A yarn manufacturer has become an employee-owned business to preserve the company’s Yorkshire heritage and drive long-term growth.
Founded in 1907 by George Laxton and Gordon Holmes, Laxtons Specialist Yarns has become one of Europe’s leading yarn manufacturers. Headquartered in Baildon, the company has expanded to supply yarns to clients across the UK and over 20 overseas markets.
James Laxton (and his family), fourth generation Owner and Managing Director have passed on full control of the business to its workforce thanks to the creation of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
Management hope the transition into employee ownership will drive the business forward, retaining its culture and Yorkshire identity while putting all 30 employees at the heart of decision making. The EOT also means employees will now hold an indirect stake in the business.
James Laxton, Managing Director since 2001 will continue in his role under the new model, ensuring a smooth transition to employee ownership. Carly Smith (Sales and Marketing Director Designate) and Paulius Ramanauskas (Operations Director Designate) have also been appointed director designates to lead Laxton’s new direction.
Laura Marks and Martin Cooper from the share plans and reward team, alongside Tim Parr, at audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK advised on the deal, providing structuring and tax advice.
Laura Marks, Associate Director at RSM UK, said: “Working with James and the team, we recognised the importance of finding a solution which supported their long-term ambitions while retaining the company’s Yorkshire history and legacy, as well as preserving its culture for the future.
“The transition to employee ownership reflects the company’s commitment to its people by empowering them to actively contribute to its future. It has been a pleasure to advise the company, and I’m sure it will flourish with the employees sharing in its success.”
James Laxton, Managing Director at Laxtons Specialist Yarns, said: “This transition presents an extraordinary opportunity for everyone here at Laxtons Specialist Yarns. It not only secures our legacy but also ensures that our skills and dedication to this industry will thrive for generations to come.
“RSM UK has played a crucial role in shaping the future of Laxtons. Together we’ve built something meaningful, and I look forward to what we will continue to accomplish together.”
Work starts on 132 new affordable Doncaster homes
Great Places has started work on 132 new affordable homes in the next phase of the Pheasant Hill Park neighbourhood on the former colliery site in Rossington, Doncaster.
The development, to be delivered in partnership with Harworth Group and Vistry-owned Countryside Partnerships, will be a mix of 1-bed apartments and two, three and four-bed homes all available for affordable rent.
The project has been developed in close collaboration with Doncaster Council to address local housing needs. The new low-carbon homes will include a range of features including air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points.
The development is the latest phase to be approved of the wider Pheasant Hill site of 1,400 new homes and a mix of commercial and community facilities which forms a key part of a wider ‘Gateway to the Sheffield City region’ programme.
Commenting on the planning approval Nick Gornall, Great Places Director of Development, said: “Securing approval for this next phase of Pheasant Hill Park is a significant milestone for Great Places.
“We’re pleased to be working in partnership with Harworth Group and Countryside Partnerships to deliver 132 much-needed affordable homes in Rossington.
“The development not only addresses the local housing needs but also aligns with our commitment to sustainability.
“We’re proud to contributing to the wider ‘Gateway to the Sheffield City region’ programme, creating a vibrant and sustainable community for the future.”
James Crow, Director of Mixed Tenure at Haworth Group, added: “We are delighted to be working with Great Places and Countryside Partnerships to deliver these new sustainable affordable homes at our Pheasant Hill Park development.
“This is our third forward funding transaction with Great Places in under 12 months and shows the advantages partnership working can bring to accelerate the delivery of much needed affordable homes across the region.”
Andrew Poyner, Managing Director at Vistry West Yorkshire, said: “We already have a long established relationship with Great Places across the North West, and we are proud to be working with them again as well as Harworth Group here in Rossington to help address the acute housing shortage in the area. Work has started on site and the development is due to be completed in Spring 2027.”
Work completes at Gradient Mill, supporting transformation of Wakefield’s waterfront into creative hub
Gradient Mill – part of the multi-million regeneration of Wakefield’s waterfront – has completed.
A ribbon cutting event was held to mark the completion of work and handover of the building, which features a vibrant mix of spaces for hospitality venues and four floors of flexible workspaces accommodating teams and individuals.
