Plans submitted for multi-million pound maritime hub

Tess Egginton
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Plans submitted for multi-million pound maritime hub

A £10 million scheme for a new Maritime Hub in Whitby has taken a major step forward.

A planning application has been lodged with North Yorkshire Council for the development, which the authority is set to build in Endeavour Wharf if the proposals are approved.

The hub will provide training and certification opportunities for the maritime, marine and offshore industries, to residents of Whitby and the wider area.

The application has been submitted following a public consultation in January and February when 69 per cent of those who responded to the survey were supportive of the scheme.

Chief executive, Richard Flinton, said: “Submitting the planning application is an exciting step forward for this project.

“The Maritime Hub will open doors to new economic growth in Whitby and help provide a route for young people into the maritime and marine industries.

“I encourage everyone in the community to look at the plans on our website and leave comments if they wish.”

Concerns about the hub being located on a flood plain have also been mitigated as the building will be designed to flood. In the event of a flood, the ground floor units will allow water to enter, and all services will be raised above one metre. After water levels drop, the units would be easily washed out.

Corporate director of community development, Nic Harne, added: “We have listened to stakeholders and consultation feedback throughout the planning process before submitting this application.

“Endeavour Wharf will still retain around 200 parking spaces and the height of the Maritime Hub will match the surrounding buildings such as The Angel Hotel.

“We have received some suggestions that following Eskdale School’s merger with Caedmon College this summer, the school site would be a better location. But existing and potential future tenants of the wharf have stated they need direct access to the water and as such the school site would not be a suitable alternative.”

The project has been developed to address a local need to develop a better supply of technical abilities in the maritime sector and put the town at the forefront of the growing renewable energy sector.

The hub will also provide accommodation for maritime businesses and service providers.

Workshops on the hub’s ground and first floors will house the current and new wharf-based operations and functions of the Harbour Authority.

There will be classroom space, engineering workshops and marine biology laboratories, offering opportunities for training and employment in areas ranging from marine biology to off-shore wind.

The second floor will be an office space for marine-based start-up businesses and other maritime industries. The space is intended to be occupied by local, regional and national businesses and organisations, making Whitby a hub of maritime activity.

University of Lincoln appoints Founding Director for new research centre

Stuart Pearcey
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University of Lincoln appoints Founding Director for new research centre
Professor Fiona Strens has been appointed as the Founding Director of a new University of Lincoln research centre focused on innovations in the use of artificial intelligence and technology in security and defence. She’ll join the University of Lincoln in next month from the University of Strathclyde, where she is currently Professor of Practice in Security and Resilience. With more than 30 years’ experience in government, industry and academia, she is one of the UK’s thought leaders in the application of novel technology, including AI, automation, machine learning and computer vision for enhancing security and building resilience. Professor Strens began her career in the Ministry of Defence after graduating with a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Cambridge, undertaking several technical and policy roles before becoming a Senior Civil Servant with responsibility for science and technology policy. After moving into  consultancy for clients in the national security sector, she co-founded and served as CEO of CrowdVision, an innovative computer vision  and analytics company, growing the company from start-up to an international business providing real-time people movement data for the safe, secure and efficient operation of major events, airports and venues. She is an advocate of science and technology skills and careers, serves as an adviser to UK Government. and is a non-executive director for Ordnance Survey, the UK’s geospatial authority, and Corps Security, a profit-for-purpose social enterprise supporting veterans’ charities. She said: “The University of Lincoln has a well-earned reputation for its approach to industry-aligned research, for supporting innovative organisations and partnering nationally and locally to deliver impact and drive growth in the Greater Lincolnshire region. The University has expertise in a range of disciplines essential for advancing defence, security and resilience capabilities. I am particularly excited by the potential to build on the University’s strong AI foundations. “These qualities attracted me to the University and this exciting new position as Founding Director of the Centre for Defence and Security Artificial Intelligence. I look forward to meeting colleagues and partners as we establish this significant new centre for academic, industry and government collaboration.” Major General (Retd) Julian Free CBE, Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Lincoln, said: “The appointment of Professor Fiona Strens as Founding Director of the new Centre for Defence and Security Artificial Intelligence is testament not just to the existing specialisms and partnerships in Lincoln and Greater Lincolnshire but the potential to grow the technical capabilities which keep people and infrastructure safe and underpin tens of thousands of jobs in the future. “The CDSAI will address challenges in all areas of national security, including building security and resilience in multiple sectors, such as food and energy, and supporting effective strategic, operational and crisis decision-making in the defence sector and beyond.  Professor Strens brings a remarkable range of expertise and experiences across the public and private sectors, which can help the CDSAI play a significant role in solving complex challenges facing governments and businesses in the 21st Century.”

