Yorkshire sustainable polymer systems business secures funding package to support worldwide growth

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Yorkshire sustainable polymer systems business secures funding package to support worldwide growth
Rosehill Polymers Group has finalised a multi-million-pound deal with Virgin Money and UK Export Finance (UKEF) – the UK’s export credit agency – to complete a refinancing and management buyout of the business and support its worldwide growth ambitions. Since 1988, Rosehill Polymers has established itself as a market leader in the design, development and manufacturing of sustainable polymer systems at their facilities in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire. The business serves a range of markets and industries including offshore energy, highways, rail, and security. Rosehill exports its products to over 550 customers in 52 countries across the world, manufacturing many of its products using recycled and low-carbon-impact materials. The UKEF-backed funding package from Virgin Money will help Rosehill to complete a management buyout, continue its worldwide growth and accelerate its move into new international markets. A key growth area that Rosehill will focus on is the decarbonisation and modularisation of construction materials used within the rail and highways sectors, by expanding its design, development and production of products using recycled materials as a primary raw material. Rosehill anticipates that its continued development within this sector will create new highly skilled job opportunities, both across its production sites in West Yorkshire as well as in its supply chain. The funding package includes a UKEF General Export Facility (GEF) loan guarantee which covered 80% of the financing, enabling Virgin Money to complete the transaction. The GEF product is a flexible government-supported scheme that helps UK export businesses to access working capital facilities, helping to improve cashflow or speed up international trade growth. Dr Alexander Celik, Managing Director of Rosehill Polymers Group, said: “This new funding package from Virgin Money will enable Rosehill to pursue our growth strategy as we focus on developing sustainable solutions for both the infrastructure and energy markets across the globe. “I would like to express my thanks for the exceptional support and service that Rosehill have received from Virgin Money and we look forward to a long, successful, and profitable relationship with them.”

York-based mental healthcare company makes acquisition

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York-based mental healthcare company makes acquisition
Onebright, the York-based private outpatient mental healthcare company, has expanded its neurodevelopmental services with the acquisition of Psicon Ltd for an undisclosed sum. Onebright provides a comprehensive range of mental healthcare services, including neurodevelopmental assessments, to its private medical insurance, corporate, and consumer clients. With the addition of Psicon, the mental healthcare company has increased its breadth and depth of capabilities in this important area.
Psicon is a rapidly growing provider of neurodevelopmental assessments for Autism and ADHD, and works extensively with the NHS, as well as providing private assessments to the public. The organisation offers a full range of assessment and treatment services across the lifespan and is one of the largest providers of children’s neurodevelopmental services in the UK. The two brands will operate independently with Psicon continuing to be led by Managing Director Dr Dan Simmonds. With the support of Onebright it will significantly invest in its operational and technology capabilities and continue its UK expansion to enable more people to benefit from its services. The new enlarged group will employ over 500 staff delivering services remotely and from a growing number of face-to-face clinics. Its operational centres are in York, London and Canterbury. Donald Fowler, CEO of Onebright, said: “We are delighted to welcome Psicon to the Onebright family. Our mission at Onebright is to create a brighter tomorrow by providing easy access to personalised, life changing mental health support, and the addition of Psicon and its team to our group will really enhance our ability to deliver on this mission. “From very early on in our discussions it was apparent that our two organisations share a passion for clinical excellence and patient centred care, and I am really looking forward to what we can achieve together.” Dr Dan Simmonds, Managing Director of Psicon, said: “Demand for high-quality support for the neurodivergent population has increased substantially up and down the country and we look forward to working within the Onebright family to further support NHS Trusts, Integrated Care Boards, and private patients across the UK.” LJ Conradie, Psicon founder, retired MD, and chairman, said: “I am very proud of all the achievements at Psicon over the last 25 years and very excited about the Psicon Onebright union. Passing the baton to leaders with focus on strong values and high-quality services will, without doubt, continue to be the basis of future success.”

