Plans revealed for affordable homes and extra care scheme in Bridlington

Tess Egginton
-
0
Plans revealed for affordable homes and extra care scheme in Bridlington
New plans have been unveiled for 54 affordable homes and a 68-apartment extra care scheme just two miles from Bridlington Town Centre. The planning application has been submitted by Esh Construction in a £25 million land led development brought forward in partnership with Housing 21 and a regional registered housing provider. The proposed design features a three-storey extra care building containing one and two-bedroom apartments and communal facilities including a restaurant, hair salon and a resident lounge. A mix of two and three-bedroom houses, two-bedroom bungalows and one-bedroom ‘walk up’ apartments will be constructed for affordable tenures, including affordable rent, shared ownership and rent to buy. Earmarked for land off Pinfold Lane in the north of Bridlington which is allocated for residential development in the East Riding Local Plan, the development meets an identified need for affordable housing in the area and homes for older persons aged over 55. Laura Devaney, Land and Partnerships Director at Esh Construction, said: “We have worked closely with East Riding of Yorkshire Council to ensure local need was fully considered within plans for the development, including both design and housing tenures. “It is widely documented that our ageing society is causing a shortage of later life living options which means building new extra care housing is a high priority. Add to this, the Government’s target to build 180,000 new homes through the 2021-2026 Affordable Homes Programme, and schemes which foster inter-generational living can make a significant difference to the shortage of these types of living options within communities.” Housing 21 will take ownership of the extra care facility which will allow people to live independently in their own home, while accessing on-site care and support should they need it. All apartments will be made available for social rent. Deborah Hope, Head of Development at Housing 21, said: “We are pleased that planning permission for Housing 21’s Extra Care scheme in Bridlington has been submitted. We look forward to being able to build homes for local older people where they can live independently for longer, in the community that they know and love.” The two-storey houses, bungalows and ‘walk-up’ apartments will be constructed for a regional registered housing provider. Modern methods of construction (MMC) will be used throughout the scheme and 26 homes will be built with a timber frame. Jonathan Millea, Land & Planning Director at Millea Group, said: “I am extremely pleased with how this project is panning out so far. From the beginning our client, Esh Construction, has approached this with professionalism by carrying out all the necessary due diligence prior to submitting their planning application. Communication is paramount to ensuring all interested parties remain updated and as a wider team this is something we’ve all worked on very well. “Millea Group is looking forward to seeing the planning application progress and the development bring forward the much needed accommodation.” Devaney added: “An extensive amount of work has gone into this scheme to date, and I would like to thank all parties for their involvement, including Acanthus WSM Architects, Devcom Ltd, Millea Group Ltd, Engineering Services Consultancy Ltd and ID Planning.” In the event of a successful planning decision, Esh Construction will continue to work with BWA (Europe) Ltd, AA Projects and Eastwood Consulting Engineers throughout the development.

Irwin Mitchell Asset Management acquires business of Leeds-based wealth manager

Tess Egginton
-
0
Irwin Mitchell Asset Management acquires business of Leeds-based wealth manager
Irwin Mitchell Asset Management Limited (IMAML) has invested further in its business, strengthened its financial planning expertise and grown its client-base by completing a deal to acquire the business and assets of Leeds-based Andrews Gwynne LLP. The deal will add specialist investment management capacity and capability to the growing IM Asset Management team as well as providing Sheffield-based Irwin Mitchell the opportunity to offer its full suite of legal services to Andrews Gwynne clients. The acquisition is expected to increase assets under management to £1.2 billion. Current partner at Andrews Gwynne, Mark Smith, is joining as head of the team and will report directly to IM Asset Management CEO, Richard Potts. This deal follows Irwin Mitchell Asset Management Limited’s acquisition of Alderley Edge-based financial planners TWP Wealth last year. Richard Potts, CEO of IMAML, said: “The addition of the Andrews Gwynne team gives us the opportunity to attract more clients from outside of Irwin Mitchell who come direct for our wealth management and investment planning services – as well as adding capacity and capability for existing Irwin Mitchell clients. We’re pleased to have the team on board and welcome them to IM Asset Management.” Mark Smith, partner at Andrews Gwynne, said: “We’re delighted to be joining the Irwin Mitchell group and the IM Asset Management team. Our values and vision for the future are shared and our joint capabilities mean we’ll be able to provide all our clients with an increased depth and breadth of wealth and legal services.”

