Housing development gets green light at old quarrying and mining site near Huddersfield

Tess Egginton
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Housing development gets green light at old quarrying and mining site near Huddersfield
Residential development company Vivly Living has received planning permission for a housing development at Grange Moor, an old quarrying and mining site near Huddersfield. Kirklees Council has given the green light for 12 two- to four-bed homes at Denby Lane, Grange Moor, comprising seven bungalows, three family houses and two affordable homes. Oliver Bottomley, Associate Director, Land and Development for Vivly, said: “This is tremendous news. After a very drawn-out planning process, we are very pleased planning has been granted for these 12 homes. The site is very exciting for Vivly, as it will create a real community. “The houses on site will appeal to a wide demographic. The first-time buyer will be attracted to the two-bed affordable first homes, while families will like our three-bed, semi-dormer bungalows and four-bed detached houses and downsizers and design and property savvy individuals will love our contemporary bungalow.” Oliver added: “These highly energy efficient homes will be set in a structured and attractive landscaping, which we feel will add to the character of Grange Moor village. As part of the development, and as part of our commitment to the community, we will be providing a defibrillator. “We expect a good deal of interest in this development. There is a shortage of new-build developments in the Kirklees area, which is not currently achieving national housing supply standards. We trust we will meet this pent-up demand.” There is a good deal of remediation work to be undertaken, with various government departments’ consents required, so Vivly expects to start on site in May. The development also provides access to an adjoining site, with a further 21 homes planned. Meanwhile, planning permission has also just been granted to Vivly Living for a residential development at Shepley, near Huddersfield. Kirklees Council has given the go-ahead for 52 new homes at Knowle Grange, which will form Phase 2 at Vivly’s development in the village.

Rovers return as Latus Group founders join board of Super League club they served as players

Tess Egginton
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Rovers return as Latus Group founders join board of Super League club they served as players
Two brothers who harnessed their passion for sport to build an occupational health business have become the latest appointments to the board of the Super League club which first sparked their ambitions. Jack and Sam Latus have joined the line-up at Hull Kingston Rovers with a pledge to drive the further growth of the club they served as players and the community which is at its heart. The pair, both in their 30s, are seen as having a major part to play in taking the club forward as it progresses under the guidance of a board led by chair Paul Sewell, who is also chair of Sewell Group, the investments, consultancy, data mapping and intelligence, construction and facilities management business which dates back to 1876. The presence of David Kilburn, the co-founder of MKM Building Supplies, James McNicol, managing director of London-based Oil Brokerage Ltd, and Becky Oughtibridge, director of professional services at Sewell Group, in supporting the owner, Hull-based solicitor Dr Neil Hudgell, adds up to vast experience. Paul said: “This is a milestone in the drive for the sustainability of our club. Just as the first team needs a pipeline of fresh young talent, so does the board and we have been working towards this from the start of the transformation. “That Jack and Sam are Hull business people who have been fantastically successful at a young age is great, but their former association with the club as players makes it towards perfect.” Jack, Sam and third brother Will launched Latus Health in 2017 with ambitions for the business to be recognised as a challenger brand to traditional providers such as Bupa, Optima and Nuffield. Rapid growth of the business to date and further planned expansion for the year ahead has brought forecasts of more than 50 per cent growth during 2025, and that success in turn has triggered the confidence to take on the new roles. Jack, CEO of Latus Group, said: “It feels like a good time for us because if we are going to put time into something, we want to know that we have the skill set to be able to add value. I think the lessons we have learned on the journey to build the Latus Group healthcare brand put us in a good position to help move the sport and club forward.” The pair credit Hull KR with giving them their introduction to professional sport. Sam played 46 first-team games for the Robins. Jack was only ever on the fringes and wants to make up for lost time. At the modern day Hull Kingston Rovers, that means providing the infrastructure off the pitch to support a team capable of winning trophies on the pitch. Central to that is the development of masterplan which will add community and commercial elements to the existing sports campus and which will be submitted for planning permission in the spring. Jack added: “The ups and the downs of our time at the club and in the sport helped shape us to who we are today. It feels like a full circle moment to now be invited to join the board to help steer the strategic direction of the club to continued success. “I am excited at the opportunity to be able to have the impact that I always hoped I would as a player, but this time from the safer side of the whitewash!” Sam, the company’s chief commercial officer, added: “We were attracted by how far the club has already gone, what the board has already achieved and how we can be a part of driving that forward to make a lasting change. “It’s a privilege to be around them and we want to emulate the type of success that they have enjoyed in business, the impact they have made locally and nationally and the ambition they have instilled into the club. It was a ‘pinch me’ moment when we sat down at our first meeting! “We’ll take a bit of time to learn more about the club and we hope our playing experience will be of benefit and help to maintain the strong connection between the board, the back office staff and the team. “So much has changed since we played here – all for the better – and crucially they have maintained the essence of the club and looked after the heart of it.” Paul Lakin, chief executive of Hull Kingston Rovers, said the appointments were the culmination of a series of chats to get to know each other over the last year. He said: “We got together again earlier this year and things moved forward very quickly. I think having two successful young men who have both played the game and have a keen passion to make a difference will bring a different angle. “Walking around our stadium with them as they engage with the staff, players and management it’s clear they are steeped in the club, the people and the potential.”