Fletchers Group acquires Emsleys Solicitors’ Personal Injury division

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Fletchers Group acquires Emsleys Solicitors’ Personal Injury division
Fletchers Group, the medical negligence and personal injury firm, has acquired Emsleys Solicitors’ Personal Injury division. The deal will see Emsleys’ Personal Injury division clients across areas including employers’ liability, public liability, catastrophic injury and fatal accident claims, transfer to Fletchers. It’s expected that all 28 staff including fee earners and legal support staff, will transfer to Fletchers’ Leeds office as part of the deal, bolstering the firm’s personal injury expertise and capabilities in the region. Peter Haden, CEO, Fletchers Group, says: “Emsleys’ Personal Injury business has an outstanding track record and is a strong addition to Fletchers Group. Both firms have the same core values, delivering the very best outcomes and putting clients’ needs first, making us a natural fit. We look forward to welcoming the team and their clients to the business.” Andrew Greenwood, director at Emsleys Solicitors, says: “We felt it was a good time to transition the Personal Injury division to a partner that could help the business navigate its next phase of growth. “The enthusiasm of the Fletchers’ team, together with the firm’s reputation in the sector, exciting ambitions and people-centric culture, will provide our team with the support, resource and expertise to both serve our existing clients and pursue new opportunities. It will allow us to focus more on our non-personal injury services going forward.” Fletchers Group was acquired by an affiliate of investment firm Sun European Partners, LLP in October 2021 and since then has added Leeds-based medical negligence specialists Minton Morrill and national cycle claims practice Cycle SOS to its business portfolio. The opening of a new office in Leeds city centre in February 2023 further strengthened its commitment to Leeds and the wider region.

KCOM trekkers raise £5,200 for charity with Three Peaks challenge

Stuart Pearcey
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KCOM trekkers raise £5,200 for charity with Three Peaks challenge
A team from Hull-based telecoms provider KCOM has braved blustery weather and blisters to raise more than £5,200 for charity by walking the Yorkshire Three Peaks. Thirty-eight intrepid KCOM employees put their best foot forward this weekend to take on the Three Peaks Challenge, a mountainous 24-mile hike encompassing Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in the Yorkshire Dales, which must be completed within 12 hours and includes 1,585m of climbing. And despite the rain, wind and fog closing in, the team successfully completed the sponsored walk to raise much needed funds for Hull and East Yorkshire Mind, a charity helping local people suffering from poor mental health. Event organiser and engineer team leader Ollie Lockton said: “It was an absolutely brilliant day and I’m so proud of everyone who took part. “I’ll admit it was tough and the weather wasn’t great. My legs are certainly feeling it today – there’s nowhere that I don’t ache! When we got up the third peak at Ingleborough the rain was really lashing down, but the morale and the camaraderie  was amazing. We really helped pull each other through. The feeling of achievement when we finished was incredible.” As well as raising funds for Mind, the event enabled those taking part to promote mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. “It was really good to be there with people from right across KCOM,” said Ollie. “I’ve made friends with people from other parts of the business I didn’t know existed, so it was really good to be able to team up and talk about mental health and how it affects us.” Not content with completing the Three Peaks, Ollie and colleagues are now planning on their next adventure which could be a special walking challenge to coincide with KCOM’s 120th anniversary next year.

Huddersfield development assisted with £5.45m revolving loan facility

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Huddersfield development assisted with £5.45m revolving loan facility
Yorkshire-based housebuilder Newett Homes has secured a £5.45 million revolving loan facility from Paragon Bank to support its newbuild development in Emley, Huddersfield. The scheme will consist of 40 homes, including eight affordable properties, ranging from two-to-four bedrooms. The revolving loan facility has assisted Newett Homes in purchasing the land on Wentwoth Drive and will support the development costs for the scheme as it progresses. Revolving loans are utilised by experienced housebuilders to recycle funding as the initial tranche of properties are sold. Under the finance structure with Paragon, Newett Homes will be able to borrow a total of £7.8 million during the term of the agreement, and a maximum of £5.45 million at any one time. Ground is expected to be broken in November, with the first houses expected to be ready by Autumn 2024. Newett Homes is a jointly owned business by David Newett and his youngest son Will Newett. It focuses on building high-quality family houses across the Yorkshire region and has ambitions to build more than 400 homes annually across the region. This is Paragon’s second deal with Newett Homes having previously supported the company’s 68-unit development in Fenay Bridge, Huddersfield last year. The deal was led on behalf of the bank by Senior Relationship Director Simon Dekker with support from Senior Portfolio Manager Craig Seabourne and Portfolio Manager Izzy Sargent. Will Newett, Newett Homes Chief Executive, said: “We have built a strong relationship with the team at Paragon, so we are pleased to have worked with the bank on our latest development, which will deliver high-quality family homes to the Emley area of Huddersfield. We’re excited to break ground on the scheme and look forward to welcoming the first residents next year.” Paragon’s Simon Dekker added: “We focus on working with experienced housebuilders that deliver a quality product and Newett Homes fits that mould perfectly. The company specialises in properties that deliver that added touch, including properties designed to impress and quality finishing touches. “Paragon is one of a handful of development funders that can offer a revolving loan facility. This supports the developer by reducing the amount of equity they need to put into a scheme upfront and enables them to use the sale of the initial tranche of homes to pay down the facility as and when they complete, recycling their equity over the course of the project. This can decrease the overall amount of borrowing required and, subsequently, the cost.”

