- Bespoke mentoring from over 100 professionals across investment, academia, healthcare and industry
- A curated schedule of workshops on key topics like NHS adoption, regulation, communications and pitching
- Facilitated connections to Sheffield Hallam’s research expertise for R&D collaborations
- Up to £25k of non-dilutive funding towards the most promising R&D projects on the programme
- Access to accelerator delivery partner products and services
- Assessments and coaching to improve investment readiness and NHS procurement compliance
- A high-profile Demo Day to showcase to investors, customers and partners
Businesses invited to join Sheffield Hallam’s new Advanced Wellbeing Accelerator
Sheffield Hallam University has launched its latest Wellbeing Accelerator programme, with the application window now open for both UK-based and international businesses to join the next cohort.
Now in its third year, the Accelerator has supported 40 SMEs to date and provides dedicated innovation, investment, growth and R&D support for high-potential startups and scaleups across advanced health and wellbeing.
The programme, which is match-funded by Sheffield Hallam University and Barclays Eagle Labs via the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology-funded Digital Growth Grant, will be delivered through the University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) at the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.
Up to 12 companies will be selected to join a tailored six-month programme offering:
160 affordable homes to be delivered in Sleaford
A significant number of affordable properties are to be delivered in Sleaford, where Platform Housing Group will work alongside Miller Homes on bringing 160 homes to the site at the Handley Chase Sustainable Urban Extension.
For the group, the agreement represents another successful land deal to be added to its ambitious pipeline, supporting the commitment to start work on over 1,300 homes across the Midlands in the year April 2022 to March 2023.
Kate Ellison, Platform’s director of land, partnerships and business development, said: “We’re delighted with this latest agreement to provide more affordable homes and the solid foundations they will bring for the people that go on to live in them. The development is proof once again that we can deliver the solutions that local partners need to solve their housing issues.
“I’m also proud of the team for securing such a significant number of opportunities in the past couple of months against the backdrop of the challenges facing the housing and constructions sectors as Platform continues our ambition to keep building homes. My thanks go to the teams involved in securing the deal and our partners at Miller Homes.”
Overall, some 1,450 homes will be built for Sleaford, with this new diverse community also hosting a convenience store, a new school, playing fields and a 67-bed retirement home.
Matt Carroll, senior land manager at Platform, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for Platform Housing Group to continue building on our excellent working relationship with Miller Homes.
“As ever, this deal would not have been possible without our trusted consultant team, with Gabor Taller at Browne Jacobson, Greg James at WP Housing and Jon Adams at Tetlow King all providing essential support. An extra mention should also be made for our partners at North Kesteven District Council for their proactive and pragmatic support throughout the process so far.”
Stephanie Parker, land manager for Miller Homes, said: “It has been good to once again work in partnership with Platform Housing Group on this site within the East Midlands. It has given us a great opportunity to deliver 160 homes that will in part help address the housing shortage in the area.”
Subject to planning approval, work is anticipated to start on the site in the Spring of 2024.
Gen Z harder to motivate than previous generations, say employers
New research from business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP shows that many employers are finding it challenging to motivate their Gen Z workforce and are adapting their training methods to better meet the needs of their younger cohort.
The research, which analyses the responses of 2,000 people aged between 16 – 25 in the UK and 605 UK mid-sized businesses, explores Generation Z’s views of the working world, as well as employers’ approaches to supporting their younger workforce.
It finds that over one third of businesses say it is more difficult to motivate their Gen Z employees compared to previous generations at the same age. Consequently, the majority (88%) of employers surveyed are adapting their training methods to meet the needs of the newest members of the workforce.
Over a third of these (36%) have introduced more personalised training, specifically tailored for individual needs. Nearly one in three (32%) have also moved towards more on demand content and more gamification within their training (30%), to appeal and engage with the new younger cohort.
The pandemic had a significant impact on young people’s education and opportunities for a first part-time job. The research suggests that this may have had a knock-on impact on how prepared they feel for certain aspects of the workplace. Gen Z respondents felt they were least prepared for softer skills such as verbal presentations and persuading and influencing. This was reflected in the views of employers who also noted that Gen Z needed support with developing these skills.
