Fastest decrease in permanent placements for four-and-a-half years for the North
Hiring conditions remained challenging in December, according to the latest KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs: North of England survey.
Permanent placements were down at the quickest rate seen since mid-2020, while there was a sustained rapid drop in temp billings. At the same time, vacancy trends turned more negative in December and the supply of workers increased at a quicker rate on the month.
The KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs: North of England is compiled by S&P Global from responses to questionnaires sent to around 150 recruitment and employment consultancies in the North of England.
Decline in permanent placements deepens in December
The seasonally adjusted Permanent Placements Index fell further into contraction territory in December, to signal a substantial drop in permanent staff appointments across the North of England. The rate of decline was the fastest seen in four-and-a-half years and the second-quickest regionally, surpassed only by the South where the downturn was slightly faster. Survey respondents linked the contraction to reduced vacancies and increased hesitancy among firms to hire following the Autumn Budget.
December data pointed to a second successive monthly decrease in temp billings across the North of England. A drop in demand for short-term staff and the non-renewal of contracts drove the latest downturn, according to respondents. Though slower than November’s recent record, the rate of decline in December was nevertheless strong and faster than that seen for the UK overall.
As in November, December saw a further drop in the number of job vacancies for both types of staff across the North of England. The trend for permanent job openings turned more negative in December. The decrease was marked and the quickest since August 2020. Regionally, the South of England and the Midlands recorded a faster drop in permanent vacancies than that seen locally. Meanwhile, temp vacancies fell solidly and at the quickest rate seen for four-and-a-half years in December.
Further substantial rise in permanent staff supply
There was another substantial boost to permanent staff availability in the North of England in December, thereby stretching the current run of uplifts to exactly a year. The latest increase was linked by recruiters to a rise in redundancies and skills mismatches. The local pace of expansion accelerated to its strongest for seven months and remained faster than the UK average.
Recruiters based in the North of England signalled a further robust rise in temporary staff supply during December, thereby extending the current trend of growth to 22 months. Panel members often linked the improvement in the availability of short-term staff to the ongoing market downturn. The local uplift in temp staff availability in December was more pronounced on the month and slightly stronger than the UK average.
Strongest rate of starting salary inflation for four months
Recruitment consultancies in the North of England pointed to another monthly increase in permanent starting salaries in December, thereby extending the current sequence of growth to nearly four years. The respective seasonally adjusted index rose in each month of the final quarter, placing the rate of inflation at a four-month high that was strong overall. Panellists linked the rise to increased competition for skilled staff. Of the four monitored regions, only London posted faster salary growth than that seen locally.
December survey data signalled a thirteenth consecutive monthly rise in short-term wages across the North of England. Amid another marked increase in the availability of temporary staff, the rate of inflation was only marginal and subdued by historical standards. The rate of temporary pay growth across the North of England was largely in line with the UK trend in December.
Phil Murden, Yorkshire Office Senior Partner at KPMG UK, said: “The steepest drop in permanent hires since mid-2020 shows Yorkshire businesses continue to navigate a complex labour market.
“This, compounded by a broadening gap between supply and demand of permanent and temporary staff points to a challenging outlook for 2025. It’s clear that many businesses remain cautious about hiring.
“That said, a new year brings new opportunities and with recruitment consultancies reporting the strongest rate of starting salary inflation in December, 2025 could see an uplift in skilled staff hires to drive growth plans.”
Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, said: “This report emphasises a weak mood in some businesses as they built their budgets for this year, and made changes designed to save on costs after a tough Budget. That said, sentiment can change quickly. There was a softer drop in temp billings signalled in the North.
“December is always a hiring low point, and a new year brings new hope – with inflation under control, low unemployment and economic growth expected, the fundamentals are better than many appreciate.
“It is what happens now, as firms return to the market in January, that will decide the path ahead. Recruitment is one to watch in early 2025 because it is one of the earliest indicators of a broader economic recovery, with any sign of a turn hugely significant with the sector contributing a massive £44.4bn to the UK economy in 2023.”
Record financial results for Leeds law firm
Yorkshire law firm Ward Hadaway has reported a record financial performance in its latest filed accounts for 2023-24, with revenue rising by 7% to £48m.
