Community Infrastructure Levy proposed for York developments

Tess Egginton
-
0
Community Infrastructure Levy proposed for York developments
Proposals have been shared by City of York Council for a draft Community Infrastructure Levy (the ‘Levy’ or CIL), which will result in significant investment in local community developments.
The Levy is a charge which can be raised by local authorities on new developments in their area and is an important tool enabling councils to support key infrastructure delivery in local communities. The introduction of the CIL would allow the council greater flexibility than existing (S106) agreements to choose the infrastructure that is to be funded to deliver the Local Plan. CIL also provides developers with greater certainty, as it is non-negotiable so development costs can be more readily calculated than previously, as S106 agreements are open to negotiation. Following work to understand the viability of potential charges, the council is proposing charges which support delivery and mitigate impacts of new developments set out in the emerging Local Plan. This will be subject to consultation and independent examination. Once the CIL charging schedule takes effect, schemes which the money can be spent on includes:
  • transport infrastructure
  • flood defences
  • schools
  • hospitals
  • other health and social care facilities
  • open spaces
  • cultural and sports facilities
  • district heating schemes
  • other community safety facilities
Councillor Nigel Ayre, executive member for finance and major projects, said: “With the Local Plan now entering its final stage, it’s crucial we create the right approach to delivering the homes and business space set out in the plan. The Community Infrastructure Levy will enable us to deliver the right infrastructure for the local community alongside the new homes that York needs to support our city growing in a sustainable way.” If approved by Executive on 26 January, the CIL schedule will be consulted on in the coming weeks. Following a successful examination, the charging schedule would be brought back to Executive to request approval to adopt.

£10.2m awarded to Barnsley in Levelling Up Fund

Tess Egginton
-
0
£10.2m awarded to Barnsley in Levelling Up Fund
£10.2m has been awarded to Barnsley following a successful bid to the government’s Levelling Up Fund. The Barnsley Futures bid has been awarded £10.2m to help transform young people’s cultural and well-being facilities in the newly redeveloped town centre. The investment will include the creation of an activity park next to the town centre’s forthcoming Youth Zone, including a skate park, bike track, new active routes and play spaces. This project will be co-designed and delivered with young people. Working with key partners YMCA Barnsley and ChilyPep, the council will also redevelop the complementary Young People’s Wellbeing Hub ‘H.O.M.E.’ based at YMCA to provide fit-for-purpose places for services focused on emotional well-being and resilience including a broad range of mental health and well-being activity. The bid also includes the creation of a new Northern Academy for Vocal Excellence (NAVE) to deliver outstanding singing tuition to young people. This will also serve as a permanent home to the world-renowned Barnsley Youth Choir. The choir is ranked 5th in the Interkultur World Rankings (the highest ranked choir from Great Britain) and has won eight first prizes in some of the most important international competitions in the world. The NAVE will bring back into use a prominent building, the council’s former Computer Centre building on the corner of St Mary’s Place and Westgate behind the Town Hall. Built in 1879, it was previously the courthouse for the town until the new court was built in 1970. There will also be a contribution to the major project to refurbish The Civic cultural centre to secure its future and extend its reach. This will bring into use parts of the building not used for many years so it can work with and attract new audiences, particularly young people under 30, and develop their skills and talents. Leader of Barnsley Council, Cllr Sir Steve Houghton CBE, said: “We truly believe it’s time to believe in the possibilities of Barnsley, to look to the future with excitement and optimism, so we’re very pleased that the government has listened to our call for Levelling Up investment in Barnsley. “We’re already incredibly proud of our fantastic town centre, and this investment gives us a brilliant opportunity to offer even more opportunities and reasons to visit, particularly for our young people. “We’re using this funding to improve the educational, well-being and health outcomes of Barnsley’s young people, and to improve cultural engagement for everyone through making further improvements to The Civic. That’s because Barnsley’s a place that fosters and grows ambition, enabling everyone to be the best they can be. “We’re of course disappointed that our £16m bid to further develop Elsecar Heritage Centre into a national tourist destination was unsuccessful on this occasion. However, we remain committed to our vision for Elsecar, and we look forward to working with government and other agencies on how we can secure funding to make it a reality. We will be inviting the Secretary of State Michael Gove to meet with ourselves and South Yorkshire Mayor at Elsecar.”

