Huddersfield software company celebrates fifth year of growth
Huddersfield based Software as a Service (SaaS) provider Adventoris is celebrating after a successful 2021 that saw its revenue increase for a fifth year at a cumulative annual growth rate of 83%.
The effects of the pandemic and the demand for digitising sales and ordering processes across many industries, such as manufacturing, wholesale and retail, has accelerated the growth of Adventoris over the last 12 months.
Adventoris is the creator of SwiftCloud, a ground-breaking mobile business to business software that revolutionises the way companies make sales and engage with customers. SwiftCloud is a customisable B2B mobile app platform designed specifically for distributors and wholesalers that enables their customers to see products, communicate with the company and make orders 24/7.
In 2021, its total revenue was up by 37%, and its recurring SaaS revenue has been increasing 62% year on year. Over half a million orders were also made through SwiftCloud powered apps during the year, with a combined total of £0.3bn and over 50,000 active users.
Fifty new clients were onboarded and the business also broke into new markets including baby care, golf, timber and seafood, as more industries adopted digital sales and ordering processes.
To date, Adventoris has created 180 ordering apps for companies throughout the UK and beyond, for clients such as Fellowes, STAEDTLER, Sysco Speciality Group and Pipers Crisps.
Due to the demand for SwiftCloud’s software, further investment has been made to enhance its servers, as well as upgrading the platform to the latest version of Oracle and Oracle APEX, for release in 2022, to ensure the app software is the best it can be.
SwiftCloud is consistently growing and evolving, with new modules and updates being added regularly. It now offers six ordering solutions, including SwiftCloud Web Portal and SwiftCloud Sales Manager app.
SwiftCloud is proven to save up to 80% of customer service costs, by removing the expensive cost of manual data entry, as well as costs associated with human error when inputting data. It can also save end customers up to 50% of the time in preparing and submitting an order. Adventoris’ clients have experienced the number of customer orders increasing by 26% when utilising SwiftCloud.
James Clarkson, Adventoris’ CEO, said: “The last few years have seen our business go from strength to strength and we’re continuing along that trajectory as we head into 2022.
“The team has worked tirelessly over the last year to keep up with the demand in businesses shifting to digital processes, but also responding to constantly evolving technology, software, compliance and legislation to ensure the customer experience is at the highest level.
“I’m incredibly proud of the team and look forward to growing even further in 2022, as we look to bring in even more new talent and break into new markets.”
SmartSearch announces appointment of new CEO
SmartSearch, the leading anti-money laundering specialist, today announces the appointment of Guy Harrison as CEO. Guy will drive SmartSearch’s strategic plan to build additional growth and will report to the company’s board of directors.
Guy is a seasoned business leader with a proven track record of scaling fast-growth data, analytics and technology businesses. He joins from Dow Jones where he was general manager of Dow Jones Risk & Compliance, a market leading global provider of regulatory compliance and risk management solutions. Whilst there, he headed the global business, delivering three years of highly successful growth. Prior to that he was managing director for Risk, Regulatory and Compliance Solutions at IHS Markit. Before joining IHS Markit, Guy spent eight years at Goldman Sachs and started his career as a management consultant with Deloitte.
He takes over with immediate effect from SmartSearch’s CEO and founder John Dobson, who launched the business in 2011. John will remain an active part of the company as a non-executive director.
SmartSearch achieved record results in 2021, with a 22% increase in business. This was driven by demand for its industry-leading online ID verification and due diligence platform. The company has received many industry awards, including a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for its innovative work, and currently operates in the UK, the US and Europe. It was recently chosen to provide customer verification by Alto, a part of Zoopla, which provides cloud-based software for estate agents.
Guy Harrison, CEO of SmartSearch, said: “SmartSearch has already delivered impressive growth, and I’m very much looking forward to working with the team to lead the business towards even greater success. Fraud and money laundering attempts have risen considerably since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic increasing the need for regulated businesses to have effective AML technology. SmartSearch’s state-of-the-art technology is perfectly positioned to meet this need by accurately identifying and verifying customers in just two seconds.”
John Dobson was one of the founders of credit management giant Callcredit, following which he set up SmartSearch. He said: “There is a clear and growing need for robust electronic verification to help counter money laundering and fraud. The strong growth we have achieved at SmartSearch over the past decade clearly indicates this need as paper documents can no longer be relied upon. It also gives an indication of our huge potential for further expansion.
“I feel a lot of pride in having led a worthy and successful business which will continue to grow and prosper with a very competent, energetic and innovative team remaining. I felt the time had come for my second retirement and I am very happy to handover the leadership to Guy, who I know has the experience and strategic vision to steer the business through the next expansion phase as it continues to become recognized as the default solution for AML verification, both in the UK and globally.”
Richard Law, chairman designate of SmartSearch, commented: “On behalf of the board and the team as SmartSearch I’d like to thank and congratulate John on his skill and dedication to building SmartSearch so effectively and on achieving the financial success the business has seen to date. I’m very pleased that the business has been able to attract Guy to join the business. His track record, experience and skills are a great fit for the ambitious next stage of SmartSearch’s development and growth.”
SmartSearch is based in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, and this year increased its team from 117 to 168 to cope with demand.
The SmartSearch system carries out identity checks using a combination of credit reference data and trusted public sources, which makes it virtually impossible for someone to get away with using a fake identity.
For more information please visit: www.smartsearch.com
Experienced audit manager joins Hentons
An experienced audit manager has been appointed at Yorkshire-based chartered accountancy and business advisory firm, Hentons.
Lee Milligan has over 25 years’ industry experience and will be managing a team of auditing professionals who are based across the firm’s Leeds, London, Sheffield, Thirsk and York offices.