Adler and Allan acquire wastewater monitoring and management specialist Detectronic

Tess Egginton
-
0
Adler and Allan acquire wastewater monitoring and management specialist Detectronic
Harrogate environmental services business, Adler and Allan, has acquired sewer and wastewater network monitoring and management specialist Detectronic, to further enhance its wastewater telemetry and monitoring capability. Detectronic is an environmental and engineering company with a proven track record of helping customers prevent flooding and reduce pollution. Detectronic design and manufacture a range of flow and level monitors for wastewater monitoring including LIDoTT, a market-leading range of sewer level monitoring devices. LIDoTT is specifically designed for widespread deployment across entire networks and provides utility companies with an early warning system for pollution events. Neil Butler, Managing Director, Detectronic, said: “We are delighted to be joining the Adler and Allan Group. The services Adler and Allan offer, combined with its established position in the utilities market, allows us to extend our expert monitoring and management solutions to more companies.” Henrik Pedersen, Chief Executive Officer, Adler and Allan, said: “This is our fourth acquisition in the utilities sector, and sixth overall in the last 18 months. “It is a further step in the group’s ambitious growth plans to support customers with a broader set of environmental challenges including trade effluent, wastewater management and the hugely divisive and the high-profile topic of CSOs. “With this latest acquisition, we are cementing our position as a strategic partner to the water industry to manage and monitor their assets through the full lifecycle.” This acquisition follows the announcement that consultative asset management, engineering, and commercial services company Aqua Consultants joined the Adler and Allan Group in February 2023.

Hippo Digital expands data and engineering capabilities with fellow Leeds firm

Tess Egginton
-
0
Hippo Digital expands data and engineering capabilities with fellow Leeds firm
Digital services partner, Hippo Digital, has acquired Leeds-based data consultancy, The Data Shed. Hippo Digital has been on a mission to transform the delivery of digital services across the NHS and central government since being founded in 2016. Both Hippo Digital and The Data Shed have experienced exceptional double-digit growth in the last year, and demand for their services continues to increase. The coming together of these two businesses creates a nearly 400-strong team and a new alternative to the traditional, legacy systems integrators and digital transformation organisations that have historically dominated this space. Adam Lewis, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hippo Digital, said: “The Data Shed has an impressive track record of delivering for clients and has established itself as a real leader in the data field. “This acquisition significantly strengthens our data and engineering capabilities, helps us solve wider problems for clients, and The Data Shed’s private sector experience extends our reach. We’re delighted to welcome the team to the Hippo family.” Ed Thewlis, co-founder and chief commercial officer of The Data Shed, said: “Hippo and The Data Shed are united in the belief of doing what is right for our clients and adding value every step of the way. Value and good design are at the heart of every project we complete. “By bringing the two businesses together, we believe that we have the talent and the experience to disrupt the current market offering, driving meaningful transformation to more clients and ultimately driving better outcomes for citizens and customers everywhere.” This acquisition takes Hippo Digital’s headcount close to 400 and revenues in excess of £40m. The transaction was supported by Grant Thornton (finance and tax due diligence), Squire Patton Boggs (legal and legal due diligence), Armstrong (customer due diligence), Vista (insurance due diligence) and The Data Shed advisors KPMG and DWF. NatWest provided funding for the transaction, and legal support was provided to NatWest by Addleshaw Goddard.

Water companies share in £1.6bn to improve water quality

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Water companies share in £1.6bn to improve water quality
Yorkshire Water, Anglian Water, and Severn Trent Water are amongst five companies to share more than £1.6bn of new investment for vital infrastructure to improve the water quality of rivers, lakes and coastal waters and secure future water supplies, the government and Ofwat has announced. As part of the new package of investment, announced in draft form by Ofwat, companies will commit £1.1 billion to help eliminate harm caused by storm overflows. A further £400 million will be spent on water resilience schemes and £160m to help reduce nutrient pollution. It includes major new projects such as:
  • Yorkshire Water improving wastewater treatment infrastructure in Ilkley to improve the bathing water quality of the River Wharfe (£67 million)
  • Anglian Water accelerating its regional storm overflow reduction plan in the east of England (£27 million)
  • Severn Trent rolling out smart meters and modifying its Draycote Water reservoir in Warwickshire to increase water capacity (£70 million)
  • Essex and Suffolk Water increasing water resilience in their area to better meet the needs of local customers including businesses (£18 million)
  • United Utilities reducing around 8,400 spills per year, including reducing discharges into Lake Windermere (£800 million)
Schemes will also focus on new infrastructure to reduce nutrient pollution. Improvements at 14 wastewater treatment works, with an investment of £160 million, will significantly reduce phosphorus pollution in protected site catchments. This includes proposals from Anglian Water to both reduce pollution and support sustainable housing development. All work will start in the next two years, from 2023 to 2025. Water Minister Rebecca Pow said: “These schemes will help accelerate the delivery of the urgent improvements we need to protect our environment. It includes £1.1 billion of new investment to stop sewage discharges at sites across the country and will deliver a reduction of 10,000 discharges per year in places like Lake Windermere, the River Wharfe, Falmouth and Sidmouth.”

