Yorkshire £20m feed mill completed after two years’ construction

Stuart Pearcey
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Yorkshire £20m feed mill completed after two years’ construction

I’Anson Bros Ltd have completed their technologically-advanced £20m animal feed mill Waterloo House after ten years’ planning and two in construction.

It is the largest-ever investment by the Masham family-owned and managed firm, which celebrates its 125th anniversary next year.

Designed by Dutch milling industry specialists Ottevanger with ground works handled by Harrogate-based contractor HACS and equipment installation by GAME Engineering of Lincoln, the facility is on the Dalton Industrial Estate in North Yorkshire.

At 35 metres tall at its highest point, the mill is a striking new feature on the North Yorkshire skyline, almost twice as high as the Angel of the North.

MD Sarah Richardson, a member of the fourth generation of the family to run the business, said: “Commissioning and formal hand-over of the new mill is a highly significant occasion in the history of our business and for the UK feed industry as a whole. It is a milestone achievement made possible by the commitment of all our colleagues in the firm and the skilled and dedicated project partners and contractors that has brought this initiative to life. We are now embarked on a phased build-up of production and operational capability.

“We are very proud to be a Yorkshire business and an integral part of the rural community and its economy. Throughout our history we have been committed to producing animal feeds of the highest quality and this significant investment means we can continue to provide current and future customers with a sustainable, long-term source of supply.

“We also support local farmers by providing an expanding market for their crops as well as creating new employment opportunities and long-term careers for our workforce.”

Jimmy Choos were amongst items left behind by train passengers

Stuart Pearcey
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Jimmy Choos were amongst items left behind by train passengers
The temptation to ask: “Who left their Jimmy Choos on the choo-choo?” is hard to resist, but resist it we will – though that doesn’t change the fact that a pair of bright pink size fours by the iconic designer were left on a Hull Trains service. They’re amongst a bizarre collection of items including false teeth, glass eyes, keys to a brand new Mercedes, and a clown suit amongst the ten most unusual items taken to lost property. Other items included wheelchairs, a drum kit and guitars. David Bliss, Hull Trains Planning Administrator, who managed the lost property for Hull Trains for many years, reveals that many other weird and wonderful items regularly found their way to him over the 24 years the operator has been running. He said: “I could have made my own android person from the amount of prosthetic body parts we’ve had left on our trains over the years. Nothing ever surprised me by the end. We’ve had everything left behind that you could think of at some point!” “One of my favourite stories is that we once had a wedding dress, complete with associated bridesmaid dresses, left on the train. The unfortunate lady had apparently travelled from Canada and then accidentally picked up a similar looking case from another passenger when departing the train. “The case she ended up taking belonged to an entertainer and had a clown suit in it. That would have proved quite a surprise when opening the case, I’m sure! Despite my best-efforts, including liaison with the airline and a national newspaper appeal in Canada, the customer never came forward and the dress eventually went to The Red Cross. At least it found a new home! “Wherever possible we do our absolute best to reunite people with their possessions and it’s lovely seeing their faces if they do get something important back. However, the best plan is always prevention by double checking before leaving the train.”

Leeds utility company makes strategic acquisition

Tess Egginton
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Leeds utility company makes strategic acquisition
Leeds drainage and wastewater utility specialist Lanes Group has acquired North West septic tank specialist S&C Foster, supporting the company’s strategic growth plans in the UK utility market. Lanes Group is a national drainage company providing services for utility, rail, local government, transportation, construction, telecoms and domestic sectors. The company was established in Leeds in 1992, and is now made up of a network of 25 locations in the UK, with a workforce of more than 4,000 people. Founded in 1990, Preston-based S&C Foster provides both domestic and commercial tanker, jetting and liquid removal services in Lancashire and the surrounding regions. The acquisition will support Lanes Group’s ambitions for UK expansion, bringing together two strategically aligned businesses, bolstering Lanes Group’s existing commercial activity in the North West. RSM’s deal team managed the acquisition, led by James Wild and Rikesh Patel, with support from Ben Everson and Austin Halewood. Mills & Reeve provided legal advice. This transaction marks the second buy-side sale for Lanes Group advised by RSM this year, following the company’s acquisition of Clear-flow in February. Rikesh Patel, corporate finance director at RSM, said: “The team at RSM was delighted to advise Lanes Group on another successful transaction which supports the company’s strategic growth plans, especially in the North West. “Bringing together two closely aligned businesses will help to strengthen the company’s national presence in the UK utility market. Our ongoing relationship with Lanes Group also demonstrates our commitment and capability to deliver for our clients in the middle market.” Wayne Earnshaw, CEO at Lanes Group, said: “This is a fantastic step forward for both companies. Welcoming S&C Foster to the Lanes Group family reflects our ongoing commitment to growth and collaboration. Together, we are building on strong foundations to create even more opportunities for the future.”