“Councils and government must now show ambition in order to move Lagoon Hull project forward”

Tess Egginton
-
0
“Councils and government must now show ambition in order to move Lagoon Hull project forward”
The time has come for the Humber’s local authorities and national government to make good on their promise to deliver a brighter future for the region, according to the man behind Hull’s biggest regeneration project in a generation. Tim Rix CBE, chair of Lagoon Hull, has today announced that the region’s private sector has progressed the proposed Lagoon Hull scheme as far as it can, without further ambition and official commitment from local councils, government agencies and central government. The transformative scheme is a major levelling-up project, allowing the region to adapt for a changing world and thrive long into the next century by unlocking untapped economic growth potential, creating opportunities for all and protecting the region from emerging challenges including rising sea levels. Among the wide-ranging benefits of the project could be a significant economic boost of an estimated £1bn GVA per year being added into the regional economy. This would be done by creating more than 19,000 new jobs and unlocking new dock space at the Port of Hull, as well as unloved waterside land for redevelopment, including at St Andrew’s Quay, to develop new homes and leisure space. Practical benefits include an A63 relief road in the Humber to alleviate congestion and improve air quality, along with 100 per cent tidal flood protection between the Humber Bridge and the Port of Hull to give Hull long-term security from the water without the need to build flood defence walls ever higher. Tim Rix said: “The backers and promoters of Lagoon Hull are proud of putting together such an ambitious project which would truly transform this area but it’s clear that it’s now time for those in local and national government to take it forward. “It completely delivers on flooding, transport, placemaking and port infrastructure. We believe it’s financially viable and practically possible – all backed by independent modelling and financial appraisals.” Paul Hatley, Lagoon Hull project director, said: “We have utilised our available funds not just to absolutely prove that this project be achieved but also to showcase, perfectly and inspirationally, the massive financial benefits the project could bring to this area. “I would like to thank all members of the public who have supported the scheme over the last few years and earnestly hope that they will continue to press the authorities to make the vision of Lagoon Hull a reality.” The private sector has already raised over £600,000 to get the project to this stage, showing belief among local businesspeople in its long-term ambitions for Hull. Thousands of members of the public have also signed the Lagoon Hull wave of support, pledging their backing for an ambitious future for their city, while notable supporters to have publicly backed the plans include Dame Diana Johnson MP, Karl Turner MP, Emma Hardy MP and Lord Prescott. It is now hoped the authorities will consider this support and make the aspiring vision for the region, and its people, a reality.

CGR establishes UK base with acquisition of Skipton spring manufacturer

Tess Egginton
-
0
CGR establishes UK base with acquisition of Skipton spring manufacturer
CGR, co-designer and manufacturer of mechanic and mechatronic components in Europe, America and Asia, has acquired John Binns Springs, a specialist manufacturer of wire springs based in Skipton. With over 125 years’ experience and market-leading expertise using the most advanced technologies, John Binns Springs supports its customers in the design and manufacture of springs and wire-formed parts. John Binns Springs has a wealth of experience in offering innovative solutions to the most complex issues in all industrial sectors, including medical, nuclear, retail and automotive. The management team of John Binns Springs will remain in place, adding its expertise and industry knowledge to the family owned CGR group, contributing further to its international development. Alex Driver, director of John Binns Springs, said: “For John Binns, CGR is a remarkable growth opportunity, opening up new technologies and new fields of activity. This will allow us to increase further our technical expertise, particularly with the support of the CGR R&D laboratory.” Joseph Varoqui, president of CGR, said: “The acquisition of JB Springs is part of the vision for local production within an international scope. This is fundamental to satisfying clients’ needs.” Alexis Martel, CEO of CGR, said: “Both companies share the same values, we provide a healthy, motivating and empowering work environment for our people. By developing its global growth, CGR develops quality jobs all over the world.”

