Thurston Group restructures team

Tess Egginton
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Thurston Group restructures team
Yorkshire-based offsite manufacturer Thurston Group has restructured its team to enhance delivery, support growth, and maintain operational excellence. In line with Thurston’s ambition to reach £100m in turnover within the next six years, the promotions and appointments are set to support the company’s plans to scale. Hayley Richardson has been appointed as operations director after 5 months in the role on an interim basis. Her remit includes heading up a team of four senior leaders across the areas of design and technical, commercial, construction, and pre-construction. Richardson has worked in finance roles across the construction, education, healthcare and charitable sectors for over 25 years, at both executive level and board level in project director, and FD and CFO positions. Having spent the past few months involved with Thurston, assessing areas for improvement and business success, Richardson brings an understanding of the delivery journey from the customer viewpoint, providing valuable insight as Thurston improves its processes. Reporting to Richardson will be Marc Johnson, who has been promoted from technical director to the role of head of design and technical; and Gary Robinson, moving from construction director to the role of pre-construction director. Joining the team, and also reporting to Richardson, will be Mike Langton, who has joined as head of commercial. The restructuring is rounded out with Joanne Ainsley and Simon Shirtliffe joining the commercial team as estimators. Speaking about joining Thurston Group in a new permanent role, Hayley Richardson said: “After spending a few months getting to know the business and the brilliant team, I’m delighted to be joining Thurston on a permanent basis. “Everything I’ve seen so far from Matt and the team to drive improvement has been really positive, and I know there’s plenty of hunger to continue improving, to help us meet our ambitious growth plans. “As we aim to become the number one modular manufacturer in the country, I’m keen to use my personal insights of the customer journey to help deliver consistently high-quality products and projects to our clients.” Speaking of the new appointments and promotions, managing director of Thurston Group, Matt Goff, said: “I’m really pleased to welcome Hayley to Thurston permanently, after her brilliant work over the past year in helping us expand our service offering to the education and healthcare sectors. I’m also excited to welcome Mike, whose expertise spans both traditional and modular construction. “This new structure, underpinned by quality and led by a first-class team, is designed not only to meet the growing demands of the business, but to unlock internal development opportunities and create the capacity we need to thrive as a larger business, as we set out to meet our ambition of being the modular manufacturer of choice in the UK.”

npower Business Solutions Foundation boosts funding to £10 million for local causes

April Lara
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npower Business Solutions Foundation boosts funding to £10 million for local causes

npower Business Solutions (nBS) has announced an additional £5 million investment in its community fund, the nBS Foundation, bringing the total amount to £10 million. This commitment is aimed at supporting not-for-profit organisations in Yorkshire, a key region for the energy provider.

Launched in 2024, the nBS Foundation provides grants of up to £100,000 to organisations located within 50 miles of Leeds and Dewsbury. The foundation has already funded 43 local projects, including those addressing domestic abuse, sustainability initiatives such as solar panel installations, and support for electric vehicle programmes. The fund focuses on empowering organisations that seek to drive long-term positive change in their communities.

The additional £5 million will further assist projects dedicated to sustainability, job creation, and social innovation. Organisations interested in receiving support can submit applications through Charis Grants, an independent entity that manages the allocation process.

Leeds Building Society relaxes affordability tests, boosting borrowing capacity by £34,000

April Lara
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Leeds Building Society relaxes affordability tests, boosting borrowing capacity by £34,000

Leeds Building Society has adjusted its affordability stress tests, allowing homebuyers to borrow up to an additional £34,000. This change, effective from tomorrow, will apply to first-time buyers, home movers, and remortgagers, with typical applicants able to borrow between £9,000 and £34,000 more.

The lender is reducing stress testing rates by up to 1.24%, following similar moves by other major institutions like Barclays, Nationwide, NatWest, Lloyds Banking Group, Santander, Hodge, and Accord Mortgages, all of which have recently relaxed their borrowing criteria.