After completing a BA Hons degree in Accountancy and Business Studies, Lee started his career in Stoke-on-Trent before moving to a firm in Manchester. He has recently been working as the audit and accounts manager at Paylings Ltd in Wakefield. Lee is a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Lee said: “A well-run audit gives management and third parties assurance in the published financial figures and highlights any weaknesses in client systems, errors and potential fraud. It also makes meaningful unbiased recommendations to improve performance in the future. I pride myself on adding value to clients by providing excellent service and ideas that play a vital role in driving businesses forward.
“I wanted to join Hentons, as the firm has an excellent reputation for its audit and accountancy services, as well as offering corporate finance and legal services, and there are plenty of opportunities to build on its impressive client base.”
Plans for 310 apartments in Leeds revealed
Proposals have been revealed for approximately 310 studio, 1, 2 and 3 bed apartments as well as communal, co-working and creative space in Leeds.
Mabgate Yard, on Mabgate in Leeds, will bring a landmark development to a brownfield site within an existing creative environment. The proposals are centred around a communal heart, acting as a focal point for residents to meet, relax and collaborate and the development will also benefit from landscaped outdoor areas and extensive planting.
Located on a key gateway site, close to St James’s University Hospital and the city centre, each of the apartments will be available solely for rent.
The development will be sustainable, and opportunities for on-site energy generation will be explored.
The proposals are being brought forward by HBD, a Yorkshire founded developer.
It is anticipated that a hybrid planning application, seeking permission for the principle of development, will be submitted by February 2022; further ‘reserved matters’ planning applications will be submitted in the second half of 2022 to agree the details of appearance, access, landscaping, layout and scale.
Richard Hinds, development surveyor at HBD, said: “We have developed plans for this site that we are proud of and feel the scheme complements the existing urban community. We’re excited to share the plans with the community and invite their feedback.
“As a hybrid planning application, with elements of the design still to decide, public consultation is vital and we are keen to know the thoughts of local residents and businesses. We will then be able to incorporate these ideas and opinions in our final planning applications.
“Leeds is one of the most exciting places in the UK to live and work and we are committed to bringing forward a scheme for this neighbourhood that we can all be proud of. We respect the unique character and history of Mabgate and believe these designs will sit well alongside existing buildings, but also help the area develop and grow.”
East Yorkshire manufacturer of furniture for kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms snapped up
Kartell UK Limited, the suppliers of heating and bathroom products to the independent merchant and showroom sector, has completed the acquisition of Summerbridge Holdings Limited and its subsidiary Humber Doors Limited, which trade as Summerbridge.
Headquartered in Anlaby, East Yorkshire, Summerbridge is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of kitchen and bathroom cabinets and doors to manufacturers, contractors, developers and distributors across the leisure, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom (KBB) and commercial and residential development sectors. With predecessor businesses’ history dating back 30 years, Summerbridge today employs more than 120 people, delivering more than £7m in annual sales.
Kartell’s acquisition of Summerbridge represents the next chapter in the history of the prominent Hull business, with the Kartell group securing a supply of high-quality British-made bathroom cabinets for its customers and Summerbridge set to benefit from investment by the group.
As part of the deal, Summerbridge will continue to operate as a standalone business within the Kartell group under the guidance of the existing management team and will benefit from opportunities to work closely with the group’s other businesses, including Just Trays, a shower tray manufacturer, in Leeds and Vogue, a specialist manufacturer of designer towel warmers, in Willenhall and their customers.
Founded in 2008, Kartell supplies radiators, designer towel warmers and bathroom products to the independent and merchant showroom sector in the UK. The group turns over in excess of £125m using brands K-RAD, K-VIT, JT and Vogue, and employs more than 430 people across principal sites in Bedford, Wigan, Willenhall and Leeds.
The group management team will work closely with the Summerbridge team to develop the business in the UK and internationally, with the group expecting significant growth across their core markets.
Kartell was advised by FRP Corporate Finance’s East Midlands team, led by Harry Walker, with legal advice from a team led by Sophie Burke of Fladgate LLP and financial due diligence provided by Price Bailey LLP.
Alex Norford, CEO of Kartell, said: “In common with many in our industry over the last eighteen months we have experienced record levels of demand. We always strive to deliver exactly what our customers require and recognised earlier this year we needed to secure additional bathroom furniture supply to provide the consistent, high quality products our customers expect from us.
“It is with great pleasure we are supporting the future of another fantastic British manufacturer and having identified the benefits Hull’s status as a Freeport can bring to the group, we were keen to be invested in a city which is clearly making giant strides in the UK economy. I am really excited to have the opportunity to welcome everyone at Summerbridge into our group and offer our customers their top quality, British-made cabinetry moving forward.”
Simon Lunt, director of Summerbridge Holdings, said: “When we received the approach from Kartell’s advisors we immediately saw the potential for the two businesses to join forces. We acquired Summerbridge in 2018 and have worked alongside the wonderful team at the business to put it back on the path to growth and to realise its undoubted potential. It is with great pleasure that I and my fellow directors hand over the reins to Alex and the team at Kartell to take Summerbridge forwards.”
The shareholders of Summerbridge received legal advice from a team from Gosschalks LLP, led by Nigel Beckwith.
Shawbrook Bank provided Kartell with increased facilities to finance the acquisition of Summerbridge and were advised by a team from Shoosmiths LLP, led by John Bew.
Double promotions at Sheffield-based Race Cottam Associates
Healthcare architectural practice, Race Cottam Associates (RCA), has promoted two team members following a farewell to the firm’s longstanding health sector lead.
