Raft of new occupiers for Malton Enterprise Park
Malton Enterprise Park in North Yorkshire is celebrating a raft of new deals.
Harrison Developments LLP, the owners and developers of the park, strategically located next to the A64, revealed today (April 29) that several new deals had been signed.
New arrivals include Puddleducks Children’s Nursery, the Pebblechild charity, No Limits Cycling, Be Amazing Arts, while existing occupiers Bella di Notte, Aquapoint and The Chef’s Choice have moved into brand-new hi-spec business units on the park.
In addition, a number of other bespoke units on the 180,000 sq ft site, ranging from 2,000 sq ft upwards, have been sold to private investors.
In all, occupiers from a wide range of business sectors have taken a combined total of 100,000 sq ft at the employment park.
Sean Harrison, Managing Director of Harrison Developments, said: “These new deals are a tremendous vindication of the substantial investment we have made in our park.
“More than 180 new and sustainable jobs have been created on site, which makes us very proud. The wide variety of successful businesses here is also an indication of the strength of the economy in the Ryedale area.
“We are especially pleased that successful Yorkshire businesses such Bella di Notte and Dales The Chef’s Choice have moved into larger premises on our park, because they like the location and the ambience so much. We have been delighted to accommodate their needs, as they have outgrown their current buildings.
“These are not the easiest of times, as we slowly emerge from a global pandemic into a worrying cost of living crisis, but the current level of activity at our park gives us confidence for the future,” said Mr Harrison.
Ben Lawson of No Limits Cycling, enthused: “I can’t speak highly enough of the Malton Enterprise Park, which is the perfect base for us. The flexibility of the mezzanine unit in which we are in has meant that I have been able to transform it into a cycling paradise, with an extensive showroom and offices.
“The location, just by the A64, is ideal, with easy access to the rest of the county. The whole park looks magnificent, which creates the perfect atmosphere for businesses here to flourish. I cannot recommended this very special business park highly enough and I’m absolutely delighted we have moved here.”
Meanwhile Be Amazing Arts have relocated from Showfield Road in Malton. Since 2019, the acclaimed company has been involved with theatre productions, including youth theatre and creative arts workshops.
Operation director Natalie Aconley explained that the move to Malton Enterprise Park suited the company perfectly.
“Our previous premises were next door to a very busy road, which was a worry as we work extensively with children. Here we are safe and secure. We have also been able to transform our new premises into the ideal office, rehearsing and performance space.
“The help and guidance we have received from Sean and Sue Harrison has been amazing. They have been so hands-on and supportive, helping us to create the perfect base for our varied work. This move marks a new chapter in our exciting story and it’s a joy to be in the midst of such a varied and vibrant community.”
Sean Harrison has very positive plans for the future.
“We have a further 100,000 sq ft of quality employment land at the park, available on a design and build basis. We will build speculatively and will either sell or lease the new units.
“These units will be single or two-storey commercial buildings which will be designed with maximum flexibility to allow a range of uses, including light industrial, offices, general industrial and retail, trade and warehousing. Sizes range from 1,000 sq ft to 50,000 sq ft.”
Yorkshire business confidence falls but remains second highest in UK
Business confidence in Yorkshire fell 16 points during April to 41%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
Companies in Yorkshire reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down nine points at 51%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 25 points to 29%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 41%.
Despite the fall, Yorkshire businesses remain the second most confident in the UK, in line with March’s findings. Firms flagged a range of growth opportunities for the next six months, including diversifying into new markets (39%), investing in their team (34%), and evolving their offer (34%).
The Business Barometer, which questions 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
A net balance of 41% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, down 19 points on last month.
Overall, UK business confidence remained unchanged during April, at 33%. Firms’ outlook on their future trading prospects rose five points to 39%, but their optimism in the economy dipped slightly on March’s reading (down from 32% to 26%). The net balance of businesses planning to create new jobs also decreased by six points to 26%.
Every UK region and nation reported positive confidence readings in April. Wales (up 25 points to 20%), the South East (up 19 points to 30%) and the West Midlands (up 10 points to 42%) reported the largest increases month-on-month, with the West Midlands now the most optimistic region overall.
Steve Harris, regional director for Yorkshire at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “With businesses facing such significant global pressures, it was inevitable that we would see a drop-off in confidence this month. But since the start of the pandemic, we’ve witnessed the incredible resilience of firms across Yorkshire. The figures clearly show that they are continuing to focus on growth as they weather ongoing macro-economic challenges.
“Taking advantage of opportunities to invest in their teams and tap into new markets is helping business optimism. This careful planning will be key to maintaining growth prospects in the months ahead.”
