AI company raises £500k to roll out social housing platform
An artificial intelligence (AI) company, which has launched a new platform to help social landlords manage rent arrears, has raised a further £500,000 from NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.
Pivigo’s platform – that is already used by Peabody, London Borough of Camden, Community Housing and Cobalt – uses machine learning to help maximise rent collection, identify tenants most in need of support and transforms productivity.
The latest funding follows an initial £1.25m investment from Mercia and NPIF in 2021, which helped the Sheffield-based company to develop the platform. Since then it has more than doubled the size of its team to over 20. The latest round will enable Pivigo to create new jobs, boost its sales and marketing, and roll out the product to more social landlords.
Founded in 2013 by entrepreneur Jason Muller, Pivigo started out as a consultancy delivering bespoke solutions for clients including AstraZeneca, Royal Mail, Compare The Market and the Food Standards Agency. It went on to develop an ‘AI as a service’ platform that could be adapted to create different products for different sectors. Its social housing product Occupi is the first of these.
The roll-out is being led by its CEO Alexandra Willard, who was previously CEO of connected car company Tantalum and was Entrepreneur-in-Residence at UK chip maker Imagination Technologies.
Alex Willard, who is the company’s CEO, said: “Managers can only make decisions on the basis of the data insights available, however most organisations lack data insights so make poor decisions. Machine learning radically improves the odds – helping to improve outcomes and profitability. Our product enables organisations to feel the benefits without the need for their own data science team.
“We are pleased to be working with Mercia to roll it out to social landlords, especially at the current time when the cost of living crisis is putting their tenants’ finances under greater pressure.”
Will Clark of Mercia added: “Social landlords have to strike a difficult balance – maintaining the flow of rental income and preventing a build-up of arrears while supporting those most in need. Pivigo’s platform helps them manage their operations more intelligently and redefine their approach to arrears management. We believe there is a huge potential market, not just in the UK but in other countries with a big social housing sector. The funding will help Pivigo to tap into that.”
Manufacturing and distribution facility planned for East Yorkshire business park
Detailed plans have been submitted for a manufacturing and distribution facility at an East Yorkshire business park.
Horncastle Group, supported by The Harris Partnership, has submitted a reserved matters application to East Riding of Yorkshire Council for the first development plot to be brought forward on Phase 2 of Ozone Business Park in Howden.
The plans for Plot A, which measures 15.96 acres, comprise the construction of a manufacturing and distribution facility.
The units would have a gross external area of about 300,000 sq ft and feature ancillary office space along with 80 car parking spaces, ten cycle spaces and eight HGV parking spaces.
Ozone Business Park, which is home to the likes of Warburtons, DHL and Timloc, is located to the South of the site.
Finance teams raise £6,000 in restaurant challenge
Forrester Boyd and Barclays employees have swapped professional attire for chefs’ whites and aprons to take part in a cooking competition which raised more than £6,000 for Grimsby’s St. Andrew’s Hospice, with the £3,010 raised by the event matched by Barclays.
Volunteers from both firms took to the kitchens and front of house at The Gallery Restaurant based at the Grimsby Institute. The event called ‘The Ultimate Cook Fundraiser’ saw 23 guests invited to experience dining at the hands of the volunteer chefs. The guests then donated what they felt the experience was worth.
Six volunteers from each firm headed into the kitchens with another four in the restaurant to do the serving. The teams were competing against each other for prizes such as ‘best chef’, ‘best front of house’, ‘best dish’ and of course, ‘most money raised’. Teams in the kitchen were handed ingredients and had to come up with a 3 course meal. Supported by year 3 students and tutors from the Grimsby Institute, the teams then had to prepare and cook for their guests. Front of house teams then had to prepare their tables, including learning how to fold napkins. They also had to describe and design their own menus for guests.
The Hospice’s Caitlin Brewitt said: “We cannot thank the volunteers enough not only for this amazing donation but also the awareness this has raised for the Hospice. It was so much fun being able to watch the event take place and to speak to both staff and guests. It was a brilliant event and so well organised.”
