Warwick Ward makes the move to employee ownership
Barnsley-headquartered Warwick Ward has joined an ever increasing list of UK companies to make the transition to being Employee Owned.
Owners Ashley and Matthew Ward, as part of their long-term succession planning strategy, have sold a majority of their shares to a newly formed EOT (employee owned trust) Warwick Ward EOT Ltd.
Warwick Ward was founded in 1970 and has grown into one of the largest stockists and suppliers of new and used earthmoving and waste recycling equipment, and spare parts in Europe.
Ashley Ward, joint Managing Director at Warwick Ward, said: “This is an incredibly exciting new chapter for Warwick Ward (machinery) Ltd as we approach our 54th year of trading.
“Over the past 6 years or so my brother and I have been working on a succession plan for the future of the business and after a lot of research and consideration we feel that the EOT model is a perfect fit for both the business, our brand partners and for ourselves.
“It provides motivation for the staff, stability and continuity and ensures the legacy of Warwick Ward continues in the way we want it to.
“It’s important to say that this will be a gradual transition with Matt and myself still involved in the business.
“Over a substantial period of time, we have worked hard to put in place a fantastic senior leadership team in Simon Causier (commercial director), Matthew Godhard (operations director) and Russell Holmes (finance director) who are pivotal and responsible for the day to day running of the business.
“Matt and I continue to work closely with the senior team during this transition.
“The EOT model is incredibly exciting and motivational for all our driven and dedicated team as they are now all employee owners in the business, have representation on the trust board and will profit individually from the future success of the company.”
Simon Causier, commercial director at Warwick Ward, said: “Having now been part of the management team for the last 15 years, it has been fantastic to have been part of the exciting and successful journey that the company has been on over that period.
“The way the business has evolved and grown over recent times has been phenomenal and I think everyone at Warwick Ward has a huge amount of pride in the company and utmost respect for Matt and Ashley and how they have strategically shaped the business since taking over from their father 23 years ago.
“The transition to being an EOT is a fantastic and exciting opportunity for all the staff and senior management team to now play a pivotal role in the future success and continued growth of Warwick Ward and we are all thrilled at the opportunities that lie ahead.”
University runs first ever entrepreneur exchange
The University of York has held its first ever entrepreneur exchange in Greece – helping three businesses from North Yorkshire create potential overseas investment opportunities.
Enterprise Works, the University’s small business hub, led the exchange which saw the three business leaders head to Thessaloniki for the networking event.
Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece, boasts a population of 1.2 million. Situated in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula in SE Europe, it is the home of CITY College, University of York Europe Campus, part of the University of York community since 2021.
Utilising the local knowledge and links by the University and CITY College, University of York Europe Campus, the entrepreneurs were given an expert introduction to the local markets and 1-2-1 meetings with a range of relevant local businesses.
They also attended the European Business Angels Network annual congress, held in Thessaloniki, where they accessed a range of specialist investment advice and access to the business community.
The exchange, which was organised through CITY College, University of York Europe Campus, based in Thessaloniki, saw Nature’s Laboratory, TestCard and Asclepius Healthcare, take part in the three-day event.
TestCard is a digital platform technology company based in Scarborough that allows accurate reading, recording, and reporting of medical test results. Asclepius Healthcare, based in Wetherby, provides an innovative solution to improve the quality of surgical care through better risk stratification and enhanced postoperative monitoring. Nature’s Laboratory, based in Scarborough, develop sustainable and effective natural medicines, including plant medicines, bee medicines and skincare.Julie Macey-Hewitt, operations manager at TestCard, said: “As an ambitious company with a strong growth record, we were delighted to be selected to join this exchange. The existing in-country links meant that we could engage with a number of major potential-client companies, build relationships and expand our investor opportunities.
“It’s so valuable to regional businesses to have the University playing an active role in supporting small business and using its global links to create growth opportunities.”
Director of Enterprise Works, Sam Gardner, said: “Enterprise Works’ role is to create opportunities for anyone, from any community, to be entrepreneurial – whether that’s in their own community, through a charity, or in starting and growing a business.
“We’re delighted to be able to use the University’s strong global links to support our region’s entrepreneurs and look forward to building links with the thriving business community in Thessaloniki and the South East European region.”
Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Partnerships and Engagement, Prof Kiran Trehan, said: “We are building strong, collaborative partnerships in York and around the world.
“By promoting collaboration beyond disciplinary boundaries, and with diverse people and entities from across society, for and with our local and business community we can create a thriving local economy that retains talent in the region, and enables global competitiveness.”