Three quarters (72%) of the young people surveyed believe that what they do for their job will be an important part of their identity and the research identified what Gen Z consider the most motivating reward for going above and beyond in their role at work:
· Career progression and opportunity to do more interesting and challenging work
· Annual salary increase
· Direct verbal appreciation from line manager and colleagues
However, Gen Z workers also have specific expectations around what they believe are unreasonable asks in an early career job. Over half (51%) think it’s unreasonable to be expected to take on extra responsibility without compensation, while 40% think regularly working 10-hour days should not be expected. One in three (31%) also believe that being expected to study outside of working hours is unreasonable, which is a common requirement for those working towards gaining a professional qualification.
Ronnie Corbett, Audit Culture Director at Grant Thornton UK LLP, said: “This insight into how the current generation of young people view careers and work will help to inform and shape decision making about how we best support them as they progress – after all, these are the people that will be running our firm one day.
“Generalisations are easy to make, but we must be mindful that there are many different factors that determine a person’s mindset and motivation – age is just one of them.
“Workplaces, and society at large, are rife with age-related (across generations) stereotypes, which are not always accurate. This is why it is important that we better understand how beliefs about age affect our workplace, and work to dispel some of the rhetoric that creates barriers and inhibits cohesion.
“This is an area of inclusion that needs more focus. Harnessing the power of different perspectives is an opportunity, and it’s something we are working on as firm to leverage – it’s in everyone’s best interest to do so.”
Business tax receipts up 22% in first six months
Overall receipts from business taxes in the six month period from April to September 2023 jumped by 22% year-on-year to £43.3bn, £7.7bn higher than the same period last year, according to new figures published by HMRC.
The huge rise in business tax receipts is largely due to the increase in the headline rate of corporation tax which came into force from April 2023, but HMRC also pointed to growth in company profits as a reason behind the rise.
Corporation tax receipts alone for the first six months rose to £39.5bn, up 17% from £33.7bn in the same period last year.
Overall tax receipts in the first six months were up 6.2% year-on-year.
The latest public sector finances data revealed that public sector net debt was £2,599.0 billion at the end of September 2023, provisionally estimated at around 97.8% of the UK’s annual gross domestic product (GDP). This is 2.1 percentage points higher than in September 2022.
Commenting on the latest figures Paul Falvey, a tax partner at BDO, said: “Today’s figures illustrate the extent to which businesses have been impacted by the recent rise in corporation tax.
“The chancellor has made it clear that he would like to see the tax burden on businesses reduce but given the state of the public finances and the likelihood of interest rates remaining high for some time, there is little prospect of this at the Autumn Statement.
“Businesses are likely to reluctantly accept that tax rates may need to stay high for some time, but they will hope that the government invests in improving HMRC’s service levels. The current poor response times and delays in modernising the tax administration system are proving a drag on business efficiency and ultimately will impair UK competitiveness.”
Work well under way at Keighley industrial hub
The building of a major industrial hub in Keighley town centre, at Providence Park on the former Universal Mills site, is well under way.
Work is progressing well on the five buildings which will house 12 industrial units – the smallest unit is 150 square metres with the largest at 828 square metres. The roof work is due to complete soon, with further building work to follow over the coming months.
Ian Hayfield, chairman of Keighley Towns Fund, said: “This is another very exciting commercial development for Keighley. We believe the site opening will create between 80 to 100 jobs which is a real boost during the current economic climate.”
Plans for the development, on the corner of Dalton Lane and Bradford Road, were approved in 2021, and the scheme was awarded funding through the Keighley Towns Fund – a £33m Government-funded programme to boost Keighley. The Keighley Towns Fund has set aside £6.5m towards the £12m re-development of the 7,000 square metre site.
Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Planning, Regeneration and Transport, Alex Ross-Shaw said: “Demand for employment sites is huge across Keighley and the whole of the Aire Valley so this development is much needed and welcomed. One of the units we already know will be leased to Keighley College, which will work well because of the site’s proximity to the main campus.”
The development, which has been approved by planners at Bradford Council, will also include a car park for 133 vehicles. A condition of planning means that five per cent of the parking spaces will be fitted with EV charging points, and a further five per cent will be assigned as future charging points once EV take-up increases.