From a sector perspective, manufacturing confidence increased by eight points to 43%, erasing part of the 19-point decline in March, helped by somewhat stronger trading prospects.
Retail and services confidence, however, were little changed on the month and is weaker than at the start of the year, with businesses increasingly concerned about the outlook for the wider economy. Retail confidence edged up one point to 29%, while services confidence was unchanged at 32%. Construction confidence fell for a second month to 33%, but is still on a par with the all-sector average.
Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “April’s data is mixed and follows the significant decline in business confidence in March after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Although firms reported a partial recovery in their trading prospects, optimism for the wider economy declined for a second successive month.
“Positives remain as overall confidence is above the long-term average, but it is still expected that growth will moderate over the coming months and many businesses will remain cautious as they face into these headwinds.”
New study reveals nearly 1 in 5 employers are likely to make redundancies over the next year
A new survey from Acas has found that nearly 1 in 5 of employers (18%) are likely to make staff redundancies over the next year.
Acas commissioned YouGov to ask British businesses about their redundancy plans in the next 12 months.
The poll found that large businesses were more likely to make redundancies than small and medium sized (SME) businesses. 3 out of 10 large businesses (30%) are likely to make redundancies and 10% of SMEs said that were likely to do so.
Acas Chief Executive, Susan Clews, said: “The impact of global events has seen some businesses facing difficult circumstances and our poll reveals that nearly 1 in 5 are considering redundancies in the year ahead.
“Redundancies at large organisations have been in the news recently and it appears that 3 in 10 organisations that employ more than 250 employees are likely to make redundancies in the next 12 months.
“Acas advice for bosses is to exhaust all possible alternatives to redundancies first but if employers feel like they have no choice then they must follow the law in this area or they could be subject to a costly legal process.”
If an employer finds there are no other choices than to make redundancies then there are strict rules on consulting staff that they must follow.
An employer must discuss any planned changes and consult with each employee who could be affected. This includes staff who may not be losing their jobs but will be impacted.
The minimum consultation period varies depending on the number of employees that an employer wishes to make redundant. By law, employers who wish to make 20 or more staff redundant over any 3 month (90 day) period must also consult a recognised trade union or elected employee representatives about the proposed changes.
For 20 to 99 redundancies, consultation must start at least 30 days before the first dismissal can take effect, and for 100 or more redundancies, it has to start at least 45 days before. For less than 20 redundancies, there is no set time period but the length of consultation must be reasonable.
If an employer does not meet consultation requirements, employees can take their employer to an employment tribunal. If successful, the employer may have to pay up to 90 days’ full pay for each affected employee. Someone can also make a claim of unfair dismissal to an employment tribunal on the grounds that they were not consulted, or the consultation was not meaningful.
Employers should consider all possible options before considering redundancies as other solutions to their situation could be found through consultation with their staff, employee representatives and unions.
Acas advisers have seen many examples of this joint working that’s produced creative alternatives to job losses, such as part-time working, cuts to overtime, finding alternative roles and retraining. New £25m taskforce to crack down on those who took advantage of vital Covid support schemes
The Chancellor has announced that a new fraud squad, recruited from data analytics experts and leading economic crime investigators, will crack down on criminal gangs who rip off the taxpayer.
Operational in July and based in the Cabinet Office, the new £25 million “Public Sector Fraud Authority” will double funding for the Government’s central counter fraud capacity.
Rishi Sunak will unveil the new Public Sector Fraud Authority, which will be up and running by July, doubling the Government’s central counter fraud capacity.
The new body will be made up of leading data analytics experts and economic crime investigators to recover money stolen from Covid support schemes and spot suspicious companies and people seeking Government contracts. Counter fraud experts will also mount mandatory inspections on Whitehall programmes to uncover vulnerabilities.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak said: “We will chase down fraudsters who rip off the taxpayer. This elite fraud squad, backed by £25 million, will ensure the latest counter fraud techniques are being used to track down these criminals.
People are rightly furious that fraudsters took advantage of our vital Covid support schemes, and we are acting to make sure they pay the price”.
Minister for Brexit Opportunities and Government Efficiency, Jacob Rees-Mogg said: “Hardworking taxpayers must and will be protected. Anyone who tries to defraud the public purse will know that we as a government are coming for them and we are going to put them behind bars”.
