Specialist planning and highway lawyers join Clarion’s real estate practice

Tess Egginton
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Specialist planning and highway lawyers join Clarion’s real estate practice

Two experts in planning and related areas of law, Carolyn Lord and Kate Butterfield, who have 60 years’ experience between them, have joined Clarion’s real estate practice as it continues to develop the breadth and depth of its services.

Now one of the largest real estate teams in Yorkshire, Carolyn joins as its seventh partner while Kate becomes the seventh legal director in the dedicated real estate practice. After qualifying in 1992 at a leading law firm, Carolyn’s and Kate’s expertise was honed at the nationally renowned commercial planning law firm Wilbraham & Co, which Carolyn was instrumental in setting up in 1994 and where both were partners.

Carolyn was subsequently employed in-house for development and construction group, GMI, before setting up well-known specialist planning and highway law practice LB & Co in 2012. Kate went on to be a partner at two other regional firms before joining Carolyn at LB & Co in 2015.

The pair have become renowned in the region and across the UK for their strategic and pragmatic advice on legal planning and related areas of law, handling the full range of planning work from planning applications and appeals, highway and rights of way law, to compulsory purchase orders and enforcement.

Carolyn and Kate have worked on large, high-profile projects nationwide across diverse sectors including commercial and strategic residential sites, town centre regeneration, energy, waste and other infrastructure, minerals-derived work and major highways schemes as well as leisure, education and retail.

Partner Martin Grange, who heads up Clarion’s 45-strong real estate practice, said: “As two of the most respected legal planning experts in the north, the addition of Carolyn and Kate to the Clarion team not only boosts our real estate offering, but their skills will also strengthen many of our areas of expertise such as energy, regulatory, logistics, education and the public sector.

“They have an extremely impressive track record – over the last 30 years, Carolyn and Kate have supported many of the best-known schemes in Leeds, including the regeneration of Holbeck and the South Bank, the White Rose Centre and Thorpe Park Leeds, plus projects across Yorkshire and the country, such as work for rail freight operator DB Cargo (UK), major logistics and residential sites and a range of minerals operations. They are a great fit with us, sharing the Clarion ethos and we are genuinely excited to welcome them to the team.”

Carolyn says: “We know many of the Clarion lawyers well, having trained with some of them – they’re our friends, and joining Clarion feels like ‘coming home’. Not only has Clarion established a strong reputation both regionally and nationally, Kate and I were also attracted by the firm’s commitment to investing in and developing its planning services which it sees as a crucial part of its offering.

“By joining Clarion, we will have the advantage of continuing to advise on planning as we have always done, but within the context of being part of a larger law firm which supports our ambitions to recruit and grow the practice.”

Carolyn is active in the wider Yorkshire business community: she is on the board of trustees of Yorkshire Sculpture Park; a board member of Luminate Education Group; chair of the board of directors of Leeds Conservatoire; and a co-founder of Yorkshire Textiles/Leeds Fashion Works.

JMG Group makes 20th broker acquisition

Tess Egginton
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JMG Group makes 20th broker acquisition
Yorkshire-based JMG Group has acquired North East commercial and corporate broker, Insure Business, in the group’s 20th acquisition since its formation just over 2½ years ago.
Insure Business will join the JM Glendinning North East business, part of the JMG Group, adding to the established team of insurance professionals based at Gosforth Business Park in Newcastle. This move is part of JMG Group’s ongoing growth strategy, which is underpinned by a personal approach to the acquisition process. Insure Business MD Kate Allison and account handler Daniel Wilds will continue to offer the same professional service to its established client portfolio, whilst rebranding to become JM Glendinning.
Kate Allison, Insure Business MD, says: “The sale to JMG Group was an easy decision to make as its client-focussed values align closely with our own. Dealing directly with the team I’ll be dealing with really helped me with the sale process and the transition into the group. “I am looking forward to being part of the dynamic JM Glendinning team whilst making sure the needs of our clients continue to be exceeded, now with the additional support and resources that being part of a wider group will bring.” Nick Houghton, CEO of JMG Group, says: “We are delighted to welcome Kate and Insure Business onboard as our 20th acquisition – it’s a perfect fit for the group and a great addition to our Newcastle team. “Sellers get to know the JMG team they are going to be part of throughout the sale process, which helps greatly. As does the experience of our M&A team. We are able to move quickly and be creative in our approach. The team will work with Kate to take away the noise, leaving Kate and her team to focus on winning and retaining clients.”