Leeds estate agents pedal thousands of kilometres to raise more than £3,000 for Cancer Research UK
A team of estate agents have raised more than £3,000 for Cancer Research UK after completing a gruelling cycling challenge that saw them pedal 2,300km in just five days.
Every member of HOP’s team completed at least six hours on one of four bikes outside the company’s Horsforth office on New Road Side, with the team clocking up 460km, or 286 miles, on each of the five days. This represented the 460 people that die from cancer every day in the UK.
HOP smashed its initial fundraising target of £2,300 and has raised more than £3,100 to date, with donations still coming in. The company also sold cakes baked by the HOP team, as well as their family and friends, which contributed £350 to the total amount raised.
Luke Gidney, managing director from HOP, said: “This was a tough challenge and especially on the days that it was windy and lashing it down with rain, but every single member of our team was happy to participate and help raise money for such a worthy cause.
“Our initial aim was to raise a pound for every kilometre we cycled, and we were all so pleased when we surpassed this target. The fact that donations are still coming in now makes it all worth it. Overall, the level of support from the people of Horsforth and the surrounding area has been incredible.
“We had passers-by of all ages cheering us on and jumping on the bikes to help put the miles in and the team from Workhouse Fitness in Farsley were also welcome guests who were only too happy to add a few miles, which was absolutely brilliant, when our legs were getting pretty tired!
“We’re now looking forward to handing our donation over to Cancer Research UK and supporting the organisation’s invaluable work in making new discoveries that will ultimately save lives.”
Anyone still wanting to donate and sponsor the challenge can do so in person at HOP’s office on New Road Side, or by visiting hop-property.co.uk or hop-charity-fundraiser.
Rotherham boxing centre receives funding boost
The Unity Boxing Centre CIC in Rotherham has received an unexpected funding boost following a visit to the centre by Nick Cragg, Founder & Executive Chairman of apprentice to boardroom recruitment specialists Nicholas Associates Group.
Nick was visiting the centre alongside MP John Healey as part of a delegation of people invited to tour the facility and understand how this volunteer led not for profit organisation uses the principles of boxing to support young people in Rotherham to not only engage in physical activity but to instil and support values.
Having seen how well Unity Boxing Centre is enabling people to be the best version of themselves, Nick asked what else the gym needed to increase capacity and the provision of mental health support and pledged the money to buy two new treadmills.
Atif Shafiq, Head Coach, said: “We are very grateful for the donation. It really will make a huge difference to our ability to have boxers in the right shape to meet our busy fight calendar, and how we promote the gym so that many more kids will take advantage of the opportunities we offer and achieve their goals.”
CEO Abdul Majid said: “The gym is buzzing to receive support towards the treadmills. The kids were delighted to use the new equipment and we’re honoured a local business could support the gym and our users.
“We are all made up and extremely grateful as it also means the gym will be able to further support the development of its carded fighters and their ability to train for more fights which will ultimately enhance our reputation and attract more users and hopefully funding.”
Unity Boxing Centre CIC is an affiliated England boxing gym set up to use the vehicle of boxing as a way to engage young people in the area from diverse backgrounds. Nestled in the heart of some of the most socio economic deprived wards of Rotherham, the gym provides facilities and support to over 100 young people and adults that use the facilities on a daily basis.
Global media company strengthens Leeds presence
A global media company has strengthened its presence at 26 Whitehall Road in Leeds.
The media company has taken 8,514 sq ft of office space on the first floor of the building, which is owned by Credit Suisse Asset Management. The company already occupies 30,000 sq ft on the second and third floors.
The deal was brokered by Eamon Fox, partner and head of office agency at property consultancy Knight Frank in Leeds.
Mr Fox, who advised Credit Suisse Asset Management, said: “The media company’s expansion in this prestigious building underlines the fact 26 Whitehall Road is one of the finest office developments in the city.
“This deal comes hard on the heels of engineering and development consultancy Mott McDonald taking over 15,000 sq ft of office space at 26 Whitehall Road in one of the most significant office transactions of the year so far.”
The Leeds office of property consultancy CBRE represented the media company.
