Sale of Lincolnshire agricultural machinery business saves 68 jobs
Sixty-eight jobs in Lincolnshire have been saved following the pre-pack sale of the Burdens Group.
Headquartered in Boston, the company supplied a wide range of farm and groundcare machinery from leading manufacturers including New Holland, Horizon, Amarzone and JPM Trailers. From tractors and combine harvesters to trailers and mowers, its customers included farmers, groundcare professionals and potato growers across the UK.
The Burdens Group offered both new and used agricultural machinery for sale from its depots in Sutterton, North Kyme, Louth and Brigg. It also had a division providing agricultural machinery for hire.
The company began to experience financial difficulties due to the pressures facing the farming sector following poor weather during 2023 and 2024, resulting in poor crop yields, and this was exacerbated by changes to EU subsidies. These issues resulted in farmers reducing their investment in new machinery which had a significant impact on the company’s turnover.
Joint administrators Gareth Rusling and Robert Dymond of Begbies Traynor were subsequently appointed as joint administrators on 19th August and a sale of the business and assets was immediately completed to Russell’s (Kirbymoorside) Limited in Malton and Stevenage-based Ernest Doe & Sons Limited, representing the northern and southern sales respectively.
The sales secured 68 jobs therefore reducing total creditor claims.
A significant amount of tangible assets which were not sold to either purchaser will be disposed of by Eddisons Commercial Limited and are likely to be sold via auction.
“Having traded successfully for more than 40 years, the Burdens Group was a victim of problems hitting the farming sector with bad weather and changes to EU subsidies resulting in its key customer base reducing their spend,” explains joint administrator Gareth Rusling of Begbies Traynor. “We worked hard to quickly conclude a sale to two experienced agricultural businesses, and it’s fantastic that the sales have saved the jobs of 68 people.”
Ancora Law moves into former tannery premises in Beverley
Ancora Law has become the newest occupier of Minster House in Beverley after its refurb by property developer Wykeland Group.
The move is the latest milestone in Ancora’s journey with Wykeland, and means Minster House is now fully occupied for the first time.
Matt Hudson, Founder and MD of Ancora Law, said: “We have grown year on year since our inception at the beginning of 2020 and, until now, our office moves have always been fairly reactionary – with each new hire, we have moved to a slightly bigger unit.
“We felt that now was the time to recognise our growth and invest in an office space that is fit for the future.”
Minster House was built in 1816 as a warehouse used for the former Hodgson Tannery, which remained one of Beverley’s largest employers until its closure in 1978. The building was used as offices in the following years, but was vacant for more than a year before Wykeland began a restoration and reconfiguration scheme in 2019.
Wykeland invested more than £550,000 in bringing Minster House back to life, equipping it with a new entrance lobby, atrium and glass lift, making the building fully accessible for the first time, as well as adding new toilets and showers, and secure cycle storage.
The refurbished Minster House now offers over 9,000 sq ft of offices over three floors and forms part of Wykeland’s thriving Flemingate centre, which combines retail, leisure and commercial space.
South Yorkshire manufacturing supply chain event returns for 2024
Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce’s Manufacturing Supply Chain Expo returns on 9th October at the Holiday Inn in Rotherham, attendance is completely free for visitors.
Organisers says the event will offer a unique opportunity for manufacturing contacts to explore a wide range of suppliers, creating a place for networking and contact building in a key industry for the Rotherham and Barnsley region.
Shane Young, Operations Director of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, said “We are thrilled to host the Manufacturing Supply Chain Expo once again. This event is crucial in connecting local businesses, enhancing collaboration, and driving growth within our region’s manufacturing sector.
“By bringing together key players from across the manufacturing supply chain, we aim to create an event where partnerships can form, and local businesses can meet valuable new contacts.”
Call to establish taskforce to safeguard jobs in North Sea energy transition
The British Chambers of Commerce is calling for an independent taskforce to urgently examine energy transition in the North Sea and safeguard tens of thousands of UK jobs.
It comes after a new BCC report, published today, found a careful balancing act will be needed to reach Net Zero and protect the huge oil and gas sector workforce, alongside thousands more jobs linked to the industry across the UK.
The report recognises the UK must achieve its climate commitments, but says current fiscal plans for the oil and gas industry risk reducing investment and impacting current energy security.
The independent taskforce should bring together the experience and expertise of all the sectors impacted by North Sea operations, including the energy sector, economists, environmentalists and the unions. It would produce recommendations for the Government on the pathway to an accelerated North Sea transition while maintaining jobs, skills and employment. Crucially, it should also examine the fiscal regime for the industry for the long-term.
The report calls for a “national conversation” about the North Sea as a “critical asset”. It highlights recent estimates that 200,000 direct and indirect jobs across the UK are reliant on the oil and gas industry.
