- £200M development to create a train manufacturing plant, infrastructure and rail supply chain village for Siemens Mobility in Goole, East Yorkshire
- £30M office building at Thorpe Park, Leeds
- 437,000 sq. ft fulfilment centre for an online fashion retailer at Fradley Park in Lichfield, Staffordshire
- A new-build residential block comprising 259 apartments over 11 storeys, forming part of the £200M Becketwell regeneration scheme in Derby
- £30M extension to a helicopter manufacturing facility
GMI construction group appoints Lee Powell to new CEO role
GMI Construction Group PLC has appointed Lee Powell to the newly created role of Chief Executive Officer to realise its vision of long-term sustainable growth.
One of the UK’s largest independent construction companies in the North of England and The Midlands, it is preparing to expand into other regions and sectors and the new CEO will implement a strategy of achieving constant and controlled growth while maintaining its debt free status.
The company, which has offices in Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and Teesside, is forecasting an annual turnover in excess of £350m for 2022 and has already secured £300m worth of opportunities.
Lee, previously the company’s Divisional Managing Director for Yorkshire, has already overseen exceptional growth in Yorkshire, together with its recent expansion into the North East region – establishing an office in Stockton-on-Tees, with a dedicated team of local professionals headed by a newly appointed Operations Director.
GMI Construction Group, which provides specialist design and build capabilities spanning multiple sectors, is currently involved in a range of high-profile projects, including:
Yorkshire fossil fuel company taken over by renewable energy group
Oil and gas exploration company, Third Energy, the business tasked with fracking in North Yorkshire, has been taken over by Wolfland Group, which specialise in green and renewable energy solutions and are based in both the UK and Ireland.
Wolfland Group completed the acquisition in early January 2022, effectively halting any further fossil fuel exploration in the region after more than 25 years, with a fresh new focus on green energy, including solar farm plans, geothermal energy at a former well site, and the possibility of producing green hydrogen and carbon storage.
Leading figure in the anti-fracking campaign, Steve Mason, is now a director of Wolfland Group and has been integral in driving forward the flip from fracking to clean, green energy, after a meeting of minds with Third Energy’s Managing Director, Russell Hoare.
Steve Mason, a director at Wolfland Group, said: “This is only just the start of our journey, with positive climate solutions at the heart of our mission. The recent energy crisis has shown that we must be energy independent as a nation and that fossil fuels need to be urgently replaced by clean renewable energy supplies which will lead to cheaper energy and help us tackle climate change.
“It will also give communities still under threat from fracking – like Fermanagh in Northern Ireland, a boost of knowing that a transition to clean energy is already underway and that there are alternatives. There’s no turning back.
“We believe we’re now a real-life example of walking the talk and turning stranded fossil fuel assets into green energy solutions. We’re excited about the future.”
The Chief Executive of Wolfland Group, Mike O’Shea, said: “With the end of COP26 producing little focus for tangible climate action, this seems the perfect timing. The government appear to be talking seriously about green energy.
“If we get this right and we drive the green agenda, taking a dirty fossil fuel fracking company and flipping it into a green energy beacon. I think it’s an amazing opportunity.”
Russell Hoare of Third Energy said: “The previous management company (York Energy) wanted us to look for renewable energy opportunities, but we had a situation where our shareholder was actively pursuing oil and gas development in the US and Ukraine. It was difficult to find green investment with the balance still swinging towards fossil fuels.
“Now we can say we’re on a cleaner path. We’ve absolutely no interest in fossil fuels now and we can move forward, open the right kind of doors and transition to a sustainable future.”
Looking towards the future, North Yorkshire-based Third Energy is looking to produce green hydrogen at their Knapton site, using either mains or piped-in formation water, which is present in large quantities in the old wells. Third Energy would use electricity from the grid connection and, if production was successful, hydrogen could be supplied to HGV, waste removal vehicles, trains or into the grid. Third Energy also has an existing pipeline network that could be used to transport water and hydrogen production.
Other projects that are being considered include using old wells to store carbon or hydrogen.