City council presses Minister for Hull-Leeds rail line electrification timetable
Hull City Council leader Mike Ross has met Rail Minster Huw Merriman to seek assurance that electricfication of the Hull to Leeds rail line remains a priority.
Cllr Ross also pressed the Rail Minster for a commitment on when the electrification will happen, with the minster offering to get a timetable out imminently.
Following the meeting Cllr Ross said: “Rail electrification is something that would make a huge difference for Hull and the wider region, helping lead to quicker connections to the rest of the north of England.
“Sadly, it is something that has been promised by previous governments, only for those promises to be broken later on. This is why it is so important for the government now to clearly set out when and how this will happen.
“I look forward to getting more information from the government on exactly what they are proposing. Now is the time for the government to turn their promises into action.”
Chamber Chief Executive, Dr Ian Kelly, added: “We had a detailed and candid discussion with the Rail Minister, Huw Merriman, in the House of Commons yesterday afternoon.
“He promised that the money which was being saved by the cancellation of the HS2 Project would be available for electrification work on the Hull to Selby line and other rail improvements locally. However, he was at this stage unable to commit to any timescales for work to begin.
“He also said that he was mindful of the freight issues and was looking at what could be done to improve those and wanted to see more freight on the railways.”
The proposals to electrify the rail lines from Hull to Leeds as part of Northern Powerhouse Rail, has been something that Hull City Council has been working on with its partners at Transport for the North and Network Rail, alongside the Department for Transport for some time.
Reliable rail connectivity is crucial for Hull’s economic growth, and if rail electrification goes ahead, it could potentially put 1.1million people and 31,000 businesses within 90 minutes of Hull.
As well as cutting journey times from Hull to Leeds from 57 minutes to 38 minutes, electrification would also make travel more environmentally friendly, reliable and ensure that new rolling stock could run right across the network.
JV partners get planning permission for another Leeds city centre development
Joint venture partners Asset Capital and Prescient Capital have been given planning permission to develop central Leeds Wellington Plaza to offer 77,000 sq ft of prime, best in class workspace.
The partnership intends to fund and deliver the £50 million enhancement of the 1980s HQ building speculatively with a start on site by early 2024.
Designed by Leeds based DLA Architecture, the approved plans will increase floor space availability from 21,000 sq ft to 77,000 sq ft with Grade A specification floorplates up to 10,000 sq ft. A total redesign of the buildings’ façade is influenced by the local conservation area and ESG credential targets including BREEAM Outstanding, minimum NABERS 5 Star, Fitwell 3 Star and Wired Score Platinum Certification.
The internal space is designed to support the post-pandemic hybrid way of working with total flexibility for occupiers fit out. Communal spaces will include a large roof top terrace, sky lounge, and business lounge linked into reception for occupiers and their guests.
Asset Capital CEO Daniel Newett said: “We have plans to not only bring the site in line with its neighbouring Grade A premises but surpass this with a specification that the city has not yet seen, redefining the term ‘super prime’.
“We are very much repurposing an existing building, in line with our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, to provide an inspirational, collaborative, sustainable and futureproof working environment that is worthy of a leading European city for business.”
Fox Lloyd Jones, strategic property advisors have been appointed joint office leasing agents for the scheme alongside Cushman & Wakefield and Knight Frank. Society Studios is appointed as branding and marketing consultants for the scheme.
Adam Cockroft at Cushman & Wakefield said: “Wellington Plaza will offer much needed, new, super prime office accommodation with a level of specification and ESG credentials that Leeds city centre has not yet seen. Several pre-let discussions are already underway, confirming that the desirability for such high-quality workspace in a prime city centre location is still high.”
Nick Salkeld, Director at Fox Lloyd Jones, said: “Wellington Plaza’s speculative development is a huge boost for the critically undersupplied Leeds office market. There remains an underlying ‘flight to quality’ with Grade A demand accounting for almost 80% of take up which has seen headline rents continue to rise. Wellington Plaza is the first of a new generation of offices coming forward in the pipeline which will set the benchmark for boutique ESG led workspace in the prime core and is already attracting pre-let interest.”
Developer secures funding for three care homes
Leeds’ LNT Care Developments has secured funding from Shawbrook Bank to drive the construction of three 66-bed care homes.
