Government must create right conditions for business, says BCC
It’s crucial that Government creates the right conditions for businesses to stay competitive and grow in communities across the UK, according to Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce.
Responding to the Prime Minister’s Plan For Change announcement she said it was good to hear the Prime Minister double down on his commitment to grow the economy and highlight the importance of reforming the planning system.
She said: “The target of 150 new infrastructure projects is one that business will welcome, with its potential to boost regions and reinvigorate supply chains – but there is still a huge gap between the what and the how and when.
“With a bruising budget forcing many firms to revisit their investment and hiring plans, the pathway to this promised growth needs to accelerate.
“The cost-of-living crisis and the cost of doing business – are two sides of the same coin. They can’t be dealt with in isolation. Boosting private sector investment is fundamental to improving the cost of living.
Yorkshire and Humber insolvency-related activities fall by a third in November
Insolvency-related activities fell sharply across the country in November, according to the latest research from the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body, R3.
In Yorkshire and the Humber, insolvency-related activities, which includes liquidator and administrator appointments and creditors’ meetings, were down by almost a third (29%), falling from 309 in October to 220 in November.
Insolvency-related activities dropped across every English region as well in Northern Ireland, which saw a 53% fall, with only Scotland seeing an increase (of 9%). Outside of Greater London, the North West had the highest number last month, at 382 – a figure that was down 13% on the previous month.
While insolvency-related activities decreased in November, R3’s analysis, which is based on data from business intelligence and credit checking provider Creditsafe, also revealed a decrease in the number of start-ups across the country in the same month.
In Yorkshire and the Humber there was a 16% decline in the number of start-ups, at 3,843, compared with 4,570 in October. Northern Ireland saw the highest percentage decrease in entrepreneurial activity with a fall of 28%, while the South West saw a drop of 22%.
Dave Broadbent, chair of R3 in Yorkshire and partner at Begbies Traynor in York and Teesside, said: “The fall in the numbers of start-ups is concerning, and is likely to be an extension of the general business confidence plunge that we have witnessed in the aftermath of the Autumn Budget.
“While entrepreneurs and businesses take time to absorb the consequences of the Budget for their future plans, the hope is that announcements early in 2025 on tax reform, industrial strategy and infrastructure may help boost growth and provide a lift to start-up numbers too.”
He added: “In the meantime, for businesses facing financial problems, whether as a result of the Chancellor’s Budget announcements or otherwise, we would always urge them to seek advice from qualified professionals to achieve the most positive outcome possible.”
County Council plans £20m investment to boost business growth
An investment of £20m over four years will be made by Lincolnshire County Council to fund business growth projects in the county.
The council’s executive have agreed to use the council’s own money for economic development to encourage and support businesses to start up, grow and re-locate to the county.
The money will be used to expand business parks, create new office spaces and to build a new facility supporting manufacturing companies to get the skills and expertise they need to thrive.
Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We know that in many parts of the county there is a limited amount of suitable serviced land for businesses to grow or re-locate to. This investment means we can keep businesses in the county and provide around 3000 new high quality jobs.
“It also means that, with the devolution investment in Sleaford Moor Business Park, there will be significant investment in business infrastructure in every district of the county in the coming years.”
The decision is based on the acknowledgement that the Lincolnshire economy has several important sectors providing value locally whilst contributing to national propsperity. These include food manufacturing, defence, and advanced manufacturing. Each of
these sectors presents significant economic opportunity, but potential growth is
constrained by the availability of suitable sites.
Similarly, small businesses in some parts of the county say their growth is constrained by the availability of sites or business units that they can grow into.
New industrial units to be built near Holbeach
A new-build scheme of 22,000 sq ft of industrial & office space on a 1.23 acre site just north of Holbeach has been launched.
The scheme is Stirlin Innovation Park, which received planning approval earlier this year for a dozen high-specification purpose built industrial business units.
The South Lincolnshire FEZ is home to a range of public and private sector partners involved in pioneering further developments in the county’s key AgriTech sector, including the University of Lincoln.
According to agents Eddisons, the development offers the chance to be in a central part of the UK Food Valley where, in producing 30 per cent of the country’s vegetable & salad production, satellite and associated business opportunities look set to grow further in the AgriTech sector.