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The imperative for Net Zero is ratcheting up daily as fresh evidence of the damage caused by climate change emerges. But it’s equally important that we manage this process to avoid catastrophic harm to our economy and workforce.
“We need an effective energy transition which does not cut adrift the tens of thousands of highly-skilled people across the UK who rely on the sector for their livelihoods.
“It must also balance the diversity of our power supplies, so that the UK’s energy security is not put at risk, and we do not become over-reliant on imported fuels.
“This means having a clear and integrated plan in place as soon as possible. Politicians cannot keep kicking the can down the road. It is in everyone’s interests to get round the table and find pragmatic solutions.
“There also need to be honest conversations about how this can be financed. Plans to reduce capital and investment allowances will undermine business confidence in the sector and jeopardise a successful transition.
“If private investment in the sector is put at risk, then the repurposing of infrastructure and the pathway forward are also put in doubt.
“We are therefore calling for the establishment of an independent taskforce to further our research and support the new Government. A partnership approach can create a future for the North Sea which preserves the investment and skills needed for the green economy and safeguards thousands of jobs.
“Last week’s announcement that Government will consult on new environmental guidance for the oil and gas sector, provides an opportunity for all parties to shape the fair and just future everyone wants to see. This report provides the framework for this to happen.
“Independent recommendations from a taskforce will help create a route towards the certainty and confidence that businesses, the workforce, unions and environmental groups can all believe in.”
Firm sells poultry business in deal worth €200m
Boparan Holdings Limited’s European Poultry business is being sold to the Boparan Private Office in a deal worth more than €200m.
A spokesman said the deal was significant and transformational, and unlocked many opportunities for the future.
The sale strengthens BHL’s 2 Sisters Food Group’s balance sheet, enabling it to reduce debt levels to the lowest point in over a decade. It also activates radical plans for its ‘next generation’ investment programme.
It means the European poultry business, under the BPO, will have a dedicated regional focus on its European markets, unlocking undoubted growth opportunities through a focus on quality, animal welfare and sustainability.
The deal is subject to Polish anti-trust approval with an anticipated completion date this month.
Further investment plans will be announced in due course as this change is embedded and its potential is fully realised in the coming months.
Sheffield BID moves to new offices in Tenter Street’s Pennine Five
Sheffield BID, the not-for-profit company behind many of Sheffield city centre’s celebrated events and business services, has moved to a new office at Spaces in Pennine Five.
The move will provide Sheffield BID with a modern, flexible city centre space to continue delivering its crucial services to local businesses and creating an improved environment for trading. The BID’s services include extra safety and security measures, cleaning and environmental services, and a full programme of city centre events – aimed at driving more footfall into the city centre.
Sheffield BID joins a growing catalogue of businesses calling Pennine Five home, including the likes of Aztec Construction, The Sheffield College and Phlux Technologies.
Diane Jarvis, Head of Business Operations at Sheffield BID, said: “We are excited to announce our relocation to Spaces @ Pennine Five. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to enhancing the business environment and supporting local enterprises.
“Our new space is designed to foster greater collaboration and innovation, with dedicated areas for meetings, events, and community activities. The new office is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, aligning with our commitment to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint. It also provides us with the space and infrastructure needed to accommodate future growth and expansion of our services.”
Businesses assured they’ll be part of government plans to ‘make work pay’
Minister Angela Rayner and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds have hosted a business breakfast to talk about planned legislation designed to ‘make work pay’.
It follows a meeting last month with business representative organisations including the British Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, CBI and Make UK as well as trade unions to discuss the Bill.
This meeting provided an opportunity for Ministers to set out the ambition for the Employment Rights Bill and wider Make Work Pay programme, which will modernise the world of work by ending exploitative zero-hour contracts, extending day one employment protections on unfair dismissal and delivering a genuine living wage.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “We will work with all partners as we shape our plan to Make Work Pay, so we get the win-win of greater productivity and a fairer working environment for staff.”
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “Our plan to make work pay will always be unashamedly pro-worker and pro-business and I’m determined to work in partnership with businesses and trade unions and ensure their voices are heard every step of the way.
“The central driving force behind our plan to Make Work Pay is to deliver growth. Our Bill will modernise the world of work to create a better supported workforce, which will boost productivity and in turn create the right conditions for businesses to grow.
“The UK currently has one of the least protected labour markets compared to our international partners. It’s time to work together to deliver meaningful reforms that will transform the world of work for the benefit of businesses and workers.”
Competition and Markets Authority clears sugar deal
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has cleared T&L Sugars Limited’s (TLS’) deal to buy Tereos UK & Ireland’s retail sugar business, following an in-depth Phase 2 investigation led by an independent inquiry group.
The clearance comes after the inquiry group explored concerns that the deal could reduce competition in the UK. Only three businesses (including TLS and Tereos’ UK retail business) supply the large majority of sugar to customers such as supermarkets and restaurants.