There will be a continuing relationship between the University and the entrepreneurs, who will be sharing their expertise, stories and experience with the student and local entrepreneurial communities. Given the success of this pilot programme the university is exploring opportunities to provide a similar venture to Greece, and with other global partners next year.
Logistics platform acquires Tuffnells out of administration
Shift, a UK-based logistics platform, has acquired Tuffnells out of administration via an asset purchase of its IP, brand and selected assets, for an undisclosed amount.
Tuffnells, one of the UK’s largest delivery firms, was placed into administration on 12 June 2023 with the loss of more than 2,000 jobs, after it failed to successfully navigate a number of pressures which impacted trading, including Covid, high cost inflation, and an increasingly competitive market.
Rick Harrison and Howard Smith from Interpath Advisory were appointed joint administrators to Tuffnells.
Headquartered in Sheffield and with 33 depots across the UK, privately-owned Tuffnells specialises in the distribution of mixed freight and handling items of irregular dimension and weight (IDW) throughout the UK. For the year ending 31 December 2021, Tuffnells generated revenue of £178.1 million, with an operating profit of £2.3 million, 24% higher than the previous year.
Shift is a British-based technology company with global ambition. Founded in 2017 by Jacob Corlett, Chief Executive Officer, the company is transforming the delivery and logistics industry through its tech-based platform, creating an on-demand delivery marketplace.
Jacob Corlett, CEO of Shift, said: “We are delighted to announce today that we have acquired Tuffnells out of administration and we are in the process of incorporating the business into our tech-based logistics platform.
“Tuffnells is one of the UK’s most recognisable logistics companies, which provides delivery services to over 4,000 businesses across the UK and this acquisition will significantly increase our logistics coverage across the country.
“The acquisition supports our vision for Shift’s tech-driven logistics platform to disrupt both consumer and business logistics, through cutting edge AI driven routing decisions and driver management efficiency. We are also currently in dialogue with relevant parties to enable us to reopen some depots and provide re-employment opportunities.”
Richard Harrison, Managing Director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: “We are pleased to have concluded this transaction which secures the future of one of the UK’s longest standing and well-recognised courier brands, as well helping to facilitate an opportunity for the purchaser to generate a number of jobs.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the employees and other stakeholders who have supported us throughout the administration process to date.”
Business Leaders discuss what’s needed to drive Hull’s regeneration
Business leaders have discussed what’s needed to drive the regeneration of the UK during a meeting with shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds in Hull.
The head of one of East Yorkshire’s leading SMEs said his organisation is eager to see a change of government at the next general election having thrived under previous Labour governments and now feeling let down by empty promises of levelling up.
Gerard Toplass, another key figure as group CEO of The 55 Group, hosted the visit at the headquarters in the Old Town of Hull. He said he was impressed with Mr Reynolds’ commitment to work with businesses to rebuild Britain.
Accompanied by Hull West and Hessle MP Emma Hardy, Mr Reynolds welcomed nearly 20 corporate heavyweights and leaders of business organisations to a lunch and later returned to Bar 55 to meet some of the rising stars of the regional business community.
He also visited Centres for Digital Innovation, set up in Hull’s Fruit Market areas as a group of incubators to help tech companies grow and traditional businesses innovate.
Mr Reynolds said: “I have one of the most interesting jobs in the shadow government, having the chance to visit any business in the country working on Labour’s economic policies.
“It’s been fantastic visiting Hull and you have so much to be proud of here with carbon capture and storage and companies working on technology to measure how people are heating their homes.
“My job is to listen and learn and try to put forward policies that will help. I can’t run people’s businesses for them but hopefully I can influence the business environment in which they work.”
He told the young entrepreneurs: “You are going to live through a time of incredible change and incredible opportunity. You should not be nostalgic for the past but you should seek to want to make the most of the changes. Many of the big economic and social problems we face are the result of not handling change well.
“The deal that younger people in the UK have right now compared to previous generations is a far less attractive one. We need to engage with younger people in the political system and appeal for people of all ages to care about the political system.”
Planning permissions secured for ground-breaking renewable-focused hub
Planning has been granted for Projekt Renewable to land in Grimsby. Supported by myenergi, RWE Renewables UK and the Town Deal, phase one of this ground-breaking scheme promises not only to celebrate the opportunities presented by sustainable energy production in the area and be a catalyst for the green economic regeneration of the town but also to bridge the gap between industry and community with a summer offering for everyone to enjoy.
With the aim of bringing together Grimsby’s celebrated small businesses this summer in a pop-up style programme of events, Projekt Renewable will ensure this hub of discovery is the centre of attention during the coast’s high season this year.
An immersive educational and cultural destination, Projekt Renewable will be landing – quite literally – in Alexandra Dock within a matter of weeks.
