Leeds cloud services firm virtualDCS acquired by MonacoSol

April Lara
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Leeds cloud services firm virtualDCS acquired by MonacoSol

Leeds-based cloud services provider virtualDCS has been acquired by private equity firm MonacoSol, securing a majority stake in an undisclosed deal. MonacoSol’s acquisition is part of its broader strategy to expand its portfolio, which includes investments in sectors like construction software, fintech, and B2B services.

Key leadership changes accompany the deal. Co-founder Dan Nichols returns as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) after a decade-long tenure at Sleek Networks, Secura Hosting, and WebContractor. Former CTO and co-founder John Murray takes on the role of solutions director. Kieran Brady has been appointed Chief Revenue Officer, bringing experience from major companies such as BT, Capita, and Deutsche Telekom.

MonacoSol’s backing is expected to help accelerate virtualDCS’s growth. The company will focus on enhancing its offerings in data protection, cyber resilience, and technological capabilities. The company aims to modernise its services and expand its resilience-driven solutions to better meet businesses’ growing data security demands.

Yorkshire outdoor media company acquires long-established Hastings firm

Tess Egginton
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Yorkshire outdoor media company acquires long-established Hastings firm
Outdoor media company, Yorkshire-based CP Media, has acquired long-established Hastings-based Keegan Ford Sponsorship Limited, expanding its portfolio in local authority sponsorship. Over the last six years, CP Media has acquired a raft of operators in the outdoor advertising world, including Eye Airports, Adverta Transport Advertising and Lamppost Banners. However, this is the first acquisition in CP Media’s core sector, namely roundabout sponsorship. Mike Brennan, CEO of CP Media, said: “We’re growing well organically so we are very discerning about acquisitions. The companies that we buy have to fit our marketplace but equally importantly they have to fit our ethos, be high quality and have good reputations. Keegan Ford have these qualities, hence why this acquisition is an absolutely ideal fit.” Mark Barfoot, managing director of Keegan Ford, said: “Having founded the company 23 years ago I am very proud of how we’ve grown both financially and reputationally. “Over the last year, I’ve been looking for the best place for the company, it’s concessions and our advertisers to go, as I look to finally retire. CP Media are the ideal next owners, as they also have both an excellent reputation and significant experience in our sector. “I wish them all the best, and I will be working with them over the next few months to ensure a smooth and successful transition.” Established in 2010, CP Media now employs over 70 staff. In the last four years it has tripled its revenues as it continues to grow its regional outdoor advertising market.

Underfunded waterways pose business risks for UK industries

April Lara
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Underfunded waterways pose business risks for UK industries

A recent protest across Lincolnshire, involving a flotilla of canal boats and cruisers, highlights growing concerns over the lack of government funding for the UK’s inland waterways, posing a potential business risk for industries reliant on them. The protest, organised by Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW), draws attention to the urgent need for increased investment in maintaining the nation’s canals and rivers, contributing significantly to the UK economy.

Waterways generate £2.5 billion annually through water-based tourism, while also offering vital social, health, and environmental benefits. However, the FBW, a coalition of groups representing hundreds of thousands of users, warns that rising maintenance costs and climate change challenges threaten to undermine the sector’s sustainability.

For businesses that depend on waterways for logistics, tourism, and recreation, the risk of reduced government funding could result in deteriorating infrastructure and diminished operational capacity. While the Canals and Rivers Trust currently receives £740 million in government grants through 2027, future funding remains uncertain, with reduced support expected beyond that period.

Lincolnshire Co-op commits £8.5m to renewable energy through long-term wind power deal

April Lara
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Lincolnshire Co-op commits £8.5m to renewable energy through long-term wind power deal

Lincolnshire Co-op has signed an £8.5 million Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) to secure renewable energy for the next 10 years. The agreement, part of a £40 million partnership with four other co-operatives, will cover approximately 50% of the society’s emissions across 220 outlets.

The contract, beginning 1 April 2025, ensures Lincolnshire Co-op will receive 10,000 megawatt-hours of energy annually from the London Array offshore wind farm. The facility, located off the north Kent coast, is operated by German energy giant RWE and supplies 10% of the UK’s wind power.