The company retained staff from the fossil fuel side of the business, focusing on education and transition into green energy, with a specific interest in helping local schools and businesses on their path to net-zero. A previous apprenticeship scheme is hoped to be reinstated, along with a renewable energy education centre at Knapton.
Steve Mason concluded: “One way or another, these old wells will be used for something else to help the country transition towards a net-zero future.
“As a local resident and now director of a fracking-company-turned-renewables-company, our priority will be to connect back with our local community, explain all of the positive changes – especially after our community was once divided by Third Energy’s fracking plans. But we won’t be changing the name: we think it’s still really relevant.
“The name Third Energy perfectly describes the energy transition that needs to take place in the UK. The first energy was fossil fuels, the second energy was nuclear and now the third energy is renewables. It’s a perfect brand for renewable energy.”
Ousebank Consultancy appoints first associate and seeks more following flying start
Ousebank Consultancy, the professional development, property and construction consultancy, has appointed James Shipley as its first permanent team member and is looking to recruit more people to join the business.
James Shipley was hired In October 2021 as an associate to lead project management and contract administration. With a long track record of contractor experience, James brings added value and will be working as a day-to-day contact for Ousebank’s professional team and its clients.
The appointment follows a successful start for York-based Ousebank since its launch last year, with more recruits planned for the ambitious business, which is headed by Sam Colley.
Ousebank is also looking to recruit another associate/associate director quantity surveyor, chartered quantity surveyor and assistant quantity surveyor apprentice.
Already with numerous clients to its name, Ousebank’s partners include developers, private individuals and partnerships, real estate asset managers, property owners and occupiers, landowners and architects. To date, the company has provided professional services on more than 500 residential units and 500,000 sq ft of industrial, manufacturing and distribution for its clients.
Talking about the business and his appointment, James said: “I’m delighted to be joining Ousebank Consultancy at these crucial, early stages of the business and look forward to building on the company’s successful first year.
“I’ve worked alongside a number of quantity surveyors and project managers over the last 15 years and Ousebank’s attention to detail, level of quality and client focussed service really does exceed anything I’ve seen before.”
Sam Colley, director and owner of national operator Ousebank, said that James’s appointment comes following an exciting start for the business.
He said: “We’re thrilled to have James, who is well respected for his expertise, work ethic and problem-solving attitude, join our team.
“Since we launched, the market has been presenting exciting opportunities both for Ousebank and our clients and James is joining at the perfect time as we continue to evolve and grow in line with the economic recovery.
“With the well documented increasing labour and property material costs, our trusted and end-to-end services, especially at pre-acquisition and during initial project feasibility stages are becoming more and more essential and valuable.
“Having James join the team is integral in helping us to further add value to clients in the areas we offer and capitalise on the opportunities they present.”
Sam added: “We are really pleased with the start Ousebank has made and we have ambitious plans for further growth, starting with the launch of our new website next month. This growth also includes the recruitment of another associate, a chartered quantity surveyor and a graduate or apprentice to aid the senior team.
“We’re especially excited about our apprentice role, we’re looking for someone who is enthusiastic, hardworking and keen to start a career in the built environment. We’re offering the successful candidate structured and on-the-job training, both throughout the five-year course and towards becoming a chartered surveyor. We’d love to hear from ambitious and skilled professionals who are excited about joining us on our journey.”
To find out more about the roles Ousebank has on offer visit the company’s LinkedIn page.
ROCOL reinforces customer support with new appointment
International lubricants manufacturer ROCOL is reinforcing its support for UK customers with the appointment of a new metalworking fluid chemist.
Daniel Moulson studied Chemistry at Sheffield Hallam University before starting his career with in the cosmetics industry. Working first in quality control, he continued his career there as a microbiologist. He joins the technical department at ROCOL where his primary role is to work with the service engineers to offer advice and recommendations for the efficient running of metalworking equipment. Daniel is also the first point of contact for customers with issues that cannot be fixed on-site and require deeper investigation.