After an 18-year career at RCA spanning the delivery of more than 60 healthcare schemes, Tim Robinson retires. Paul Foster, associate director becomes RCA’s new health sector lead and will oversee the healthcare team, including the newly promoted architect, Jacob Peplow.
RCA’s Managing Director, David Speddings, said: “There has obviously been an extensive handover process in the healthcare team since Tim announced his retirement, part of which involved the restructuring of roles for Paul and Jacob.
“RCA enjoys a strong reputation in the healthcare sector, and we’re under no illusion that Tim’s expertise has been invaluable in creating this; he’s delivered outstanding facilities in East & South Yorkshire, the East Midlands and North West. It’s now time for the next generation to build on this success and we’re confident that with Paul and Jacob at the forefront, we will continue designing exceptional and essential healthcare provisions for many years to come.”
With almost two decades combined experience at RCA, Paul and Jacob are well-known to the practice’s client base, which includes ten NHS Trusts. Paul is a skilled designer, who is equally confident devising refurbishments, retrofits and re-configurations as well as new build projects. Jacob shares this passion for delivering futureproof and energy efficient buildings as BREEAM lead.
Paul said: “Healthcare services are always vital, but now more than ever. We’re keen to continue growing our work in this sector; transforming sites that are unfit for purpose, upgrading existing facilities with state-of-the-art treatment and patient services, and designing high quality, sustainable buildings that will serve new communities. I’m excited to take this next step in my career and build this team of talented architects.”
RCA’s current health sector schemes include the £10.5m health hub in Bakewell, Derbyshire; £8m health centre in Belper, Derbyshire; £2m medical centre at the new Olive Lane development in Rotherham; and £12m new main entrance and paediatrics reconfiguration at Hull Royal Infirmary.
Northern PE market records highest value year in a decade, driven by ‘mega-deals’
Deal making across the North of England has soared throughout 2021, with private equity houses completing almost 60 deals worth £19.1bn in the last 12 months.
Data from CMBOR, the Centre for Private Equity and MBO Research and funded by Equistone Partners Europe as an exclusive sponsor, reveals that the total value of deals in the North this year is the highest in the decade since the research began. Year-on-year, 2021 deal values accounts for five times more than the £3.7bn recorded in 2020 and is more than ten times higher than the £1.5bn in 2019.
According to CMBOR’s first full-year data announcement since its re-establishment within Nottingham University Business School, deal volume is also on the up in Northern regions, with the highest number of deals completed since 2014.
PE houses completed 23 deals in Yorkshire and the Humber during the year, accumulating the highest value of deals across the UK in 2021 with a total of £14.98bn, ahead of London (£10.83bn). The region was fourth on the list of deal volume with 23 completions, following London (64), South East (40) and North West (31).
The retail sector skyrocketed to £14bn, almost a third of total UK value for the year in 2021, driven by two Yorkshire & Humber transactions; TDR Capital’s £6.8bn carve-out of Leeds-headquartered supermarket ASDA in February 2021 and the £7.1bn takeover of Bradford-founded Morrisons in October.
Andi Tomkinson, partner at Equistone Partners Europe, said: “This year has demonstrated just how resilient private equity is across the UK and in the North of England in particular, highlighted by the record year we’ve had in 2021.
“Despite the obvious challenges faced by businesses and investors as a result of the pandemic, the market is stronger than ever. Valuations are on the up and there is a real focus on growth once again; something that we expect to continue well into 2022 and beyond.”
Change of ownership for Bradford’s Expect Distribution
In a move which ensures business continuation, the majority shareholding of Expect Distribution has been sold by Robert and Neil Rushworth who founded the company 34 years ago.
The transport and warehousing provider has been acquired by two established board members, Andy Taylor, Operations Director, and Matthew Kilner, Financial Director, who start 2022 at the helm with Neil Rushworth remaining as the Managing Director in the short term, who will also retaining a minority shareholding of the company.
New joint owners Andy Taylor and Matt Kilner joined Expect Distribution in 2017 and 2020 respectively, and have been instrumental in the growth and profitability of the business which was established in 1988 by the company chairman Robert Rushworth. The business has since expanded from 2 vehicles to a fleet of 140 vehicles and a turnover of £40m in 2021 with 3 warehousing sites in West Yorkshire, capable of storing 70,000 pallets.
Neil Rushworth explained that discussions about a possible MBO only started early in 2021.
“The board held a strategy meeting in Q1 and Andy and Matthew expressed some interest in continuing the Expect success story through an MBO and things developed pretty quickly from there.
“Over many years we have created a highly-respected business and despite having external suitors who were interested in buying Expect we found it difficult to imagine any parties who would understand and run the company with the same ethics and unique formula that we have created over the time that the family has owned it.
“This is a business at the top of its game, and we are widely recognised for high levels of quality service and we are confident that Andy and Matthew will continue to lead Expect in a manner which is familiar to both our employees and our customers.”
Some of the company’s clients include FMCG providers – Boost Drinks, Astonish, national retail chain Card Factory as well as customers in various sectors such as Construction, Pharmaceuticals, Automotive and Office Furniture upon which Andy Taylor commented: “From the nationally recognised Card Factory to some of the UK’s well known FMCG companies, Expect Distribution has some exceptional partnerships with our clients with a focus on value added service.
“As we approach 35 years in business, achieving a turnover of nearly £40m and employing over 360 employees as well as winning Haulier of the Year three times with the Motor Transport Awards, the only UK haulier to win the award in two consecutive years, we’re as efficient and innovative as any competitor, with the in-depth industry knowledge and expertise that our clients need and appreciate.”
