Long-established Yorkshire and Lincolnshire builders’ merchant placed in administration
Builders’ Merchant Company, a builders’ merchant retailer business with outlets in Rotherham, Hull, Goole and Scunthorpe, has fallen into administration.
The company, which was headquartered in Scunthorpe, was the subject of a winding up petition last month. On 9 October Andrew Mackenzie and Laura Baxter of Begbies Traynor were appointed joint administrators after attempts to sell Builders’ Merchant Company through the accelerated mergers and acquisitions (AMA) process failed to secure a buyer.
All 26 employees of the business have been made redundant and the joint administrators are hoping to sell the freehold property and assets of the business.
Founded in Scunthorpe in 1928, Builders’ Merchant Company was the largest independent timber and building supplies supplier in Lincolnshire. Between 2016 and 2019 the business opened branches in Hull, Rotherham and Goole.
Joint administrator Andrew Mackenzie, of Begbies Traynor, said: “Unfortunately the construction industry continues to face extremely challenging conditions and the knock-on effect of that is being felt by suppliers including Builders’ Merchant Company. We are now working hard to maximise the value of the company’s assets and ensure the best possible return for creditors.”
virtualDCS selects The Conservation Volunteers as charity of the year
virtualDCS, the Leeds-based cloud service provider (CSP) and business continuity specialist, has chosen The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) as its charity of the year.
TCV, a not-for-profit group dedicated to environmental education and conservation, works to create, improve, and care for green spaces across the UK. Through this collaboration, virtualDCS aims to support TCV’s vital work in promoting health and wellbeing, environmental preservation, and community development.
The partnership will see virtualDCS employees actively participating in volunteer days and an ongoing project to transform the meadow area at Hollybush Conservation Centre in Leeds, a key site for TCV.
The first volunteer day took place on 9 October, with four members of the virtualDCS team – including CEO Richard May – leading the charge. The company has already raised approximately £1,200, which will be donated to support this project and future TCV initiatives.
Richard May, CEO of virtualDCS, shared his excitement about the partnership: “As virtualDCS continues to grow, we recognise the importance of giving back to our communities and supporting causes that align with our values. The Conservation Volunteers stood out to us because of their local impact and focus on the environment and social wellbeing.
“This partnership is the perfect fit for our new CSR strategy, and we’re excited to make a tangible difference working with TCV communities and projects across the UK. We’re proud to contribute not only financially but also through our team’s hands-on involvement in transforming green spaces that are essential for healthy communities.”
The Conservation Volunteers, whose vice president is Sir David Attenborough, has made significant strides in 2023-24, engaging over 96,000 people and transforming more than 1,300 green spaces.
Their work spans England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, supporting all types of people – including individuals with learning disabilities and youth groups – in creating vibrant, sustainable environments. Their initiatives, such as the ‘Green Gym,’ are designed to improve both physical and mental wellbeing through outdoor activities.
Alex Mason, senior project officer of health and wellbeing at TCV, thanked virtualDCS for its contribution: “We’d like to say thank you to virtualDCS from the volunteers at TCV Hollybush. Your kind donation will go towards improving the biodiversity of our site.
“We have recently created two new pond habitats, a bog and a deep woodland trench, therefore, the donation will go towards planting these, along with our wildflower meadow and forest glade, with UK native plants.
“We’d love the team to come to visit in the spring and summer once these areas are in full bloom, and look forward to seeing more of the team for more volunteering days soon.”
Accu becomes engineering partner for Huddersfield Town Football Club
Accu, a Huddersfield-based supplier of high-precision engineering components, has become Huddersfield Town Football Club’s Official Engineering Partner for the 2024/25 season.
This strategic collaboration is designed to strengthen Accu’s involvement within the local area and elevate the company’s purpose on an international stage.
As part of the partnership, Accu will proudly present the Player Arrivals on matchdays, adding a new dimension to the fan experience at Huddersfield Town games.
“We are thrilled to join forces with Huddersfield Town Football Club as their Official Engineering Partner,” said Alastair Morris, Managing Director of Accu.
“This partnership is a fantastic opportunity for us to give back to the community that has been instrumental in our success. Huddersfield Town shares our dedication to growth and developing talent within the local area and we look forward to a season of shared victories both on and off the pitch.”
