Green Building Renewables acquires Scarborough business and increases turnover to £26m
Green Building Renewables has acquired of Scarborough-based business MYelectrical Renewables to help meet the increasing customer demand for technologies like solar panels and heat pumps.
MYelectrical Renewables is the company’s sixth acquisition in 18 months, during which time its turnover has grown from £3m to £26m, and the staff number has grown from 18 to over 130.
Chris Delaney, MD of Green Building Renewables, said: “In the last 18 months we have increased our coverage across Yorkshire. First, with our new office in Doncaster and now with expansion onto the East Coast, we are the fastest growing renewable installation business in the region, and we believe nationally too.
“As a regional leader, we aim to offer world class advice and installations across Yorkshire and the country. We welcome Dan and his team to ours and look forward to helping customers on the East Coast capture the energy of Yorkshire’s seaside sunshine. It’s predicted that the world will add as much renewable power in the next five years as it did in the past 20. We want Yorkshire to be a leader in this global energy transformation. We aim to drive this transformation across the country too, which is why we have also opened our second office in York to house our management team. We will grow our business in a way that provides customers with a local service for a national solution to a global issue.”
In due course, MYelectrical Renewables will rebrand to Green Building Renewables as it becomes a part of the company’s network of local renewable technology installers, recruiting new Solar PV installers and heat pump engineers across the country.
Dan Oram, MYelectrical Renewables founder director, said: “I am extremely proud that Green Building Renewables identified MYelectrical Renewables to join its rapidly growing network of renewable technology installers. Their decision reflects the quality of the service we already offer. The opportunity to join Green Building Renewables allows our team to offer more services and products to our regional customers. At the same time, it also allows me more personal freedom to pursue other interests as we join Chris and his team.”
Former warehouse worker launches sportswear brand
Former warehouse worker Charlie Green has launched his own brand of sportswear with the help of the Launchpad Business Support Programme.
Charlie launched his Wombwell-based gym in 2018 and called upon the Launchpad Business Support Programme to help him transform his dreams of running his own business into a reality. His journey began when he successfully secured the keys to a damp, dilapidated basement at Wombwell Working Men’s Club and turned it into a haven for fitness enthusiasts.
Since that time, Charlie has successfully overcome all the odds, including overcoming a life-threatening illness, as well as navigating his fledgling business through the Covid-19 pandemic, when it was unable to trade due to local and national lockdown restrictions.
Today, Retro Fitness provides a space for people of all ages to take part in boxing, kickboxing and self-defence classes. The busy gym counts children as young as six to individuals enjoying their retirement amongst its regular visitors, who are given the chance to perfect their boxing skills, learn new martial arts as well as shedding the pounds by taking part in a range of intensive bootcamps.
As the business grew, the future of Charlie’s business was plunged into uncertainty when he was diagnosed with sepsis and pneumonia. The experience left him in a coma for three weeks and unable to work for six months; he turned to partner Rebecca, his sister and parents to keep the business ticking over.
During his recuperation, Charlie began to notice a gap in the market for boxing equipment that was capable of meeting the rigorous training demands placed upon it. He decided to take a chance and contact a specialist manufacturer to produce a range of boxing equipment designed to his own specifications.
To help him grow his business, Charlie continued to work closely with Launchpad business adviser Kiran Antcliffe, regularly taking part in one-to-one advice sessions as well as attending workshops designed to help him master the skills needed to build and grow a successful business, from getting to grips with the finances of his business to recruiting staff for the first time.
Charlie said:“I’d never really thought about running my own business, but I’ve always been passionate about boxing. It’s not just a great way to keep fit, it can teach youngsters important life skills, from discipline to improving willpower and perseverance. When the space became available I felt it offered a great opportunity to do something for my local community.
“I didn’t know the first thing about running a business, so I reached out to the Launchpad team for help, half expecting them to laugh at me. They didn’t, they listened to what I had to say and they’ve been incredibly supportive as the business has grown and evolved.”
