Ex-pro rugby player joins Harrogate estate agency
Former professional rugby player James Black has joined the Harrogate-based North Residential estate agency as a consultant focusing on prestige properties.
Harlan Pollitt, a founding Director at North Residential, said: “James has a formidable track record, and he is undoubtedly a major asset for the business as we continue our drive to expand across Yorkshire and beyond.
“A considerable part of our portfolio is high end properties with clients that need discretion from knowledgeable and well-connected experts that have an ear to the ground. To this end we are focusing our recruitment drive in attracting the best people in the business.”
James said: “Having spent many years cultivating contacts and a strong reputation, predominantly through friendships and recommendations, it is critical that I align with likeminded people that I can trust to deliver a first-class service for my clients.
“North Residential is growing at an exponential rate, with a relatively young team and a new dynamic that is taking the market by storm, and I am excited to be a part of that.”
SMEs have shouldered average 26% energy price hike this year, survey finds
Nine in 10 UK SMEs have reported hikes in their energy costs in 2023, with companies increasing their own prices and investing in their operations to help mitigate the impact, Paragon Bank research has found.
Paragon’s survey of more than 500 businesses, conducted on behalf of the bank by Opinium, found that, on average, companies experienced a 26.6% increase in their energy bill during the first three months of the year.
Four in 10 reported an increase of between 20% and 50%, with one in 10 recording an even larger energy bill hike.
The increase in energy costs reflects the broader inflationary pressure facing UK SMEs. Businesses reported an average cost increase for raw materials of 22.6% during the period, and 21.4% in the cost of new equipment and machinery. Additionally, employee salary costs were up 17.7% on average.
Businesses have implemented a range of measures to mitigate the energy cost increase. The most common action was to increase the price of their own goods or services, implemented by 54% of SMEs and being considered by a further 26%.
Companies have also invested in their own operations to make themselves more energy efficient – 38% of businesses said they have made investments in greener equipment, such as more energy efficient machinery, with 36% making changes to their premises, such as the installation of solar panels.
Other measures implemented by companies included encouraging more employees to work from home (27%), refinancing or extending loan terms on assets (20%), seeking new equity finance (21%) and taking out additional loans to fund the business (19%).
Conversely, SMEs said they had cut planned investment (33%), whilst one in five had reduced production output (19%).
John Phillipou, Paragon Bank SME Lending MD, said: “The cost of energy has negatively impacted the majority of business throughout the UK, even with the Government support package. Businesses have responded in several ways, with price increases being the most obvious way to mitigate the increase.
“However, it’s also positive that companies have been looking at ways they can reduce their energy bills by making themselves more efficient. We have seen businesses invest in their operations with the addition of more energy efficient equipment, whilst we have also funded changes to premises, such as the addition of solar panels. These are positive steps towards a greener future.”
Rotherham training provider appoints leadership tutor
Rotherham-based apprenticeship training provider Whyy? Change has appointed Claire Taylor to the role of CMI Leadership Tutor.
Claire will be responsible for delivering the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 3 Leadership & Management and Level 3 Coaching & Mentoring courses.
Claire joins Whyy? Change with a wealth of leadership experience and knowledge of the education sector, having previously worked at the University of Sheffield for over 16 years.
Claire’s appointment comes as Whyy? Change has seen an upward trend in business owners turning towards accredited leadership training to upskill employees. Senior leaders and L&D specialists are calling for ‘hands-on’ leadership training delivered by practitioners that can be embedded across all levels of their businesses to develop a more cohesive workforce.
In 2018, Claire founded Raspberry Flamingo, an award-winning Content and Copywriting Consultancy that specialise in ‘on page’ SEO copywriting and content marketing. With an MA in Communication Studies from Sheffield Hallam University, qualifications in teaching and mentoring to her name, Claire’s a lifelong learner.
Ray Byrne CEO of Whyy? Change shared his warm welcome to Claire’s appointment, explaining how Claire came to join the team: “Anne Wilson, our Head of Business Growth, knew of Claire’s skills and behaviours and thought that she’d be a great fit for Whyy?.
“How right she was. From our first contact Claire has demonstrated the behaviours expected of any Whyy?er and comes with a wealth of experience in copywriting & content marketing and years of experience in leading and managing teams in a wide range of environments.