Projekt director, Richard Askam, added: “It’s taken two years of hard work to get to this stage and now, over the next weeks, we’ll bring Phase One of Projekt Renewable to life. Designed to allow everyone to see and hear the opportunity that already exists in our area but is still largely hidden.
“It’s time to write the next chapter in Grimsby’s history, and that is as a world leader in renewable energy. A huge thank you goes out to everyone that has been involved and supported so far, especially Richard Dowson who has been instrumental in getting Projekt off the ground.”
North East Lincolnshire Council leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “On behalf of everyone at the council, I would like to thank all the individuals and partners who have had the vision and determination to make Projekt Renewable a reality.
“The success of our young people will define North East Lincolnshire’s future and we need them to see the opportunities that are on their doorsteps and be inspired to take those opportunities. Projekt Renewable will do just that.”
The driving force behind the delivery of Projekt Renewable is WhiteCrate – the container architecture design and production company – having successfully delivered many projects, pushing the boundaries and perceptions of the humble shipping container and creating destinations and spaces, throughout the UK and Europe; including innovative markets in Altrincham and Wolverhampton, Hatch in Manchester and even the Fan Park at Liverpool FC.
And while residents and visitors are being urged to soak up the summer programme, local music and pop-up food and drinks vendors that appear, Jon Flowerdew, Managing Director at WhiteCrate Ltd, explains that this is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the goals, they have set for Projekt Renewable.
“WhiteCrate is incredibly proud to be delivering this transformative regeneration project in Grimsby, as we work together to create a vibrant new destination,” said Jon. “It is a testament to the vision and dedication of all involved that we are shaping a future where communities can thrive, and where Grimsby can shine a light on its thriving renewable energy industry and the opportunities it creates for the region and the UK.
“This project represents WhiteCrate’s commitment to revitalising urban spaces, fostering economic growth, and creating a lasting legacy and destination that will benefit generations to come.”
The first step in a phased destination project, created to inspire young minds and the local community, the launch and summer programme are just the beginning of what will be an ever-evolving narrative.
Emma Brigginshaw, Head of Sustainability and Ethics at myenergi, said: “At myenergi, we are focused on removing the barriers to a greener future. Our mission is a commitment to pioneering a simple transition to renewable energy, so we are passionate about showcasing the benefits of renewable energy and showing people how they can harness these benefits for themselves, to gain greater energy independence.
“We are proud to support Projekt Renewable, which will not only help educate and inspire future talent and the local community but thanks to its facilities, will be able to share this message with a much bigger audience nationwide.”
Guy Middleton, General Manager for the RWE Grimsby Hub, added: “As a founding patron of Projekt Renewable, we are delighted to have reached this important milestone for the project.
“Projekt Renewable is such an important resource for the local region and the wider renewables industry and we are so excited to be a part of it! It is vital that we can demonstrate what the renewables industry has to offer the younger generation and encourage them to consider roles in our industry if we are going to meet our net zero targets.”
Chloe McKeown, Social Media and Marketing Manager at Mockingbird Street Food, said: “This project is something Mockingbird would love to wholeheartedly champion. A celebration of both Grimsby’s rich history and its exciting future within the renewable energy industry, we love the community focus at the core of Projekt Renewable.
“As a company, Mockingbird are fully committed to all things ‘Great Grimsby’ and it’s fantastic to see the plans in place to raise youth aspirations within Grimsby and beyond, which will without doubt inspire the next generation of very proud, successful Grimbarians.
“The message that Grimsby and its surrounding areas are cool and accessible, but also aspirational is something we try to regularly promote as part of our brand ethos, and something we are delighted that Projekt Renewable shares.”
The team and patrons supporting Projekt Renewable aim to bring emerging careers in renewables to life with an immersive experience that the community and schools can get deeply involved with. VR experiences and hands-on demonstrations of the jobs available in the Humber ‘energy estuary’ will be housed in the trio of containers, which will also function as workspaces for local businesses and creatives.
The Projekt team is also looking to launch their own Projekt-podcast utilising the on-site studio. Hosted by Richard Askam in the first instance, the podcast will shine a light on those already invested and working within the renewables sector and also showcase how the local community can create user-generated content, powerful in its own right, allowing the people to ‘own’ the space and connect with it on a deeper level.
Officially supported by the home-grown talent that is to be found at RWE Renewables UK, myenergi, North East Lincolnshire Council, the Crown Estate, WhiteCrate, Forrester Boyd, Wilkin Chapman, Knapton Wright, Docks Academy and Mockingbird, the collective vision is for Projekt Renewable to gain national significance.
