Office building hits the market amid Leeds out-of-town boom
A 9,740 sq ft office building at Capitol Park Leeds has hit the market.
Yorkshire property development and investment company Sterling Capitol is currently completing the comprehensive refurbishment of 1 Sterling Court.
The building, which was formerly the headquarters of Real Radio, stands at the front of Capitol Park East by Junction 28 of the M62.
Paul Beckett, head of development at Sterling Capitol, said: “This is a rare opportunity to lease a splendid self-contained contemporary building in such a prominent location. We are already experiencing a good deal of interest in 1 Sterling Court as the Leeds out-of-town office market remains remarkably buoyant.
“Capitol Park Leeds is one of the brightest success stories in the Yorkshire business parks sector and we are very proud of what we have achieved here. We have recently concluded a significant letting to Create Fertility and negotiated a new 10-year lease to Ideal Boilers in buildings very close to 1 Sterling Court, underlining the attraction of the park.
“1 Sterling Court has been fully refurbished to the very highest specification to provide distinctive and contemporary offices. It would make the ideal HQ building for an expanding Yorkshire firm. Alternatively, 3,000 sq ft floorplates are available.”
Elizabeth Ridler, partner with global property consultancy Knight Frank in Leeds, who is marketing 1 Sterling Court, said: “1 Sterling Court occupies the most fabulous position at the front of Capitol Park East, with great signage opportunities, overlooking the A653 road into Leeds and next to the M62. It also boasts 48 on-site secure parking places with EV charging points.
“The demand for out-of-town offices remains very strong, with the recent Leeds Office Agents Forum (LOAF) figures for the first three months of this year revealing that a total of 105,434 sq ft of office space across 31 deals was transacted in Leeds’s out-of-town market. We anticipate further rental growth as new Grade A buildings like 1 Sterling Court are completed and businesses put their ESG requirements at the core of their real estate strategies.
“The high standard of the refurbishment reflects the quality of the building itself, which now features VRF air conditioning; raised access floors; new suspended ceilings with LED lighting; excellent natural lighting and new WC and shower facilities.”
Richard Thornton, director specialising in office agency with JLL in Leeds, who are marketing 1 Sterling Court with Knight Frank, said: “There is a healthy appetite for well-located and attractive properties like 1 Sterling Court.
“As we emerge from the global pandemic, there are encouraging signs in the Leeds office market with general levels of enquiries and viewings on the up, with companies focusing on the quality of their workspace. I Sterling Court ticks all the boxes.”
Will Russell-Smith, chief trading officer of Groupe Atlantic, the parent company of Ideal Boilers, said: “We are excited to renew our lease on our Leeds training facility with Sterling Capitol. Its location just off the M62 and close to the M1 junction ensures we continue to be able to provide easily accessible training and forms part of a wider vision to provide hands-on skills to our installer base.
“The Leeds training centre will continue to offer both domestic and commercial boiler training, as well as supporting our future-focused plan to transform the heating industry in its push towards renewable energy.”
1 Sterling Court is also being marketed by the Leeds office of property consultancy Carter Towler.
Other occupiers at Capitol Park include Barratt Homes (HQ), Hermes, the 4*Village Hotel, Depuy and Henderson Insurance Services.
York Minster’s Neighbourhood Plan gains public approval
York Minster’s trailblazing approach to planning for the long-term future care of the cathedral and its surrounding Precinct has received overwhelming public support.
Following a majority vote at a community referendum of all residents on the electoral register within the Minster Precinct Neighbourhood Area, the Minster’s Neighbourhood Plan will be adopted by City of York Council as part of the statutory development plan for the city of York.
As well as carrying significant weight in the determination of future planning applications within the designated Precinct, the Neighbourhood Plan will provide a 15-year route map through a policy-led approach to create a sustainable future for the Minster and its seven-hectare estate.
Delivery of the Neighbourhood Plan will signal the biggest programme of planned works at York Minster and within the Minster Precinct Neighbourhood Area in 150 years.
Alex McCallion, director of works & precinct at York Minster, said: “We are thrilled about the referendum result and extremely grateful to everyone who voted.
“This is the first time a Neighbourhood Plan, prepared by the York Minster Neighbourhood Forum, has been used to map the future care of a cathedral or heritage estate. It sets out an ambitious masterplan to sustain and enhance the cultural significance and environmental value of York Minster’s Precinct and its buildings through specially created planning policy.