This shift in lending policies comes in response to feedback from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which earlier this year noted that lenders had been overly cautious in their affordability assessments, particularly for first-time buyers. The FCA has since clarified that there is flexibility within existing rules, which lenders have now started to utilise more effectively.

Leeds Building Society’s decision is aimed at increasing support for individuals looking to enter the property market, aligning with broader government goals to boost growth in the housing sector.

Shipley car cover manufacturer secures grant funding

Tess Egginton
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Shipley car cover manufacturer secures grant funding
A Shipley business which manufactures specialist covers for vehicles has secured a grant from the Shipley Towns Fund, to invest in equipment. Specialised Covers Limited is a family-run business established in 1981. The 50-strong team is based at a production facility on Dockfield Road. The £7,364 grant from the Shipley Towns Fund, and support from the Council’s Invest in Bradford team, will enable the business to invest in updated hardware and software to improve capacity and accelerate growth. Commercial manager Veronica Jeffries said: “As part of our ongoing business development, we’re launching a new website which will have a 3D configurator enabling customers to see their tailored cover prior to purchase. “And we are also looking to increase our export business enabling sales growth with our improved website supplying our products internationally. It’s an exciting time of growth for our business and the investment from the Shipley Towns Fund is definitely welcome.” Bradford Council’s lead member for regeneration, transport and planning, Alex Ross-Shaw said: “It is always rewarding to see the support of the Council’s Invest In Bradford team translate into tangible success for businesses. This is an exciting business with a lot of potential for growth and we wish them every success.” Chair of the Shipley Towns Fund, Gill Thornton added: “This is a success for another interesting business based in Shipley. It is fantastic to see a company like this – which has a really quality, specialist offering – flourish and make such good use of the funding. We’re delighted the Towns Fund is able to support them in this way.”

Premier Technical Services Group expands building maintenance division with acquisition

Tess Egginton
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Premier Technical Services Group expands building maintenance division with acquisition

Premier Technical Services Group Ltd (PTSG), the Castleford-based provider of specialist services to the construction and facilities management sectors, has acquired HD Sharman Group Ltd (HDSG) – a leader in commercial roof maintenance and refurbishment systems.

Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire, HDSG helps organisations extend the life of their building assets.

The acquisition of HDSG represents a strategic expansion of PTSG’s capabilities in roofing services, complementing and strengthening the proposition delivered through its existing business, NSS – the commercial roof cleaning, maintenance and reactive repairs firm.

Paul Teasdale, executive chairman of PTSG, said: “HD Sharman Group is a respected name in the UK roofing sector – and rightly so. Their engineering excellence, commitment to customer outcomes and long-standing reputation for quality align perfectly with PTSG’s culture and ambition.

“Bringing HDSG into the Group allows us to significantly broaden our roofing services proposition and respond to growing demand for integrated solutions across the commercial property market. We are delighted to welcome the team into the PTSG family.”

Leigh Daveran, newly appointed managing director of HDSG, said: “Joining PTSG marks an exciting new chapter for our business.

“We are proud of the heritage and reputation we have built and we believe this partnership will allow us to go even further – enhancing our product and service offer, reaching new markets and combining forces with likeminded specialists at NSS and across the Group. We look forward to working together to deliver even greater value for our customers.”

Outgoing managing director, Mark de Rozarieux, the driving force behind HDSG and its growth, will remain closely involved in the business, working alongside Leigh to ensure a smooth and successful integration into the PTSG Group. He will retain his seat on the board of directors and continue to play an active role in shaping the strategic direction of the business.

East Riding businesses benefit from £1.5 million in grants and expert support

April Lara
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East Riding businesses benefit from £1.5 million in grants and expert support

East Riding businesses have received a boost through £1.5 million in grants and a range of tailored support programmes, driven by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC). These initiatives, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), aim to support local businesses across various sectors.

The Invest East Yorkshire Business Support Services, a key element of ERYC’s offering, has been instrumental in delivering this support. The services include expert advice, networking opportunities, and workshops on key topics such as sustainability, tourism, and supply chain management. In partnership with local universities, government agencies, and private sector organisations, the team has ensured that assistance reaches businesses throughout the region, with a special focus on Bridlington and Goole.

