The NFU has repeatedly called for government policies to deliver transparency in markets, food labelling, public procurement and food messaging, including the need to develop core production standards that apply to agri-food imports. He said the government could “send a really strong message” to the industry by taking action on this. “With the right support in place, farming can be a key partner to deliver the Government’s missions around economic growth.”
Harvest concerns, bovine TB, the agriculture budget and fairness in the supply chain were high on the agenda at his meeting with advisers across business, Defra and DESNZ (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero).
NFU President takes farmers’ concerns to Number 10
Topping out ceremony marks completion of military’s medical centre at Catterick
A topping out ceremony for the 12,000m2 Catterick Integrated Care Campus has taken place to mark completion of the building’s steel frame.
Tilbury Douglas started work earlier this year on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and has now completed the supporting structure. The next stage is to attach external cladding and curtain walls before installing the roof. The building should be wind and weather-proof in early 2025 when work will begin on the interior of the building.
David Salmond, DIO’s Major Projects and Programmes lead for UK Strategic Command, said: “We’re pleased to reach this significant construction milestone for this groundbreaking new facility. The success of the project to date is thanks to the working relationships built between the MOD, NHS, AECOM and Tilbury Douglas, and we look forward to those relationships continuing to bear fruit as we focus on the next stage of construction.”
The building will host medical services for military personnel based at Catterick Garrison, as well as some primary and community NHS services for members of the public and military families.
The building is the first MOD-NHS integration of this scale, providing benefits to both parties and residents of Catterick and wider Richmondshire through shared learning and experience.
Representatives from the MOD’s Defence Infrastructure Organisation and Defence Medical Services , the NHS, contractor Tilbury Douglas, and Technical Support Provider Aecom attended the event and were briefed on the progress of the project.
The building is expected to be completed in early 2026, with medical services moving in later in the year.
Bassingham-based firm joins Uptech in Kings Lynn
Lincolnshire IT firm Jalapeno Business Services has joined Kings Lynn-based UptechLtd, signalling a change in name for the Bassingham-based company.
Mark Brown, owner and director of Jalapeno Business Services, said: “This partnership allows us to provide our clients with even more comprehensive and robust IT solutions, backed by Uptech’s decades of experience and success.
“Our clients will benefit greatly from the additional resources and expertise now available to them.”
James Fowler, Business Development Manager at Uptech Ltd, said: “This merger marks a significant milestone, promising enriched service offerings and greater innovation.
“Jalapeno’s clients will benefit from Uptech’s extensive knowledge base, cutting-edge technology solutions and industry-leading expertise.”
Despite the change in branding, all Jalapeno’s current employees will stay on board, continuing to operate from the same office locations. This continuity will ensure that the company’s clients will receive consistent and familiar support while gaining access to the expanded capabilities that Uptech brings to the table.
Duncan & Toplis acquires North London business
Accountants and business advisers Duncan & Toplis has acquired Haines Watts North London.
This move will see Haines Watts North London rebranded as Duncan & Toplis, with all team members remaining in their roles. Amilios Costa, Managing Partner, will continue to lead the team in this exciting next phase of their growth journey.
Damon Brain, CEO of Duncan & Toplis said: “It was clear from the first meeting that Amilios and his team share our focus on culture and growth for the right reasons. He brings incredible expertise, energy and experience and will be instrumental in supporting growth in the region. I’m delighted to welcome our new team members and help them deliver on their own ambitions, as part of Duncan & Toplis.
Amilios Costa said: “Joining forces with Duncan & Toplis represents a fantastic opportunity for both our clients and our team. The amazing combination of deep-rooted history and a profound ambition to grow in the right way is a huge cultural synergy. It means we can offer a wider range of services and even greater support to our clients, as well as provide our team with new opportunities to progress their careers at a company with serious growth ambitions.
Duncan & Toplis, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025, is on course for the biggest period of growth in its history after securing private equity investment in 2023. The company’s strategy is primarily focused on strong organic growth, supplemented by a number of highly strategic acquisitions that broaden the service offering to clients and expand the business geographically into new key locations.
Guitar case specialist marks 20th year in business
Hull-based international guitar case manufacturer Scott Dixon Inc. is celebrating its 20th anniversary and the 70th birthday of founder John Dixon.
The brand, which launched in 2004, is market leader in lightweight aluminium flight cases and is very much focused on the touring music industry.
The Scott Dixon signature product is the Triple Row Guitar case, a lightweight case that safely holds three guitars – and is used by bands worldwide.
MD Dave Hutty, who heads up the management team, including his wife Tracy along with John & Lee Dixon, said: “In the last year alone, our cases have been sent to The Pretenders, Niall Horan and Seal, to name just a few. We also produced some bespoke cases to support Bruce Dickinson’s recent Mandrake Project Tour.”