Women in Business Hull appoints new chair

Tess Egginton
-
0
Women in Business Hull appoints new chair
Women in Business has appointed Karen Newton as its new chair. Karen is the former operations director for Spire Healthcare and now supports small businesses in regulatory compliance and margin management. A long-standing member of the networking organisation, she says she is proud to take on the role at this pivotal time. “The last few years have been challenging for Women in Business. During the pandemic, we shifted our systems, processes and events online so that we could continue our support for our members. Then thankfully, last year, we were able to restart in-person events and committee meetings – and it has had a really positive effect on our membership numbers.” Women in Business, which supports and encourages inspiring decision-making women in Hull, East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire, now has almost 100 members – a number that is increasing all the time. Karen continued: “Change was needed but along with change always comes a degree of turbulence. 2023 is a year to reap the benefits of change and to concentrate on providing great training and wellbeing events as well as providing an opportunity for informal networking – and just having fun! “I am looking forward to my year as chair of this incredible organisation and I am proud to be supported by an amazing committee and our members who I am looking forward to seeing throughout the year.” Women in Business is a not-for-profit organisation that offers a blend of professionalism and sociability, providing support, friendship and networking to its members.

South Yorkshire LEP names Richard Stubbs as new Chair

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
South Yorkshire LEP names Richard Stubbs as new Chair
Richard Stubbs is to be the new Chairman of South Yorkshire LEP, taking over from Lucy Nickson, who has Interim Chair since January last year. Richard Stubbs is CEO of the Yorkshire & Humber AHSN (Yorkshire and Humber Academic Health Science Network), an organisation that supports the NHS to develop and adopt innovation that improves patient care.  He grew up and still lives in South Yorkshire and holds a number of local roles that allow him to contribute to the region’s economic success including chairing the Strategic Advisory Board for the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University, being a Director of the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, and as a Board Trustee of Maltby Learning Trust, a muti-academy trust in Rotherham and Doncaster.  In 2021 he was named as Business Leader of the Year in the Yorkshire Post’s prestigious Excellence in Business Awards. He said: “It’s a great honour to be appointed as Chair of South Yorkshire LEP.  I am looking forward to continuing the work we’ve already been doing to make a positive impact in the local economy and community.  At this time of many economic challenges, the LEP has an important role in supporting our businesses and people and I’m committed to looking at innovative ways in which we can work even more closely with partners to transform our region for the benefit of all.” South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “Richard is a highly valued member of the LEP board and we are delighted to see him taking up the position as Chair.  I’d like to thank Lucy Nickson for being an excellent Interim Chair and, prior to that, Vice Chair of the LEP, during what was a challenging time for businesses. Richard has been an active LEP board member for many years and brings with him a huge amount of passion for helping us boost economic growth in the region. We look forward to him taking up his new role.” The LEP is responsible for representing private-sector businesses and setting the strategic direction for economic growth in South Yorkshire.

Lakeside Village sales jump 11% in 2022

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Lakeside Village sales jump 11% in 2022
Sales at retailers in Doncaster’s Lakeside Village during 2022 were up 11% like-for-like compared to 2019, the last full comparable year due to the pandemic, and up six per cent like for like on 2021. The Centre was also fully let by the end of the year with the recent additions of Benson’s Outlet, Charnwood Entertainments, and Calendar Club, which occupied the last three empty units. The run-up to Christmas also proved to be a great hit, with Santa’s Grotto visited by over 1,000 children which helped the centre raise £4,300 for charity of the year Doncaster Mind. A two-day festive Artisan Fayre saw more than 60 stalls attend and customers galore, who enjoyed the fair as well as a host of other events and entertainment which were held every weekend in December. Di Mellis, Centre Manager at Lakeside Village, said: “Lakeside Village enjoyed one of our best years to date in 2022 with sales, average spend and the total number of transactions across all our stores all up on recent years which is great to see. “But not only that we are creating a strong sense of community and inclusivity here at the centre that is really appreciated by our loyal customers both young and old. From the children’s play areas and high-quality accessible facilities to the work we do supporting local charities and initiatives to the expansion of our green recycling hub and hosting all the fairs, events and activities throughout the year, there is a buzz about the place. “It is also important to recognise the major role we play in the local economy employing more than 500 people at the centre. All our stores and staff play such as huge part in what we have achieved and we all so excited to build on this in 2023 and go from strength-to-strength.”

