Allenby Commercial considers moves towards the dark side…
The trend for dark-coloured commercial buildings seems to have come into its own, says Hull-based Allenby Commercial.
In recent years the company has seen more commercial properties move away from traditional lighter tones and embrace darker shades like charcoal grey, black, and deep navy, with more clients having ‘dark’ on their wishloist for commercial property in Hull.
The company’s web site says: “Dark exteriors create an immediate visual impact. Whether it’s a modern office or a retail space, darker tones can make a property stand out on a busy street, giving it a unique, striking appearance. This trend draws inspiration from the timeless appeal of gothic architecture (without going over the top), and it works particularly well in creating a professional, high-end image.
“For businesses, first impressions count, and a dark façade can offer a sleek, polished look that suggests both luxury and exclusivity, especially in sectors where standing out from the crowd is key. Dark exteriors offer an easy way to leave a lasting impression.
“Aside from the bold aesthetic, there are practical reasons why businesses are opting for darker shades when choosing their premises. Dark colours hide dirt and wear much more effectively than lighter tones, making them ideal for busy areas such as ground floors, entryways, and car parks. In busy commercial settings, this is a major plus and the building looks newer for longer with much less maintenance required.
“Darker colours can also reduce glare from the sun, which is particularly useful for buildings with large windows. This makes for a more comfortable environment for both employees and visitors, especially in offices or workspaces where screen time is a constant.”
Sheffield Forgemasters contracts Northern Combustion Systems
As part of a substantial recapitalisation programme, Sheffield Forgemasters has signed a contract for furnaces with Dewsbury-based Northern Combustion Systems (NCS).
NCS will supply two, bespoke, Top-Hat Furnaces for the Sheffield company’s new Forging Line under the multi-million GBP contract, which will enable the company to manufacture critical components for the UK/SSN-AUKUS submarine programmes and other key defence programmes.
Following a robust tender process, which considered cost, delivery and capabilities, NCS will deliver furnaces with a distinctive lift off cover appearance, with both furnaces adopting a hydraulically operated lift and a traverse cover for the heat treatment of long, forged components.
Craig Fisher, Programmes Director at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “Northern Combustion Systems has 40 years of experience in industrial furnaces manufacture and are providing Sheffield Forgemasters with two new high-efficient recuperative and modulating Top Hat furnaces.
“The furnaces will support our forging programme and the largest of the two includes an integral quench tank and is designed for longer forgings, while the smaller furnace will support ingot and bar heat treatments.”
Installation of the furnaces is scheduled for October 2025 and April 2027 as part of an investment programme to create new, unmatched facilities for the supply of defence-specific forgings and castings, and they will operate alongside seven larger furnaces.
Top Hat Furnaces feature a fixed hearth, with a removable cover, which contains the gas burners and refractory material.
The new Sheffield Forgemasters furnaces measure 11m long x 10m wide x 6m tall for the smaller of the two, and 30m long x 11m wide x 6m tall for the largest.
Farmers tell the Chancellor what they need from her first budget
Previous Chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivered the last Budget in spring, which saw some welcome assurances on agricultural property relief and devolved funding for rural areas, but also faced criticism from the NFU on the removal of tax reliefs for Furnished Holiday Lettings.
New chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver the budget on 30 October after which MPs will spend several days debating the plans before being asked to approve the proposals.
In his letter to the Chancellor NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “It has been reassuring to hear the new government recognise that food security is national security.”
The NFU President said he was heartened to hear the Prime Minister’s words when he delivered a keynote speech at the NFU’s Conference last year, saying that a Labour government would seek a new relationship with the countryside and farming communities on this basis.
“What farmers, growers and the public now need to see are practical policies that deliver on this shared mission,” Tom added.
Solar and batteries futureproof Lincolnshire poultry operation
Keeping more than 128,000 free-range laying hens across four sites means that electricity needs for Ivory and Caleb Arden’s Chirpy Egg Company are constantly growing, which is why they’ve switched to solar panels and battery storage to future proof the business against rising energy costs.
The family diversified its Lincolnshire mixed arable, potatoes, and livestock venture into poultry in 2015, growing from their first flock of 30,000 free-range laying hens to 128,000 across four sites, all within nine years.
While their farm has already invested in renewables such as wind turbines, tree planting and combined heat and power units, the combination of solar panels and battery storage is their latest step towards net zero, writes NFU campaigns adviser Charlotte Gibbs on the NFU web site.