Having survived the global pandemic on the touring music industry, the team is now working hard on several new products to expand its range both within the music industry as well as looking at other markets where a lightweight case will make a great impact. Dave continued:
“It’s a very exciting time to be a part of this company – and myself and the team are looking forward to the next twenty years of developing new and exciting products. We can make a case for pretty much anything!”
Founder John Dixon said: “It’s great to have Dave and Tracy on board, along with my son Lee. I’m looking forward to seeing what the next twenty years brings.”
Work to start on 187 new homes in Doncaster
Work is set to start on 187 new homes in the Cantley area of Doncaster.
Housebuilder Persimmon received planning approval from Doncaster Council for the new houses to be built on land south of Doncaster Road allocated for housing in Doncaster’s Local Plan. Everingham Place, as the new development will be known, will provide homebuyers with a range of house sizes and types ranging from one-bedroom terraced, to four-bed detached. All homes will be fitted with EV chargers and built to new building regulations, ensuring improved energy efficiency and helping to reduce energy bills for homeowners. The development will have significant areas of public open space, including an on-site play area and a trim-trail. 43 of the new homes will be made available through shared ownership and affordable rent schemes. Over £1 million will be provided by Persimmon to fund additional school places at two local schools. Joel Frank, Land Director at Persimmon Yorkshire, said: “We’re delighted to have received planning approval and are looking forward to getting on site later this year. “Everingham Place will provide much needed high quality new homes, with a range of properties to suit all local homebuyers.”IT and architect firms relocate to iconic period building in Leeds
A global provider of imaging IT solutions and a national commercial architect’s firm have accelerated their growth plans by relocating to the Calls Landing building in Leeds.
Sectra Medical and Box Architects will now occupy the second and third floors of the period building overlooking the River Aire, with strategic property advisors, Fox Lloyd Jones and Carter Towler having received a wealth of enquiries for the property since it was first brought to market earlier this year.
Built in the early 1900s as a warehouse to support the adjacent Grade II listed Fletland Mills, Calls Landing will offer its new tenants a modern, creative workspace environment, which still retains its original industrial features. Owned by property investment company King & Co., it is uniquely situated in the heart of the vibrant Calls district of Leeds and offers easy access to both the train and bus stations and other main city centre amenities.
Sectra Medical was founded in Sweden in 1978 and quickly established a reputation as a major innovator within medical IT and cybersecurity, supporting healthcare organisations across the globe. It now operates across 18 countries and has agreed a five-year lease to operate its regional office from Calls Landing, by occupying 2,390 sq ft of space on the second floor.
With offices in Leeds and London, Box Architects will occupy a 1,237 sq ft space on the third floor, having also secured a five-year lease. The firm specialises in commercial projects in sectors ranging from health and education to sports and leisure.
Harry Finney, associate director at Fox Lloyd Jones, said: “With Calls Landing situated in one of the most exciting areas of Leeds city centre and a building which retains all its traditional period features and charm, demand for creative workspaces of this calibre is inevitably high.
“To welcome to the property a global innovator within medical IT and cybersecurity and a nationally renowned architect’s firm, is hugely satisfying. The workspace provides the perfect location for both businesses to thrive and spearhead their growth plans across the region.”
John King, director at King & Co, added: “Calls Landing is an iconic period building steeped in history and has always been a hugely desirable office location for creative and professional service businesses across Leeds.
“With picturesque views overlooking the river and convenient access to all the local amenities in the Calls area and city centre, I’m confident both businesses will feel energised by moving to their new home.”
Clem McDowell, director at Carter Towler, said: “Calls Landing is a terrific example of the wealth of commercial properties across Leeds that are rich in heritage and history but also designed to meet the modern office needs of businesses operating across a range of sectors.
“It’s been a pleasure working closely with King & Co and FLJ to help bring this property to market and we wish Sectra Medical and Box Architects all the best in their new home.”
Planning application submitted for key 43-acre M18 site in Yorkshire
Privately-owned property development company, Premcor Estates (Premcor), has submitted a planning application for its 43-acre, Mode 18 development site at Junction 3 on the M18.
The planning application relates to the redevelopment of the overall site at Rossington, Doncaster, which has the potential to deliver around 450 new jobs.
Planning permission was granted three years ago at the site for the installation of a much-needed Link Road to divert industrial traffic from the surrounding residential areas and construction of this road forms part of the proposed scheme works.
Proposals include for a mix of employment and an element of operational vehicle storage with supporting infrastructure including a gatehouse.
A further planning application will be submitted shortly for land to the western end of the new Link Road for roadside uses, including an electric vehicle charging station and petrol station with shop, as well as providing new restaurant/coffee shop facilities with drive-through lanes.
Premcor director, Rob Lane, said: “We acquired this site off market and have spent the last four years on site assembly. Our work has also included securing agreements for a new Link Road for commercial traffic to the Bankwood Lane Estate to bypass Rossington and the large volume of residential development that has taken place there.
