Full-service engineering firm, DeSimone Consulting Engineering, with offices worldwide, has acquired West Yorkshire structural engineering firm, DP Squared Ltd. The acquisition builds upon the company’s UK headquarters in central London. Stephen DeSimone, chairman and CEO of DeSimone Consulting Engineering, said: “As DeSimone continues to grow internationally, we are thrilled to bring on Darren, Deborah, and the entire DP Squared team. “Their extensive experience in structural design, impressive work across major projects, and client-centered approach will enrich DeSimone’s capabilities throughout the UK/European region.” Based in Hebden Bridge, DP Squared launched in 2004 and has maintained a strong presence in the North of England. Darren and Deborah Paine, directors at DP Squared, said: “DP Squared is a family that we have nurtured through its teenage years, and now it is time for it to fly and grow. By joining DeSimone, we will leverage our new partners’ global knowledge and resources to better deliver for the company’s clients worldwide.” With the acquisition, DP Squared will operate as DeSimone Consulting Engineering UK from its current office Hebden Bridge while Darren and Deborah will join the senior management team at DeSimone in the UK.

Clarke Banks (Group) Ltd has been sold to approved building control inspector Assent, based in Wakefield. Clarke Banks offers a variety of compliance solutions to the domestic and commercial construction markets, including building control approval and fire safety engineering. The company benefits from a national network and operates from UK offices in London, Birmingham, Cardiff and Weybridge. Led by directors Adam Melrose and Sam Wright, Clarke Banks has established a young and dynamic management team, appealing to an increasing number of blue-chip clients. As the building control and fire safety industries continue to evolve with new legislation, Adam and Sam were eager to explore the M&A market and find the right buyer for the next phase of development. “Clarke Banks has some of the youngest approved inspectors in the country and the business is well-established at the forefront of a growing industry,” said George Barnes, KBS Corporate associate director, who oversaw the sale to Assent Building Control. “The Building Safety Act 2022 will change operational strategies across the market and Clarke Banks has the services, clients and scope to satisfy new requirements, particularly for large-scale commercial developments.” Assent Building Control was itself acquired by Munich-based Alpina Partners in 2017 with the assistance of KBS Corporate. The firm has acquired Clarke Banks as part of a long-term plan to enhance its building control and fire services portfolio. Iain Thomson, CEO of Assent, said: “We have been actively looking to expand our suite of services, so it was important to us that the business we acquired would offer benefits to both parties, not simply grow the number of surveyors we could offer. “Sam and Adam have built an incredibly successful business that provides complementary services to those offered by our existing businesses. The enthusiasm for the work they do is second to none and we are delighted to be welcoming them into the Assent group.” Adam Melrose said: “We had been investigating several investment partner options, but it became clear to us that Assent aligned with our own values and bought into our future vision for the business. “In the discussions with Iain and his team, it was obvious the acquisition of Clarke Banks was a strategic choice that would benefit both parties and help to deliver a combined service offering to clients at what is a pivotal time in our industry.” Sam Wright added: “The introduction of the independent Building Safety Regulator is making our whole industry look very closely at what will be required to achieve the competency levels needed. “The recent consolidation we have seen in the sector is ultimately positive for the whole industry. Being part of a larger group and network will provide additional strength in the future for Clarke Banks’ team and greater resilience to support the diverse and strong client base we have spent the last decade building.” George Barnes believes further consolidation in the building control and fire safety industries is to be expected over the coming years as regulators continue to realign existing legislation. “While Clarke Banks is a great opportunity for Assent to improve its commercial exposure, it also improves the group’s position in a market with high barriers to entry,” he said. “We are expecting significant consolidation as legislation evolves — regulators will see the benefit of working with a smaller pool of prominent inspectors.”