The deal, facilitated by Inspired PLC with legal support from Shoosmiths LLP, aims to provide price stability while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. In addition, Lincolnshire Co-op has invested £2 million in solar panels for 62 sites and is upgrading refrigeration systems for greater energy efficiency.

For businesses, the move highlights the growing role of long-term renewable energy contracts in managing operational costs and sustainability commitments.

Rotherham Council invests £25,000 in theatre future study

April Lara
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Rotherham Council invests £25,000 in theatre future study

Rotherham Council has allocated £25,000 for a comprehensive study to assess the future of Rotherham Civic Theatre, a 65-year-old venue currently facing structural concerns. The research will determine whether the theatre should be renovated or replaced, with experts warning that significant repairs are needed to keep the building operational.

The study will examine the structural viability of the theatre, located on Doncaster Gate, and assess local demand for performing arts in the town centre. It will gather insights on the types of performances that would attract audiences and explore financial strategies to ensure long-term sustainability through ticket sales and events.

Findings from the research will guide the council’s decision on whether to refurbish the existing venue or build a new one elsewhere in the town. The results will also inform broader regeneration plans for the town centre. The public and local stakeholders can provide further feedback before final decisions are made.

Delifresh plans expansion with new facility and job growth

April Lara
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Delifresh plans expansion with new facility and job growth

Delifresh, a Bradford-based food service supplier, is expanding its operations following a funding boost from HSBC UK. The company is moving into a new 80,000 sq ft facility in Bradford, where it plans to implement cutting-edge systems to enhance its operations.

The £1 million investment will fund the complete fit-out of the new premises, which will feature advanced pick-and-pack technology, energy-efficient chilling systems, and an upgraded enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. These improvements streamline productivity, maintain high-quality standards, and enhance the customer experience.

Founded in 2002, Delifresh supplies restaurants, hotels, and independent food service businesses across the UK. The company expects its workforce, currently at 417 employees, to grow as it expands its geographical reach and increases turnover over the next 12 months. Investment will also go towards upgrading its fleet to meet growing demand.

The additional funding will give Delifresh the flexibility to better meet the needs of its clients in the competitive hospitality sector, helping the business stay responsive as it scales operations.

virtualDCS strengthens leadership team following private equity firm’s investment

Tess Egginton
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virtualDCS strengthens leadership team following private equity firm’s investment
Cloud hosting and cyber resilience specialist virtualDCS has revealed a new senior leadership team as it enters its next growth phase, backed by investment from private equity firm MonacoSol. Newly appointed chief executive officer (CEO) Alex Wilmot will lead the company’s next chapter, succeeding original founder Richard May, who transitions into product development director, continuing the ongoing solution innovation. Alex brings over 20 years of experience in managed services, strategic transformation, and sales growth. Having held senior leadership roles at Ingram Micro, Redcentric, and Daisy, he has a proven track record of scaling businesses and driving innovation. Under Alex’s leadership, virtualDCS will strengthen its technical capabilities while evolving its sales strategy to deliver more outcome-driven solutions for its clients. Alex believes virtualDCS’ data integrity-driven managed services are the key differentiator in an increasingly competitive market, and will be central to the company’s continued success. Commenting on his appointment, Alex said: “I’m thrilled to be joining virtualDCS – a business renowned for its expertise in data integrity, data protection, and cyber resilience – at this point in its journey. Its portfolio of services couldn’t be more relevant for organisations looking to protect their data against the growing threats entering the landscape every day. “With MonacoSol’s backing, we’re building on an already exceptional proposition while accelerating our ability to scale. As Richard and John move into their new roles, we’re able to retain their invaluable industry expertise, providing continuity as we move forward at pace.” Dan Nichols, a co-founder of virtualDCS, has also returned as chief technology officer (CTO) after more than a decade leading technology teams at Sleek Networks, Secura Hosting, and WebContractor. In his role, Dan is focused on strengthening virtualDCS’s technology partnerships and streamlining transactions as the company scales. Meanwhile, former CTO and fellow co-founder John Murray has transitioned to solutions director, where he will continue to work closely with clients to build long-term partnerships. “We’re a business built on trust, and I want to ensure we continue delivering the level of service our customers expect while broadening our technological capabilities,” Dan said. “We’ll be modernising our offerings, expanding our resilience-focused solutions, and working with the right partners to enhance our services.” Joining as chief revenue officer (CRO), Kieran Brady brings over 40 years of experience in sales leadership at major telecom and IT firms, including BT, Capita, Deutsche Telekom, Gamma, and Redcentric. Kieran is passionate about fostering high-performance sales teams through a coaching-first approach. “My priority is ensuring we deeply understand customer needs and provide solutions tailored to their business continuity and cyber resilience requirements,” Kieran said. “We’ll use AI-driven insights to target the right customers and continue building a team to deliver best-in-class service. Customers and colleagues are my joint priority because having the right team enables us to provide industry-leading services.” The leadership changes follow MonacoSol’s acquisition of a majority stake in virtualDCS.