Eurocell acquires Dewsbury firm in £29m deal

Tess Egginton
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Eurocell acquires Dewsbury firm in £29m deal

Eurocell, the manufacturer, distributor and recycler of PVC window, door and roofline products, has acquired Dewsbury-based Alunet for £29m.

The deal comprises an initial payment of £22 million and deferred consideration of approximately £7 million payable in four annual instalments beginning in 2026. In addition, there is the potential for performance related payments of up to £6m over the same period.

The acquisition strengthens Eurocell’s position in residential aluminium systems and composite doors, and adds garage doors to its product portfolio.

Alunet includes a stable of home improvement brands and comprises four businesses: Alunet Systems, Comp Door, JDUK, and UK Doors (Midlands). 

For the year ended 31 December 2024, Alunet delivered unaudited revenue of £43m and EBITDA of £4.5m.

Alunet’s retained team, led by Chief Executive Steve Hudson, will strengthen the group’s management and Steve will join Eurocell’s Executive Committee. Alunet employs approximately 200 people.

Darren Waters, Chief Executive Officer at Derbyshire-based Eurocell, said: “Alunet is a great acquisition for Eurocell. It significantly strengthens our position in aluminium, enhances our composite door offering, and adds a premium range of aluminium garage doors to our portfolio of home improvement products.

“Alunet has grown rapidly since its establishment in 2013, and under Eurocell’s ownership, we will leverage our leading market positions in new build, trade fabrication and distribution, to help the business reach its full potential.

“On behalf of the Board I am delighted to welcome the management and employees of Alunet to the Group.”

Acquisition brings together Yorkshire furniture solutions firms

Tess Egginton
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Acquisition brings together Yorkshire furniture solutions firms
Sheffield-based Formm has acquired Corporate Workspace, a Leeds company with over 30 years of experience providing furniture solutions for commercial spaces. This acquisition is a key milestone in Formm’s development plan, strengthening its ability to offer independent furniture solutions across the North, enhancing the business’s end-to-end service, design capabilities, fitting out, and furnishing space. Alex Humphries, Managing Director, Formm Ltd, said: “This acquisition represents a strategic milestone for Formm, allowing us to expand our furniture proposition and assist businesses with more full-service and flexible solutions.

“We’re looking forward to collaborating extremely closely with the highly experienced team at Corporate Workspace to drive innovation, increase our presence in Yorkshire and the Northeast, and continue to deliver exceptional workplace solutions.

“This move not only enhances our ability to serve existing clients with even greater expertise but also opens the door to exciting new relationships as we expand our reach in the market.” Simon Thrussell, Managing Director, Corporate Workspace Ltd, said: “I am delighted that we are now officially part of the Formm family. Formm have been our trusted go-to partner for over 5 years, delivering some amazing projects together. This acquisition by Formm is a natural progression of this proven partnership and I am incredibly excited for the future potential we can achieve.”

Yorkshire artists struggle with financial instability, report finds

April Lara
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Yorkshire artists struggle with financial instability, report finds

A new report from the Yorkshire Visual Arts Network (YVAN) highlights financial difficulties for artists in Yorkshire and the Humber. It cites a lack of funding, affordable studio spaces, and limited opportunities.

