Helix Tool Company, which was recently backed by NVM Private Equity, has completed a double acquisition as it seeks to consolidate the industrial tooling distribution market.
The Leeds-based business has acquired Floyd Automatic Tooling and Nsert.
Floyd Automatic based in Hertfordshire is a highly specialist technical distributor of tools and consumables for the sliding head CNC market with deep technical expertise and several exclusive manufacturing partnerships.
Nsert is a regionally focussed cutting tool and industrial consumables supplier to a number of large customers in the North East of England.
The combination of the two businesses will enable the now enlarged Helix group to broaden its product range and offer enhanced value to clients in the precision engineering, automotive, aerospace and medical sectors. The new additions will also see the Helix team significantly expand both their existing locations and enlarge their geographical footprint.
“We are thrilled to welcome Floyd Automatic and Nsert into the Helix family,” said Matt Cattell, CEO of Helix Tool’s holding company, MRO+ Solutions. “The combined deep technical expertise in both companies complements our existing offer perfectly.
“Today’s announcement signifies a strong start to 2025 for Helix and we are confident that customers will see significant benefit both in terms of product offering and exceptional technical expertise.”
Charlie Pidgeon, Investment Partner of NVM Private Equity, said: “Consolidation of markets is an obvious driver of growth and with such a strong reputation for technical expertise we saw a clear opportunity for Matt to integrate these businesses into an enlarged Group.
“We are delighted to have supported them on their first two acquisitions and look forward to backing the team with more opportunities as they arise.”
University of Lincoln names Director of Barbican Creative Hub
The University of Lincoln has appointed Tamily Cookson as Director of the Barbican Creative Hub, which is due to open this spring as Lincolnshire’s future ‘home’ for the cultural and creative sector.
It’s said her appointment will play a pivotal role in shaping the Hub into a dynamic resource for cultural creativity in the region, supporting more than 3,000 businesses and freelancer
In 2024, Tamily founded COLLECTIVE., a community for creative, digital, and tech innovators across the East Midlands, supported by Nottingham Trent University. She has also worked as a creative industries consultant, collaborating with key organisations to develop regional strategies for creative growth and talent development.
She served as a UK Council member for Creative UK (2021-2023) and continues to support the sector as a trustee for Nonsuch Studios, an organisation dedicated to fostering creativity and cultural engagement.
Her commitment to fostering talent, reimagining urban experiences, and driving collaboration across cultural, educational, and business sectors aligns perfectly with the mission of the Hub.
She said: “I am thrilled to join the Barbican Creative Hub at such an exciting time for Lincolnshire’s creative industries. The Hub has the potential to transform the region’s creative landscape, and I’m looking forward to working with the community to unlock its full potential.”
Croda scoops ‘most admired’ title for eighth year
Snaith-based Croda International has been voted Britain’s Most Admired Chemicals Company for the eighth consecutive year.
Steve Foots, CEO of Croda said: “We are proud to once again have been recognised as Britain’s most admired chemicals company, which demonstrates our clarity of strategy and capacity to innovate. Croda is a company with a rich heritage and a strong Purpose. To receive this award once again, in our centenary year, demonstrates our resilience and ability to adapt in ever changing market conditions which is so critical to future success.”
The Britain’s Most Admired Companies Survey is the longest running peer-review corporate reputation survey in the UK and is based on the analysis of 238 firms spanning 27 sectors. Feedback from 330 C-suite peers, financial analysts, and industry experts is analysed to inform rankings on 13 reputational criteria revealing the nation’s top companies across core reputational dimensions.
2025 Business Predictions: Dr Edward Ziff, Chairman and Chief Executive, Town Centre Securities PLC
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 Dr Edward Ziff, Chairman and Chief Executive at Town Centre Securities PLC.
As we look ahead to 2025, I believe the property sector is entering a transformative phase, shaped by evolving work patterns, shifting consumer habits and the policies of the new government. At Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS) we are adapting to these changes with a focus on flexibility, innovation and sustainability.
In the office market, it’s encouraging to see workers gradually returning to office spaces, though hybrid working remains the dominant approach. I think this reflects a growing recognition of the value of in-person collaboration, while maintaining flexibility. To respond to this shift, we’re focusing on creating high-quality, multi-functional spaces that meet modern needs. For older offices that no longer suit the market, we’re exploring creative alternatives, such as repurposing them for new uses, including student accommodation.
The retail sector, long under pressure, is starting to reveal new opportunities. While some locations remain challenging, I believe essential retail, such as food, discount, and convenience stores, will continue to thrive. It’s clear that younger shoppers, with their preference for combining online and in-person experiences, are reshaping how we think about retail spaces. This shift excites me as it fosters innovation and reinvention.