Connectus expands nationwide reach with acquisition of Grimsby firm

Tess Egginton
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Connectus expands nationwide reach with acquisition of Grimsby firm
Business managed service specialists Connectus has acquired tech specialists IT For Growth. The deal is the second in the space of five months. By acquiring the Grimsby-based firm, Connectus, which has offices in Salford and Doncaster, will be able to extend its reach into North East Lincolnshire. Roy Shelton, CEO of Connectus, said: “This is another major chapter in the story of Connectus. As we continue to scale, we will continually explore potential acquisitions to ensure we can provide our range of fully managed services to as many businesses as possible. “This acquisition will allow us to extend into North East Lincolnshire and beyond. The MSP space is experiencing huge consolidation at the moment and as we continue to remain focussed on sustainable growth and outstanding customer services. As a result we will be aiming to complete several more transactions this year.” The deal comes five months after Connectus acquired Mango Tech. Outlining his future vision for Connectus, Mr Shelton added: “At the heart of the service Connectus delivers is the Connect-Protect-Collaborate mantra. We can now extend these principles into new areas, offering clients cutting-edge and industry leading services. “We have an ambitious growth plan, which is focused on delivering quality outcomes to businesses that mitigate cost, lower complexity and reduce risk. This acquisition will further help to deliver that.” Jonathan Cozens, the CEO of IT For Growth, said: “I’m delighted to confirm this acquisition. Connectus demonstrated to me that the support, growth and long term development of our customers are of the highest importance to them. They offer a notably better support level than we can deliver at our current size. “Although we have been very successful at delivering a first class customer experience over the last seven years, the limited size of our team means we don’t have the breath strength in depth to deal with the size of the opportunity around our client base and the local area. “Connectus’ superior scale means they will be able to provide an ongoing technology partnership for your business as you grow. Their track record in enterprise IT systems means they can advise from a position of authority on how best to achieve the commercial outcomes you want, regardless of intended size.”

JMG Group acquires large independent insurance broker

Tess Egginton
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JMG Group acquires large independent insurance broker
Leeds’ JMG Group has acquired BQI Insurance and sister company BQI Protection.
The acquisition of BQI Insurance represents a strategic move for JMG Group, strengthening its profile in the construction, fleet and liability insurance sectors and enhancing its client servicing capabilities. It will increase the JMG Group team by 46 people and gross written premium by £25m. It also expands the group’s geographical reach with a presence in London, Wellingborough and Perth. BQI Insurance was established in 2006 by co-founders Andy Brown and Sean Quinn, who have a strong track record of building quality insurance broker businesses. BQI Insurance specialises in construction, fleet and motor trade, as well as difficult to place risks. Andy Brown, BQI co-founder, says: “The investment is a great opportunity for our businesses to continue to flourish whilst retaining our identity. “We never rest on our laurels; we want to be on the front foot and we believe partnering with JMG Group will give us the added competitive edge we desire. It offers a significant opportunity for our employees to grow their portfolios and develop professionally. “JMG Group is an excellent fit for our business as it aligns with our family style and people focus, allowing us to do what we do best which is looking after our clients and winning business. We’re excited to collaborate, grow and learn from our colleagues across the group, which does not feel too large.” JMG Group has also acquired BQI Protection, a personal cover, business protection and employee benefits insurance broker. It was established in August 2018 by Andy, Sean and Malcolm Robertson, who holds a 50% stake in the venture. Under Malcolm’s leadership, the team is expanding through recruitment, broadening the range of insurer options, and experiencing notable revenue growth. Malcolm says: “Being a part of JMG will provide a tremendous opportunity for the group to leverage the advice and products we can provide, fostering substantial growth for all involved.” Nick Houghton, JMG Group CEO, says: “Andy and Sean have built a great business and absolutely share our obsession with organic growth and data. Welcoming Malcolm on board will also bring valuable expertise to the wider group. “To have an opportunity to invest in the team and help them continue their growth and success is a real privilege, and one I’m looking forward to being part of. A big thank you must go to Andy and Sean for approaching us when they were thinking about their next chapter.”