Daniel commented, “The opportunity to join an organisation that is well established and has such a fantastic reputation is one I had to take. Being given the opportunity to work with high-quality products and deliver the great levels of service that ROCOL customers have come to expect is something that excites me a lot.
“Joining ROCOL allows me to apply the knowledge and skills and knowledge that I have from both university and my career so far in a way that will be beneficial to customers. It also allows me to develop new skills and learn from an experienced team.”
Daniel’s appointment reinforces ROCOL’s commitment to the metalworking sector and ensures that ROCOL customers across the country will continue to receive the highest levels of service and support.
Chris Dyson, ROCOL Technical Manager, said, “We’re pleased to have Daniel joining us. He is a talented chemist and has an appetite to deliver a top-class service to our customers. I know that our metalworking customers will benefit from his skills and commitment.”
For more information about ROCOL and its products, visit www.rocol.com, contact customer.services@rocol.com or phone +44 (0) 113 232 2700.
Manufacturing company fined £90,000 after workers exposed to risk
Metals fabrication company MTL Advanced Limited have been sentenced for health breaches after several workers were diagnosed with hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Sheffield Magistrates’ Court heard that the company was visited by the Health & Safety Executive in March 2018 following a concern received from an employee. During that visit it was found that there were multiple health and safety breaches, resulting in the company being issued with Improvement Notices.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that there were systemic failings to recognise the risk of hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) or to take appropriate action to control exposure. Of particular concern were accounts from employees of pain and tingling in their fingers, hands and arms and that there were no limits on their use of vibrating tools such as angle grinders.
MTL Advanced Limited of Grange Lane, Rotherham, South Yorkshire pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company has been fined £90,000 and ordered to pay £14,061 in costs.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Laura Hunter said: “Work activities involving vibrating tools should be properly assessed so that appropriate controls can be implemented to avoid exposing employees to harm.
“Employees suffering from HAVS can experience difficulty in carrying out tasks in the workplace involving fine or manipulative work and are less able to work in cold conditions. Sadly, these effects can be permanent and life changing.”
Flight simulator lands at IASTI Newark
Learners share their excitement as they try out the simulator for the first time.
Students at the UK’s first International Air and Space Training Institute (IASTI) Newark will receive virtual flight training thanks to its in-house simulator.
The Alsim ALX worth £35,000, is a standout feature of the newly developed workshop at Newark College’s interim IASTI site, where students get hands-on with the tools and technologies used within the aviation industry.
The institute’s aspiring pilots are delighted to have access to this incredible facility as part of their everyday training.
Student Leyla Binns said: “It’s so exciting! When you’re in there, you think you’re in a real-life cockpit. It feels so real and to have this experience and to put it into practice is amazing. I just can’t wait to carry on using it and building my knowledge.”
Her classmate Sam Mason has some previous experience in a light aircraft from his time at Air Cadets.
He said: “It’s unbelievable how realistic it is. Down to simple things like the rudder pedals and all the buttons and how they feel. It’s really exciting stuff!”
Through virtual flight training, aspiring pilots at the IASTI can safely hone their skills, practicing against a range of variables including day and nighttime flying, weather conditions and even different aircraft types.
Meanwhile learners on the engineering pathway can become accustomed to what happens while an aircraft is in flight and how to address faults as they occur.
Jim Guthrie, the Learning and Skills Lead at IASTI Newark, said: “We’re excited to have the simulator system here at IASTI Newark. It will provide extraordinary experience and training for learners, allowing preparation for fully powered flight within light aircraft.
“The simulator allows experience within different aircraft types that will prove both enjoyable and important whilst allowing progress from light aircraft to small multi engine aircraft within the simulator environment.”
The IASTI enables students to learn from aviation professionals as they develop the skills needed to become pilots, engineers or flight dispatchers, leading to Level 3 Diplomas in Aviation Operations or Aircraft Maintenance. Bespoke study programmes are co-designed by industry experts to provide a sustainable talent pipeline within the sector.
