Catella APAM, acting as Asset Manager on behalf of the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF), has let 25,000 sq ft at Leeds Valley Park.
This 10-year lease agreement, secured at a market-leading rate for industrial space in West Yorkshire, highlights the growing demand for premium-quality warehouse and manufacturing facilities in the region.
The occupier, a food ingredient specialist, has chosen Leeds Valley Park to drive future growth. The company will utilise the space to enhance production and logistics capabilities.
Adam Handley, Asset Manager at Catella APAM, said: “This letting is a testament to the strong market demand for high-quality, well-located industrial spaces, and it underscores the appeal of Leeds Valley Park as a premier business destination.
“The rent achieved reflects the property’s exceptional specification and strategic location, and we are confident that this partnership will drive mutual success.”
The transaction was facilitated by joint agents Carter Towler, Avison Young, and CBRE, whilst the tenant was represented by GV&Co.
Paul Mack, Director of GV&Co, said: “We were delighted to represent the occupier in the procurement of this best-in-class premises in Leeds, which will no doubt be a platform to facilitate our client’s continued growth.”
Josh Holmes, Director at Carter Towler, said: “We are delighted to have concluded the letting of Unit 4, enhancing an already very strong tenant line-up. The modern specification of the units has been very well received in the market; we had several interested parties and selected this occupier as we felt they were a great fit for the estate.”
Software firm secures growth funding after winning £1m in new contracts
A Hull-based software business has raised £100,000 from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia Debt as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), to support its growing workload.
Think360 has secured over £1m worth of new contracts in the past few weeks and has over £4m of other potential new business in the pipeline. The funding will provide additional working capital to enable it to take on more projects and expand its team with the creation of three new jobs.
Think360 was established in 2018 by Martin Lauer, who is also CEO of The One Point, the Hull-based IT and telecoms business, and initially delivered bespoke software projects. In 2021 Ian Crowder and Tony Grimes, who have over 40 years’ software experience between them, joined the business as Directors and shareholders. The company has since launched its own range of AI-powered software products.
The company currently employs six permanent staff as well as up to 22 independent contactors including software testers and analysts.
Martin Lauer, CEO of Think360, said: “Think360 has made remarkable progress in the past two years since the launch of our proprietary software. Our products have gained traction in all of our key sectors and we have secured some high-profile clients.
“Following a spate of new contact wins, we also have a strong pipeline of new business. The funding will enable us to meet growing demand and continue our success story.”
Rebecca Pickering of Mercia Debt added: “AI is reshaping the ports and logistics sector by driving automation and transforming the way care is delivered in patients’ homes. Think360 is at the forefront of these exciting developments.
“We are pleased to be able to support Martin, Ian, Tony and the team in their plans to achieve further growth and establish the company as a leader in its field.”
Trio promoted at property firm
Yorkshire property firm, Dacre, Son & Hartley, has promoted three key team members across its residential division. Both Tom Galloway and Daniel Elven have become senior associates, and Jonathan Raynor has become an associate.
Tom is the branch manager at Dacres in Settle and he joined the firm in 2013. During the last 12 years Tom has proved himself to be an invaluable part of the team, negotiating hundreds of sales, whilst also manging the Settle team, and also successfully achieving the Level 3 Property Mark Member of the National Association of Estate Agents (MNAEA) qualification.
Daniel joined Dacres in 2017 and is the branch manager at the Bingley office. Highley experienced in the Aire Valley and with more than 17 years industry experince, Daniel joined Dacres from a national estate agency and has thrived at the independent firm.
Jonathan is the branch manager for Baildon, which also covers the Guiseley area. He previously ran his own estate agency business in Manchester before joining Dacres five years ago.
Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential at Dacres, said: “Tom, Daniel and Jonathan all live in the areas they operate in, and have great local knowledge and experience when it comes to the property market in Settle, Bingley, Baildon and the surrounding towns and villages. The three branches are several of our top performing offices, with each having a really solid market share, as well as excellent client service ratings.
“All three have had an excellent start to 2025, listing dozens of homes for sale during the first few weeks of January and generating a healthy influx of buyer enquiries in recent weeks, and they thoroughly deserve their promotions.”