Gradient Mill is part of the final phase of the Tileyard North development and reflects the site’s ongoing commitment to transforming Wakefield into a thriving hub for the creative industries and local community.
The building includes new communal spaces and amenities, making it a destination for businesses, freelancers, and creatives.
The project is the final piece in a masterplan that turns Wakefield’s historic riverside into becoming a significant cultural destination in the North of England.
Paul Kempe, Owner & Co-Founder of Tileyard North, said: “The handover of Gradient Mill marks a pivotal milestone in the project’s journey, supporting the transformation of Wakefield’s Waterfront into a thriving creative hub.
“This is an exciting time for Tileyard North, as it opens the door to new opportunities for growth and innovation in our community. We want to celebrate and extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this vision a reality and the collaborations that have been instrumental in bringing this development to life.”
Cllr Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “I am very happy to see the work completed and Gradient Mill opened as part of Tileyard North’s transformation of the historic waterfront area.
“This will offer world class facilities to artists and creatives based right across the north of England.
“It will support businesses and the economy and provide a vibrant space for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
Cllr Michael Graham, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, added: “This brilliant redevelopment supports our ambitious plans for the city centre. As a place that offers new opportunities for businesses and residents, and inspires creativity and access to culture. And an amazing place to live, work and visit.”
The overall project is regenerating the Grade II-listed former Rutland Mills on the historic waterfront into the largest creative community outside of London, bringing together people across West Yorkshire working in industries such as music, film, television, and design. Phase one of the scheme saw the restoration of five mill buildings. It has created space for creative industries, music studios, outdoor events space, indoor events, space for festivals and concerts, a hotel, gin distillery, restaurant and bar.Refurbished Hull icon revealed after scaffolding is taken down
Regeneration of Hull’s historic Burton building by specialist Wykeland Group has taken a major step forward with removal of scaffolding from the art deco building.
The building, now called Burton House, will ultimately offer 12,700 sq ft of city centre space, set over five floors.
Central to the restoration of Burton House is the replacement of much of the granite cladding which adorns the building. Replacement granite has been sourced from the same quarry in Norway, matching the geographical origin of the original stone.
Jonathan Stubbs, development director at Wykeland, said: “There has, unsurprisingly, been a huge amount of excitement and anticipation surrounding the regeneration of the Burton building. As one of the best-known landmarks in Hull, we’ve approached this project with a great deal of care and sympathy.
“With the scaffolding now removed and the restored exterior of the building revealed, people can envisage how Burton House will transform the entrance to Whitefriargate.
“As the project has progressed, we have had growing levels of interest from potential leisure and retail occupiers of the ground floor and basement accommodation, looking to make the most of this rare opportunity to move into a prime, regenerated city centre space. We expect that demand will further intensify now people can see the quality of the restoration we are carrying out.”
The building’s art deco windows have also been replaced, with new signage to be installed.
Restoration of Burton House is the latest significant city centre regeneration project led by Wykeland.
Wykeland is also currently restoring Hull’s Castle Buildings and reinstating the former Earl De Grey pub, in a £2m project to bring another landmark site back into use.
Yorkshire goat’s milk producer extends Goodness Grant funding to donate £17,000 to five charities
St Helen’s Farm, the goat’s milk producer, has extended its ‘Goodness Grants’ funding pot, to donate almost £17,000 to good causes across the country.
The family-run business, based near York, had initially launched the CSR initiative with a £10,000 total grant pot, encouraging not-for-profit organisations and registered charities to apply for funds of up to £5,000 to support projects which are doing good in their local communities.
However, following a review of the applications, the goat’s milk producer decided to extend its funding – and has now donated £17,000 to five different charities.
The charities include Made-Well near Exeter, which provides experiences for those living with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, mental illness and loneliness, and Stepping Stones Project in Castle Douglas, whose mission is to ease food poverty and create food dignity by maintaining a “Larder Open to All.”
The grant for the Stepping Stones Project will be used to provide “Kitchen Starter Packs” for those who have been given their own house, but who need support starting out with kitchen basics. The packs will include appliances such as slow cookers and air fryers, to help with cost-effective cooking, as well as kitchen utensils and supermarket gift cards.
