Investor sets sights on Yorkshire floor coverings firm

Tess Egginton
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Investor sets sights on Yorkshire floor coverings firm
Nimbus, the Pan European investor, has acquired National Floorcoverings Group (NFCG).
The investment represents Nimbus’s first UK investment out of its new Fund V investment vehicle following the successful exits of two UK manufacturing businesses earlier in the year. NFCG produces a range of floor coverings which includes fibre bonded carpets for the education market, tufted carpet tiles for the commercial sector, aluminium/modular entrance matting and specialised indoor and outdoor sports surfaces. Operating from two sites in Heckmondwike and Rotherham, NFCG consists of four market facing divisions Heckmondwike, Paragon, Playrite and Mat.Works. The group has been under family ownership for over 60 years dominating the educational sector with its Supacord product since the early 1970s. Nimbus have supported the incumbent Managing Director David Rhodes and his Management Team in leading a management buy out. Mr Rhodes said: “This investment marks an exciting new chapter for the group and we are looking forward to working with Nimbus who have an excellent track record in supporting UK manufacturers adapt to ever-changing commercial landscapes.” David Keenan, who led the investment for Nimbus, added: “NFCG holds a very strong market presence in the UK and we hope to work with David and his team to advance further export opportunities whilst introducing new product ranges to our existing markets.”

Opening of £9m research centre brings new hope to cancer, dementia and heart disease patients across the North

Tess Egginton
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Opening of £9m research centre brings new hope to cancer, dementia and heart disease patients across the North
Research and treatment for cancer, dementia and heart disease is set to take a huge step forward after the long-awaited handover of a £9m molecular imaging facility at Castle Hill Hospital in East Yorkshire. At a ceremony to mark the occasion Professor Pat Price, an internationally renowned expert in cancer research, said the significance of the new molecular imaging research centre (MIRC) is underlined by data which shows more must be done to develop a much-needed national cancer recovery plan for the UK. Prof Price added: “What is happening in Hull with the new MIRC and the Jack Brignall Centre is fantastic but now we need this push in terms of fundraising to show people what we can do. We need more capacity in diagnostic imaging otherwise cancer patients in the area are just going to have to wait longer. This will save lives.” Prof Nick Stafford, founder and chair of the Daisy Appeal, said: “We currently carry out 4,500 scans every year in the Jack Brignall Centre but the scanner is at capacity. We are looking to upgrade it to a digital device capable of getting through 7,500 scans per year, but new technology does not come cheap.” This new research centre complements the existing PET CT scanning centre which has been operating for the last nine years. There are ongoing plans for further development to improve medical services in Hull and the charity is looking to secure new funding for the digital scanner at a cost of approximately £2.8m within the next year. Prof Stafford, a former professor of head and neck surgery, founded the Daisy Appeal in 2000. He remains chair of the charity which created a partnership between the Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Hull. Milestones include the opening of the £8m Daisy Appeal Medical Research Centre in 2008 and the £4.5m Jack Brignall PET-CT Scanning Centre in 2014. To date £23m has been raised by the charity. Equipped with its own cyclotron, the MIRC will make its own radiotracers which in the past have had to be bought in from manufacturers elsewhere – a journey of an hour or more for products which have a short half-life. When the new facility is up and running the radiotracers will be produced on site and delivered directly to the Jack Brignall Centre for immediate use in scans to detect cancers, dementia and heart disease. Work on the MIRC commenced in 2018 with completion due in 2021 but construction, complications and equipment delays caused by the impact of Covid have pushed the project back. Having taken delivery of the facility, Prof Stafford said work will now begin on the commissioning and licensing procedures, with radiotracer production on course to start in the next two months and the cyclotron operational in about six months. He said: “We will be able to manufacture a variety of clinically relevant radiotracers not currently available to patients in the north of England and, as the only facility of its kind between Cambridge and Edinburgh, we aim to become a referral centre for specialised PET imaging. “Clinical scanning activity in the UK is predicted to rise 12 per cent year on year for the next decade and the industry partners we work with are gearing up to meet that. GE, who supplied our cyclotron have predicted an increase in sales for radiotracers and radiotherapeutics in the United States from $1.17bn in 2020 to $24.9bn by 2031. I’d like our facility to have a share of the UK element of this market.” Annual running costs for the MIRC are £700,000 and the charity will continue to pursue other revenue opportunities from grants, corporate and personal donations and fundraising activities in the community. The NHS review commissioned by the new government and published by Lord Darzi, reported that the UK has appreciably higher cancer mortality rates than other countries, with no progress whatsoever made in diagnosing cancer at stage one and two between 2013 and 2021. Prof Price, chair of Radiotherapy UK, Professor at Imperial College London and a clinical oncology consultant for 35 years, said: “The importance of the new facility is about dealing with the increased incidence of cancer. There will be a 30 per cent increase in the incidence of cancer by 2040, one in two people will get it and there is a big delay in terms of diagnostics. “We need chemical science centres like this one that can develop the methodology for PET studies. Not many places in the UK can do that and Hull would not normally be up for this level of infrastructure but we have known Nick for a long time, he came to us with his vision for Hull and he did something really tough and really important. “It’s complex clinical science, it’s ambitious and they have attracted some very good people who can go to the next level now in terms of international support. To really make the most of this they need to get some pilot data which will help them secure bigger grants and become a jewel in the crown for the UK.”