Garret Busby, Culinary Skills Programme Leader at the Grimsby Institute said, “We were approached by Forrester Boyd and St Andrew’s Hospice who had the idea to create an event like this. As a leader in further and higher education we are an integral part of the community and as such, like to get involved in things that give something back. Not only has the event raised funds for St Andrew’s Hospice, but it has also given our catering and hospitality students the opportunity to get involved in something a little bit different. They did a fantastic job in guiding and supporting the volunteers in our kitchens and front of house.”
This was the launch event for The Ultimate Cook, but Garret hopes that this may spark interest in other firms to get involved. Not only does it provide a unique client entertainment experience but it is also a great team building experience, not to mention the chance to beat the competition to winning the coveted ‘Ultimate Cook’ prize.
Kevin Hopper, Managing Partner at Forrester Boyd worked in the kitchen. He said, “I really did not expect to enjoy this as much as I did. The students who helped us were tough, they definitely knew how to crack the whip. With service running to strict timings and so many elements to all the dishes, there were so many things that could go wrong. Having the students there to help and guide us really helped to ensure we had everything ready when it was needed. It was an absolutely fantastic experience and I would not hesitate to do it again. I was blown away by the amount raised. I would like to think that it was down to the exceptional quality of our cooking but think it might be a little bit more to do with the generosity of our guests.”
Outlook’s bleak for business, says British Chambers of Commerce
The outlook for business remains bleak, according to BCC Director General Shevaun Haviland, pictured, having studied the results of the organisations latest survey of 5,600 firms, more than 90% of them SMEs.
She said: “The outlook from businesses remains bleak. Now, more than ever, we need to create the right conditions for firms to invest and grow.
“Providing businesses with clarity regarding the new energy support package must be top of the Government’s agenda for the New Year, after they failed to do so before Christmas.
“We urge Government to promote business growth by investing in public infrastructure and incentivising international trade, with a particular emphasis on making the UK the global hub for green innovation.
“Barriers to trade must be removed in order to allow firms realise their full trading potential. The impasse over the Northern Ireland Protocol continues to loom and the UK Government must work with the European Commission to reach a negotiated solution on its business compliance burdens.
“The Government’s New Year’s resolution should be to put business support for SMEs at the heart of its agenda and get the UK back on the road to recovery.”
The survey revealed that business confidence, conditions and sales have stabilised at low levels, while inflation remains the top external factor of concern.
The research took place between November 7 and November 30, across the period the Government’s Autumn Statement was announced.
The percentage of firms reporting increased domestic sales has stabilised at the low level reported in Q3. Only 33% of firms experienced an increase in sales over the past three months, while 25% of firms reported a decrease in sales and 42% report no change.
Activity in the retail and hospitality sectors remains particularly weak. Both sectors are firmly in ‘negative territory’, with more firms reporting a decrease in sales than an increase over the past three months.
The hospitality sector is also struggling to operate at full capacity; three quarters (74%) of hospitality businesses reported they are operating below capacity.
More firms continued to report decreased cash flow versus increased cash flow.
Only 24% of business said their cash flow has increased over the last three months, while 30% have seen it decrease.
After business confidence plummeted in Q3, firms continued to report a negative outlook for the future in Q4. Less than half (44%) of firms expect their turnover to increase over the next 12 months, while 25% expect a decrease. Those expecting turnover to increase remains ten percentage points down from a level of 54% in Q2 2022.
Profitability confidence remains much weaker than turnover confidence and has stabilised at Covid-crisis levels. Only one in three (34%) businesses believe their profits will increase over the coming year, while 36% now expect a decrease.
Increases to business investment remain low. Only 21% of firms reported an increase to plant/equipment investment over the past three months, while 57% reported no change, and 22% reported a decrease.
The percentage of firms expecting their prices to rise over the coming months (60%) remains near record highs but is showing slight signs of easing, down from 62% in Q3.
Concern about inflation also remains at record highs; 80% of firms cited inflation as a growing worry to their business. But there are also significant jumps in the percentage of firms concerned about taxation (38%) and interest rates (43%).