Specialist fund manager acquires homes at Yorkshire brownfield regeneration project

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Specialist fund manager acquires homes at Yorkshire brownfield regeneration project
Sky-House has completed the sale of 11 homes at Waverley in Rotherham to Hearthstone Investments. The eleven three and four-bed homes were bought by Hearthstone Investments for immediate rent to families and young professionals on average incomes. Hearthstone Investments is a specialist fund manager focused on the private rented sector, with over £450m of assets under management. This deal is Sky-House’s first with a specialist fund of this kind. All eleven homes are now being marketed through local agents, who have reported strong demand. The eleven homes form part of Sky-House’s second phase of 44 homes at Waverley, Yorkshire’s largest brownfield redevelopment, the regeneration of the former Orgreave coal mining site. David Cross, founder and director of Sky-House Co, said: “This is an excellent deal for Sky-House, reflecting the quality of our homes for the institutional investment market. “Directly dealing with Hearthstone has been a pleasure, with the deal concluded quickly over the Summer. We hope this develops into a long term partnership with Hearthstone, as well as providing a reference point for other funds and institutions as we develop out our pipeline of sites in South Yorkshire and beyond.” Cedric Bucher, CEO, Hearthstone Investments, added: “The product that Sky-House develops is exactly what the private rented sector is crying out for; quality, new homes with strong environmental credentials in a great location. Supporting such large scale projects forms part of our investment strategy, with nearly 50% of homes across our portfolio from brownfield regeneration projects. “The ability to bring these properties to the rental market works both for our institutional investors and delivers what local people on average salaries need. It’s a benchmark for what private rented homes should be.”

Sheffield startup secures six-figure investment for carbon-negative vertical farming

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Sheffield startup secures six-figure investment for carbon-negative vertical farming
Future Greens, a Sheffield-based startup, has secured a six-figure investment to back a new innovative and sustainable approach to vertical farming entirely powered by food waste. Substantial investments have been made by two venture capital firms and the company has received backing from a private Angel investor in Sheffield and a grant in partnership with the University of Sheffield from Innovate UK. This significant financial support will boost Future Greens in their efforts to revolutionise the vertical farming industry by integrating food waste to power the growing process. Throughout the first half of 2022, Future Greens was a successful vertical farming pilot growing year-round produce and supplying local grocers in Sheffield. However, the energy crisis exposed the vulnerability of the vertical farming model, which relies heavily on energy. Unable to afford the overheads, company founders David Dixon, Gabrielė Barteškaitė, Alexander La Fleur and Alastair Roper were forced to close their facility and rethink their approach. The team joined Sheffield Technology Park’s Cooper Project, designed to help tech entrepreneurs by providing free work space and tailored startup support. This move enabled them to start exploring renewable energy sources, with the ultimate goal of becoming carbon negative. Future Greens’ pioneering approach involves extracting energy from food waste, diverting it from landfills and incineration. This process not only reduces waste but also fosters a sustainable and circular farming ecosystem. The recent investments will fund Future Greens’ co-founders to work full-time on the development of their groundbreaking idea. Their immediate priorities include creating a prototype and preparing to build a vertical farm in Sheffield with food waste integration. The team will take on a bespoke space at the Sheffield Technology Parks to develop the prototype, which they hope to begin building by November. The company is also looking to partner with businesses in South Yorkshire for whom they can process their organic waste for free, and are keen to hear from interested parties. Co-founder Gabrielė expressed her excitement about the funds: “Securing the investments is an incredible boost that allows us to be fully immersed in our mission. We’ve been developing this project on the side for three years while juggling part-time jobs to support ourselves. Working full-time on Future Greens is the reward we’ve been waiting for.” David added: “We came to Sheffield Technology Parks at the time of losing our facility and knowing that we had to rethink our model due to the energy crisis. Being here gave us the time and the space to think, develop our ideas, and come up with a solution that has garnered interest and now investment. So we’re extremely excited about taking the next steps and getting this idea off the ground.” Tom Wolfenden, Sheffield Technology Park’s Chief Executive, said: “David, Gabrielė and the team have worked hard to secure this investment. Future Greens has the potential to change the way we grow crops and solve a key challenge we face as a species: how to feed a growing population. Their passion and expertise is inspirational, and we’re pleased to be supporting them here at STP as valued members of our startup community. “We’re delighted to share that this marks the fifth significant investment into an STP startup during the summer of 2023, with the total figure now exceeding £1.2m.”