Work on site is expected to start early next year, with the units scheduled for completion later in 2025.
Mercia passes £5m milestone from Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II
Mercia Debt – which manages part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) – has marked a key milestone, having provided over £5m in debt finance since the launch of the fund earlier this year.
Mercia has provided a total of £5.5m in business loans to 17 companies covering a wide range of sectors, with the majority based in Yorkshire and Humber.
They include Change Accountants in York, Thornton Park Farm near Sowerby Bridge which is setting up a glamping site, Ilkley-based Talk Straight which provides broadband and cloud services to schools, Leeds cybersecurity firm Xentra, Lab Systems Furniture of Hull and Birkenhead-based energy and environmental consultancy Inteb.
Pete Sorsby, Fund Principal at Mercia Debt, said the new fund had generated strong interest from the business and advisory community, with many more deals in the pipeline. “Debt funding plays a critical role in supporting business growth,” he said. “Our mission is to help SMEs in the North to access the finance they need, particularly those that might otherwise not receive it.
“Mercia provided over £77m in debt funding to almost 300 companies through the first Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF I) which resulted in some fantastic growth stories. The latest fund builds on the success of NPIF I, however the maximum loan amount has increased to £2m and the fund has additional flexibility which enables us to support a wider range of business sectors.
“We have also worked hard to build our networks and extend our reach into different areas and communities to make them aware of the funding available. As a result we are already seeing a more diverse mix in terms of the type of businesses, founders and locations. We are looking forward to working with them as they build their business and to speaking with other ambitious entrepreneurs seeking funding for growth.”
Lincoln business celebrates 10 years of gourmet gifting with £3m turnover, expansion and ambitious growth plans
From kitchen table to £3 million turnover, Lincoln-based The British Hamper Company is celebrating 10 years of business success as it gears up for its busiest Christmas and unveils plans to double its turnover by 2026.
The family-run business, which was founded in 2014 from a gazebo at the family home, was born from a shared enthusiasm for great food, British individuality and a love of gift giving.
After a decade of business growth, it has marked its landmark year with a number of major milestones including a branding overhaul, the launch of its products into wholesale, expansion of its Lincolnshire premises and growth of its senior team.
The business is now preparing to fulfil more than 2,000 orders a day over the Christmas period, with the creation of 30 additional seasonal jobs.
This year The British Hamper Company has rolled out an ambitious growth strategy as it forecasts a £6 million turnover by 2026.
Central to this growth is the launch of a wholesale product range, which will see its artisan food and drink products, including Cornish Fudge, All Butter Cheddar Biscuits, Lemon Butter Shortbread, Raspberry Zing Jam, fine teas, and handcrafted sweets, sold in gourmet food stores across the UK and rest of world for the first time.
To meet growing demand from consumers, corporate gifting clients and its growth into the wholesale market, this year the business has significantly expanded its Lincoln-based warehouse facilities. The investment into its premises has increased its storage capacity by 36%, bringing the total operational area to approximately 15,000 square feet.
With 35% of its orders being sent to recipients overseas, The British Hamper Company has also opened a European distribution hub in the Netherlands to streamline its distribution to global markets and to help support its global growth ambitions.
The business has been further bolstered with the appointment of three new senior positions including an Export Sales Manager, National Wholesale Account Manager and Marketing Manager, taking the total number of permanent employees to 20.
With a commitment to supporting the local community, 2024 saw the business form a partnership with Lincoln City Football Club.
“Celebrating 10 years of The British Hamper Company is an incredible milestone for us as a family and as a business,” says Alice Tod, Sales Director of the Lincoln-based business.
“This year has been particularly transformative, from unveiling a refreshed brand identity to launching our wholesale range – we’re immensely proud of how far we’ve come. It all started from humble beginnings in a gazebo at our family home, we are now proud to be a multimillion pound business at the heart of the luxury gifting market.
“Throughout this journey, our Lincolnshire roots have been a constant source of inspiration and pride.”
James Tod, Managing Director, continued: “Lincolnshire has provided us with a strong foundation to grow, from the talented local workforce to the support of the community that has championed us every step of the way.