LNT have a wealth of experience in the industry, having built more than 200 homes across more than 30 years, with over 20 schemes currently in progress. LNT will be building these new sites as part of its new Danforth operating entity. With a facility capable of funding three care homes, this development marks a significant milestone as the largest singular deal backed by Shawbrook’s Development Finance Team.
Shawbrook’s Development Finance and Healthcare teams worked closely together to develop an innovative funding solution for LNT. The package brings the development and the operating funding under one roof, providing simplicity for the client and ensuring funds are more easily accessible throughout the build programme.
Representing a significant stride forward for Shawbrook, this deal provides a combined five-year facility that will support not only the project’s construction, but also extends its assistance over a continuous trading period post-practical completion to build occupancy and reach trading maturity.
Strengthened by a well-established relationship between LNT Care Developments Directors and Shawbrook, the combined expertise of Shawbrook’s Development Finance and Healthcare Finance Teams has been central to the deal’s success.
Matt Lowe, CEO of LNT, said: “We are delighted to have secured support from Shawbrook. The teams at Shawbrook were able to offer a bespoke facility to enable us to drive forward our commitment to building the country’s leading care home portfolio.
“It was important for us that they provided a facility which not only enabled the construction of three new homes, but also supported the operational side of the business once construction of the care home is complete.
“It was great to work with a team who combined their knowledge in development and healthcare to structure a transaction in a way that worked for all parties. We have established a strong relationship with Alastair, Christos, Dasos and the Shawbrook team, and look forward to working together in the future.”
Alastair Partridge, Senior Relationship Director at Shawbrook, said: “We are thrilled to announce this collaboration between LNT Care Developments and Shawbrook to build three new care homes.
“LNT have a wealth of specialist experience developing leading care facilities and are one of the most recognisable names in the industry. This deal serves as a big leap forward for Shawbrook, and we look forward to seeing the progress of the developments.
“Despite being a new-to-bank client, we have forged a strong relationship with LNT and hope to build on this in the future.”
Christos Christodoulou, Senior Director, Healthcare Finance at Shawbrook, said: “This is a fantastic example of the innovative and collaborative way that we work at Shawbrook.
“This deal brought together the expertise and experience of both the Development Finance and Healthcare Finance teams, allowing us to fulfil all the client’s needs, from the first spade in the ground to full operation.
“We’re delighted to have worked on this deal with LNT and are excited to see the developments take shape.”
Tadweld Limited swoops for AJAX Safe Access
Tadweld Limited, an engineering and fabrication specialist based in Tadcaster, Yorkshire has acquired AJAX Safe Access from Canal Engineering.
AJAX has carved out a reputation for delivering cutting-edge safe access solutions across varied industries, including warehousing, quarrying, mining, petrochemicals, and road tanker access. The addition of established products like folding tanker access steps, roller step units, and various pallet gates enhances Tadweld’s robust offering in the market.
Chris Houston, Tadweld’s Managing Director, said: “AJAX’s innovative product range is highly complementary to our existing portfolio of access solutions and walkways, and aligns seamlessly with our commitment to quality and safety. We are eager to explore synergies and invest in the brand further.”
Canal Engineering’s Managing Director, Gareth Bull, expressed confidence in the acquisition: “Tadweld’s reputation and expertise assure us that the AJAX brand is in capable hands, poised for continued growth and innovation.”
This acquisition includes all finished and work-in-progress goods, drawings, and tooling of AJAX Safe Access.
Furthermore, Tadweld is welcoming Mike Godbert to the team as Business Development Manager. With 17 years of experience under his belt as AJAX’s Technical Sales Manager, Mike’s wealth of knowledge will be instrumental in accelerating the integration of AJAX products into Tadweld’s portfolio.
Houston warmly welcomed Mike, stating: “Mike’s in-depth knowledge of AJAX’s offerings and industry insights will be pivotal in ensuring a smooth transition and sustained innovation. We are excited about the expertise and energy he brings to the table.”
The acquisition creates three new jobs at the company’s Tadcaster site and first shipments of AJAX products have already been completed.