The significance of this partnership was further highlighted during a recent visit by Huddersfield Town FC’s Chairman Kevin Nagel, Director Michael Thomas, CEO Jake Edwards, and Chief Revenue Officer Paul Reeves to Accu’s newly renovated headquarters at the historic Brook Motors site in Brockholes.
Paul Reeves, Chief Revenue Officer at Huddersfield Town Football Club, commented on the partnership: “We are excited to welcome Accu as our Official Engineering Partner. Their commitment to innovation and excellence mirrors our ambitions on the pitch.
“Together, we aim to create meaningful, exciting experiences for our fans and make a positive impact in the Huddersfield community.”
Mid Yorkshire Trust revives dated hospital with green technology
Work has started on the installation of the latest green technology at a hospital building in Dewsbury, which will significantly reduce its carbon footprint by making it much more energy efficient, as well as creating one of the greenest retrofitted NHS buildings in West Yorkshire.
The Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust has secured government decarbonisation funding for its Dewsbury and District Hospital site – through Salix – for new solar panels, air source heat pumps and a new low carbon heating system to be installed in the nurses’ accommodation block, known as Cullingworth House.
Yorkshire based building services engineering company, GW Power-Safe, is carrying out the complete transition of all heating systems at Cullingworth House from gas to electric by installing two Clade air source heat pumps.
It is also installing 30 solar panels to provide some of the additional electrical requirements for the heat pump solution. A detailed programme of mechanical and electrical works will be carried out by the firm, with work set to complete by early next year.
GW Power-Safe’s sister company, sustainability consultancy C3 Group, supported the hospital with its application for government funding for the design and construction of the low carbon system through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS).
The grant funding is available to public sector organisations in England to invest in decarbonisation and energy efficiency measures in buildings served by a fossil fuel heating plant approaching the end of its life, which is generally 10 years or older.
A minimum of 12% of the total cost of any project will need to be met by the public sector organisation, with up to 88% of the funding being provided as a grant.
Ash Wray from C3 Group, which operates nationally from its Hull headquarters, said: “Cullingworth House is a dated building, and it had a very old and inefficient heating system. We immediately identified several ways it could be improved using the latest green technology and with our experience working with the public sector and Salix funding.
“This is the first investment in renewable energy by the hospital and the air source heat pumps will deliver 58 tonnes of carbon savings annually, with a further 2.5 tonnes coming from the solar panels. This is a fantastic result for both the environment and the hospital’s energy bills.”
Flint Bishop appoints high-profile banking litigation lawyer to lead Finance Dispute Resolution team
Derby-headquartered law firm Flint Bishop has announced the strategic appointment of banking litigation specialist Kate Hicks as Partner & Head of Finance Dispute Resolution at its Leeds office, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s pursuit of becoming a dominant force in the banking litigation and recoveries arena.
Hicks joins Flint Bishop from Yorkshire Building Society, where she provided comprehensive legal support across the organisation. Her career also includes senior roles at Walker Morris LLP, Cobbetts Solicitors and DLA Piper, where she gained a national reputation for managing high-stakes litigation in property and banking law.
Hicks brings over 20 years of litigation experience, with her specialism in the financial services property lending sector. Her skill set encompasses a wide range of legal matters, including the Consumer Credit Act, challenges to the enforceability of credit agreements, complex regulatory issues, and title rectification to ensure lenders’ security is properly perfected.
She also has a strong track record in asset finance, unsecured recoveries, and intricate secured recovery cases, and is highly skilled in handling breach of mandate claims, payment by mistake claims, operational fraud cases, and contract and tort disputes for banks, building societies, and other financial institutions.
Qamer Ghafoor, Chief Executive at Flint Bishop, said: “I am delighted to welcome Kate to the firm to lead our Finance Dispute Resolution practice. Her appointment is a major coup for the firm, solidifying our standing as a leading legal partner for banks, building societies, and financial institutions seeking expertise in complex financial disputes.
“Kate’s leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s future in the banking litigation and financial services offering, helping us to become a dominant force in the UK banking litigation and recoveries arena, setting the stage for accelerated growth and market leadership in the coming years.”
The appointment follows Flint Bishop’s recent acquisition of the Banking Litigation and Recoveries division from Walker Morris LLP, as well as the opening of the firm’s new offices in Leeds last month.