Meanwhile the funding for Made-Well will be utilised to resurfacing its inclusive children’s play area, to offer better access for all.
Bill Randles, Managing Director at St Helen’s Farm, said: “When we originally launched our Goodness Grants initiative, we pledged to giveaway £10,000 to good causes. However, while reviewing the applications, we were blown away by some of the work being done across the UK – so we made the decision to increase our funding pot, to allow us to fund projects by five different charities.
“These projects really will deliver ‘goodness’ for their local communities, and we’re pleased to be able to play a role in helping to bring them to life!”
The ‘Goodness Grants’ initiative follows St Helen’s Farm’s CSR work last year which saw it raise over £28,000 for UK charity, Hope for Justice – which works to end modern slavery across the UK.
The five charities receiving funds through the ‘Goodness Grants’ are: Stepping Stones Community Larder and Foodbank, Made-Well, Tremorfa Nursery, Ffrindiau Ysgol Pennant, and Hapurhey Neighbourhood Project.
Tall strengthens leadership team
Digital brand experience specialists, Tall, recently developed a new strategic role for Lucy Evans and promoted Georgia Robson to a new senior leadership role following recent growth within the agency to help deliver a newly formed strategic direction for the business, with ambitious growth plans for 2025.
With 18 years’ industry experience across agency and in house roles, Lucy’s expertise encompasses integrated campaigns, brand strategy and digital. Working with global brands such as La redoute, Parkdean, NSPCC, Marie Curie, Great Lengths and Cloud Nine, Lucy started her journey at Tall in 2019 to strengthen the client relationship and strategy side of the business.
Now, as Head of Marketing, Lucy will be leading the Marketing function with a clear focus on business growth, which, for Tall, is highly ambitious for 2025 as it sets its sights on dominating the digital space for some of the world’s biggest brands.
Stepping into Lucy’s former Head of Client Services role, Georgia Robson will now focus on supporting existing client relationships and growth. With over a decade of diverse experience, Georgia’s expertise is rooted in strategy and creativity.
Georgia’s core roles will focus on comprehensive strategies for key accounts, ensuring seamless delivery, sustained growth, and client satisfaction for brands such as The LEGO Group, SharkNinja, Tofoo and many more.
This is no new challenge for Georgia who has previously helped industry giants such as Virgin Holidays, Red Bull, Silentnight, Daniel Thwaites, MGA Entertainment, BBC Summer Social as well as many more.
Executive Creative Director, Guy Utley, said: “It’s a very exciting time for Tall right now and the appointments of Lucy and Georgia are a key step towards our ultimate success.
“Their combined knowledge and industry experience is unmatched, delivering high quality work for some of the world’s biggest brands is no mean feat and they do it seamlessly. We have some tall ambitions for 2025 and Georgia and Lucy are the perfect people to help deliver on those goals, so watch this space!”
Inspirational Hull and East Yorkshire businesswomen recognised at Women of Achievement Awards
11 inspirational women were recognised and celebrated at the 2024 Women in Business Women of Achievement Awards, which took place on Friday (15 November).
One of the region’s longest running awards, the biennial awards celebrate the achievements of businesswomen across Hull and East Yorkshire who either run their own business or are excelling in their profession, industry, organisation or charity.
Held at the Mercure Hull Grange Park Hotel in Willerby, the awards were compered by former ITV Calendar News reporter Fiona Dwyer and guests were joined by one of Britain’s most iconic writers, producers and television producers, Janet Street-Porter CBE, as this year’s guest speaker.
Dr Diana Taylor, managing director at Future Humber, was announced as the winner of the Overall Woman of Achievement Award, which was sponsored by Smailes Goldie Chartered Accountants.
An innovative, passionate and visionary leader, Diana has made notable contributions to promote the Humber locally, nationally and beyond. As well as this, she inspires others to achieve, making significant contributions in what can sometimes still be seen as ‘a man’s world’.
Caroline Neadley, chair of Women in Business Hull, said: “At each Women of Achievement Awards, we’re blown away by the amazing accomplishments of the brilliant women in our region. And this year was certainly no different.