“This year, we’ve expanded our premises to meet rising demand, creating more jobs and investing in our future, all while staying true to our local heritage. Our new partnership with Lincoln City Football Club is a further example of how we’re staying connected to the region that means so much to us.
“As we reach the end of our anniversary year and prepare for our busiest Christmas yet, we remain committed to delivering exceptional gifts that showcase the very best of British craftsmanship and quality. We’re excited about what the future holds and look forward to sharing this next chapter with our loyal customers and partners.”
cardfactory steps into the US with acquisition
cardfactory, the Wakefield-headquartered retailer of greeting cards and gifts, has entered the US gifts and celebration essentials market with the $25m acquisition of Garven Holdings and its subsidiaries.
Garven trades as Garven Design and Cadence Packaging and is a leader in the design and wholesale of gifts and celebration essentials, based in Minnesota.
Garven has an established customer base of general and speciality retailers which will allow cardfactory to further explore design and buying synergies, alongside opportunities to introduce its own ranges into the US wholesale market.
Chief Operating Officer, Anne Schulze and Chief Financial Officer, Walter Jungbauer will continue to manage the Garven business.
Darcy Willson-Rymer, cardfactory Chief Executive Officer, said: “The acquisition of Garven is an important strategic milestone in our partnerships strategy. Together with our separate wholesale supply agreement covering over 1,100 stores across the US, it establishes a physical presence in the US market.
“Over a number of years, Garven has built a reputation as a trusted brand known for its quality products and impressive design capabilities, with Anne and Walter building an excellent customer proposition. We are excited to welcome the Garven team to cardfactory and look forward to building upon their existing commercial relationships, as well as forging new ones.
“International partnerships are a key component of our growth strategy. This acquisition is a key step in delivering the growth from partnerships as we guided at our Capital Markets Update in May last year. Garven represents an exciting opportunity for cardfactory to build scale in the world’s biggest celebration occasions market.”
Yorkshire-based Advanced Alloy Services set for expansion with £20m funding package
Advanced Alloy Services, a South Yorkshire-based supplier of high purity metals, revert and toll-process for the manufacture of high temperature superalloys, has received a £20m funding package from Santander Corporate and Commercial Banking.
The package includes a £10m General Export Finance facility (GEF), £10m Invoice Finance, FX facilities, and transactional banking, which will enable Advanced Alloy Services to grow its business both domestically and internationally, as it pursues its strategy for growth in the UK, US and Asia. The arrangement offers the metals business flexibility, tailored to its needs.
The new financing agreement will also allow the business to expand its partnerships with UK universities to research and develop new critical metals recovery processes with material from secondary sources.
Financial support from Santander will facilitate these crucial innovation projects and help the UK develop security of supply of critical minerals and metals, essential for key infrastructure projects.
Metal recovery projects will also help towards Net Zero targets, by reducing reliance of metals from primary sources and corresponding high carbon emissions from mining and refining processes.
Advanced Alloy Services Ltd was founded in 1993. The business has a turnover of £56.7m and in May received its first prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade. The firm employs over 40 people who are all based in the Dinnington, South Yorkshire premises.
Stephen Hall, Managing Director, Advanced Alloy Services, said: “With our new financing arrangement, Santander has differentiated themselves from other banks. Crucially, they have demonstrated support for the UK metals industry and with it the UK Critical Mineral Strategy, helping security of supply essential for key infrastructure.”
Liz Pickering, Relationship Director, Santander Corporate and Commercial, added: “We are delighted to have supported Advanced Alloy Services and delivered a bespoke refinance package which will support the company’s exciting opportunity for UK and international growth.
“Advanced Alloy Services Ltd is a well-established local business growing in its sector. The remit at the outset from the management team was to provide a flexible funding solution to enable the metal supplier to maximise international growth, which we achieved by working alongside UKEF.
“This has been collaborative approach, and we look forward to continue working with the Advanced Alloy team.”
£40m funding from Octopus Real Estate to deliver three new care homes
Octopus Real Estate has announced £40 million of funding for three new purpose-built care homes in the Octopus Healthcare Fund’s (OHF) portfolio of over 100 homes.