Kiran Antcliffe, business adviser, Launchpad, said: “The challenges Charlie has faced since he launched his business would have tested even the most seasoned business owner. The hallmarks of any entrepreneur are being able to spot opportunities when faced with adversity, as well as being unafraid to try new things.”
Advanced manufacturing event returns to Rotherham in May
The Engineering & Technology Solutions Exhibition returns to South Yorkshire’s Advanced Manufacturing Park in May this year to promote technology transfer, innovation and knowledge-sharing between multiple sectors.
The event brings together engineers, technologists, scientists and other key representatives from companies across AMP and the surrounding manufacturing cluster, to meet with exhibiting suppliers, witness product demonstrations, discuss practical problem-solving and find potential engineering amd technology solutions.
The exhibition is managed by Nu-Tech and supported by the Nuclear AMRC and University of Sheffield AMRC.
For full details about visiting or exhibiting, visit Nu-Tech’s AMP Technology Exhibition 2023 site.
Lincoln-based Environmental Marketing Company planning expansion secures £15k funding
A Lincoln-based environmental marketing company has secured £14,500 in funding to be used for creating two new jobs and developing a calculator tool.
My Square Metre (MSM) secured finance from First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans through British Business Bank’s Start-Up Loans Company.
MSM was established to promote biodiversity and sequester carbon in a local and tangible way. They collaborate with ecologists and experts to identify the ideal areas of degraded land to repair by planting wildflower meadows one square metre at a time.
With funding from First Enterprise, My Square Metre is not only able to hire more staff as they enter their next phase of growth, but they are also able to create a calculator tool.
The tool helps individuals and businesses determine how many wildflowers need to be planted in order to offset daily activities. For example, 167 wildflowers may be planted for every GB of 5G usage, or 1 wildflower for every email sent.
Edward Crowther, Founder of My Square Metre, said: “Through the process, I got the opportunity to review elements of my business with a business expert, who guided me to any weaknesses in the business plan that needed to be strengthened or communicated better. For me as a founder, when I actually received the funding, more than anything else, I had the encouragement that I was on the right track.”
Stefan Nycz, Investment Manager at First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans, commented: “It was a delight to work with Ed on this proposal. It’s a simple but great idea, and anything that contributes to the welfare of the planet is something that I am happy to be part of.”
Richard Bearman, Managing Director Small Business Lending, British Business Bank commented: “Edward and the team have done excellent so far in their business journey and we are proud to assist them as they take the next step in expanding their team and improving their facilities.”
Transformational £14.8m government grant backs Boston regeneration vision
Boston Borough Council has successfully secured £14.8m from the Government Levelling Up Fund to kick-start regeneration and secure further investment to the heart of the town centre.
The Levelling Up Fund is specifically designed to secure capital investment in infrastructure that has the potential to improve lives and give people pride in their communities. Boston’s Rosegarth Square masterplan, forming part of PE21, seeks to revitalise and repurpose the area between the River Witham and the bus station – particularly focusing on the area of the former Dunelm/B&M building and the vacant Crown House building.
A new public park, spanning the area between the river and the Len Medlock Centre will provide a new place for people. New green spaces, improved pedestrian routes, artwork and other features seek to create an inviting, safe, accessible and enjoyable place for all, as well as offering significant environmental enhancements.
Alongside this, works to convert Crown House to provide a mix of residential and other uses to support young people and families, will see this building visually improved and positively enhance its presence.
Works to demolish the existing B&M building as enabling works to future re-development will also be undertaken; taken together these interventions will improve the appearance of the area and address some local challenges from anti-social behaviour and crime.
In conjunction with the proposed works, a programme of community engagement will be undertaken, including a linked archaeology project, to better understand the history of the site, influence the emerging designs, and link the area’s past to its future.
Collectively these interventions are intended to be high-quality, and make significant impact both for the short and longer-term. They will revitalise this large brownfield site and act as a catalyst for further positive inward investment and the regeneration ambition for the area. The aim is to change the character and appearance of this area, create opportunities for new uses and homes, create jobs, support the economy and the community, and create a place where people want to live, work and enjoy.