Work completes on £3.3m renovation project at historic Beverley building

Tess Egginton
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Work completes on £3.3m renovation project at historic Beverley building
Champney Treasure House, the newly renovated cultural venue in Beverley, has opened its doors to the public after work completed on a major programme of improvements. Champney Treasure House has been renamed in honour of John Edward Champney, a local businessman who in the early 20th century made several significant donations to the original Beverley Public Library and Art Gallery. The £3.3 million renovation programme by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, and completed by Yorkshire and Lincolnshire construction company, Hobson & Porter, has seen significant improvements made to the much-loved museum, archives, café area, tower viewing point, gardens and art gallery. Several other services have also relocated to Champney Treasure House such as the Changing Places facility, The Tourist Information Centre (TIC), The Register Office and Beverley’s Customer Service Centre. The library has been significantly enhanced and will feature a fully immersive sensory room and ‘Library Now’ technology which enables visitors to experience a self-service system outside of core opening hours. The sensory room will be used by library reminiscence groups, amongst others, for captivating story telling in which the listener will be fully immersed into the story through light and sound. The room can also be used as a calm, quiet space for customers with sensory requirements. Champney Treasure House will also open the Champney Room, a multi-use activity space, and wedding parties will be able to make the most of photo opportunities in the newly landscaped Champney Gardens, which are also open to the public to enjoy. The walls of Beverley Art Gallery have been painted, creating a backdrop for visitors to view the gallery collection and its upcoming new exhibitions. Major improvements have also been made to the museum including a refreshed area with interactive displays and activities for children with many new exhibitions coming up. Councillor Nick Coultish, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: “The opening of Champney Treasure House marks a significant milestone for our community. We are incredibly proud to open this new cultural venue, a space which houses many essential services whilst becoming a destination where people can come together, explore, learn and celebrate. “We look forward to seeing Champney Treasure House become a vibrant venue for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy.” Councillor Nigel Wilkinson, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s cabinet member for finance and governance, said: “This space will offer a variety of services to our community which will be both useful and enjoyable. “The renovation of Champney Treasure House is a testament to our commitment to fostering a vibrant, diverse, and supportive environment for all residents which ensures best value for money. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on our community.” Joe Booth, business development director from Hobson & Porter, said: “This has been a superb project to work on that has seen an extensive programme of improvements completed across both the historic Grade II listed parts of the building, as well as the newer contemporary extensions that were added in more recent years. “Now that work is complete, there’s no doubt Champney Treasure House will become a hugely valuable cultural and community asset for Beverley once again, and we’re very proud to have played a key role in its evolution for future generations to enjoy.”

Sheffield solicitors help push diversity and inclusion in legal careers

Tess Egginton
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Sheffield solicitors help push diversity and inclusion in legal careers
A new committee to encourage equality, diversity and social inclusion in the legal profession has been set up in Sheffield. The Sheffield & District Law Society has launched its new EDI Committee which features a group of 12 legal professionals who are passionate about promoting and supporting equality, diversity and inclusion in and around Sheffield. Wake Smith private client associate Stephanie Chung and trainee solicitor Anna Woodcock have joined the committee which will work with local law firms, affiliated organisations, and local solicitors to build a more diverse profession. They join other committee members from law firms across the region to share good practice and ideas around EDI. Stephanie Chung said: “Anna and I are delighted to be working with the Law Society on their newly established EDI committee. “Our focus for the year is social mobility and raising awareness about different routes into the legal profession and bringing together junior and experienced legal practitioners. “We will be working hard to normalise EDI events and activities and build a platform for EDI to thrive in the culturally diverse region, so everyone can potentially make the choice of the law as their career.” Clare Young, President of Sheffield & District Law Society, added: “We aim to bring together legal professionals and firms from across the region, in order share ideas and best practice concerning EDI. We want to support all firms in creating an inclusive working environment, and the work of this new committee will help achieve this goal. “We are also introducing a new EDI Champion Award at the Yorkshire Law Banquet and Awards in 2025, open to members of the SDLS, in order to recognise and promote their EDI initiatives.” If you want to get involved in the committee’s work or attend upcoming events and opportunities, please contact elizabeth@sheffieldlawsociety.co.uk for further information.