ITM Power signs 15-year lease on Bessemer Park extension plan premises

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
ITM Power signs 15-year lease on Bessemer Park extension plan premises
ITM Power has signed a 15-year lease on factory and office space at Sheffield’s Bessewmer Park. The expansion will allow creation of a dedicated R&D and product validation centre which will include science laboratories and testing facilities for future technology developments, enabling use of the existing fabrication space at Bessemer Park more effectively for higher volume output. ITM personnel operate from a number of different locations in Sheffield, and it is our intention to consolidate them all at Bessemer Park, at both its new and existing units. The initial lease period is for 15 years, covering more than 83,000 sqft. Fitting out of the laboratories and validation areas will start towards the end of this year, and the firm will move in early in 2024.
Dennis Schulz said: “We are well on track on delivering against our 12-month plan laid out in January. One of our priorities was the need for ITM to strengthen product validation and to debottleneck factory space and product testing. Today’s announcement is not only a critically important step on our journey to scale up manufacturing, but it will also enable the focussed development of future technologies.”
 

Loans to IT recycler create expansion and new jobs in Wetherby

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Loans to IT recycler create expansion and new jobs in Wetherby

Loans of £150,000 have allowed Wetherby-based IT recycling firm Zixtel Ltd to expand its recycling facilities, hire five new people and safeguard existing  jobs.

The company, founded over 26 years ago, received the loans from Business Enterprise Fund and NPIF – BEF & FFE Microfinance, which is managed by the Business Enterprise Fund and FFE Microfinance, and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund. Specialists in IT recycling for businesses with redundant equipment, Zixtel expanded its services to include a recycling plant during the pandemic. With a mission to never send anything to landfill, Zixtel was dismantling all products by hand prior to the investment.

Toni Cox, HR and compliance manager at the firm, said: “The loan has helped future proof Zixtel, given us the ability to hire five new people in our warehouse and recycling teams as well as safeguarding two jobs. Plus, the investment into new machinery will enable us to help other businesses with their environmental goals long-term.

“The new machines have helped us to improve efficiencies, allowing us to recycle more equipment faster. We can now easily separate materials such as precious metals and these then go on to be recycled further and re-introduced to the market lessening the need for mining of raw materials.”

According to research from Uswitch, the UK produces the second highest amount of e-waste per capita in the world, with IT and telecoms e-waste almost doubling in the UK between 2008 and 2022.

Mark Iley, investment manager at the Business Enterprise Fund, said: “It’s more imperative than ever that businesses do what they can to support the future of our planet – with Zixtel’s improved separating and recycling facilities, they’re offering companies peace of mind that their IT equipment can be recycled ethically and without sending anything to landfill.

“At BEF we’re committed to supporting businesses who are conscious about their own social impact, so providing the loan to Zixtel to enhance their recycling services and support their recruitment initiatives made perfect sense.”

Sean Hutchinson at the British Business Bank said: “Supporting innovative and sustainable businesses like Zixtel is at the heart of what the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund is for.  It’s businesses like this that are the driving force of the Northern business community – contributing to the nation’s net zero goals through its expertise in recycling, whilst supporting the local economy by creating jobs and expanding its facilities.”

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund project (NPIF) is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.

UK Export Finance given an extra £10bn to support increased overseas sales

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
UK Export Finance given an extra £10bn to support increased overseas sales
UK Export Finance has been granted an extra £10 billion of capacity to drive more UK exports, raising its maximum exposure limit from £50 billion to £60 billion. The additional capacity will ensure the export credit agency’s continued ability to support UK exporters and to deliver on its mission: to advance prosperity by ensuring no viable UK export fails for lack of finance or insurance, doing that sustainably and at no net cost to the taxpayer. UKEF CEO Tim Reid said: “This is fantastic news for the UK companies that we are here to support. It means we can help more British businesses export and will enable us to support more jobs and help to fuel growth.” In 2021-22, UKEF provided £7.4 billion in financing to exporters of all sizes, which supported up to 72,000 UK jobs. The increased capacity will help UKEF continue to deliver on the government’s priorities, supporting economic growth and jobs in communities across the UK. UK Export Finance is committed to increasing its support in clean growth and climate adaptation. This new capacity will help build on the £7 billion of support UKEF has provided for sustainable projects since 2019, as it focuses on long-term, sustainable economic growth.