“I’m proud to have Claire on the team. Thank you Anne for being you, and thank you Claire to sharing every business experience you have with the learners. In fact, I’m a little jealous as it turns out they like you more than me.”
Claire said:“My own business is now approaching five years old. Whilst I love what I have created, my team is remote and so I work in my office alone. After Covid I realised I needed more interaction with people in face-to-face settings. I’ve been a trainer, coach, mentor, and guest lecturer for many years and so when an opportunity to do what I love came up with an organisation as awesome as Whyy? Change how could I say no!”
Agriculture industry introduced to ‘Nature for Finance’ scheme
Additional support to help farmers access private investment to support nature recovery on their farms has been announced at the first-ever ‘Nature for Finance’ event.
It brought together farmers, land managers, investors and conservation experts to identify new investment opportunities that drive forward actions to mobilise investment in nature recovery while continuing to keep the nation fed.
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Thérèse Coffey says there’s to be an additional round of the Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund later this year to help farmers address barriers to accessing private investment to help nature’s recovery.
This will be the first time the NEIRF focuses specifically on the farming sector, helping farmers to come together at a landscape scale to combine their offer to investors, and enabling more types of farmer to access and benefit from nature markets.
Thérèse Coffey said:”Food production and enhancing the environment go hand in hand. We must continue to support farmers to keep our nation fed while also safeguarding the valuable biodiversity and landscapes we rely on. This event is an important step forward in bringing together farmers and financiers to invest in nature and unlock new opportunities to improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of farm businesses.”
Food production relies on a healthy and thriving natural environment and nature markets offer a new way for farmers to generate income alongside food production. To date, 86 projects across England have received development grants of up to £100,000 through two competitive rounds of the £10 million NEIRF in 2021 and 2022.
The NEIRF funds projects that have the potential to produce revenue from the benefits nature provides to attract and repay investment, as well as projects able to produce an investment model that can be scaled up and reproduced.
New bridge lifted into place at Forge Island marking major milestone for Rotherham’s new landmark leisure destination
A new pedestrian bridge has been successfully lifted into place at Forge Island in Rotherham linking the flagship development with the town centre.
The Forge Island development, part of Rotherham Council’s regeneration vision for the town centre, is being delivered in partnership with the Council, nationwide placemaker Muse and contractor Bowmer + Kirkland.
The bridge will offer a vital connection from the town centre to the new family-friendly leisure destination – as well as a link to the town’s remarkable engineering heritage.
The 46-metre-long bridge, weighing 86 tonnes, was manufactured and installed by S H Structures, specialists in the design and manufacture of complex steel structures. Over a period of two days, a crane was erected and rigged, ready for the careful installation of the bridge which took one hour, in a military precision operation watched by local residents from vantage points across the town centre.
The design takes inspiration from the world-famous Bailey Bridge; a portable, steel-truss bridge, designed and developed by Rotherham-born civil engineer, Donald Bailey, which was used by the military throughout Europe during the Second World War.
Designed by FaulknerBrowne Architects, the new bridge is a celebration of Rotherham’s engineering heritage, taking inspiration from the original design to create a contemporary permanent gateway structure for the town.
The diamond truss steel design that is synonymous with Bailey Bridges is clad with red/brown perforated steel panelling to fit with the colour of planned Forge Island buildings, another nod to the history of the area, which originated as a steel forge in the 19th century.
The bridge will be illuminated at night, to make a striking visual feature of its unique structural elements to enhance the experience of everyone who visits Forge Island.
The bridge will provide pedestrians and cyclists with an eye-catching crossing from the town centre across the River Don, to the new waterside destination, which will feature a mix of independent and family-friendly eateries alongside boutique cinema operator, The Arc and national hotel chain, Travelodge, all set within attractive new public spaces.
Andrew Fairest, project director at Muse, said: “This is an important milestone for the whole Forge Island development, as we link this new waterfront destination to the Rotherham community, making sure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy what Forge Island has to offer.
“Rotherham’s engineering heritage was a wonderful starting point for the Muse team, offering a rich seam of inspiration and shaping our thinking around Forge Island. The bridge is a key part of this exciting new chapter in Rotherham’s story, linking the past with the present and future.”