This achievement marks a significant milestone in the firm’s history. Driven by strong growth across its Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle offices in a wide cross section of service areas, it demonstrates the firm’s robust financial health and commitment to sustainable growth.
Managing Partner Steven Petrie said: “These financial results from 2023-24 represent a really strong foundation on which to build, as we strive to realise our ambitious long-term growth plans, remaining independent and increasing our turnover by over 50% in the next five years and achieving £100m by 2034.
“It’s really encouraging to see the positive impact our strategic investments are already having on our business, including our ability to attract, recruit, retain and engage excellent people to the firm.”
Key hires in core practice areas and the firm’s focus on developing emerging talent remain a consistent theme. Last year, Ward Hadaway’s Leeds office welcomed Laura Hill as a Partner in the commercial litigation team. She brings specialist expertise and experience in handling AI-related litigation, a complex and developing area.
Across the entire firm, eight partners were appointed, representing a range of service sectors, alongside more than 100 new colleagues who joined throughout the year.
A key focus of Ward Hadaway’s strategy is its commitment to nurturing talent. In this last year, the firm appointed 14 new trainee solicitors and one solicitor apprentice across its offices bringing the total headcount to over 500.
Petrie continued: “We provide an environment where individuals can excel at every level, offering guidance, growth opportunities and the tools to fulfil their full potential. Our people are fundamental to our success. We are well-positioned to build on what we have already achieved and to deliver on our ambitious growth objectives.”
To adapt to the challenges of a rapidly changing legal landscape, the firm has made significant investments in technology and established a firm wide Innovation team to explore the role of AI in delivering legal services.
Ward Hadaway also remains focused on responsible business practices, working on initiatives to reduce its carbon impact, making contributions to over 50 charities and maintaining a strong focus on diversity, inclusion and wellbeing.
Former live event project manager joins Edward Architects
Leeds and London-based architecture practice, Edward Architects adds to its growing team with the appointment of Graham Davey as Architect. The new hire will further strengthen the firm’s court protection and accessible design work, one of its core specialisms and expanding service lines.
Graham joins from Stage One Creative Services where he was Project Manager with a breadth and wealth of experience leading on large scale events and unusual builds. Prior to that he was an Architect with Pearce Bottomley Architects.
During his project management role, Graham led a range of high profile live events involving complex design from the Eurovision 2023 set build at the M&S Arena in Liverpool to The Art of All Pavilion by Roc Nation and Jay-Z at Olympia in Kensington which involved a 4-week turnaround from contract to completion.
He also worked on Moncler X’s Mercedes Reveal at Olympia which formed the centrepiece of Moncler’s London Fashion Week launch.
Graham has also project managed a number of unusual builds including Bulgari’s Serpanti Lit Sculpture in Duke of York Square, Chelsea. His expertise also spans work across visitor centres, new builds, primary care centres, golf centres and the Leeds Chinese Christian Church.
Graham Edward, MD, Edward Architects, said: “Graham will be a fantastic asset to our team and brings a broad range of experience and expertise which has involved some unique and unusual builds. This will be invaluable in our accessible design and court protection projects.”
Graham Davey said: “I am excited to join the team at Edward Architects as the business continues to build. The practice has such a breadth of skills and experience and I’m keen to further my own skills by learning from those around me. I have particularly enjoyed that the values of the practice align with my own, placing the client at the centre of everything we do.”
2025 Business Predictions: Jeremy Hughes, Director at RBH Properties and developer of Pennine Five in Sheffield
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Jeremy Hughes, Director at RBH Properties and developer of Pennine Five in Sheffield.
Following a challenging 2024, marked by continued political uncertainty and the Autumn Budget, the commercial property market is entering 2025 with far more clarity. While some economic challenges remain, occupiers and landlords now have a clearer vision of what’s needed – high-quality, flexible spaces that not only appeal to employers but also meet the needs of employees.
The good news is that the ‘return to the office’ is definitely happening. Businesses are starting to take their office space seriously again and understand the crucial role it plays in attracting and retaining talent. I expect this trend to gain even more momentum in 2025.
However, due to the challenging business environment of recent years, not every business can afford to step into a new Grade A development. And even if they can, many cities, Sheffield being one, have a limited supply of brand-new commercial developments – an unfortunate legacy of Covid-19.
