Derbyshire firm selects Sheffield agency to enhance its digital marketing
Yorkshire advisers help with partial sale of crew transfer vessel business
A team of Yorkshire advisers has assisted the shareholders of crew transfer vessel specialist Mainprize Offshore on its partial sale to private equity fund Alcuin Capital Partners, together with the re-financing of its fleet with Siemens Financial Services.
Alcuin has partnered with Scarborough-based Mainprize Offshore to help drive its growth plans, expand its fleet and take full advantage of the market opportunity. The current directors and founders of the business, Bob and Sharon Mainprize, will continue to operate and grow the business alongside Alcuin and the senior management team. Bob Mainprize said: “We are very grateful to Philip, Stephen and their respective teams at Andrew Jackson and Azets for all the support and hard work they have put in over the last few months and years to facilitate this significant investment in the growth and development of our business.” Philip Ashworth, corporate partner at Andrew Jackson, said: “It has been a pleasure to act for Bob, Sharon and their team and we are confident that they will go from strength to strength. “The complexity of a private equity and debt funding deal was added to by the multi-flag vessel fleet operated by Mainprize.” Stephen Garbett, corporate finance partner at Azets, added: “This transaction not only underscores its leading position in the crew transfer vessel market within the burgeoning offshore renewables sector, but also recognises the family’s considerable contributions to date. “This partnership marks a significant milestone for Mainprize Offshore, setting the stage for accelerated growth and innovation in the renewable energy sector with ambitious plans for new vessel builds.” Nick Seaman, partner at Alcuin Capital, said: “Mainprize Offshore is a leader in the European CTV market and we are delighted to have partnered with Bob, Sharon and the wider team. The business enjoys strong relationships with several of the largest global wind farm developers and operators, and will play a key role in supporting the rollout of European offshore wind and the transition to net zero. Azets has offices in Leeds, Bradford and York. Andrew Jackson has offices in York, Hull, Grimsby and Scarborough. The shareholders of Mainprize Offshore were advised by a team from Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP comprising Philip Ashworth, Matthew Smith and Nicole Waldron (corporate); Fiona Phillips (tax); Robert Hill (property); Dominic Ward and Rebecca Forder (shipping); and Nick Wilson (employment). Members of the Yorkshire-based corporate finance team from Azets were Stephen Garbett and Martin Miller (corporate finance), Steve Holmes (corporate tax), and Richard Whitelock (employment taxes). Alcuin were advised by a team from Stephenson Harwood led by Sam Gray and Gerald Seeto.Sheffield clean energy firm builds and installs first-of-a-kind equipment in Japan
Forgemasters appoints Turner & Townsend to help with recapitalisation work
Major milestone reached in new Leeds city centre PBSA development
A new purpose-built student accommodation scheme being built in the heart of Leeds city centre’s Arena Quarter has topped out and the scaffolding has now come down to reveal the new Merrion Street landmark, ahead of the development opening this summer.
The part five, part seven and part nine storey building has been designed by Brewster Bye Architects and is being delivered by Urban Developments (York) Ltd on a site previously occupied by a bar and nightclub.
In late 2022, Q Investment Partners (QIP), the Singapore headquartered private equity real estate firm, acquired the scheme in a deal worth approximately £15million.
James Coppack, from QIP Development Group, said: “We are very proud of our recent collaboration with Urban Group that included a strategic revamp of our product standards as we continue to best position our upcoming UK PBSA developments. This Leeds asset will be an important addition to our expanding student housing platform.”
Once complete the development will offer 88 high specification studio apartments with associated amenities, including a lounge, gym, study rooms, a cinema room, laundry facilities, staffed reception area and cycle spaces, and will be operated by Prestige Student Living.
Nick Gould from Urban Developments (York) Ltd said: “Work on this development is progressing well which is testament to the strength and experience of the whole development team and everyone involved is pleased to reach these important construction milestones.
“We’re now looking forward to completing the internal fit-out and are on track to hand the development over to QIP this summer, with students moving in for the start of the 2024/25 academic year.”
Mark Henderson, a director from Brewster Bye, said: “After designing the scheme and securing planning permission for it in 2022, it’s brilliant to see it heading towards completion and now the scaffolding is down, it’s revealed the façade and high-quality materials that are a key feature of the development.
“It’s also rewarding to see how its stepped design complements the surrounding streetscape, in such a great location, just a short walk from the universities and surrounded by bars, restaurants and shops, which will make it a very popular place to live.”
First look revealed for second phase of Aire Park masterplan
Vastint UK, the developer behind Leeds’ mixed-use district Aire Park, has revealed a first look at its plans for the final phase of its masterplan.
The next step in transforming the former brownfield site in Leeds South Bank into a vibrant new destination, the plans feature 502 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes, including affordable housing, 20,000 sq ft of leisure space, earmarked for cafes, restaurants and cultural activities, and a new 500-space multi storey car park.
Plans are being shared during a public consultation period which is due to end on April 10th, before the final plans are submitted to Leeds City Council later this year.
In addition to the new elements of the built environment, the plans also reveal the final hectare of the park and extended public realm. This extension will make the park the largest new city centre green park in the country, providing a wide range of benefits to visitors and future residents including additional outdoor event space for cultural activities.
Situated south of Crown Point Road with Black Bull Street running from the north-east to the south west, and the A61 along the south-west boundary, phase two of the masterplan strategically connects the South Bank to the city centre and Leeds Dock, creating an accessible and safe route for pedestrians and cyclists to use.