Duo of lettings secured at boutique office in Leeds

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Duo of lettings secured at boutique office in Leeds
A boutique office in the heart of Leeds city centre, 2 Bond Court has welcomed two new occupiers as the popularity of Cat A ‘plug and play’ space continues to rise. Joint agents CBRE and WSB Property have secured deals with Hilco and YFM Equity Partners for almost 3,000 sq ft of office accommodation. These latest deals leave the final suite of 2,489 sq ft. Agents acted for landlord Midland House Limited in the deals. Specialist, independently-owned equity investors, YFM Equity Partners have signed a deal on a fully fitted and furnished 4th floor suite, whilst Hilco Valuation Services, an asset valuation, advisory and sales practice has taken space on the 1st floor. Both businesses sought better quality space that was immediately ready to occupy with an all-inclusive rent. Clair McGowan, Director, CBRE Office Agency team in Leeds, said: “Cat A office space is becoming a key driver for businesses looking for ready to occupy, fully fitted accommodation. “2 Bond Court is located in the heart of Leeds’ office district and offers excellent access to local transport links, as well as a wide range of amenities, including restaurants, cafes and delis. It is situated in a pedestrianised public open space that links the office core with the city’s thriving retail quarter. It was the ideal location for both businesses who sought high quality office space.” Jason Stowe, Managing Director for Wilton Developments who developed and manage 2 Bond Court on behalf of Midland House Limited, said: “This is further evolution of our property on 2 Bond Court, building upon the origination of the redevelopment of the wider Bond Court public open space through our JV with Leeds City Council all those years ago. “It is encouraging and rewarding to see the further investment and vibrancy that has gone into the square and surrounding buildings since then. 2 Bond Court itself has embraced occupiers’ requirements for fully fitted space and that has been reflected in the lettings we have achieved recently.”

Kromek wins £2m government contract

Stuart Pearcey
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Kromek wins £2m government contract

A company with its R&D centre at Huddersfield has won a £2m government contract to supply the MoD with radiation detectors.

Under the contract Kromek must supply the products by April next year.

The contract, which was awarded after a competitive tender process, is for the supply of the Group’s D5 RIID, a handheld, highly-sensitive gamma and neutron detector, along with the Group’s Alpha Beta probe attachment and other associated products.

Launched in November 2023, the Alpha Beta probeconnects directly to the D5 RIID to enable alpha and beta radiation to be detected, allowing the single, small form factor upgraded device to detect all types of radioactive material.

Arnab Basu, CEO of Kromek, said: “We are delighted to have won this important contract from the UK MOD, which is a significant strategic customer for Kromek. That it was awarded after a rigorous tender process provides excellent endorsement of the strength of our solution. It is also great validation to receive this key order for our Alpha Beta probe so soon after its launch at the end of last year.

“With the Alpha Beta probe upgrade, our D5 RIID is one of the most versatile handheld radiation detectors available today. We are looking forward to delivering this contract and supporting UK national defence efforts and to continuing to strengthen our relationship with this important customer.”