MD of new recruitment firm describes journey of growth as ‘exhilarating’
The MD of a Hessle-based recruitment company has described as ‘exhilarating’ his company’s two-year a growth journey – not only has it grown its client base by 40% and doubled the size of its own team, but it also aspires to double the size of its team again within a year.
David Lipton is MD of Consortium Recruitment, which was created in 2021, and is based a Hessle’s Ergo Centre. It sources talent for a diverse range of industries whilst working with some of the biggest brands in the region. He said: “‘It’s truly exhilarating to see the remarkable growth we’ve experienced over the past two years. The team’s dedication, passion and commitment to delivering exceptional results for our clients and candidates has been instrumental in achieving this milestone. As we reflect on our journey, we’re even more excited about the future and the opportunities ahead.”
He said the company’s innovative approach to recruitment, personalised solutions, and dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion had paved the way for what he called astounding success.
Kirsty Hussey, People Director at Vivergo Fuels said: “David and the team at Consortium have been an invaluable partner in our journey to build a standout team. Their dedication to understanding our unique needs and culture is truly commendable. With their expert guidance, we’ve not only found some of the best talent but also individuals who seamlessly integrate into our organisation.”
Consortium Recruitment also runs Consortium Collaborate workshops covering key topics such as Menopause and Mental Health in the workplace, which have been attended by over 50 delegates, with demand increasing.
Insurance services group acquires Yorkshire firm
Insurance services group Jensten has acquired the business of White Rose Insurance Solutions in a deal which sees its regional centre of excellence in Yorkshire & Humberside grow with additional offices and teams.
With offices in Skipton and Settle, White Rose has established itself as the local broker of choice for commercial and private clients across North Yorkshire. The business also trades as South Lakes Insurance Solutions from its office in Kendal.
Jensten currently has offices in Bradford and Leeds. The business’s presence in the region was bolstered last year with the acquisition of Ravenhall Risk Solutions, which saw MD Neil Grimshaw taking on the role of Regional Managing Director. Andy Gould, White Rose’s Managing Director, will report into Grimshaw.
Andy said: “From the beginning of our conversations with Jensten, it was clear that becoming part of the group was the right route for the business in its next chapter.
“Throughout the process, the Jensten team has focussed on our people, our culture and our clients. Having shared values is really important to us and provides a great foundation for future growth and development.”
Neil said: “White Rose is a well-regarded broker whose commitment to servicing customers to the highest possible standard is clear throughout the business. As such they are the perfect fit for our growing region. Andy and his team will give us the foundations for growth in North Yorkshire, and we are excited to welcome them to the Jensten family.”
Rob Organ, Jensten Retail MD, added: “Increasingly, we’re talking to brokers who are considering a sale and want to sell to a business which has a clear commitment to retaining a regional presence, providing certainty to their people and clients.
“Our strategy of growing regional centres of excellence fits well with these businesses. We’re delighted to welcome Andy and the White Rose team to the business as we continue to build our presence in Yorkshire.”
Lead contractor on Western Growth Corridor for City of Lincoln Council appointed
GRAHAM has been appointed by the City of Lincoln Council to design and deliver crucial elements of the Western Growth Corridor development.
The Western Growth Corridor project in Lincoln is set to transform the city and bring new opportunities for housing and economic growth.
The work elements include the design and construction of a new vehicular/cycle/pedestrian bridge over the railway and a pedestrian bridge enhancing safety and connectivity between the site and the existing communities.
The Pagabo Civils & Infrastructure Framework has been used to procure and appoint GRAHAM for this Design and Construct project. The framework ensures that competent and experienced contractors are appointed for major infrastructure projects.
GRAHAM’s extensive experience in delivering similar projects, particularly in the railway sector and knowledge of working alongside Network Rail, played a significant role in its selection.
The firm’s involvement in the Western Growth Corridor project will see its civil engineering team oversee the design and construction of key access routes and bridges.
In August 2022, the city council, in partnership with Member of Parliament for Lincoln, Karl McCartney, submitted its bid for £20 million to create a road bridge and adjacent foot bridge linking the city’s Western Growth Corridor development to Tritton Road. The Government’s Levelling Up Round Two programme will see the bridge completed by March 2025, with work anticipated to start at the beginning of 2024.