Simon Schofield, Head of Development at Vastint UK, said: “Moving into the second phase of the Aire Park masterplan is a really exciting time. We are already underway with 290,000 sq ft of commercial space and have seen strong demand from the market already.
“Along with our recently revealed ambitions for The Tetley building and the ongoing plans for the first residential homes within Aire Park, phase two of our masterplan expands the site to the other side of Crown Point Road.
“As long-term investors in Leeds, we’re excited to be bringing new spaces forward for residents and visitors to enjoy. Revealing these plans shows our ambition to not just regenerate part of the city’s South Bank but to create a vibrant neighbourhood that is socially, economically and environmentally sustainable, breathing new life into this area of Leeds.”
On the creation of Aire Park, Vastint UK is working with masterplan architect Supervene and landscape architect Planit as well as transport consultant Stantec and planning advisors Turley.
Once completed Aire Park will include 1,400 modern homes, and over 1 million sq ft of mixed-use office, retail, leisure and commercial space. Anchored around an 8-acre public park with the refurbished Tetley at its heart, the development will be an ideal location for setting city centre living, with proximity to retail and financial quarters, The Calls, and Leeds railway station.
Lupton Fawcett names new head for Sheffield office
Law firm Lupton Fawcett LLP has appointed a new head for its Sheffield office.
Sarah Sargent will lead the South Yorkshire team as Lupton Fawcett continues to make strides in their ambitious plans for growth and culture over the coming months.
As part of a series of decisive actions to drive organisational development and embed change, Sarah will play a pivotal role in supporting people in the Sheffield office to achieve firm-wide goals.
Sarah, who is also Head of Residential Property, joined the firm in 2015 and became a partner in 2019. She has more than 20 years’ legal experience and is also a Law Society Council member.
Sarah said: “We are a close-knit team here at Sheffield who all complement each other well to meet the needs of our clients and we have a real strength in experience and expertise in the fields we are working in.
“I’m looking forward to leading the team to further accomplishments in the coming months and am excited about maximising the opportunities that are available to us.
“We have the people, the teams and the experience and now we’re ready to make further impacts on the Sheffield legal scene and build upon on our reputation for providing client service without compromise.”
James Richardson, Lupton Fawcett’s managing partner, said: “Sarah brings a wealth of experience to this role. She has played a key role in driving our change initiatives firm-wide and her leadership skills have been key to the development of our people in Sheffield.
“Sarah’s practical and engaging approach is an example for all at Lupton Fawcett and we are proud to have her in our leadership team. Our plans for growth in Sheffield are supported and driven by this appointment and we are confident that Sarah is the perfect fit for us moving forwards.”
Renewables company makes eleventh strategic acquisition
Newark-based JL Phillips Renewable Energy Limited increases the company’s turnover to £42 million as it remains on track to reach its £100 million turnover target by the end of 2025.
Since 2021, Green Building Renewables has increased its turnover more than tenfold from £3m to over £40m. Its rapid growth reflects the increasing demand for renewable technology in domestic and commercial settings.
JL Philips’ acquisition allows Green Building Renewables to expand further into Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. The company already has an existing office in Nottingham.
Green Building Renewables’ continued strategic vision is to extend the benefits of solar energy and low carbon heating to as many local communities as possible by investing into existing local reputable renewable installation companies.
Managing Director of Green Building Renewables, Chris Delaney, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jason and his team to ours. JL Phillips is our eleventh acquisition and it demonstrates our commitment to continually investing in renewables and low carbon technology across the country as we aim to build the largest renewable installation company in the UK.”
Jason Phillips, Managing Director of JL Phillips, added: “Our team is excited about joining Green Building Renewables’ nationwide network of renewable energy experts. The model that Chris and his team are building to offer local installers across the country is important. It ensures that customers get the best local service they can from installers who know their area and understand their needs.”
The investment into JL Phillips will increase jobs by 25% in the region and is part of a wider strategy to recruit and train the renewable workforce of the future. There remains a skills shortage in the UK when it comes to qualified solar panel installers and heat pump engineers.
In the last two years, Green Building Renewables has grown from one office in York to 15 regional offices across England. By the end of 2024 the company aims to have full coverage of England.
Staff numbers have increased sixfold in the last two years and the aim this year is to increase staff numbers by a further 60%. The SME has recruited 19 staff already in 2024 and currently has 20 vacancies across the business.
Chris Joubert, Merger and Acquisition Director at Green Building renewables, added: “JL Phillips is the second acquisition of the year for the company and it’s only March. We are in active conversations with other companies, and we are confident that by the end of the year we will have complete coverage of England through our nationwide local network. This will ensure everyone in the country will be able to access our trusted and highly rated services.”
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Water company workers given access to new whistleblower portal
“The more evidence we have to identify potential criminality, then the more actions we can take to make lasting improvements to our environment.”
Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: “We have been clear we will not tolerate pollution and water companies need to act quickly to improve their environmental performance. This whistleblowing portal is another measure which will help the regulator gather vital intelligence and hold rule-breakers to account.“It builds on our recent work to ban inappropriate executive bonuses and plans to quadruple the number of water company inspections by the Environment Agency – ensuring we continue to protect our waterways with more investment, stronger regulation and tougher enforcement action.”
The announcement follows a series of improvements the government and the EA has delivered to water regulation in recent months, including plans for a fourfold increase in water company inspections to hold companies to account. Subject to consultation, EA inspections will rise to 4,000 a year by the end of March 2025 and then to more than 10,000 from April 2025. This will include an increase in unannounced inspections – strengthening oversight of water companies and providing greater assurance alongside operator self-monitoring. To find the portal search ‘whistleblowing’ at gov.uk