Having had solar panels across their sites for some time, Ivory and Caleb decided to invest in battery storage when building their newest site, with a combination of rising energy prices and the loss of grants and subsidies making the decision easy.
“A few years ago, when the energy prices spiked and egg prices were down, we were lucky because we’d already forward planned and had renewables in place,” says Ivory, whose business HQ is a Newton on Trent, north-west of Lincoln.
“Without them, our electricity would have been an added cost on top of all that change. We would be suffering and I know a lot of people did suffer,” she added.
“We had seven years’ worth of data on our energy consumption, so we could work out what we were trying to achieve before the shed was built,” says Caleb. “We scaled to what we thought we needed on the solar side and thought that it made sense to have batteries.
“Solar is the obvious thing to do, but people might not invest in batteries as well, as it’s still fairly new and can appear as a mediocre return. I think it’s better than mediocre,” he added.
Across their poultry site, 162KW of energy (at peak) from 352 solar panels is generated directly to the chicken sheds. Overflow solar energy is stored in the batteries, which have 46.4KW of capacity, and the energy is then used at night.
Once the batteries are full, any additional energy produced is exported and sold to a local energy company, meaning 57% of the business’s own energy has been used to run the chicken sheds, and a further 37% has been exported back into the grid.
From planning to installation, the project took under six months to complete. The birds’ welfare was their main priority when installing the batteries, and they were mindful of the potential risks of biosecurity and interference with back-up generators and other power sources.
Ivory and Caleb combated this by building on a new site where no birds were present while the extra people were working there. They also champion working with trusted professionals for installation and maintenance.
Caleb said: “Go out and get plenty of quotes as it can vary massively. We chose a local company who we have worked with in the past. Go with people who you can trust, because it’s so important to get it right the first time.”
Sheffield gets £21m to change face of the city centre for businesses
The Connecting Sheffield: City Centre project designed to create room for business expansion and for people to shop, eat and spend more time there has been given a £21m investment boost.
The funding will help Sheffield City Council deliver the project, improving public spaces and connecting key developments like the improvements on Fargate, Heart of the City and The Moor.
Connecting Sheffield: City Centre will also provide more space for people and will allow businesses to use more outdoor space for people to shop, eat and spend time – subject to licences. It is part of a drive by the council to boost the city centre.
Cllr Ben Miskell said: “Sheffield is changing. It’s transforming into an incredible city offering something for everyone whether you’re a resident here or visiting from further afield. Our Connecting Sheffield: City Centre project links up all the key areas in the city centre. From the Heart of the City’s great shops, services, dining, and entertainment to our fantastic shopping experience at The Moor and the new Fargate project as it nears completion. This investment will contribute further to the ongoing transformation of our cleaner, greener, more thriving city centre.
“By giving you more space in the city centre, and more choice in how you travel, we can reduce congestion on the roads to make bus journeys more reliable. We’re also introducing safer walking, wheeling, and cycling routes that will connect to other parts of the city. The changes we’ve already made to improve reliability of bus journeys mean the Connecting Sheffield: City Centre project will make travelling into the city centre by bus an even more realistic option too.”
Construction is due to start on the project in January 2025, and the Traffic Regulation Orders to make the required changes to roads are being advertised until Thursday 17 October.
Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire’s Mayor, said: “Building a healthier, wealthier and happier South Yorkshire is central to my ambition as South Yorkshire’s Mayor.
“This important city centre project will not just give us greater freedom and choice about how we travel and move, but will also support our plans to make South Yorkshire the healthiest region in the country.
“It is part of the steps we are taking across our region to build new walking and cycling routes over the next three years – creating better places and more opportunities for us all to move more and move differently.”
Funding was approved by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) Board on 8 October and forms part of SYMCA’s £166 million Transforming Cities Fund investment across South Yorkshire.
British Steel used in airport’s logistics development
Steel sections made by British Steel have been used to build Unit D at Business Park South at Teesside International Airport.
Business Park South is expected to create up to 4,400 jobs when fully operational, with 2.8 million square feet of logistics, distribution and industrial opportunities south of the runway.
Ben Cunliffe, Commercial Director, Construction, said British Steel, which operates at Scunthorpe and Teesside, had a vital role to play in supporting the economic growth of the region, and the wider UK. “Projects like this demonstrate our commitment to manufacturing the high quality products our customers require.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, said: “As mayor I’ve always said I’d ensure British workers and materials would be at the heart of our region’s redevelopment.