“With a room full of 400 guests, there was a real sense of pride and comradery, with those in attendance celebrating friends, family and colleagues. I’d particularly like to thank the Women in Business committee, this year’s award sponsors, and of course all of the nominees.”
Winners also included Sue Perkins, who won the Lifetime Achievement Award for her work building a number of successful businesses that have enabled hundreds of people to realise their career potential. Natasha Barley, CEO of the Sailors’ Children’s Society, won the Outstanding Impact Award for reshaping the future for countless families of seafarers facing crises such as bereavement, illness or family breakdown.
Michelle Taft from the John Good Group was selected for this year’s Judges Award for her dedication to empowering women, driving social impact and championing inclusivity, whilst overseeing a huge growth in funding support by the Matthew Good Foundation.
Dawn Sullivan, co-founder of HU4 Community Trust, won the Voluntary Award for helping to fill a huge void in facilities and community spaces for local residents, providing invaluable support to improve their lives.
Caroline continued: “Our guest speaker, Janet Street-Porter, was all we hoped for and more, and it was great to hear stories and anecdotes from her expansive media career.
“After commenting that she was honoured to be speaking to a room full of so many successful career women, Janet emphasised the importance of trusting and supporting each other, and promoting other women’s talents.
“As she said: ‘Successful career women don’t get where they are by luck – gamblers are lucky, not hard-working women’.
“We also raised over £4,600 for our chosen charity, Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University, which is incredible.”
Women in Business Women of Achievement Award winners:
New Business Award, sponsored by Sparq
Gemma Wardell, founder and owner of Human Brilliance
Established Business Award, sponsored by NL Group
Emma Dallimore, CEO at Hull & East Yorkshire Mind
Voluntary Award, sponsored by Jadan Press
Dawn Sullivan, co-founder of HU4 Community Trust
Apprentice/Trainee Award, sponsored by Bishop Burton College
Chloe Hammond, head of finance at NL Group
Women in STEM Award, sponsored by Ansell
Julie Shave, tutor and assessor at HESTA
Female Entrepreneur Award, sponsored by Lexus Hull
Vicky Simpson, founder and owner of VCare24
Women Breaking Boundaries Award, sponsored by MKM Building Supplies
Dr Diana Taylor, managing director at Future Humber
Outstanding Achievement Award, sponsored by Pace
Natasha Barley, CEO of the Sailors’ Children’s Society
Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by The One Point
Sue Perkins, owner of Crancher Ltd
Judges Award
Michelle Taft, executive director at Matthew Good Foundation and non executive director at John Good Group
Overall Women of Achievement Award, sponsored by Smailes Goldie
Dr Diana Taylor, managing director at Future Humber
BAE Systems to create new jobs at PLP Bessemer Park in Sheffield
BAE Systems have taken Unit 5 on PLP Bessemer Park, Sheffield, a new 96,000 sq ft, state of the art logistics and industrial facility on which it’s expected to create 50 new jobs.
This is the third letting at the development with 75% of the units now let, with only one unit remaining of 294,000 sq ft. This second phase of development at Bessemer Park was completed in Q1 this year and has already seen Unit 3 let to ITM and Unit 4 let to Dormole.
Hugh Chesterton, Development Director at PLP, said: “It is great to have another blue-chip British business join PLP Bessemer Park. This is another stamp of approval for Sheffield’s premier industrial and logistics location.”
Knight Frank, CBRE and Moriarty & Co (part of CPP) are the appointed leasing agents for the development. BAE Systems were represented by Colliers.
Sheffield social enterprise named ‘Winner of Winners’ by the BCC
Sheffield-based social enterprise Green Estate Community Interest Company has been named ‘Winner of Winners’ at the British Chambers of Commerce Business Awards 2024.
The company creates sustainable and resilient urban spaces across the UK to support nature and people. The company was founded in 2003 as a heritage and environmental regeneration project in the Manor area of Sheffield.
The Green Estate team has become nationally acclaimed experts in nature-based solutions and sustainable urban landscaping. Last year, it became one of the first 15 organisations to be given the prestigious King’s Enterprise Award for Sustainable Development.
Green Estate’s success was announced at the annual Chamber Business Awards event at the London Stock Exchange. More than 100 businesses from across the UK were nominated by Chambers across five categories. Green Estate also scooped the Green Innovation award earlier this summer.
