Steve joins residential property team at Wilkin Chapman in Grimsby
Wilkin Chapman solicitors has added Steve Watson to its Grimsby-based domestic property team in Grimsby.
Senior solicitor Steve grew up in Grimsby but completed his training in Dorset before moving back to Lincolnshire in 2016 to join Wilkin Chapman’s Lincoln office. From there, he moved to another firm in Louth where he spent five years before returning to his home town in Grimsby by rejoining Wilkin Chapman in January 2023.
Steve said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to rejoin Wilkin Chapman and the fantastic team here in Grimsby. In my previous role I built a successful and expert team. Now I have the chance to do the same again but in a bigger arena as Wilkin Chapman is the leading law firm in Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire.
“It’s closer to home for me as well as I live in the area, so I’m looking forward to building up a local client base, assisting what’s already a great team, pushing us forward and making the Grimsby office successful for many years to come.
“I’m looking forward to building relationships with people in Grimsby and the local area, as well as establishing professional links with both brokers and agents as we all work together to achieve good outcomes for people.”
After starting his career focusing on commercial property, Steve quickly made the switch to domestic property as he missed the more people focused element. He said: “I initially went into commercial property as that’s what my mentor specialised in while I was on my training contract. However I quickly realised that I really missed the client interaction.
“Helping people to buy and sell their houses and that moment when people get the keys to their house is really enjoyable to be part of and I enjoy that process.
“Residential property is a bit more transactional than other aspects of law. There’s a very quick turnover – sometimes you’ve got lots of completions on a Friday for example – some people wouldn’t like that but those are the days I enjoy the most.”
Seafood transport goes electric in carbon-cutting trial project
The sustainable transport of seafood in the UK took a major step forward last week at the launch event to celebrate the electrification pilot of Grimsby’s fish van fleet.
The project, led by the University of Lincoln’s National Centre for Food Manufacturing and the Seafood Grimsby and Humber Alliance, will trial electric vans for fish delivery around the country – work currently involving more than 100 conventional vehicles.
It is being supported and funded by the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, UK Government and Toyota UK.
The vans currently used by Grimsby are estimated to have an annual carbon footprint of 2,000 tonnes of CO2, and the project aims to reduce this for at least 10 vans through the length of the pilot scheme.
Val Braybrooks, Dean of the National Centre for Food Manufacturing said: “The Grimsby seafood processing cluster is the largest in UK and makes a significant contribution to the UK agrifood industry, and it is encouraging to see it leading the way in terms of sustainability and carbon reduction.
“The NCFM will oversee the project, monitor the carbon impact and assess the cost effectiveness of the full transition to Electric Vehicles.
“In addition to this, we will be looking at innovation and knowledge exchange. This will include how the vans perform in terms of carbon reduction and economic savings and what could be done to increase the wider take-up of electric vehicles for food delivery. We hope that the success of this project will encourage the wider use of electric vehicles across many more food delivery businesses nationwide.”
The Toyota vans being used in the pilot are listed for sale new at around £40,000, but with a Government EV Grant and support from Greater Lincolnshire LEP and Toyota UK, this is reduced significantly for businesses participating in the project.
Halina Davies, Partnerships and Programmes Executive Manager at the Greater Lincolnshire LEP said: “Greater Lincolnshire is the UK’s Food Valley – one of our game-changing sectors for growth across Lincolnshire. The decarbonisation of the food sector and its logistics chain is a strategic priority for us, and therefore we are delighted to be adding to the suite of projects we are funding for UK Food Valley with the seafood pilot scheme.
“The Grimsby seafood processing cluster is the largest seafood processing and trading cluster in Europe, employing at least 6,000 people with a further 12,000 in the supply chain. However, the cluster is reliant on traditional diesel engine and electrical refrigeration systems which, because of rising energy costs, emissions challenges, sustainability, and carbon net zero agendas, will be under increasing pressure as the UK strives to meet its 2050 decarbonisation goals.”
Change to driver training rules could make recruitment simpler for hauliers
Numbers of HGV, bus and coach drivers could be boosted through proposed reforms to driver training rules, further supporting the UK’s vital supply chain and economic growth.
Some of the proposed changes aim to help make it more affordable and more efficient for drivers to renew their qualifications or return to the industry.
A new consultation launched proposes reforms to the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence, the professional qualification originally introduced by the EU that lorry, bus, coach, and minibus drivers are required to hold in addition to their driving licence.
The government is exploring how to best improve DCPC to increase flexibility and choice for drivers to help safeguard road safety, and support the industry in retaining and recruiting staff.