Swiss firm steps in to acquire South Yorkshire specialist railway company

Stuart Pearcey
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Swiss firm steps in to acquire South Yorkshire specialist railway company
Dinnington-based Direct Track Solutions Ltd has been acquired by Swiss company Schwihag AG. The Yorkshire company was created in 2002 by Martin and Melanie Southwell to focus on competitive supply chain solutions for the railway industry. Having significantly grown the business, Martin and Melanie were looking for a partner who could continue this success. Melanie Southwell said: “Having worked for 22 years building a successful business, we agreed that the time was now right to look for a buyer that could take the business to the next level. Schwihag AG a global supplier of quality railway track products ticked all the boxes. Schwihag AG is the perfect fit, enhancing the DTS brand and creating greater opportunities for all the staff .We are both delighted that the future of DTS is in good hands and we are confident that the business will go from strength to strength. “Throughout the whole process we had full confidence in both Andy Ryder and Adam Ames at Shorts, along with Matt Ainsworth of Shakespeare Martineau that the lengthy transaction would be completed to the highest standard whilst at the same time meeting our expectations.” Andy Ryder, Corporate Finance Partner at Shorts added: “We have helped complete this transaction for Martin and Melanie, and it has been a pleasure to work with them on this international transaction. We look forward to hearing of Direct Track’s continuing success under Schwihag’s ownership. Matt Ainsworth, Corporate Partner at Shakespeare Martineau said: “Direct Track is yet another high quality local business which has attracted overseas inward investment into the region.   We wish the business all the success for the future.” Schwihag, founded in 1971 in Tägerwilen in Switzerland, has over 50 years’ experience in the rail sector and is a long-standing supplier of trackwork components and fastening systems globally. Direct Track Solutions Ltd will continue to trade under the DTS Brand, with the company structure and personnel remaining unchanged. The acquisition of DTS last month supplements Schwihag’s manufacturing facilities in Doncaster; Leipzig, Germany and Grandview Missouri, USA, alongside its additional regional offices in Valencia, Spain and New Delhi, India.  The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, is seen as a strategic addition to Schwihag’s UK portfolio, increasing the range of products and services offered to the market.

Proposed merger between Vodaphone and Three could lead to price rises, fears CMA

Stuart Pearcey
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Proposed merger between Vodaphone and Three could lead to price rises, fears CMA
The Competition and Markets Authority believes a merger of Vodaphone and Three would lead to UK price increases or service reductions for tens of millions of mobile customers. The CMA has particular concerns that higher bills or reduced services would negatively affect those customers least able to afford mobile services as well as those who might have to pay more for improvements in network quality they do not value. Stuart McIntosh, chair of the inquiry group leading the investigation, said: “We’ve taken a thorough, considered approach to investigating this merger, weighing up the investment the companies say they will make in enhancing network quality and boosting 5G connectivity against the significant costs to customers and rival virtual networks.

“We will now consider how Vodafone and Three might address our concerns about the likely impact of the merger on retail and wholesale customers while securing the potential longer-term benefits of the merger, including by guaranteeing future network investments.”

The CMA has also provisionally found that the merger would negatively impact ‘wholesale’ telecoms customers – Mobile Virtual Network Operators such as Lyca Mobile, Sky Mobile and Lebara – which rely on the existing network operators to provide their own mobile services. The merger would reduce the number of network operators from four to three, making it more difficult for MVNOs to secure competitive terms, restricting their ability to offer the best deals to retail customers. While identifying these concerns, the CMA has also found that the merger, by integrating the Vodafone and Three networks, could improve the quality of mobile networks and bring forward the deployment of next generation 5G networks and services, as claimed by Vodafone and Three. But the CMA currently considers that these claims are overstated, and that the merged firm would not necessarily have the incentive to follow through on its proposed investment programme after the merger. As a result, the CMA has provisionally concluded that the merger would lead to a substantial lessening of competition in the UK – in both retail and wholesale mobile markets. The CMA will now consult on its provisional findings. It will also consult on potential solutions to its competition concerns, including the options set out in its remedies notice (also published today). These include legally binding investment commitments overseen by the sector regulator, and measures to protect both retail customers and customers in the wholesale market. The CMA will retain the option to prohibit the merger should it conclude that other remedy options will not address its competition concerns effectively.