“Seeing steel from our own Teesside Beam Mill used in the construction of the new Business Park South at the airport is the latest example of that commitment. This project isn’t just about expanding our airport – it’s about supporting local businesses like British Steel, creating new jobs, and showcasing the strength of our region’s industry.”
Teesside Airport MD Phil Forster said: “We are hugely proud that sections from British Steel have been used in the first unit on our Business Park South.
“We have always been clear that the expansion of the airport as a business location will not only benefit the airport itself but also support fantastic companies such as British Steel employing local workers – and this a great example of this in action.”
Supporters of new multi-million-pound youth zone visit construction site to see progress
Key stakeholders and major supporters of a new state-of-the-art youth centre in Grimsby – known as Horizon Youth Zone – visited the site of the pioneering project this week to see how construction firm, Hobson & Porter’s work is progressing.
Due to open in Autumn 2025, Horizon Youth Zone on Garth Lane is being delivered by national charity OnSide, in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council, which is contributing to the development as part of the Greater Grimsby Town Deal, and the Department of Culture Media and Sport, through the Youth Investment Fund.
Other capital funders include Historic England, National Lottery Heritage Fund, St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, Ørsted and Greencoats Wind UK.
Attending the event were representatives from Cornerstone and Founder Patrons including Allied Protek, DFDS Seaways, Ørsted, Lincolnshire Co-op, myenergi and Prax Foundation Roots.
Welcoming the guests on site was Horizon’s Young People’s Development Group; a group of local young people who meet weekly with youth workers, developing their skills through tailored experiences, and who play an integral part in making key decisions about the Youth Zone and its future.
The disused site, which was formerly home to the West Haven Maltings and Migar House buildings, is being transformed by Yorkshire and Lincolnshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter. The company is restoring and repurposing the Grade II Listed 19th century maltings and grain stores as part of the project, as well as building a major new sports hall alongside a large outdoor multi-use games area (MUGA).
When it opens next year, Horizon will become part of a network of 15 existing OnSide Youth Zones operating across the country and will be filled with energy, inspiration, and highly skilled youth workers who truly believe in young people.
North East Lincolnshire’s young people – aged between eight and 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs – will be able to access over 20 activities each evening. These activities range from sports such as football, boxing and climbing, to creative arts, music, drama and employability training – all for just £5 annual membership and 50p per visit.
Lucy Ottewell-Key, CEO of Horizon Youth Zone, said: “We couldn’t deliver this hugely ambitious project without the generous support of the many organisations, local businesses and our Founder Patron donors.
“It was therefore an honour to welcome them onto the site so they can see how work is progressing and share our vision for how the development will look and function. We now have a very exciting 12 months ahead as we approach completion.”
Jamie Masraff, CEO of OnSide, said: “Our aim at OnSide is to give all young people the chance to thrive and discover their passion and purpose. We already have 15 Youth Zones open across the country, and I can’t wait for Horizon to join the Network and give Grimsby’s young people the exciting opportunities all our Youth Zones offer.”
Jason Stockwood, chair of the Horizon Youth Zone, said: “I’m so glad we can welcome our community of supporters onto the site and mark just how far we’ve come – and celebrate as we look to the future.
“Horizon Youth Zone will be transformational for Grimsby and North East Lincolnshire; not only will it make a huge difference to young people’s lives, but it will also support the wider regeneration of the area. It’s very exciting to see the building take shape.”
Joe Booth, business development director from Hobson & Porter, said: “This is a project that we’re very proud to be working on because it’s going to have a lasting impact on Grimsby and its people.
“Our team thoroughly enjoyed hosting so many of the project’s supporters and stakeholders on site and giving them an insight into the complexities and uniqueness of this flagship project.
“The delicate and intricate task of combining heritage and conservation works with the new-build elements is creating incredible state-of-the-art facilities which will genuinely change lives for the better and we are incredibly proud to play our part in that journey.”
Horizon Youth Zone is an independent charity with a private sector led board, and once opened, it will be part of the OnSide Network of Youth Zones nationwide, which support over 50,000 young people annually. After completion, it’s estimated that Horizon could benefit up to 4,000 young people from North East Lincolnshire each year.
Felling protected tree costs Goole property developer more than £6,000
A Goole property developer must pay £6,119 after being found guilty of unlawfully removing a mature cherry tree protected by a Tree Preservation Order.