Securing this level of public investment, supplemented by further match funding, will act as the catalyst for the wider re-development of this prominent, and unique place so that it makes a positive contribution to the area and becomes a place people can be proud of and which complements the setting of Boston Stump and the core of the town centre around the Market Place. It comes on top of Boston Borough Council’s successful bids to the Towns Fund.
The proposal was initially submitted in August 2022, and the Council will now seek to mobilise quickly to access and draw down the funding from Government and seek to re-engage with partners to move the scheme on to the detailed design and delivery phases. Further engagement will also be undertaken as the proposals are developed.
Cllr Nigel Welton, deputy leader and portfolio holder for economic growth at Boston Borough Council, said: “Since submitting the bid in early August, we have been eagerly awaiting to hear the result – and we are absolutely thrilled to be able to say that we have been successful in our bid, and have been allocated £14.8million from the Levelling Up Fund.
“This is another great example of the public and private sector working together to help bring investment into Boston. This forward-thinking council is focussed on doing all that it can to help improve the economy, create new job opportunities and install a sense of pride for residents in the town. This is an ambitious scheme which we hope to bring real change for Boston for future generations. We want to continually improve the town and help to raise aspirations and this investment will play a key role in that.”
The funding announcement comes as several regeneration and improvement projects start to take shape in Boston following Town Deal funding from the Government, also part of the Levelling Up agenda.
Historic shop fronts are being renovated as part of plans to attract more investment; improvements at Boston Railway Station are proposed; and other projects to transform the health, wellbeing and education through the Boston Leisure and Mayflower projects all seek to create new opportunities for residents as well as attracting new visitors to the area.
Matt Warman, Member of Parliament for Boston and Skegness, said: “The government has backed the Council’s bold, ambitious vision for Boston, and awarded major funding that many other towns were also bidding for. The success of Boston Borough Council in securing their full £14.8 million bid in the face of stiff competition across the UK demonstrates the transformative quality of this comprehensive plan to regenerate a currently neglected and run down part of our town in a sustainable way.
“Linking with improvements made within the £21.9 million Boston Town Deal, residents and visitors to Boston will see their route through the town renewed with both new high quality building projects and sympathetic renovation and reinstatement of historic features.
“Council leaders and officers have worked in partnership with government and business to bring contemporary housing, hospitality and retail options within a newly created urban green space. And with every £1 of public money spent here bringing a benefit of £2.80 to our local area as well as creating jobs it’s great value for taxpayers too.”
The Council hopes this investment will unlock further opportunities in this area to deliver homes, health-facilities and new employment spaces.
The Government is supporting all the LUF projects put forward by the whole of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership with £14.8million awarded to Boston Borough Council, £20million to South Holland District Council and £8million in East Lindsey.
Each scheme will see projects which will be transformational for each district for generations to come, through job creation, new opportunities, driving inward investment and supporting the health and wellbeing of residents.
More than £18.4m Levelling Up funds awarded to Cleethorpes
Plans to continue with the reinvention of Cleethorpes have taken a major step forward as North East Lincolnshire Council has secured more than £18.4m of Levelling Up grant monies for the resort.
Delighted council leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, said work would now begin at pace to kickstart this section of the Cleethorpes masterplan, which was spearheaded by Wayne Hemingway MBE of HemingwayDesign and extremely well received locally.
“This is absolutely brilliant news for the resort, which is fast becoming the jewel in the crown along the east coast of our country and is attracting growing numbers of people who want to not only visit here, but live here too. Over the last few years, we have seen the start of the Cleethorpes transformation, with the Coastal Communities Fund work and that around the heritage properties on Alexandra Road. This successful LUF bid means that transformation can continue.”
The Cleethorpes bid incorporated schemes identified in the Cleethorpes’ Masterplan as important strategic development locations, and deliverable within the timescales.