Matthew Kilner added: “We would both personally like to thank Neil and Bob and their vision and dedication which has created the business we have today. Regarding the company’s expansion and growth plans, we couldn’t be more excited to be working with our team to achieve and execute the company’s growth plans going forward and we intend to continue that organic growth which will see Expect grow by a projected 15-20% in 2022.
“The transport industry and specifically recruitment will remain a challenge in the coming year but the strength of Expect is within its diversity and we have some big plans underway to expand our warehousing facilities which will provide an additional 16,000 pallet spaces in March this year.
“We are proud to be taking Expect Distribution into a new era and we are committed to continuing this great success story.”
The acquisition process was successfully backed by funders Shawbrook Bank in the deal which was for an undisclosed figure. Legal advice was provided by Leeds-based Clarion.
North West company acquired by Yorkshire’s Premier Technical Services Group
Yorkshire-based Premier Technical Services Group Ltd (PTSG), the provider of specialist services to the construction and facilities management sectors, has acquired North West-headquartered NSS, marking a successful exit for investor BGF.
NSS is a specialist services provider, covering all aspects of external building maintenance – including window and technical cleaning, testing and platform hire – to the retail, commercial property, events, healthcare and distribution markets.
BGF initially backed NSS – which was formed by a merger with another BGF portfolio company – in July 2016 with £3.3 million to support its national roll-out and acquisition strategy.
Since then, the company has made four acquisitions to expand its geographical footprint and specialisms, grow its fleet and enter new markets, making NSS one of the largest independent businesses in the sector. EBITDA has grown five-fold during the investment period.
NSS has gained a competitive advantage in the industry through the business’s commitment to offering self-delivered services across the UK without using sub-contractors or hiring equipment or machinery.
Niel Bethell, CEO at NSS, said: “BGF’s funding allowed us to accelerate our plans to rapidly expand over the past five years. In this time, we’ve really grown up as a business – investing in our people, equipment, and technology. BGF brought the ideal combination of a long-term, investment approach and experience of scaling up businesses like ours.
“In PTSG, we’ve found the ideal home for NSS as their values match ours and they have the same uncompromising commitment to customer service. The deal is a statement of intent for the future and provides significant benefits for our team and customers now we’re part of a much bigger yet still entrepreneurial organisation. We look forward to working with our new colleagues to achieve our shared ambitions.”
Neil Inskip, head of BGF in the North West, added: “Niel and his team have done an impressive job of growing NSS’ enviable customer base and expanding into new regions and sectors. We’re delighted to announce such a positive outcome for everyone involved, which has delivered great returns for all shareholders.”
Paul Teasdale, PTSG’s Group CEO, said: “We are delighted to have acquired Nationwide Specialist Services (NSS) and warmly welcome the team to the PTSG family. This acquisition increases the capacity of PTSG’s experienced Building Access Specialists team, complementing the work of our highly trained specialists who excel in all access methods – cleaning, repairing and maintaining every kind of building and structure. Platform hire expands a niche specialist service offer, and we look forward to growing this area of the business.”
The announcement creates a combined business employing 2,300 people across 47 sites.
Plans approved for multi-million pound refurbishment project at the Hydro in Harrogate
Plans to significantly refurbish the Hydro in Harrogate have been approved by Harrogate Borough Council’s planning committee.
The project, which will start in April, will see the leisure centre extended and refurbished throughout, along with a new 400sqm fitness suite, improved reception and café, an overhaul and upgrade of the existing spin and dance class facilities and improved disabled access.
Outside, the car park will be reconfigured as well as new bicycle storage and six electric vehicle charging points.
The diving structure will also be replaced so that the facility can continue to create and nurture future Olympians, such as Jack Laugher and Oliver Dingley.
Simultaneously, the existing gas boilers will be replaced with heat pumps, along with the installation of solar panels as well as metering and energy monitoring and control systems.
These energy efficiency measures come following a successful £1.8million bid from the borough council through the government’s public sector decarbonisation scheme. It is anticipated that the carbon footprint for the building will be reduced by up to 60 per cent.
Councillor Stanley Lumley, Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport, and chair of the board of directors at Brimhams Active, said: “I’m delighted that the planning committee has approved the plans to redevelop the Hydro in Harrogate. This multi-million pound refurbishment project will create exciting new opportunities for local people to move more, live well and feel great.
“Our vision is to create a healthier and more active population that are living longer, more independent and happier lives. And by creating first-class facilities like this we’ll be able to deliver the aims and objectives of Brimhams Active.”
APSS to give away a free office design in celebration of its 25th year in business
Lincolnshire commercial office design and refurbishment company APSS is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year by giving away a free office design to one East Midlands business.
Established in Lincoln in 1997 by Chairman Darren Crookes, the company has naturally evolved from a partitions and storage solution company to provide a full design and fit out service. It includes its own in-house joinery department to speed up delivery time on projects and decrease overall costs for the customer.
Stuart Marsland, sales director for APSS, said: “To reach 25 years in business is a huge milestone for any company. To celebrate, we’re giving businesses in the East Midlands the chance to win a free office design. We know many companies have had to shift to a more flexible, hybrid way of working due to the COVID pandemic. However, many have not had the ability to change the office environment to reflect this new way of working.
“This has meant many offices have wasted space that could be put to better use. For example, changing banks of desks for alternative collaboration space, creating more group meeting rooms or individual rooms specifically designed to provide a quiet space for virtual meetings.
“We want to help companies see the potential its current office space has when designed specifically for the way the business now works.”
To enter the competition, businesses need to submit an online form before February 7th, 2022 and answer four questions about what both they and their staff want included in their office environment. The winner will be chosen by a panel of judges and will receive computer-generated images and a video walkthrough of the design to show the potential the office has.