The key changes include offering in parallel to the existing lengthy training format, which will be reformed, more flexibility with e-learning and a shorter ‘new periodic test’ which could save employees time and companies up to £460 per test in early estimates.
Reforms to training as well as the new cheaper and shorter periodic test will offer an accelerated route for former drivers to return to the sector more easily.
Roads Minister Richard Holden said: “Lorry, bus and coach drivers are some of our economy’s unsung heroes, keeping our goods flowing and ensuring people can hop on the bus to access shops, schools, hospitals and all the essential services they need. That’s why we must look at how we can support the continued growth of this industry.”
DCPC is currently obtained by passing four tests and renewed by completing 35 hours of training every five years, which can cost up to £500 for each individual training.
While supportive of DCPC in principle, the industry has raised concerns that in its current form the qualification is making it more difficult to retain and attract drivers to the sector, with high costs, poor flexibility and extended length of training among the main barriers to progress.
Road Haulage Association Managing Director Richard Smith said: “We welcome the news that DfT is consulting on proposed DCPC reform to offer more choice and flexibility for drivers. This is a key priority for us as we continue to look for ways to tackle skills shortages in the transport sector. We look forward to reflecting our members’ views in the weeks ahead.”
Solicitors choose child cancer charity as the one to support this year
Employees at solicitors Clarion have nominated Yorkshire-based children’s cancer-fighting charity Candlelighters as its chosen charity for the year.
This follows two years of fundraising for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, raising a grand total of £35,500, despite the challenges of Covid lockdowns.
Candlelighters has been helping children with cancer and their families since 1976. It was founded by a group of parents and medical staff who recognised a need for families with children facing childhood cancer to receive extra support.
Lindsey Wrenn, partner in Clarion’s Intellectual Property practice who is leading this year’s charity fundraising, said: “Giving back to the communities in which we work is very much at the heart of Clarion. It’s important that our team have a say in deciding the causes we support as they throw their heart and soul into raising funds for these fantastic charities. We are all very excited to be partnering with Candlelighters which has been changing the lives of the children and families it supports in Yorkshire foralmost 50 years.”
Iain Blackwood Hobbs, partnerships executive for Candlelighters, said: “It means a lot to Candlelighters to have been selected as Clarion’s charity of the year for 2023. Their fundraising this year will make a massive difference to the families that the charity supports, and they will help to fund vital practical, emotional and financial services. We are looking forward to supporting them with the fundraising activities and seeing them take on some exciting challenge events.”
Over the last two years, the Clarion team has undertaken a wide range of activities to raise funds for CHSF which supports the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit (LCHU), a world-class centre of excellence, by providing the funding and resources needed to care for patients and their families. As well as providing life-saving medical equipment, the charity provides parent accommodation and also funds staff training, scientific research and new clinical roles.
From climbing the Yorkshire Three Peaks, running marathons and completing triathlons, to supporting CHSF’s Wear Red Day, World Book Day and holding Advent raffles, Clarion’s charity committee has worked with colleagues to raise funds for CHSF. In December, the team also helped the charity provide Christmas Eve bags for every child in the hospital, including two ‘magic’ knitted snowflakes, one for them to keep with them and one waiting for them at home.
Sophie Morley, partner in Clarion’s Real Estate team who led the firm’s fundraising initiative for the last two years, said: “As ever, the Clarion team have thrown themselves totally into supporting this wonderful charity – we particularly enjoyed the creative photos of the team out and about with CHSF’s Katie Bear mascot! Thanks to every one of them for their enthusiasm and generosity, which combined with some match-funding from the firm, has enabled us to raise such a fantastic amount and help CHSF to continue its life-saving work.”
Andy McNally, head of marketing for CHSF, said: “Children’s Heart Surgery Fund are committed to supporting the 17,000 patients of all ages living with congenital heart disease in our region who pass through the LCHU every year. Clarion’s donations will help CHSF provide life-saving medical equipment, family support including parent accommodation and essential ward resources for the LCHU. CHSF are wholly funded by public donations, and corporate partners like Clarion are vital to enable us to achieve our aims.”
Largest vessel ever to enter the Humber arrives at Immingham Oil Terminal
Five Svitzer tugs helped the largest-ever vessel to enter the Humber to its berth at Immingham Oil Terminal.
The Maran Lupus is 333 metres long and 60 metres wide, and beat the previous record, set 20 years ago, but a meter’s length.
As well as the tugs she was guided in by Humber Marine pilots Ian Cousins and Jason Melles-Sawyers.