Arco commits to armed forces support and secures bronze award

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Arco commits to armed forces support and secures bronze award
Safety equipment supplier Arco has signed up to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and secured a bronze award – the first step in the fifth-generation family business’ ambition of becoming a gold award employer. The bronze awards given because Arco formally pledged its support for the armed forces by becoming a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and agreeing to support existing or prospective employees who are members of the community. Joining the ERS demonstrates Arco’s commitment to being armed forces-friendly and being open to employing reservists, armed forces veterans (including the wounded, injured and sick), cadet instructors and military spouses/partners. Penny Meddes, Chief People Officer at Arco, said: “As a family-run business with a core purpose of keeping people safe at work, Arco is delighted to strengthen its relationship with the armed forces community and promote the business as a great place to work to those who have served or are serving our country. “This award is just the start of our relationship with the ERS and forms part of a wider strategy to promote the variety of career opportunities available at Arco to as wide a pool of talent as possible.” Ex-serviceman Stephen Miller, now Chief Information Officer at Arco, said: “As experts in safety, we recognise and honour the role played by all who have and are serving in the military and who risk their lives to keep us safe and we are proud to work closely with several organisations within the defence sector. The Armed Forces Covenant is our commitment to them and our ERS accreditation is a real and practical way for us to provide opportunities for ex-service personnel from all branches as they transition to civilian life which recognises the many skills and talents they have to offer.” The ERS encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant. The ERS is designed primarily to recognise private sector support although public sector organisations, such as the emergency services, local authorities, NHS trusts and executive agencies are also eligible to be recognised.

Ilkley-based ISP acquires Essex firm

Tess Egginton
-
0
Ilkley-based ISP acquires Essex firm
Ilkley-based Talk Straight Limited, trading as Schools Broadband, have acquired Essex ISP, United Network Technologies. Talk Straight is one of the largest education focused ISPs in the UK, and is now able to add this acquisition to its double-digit organic growth during the last four years. CEO of The Talk Straight Group said: “United Network Technologies has an excellent track record of delivering quality ISP and security services to over 100 schools around the UK. The addition of their staff, additional product portfolio and customers are an excellent fit for Talk Straight and our national Schools Broadband brand.” Managing Director of United Network Technologies Limited, Tom Lee added: “We are very pleased to have finally become part of the Talk Straight Group, one of the largest privately owned ISP’s in the United Kingdom. “This acquisition allows United Network Technologies the flexibility to offer schools, particularly those located in the south of England, a far more comprehensive range of broadband and cyber security service in order to fully protect both teachers and pupils alike.”

Work on 132,750 sq ft Doncaster logistics facility starts

Tess Egginton
-
0
Work on 132,750 sq ft Doncaster logistics facility starts
Tritax Symmetry have commenced work on a 132,750 sq ft logistics facility at Symmetry Park Doncaster. GMI Construction Group PLC (GMI) has been appointed to deliver the unit, which will be built on a speculative basis to net zero carbon in construction. This is the third building to be constructed on the site; the first unit (151,000 sq ft) is occupied by Dogmates Ltd, trading as Butternut Box on a 15-year lease whilst the second unit (430,000) is being built by GMI and has been pre-let to B&Q, which is due to PC imminently. An additional 1.26-acre plot is available for development. Located at Junction 34 of the A1 (M) on the North Nottinghamshire/South Yorkshire border, Symmetry Park, Doncaster is a 54-acre site, located adjacent to J34 A1(M) and Blyth Services. Scott Meakin, development surveyor at Tritax Symmetry, said: “Symmetry Park Doncaster has become a prime logistics location with successful companies such as Butternut Box and B&Q choosing to be based here. The highly sustainable facility we are developing will undoubtedly attract a sophisticated business looking for a build which supports its ESG and operational objectives.” Andrew Hurcomb, GMI Construction Group’s divisional managing director Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with Tritax Symmetry to deliver a facility that will contribute to the levelling up of the region by providing much-needed logistics space that encourages investment and job creation. “This project reflects GMI’s growing position in the construction of manufacturing and logistics facilities not only in Yorkshire, but the other areas in which we operate – in the North West, North East and the Midlands.” Rob Whatmuff, head of Colliers Leeds, said: ”Tritax Symmetry’s decision to speculatively build out the net zero carbon in construction 132,750 sq ft unit comes at a time when Grade A standing stock in the region is at record low levels and we are already fielding strong enquiries regarding the unit which will PC in Q3 2023.” The Leeds offices of Savills, Dove Haigh Phillips and Colliers International are representing the development.