A survey conducted by YVAN in June 2024 found that more artists have seen their income decline over the past two years than increase. Only 4.4% of respondents earn more than £30,000 from visual arts, compared to the regional average salary of £36,900. The survey, completed by 248 artists and art workers, examined pay, employment, funding, and industry barriers.

YVAN’s national body, the Contemporary Visual Arts Network (CVAN), uses the findings to lobby MPs for policy changes to support the sector. The report advocates for increased funding to develop affordable studio spaces and improve financial stability for artists.

Rotherham to allocate over £3m of funding to support residents’ businesses

Tess Egginton
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Rotherham to allocate over £3m of funding to support residents’ businesses

Funding worth over £3m has been earmarked to support a range of projects to help Rotherham residents boost their businesses.

It will also help to enhance their skills and training opportunities, and support their community-based activities. Rotherham Council’s Cabinet will agree how the borough’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) will be used during the next year when they meet on 17 March. Local businesses and entrepreneurs will benefit from an earmarked £1m to develop their businesses and boost their productivity. Three core projects will help entrepreneurs develop and test their ideas, offer wide-ranging support, and help businesses transition to low carbon. Along with these projects, a new ‘shop units grants’ programme will focus on improving shop units in the town centre and other local high streets. This will help to encourage new shops and services to come to local communities. Proposals also support the delivery of community-based projects, such as the Open Arms one-stop-shop advice sessions which take place throughout the borough. Dedicated funding is allocated to investing in the borough’s infrastructure, including the Rotherham Markets and Central Library Development, and multi-use game areas for the Football Foundation’s Playzones programme. Rotherham Council’s Leader, Cllr Chris Read, said: “The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is crucial for supporting our local businesses, enhancing skills, and enriching community life. “It enables us to fund grass-root projects and activities that have a real impact in our communities and on our residents’ lives. We are committed to ensuring that these projects deliver real benefits for the people of Rotherham.”
Key projects and spending proposed include:
  1. Supporting Local Business:
    • £945,256 for business support, including Launchpad, Productivity, and Low Carbon initiatives to help entrepreneurs and businesses to develop their business ideas and boost productivity.
    • £390,000 for shop unit grants and market improvements.
    • £137,667 to promote social value and increase opportunities for local businesses.
  2. People and Skills:
    • £444,985 for a skills programme incorporating Ambition (support for children and young people), Core Skills (community-delivered basic skills training), and Advance (support for career progression).
    • £275,000 for the Children’s Capital of Culture traineeship programme.
  3. Communities and Place:
    • £200,000 for the Children’s Capital of Culture festival year.
    • £255,000 for a wide-ranging programme of events and festivals.
    • £359,549 for community-based support, including local advice sessions and engagement events.
    • £86,000 for Active Lives, providing match funding for a multi-use games area.

Lincolnshire leaders talk of positive future ahead as new authority meets for the first time

Michael Fisher
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Lincolnshire leaders talk of positive future ahead as new authority meets for the first time
Local powers and investment to support business, up-skill people, and improve highways and housing are key priorities of the new Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority, (GLCCA). Leaders of the three lead local authorities – Lincolnshire County Council and North and North East Lincolnshire unitary authorities – spoke of their ambitions for the future as they marked the first meeting of the GLCCA. Cllrs Martin Hill, Rob Waltham and Philip Jackson – all members of the GLCCA board – were addressing an audience of business leaders and representatives from local communities, MPs and colleagues following the inaugural meeting, which was held at Lincoln Cathedral on Thursday (March 6). They talked of the real possibilities that now exist across the whole of the Greater Lincolnshire footprint with a Mayor, to be elected on May 1, chairing an authority that can work to effect positive change. Giving an overview of the positive work that will begin in earnest by the GLCCA, Lincolnshire County Council Leader, Cllr Martin Hill said: “We’re now starting a new era in Greater Lincolnshire – erasing boundaries as we continue to strive to get the best for our residents and businesses. “Connecting companies, organisations and decision makers is key to making the most of these new powers and funding we have from the government. Our area contributes significantly to the nation and this deserves to be recognised – whether it’s our contribution to defence, food security or logistics. Being able to boost these areas not only benefits Greater Lincolnshire, but the whole country.” Cllr Philip Jackson spoke of the ‘economic powerhouse’ sectors of decarbonisation, offshore wind turbines, food processing, and ports and logistics and how the GLCCA can work with all business to enable and support continued growth. He said: “Over the last decade we have once again seen the great benefits of our position along the south bank of the Humber estuary, with regional, national and world-leading organisations creating opportunity and growth. As one of the GLCCA’s key priorities states, now is the time we can work to further turbo charge that growth for the benefit of all within Greater Lincolnshire.” Cllr Rob Waltham, the Leader of North Lincolnshire, added: “I’m proud to have been part of the negotiations that lead to this historic moment, which marks the beginning of a new era for Lincolnshire. “Devolution means we can make decisions locally and focus on the needs and ambitious of our communities, not be dictated by London. The new mayoral authority will invest in skills to prepare young people for the world of work, transport to improve connectivity and business growth to create more better paid jobs for our local residents and this is just the start. I’m looking forward to working with communities across the region to build a stronger, more prosperous Greater Lincolnshire.”