The area of focus for the bid was Market Place, Sea Road and Pier Gardens, which were three initial projects identified in the “Think Cleethorpes” Masterplan, developed alongside the local community to deliver the projects that they wanted to see, and adopted last year.
The key vision is to reintroduce the historic Market Square, creating a safe and flexible space that can accommodate markets, festivals and associated retail events, which will encourage outdoor dining, and provide a healthier, more pleasant environment.
The successful funding bid will also support the redevelopment of the Sea Road site which received planning permission for a new building and is currently being marketed.
There is an opportunity to change Pier Gardens, retaining the Victorian heritage and feel, but making it more attractive. In the masterplan consultation, people wanted to see more made of the gardens, with additional seating, planting to increase biodiversity, and improved areas for children’s play, events and performances, and spaces for reflection and contemplation.
Cllr Jackson continued: “Over the last few years, we’ve secured in excess of £70-million into North East Lincolnshire, underpinned by an ambitious vision for the growth and regeneration. We’re working hard to make sure that the money spent in this borough is to the benefit of everyone living and working here.
“The changes we continue to spearhead in the resort, and which we can now continue with the support of the LUF monies, are also vital when it comes to reflecting the aspirations of our residents and visitors, for our young people to enjoy positive futures, and in our ability to attract new and retain good businesses in an attractive coastal town.”
East Lindsey District Council to make Horncastle its HQ as it opens shared facility with Boston College
East Lindsey District Council is moving to a new, energy efficient and more central headquarters from Monday 23 January 2023.
After 44 years, Tedder Hall in Manby will close and the council will officially mark a new era in its history when it moves to the Hub in Horncastle.
The Council has been working with Boston College to help provide a campus in Horncastle to fill a learning and skills gap. The Hub is a shared facility with the college who have been providing a range of 18+ courses for people in Horncastle and the surrounding area from the campus since November.
The project was supported by The Greater Lincolnshire LEP who contributed £1.2m for the College campus.
The Council funded the remaining £6.23m of the project cost in recognition that it would be a cost neutral project over a maximum of 15 years when factoring in the sale of Skegness Town Hall, Tedder Hall and the reduced running costs of the new building. Given the significant increase in utility prices, this payback period has now significantly reduced to around eight years.
The Hub supports the Council’s commitment to reducing CO2 and minimising its impact on climate change.
The sale of Skegness Town Hall was completed last summer, with the sale of Manby Park which includes Tedder Hall, completed in December.
Cllr Craig Leyland, leader of East Lindsey District Council, said: “Monday marks a new chapter in East Lindsey District Council’s history. The project has helped Boston College fulfil an ambition to provide a Campus in Horncastle. More people are able to access a range of courses without the need to travel far.
“The Hub has been built to ensure it is as energy efficient as possible, in line with our other ambitions around sustainability and the response to climate change.
“Both Tedder Hall and Skegness Town Hall served us well for many, many years but both buildings had high running and repair costs which were expected to keep on increasing over time. The Hub also provides staff who work across the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership a more central base to touchdown in as well as other touchdown points located in Skegness, Louth and Mablethorpe.
“Being more central in the district also provides a better experience to our partners and members of the public coming to hear decisions made in the council chamber. We also expect footfall to increase for Horncastle businesses and services with more council staff, PSPS colleagues and the College, bringing more people to the town.”
£8m secured to transform at-risk heritage and cultural sites in East Lindsey
Three historic sites are set to benefit from £8m Levelling Up funding from the Government.
The Government has announced East Lindsey District Council has been successful in its bid to support ambitious regeneration schemes for Alford Manor House, Alford Windmill and Spilsby Sessions House.
The funding will help transform these culturally significant sites, attract new visitors and enhance their uses. The Levelling Up Round 2 investment will create a financially stable future for the three at risk heritage assets and will have a beneficial impact on the entire Lincolnshire Wolds tourism economy.