Enjoy Digital appoints head of paid performance

Tess Egginton
-
0
Enjoy Digital appoints head of paid performance

Leeds-based digital experience and performance agency, Enjoy Digital, has appointed David Taylor as head of paid performance, as the company continues to expand and enhance its digital offering.

Having managed his own agency in Manchester for over a decade, David will now head up the agency’s growing paid performance team. His key responsibilities will include overseeing strategy and implementation, exploring new platforms for growth and driving performance across all paid media campaigns for its clients.

Before starting his own agency, David spent many years honing his craft in organic and search marketing before moving into paid digital. After learning the traits of the industry, David was an early adopter of paid performance and quickly saw the huge potential for return on investment.

Speaking of his new role, David said: “I’m excited to take on this new challenge and use my expertise to drive growth and positive ROI for our clients. As the agency continues to expand, I’m also looking forward to building my team and supporting their professional development. Having a talented team of proactive people is truly the key to success.”

Alex Ellis, Managing Director at Enjoy Digital, said: “David’s appointment is another great step for the agency as we grow both client side and internally. David has a lot of expertise and knowledge that our clients and our agency will benefit from, so, along with all of our recent appointments, and those we will be making throughout this year, it’s a very exciting time for everyone at the agency!”

Yorkshire law firm opens new Hull office

Tess Egginton
-
0
Yorkshire law firm opens new Hull office
A Yorkshire law firm has started 2023 by opening a new office in Hull. Truth Legal’s new office at K2 Tower, Bond Street is its third regional office since the business launched a decade ago in Harrogate in 2012. A Leeds office was opened in 2021. The firm now employs a total of 27 members of staff across all three locations. Two new team members have also joined the expanding firm. The Hull office will be headed up by specialist immigration lawyer, Frances Ledbury. Frances is joined by experienced paralegal, Olivia Pickering. The prominent new Hull location features offices and private meeting room space. Commenting on the official launch of the new office, Georgina Parkin, Truth Legal’s Managing Director and co-owner, said: “2022 was a great year for the business, our most successful to date during which we celebrated our tenth anniversary. To kick off 2023 with the opening of a new branch gives us the best possible start to the New Year. “We’ve experienced a rapid period of expansion, particularly over the past three years, opening successful immigration law, family law and business services departments in that time. A real upturn in demand for our services prompted the decision to open in Hull, offering the East Riding and Lincolnshire greater access to a dedicated, specialist legal team with a proven track record. “Hull is the perfect place for our third location. City of culture status left a positive legacy with booming tech and hospitality industries, both key sectors we focus on for our business clients. The city also boasts a highly skilled legal sector and a respected university which bodes well for future recruitment. Opening in Hull also presents the firm with the opportunity to become a major player serving Hull and Lincolnshire.” The Hull office of Truth Legal will service both private and wider business community client needs, helping them to access a wide range of legal expertise including all types of immigration law, personal injury, clinical negligence, employment law, family law, general litigation and professional negligence. It will also provide the East Riding with access to an extended range of specialist services provided by experts located at their Leeds and Harrogate head office. Georgina Parkin added: “Our new Hull office underpins Truth Legal’s growing presence in Yorkshire and provides a great foundation for the future as we look to build relationships with clients to provide the best legal advice possible. Building on our existing areas of specialism is also high on the agenda which will lead to further job creation and further new office openings. 2023 is already shaping up to be a very exciting year.”

FIVE RISE Contractors expands with purchase of Bradford-based Bentley Drains

Michael Fisher
-
0
FIVE RISE Contractors expands with purchase of Bradford-based Bentley Drains

Bingley construction firm, FIVE RISE Contractors, is expanding its capabilities and service offering after a deal to acquire Bradford business, Bentley Drains for an undisclosed sum. 

 

Bentley Drains, which provides commercial and domestic drain clearing services, will join the FIVE RISE group and grow its operations as part of the larger business. 

 

Bentley Drains was established in 2003 and has developed a reputation as one of the region’s leading businesses for drain installation and repairs. The business’s owner and founder, Jason Wright, exited the business in December, but the Bentley name and all current employees will be retained. 