Drax invited to sit down with Government to discuss carbon capture project

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Drax invited to sit down with Government to discuss carbon capture project

Drax has been invited to talk to the Government immediately to move forward carbon capture project that the firm believes is the only one that canensure the Government is able to fulfil its restated commitment to achieving 5Mtpa of engineered Greenhouse Gas Removals by 2030.

Separately, the Government has stated that it will work closely with electricity generators currently using biomass to facilitate a transition to Power BECCS.

The Government has also confirmed that its response to the Power BECCS business model consultation, which took place in 2022, will be published imminently, providing further clarity on the delivery of BECCS as soon as possible.

Drax Group CEO Will Gardiner said: “Delivery of BECCS at Drax Power Station will help the UK achieve its net zero targets, create thousands of jobs across the north and help ensure the UK’s long-term energy security.

“We note confirmation that our project has met the Government’s deliverability criteria and Government remains committed to achieve 5Mtpa of engineered Greenhouse Gas Removals by 2030 – a goal that cannot be achieved without BECCS at Drax Power Station. We will immediately enter into formal discussions with Government to take our project forward.

“With the right engagement from Government and swift decision making, Drax stands ready to progress our £2bn investment programme and deliver this critical project for the UK by 2030.”

The Government recognises the important role which BECCS will play in delivering net zero and aims to deploy 5Mt of engineered CO2 removals per annum from BECCS and other engineered GGR technologies by 2030, rising to 23Mt in 2035 and up to 81Mt in 2050 to keep the UK on a pathway to meet its legislated climate targets, The Sixth Carbon Budget and net zero.

Drax Power Station is the UK’s largest single source of renewable electricity and BECCS is the only technology that can produce reliable renewable power, provide system support services and permanently remove CO2 at scale. 

BCC calls for better support for firms struggling with energy bills

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
BCC calls for better support for firms struggling with energy bills
As businesses face an 85% decrease in total energy support the British Chambers of Commerce has highlighted the need for an energy support contingency plan, and is calling for increased, targeted help for firms who desperately need it. The BCC is also calling on Government to increase Ofgem’s power to strengthen protection for businesses in the energy market. Alex Veitch, Director of Policy & Public Affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “We have been signalling for months that many businesses will struggle to afford their energy bills when the financial envelope of support reduces by 85%, with many receiving a fraction of their original support. Almost half of firms say paying bills will be difficult. “But of the seven energy policies we advocated for the Government to include in this month’s Spring Budget, not one was acted upon. “Flexibility to increase support for those who desperately need it – ignored. Easing the burden of claiming VAT on energy – ignored. Funding for improved business energy efficiency – ignored. And so the list goes on. “Government also failed to heed our calls to increase regulation of the business energy sector. The energy crisis faced by firms and households are two sides of the same coin. Yet, non-domestic customers do not enjoy the same protection as households. “To ensure competition in the business energy sector, and solve market failures, Government must ensure Ofgem has the necessary powers to properly regulate the industry. We are also asking Ofgem and Government to introduce a ‘duty to supply’ mechanism to the non-domestic energy market, to ensure businesses can access fixed rates, providing them with certainty and stability. “Along with the reduction in energy support, businesses are facing several other changes in the business environment from tomorrow. Corporation tax is increasing, as is the national living wage, while a number of firms will see their business rates change due to revaluations. “These changes will have a significant impact, but Government is yet to offer any meaningful support to offset the challenges currently facing so many UK businesses.”

Construction starts on new Gainsborough business park

Tess Egginton
-
0
Construction starts on new Gainsborough business park
Work has commenced on a new business park in Gainsborough, which will bring around 50 new jobs to the area. The new business park, named Wharton Place, is being developed by established Lincoln-based developer and contractor, Stirlin. Once complete, Wharton Place will see the delivery of over 18,500 sq ft of new employment space across 1.3 acres, with a mix of light industrial units in sizes ranging from 1,270 sq ft – 2,500 sq ft, for a variety of business uses. Wharton Place is Stirlin’s third commercial development in the area, following the success of their Stirlin Place and Willoughton Place. The site is located on Foxby Lane, adjacent Lincoln County Council’s Business Centre: Mercury House, with excellent access to major road networks. All ten units on the development will benefit from allocated parking, an electric sectional door, a personnel door and DDA compliant toilet facility, as well as an eaves height of 5 metres to accommodate a mezzanine floor upon request. Howard Griffith, Stirlin’s Head of Construction, says: “We are delighted to commence works on Wharton Place. We’re seeing a continued demand for modern, cost-effective industrial space in the area, which has prompted the commencement. “Our investment in the area is a testament to the town’s growing appeal as a thriving place to live, work and invest in. We are pleased to be able to help facilitate the growing local business base and bring new employment space to the area.” Jamie Thorpe, Chartered Surveyor for Pygott & Crone, says: “It’s very positive to see the development of Wharton Place being brought forward by Stirlin, highlighting the continued confidence in this sector. The Stirlin team have already delivered two very successful schemes in this location and it’s clear that Gainsborough has been needing new modern business space to accommodate demand in the region.”