£3.5m awarded to support project at Weelsby Hall
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded Linkage Community Trust a £3,515,000 Heritage Enterprise grant for its Weelsby estate project to provide an inclusive and sustainable future for the Hall.
This will preserve the Victorian mansion house for the public to enjoy, expand provision for care training, sensory facilities and develop much needed new accommodation for young people with learning disabilities and neurodiversity.
Weelsby Hall was built in 1890 as the country seat for the cockle-picker turned fishing magnate George Sleight. The grand house showcases exceptional craftsmanship and has links to Grimsby’s historic docks, the Kasbah.
Linkage leased Weelsby Hall from the Sleight family from 1982 and later purchased the estate. The historic buildings are no longer accessible or fit-for-purpose, needing significant repair and refurbishment. The project aims to restore the buildings and develop the 12-acre grounds with wildlife boxes, a sensory trail, and bee-friendly plants.
The public will be able to visit during and after the construction, learn more about the Sleight family in the grand entrance foyer and enjoy activities in the grounds.
Linkage CEO, Valerie Waby, described the impact of the award for the charity. “This funding will not only help us enhance and restore these vital historic buildings but will create new job opportunities in our area.
“This is a huge step forward in improving the Weelsby Estate, the local economy and creating opportunities to elevate the quality of life for eight young people through the opening of a new residential care home. Linkage is indebted to National Lottery players and to the Heritage Fund for making this grant possible.”
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It is fantastic news that we’re supporting Weelsby Hall in Grimsby to ensure a long and sustainable future. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players and the dedication of Linkage, the project will restore and renovate Weelsby Hall estate, improving accessibility and creating opportunities for the local community.”
Once the works are complete, the Hall will be used as a care training hub with sensory facilities and offices. It will be fully accessible with ramps and a lift, and solar panels will be installed on the roof. The former stables will be converted into a residential care home for eight young people who live with learning disabilities and neurodiversity, and create 37 new jobs.
The Friends of Weelsby Hall volunteer group will have their own space in the former estate office. Volunteer Dave Smith has been researching the history of the hall and provides guided tours to the public on Heritage Open days.
He said: “Weelsby Hall has long been hidden from public view. The funding will enable the preservation of this important and rare remnant of our local heritage, making it more accessible.”
Linkage have enjoyed the support of North East Lincolnshire Council for the Weelsby development. Cllr Hayden Dawkins, who is Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy, said: “Over the last few years, we’ve really been working with organisations to protect and restore our heritage across the borough, providing opportunities to enrich the lives of our local communities.
“News of this significant grant is great, both for Linkage, the people they support and the wider community. Linkage provide essential services for some of our residents, and to be able to enhance this within a fantastic heritage setting is really excellent work.”
Victoria Plum and its Doncaster operations to close just months after acquisition
After acquiring Victoria Plum in May 2024, Victorian Plumbing is set to close the business and its Doncaster operations.
Victorian Plumbing swooped for the bathroom retailer, which had recently been through an administration and was already subject to a cost reduction programme, with a £22.5m purchase price.
Victorian Plumbing had intended to continue to trade the business as normal initially, pending finalisation of its integration plan.
Since acquisition, Victoria Plum contributed £15m of revenue and incurred an adjusted EBITDA loss of £2m. Now, however, Victorian Plumbing has finalised a consultation process with Victoria Plum’s workforce and has taken the decision to close the business and its operations in Doncaster, which is expected to be completed by 31 December 2024.
Mark Radcliffe, CEO of Victorian Plumbing, said: “The recent decision to close Victoria Plum provides the Group with a significant opportunity to accelerate growth and continue to further the investment in our brand and marketing.”
US expansion for York lateral flow test manufacturer
York Biotech Campus-based Abingdon Health is expanding in the US after signing a lease to open a commercial office and laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin.
The site will commence operations in October 2024 and is expected to become fully operational in early 2025. This US footprint will enable Abingdon to provide additional CDMO (contract development and manufacturing organisation) support to its broadening international customer base and be closer to large customers in North America.
The USA is the largest medical device market in the world, comprising over 40% of the global medtech market and containing over 6,500 medtech companies. 30% of Abingdon’s revenues in the last financial year were derived from the United States.