Long Sutton dental practice sold to expanding group

Tess Egginton
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Long Sutton dental practice sold to expanding group
Long Sutton Dentistry in Lincolnshire has been sold to an expanding group. Set up by the previous owners, Kenny Doig, Jez Hyland, and Sam Wright, in 2013, it is located in the market town of Long Sutton, near Boston and Spalding in South Lincolnshire. Over the last 12 years, it has grown into a four-surgery practice and become a mainstay for the local community. The practice was brought to market to allow the sellers to concentrate on their other business interests. Following a confidential sales process with Tom Morley at Christie & Co, it has been sold to The Dental Design Studio. Dr Kenny Doig, former owner of Long Sutton Dentistry, said: “It’s reassuring to know that our staff and patients are in excellent hands, thanks to DDS’s outstanding track record of professionalism and expertise. The trust and confidence we feel stems directly from their proven capabilities. “We would like to express our appreciation for Jeff and Larry, who made every interaction a pleasure. Their approachability and professionalism ensured the process was not just straightforward but truly instilled confidence that we had made the correct decision to sell to a group rather than a large corporate.” Dr Jeffrey Sherer, Clinical Director at The Dental Design Studio, said: “We’re very happy to have acquired Long Sutton – our twenty-second dental practice. It is a fantastic practice with a great team, and we are so pleased to have it as part of our group.” Tom Morley, Associate Director – Dental at Christie & Co, said: “It was a pleasure to represent, Jez, Kenny, and Sam in the sale of Long Sutton, and I wish Larry and Jeff all the best with their new acquisition. Another successful sale in the East Midlands demonstrates to the market that quality private practices are continually acquired by aspirational groups.” Long Sutton Dentistry was sold for an undisclosed price.

Proposal for Chinese supermarket on Scarborough’s Falsgrave Road

April Lara
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Proposal for Chinese supermarket on Scarborough’s Falsgrave Road

A new Chinese supermarket could be established on Falsgrave Road in Scarborough, pending approval from North Yorkshire Council. Mrs Wen Zhu Chen is proposing converting a ground-floor office at 29–31 Falsgrave Road into a retail space selling Chinese food products and decorations.

Located near Sainsbury’s and within walking distance of Scarborough railway station, the site would offer various Chinese products, including packaged snacks, frozen seafood, and decorative items. Mrs Chen cited a lack of such products in the area, noting growing demand for Chinese goods among local consumers.

The plans indicate no need for external or internal alterations to the property. The shop’s location near the town centre, with easy access to transport links, is expected to help attract customers, benefiting both the business and the local economy.

The council has not yet set a date to decide on the application, which is still open for public consultation.