Therefore, it’s essential for cities to strike the right balance in their commercial offering – delivering more affordable high-quality spaces that still feature outstanding amenities and flexible leasing terms, to complement flagship developments. We’re seeing this combination prove very popular at our revitalised Pennine Five office campus in Sheffield, which is attracting a diverse mix of technology SMEs, innovation firms, and serviced office providers like Spaces.
I’m confident that 2025 will be a strong year for the commercial property sector.
Harworth ends year with more than £104m in land sales
Rotherham-based land regenerator Harworth completed the last quarter of 2024 with housing plot sales of more than £71m, taking the total for the year to £104m – double the total for 2023.
The company says the sales volume reflects the continued strong demand for its de-risked serviced residential land product as well as evidencing success of the Group’s strategy to accelerate delivery of residential sites and broader range of products. Alongside its Residential plot sales Harworth also completed land sales at Skelton Grange (Phase 1, 27 acres) and Ansty (278 acres), for total headline sales value of £106.3 million. Harworth Group Chief Exec Lynda Shillaw said: “Harworth had a busy fourth quarter in 2024, concluding nine Residential land sales, comprising 1,896 plots for £71.7 million. This takes the total plot sales for 2024 to a new annual Harworth record of 2,385 plots, generating £104.1 million of cash, split between upfront and deferred payments, and is in line with our strategic target of 2,000 per year on average. “Throughout the year we continued to see healthy demand, and notably we also completed two major land sales at our Skelton Grange and Ansty developments in December, for £106.3 million. The proceeds from these sales will be reinvested into our Industrial & Logistics development programme to continue creating value for our stakeholders. “We are committed to delivering sustainable regeneration schemes, creating new communities in our regions and supporting delivery of much needed high quality housing in the UK by accelerating delivery at our sites, and broadening the range of our mixed tenure products, which saw 582 of the year’s plots sales to affordable housing providers. “Our approach to placemaking and strong collaboration with strategic partners is key to success on these developments, and our extensive consented pipeline of 4,568 plots positions us well to continue supporting growth in the UK.”Danielle takes over as MD at Berwins Solicitors in Harrogate
Harrogate-based law firm Berwins has appointed Danielle Day as MD, succeeding founder Paul Berwin, who has been instrumental in the growth of the business for almost four decades.
She said: “I’m naturally honoured to take on the leadership of such a well-respected firm, especially at such an exciting time for us.
“Berwins has a proud history of supporting businesses to thrive and people to navigate often challenging periods in their lives. The firm has been able to do that, not just by building a team of legal experts, but by developing and practicing a culture of exceptional care. That’s an approach I’m passionate about and, as we prepare to launch a number of new initiatives, it’s one that will be at the heart of all we do.”
Danielle has been a member of Berwins’ board since 2022. She has also successfully led the firm’s Family Team to sustained growth, championing the development of new and cutting-edge ways of supporting clients through difficult circumstances.
Paul Berwin said: “Since joining the firm over a decade ago, Danielle has shown herself to be both an excellent lawyer and a gifted leader.
“Those gifts, coupled with an innovative approach to problem solving, mean that she is ideally suited to take the firm forward as Managing Director. Just as it is a pleasure to work alongside her, I will take great delight in seeing her contribute to what promises to be a bright future for the firm.”
Paul remains a director and active force within the firm, focusing his attention on Berwins Corporate and Commercial work, both as a departmental head and a standout lawyer.
Young farmers offered training at 80% course cost discount
Agricultural industry training is being offered to young farmers at a vastly reduced rate through a funding partnership between the Yorkshire Food Farming and Rural Network at the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and Askham Bryan College.
The college is offering partly-funded places on a range of agricultural industry courses to its current students and members of Young Farmers’ Clubs living or working in North Yorkshire.
The concessionary rate of up to 80% off these course opportunities including Tractor Driving, Pesticide application and Forklift Handling has been secured for farming students by the Yorkshire Food Farming and Rural Network.
It is part of a new programme of activity that uses legacy funding secured from the Partnership Investment Fund Limited by YFFRN to offer a training support programme for the benefit of rural and farming SMEs.