 

FIVE RISE said the acquisition will allow it to support its customers across all areas of drainage work and cement its growing reputation for delivering end-to-end commercial builds across West Yorkshire. 

 

MD of FIVE RISE, Michael Gration, plans to scale Bentley Drains rapidly, with the immediate creation of three new operative roles including the appointment of Richard Gration as operations director. Bringing with him 16 years’ experience of electrical engineering, most recently for nuclear site Sellafield, Richard will oversee all of Bentley Drains’ strategic and operational guidance as well as company compliance in health and safety. 

 

Further plans include the expansion of the service offering to include UV drain lining, damp proofing and full excavation of drainage infrastructure.  

 

Michael says: “Bentley Drains is an established company, with significant knowledge of the drainage industry. Indeed, FIVE RISE has used Bentley Drains for many years so we know exactly how excellent their service is. Joining forces will allow us to provide commercial and domestic clients with a complete drainage solution from initial detection and inspection, to cleansing and restoration of the full infrastructure if required. 

 

“There are some excellent synergies between the two businesses and the cultures within the two organisations are also remarkably similar, which will ensure a smooth integration and enable us to quickly get on with scaling Bentley Drains further.” 

 

Jason Wright adds: “I am delighted that the Bentley Drains name will continue under the trusted leadership of Michael and Richard Gration and Five Rise. I believe the shared vision will help drive excellent results for our customers and would like to thank my team for their tremendous work and commitment to date. I look forward to seeing what this next chapter for Bentley Drains brings.” 

2023 Business Predictions: Matthew Hodgson, director, Great Newsome Brewery

Tess Egginton
-
0
2023 Business Predictions: Matthew Hodgson, director, Great Newsome Brewery
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.  It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years. Here we speak to Matthew Hodgson, director at Great Newsome Brewery. On the back of volatility, rising inflation, energy costs and supply issues you can’t help but feel pretty glum about the coming year. I believe that inflationary pressures will not increase in 2023 at the rate they did in late 2022. I do think increased volatility is here to stay, however. Food security and supply, for example, has not been taken seriously by successive governments for many decades. Climate change, increasing population, war and our reliance on a small number of food types mean we have a global reliance on critical harvests in the likes of Brazil, Australia and, of course, Ukraine. But by far the biggest danger I foresee in 2023 is ‘confidence’. A lack of confidence by businesses to invest for growth, by consumers to spend and by those who govern us to lead, could be the greatest threat to the country getting itself back on an even keel. One thing is for certain, 2023 will be challenging. The flexibility, adaptability and tenacity of many small and medium size businesses has seen them survive, and even flourish, over the last couple of years – I think that, no matter how exhausting the process was, we will find ourselves continually pivoting and changing again in 2023. Having started our business in the recession of 2007/08 I was told by a number of people not to worry as “people console themselves with either chocolate or beer during difficult times,” so I am hoping, once again, for the latter.

Revenue significantly ahead of expectations at Team17 following strong year

Tess Egginton
-
0
Revenue significantly ahead of expectations at Team17 following strong year
Revenue is set to be significantly ahead of expectations at Team17 Group for 2022, according to a new trading update for the twelve months ended 31 December. The Yorkshire-based video games label has hailed strong trading in its second half, with multiple new first and third-party games released, extended games distribution to wider platforms and strong support across the portfolios with additional new content updates. As a result, Team17 says revenue and adjusted EBITDA will be significantly ahead of market expectations and show strong growth compared with FY 2021, benefitting from the performance of a stronger, broader portfolio supported by acquisitions and investment in people made over the last two years. Debbie Bestwick MBE, CEO of Team17, said: “2022 was a well-executed year delivering on our highly ambitious plans for the Group, specifically strong lifecycle management across a very diverse portfolio and on time delivery of astragon first party IPs launched in 2022. “There will always be more work to do as a growth business, but last year’s performance is a testament to the significant investment that has been made over the last two years in people, diversifying portfolios and successful M&A, all of which put the Group in a very robust position for the future. “We look forward to 2023 with an exciting pipeline of releases and updates as well as ongoing ROI from the investments we have made in people and products.”

