as part of the government’s Network North pledge to connect major cities in the North of England with more frequent trains, increased capacity and faster journeys. On top of the £400,000 announced today for regeneration plans in the city, a total of £2 billion will be invested to build the station and a new line to deliver a significantly faster, 30-minute journey to Manchester via Huddersfield. Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, said: “It is good to see this moving forward, everyone has worked so hard for so long to get this progressed. Improving connectivity for Bradford to the rest of the North is so important to enable greater investment, jobs and opportunities. There can be no successful North without Bradford being successful.”

SMEs in Hull and the East Riding to benefit from expert support

Tess Egginton
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SMEs in Hull and the East Riding to benefit from expert support
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Hull and the East Riding will soon be able to benefit from expert, tailored support thanks to over half a million pounds worth of funding secured by Hull & East Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (HEY LEP). The government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has awarded £520,000 to HEY LEP to deliver the Create Growth Programme (CGP). The CGP will provide ‘scale up’ support to high-growth potential SMEs from the creative industries and help them to grow by becoming more investment ready. Eligible business will be able to access free, fully-funded expert advice, workshops, mentoring and peer-development sessions, as well as access to a funding programme managed by Innovate UK. The programme will formally launch in February 2024, with SMEs able to access support from 1 April 2024. James Newman OBE, HEY LEP chair, said: “I am delighted that Hull and East Yorkshire has been successful in this highly competitive round of specialist support for our creative industry SMEs. “The HEY Create Growth Programme led by the LEP, in partnership with both local authorities and the University of Hull, will ensure that the programme once launched in April 2024 is a great success.” The programme aligns with HEY LEP’s Economic Growth and Workforce Wellbeing Strategy 2021-2026 which states that the digital and creative sectors are priority sectors for the onward growth and development of the Hull and East Yorkshire economy. HEY LEP will deliver the CGP in partnership with Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and University of Hull. Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, Hull City Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “It is fantastic that HEY LEP has received such a boost from DCMS. The CGP is a brilliant project which will support the local economy.” Councillor Nick Coultish, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: “This funding for the Create Growth Programme is great news for our creative sectors. It will help local SMEs grow and contribute significantly to our regional economy in such a diverse cultural sector.” Professor Darren Mundy, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Cultures and Education at University of Hull added: “We are delighted to be a partner in this project. “It provides an outstanding opportunity to scale up creative sector businesses across Hull and the East Riding, enhancing the career opportunities for our students, graduates and alumni, whilst also generating further opportunities for engagement with our creative practitioners.”

Significant new hire as Smart Repairs drives forward expansion

Tess Egginton
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Significant new hire as Smart Repairs drives forward expansion
Smart Repairs, the independent cosmetic vehicle repairer, has made a significant new appointment as it expands throughout the UK. The Leeds company, based in Weaver Street in Burley, has hired Kaylie Skitt as senior financial controller. Kaylie arrives at Smart Repairs from Pendragon, where she was leader of the finance team for Mercedes, Porsche and Aston Martin. She previously worked for Mercedes Benz in Bradford and JCT600 in Leeds. Darryl Short, Managing Director of Smart Repairs, said: “As we continue to grow as a business, it’s right we also strengthen our leadership team to ensure that we provide the best service levels to our customers. “Kaylie’s wide experience in the automotive sector made her the perfect person to support us going into 2024. Her ability to understand the specific needs of our customers and bring the support our existing management team require made her our number one candidate. “We now feel ready to take on the challenges for continued expansion next year and going forward from there. Stability and long-term commitment within our leadership team is key to delivering this growth.” Bradford-born Kaylie, who was educated at Buttershaw High School and Bradford College, explained: “The rate at which this company is growing is phenomenal and I am proud to be joining a friendly, hard-working and successful team. Smart Repairs has established itself as a major force within the cosmetic repair industry across the UK and I look forward to playing an important role in maintaining and increasing this growth.”