Lee uses ‘Day to Amaze’ to earn minibus licence get children to summer camp

Stuart Pearcey
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Lee uses ‘Day to Amaze’ to earn minibus licence get children to summer camp

Metro Bank Lead Credit Risk Manager Lee Green has taken a MIDAS mini-bus exam so he can drive children to Leeds & District Camp.

Metro Bank gives every employee a ‘Day to Amaze’ – essentially a paid day off to support a local charity or good cause. Lee used his to support the Leeds & District Camp organised by charity St. Vincent de Paul Society. The camp provides children from inner city areas of West Yorkshire including Leeds and Bradford with a week’s holiday they would not otherwise have had.

The St Vincent de Paul Society has been organising camps since 1921. The Camp must raise around £20,000 each year to run, and takes place in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.

Lee said: “It’s great working for a community bank which helps us support local good causes. Local schools give us use of their minibuses without charge, but they insist all drivers have passed the MIDAS test. I was pleased to pass the test as driving the minibus is only part of my volunteering duties.  I help at the camp for a week every year – long days, but incredibly rewarding.”

Family-owned Hessle firm appoints three new directors

Stuart Pearcey
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Family-owned Hessle firm appoints three new directors
Hessle-based logistics company Neill & Brown has appointed three new directors to help oversee its next phase of growth. Long-term employee Stuart Dean has been made portable movements operations director. He joins the board along with newcomers Paul Allon, who has been appointed the company’s finance director and Dominic Yeardley, the new commercial director. All three are highly experienced in their fields. The trio join CEO Peter Brown, MD Colin Moody and logistics director Carl Andrew. Finance director Ian Halder is retiring after 13 years with the company. Peter Brown said he felt confident that they would all make a positive contribution to the next stage of Neill & Brown’s journey. “These senior appointments have been made as the initial stage of a broader succession strategy and we expect them to play a significant role in increasing our stronghold in the UK, European and worldwide logistics industry from our base in the Humber. “We have seen consistent growth over the last 20 years while maintaining our family business philosophy, and we will always strive to hold on to this this for the benefit of customers. “I would like to publicly thank Ian Halder for his hard work, commitment and sound advice, and wish him a very happy retirement.” Stuart Dean has been with the company for 18 years as a manager in the Portable Movements Department and has a wealth of knowledge in European abnormal load distribution, such as the export of mobile buildings. Dominic Yeardley has more than 30 years’ experience in UK & European logistics and has a solid all-round knowledge of the industry. Paul Allon has more than 15 years’ experience across the manufacturing and construction sectors in which he has led mergers and acquisitions and helped transform companies’ IT and HR functions. He said: “I am very excited about working with the senior team at Neill & Brown. I want to build on its history and excellent reputation, which extends from the Humber across the globe, to enable further growth over the coming years.” Neill & Brown started in Hull in 1917 and employs nearly 150 staff over its strategic Hull sites. It exports and imports goods by road, sea and air worldwide and has extensive warehousing capabilities. It has made continuous investments in its facilities, fleet and services.

Energy company plans new facility on Lincolnshire border

Stuart Pearcey
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Energy company plans new facility on Lincolnshire border
Ironstone Energy has announced proposals to develop a new anaerobic digestion plant on land owned by Buckminster Estate east of Sewstern village on the border between Lincolnshire and Leicestershire border. The plant would produce biomethane from a variety of energy crops grown nearby as part of a sustainable rotation. These energy crops and the digestate fertiliser by-product returned to the farm, help to decarbonise farming activities and support resilient food crop production. The project would deliver a range of local benefits, including the creation of new green jobs during construction and operation, a sizeable community fund, and a programme of biodiversity enhancements together with native species planting as part of the landscaping scheme. Ironstone Energy is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Future Biogas Ltd, which has a portfolio of 12 similar facilities. The site has been chosen in conjunction with Buckminster Estate, who would be supplying around half of the crop inputs helping to reduce fossil fuel and artificial fertiliser use and building soil health. The new plant would produce enough biomethane to heat a town roughly the size of Grantham, replacing fossil gas, which is mostly imported from outside the UK, while also cutting greenhouse gas emissions. The plant would operate without subsidies, instead selling its gas, via the gas grid, to corporate customers seeking to reduce their environmental impact. The proposal includes a new access track linking to the B676 designed to minimise any impact of farming traffic on the immediate local road network. The plans can be viewed at: Sewstern Village Hall, 59 Main St, Sewstern, Grantham NG33 5RQ on Tuesday 10th October 2023, 16.00 – 20.00 and Wednesday 11th October 2023, 10.30 – 16.00