Arla Foods site in Leeds to become 618-home project

April Lara
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Arla Foods site in Leeds to become 618-home project

Construction has begun transforming the derelict Arla Foods site on Kirkstall Road into a 618-home residential development. Property developer Glenbrook, in partnership with US-based Barings Real Estate, is leading the project, which has secured £152 million in forward funding.

The five-acre site will include five buildings featuring one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments for rent and sale. Plans also include over 10,000 square feet of amenities, such as co-working spaces, a gym, a residents’ lounge, private roof terraces, and 3,800 square feet of commercial space.

The development aims to address housing demand in Leeds and revitalise the Kirkstall Road area. Leeds’ strong employment market and high graduate retention rates are key factors driving investment in the city’s residential sector.

Lincolnshire council approves 150-home development in Fiskerton

April Lara
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Lincolnshire council approves 150-home development in Fiskerton

West Lindsey District Council has approved plans for a 150-home development in Fiskerton, Lincolnshire, submitted by the Church Commissioners for England.

Concerns were raised about traffic impact, as the initial proposal included a single access point via Corn Close. The council approved the project on the condition that a second access route be created on Hall Lane.

Residents expressed concerns over increased congestion and disruption during construction, while some councillors questioned the scale of the development in the 1,200-person village, which lacks shops and medical facilities.

The developer must submit detailed plans for further approval, including house designs and layouts.

Ison Harrison tops Yorkshire property transaction rankings

April Lara
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Ison Harrison tops Yorkshire property transaction rankings

According to a UK-wide sector analysis by TM Group, Ison Harrison has been ranked the leading property law firm in Yorkshire and Humberside for transaction volume. The firm completed 1,733 property cases between September 2023 and 2024, securing the highest market share in the region.

The analysis also places Ison Harrison third in Yorkshire and Humberside for new build transactions, with an average price of £317,747. Nationally, the firm ranks 20th for total property completions, recording 2,583 transactions with an average price of £278,891.

The firm’s property division saw an 8.8% year-on-year increase in market share, contributing to a 33% rise in overall turnover for 2024. Ison Harrison reported record revenues exceeding £27 million, a 23% increase from the previous year.

Founded as the UK’s first fully employee-owned law firm in 2022, Ison Harrison operates 20 offices across Yorkshire and employs over 350 staff. It holds over 10 Law Society accreditations, including for conveyancing, clinical negligence, and family law.

The firm was named Residential Property Firm of the Year at the 2024 Yorkshire Legal Awards and is a finalist for New Build Conveyancing Team of the Year at the 2025 British Conveyancing Awards.

Arup invests £1m in UK nature restoration for carbon credits

April Lara
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Arup invests £1m in UK nature restoration for carbon credits

Arup has committed £1 million to restore 67.5 hectares of degraded land at Boothby Wildland in Lincolnshire, a 617-hectare rewilding project led by Nattergal. In collaboration with Wilder Carbon, the initiative will secure 10,000 tonnes of carbon removal credits over 30 years.

Rather than purchasing land, Arup funds large-scale habitat restoration upfront, a model that aligns with the growing corporate demand for high-integrity nature credits. UK businesses face increasing pressure to meet net-zero targets, with demand for nature-based credits projected to rise 15-fold by 2030 and 100-fold by 2050.

The project will enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, support flood mitigation, and contribute to cleaner air and water. It also aims to set a precedent for private sector investment in ecosystem recovery. The UK has five years left to restore 30% of land and sea by 2030.