RSK acquires Lincolnshire electrical specialist Hawkins Electrical

Tess Egginton
-
0
RSK acquires Lincolnshire electrical specialist Hawkins Electrical

A company providing a specialist nationwide electrical service to the UK caravan park industry, Hawkins Electrical, has been acquired by RSK.

The company is a one-stop provider of all holiday and mobile home park electrical services, and offers bespoke design and installation, product supply and manufacture, inspection and maintenance, mandatory testing and remedial works.

Skegness-based Hawkins Electrical was founded in 1967 and its team of 74 includes qualified electrical engineers along with electrical apprentices and a skilled, experienced management team.

The company is proud to have a number of long-service employees with up to 40 years’ service, and two directors achieved their current positions after working their way up through the company from apprentice level.

Another of the directors is the founder’s nephew, who has worked for the business since school age, and the final director is a highly knowledgeable member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) with many years’ experience across different sectors of the electrical industry.

Hawkins has built its reputation on designing and installing private electrical distribution networks and providing quality products to the holiday and mobile home park industry, with a small element of works in the marina marketplace.

In partnership with Megger Instruments and the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting, Hawkins Electrical has developed a bespoke testing software package for its technicians to use on site. The time-efficient automated system enables on-site technicians to give the in-office team full visibility of project works.

Managing Director Alex Farrow, who will continue to lead the business, said: “Our business has been built on a proud tradition of strong growth and ethics and we believe that joining the RSK Group will provide an excellent foundation to continue this ambitious trajectory. RSK offers considerable opportunities for expansion into new markets and being part of such a significant group is great for staff development and retention, which is very important to our entire team.”

Alan Ryder, RSK Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “Hawkins Electrical has an enviable reputation of innovation and client service – one of its customers has had a relationship with the business for 52 years – and this close alignment with RSK’s ethos is why we are proud to welcome the company to our group. Hawkins has earned a reputation that is unrivalled in the industry, servicing both the small and large sites with national holiday park operators.”

The acquisition adviser was Bishopsgate Corporate Finance.

Smart Repairs expands into Wales as turnover increases by 23%

Tess Egginton
-
0
Smart Repairs expands into Wales as turnover increases by 23%
Smart Repairs.co.uk, the independent cosmetic vehicle repairer, has announced an increase in turnover of 23 per cent in the first quarter of this year. The Leeds company, based at 18,000 sq ft freehold premises in Weaver Street, saw its turnover grow to £2.1m between January and March this year. Overall turnover is predicted to rise to more than £9m this year. The recent appointment of experienced technicians across the south west of England and south Wales means that the flourishing company now has more than 100 staff across the country, with 40 based in Leeds. At least another 15 technicians are being recruited later this year, including new staff to strengthen Smart Repairs.co.uk’s operation in Yorkshire. Darryl Short, Managing Director, explained: “This has been a tremendous start to the year for us, the most successful we have ever had. Our decision to expand our operations to service the whole of the UK, rather than just the north of England, has paid off handsomely. “Apart from making serious inroads in Cornwall, Devon, Cardiff, Swansea and Newport, we have recently expanded into Scotland and we have further sustainable growth plans for the North West, the Midlands and the area by the M25 around London,” said Darryl. Smart Repairs.co.uk, which boasts most of Yorkshire’s major car dealerships among its clients, is co-owned by its founder Dan Besau and major investor Phil Newstead. The company carries out more than 200,000 vehicle repairs a year. As part of its national expansion programme this year, Smart Repairs.co.uk has invested over £500,000 in its van fleet and equipment already this year. Phil Newstead commented: “The second-hand car market remains buoyant, despite the cost-of-living crisis and the current economic uncertainty. The supply of new cars is also starting to normalise and this will have a further positive impact on our business. The outlook for the sector is positive and we have every reason to be confident about the future, though we will never be complacent. “We can see that our future lies in providing a quality repair offering across all of the UK, to warranty companies, insurers, dealer groups and vehicle remarketing companies. Our key aim is to be the largest smart repairer in the UK.”