Recruitment for the Chief Executive of the Public Sector Fraud Authority will start in the coming weeks, with candidates picked from leading counter fraud experts. The new CEO will answer directly to the Chancellor and the Minister for Brexit Opportunities and Government Efficiency. Mr Sunak will unveil details of the new counter fraud squad when he chairs the first meeting of the government’s new Efficiencies and Value for Money Committee later today, set up at the request of the Prime Minister. At the committee the Chancellor will also launch the Government’s Plan for Protecting the Taxpayer to cut waste by slashing the Government’s property bill, doubling the NHS efficiencies target, reducing non-front line civil service head count, as well as “quango” budgets and cracking down on fraud and error. The committee is chaired by the Chancellor and deputy co-chaired by Simon Clarke, Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Jacob Rees-Mogg, Minister for Brexit Opportunities and Government Efficiency. The full membership of the committee, confirmed today, is Steve Barclay, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden, Minister without Portfolio and Michael Ellis, Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office.FSB welcomes plan to delay full EU import checks
Responding to the Government’s decision to delay the imposition of full EU import checks, which were set to take effect this summer, Federation of Small Businesses National Chair Martin McTague said: “Imposition of full import controls this summer would have meant yet another burden for small firms which are already wrestling with new trade rules and spiralling operating costs.
“This move will give them more time to prepare for future changes and reassess supply chains.
“Over the long term, the Government should do its utmost to minimise trade friction with regions all over the globe – increasing the threshold at which import tariffs kick in, and putting small business chapters at the heart of all new free trade agreements.”
Independent retailers continue to provide new jobs and fuel economic growth, says report
The Shopify Economic Impact Report conducted by Deloitte has revealed how British independent retailers are continuing to fuel job creation and local economic growth, with exports helping UK merchants thrive despite macroeconomic headwinds.
Record numbers of UK independent retailers broke international borders in 2021, with exports from UK Shopify merchants reached £2.7 billion in 2021, up 43% increase from the £1.9 billion made through exports in 2020, as retailers turned their attentions to international growth.
Dave Linton, founder of Madlug, which donates a bag to a child in care for every bag sold to a customer, is continuing to expand overseas and credits the ability for small independent brands to forge a close connection to their customers. He said: “Once customers are connected to a brand’s mission and purpose, they are willing to continue spending with that brand, even in the face of inflation, rising living costs and international shipping charges. In the past year, we’ve seen strong sales to Europe, Canada and America and some sales also to Australia and Dubai. We have also been able to hire two more young people who have been through the care system themselves and add great value to our business as a result.”
Shimona Mehta, EMEA Managing Director at Shopify, said: “Innovative British businesses are creating jobs at a rapid clip despite the odds and continue to flex their entrepreneurial muscle: something that will be increasingly important as we navigate the cost of living crisis ahead. Not only does it underline the UK’s potential as a powerhouse for entrepreneurship, but the role that commerce is playing in driving economic growth and job creation.”
Leeds BTR scheme acquired by US multifamily investor
BNP Paribas Real Estate (BNPPRE) has acted for Marrico and Helios on the £300m joint venture of its Lisbon Street BTR scheme in Leeds, which has been acquired by US multifamily investor and operator Cortland Group.
Through the new funding deal, the US multifamily specialist will own and operate the apartments. The joint venture between Marrico and Helios will deliver the £138m residential element of the Lisbon Street development, which comprises 629 apartments. It also includes 14,000 sq ft of amenity and commercial space.
Simon Williams, head of national markets at BNP Paribas Real Estate, said: “This landmark funding deal demonstrates that prime BTR led assets in regional locations are firmly on the international investment radar and we anticipate more activity in the coming months.
“We are very proud to have been part of a first class team with Lisbon Street setting new benchmarks in terms of offer in a super prime city centre location.
“Our Residential Capital Markets team is currently advising on the forward funding of over £800m (Gross Development Value) of BTR projects making us one of the most active in the market.”
Richard Bland, partner at Marrico Asset Management, said: “We are delighted to have signed this deal with Cortland for our flagship scheme in Leeds. This will be one of the city’s landmark buildings and we believe will set new standards in BTR accommodation in the city.”
Trevor Cartner, director at Helios Real Estate, added: “Leeds is one of the biggest markets for BTR outside of London and we are developing a best in class building for Cortland.”
The Lisbon Street site, acquired from Leeds City Council by Marrico and Helios last year, also incorporates 500 purpose built student accommodation units and a further two phases for hotels and offices. Marrico and Helios will now focus on unlocking the next stages of development at the site.
Construction of the two buildings – one 33 floors and the other 22 – will start this summer and complete in mid-2024.
BNP Paribas Real Estate acted for Marrico and Helios.
