Construction firm zones in on latest project win

Tess Egginton
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Construction firm zones in on latest project win

A construction firm has been awarded a £10m contract to build the start-of-the-art Horizon Youth Zone complex in Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire.

Yorkshire and Lincolnshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter, will start the preliminary works at Garth Lane in Grimsby in the next few months, preparing the ground and heritage-listed buildings ahead of the major build, which will begin this summer. The disused site was formerly home to West Haven Maltings and Migar House buildings. The maltings and grain store were built in the 19th century and are listed.

Horizon Youth Zone is being delivered by national charity OnSide, in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council which is contributing towards the Youth Zone as part of the Greater Grimsby Town Deal. Other key supporters include Historic England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Ørsted, St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, The Youth Investment Fund and private donors.

Business development director from Hobson & Porter, Joe Booth, said: “We can’t wait to get started on-site on this hugely beneficial project that is going to make such a difference to so many people in and around Grimsby. OnSide have a phenomenal track record elsewhere in the UK of operating these facilities and the positive impact they have on communities is unparalleled.

“This is a very intricate, exciting project which plays to several of our strengths; not least listed, heritage building restoration, educational buildings and the creation of sports and leisure facilities. Our track record in Grimsby has been incredibly strong in recent years and we are delighted to be playing our part in turning the tide for investment in the town.”

Expected to open in early 2025, the state-of-the-art youth centre will provide thousands of young people with opportunities to engage in activities and access support from skilled youth workers, helping them to develop their skills and reach their full potential. It will be open to young people aged between eight and 19 (up to 25 for those with additional needs), seven days a week, for just 50p a visit. Members will have access to an indoor climbing wall, four court sports hall, training kitchen, music room with a recording studio, fully equipped gym, dance and drama studio, 3G kick pitch, arts and crafts room, enterprise and employability suite. Horizon Youth Zone is an independent charity with a private sector led board, and once opened, it will be part of the OnSide Network of 14 Youth Zones nationwide, supporting over 50,000 young people annually. After completion, it’s thought the centre could benefit up to 4,000 young people across the borough. Jason Stockwood, chair of the Horizon Youth Zone, said: “As chair of Horizon and someone who grew up in Grimsby, I am so proud we have reached this incredible milestone. It won’t be long before Grimsby’s young people can see the heritage buildings transformed into a space which they truly deserve. The project will also help support the wider regeneration of Grimsby Town Centre.”

Leeds business park put up for sale

Tess Egginton
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Leeds business park put up for sale

A well-known Leeds business park that is currently home to 18 companies and public sector organisations, that employ hundreds of people, has been put up for sale.

WIRA Business Park offers 111,197 sq ft of accommodation, in a wide range of suite sizes, spanning office spaces and light industrial units. The 4.38 acre site, which sits between Lawnswood roundabout and Horsforth’s Woodside roundabout, also has parking for 259 cars and is being marketed by Leeds property consultancy, GV&Co’s investment division, on behalf of Canmoor.

The business park was originally constructed in the early 1980’s as the headquarters of the Wool Industries Research Association (WIRA). Its two main buildings have been re-purposed in recent years to appeal to a variety of businesses.

Garry Howes, director of investment at GV&Co, said: “WIRA Business Park is well-positioned on the Leeds outer ring road. It currently produces a total passing rent of £839,720 and there are immediate asset management and ESG opportunities to grow this significantly, as well as some vacant units which are in an immediately lettable condition.

“The site also offers an attractive weighted average unexpired lease term (WAULT) of more than five years, which further enhances its credentials as a solid investment opportunity, and we’re envisaging significant interest from both local and national investors.”

GV&Co is instructed to seek offers in excess of £7.87million, reflecting a net initial yield of 10%.