In total, 189 businesses have secured over £1.5 million in grant funding, leading to the creation of 161 new jobs. In addition, nearly 1,500 businesses have benefited from direct support, with 207 entrepreneurs becoming business-ready and 45 new ventures established. This initiative highlights the region’s dedication to promoting business growth and innovation.

Partnership boosts rail telecoms with new infrastructure investment

April Lara
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Partnership boosts rail telecoms with new infrastructure investment

A strategic partnership between Network Rail, Freshwave, and Neos Networks aims to improve the UK’s rail telecoms network by eliminating signal blackspots and modernising the infrastructure. Neos Networks will be responsible for deploying 1,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable along key railway lines, including the East Coast Main Line, Chiltern Main Line, and West Coast Main Line. The initiative will also commercialise spare fibre capacity, creating a robust digital connectivity backbone for businesses. The partners have plans to extend this network to over 5,000 kilometres in the future.

The collaboration addresses the growing demand for high-performance digital infrastructure, driven by factors such as AI growth and data centre capacity. Freshwave will address signal gaps by deploying mobile infrastructure in 57 tunnels along major rail routes, including the 4 km-long Chipping Sodbury tunnel. Mobile connectivity will also be enhanced at 12 key stations, such as Birmingham New Street, Glasgow Central, and King’s Cross, with installations expected to begin in 2026.

These upgrades are crucial for improving Network Rail’s asset monitoring capabilities and enabling advanced technologies like trackside sensors and CCTV. The enhanced network is expected to bring long-term economic benefits, contributing to the UK’s digital future and supporting the formation of Great British Railways.

Luxury lodges in Lincolnshire hit the market for £5m

April Lara
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Luxury lodges in Lincolnshire hit the market for £5m

A portfolio of 32 luxury holiday lodges at Belton Woods Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort in Lincolnshire has been put up for sale, with offers expected in the region of £5 million. The properties, which were previously part of De Vere and are now under the QHotels Collection, are set within a freehold site of over 27.9 acres.

The lodges offer a mix of detached and semi-detached units, designed to accommodate between six and eight people. With three distinct layout configurations, each lodge is equipped with holiday home amenities and features a two-floor design that provides expansive southerly views.

The location, on the western edge of the resort, offers an ideal setting for leisure developments, and the portfolio presents significant potential for businesses seeking to enter the holiday letting market. The site is easily accessible and positioned in a picturesque area near Grantham, with transport links to major cities including Lincoln and Nottingham.

This sale presents a unique opportunity for investors and developers looking to capitalize on the growing demand in the holiday market.