“The Neighbourhood Plan is crucial in not only meeting the ongoing restoration challenges we face but ensuring the Minster and its Precinct continue to flourish for generations to come. Sustainability sits at the heart of its aims for the next 15 years, specifically around three core strands of environmental, financial and heritage craft.”
Significantly, the Neighbourhood Plan will allow the Chapter of York to bring forward ground-breaking changes within a heritage estate at the York Minster Precinct.
Key projects include the Centre of Excellence for Heritage Craft Skills and Estate Management, the creation of new visitor facilities, a new public square and enhanced public realm and green spaces as well as a new discovery and learning centre, and museum.
Alex added: “The approach to our Neighbourhood Plan has been truly community led and will inspire others to follow as we become an exemplar for how heritage estates address not only their own futures but the wider challenges that they face, such as climate change.
“It is also enabling residents and those who work within the Minster Precinct to have a positive role in shaping the future of the area in which they live and work.
“We have worked collaboratively with key stakeholders, including City of York Council and the local community to develop this Neighbourhood Plan. We are appreciative of their support and will continue to take a partnership approach as the Neighbourhood Plan is implemented and makes a positive impact on the community and wider city.”
West Yorkshire print specialist creates £50m turnover group with acquisition
West Yorkshire-headquartered print specialist Hague Group has acquired PSL Print Management Ltd, making the turnover of the enlarged Hague Group £50 million, and one of the largest privately owned Print Specialist Groups in the UK.
PSL, based in Preston, supplies organisations across many industry sectors, including finance, retail, construction and automotive. Public sector bodies include the NHS, police forces, and local government authorities, many of whom utilise PSL’s hybrid mail offering. The company has a staff of 55 and operates throughout Europe.
Hague Group Managing Director Graham Wain said: “I am delighted to welcome PSL’s team to the Hague Group, we have known the directors for many years and have been impressed by PSL’s growth through innovation and the provision of exceptional services.
“The integration of our complementary businesses supports our overall strategy and ambition to become the best in the market, providing high quality solutions offering excellent value.”
PSL Managing Director Jim Gilliland said: “This is an exciting new chapter for PSL and Hague, where both successful businesses have joined together to provide an even stronger offering.
“Our team are looking forward to working together with Hague and continuing to provide innovative products and the service levels our customers have come to expect over the last 35 years.”
All the current management, sales, administration and warehouse teams will remain in place at PSL.
Hague Group now operates from 11 locations across the UK. Later this year will see the company move its current head office and warehouse to a new 37,500 sq ft development.
Leeds hotel and long stay development opportunity acquired
UK Commercial Property REIT Limited (UKCM) has acquired a hotel development opportunity in Leeds, from Marrico (Sovereign Square) Ltd, a joint venture between Marrico LLP and Helios.
The site itself was owned by Leeds City Council and UKCM is to fund the development, which is to be completed by Marrico, for a total commitment of £62.7 million. The acquisition is in line with UKCM’s strategy to invest in operational real estate sectors that are expected to deliver resilient rental incomes.
The 12-storey hotel is scheduled to complete in 2024 and will have a 25-year franchise agreement in place with Hyatt Hotels. The hotel will be operated under a lease by Interstate Hotels & Resorts, with UKCM’s rental income based on the income generated from the operation of the hotel.
The 140,000 sq ft property will comprise 305 rooms, split between the short stay Hyatt Place and the long stay Hyatt House brands. The hotel will provide meeting rooms, a gym and several food and beverage options, including a rooftop bar with its own dedicated entrance.
The development is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating and will have a positive impact on the local community with the creation of a number of new jobs.
The hotel is located on Sovereign Square in central Leeds, in a prime position adjacent to the city’s main railway station and in close proximity to a number of high-quality office developments with long term corporate occupiers.
Will Fulton and Kerri Hunter, fund managers at UKCM, said: “This is the latest acquisition in line with the company’s strategy to enhance earnings by selective investment in assets where the rents are derived solely from their operational performance. By investing in this way in compelling locations with strong market dynamics and teaming up with strong, reputable tenants we are able to obtain a yield that is at a significant premium to that which would be derived from a traditional leasing model.