With the ability to beam into primary and secondary schools and further and higher education establishments up and down the country, but starting with the local area, Projekt Renewable plans on using hand-picked experts in the purpose-built dedicated studio to create their own PRG Studio Content.
Bursting with relevant but exciting content and connecting with schools throughout the full academic year, Projekt Renewable will be bringing the renewables industry alive for school children and the younger generation, educating with purpose and creating UK homegrown talent and the next generation of renewable energy experts.
Leeds opens consultation on plans for George Street beside Kirkgate Market
Businesses in Leeds are being encouraged to help shape ambitious plans for the regeneration of the George Street side of the city centre’s historic Kirkgate Market.
Leeds City Council is hoping to replace a row of vacant low-rise buildings on George Street with a six-storey development that would include a 143-room hotel as well as a state-of-the-art gym and new commercial units.
Initial proposals for the scheme have been considered by the council’s city plans panel and a community consultation has now been launched so that businesses, residents, and other stakeholders get the best possible opportunity to have their say on the project.
The results of the consultation – which runs until July 7 – will be used to help fine-tune a full planning application that is due for submission in the coming weeks.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “Leeds Kirkgate Market is a much-loved landmark for the people of our city, and we’re determined to give it a future that is every bit as bright as its past.
“This exciting project would help us do exactly that, not only by creating a new gateway to the market from George Street but also by improving the attractiveness and vibrancy of the area as a whole.
“We would encourage as many people as possible to get involved with the consultation and play their part in making the scheme a success.”
The new development would complement the ongoing transformation of the area around the market, which is home to the Victoria Gate retail destination and other key sites such as the refurbished Leeds Playhouse and Leeds City College’s Quarry Hill campus.
The project is also seen as a way of driving further footfall into the market, which is already attracting more than 400,000 visitors a month after benefiting from a multi-million pound investment programme.
The scheme would be developed by the council, with the hotel element being run by a nationally-recognised operator.
Its gym, meanwhile, would be run by the council, improving the local ‘fitness offer’ for people living in both the city centre and nearby communities.
The development would create about 50 new full and part-time jobs once operational, with around 80 jobs being supported during construction.
Clifton Business Park ambitions take step forward
Calderdale Council is progressing its longstanding ambition to transform a large site in Clifton into a thriving business park, to create 1,300 jobs and major benefits for Calderdale and West Yorkshire.
In line with the Council’s priority for thriving towns and places, the proposed Clifton Business Park would support economic growth, bring opportunities for local people and businesses, and build on the significant level of aspiration in Calderdale.
The Council has been seeking funds to make the land viable for sustainable development. Following unsuccessful bids for the Government’s Levelling Up Fund grants, the Council has now launched a tender to potentially bring a specialist developer on board as a partner with expertise to ensure the delivery of commercial units at Clifton Business Park.
If the tender process results in a suitable joint venture, the developer would work alongside the Council to finance and manage the design, planning, construction and marketing of the scheme. They would work together to explore ways to maximise the value of the scheme and combine their individual expertise to deliver maximum benefit to local and regional businesses.
The Council remains confident in the potential of Clifton Business Park because undeveloped new employment land of this scale, with its vast range of distinctive qualities, is rare. The site already has planning permission, there is high demand from businesses to locate there, and it’s close to the M62. There is also a strong local workforce and Brighouse town centre nearby. As an Enterprise Zone, Clifton could be transformational, making a large impact across the entire borough and West Yorkshire region. Enterprise Zones are designated areas aimed at new and expanding firms that provide tax breaks and Government support.
Cllr Jane Scullion, Calderdale Council’s leader, said: “We want people to feel pride in the place where they live and do business, and a key part of this is the Council’s commitment to support all parts of Calderdale to thrive. We also want to build on our borough’s strong contribution to the wider West Yorkshire economy.
“The proposed Clifton Business Park – a major regeneration project – aims to do just that. It’s an example of our ambition for Calderdale, and our aim to make things happen in line with our Vision 2024 for Calderdale and the Local Plan.
“The site has the potential to create 1,300 high-quality new jobs for Calderdale and West Yorkshire, attract significant investment and new businesses into Brighouse, support our inclusive economic recovery through sustainable development, and add to local climate action through new walking and cycling routes, trees and plants.
“So, we’re being bold and saying Clifton is worth investing in. We’re determined to make the Business Park a reality through an enterprising new route, exploring the option of bringing in an external partner with expertise in moving sites like this forward.”
Work will progress throughout the year to consider tender responses and confirm whether a joint venture is appropriate. Reports about the next steps and funding requirements for Clifton will be discussed by Cabinet and Full Council in early 2024.