Huddersfield golf tech firm swings into the UAE following £75,000 finance package
A Huddersfield-based company which specialises in indoor golf technology has entered the UAE market after it secured a finance package worth £75,000.
MIA Sports specialises in the design, supply and installation of golf simulators and teaching studios. Founded 10 years ago, their products have been adopted as an integral training tool at golf facilities in the UK, Europe, and East Asia.
MIA Sports has now begun exporting to the United Arab Emirates with the support of UK Export Finance (UKEF), the government export credit agency.
Faced with the opportunity of supplying its technology to Dubai, MIA Sports had to provide financial guarantees which would have restricted its cashflow – a catch-22 situation. They approached UKEF, who worked with HSBC UK to arrange a finance package for the amount of £75k.
This was supported by a government guarantee provided through UKEF’s General Export Facility (GEF), a product specifically tailored to enable SMEs to scale up their exports by giving banks the confidence to lend.
The finance package, provided by HSBC UK and guaranteed by UKEF, gave MIA Sports the confidence to secure the Dubai contract. This comprised the supply and installation of 5 teaching studio bays for a new academy at the Emirates Golf Club, home to the Dubai Desert Classic tournament.
Andrew Keast, Managing Director at MIA Sports, said: “Breaking into the UAE market was a major opportunity for us. Thanks to UKEF and HSBC UK’s support, we were able to access the finance required to bring our technology to a fast-rising capital in the world of golf.”
Alissia Deane, Export Finance Manager for West Yorkshire, said: “This deal demonstrates how we’re helping Yorkshire businesses reach their export potential. By working closely with HSBC UK, we’ve enabled MIA Sports to bring their innovative golf technology to Dubai’s growing sports market.”
Andy Booth, International Business Manager at HSBC UK, said: “Working alongside UKEF, we’re committed to helping innovative British businesses like MIA Sports expand internationally. This showcases how effective partnership between banking and government support can boost UK exports.”
Government pledges support for re-opening of Doncaster-Sheffield Airport
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has backed Doncaster’s airport, with the government set to work with Doncaster Council and the Mayor of South Yorkshire to support their efforts to reopen Doncaster-Sheffield Airport.
Speaking to an audience of business chiefs at Siemens Healthineers in Oxfordshire yesterday, Reeves said: “The last government stood by as Doncaster Sheffield Airport was closed by its owner, despite the ovewhelming support for it to stay open. It now sits idle, despite the potential to drive jobs and growth across the north. “So I can announce today that we will work with Doncaster Council and the Mayor of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard to support their efforts to recreate South Yorkshire Airport City as a thriving regional airport.” South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard responded to the support: “This is a hugely welcome intervention from the Chancellor, committing to work with us on our plans to develop South Yorkshire Airport City. “That support from the government could be vital in helping us to re-open Doncaster-Sheffield Airport, and deliver our 10-year plan to unlock the significant potential of Gateway East. “I have been committed to re-opening DSA since day one. And the best way for us to give DSA the future it deserves is to get our plan right from the start, giving us the best chance to allow our airport to thrive, creating good jobs in the industries of the future, making best use of taxpayer’s money and bringing down the carbon footprint of flying. “The last government didn’t lift a finger to support our airport. That it closed with 800 direct jobs lost in South Yorkshire is in no small part down to their lack of support. By contrast, this government has now committed to working with City of Doncaster Council and with me because we share the same ambition for growth. “And can see the significant opportunity presented by the South Yorkshire Airport City Plan; a plan to reopen DSA, build hundreds of homes and create a world leading sustainable aviation hub in South Yorkshire. “But even with the support of government, none of that is easy. In the next few weeks City of Doncaster Council will deliver the full plan to the Mayoral Combined Authority Board. We will need to carefully review that plan while working with the government to get to a final decision by the summer. “I know people and businesses want to see DSA re-open as quickly as possible. I’m grateful to Rachel Reeves and the government for now committing to work with us on the challenges and opportunities that presents, and help us towards that goal.” Doncaster Council signed a 125-year lease to take over the former Doncaster-Sheffield Airport last year following its closure by Peel Group.Mayor Ros Jones recently confirmed at City of Doncaster Council’s Full Council meeting that there is an international airport operator ready to run the airport.