The Group’s newly incorporated wholly owned subsidiary, Abingdon Health USA Inc, will operate from the University Research Park in Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin.
Chris Yates, CEO of Abingdon Health plc, said: “I’m looking forward to driving Abingdon’s worldwide commercial activities and, in particular, expanding our customer base in the US, the largest med-tech market globally.
“Our laboratory site in the US will mean we can offer US customers the opportunity to buy their services in the US; this is a first step for Abingdon to provide a broader CDMO proposition from within the US market.”
Lisa Johnson, CEO of BioForward Wisconsin, said: “On behalf of the biohealth community in Wisconsin, we welcome Abingdon Health to Madison. Abingdon Health is a leader in lateral flow diagnostic technology with a unique, end-to-end value proposition for its customers.
“As a publicly-traded UK company with a global presence, their decision to open a US office here in Wisconsin provides yet more evidence of our state’s growing stature in personalized medicine and biohealth technologies.
“We look forward to Abingdon Health complementing and strengthening our biohealth ecosystem, and bringing more economic impact and jobs to Wisconsin.”
Plans submitted for new Scarborough homes
York-based housebuilder Persimmon has submitted plans to North Yorkshire Council for a mix of new homes in Cayton.
The site in Cayton is allocated for housing in Scarborough’s Local Plan and is crucial to achieving North Yorkshire Council’s goal of delivering 2,500 new homes. The initial phase of Persimmon’s development would consist of 251 dwellings, while the remaining 1,149 homes; primary school land and local centre are included in the outline application. Persimmon’s application includes a mix of 1 to 4-bedroom homes built to new regulations offering better energy efficiency and reduced energy bills. All of the homes would also be fitted with EV chargers. The master plan includes significant areas of public open space and community amenities like sports pitches, trim trail equipment, cycle links, play areas and a local centre. Through the Section 106 agreement, Persimmon would make significant contributions to the local area. These include providing 1.4 hectares of land to the council for the construction of a primary school, continuing the Cayton Approach link road into the site and the potential introduction of a new bus route through the wider site. The application includes financial contributions towards improving education, healthcare, and offsite sports facilities. Plans also include the creation of a new junction onto Cayton Low Road and the construction of north-to-south and east-to-west spine roads to enhance connectivity and reduce traffic congestion. Joel Frank, Land Director, Persimmon Yorkshire, said: “This development will deliver high-quality new homes for local homebuyers alongside significant investment into the local area. “Throughout the process, we have been engaging with the local community and Cayton Parish Council. “Our resubmitted application reflects the Council’s aspirations for the site through its allocation in the Local Plan for housing, alongside improvements to design and open space in Phase 1, resulting in a reduction in the number of homes from 344 to 251. The wider application area now includes land for a school and a new local centre. “We look forward to working with North Yorkshire Council and local residents on these exciting plans.”Andrew Jackson appoints new partner
Andrew Jackson Solicitors has appointed George Lyall as a partner, marking further growth for the practice.
With more than 40 years’ experience in advising high net worth individuals alongside their private and charitable trusts, George has particular expertise in capital tax and estate planning.
He has vast experience of advising high net worth individuals, having spent nearly 25 years as a partner at Womble Bond Dickinson.
George, who joins Andrew Jackson from private investment office Traditum, initially qualified as a Scottish solicitor before joining global firm EY, where he qualified as a chartered accountant.
He has extensive charity experience and is a Trustee of the Shears Charitable Foundation, which provides grants to organisations and projects in the areas of community development, environmental, sustainable development and health & welfare and culture, primarily across the north east of England.
George said: “It is great to be joining a progressive firm with such a substantial pedigree, as it celebrates its 150th year, and to be appointed as a partner in the highly regarded tax and trusts practice.
“I’m really looking forward to working in the York office and across Yorkshire and continuing to build on the work I have established in recent years.”
Richard Hoare, partner and head of private client services at Andrew Jackson, added: -“George has built an outstanding reputation as a specialist in his field and I am delighted to welcome him to our private client practice as part of our strategic plan for growth in this area. I know that George’s commitment, knowledge and wealth of expertise will be most welcomed by our clients, as we continue to aim for providing advice of the highest quality, which is consistently recognised in our client feedback.”