In the last 25 years, APSS has completed over 10,000 orders for customers across the country. The company’s first-ever customer was Siemens. Since then, it has designed and refurbished offices and retail spaces for Wren Kitchens, Slimming World, Octopus Energy, Loughborough University, University of Sheffield and Bakkavor to name just a few.
For all terms and conditions of the competition, please visit the APSS website.
Graduate job vacancies 20% higher than pre-pandemic, reports Institute of Student Employers
The graduate jobs market has recovered with the number of vacancies now 20% higher than in 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic, reports Institute of Student Employers (ISE).
Companies responding to ISE’s Vacancy Survey 2022 represent the UK’s largest graduate employers. They reported that job vacancies for graduates will increase by more than a fifth (22%) in 2022 compared to 2021.
Sectors with the biggest jobs growth this year are the built environment (48% growth), energy, engineering and industry (41% growth), and health and pharmaceuticals (37% growth).
The charity and public sector is the only industry to reduce the number of graduate jobs in 2022. However, even with the 11% reduction in vacancies this year, the sector is above pre-pandemic levels.
ISE’s Vacancy Survey shows the pandemic’s impact on the graduate labour market. For example, compared to 2019, graduate vacancies have risen by 67% in the built environment, 42% in digital and IT, and 24% in health and pharmaceuticals.
All sectors have returned to pre-pandemic levels of hiring with the exception of jobs in retail and FMCG. While this sector is currently recruiting 3% fewer graduates than in 2019, it has increased vacancies by 20% from 2021 to 2022.
Meanwhile, school leaver jobs in retail and FMCG have increased by 55% since last year.
Overall school and college leaver vacancies did not dip during the pandemic and have grown by 17% compared to 2021. As well as retail and FMCG experiencing strong growth, finance and professional services has grown by 37%, and the built environment sector by 30%.
There is evidence that recruitment has returned to a student-driven market. While competition for graduate jobs reached a record high in 2021, nearly half (48%) of graduate employers reported that they had received fewer applicants than this time last year. This is due to more graduate vacancies and difficulties engaging students with online careers events now they have returned to campus.
Nearly one in five employers (18%) noted that the quality of graduate applicants had dropped. They stress that to be successful, students need to focus on career planning and application readiness.
Stephen Isherwood, chief executive of ISE, said: “The number of graduate jobs has slowly increased but this is the first time we’ve seen hiring back to pre-pandemic levels. It demonstrates business confidence and how much employers continue to value a degree.
“This is great news for those job hunting. The hike in vacancies means a return to a student-driven market. However, with a significant number of employers noting a drop in the quality of applicants, students should be aware of resting on their laurels.
“The graduate labour market is and always has been competitive. While students should feel confident about their prospects, they need to apply themselves rigorously to their job search and make every application count.”
Ideal Heating announces state-of-the-art training centre for renewable energy at Bridgehead business park
Hull-based Ideal Heating has announced a new, £1 million state-of-the-art training centre focusing on renewable energy.
Located at Wykeland Group’s Bridgehead business park in Hessle, East Yorkshire, the 15,000 sq ft training centre will open in spring 2022, and will welcome thousands of installers from across the UK to the region to learn new skills as the industry transitions from traditional gas boilers to greener alternatives.
The new site will be one of the first training centres in the UK to focus primarily on green technology and will house specially-designed equipment to deliver high-quality and in-depth training, including a fully functioning live heat pump training suite.
Adam Foy, managing director of sales, marketing and R&D at Ideal Heating, said: “The investment in our new training centre is part of a bigger, future-focused plan to transform the heating industry and push towards renewable energy.
“It will give our installers the hands-on skills they need to build and continue lasting careers as the industry moves towards sustainable heating solutions.”
The announcement follows the launch of the Government’s roadmap to tackle carbon emissions from homes and businesses in its first Heat and Buildings Strategy, which details plans to incentivise people to install low-carbon heating systems.
Strategically located west of Hull, close to the A63/M62 corridor and the Humber Bridge, Bridgehead is ideally sited for installers travelling to the city for training.
Adam continued: “While Ideal operates nationwide, we are proud of our Hull heritage and wanted to base the new training centre where it will maximise the benefits to the local economy.
“Some of the equipment at the training centre will be unique to Ideal and represents a real advancement in the heating industry.
“We’re looking forward to opening the centre and taking the next step in our journey to help the UK move to a low-carbon future.”
The training centre will be digitally optimised for a more engaging, immersive experience, with interactive training boards to allow trainers to give detailed information on the inside of each appliance.
Ideal Heating has leased the building from Wykeland and has become the latest leading company to choose Bridgehead for a significant investment, underlining the business park’s status as a location of choice for prestige brands.
More than 1,000 people are now based at the business park, which is owned and developed by Wykeland, one of Yorkshire’s leading commercial property developers. Bridgehead is home to a host of regional, national and global brands, from Beal Homes to the John Good Group, Centrica Storage and Porsche.Dominic Gibbons, managing director of Hull-based Wykeland, said: “We’re delighted Ideal Heating is joining the growing community of industry-leading brands at Bridgehead.
“Ideal Heating has recognised the many advantages Bridgehead offers, including easy access to the motorway network, while also being close to the headquarters of the business in Hull.
“This exciting new facility also underlines Bridgehead’s status as a hub for renewable technologies, with the Aura Innovation Centre and ergo business centre also on site and playing a leading role in the Humber’s development as a region at the forefront of the UK’s drive to a net zero economy.”
For more information on Ideal Heating, visit www.idealheating.com.