Housebuilders’ financial support package to be extended

Stuart Pearcey
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Housebuilders’ financial support package to be extended
A financial support package worth up to £700 million for SME housebuilders will be up for grabs through the expansion of a government programme to boost economic growth and build tens of thousands of new homes. The existing Home Building Fund for SMEs is being extended beyond its original end date of March next year to secure millions of pounds worth of loans and investments for small housebuilding firms who would otherwise be unable to access lending elsewhere. Providing a range of financial support, including direct loans and lending partnerships, the Fund is increasing the amount of cash available for smaller housebuilders so they can play a crucial role in the government’s Plan for Change to build 1.5 million new homes over five years. This will get more families onto the property ladder and create jobs in the areas most in need. The extension will support the delivery of around 12,000 additional homes – on top of the 42,000 homes the Fund is already on track to deliver. Housebuilders struggling to access the credit they need continues to be a key constraint in driving growth across the sector and today’s intervention will help remove these barriers to encourage more housebuilding and grow the economy. Chief Executive of Homes England, Peter Denton said: “The Fund is playing a vital part in England’s housing and regeneration story. It is at the heart of unlocking opportunities and helping the market to thrive and diversify, which is essential to boost the creation of new, high-quality, sustainable homes that people want and need. “The Fund’s extension brings certainty to the sector and will undoubtedly open doors for SMEs, who I would encourage to reach out to us, as part of a collective mission to ensure everyone in the country has a permanent place to live and thrive.”

Brouns & Co appoints property entrepreneur to board as natural paint maker drives overseas expansion

Tess Egginton
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Brouns & Co appoints property entrepreneur to board as natural paint maker drives overseas expansion
The Yorkshire-based maker of sustainable linseed paint, Brouns & Co, has appointed real estate expert and developer Duncan Melville to its board as it gears up for further expansion in 2025. Harrogate-based Melville, the founder and owner of student property developer Primus Property Group, has over 30 years’ experience across all components of the built asset lifecycle. From funder to management consultant, to investor and developer, Melville has held senior leadership positions with Northern Rock plc, global real estate advisory firm Cushman and Wakefield, and global built asset firm Arcadis on project and programme delivery, before setting up his own PBSA development company over 10 years ago. He also holds an MBA with the University of Leeds. Since its launch in 2015, Brouns & Co has grown to be one of the most established producers of historically accurate linseed paints and stains in the world. Following a period of growth, and a move to local manufacturing in order to reduce carbon footprint, the business relocated in 2023 to a new warehouse and manufacturing facility in Sherburn in Elmet, between Leeds and York. After another year of solid growth in 2024 with rising exports to the US market, the business has just opened a US warehouse in New Hampshire and established a US subsidiary and a dedicated US market eCommerce website. “Our progress in recent years, and our expansion to the massive US market is a really exciting time, and we needed to deepen our board experience as we look to scale the business significantly in the coming two years,” said founder Michiel Brouns. “Duncan’s experience within the sector is going to be critical to our UK and overseas expansion, and his understanding of how to help grow a business to take advantage of market opportunities is exactly what we need at this crucial stage of our growth,” he added. Melville said: “I’ve known Michiel and Brouns & Co for some time, and I’ve been an advocate for natural materials and products where possible in our developments, so I’m excited to come on board to help the business at such a key stage in its growth. “The remarkable rise in demand for linseed paint and coatings is driven by a need to preserve and protect historic buildings, where Brouns & Co have always had a strong track record with the Natural Trust and RIBA in the UK. “But increasingly, the commissioners, specifiers and designers of new buildings and structures are demanding that natural methods, materials and components are used. “The carbon footprint and sustainability of 100% natural paints and stains puts the business in a very good place, at just the right time,” he added. Brouns & Co views the huge US market as a key area for growth, driven by a combination of consumer preferences for natural products, and the huge volume of wooden homes that are built and maintained in North America due to climate differences.