The project aims to establish a major access route into the Western Growth Corridor site, enabling the delivery of up to 3,200 new homes as part of a Sustainable Urban Extension to Lincoln.
Subject to design and budget approvals, construction will commence in 2024, with the first phase of homes expected to be delivered thereafter, pending detailed planning approval.
A range of surveys are currently underway, including eco and geotechnical utility surveys, to gather essential data and verify the physical conditions on the ground.
GRAHAM contracts director Alastair Lewis said: “We’re thrilled to be appointed as the lead contractor for key elements of the Western Growth Corridor project, which highlights our expertise and commitment to delivering exceptional infrastructure projects.
“The Western Growth Corridor project is a challenging scheme involving tackling access restrictions, utilities, drainage, and traffic management, among other complexities.
“GRAHAM’s objective is to value engineer the access road and bridge over the railway, seeking creative design and construction solutions that deliver cost and carbon savings while ensuring the long-term success of the strategic masterplan for the site.”
Irish private equity firm invests in Leeds IT recruitment and technology consultancy businesses
Private equity firm Erisbeg has made a significant majority investment into Fruition IT and Fruition Consulting – partner brands in the IT recruitment and Technology consultancy sectors.
The investment will expediate the international and local expansion strategies of both businesses.
The Leeds-based businesses were founded and launched in 2008 by Sarah Pawson. Sarah will remain Managing Director and heavily involved in both businesses, leading the brands through this new chapter.
As part of the investment, Fruition will be joining forces with one of Erisbeg’s acquisitions; Irish technology recruitment company, Eolas.
Sarah Pawson, founder and Managing Director at Fruition IT & Fruition Consulting, said: “I am delighted with the investment and looking forward to our growing partnership with both Erisbeg and Eolas. The injection of capital will accelerate our growth and enable the Fruition brands to reach their full potential at a new pace, whilst creating opportunities not just for management, but for all the team here at Fruition as well as future hires.”
Thomas Davy, co-founding partner at Erisbeg, said: “After my first meeting with Sarah, I left inspired at the prospect of a partnership. What Sarah and the Fruition team has built across the Fruition brands and the growth they have enjoyed is truly impressive. Fruition will be a great addition to Erisbeg’s portfolio and a real asset to our IT recruitment brand, Eolas.”
Advisors on this transaction included Clearwater, Deloitte Ireland, EY Ireland, Gordons LLP, Pinsent Masons, RSM and BHP.
Allenby Commercial acquires another of Hull’s historic buildings
Family firm Allenby Commercial has bought the Corn Exchange on the corner of Hull’s North Church Side and Market Place for an undisclosed sum.
The company, which has won awards for its transformation of the 17th century Danish Buildings and Bayles House and the Victorian Paragon Arcade, said it is committed to taking the same, careful approach to its latest addition.
Development Director Charlie Allenby said: “The Corn Exchange operated as a pub for maybe 300 years but more recently successive operators have struggled to make it work and earlier this year it became vacant again.
“We haven’t made a decision about exactly what to do with it, but we will look at the sort of options it presents, and we are absolutely committed to looking after it.”
Danish Buildings, which was built in the 17th century, and the adjoining Bayles House, listed in 1952, were bought by Allenbys in 2017 and underwent a £1.2m renovation with support from the Government’s Local Growth Fund and the Humber LEP.
It is now at capacity with 17 studios which are occupied by architects, filmmakers, marketing professionals, tattooists, hair stylists and others who are a perfect fit with the original brief to create new space to generate more creativity.
The Corn Exchange enjoyed a revival after being taken over in 2018 by Hull-based Atom Brewery. But the pub changed hands when Atom moved out in 2022 and it went on the market after closing again during the summer.
Allenby Commercial’s Design and Marketing Director Georgia Allenby said: “It’s a prime site with a lot of history and it’s a great fit with our portfolio in Hull city centre which is all about taking iconic local properties, bringing them back to life with stylish and careful restorations, and creating jobs.
“Our other projects provide plenty of evidence of our commitment to work with innovation and imagination and to embrace the heritage of our city. Whatever we do with the Corn Exchange will maintain the standards we have set.”
Government payments to farmers start to come through
According to Defra, more than 14,000 people have registered their interest, with those whose agreement started on 1 October 2023 receiving the early payment this week.