Leisure and food sectors have shown remarkable resilience, even in the face of cost-of-living pressures. I feel this demonstrates the strength and adaptability of these industries and their ability to contribute to economic recovery and growth.
Sustainability is something I feel passionately about, and it’s becoming an ever more critical focus for consumers and businesses alike. At TCS, we are committed to reducing environmental impact through energy-efficient buildings, better waste management, and expanded EV charging infrastructure. I believe these efforts not only meet today’s expectations, but also lay the foundation for a greener, more sustainable future.
Despite the uncertainties that come with political and economic change, I am confident that the property market will continue to adapt and thrive. With a willingness to embrace innovation and change, we are well-positioned to navigate the road ahead.
Here’s to a successful and sustainable 2025.
Walker Sime names new UK Director of Project Management
Walker Sime, which has offices in Leeds, has appointed Peter Jackson as new UK Director of Project Management. With more than 30 years’ experience in the industry, he has held senior roles at Atkins Realis and Turner & Townsend.
His extensive experience includes managing large-scale, complex projects. including the Government Hub Programme for HMRC, overseeing the delivery of 13 new commercial office spaces across the UK. He also brings significant expertise in town centre regeneration, having worked on high-profile schemes in Urmston and Chorlton. Additionally, he has worked extensively with large teams of project managers, quantity surveyors, and building surveyors across various sectors and with different local authorities in the North West.
Peter will also work closely with Cathy Palmer, Walker Sime’s Director of Regeneration Delivery, on regeneration-led real estate initiatives. These efforts align with the government’s ambitious plans to build 1.5 million homes, an area where his expertise will be invaluable.
Wood panel specialist takes 65,000 sq ft Leeds warehouse
Towngate PLC, the commercial and industrial property specialist, has welcomed wood panel specialist Lawcris Panel Products Ltd to its Towngate Link Development in Leeds.
Lawcris has signed a new 10-year lease at Unit TL2, a 65,000 sq ft warehouse situated within Cross Green Industrial Estate, to the east of Leeds city centre, as it gears up for its next phase of growth.
With an annual turnover above £100 million, Lawcris operates a fleet of more than 45 vehicles and has over 240 employees across five sites. Totalling more than 250,000 sq ft, this includes the company’s 156,000 sq ft flagship headquarters in Knowsthorpe Gate, just around the corner from its new Towngate Link base.
Iain McPhail, partner in Knight Frank’s Leeds industrial and logistics team, who secured the letting on behalf of the landlord, said: “As well as highlighting Lawcris’ success, the highly anticipated letting reflects the continued growth of Towngate’s portfolio, pairing Lawcris with a high-quality, modern, and strategically located facility to support its expansion nationwide.”
At the newly leased detached warehouse facility, Lawcris will benefit from a further 65,416 sq ft in storage space with 13.2-metre eaves heights, as well as two storeys of modern offices, a secure yard with a depth of 45 metres, multiple ground- and dock-level loading doors, photovoltaic solar panels, EV charging bays, and PIR-sensored LED lighting.
Tom Lamb, property director at Towngate PLC, said: “We are delighted to welcome Lawcris to Towngate Link. The development was built just over five years ago, with sustainability and longevity at the forefront, and has created a lot of potential occupier interest since.
“With its modern design and strategic location, situated just around the corner from Lawcris’ flagship site, this facility is an ideal fit as it looks to expand its capabilities. We very much look forward to continuing our relationship and wish Lawcris all the success.”
Stuart Hall, commercial manager at Lawcris, added: “We’ve earned an enviable reputation in the construction, manufacturing, joinery, and interior design sectors, providing high-quality decorative panel solutions to our customers. And now, with this investment, we’re strengthening our competitive edge with the resources to meet rising demand and maintain a seamless service.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Towngate on this next phase of our growth. This facility is perfectly suited to our needs, providing space for additional brands and exciting new product ranges. The creation of a brand-new showroom and networking area will undoubtedly be a standout feature.”
Knight Frank, GV&Co, and Carter Towler acted as Towngate’s letting agent.
Northern starts procurement process for up to 450 new trains
Northern Trains has invited train manufacturers Alstom, CAF, Hitachi, Siemens and Stadler to begin negotiations for supplying up to 450 new trains to operate across the North of England.
The new trains will be introduced on a phased basis, replacing the oldest units in Northern’s existing fleet, most of which have been in service since the 1980s and 90s. about two thirds of the existing fleet is targeted to be replaced in the next ten years.
