Lomond makes 54th acquisition with Yorkshire firm
Lomond, the acquirers of estate and letting agency businesses, has made a fresh acquisition within the Yorkshire region, further bolstering its presence in the area.
The acquisition of HOP Lettings and HOP Students is Lomond’s 54th acquisition since launching three years ago.
The move will see HOP Lettings operate as part of Lomond’s Linley and Simpson brand, a business that already has a significant foothold within the region with 23 branches. The direct acquisition of HOP Lettings will add an additional 861 residential properties to the firm’s lettings book – around 300 of which are student properties.
With Linley and Simpson already boasting a lettings book of 14,400 properties, the acquisition will push them beyond the 15,000 property threshold.
However, the acquisition of HOP Students also provides the firm with an opportunity to expand its student offering to the Leeds area, having already established a foothold within the student market in York with the purchase of Sinclair Properties in 2021.
The existing HOP Students business adds an additional 300 student properties to Lomond’s national portfolio, and will continue to operate from the existing Leeds city centre office, with the same team.
Lomond CEO, Ed Phillips, said: “Our aggressive growth strategy has focussed on acquiring some of the best regional businesses across the nation’s fastest growing property markets and this latest acquisition is no different.
“The acquisition of HOP will allow us to further strengthen our Linley and Simpson brand, a brand which already has a sizable presence within the region.”
CEO of Linley and Simpson, Martin Elliott, said: “Not only does the acquisition of the HOP businesses further build on our extensive residential lettings portfolio, but it also allows us to build on the existing foundations we’ve laid within the student rental market.
“Like York, Leeds is an extremely popular university town and one that is home to high demand for student lets. Establishing a student base within the city itself was an important part of our growth strategy; the acquisition of HOP Students allows us to do this immediately.”
Owner and founder of HOP, Luke Gidney, said: “I have always had an excellent relationship with Linley and Simpson, and great respect for what they do, so when the time came for myself and my family to exit the business, we knew they would be a great fit for HOP.
“This strategic move will have a big impact on the wider market and gives Linley & Simpson an exciting opportunity to enter the thriving student rental sector in Leeds. We know that our loyal clients and fantastic staff will be in very safe hands.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to the team at HOP for all their hard work over the last 15 years, the business wouldn’t be where it is today without them. I wish them all the best for the future and look forward to watching its continued success in this next chapter.”
LDC, the private equity group which is part of Lloyds Banking Group, backed the creation of Lomond in December 2020, merging Lomond Capital and Linley & Simpson. The firm continues to work closely with the management team to support Lomond’s successful buy and build strategy.
Gareth Marshall, head of the North East and Scotland at LDC, said: “Lomond continues to show why an acquisitive growth strategy is such an effective way for businesses to expand their geographic footprint at pace.
“We first invested in Linley & Simpson back in 2018, so it’s brilliant to see the now national lettings and estate agency group celebrate such an important milestone in Yorkshire. We’re looking forward to supporting Ed and the team as they build on this momentum in the months ahead.”
Work starts on new Health, Well-being and Community Campus in Shipley
Work has started on Shipley’s new multi-million-pound Health, Well-being and Community Campus (HWCC) at The Old School building on Farfield Road.
The £3m project which has been Government funded through the Shipley Towns Fund, will transform the way mental health and well-being services are delivered in Shipley so that people can easily access tailored, holistic support which meets their needs, provided by a range of organisations including statutory and VSCE partners.
The former school building will be transformed with a complete refurbishment of the old building with the work carried out by local contractors, Whittaker and Leach. It will include a new atrium, communal space and gardens for both building users and local people to enjoy.
A variety of health and well-being activities, along with early help and prevention support for all age groups, will be available at the state-of-the-art centre, in an inclusive, welcoming and accessible environment.
The new facility will continue to be run by well-established founding member charity, The Cellar Trust. Its mission will be to provide health and well-being support by working with a range of services from the voluntary sector, public sector and social enterprise all in one place.
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “It’s no understatement to say that this new community facility will be invaluable, delivering improved access to a wide-range of mental and physical health services. It will change the way people can access support and will ultimately help to change people’s lives for the better.”