Key partner hire for Andrew Jackson Solicitors’ corporate team

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Key partner hire for Andrew Jackson Solicitors’ corporate team
Susie Mortonson has joined Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP’s corporate team as a partner. A well-respected and familiar lawyer in the North Yorkshire region, Susie brings 16 years’ experience to her new role. She advises many different businesses across a broad range of sectors on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and investments, management buy-outs and buy-ins, shareholder agreements, group reorganisations, corporate governance, partnerships and commercial contracts. Susie also has specialist expertise in working with clients operating in the agriculture sector and advises a wide range of farming businesses on the different issues they face. Susie previously worked as partner and head of department at another regional law firm where she led on a number of high-profile transactions including the purchase of Dusk bar for Fabler Bars; the sale of Scarborough-based TEF Transport group; and the sale of Dean Court Hotel in York. Susie also brings with her the benefit of long-standing and continued relationships with a large number of regional businesses. Susie, who is also vice-chair of York Professionals and acts as honorary solicitor and trustee to various regional charities, said: “I’m excited to join Andrew Jackson. Championing local businesses and helping them to flourish is really important to me, so I’m delighted to join a team that’s committed to providing an outstanding client service, which has their best interests at heart.” Philip Ashworth, corporate partner at Andrew Jackson, added: “We are delighted to welcome Susie to Andrew Jackson. She is a fantastic addition to our team; her pragmatic yet commercial approach, combined with her enthusiasm, expertise, and technical insight, means that clients are in the very best of hands.”

Contracts exchanged with Siemens for 94,841 sq ft unit in Goole

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Contracts exchanged with Siemens for 94,841 sq ft unit in Goole
Trebor Developments and Hillwood have exchanged contracts with Siemens to pre let a 94,841 sq ft unit in Goole. The scheme had been marketed as ‘Point 36 Goole’ and Trebor secured detailed planning consent for the proposed unit, before entering into discussions with Siemens. The unit is located adjacent to Junction 36 of the M62 Motorway and opposite Siemens state-of-the-art rail facility that finished construction earlier in 2023. Point 36 is part of a huge investment in Goole in recent years, including Siemens’ £200m Rail Village and more recently Metsa Tissues’ new facility on 200 acres that benefits from Freeport Tax Site Status. GMI Construction have been appointed as Main Contractor and started on site in November, targeting practical completion in summer 2024. Greg Dalton, development director for Trebor, said: “We’re delighted to have agreed terms with a fantastic occupier at Point 36, our next project in Yorkshire, and achieve another major milestone in appointing the Main Contractor. “Siemens were an obvious customer for us, and we’ve worked closely with them to ensure the unit satisfies their operation needs as well as to ensure that it can be delivered by next summer at their request. We look forward to delivering the scheme.” Sambit Banerjee, European CEO for Siemens, said: “This is a further expansion and investment into our Rail Village at Goole. Our partnership with Trebor and GMI Construction continues to embed our commitment to a local supply chain and supporting the economy. “Bringing together our warehouse capabilities in one location serving our depots in the north, and another at Kettering for the south, allows us to focus on ensuring our depots can deliver the best service for the trains maintenance keeping availability and reliability at the forefront of what we do.” Point 36 was jointly marketed by Gent Visick and Holder & Co on behalf of Trebor and Hillwood. Colliers acted on behalf of Siemens.

Hat-trick of international awards for Yorkshire Property Group

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Hat-trick of international awards for Yorkshire Property Group
A Yorkshire headquartered property group, that was established 11 years ago, has won a trio of coveted awards at the International Property Awards in London. Priestley Homes won the best residential development award in Cheshire for The Paddocks in Knutsford. It also won the best residential renovation development award in West Yorkshire for its development, Cliff Oaks in Leeds. The group’s construction division, Priestley Construction, also got in on the action winning the best new small hotel construction and design award in Cheshire for The Old Post Office in Warrington, which was delivered on behalf of its client, Deuce Hotels. The International Property Awards celebrate the highest levels of achievement by companies operating in all sectors of the property and real estate industry. A world-renowned mark of excellence, the awards are open to both residential and commercial property businesses from across the globe. Nathan Priestley, founder and CEO of Priestley Group, said: “These three projects are all very different. From the creation of new build grand-design style homes at The Paddocks, through to the careful restoration and development of a former private estate and the painstaking renovation of a historic former Post Office, to create what has become an award-winning hotel. “What all three had in common, was our dedicated and professional approach to getting the job done, overcoming many challenges, and ensuring we kept to the very highest of standards. We are very proud of what we achieved, but to also receive third party endorsement from the International Property Awards panel, is massively rewarding.”