These new care homes will provide a total of over 200 beds, each with a private wet room, having been funded as part of a strategic partnership with operator Torwood Care.
The sites are prominently located in Durham, Worksop and Bradford, and will operate as Tanglewood Care. The homes, which are being developed by Torsion Care, will be fully electric, powered by air source heat pumps and featuring solar panels. All homes are targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’, contributing to the Fund’s ESG performance and net zero targets.
These acquisitions mark sites three, four and five of a seven-home forward funding portfolio with Torwood Care, a joint venture partnership between Torsion Care and Tanglewood Care.
The three new homes are expected to open in the first half of 2026.
Forsters LLP acted for the Fund on all three acquisitions.
Max Weitzmann, Investment Director, Care Homes, Octopus Real Estate, said: “We’re pleased to build on our partnership with Torwood Care, an experienced and well-respected operator. We have now worked together on the development of five best-in-class elderly care homes across the UK, totalling over 350 beds.
“It’s another example of Octopus Real Estate’s commitment to delivering quality, sustainable homes that are fit for the future and meet the needs of society. We look forward to working with Torwood on additional developments going forward, working together to address the undersupply of high-quality care beds across the UK.”
Nick Kempster, Director, Torwood Care, said: “At Torwood, we believe that everyone has the right to live in a home that is fit for their needs, and we take great pride in providing quality care in comfortable, relaxed and homely surroundings.
“The developments we have funded with the Octopus team are a prime example of that commitment; we’re delighted to be working with Octopus Real Estate to fund and operate these three purpose-built care facilities.”
Martin Hutson, Director, Torsion Care, said: “We’re thrilled to have secured project funding with Octopus Real Estate to enable us to deliver three more excellent schemes in an increasingly demanding market. We are expanding our own development portfolio and are excited to continue working with both teams.”
West Yorkshire Mayor unveils multibillion-pound growth plan
The Mayor of West Yorkshire has today (5 December) set out a Local Growth Plan that will transform the region, boost the economy and put more money in people’s pockets.
The ten-year Local Growth Plan, published ahead of a meeting of regional leaders next week (12 December), is projected to support the creation of 33,000 new jobs and add £26 billion to the UK economy, according to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
The plan sets out the Combined Authority’s commitment to invest £7 billion targeted at supporting businesses to grow, ensuring people have the skills they need to succeed, building a quick and reliable public transport system, and creating vibrant places with affordable and sustainable homes for all.
The five priorities of the Local Growth Plan are:
- Boosting the region’s fastest growing business sectors, including financial and professional services, advanced manufacturing and engineering, life sciences and health technologies, and the creative industries.
- Supporting small and medium-sized businesses to grow and succeed, with greater access to finance, skills, workspace, innovation, markets, promotion, and a supportive eco-system of public-private partnerships.
- Building a region of learning and creativity, where people of all ages and backgrounds can access the qualifications, skills and employment support they need to secure well-paid work and fulfil their potential.
- Creating a better-connected and integrated transport network, with more reliable and frequent bus services under local control, greater rail capacity to reduce congestion and journey times, and a new tram system fully integrated with bus and rail to connect the entire region.
- Developing thriving places, with warm and affordable homes for all, safer communities free from crime and antisocial behaviour, neighbourhoods resilient to flooding and the impacts of climate change, and greater access to culture, heritage and sport for everyone.
UK signs North Sea fishing industry agreement with EU and Norway
A new trilateral deal with the EU and Norway has secured UK fisheries more than 290,000 tonnes of North Sea stocks, worth up to £310m based on historic landing prices.
The deal agreed catch limits on six fish stocks including cod, haddock and herring in the North Sea and other waters around the UK.
Fisheries Minister Daniel Zeichner says the opportunities secured by the UK will support a sustainable and economically successful fishing sector, which in turn will back coastal communities by providing local jobs and boost economic growth.
The agreement also highlights all parties’ continued commitment to ensure the long-term sustainability of shared stocks.
Sustainability is at the heart of the UK’s approach to negotiations, pushing for decisions based on the best available science to protect key stocks and support the long-term viability of the UK fishing industry.