Chamber gives cautious welcome to Sunak’s rail announcement plans

Stuart Pearcey
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Chamber gives cautious welcome to Sunak’s rail announcement plans
News that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has promised to electrify rail links to Hull has been cautiously welcomed by the Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce. The news came as the PM announced the scrapping of the remaining northern leg of HS2 linking Birmingham to Manchester – a move which has drawn fierce criticism from the elected mayors in the North West. In today’s announcement Rishi Sunak promised £3billion to upgrade and electrify lines between Hull and Leeds and Hull and Sheffield, as well as Sheffield and Leeds and Manchester and Sheffield. The Chamber and several Humber MPs, along with our rail advisors, have campaigned long and hard for faster rail journeys across the Pennines to Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool, so today’s announcement is to be welcomed. Chamber External Affairs Director David Hooper said: “On the face of it, this announcement is good news for the Humber and it is the news we’ve lobbied for years to achieve. However, we all know there is an election looming, so we will feel much more excited about it when work actually begins on the promised electrification of the Hull to Selby stretch of line in particular. “All we’ve got so far is the announcement, no hint of timescales, but if it comes to pass, it will cut journey times from Hull to Leeds and beyond which is something that has been holding back this area for years. “I would add that today’s announcement does little to address the issues around freight traffic and congestion on the existing rail network – something HS2 would have helped to alleviate. “We will be meeting with Rail Minister Huw Merriman in Westminster in a couple of weeks and will once again impress upon the latest Rail Minister the urgent need for him to deliver on these promises so the Humber can prosper.”

New chair appointed at Manningham Housing Association

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New chair appointed at Manningham Housing Association
Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has appointed Rupert Pometsey as chair of the Board. He will replace Barrington Billings who steps down in December after more than six years in the role. Mr Pometsey, a chartered architect, is currently vice-chair and has more than two decades of senior level experience as a housing development and asset management professional.  He has delivered homes at a capital cost of over £1 billion and is a former Board member and chair of the development company at Ongo Homes in North Lincolnshire. Mr Pometsey is currently working for the London Borough of Haringey on the delivery of an ambitious new generation of council homes. He said: “I am thrilled to be appointed as MHA chair. The association continues to go from strength to strength and has developed a really positive reputation locally, regionally and nationally. “It is especially admired for its community investment activities and its work in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. “I feel privileged to receive the baton from Barrington who is a totemic figure in the housing sector and who it has been an honour to serve alongside as vice-chair.” Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said: “Rupert’s deep knowledge of housing, his familiarity with MHA and his range of professional skills made him the outstanding candidate for the position. I know he will do a fantastic job in the years ahead. “On behalf of the senior management team, I wish to pay tribute to Barrington who has led the Board so impressively – particularly during the dark days of the pandemic when morale could have dipped, but never did. “His contribution to MHA’s achievements over the most successful period in our history, including numerous award wins, will never be forgotten.” Barrington Billings, chair of the MHA, said: “I am so pleased to welcome Rupert to the role, which I regard as one of the best in the country. “Manningham Housing Association has become such an integral part of my life over the past number of years. “The dedication and commitment of my Board colleagues and staff is second to none. They do what they do to make lives better and succeed in that task every single day. “I wish them and Rupert the very best of fortunes for the future.”

Halifax agricultural engineering firm makes dairy swoop

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Halifax agricultural engineering firm makes dairy swoop

Halifax, West Yorkshire-based Clapham Agricultural Engineering has acquired Yorkshire-headquartered dairy engineers Harry Travis in a deal which will support growth for both businesses.

The acquisition allows both companies to develop and innovate their product range and services.

Clapham Agricultural Engineering offers a full range of onsite and workshop-based agricultural engineering services throughout Yorkshire including servicing, repair work and emergency repairs. The company also provides sales and services from its recently awarded Deutz-Fahr tractor dealership.

With a head office in Ripponden, near Halifax and a branch in Otley, West Yorkshire Harry Travis has been established for almost 70 years and is well respected in its field. The dairy engineers supply products and services to the milk production sector on a national scale and are main agents for Fullwood milking parlour systems.

Ed Clapham, Managing Director of Clapham Engineering, said: “It has been an exciting few years for Clapham Engineering and the opportunity to acquire Harry Travis made perfect sense. The synergy of the businesses and the additional services we can now offer as a one-stop shop is amazing.

“Our offering, certainly in the north of England is unmatched and I, together with my team are excited to move forward and develop the business further.