The IASTI is one of nine priority projects developed by Newark Towns Fund Board and is funded through the Government’s Towns Fund initiative. A planning application, which will see a multi-million-pound premises for IASTI built in the Centre of Newark by 2023, is awaiting approval.
Until then students are based at the specialised interim IASTI facility at the Newark College campus.
Council to support and celebrate young entrepreneur community
City of York Council is set to organise a Young Entrepreneurs Evening on Thursday 3rd February 2022 from 6 to 7 pm.
The virtual event will bring together young entrepreneurs based in York to hear from some of the city’s most successful business leaders and understand the support on offer in the York area.
The event is free to attend and aims to celebrate and support the young entrepreneur community in York. Interested participants can register for the Young Entrepreneurs Evening.
The programme will kick-start with attendees hearing from Cllr Ashley Mason, Sheriff of York and Cllr Andrew Waller, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning at City of York Council on the importance of entrepreneurship in the city.
This will be followed by a 30-minute interactive Q&A session facilitated by Sam Hields, Senior Investment Associate at OpenOcean. The panellists involved in this session are –
• Lee Grabham – Co-founder & Production Director, Brew York,
• Casey Woodward – Founder & Chief Executive, AgriSound
• Bethany Watrous – Director & Lead Digital Archaeologist, Experience Heritage
Attendees will then also have the opportunity to meet York’s Enterprise Support Providers to understand the support available for young entrepreneurs in York. This session will be delivered by –
• Andrew Raby – Growth Hub Manager, York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub
• Alice Ingram – Business Advisor, Ad:Venture Programme
• Brian Littlejohn – Growth Manager, City of York Council
The event will conclude with Cllr. Andrew Waller addressing all participants.
Cllr Andrew Waller, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning said: “York is a city filled with entrepreneurial spirit, as shown by our history of innovation past and present, and more recently in how our business community has been able to adapt, recover and stay resilient in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The Young Entrepreneurs Evening aims to bring together a handful of young business leaders to share their business journeys and provide an insight into what makes York a great place to set up a business.
“I encourage all aspiring entrepreneurs and young businesses in York to attend the free virtual event to learn about the enterprise support on offer that will not only benefit them but also help us build a strong, vibrant local economy.”
Process set up to get grants to York businesses
A new application scheme is opening so eligible York businesses can access the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure grants.
City of York Council is continuing to support businesses impacted by the pandemic. Since the announcement was made by the chancellor regarding additional business support grants, the council has worked incredibly hard to understand the latest guidance and set up a convenient process which will pay grants to eligible businesses as quickly as possible.
As a result of this work a new process has been set up to distribute grants to leisure and hospitality businesses who are eligible for the latest grant support.
The council is today (14 January) emailing over 1,600 businesses across the city who are eligible to apply to start the process. The council’s Covid business support webpages have been updated with the eligibility criteria and an application form and any business who does not receive an invite by next week will be able to go online and complete the application form. The deadline for applications is 28 February and updates will continue to be provided on the progress of paying the latest grants to businesses.
The council is also continuing work to finalise the processes for distributing the COVID-19 Additional Restrictions Fund and Additional Restrictions Grant through a local support scheme and will announce more details on this as soon as possible. Updates will be shared through the business e-newsletter, which businesses can sign up to at Register for council updates – City of York Council as well as through social media and local media.
Councillor Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Finance and Performance said: “This has been an exceptionally difficult past two years for businesses and we continue to do all we can to support them. Since the start of this pandemic we have administered over 25,000 grants with a value of more than £113 million of government grants to York businesses, applied all available business rates support and invested £1 million in additional local support.
“Earlier in the pandemic we were among the quickest paying local authorities and we have been working to get this support to businesses as swiftly as we can. We are now in a position to open the application process so businesses can access the latest round of support. Businesses can also visit our website to view the eligibility criteria and how to apply. Our incredible teams will process all applications as swiftly as we can so that businesses get these grants as soon as possible.”