Andrew Jackson advises on creation of York restaurant overlooking medieval cathedral

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Andrew Jackson advises on creation of York restaurant overlooking medieval cathedral

Advice from Andrew Jackson Solicitors has helped The Star Group of Restaurants with its development of a restaurant on the site of the historic former Minster School in York.

Following extensive restoration works, GEM Construction has begun the sensitive refurbishment of the grade II-listed building into a refectory restaurant, and the creation of a new public space – Minster Park – in the heart of York, which is expected to be finished by June this year. GEM Construction chairman Mike Green, is working alongside business partner Michelin-starred chef Andrew Pern and interior designer Rachel McLane, to create York Minster Refectory, which will be managed by award-winning chef Bex Toppin and Will Pearce of Robinsons Café, York. The Star Group’s legal advice for a flagship lease, reflecting the unique location and nature of the building, along with the collaborative arrangement anticipated between landlord and tenant, was provided by a team including Helen Mellors, property partner at Andrew Jackson Solicitors. Mike Green said: “The painstaking interior work will ensure that we take in all of the superb original features whilst the four windows look directly onto York Minster’s famous Rose window, which dates back to 1515. “Helen and the Andrew Jackson team have provided me with trusted, commercially astute advice for many years, including for the opening of The Star in the City in York. I had no doubt that we were in safe legal hands for our latest venture and I am grateful for the advice we have received throughout.” Helen Mellors added: “Mike and the rest of the team have ambitious plans to create a high quality, welcoming restaurant, which respects the site’s historic setting. I’m excited to see that plans are well underway to create what will undoubtedly be a wonderful refectory in the heart of the city.”

Gateley hails strong first half in a challenging market

Tess Egginton
-
0
Gateley hails strong first half in a challenging market
Gateley, the legal and professional services group, has hailed a “strong financial performance” in its first half as the company continues to execute its diversification and growth strategy. According to unaudited results for the six months ended 31 October 2022, revenue grew by 22.2% to £76.1m, up from £62.3m in the same period of the year prior. Profit before tax, meanwhile, was up 9.6% to £8m, from £7.3m. Looking ahead, Gateley said that it is “well-placed to navigate the more challenging economic environment that is beginning to emerge in the second half of the financial year” thanks to a “growing, diversified and resilient business model, combined with a strong H1 23 performance.” Rod Waldie, Chief Executive Officer of Gateley, said: “We are delighted to report further growth derived from the increasing diversity of services on our Platforms, which now house over 1,000 fee earners. Our Group revenue and profit grew strongly, increasing by 22.2% and 9.6% respectively, within which revenue from our consultancy services grew, including by acquisition, by 104.5%. “I thank our clients for the opportunity to work with them on a broad range of important mandates and our people for their hard work and dedication to deliver results. “I’m proud of the progress that we are making against our Responsible Business strategy.  In particular, supporting our communities is an important part of our purpose as a business and we will further connect our exceptionally talented people with organisations who provide community support in the regions in which we operate, recognising that business is a key engine of change. “During the Period, we saw political and economic instability manifesting in uncertainty and temporary paralysis in a number of sectors. This is an ongoing situation and the economy is approaching a fork in the road where in all likelihood there is a wide range of possible outcomes across different sectors. “In the meantime, we continue to invest in our offering and in our people so that our business remains fully equipped to deliver as positions settle in our target markets. The combined legal and consultancy offering on our Platforms, remains unique and the outlook on each of the Platforms is positive. We look forward to 2023 with a degree of cautious confidence.”