Roz Davies, Chief Executive of The Green Estate CIC said: “We’re thrilled to receive this top award which recognises the hard work, optimism and passion of our team.
“Whether it’s in our home city of Sheffield or across the UK, we’re committed to transforming urban spaces so that both people and nature can thrive.
“Being members of our local chamber really does help us connect and grow in our own backyard of South Yorkshire. Driving forward green innovation is more vital than it has ever been – and with a shared vision we can help make a real difference in communities across the country.
Tracy Viner, Executive Manager (Policy and Public Impact) at Sheffield Chamber of Commerce said: “We’ve seen first-hand the incredible work Roz and her team have done in Sheffield and beyond. Their story, and their values, are truly inspiring.
“It’s wonderful to see such a brilliant community-focused business thriving here in South Yorkshire. We know that their success story will help inspire more companies in our chamber network in the years to come.”
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC said: “The Green Estate are worthy overall winners of this year’s Chamber Business Awards. With sustainability at the heart of everything they do, they are a shining example of how green innovation can transform local communities.”
Australian acquisition and investment in American team sees international growth for Grimsby kids swimwear brand
Children’s swimwear brand Splash About has seen international growth in both Australia and the USA. The company, which is headquartered in Grimsby, has acquired its distribution partner Little Toggs in New South Wales, rebranding the business Splash About Australia Pty Limited, and for the first time the business has hired a team in the USA.
The move into both continents will accelerate relationships with infant swim schools, retailers and facilitate distribution as demand for product increases.
Commenting on the Australian acquisition, Lesley Beach, Joint Managing Director of Splash About International Ltd, said: “The potential for growth in Australia is huge with over 1.8 million children currently learning to swim. We had a strong presence in the market working closely with Little Toggs, but the infant swimwear and accessories market has grown exponentially.”
Lesley continued: “Demand for our Happy Nappy swim nappy has soared due to its technical design which prevents faecal leaks. Unwelcome leaks are bad for business; pools need to close for cleaning and lessons must be cancelled, which results in unnecessary and avoidable expense.
“Insisting on a reusable Happy Nappy to prevent these accidents is a simple, proven cost-effective option, saving operational costs and in turn increasing revenues.”
To facilitate demand, Splash About has invested in state-of-the-art warehouse facilities to quickly fulfil orders and maintain a high level of customer service. In Australia the business is based in New South Wales and will be spearheaded by Little Toggs founder Kylie Hadid and in America, Damien McDonnell is heading up business development in Texas.
In addition to swimwear and swim accessories, Splash About has devised a range of flexible Partnership Programmes to work with swim schools globally regardless of their size, which are aimed at helping them drive revenue, operate efficiently, and decrease costs without increasing prices.
Imported US plastics could face tariffs to protect UK producers
The Trade Remedies Authority has recommended putting a new trade remedy measure in place to protect part of the UK’s plastics industry from harm caused by low-priced imported plastics from America.
The product is SPVC, used for items as diverse as water pipes, window frames, food packaging and inmedical products such as blood storage bags. In 2022, the UK used around 450,000 metric tonnes of SPVC in a UK market worth up to £700m.
After investigation, the TRA found that imports of US-made SPVC were undercutting the UK market by an average of almost 27%, squeezing the UK industry with downward price pressure from dumped US SPVC, forcing reduced prices to levels it claims are unsustainable.
The TRA also found that an anti-dumping measure on imports of SPVC from the US would allow the UK industry to compete fairly, enable it to operate closer to its full capacity and potentially increase its productivity.
The provisional proposed duty amount is 38.43%-56.01%, with the cooperating US exporter that submitted relevant data receiving lower rates than other exporters which did not cooperate.
TRA Chief Executive Oliver Griffiths said: “Our provisional finding is that SPVC from the US is being dumped in the UK and that this is injuring domestic producers. Our publication today demonstrates how interested parties that cooperate in our investigations by sharing key data can receive a lower duty compared with those that do not.”
Government to get tough with NHS suppliers over modern slavery
Tough new measures will find public bodies who buy goods and equipment for the NHS in breach of the law if they fail to mitigate the risk of modern slavery in supply chains.