Yorkshire ends 2024 with £30m venture capital investment
Venture capital (VC) investment in Yorkshire reached £30 million in the last quarter of 2024, down 25% from £40 million in Q3 of 2024, according to KPMG’s latest Venture Pulse report.
While overall funding fell, the volume of transactions remained robust, increasing quarter-on-quarter to 17 (up from 15 in Q3).
Start-ups in Leeds garnered the largest volume of investment (41%) but of the £30 million raised in Q4, £15.9 million came from a VC investment, led by Felix Capital, into Cleckheaton-based pet food producer Pure Pet Food.
Elsewhere, the IT sector, and more specifically software businesses, secured the highest number of VC investments (35%), with the majority of firms based in Leeds – a city whose software development sector is growing at an annual rate of 20%, outpacing the national average of 13.8%.
Increased volumes of VC investment reflect the optimism among business owners in the region, with recent data from KPMG’s KPE Barometer revealing that more than a quarter of Yorkshire’s private business owners see VC as a means to financing business diversification this year.
Phil Murden, Leeds Office Senior Partner at KPMG, said: “Yorkshire boasts a fantastic range of start-ups and companies across different sectors and it’s encouraging to see them continuing to attract significant levels of VC investment.
“Despite a mixed picture for the deals landscape at the end of 2024, and challenges within the broader economy, the investor community remains active and we anticipate a positive year ahead as firms look to VC to aid their growth.”
Leeds Beckett University and Exemplas design new approaches for business productivity
Experts at Leeds Beckett University, with business support provider Exemplas, have designed a series of new approaches to boosting the productivity and growth of West Yorkshire SMEs, through a partnership delivery of business support and academic research.
The team have worked together since 2022, delivering grassroots SME business support programmes on behalf of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), including the West Yorkshire Business Boost and Business Productivity Service, to explore new strategies for enhancing SME productivity and growth.
They have now launched a series of four publications – sharing the research evidence and design principles that informed the business support programmes, as well as insights, trends and learning from the programmes and the extensive data they have collected from working with more than 600 SMEs in the region.
The series describes how this led the team to creating an evidence-based and research-informed blueprint for the successful design and delivery of grassroots business support programmes to SMEs.
Dr Ollie Jones, Principal Lecturer in Operations and Business Performance Management at Leeds Beckett University, said: “We believe this blueprint is pertinent at a time when government and commissioners will be looking to invest in interventions that drive productivity and growth for SMEs. Importantly, our work focuses on delivering benefits to local economies.
“The triple learning loop, and the data and insights gathered through the partnership delivery with Leeds Beckett, Exemplas and WYCA, have been invaluable in developing a greater understanding of firm-level productivity and successful approaches to its improvement at scale.”
Martin Coats, Chief Operations Officer at Exemplas, said: “The partnership with Leeds Beckett has been instrumental in delivering best-in-class business support programmes. By blending academic rigor with real-world business expertise, we can deliver transformative support that addresses the productivity and growth barriers facing SMEs.”
The Insight Papers were launched at an event held at The Knowledge Exchange at Leeds Beckett University ahead of National Productivity Week from 27 to 31 January. The event highlighted the complexity of firm-level productivity and the unique value of Leeds Beckett’s innovative diagnostic tools.
York company acquires property in Henley-on-Thames
York-based property company the Helmsley Group has acquired a 17th century grade II listed former coach house in Henley-on-Thames.
Ed Harrowsmith, investment director at Helmsley Group, said: “Following a competitive bidding process, we’re thrilled to have made our first acquisition on behalf of our private investors in the iconic market town of Henley-on-Thames. The desirability of Henley-on-Thames compliments the prime and affluent locations that offer attractive potential investment returns within our managed portfolio, outside of the major city centre conurbations.
“This acquisition presents an exciting opportunity to further expand our reach on behalf of our 800 client investors nationwide and we look forward to further investments nationally over the coming months.”
The building at 21-23 Hart Street stands within a private courtyard and is divided into a large restaurant currently leased to Zizzi Restaurants and two self-contained courtyard offices providing over 7,500 sq ft of internal accommodation.
There is also land to the rear of the property providing 20 on-site car parking spaces, taking the total site area to one third of an acre.
James Bradley at Knights PLC and Tom Heptonstall from FMX Urban Property Advisers acted on the purchase for Helmsley Group.