Yorkshire law firm strengthens partnership with Alzheimer’s society

Tess Egginton
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Yorkshire law firm strengthens partnership with Alzheimer’s society

A Yorkshire law firm has strengthened its commitment to helping the Alzheimer’s Society by partnering with the charity for another year and creating wills for people keen to donate or leave a legacy to the charity.

LCF Law has worked with the Alzheimer’s Society for several years and works with dozens of people every year to draw up their will for free, in exchange for a donation to the charity.

Head of personal law, Neil Shaw, explained: “After promoting this partnership to many organisations and community groups throughout Wharfedale, we have had plenty of interest from local people keen to donate or leave a bigger legacy in their will to the charity. We also have a similar partnership with Cancer Research and it’s a great way of supporting two charities that make a real difference to so many people.”

LCF Law also regularly takes part in Saint Michael’s Hospice’s ‘make a will month’, drafting wills without charge in exchange for a donation to the hospice. Neil added: “So many of us have family, friends and colleagues who have been affected by cancer or Alzheimer’s and it’s heart-warming to see first hand the difference these donations make to the charities and hospice.

“Most people understand the importance of making a will, but many don’t find the time to do it. Others wrongfully think they don’t have anything worth inheriting or are frightened of thinking about dying, but we see every day the peace of mind our clients enjoy once their affairs are put in order.”

Retail business owners purchase Market Weighton day nursery

Tess Egginton
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Retail business owners purchase Market Weighton day nursery
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has secured the sale of Pearls Poppets Day Nursery in Market Weighton, Yorkshire. Established in 2007, Pearls Poppets is a well-regarded children’s day nursery with the capacity to care for up to 41 children aged zero to eight years. The nursery, located in a business park, has been under the ownership of Scott and Abbie Tennyson-Cox since 2018, who recently decided to sell to allow them to pursue other business interests and spend more time with family. Following a confidential sales process with Christie & Co, Pearls Poppets has been purchased by local retail business owners, David Sellers and Alysha Forbes, who were keen to make the move into the day nursery sector. David Sellers, new owner of Pearls Poppets Day Nursery, says: “With the ever-expanding need for childcare, it’s great to be able to provide a quality service to parents and carers at the same time as providing lots of jobs to local staff. “Mine and Alysha’s families are all in childcare to varying degrees, so it made sense to go down this route and try to provide a great childcare business with a slick back-office administrative structure. “Pearls Poppets is a great setting that’s been well-run for a number of years. It is very spacious and there is a lot of potential to increase child spaces and to grow the business further. The existing staff are all fantastic and there is a strong management structure in place which makes the initial handover period a lot easier. “We have already made some small changes – had a tidy and brightened up the outside play area. We will be introducing a new app which will provide greater insight to parents as to what their children do every day at nursery and, going forward, we are looking to expand our nursery group and build a great environment for staff, parents and children.” Vicky Marsland, associate director – Childcare & Education at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, says: “It’s been a pleasure working with Scott and Abbie throughout this process. This is a profitable nursery with a unique aesthetic and a perfect example of how commercial units can be repurposed for childcare use. “David and Alysha had a keen interest in childcare and, after speaking with Christie Finance, we were able to establish a list of requirements before proceeding with Pearls Poppets. I think this is the perfect opportunity for them and wish both parties all the best in their future endeavours.” Alena Ray, associate director at Christie Finance, who sourced funding for the buyers, says: “I am delighted we could assist David and Alysha with their first acquisition, Pearls Poppets, which is a great business, and I am confident they will take the business to the next level with their unique skill sets in both the childcare and business space. “I am optimistic that this will be the first of many, and I am excited to work with David and Alysha on their next venture.” Pearls Poppets Day Nursery was sold for an undisclosed price.

Business Award judges say quality entries mean they’ve had the toughest year yet

Stuart Pearcey
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Business Award judges say quality entries mean they’ve had the toughest year yet

Judges in the Hull & East Yorkshire People in Business Awards say they’ve had the toughest year yet in developing a shortlist for this year’s glittering ceremony, saying that the quality of talent in the region has never been higher.