Over the next few weeks, a podium is being built on site, which will elevate the scheme out of the floodplain of the River Don. Work will then begin to construct the buildings and new landscaped public spaces, including a stepped amphitheatre beside Rotherham Lock.
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and Economy, Cllr Denise Lelliott, said: “This major milestone not only shows that the Forge Island development scheme is forging ahead, is it also showcases a symbolic connection between Forge Island and the heart of the town centre.
“Once Forge Island opens, this bridge will be the main gateway from the cinema, hotel and restaurants to the rich heritage and culture of the town centre, and I am sure that my footsteps will be a few of thousands.”
Construction work on the £47m Forge Island scheme – which was announced as 100% let in October 2022 – is led by contractor Bowmer + Kirkland, working alongside the wider project team which also includes Arup, Helm Consulting, Arcadis and re-form Landscape Architecture. Forge Island is set to open to the public in 2024.
Shadow Business Secretary meets with Hull business leaders
Business leaders ranging from major global employers to emerging entrepreneurs discussed renewables, digital development and the skills needed to drive the regeneration of the UK when they met shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds in Hull.
The head of one of East Yorkshire’s leading SMEs said his organisation is eager to see a change of government at the next general election having thrived under previous Labour governments and now feeling let down by empty promises of levelling up.
Gerard Toplass, another key figure as group CEO of The 55 Group, hosted the visit at the headquarters in the Old Town of Hull. He said he was impressed with Mr Reynolds’ commitment to work with businesses to rebuild Britain.
Accompanied by Hull West and Hessle MP Emma Hardy, Mr Reynolds welcomed nearly 20 corporate heavyweights and leaders of business organisations to a lunch and later returned to Bar 55 to meet some of the rising stars of the regional business community.
In between he visited Centres for Digital Innovation (C4DI), set up in Hull’s Fruit Market areas as a group of incubators to help tech companies grow and traditional businesses innovate.
Mr Reynolds said: “I have one of the most interesting jobs in the shadow government, having the chance to visit any business in the country working on Labour’s economic policies.
“It’s been fantastic visiting Hull and you have so much to be proud of here with carbon capture and storage and companies working on technology to measure how people are heating their homes.
“My job is to listen and learn and try to put forward policies that will help. I can’t run people’s businesses for them but hopefully I can influence the business environment in which they work.”
He told the young entrepreneurs: “You are going to live through a time of incredible change and incredible opportunity. You should not be nostalgic for the past but you should seek to want to make the most of the changes. Many of the big economic and social problems we face are the result of not handling change well.
“The deal that younger people in the UK have right now compared to previous generations is a far less attractive one. We need to engage with younger people in the political system and appeal for people of all ages to care about the political system.”
In response to questions from Mike Ellis, managing director of performance marketing agency 43 Clicks North and Ash Wray, managing director of sustainability and energy efficiency consultants C3 Group, Mr Reynolds said support with meeting the costs of net zero is “a pressing issue” which will intensify.
He said: “We get told time and time again by businesses that rather than support for net zero there are things in the way – the planning system or business rates. For smaller businesses it’s about removing the obstacles. There are some things that will require a government subsidy but the first thing is to remove the barriers.”
Mr Ellis said: “You spend so much time building your business and learning about it that it’s rare to get the chance to step back and think about the bigger questions and what the government can do to help. Net zero is something we have to look at so to be able to discuss it with a potential future business secretary is a good opportunity.”
Mr Wray added: “Having like-minded people in the same room fosters more growth. Hull needs innovators and people who do what they say they are going to do, and that will provide undeniable proof of our place at the forefront of innovation in net zero.”
Mr Toplass said: “I was impressed with what Jonny said about how he wants businesses to be working with an incoming Labour government rather than against them. That was very positive and I particularly liked what he said about skills and training, because the future of all sectors will be about having the right talent.
“It was great to see a real mix of younger people who have a real entrepreneurial spirit. When I was younger I always wanted to be around people who shared ideas around business and that’s happening now and flourishing again.”
Ms Hardy said feedback indicated the business audiences were ready to work with a Labour government. She said: “Jonny was genuinely blown away with C4DI and said he would love to see one in every city in the UK. We also looked at the new opportunities here – when the fishing industry ended there was not enough to replace it but now people are working offshore again with wind turbines and carbon capture.