Wilder Carbon has certified the carbon credits under industry-leading standards, ensuring measurable and verifiable climate benefits. The partnership reflects a growing trend of businesses seeking long-term, science-backed carbon sequestration and biodiversity preservation solutions.

Service sector faces rising job cuts as costs mount ahead of tax hikes

April Lara
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Service sector faces rising job cuts as costs mount ahead of tax hikes

UK service sector companies cut jobs at the fastest pace since 2020 in February, driven by weak demand and rising costs. The S&P Global UK Services PMI survey recorded a reading of 51, up slightly from January’s 50.8. While a score above 50 indicates growth, the February result was below the forecasted 51.1.

Businesses are facing mounting pressures from rising costs, with the minimum wage and employer taxes set to increase in April. Tim Moore, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, noted that companies have experienced a loss of growth momentum since last autumn.

The survey also revealed a decline in business optimism, contributing to the fifth consecutive month of job cuts across the sector. Aside from the pandemic, this marks the longest period of falling employment since early 2011.

Huddersfield Health Innovation Partnership drives groundbreaking health advancements

Michael Fisher
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Huddersfield Health Innovation Partnership drives groundbreaking health advancements
Since its launch 17 months ago, the Huddersfield Health Innovation Partnership (HHIP) has supported over 450 businesses that are developing products and services to improve health outcomes, enhance workplace wellbeing, address health inequalities and advance medical technology. Formed as a collaboration between the University of Huddersfield, 3M Buckley Innovation Centre (3M BIC), Kirklees Council, NHS, Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber and Third Sector Leaders, the HHIP connects academia, healthcare and industry to translate ideas and research into real-world solutions, through strategic funding, business support and knowledge exchange opportunities. Over the last few months, the HHIP has been providing strategic support for projects tackling major healthcare challenges and inequalities. Thirty-five organisations have benefitted from grants, the project has also assisted 80 entrepreneurs to become enterprise ready. Over 40 businesses have received bespoke mentoring from a pool of 29 mentors through the project, from marketing and business growth advice to navigating NHS procurement, supporting start-ups and emerging enterprises break into and scale up within the sector. Hundreds of organisations have also attended events through the project designed to educate, support and inspire. From speed debating events, round tables and workshops covering topics such as AI in healthcare, NHS procurement, regulations and metrology in healthcare and improving health and wellbeing in the workplace. An event to celebrate the success of the HHIP and Kirklees Council’s Thrive programme took place at the Daphne Steele Building on the University of Huddersfield’s National Health Innovation Campus on Tuesday 4 March as part of the West Yorkshire Innovation Festival. Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Huddersfield is a key part of our £160 million Investment Zone, because this partnership has paved the way for a transformational approach to healthcare in this country. “By bringing the NHS together with our universities and businesses at the cutting-edge of health technology, our region is proving the power of collaboration to drive innovation and growth. “I applaud the work of the Huddersfield Health Innovation Partnership, which is successfully creating jobs, transforming the lives of patients, and contributing to a stronger, brighter region. “This year’s West Yorkshire Innovation Festival is shining a spotlight on the incredible things happening across our great region.”

Government plans to end windfall tax on oil and gas profits by 2030

April Lara
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Government plans to end windfall tax on oil and gas profits by 2030

The UK Government has confirmed plans to end the Energy Profits Levy (EPL), also known as the windfall tax, on oil and gas profits by 2030. This follows the launch of a consultation on the future of the North Sea energy sector, which aims to explore the transition towards a more sustainable energy mix, including hydrogen, carbon capture, storage, and renewables.

For two months, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) will consult with various stakeholders, including businesses, unions, and green groups, to plan this transition. The consultation will focus on utilising existing North Sea infrastructure and assets to support new technologies while ensuring continued extraction from current fields.

The Government also affirmed that, in line with its climate commitments, it will not issue new licenses for offshore oil and gas exploration. However, it will allow companies to extend or transfer existing licenses and maintain licences for carbon storage, gas storage, and methane drainage.

This move aims to provide long-term fiscal stability and encourage investment in the sector, while also assuring workers and trade unions that measures will be taken to protect jobs, pay, and conditions.