The Levelling Up Fund is specifically designed to secure capital investment in infrastructure that has the potential to improve lives and give people pride in their communities. The fund is one component of the Government ‘Levelling Up’ ambition.
The Government is supporting all the LUF projects put forward by the whole of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership with £14.8m awarded to Boston Borough Council, £20m to South Holland District Council and £8m in East Lindsey. Each scheme will see projects which will be transformational for each district for generations, through job creation, new opportunities, driving inward investment and supporting the health and wellbeing of residents.
Spilsby Sessions House is to be supported to bring the building back into use as a theatre and as a community-owned space. The listed building also has a significant place in history, for its past use as a jail, and funding would allow the building’s old police cells to be opened to the public, creating a new visitor attraction.
£2.5m is going to Alford Manor House to create a permanent function space as well as the relocation and improvement of the tearoom and kitchen, freeing up space for improved displays within the museum.
£1.1m is secured for Alford Windmill to help save the historic mill which is now on the Heritage at Risk register. Work will see the mill restored and reopen as a major attraction, including a new visitor experience, café and shop.
All these projects have been developed in partnership with the local community and through East Lindsey’s commitment to its Vital and Viable programme which supports businesses in our market towns with initiatives aimed to drive footfall.
Cllr Adam Grist, portfolio holder for market towns and rural economy at East Lindsey District Council, said: “It is fantastic news for Spilsby and Alford to be awarded this funding which will revive facilities which are historically and socially important for both towns.
“The funding will truly be transformational for these heritage sites and the communities they support. New tourist attractions which enhance the current offer will be created which will help secure their use for generations to come.
“These projects are vitally important for supporting the tourism offer in the Lincolnshire Wolds and wider East Lindsey. Enhancing the district’s visitor offer as a whole will help the market towns attract visitors and holiday makers from our coastal towns.
“Securing this funding is a great day for the community groups and a celebration of partnership working. There are so many hardworking people committed to these cultural facilities and I am so delighted the Government has recognised this and is supporting us to help keep these facilities thriving.
“I would like to thank everyone who was involved in this bid and all the community groups who wrote letters of support.”
Bruce Knight, heritage & arts co-ordinator at Spilsby Sessions House, said: “We are so pleased about the Levelling Up decision. The Spilsby Sessions House charity will now be able to realise the vision of fully repairing the Grade II listed heritage site and transforming a theatre at risk into a visitor attraction and community arts venue for all.
“The impact of this project will be a huge boost for the local community and for East Lindsey as whole. It will complement the Town Deal investment the District Council has already achieved for the coast and will create something that people across the region can be proud of.”
Dennis Bell of Alford Manor House and Alford Windmill said: “The purpose behind the Levelling Up fund application is the transformation of Alford by establishing a viable tourist product to attract the tens of thousands of tourists holidaying on the coast to visit Alford.
“This extra footfall will boost the local economy and provide jobs for the future.”
Victoria Atkins, MP for Louth and Horncastle, said: “I am delighted by the news that Alford and Spilsby will benefit from a boost of £8million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. This transformational funding will bolster the cultural offer to constituents and visitors and support the local economy.
“Since being elected, I have championed our market towns and have worked with community groups on reviving and enhancing much loved heritage sites that are at the heart of our communities. I have pressed the Government to invest in our corner of Lincolnshire and was pleased to support this bid in partnership with East Lindsey District Council.
“On top of the landmark £24million Mablethorpe Towns Fund, this substantial funding will help ensure the constituency of Louth & Horncastle continues to be a bright place to live, work and visit for future generations.”
£20m Levelling Up funding secured for South Holland
£20million of major investment has been awarded to help transform health and wellbeing in South Holland, after the District Council secured Government Levelling Up funding for the Castle Sports Complex site in Spalding.
After submitting a bid in August, the Government has this week confirmed the success of the application, which will look to create a new and improved offer focused around health, wellbeing, leisure, sport, recreation and community spaces.