“It’s a massive opportunity for the region and we can’t let it pass us by. To grasp it business needs certainty and investment but all they are getting is uncertainty and instability.
“Business leaders from the heads of major employers to the young entrepreneurs were really listening to Jonny, engaging with him about positive ideas and proposals and making it clear that they see Labour as a credible partner who they can work with to deliver growth.”
Yorkshire & Humber manufacturers see a brightening picture as outlook improves
Yorkshire & Humber manufacturers are seeing an improving economic outlook for the rest of the year as the domestic and global markets have improved, easing fears of a significant recession for industry this year.
The findings in the Make UK/BDO Q2 Manufacturing Outlook survey show a marked pick up in the last quarter with both output and orders increasing significantly to balances at +29% and +24%, with both indicators forecast to grow substantially in the next quarter to levels well above historic averages (both +53% respectively). In particular, Yorkshire & Humber has benefitted from the strong demand for steel and basic metals industries.
In line with this improving picture job prospects are improving substantially with the balance of companies increasing recruitment in the last three months at +24%, well above the national average. Yorkshire & Humber companies are also planning to boost investment with the balance of companies planning to increase investment at +24%, also substantially above the national average.
In terms of overall output this year Make UK and BDO are forecasting a contraction of 0.3% although this is a significant improvement from the contraction of -3.3% made in Q1 and the -4.4% forecast at the end of last year. However, Make UK is maintaining its previous forecast for growth of just 0.8% in 2024. UK GDP growth is at 0.4% for 2023 and 1.3% for 2024.
Dawn Huntrod, region director in the North at Make UK, said: “Manufacturers in Yorkshire and The Humber are seeing a gradually improving picture but the word ‘gradually’ is doing a lot of heavy lifting.
“However, companies are at least seeing a relative period of stability after the political and economic turmoil of the last few years when they have spent most of their time firefighting. Substantial challenges still remain and so long as there is an absence of an overarching industrial strategy growth prospects will remain anaemic at best.”
Steve Talbot, head of manufacturing at BDO in Yorkshire and Humber, said: “Despite the first half of the year seeing some pressures easing for local manufacturers, there are longer-term systemic challenges in the UK market, with built-in inefficiencies that need to be addressed urgently in order for manufacturers to effectively plan and invest.
“Supply chain pressures, for example, are an endemic issue for the businesses we talk to, particularly medium-sized firms. These issues cannot be overlooked by policymakers or we run the risk of tepid-at-best growth for UK manufacturing for many years to come.”
Nicola named as South South Yorkshire’s Active Travel Programme Director
Nicola Marshall has been named as South Yorkshire’s Active Travel Programme Director.
Working alongside Mayor Oliver Coppard and Active Travel Commissioner, Ed Clancy, Nicola will drive ambitions to make walking, wheeling and cycling the first choice for everyday trips in South Yorkshire and lead on the development of the region’s cycling and walking network.
With over 20 years’ experience at organisations including Cycling UK and Save the Children, Nicola has worked across multiple charity and sports sectors to empower individuals, families and communities. Leading the Sweaty Betty Foundation – the corporate charity of the activewear brand, Sweaty Betty – Nicola’s most recent role specifically supported women and girls to get active, and stay active, for life.
Nicola said: “I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity to make South Yorkshire the best place to walk and cycle in the UK. I passionately want my toddler to grow up thinking the first choice for every journey is on his feet, a scooter, or a bike. Creating safe places to walk and cycle is a brilliant start, but we also need to actively support people to choose to get on their feet or their bike.
“I love being active, but I know as a mum with limited time it often feels easier to jump in the car. My job will be about building on the amazing opportunities that are already out there in our region and supporting communities with what can, sometimes, be tricky challenges around choosing active travel. I can’t wait to start making it easy and cost effective for thousands more people to cycle and walk more every day, helping make South Yorkshire a better place to live.”
Nicola will join South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority on 1 August to support delivery of the region’s Active Travel Implementation Plan for over 1000km of walking and cycling routes, 800m of safe crossings and 230 sq. km. of low traffic neighbourhoods across the region by 2040.