Hallam Medical make growth move to larger Sheffield office premises

Tess Egginton
-
0
Hallam Medical make growth move to larger Sheffield office premises
Specialist healthcare recruitment agency Hallam Medical, a provider of advanced practitioners and healthcare support, has relocated to larger premises in Sheffield.The firm, which employed 50 staff at its former HQ at City Gate on St Mary’s Gate, has taken 8,650 sq ft of space on the second floor of the eight storey building Westfield House and has already added 10 more employees with a further 10 being recruited next month.The 15-year deal was brokered by the Sheffield office of Knight Frank on behalf of health and wellbeing provider Westfield Health, with Ben Spencer from Wake Smith Solicitors providing Westfield’s legal advice.Situated on Charter Row, Westfield House has delivered 80,000 sq ft of high specification city centre offices and is wholly owned by Westfield Health, which occupies 50,000 sq ft of space in the building following a move from previous Division Street headquarters in 2016.Deborah McCain, CEO at Hallam Medical, said: “We provide highly skilled practitioners into settings and services throughout the UK, but we are proud to be based in Sheffield where it all began in 2007.“Our move to Westfield House comes at a time of continued growth and success, with an active recruitment drive currently underway.“The property is well suited to our needs and located in the centre of Sheffield.”Hallam Medical is a framework accredited recruitment agency and provides temporary staff into NHS and private healthcare services throughout the UK offering 1,000s of full time, part time and ad-hoc shifts in various settings and services across the UK.Peter Whiteley, partner and head of Knight Frank’s Sheffield office, said: “Hallam Medical has taken the second floor over a 15-year lease, and moved in after final fit-out work was completed.“Westfield House underwent an extensive refurbishment to the interior and exterior of the property by owners Westfield Health and its prime location adjacent to the Heart of The City phase two development makes it a highly desirable place for businesses to operate from.“In total Westfield Health has brought 30,000 sq ft of fully refurbished office accommodation in this building to market over the last few years, at a time when supply for quality, central office space in the city is relatively limited.”Ben Spencer, director in the commercial property team at Wake Smith Solicitors, added: “Having acted for Westfield for over 18 years including when they originally purchased Westfield House, I was pleased to act for them on this, their latest letting, and other ongoing property management work.”Hallam Medical joins tenants Bluestone Credit Management and Begbies Traynor alongside owners Westfield Health in the building, which also features an incubator hub on its ground floor.

Council prepares to ring fence £3m in fight to save airport

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Council prepares to ring fence £3m in fight to save airport

Next week the City of Doncaster Council Cabinet will discuss ring-fencing more than £3m towards the legal and programme costs associated with its ongoing fight to save Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

On Wednesday April 12, City of Doncaster Council’s Cabinet will discuss a report that sets out the current position in relation to Doncaster Sheffield Airport and the extensive activity being undertaken to secure the future of the airport. It also outlines the initial programme costs of up to £3.1m if a Compulsory Purchase Order is required. Doncaster Sheffield Airport closed at the end of 2022 following a short strategic review by its owners, despite the offer of financial support from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and City of Doncaster Council. The project to re-open DSA has been called South Yorkshire Airport City. It aims to re-open the airport and grow a cluster of businesses and commercial activity that complements traditional aerospace functions, including logistics. The wider airport city development could incorporate employment, Research & Development, retail, leisure and residential opportunities, with excellent transport links, supporting new inward investment into Doncaster and South Yorkshire. Given the significant number of jobs and the major economic potential of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, the report highlights the council’s intention that the airport should be acquired from Peel with a view to its reopening. Whilst the Council understands that there have been credible financial offers to purchase DSA, to date none of these has been accepted by current owners, Peel. Peel has recently offered a lease of the airport to City of Doncaster Council. Discussions are taking place to progress this option and to explore whether a lease at a longer term and on a different commercial basis than that initially offered by Peel could provide a basis upon which to achieve the Council’s objectives. The Council will continue discussions with Peel over the potential sale but is continuing preparations in the event that a CPO becomes necessary. It is hoped that the legal and programme costs will ultimately be covered by regional funding recovered from a loan previously extended to Peel, with a decision by SYMCA on this funding anticipated in June 2023. Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones said: “Sadly, our award-winning airport has now closed, but the fight is not over! Our aim is to reach agreement on the acquisition of the airport with Peel, but if necessary we will seek to compulsorily purchase the site and we are preparing for that eventuality now, should it be required. “The acquisition process will take time and it will not be cheap. However, this airport has the potential to be the jewel in the crown of the Doncaster and South Yorkshire economy. It is an investment in the future of this great city and the region. That is why this report to Cabinet sets out the latest position and asks for the support to progress our endeavours for the site’s future. I hope a sale can be achieved but, if not, we have to plan for other ways to secure the airport for the aviation industry, our communities and our economy.”