“Not only will this hotel benefit from a significant supply-demand imbalance of quality accommodation in Leeds and be operated by one of the world’s leading international hotel firms, it is also designed to be future fit with strong ESG credentials and a flexible split between short and long stay brands, as well as external food and beverage options to vary the asset’s offering and maximise its income potential.”
UKCM is managed and advised by abrdn. AREA acted for UKCM who were further advised by Whitebridge Hospitality. Addleshaw Goddard provided legal representation for UKCM.
DLA Architecture, Leeds is the architect for the scheme, Square One Law acted as advisers and legal representative and BNP Paribas as agent for Marrico and Helios.
Interstate Hotels & Resorts was represented by Shepperd and Wedderburn.
Scarborough tech firm merges with fast-growing FourNet
Fast-growing tech firm, FourNet, has acquired Scarborough-based IT infrastructure and security company, C>Ways.
The announcement is the latest strategic acquisition by FourNet which significantly expands its networking and security portfolio.
The move enhances FourNet’s secure infrastructure offering to customers and will enable the cloud, consulting and managed services company to provide security across the entire technology stack.
Founded 24 years ago, C>Ways has 24 employees with a head office in Scarborough, North Yorkshire and an office in Farringdon, London. The business specialises in networking and cybersecurity, cloud and business continuity.
Richard Pennington, co-founder and CEO of FourNet, said: “We are delighted to welcome C>Ways to the FourNet family. This acquisition accelerates our ability to deliver on new services already in FourNet’s portfolio. It will help us to build additional services and to become a leader in delivering top to bottom secure infrastructure for our public sector and enterprise customers. This is a key area of growth and will ensure the security of the vast number of users now working from home.
“As a result of the new working landscape following the pandemic, with remote and hybrid working an everyday feature of life and business, there has been an acceleration of convergence of all aspects of IT and communications. Organisations now require a fast, efficient, and easily managed underlying network, with the security controls in place to provide the assurance required to operate across multiple locations and hybrid working environments. The acquisition of C>Ways enhances our capabilities to provide that.
“We expect this to be the first of several strategic acquisitions, which will enable us to maintain our position as the partner of choice for public sector and enterprise customers who wish to transform their communications and customer experience in a secure manner.”
C>Ways was founded by husband and wife, Nick and Andrea Jackson.
Nick Jackson, Managing Director of C>Ways, said: “These are exciting times for C>Ways and we are pleased that the company we founded more than 20 years ago is now part of the FourNet family, which will mean an enhanced service for our existing and new customers. We know that FourNet has an outstanding reputation among customers and its people and a commitment to doing business in a responsible way with strong environmental and social governance, so our employees will be in safe hands.”
Andy Strickland, senior investment director at Palatine, said: “Alongside the strong organic growth we’ve seen since our investment last year, we are pleased to support Richard and the FourNet team with this strategic bolt-on acquisition.
“C>Ways will bring further scale and capability to FourNet at a time of significant market opportunity for the business as more customers migrate their IT systems to the cloud and ensure their networks are secure as hybrid working continues to prove popular.”
FourNet has more than 150 employees, with offices in Manchester, Burton-on-Trent and London.
Yorkshire universities secure £618k grant to support Leeds-based business to become more sustainable
Researchers at Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Bradford have secured more than £618k to support Leeds-based business Rakusen’s to become more sustainable and meet demand for growth.
Academics from Sheffield Hallam’s National Centre of Excellence for Food Engineering (NCEFE) and the University of Bradford’s Faculty of Engineering and Informatics will work alongside Rakusen’s to transform production methods to support the business to reduce emissions and energy consumption by 60 per cent.
The project will also support the 100-year-old business, that produces flame-baked water crackers and biscuits in the UK, to meet demand for growth in international markets and help it to meet net zero targets while maintaining its heritage.
The two-year project, funded by Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, aims to transform Rakusen’s using digital technologies and food science to minimise the company’s carbon footprint and maximise capacity without the need to change the existing machinery.
The business currently uses legacy equipment which provides limited manufacturing control and restricts the introduction of new product lines. The future of the business requires it to address these challenges and invest in innovation which is sympathetic to its heritage-based offering.
Through this project, machine intelligence will capture knowledge and skills, moving to intelligent decision-making to support significant reduction in energy usage, carbon footprint and material waste.
The project will also have a positive impact on the workforce by upskilling staff through training and introducing culture change as well as having an impact regionally as most ingredients are supplied locally.