Sheffield’s Mason Thomas Law secures Law Society’s conveyancing quality mark
Sheffield’s property law specialist firm, Mason Thomas Law has secured membership to the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme – the mark of excellence for the home buying process.
Mason Thomas Law underwent rigorous assessment by the Law Society in order to secure CQS status, which marks the firm out as meeting high standards in the residential conveyancing process.
Having the industry-recognised CQS standard assures home buyers that they will receive a reliable, efficient service from Mason Thomas Law.
Law Society President Andrew Caplen said that the CQS accreditation is the hallmark of high standards and establishes a level of credibility for regulators, lenders, insurers and consumers.
“CQS is the quality mark of the home-buying sector and enables consumers to identify practices that provide a quality residential conveyancing service. With so many different conveyancing service providers out there CQS helps home-buyers and sellers seek out those that can provide a safe and efficient level of service.”
Delighted to secure CQS status, Cathy Thomas, Director and Solicitor at Mason Thomas Law, said: “Having the industry-recognised CQS accreditation proves our commitment to quality, something I and the team have been focused on since the practice was established in 2019.”
The CQS scheme requires practices to undergo a strict assessment, compulsory training, self-reporting, random audits and annual reviews in order to maintain CQS status. It is open only to members of the Law Society who meet the demanding standards set by the scheme and has the support of the Council of Mortgage Lenders, the Building Societies Association, Legal Ombudsman and the Association of British Insurers.
Cathy added: “Achieving CQS status is yet another step in positioning Mason Thomas Law as the go-to firm for all residential and commercial property legal needs. We focus solely on property law and because of this we ensure that the process of buying or selling any property is as straightforward and stress-free as possible.”
Mason Thomas Law was established by Cathy Thomas and brings together a hand-picked team of legal professionals, who specialise in residential and commercial law as well as Secured Lending. All members of the team are committed to open lines of communication, teamwork and a shared ethos of getting the job done and doing things differently.
“From the outset I wanted to create a property law firm that was different from everyone I’d worked for in the past. I take immense pride in the fact we’re different from traditional law firms. We’re a team with agility, thoroughness, and communication at our core. Every member of the team is hands-on and knows what is going on with every deal,” explained Cathy.
Sustainability certification and a key appointment boosts Bailie Group’s net zero pledge
Leeds-headquartered Bailie Group, a family-owned communication specialist and United Nations’ named climate leader, has bolstered its bold net zero ambitions with a duo of announcements — the appointment of sustainability lead Katie McShera, and the accomplishment of the internationally renowned Planet Mark sustainability accreditation.
Acknowledging continuous progress, encouraging action, and building an empowered community of like-minded individuals, the prestigious certification provides a framework via which the Group — including each of its five companies — can remain accountable, as it takes positive and purposeful strides towards achieving its environmental and social goals.
The development follows a pledge by the Bailie Group to reach net zero by 2050, and to halve emissions by 2030. Philip Walter, chief operating officer, comments: “As a business we’re passionate about making a positive difference. In becoming Planet Mark certified, we’ve put our heads above the parapet, making some firm environmental and social commitments and ensuring that we’re accountable for seeing those through — an element that was particularly important to us.”
The process, which has taken around six months, wasn’t without its challenges, with baselining — the method through which an organisation determines its current performance so that improvements can be monitored and measured — proving particularly intricate. Philip continues: “What you can’t measure, you can’t manage so we knew that determining our starting point was a crucial part of the process. With this aspect now complete — despite some stumbling blocks along the way — the hard work can begin.”
Meanwhile, Katie’s role — the first of its kind within the organisation — will further complement the Group’s latest accolade, while underpinning the business’ long-term commitment to improving its sustainability and social value credentials.
Having always been passionate about pursuing roles in which she could make a meaningful difference, the former operations manager joins Bailie Group following a 20-year career with debt management charity, StepChange.
Initially employed on a temporary basis to help oversee the Group’s efforts to benchmark their emissions, it soon became clear that Katie’s transferable skills could bring long-term value to the team, resulting in a permanent contract.
On her new role, Katie comments: “The team at Bailie Group has given me a very warm welcome, and my most striking observation so far is how there doesn’t appear to be a hierarchy. No matter who you talk to, you’re treated as an equal and encouraged to share your ideas. This feeds into the positive premise behind the organisation and it’s so lovely to have found that real sense of purpose.
“Initially, my role involves supporting each of the companies to co-ordinate their sustainability efforts, providing support and advice as we drive our carbon reduction efforts during 2022. I’ll be making sure that our progress — whether that’s in terms of emissions or the delivery of social value — is tracked, so that we continuously improve.
“The scope to make improvements is really exciting, and the fact that we’re working on such a valuable cause — and aiming to make a really tangible difference both to people and the planet — makes every day rewarding.”
Environmentally conscious initiatives introduced by the Group over the past 12 months include installing LED lights with PIR sensors throughout the whole of the organisation’s recently refurbished Riverside House HQ at Canal Wharf Leeds; replacing gas boilers with air source heating and providing all staff with reusable water bottles and coffee mugs to negate the use of disposables. In addition to a cycle to work scheme, staff are provided with season ticket loans for public transport, plus all diesel vehicles are being progressively removed from Bailie Group’s fleet and electric vehicle charging points installed.
The business’ bold ambitions recently saw Bailie Group’s CEO, Fergus Bailie and COO, Philip Walter visit Downing Street to meet Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, and Business and Energy Secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng, as part of a select group of small and micro companies from across the UK.