Sheffield training group diversifies with acquisition

Tess Egginton
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Sheffield training group diversifies with acquisition
Sheffield-based Realise Training Group, backed by Endless’ Enact fund, has taken a step forward in its buy-and-build strategy with its acquisition of Smart Gas Training and Assessment Centre, based in Derbyshire. The announcement marks the next phase of its journey, as Realise formalises a new group structure and strategy, broadens its commercial offerings and diversifies into another regulated employment sector. The move comes at a time when regulatory and policy changes, brought in by the government, are driving demand for upskilling in key sectors, including more heavily regulated apprenticeship sectors linked to unlocking UK economic growth. It also aligns with the £600 million investment into the training of up to 60,000 skilled construction workers, announced in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement. Gregg Scott, CEO of Realise Training Group, said: “We are committed to not just off-the-shelf products such as apprenticeships, skills bootcamps or adult skills, but to being a fully integrated training solutions business. We listen to the training problems of organisations and our teams create a bespoke solution. “As well as supporting investment in green energy and the push for net zero through our Smart Gas acquisition, we are continuing to focus on reducing economic inactivity and promoting social mobility throughout the UK.” Paul Denvers, partner at Endless, said: “We are delighted to see how Realise is going from strength to strength and entering new markets within the apprenticeship and adult education sector. “Expanding into additional regulated employment markets will help bring more learners into the high demand sectors, as well as continuing to support quality delivery in the critical infrastructure sectors we are well established in.” The Smart Gas acquisition was supported with advice from James Cook from Womble Bond Dickinson, Russ Cahill from Tax Advisory Partnership and Paul Fox from Fox Lloyd Jones. Realise recently secured a multi-million-pound facility from OakNorth.

Scarborough and Filey food festivals to boost local economy

April Lara
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Scarborough and Filey food festivals to boost local economy

Scarborough is set to host a new food and drink festival to attract thousands of visitors and support local businesses. Scheduled for April 12-13 at the Open Air Theatre, the event will feature 50 independent vendors offering various products, from international cuisines to handcrafted goods. The festival is designed to strengthen Scarborough’s position as a year-round tourist destination, with local traders benefiting from exposure to both regional and national audiences.

Crofts Chocolates, a local business that sees such events as vital for growth, is among the participants. Their participation highlights how food festivals can serve as valuable marketing platforms for small enterprises.

The festival is expected to contribute to the local economy, encouraging earlier-season visits and adding to Scarborough Open Air Theatre’s £8.5 million impact on the area last year. Scarborough’s tourism sector, which generates £561 million annually, plays a crucial role in the local economy, with over 3.8 million visitors and 5,600 jobs tied to the industry.

In addition, the Filey Food Festival will return this year with multiple dates, further driving foot traffic to the region and complementing Scarborough’s efforts to extend its tourism season.

Legal challenge to UK’s Jet Zero strategy heads to High Court

April Lara
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Legal challenge to UK’s Jet Zero strategy heads to High Court

A judicial review of the UK government’s Jet Zero strategy will be heard in the High Court from 1–4 April. The challenge, brought by the Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (GALBA), questions the feasibility of achieving net zero aviation emissions by 2050 through alternative fuels and emerging technologies.

Jet Zero, introduced in 2022 and retained by the current Labour government, promotes biofuels, hydrogen, carbon capture, and aircraft efficiency improvements to decarbonise aviation. However, independent experts—including the Royal Society and industry consultants—argue that sustainable aviation fuels remain scarce and costly, while hydrogen and electric flight face significant technological and economic hurdles.

The Climate Change Committee has labelled Jet Zero a “high-risk” strategy and warned that aviation growth targets are incompatible with net zero commitments. Despite these concerns, airport expansion projects are still being considered, raising questions about the UK’s long-term approach to aviation sustainability.

McLaren Construction Midlands and North completes the UK’s largest cold store facility

Michael Fisher
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McLaren Construction Midlands and North completes the UK’s largest cold store facility

McLaren Construction Midlands and North is proud to announce the successful completion of the UK’s largest cold store facility, developed for Magnavale Ltd, one of the country’s leading temperature controlled warehouse and value added service providers.

The fully automated facility stands at 47 metres tall with a capacity for 101,000 pallets and represents a significant milestone in logistics and sustainable storage solutions.

Located near Grantham, the purpose-built, rack-clad automated cold store has been designed to support Magnavale’s goal of creating Europe’s most efficient cold storage facility, operating at a standard temperature of -200C. The 474,283 sq. ft. development can function at temperatures as low as -28°C and is powered entirely by renewable energy, reinforcing Magnavale’s commitment to sustainability.

The facility features a five-storey office space, extensive external yards, an HGV marshalling area, and a large staff car park. Additionally, cutting-edge refrigeration plant ensures that the storage chamber maintains optimal conditions for frozen food products from leading retailers.