Councillor Andrew Waller, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning said: “Our teams have been working tirelessly to set up a fair and easy way for businesses to access these important grants. We want to make things as easy as possible for businesses to access this support, which is why we are writing to businesses so they can access this support as swiftly as possible and providing an online form so that grants can be administered quickly.
“We thank businesses for their patience and understanding whilst we have set up this new process. We continue to update our webpage so ask that businesses visit https://www.york.gov.uk/COVID19BusinessGrants for the latest information.
“Anyone who is missed out on this latest support is asked to get in touch with economicgrowth@york.gov.uk as we are continuing to lobby government for comprehensive support and longer-term clarity to ensure businesses and livelihoods are saved.”
LSH launches Leeds planning team with senior hire
Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) has expanded their Planning, Development & Regeneration (PDR) arm with the appointment of Alex Roberts into their Leeds office.
Alex joins LSH as a Director and will oversee the PDR operations across Yorkshire and the North East.
Alongside this, Alex will also be responsible for providing expert advice to both public and private sector clients on a wide range of planning issues around housing, employment and infrastructure to support Local Plan preparation, strategic site promotion and planning applications.
Commenting on the move, Alex said: “I am delighted to have joined LSH at an exciting period of growth for both the firm and the Planning, Development & Regeneration team.”
National Head of Planning, Development & Regeneration, Dr. Steven Norris said: “We are delighted to welcome Alex to the team as we expand our operations and develop our service offering across the country with his arrival.
We are committed to working with the most talented individuals in the sector and the appointment of Alex is testament to that. I look forward to working with him to continue to grow our team across Yorkshire and the North East.”
Record year for Leeds recruiter due to post-lockdown hiring boom
Leeds-based finance recruitment consultancy Headstar has reported record growth of 35% in its latest financial year, driven by a post-lockdown hiring boom in finance professionals.
The business, which recruits all areas of a finance team from entry level to CFO, experienced surging demand for its services in 2021, with growth-focused SMEs increasingly looking to recruit finance professionals to help guide them through challenging times.
As a result, Headstar achieved record revenues of £2,265,592, up £595,000 on the previous year, while its profits also grew by 80% year-on-year.
The business placed more than 200 people in finance roles across the UK last year and added an additional 79 clients, attracting a wide range of SMEs, as well as larger businesses including Capita, Eversheds and A-Safe.
2021 also saw the recruiter expand its own 18-strong team of recruitment experts and associate finance directors, making four appointments and three promotions – with the company planning to grow its team by a third in 2022 as it looks to ensure it’s best placed to meet growing demand for its services.
While all of its specialist recruitment and finance consultancy divisions saw a significant increase in demand in 2021, Headstar’s part-time and portfolio FD services performed exceptionally well, with businesses of all sizes seeking senior level finance expertise as they looked to grow.
The recruiter’s transactional finance division also saw a surge in demand following the end of the last lockdown, as employers looked to strengthen their finance functions through the hiring of credit controllers and payroll managers in particular.
Commenting on the current recruitment landscape and the company’s record performance, James Roach, managing director of Headstar, said:
“In the wake of a job market where vacancies reached record levels last year, competition for talented people is fiercer than ever, particularly in the finance sector.
“As a result, our mix of recruitment and finance consultancy services have never been more in demand, with businesses increasingly recognising the importance of having strong finance functions during these turbulent times.
“2022 has started strongly for us and we believe it will be our most successful year yet. We plan on adding six people to our talented recruitment team, ranging from consultants to heads of divisions, as well as expanding our portfolio FD team, as we look to ensure we’re better placed than ever to connect businesses with quality finance people.”
The business, originally known as Finance Directors Yorkshire, was established 35 years ago and has grown significantly in recent years, expanding its client and contractor base which consists of a wide range of UK SMEs, mainly based in Yorkshire, including PureGym, Mamas & Papas and Tile Giant. Alongside placing permanent and interim finance staff, Headstar also provides a range of consultancy services, designed and delivered by experienced finance directors, including turnaround support and part-time finance directors.