Private equity firm backs specialist Maintenance, Repair and Operations business

Tess Egginton
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Private equity firm backs specialist Maintenance, Repair and Operations business
NVM Private Equity (NVM) has backed a specialist Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) business, MRO+ Solutions Limited (MRO Solutions). NVM are backing the incumbent team led by Matt Cattell who has overseen a 50% expansion in revenue since joining four years ago.  Grimsby-based MRO Solutions is a highly technical, value-added distributor of critical products to a range of process and manufacturing industries. The Group operates nationally through its wholly owned subsidiaries, MJ Wilson and Helix Tools. MJ Wilson is a specialist value added distributor of process instrumentation and control products servicing the energy, power generation and process industries. Helix provides technical support to a range of precision manufacturing clients supporting their tooling requirements. The market is highly fragmented providing the backdrop for an attractive buy and build opportunity to supplement organic growth plans. As part of the investment, funding for acquisitions has been reserved to enable the group to accelerate the M&A strategy post investment and consolidate the market. On completion, Kevin Appleton will be joining the board as Non-Executive Chairman; Kevin has significant experience in the distribution sector and extensive M&A expertise.   Matt Cattell, Managing Director of MRO+ Solutions, said: “We are thrilled to join forces with NVM Private Equity. This partnership will enable us to further strengthen our position in the market and capitalise on new opportunities, through organic and acquisitive growth. “With NVM’s support, we are confident that we can continue to deliver exceptional value to our customers and team members, driving long-term success for our business.”  Charlie Pidgeon, Investment Partner of NVM, said: “We have been highly impressed with the quality of the senior leadership team, the growth they have achieved and their vision for the future. We look forward to fully supporting the team in achieving their organic growth plans and pursuing acquisitions to consolidate what is a highly fragmented market.” 

Games developer delivers solid revenue performance while slipping to pre-tax loss

Tess Egginton
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Games developer delivers solid revenue performance while slipping to pre-tax loss

Team17 Group, the Yorkshire-based games developer, has delivered a solid revenue performance, while slipping to a pre-tax loss of £1.1m.

According to unaudited final results for the year ended 31 December 2023, revenues grew 12% to £159.1 million, up from £142.3 million in 2022, with 17 new games and apps released in the period alongside six existing games released on additional platforms.

A thorough review of the Games Label strategic direction (now re-focussed on its core Indie games roots), cost base structure and processes was completed in the last quarter of the year, with headcount reduced to 348 from 392.

Steve Bell, Chief Executive Officer of Team17, said: “While 2023 presented some challenges for the Games Label, the speed and tenacity with which the teams have responded has demonstrated the exceptional talent we have at Team17.

“The Games Label is now realigned to its proven low-risk Indie model, tighter cost controls have been enforced and one-off actions taken to clean up the balance sheet.

“We are back on form in 2024, with a solid slate of games and apps, our exceptional back catalogue and a clear plan for growth across the Games Label, astragon and StoryToys. The year has started well.”

Yorkshire & Humber worst performing UK area as business activity decline quickens in March

Tess Egginton
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Yorkshire & Humber worst performing UK area as business activity decline quickens in March

The headline NatWest Yorkshire & Humber PMI® Business Activity Index – a seasonally adjusted index that measures the month-on-month change in the combined output of the region’s manufacturing and service sectors – signalled an intensified slump in the local economy at the end of the first quarter.