Green and clean: Hull firm sets benchmark for CO2 emission reduction ion

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Green and clean: Hull firm sets benchmark for CO2 emission reduction ion

Hull-based green cleaning product manufacturer Bio-D has achieved a 25% reduction in CO2e per single product it creates thanks to increased solar energy production and use of its electric boiler, meaning that all its products are manufactured using clean renewable energy.

Having secured its B Corporation Certification in 2022, Bio-D’s fourth annual report has been expanded to include the company’s B Corp Impact Report, which further measures, manages and improves its positive social and environmental performance. A leader in the global movement for a fair, inclusive, and regenerative economy, Bio-D is one of just 1,621 companies in the UK to hold the prestigious B Corporation certification, and operates from premises on Marfleet Environmental Technology Park on Hedon Road. MD Lloyd Atkin said: “Securing B Corp status was a huge achievement for the whole team at Bio-D. We were the first company in Hull to achieve the accreditation, and since then we have been contacted by others that want to learn about the process, which is fantastic.” This year’s Sustainability and Impact Report also details how it has also saved over 78 tonnes of CO2 emissions by creating its consumer bottles and five-litre refill containers from 100% post-consumer plastic. Bio-D was in fact the first UK consumer cleaning brand to use recycled plastics in its packaging. These reductions have meant that Bio-D is now net zero for all its scope one and two emissions. Mr Atkin added: “As a company that puts sustainability first, we’re always looking at ways to improve our processes to ensure we’re benefitting the environment as much as possible. “Whilst we have achieved so much over the last year, there are always ways in which we can further improve, which is why we have created goals to work on throughout 2023, including continuing to reduce our CO2e across the business, as well as conducting a life cycle assessment of our products and organising an external review of the site to see how else we can create energy savings.

Katherine gets partner role at Wilkin Chapman in Louth

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Katherine gets partner role at Wilkin Chapman in Louth

Katherine Marshall has been promoted as a partner at Wilkin Chapman to lead a new team offering dispute resolution and Will dispute expertise to clients across the Lincolnshire Wolds.

The newly-formed team, based in the company’s new offices at Oxley House in Louth, is the first time the firm has offered these services in the Lincolnshire Wolds area.

Wilkin Chapman is the largest law firm in the Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire region and Katherine Marshall has become a partner four years after joining. She said: “It’s an exciting time as we’ve just moved into our new Wolds office in Louth and we have a fantastic opportunity to establish a dispute resolution and Wills disputes presence in the Wolds area. We now have a dedicated team that can deal with those disputes and we have a good foundation from which to grow those two areas.

“There’s a team of three of us at the moment here in the Wolds, and we’ve only been working together for four months. It’s already working really well and we’re a very close knit unit. I’m looking forward to growing the team, growing the Will disputes offering and having a permanent dispute resolution presence in the Wolds to help those in the local area.”

Qualifying as a solicitor in 2009, Katherine undertook her training with a large regional firm. Following qualification she joined a niche litigation firm, dividing her time between its Lincolnshire and London offices. After the founder of the firm decided to end the business and become a barrister, Katherine joined Wilkin Chapman in 2018 and has now progressed into the role of partner. She said:

“Before joining, I already had a good working relationship with the various partners at Wilkin Chapman from when I had worked opposite them. So I just picked up the phone, had a few interviews and here I am now!

“Becoming a partner is always something I’ve wanted to do. When you start out as a trainee solicitor that is always the thing that you’re ultimately aiming for. My family has farmed on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds for several generations, and I attended school in Horncastle and so I have a strong link to the local area and to the agricultural sector in the region too.”