However, having conducted a thorough investigation, the inquiry group found that, without the deal going ahead, the most likely outcome would be that Tereos’ UK retail business would close. Since closure would also result in a loss of competition absent the merger, and the evidence showed that there was no other alternative and less anti-competitive purchaser for the business besides TLS, the group has decided to clear the deal.
Richard Feasey, Chair of the independent inquiry group carrying out the Phase 2 investigation, said: “Having reviewed a wide range of evidence – including detailed financial information on Tereos’ UK retail business and the efforts they have taken to try and improve its performance – we believe that the right outcome is to clear this deal.”
Largest floor snapped up at 10 South Parade in Leeds
IDHL, the digital marketing agency, has almost doubled its office space in 10SP at South Parade in Leeds.
Having occupied 5,600 sq ft on the ground floor since 2019, IDHL is now relocating to the entire first floor of 10SP at South Parade, occupying 9,600 sq ft on a new 10-year lease. The suite has been fitted out to the highest quality in a contemporary design by IDHL’s contractor TSK.
The bespoke office has 100 desks and has been designed with collaboration at its heart. Features include communal space for breakouts, refreshments, social connections and celebrations; ten meeting rooms, including a training facility and theatre style space; podcast room; phone booths; business lounge and client meeting suite.
Those based in Leeds also have access to amenities such as lockable bike storage, club quality changing facilities and electric car charging.
Ben Wood, CEO at IDHL, said: “We’re making significant investments in our IDHL offices across the UK this year, as part of our mission to provide the very best working environments for our 400-strong workforce.
“The move to our new 10,000 sq ft Leeds office marks a really exciting moment for our business, as we continue to focus on attracting and retaining the very best digital talent alongside delivering best-in-class service for clients.
“Fitted out with the very best technology, it offers a state-of-the-art environment to support our hybrid working approach. Leeds is our busiest office, located on the doorstep of many of the city’s professional and financial business and in close range to exceptional amenities, so it’s a pivotal moment for IDHL.
“We recognise that people want to work flexibly and also have the chance to work in a relaxed workspace. The move has been well received and we look forward to seeing it continue to thrive as a popular location. Our thanks to TSK and Wilton Developments for their support.”
Wilton Developments extensively redeveloped the original building in 2010, on behalf of the owners East Parade Limited. Existing tenants in the building include Armstrong Watson, DB3 Architecture, Odgers Berndtson and SCP.
Jason Stowe, managing director of Wilton Development, said: “10SP remains one of the most populated buildings within our office portfolio. We have sought to constantly evolve the building to meet the changing needs of occupiers, and we are particularly pleased that we were able to work with the team at IDHL to facilitate its next stage of growth in Leeds.”
Hannah Snell, account director at TSK, said: “It’s been a pleasure collaborating with IDHL to design and deliver their state-of-the-art, people-focused Leeds office. The goal was to create a destination workplace that prioritises the experience of both their employees and visitors, enhancing their ability to attract and retain top talent and clients.
“This office, which unites all their brands under one roof, plays a key role in defining their current business identity. As Leeds serves as their central hub, it was essential to design a space with diverse work settings to foster effective collaboration and offer flexibility for future needs. We’ve loved being an extension of the IDHL team, and look forward to working with them in the future.”
The Leeds offices of CBRE and Knight Frank acted on behalf of the building’s owner, East Parade Limited, with Fox Lloyd Jones representing IDHL in the letting.
Clair McGowan from CBRE said: “It’s been great to work with the team in getting this deal over the line. Retaining IDHL as an occupier is testament to the quality of the office space on offer at 10 South Parade. The building is centrally located with amenities on your doorstep. Watch this space for further building updates.”
Lupton Fawcett’s Sheffield team moves to the heart of the city
Yorkshire law firm Lupton Fawcett has moved its Sheffield team to a new space in the city centre.
The firm is now based in the Cubo building on Carver Street – in the Heart of the City development.
Lupton Fawcett’s Sheffield-based employees moved from their previous base on Bank Street at the end of last week and started September in their new location.
James Richardson, managing partner, said: “Our move to the vibrant and modern Cubo Sheffield marks an exciting new chapter for the firm in the city.
“Cubo offers a great workspace designed to foster collaboration, creativity and productivity. The serviced offices will allow greater flexibility, and we are in a better location for colleagues and clients.”
Partner Sarah Sargent, who heads up the firm’s Sheffield office and its residential property team, said: “The team are very excited to be in our new space and are looking forward to welcoming all our clients – old and new! Our new home will certainly help us push forward in the Sheffield legal world.”
Cubo is a flexible, shared working space and Lupton Fawcett has a private office within the building. Benefits for the team and visitors include a roof terrace and onsite barista.
The office, which offers space for further growth, will run on a fluid hotdesking system and people from the other Lupton Fawcett offices will also be able to work there.