“The Link Road will make a big difference to local residents and Doncaster Council who have been supporting and promoting the link road for the last six years.
“We have ambitious plans for the site which will build on our established links with major occupiers. Potential occupiers have already been secured for the petrol filling station and the EV charging facility as well as two restaurants with drive through provision. We will also be welcoming Yard Storage Solutions, which will provide self-storage and commercial storage facilities, on the remainder of the site.”
Mode 18 is so called because of its location on the M18, close to the A1(M) and M1 Motorways as well as its proximity to the iPort Rail terminal which is just a five-minute drive away.
The two separate planning applications could generate and sustain over 500 new full and part time jobs – the proposed employment development site at the eastern end of the new Link Road will lead to the creation of around 450 jobs, while the commercial / retail uses at the western end of the new Link Road, provide a further 87 new jobs.
Premcor has appointed the Sheffield office of ID Planning to handle the planning application for Mode 18. Director, Jeremy Williams, said: “ID Planning is well known for providing creative and innovative planning solutions for complex development proposals and this has been one such. We are hopeful that we will receive a positive determination as a result of the local support for the Link Road and the general development proposals, which will make a tremendous difference.
“Whilst the Link Road alone will deliver many local benefits, Premcor plans to bring forward a phased commercial development across several sites in need of regeneration and investment. This will support existing local commercial businesses and provide substantial new, modern warehouse space and general industrial floorspace that will also attract inward investment, so there is an appetite to get started on site as soon as possible.”
Architects for Mode 18 are C4 Architects and the Sheffield offices of Knight Frank and BNP Paribas have been advising.
Raworths appoints new leadership for TWE team
Harrogate-based Raworths has made a change of leadership at the helm of its Trusts, Wills and Estates (TWE) team. Partners Alison Walker and Sam Jenner are stepping up to take over as joint heads of the 23 strong team.
Alison’s and Sam’s promotions will enable the former Head of TWE, Rachel Tunnicliffe – who has led the team for a decade – to focus on expanding her other leadership roles as Senior Partner at Raworths and Head of Private Client Services. She will continue to manage her existing portfolio of client work offering specialist legal advice on wills, trusts and succession planning.
Rachel Tunnicliffe, Senior Partner at Raworths, said: “I’m so proud of this incredible team. On the back of achieving national recognition at the recent Chambers HNW awards – which are solely based on feedback from our clients and contacts – now is the perfect time to hand over the reins. Alison and Sam each bring a unique set of skills and knowledge which together make for an inspirational leadership team.
“I’m looking forward to embarking on a new chapter at Raworths, supporting our Managing Partner, Simon Morris, in my role as Senior Partner and Head of Private Client Services – and continuing to work with my clients, many of whom I’ve advised for more than two decades and who I hope to continue working with for a long time to come.”
Alison Walker, who joined Raworths in 2015, advises on all aspects of wills, trusts and wider succession, wealth structuring and tax issues, particularly for business owners. Alison has specialist knowledge in the administration of complex estates, with business interests and overseas property.
Sam Jenner, who has been with the firm since 2014, offers a breadth of technical expertise on complex succession planning, administration of estates, family investment companies, wills and tax. Sam is also involved in leadership on the firm’s IT projects. Both Sam and Alison play an instrumental role in mentoring younger members of the team.
Alison said: “I’d like to thank Raworths for this opportunity. Rachel has been an inspirational leader over the last ten years, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work alongside Sam to oversee the future direction of the team, whilst providing the very best service to our clients.”
Sam added: “I have really enjoyed mentoring junior team members and as joint head of TWE, I hope to play an even bigger role in the development of the next generation of talented lawyers. Raworths has a special culture that places value on building relationships, as a team within the firm and with our clients and referrers.
“Alison and I both have families – and I’m glad that Raworths supports joint leadership roles that enable us to have work/life balance, which can only be a positive for both our professional and personal lives.”
Heb Group expands with new Leeds office
The Heb Group, a provider of mechanical, electrical, facilities management as well as cleaning services, has expanded with a new office in Leeds.
Located at Viscount Court, 243 Leeds Road, Rothwell, the new office marks a significant step in the company’s strategic expansion across Yorkshire and the broader UK as it heads towards a group turnover of £40 million.
The opening of the Leeds office follows a series of significant developments at Heb Group, including a recent full rebrand from the HE Barnes brand and the launch of additional offices in Liverpool.
Martin Womersley at Heb Group said: “We are excited to expand our footprint in Leeds, a vibrant and growing city. This new office will enable us to better serve our clients in Yorkshire and beyond, while also providing a base for further growth in the North of England.
“Last year we celebrated 100 years in business, which showcases our longevity as we now look to the future and expand to meet the changing needs of our clients both regionally and nationally.”