Lucy Gray from the Hull and East Yorkshire LEP leads the judging panel, and said: “This year we received a record number of entries. The standard of entries was incredible and just amplifies the sheer talent we have across the Region. As judges this made our job even harder, there were so many inspirational stories and examples, this made for some very difficult decisions. Having been part of the judging panel for PIBA since 2019, it makes me so proud that a Region we have so many great people to celebrate.” Fellow Judge Lee Solway of Harrison Solway added: “Along with my fellow judges, we had a fantastic but very difficult day in comparing opinions and notes on all nominees, but ultimately and collectively, we decided on the worthy winner and finalists for each of the 16 categories which were far from simple. “This year seemed even more difficult than 2022 due to the unbelievable calibre of the candidates, there were some inspirational nominations for sure, a lot of which resonated with me personally in my own business journey, which proves that we have so many reasons to be proud of the Hull and East Riding area and the people and businesses which reside in it.” The awards ceremony will take place on Friday 30th June, at the Doubletree Hilton Hotel in Hull and will see businesses recognised in sixteen categories along with an evening of food, drinks, and entertainment. The 2023 PIBA Awards Shortlist: Rising Star – sponsored by Bondholders
  • Oliver McWilliam – Lexus Hull
  • Chelsea Taylor – Hudgell Solicitors
  • Graham Wildridge – Transwaste
Above and Beyond – sponsored by HBP Systems
  • Susan Fellows – Innovations In Care
  • Kelly Bugg – Chameleon Business Interiors
  • Graham Precious – Caremark
Apprentice of the Year
  • Jack Fullard – Cloud Design Box
  • Heidi Donnison – Visit East Yorkshire
  • Sonia Kopacz – Alessandro Caruso Architecture & Interiors
First Class Service – sponsored by Nu Architects
  • Green & Green Mortgage Protection
  • Graham Precious – Caremark
  • Lana Grisina – Smart Temps
Customer Hero of the Year
  • Penelope Hadgraft – Clear Skin Pending
  • Andy Craggs – Doubletree by Hilton Hotel
  • Kaylee Carver – Gymophobics
Start-up Entrepreneur – sponsored by Hull City Council
  • Paul Longley – Think Mental Health
  • Cassandra Custus – Karinya Yoga
  • Kim Bunn & Janice Hakeney – Boutique 187
Entrepreneur of the Year – sponsored by Forrester Boyd
  • Michelle Millar – And Marketing
  • Susan Fellows – Innovations In Care
  • David Lipton – Consortium Professional Recruitment
Inspiring Contribution – sponsored by The Edge Hub
  • Alan Raw – Koru Consulting
  • Brian Cammack – Hull Truck Theatre
  • Evalynne Charmer – Child Hypnotherapy Institute
Innovator – sponsored by the University of Hull Business School
  • Wayne Key – Key Campers & Key Racking
  • Simon Jones – Top 30 Under 30
Mentor
  • Lisa Harvey – Diony Creative
  • Joe Bannister – Cloud Design Box
  • John Cuss – Hudgell Solicitors
Team Impact < 10 People
  • HEYMIND – Humber Peer Support Team
  • Hudgell Solicitors
  • Cloud Design Box
Team Impact >11 People – sponsored by Cobus Communications
  • Sowden And Sowden
  • Caremark
  • Transwaste
Grit
  • Kaylee Carver – Gymophobics
  • Dawn Parker – Consortium Professional Recruitment
Manager
  • James Emmett – Cloud Design Box
  • Vicky Richardson – Hudgell Solicitors
  • Paul Savage – Bonus Arena

Tennis academy signs three-year sponsorship deal with Hull firms

Stuart Pearcey
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Tennis academy signs three-year sponsorship deal with Hull firms

Forrester Boyd Chartered Accountants and Williamsons Solicitors are to sponsor a new three-year programme at Nuffield Tennis Academy in Hull.