The Cellar Trust CEO Kim Shutler said: “Our objective is to work in partnership to enhance health and well-being services in Shipley, improving access for local residents. The new centre will also serve as a hub for skills development, training, and enterprise through its support for new voluntary, community and social enterprises so they can innovate, collaborate and grow. By bringing people together, we also believe the centre will benefit other local businesses and services in Shipley.”
Chair of the Shipley Towns Fund Board, Adam Clerkin added: “The Shipley Towns Fund board is thrilled at the progress made and excited to see the new facility take shape over the coming months.
“As a result of Government funding, with full support from Bradford Council, The Cellar Trust team are delivering on their mission to improve mental health support for Shipley and beyond.”
Services will be available for the whole community and will particularly focus on supporting vulnerable people. There will be large rooms for groups and events, smaller activity rooms, consulting rooms for clinical and non-clinical interventions as well as a multi-faith and contemplation space. Office and co-working space has also been set aside for health and well-being providers and social enterprises.
The new facilities are expected to open in Summer 2025.
Early designs revealed for Huddersfield housing scheme replacing high-rise blocks
Kirklees Council has been working alongside architects to develop early designs for a new housing scheme which will replace two high-rise blocks, Bishops Court and Holme Park Court in Berry Brow.
The proposals have been shared with the tenants living in the blocks and residents in the surrounding area with hopes to receive their views, to help shape further design development.
This follows the decision made by the council’s cabinet in summer 2021, that the flats will be demolished following consultation with tenants who said that this was their preferred option. Existing tenants continue to be supported by dedicated housing officers to find new homes.
Early plans show around 135 new sustainable and affordable homes over three blocks, with the layout designed to respond to the existing site constraints including site levels, surrounding trees and landscaping.
This new development has been designed to fit in with the surrounding area and will drastically reduce in height from 16-storeys to 6-storey blocks to positively change the view of the local landscape.
Proposals have been created to connect residents with nature and the local area, and provide design elements such as natural lighting, ventilation and natural landscaped areas. Improvements will also be made to the existing landscaping to create safe, accessible spaces focusing on ease of movement through the site.
The designs at this stage are not final and are likely to change throughout the design development stage.
Bishop’s Court and Holme Park Court are part of the wider fire safety programme that the council have been carrying out over the last couple of years.
Naz Parkar, Service Director for Homes and Neighbourhoods, said: “It’s great to see we are moving on to the next phase of regenerating Berry Brow flats and concept designs have been put place.
“Having input from our tenants and local residents will be a crucial step to making sure we can create a housing scheme that will benefit everyone.
“As a council, we are committed to improving housing standards and this project will contribute greatly to our ambitions through the various design elements proposed.”
Next steps will see the council continuing to work with architects to develop the proposals in preparation for a planning submission later this year.
Eminox names Adam Woolgar as new Finance Director
Adam Woolgar has joined Gainsborough-based Eminox as Finance Director.
He has more than 20 years’ experience in steering the financial strategy of large corporations in the industrial, financial and telecoms sectors. Most recently, he worked at Genuit Group in its Water Management Solutions Divisions which manufactures and supply’s products to the construction industry in the UK and Europe.
In his role at Eminox, Adam works alongside fellow SLT members and Hexadex directors managing budgets, setting strategic objectives and supporting the business to maximise its financial performance.
Adam said: “I first visited Eminox around 20 years ago to attend a year-end stock count and I was excited when the opportunity arose to join the business at a senior level as it entered a new chapter.
“I was further impressed by Hexadex’s focus on the businesses core values and how this shaped all activities within the Group. It has been clear to me from the start that there is a clear passion to drive our business forward from everyone I have met. This is key to our future success, and I am very much looking forward to continuing to be part of shaping that future.”
Eminox MD Jonathan Griffith said: “Adam has a lot of experience in working at senior level in a financial capacity and his calm, knowledgeable advice and guidance is essential in helping us to continue the success of Eminox.”
Leeds United secure Red Bull deal
Leeds United Football Club has announced a new deal with Red Bull which will include branding on the front of next season’s shirt and a minority ownership stake.