Businesses scale up with new lettings at Howley Park

Tess Egginton
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Businesses scale up with new lettings at Howley Park
J Pullan & Sons Ltd has completed three major lettings at Logistics Hub Howley Park Estate, totalling over 62,000 sq ft at Junction 28 of the M62 in Morley, Leeds. The largest of the deals sees Coptrin Limited expand from 40,000 sq ft to now occupy 55,740 sq ft across Units 1, 2 and 4 on a 10-year lease. The company, a major supplier of catering packaging and biodegradable products, have expanded into the new space for warehousing and distribution to meet increasing demand. Meanwhile, The Yorkshire Resin Company Limited, a long-standing tenant at Howley Park, who are specialists in the installation of resin driveways and car parks, has taken 6,662 sq ft at Unit 5, also on a 10-year lease. This marks a step up from their previous premises at the park, providing enhanced storage, showroom, and office facilities to support their continued growth. These lettings follow the recent occupation of an 18,940 sq ft unit by a national parcel delivery company. Bruce Strachan, property director at Pullans, said: “We’re thrilled that Coptrin and The Yorkshire Resin Company have chosen to expand their operations here at Howley Park. It’s a clear endorsement of the confidence our tenants have in the park as the ideal place to grow their businesses. “These lettings reflect the strength of our prime motorway location, the quality of the space we offer, and the support available through our in-house design and fit-out team, who work closely with occupiers to deliver solutions tailored to their evolving needs.” Alex Henderson, director of Coptrin Limited, said: “Expanding our space has been an exciting journey and working alongside J Pullan & Sons made the transition seamless. Their support and expertise allowed us to relocate smoothly, with little – if any – impact on our operations and customers. “The additional space has given us the opportunity to make lasting improvements to the way we run our day-to-day business, while also tailoring the environment to fit our needs perfectly. We’re incredibly grateful for the collaboration and look forward to all the possibilities this expansion brings!” Andrew Firth, co-founder and director of Yorkshire Resin Company, said: “The Yorkshire Resin Company is thrilled with our move into a new home at the Logistics Hub in Morley. This modern, accessible base gives us the space and facilities to support our growing team and expanding services. “We worked closely with Pullans on the design and fit-out of the unit to create a bespoke space tailored to our operational needs – an investment already having a positive impact on the business. We’re now better equipped than ever to deliver top-quality resin driveway installations across Yorkshire and look forward to building on this momentum.” CBRE and Carter Towler are joint agents for Howley Park Estate.

Cutting-edge healthcare facility to treat military and civilian communities in Catterick

Tess Egginton
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Cutting-edge healthcare facility to treat military and civilian communities in Catterick
A new cutting-edge healthcare facility in Catterick, built by the Ministry of Defence and the NHS, will treat thousands of patients a year including the military, their families and the local civilian population in North Yorkshire and the wider area. The Catterick Integrated Care Centre (CICC) which has received approximately £110 million of funding, is a first-of-its-kind health partnership, directly employing more than 300 medical personnel from the MOD and the NHS to treat up to 1,000 people a day. Situated within Catterick Garrison, home to over 14,000 military personnel, the centre will offer a range of services, including primary care, rehabilitation, mental health support, and specialist treatments. The project aims to improve local access to healthcare, providing a variety of healthcare services in one location, and will also provide opportunities for training. Colonel Tariq Ahmad, Regional Clinical Director, Defence Primary Healthcare (North), said: “This centre is a great investment in our local community, with a bold and ambitious vision to approach care in an integrated way, working collaboratively with primary and secondary care, local authority and public health services for the benefit of our patients. It’s a coordinated approach to building better outcomes for the whole community.” Michelle Hagger, Programme Manager from NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB, added: “The concept began in 2015, and our vision is now inching ever closer to reality. This purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility will bring together a broad range of integrated and responsive health and care services under one roof, helping ensure residents across Richmondshire can access the right care, in the right place, at the right time.” Construction firm Tilbury Douglas was awarded the contract to build the CICC in 2021 by the Ministry of Defence, with over 200 people employed on the site over the lifetime of the project. Paul Ellenor, Regional Director for Yorkshire and the Northeast at Tilbury Douglas, said: “This represents a landmark investment in integrated healthcare, and Tilbury Douglas is proud to be at the forefront of its delivery. It reflects the strength of collaboration between the Ministry of Defence, the NHS, and delivery partners. “This pioneering facility will not only transform access to healthcare for both military and civilian communities, but also set a new standard for integrated service delivery. We’re proud to contribute to a project that enhances long-term wellbeing, strengthens local partnerships, and supports national priorities around Defence health and public care infrastructure.” John Weatherby, Principal Project Manager for the CICC from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, which is part of the MOD and oversees all UK Defence land, buildings, and infrastructure, added: “We’re proud to be building this fantastic new facility, which will greatly benefit both the military and the local population in the Catterick area. “This is the first joint MOD and NHS project of this scale and is the result of a collaborative relationship between the MOD, NHS, Tilbury Douglas and other partners.” Work will now continue at pace to ensure the CICC is fully ready to start seeing patients when it opens in 2026, with staff due to begin familiarising themselves with the new facility shortly.
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