A public consultation has been launched today seeking views on government proposals to prevent goods being sourced from companies accused of exploiting their work force.
More than 21% of NHS suppliers were recently found to be at ‘high risk’ of involving modern slavery in their supply chains. Surgical instruments, gloves, gowns, uniforms and face masks were identified as the five highest-risk products.
Proposed new measures would legally require public bodies procuring goods and services for the NHS to both identify and mitigate risks of modern slavery. Organisations will be required to work with suppliers to identify risks and put forward solutions.
The new regulations will apply to all public bodies procuring health goods and services, including NHS trusts, integrated care boards and local authorities.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “The NHS is a public service built on compassion and equality, values which are completely antithetical to the heinous evil of modern slavery.
“These new measures will ensure vital checks are made and public bodies act to stamp out the crimes of slavery and human trafficking. This government will ensure the NHS is a leader in the fight against modern slavery.”
The NHS is the biggest public procurer in the country, and all NHS staff are empowered and encouraged to act as whistleblowers and report on incidents of slavery and human trafficking, supported by staff training courses.
Jacqui Rock, Chief Commercial Officer at NHS England said: “Modern slavery is insidious and needs to be eradicated from the NHS supply chain. While our procurement follows the government’s standard selection questionnaire, which addresses modern slavery risk, there is much more to do.
“We have a responsibility to ensure a zero-tolerance policy to modern slavery – and the more stakeholders that respond to this consultation will help strengthen these measures and help us wipe out this crime in the NHS supply chain.”
Trio of solicitors complete training contracts with Williamsons
Neeve Pearce, Eleanor Young, and Cathy Fairweather have completed training contracts with Williamsons Solicitors during 2024.
Neeve, from Hull and Eleanor, from Hessle, are both practising in the family department.. Cathy, from Gateshead, is practising in the firm’s clinical negligence department. All three have now been formally admitted to the national roll of solicitors.
The 18-month supervised training contracts, in which they gained experience in a variety of disciplines, followed a period working as paralegals at the firm, which operates from Hull, Bridlington and Driffield.
Neeve said she enjoyed being able to make a difference to people’s lives. “In the family department I can help clients through difficult times and also like the fast-paced nature of the work and the courtroom environment,” she said.
Eleanor said that the family department enabled her to work on solving real day-to-day issues occurring in family life. “I have always known I wanted to practise family law but was concerned about the distressing nature and emotional impact of dealing with sensitive cases. My training has helped to address this.”
Cathy, who initially wanted to be a nurse before deciding that the legal side of medicine suited her better, said: “Clinical negligence cases very often follow traumatic incidents for clients, and I find it highly satisfying to be able to bring a little positivity to what can be bleak circumstances.”
Sarah Clubley, a Williamsons Solicitors owner-director, said: “We are always looking to foster the next generation of legal professionals are very pleased that Cathy, Eleanor and Neeve have started their careers with us. We are sure they have a bright future with us and wish them every success.”
Speciality chemical manufacturer snaps up Brighouse-based firm
Speciality chemical manufacturer John Hogg Technical Solutions Limited has acquired Avocet Dye and Chemical Company Limited, a Brighouse-based manufacturer of textile flame retardants, dyes and high-performance auxiliaries.
This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Manchester-based John Hogg’s growth strategy, enhancing its product portfolio and expanding its market reach within the Speciality Dye and Chemical business segment.
The addition of Avocet’s dye and flame-retardant technology, including the CETAFLAM brand, enables John Hogg to offer a more comprehensive range of colour solutions across various industries.
“We are thrilled to welcome Avocet into the John Hogg family,” said Philip Double, CEO of John Hogg Technical Solutions. “This acquisition aligns with our commitment to growth and investment in both our product range and our market reach. Avocet’s innovative products and fantastic team will complement our existing capabilities and help drive our Speciality Dyes and Chemicals business unit forwards to a brighter future.”
Leeds housebuilder falls into administration
Leeds-based Camstead Homes has fallen into administration, with 20 members of staff made redundant.
James Clark and Howard Smith from Interpath were appointed joint administrators to Camstead Limited, Scotfield Group Limited and Yelcon Limited on 19 November 2024, together known as Camstead Homes.