Beginning in the 2024/2025 season, Leeds United will feature Red Bull branding on the front of Leeds United men’s and women’s first team kits. Red Bull will also become the club’s Exclusive Energy Drink Partner with branding featured inside Elland Road and during the club’s official media appearances.
“I am thrilled that Red Bull is joining us to build a bright future for Leeds United and shares our deep respect for this truly special club,” said Paraag Marathe, Chairman of Leeds United.
“As Chairman, our consortium of investment partners will be invaluable to me as we approach this important moment for the club, now and into the future. Red Bull’s addition is a historic milestone that will further empower the club to reach its full competitive potential.”
Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull CEO Corporate Projects and Investments, said: “We are delighted to be an important element and partner of Leeds United. A club that is certainly one of the biggest in England and has a rich and successful history.
“The ambition to bring Leeds United back to the Premier League and establish themselves in the best football league in the world fits very well with Red Bull. We look forward to the partnership and are optimistic and energized about the future.”
The deal brings in new commercial revenues as well as additional capital investment for a minority ownership stake that will further enable the club to compete on and off the pitch as the club seek promotion next season.
Yorkshire business confidence grows
Business confidence in Yorkshire and the Humber rose 11 points during May to 45%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
Companies in Yorkshire and the Humber reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 16 points at 50%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up five points to 39%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 45% (vs. 34% in April).
A net balance of 29% of businesses in the region also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up eight points on last month.
Looking ahead to the next six months, Yorkshire and the Humber businesses identified their top target areas for growth as entering new markets (41%) and evolving their offering (31%). A quarter (25%) said they planned to introduce new technology or to invest in sustainability.
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. The data for this edition was collected between 1–16th May, before the UK general election was announced.
National picture
In May, overall UK business confidence reached its highest level since 2015 – rising by eight points to a net balance of 50%.
Businesses showed increased optimism in both their trading prospects (up nine points month-on-month to 54%) and the economy (up seven points to 46%). Firms’ trading outlook was the most optimistic in seven years, while economic optimism was the highest recorded since September 2021.
Scotland and the South East of England were the most optimistic of the UK nations or regions in May (both 57%), followed by the West Midlands (56%).
Sector insights
Similarly, there were particularly strong results reported in the construction and services sectors this month. Prospects in the construction sector jumped to 58% (up 20 points), the highest for 14 months, while in services, expected output increased to 57% (up 12 points). On the latter, it is the highest level since the survey was expanded in 2018. Expected business activity in the retail sector also improved to 49% (up three points).
Although trading prospects in manufacturing eased slightly to 49% (down three points), the underlying trend over the last three months remains positive.
Martyn Kendrick, regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “It’s no surprise that Yorkshire’s firms are so confident in their own prospects – this is a region with huge adaptability, resilience and a deep pool of skill and insight.
“As businesses look at how they can drive further growth on the back of such a positive outlook, we’ll be by their side with our backing and insight to help them ensure they’re equipped for whatever lies ahead.”
Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “These results highlight a notable improvement in business confidence. Optimism about the economy increased to 46% this month – the highest result since September 2021, when the country was emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic, but before the energy crisis after the invasion of Ukraine.
“The regional picture has also improved – we’ve now seen increases in seven of the UK’s 12 regions, where there was previously a more mixed picture. Results in the South East, Scotland and the West Midlands were particularly strong. Across the sectors, there were strong, broad-based improvements in services and construction.”
Melissa joins Private Client department at AWB Charlesworth
Melissa Butler has joined AWB Charlesworth Solicitors as paralegal in its Private Client department dealing with Wills, Trusts and Probate.
She has almost a decade of experience in estate administration, the preparation of Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, and in dealing with applications to the Court of Protection.
Jenny Barron, Head of Private Client said: “Our wills and probate business is going from strength to strength and we have an urgent need to expand our team to cover the large quantity of work and maintain our excellent standards of service. Melissa’s extensive experience is a great advantage to us as we increasingly take on complex inheritance work and help families with multiple assets.”
Melissa said: “AWB Charlesworth is a long-established firm with a great reputation, progressive in its approach to the law, and yet maintaining the strong values of a family firm.”
AWB Charlesworth’s Private Client department is split across three offices to service the needs of clients in Skipton, Keighley, Bradford, and the wider area of the Aire Valley and the Yorkshire Dales.