UK Centre for Events Management in Leeds collaborates with Whitecap Consulting

Tess Egginton
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UK Centre for Events Management in Leeds collaborates with Whitecap Consulting
Whitecap Consulting, LegalTech in Leeds, and FinTech North have partnered with the UK Centre for Events Management at Leeds Beckett University to share knowledge, resources and insight, and to create strategic project opportunities for students seeking careers in the events industry. The new partnership aims to foster knowledge exchange between the academic and professional communities, and enhance the educational experience for students. It will leverage Whitecap’s active involvement in emerging technology sectors via FinTech North and LegalTech in Leeds, two regionally focused initiatives. Students will be given the opportunity to gain events management experience via FinTech North and LegalTech in Leeds events, will participate in knowledge share and best practice sessions, and will be able to deliver relevant consulting project work as part of their courses. The partnership will see the integration of real-world applications into the curriculum through live case studies. By doing so, the collaboration aims to prepare students for diverse careers in rapidly evolving markets. Students will benefit from hands-on experience with both the FinTech North and LegalTech in Leeds initiatives, gaining valuable insights and practical knowledge that will be crucial for their future careers. Peter Robinson, Head of Events Tourism and Hospitality, which includes the UK Centre for Events Management, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Whitecap, FinTech North and LegalTech in Leeds to drive innovation in our curriculum. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to offering students unparalleled opportunities with leading corporate events in Yorkshire.” In the long term, the collaboration seeks to develop joint research projects and internships, providing students with invaluable in-person experience. Julian Wells, Director of Whitecap Consulting, also highlighted the mutual benefits of the collaboration: “Partnering with the UK Centre for Events Management allows us to access fresh perspectives and emerging talent, and combines our core competence as a strategy consultancy with our passion and enthusiasm for building regional event-based ecosystems. We see this partnership as a source of long-term benefit for all parties and the wider region.” FinTech North was created by Whitecap Consulting and White Label Crowdfunding in 2016, and acts as a regional hub for the financial technology community, fostering collaboration and innovation. Since its launch, FinTech North has hosted approximately 130 events, including a prominent series of annual conferences across the north, drawing industry leaders and facilitating discussions on the future of financial technology. Joe Roche, General Manager at FinTech North, said: “FinTech has grown to be a significant part of the UK and regional tech economy, and over recent years FinTech North has developed into a highly active organisation, running an extensive programme of events and also developing international and skills related activities. “Part of our mission is to enhance the knowledge and understanding of FinTech related career opportunities to young people, and we very much welcome the engagement and support of the UK Centre for Events Management students in our work.” Launched in 2022 to advance the recommendations of the Leeds City Region LegalTech and Innovation Report, LegalTech in Leeds focuses on the intersection of law and technology. This initiative brings together legal professionals and tech innovators to explore how technology can transform the legal sector. LegalTech in Leeds has organised approximately 50 events, including its flagship LegalTech in Leeds Conference, attracting professionals from across the UK to discuss the latest developments in legal technology. Chloe Thompson, Consultant at Whitecap, oversees the LegalTech in Leeds programme and said: “LegalTech is an exciting and fast evolving field to work in. Since we first started running events in 2022 we have always benefited from the active engagement of students from across the region, both as attendees and also in helping run our events. “For our annual conference earlier this year we worked with three students from the UK Centre for Events Management, who supported us with pre-event planning, exploration of ideas, and being part of the events management team on the day itself. They were a huge help and I’m delighted we are able to partner with Leeds Beckett University for future events and initiatives.”

DJH to take on the Three Peaks in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support

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DJH to take on the Three Peaks in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support
Accountancy firm DJH are taking on the Three Peaks challenge to raise money for charity. A team of 48 from across the group will be taking on three of the best-known hills in the Yorkshire Dales National Park on 28 September, to help raise vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. After the triumph of their Go Joe Movement Challenge in June, where the firm successfully raised £1,000 for The Alzheimer’s Society through moving and exercising regardless of fitness level, taking on the Three Peaks is the latest DJH charity initiative. With keen walkers across the group, training has already begun, with organised walks within offices and weekend hikes taking place in the lead up to the big day, where DJH will cover 24.5 miles and climb a total of 5,200ft. Speaking about the challenge, James Beardmore, Chief Operating Officer, said: “This challenge isn’t only to test ourselves both mentally and physically, we’re also aiming to raise funds and awareness for the amazing work of Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity chosen by the team themselves as one close to their hearts.” Karen Borowski, Director from their Huddersfield office who will be taking part in the challenge, added: “I’m really looking forward to the challenge and to also get to know members of the team outside of the office. There’s a great mixture of ages, fitness levels and departments who are taking part so it will also be a great networking opportunity whilst getting our steps in and raising money for a wonderful cause!” DJH are aiming to raise £15,000, with all profits going to the charity, helping them continue to provide their services to millions of people with cancer in the UK.