David Wilcock appeared at Beverley Magistrates Court charged with cutting down and destroying a tree specified in Schedule 1 of Tree Preservation Order (Old Goole No. 3) 2008, contrary to section 210 (1) of the Town and Country Planning Act.
He pleaded guilty and ordered to pay a total of £6,119, made up of a £4,000 fine, £719 costs, and a £1,600 victim surcharge.
The Magistrate noted that this was a serious measure and hoped that the fine will be a signal to others to avoid undertaking similar actions.
The case was brought by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Planning Enforcement team after a report from a member of the public.
Many trees in the East Riding are protected by Tree Preservation Orders, or by their presence within a Conservation Area. It is a criminal offence to cut down, uproot, lop, top or prune, or otherwise wilfully damage or destroy a protected tree without permission from the council.
Councillor Gary McMaster, cabinet member for planning, housing and infrastructure, at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Trees provide numerous benefits to local communities, enhancing the lived environment, and reducing air and noise pollution. They are also vital for biodiversity, providing habitats for insects, birds and other wildlife.
“The council takes protection of trees seriously and takes robust action where illegal behaviour occurs.”
Rotherham-based land regenerator opens woodland creation scheme
Rotherham-based Harworth Group has opened the Chevington North Woodland Creation Scheme, a natural space it says represents a major milestone in its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
The plantation, in Northumberland, covers 200 acres and is home to a 108,000 newly-planted trees to enhance biodiversity and create a haven for wildlife and the local community.
Chris Warren, Director of Natural Resources at Harworth, said: ” The opening of Chevington North is an example of how Harworth regenerates land for the benefit of communities and the environment. The woodland will create a beautiful space for the local community to enjoy whilst also supporting environmental sustainability.” Chevington North has an even split of native and evergreen trees, with the project also delivering habitat creation adjacent to the existing stream on the site and public access via an extensive network of permissive footpaths. Harworth secured grants from the Forestry Commission’s Woodland Creation Planning Grant (WCPG) and England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) to support the delivery of the project. The tree-planting initiative is part of Harworth’s ongoing efforts to transform former industrial sites into vibrant spaces that benefit both nature and people, and this is just one example of the steps Harworth is taking to deliver its Net Zero Pathway and achieve its ambition to become operationally Net Zero by 2030.Mindtech raises over £4m to power the future of computer vision training
Mindtech Global, the Sheffield-based company developing synthetic data to train AI vision systems, has secured £4.4m in a funding round led by Edge and including Mercia Ventures, which was investing from its own funds and the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.
The latest funding round will enable the company to further develop its technology, accelerate its presence in key markets including Japan, the US and Europe and continue its partnerships with industry leaders.
Mindtech solves a key challenge for AI developers – how to source sufficient images and datasets to train computer vision systems to identify humans or objects in different settings and recognise small but significant differences.
Its Chameleon platform uses games technology to create a virtual world and generate a diverse range of realistic images – for example with different backgrounds and objects, people with different ethnicities and at varying times of day or night.
Chameleon reduces costs and development time, while ensuring companies have legal ownership of data and comply with privacy laws. The use of diverse images also avoids creating bias within AI systems. Mindtech’s latest platform, Dolphin, analyses a company’s current training database and identifies issues such as bias, lack of diversity and sparsity of training data.
Mindtech originated from an idea from a group of industry veterans including Sir Hossein Yassaie, former CEO of chip manufacturer Imagination Technologies. The company now has a team of around 25 people and its technology is used in sectors including retail, healthcare, transportation and robotics.
The latest investment comes at a pivotal time. Analyst Gartner forecasts that by 2025, synthetic data will account for the majority of data used in AI training due to growing concerns about data scarcity.
Steve Harris, CEO of Mindtech, added: “This investment marks a pivotal moment for our company. With this support, we’re able to advance our technology and meet the growing demand for robust AI vision solutions across sectors.”
Fiona Dent, General Partner at Edge, said: “We are delighted to back Mindtech’s vision. Their ethical, GDPR-compliant, synthetic data platform solves the global data scarcity issue highlighted by Gartner, enabling the promise of AI vision to be realised 10x faster than before.”
Ashwin Kumaraswamy of Mercia Ventures said: “The world is on the verge of a major shift in uptake of AI in computer vision. However, there is a lack of datasets for real-world scenarios and for all eventualities, as they are hard to come by and aren’t GDPR compliant.
“Mindtech is a leader in this emerging market and enables machines to be trained on synthetic datasets that are highly realistic, therefore it has the potential to be a key building block of vision AI infrastructure.”