The construction of the project presented a range of unique challenges. The facility was delivered while maintaining 24/7 access to the adjacent McCain food production facility, alongside another existing cold storage unit and water treatment processing works, while ensuring minimal disruption to operations and a water treatment facility. Extensive demolition and controlled waste removal was required to clear the site, which was previously home to an iron ore drift mine. The project team also had to divert and relay multiple services and utilities across the site.

An external gantry system was used to accommodate certain services instead of traditional underground installations due to space constraints. The construction incorporated a contractor-designed steel fibre slab, eliminating the need for more than 20 steel fixers on-site, while an on-site gas generator was refurbished to provide 1.45MW of power. Due to the size of concrete pours, an on-site concrete batching plant was incorporated into the build, to eliminate issues with delivery delays.

Cirata shares rise as revenue grows and losses narrow

April Lara
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Cirata shares rise as revenue grows and losses narrow

Cirata shares rose by up to 9% after the cloud analytics firm reported a 15% increase in revenue and a significant reduction in losses for 2024. Despite the gains, the stock remains down 70% over the past year.

The Sheffield-based company posted $7.7 million in revenue, while losses fell to $13.5 million, less than half of the previous year’s figure. Cirata also secured a $2 million contract with a top-three US bank for its Live Data Migrator platform and announced partnerships with IBM, Databricks, and Oracle.

Following a financial misstatement that led to a rebrand and restructuring, CEO Stephen Kelly said the company had moved from “rescue to recovery” and was now focused on long-term growth.

Cirata remains under investigation by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regarding its past financial reporting, but no liability has been recorded.

Benchmark sells genetics business for £260m

April Lara
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Benchmark sells genetics business for £260m

Sheffield-based aquaculture biotech firm Benchmark has finalised the sale of its genetics division to Novo Holdings for £260m. The deal, initially reported in November 2024, includes an upfront payment of £230m and contingent consideration of up to £30m.

For the year ending 30 June 2024, the genetics business generated £57m in revenue and £14.5m in adjusted EBITDA. As of 30 June 2024, its net assets stood at £52.8m.

After adjustments related to cash, debt, and working capital, Benchmark expects to receive approximately £194m in gross cash proceeds, excluding potential earn-out payments.

Following the repayment of £63m for Benchmark’s unsecured green bond and £23.75m under its revolving credit facility, net cash proceeds are expected to total £107.5m. Benchmark will disclose further details on its ongoing strategy and use of proceeds in mid-April.

UKREiiF in talks to move major property event from Leeds to Liverpool

April Lara
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UKREiiF in talks to move major property event from Leeds to Liverpool

UKREiiF, the UK’s leading real estate investment and infrastructure forum, is in discussions to relocate from Leeds to Liverpool. Organisers have entered exclusive negotiations with Liverpool city officials, raising concerns about Leeds’ ability to retain the high-profile event beyond 2025.

Since its launch, the event, which brought 13,000 visitors and generated nearly £21 million for the local economy in 2024, has been held in Leeds. However, venue capacity, hotel availability, and rising accommodation costs have led organisers to reassess its long-term location. Some hotels in Leeds have been charging up to £1,000 per night during UKREiiF, making it less attractive for delegates and other event planners.

Liverpool is a strong contender with approximately 10,000 hotel rooms and an established events infrastructure. Other shortlisted cities included Manchester and Birmingham. Leeds had been given a one-year extension as the host city but now faces uncertainty. UKREiiF confirms it has signed a non-disclosure agreement with an undisclosed city for further discussions.

An ARUP report found that UKREiiF has driven repeat business to Leeds, with a third of attendees visiting more frequently outside the event. Despite this, concerns over logistics and infrastructure remain. If the move goes ahead, it would be a blow to Leeds’ position as a business hub while boosting Liverpool’s profile in the property investment sector.

The 2025 event is scheduled to take place in Leeds from 20-22 May, but the location for 2026 and beyond remains undecided.