Yorkshire sees greatest fall in insolvency-related activity across the UK in October

Tess Egginton
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Yorkshire sees greatest fall in insolvency-related activity across the UK in October

Despite ongoing challenges to the UK economy, in October Yorkshire and the Humber put in the strongest performance of all of the regions and nations, seeing a double-digit fall in insolvency-related activity since the previous month.

The latest research from insolvency and restructuring trade body R3, which is based on an analysis of data provided by CreditSafe, shows that in Yorkshire and the Humber insolvency-related activity (which includes liquidator and administrator appointments and creditors’ meetings) fell by 18.9% last month. The number of businesses affected in the region dropped from 291 in September to 236, the lowest number since May.

In October, six other regions and nations also saw a drop in insolvency-related activity since September with Northern Ireland falling by 10%, Wales by 6.5% and the South East by 3.7%. In contrast, the North East experienced a month-on-month rise of 26.8%, followed by Scotland with an uplift of 10.2% and the North West with an increase of 8%.

Looking at the number of start-ups, another key indicator of economic health, Yorkshire and the Humber again performed well with an increase of 14.3% since September, with only Greater London seeing a greater rise in levels of new businesses (up by 15.1%). The poorest performances were from Wales (-0.4%), and from Scotland and the West Midlands (both up by around 6%).

Eleanor Temple, chair of R3 in Yorkshire and a barrister at Kings Chambers in Leeds, said: “Despite gloomy forecasts for the UK economy, this month’s research does appear to show a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Although growth is expected to be slow into 2024, interest rates appear to be reaching their potential peak and businesses are fighting hard against the current challenges.

“It is encouraging to not only see Yorkshire and the Humber having the greatest month-on-month fall in insolvency-related activity in October, but also that a total of seven of the 12 regions and nations surveyed also experienced a drop in these type of financial problems. The increase in levels of entrepreneurs starting new businesses both here and across the UK is also a positive sign.

“However, higher interest rates and inflation are likely to continue to impact both corporate investment and consumer spending, and the forthcoming election will also add to business uncertainty. In the midst of such a fragile economic outlook, directors would be well advised to remain cautious and seek professional advice at the first sign of financial difficulties.”

Fintech and support services business makes third and fourth acquisitions of the year

Tess Egginton
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Fintech and support services business makes third and fourth acquisitions of the year
Fintel, the Huddersfield provider of fintech and support services to the UK retail financial services sector, has acquired of VouchedFor, a review site for professional advisers. VouchedFor provides reviews on a wide range of services, including financial advisers, mortgage advisers, solicitors, and accountants and currently has over 5,000 paying members and over 350,000 client reviews. Following the acquisition, its leadership and team will remain in place and work alongside the Fintel management team to play a crucial role in significantly expanding the reach and services of VouchedFor. Fintel, the parent company of SimplyBiz and Defaqto, will acquire VouchedFor for £7.5m through Fintel IQ, the business’s technology and knowledge platform. The news comes as Fintel’s subsidiary Defaqto acquires ratings provider AKG. The addition of VouchedFor and AKG mark the third and fourth acquisitions by Fintel this year, following the acquisitions of learning and development provider, Competent Adviser, and tax efficient investing specialists, Micap completed in July 2023. Matt Timmins, joint CEO of Fintel, said: “VouchedFor and AKG are two market leading businesses which are highly complementary to our offering and share our vision. “VouchedFor is the UK’s standard bearer for Trusted Advice while AKG has been at the forefront of financial strength ratings and consultancy for over 20 years. Both have strong adjacencies in terms of our capabilities and customers, and we look forward to further developing their compelling growth prospects.”
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