Food entrepreneur urges manufacturers to share in donating five million meals a year
2 Sisters Food Group owner Ranjit Singh Boparan has urged other manufacturers to join him to help tackle the continuing food insecurity crisis gripping UK households by donating up to five million meals every year.
He intends to increase food donations from his food manufacturing empire, which has premises in Scunthorpe, following his announcement last November to work in partnership with charity FareShare and retailers.
He said: “We have a moral responsibility to do the right thing. It cannot be right that in the UK in 2024 people are struggling to feed themselves. No-one should go to sleep on an empty stomach at night, especially not children.
“I have previously committed to supporting the King’s Coronation Food Project and in partnership with M&S, we are working to boost Fareshare’s distribution efforts. However, I do feel it is time for individual companies who make food to step up and help alleviate this problem.
“This also requires a big effort from our supply chain and it’s fantastic to see so much goodwill and support. Without the support of companies like Magnavale who are storing these products for us, this entire distribution effort wouldn’t be possible.”
Millions of people – including one in five families with children – have gone hungry or skipped meals in recent weeks because they could not regularly afford to buy groceries, according to new food insecurity data.
According to the latest Food Foundation tracker, 15% of UK households – equivalent to about eight million adults and three million children – have experienced food insecurity in 2024, as the cost-of-living crisis continues to hit the pockets of low-income families. It is estimated this figure has doubled in the last three years.
In November 2023, Ranjit met The King in support of the Coronation Food Project following his pre-Christmas donation of one million meals, donated in partnership with M&S.
£20k grant helps Driffield business cut its carbon footprint
Driffield-based engineering company Shields has significantly reduced its carbon footprint with the help of a £20,000 grant secured with the help of the Invest East Yorkshire’s Business Support team.
The grant has been invested in a large solar panel installation at the company’s premises on the town’s Kelleythorpe Industrial Estate.
Carey Kelly, a Director at Shields, said: “We have enjoyed a long and positive relationship with the Invest East Yorkshire Business Support team. As the business has grown and our plans have changed, we have worked closely with them, not just in relation to financial assistance but also for ongoing advice and guidance. We are very appreciative of this support and look forward to this relationship continuing as we grow as a business and create more skilled jobs for Driffield and the surrounding area.”
Business Advisor Chris Moore said: “Following a review of the business and a discussion about its growth plans, we arranged for Shields to have an independent energy assessment by a specialist company that we appointed. This was fully funded and highlighted a number of energy saving measures they could take as part of their commitment to becoming more environmentally sustainable.”
Shields is a family-owned mechanical engineering and bulk processing company established in 1984. It now employs more than 50 people and works with customers across the UK.
Shields first worked with Invest East Yorkshire’s Business Support Team more than ten years ago and, since then, has benefited from the advice, support and knowledge of its team of advisors on several occasions, helping to further fuel its growth and development.
Most recently, the company worked with Business Advisor Chris Moore to access a £20,000 grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This enabled Shields to achieve its goal of drastically reducing its carbon footprint by investing in a large solar panel installation project at its headquarters in Driffield.
Vacant space in Hull to be brought back into use as leisure and social venue
Dozens of city centre jobs will be created at a new, modern leisure and social venue in Hull.
Hull City Council has allocated £400,000 of external funding to Federation of Sport Limited to bring back into use over 1,500sqm of vacant floor space at Unit 7, King William House.
The unit has stood empty for an extended period but will now see a brand-new facility as part of the Lowgate building’s overall regeneration in recent years.
The project will involve the installation of high-grade sports technology, including audio-visual equipment, as well as two bars and communal areas and a fully-fitted, commercial-grade kitchen.
The overall cost of the works is projected to be almost £2m, meaning more than £1.5m of private capital is being invested into the city centre.
There are 43.5 full-time equivalent job vacancies expected to be created as a result.
Garry Taylor, assistant director of major projects, culture and place at the council, said: “King William House has seen significant regeneration in recent times and it’s pleasing to see another plan come to fruition.
“City centre grants have unlocked so much potential for Hull and I’m delighted that the council has been able to provide further support.”