Madge Moore, Chair of the Yorkshire Food Farming and Rural Network at the Yorkshire Agricultural Society said: “This is an excellent opportunity for young people to obtain training and certification that is financially supported in key subject areas that are essential to have as you progress through your farming career.
“All of these courses help to raise awareness of the need to operate safely and within the required legislation, providing an essential foundation for any career in agriculture.”
Askham Bryan students studying on one of the range of agriculture courses in livestock and crop production, as well as members of the Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs are able to benefit from these heavily reduced industry tickets to improve their employability and skills for when they enter the workforce.
Rugby Club board confirms plan for commerce and community
The board of business leaders behind Hull Kingston Rovers has confirmed a masterplan for community and sporting excellence designed to provide a platform for success on and off the field.
The Super League club has received a positive initial response to proposals for a sports campus development bringing together community and commercial elements, with national brands are ready to move pending the outcome of a planning application in the spring.
Rovers chairman Paul Sewell said heads of terms have been agreed with two big retailers for an investment capable of creating more than 100 jobs and generating revenue to support the club’s on-field ambitions.
He said: “The vision is a sports campus. It will be the cornerstone of our plans for the future and will build on the potential of other projects which we have already delivered and which are creating a legacy for the community.
“We will be going for planning permission in the spring and we are encouraged by the response to the pre-application process. We aim to have spades in the ground within a few months of permission being granted.”
Dr Sewell is also chair of Sewell Group, which works across investments, consultancy, data mapping and intelligence, construction and facilities management and announced a deal in January 2022 for the naming rights of Rovers’ stadium, Sewell Group Craven Park.
In December 2022 he was appointed chair of the club and charged with leading a new board to work alongside the club’s chief executive, Paul Lakin, and support the owner, Hull-based solicitor Dr Neil Hudgell.
Among the recruits were David Kilburn, the co-founder of MKM Building Supplies, James McNicol, managing director of London-based Oil Brokerage Ltd, and Becky Oughtibridge, director of professional services at Sewell Group.
Another member, Ian Richardson, brought international experience in sectors including law, health and beauty. He has now stepped down having retired from his other business roles, but he remains excited about the club’s potential.
He said: “I have really enjoyed my two years on the board and would highly recommend the experience. An exciting potential is being realised, and I will follow future progress with pride and fondness.”
Dr Sewell added: “Ian has made a significant contribution at a pivotal time in our development. His calm and considered approach will be a hard act to follow. We will look for someone who fits the culture and shares our values and passion for revitalising the club, the wider game, and hence the community.”
Hallam Land completes sale of 632 Coventry housebuilding plots to Vistry
Sheffield-based land promotion and planning business Hallam Land has sold 632 residential plots at Pickford Gate in Coventry to national housebuilder Vistry Group.
The completion of the sale to Vistry by Henry Boot subsidiary company Hallam follows exchange of contracts on about 600 plots in the Midlands. The disposal meant Hallam achieved its 2024 financial target with sales of c.2,800 plots last year. While this was marginally below Hallam’s sales target of 3,000 plots for the year, the sale of 52 acres of employment land in Coventry to Royal London in November 2024 offset the volume reduction.
Hallam secured an initial planning promotion agreement with the landowners to promote the wider ‘Pickford Gate’ site in 2015. A planning application was submitted in 2018 which secured outline planning consent in 2021 for the 52-acre employment land parcel, as well as 2,400 homes, of which at least 25% are proposed for affordable housing along with a primary school, district and local centres, green open spaces, community facilities and playing fields.
This is Hallam’s fourth sale at Pickford Gate. The previous transactions include the sale of 250 plots to the UK housebuilder Countryside Partnerships in March 2023 and the sale of 491 plots to David Wilson Homes in September 2024 as well as the 52 acres of employment land sold in November 2024. Hallam retains 1,027 plots for future sale on the site.
Self-employed warned of rising costs of later life care
Self-employed workers planning for their retirement across the UK could be at risk of significantly downplaying the possibility of needing later-in-life care, research from independent consultancy Barnett Waddingham finds.
The company, which has offices in Leeds, says more than a third of people expect their health and care costs to increase substantially well into their retirement, but fewer than one in five have fully factored having to go into care into their retirement plan even though the annual cost of care could be between £60-£70,000.