Leeds surveyors promoted to Trident’s top team

Tess Egginton
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Leeds surveyors promoted to Trident’s top team
Two surveyors from Trident Building Consultancy’s Leeds office have been promoted to the company’s senior team. Christian Watkins and Usmaan Mehboob, who work at the office at Carlton Tower, St Paul’s Street, have both been appointed to Associate Director from the role of Principal Surveyor. Christian, who specialises in fire safety surveys, joined Trident Building Consultancy in 2017, passing his APC qualification in 2019. Through his role as an APC counsellor, he also supports younger colleagues through their professional qualifications.
Christian Watkins
Usmaan also joined the company in 2017 and qualified in 2019, now specialising in large office refurbishments and other commercial surveying work. He also sits on several management committees within the business, including those dedicated to sustainability, HR, and the Building Safety Act. Christian said: “I’m delighted to join the senior team here at Trident Building Consultancy as it will enable me to play a more meaningful role in guiding the future direction of the business, and help to help more of my colleagues.” Usmaan added: “I’ve always loved my job at Trident, so being promoted to Associate Director is a real source of pride. As an EOT, Trident is owned by its employees which means it is managed very much with our people in mind. This, we believe, is the secret to the business’s ongoing success.” Dan Roe, Managing Director of Trident Building Consultancy, congratulated Christian and Usmaan on successfully taking the next step in their careers. He said: “We are extremely fortunate at Trident Building Consultancy in that we have a great track record of recruiting and retaining talent. “This is helped by being an EOT, meaning everyone who works at the business has a hand in making key decisions and shares in our financial success. “To ensure this continues, we are keen to reward the hard work and talent of our people by helping them to get to the position they want to in their careers and fulfilling their potential. “These well-deserved promotions are a reflection of that.”

Tech opportunities fuel high levels of confidence for Yorkshire’s private firms heading into 2025

Tess Egginton
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Tech opportunities fuel high levels of confidence for Yorkshire’s private firms heading into 2025
More than nine in 10 (91%) private business owners in Yorkshire and the Humber are confident of delivering growth in 2025, according to KPMG UK’s first ever Private Enterprise Barometer. The new poll gauged optimism among 1,500 private business owners, including 128 in Yorkshire and the Humber, across a range of sectors including professional services, finance, technology, industrial manufacturing and retail. Increased demand for products and services was identified as the main reason for this confident outlook – cited by nearly half (48%) of respondents – while a similar number (46%) highlighted plans to introduce new technologies into their business as reason for optimism. Indeed, Yorkshire-based businesses are amongst the most likely to recognise the benefits of introducing new technologies, with almost three quarters (71%) highlighting it as an important area for investment, compared to just 63% of privately held businesses nationwide. Cited amongst the key reasons for such investment were a clear desire to improve customer service (52%) and decision-making (52%). Indeed, firms in the region are 10 percentage points more likely than the national average to be investing in customer relationship management (CRM) tech. However, securing and developing the necessary skills for businesses to capitalise on growth and digitalisation opportunities continues to represent a challenge. More than a third (37%) of firms in Yorkshire and the Humber were said to be finding it difficult to recruit people with the right skills. Firms in the region were also found to be more likely than the national average to be struggling with retaining newly recruited staff (32% vs the national average of 25%). Phil Murden, Leeds Office Senior Partner at KPMG UK, said: “Having weathered many storms in recent years, it’s down to the true resilience of Yorkshire and Humberside’s private business community that confidence is so high. “Regional business leaders’ clear focus on customer proposition, improving products and services, and better understanding business performance, will continue to help them to deliver growth. Also identifying where new technologies can support key strategic goals is the smart way to future-proof and stay ahead of competitors. “Guiding the region’s business community through unprecedented digital opportunity and disruption will require businesses to get their hands on the right skills. Taking the plunge and investing in talent is key.”

2025 Business Predictions: Rob Shaw, CEO at HUB

Tess Egginton
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2025 Business Predictions: Rob Shaw, CEO at HUB
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.  It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years. Here we speak to Rob Shaw, CEO at HUB. As CEO of an integrated marketing agency, I liaise with clients across various sectors utilising diverse advertising channels. Looking towards 2025, my focus is on the implications of the recent budget which remains to be fully realised. One key element involves rising employment costs, including increases in employer NI contributions and changes to employment rights – both of which I believe will slow the rate of new jobs in 2025. Subsequently, I believe retailers will double down on e-commerce advertising which does not have such a direct impact on headcount as high-street retail. Retailers have significantly pushed their online activities and sales campaigns in Q4, and I expect this to continue into 2025. Another area we monitor closely is the evolution of TV advertising, and HUB has long collaborated with ITV, Channel 4, Sky and others to secure advertising space that delivers results for our clients. With the growth of streaming platforms, and the evolution of ITVX and programmatic advertising from Sky, TV advertising is becoming more accessible to brands with smaller budgets thanks to the ability to target tightly defined audiences. We are seeing more companies take their first steps into TV advertising on these platforms as part of a wider marketing campaign to great effect, and I expect this to continue for years to come. While 2024 presented commercial challenges for many businesses, we remain optimistic for 2025. Companies with the right products or services leveraging the most suitable marketing channels will always find themselves well-positioned to succeed.
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