Cleantech business Green Building Renewables (GBR) has expanded its UK nationwide network into Hampshire and onto the South Coast by acquiring Solar Voltaics – the eighth renewables company to join the York-headquartered business. By joining Green Building Renewables’ fast-growing network, Solar Voltaics helps increase the company’s annual turnover to £35 million. The merger will also help create jobs in the region. Green Building Renewables offers a range of renewable technology solutions through its growing network of local energy experts. It provides Air and Ground Source Heat Pumps, underfloor heating, solar PV, EV charging, and battery storage. The decision to expand onto the South Coast comes as part of Green Building Renewables’ strategic vision to extend the benefits of solar energy to communities across the country. Managing Director of Green Building Renewables, Chris Delaney, said: “The pedigree of Solar Voltaics’ work precedes it. The reputation of the company and the quality and scale of the work it has done in the region is incredible, and I am delighted to have them join the Green Building Renewables family and network of regional offices. “We continue to grow our nationwide network by acquiring respected and reputable businesses like Solar Voltaics. We welcome the Nutbourne team to ours. The South Coast is known for its rich natural beauty and vibrant communities, making it an ideal location for Green Building Renewables to expand. “We want to expand upon the excellent work of Solar Voltaics and help empower businesses and residents alike in the region to switch to clean energy, reducing their carbon footprint and benefiting the environment.” Solar Voltaics was founded by Michael Turner, a successful local entrepreneur and businessman. Michael has ten years of experience in the aerospace materials industry with Rolls Royce plc and British Aerospace. He founded the company in 2010 and has helped grow the company to success over the last twelve years. On joining Green Building Renewables, Michael said: “I am extremely proud of what the team at Solar Voltaics has achieved since I founded the company. “Our mission has always been to ensure customers understand how solar PV technology can work for them, how it is installed and what financial benefits they can expect from an installation designed to their specific requirements and budget. “The vision of Green Building Renewables matched our own, and we’re delighted to become a part of their network when renewable technologies and alternatives to fossil fuels have never been more needed. “We pride ourselves on ensuring that customers are completely satisfied with their decision to adopt Solar PV technology, and we adhere to a strict code of conduct to provide high levels of reassurance that their systems will perform as expected for many years. “Our team provides quality service and work; joining Green Building Renewables and becoming part of something bigger is a fantastic opportunity for them to share our combined skills further. Green Building Renewables allows the team to offer more services and products to our customers in the region.” In due course, Solar Voltaics will rebrand to Green Building Renewables as it becomes a part of the company’s nationwide network of local renewable technology installers and helps recruit new Solar PV installers and heat pump engineers nationwide. Green Building Renewables is an Efficient Building Solutions business. Philip Fellowes-Prynne, Efficient Building Solutions CEO, said: “Efficient Building Solutions’ mission is to lead the UK’s transformation to efficient, sustainable buildings. “Green Building Renewables’ rapid growth and expansion in the last 18 months, from a turnover of £3m to £35m, reflect the demand for low-carbon and renewable technology in the UK. Chris and his team are building a network of renewable experts that we believe will be unrivalled in the UK for their combined experience and knowledge. “We seek suitable businesses to acquire and join the Green Building Renewables network. We aim to be the largest renewable installation business in the UK by 2024, with a turnover of £100m. Solar Voltaics is exactly the type of company we want to become a part of our business.”

The Serious Sweets Company (SSC), a Harrogate-based independent confectionery business, has acquired the share capital and branded interests of Nom Bites Ltd, and with it the Lexi’s range of mallow and protein bars for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2020 by Alexei Khatiwada, who set out to ‘create a range of delicious, healthier, allergy-friendly treats’, Lexi’s is an award winning supplier of mallow crispy rice treats and protein bars, with availability across D2C, Ocado, Amazon and Foodservice channels. SSC manufactures and supplies premium own-label treats to all major retailers in the UK together with a successful international business, and has established SSC Brands to manage its branded interests. In 2022, SSC acquired Mighty Fine, the premium honeycomb brand, and Mr Stanley’s, the quintessentially English gifting confectionery brand to its stable. Earlier this year it also acquired Mallow & Marsh, the UK’s leading marshmallow brand, and the wholesale manufacturing arm of John Bull, now renamed the Real Candy Co. Rob Whitehead, cheerleader and MD at SSC, said: “We’re delighted to bring Lexi’s into our family and continue the journey that Alexei and Shama have brilliantly led. “Gluten, dairy and nut free bars fit perfectly into our stable of current brands, enabling us to offer customers a combination of indulgent treats and more healthy treats, ideal for customers with specific dietary needs, or those looking for a healthier snack. “We will be sharing the range with our customers over the next few months and look forward to developing Lexi’s alongside all our brands over the next few years.” Alexei Khatiwada, founder (‘Captain Crispy’), said: “This acquisition marks an exciting milestone for Lexi’s, as we capitalise on the growing demand for our award-winning treats. “I’m proud that Lexi’s has helped deliver more inclusive treats to a mainstream audience and it’s been a pleasure to see the growth of the brand, which started in my home kitchen and has now sold millions of treats across the UK. I’m delighted to see SSC’s ambition and desire to grow the brand further and continue this exciting journey.” A committed food industry lifer, Rob Whitehead has had a successful career buying, developing and growing several food businesses for the last 25 years. In 2014, Rob realised that the crafted food movement was in full swing, not just at farm shops and independent retailers, but increasingly through major supermarkets in many food categories. At the same time, he felt premium sweets were missing from this growth opportunity. Driven by memories of wonderous childhood treats yet huge frustration with the ‘unacceptably miserable face of boring sweets’ dominating so many shop aisles, Rob set up SSC. His aim was twofold – to retain craft skills and small batch passion which are the hallmarks of quality English confectionery, and bring investment for new thinking & innovation back into the market. Adding Lexi’s to this stable now enables SSC Brands to offer customers a broad range of treats, from the purely indulgent to the more healthy snack, meeting a full range of consumer needs.

Heron Foods has signed up Sewell Facilities Management to keep its stores open for business, with the FM company providing reactive maintenance for the retailer’s stores across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. The FM company will be on hand to respond to requests for maintenance assistance for 86 of Heron Food’s 323 stores, covering stores within the counties of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. As well as reacting to urgent issues, such as problems with doors, plumbing and lights, the company will also be completing small maintenance projects, including retiling and small shop repairs. A quick response time is essential for the retail sector, as even minor problems mean that a shop can’t open to customers, meaning lost revenue. Anthony Coulam, Senior Facilities Manager at Heron Foods said: “From the team who manage the calls, to the teams delivering the reactive repairs, everyone at Sewell FM understands our needs and delivers the service with professionalism, courtesy and pride. Working with Sewell Group for our reactive maintenance is easy.”