The companies currently have three developments underway, comprising Blackberry Walk in Derwenthorpe, Tailors Green in Shepley and The Heath in Adel. Previous developments include Bradwell Springs in the Peak District and Green Lane Mills / Weavers Beck in Yeadon.
Like many companies operating across the construction sector, Camstead Homes had experienced sustained trading difficulties over 2024 due to various economic pressures, which in turn, led to cash shortages and increased pressure from suppliers.
While the directors sought to explore options to address these issues, unfortunately a solvent solution could not be found and the decision was taken to seek the appointment of administrators.
Following the appointment of the administrators, all work that was scheduled to be completed by the companies will be paused while the Joint Administrators seek to find solutions for all sites.
James Clark, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator, said: “2024 has been another challenging year for the building and construction industry, with housebuilders continuing to battle with the impact of rising raw material costs, wafer-thin margins and the impact of high interest rates and rising mortgage costs on consumers.
“While the Government’s planning reforms have given hope to many across the industry, unfortunately, the trading difficulties encountered by Camstead Homes proved too challenging to overcome.”
James Clark continued: “We appreciate news of the administration will cause a great deal of concern for those homeowners and residents of sites where development work remains underway. Our immediate priority is to work with key stakeholders to find alternative solutions which may enable work across these sites to be completed.
“In particular, we will be working with our appointed agents to market the Blackberry Walk site at Derwenthorpe. We are hopeful for significant interest from this process and would encourage parties interested in acquiring this site to make contact with us and our appointed agents, Watling Real Estate, at the earliest opportunity.”
The joint administrators have retained two members of staff to assist them while they explore options for the sites. Regrettably, however, 20 members of staff have been made redundant. The joint administrators will be providing them with the support required to make claims from the Redundancy Payments Service.
Construction work to start on affordable homes scheme in Leeds
Construction work is set to start on a scheme that will ease housing pressures in Leeds by providing dozens of affordable council homes.
Leeds City Council secured planning permission last month for the scheme, which will see a total of 82 energy efficient homes being built on a former school site at Hough Top, in Swinnow, near Pudsey.
And, with work to prepare the site for development now well under way, it is anticipated that the main phase of construction could begin as soon as next month.
The scheme – which is being delivered via Leeds’ Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP) – will comprise 55 houses and 27 apartments, with a mix of one, two, three and four bedrooms.
They will be suitable for adaptation and fitted with air source heat pumps, a sustainable heating solution that will help cut carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty.
The properties will all be made available for affordable rent.
The development is due to be delivered for the council by construction and property services company Willmott Dixon and will benefit the wider community by creating a range of employment, skills and apprenticeship opportunities.
More than 500 hours of careers support are set to be provided for young people during the scheme’s construction phase, with one local school leaver having already secured a full-time apprenticeship with Willmott Dixon.
The company has been leading the pre-construction work at the 2.5-hectare site, which has lain empty since the demolition of the former Hough Side High School buildings in 2021 and 2022.
Located in an established residential area, it was earmarked for housing use in Leeds’ Site Allocations Plan, a key planning policy document adopted by the council in 2019.
The bulk of the funding for the scheme – scheduled for completion in late 2026 – is being provided by the council’s housing service via Right to Buy receipts and borrowing, with £1.64m 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: “We are determined to ensure that everyone in Leeds is able to enjoy the stability and security that comes with a good-quality home, with the increased provision of affordable housing having a central part to play in that.
“It’s really encouraging news, therefore, that the main phase of construction work on the residential development at Hough Top is due to begin shortly.
“These affordable homes will make a hugely positive difference to people’s lives, and will bring back into use an allocated housing site that has good access to public transport, green space and local services.
“Schemes such as this one are particularly important in a ward like Pudsey, where we know there is a very high demand for affordable housing.
“The start of construction will be another landmark achievement for our Council Housing Growth Programme, which is working – with the support of partners – to change communities across our city for the better.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “I’m delighted we’re bringing more high-quality homes to west Leeds.
“We believe that having a safe and secure place to live is a fundamental right, which is why we’re investing vital funds to deliver thousands of much-needed homes across West Yorkshire.