Simon Bird, Director of the Humber ports said: “We have made history bringing the largest vessel the Humber has ever seen. It is testament to the tremendous skill of everyone in ABP’s Marine Department as well as the fantastic facilities we have in the Humber Ports that we can support vessels of this kind which play a vital role in supporting the national infrastructure”
The crude oil tanker, built in 2009, is twice the size of a P&O ferry. The last vessel to hold this record was the MV Olympic Legacy, owned by The Onassis Group. At 332 metres overall and a 58 metre beam, it came to the IOT in September 2003. The captain of the Maran Lupus was presented with a port plaque by Paul Bristowe, Head of Marine.
Purchaser sought as administrators appointed to Lincoln wood pellet business
3F Pellets, based in Saxilby, Lincoln, has entered administration.
Established in 2015, the manufacturer and supplier of wood-based pellet products such as cat litter, horse bedding and biomass heating pellets, recently invested heavily in machinery and equipment with a view to further expanding into the Biomass industry, but had unfortunately struggled to break into the market leading to financial difficulties.
Restructuring and recovery specialists Andy Pear and Milan Vuceljic of Moorfields Advisory were appointed joint administrators of the business on 22 February 2023.
Moorfields are now marketing the business and its assets for sale.
Andy Pear, partner at Moorfields, said: “3F Pellets has a good customer base and the right location and equipment but similar to many companies has struggled with new market entry. We hope to find a suitable purchaser for the business and assets who will be able to expand the business as intended.”
Rix Group boosts green credentials with fresh acquisition
J.R. Rix & Sons is continuing to invest in sustainability with the acquisition of its latest business.
The Hull group, which supplies low carbon fuels including HVO and provides services to the offshore wind industry, has purchased Driffield firm J Foley Electrical Ltd for an undisclosed sum.
J Foley Electrical specialises in sustainable energy technologies for consumers and businesses including solar panels, batteries, electric vehicle charging points, and low energy lighting.
The deal will see the company renamed as Rix Energy Services Ltd, initially serving domestic and commercial customers across East Yorkshire.
James Foley, founder of J Foley Electrical Ltd, has been appointed to head up the company.
Rory Clarke, Managing Director of J.R Rix & Sons, said the acquisition was part of an ongoing strategy of investment into sustainable energy provision.
He said: “For more than a century the Rix brand has been synonymous with providing the fuel to keep homes and families warm, to power businesses, and to keep vehicles moving.
“We are as committed to doing this today as we have been throughout our 150 year history.
“However, the world is moving away from traditional hydrocarbon fuels and we, as a group, are committed to making that move as well, to help create a more sustainable, environmentally friendly world.
“The acquisition of J Foley Electrical enables us to further achieve this by helping our customers decarbonise their homes and their businesses. It is a very exciting move.”
The new business will be closely aligned with new companies within the Rix group including Leasemate which is focused on the supply of primarily electric and hybrid vehicles and Accountabl which offers expense management and carbon accounting.
These latest developments are part of J.R. Rix & Sons’ ongoing strategy to help businesses and consumers lower their carbon footprint and their energy spend.
James Foley said the decision to sell the business he had built had not been an easy one, but it had been prompted by his mother’s decision to retire from carrying out a business administration role in the company at Christmas.
He added that as a family-owned business, J.R. Rix & Sons shared the same values of service and integrity as him, and that was an important factor in deciding to sell to the group.
He said: “As a long-established and substantial business, Rix will be able to provide the administrative support, finance and access to the best products that will give me the ability to realise my ambition and vision to grow the business.”
The new business will be overseen by Duncan Lambert, J.R. Rix & Son’s board director and Managing Director of Rix Petroleum.
Mr Lambert said he was looking forward to helping the company’s domestic and business clients reduce their energy bills and their carbon footprint.
“This is a very exciting acquisition that will enable us to bring significant benefits to our customers,” he said.
J.R. Rix & Sons Ltd is a family business headquartered in Hull but with a national footprint extending from Aberdeen in the north to Essex in the south and from Chester in the west across to East Anglia.
The business employs around 1,000 people across the UK and consists of a large portfolio of companies including fuel supplier Rix Petroleum, ship and warehouse operator Rix Shipping, Rix Renewables which services and maintains on and off-shore wind turbines, holiday home and lodge manufacturer Victory Leisure Homes and car retail business Jordans Cars.
Work to begin on Kingsgate development in Huddersfield
Huddersfield will soon see exciting changes happening when work on the long-awaited Kingsgate development starts in March.
Supported by Kirklees Council, developer WD Kingsgate will make major changes to the centre, bringing cinema and engaging leisure activities to the offering, alongside the existing shops.
Work to redevelop the 90,000 square foot, former House of Fraser store will begin in early March with a target opening date for the complex of September 2024.