£3m provided for new programme supporting innovation and growth across South Yorkshire

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£3m provided for new programme supporting innovation and growth across South Yorkshire
The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has provided £3m for a new programme to support innovation and economic growth across South Yorkshire. Approved at the Mayoral Combined Authority Board meeting on 10 September 2024, the South Yorkshire Innovation Programme (SYIP) is a collaboration led by Sheffield Hallam University with the University of Sheffield and Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council. The programme is co-designed and developed with each of the four South Yorkshire local authorities. SYIP will provide opportunities for businesses to engage in and benefit from innovation-led growth, driving innovation led activities. It will build upon a successful track record of delivering innovation support to SMEs in the region. The programme will provide access to high-quality and bespoke innovation support including academic consultancy, innovation audits, student projects and placements, access to university equipment and facilities, events and technical workshops Support will be available to organisations of all sizes across all sectors based in South Yorkshire, including charities and social enterprises. Further details on the launch of the programme and how organisations can access support will follow later this year. The project is one of several partnerships between Sheffield’s universities, local authorities and SYMCA aimed at driving economic growth and inward investment into South Yorkshire. Others include the Sheffield Innovation Spine, a long-term spatial and economic strategy to create and link the infrastructure required to grow knowledge-led businesses and the Innovation Network South Yorkshire which brings together academics, businesses and organisations at free networking events to encourage collaboration. South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “We are getting on with the job of building a bigger, better economy in South Yorkshire. But we can’t build a new future without new ideas. “That’s why it’s vital we bring together our world-leading universities and local authorities to help our local businesses harness innovation. The South Yorkshire Innovation Programme will help our businesses to create the future here, right here. “I’m determined to build a South Yorkshire that works together to spread wealth, opportunity and success to all our communities.” Professor Rory Duncan, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “At a time of rapid advancements across an ever-increasing range of sectors, the ability to innovate and harness new technology is more important than ever for businesses of all sizes. “Sheffield Hallam is delighted to be leading this new programme fostering stronger partnerships between academia and business. This collaboration aims to translate cutting-edge research and knowledge into tangible solutions that address the unique challenges of our region’s businesses.” Professor Ashutosh Tiwari, Deputy Vice-President for Innovation at the University of Sheffield, said: “The University of Sheffield has a proven track record of partnering with local organisations to drive innovation and boost economic growth. This collaborative programme offers an exciting opportunity to build on our successes. “We’re very much looking forward to working closely with some of South Yorkshire’s innovative organisations to help them adapt and thrive as the challenges they face continue to evolve. Together, we can turn our world-leading research into practical solutions to address the region’s specific needs, while strengthening South Yorkshire’s position as a hub for innovation.” Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture at Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, said: “This is a fantastic programme for businesses who are looking to innovate and increase productivity by accessing technologies and dedicated one to one support. Our Enterprising Barnsley team will lead the technical expertise though the innovation spaces at the DMC, bringing value through our wide-reaching network of specialists. “We’ve already seen businesses making the most of the MakerLab and CreatorLab to diversify their business offer, develop new products, and tackle productivity challenges. Now we have a programme which opens that opportunity for even more businesses, whilst bringing three new jobs into the Enterprising Barnsley team to drive further innovation into the region. “We’ll be hosting a number of workshops and events to welcome business to the spaces, encouraging those who typically haven’t engaged with modern technologies such as 3D scanning and printing, Internet of Things devices, and laser cutters, to come and explore what is available to them at the DMC in Barnsley.”

Sibling companies reach finals in five award categories

Stuart Pearcey
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Sibling companies reach finals in five award categories
Two Yorkshire coast businesses have reached the final in five categories of a tourism awards competition. Wold Newton-based Wold Top Brewery has been shortlisted in the Remarkable Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism, and the Remarkable Local Producer categories of the 14th annual Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards for businesses and individuals working within the tourism industry. Sister company Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery has been shortlisted for the Remarkable Cuppa, the Remarkable Local Producer and the Remarkable Taste Awards. Spirit of Yorkshire’s marketing director Jenni Ashwood said: “Tourism is an important part of the distillery’s offering, and the team is over the moon that the Pot Still Coffee Shop has been recognised by tourism chiefs in the region. We look forward to meeting our fellow finalists at the awards dinner.” Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The awards are a testament to the popularity of the region as a visitor destination and the range of what’s on offer to see and do within Hull and East Yorkshire. “The visitor economy is a hugely important sector for the region’s economic growth and prosperity and good luck to all of the amazing finalists this year.” The teams of both businesses will find out whether they have won at an awards dinner at Bridlington Spa on 14th November 2024. Home to Filey Bay single malt whisky, Hunmanby-based Spirit of Yorkshire is a field-to-bottle distillery and is one of only a handful of distilleries worldwide that uses 100% home-grown barley to produce its whisky. Wold Top Brewery was founded in 2003 and is located on the Mellor family farm at Hunmanby Grange near Filey. The team uses home-grown barley and water from the farm’s borehole to produce a range of cask, keg, and bottled beers that are available throughout Yorkshire and nationwide.
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