Mark Futcher, Partner and Head of DC at Barnett Waddingham, says: “There’s no doubt about it, the UK’s care crisis is deeper than we thought. As of now, Age UK estimates there are 2.6 million people aged 50+ in England unable to even access care; including hundreds of thousands stuck on waiting lists, or waiting for their needs to be assessed. Now, our data suggests that millions more are unlikely to even be able to afford it when they reach retirement.
“While there are numerous factors to take into account, what’s evident is that very few people are even thinking about their health or care considerations when planning for their retirement. As a result, we’re at risk of a growing population with woefully inadequate pension savings that could buckle under pressure at even the slightest sign of illness in retirement.
“While education, awareness and financial guidance will play an important part in fixing this problem; time and time again, the inadequacy of auto-enrolment workplace pension contributions is the main problem that must be resolved. With details of the Government’s highly-anticipated pensions review still to come, there’s an urgent need to fix our pension system to ensure better outcomes for retirees, whether they need care or not.”
More than half of those aged between 55 and 64, or those closest to retirement, expect health and care costs to remain stable in the first decade, and significant proportions – 38% and 30% – carry this belief into the second and third decades, respectively. And while fewer expect increased costs in their first decade (34%), more than two-fifths of this age group anticipate increased costs well into their fourth decade of retirement.
The findings raise concern that many workers could be significantly unprepared for, or unaware of the financial realities of retirement, particularly as care needs and costs often increase over time. A fifth (20%) expect that they will be retired for 10-15 years, but fewer (18%) said they considered their current health when estimating this, and just 20% their lifestyle decisions.
Lincoln company wins third-party accreditation for temperature control calibration
Lincoln-based AML Instruments has won third party accreditation from UKAS for its temperature calibration services.
It means the company can provide calibration services for a wide range of temperature measuring devices, ensuring accuracy and reliability that meet the highest international standards.
MD Alex Leeson said: “Achieving UKAS accreditation for our temperature calibration services is a significant step forward for AML Instruments. This accreditation is testament to our commitment to excellence and provides our customers with the assurance that their temperature measuring devices will deliver the highest accuracy, reliability, and compliance.
“We’re excited to support businesses across a diverse range of industries from automotive and aerospace to packaging and pharmaceuticals achieve optimal stability, repeatability, and the best possible temperature measuring results.”
Creation of Steel Council hailed as defining moment for industry in the UK
Establishment of a Steel Council in the UK marks a defining moment for the industry in the UK, according to Gareth Stace, Director General of the country’s trade body UK Steel.
Speaking after the council’s first meeting, he said: “The establishment of the Steel Council marks a defining moment for the future of steelmaking in Britain. The Council represents a crucial step towards creating a comprehensive Government Steel Strategy – one that lays the foundations for a sustainable and resilient industry.
“This strategy is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to foster a competitive business environment that encourages long-term investment and ensures steelmaking remains at the heart of the UK economy.
“We are committed to collaborating with the Government, trade unions, and industry partners to turn this vision into a shared success, securing the sustained growth that our sector, its workforce, and our communities rightfully deserve.”
The council has been launched by the UK Government to advise on rebuilding the industry with up to £2.5bn funding through its upcoming Steel Strategy. It brings together industry figures, experts, trade unions and devolved governments to secure the long-term future of steelmaking in the UK, and will meet regularly as the Government prepares to launch its strategy, providing a link between industry, workers, experts and government in every part of the UK.
British Steel’s Chief Commercial and Procurement Officer Allan Bell, who attended the first meeting, said: “Britain needs a strong and sustainable steel industry, and the new Steel Council can play an important role in helping deliver this.
“We look forward to working with the Government, and our fellow British steelmakers, to ensure the UK keeps making the steel it requires for generations to come.”
Test tube potion expert named as amongst UK’s top entrepreneurs
Barnsley businesswoman Leonie Briggs, who works with mini-inventions, test-tube potions, and rainbow explosions, has been named as one of the UK’s top 100 female entrepreneurs.
Leonie, thought to be the first Barnsley woman to be recognised as a trailblazer in Small Business Britain’s annual female entrepreneur awards, set up her interactive science education business Amazelab during Covid, since when she has introduced an estimated 250,00 young people to science.