Leeds IT and software engineering consultancy snapped up
IT and business consulting services firm CGI is set to acquire BJSS, a Leeds-based technology and engineering consultancy known for its IT solutions and software engineering expertise.
More than 2,400 consultants and professionals will join CGI, deepening the company’s operations across the UK in key industry sectors such as retail, health, government, financial services and energy & utilities.
Founded in 1993, BJSS is one of the UK’s largest independent IT and software engineering consultancies. The company partners with clients to deliver large-scale software systems and address complex technology challenges through services such as technology strategy and delivery, customer experience design, managed services, software engineering, artificial intelligence (AI), data and insights, cloud and platform solutions, and cybersecurity services.
“BJSS has a well-earned reputation for delivering exceptional value to its clients, driven by technical excellence and innovative thinking,” said Tara McGeehan, President of CGI’s UK and Australia operations.
“By joining forces, we will strengthen our ability to help clients across the private and public sectors achieve measurable outcomes, such as driving efficiencies, improving customer experiences and generating business growth.”
McGeehan added: “Our companies share a strong cultural alignment and pride in helping clients solve complex challenges to deliver value.
“BJSS employees will benefit from CGI’s ownership culture, which empowers all employees to become company owners and actively shape our future direction, whilst providing an enjoyable and collaborative working environment where they can fulfil their career potential.”
Glynn Robinson, BJSS Chairman, said: “Joining CGI represents an exciting new chapter for BJSS. Both CGI and BJSS share a commitment to sustainability, employee engagement and long-term client relationships.
“Together, we can leverage our complementary strengths to deliver even greater value for our clients while creating new opportunities for our talented team.”
Leeds music and creative media scene receives boost with education provider’s move
The Leeds contemporary music and creative media scene has received a boost with the news that higher education provider AD Education UK (ADE UK) is moving into the Electric Press building in the city centre.
ADE UK is opening its 17,000 sq ft Leeds Campus at Switch, the new office space within the Electric Press.
AD Education UK combines creative media group SAE and ICMP, the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, delivering music and creative media education in the UK and beyond.
The deal, which sees the group taking a 15-year-lease at £32 per sq ft, was brokered by the Leeds office of global property consultancy Knight Frank.
Eamon Fox, partner and head of development at Knight Frank, said: “Leeds has long had a reputation as one of the UK’s most innovative cities and a vibrant hub of northern creativity.
“On top of being renowned for its vibrant music scene, the city’s tech sector is growing at a rate more than double the national average, meaning areas such as gaming, film, animation and digital marketing – all of which are closely affiliated with the music industry – are booming.
“Switch is the perfect base for the institute, its contemporary design matching the institute’s cutting-edge culture and ethos. Our experience of living through the pandemic has turned aspirational goals for an amenity-led workplace to be accelerated.
“Switch’s compelling design demonstrates the subsequent evolution and refinement of workspace requirements and a greater willingness to put employees first. It is a tremendous example of a progressive and transformative workspace in Leeds.
“Part of the Civic Quarter’s iconic Electric Press building, ADE UK’s Leeds Campus is a symbol of the city’s continuous reinvention and dedication to creativity. Blending historic charm with modern facilities, the industrial building has been repurposed as a creative and cultural hub and is shared by many artistic organisations.
“More generally, this letting is another excellent example of the influential role that educational establishments are now playing in Leeds city centre. Over the past two years, Leeds Trinity University has opened a new campus at Trevelyan Square in Boar Lane and the Mathematics School of Excellence has moved into bespoke space in Albion Street. This adds to the vibrancy of the city and to increased graduate retention.”
Steffan Davies, Chief Executive of AD Education UK, which includes SAE Institute and ICMP, said: “We are excited to be expanding and solidifying our presence in the North of England and can’t wait to welcome eager artists and creatives to our open day, giving them a feel for our values and offering as a higher education provider.
“Many of our graduates have gone on to become household names including Fraser T Smith, Clean Bandit and The Vaccines.
“Our alumni have also made their mark behind the scenes, designing cutting-edge tech for the Rolling Stones and shaping industries by winning Oscars and receiving BAFTA nominations in film, TV, Content Creation and gaming.