Advice from scientists at the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea is the starting point for the UK’s approach and, where possible, catch limits have been set at or below these advised levels. Economic and social considerations are appropriately balanced alongside this scientific advice.
The outcome of annual fisheries negotiations will be published in the Secretary of State determination of fishing opportunities for British boats by the end of the year.
Secretary of State promises support for UK steel industry
Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds has pledged Government support for Britain’s steelmakers.
At a Steel Summit in Parliament Mr Reynolds said the strategy, due for publication next spring, would be a turning point for the industry.
The event was organised by our trade body UK Steel and brought together key industry figures to discuss the measures required to help the sector thrive. The industry wants a competitive business landscape to attract additional investment, a level playing field to give industry a fair chance to gain market share, and strategic expansion of steelmaking capacity and capability.
British Steel’s Strategy and Marketing Director Lisa Coulson said: “The UK needs a strong and vibrant steel industry and British Steel plans to be at the centre of it – ensuring the UK’s infrastructure needs are met.
“We are the UK’s only manufacturer of rail and heavy sections for construction, and our highly-skilled colleagues also excel in making wire rod and special profiles.
“We were pleased to hear the Secretary of State outline the Government’s commitment to this country’s steel industry.
“Together we look forward to continuing to work with the Government, and our fellow British steel companies, to ensure we build a sustainable future for this country’s steelmakers, our employees, and thousands of more people in our supply chains.”
Prep work starts on South Yorkshire manufacturing base for revolutionary aircraft
Hybrid Air Vehicles has begun survey and preparatory work in readiness to build its revolutionary new aircraft on a 50-hectare site at Carcroft Common in Doncaster.
It’s the Airlander 10, which will be able to carry 100 passengers mobility or a ten-tonne payload of freight
The step comes after work in partnership with the City of Doncaster Council to release the first instalment of a £7m loan from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
The is planned to house flagship facilities for Airlander 10’s production, testing and certification operations, and be able to build up to 24 aircraft per year.
It is also expected to establish new supply chains within the South Yorkshire Investment Zone and open up more than 1,200 new, highly-skilled green jobs in the region.
Nick Allman, COO of Hybrid Air Vehicles, said: “We welcome the release of the first instalment of the £7m loan from SYMCA. Alongside the investment that we are bringing to this programme, it allows our team to progress the planning permission submission for the Airlander 10 production site at Carcroft Common, advancing several steps on our production site such as completing surveys and ground investigations, as well as engaging key design and planning suppliers.
“This is a major step in creating a pioneering facility to assemble fleets of Airlander 10 aircraft, as well as establishing a hub for advanced manufacturing and sustainable aviation in Doncaster, bringing with it new opportunities, jobs and apprenticeships in South Yorkshire.”
The company has now opened an office at Cavendish Court in Doncaster to establish a presence in the city and provide a base for HAV employees while work gets under way at the Carcroft Common site.
Accident management specialist moves to larger premises at Dean Clough
Dean Clough-based accident management solutions company Activate Group has moved to a 50% larger space at the Halifax complex.
The Group has relocated from existing premises at Dean Clough to support expansion.
Founded in 2015 Activate Group employs more than 700 people nationwide, providing end-to-end accident management services to the fleet and insurance industries. Clients include Tesco, AXA, Holman, Direct line, Marshmallow and RSA.
Earlier this year Activate Group announced a major investment deal with Elysian Capital to fuel rapid growth plans for the business. This includes investment in expanding its headquarters at Dean Clough.
Adrian Furness, Managing Director at Activate Group, said: “We are pleased to be able to expand our headquarters whilst maintaining our established presence a Dean Clough. The historic mill complex has been home to Activate Group since inception and delivers a plethora of exceptional spaces and amenity for our team.
“Halifax itself is one of the biggest providers of insurance services in the UK and provides us with unparalleled opportunities for growth. We are expanding our presence here because of the incredible talent pipeline and the town’s commitment to nurturing skills through partnerships with local schools, colleges, and apprenticeship programmes.
“The Dean Clough team knew exactly what we wanted with our upgrade and presented several options. They supported us through every step, helping to make the process straightforward.”