Trio of industrial assets acquired by joint venture

Tess Egginton
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Trio of industrial assets acquired by joint venture
A joint venture between global investment firm Sixth Street and Copley Point Capital, an owner and operator of UK industrial property, has acquired a portfolio of three logistics assets from National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society totalling 0.9 million square feet. Two of the assets totalling 0.5 million square feet are leased to Fowler Welch and Great Bear, and are located within Magna Park, Lutterworth, the distribution park located in the Golden Triangle. The third asset is leased to Amazon and located in Doncaster. The acquisition brings the joint venture’s portfolio to six assets across 2.5 million square feet – each acquired since its formation in November 2024. Guillaume Savoie-Coulonval, Managing Director at Copley Point, said: “We are delighted to expand our partnership with Sixth Street and add to our high-quality portfolio. These three distribution warehouses exemplify the type of investments we are targeting across the UK. We remain acquisitive and continue to offer a reliable solution to sellers in the current market environment.” BSBRE advised the seller on the transaction.

Sanderson Weatherall swoops for Humber-based firm of Chartered Surveyors

Tess Egginton
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Sanderson Weatherall swoops for Humber-based firm of Chartered Surveyors
Sanderson Weatherall has acquired Clark Weightman, a firm of Chartered Surveyors and commercial property consultants based in the Humber region. This strategic acquisition bolsters Sanderson Weatherall’s presence in the Humber, East Yorkshire, and northern Lincolnshire regions, including the key port locations of Hull and Grimsby. It also expands the firm’s service offering to clients across various sectors. Clark Weightman, with over 25 years of experience in the regional property market, brings considerable expertise in areas such as agency, business rates, property management, lease consultancy, valuation, healthcare, dispute resolution and public sector consultancy. The Clark Weightman founders all previously worked for a regional firm prior to establishing the business. David Rastrick, COO at Sanderson Weatherall, said: “We are delighted to welcome Clark Weightman to the Sanderson Weatherall family. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our vision to further solidify our position as a leading SME in the property industry, with a strong local and regional presence. “Sanderson Weatherall, a certified B Corp, has established high standards for environmental and social impact, and a robust approach to governance. This has made the firm an attractive partnership option when you also consider the benefits that come from economies of scale for smaller companies concerned about the increasing financial burden and mandatory requirements, which continue to be introduced and implemented by Government and regulatory bodies.” Andrew Clark, Director at Clark Weightman, added: “We recognise the growth opportunities in our region and are excited to join forces with Sanderson Weatherall, a highly regarded and well-established firm with national reach. “This partnership will allow us to leverage their B Corp status and other accreditations, enabling us to offer our clients a broader range of services and expertise. It will also create exciting new professional development opportunities for our employees. “There will be no change in our personnel with myself, Simon Weightman and Carl Bradley joining as partners and other staff members continuing in their existing roles.” Carl added: “This is an exciting time for me and the Clark Weightman team. We have enjoyed a good working relationship with Sanderson Weatherall over recent years on a number of successful joint agency instructions and look forward to building that relationship in the future now that we have joined forces and become part of their business. “I am sure our clients will share that excitement and will benefit from our expert local market knowledge whilst being part of a larger national consultancy.” Simon said: “This is the result of 12 months of active positive discussions which has resulted in the merger of our two firms. “I’ve known some of the Partners of Sanderson Weatherall for many years, having graduated with Dan Hardy and Andrew Ellis back in 1989. I can’t wait to introduce my current and future clients to our wider range of services that this national consultancy can provide.” Clark Weightman will trade as Clark Weightman, part of Sanderson Weatherall and is Sanderson Weatherall’s eleventh UK office.

Carter Towler strengthens valuations team with experienced surveyor

Tess Egginton
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Carter Towler strengthens valuations team with experienced surveyor
Leeds-based commercial property specialists Carter Towler has appointed Jeff Robertson, a highly experienced Chartered Surveyor and Registered Valuer, to their Valuations and Lease Advisory team, as a Consultant. With nearly 30 years’ experience, Jeff has built an exemplary reputation across Yorkshire’s commercial property sector, providing Valuation and Lease Advisory services at leading practices such as Lambert Smith Hampton, Dresler Smith, and Bowcliffe. Commenting on the appointment, Carter Towler Director Matt Faulkes said: “We are extremely lucky to have persuaded Jeff to join Carter Towler. “Our valuations team, headed up by Chris Green, is very much looking forward to working with Jeff, not only for his depth of expertise but also to assist with the increasing demand we are experiencing for our valuation services. In the last 12 months we have completed over 300 valuations, with a total asset value exceeding £500 million. “Jeff’s appointment strengthens our offering and will enable us to expand our geographical reach across Yorkshire, the North East, Cumbria, Humberside, Lincolnshire and the Midlands.” Jeff added: “Carter Towler’s Valuations and Lease Advisory team is one of the busiest and most experienced in the region. Its expertise is based on specialist knowledge gleaned from managing exceptional volumes of activity across many sectors, including industrial, commercial, retail, leisure, and healthcare. I am very much looking forward to being part of that.”