Falling to 46.9 in March, from 48.3 in February, the headline index signalled a second straight monthly decrease in business activity across Yorkshire & Humber, and one that was the quickest since October last year.

Notably, Yorkshire & Humber was the worst-performing part of the UK, both in terms of business activity and new orders during March. In fact, the region was the only monitored UK area where output levels shrank at the end of the first quarter.

The amount of new business secured by private sector companies in Yorkshire & Humber continued to decrease in March, in line with the trend since May last year. The rate of decline also gathered pace and was the quickest in four months. Weak market conditions were commonly noted as a reason for fewer sales.

The contraction seen locally contrasted markedly with expansion for the UK as a whole. Of the 12 monitored UK areas, Yorkshire & Humber registered the steepest slump in new orders during March.

With new business intakes continuing to fall, private sector companies across Yorkshire & Humber cleared more outstanding orders. Overall, this marked the thirteenth consecutive month of backlog depletion. Furthermore, the decrease was the strongest in four months and the fastest of all 12 monitored parts of the UK.

March survey data signalled a strong level of optimism towards Yorkshire & Humber business activity for the next 12 months. According to respondents, new client wins, investment and expectations of a pick-up in the UK economy supported confidence.

The growth outlook across the region was stronger than seen for the UK overall.

The seasonally adjusted Employment Index remained in sub-50.0 contraction territory during March, signalling back-to-back months of job cutting across Yorkshire & Humber. Redundancies and the non-replacement of voluntary leavers were linked to headcount reductions.

Although the decrease in staffing numbers was marginal, Yorkshire & Humber was one of just five parts of the UK to record job losses in March.

Although the seasonally adjusted Input Prices Index for Yorkshire & Humber fell to a five-month low in March, it remained well in excess of both the 50.0 no-change mark and its long-term average, signalling a further steep monthly rise in firms’ operating expenses. According to panel members, supplier fees and salaries were sources of inflation.

In response to persistent cost pressures, private sector companies in Yorkshire & Humber charged higher prices for their goods and services at the end of the first quarter.

The local rate of output price inflation was strong overall but eased slightly since February and was below that seen for the UK as a whole.

Malcolm Buchanan, Chair of the NatWest North Regional Board, said: “The latest survey data mark a particularly grim end to the first quarter of 2024 for the Yorkshire & Humber economy, being the only part of the UK where business activity shrank in March. Order books and employment are key reasons for this, with both declining once again.

“That said, despite a disappointing month, this has not served to knock business confidence, which remains at a strong level. This should provide some assurance that these weak figures are temporary, and activity and demand indicators should hopefully pick up as we move towards the summer.”

Specialist seed duo will offer advice from Northumberland to the Midlands

Stuart Pearcey
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Specialist seed duo will offer advice from Northumberland to the Midlands
Agrovista Seeds has appointed two seed specialists to help meet increasing demand from growers looking for technical expertise and advice. Eastern seed sales manager James Barlow has taken on responsibilities for the East Midlands, East Anglia and the East, whilst northern seed sales manager Marc Lanham is looking after Yorkshire, Durham and Northumberland. James grew up on an arable farm in Nottinghamshire and gained a degree in Agriculture at Lincoln University. He joins Agrovista after more than 10 years with Gleadell/ADM Agriculture where he rose through the ranks to become head of seed. Marc gained an HND in Agriculture at Bishop Burton College. After creating a successful business as a self-employed contractor providing agricultural labour and services throughout Holderness, he joined Nickerson (LG UK) as a seed specialist in 2011 and was promoted to northern seed manager six years later. James says: “Our main role is working with Agrovista’s agronomists, who are trusted first points of call for many of our growers. We supply those agronomists with key information to help customers make the best variety choices for their farms without having to go through what can be a laborious decision-making process. “With cereals and oilseed rape, we offer a mix of the best mainstream varieties and our own exclusives, based on our rigorous testing regime over several seasons and a range of growing conditions. “Agrovista is not afraid to give it a go, putting money behind these varieties, and it is an area we want to build.”