“The farming sector, milk industry and small holders community will benefit from our expertise, rapid response and commitment to service. Whether a milking parlour requires a complete overhaul, a tractor is in need of urgent attention or you simply need a pair of new boots, our team will be delighted to help.”

Halifax-based asset advisory firm, Walker Singleton, provided the valuation advice over the plant and machinery, stock and vehicles.

Walker Singleton director, Dan Hey, said: “It was a pleasure to be involved in this project, working alongside both Ed and Mark together with legal firm Wilkinson Woodward allowing for a seamless transaction.

“We wish Ed and his team all the very best for the future and look forward to seeing the business grow.”

J.R. Rix & Sons names new Managing Director

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J.R. Rix & Sons names new Managing Director
Hull family business J.R. Rix & Sons has appointed James Doyle as its new Managing Director. Mr Doyle, who joined the company in 2007, takes over the top role from Rix stalwart Rory Clarke, who was been Group Managing Director since 2017. During his tenure, Mr Clarke has presided over the biggest period of expansion and diversification in the company’s 150 year history. He will remain as a non-executive director of the business to continue supporting the Board, and to assist the next generation of the Rix family on their ongoing integration. Tim Rix CBE, Chairman and Chief Executive of J.R. Rix & Sons, paid homage to Mr Clarke, who officially stepped down on October 1. He said: “Rory’s story at Rix is a truly inspirational one. He arrived to establish a proper credit control department in 1991 – a gigantic job which was not for the faint-hearted. “He took on the challenge and thrived which led to his involvement in just about every aspect of the Rix organisation, making sure we got paid.” In 2003, Mr Clarke was appointed as Managing Director of Rix Petroleum which he grew from a local supplier into a national business with depots from Grangemouth to the Thames, and from Norfolk across to Cheshire. As Managing Director of J.R. Rix & Sons, he has been instrumental in transforming the group from a traditional family business into a diverse company involved in fuel deliveries, shipping, renewable energy, manufacturing holiday homes, and with a significant property portfolio. Mr Rix added that the Rix business is all about the people who work in it. “Rory’s story shows how it is possible to rise through the ranks and excel at the highest level,” he said. Mr Doyle initially joined the business as Managing Director of Rix Shipping in 2007. In 2019, he became Chief Executive of Victory Leisure Homes and has worked closely with the Board in managing and developing all aspects of the wider group. He said: “It is a source of huge personal pride to be taking over the role of Managing Director at J.R. Rix & Sons. I have worked alongside Rory for many years and I have to say, his are going to be very big shoes to fill. “I’m taking over the Managing Director’s role at a highly prosperous point in the company’s history, and much of that is due to Rory’s tremendous contribution over the past 32 years.” Mr Clarke said he was sad to be stepping down as Managing Director, but was confident the business remained in very safe hands. He said: “James has been actively involved in the management of the business at group level for a number of years, and is the perfect choice to succeed me. “I’m looking forward to supporting him and the wider Board in my new role of non-executive director.”

New partnership aims to build more affordable homes in North Yorkshire

Stuart Pearcey
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New partnership aims to build more affordable homes in North Yorkshire
More affordable new homes are to be built in North Yorkshire through a new partnership involving its own property company Brierley Homes and Broadacres Housing Association. Brierley Homes is a private house-building company wholly owned by North Yorkshire Council, and Broadacres is a not-for-profit housing association based in Northallerton and operating across the North of England. By pooling their knowledge, experience and resources, they hope to help meet the demand for affordable homes. The first scheme is at Kirkby Malzeard near Ripon. Brierley Homes is delivering the scheme following an agreement to buy the land from Broadacres. It will feature 33 houses, of which 13 will be affordable homes. They will be built to the highest specifications and feature energy-efficient construction techniques. Brierley Homes MD Stuart Ede said: “This announcement is the result of 12 months’ hard work and negotiations between ourselves and Broadacres on this and other schemes. It is an exciting partnership between two North Yorkshire companies that will deliver high-quality housing in areas of greatest need.” Broadacres’ director of development and investment Helen Fielding said: “Working in partnership with Brierley Homes, we are pleased to be able to provide 13 much-needed affordable homes in this part of rural North Yorkshire. “It’s important that we continue investing in even more affordable housing across the county, ensuring our rural communities remain sustainable for local people now and in the future. We see working closely with Brierley as a major step towards achieving this.”