They will be a mix of electric and diesel/electric powered trains and prospective manufacturers have been asked to include battery-powered trains as part of their proposals.
Multi-modal units in the order will be capable of conversion to battery or electric-only operation during their lifetime, in line with the government’s commitment to deliver a cleaner, greener railway as part of its net-zero objectives.
By reducing the number of different types of trains, it will significantly simplify operations, help with staff training, and lower maintenance costs – all of which will help reduce taxpayer subsidy.
Northern’s MD Tricia Williams said: “Almost 60% of the trains in our fleet are between 32 and 40 years old and, while they’ve served the region well, it’s important we get the ball rolling on their replacement.
“It’s game-changing for Northern and will transform the look and feel of our fleet for millions of customers – and it also cements electric and battery as the long-term power source of choice for our fleet.”
It is expected the contract will be awarded to the successful bidder or bidders in 2026, with an aim to have first trains delivered by 2030.
North East Lincolnshire invites businesses to new collaboration event
North East Lincolnshire’s industrial business are being invited to attend a new exhibition event designed to bring industry together and spark conversation and collaboration.
Taking over Grimsby Auditorium on Tuesday 25 March, the inaugural Industrial Connections NEL event, delivered by the InvestNEL team, will see the venue split between an exhibition and presentation area.
Throughout the day, three guest presenters will be speaking on key local economic matters.
Industrial Connections NEL aims to be a catalyst in getting conversations started and helping industrial businesses to better understand who their industry neighbours are and explore what opportunities there could be for working together.
Guest host for the event is journalist David Laister, who many people attending will know from his years of contribution to business journalism in the Humber region. Already confirmed alongside David, is one of the three guest presenters, NELC Chief Executive, Rob Walsh, who will be delivering an update on the Lincolnshire devolution deal.
Invited to the event are North East Lincolnshire companies in the sectors of; manufacturing, engineering, chemicals & process, energy & renewables, ports & logistics, and food manufacturing/processing.
Government promises £60m of financial support for creative industries
Hundreds of creative businesses and projects across the UK are to receive a share in £60m of government funding to help them grow, naming West Yorkshire as a priority area for investment.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy intends to include investments for start-up video game studios, grassroots music venues and creative businesses to boost British music and film exports, which will facilitate investment and innovation in communities, in turn supporting businesses and employment.
She says the priority regions for Creative Industries are the North East, Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, West Yorkshire, West Midlands, Greater London, West of England, South Wales, Glasgow, Edinburgh-Dundee corridor, and Belfast, and the Government will provide additional funding, to be agreed as part of the Spending Review, to the Mayoral Combined Authorities covering those areas.
She said: “From film and fashion to music and advertising, our creative industries are truly world-class and play a critical role in helping us deliver on this Government’s mission to drive economic growth in all parts of the UK.
“Our £60 million funding boost will support creative and cultural organisations across the UK to turbocharge growth by transforming local venues, creating jobs, supporting businesses and spreading opportunity across the country.
“But this is by no means the limit of our ambitions, which is why the creative industries are at the heart of the forthcoming Industrial Strategy and will continue to play a key part in this Government’s Plan for Change.”
Acquirers to raise Humberside Lifting to next level
Humberside Lifting Services has been sold to Bowers & Bowers Holdings.
Originally formed in the 1980s, Humberside Lifting was acquired in 2009, and incorporated the following year, by Malcolm Armstrong, who is now exiting the company.
A Scunthorpe-based specialist in the supply, maintenance and repair of industrial lifting and height safety equipment, Humberside Lifting has an e-commerce platform on which products are for sale or hire, and the company also manufactures bespoke lifting straps.
While Malcolm Armstrong steps away from the company, Andy Bannister, the Operations Director, is staying on. He will help to run, develop and expand the business under the new ownership, which comprises father-and-son duo Malcolm and Ben Bowers, who are experienced in the access industry.
Malcolm Bowers has started, built and sold three access rental companies previously. Although having retired in 2020, he said of his planned involvement at Humberside Lifting: “While family commitments might limit what I can do on site, I will enjoy helping where I can even if it’s remotely.”
The acquirers have purchased the freehold on Humberside Lifting’s premises, which are well suited for expansion.
Ben Bowers said: “We have exciting plans for the business, including ways to improve the level of customer service as well as an improved product range for sale and hire.
“We are pleased the experienced employees will be staying with the business and we will recruit additional team members in due course.”
Will Griffiths, KBS Corporate Transaction Adviser, oversaw the sale of Humberside Lifting. “I’m happy to see the transaction complete and I wish our client, Malcolm Armstrong, all the best for the future,” he said.