Activate Group has relocated from a 9,000 sq ft premises in F Mill to 14,000 sq ft of refurbished, space in D Mill at Dean Clough.
Forgemasters names 23 new apprentices
Sheffield Forgemasters is taking on 23 new apprentices for a variety of roles in the developing work done by the business.
They will start at a variety of levels as part of the delivery of complex components for the UK defence programme, including for the new SSN-AUKUS submarine, which will replace Astute Class vessels.
Emily Wynne, People Development Advisor – Early Careers, said: “We are continuing to seek out the best candidates for our apprenticeships programme as we look to upskill the next generation of employees and to preserve the skills we already have.
“The company’s transformation covers both its physical assets and its skill set as we move into a high-technology engineering sphere.
“We need to adapt our capabilities to meet the future demands of our defence work, but we are also expanding in areas such as civil nuclear and renewable energy and require a workforce that will be trained to understand and exploit the very different technologies and workplace that recapitalisation will deliver.
“It is great to welcome these new starters to our site for the first time and to see so much enthusiasm for their future careers.”
Sheffield Forgemasters is investing heavily over the next ten years to support defence-critical assets, including a new 13,000 tonne Forge line and building, 17 major machine tool replacements within a new, 30,000m2 machining facility, which will be unmatched outside of the UK.
Emily added: “Sheffield Forgemasters’ apprenticeship programme is recognised as one of the best across the region, and to be able to provide future generations with the opportunity to have an exciting, meaningful career with skills which are for life, is extremely rewarding to us.
“As we welcome the new apprentices, we are already working on a recruitment drive for our 2025 apprentice intake, which will be launched in the coming months via the company website and social media channels.”
This year’s apprentices intake covers roles in the following disciplines; Site Services, Machining, Non Destructive Testing, Projects, Quality Control, Work Rolls, IT, Recapitalisation, Distribution, Test House and Finance and includes one degree apprentice, studying Metallurgy at Sheffield Hallam University.
APSS named finalists in Lincolnshire Construction and Property Awards 2025
Commercial design and fit out company APSS has been named as finalists in both the Design Consultant of the Year and Development Project of the Year (Under £5m) categories for the Lincolnshire Construction and Property Awards 2025, cementing its reputation as a leader in innovative design and development in the region.
Organised by the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, the awards celebrate excellence, innovation, and sustainability in the construction and property sector. APSS’s nominations highlight its dedication to delivering creative, client-focused solutions that combine cutting-edge design with practical functionality.
Recognition for Exceptional Design
The nomination for Design Consultant of the Year in conjunction with Bainland Lodge Retreats, underscores APSS’s commitment to providing tailored, high-quality design services.
“Our team takes immense pride in creating designs that not only look stunning but also enhance functionality and user experience,” said Laurence Barrass, Managing Director of APSS. “Being named finalists in this category is a testament to the creativity and hard work of our talented designers.”
Spotlight on Development Excellence
The second nomination, Development Project of the Year (under £5m), celebrates the standout project of LEW Electrical Distributors’ new headquarters in Gainsborough. It showcases APSS’s expertise in project management and execution. The project, completed earlier this year, exemplifies APSS’s ability to transform spaces while meeting the highest standards of sustainability and efficiency.
Stuart Marsland, Sales Director for APSS, said: “This project truly reflects our ethos of combining visionary design with practical implementation. Being recognised in this category is a huge honour and validates the efforts of everyone involved.”
Innovation and Collaboration at the Core
At the heart of APSS’s success lies a dedication to fostering strong partnerships with clients and stakeholders. The company’s collaborative approach ensures that every project is tailored to the client’s unique requirements, resulting in spaces that are not only visually striking but also highly functional and future-ready.
Over the past year, APSS has placed a particular emphasis on sustainable design and development, incorporating eco-friendly materials and practices into its projects.
Laurence added: “We are thrilled to be finalists in these awards. It’s a reflection of the hard work, creativity, and passion that drives our entire team. At APSS, we strive to deliver excellence in everything we do, and these nominations highlight the impact we’re making in the Lincolnshire construction and property sector. Regardless of the outcome, we are incredibly proud to be recognised alongside some of the Lincolnshire’s best.”