Local businesswoman takes over Scunthorpe United

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Local businesswoman takes over Scunthorpe United
A takeover has been completed for Scunthorpe United by local businesswoman Michelle Harness. A current director of the club, and former commercial manager of over 15 years at the Iron, Michelle has acquired the club from the outgoing David Hilton. Following a busy few days of negotiations and putting plans in place, Michelle said: “I would like to thank everyone who assisted in the transaction, especially David Hilton. “There are a lot of challenges and problems to overcome, but David has taken no fee for the club, and wiped all monies that he personally invested to enable this deal to happen. I wish him and his family all the best for the future, and I hope he finds some peace away from football. “I’d also like to acknowledge the efforts of Simon Elliott, who has massively assisted in getting this deal over the line. There is now a lot of work to do behind the scenes to get our great football club back on track, and that work starts immediately with the fantastic team we have working for us, starting with the appointment of a new board.”

SMS Towage adds Turkish-built vessel to Humber fleet

Stuart Pearcey
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SMS Towage adds Turkish-built vessel to Humber fleet

A 22-metre tugboat bought by Hessle-based SMS Towage Limited from Sanmar Shipyards in Turkey has arrived in Hull from Istanbul.

The brand new, environmentally-friendly TRADESMAN  is the latest tug to join the SMS fleet, and will manoeuvre boats and super tankers safely into the ports of Hull and Immingham. Weighing over 190 tonnes, the TRADESMAN has been bought with the help of Andrew Jackson Solicitors. She is equipped with two Caterpillar 1,500 kw engines capable of pulling super tankers carrying gas or oil, which can weigh as much as 200,000 tonnes. The tugs are also fitted with firefighting pumps. Paul Escreet, chairman of SMS Towage, said: “The Humber estuary is one of the busiest trading areas in Europe, but its powerful tide means there needs to be a substantial fleet of tugs readily available to ensure that vessels are capable of manoeuvring and berthing safely. “This latest investment in our fleet means reflects our aim of providing our customers with more modern and environmentally friendly tugs at the Humber port, whilst complementing the existing fleet to meet our specific operational needs. “Once again, we are very grateful to Rebecca Forder and Dominic Ward in Andrew Jackson’s shipping team, who remain our trusted advisors for this type of work. We continue to be very happy with their valuable help and advice.” Dominic Ward, senior partner, and head of Andrew Jackson’s shipping & transport team added:- “SMS Towage is the UK’s largest independent marine towage provider and their passion for the industry is evident. As a long-standing client of the firm, we are particularly delighted to have assisted them with this latest transaction and to ensure the vessel’s smooth transition into the UK, as the business continues to flourish. ”

Sheffield’s SMEs invited to share in funding worth £1.75m

Stuart Pearcey
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Sheffield’s SMEs invited to share in funding worth £1.75m
More than £1.75m of funding is available for SMEs in Sheffield to improve their productivity, become more digital and create jobs. Businesses can apply for one of two grants from Business Sheffield: productivity or digital innovation. Both are designed to help businesses save time, space, energy and materials, without cutting jobs. Business owners will also get access to expert support to review, increase their productivity and monitor their outputs going forward. The scheme is being run with funding from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Businesses can apply for grants between £2,500 and £12,499, with the exact amount depending on which grant is applied for. One business that’s benefited from support from grants from Business Sheffield is Triple Point Brewery. The business launched in March 2019, quickly growing from an on-site bar to a trade supplier. By 2022, despite slow growth during lockdown, the brewery was growing faster than their space would allow. The team applied for a Business Productivity Grant to expand Triple Point’s brewing hall into the warehouse next door. This made further productivity-boosting projects possible.  An extra fermentation vessel has already been installed, adding 16% to brewing capacity and creating an extra full-time job. The team plans to add a further two vessels and a new chiller unit.  In future, the new space will also make it possible for the team to explore the automatic packaging beer into kegs and cans. Triple Point MD Mike Brook said: “The need for new drains, piping and hygienic flooring was a real barrier to us growing Triple Point and was very difficult for us to fund.  The productivity grant made this possible and we are really excited about the new opportunities this has opened up.” Small to medium size businesses in Sheffield can apply for a grant. Businesses must be able to fund half the project and show it is financially viable and needs grant support. Full details can be found on the Sheffield City Council website. Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Committee, said: “Sheffield is a city of innovators and entrepreneurs and these new grants will give businesses the boost they need to grow. Businesses will get support to tackle barriers to growth, encourage innovation and create jobs, as well as save time, money, space and energy. “Business Sheffield’s team of expert advisors is on hand to help businesses identify where they can increase productivity and support them in applying for grants to help them achieve that. With both Productivity and Digital grants available this investment will help more business owners access the bespoke support they need to achieve their ambitions. I encourage eligible businesses to get in touch to find out how they can benefit from these grants.” If you’re a Sheffield SME and are interested in applying, the first step is to contact Business Sheffield’s  friendly Advisor team. They’ll talk you through all this information, discuss your idea and support you with every step of the process. Please contact Business Sheffield on 0114 224 5000 or email BusinessSheffield@sheffield.gov.uk to discuss your project and whether you’re eligible. This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025.The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus Next week, the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Sheffield Business Awards. Business Sheffield is sponsoring Startup Org of the Year and Opportunity Sheffield is sponsoring the Outstanding Contribution to Workforce Development award. The awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, 12th October.