Yorkshire Country Properties appoints new MD

Tess Egginton
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Yorkshire Country Properties appoints new MD
Paul Brown, a residential property developer in the north of England, has been appointed as the Managing Director of Huddersfield-based Yorkshire Country Properties. Paul, formerly the founder and MD of Caedmon Homes, has more than 35 years’ experience in the residential and commercial property sectors in Yorkshire and the North East. Paul commented: “This is a tremendously exciting move for me. Yorkshire Country Properties are a trailblazer in the development of beautiful, state-of-the-art houses, from starter homes to five-bed executive and family houses. “During the past three years, the company has made a positive and focussed contribution to the housing provision in the Kirklees and West Yorkshire area. Apart from a completed development at Netherthong, where every single one of the 22 beautiful houses built were sold, YCP are now on site at Shepley, Skelmanthorpe and Denby Dale. “All three of these new developments are providing much-needed housing, including a significant number of starter homes, enabling young people to get on to the property ladder. Our starter homes at Phase One at Shepley have sold out, underpinning our contribution to both the community and to sustainability in the three villages. “We are currently building 147 beautiful, high-quality homes and, in total, we are looking at a potential pipeline of over 700 new homes. Given the current uncertainty of the mortgage and financial markets, we are placing more emphasis than ever on high quality and product differentiation. “Clearly, the current state of the housing market presents challenges, but I am confident that the quality of our houses combined with the enthusiasm and commitment of our wonderful team here at YCP will enable us to continue to deliver the kind of homes that are needed across all demographics in Yorkshire.” Richard Butterfield, non-exec chairman of Yorkshire Country Properties, said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Paul to Yorkshire Country Properties. This is a key appointment for us as we look to expand our portfolio of housing developments. Paul has a superb track record in residential development in Yorkshire and beyond and his extensive skillset is perfectly suited to the ethos of our company. “In particular, his knowledge of the housing sector in Yorkshire, combined with his excellent man-management skills, makes Paul the ideal appointment. I feel we are very lucky to have found him and I look forward to working with him as he takes our company to the next level.”

Foreign investment to yield 7,000 jobs in Yorkshire and the Humber

Stuart Pearcey
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Foreign investment to yield 7,000 jobs in Yorkshire and the Humber
Foreign direct investment projects coming into Yorkshire and the Humber will create more than 7,000 new jobs, according to figures just out. New government statistics say that’s just part of nearly 80,000 jobs across every part of the UK, Northern England has seen huge gains, with Yorkshire and The Humber landing 103 FDI projects which will create 7,378 new jobs – an increase of 97% on 2021/22 and 423% on 2020/21 – while in the North West and North East, 198 projects are set to create 8,867 jobs. In just three years, the North West and North East have seen 604 FDI projects landed, leading to 25,872 new jobs. The Midlands has also seen scores of new projects creating thousands of jobs. In 2022/23, 265 FDI projects were landed which are set to create 11,091 jobs, and in Wales, 47 projects will create 3,062 jobs – up by 71% on the 1,793 in 2021/22. Minister for Investment Lord Johnson said: “These statistics reflect the sentiment I hear from foreign investors every day: the UK is a great place to invest and a fantastic springboard to start and grow a successful business. “These figures confirm investors are looking beyond London and the South East as they search for high growth opportunities with highly skilled workforces.  These investments are also supporting our strongest industries and creating the jobs of the future, from aerospace and car manufacturing to financial services and tech.” Inward investment is said to be crucial for growing the UK economy, and the latest statistics back up recent reports from PwC and EY that found investors are continuing to increase their confidence as well as their investments in some of our key sectors. The automotive sector has seen 76 new FDI projects in 2022/23, leading to 3,807 new jobs – up from 1,786 two years ago – while aerospace projects will create 3,208 new jobs – up from 1,277.

New funding pot to be made available to Yorkshire businesses

Stuart Pearcey
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New funding pot to be made available to Yorkshire businesses
Business in North Yorkshire are to have a chance to bid for funding from a £2.7m share in a £5.4m fund to support the rural communities. Next Tuesday members of North Yorkshire Council’s executive will be asked to accept the cash from the Rural England Prosperity Fund, which aims to support local businesses, communities and place. It’s intended to split the allocation in two – using £2.7 million to support local businesses and a further £2.7 million for communities and places. It’s proposed to set up a £1.5 million grant schemes for micro and small businesses, use £600,000 scheme to help grow the social economy and supporting innovation, and allocate £600,000 to develop and promote the visitor economy. There would also be £467,000 in grant aid for community groups, £400,000 to improve green spaces, £333,000 for the local heritage offer, £333,000 for arts, culture and heritage activities, £717,000 to boost recycling, and £467,000 for volunteering and social action projects. Council leader Carl Les, said: “This funding represents a significant opportunity for our rural communities. It is the largest amount allocated to any council in the country as part of the Government’s overall Levelling Up programme. “The programme’s aspirations to increase pride in their local town centres and engage more with culture and community strongly align with our ambitions along with our plans for sustainable economic growth and support for local area improvements.” The scheme, which was set up to follow last year’s launch of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, provides 100 per cent funding for rural communities. We received a £5.4 million offer for the next two years after submitting a Rural England Prosperity Fund Investment Plan. This is the largest amount awarded to any local authority in the country.