As a Lawn Tennis Association accredited performance centre, the academy offers both excellent facilities and experienced coaches who provide a junior programme which is recognised as being one of the best in the country with multiple international players emanating from the centre. Forrester Boyd Chairman and Partner Mike Beckett said: “I am delighted to be able to support this fantastic initiative alongside Williamsons. Nuffield Tennis Academy has such a great reputation for nurturing some of the region’s top tennis stars. This schools outreach programme will help to introduce tennis to children at a ‘grass roots’ level. The health and mental wellbeing benefits associated with sporting activities cannot be under-estimated and are hugely important now, more than ever, which is why Forrester Boyd was really happy to be involved with this project. I really hope that the Academy can encourage more children into taking up tennis or other sporting activities.” Neil Waterhouse, Operations Director & Company Secretary at Williamsons Solicitors, added: “Williamsons has a long history of supporting local charities and community ventures, and so were delighted to team up with Forrester Boyd in supporting Nuffield Tennis Academy in this important local initiative. “This is an excellent opportunity for school children across the area to try something new, which they would perhaps not normally have access to.” The sponsorship of the three year programme will enable coaches at the tennis academy to deliver free tennis coaching sessions to Key Stage 1 pupils across the region of Hull and East Riding. David Kitchen, who is leading the programme at the academy said: “We are extremely grateful to Forrester Boyd and Williamsons for their support of our schools outreach programme. “Their support means we can achieve our long-term goal for the programme which is to ensure that every primary school pupil in Hull and East Riding has had a taste of tennis.”

Bradford signs deals to create thousands of new homes

Stuart Pearcey
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Bradford signs deals to create thousands of new homes
Three major partnerships have been agreed at the UKREiiF real estate conference linking Bradford Council to Homes England, English Cities Fund, and UK Infrastructure Bank. Bradford Council is set to collaborate with Homes England and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to support the delivery of over 7,000 potential new homes across the district, after an MOU was signed at UKREiiF. The new agreement will help unlock infrastructure, resources and support to deliver affordable, good quality housing in major regeneration areas across the district and beyond. The Council also signed a pre-development agreement with Muse Places/English Cities Fund to begin the detailed preparation work to deliver the development of the City Village Regeneration scheme providing up to 1,000 further new homes in the heart of the City Centre, including at the former Kirkgate and Oastler Centre sites. A third partnership has been agreed with UK Infrastructure Bank which will see UKIB provide technical assistance and strategic advice on the delivery, finance and options for the proposed new rail investments and landmark Southern Gateway regeneration. Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: “Bradford is very much open for business, we’re one of the country’s biggest regeneration opportunities and attracting a range of major national partners to help us achieve our commercial ambitions along with a quality housing pipeline to support Bradford’s future growth. “This is a really exciting time for the District, we are enabling a number transformational projects which will boost the energy and vibrancy of the city centre and position it perfectly for the future. Many of these projects are now nearing completion such as Bradford Live, One City Park, Darley Street Market and North Parade public realm improvement schemes and we are preparing for Bradford 2025 which will further strengthen our investment offer. “Through this Strategic Place Partnership – only the third of its kind to be launched in the country – Homes England has demonstrated its support for our vision and ambition to transform prime sites across the district.” Kersten England, CEO of the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council said: “City Village is one of our most significant developments, it will help set the tone for the future city centre residential offer and we are delighted to have secured this partnership with ECF to now take the scheme forward to delivery of 1,000 new homes in the City Centre. “Housing plays an important role in the Bradford offer, and WYCA’s work with Homes England will go some way to helping us deliver the homes that we will need to shape a brighter future here in the district. “Our collaboration with UKIB will help us look at investment options, funding models and the practicalities of market and state finance to realise our regeneration ambitions. Bradford has a pivotal role to play across the whole of the North of England – a successful North needs a successful Bradford!”