The Kingsgate Centre is a key focus of Huddersfield’s town centre offer and is in a prime location next to the council’s planned Cultural Heart project. Therefore these complementary projects will transform the leisure offering in the town centre, improving the experience for residents and visitors alike.
The cinema and leisure proposition will be operated by The Light, who already operate 12 other venues across the country with another opening in Surrey this year. The Light will offer six state of the art cinema screens, ten bowling lanes, alongside a variety of other leisure activities and food offerings which will be revealed in the lead up to the opening.
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “We are committed to helping businesses thrive in Kirklees and I am delighted that the council has worked very closely with WD Kingsgate to help them to deliver this scheme.
“Kingsgate is a key destination within the town centre, and the redevelopment will complement the existing shops and become an important family-friendly leisure destination. The developer’s vision for the project is in line with our own Blueprint ambitions for the town centre and will help create the perfect mix of retail, culture and leisure.”
Peter Everest of WD Kingsgate added: “I am grateful for the council’s support in delivering this scheme. We are excited about bringing a high-quality cinema in to Huddersfield town centre alongside a variety of other food and leisure outlets.
“Our redeveloped centre will create a new destination within the town centre that gives the opportunity to shop, eat and see the latest films all within a stone’s throw of the other planned town centre developments.”
Keith Pullinger, founder of The Light, added: “We are thrilled to be opening in Huddersfield and offering the residents a great place to engage in fun activities and experience exceptional cinema. Our spaces are known and loved for offering somewhere to bring friends and family together, providing entertainment whatever the occasion.”
West Yorkshire businesses to benefit from new productivity-boosting scheme
Small and medium enterprises across West Yorkshire can get new support to boost productivity in the region.
The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, has launched the service to boost productivity and to help ease growing pressure on the region’s businesses.
This will highlight key barriers to improving productivity and work with businesses to develop the tools needed to address them.
In the first phase of the service, businesses, with between five and 100 employees, will receive advice and support on how to boost productivity. Once that is complete, a vast majority of them will be offered grants for new equipment to address further productivity gaps.
Speaking about the Business Productivity Service, Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said: “We must support West Yorkshire’s hardworking businesses during this difficult time as they grapple with record levels of inflation.
“Helping boost productivity means businesses in West Yorkshire will thrive and continue to create good jobs for people living here in the region. This work builds on the success we’ve been having helping businesses and I’d encourage as many as possible to take up the support.”
Two pilot schemes of the service were run in 2019 and 2020, and one of the firms that benefited saw its turnover increase by 9% in just four months.
Stainless-steel manufacturer Pland Stainless Ltd benefitted from financial support towards new equipment and was also offered expert advice. The Leeds-based company saw its productivity rise by 1.5% – exceeding the target by 0.7% thanks to the support.
Speaking of the pilot service’s success, Steve Duree, Managing Director at Pland Stainless Ltd, said: “Our home has always been in Leeds so were justifiably proud of the location and our association with this great city. Much of our workforce live in and around the city and it’s great to be able to contribute to the local economy.”
He added: “Investment in more energy efficient and newer machinery supported through the service saw us quickly increase our turnover and profitability thereby allowing us to continue with further investments.”
The new package of business support follows fresh warnings that 5,000 businesses in the region will be disproportionately affected by higher energy bills as the government’s Energy Bill Relief Scheme comes to an end in April 2023.
Chair of the Business, Economy and Innovation Committee Cllr Shabir Pandor has also welcomed the service which is set to make a difference for SME’s.
Cllr Pandor said: “To have a targeted package of support like this will be vital for businesses across West Yorkshire.
“We’ve seen huge pressure on our communities over the last few months, but we’re doing what we can to support and help people across Wet Yorkshire.
“We have already seen the success of this scheme during its pilot, and I am delighted it will be in place over a long period to help Small Medium Enterprises during this time.”
Leeds industrial unit snapped up
Eshton Group has expanded its portfolio of commercial property in West Yorkshire with the acquisition of a prominent industrial unit in a prime location in Leeds.
Located on Astley Way Industrial Estate in Swillington, the asset covers nearly two and a half acres and includes a 37,740 sq ft two-storey industrial unit comprising warehouse and office space, plus an oversized yard, which Eshton intends to fully refurbish and let, as rental demand booms in the region.
David Aspland, director at Eshton Group, said: “Industrial buildings like this are hugely important. There’s a severe shortage of quality industrial property, especially in this region. Once refurbished, competition for this calibre of opportunity – with significant square footage and excellent transport links – is expected to be high.”
Carter Towler and Lambert Smith Hampton’s Leeds office have been appointed to act for Eshton on the ongoing marketing of the unit.