“Together with our partners like Leeds City Council, we’re dedicated to building a greener, more secure region for future generations.”
Housebuilder to deliver over 200 new homes in Doncaster
Housebuilder Vistry Group has exchanged contracts for the delivery of over 200 mixed tenure homes on Waggons Way in Doncaster.
The 16 acre site, which was previously part of the Hatfield Colliery, will be transformed into up to 236 homes following the purchase of the land from Waystone Limited.
A full planning application will be submitted to Doncaster Council towards the end of this year. Subject to planning approval, it is hoped that construction will start at the end of 2025.
Rob Spittles, Managing Director of Vistry East Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to have secured this land to deliver much-needed homes in a fantastic location in Doncaster. We’re committed to making home ownership accessible and our mixed tenure offering will suit people in a range of circumstances.
“We look forward to progressing our plans in the months ahead and delivering a new community of high-quality homes over the next few years.”
Alistair Mcloughlin, Joint Managing Director of Waystone Limited, said: “We are very pleased to be working in partnership with Vistry to deliver a substantial brownfield residential development and bring forward the next phase of Unity Energy site.”
Croda names new Audit Committee Chair
Ian Bull will take over as Chair of Croda’s Audit Committee on December 1st in readiness for the current Chair John Ramsay stepping down in March. and so lead the Committee over Croda’s 2024 year-end.
Ian has been a member of the Audit Committee since his appointment to the Board on 24 June this year. He is currently the Audit Committee Chair of Dunelm Group, Senior Independent Director at Domino’s Pizza Group, and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.
John will remain a member of the Audit Committee, as well as the Nomination and Remuneration Committees until his retirement from the Board.
Danuta Gray, Chair of Snaith-based Croda International, said: “John Ramsay has made an outstanding contribution to the Board and in his leadership of the Audit Committee. On behalf of the Board and colleagues in Croda, we thank him for all his advice, wise counsel and support over the past five years and wish him all the best for the future.”
Vuba Resin signs deal at Port of Goole
Associated British Ports (ABP) has welcomed Vuba Resin to the Port of Goole.
Listed in the Financial Times top 1,000 fastest growing businesses in Europe and with celebrity customers such as singer Olly Murs, Vuba is going from strength to strength after 15 years.
Their operation at the port will see them develop a port terminal facility for their production line, including storage, drying, blending and bagging.
Andrew Dawes, Regional Director of the Humber ports, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Sean and his team to Goole. They are an industry leader in their sector and we’re always looking forward to helping customers expand their operations.
“We have an extensive portfolio of warehousing and storage facilities within our ports, making them ideal for those businesses looking to locate themselves in the Humber gateway.”
Sean Scott, Founder of Vuba Chemical Innovations, said: “ABP have been very helpful and accommodating throughout this process. I feel they share our vision for us to create a world leading suite of aggregate and derivative production facilities at the dock.
“We’ve invested £3m in the ABP site on a state-of-the-art drying, screening and cooling process, with four bagging lines and three robotic palletisers. We have a further £2m planned investment next year.
“We have a great management team in place for this newly formed division of Vuba. Ashton Nottingham and Ewan Netherwood, both local to Goole, have worked their way up through the ranks at Vuba and are very excited to head up this new division, as well as support their local community.”
Inflation’s ‘uptick’ leads BCC to urge Government action on business rate cuts
The latest uptick in the rate of inflation has highlighted the continuing price pressures in the economy, according to the British Chambers of Commerce.
David Bharier, Head of Research at the BCC, said: “Electricity and gas costs have risen sharply, with households facing challenges as we head into winter.
“Our research shows that while concerns about inflation have been steadily declining, it remains a significant issue for many businesses. SMEs are now deeply concerned about rising costs on the horizon next year.
“The combined impact of national insurance and living wage rises and the Employment Rights Bill is likely to put strong pressure on labour costs. Ongoing geopolitical conflicts and a potential tariff war will also have impacts.
“To help mitigate cost pressures, the government should look to accelerate the permanent cuts in business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties – currently scheduled for 2026. Much also depends on the government’s strategies on industry, infrastructure and trade. We need these plans to deliver at pace and help drive forward business growth across the UK.”