She delivers fun and accessible STEAM workshops for children of all ages and abilities focused on exciting an interest in science; and encouraging young people to consider careers in sectors such as research, design, technology and engineering. This year she will provide a cosmic workshop in collaboration with the International Space Station and the UK Space Education Office as part of Mars Day on March 2.
Former science teacher Leonie, of Hoyland Common, said: “I love what I do; and I’m thrilled to be included in this year’s list of top female entrepreneurs. I’ll use every opportunity this provides to shout about the value of science education for all. I also want to highlight the many wonderful careers in science which are available to young people, especially in our region where there is so much industry and innovation.”
Leonie will attend a celebration event at Westminster on International Women’s Day on March 8, wearing an outfit made by another Hoyland Common entrepreneur – designer-dressmaker Jilly of Jilly’s Fashion.
Leonie added: “I’m passionate about science education and helping young people to discover new things, work things out and create stuff that make them go ‘Wow’. I never miss an opportunity to get out there and so many wonderful people and organisations have been in touch with me since Covid that I’ve been able to collaborate and deliver more and more – growing the business quicker than I could ever imagine.”
Siemens Mobility secures £560m contracts with HS2
Siemens Mobility has secured four contracts worth £560m for key infrastructure and long-term maintenance on HS2.
The company already building trains for London’s Underground at its manufacturing hub in Goole will join key contractors under the Rail Systems Alliance, playing a crucial role in the delivery and operation of the 140-mile high-speed railway connect London to the West Midlands.
The contracts Siemens Mobility has secured contracts covering trackside Automatic Train Operation (a first for a high-speed railway); Engineering Management; High-Voltage power supply systems; and designing and implementing Operational Telecommunications and Security Systems for the entire HS2 route.
All contracts are expected to start this year, and include long-term maintenance agreements, and potentially including additional options.
Rob Morris, Joint CEO, Siemens Mobility UKI said: “HS2 is going to transform rail travel in Britain, and we’re delighted to be playing a key part in delivering it.”
“Our work for HS2 will help in sustaining British jobs and skills from our UK based workforce, and in our 2,500 strong supply chain.”
“We’re already committed to investing £100m in a brand-new digital engineering, manufacturing and research and development centre in Chippenham which will now play a key role in delivering HS2.”
Doncaster bakery secures £250k loan under new ownership
A 60-year old bakery with two retail outlets in Doncaster has secured a £250,000 loan from Finance for Enterprise (FFE).
Rhodes of Thorne comprises two bakery deli and sandwich shops located in Doncaster. Both shops are located in popular high street locations and enjoy regular and passing trade.
Having been established for over 60 years, the business now under new ownership is very well known in the local area and has adapted from being just a bakery to offering hot and cold sandwiches and other sweet and savoury products.
The new owner is Zobeena Amin who was previously a teacher. Miss Amin’s plans for Rhodes of Thorne include developing additional markets and introducing new sweet and savoury products ranges.
She also intends to grow the wholesale side of the bakery business, improve ingredient buying power using existing suppliers, introduce a range of occasion cakes and open additional stores in the right location.
Zobeena said: “FFE have been really helpful and supportive throughout the loan application process, and I am now really excited about the prospect of owning my own business. There are many opportunities for Rhodes of Thorne to increase its brand awareness and customer base.
“I know from previous experience how much a website and using social media can positively impact sales and plan to use these digital marketing skills to deliver these improvements.”
Neil Wade, Senior Business Lending Manager from FFE, said: “Assisting entrepreneurs with ambitions to create jobs locally is a primary objective for FFE. With Zobeena’s enthusiasm we are sure her new venture will be a huge success and create further new jobs on the high street in Doncaster.”
Rhodes of Thorne was incorporated in 1960 and has been operated for the past 18 years by the previous owners Gail and Steven Jackson who are now retiring. The business currently employs 15 staff across the two sites and these jobs will be safeguarded by the change of ownership.
Brabners appoints new pensions leadership team in Leeds
Law firm Brabners has invested in its pensions team with the appointment of new senior leadership as significant pension reform remains a key focus of government policy.