Roann invests £300k in Wakefield factory

Tess Egginton
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Roann invests £300k in Wakefield factory
Roann, a fabricator and installer of high-volume low-silica worktops, has invested £300,000 in its Wakefield factory. This strategic investment will not only enhance production capacity and quality but also support its sustainability goals and continued growth. The investment has funded cutting-edge machinery, including an edge polisher and computer numerical control (CNC) saw, which will improve quality and boost manufacturing efficiency to fulfil increasing demand from clients. In addition, Roann will shortly commence upgrading its water filtration system. The new 800 litre system will help Roann’s 40-strong team improve the environmental impact of its manufacturing operations as it will create a closed water recycling circle, reducing fresh water consumption by an estimated 90 per cent. Further benefits of the new system include reduced dust, less sediment accumulation (eliminating the need for Roann to shut down factory machinery for removal), and decreased wear and tear on the equipment. This latest investment is part of Roann’s long-term growth strategy, increasing its kitchen worktop fabrication capacity from 15,000 to 25,000 units per year. Scott Wharton, Operations and Technical Director at Roann, said: “We’re constantly striving to deliver the best and most sustainable working practices and craft the highest quality worktops. This £300K investment allows us to not only increase our production capacity but also enhance the environmental sustainability of our operations. “By integrating the latest technologies, we’re able to continue to meet our clients’ growing needs while minimising our impact on the planet and reinvest in training our people, and our factory.”

Everything is ‘Rosie’ in law firm’s expanded real estate team

Tess Egginton
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Everything is ‘Rosie’ in law firm’s expanded real estate team
The real estate team at Yorkshire law firm, LCF Law, has appointed a new Associate. Rosie Beverley has worked in real estate law since qualifying as a solicitor 16 years ago. With a deep understanding of the businesses she acts for, Rosie has extensive experience spanning property acquisitions, disposals and refinancing in both the private and public sectors, including acting for a pharmaceutical transport courier and a large Housing Association. Harriet Thornton, who heads the real estate team at LCF Law, said: “Rosie was the ideal candidate for us, approachable and responsive, she ensures every transaction is managed seamlessly from start to finish.” Roise, who is an active Law Society member, said: “I really enjoy building strong relationships with clients and fellow lawyers whilst guiding transactions through smoothly. “In recent years I have advised and assisted clients acquiring and disposing of multi-million-pound property portfolios consisting of freehold and leasehold properties, development sites, as well as acting on behalf of Trustees in bankruptcy cases. “I was excited to join LCF Law as its team of specialist property solicitors are well-known and respected, and they work with an expansive range of commercial and residential property clients.”

SIG plc faces widening losses amid challenging market conditions

April Lara
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SIG plc faces widening losses amid challenging market conditions

SIG plc, a key player in the building supplies sector, has reported a widening of its pre-tax losses to £44.8 million for 2024, up from £31.9 million the previous year. The Sheffield-based firm saw a 4% drop in revenues, totaling £2.61 billion. Despite these figures, SIG describes its performance as “robust,” with positive momentum in the year’s second half.

The company attributes its losses to harsh trading conditions, particularly in its French and German markets. However, growth in Ireland and its UK roofing division provided some relief. SIG is focusing on cost-saving measures, including eliminating 430 jobs and closing 17 underperforming sites. These actions are part of its broader strategy to reshape operations, focusing on future profitability as market conditions improve.

SIG’s restructuring efforts are guided by its “GEMS” strategy, which aims to improve sales mix, boost commercial performance, and enhance operational efficiency. The company’s goal is to achieve a 5% medium-term operating margin.

While the company will not issue a dividend for now, SIG has indicated it will consider returning value to shareholders once the financial situation stabilises. The company employs around 6,700 people across its European markets.

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