Dave pilots course to retirement after 47 years on the Humber

Stuart Pearcey
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Dave pilots course to retirement after 47 years on the Humber
Dave Hunter is to retire after 47 years as a Very Large Ships pilot on the Humber, having brought the MV Propel Grace onto its berth at the Humber International Terminal at Immingham as one of his last tasks. Dave, above, had wanted to become a draughtsman or architect when he was younger, but as he was preparing to leave school, he spotted an article in a careers magazine about becoming a River Pilot, which sparked his interest in what would be an incredible career. He said: “The job really jumped out at me. I had never heard of a River Pilot, and it sounded really good, so I made some enquiries. I had never been to sea, neither had my father, but later I discovered that my great, great, great, great grandfather had been a pilot on the Tyne. I was able to start an apprenticeship in 1964 and haven’t looked back since.” Following time on the water and working through the necessary experience and qualifications, Dave became a Class 1 Humber Pilot in 1980, and 12 years later he qualified as a VLS Pilot. David said: “I have loved working with very large ships of 40,000 tonnes. Being a Humber Pilot has been a wonderful career. Without doubt the Humber Estuary is one of the hardest to navigate in the UK, but the feeling that you get from completing a job really well is like no other. It is a challenging job, but when everything goes right you feel ten foot high.” Dave reckons he has completed around 200 vessel movements per year, and he has enjoyed every one of them. The Humber Estuary is the largest harbour district in the UK, and the Humber Pilotage Area stretches from the Spurn Light Float through the Humber Estuary up the River Ouse to Goole and up the Trent to Gainsborough. Dave added: “Over the years I have worked with 100’s of apprentices and trainees. There is a lot of support for those working towards becoming a Humber Pilot, it is a great community in which I have made lifelong friends.” Simon Bird, Director Humber, said: “I would like to personally thank Dave for his incredible service to the Humber. Dave, and Marine Pilots here and around the world, carry out a vital service that supports our everyday lives. “Thanks to the considerable experience and expertise of Marine Pilots, we can all access the commodities to build our homes, keep our lights and heating on, stock our retail sector and bring in medicines for our hospitals and pharmacies. The work Pilots carry out goes mostly unnoticed by members of the public but is key to Keeping Britain Trading.”

Energy-intensive businesses could get energy bills slashed by 20%

Stuart Pearcey
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Energy-intensive businesses could get energy bills slashed by 20%
Energy-intensive businesses and heat network operators have one month left to apply for government support that could see wholesale energy bills slashed by as much as a fifth. Consumer Energy Minister Amanda Solloway today called on eligible businesses to act now to benefit from the support available through the Energy Bills Discount Scheme. Companies have until July 25th to apply, with discounts applied to their bills until April next year. The scheme was put in place to keep costs down by offering a higher rate of support for those using significant amounts of energy to deliver their services and goods – such as ceramic and textile firms. These companies are exposed to strong international competition, meaning they can’t raise their prices to cover the increase in costs they’ve faced. Minister Solloway also issued a reminder to heat network operators that they have a legal requirement to apply, to ensure a fair deal for their customers who would otherwise face higher energy bills compared to those covered by the energy price cap.  If no action is taken, they could face a fine of up to £5,000. Amanda Solloway said: “Today marks one month to go for businesses and heat network operators to apply for support that could cut their energy bills by as much as a fifth – I would urge all of those who haven’t already to set time aside, check they are eligible, and get their details registered.

“Energy prices are falling but we will continue to stand by businesses and do all we can to help and make sure they remain competitive in a challenging market, as we have done over the winter.”

Rob Flello, Chief Executive of the British Ceramic Confederation, said: “Energy costs have dominated many conversations with our members over the past year, and remain a concern. Therefore, we appreciate that the government has recognised the issues faced by the UK ceramics sector and other energy intensive industries.

“We are strongly advising our members to apply, even if their current energy prices are below the activation thresholds, to help cushion any future price hikes ahead of or during next winter. We are also highlighting the process and its deadline in the hope that it will be a smooth process.”

Businesses that become classed as an Energy and Trade Intensive Industry after the window closes will have 90 days from the first date they can apply to submit an application for support. Businesses in ceramics and textiles are among a wide range of sectors that have been able to claim further discounts on their bills between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 – helping deliver on the government’s priority to halve inflation. So far the government has provided nearly £40 billion to households and businesses to help with their energy bills, which has also helped efforts to bear down on inflation. Businesses are advised to check GOV.UK as soon as possible to find out their eligibility and what they need to do to apply. Support will be backdated to 1 April and could save some around 20% on predicted wholesale energy costs. Heat networks with domestic customers can also receive a sector-specific support rate to make sure households do not face disproportionately higher bills compared to customers supported by the Energy Price Guarantee. Heat suppliers are legally required to apply for this support and pass on the discount to their customers. If heat network operators do not apply for the scheme then enforcement action can be taken. Should a heat supplier fail to undertake any corrective action they may face a penalty of up to £5,000.