Anna Leach, Deputy Chief Economist at the CBI, says interest rates are likely to rise again in the coming months. She said: “With inflation having come down quicker than expected in June, the pressure was eased on the MPC to deliver another bumper rate rise. But with inflation close to 8% – quadruple the Bank’s target – and wage growth around 7%, interest rates are likely to head higher in coming months. “Economic conditions remain challenging for households and businesses alike. For firms, the cost of inputs is a third higher than pre-pandemic, the labour market remains very tight driving up wage and recruitment costs, and demand is sluggish. “Meanwhile, real incomes are still falling for households and higher interest rates are squeezing spending power further. To drive up growth and living standards in the UK without generating inflation, we need investment to increase the productive capacity of the economy. ” “Improvements in the tax and regulatory system – as recommended in our recently published tax roadmap and green growth reports – can provide a platform for transforming the UK economy.”

North Lincolnshire Council is to consult on a new licensing scheme that aims to tackle rogue landlords in parts of Scunthorpe that are hotspots for anti-social behaviour, unsafe homes, and public health issues. If approved, all landlords in the designated areas would have to apply for a license to be able to rent out homes. Cllr Richard Hannigan, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health, Families & Communities, said: “The council tries to work with landlords to ensure they provide decent homes and that their tenants are not causing problems in their communities. “But in some parts of North Lincolnshire this approach is not working with a few rogue landlords who are not working in the interests of their tenants and the communities they live in. “A new licensing scheme in these areas would give the council more powers to intervene and protect tenants from poor accommodation and their neighbours from anti-social behaviour. “We will consult on this new scheme in the coming weeks and if supported will have a new scheme in place as soon as possible.” The areas covered by the licensing scheme would include Crosby, Town and Park wards and some streets in the Frodingham ward in Scunthorpe.

Work is due to start at the end of August on the redevelopment of part of Shipley Library to create a resource for local businesses. The Shipley Business Enterprise Hub will be created in current exhibition space at the library, using £85,000 of money from the Shipley Towns Fund. The new facility will offer resources and advice to local businesses and start-ups, and the space will also be used for meetings and co-working. Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “The investment will fund a full refurbishment of the space, equipment for co-working as well as access to specialist business databases. “The Enterprise Hub will be an excellent resource for the local business community, particularly those starting-up or newly-established businesses.” Adam Clerkin, Chair of Shipley Towns Fund, said: “There will be an on-site dedicated business information advisor in place for a year, who will be able to offer advice and guidance as well as training existing staff. “Shipley has a thriving business community and we’re keen to support it. Work on the hub will start in August and is due to be completed within a month.” Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Healthy People and Healthy Places, said: “This will be an excellent addition to the library and will be an incredible resource for businesses in the area. Once it has opened, we’ll be encouraging people to make full use of the opportunity.”

In response to today’s announcement that the government will no longer fund LEPs after March 2024, LEP Network Chair Mark Bretton said it was essential, that effective devolution could be achieved only whilst business retains a respected and impactful voice which is a key element of democratic accountability.

“I am hugely grateful to the LEP Network Board, CEOs group and our highly talented Executive team for their guidance, resilience and professionalism in their support to me personally over this period.  Please rest assured that the LEP Network remains highly committed to support you.

Hull-based broadband provider KCOM will find out in November if it has won the accolade as the UK’s best Best Consumer Internet Service Provider category with 50,000 to 250,000 customers. It’s currently on a shortlist of three, and will discover the result at national industry awards later in the year. KCOM has also scooped a second nomination in the Best Integrated Communications Category for its work raising awareness about its copper to fibre network upgrade. This £17m, two-year, project will see 170,000 customers across Hull and East Yorkshire migrating their landline phones from old legacy copper wires to future-proof fibre. KCOM Retail managing director Neil Bartholomew said: “I’m absolutely delighted we’ve been recognised by the industry for all our hard work making KCOM the region’s leading broadband provider that puts its customers at the heart of everything we do. “We’ve been a finalist for the Best Consumer ISP award for several years now which shows our standard of service and customer care have been consistently impressive thanks to our dedicated teams of locally-based customer champions and engineers. Indeed, a recent Ofcom report showed our customers experienced fewer faults and enjoyed faster repairs than for any other provider. I hope we can now one step further and bring the trophy home to Hull.” ISPA Chair, Steve Leighton, said: “This year’s landmark anniversary of the iconic ISPA awards presents the ideal opportunity to celebrate and showcase the significant endeavour we have seen from organisations across the sector in 2023. “In an economic climate that has seen increased pressure placed on financial investments and consumers, industry has worked tirelessly to get us beyond 50 per cent nationwide FTTP coverage, delivering increased speeds and better services to citizens and businesses across the UK – while also alleviating some of the strains imposed by the cost of living crisis on consumers. I am excited to see who the deserving winners will be.”