NFU calls for multi-sector collaboration to boost food and farming

Stuart Pearcey
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NFU calls for multi-sector collaboration to boost food and farming
Food, farming and hospitality sectors should work together to mutual benefit, according to National Farmers Union President Minette Batters. Launching a new report based on research with consumers and businesses, the report showcases the British food and drink story and how farmers and the supply chain working together can add value to businesses.
She said: “Whether it’s grabbing a bite to eat on the go, discussing business over lunch or celebrating an important event, eating out is central to everyday life, with iconic products and brands playing a huge role in keeping the nation fed. “Hospitality in the UK is recognised as one of the finest in the world, but the sector, like British farming, has faced huge challenges over the past 18 months against a backdrop of record levels of inflation, coupled with the cost of living crisis, and coming just months after struggling through the pandemic which impacted so many hospitality businesses. “British farming, food, and hospitality are intrinsically linked, and this report sets out our vision on how British food can add vale to hospitality brands, and why they should build the farming story into their businesses. “Developing relationships between the out of home sector and British farmers and growers will create even more opportunities to serve up local food that is safe and fully traceable, providing the provenance the public increasingly appreciates – as well as helping to strengthen our domestic food security.
“The NFU will continue these conversations by holding further roundtable discussions in order to engage with all aspects of the UK’s diverse hospitality sector.” The NFU brought together industry leaders and operators for a roundtable discussion to launch the report and to hear how sustainability and “supporting local” holds a firm place in the public’s buying choices. Organisations represented at the roundtable included: UK Hospitality, the Royal Society of Culinary Arts, Green King, Hawksmoor, the Zero Carbon Forum, WRAP, Peach2020, AHDB and NFU Cymru. The discussion acknowledged the multiple benefits of purchasing British food and drink and working more closely with Britain’s farmers and growers. The discussion also focussed upon how we can showcase British food production standards, create more relationships between businesses, farmers, chefs, and consumers, alongside how we can tackle big issues such as sustainability ambitions and supply chain challenges.

Hull Trains wins top award at Women in Rail event

Stuart Pearcey
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0
Hull Trains wins top award at Women in Rail event
Hull Trains has won the biggest prize at the Women in Rail Awards by being named Top Employer of the Year. The award was in recognition of the operator’s inclusive culture that specifically focuses on female talent attraction and retention. Hull Trains was praised for the way it fosters a new generation of female leaders in rail, and for the commitment it demonstrates to equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The Women in Rail Awards are seen as the benchmark for the railway industry and aim to showcase companies that are making significant contributions to improving gender balance, diversity, and inclusion within the UK railway industry. Hull Trains is proud of its record of 32% of drivers being female – the highest percentage in the UK rail industry where the average currently sits at 6.5%, according to 2021 statistics. Alongside this, the company benefits from a 50/50 gender split across its executive board and 48% of its whole workforce are women. Following their 2022/23 colleague survey, the company’s team engagement levels also sit at an industry high, currently celebrating an 83% overall engagement score, 16 points above the industry average. Company MD Martijn Gilbert said: “We’re extremely proud to be recognised as Top Employer at the Women in Rail awards. This recognition feels like a seal of approval for the work we’re doing to create an inclusive and diverse work environment. “Just to be shortlisted and recognised for our efforts was amazing, but to win is a really special accomplishment and our team is without a doubt at the heart of this success.” Shona Clive, Vice-Chair of Women in Rail and Project Lead for the Rail cluster project and the Forth and Tay Offshore project, Scottish Engineering said: “The calibre of this year’s nominations was truly exceptional. We received over 430 entries from – and in respect of – a wide range of individuals, teams and companies in the railway sector, many of them from male allies nominating their female co-workers. The judges admitted having a very difficult task selecting who should be shortlisted and ultimately win. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated – and of course to our winners, Hull Trains – who continue to promote and improve EDI across the sector.”

Business adviser offers free guidance to new businesses in Bradford

Stuart Pearcey
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Business adviser offers free guidance to new businesses in Bradford
Bradford Metro Bank will host the city’s Local Start-Up Business Adviser Katrina Moody at its Market Street Store on the afternoon of Wednesday June 7th from 1pm – 4pm. Any Bradford business less than three years old is welcome to meet Katrina who can provide practical support, as well as advice and guidance to any start-up business from any sector, including social enterprises, cooperatives and businesses selling directly to consumers. As an independent adviser, she can also help individuals with an idea for a new business or support growth for existing businesses, including business planning, marketing, and financial management. There were over three quarters of a million new companies created in the UK last year – the second highest number on record. That’s more than one company every minute. However start-ups are vulnerable and whilst just over nine out of ten survive the first year (92%), just over a third make it to year five and beyond. “Anyone is welcome to come along for free advice and support about starting or managing a new business,” explains Bradford Metro Bank’s Local Business Manager Lizzie Jowett. “Whilst in store, if you have not yet opened a business account, this can be done in store in under two hours, with your internet banking set-up the same day and your debit card printed in store.’’ To guarantee time with Katrina at this complimentary event please reserve your spot here.
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