Rakusen’s Managing Director, Andrew Simpson said: “The company is excited to be working with two eminent Yorkshire-based academic institutions to modernise our production processes to improve our sustainability whilst maintaining our heritage-based offering.”
NCEFE’s vision is to be internationally recognised for excellence in sustainable innovations for the global food system.
The Centre has a mission to drive vitality, sustainability and growth in the global food system working with partners through research and innovation, aiming to deliver world-class capability, innovative sustainable food systems, technology-led solutions and sector competitiveness.
Professor Martin Howarth, director of NCEFE at Sheffield Hallam, said: “Our research is focussed on improving sustainability and reducing waste in food production. Working with Rakusen’s and their material suppliers, we will use AI techniques to deliver new, highly efficient and low energy processing techniques to improve the consistency and sustainability of Rakusens’ traditional baked products using ingredients from the local region.”
Dr Savas Konur, reader in computer science, University of Bradford, said: “We are delighted to work on this highly interdisciplinary project that addresses very specific technological challenges resulting from transforming a traditional food manufacturer to an efficient enterprise fully utilising digital technologies, including big data, industrial Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence, as well as food science to minimise its carbon footprint and maximise its capacity without the need to change the existing legacy machinery and lose its ‘heritage’ identity.
“The project will address the challenges in energy sustainability, productivity, operational efficiency, capacity constraints and waste in the baking industry and will also contribute to the UK’s net zero targets.”
Former restaurant owner purchases award-winning Hull day nursery
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold Happy Kidz Day Nursery, James Reckitt Avenue in Hull.
Established in 1996 by Mrs Anita and Mr Ian Anderson, Happy Kidz Day Nursery provides day care to up to 72 children aged 6 weeks to 5 years old. This freehold setting holds a prominent main road location with easy access to Hull town centre and the Humber Bridge.
Over the years, it has built an enviable local reputation, and is a popular choice with parents in both the immediate locality and surrounding towns and villages. It also boasts a number of accolades including Excellence in Childcare, and the National Day Nurseries Association’s ‘Quality Counts’ Accreditation.
Happy Kidz is one of two Hull settings owned by Anita and Ian, with the other sitting close by on Holderness Road. The pair decided to sell their James Reckitt Avenue setting to allow them to spend more time with their family.
Following a confidential sales process, the nursery has been purchased by Mr Tejinder Bal who has previously owned bars and restaurants in Birmingham and was keen to enter the childcare sector.
Mr Bal says: “I’ve operated multiple businesses in the hospitality industry for a number of years but, as I’ve grown older, I’ve begun to feel a stronger need for intrinsic rewards from my work-life, which is something I have felt, up to now, has been missing. This was the biggest factor in wanting to enter the childcare sector as I would be working within a business that would help shape future generations.
“Going into a completely new industry, it was important that the targeted business had a strong track record and, with Happy Kidz operating for 25 years, it definitely fit the bill. In addition, I was filled with confidence by the fact that there is a strong management team in place complimented by an experienced team of nursery practitioners which made the decision to pursue the purchase that much easier.
“In the short-term, I do not plan to make any immediate changes as the business is performing well. I will, however, take this opportunity to learn and observe and, with the input of management and external consultants, look to implement procedures and processes to fine tune the business offering so that we will offer children and parents a truly outstanding service that we can all be proud of.”
Mrs Anderson says: “I have held the business for 25 years, and so selling it has been emotional. It feels like one of your children is leaving home to start a new chapter in their life, it’s exciting for them but, at the same time, it’s hard to let go, especially as several of my staff have been with me for more than 10 years, and one person for 18 years. I believe that the new owner will take care of the nursery and my staff, and can help it in its new phase, and I wish him all the best with his new venture.”
Vicky Marsland, associate director – childcare & education at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, says: “It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Anita who has handled the process very professionally throughout. I’m very excited to see Mr Bal drive the business forward, allowing Anita and Ian to spend more quality time with family overseas. This is a fantastic example of the opportunities available for new entrants to the sector and those looking to expand.”
Lawrence Roberts, associate director at Christie Finance, who sourced funding for Tejinder Bal, says: “I am so pleased for Tej and I want to thank him for his continued trust in me to deliver a competitive funding package, so that he can purchase Happy Kidz Day Nursery. Being a first-time buyer in the sector, it was important to find a day nursery that was performing well, but also to have the right team around him to make it happen. I believe that Tej will be a success and I wish him all the best!”