Quickline expands full fibre broadband to 6,000 more premises in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

April Lara
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Quickline expands full fibre broadband to 6,000 more premises in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

Quickline is expanding its Project Gigabit rollout, bringing full-fibre broadband to an additional 6,000 homes and businesses across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. The expansion, backed by £11 million in public funding, will ensure improved connectivity in underserved areas.

The move increased the total government investment in Quickline’s fibre network to over £300 million, covering more than 170,000 premises. The rollout targets rural communities across West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire, aiming to provide fast, reliable internet to businesses and residents in hard-to-reach locations.

Project Gigabit, funded by the UK Government, focuses on delivering gigabit-capable broadband to areas lacking access to next-generation speeds. The latest expansion is based on updated data to prioritise locations with the highest need.

Forecourt group sells site near Hull

Tess Egginton
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Forecourt group sells site near Hull
Wyton Bar Service Station, a BP-supplied petrol filling station and forecourt shop in Bilton, near Hull, has been sold to a growing independent forecourt group owner. Located on Main Road, the site also includes a tenanted workshop and car wash. The site was sold by Sewell On The Go. Managing Director, Patrick Sewell, said: “It was a difficult decision for us to put Wyton Bar up for sale, as we had a great team running the store and a loyal local customer base, but we are confident that the new owner will continue to operate high standards and enhance the site into the future. “We are now looking to the future of our wider business and the sale will allow us to reinvest elsewhere to ensure we remain a great place to work and leading convenience retailer for our customers.” The site has been acquired by a growing independent forecourt group owner, who plans to continue running the site as it is, whilst looking to develop and increase the site’s offering in the future. Andrew Birnie, Director at Christie & Co who managed the sale, said: “We were delighted to work for Patrick on this, the only forecourt they have sold. Sewell On The Go is an extremely strong and well known forecourt brand, in particular in the East Riding of Yorkshire region. “This was a specific task where only one of the group was being sold, and the remainder will be strengthened going forward. “Forecourts in this price range are in very high demand, from new entrants to the sector, first time buyers moving up from stand-alone convenience stores, and small groups already owning two or three sites. We had strong interest which produced a range of offers from as far North as Scotland and South as London.” The site was sold at an undisclosed price.

York Handmade chairman goes back to school to land major contract

Tess Egginton
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York Handmade chairman goes back to school to land major contract
The chairman of the York Handmade Brick Company, David Armitage, has returned to his old school to secure one of the most prestigious contracts in the company’s 37-year history. The independent brick manufacturer, based at Alne, near Easingwold, is providing 350,000 bricks for two new boarding houses for girls at Winchester College in Hampshire. David shared: “When I was a teenage schoolboy at Winchester College in 1955, I had little idea that I would ever become a brickmaker, despite the fact that my family had all been in the trade for four generations. In time, I became the fifth. “I am sure no-one had any idea then that the all-boys Winchester College would one day admit girls. However, the scene moves on 70 years and two new boarding houses for sixth-form girls are opening in September next year. And, to my pride and delight, we are providing the bricks for this historic development. “It is obviously a great honour for me personally to be supplying bricks to the college and even more so because I made the original contact with architects Stanton Williams to secure the contract. The college wanted a very special brick for a very special building and we were very pleased to be able to fit that bill and help to create this splendid structure.” David added: “This has been a magnificent way to reconnect with my old school. It has brought back many happy memories of a formative part of my life.” The value of this contract is £540,000. The main contractors are Gilbert Ash. The project began several years ago when Winchester College decided to welcome girls into the Sixth Form as boarders. The college hopes that the two new boarding houses, and the introduction of girls will increase its involvement with, and contribution to, the city of Winchester.

Chuckling Cheese Company to close Middlesbrough and Doncaster stores

April Lara
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Chuckling Cheese Company to close Middlesbrough and Doncaster stores

The Chuckling Cheese Company will permanently close its Middlesbrough and Doncaster stores on 12 April 2025, citing declining footfall and rising operational costs.

The Middlesbrough store, located in the Cleveland Centre, and the Doncaster branch are part of a wider restructuring effort by the artisan cheese retailer. The company will continue to operate through its online store, other retail locations, and events.

The closures reflect broader challenges for high street businesses, as shifting consumer habits and increasing costs impact physical retail.

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