The ambitious plans the Council submitted included proposals for a new 3G floodlit football pitch to allow play all year round, a changing pavilion, a multi-use games area for a variety of other sports and three new swimming pool facilities including a large pool, a teaching pool and a splash pad.
The bid also sought funding to provide community rooms and space dedicated for use to provide a health and wellbeing hub including services for mental health, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and dementia support, as well as an Extra Care housing scheme for the District’s older residents.
The Levelling Up Fund is specifically designed to secure capital investment in infrastructure that has the potential to improve lives and give people pride in their communities. The fund is one component of the Government ‘Levelling Up’ ambition.
The District Council worked closely with a number of partners on the submission, to ensure that as many residents and community groups would be able to benefit from the project. The submission also received support from Sir John Hayes, MP for South Holland and The Deepings, who formally sponsored the bid and helped to make the case for it to the Government.
With funding secured, the next steps will now begin to get the project planned and underway, with such a major piece of work expected to take several years to complete due to the scale and complexities of the proposal for the site.
Councillor Nick Worth, deputy leader and portfolio holder for people, places, economy, said: “The success of this bid is a momentous moment for the whole of South Holland, and provides vital funding that will be truly transformational for helping to improve the lives of our residents.
“This was a highly competitive process, with over 500 bids submitted across the country, and is recognition of a District punching above its weight. We have a forward-thinking proposal that can provide enormous benefits for people of all ages, backgrounds and interests, and that will enhance and diversify the services and activities on offer in Spalding town centre.
“Thank you to everyone who has helped to support and form the bid. I am delighted that the Government has recognised the hard work, thought and collaboration that has gone into it, and now cannot wait to start the process of making these plans a reality.”
Sir John Hayes MP also celebrated the announcement, saying: “Bringing such significant funding to South Holland is fantastic news for the District, which can help to make a real, positive difference for residents for many years to come.
“An enormous amount of work went into the excellent bid that won the day. Local understanding and the strong case for why Spalding was deserving made our unique case a success when pitched against hundreds of other worthy submissions. I was pleased and proud to play my part in that work. The decision to make this substantial investment and to help remodel and improve our local service provision is a major and welcome statement of support from the Government that will benefit my constituents in so many ways.”
He added: “This is a victory for Spalding and South Holland and demonstrates what can be achieved when an MP and the local council work seamlessly for the good of their residents.”
The Government is supporting all the LUF projects put forward by the whole of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership with £14.8m awarded to Boston Borough Council and £8m in East Lindsey. Each scheme will see projects which will be transformational for each district for generations, through job creation, new opportunities, driving inward investment and supporting the health and wellbeing of residents.
H.I.G. Capital acquires Rotherham’s Classic Lifts
Classic Lifts, a Rotherham-based provider of lift engineering and maintenance services, has been acquired by an affiliate of H.I.G. Capital, a global alternative asset investment firm.
Classic’s current management team will reinvest alongside H.I.G. The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
Classic provides lift installation and maintenance services from seven branches across the UK. The business has developed a strong reputation for high-quality service provision in its market, having grown both organically and inorganically in recent years. H.I.G., together with the management team, aims to continue Classic’s track record of growth, both through M&A and organically, to become the market-leading independent service provider.
Keith Snow, CEO of Classic, said: “We are very pleased to be joining H.I.G. as they work to build a leading technical building services group that shares our focus on customer service. This is the start of the next phase of growth for Classic as we look to continue our M&A strategy and build on customer relationships across both Classic and CPS.”
Jonathan Simpson-Dent said: “Keith and his team have built Classic into a leading national lift servicing business over the course of the past decade with a demonstrated track record of delivering quality to Classic’s customers. I’m excited to be working with Keith and his team to drive further growth at Classic and to continue our acquisitive technical services growth strategy.”
John Harper, Managing Director at H.I.G., said: “We are very excited to be partnering with Keith and the Classic team to build on the company’s track-record of success. Classic’s long-term growth record, talented staff and strong reputation with their customers were core to our interest in the business. We are pleased that the team has decided to join our group of technical building services companies.”