Manufacturing upturn continues at end of 2021
The manufacturing sector saw further growth of production, new orders and employment at the end of 2021. Although a slight easing in supply chain delays helped lift output volumes and take some of the heat out of input price increases, logistic disruptions and staff shortages were nonetheless still stymieing the overall pace of expansion.
The seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) rose to 57.9 in December, littlechanged from November’s three-month high of 58.1. The PMI has remained above the neutral 50.0 mark for 19 months.
Output rose across the consumer, intermediate and investment goods sectors during December, with the overall pace of expansion improving to a four-month high. Increased
output was underpinned by rising intakes of new business, as domestic market conditions continued to strengthen.
The trend in new export business remained negative, however, as inflows of new work from overseas dropped for the fourth month in a row. This mainly reflected a steep decrease at consumer goods producers. In contrast, export demand for UK capital goods rose at the quickest pace since August. Manufacturers indicated that logistic issues, Brexit difficulties and the possibility of further COVID restrictions (at home and overseas) had all hit export demand at the end of the year.
Manufacturing employment increased for the twelfth successive month in December, with the rate of jobs growth staying close to November’s three-month high. Companies linked this to meeting improved demand, rising backlogs of work and efforts to address staff shortages. Capacity remained under strain, however. This was highlighted by a further increase in outstanding business, although the pace of expansion in work-in-hand volumes eased sharply to its lowest since February.
Companies maintained a positive outlook at the end of 2021. The majority of firms (63%) forecast that production would increase over the coming 12 months, compared to only 6%
anticipating a contraction. Optimism reflected expectations of renewed global economic growth, planned investment and hopes for less disruption caused by COVID-19, Brexit and
supply chain issues.
Inflationary pressures remained elevated in December. The rate of increase in factory gate selling prices accelerated to a fresh series-record high, as companies passed on (at least in
part) rising costs to their customers.
December saw a further substantial increase in average input prices, with the rate of inflation staying among the steepest seen in the survey history. There were reports of higher costs for chemicals, electronics, energy, food products, metals, timber and wood. Freight, shipping and air transportation costs were also higher, while ongoing supply disruptions, raw material shortages and issues relating to Brexit and COVID-19 also led to higher prices paid.
Commenting on the latest survey results, Rob Dobson, director at IHS Markit, said: “UK manufacturing production rose at the quickest pace in four months in December, supported by increased intakes of new work, efforts to reduce backlogs of work and higher employment.
“While the uptick in growth is a positive step, the upturn remains subdued compared to the middle of the year, as supply chain constraints and weak export performance constrained attempts to raise production further. Manufacturers indicated that logistic issues, Brexit difficulties and the possibility of further COVID restrictions (at home and overseas) had all hit export demand at the end of the year.
“Although supply chains remain severely stretched, there are at least signs that the situation is stabilising, with vendor delivery times lengthening to the weakest extent for a year in December. This helped take some of the heat out of input price increases, but cost inflation remained sufficiently steep to necessitate the sharpest rise in factory gate selling prices on record. With restrictions and Omicron cases both rising, the growth and inflation backdrops could change again in the early part of 2022.”
Duncan Brock, group director at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, said: “On the surface there wasn’t much of a change in the sector compared to last month but there was plenty to put manufacturers on edge about their prospects for the coming year.
“Purchasing by supply chain managers was at a four month high as businesses tried to beat another near-record inflation rate for raw materials and ordered ahead of time in the hope of defeating future setbacks. Delay fears remained as supplier deliveries remained under pressure albeit to the least severe extent since December 2020. On the plus side, optimism remained positive as manufacturers were buoyed up by the strongest pipelines of new work driven by UK customers and employment levels rose for the twelfth consecutive month to meet demand.
“We can’t lose sight of the fact that the UK economy took a significant hit and new variants and potential lockdowns threaten to impede much needed progress but at least the sector ended the last quarter of 2021 on a surer footing.”
Redbrik promote Jessica Risorto to Director
Award-winning South Yorkshire and North East Derbyshire Estate Agents, Redbrik has promoted Jessica Risorto to Director as it looks to develop a greater diversity of skills amongst the senior management team.
Since joining the property firm in 2015, Jessica has continually delivered and grown in every position within the sales department. Most recently, she held the position of Area Manager in Chesterfield, which she will continue to lead on.
Jessica will join Managing Director Mark Ross and Directors David Cooper and Peter Lee as a member of Redbrik’s board of directors.
Mark Ross said: “Jessica has been with us for six years, and in that time, has gained a wealth of knowledge which we believe she will apply to her new role. David, Peter and I are thrilled that she will be supporting us with the delivery of strategic plans in 2022 and beyond.”
Jessica Risorto added: “I would like to say thank you to Mark, David and Peter for giving me this fantastic opportunity to help shape the future of the business. Coming from a hospitality background, prior to joining Redbrik, I understand the importance of exceptional customer service. I’m excited to bring this and many new ideas across the entire organisation.”
Redbrik has also announced that Laura Molloy has been promoted to Area Manager for the Crystal Peaks branch, after previously working as Sales Manager and then most recently Assistant Manager in Chesterfield.
A newly created position of Head of Residential Sales will be held by David Cooper. As well as his role in managing the South West Sheffield branch and Director duties, David will oversee the residential property sales operations of the business. This will involve facilitating an enhanced property sales service for home movers.
Huddersfield-based Scriba PR awarded media brief from breakthrough broadband provider
Scriba PR has been appointed as the communications partner for disruptive broadband provider, Be Fibre, to deliver an ambitious, strategic media brief.
Following the news that the full-fibre internet service provider gained access to £100m of private investment funding, the high-profile firm has partnered with the technical B2B PR agency to help support its mission to deliver hypersonic broadband access to 1,000,000 premises, over the next six years.