New energy park proposed for Lincolnshire

Tess Egginton
-
0
New energy park proposed for Lincolnshire
A new renewable energy park, which could provide power to more than 190,000 homes is being planned for North Kesteven. The proposed Beacon Fen Energy Park will be made up of solar and energy storage and is proposed for land east of Sleaford, between the villages of Heckington and Helpringham. Renewable Energy Company Low Carbon said, if given permission, Beacon Fen Energy Park would generate an estimated 600MW of electricity a year while also avoiding 120,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions annually. James Hartley-Bond, director at Low Carbon, said: “We are looking forward to speaking directly with local communities about our plans to hear their views first-hand. “We are currently planning an early engagement consultation so we can ensure residents’ feedback links into the proposals, before holding a statutory consultation which is planned for later this year. “The UK Government has made clear its plans for the country to reach Net Zero by 2050. Its aim is to increase the nation’s solar capacity fivefold by 2035. If given permission, Beacon Fen Energy Park will be a significant step forward towards reaching this vital goal and securing sustainable energy for the country.” The project includes building the infrastructure needed to export the electricity the energy park would generate onto the national grid. It is planned this would be via an existing connection point at nearby Bicker Fen. Mr Hartley-Bond said: “For more than a decade, Low Carbon has been at the centre of the UK’s journey to Net Zero. Through working with local communities, we deliver renewables projects which bring about real change to ensure a cleaner and greener energy industry for all. “The amount of electricity Beacon Fen Energy Park could generate exceeds 50MW and is therefore classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). This requires us to submit an application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to the Planning Inspectorate. “We anticipate the development process for the project through to DCO submission and then examination will take between two and three years. Subject to achieving consent, construction would start no earlier than 2026.” He added: “We look forward to speaking to residents within the coming weeks and introducing them to our proposals.”

Former councillor jailed for Eat Out to Help Out claims fraud

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Former councillor jailed for Eat Out to Help Out claims fraud
A former West Yorkshire town councillor has been jailed for trying to steal more than £430,000 through the Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme. Mohammed Ikram, 36, of Springfield Court, Keighley, admitted stealing money from the Covid-19 support schemes, following an investigation by the HMRC Taxpayer Protection Taskforce. He used his own café and takeaway business as well as several fake food outlets to submit fraudulent claims under the scheme, and pocketed thousands of pounds in payments that he was not entitled to. Mohammed Ikram was also previously a member of Keighley Town Council until his resignation in 2022. Simon York, Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “This was a blatant fraud by somebody who held a position of trust and responsibility. “These schemes were designed to support individuals and businesses during a terribly difficult period. Instead, Mohammed Ikram stole money which should have been paying for vital public services and helping those who needed it most. “This is the first conviction of Covid scheme fraud by HMRC, but we have arrested 70 people and have a number of cases working their way through the criminal justice system. So far, we have prevented the payment of, or recovered more than £1.2 billion, with compliance activity still ongoing.” The Eat Out to Help Out scheme was introduced to support the hospitality sector throughout August 2020. It enabled restaurants, cafés, pubs and other food outlets to offer a discount to customers and obtain a reimbursement from HMRC for the same amount. Mohammed Ikram used his business Khan’s Café and Chai Point, in Keighley, and also set up seven fake food outlets using hijacked company details, to submit 20 fraudulent claims under the scheme, worth a total of £434,073, between 7 August and 6 September 2020. He received £189,208 in payments, but further claims, totalling £244,865, were rejected by HMRC and an investigation was launched. He admitted cheating the public revenue, fraud by false representation and associated money laundering, at Bradford Crown Court in June 2022, and was jailed today for two-and-a-half years at the same court. Action to recover the stolen money has been launched.

New campaign will show SMEs how to achieve a gain equal to a 5% increase in sales but cutting energy bills

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
New campaign will show SMEs how to achieve a gain equal to a 5% increase in sales but cutting energy bills
A new campaign to help SMEs increase their energy efficiency and drive down bills by making simple changes at low-to-no cost has been launched by the government. The campaign offers guidance on how organisations can make significant savings while cutting emissions, from installing light and heating timers, to turning down boiler flow temperature and changing light bulbs. Many organisations are already aware of ways to boost their energy efficiency and have put these measures into practice. However, a substantial number of businesses are missing out on huge potential savings, due to a lack of information on how to cut down on their energy costs. For many companies, a 20% cut in energy costs represents the same bottom-line benefit as a 5% increase in sales, according to Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance Lord Callanan. He said: “Falling wholesale energy prices are welcome news, but this in no way changes our firm, long-term commitments to vastly boost UK energy efficiency across industry and households. “From today businesses, charities and public sector bodies can access helpful and practical advice on simple actions they can take to substantially reduce their energy use – and potentially increase profits.

“Not only will this help lower operational costs by up to hundreds of thousands of pounds, but smarter energy use will help us deliver on our critical pledges to cut demand by 15% and reach net zero by 2050.”

1...297298299...474Page 298 of 474