Kim Jones has joined Brabners as head of pensions alongside new partner Nigel Jones, and will lead the team in supporting the firm’s national client base. The appointments come during a time of significant anticipated changes in the pensions sector as the government targets better outcomes for pension savers while seeking to drive growth by facilitating pension fund investment in the UK economy.
Based in Brabners’ Leeds office, both Kim and Nigel join the firm from Freeths and will continue to be supported by legal director Max Ballad who also joins Brabners. Collectively, the team hold more than 60 years of experience advising trustees and employers on all aspects of pensions law.
Nik White, managing partner at Brabners, said: “The pensions landscape has shifted significantly in the last three years, influenced by both the Truss administration’s mini-Budget and now the current government’s ambition to leverage pension funds to support UK economic growth through the creation of new megafunds.
“Kim, Nigel and Max’s combined experience puts us in an excellent position to guide clients through this period of reform and consolidation.
“It’s a pleasure to bring them on board and to see the broader Leeds office growing further.”
Kim Jones, head of pensions at Brabners, added: “2025 will continue to present challenges for those with responsibility for pension schemes as the government sets out to deliver the most significant reform in decades.
“For employers, funds and their trustees, the next few years will undoubtedly represent a period of change, and one they will need the support of experienced advisors to help them navigate.
“Working alongside Nigel, Max and the wider Brabners team, we very much intend to play our part in helping make the difference for clients old and new during what promises to be a period of profound change for public and private sector pensions.”
Power secured for more than a million sq ft of development in Doncaster and Leeds
Wilton Developments has appointed SSE Energy Solutions to deliver energy infrastructure for three of its forthcoming strategic Industrial & Logistics developments in the North of England; LEEDS500 adjacent the M1 east of Leeds, DoncasterNorth at J6 of the M18 and Dynamo Park at Stockton on Tees.
The partnership will include the design and construction of grid connected electrical infrastructure, providing power to around five million sq ft of industrial and logistics space.
The largest of the three sites, DoncasterNorth, will include one of the UK’s largest available single unit consents in MILLI+ at 1.15 million sq ft. Once complete, the networks will be operated by SSE’s Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO), Optimal Power Networks.
Prior to the appointment SSE Energy Solutions worked closely with Wilton to help navigate the challenge and complexities of the grid, while ensuring a flexible technical and commercial proposition was developed.
During the construction phases the partnership will explore how to support the wider sustainability targets for the sites, working to deliver an optimised energy system for Wilton and its occupiers.
Jason Stowe, Managing Director of Wilton Developments, said: “One of the key considerations for major I&L schemes, in addition to planning delivery, is power availability. We have worked hard alongside SSE Energy Solutions to formulate a robust and flexible solution for our future occupiers.
“It will give our prospective occupiers great comfort that a power solution has been formulated and is deliverable. We have been impressed with SSE Energy Solutions’ approach and we are very pleased to have them on board on these important projects to the Northern Powerhouse.”
Noel Powell, Head of Regeneration at SSE Energy Solutions, said: “We are proud to have been chosen by Wilton Developments to collaborate on these exciting projects. Whilst our immediate priority will be bringing power to the sites, our solution architects will work with the project team to integrate other energy solutions in line with our strategy of producing net zero networks.”
Grant Elder, Head of Optimal Power Networks, added: “We are very pleased to have been appointed as the IDNO on these three sites. We are looking forward to working closely with Wilton Developments and SSE Energy Solutions now and into the future, supporting their ambitions for growth and decarbonisation.”
Associated British Ports lodges planning application to develop land at Stallingborough Interchange site
Associated British Ports (ABP) has lodged a planning application for the development of land at its Stallingborough Interchange site to provide automotive open storage space to new and existing customers of the Ports of Immingham and Grimsby.
The port operator completed the purchase of the freehold of the 227.5-acre site in December last year.
An outline planning application has been submitted across 96 acres of the site to be targeted towards the automotive sector.
The planning application includes external storage and distribution of goods and products (Class B8) associated with port-related import-export activities; together with up to 12,000 square metres floor space of associated buildings, landscaping (including land for biodiversity net gain), infrastructure, ground mounted solar PVs and other associated works.
Andrew Dawes, Regional Director of the Humber ports, said: “This strategic investment in the growth of our Humber ports continues to ensure we maintain a leading position in the port sector. Supporting our customers expansion is also critical as it assists the investment in the region for jobs.