Drax Community Fund adds more than £19,000 to Yorkshire organisations

Stuart Pearcey
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Drax Community Fund adds more than £19,000 to Yorkshire organisations
Drax Group is supporting 21 Yorkshire organisations through donations of more than £19,000 from its Community Fund, giving each a donation of between £500 and £2,000. Bruce Heppenstall, Plant Director at Drax Power Station at Selby, said: “I’m really proud of the work Drax does to support the community local to the power station. “The diversity of organisations that will benefit from the funding announced by our new Community Fund means we will be supporting lots more people across the county, including residents, charities and non-profits, which do really important work to enhance people’s lives here in Yorkshire. “Through these donations we want to advance participation in STEM education and improve opportunities for people, and we aim to enhance green spaces, so residents have better access to nature.” The projects involved include:
  • Women in Tech, York: Encouraging young women to go into STEM careers, holding free monthly meetings, where local women can learn about career opportunities and meet role models in the industry.
  • Marshlands Primary School, in Goole: Pupils have been working with the local council to improve their local park, to install a wildflower patch and improve public facilities in the park.
  • Western Wolds Men in Sheds, East Yorkshire: Construction of nesting boxes designed for barn owls and little owls to encourage nesting in the local area.
  • Ryhill Junior, Infant and Nursery School, in Wakefield: Providing eight iPads to school pupils to further their education.
  • Goole Community Concert Band: Helping bring the local community together by starting a local community concert band in the town for all ages.
Graham West, Treasurer of Western Wolds Men in Sheds, said: “With the Drax Community Fund grant we are funding the building of owl boxes. “At the moment we are working on 12 boxes and building is well in progress. Bob, who is a member and looks after our owl boxes, is now starting to put them up in trees in his area. “The grant has given members an interesting project to work on – either cutting out the parts, assembling or painting so thank you again”. Roger White, Member of Goole & East Riding Community Concert Band, said: “This donation from Drax will help launch our new community group of a fully inclusive concert band for our local areas in and around Goole. “The money will be used to buy musical scores, and other essential equipment for the band giving our community a place to meet, play and enjoy music, something that has been absent in the local area for a long time. Welcoming musicians of all abilities and ages, we hope to perform at bandstands and other local events for the wider community to enjoy. Thank you, Drax Community Fund.”

McClarrons to convert BMW showroom into Malton HQ

Stuart Pearcey
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McClarrons to convert BMW showroom into Malton HQ

Insurance broker McClarrons has bought the former BMW and Mini showroom on Malton’s York Road from Inchcape Estates and will transform it into its head office.

Having outgrown its existing premises at Market Place in Malton, the McClarrons team will relocate to prominent 10,000 sq. ft office premises at York Road following a complete refurbishment. About 13,000 sq. ft of additional unit space and parking offers other businesses the opportunity to expand within the local area. Robert Hill of Andrew Jackson’s real estate and development & strategic projects team advised McClarrons on the purchase of the site, supported by colleagues Nicole Waldron, Ailish Ward and Hayley Neal. Planning consultant Janet O’Neill provided guidance through the planning application for change of use to office space. Sean McClarron, executive chairman of McClarrons, said:”During a period when acquisitions and mergers are at an all-time high in our industry, we are extremely passionate and committed to remain a family-owned company in the long term; continuing to strive to deliver the highest standards of service to our clients. We have a succession plan to achieve this. “The acquisition of our York Road site is extremely important. It needed to be dealt with swiftly, and thoroughly, and without the right team of professionals it would not have been possible. Andrew Jackson Solicitors could not have done a better job for us, and we are absolutely delighted with the standard of advice, service and speed provided. “We are really looking forward to our relocation which will offer a superb working environment to retain and recruit our people, along with excellent meeting facilities for our clients and key partners, which will secure our long term growth objectives in a prominent position with easy access and parking facilities.”
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