“Our team takes immense pride in creating designs that not only look stunning but also enhance functionality and user experience,” said Laurence Barrass, Managing Director of APSS. “Being named finalists in this category is a testament to the creativity and hard work of our talented designers.”
Spotlight on Development Excellence
The second nomination, Development Project of the Year (under £5m), celebrates the standout project of LEW Electrical Distributors’ new headquarters in Gainsborough. It showcases APSS’s expertise in project management and execution. The project, completed earlier this year, exemplifies APSS’s ability to transform spaces while meeting the highest standards of sustainability and efficiency.
Stuart Marsland, Sales Director for APSS, said: “This project truly reflects our ethos of combining visionary design with practical implementation. Being recognised in this category is a huge honour and validates the efforts of everyone involved.”
Innovation and Collaboration at the Core
At the heart of APSS’s success lies a dedication to fostering strong partnerships with clients and stakeholders. The company’s collaborative approach ensures that every project is tailored to the client’s unique requirements, resulting in spaces that are not only visually striking but also highly functional and future-ready.
Over the past year, APSS has placed a particular emphasis on sustainable design and development, incorporating eco-friendly materials and practices into its projects.
Laurence added: “We are thrilled to be finalists in these awards. It’s a reflection of the hard work, creativity, and passion that drives our entire team. At APSS, we strive to deliver excellence in everything we do, and these nominations highlight the impact we’re making in the Lincolnshire construction and property sector. Regardless of the outcome, we are incredibly proud to be recognised alongside some of the Lincolnshire’s best.” Jobs saved as manufacturer of decorating sundries sold
Enact Fund II, the UK special situations fund managed by Endless LLP, has sold Bartoline Limited, the Beverley-based manufacturer of decorating sundries for the home improvement industry, to Paramount Retail Group Holdings Limited.
The management team of Bartoline has been working with advisors in recent weeks to review options for the company, in view of the very significant trading challenges that it continues to face.
Yesterday (3 December) Jonny Marston and Joanna Bull of professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP were appointed as Joint Administrators to the company.
Immediately following the appointment, Bartoline has been sold to Paramount via a pre-packaged deal process. Paramount is acquiring the business and assets of Bartoline, and all staff will move under TUPE to the new owner, preserving the jobs of 89 employees.
Bartoline was originally an investment by Enact Fund II in March 2021 to support its growth ambitions.
While sales volumes for Bartoline in the immediate post-Covid period declined as expected, it has not been possible to fully reflect higher labour and raw material costs in more recent pricing, which has inevitably impacted cash flow.
Jonny Marston, Managing Director, Alvarez & Marsal, said: “Bartoline had been heavily impacted by challenging market conditions, which has been experienced across several sectors in the wake of the pandemic.
“We are delighted to have completed a sale to Paramount which will see the business continue to operate from its base in Beverley, safeguarding all jobs.”
Chris Cormack, Partner of Bartoline’s majority shareholder, Enact Fund II, said: “We have been very supportive of the business, investing significant capital and time since acquiring Bartoline in 2021. We worked closely with management to recruit additional skills and experience, as well as backing an expansion of production capacity.
“However, a more normalised post-Covid revenue profile has been unable to absorb higher costs beyond the company’s control. We wish the management and staff of Bartoline well as they enter a new phase of recovery under a new owner.”
Danieli lets former Rotherham business park base to medical equipment manufacturer
Process equipment supplier to the metals industry Danieli has let its former Rotherham business park base to a medical equipment manufacturer which is expanding its global footprint.
Wassenburg Ltd, which is a world leader in manufacturing endoscope reprocessing products and solutions, has taken a five-year lease, at a headline rent of £8.95 per sq ft, of a 10,900 sq ft modern warehouse and office unit at Ignite @ Magna Business Park.
Danieli recently relocated to the Advanced Manufacturing Park in a new purpose-built office, laboratory and distribution centre and joins occupiers including Rolls-Royce and the UK Atomic Energy Authority and McLaren Automotive.
Andrew Betts, Managing Director of Danieli, said: “As part of Danieli’s relocation to the Advanced Manufacturing Park following significant expansion, Knight Frank was appointed to market our former premises which offered a high quality, industrial/business unit, with above average office content.