“This new chapter in Leeds gives us an exciting opportunity to develop the next generation of talent in one of the UK’s most vibrant cities. We can’t wait to see this come to life and welcome our first cohort of students this year.
“In future SAE and ICMP will share some places and spaces to benefit all of our students. This move, beginning with two state-of-the-art locations in Leeds and Liverpool will allow SAE and ICMP staff and students to share facilities, collaborate on multi-disciplinary creative projects, build close ties with (local and national) industry and provide the best possible start to careers in music and creative media.
“Jam-packed with brand-new music equipment and creative media software, The Electric Press is the perfect place to network and connect with Leeds’ many creatives.”
The Electric Press building is Grade II-listed and was built in 1840 for the printing firm of Chorley and Pickersgill.
Knight Frank advised DTZ Investors while the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) was advised by Newmark.
Yorkshire racking business acquired
Sale-based Palletower, the storage and logistics equipment providers, has acquired Beverley-based racking and shelving specialist Kingstonian Storage and Equipment Ltd.
Palletower manufactures and supplies over 100 product lines including roll cages, trolleys, racking, stillages and storage boxes. With a 60-year heritage in the sector, it exports to more than 35 countries and works with companies including Waitrose, Walmart and DHL.
Kingstonian, founded in 1992, supplies customers across East Yorkshire and Humberside with a range of racking and storage solutions, as well as products like ladders, trucks, trolleys and lifting equipment.
Harrison Drury’s corporate team advised the shareholders of Palletower on the deal, led by Mark Traynor and supported by Ben Foulds and Richard Williams-Bulkeley. Jenny Potts from the commercial property team provided advice on the property aspects of the transaction.
Matthew Palmer, owner and managing director of Palletower, said: “Kingstonian is another well-established business that plays a vital role in helping customers keep their businesses moving and their supply chains running smoothly.
“Bringing Kingstonian into the Palletower group enables us to further accelerate the growth of our business, giving us access to new markets as well as a number of complementary products and services.”
Mark Traynor, partner in Harrison Drury’s corporate team, said: “The management team at Palletower have a clear and ambitious growth strategy which includes acquiring like-minded businesses alongside steady organic growth.
“After advising Matthew and the team on three of the company’s previous transactions, we’re pleased to have assisted on another exciting acquisition that will bring huge benefits to the customers and staff of both businesses.”
The acquisition of Kingstonian follows Palletower’s purchases of West Pennine Storage, WP Group, Astirvant and Yorkshire Storage, all in 2024.
Matthew added: “The last 12-months has seen us bring together a powerful collection of businesses in industrial racking, shelving, mezzanine floor installations, workplace equipment and warehouse fit-out services.
“We look forward to further opportunities to grow, especially within the racking and shelving sector where the potential for further acquisitions is being explored.”
Yorkshire, Humber and North East skills gap means region lags behind national productivity
The new report, published for National Productivity Week, highlights that productivity levels can vary greatly even within the same local region and present a substantial challenge to the economic success of the north of England, but national and regional coordination of policies which aim to boost skills and training could help local economies.
Areas such as Northern Lincolnshire and the East Riding of Yorkshire have some of the highest productivity levels of the region, either on par, or above average for the UK. Whilst in South Yorkshire, areas such as Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham experience the lowest productivity levels in the region, and one of the lowest levels in the UK, which also affects wages and living standards.
- Supporting combined and local authorities to establish and maintain pathways for employers and their staff to access resources for education and training opportunities, qualifications and funding.
- Further research into ‘good practices’ in relation to all forms of staff training, in particular apprenticeships to identify the best sources of support for employees.
- Commissioning modelling of labour market business and investment trends, and analyses of employer skills needs to help forecast future regional industry needs.
- Establishing working partnerships between Chambers of Commerce, Combined Authorities, Further Education Colleges and Universities to help build ongoing relationships with employers and training providers.
Bart van Ark, managing director of The Productivity Institute, said: “There is an urgent need for governments at all levels – national, regional and local – to adopt a place-based perspective on productivity growth. Many UK regions have such low productivity levels that single interventions, even significant ones, won’t suffice. A systemic approach to pro-productivity policies requires them to be joined up and scaled up.”