Leeds pharma firm expands with acquisition
Leeds-based Rosemont Pharmaceuticals (Rosemont) has acquired Lucis Pharma Ltd, a specialist pharmaceutical business in the UK. Through this acquisition Rosemont will expand its existing portfolio and have access to a pipeline of innovative products, providing lifesaving pharmaceuticals to the UK and overseas markets.
Founded in 2012, Lucis has grown to become a leading provider in the development and licensing of novel and exclusive medicines. With over a dozen SKUs covering a variety of therapeutic areas, Lucis has established a strong portfolio that, in addition to a pipeline of innovative developments, serve the growing patient need for liquid medicines.
The acquisition will enable Rosemont to broaden its portfolio and enter the unit dose / sachet market through the pipeline products, whilst growing the business through recent Lucis product launches in 2021/22.
“As well as continuing to broaden our portfolio and add to our strong growth globally, this acquisition also gives access to pipeline products and developer relationships to accelerate our entry into new product areas such as sachets,” says Howard Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Rosemont. “We will continue creating innovative solutions that meet the needs of dysphagic patients and establish best practice for their care.”
Rosemont brings over 50 years of experience in novel, Rx, oral liquid medicine and has one of the broadest product portfolios in the world, with over 130 oral liquid medicines addressing a variety of therapeutic areas such as cardiac health, endocrinology, and pain management for those patients with swallowing difficulties.
Management buy-out for Lincolnshire engineering firm
Lincolnshire-headquartered engineering firm, Blackrow, has undergone a management buy-out (MBO).
Established over 40 years ago, the Grimsby-based firm provides specialist fabrication services to a blue-chip customer base across the world, with the 300 strong workforce delivering solutions including conveyors, gantry, mezzanine and platform manufacture, control and automations systems, structural and pipework fabrication and installations.
The MBO sees Managing Director, Tony Booker, together with Gary Pexman (sales director), Nick Rands (operations director), Luke O’Brien (structural/piping director) and Callum Day (electrical director), join the board and become majority shareholders.
Blackrow’s current directors and shareholders – Neil Ellis (finance director), Chris Marfleet, Darren Broughton and Glenn Richie – will remain on the board and retain an investment in Blackrow.
ABN AMRO provided new facilities to fund the transaction. James Elliott, director at ABN AMRO, said: “Blackrow has a fantastic reputation in its markets and an impressive, loyal customer base. These factors, together with an excellent pipeline of projects over coming months and years led us to want to support the MBO and the future growth of the business.”
Neil Ellis, finance director, said: “The current shareholders of Blackrow have had succession plans in place for some time and its very pleasing to have seen the MBO team take shape over the last few years and to transition into leadership roles, delivering excellent service to our customers and driving fantastic growth for the business. We believe that Blackrow is in very good hands for this next phase of its growth.”
Tony Booker, Managing Director, said: “Neil, Chris, Darren and Glenn have led Blackrow through periods of both opportunity and challenge and the strength of the business today is testament to their determination to invest continuously in the business’s facilities, people and capabilities. The MBO team are delighted to be given the opportunity to acquire Blackrow and to continue to build and grow this market leading, regional business.”
Blackrow and the shareholders were advised by corporate finance advisers, Dow Schofield Watts (Roger Esler, Paul Herriott, Jonathan Wilkinson, Mike Barker), legal advisers, Andrew Jackson Solicitors (Andrew Funnell, Jon Croft, Adrian West) and tax advisers, Tax Advisory Partnership (Russ Cahill). ABN AMRO was advised by Shoosmiths. The MBO team was advised by Wilkin Chapman (Adam Ottley).
Roger Esler, corporate finance partner at Dow Schofield Watts, said: “It’s been a pleasure working with Blackrow over several years as the company navigated the challenges of the Covid pandemic to emerge as an even stronger and larger business today, with a fantastic reputation in its target markets and creating a robust platform for the MBO.”
Andrew Funnell, head of corporate at Andrew Jackson Solicitors, added: “Blackrow has been through a number of buy-outs in its 40 year history and having been adviser to the company for over 20 years, it is great to see it continue its journey as a management owned business, with this MBO being the culmination of careful succession planning.”