This, the government said, would help with cashflow against a background of high inflation and rising input costs.
NFU Vice President David Exwood said the progress was “encouraging” and welcomed the initial payments, adding saying it was important that all farmers who signed up early got a payment before Christmas.
Looking forward, David said: “What we need to see now is expressions of interest converted into agreements. It’s also important that Defra and the Rural Payments Agency continually look to improve the online application process to make it as easy and as smooth as possible.
“It was important for government to bridge the massive financial hole in farm support caused by issues with the changeover in support schemes from the old Basic Payment Scheme to SFI,” David added.
“Looking ahead, it is vital that details for the SFI24 are presented at the earliest opportunity, in order to provide farmers, particularly those in the uplands, the confidence they need to plan for the future.”
From the end of this week, farmers will no longer need to submit registrations of interest and will be able to apply directly online.
Those farming on commons should continue to express their interest with the Rural Payments Agency which can support them to get ready to apply.
Defra Secretary of State Thérèse Coffey said: “We are engaging with farmers and taking onboard their feedback to continually improve the scheme, including delivering on our commitment to introduce early payments and taking steps to simplify the application process.”
ABP appoints Head of HSE for the Humber
ABP has named Roger Pearce as Head of Health, Safety, and Environment (Humber) and supporting health and safety for group.
Having worked for both regulatory and commercial organisations within various sectors, including manufacturing, real estate, and hospitality, he said: “I’m excited to have joined ABP. From what I’ve seen so far there are some truly excellent initiatives and approaches including the Thrive training, and I am keen to use that training as it’s a critical part of getting our message across.
“ABP’s commitment to health, safety and the environment is well-established, and our focus will be on driving continuous improvement. I am looking forward to working across the Humber ports, supporting the ABP team, partners, and customers to keep people and our workplaces healthy and safe.”
Roger joins the team following 12 years in the healthcare industry where he oversaw the high-risk environments including the sterilisation of medical devices using radiation and highly hazardous chemicals.
His long-standing background in health and safety began after 12 years in the Merchant Navy which he joined after leaving school. He also qualified as an Environmental Health Officer, which gave him a grounding in the legal aspects and managing safety.
Design finalised for new £3m Brighouse market
Plans for a new, revitalised market at the heart of Brighouse have moved forward as part of a £19.1 million investment in the town centre.
Following the three-week engagement process in the summer by Calderdale Council and the Brighouse Town Deal Board, the design of the distinctive new market building has been finalised, a planning application is being submitted, and the tender process to find a contractor is due to start soon.
As part of the UK Government-funded Town Deal, the £3 million revitalised market on the existing canalside site will have around 20 fixed stalls, each with water, drainage and power. There will also be a flexible central space that can be used for events or additional pop-up stalls to encourage new business start-ups.
Alongside spaces to sit, rest and meet, with views over the canal, there will be new toilets for traders plus storage, to create a modern, attractive and vibrant market with the aspiration to open more days of the week.
Other features will include an improved pedestrian area at the front and level access to the market; secure, decorative gates featuring a Brighouse-themed design; new cycle parking; and new entrances and exits to provide better connections to the town.
Subject to planning approval, work on the new market is due to start in spring 2024 and be complete by spring 2025.
With the build getting closer, work has been ongoing to identify a site for a temporary market to ensure stallholders can continue to trade, shoppers can continue to buy, and the rest of the town centre can operate as usual.
A location has now been provisionally secured and the current market will temporarily move to Daisy Street car park for around 12 months while construction is underway.
Cllr Howard Blagbrough, chair of the Brighouse Town Board, said: “The open market is an important part of Brighouse, and we have been determined to ensure it has an even brighter future, which is why I am delighted we are now in a position to submit the planning application and move forward with the project.
“Ensuring we have a temporary market site that allows our current traders to continue to trade while construction takes place is another vital part of the scheme, and we will be working with the stallholders and the Council’s markets team to ensure this is suitable for them, that shoppers know where the temporary market is, and they are encouraged to visit, shop and spend.
“After years of discussion and debate, starting work on these projects will be an important moment and I am looking forward to that happening, all being well, in just a few months’ time.”