The authors of the report make up the Yorkshire, Humber and the North East Regional Productivity Forum (RPF), one of eight around the UK established by TPI, which is an ESRC-funded initiative that brings together academics with business, industry and policy representatives to identify and address the causes of the UK’s weak growth in productivity.
Long-established Yorkshire bus operator sold
Reliance Motor Services, one of Yorkshire’s longest-established bus operators, has been sold to Transdev.
Under the terms of the deal, Transdev’s subsidiary, Yorkshire Coastliner, has acquired 11 buses from family-owned Reliance, which has operated from its depot at Sutton on the Forest, north of York, for 94 years.
Transdev has also acquired Reliance’s well established network of bus routes serving Easingwold and Thirsk, along with several villages north of York.
All jobs are being retained as a result of the agreement between Reliance and Transdev.
The Reliance business was bought by John and Margaret Duff in 1980, having first been established by Edward Sheriff in 1930, who started out with three buses. It has remained a family business since the Duffs took over, with John’s grandson, Gary Newby, and his wife, Hollie, running the current business.
Gary and Hollie Newby were advised on the sale of Reliance by a multi-disciplinary team at Andrew Jackson Solicitors, led by corporate partner, Susie Mortonson, who was supported by Benn Shilleto (corporate), Gillian Markland (employment) and Robert Hill (real estate and property). Transdev’s legal advice was provided by Womble Bond Dickinson.
Gary Newby said: “We are sorry to say farewell to our loyal customers on the routes which will see a change of operator, and to our drivers, whose loyalty and hard work is reflected in Reliance’s excellent reputation.
“However, we know they will be in the best hands with Transdev, which has invested significantly in an impressive depot in York and has a strong track record of delivering for its customers.
“We are grateful for the valuable guidance and support provided by Susie Mortonson and the rest of the team at Andrew Jackson Solicitors, who ensured that our best interests were protected throughout the transaction.”
Susie Mortonson added: “I was delighted to see this transaction go smoothly for Gary and Hollie. It has been a pleasure to work with them and I’m sure that the business will continue to flourish under Transdev.”
Housebuilder Keepmoat names new CFO
Doncaster-based housebuilder Keepmoat has appointed Mark Dilley as Chief Financial Officer.
He previously held the position of Chief Financial Officer at Tilia Homes, as well as serving as Group Finance Director at Town Centre Securities. Mark also spent 14 years at Asda, where he was Vice President of Retail and Property Finance.
Mark said: “The future is extremely bright for Keepmoat, and I am looking forward to playing a part in the continued success of the organisation.
“Keepmoat’s vision of building communities and transforming lives speaks volumes about its ethos and culture, and I’m excited to have joined a leadership team so clearly committed to delivering quality affordable homes to more people where they need them most.”
CEO Tim Beale added: “It’s great to have Mark on board. He brings a wealth of experience from not only the housebuilding sector but also property investment and FMCG retail. He is the perfect person to work alongside me and the other members of our executive board as we steer Keepmoat through its next stage of development.”
Judges select shortlist from record entries for Hull BID awards
Hull BID Executive Director Kathryn Shillito revealed that a record number of applications has been received for the awards, and the finalists are now looking forward to sharing their success with family, friends and colleagues at the big celebration on Friday February 21 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel.
The judges have now drawn up their shortlists with three finalists in each of 10 categories – four of them earning two nominations. In addition there will be a Judges Special Recognition Award.
Kathryn says more than 420 applications came in from city centre businesses and other organisations and the shortlist features hopefuls from sectors including retail, hospitality, personal services, professional services, leisure, culture, and charities.
She said: “The feedback from all three judges once they’d finished their deliberations was that this year is all about quantity and quality – we received applications from a lot of businesses and other organisations and many of them really were outstanding.
“That’s so important because the awards are about much more than a badge of honour for each of the winners – the fact that so many people entered with such impressive submissions sends out a clear message about the quality on offer in our city centre, and that’s something for us all to shout about when we get together for the big night.”
Schofield Sweeney names new employment team partner
Andy Gilchrist has been appointed as a partner in the employment team at Yorkshire-based law firm, Schofield Sweeney.
He is a multi-award winning employment lawyer and joins the firm from Lupton Fawcett, where he was Head of Employment. Andy has advised on significant employment law cases in the UK, and also businesses with operations overseas. Last year he advised a US Fortune 500 company on the departure of a senior executive, a US company on the closure of its UK operation, and a number of household brands on the restructuring of their workforces.