Sills & Betteridge acquires Lincoln firm Acclaimed Family Law

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Sills & Betteridge acquires Lincoln firm Acclaimed Family Law
Regional law firm Sills & Betteridge LLP has acquired Sheffield city centre practice Acclaimed Family Law. Acclaimed Family Law, which will continue to operate under its own name from Campo Lane in the city, is a multi-award winning niche firm dealing exclusively with private divorce and family law matters. They will now make available to their clients the full range of personal and commercial services provided by Sills & Betteridge. Sills & Betteridge Chief Executive Martyn Hall said: “This move is a strong strategic fit both for our existing operations in Yorkshire and our ongoing investment aspirations. Michelle and her team are dynamic and enterprising and share our service-first culture. We are delighted to have them onboard and look forward to building on the strong foundations both firms already have in the area.” AFL Director Michelle Cooper said: “We will continue to provide the exceptional service we are renowned for as Acclaimed Family law under the Sills & Betteridge umbrella so our clients will benefit from direct access to other departments including commercial, probate and conveyancing to provide them with an enhanced service from beginning to end which other stand alone family teams cannot offer.” The collaboration sees the firm’s Yorkshire network grow to five offices since it first opened a small family practice in Doncaster in 2018. It later acquired South Yorkshire full-service firm Bridge Sanderson Munro and Rawson Family Law also of Sheffield, and in 2022 opened the doors to its first office in the East Riding of Yorkshire, in Howden near Hull.

SGI plans 60-acre industrial site next to Thorpe Park

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
SGI plans 60-acre industrial site next to Thorpe Park
Scarborough Group International is planning an industrial and logistics park on the 60-acre site Brown Moor, next to Thorpe Park at Leeds. The company has put in an outline planning application to develop up to 60,000 sq m of industrial and logistics space with ancillary office space. The buildings will be capable of being brought forward in multiple phases to respond to market interest and occupier demand. The application also includes details of the estate infrastructure, public footpaths and other public rights of way which will as part of the proposals will be enhanced, as well as the site landscaping. ‘Integral’, as the development has been named, is projected as being the home of companies in advanced manufacturing, logistics and industrial sectors, adding to the strong economic mix of east Leeds and providing hundreds of new jobs. Adam Varley, Development Director at SGI, said: “The industrial and logistics sector is undergoing significant change.  Supply chain resilience, rising energy costs, smart infrastructure and the continued growth of e-commerce are forcing businesses to rethink their real estate requirements. Decision making factors such as accessibility, cost and labour pool, while still relevant, are now being overtaken by the need to attract and retain the very best talent. “The design of Integral scheme at Thorpe Park Leeds responds to the shifts in the market by providing industrial spaces that are integrated into a dynamic and established mixed-use community.”

Lean In Leeds launches Women of Excellence Awards

Tess Egginton
-
0
Lean In Leeds launches Women of Excellence Awards
Lean In Leeds, a women’s networking group in Yorkshire, is celebrating the incredible women of the region by launching its inaugural Women of Excellence Awards, which will take place at Sky Bet on Wednesday 22 March, to tie in with International Women’s Day. “We decided it was high time that we celebrated the incredible women in the Yorkshire region with our own awards,” explains Claire Ackers, chair of Lean In Leeds. “Our vision is to do something a little bit different than the other awards ceremonies out there. We want to shine a light on women at all ages and stages, especially those who aren’t typically involved in conventional awards ceremonies.” Categories include The Yorkshire Rose Award for rising stars, The Sending the Lift Back Down Award for women helping other women up the ranks; and The Grit and Graft Award to recognise extraordinary perseverance and resilience; amongst others. Nominations are free and open to all via the Lean In Leeds website, until Friday 27 January. The entries will be judged by an independent panel made up of Anna Sutton, CEO of the Data Shed and the Data Refinery, Eve Roodhouse from Leeds City Council, Juliette Atkinson, IT director of University of Bradford, Karen Landells from Deloitte and Tracy Fletcher, MD of Campbell and Fletcher. Sponsored by a raft of Yorkshire-based businesses including Deloitte, Flutter, Sky Bet, Leeds University Business School, Glean, Panintelligence, XSEM, Bruntwood and Reward Finance Group; the Women of Excellence Awards are fundraising in aid of Smart Works Leeds, which helps women get back into employment. “The support we’ve had from the Yorkshire business community for these awards, and for our free events and our mentoring scheme has been amazing,” continues Claire Ackers. “Thanks to our sponsors, the Women of Excellence Awards are free to attend with charity donations in aid of Smart Works Leeds. To be able to ‘pay it forward’ by supporting a charity which is very close to our hearts, is a real source of pride.”

Lean In Leeds is a not-for-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers. Founded over seven years ago, it has over 1100 members and has run over 60 free events in Leeds and the surrounding areas, supported by local businesses. It also has a thriving mentoring scheme and welcomes anybody who supports their primary focus of gender equality.

1...323324325...471Page 324 of 471