“Demand is expected to increase for energy generation, automotive storage, bulk warehousing, and storage and distribution uses and this new site will ensure the delivery of state-of-the-art infrastructure, facilities, and technological innovation for new and existing customers.”
Greg Lacey, Head of Property (Humber) for ABP, said: “A year after the purchase of what is such a significant investment site, we bring to fruition our shared ambition to create a major UK port logistics development.
“This is part of the wider Stallingborough development that will deliver up to a further 1.5m sq ft of industrial and manufacturing space across the remainder of the site that benefits from an existing planning consent.
“The site is one of the largest development land parcels in such proximity to the ports, and of significant scale versus wider opportunities in the Yorkshire region. The sizeable investment we made in this shows ABP is a key player in supporting the growth of commercial activities within the region.”
70 acres of the site will be developed for the automotive sector to support the growth at the Ports of Immingham and Grimsby for both existing customers for import and export and new entrants to the market. ABP will be looking to start on site next year with the scheme.
The remainder of the application provides green landscaping areas to boost biodiversity and a phase of ground mounted solar panels to provide green energy to the development.
New operator takes over Sheffield’s leisure centres and golf courses
This month Everyone Active has officially taken over as the new operator of Sheffield’s ten leisure centres and golf courses, making it the operator of Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, English Institute of Sport Sheffield, iceSheffield, Hillsborough Leisure Centre, Concord Leisure Centre, Springs Leisure Centre and Heeley Pool and Gym as well as three golf courses at Beauchief, Birley Wood, and Tinsley Park.
The appointment follows last year’s announcement that Sheffield City Council leisure and entertainment venues were set to receive £117m of investment including rebuilds of some of the city’s most popular leisure centres and improvements to Sheffield’s Arena and City Hall.
As part of these plans, a competitive procurement process was launched in a bid to attract the best in leisure and entertainment provision to run Sheffield’s venues, with Everyone Active the successful bidder.
Toni Gaskins, Regional Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: “It is a privilege to manage these state-of-the-art centres and we are proud to work in partnership with Sheffield City Council to maintain and enhance the spirit of sport and exercise within the city. We are really looking forward to sharing our exciting plans to improve health and well-being in Sheffield in the coming months.”
Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield is a city of sport, and we are incredibly proud of our sports and leisure facilities which thousands of people enjoy every day. Everyone Active bring a wealth of experience and expertise to help elevate our sport and leisure offer across the city even further.
“Our venues have played host to major sporting events and our facilities have cultivated talented athletes that have gone on to compete in the Olympics, world championships and at the highest level in their sport.”
2025 Business Predictions: Alexandra Fogal, Partner, Head of Private North, EY
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Alexandra Fogal, Partner, Head of Private North at EY.
The outlook for Yorkshire’s private mid-market appears bright and full of potential for 2025. Indeed, despite ongoing economic headwinds, including increasing employment costs and geopolitical tensions, there are reasons for optimism as we look forward to the year ahead.
There are several investment hotspots in Yorkshire, including renewables, as the UK’s drive towards net zero continues. Indeed, the focus from companies within the private mid-market on their ‘sustainability in business’ practices, especially led by regulation, ramped up substantially in 2024 – a trend that appears likely to continue throughout 2025.
Meanwhile, technology is another area with significant growth potential in 2025. The adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the integration of clean technology have been recent priorities for businesses in the region, and throughout the UK, which bodes well for tech growth prospects going forward.
Diving deeper on technology, the manufacturing industry is embracing significant transformation through the adoption of robotics, while the growing prominence of e-commerce is driving sustained changes in consumer habits, as well as supporting supply chain resilience.
Property is another area in which investment prospects appear bright for 2025 in Yorkshire, with urban regeneration real estate projects on the rise as businesses look to embed themselves in their communities to help drive regional growth. An apt recent example of this was EY’s move to its new Leeds office at Wellington Place.
Furthermore, for both Yorkshire and the UK more broadly, prospects for the Private Equity (PE) market appear promising for 2025, with market activity steadily increasing of late, and businesses likely to have access to higher levels of capital in the new year to help support and drive investments.