Emma takes over as Community Ventures MD this month

Stuart Pearcey
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Emma takes over as Community Ventures MD this month

Sewell Group’ estates consultancy company Community Ventures Management has appointed Emma Bolton assist Chief Executive.

Emma is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and a qualified town planner, and has spent much of her career in the public sector, working in strategic estates roles. She joined Community Ventures four years ago as Area Director for the North East and Leeds, before stepping up to the Chief Executive role this month.

She is well known throughout the healthcare estate industry after having held a variety of estates roles for local authorities and the NHS, including at NHS Property Services and NHS England, and as Director of Estate and Fleet at Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

Emma takes over from long-term Community Ventures leader Nigel Fenny, who will be stepping back to semi-retirement. He will be staying on with the team in a part-time, freelance capacity, so the company will retain his expertise and knowledge in the business.

Emma is looking forward to stepping up to the challenge of leading the Community Ventures team.

“I am really excited about the future for Community Ventures, and it’s a huge privilege to move into the role of Chief Executive. I’ve got a brilliant, talented team behind me who are passionate about making health estates and facilities fit for the demands of modern healthcare.

“We’re a rapidly growing consultancy, and we’re working tirelessly to help our expanding number of clients and partners find innovative, bespoke solutions to their estates challenges.”

Community Ventures is an estates consultancy, highly experienced across the NHS and commercial services, who support partners across England with estates strategies. Since they were formed in 2008, they’ve worked on some of the highest profile health estates projects in the North of England, including managing a £57.5m primary care transformation project in South Yorkshire, creating the business case for a £20m health and wellbeing centre in Keighley and being a key part of the construction of the £700m Royal Liverpool Hospital.

Financial services activity holds firm

Tess Egginton
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Financial services activity holds firm
Financial services activity held relatively firm in Q3 of 2023, despite some softening from a buoyant second quarter. Optimism and business volumes growth were quick in the three months to September, although to a lesser extent than the previous quarter, according to the latest CBI Financial Services Survey. The quarterly survey, conducted between 30 August to 15 September with 150 respondents, found that FS firms expect volumes growth to pick up considerably in the three months ahead. Employment growth, which slowed from last quarter’s 16-year high, is set to decelerate further in the coming quarter. Key findings:
  • Optimism softened in September (weighted balance of +20% from +30% in June; long-run average of +3%).
  • Business volumes growth was quick in the quarter to September, despite slowing from last quarter (+27% from +42% in June; long-run average of +13%). FS firms expect volumes to increase at a faster pace next quarter (+41%).
  • Average spreads increased slightly in the three months to September (+5% from 0% in June). Spreads are expected to be broadly flat next quarter (-3%).
  • The value of non-performing loans grew modestly in the quarter to September (+8% from 0% in June) but is anticipated to decline marginally next quarter (-5%).
  • Profitability growth decelerated in the quarter to September (+13% from +41% in June) but is expected to speed up again next quarter (+38%).
  • Employment expanded at a robust pace in the quarter to September (+34%), albeit at a slower pace than last quarter’s increase (+52%, fastest since December 2006). Firms expect headcount growth to ease further next quarter (+23%).
  • Firms expect to increase investment in IT over the next 12 months (compared to the last 12). Capital expenditures on land & buildings and vehicles, plant & machinery are anticipated to be broadly unchanged.
  • Uncertainty about demand was the most commonly cited factor likely to limit investment in the next 12 months (47%). The share of firms citing cost of finance (28%) as a potential limiting factor rose to its highest since December 2014.
Louise Hellem, CBI chief economist, said: “It’s great to see financial services firms reporting another positive quarter, with optimism and volumes growth both firm, and activity expected to pick up further in the months ahead. A critically important sector to the UK economy, financial services also serves as a key catalyst and backer for a wealth of business activity across the country. “The Government should look to build on this positive momentum by maximising financial services regulation as a lever for broader economic growth in the Autumn Statement. By shifting the focus of regulation towards delivering better outcomes, the Chancellor can ensure the financial services sector enables critical transitions in the economy, like Net Zero and tech adaption, through improved access to and availability of finance.”
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