Legal advice for the sellers was provided by Paul Worthy at Hamers Solicitors. Legal advice for the buyer was provided by Jas Singh at Pickfords Solicitors.
Happy Kidz Day Nursery was sold for an undisclosed price.
York businesses reminded about apprenticeship support
The City of York Council’s Apprenticeship team is reminding local businesses that they can get help and support if they are planning to take on apprentices this September.
Apprenticeships continue to play a significant role in supporting the city’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, with 730 new apprenticeships started in York from June 2021 to January 2022.
A total of 79 of these were in the council and local authority-maintained schools, which is an increase of 49% in the last six months.
The authority has also agreed support for 27 apprentices in nine other organisations across the city, committing £160,000 of support through the Apprenticeship Levy Scheme.
This national initiative enables larger employers to transfer unspent apprenticeship levy onto other businesses or partner organisations, enabling the funding to remain local, benefitting smaller organisations and enhancing the pool of skilled workers in the city.
Cllr Andrew Waller, City of York Council’s executive member for economy and strategic planning, said: “Apprenticeships are a critical strand of the city’s post-pandemic recovery strategy and are a fantastic way for people of all ages to gain new skills or change the direction of their career altogether.
“There’s lots of help and advice available locally for anyone considering hiring an apprentice or taking up an apprenticeship and it’s a great way to upskill existing employees and develop new talent.
“The Apprenticeship Levy also enables the council to provide financial support to help local organisations to hire apprentices, so I’d urge local businesses to get in touch with the team as soon as possible.”
Hull City Council appoints contractor for Queens Gardens redevelopment scheme
A contractor has been appointed to carry out quantity surveying services for the Queens Gardens redevelopment scheme.
Hull City Council has published a decision record confirming the award of contract to Focus Consultants 2010 LLP for the sum of £71,344, to support the delivery of the refurbishment works at Queens Gardens, which are scheduled to take place between spring 2022 and winter 2023.
This aspect of the project focuses on the provision of specialist quantity surveying advice and support, which is not available in-house.
The £11.7m Queens Gardens redevelopment includes the improvement of accessibility and visitor flows, delivery of structural repairs through rebuilding the perimeter walls, introduction of bespoke pieces of public art, improvement of biodiversity and the regeneration of a much-loved open space.
The project will make the gardens fit for purpose, futureproofing the space and its ability to host large-scale events. The history of the gardens will be incorporated in its design, reconnecting it with the origins of the space as a former dock.
The project includes the refurbishment of the Rose Bowl and its historic fountain, the inclusion of various art installations and the creation of a large and flexible event space, as well as incorporating modern, eco-friendly features including electric charging points for taxis and the introduction of plants and trees to increase the gardens’ biodiversity.
Construction firm sails onto £415m ports framework
Yorkshire and Lincolnshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter has landed a place on the largest part of a £415m, five-year design and build framework for ports.
Associated British Ports (ABP) has named 11 partner contractors to deliver an ambitious building programme at its 21 ports, across five regions of the UK. The work will be focused on the design and build, as well as construct-only agreements, of buildings at the ports.
Hobson & Porter has been selected for the framework’s Humber region, which covers ABP’s largest port area including Hull, Immingham, Grimsby and Goole.
The news follows Hobson & Porter recently securing a place on two new regional medium works YORbuild frameworks, which are expected to account for over £640m of spending over the next four years. These cover the YORhub east region led by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, and the west region led by Leeds City Council.
These complement Hobson & Porter’s growing portfolio of frameworks including North Lincolnshire Council, Pagabo Medium Works, Efficiency North, Brierley Homes, Lidl and North East Lincolnshire Council.
Joe Booth, business development director at Hobson & Porter, said: “Securing a place on the ABP framework follows a rigorous selection process and it is a fantastic achievement for both Hobson & Porter and our valued supply chain across East Yorkshire and North East Lincolnshire.
“It has the potential to shape the future development of the main ports on the Humber, which will ultimately benefit global trade for the UK and the local economies in the areas surrounding these ports.”
Hobson & Porter has a wealth of experience in industrial, logistics and distribution projects throughout the region, which includes recently extending Ørsted’s flagship £9m East Coast Hub, at the Royal Docks in Grimsby, to create the largest offshore wind operations and maintenance facility in the UK.