“Following strong interest, a letting to Wassenburg was agreed and Nick Wales of Knight Frank Sheffield has been retained to sell the investment.”
Rebecca Schofield of Knight Frank, who dealt with the letting, said: “The Ignite at Magna Development continues to prove popular; the premises are of high quality and are well located with easy access to J33 and 34 M1.
“Unit 4 Ignite was well received to the market and the layout and fit out proved attractive to occupiers. Wassenburg was attracted to the quality of the unit and the split between office and warehouse space, and it is great to see them relocate and expand in the area.”
Rakesh Javer, Managing Director at Wassenburg, added: “We are delighted to relocate to Unit 4 Ignite. The high-quality facilities and strategic location provide the perfect base for our operations as we continue to expand and serve our customers more effectively.”
Refurbishment of Temple Mill gate lodge completes, testing repair solution prototype for Temple Works
Property development and investment company, CEG, has completed the extensive refurbishment of the Grade II* listed Gate Lodge, located adjacent to Temple Mill with its famous Egyptian façade.
The extensive programme of repair work was designed to seek the removal of the building from the Historic England Heritage at Risk Register in its 2025 publication. The project was also a prototype for the masonry repair of the Mill’s east elevation.
CEG’s project manager, Aaron Duggan, explains: “Our specialist team started work on the Grade II* listed Gate Lodge in spring 2023, with the key ambition of seeing the building’s removal from the Heritage At Risk Register next year.
“We have opened up the structure, removed the remnant roof slab, repaired, repointed and pinned fractured masonry, replaced corroded cast iron ties and reinstated the roof structure before laying a modern roof covering and fitting sash windows and new doors.”
The works were made possible due to a funding contribution from Historic England. CEG was supported by a team including contractor Pinnacle Conservation Limited, principal designer, Sycamore Square Group, ARUP’s structural engineers and Stephen Levrant Heritage Architecture.
Giles Proctor, Historic England Architect, said: “The successful restoration of the Gate Lodge marks a significant milestone for the Temple Works site. Through our funding support and working alongside CEG and their specialist team, we’re proud to have helped secure the future of this important historic building
“The high-quality conservation work undertaken gives us confidence that the Gate Lodge will be removed from the Heritage at Risk Register in 2025, ensuring it can be enjoyed by future generations.”
Multi-million pound deal sealed for 14-acre Hull site
Investors have snapped up a 14-acre site in Hull’s growing industrial, manufacturing and renewables sector heartlands in a multi-million pound deal.
The Century Yard site is opposite Green Port Hull on Hedon Road, where Siemens, alongside Associated British Ports (ABP) and Hull City Council, have invested more than £300m into creating wealth and employment for the region.
Now, commercial property specialists Garness Jones have overseen a deal which has seen another sprawling industrial site sold to BVG Property Investments.
Managing Director David Garness says it offers ‘a land of opportunity’ to its new owners: “This has been a very pleasing deal to be involved with at Garness Jones as it is rare for the freehold of a site of this size, in a location of such strategic importance to the region with regards to its proximity to the dock facilities, Green Port Hull and other major businesses, to become available on the market.
“Having gone to market an excellent price was secured for the vendor, and it really is a land of opportunity for BVG Property Investments, an expanding commercial property company who now have this site which has more than seven acres still undeveloped.”
BVG Property Investments have now also instructed Garness Jones to act for them in an advisory role to help develop the site.
“We are delighted that the new owners have asked us to work in partnership with them moving forward to make sure their investment is maximized, along with providing support on a number of other property projects,” added Mr Garness.
“Not only have they purchased a site which is already home to a number of businesses and generating excellent rental income from tenants, but one which is at the nerve centre of many growing industries in our region.
“It is a prime spot to attract businesses looking at what is happening in Hull and the East Riding and considering investing in the region, at a time when we are set to benefit from further growth as a result of the recently agreed £400m devolution deal.
“As the city and region is set to benefit from new investment, it is essential that facilities are provided to ensure we attract and retain businesses in growth sectors. We look forward to working together on the development of Century Yard over the coming years.”