Partner Simon Shepherd said: “Andy’s experience and excellent reputation enhances our already strong team, and shows our commitment to the growth plans we have for the employment team. I’m really pleased to welcome him, and to continue providing support to our existing and future clients.”
The company has also promoted Rajveer Basra from Solicitor to Associate.
Schofield Sweeney employs 175 at offices in Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield.
Leeds agency appoints Head of AI to help drive growth
Leeds-based digital marketing agency Spike has appointed Said Lopez as Head of AI, underlining its commitment to cutting-edge technology to transform its services and drive growth.
Said brings over a decade of expertise in machine learning, automation, process improvement and digital transformation. In the past four years, he has spearheaded artificial intelligence and ML initiatives, driving innovation and delivering impactful results for leading venture capital-backed companies.
In his new role at Spike, the first of its kind for the business, he will spearhead the development and deployment of the agency’s AI tools, helping to accelerate the impact of Spike’s marketing strategies and deliver greater value and measurable results for its clients.
Rob Powell, Founder and Director at Spike, said: “AI is going to revolutionise marketing as we know it, and we’re thrilled to welcome Said to our team to ensure we remain at the forefront of the technology.
“He has a breadth of experience, as well as an incredible passion and energy that I know will help take our innovative AI and digital transformation strategies to new heights. I can’t wait to see the impact he’ll make not only on how we work, but also the successes we drive for our clients.”
Said added: “I’m really excited to be joining Spike at such a pivotal time for the agency. The bold move toward AI-driven digital transformation is a forward-thinking direction, and I can’t wait to help bring it to life.”
Morgan Sindall starts work on Leeds housing development next month
Next month Morgan Sindall expects to start building an extra care housing scheme on a two-acre site at Armley in Leeds.
The Middlecross development will be home to 65 affordable apartments providing independent living opportunities for older people.
The three-storey complex – to be built on brownfield land between Armley Grove Place and Simpson Grove – will also have care facilities and communal spaces, including a 50-seat dining area. It’s expected to be finished by 2027.
The bulk of the funding for the development is being provided by the council’s housing service via Right to Buy receipts and borrowing, with £1.3m of grant support due to come from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund.
Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing, said: “At a time when there is a well-documented shortage of affordable extra care housing in Leeds, this development will make a real difference to the lives of its residents.
“The start of construction will also be another notable milestone for our Council Housing Growth Programme, which is working – with the support of partners – to bring positive and lasting change to communities across Leeds.”
Government organisation says inheritance tax changes will hit three quarters of farms
AHDB has calculated 42,204 out of 54,938 farming businesses (76.8%) in England and Scotland that are 50 hectares (124 acres) or larger will be affected.
The study looks at average balance sheet data mainly sourced from Defra, the Farm Business Survey and the Scottish Government.
More than half of those affected are involved in cereals or general cropping production as their main enterprise, with the rest predominantly livestock producers or mixed farming operations.
The NFU has repeatedly warned of the risk the changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief pose to family farms throughout its Stop the Family Farm Tax campaign, with the majority of farms not earning enough money to pay the potential inheritance bill without selling off some of their land or business.
Sheffield businesses Visit Pittsburgh with city councillors
Sheffield-based businesses Tickets for Good, Westfield Health, and Reach Studios are currently in the American city of Pittsburgh to help explore the possibilities for inter-city collaboration.
With Sheffield City Council Leader Tom Hunt and Chief Exec Kate Josephs they are working on building meaningful and fruitful relationships and to open lines of opportunity to work together in the future.
They will meet city officials and a range of organisations and businesses from the biological and advanced manufacturing, health, medical tech and robotics sectors, plus many more.
Tom Hunt said: “Sheffield is global, green and growing. We have world-leading strengths in many sectors, from advanced manufacturing to health technology, cultural industries and low carbon, resilient energy. This week we will share our knowledge and best practice with our friends in Pittsburgh. “As sister cities, Sheffield and Pittsburgh share a similar industrial past, but we have both seen our economies transform in recent decades. We both have big ambitions for our future and I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can learn from one another and achieve together”