Bed manufacturer cements sustainability credentials with new partnership & non-exec director appointment
Fifth-generation bedmaker Harrison Spinks has set out plans to secure its position as an industry leader in luxury sustainable comfort with the announcement of a partnership with a sustainability consultancy and the appointment of a non-executive director.
It follows news earlier this month that the Leeds-based business has become the UK’s largest hemp grower following the acquisition of 80 acres of farmland in North Yorkshire, allowing the company to produce in excess of 1,000 tonnes of hemp annually.
The 180-year-old family-run business has a track record which includes three Queen’s Awards in sustainability and innovation, an industry first Carbon Neutral Plus accreditation and was the first in the sector to partner with British Wool on its traceable wool scheme.
Harrison Spinks has appointed sustainability and social responsibility advisor Dr Louise Ellis – who has more than 25 years’ experience of leading organisations to make a difference and strive for environmental and social equity – as non-executive director. Louise’s experience includes both an academic career and working in commercial and large organisational settings.
The company is also working with management consultancy Project Rome to support in the development of their sustainability roadmap.
Simon Spinks, group chairman of Harrison Spinks, said: “For many years, Harrison Spinks has worked to create a business where the quality and comfort of our products are underpinned by continuous innovation and a sustainable approach.
“We believe that comfort and sustainability go hand in hand and our goal is to be world leaders in both as we create a circular business that leaves the world in a better place for future generations.
“We are pleased to make a joint announcement as we welcome Dr Louise Ellis as a non-executive director and Project Rome who will help us redefine our plans to include an emphasis on our people, our community and sustainable, circular manufacture.
“Becoming a circular business – where we strive to use recycled components and where we grow or manufacture as much of our own sustainable materials as possible on our farms and at our headquarters, and where our products are fully circular at the end of their life – will become the focus for our plans going forward.”
Dr Louise Ellis said: “Harrison Spinks has taken great strides to be an industry leader in the realm of sustainability and has been at the vanguard of the circular economy for more than a decade and I’m delighted to be joining the business as a non‐executive director.
“Working collaboratively, we will develop a roadmap for the future as the business looks to invest and work in new ways to drive forward environmental and social equity; to ensure positive change for the environment, society and the Harrison Spinks community.”
Promotion for Lupton Fawcett commercial property partner
Yorkshire law firm Lupton Fawcett LLP has promoted Adam Wilkinson to the role of head of commercial property.
Wilkinson joined the firm in September 2020 as commercial property partner and has over 12 years’ experience across all aspects of commercial property law, with a particular focus on the development, strategic land and retail sectors.
His promotion comes as Lupton Fawcett embarks on a new phase of development, having recently announced the relocation of its Leeds office to the prestigious 2 The Embankment building in the city’s southern professional quarter.
In his new role, Wilkinson will lead the firm’s commercial property team in meeting the needs of existing regional and national clients and attracting new business.
He said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to take our commercial property offering to the next stage of its growth.
“We have an excellent team made up of fantastic lawyers across our offices in Leeds, Sheffield and York and I’m proud to work with them.
“We’ve been recognised in recent years for punching above our weight in terms of the work we do and I’m looking forward to continuing to build the team and to demonstrating the quality of our services to more businesses across the region and beyond.”
Lupton Fawcett managing partner James Richardson said: “The appointment of Adam as our head of commercial property reflects both his deep knowledge and experience of this field of law and his drive to deliver the very best outcomes for clients.
“I’m very pleased to welcome him as part of our senior team.”
Business Lincolnshire announces new support programme for pubs in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland
Business Lincolnshire has announced a new support programme for pubs in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland.
The Pub Diversification Programme aims to support all types of projects that pubs may be considering. Potential improvements could include creating overnight accommodation, retail services, additional facilities for walkers and cyclists, motorhome hook up points in the car park, electric vehicle charging points and more!
The programme is aimed at those looking to generate additional income to help futureproof their pub business.
Cllr Colin Davie, Executive Councillor for Economy at Lincolnshire County Council, says: “The programme supports businesses by offering one-on-one advice and support, in the form of in-person and online meetings, along with visits to the pub premises.
“This will help the pub owner to identify what actions they could take to diversify and future-proof their pub, direct them to further help, support and if available appropriate funding options.
“Up to 12-hours of support will be available, and we can’t wait to see the innovations our local pubs will come up with to improve the resilience of their income streams, putting plans in place for the future sustainability of their business.”
The programme’s delivery partners from Hotel Solutions bring extensive knowledge of the hospitality sector both locally and nationally and will be sharing their expertise, supporting local pubs in their efforts to take their business to the next level.
If you are interested in finding out how to apply email admin@bizlincolnshire.com or visit the website www.businesslincolnshire.com