Hired on a retained basis for the next 12 months, Scriba’s work will include profile raising for the brand and key spokespeople, via thought-leadership editorials and speaking opportunities, as well as consumer-facing communications from a national to a hyperlocal level.
Scriba will also act as the press office for this fast-paced business and will protect the messaging house as the company’s tone of voice takes shape.
“Here at Scriba, we have almost a decade of experience within the technology and telecommunications sectors. We’re excited to leverage this to help Be Fibre bring the UK up to speed, quite literally, in terms of full-fibre connectivity,” explained Scriba’s managing director, Katie Mallinson.
“We’ll be working closely with the company to help achieve its ambitious growth targets – with a bold public relations and marketing strategy supporting Be Fibre’s aim to provide residential and business connectivity to 80 towns and cities by 2027.”
Be Fibre hopes to create up to 500 jobs by the end of 2022 alone.
Speaking of Scriba’s appointment, Be Fibre’s Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, Rob Andrews said: “Broadband is an extremely competitive market where messages can sometimes be highly confusing. We will be relying on Scriba PR to help us cut through the noise and jargon of a crowded marketplace, so that consumers are empowered to make better broadband choices.
“There’s a B2B element to our brief too, as we raise the authoritative voice of our sister brand – alternative network provider Digital Infrastructure. We look forward to working with Scriba PR in both respects, and already see them as a highly capable and personable extension to our existing marketing communications function.”
Senior partner steps down after four decades at law firm
Following a 43 year career at Sills & Betteridge, distinguished solicitor Stephen Wilson retired as the firm’s senior partner on 31 December 2021. His position was taken over by Karen Bower-Brown, the first woman to become senior partner in the 260 year history of the firm.
Lincoln born Stephen joined Sills & Betteridge as an articled clerk in February 1979. He qualified as solicitor in 1981 and became partner in 1985. Stephen spent the first 10 years of his career handling a mixed case load of work before dedicating all of his time to litigation, ultimately specialising in complex personal injury and clinical negligence matters, until he retired.
Notable achievements in Stephen’s career include his appointments as Deputy District Judge and President of Lincolnshire Law Society and being admitted as a Fellow of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.
Stephen said: “I have been lucky to have such an interesting and varied legal career, all of which I spent at Sills & Betteridge. My greatest satisfaction has been recovering compensation for my clients, some of whom had suffered catastrophic injuries or the devastating loss of loved ones. It also gives me huge pride to know that I have helped drive the growth of the firm, from a small local practice when I joined, to the large, thriving regional firm it is today.”
Having spent 30 years dominated by court deadlines, Stephen looks forward, initially, to a long rest. He will then spend time walking in his beloved Yorkshire Dales and exploring other beautiful areas of the British Isles, improving his golf handicap and spending time in the garden. He will also be found working behind the bar of his local village social club!
Stephen’s successor Karen Bower-Brown, current head of the firm’s commercial department, joined the firm in 1999 following a position at a London firm located near Green Park where part of her remit was to advise staff in the Royal household. Karen now specialises in litigation work including commercial, contract and property disputes, as well as contentious trust and probate work for which she is a recognised specialist.
Karen says: “I feel very proud to have been asked by the partners to take on the role of senior partner following Stephen Wilson’s retirement. The firm has gone from strength to strength since I joined as an assistant solicitor in 1999 when there was one office in Lincoln.
“Now we have 15 offices in Lincolnshire, South Yorkshire, Nottingham and Northampton. Although Covid has proved to be a challenge for the firm, we have weathered the storm extremely well and I have no doubt that the firm as a whole has a bright future. I take the opportunity to thank Stephen Wilson for his contribution to the firm over the last 43 years including as senior partner. I wish him all the very best for the future.”
Yorkshire-based food group seals sweet deal with desserts manufacturer
Regal Food Products Group Plc, the Yorkshire-based food group behind brands Regal Bakery, Regal Foods and Yorkshire Baking Company, have acquired premium desserts manufacturer Just Desserts for an undisclosed sum – backed by the commercial team at Virgin Money UK.
Established in 1985 in Shipley, West Yorkshire, Just Desserts specialise in baking a range of over 130 hand-crafted desserts and cakes, that are distributed throughout the food service industry. The range of hand-crafted desserts include tarts, cheesecakes and gateaux which already are well established within restaurants, cafes, and retail outlets.
The acquisition of Just Desserts will add to the growing success of Regal Foods Group, whilst complementing and broadening the offer available within the food service and retail industry.
Younis Chaudhry, CEO of Regal Food Products Group Plc, adds: “We immediately recognised a business that presented itself with opportunity, not just for us as a food group but also for our customers.
“New product development and innovation has always been at the forefront of our work and bringing Just Desserts and it’s team of craft bakers into the fold, enables us to offer flexibility and the scope to develop the growing range of quality products that are on offer within the retail and wholesale sector. Further developments will also see the high-quality desserts available through ecommerce platforms.
“We are extremely proud to be scaling our portfolio beyond the circle of Regal founded brands and branching out to becoming new owners of Just Desserts – a bakery that harnesses true craftsmanship within the confectionery industry.”
James O’Dwyer, former Managing Director, adds: “We are delighted and excited to be joining the Regal Foods family and know that the Just Desserts brand and all the team behind its success are in the best possible hands to ensure its future growth and prosperity. It really is exciting times ahead.”
Younis Chaudhry confirmed the acquisition will mean business as usual for Just Desserts, which will continue to run as an independent business whilst benefiting from the recourses and ongoing investment the group has to offer.
The acquisition was advised by Mazars, Clarion Solicitors and BHP Corporate Finance.