Duo of Yorkshire industrial assets sold for £16.1m
AEW UK REIT has sold two industrial assets in Yorkshire for £16.1m.
Euroway Trading Estate in Bradford has been purchased for £6.45m after being acquired in November 2016 for £4.95m.
At acquisition, the property benefitted from a new eight-year term certain to Advanced Supply Chain (BFD) Ltd. In December 2019, the company completed a rent review which resulted in a 9.1% annual rental uplift.
Lockwood Court in Leeds was sold for £9.65m after being acquired in February 2019 for £7.32m. The property was acquired with the benefit of a new 10-year lease to L.W.S. (Yorkshire) Ltd, guaranteed by Harrogate Spring Water. In December 2019, AEWU secured a new 10-year lease to Harrogate Spring Water, following L.W.S. entering into liquidation.
Laura Elkin, portfolio manager, AEW UK REIT plc, said: “Both Euroway Trading Estate and Lockwood Court have performed well, delivering strong returns to AEWU shareholders since acquisition.
“The value creation through strong performance of the Yorkshire industrial markets, coupled with our successful asset management initiatives, presented an opportunity to crystallise capital growth and reinvest the sales proceeds into higher yielding opportunities. As such, we expect to make further purchase announcements in the coming months.”
Yorkshire Water signs ten-year renewable power deal with Shell Energy
Yorkshire Water has entered into a 10-year power purchase agreement with Shell Energy Europe Limited to buy renewable energy generated by the Thanet and Dogger Bank offshore wind farms.
Shell has offtake agreements with both Dogger Bank and Thanet, will supply Yorkshire Water with approximately 16% of its electricity needs, from October 2023.
Situated off the coast of Kent, Thanet’s 100 wind turbines have an operational installed capacity of 300 megawatts Dogger Bank is situated off the north-east coast of England. When fully operational it will be one of the largest wind farms in the world with an installed capacity of 3,600 MW.
Dan Oxley, Yorkshire Water commercial programme manager, said: “Our ambition is to use less energy and procure more renewable energy to help us achieve our net-zero emissions goal and this deal with Shell Energy aligns with our sustainability targets.
“It takes a significant amount of energy to keep taps flowing and toilets flushing, and energy is one of our largest operational costs. This 10-year deal will help protect us from volatility in the energy market, which we have seen in recent years. Ultimately, partnerships such as this will help to reduce our costs and provide better value for the people of Yorkshire.”
Rupen Tanna, head of power at Shell Energy Europe Limited, said: “Shell Energy Europe offers a range of clean power solutions to help customers reduce their carbon emissions and we are pleased to support Yorkshire Water in decarbonising their operations through our growing portfolio of renewable energy supply.”
Goole business could share in £4m to spruce up town centre premises
The Goole Town Deal programme has launched a £4million Property Activation Fund grant scheme to encourage developers, property owners, and tenants to make improvements to buildings in Goole town centre and bring empty or under-used sites back into use.
The Property Activation Fund aims to make the town centre a more attractive and appealing place to invest in and do business by restoring, refurbishing and, ultimately, reinventing buildings that are empty, under used or in a poor state of repair. A total of £4.175 million is available to help transform buildings and sites within the town centre and will be allocated to applicants in three different size brackets – small (up to £20,000); medium (£20,000 to £314,999); and large (above £315,000). Funding is available to businesses, charities, voluntary sector organisations, learning establishments and public sector organisations in several postcode areas within the town centre. Full details of the eligibility criteria is available in the Property Activation Fund Guidance Document, which will be made available to prospective applicants. More information is available via email to goolepaf@eastriding.gov.uk. They will then be able to complete an Expression of Interest form, outlining details of their business/organisation and the project that they’re seeking funding for. The information provided will be subject to a series of checks to ensure that the business and proposal are eligible. Once this has been confirmed, eligible applicants will then be invited to submit a full application, using the Guidance Document to help them. The Property Activation Fund team will also be attending and arranging further events in the Goole area during the coming months, details of which will be widely publicised to enable as many local property owners as possible to go along and find out more. Andrew Hewitt, Regeneration Project Manager at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “There are two stages to the application process and the first of these is a really quick and simple Expression Of Interest stage. Eligible applicants will then be asked to submitted a full application, which will be appraised by the delivery team and then considered by the Property Activation Fund Investment Panel. Both stages of the application process can be completed via the council’s online Flexigrant Portal. “We’ll be looking to allocate grants of various sizes to sites and premises within the eligible postcode areas as part of our aim to regenerate Goole town centre, finding new uses for sites and creating new attractions to boost footfall and fuel economic growth.”