Urban living in Grimsby Town Centre takes step forward

Tess Egginton
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Urban living in Grimsby Town Centre takes step forward
A vision to create modern, smart homes on a riverside setting in Grimsby’s town centre are taking a step forward. Following discussions between North East Lincolnshire Council and Homes England, central Government funding has been agreed to allow investigative work to take place at Alexandra Dock. This will centre on six-acres of council-owned land behind the new Horizon OnSide Youth Zone and next to the remodelled Garth Lane bridge and walkway alongside the water. Around two weeks of specialist contract work, which starts on Monday 3 July, will determine the land type and what is beneath the surface – essential investigations ahead of preparing the site further. This area was earmarked for homes in Grimsby’s Town Centre Masterplan – cited as an ideal location given the water nearby and the improvements that have already taken place. Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the council with responsibilities for the economy, net zero, skills and housing, said: “The main objective of this work is to create a place that connects the town and its community with its waterside, creating a fantastic urban living environment that’s kind to the planet. “There’s a long way to go yet, and developments of this scale don’t happen overnight. But we are working to improve the town centre as a whole and this is part of that vision. Step-by-step we want to change how our centre is used and enjoyed as a whole.”

Bradford’s unique Peace Museum to move to Salts Mill

Tess Egginton
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Bradford’s unique Peace Museum to move to Salts Mill

Bradford’s Peace Museum is relocating to Salts Mill and will reopen in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire next summer.

The Peace Museum was previously based in Piece Hall Yard in Bradford city centre and its expansion will enable it to showcase more of its extensive collection. The move is supported by a £245,651 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Property solicitor and head of LCF Law’s real estate department, Harriet Thornton advised The Peace Museum on moving to its new premises in Salts Mill. The new museum will open in summer 2024, ahead of the launch of Bradford’s 2025 City of Culture year.

The Peace Museum opened in 1998 and is the UK’s only museum dedicated to peace. It’s full of fascinating artefacts ranging from protest banners, flags and posters that have been used to promote the peace movement over the decades. It also works with schools on projects looking at issues such as conscientious objectors and how animals were used during wars.

Clive Barrett, chair of trustees at The Peace Museum, said: “This project will be transformational for The Peace Museum. We’re delighted to have received this support thanks to National Lottery players, and so excited to have the opportunity to make the history of peace accessible to everybody.

“This is particularly exciting in light of Bradford receiving City of Culture for 2025, as we’ll be able to welcome visitors from all over the world to our brand-new museum in the heart of the district.”

Helen Featherstone, director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “By opening their amazing collections in a new home that is renowned for its heritage, local people and visitors from further afield can learn more about the fascinating social history that the museum explores.

“We know that heritage can play a huge role in bringing people together and creating a sense of pride in local communities, and in turn boosting the local economy, and this work by The Peace Museum is sure to be a perfect example of that.”

Harriet Thornton said: “It’s been a privilege to work with The Peace Museum and help them secure new premises in one of the UK’s most famous mill complexes. Its new home will make the museum much more accessible as well as attracting many more visitors and we’re looking forward to their launch next summer.”

Hull’s Springfield Solutions acquired by global group

Tess Egginton
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Hull’s Springfield Solutions acquired by global group
All4Labels Global Packaging Group is continuing its global growth strategy through its acquisition of Hull-based Springfield Solutions, a supplier of digital packaging assets to some of the world’s leading brands. The company will become a subsidiary of the All4Labels Group. Terms and conditions of the transaction were not disclosed. With this transaction, All4Labels continues its strategy of building a leading business unit in the United Kingdom, which started with the acquisition of Olympus Print Group (All4Labels UK Leeds Ltd.) as its first subsidiary in Leeds over a year ago. Dr. Günther Weymans, All4Labels’ COO, said: “We are happy to welcome the entire Springfield Solutions team as new members of the All4Labels Global Packaging Group. “We believe that Springfield Solutions with their vision to be a world leader in the supply of innovative and sustainable digital packaging assets complements our digital business perfectly. “With both our sites in the UK All4Labels will now be able to offer a wider range of products and services to an even broader range of customers both locally and on an international level. Finally, I would like to thank all parties involved for their trust and valuable support in this project.” The Springfield Solutions owners and management team will continue to manage the business. Matt Dass, Managing Director of Springfield Solutions, said: “We are extremely excited to join the All4Labels Global Packaging Group, from our very first discussion it was clear that our vision, mission and values are completely aligned. “Partnering with All4Labels and its packaging design unit All4Graphics will accelerate our joint vision of being the World Leader in the Supply of Sustainable, Digital Packaging Assets.” The founder of Springfield Solutions, Albert Dass, added: “Since starting the company nearly 50 years ago, it has been a life’s ambition to pioneer the way print and packaging is produced, with digital being at the core of everything we do. Joining the All4Labels Group will ensure we continue to do this for the next 50 years.”
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