David Bharier, Head of Research at the BCC, said: “These results provide further confirmation that business conditions deteriorated significantly in the second half of 2022.
“The situation remains critical for the majority of SMEs who find themselves cut adrift by monumental inflationary pressures, often driving triple-digit percentage cost increases, particularly on energy.
“Business confidence remains worryingly low, with only a third of firms reporting improvements to sales, and less than a quarter reporting increased investment. The widespread economic damage caused by Covid shutdowns has been compounded by subsequent inflation, global trade crises, and new trade barriers with the EU. For many SMEs, the cost of doing business is now simply too high.
“While the change in administrations from Truss to Sunak may have stabilised markets, the Autumn Statement on 17 November appears to have had no impact on business confidence. Indeed, while inflation is still by far and away the top concern for businesses, taxation has now become far more of an issue for SMEs.
“These results reaffirm the need to create a stable environment for businesses to invest, with energy, improvements to infrastructure, access to skills, and removal of trade barriers, particularly with the EU, all top priorities for firms.”
Spencer Group upgrades rail depot in Manchester in £1.8m project
Hull-based engineering company Spencer Group has completed a £1.8m upgrade project at Manchester International Depot, transforming it into a modern train servicing and stabling facility.
The depot was built in the early 1990s as part of a plan to operate international Eurostar train services from Manchester to Europe via the Channel Tunnel. However, the plan never came to fruition and the depot has remained underused. Dan Whittle, Spencer Group’s Operations Director (M&E), said: “This project is an example of Spencer Group providing a complete solution which meets our client’s needs. We’ve taken it from feasibility to implementation and completion utilising our in-house design capabilities. We’ve also developed and installed a bespoke CET system ourselves, based on extensive research. “Our skillset means we can deliver projects like this in their entirety. We’re adaptable and flexible too, meaning we’re able to tailor our delivery to the client’s needs.” Craig Wood, Northern’s Project Manager, said: “These works to upgrade Manchester International Depot will have a positive impact on services across the region. “We’ve worked with Spencer Group before and they have an outstanding reputation across the industry for their professionalism and the quality of their work. “They’re extremely focused on safety, which is clearly of paramount importance in the rail industry, and we’ve been really impressed with their work.”John Good Group names new Chief People Officer
Rachel Lowe has joined the John Good Group as Chief People Officer having held leadership roles at Victoria Plum, Ramsden International and other leading blue chip companies.
As Chief People Officer at the Hessle-based sixth-generation family business she will be responsible for driving new ideas and initiatives to enhance the development and growth of our team members. She will also be leading the implementation of various programs designed to support the professional development of our workforce.
Rachel said: “This is an exciting time to be joining the organisation, as it is full of ambitious plans and projects that will have a positive impact on not only the team members within the group but also the communities that we support. I am looking forward to working with the team and bringing my expertise to help drive growth and development within the organisation”.
Adam Walsh, John Good Group CEO, added: “We are delighted to welcome Rachel to the John Good Group as Chief People Officer. Rachel brings a lot of great experience and expertise in human resources, and we are confident that she will be
Rotherham-based business services and IT providers acquire TALL Group
Parseq, the Rotherham-based business services and IT providers, has acquired TALL Group, a UK leader in the provision of secure print and payment solutions.
The acquisition establishes Parseq as one of the largest independent providers of specialist document and payment processing services in the UK, increasing its headcount to more than 520 staff based in 12 offices across the UK, Bulgaria and India. The TALL Group’s secure document and payment processing solutions will be incorporated into Parseq’s own established systems, allowing clients to benefit from the operational synergies and economies of scale offered by the integration.
The TALL Group will be transferring across to Parseq in its entirety, including TALL Security Print, Checkprint and DLRT which combine to form the TALL Group of Companies. It operates from three sites in Runcorn, Hinckley and Lisburn, Northern Ireland, and counts major UK banks and blue-chip companies among its clients. These will be incorporated into Parseq’s existing global client base including leading telecoms operators, major utility providers and FTSE 100 financial services companies.
The TALL Group’s Managing Director, Martin Ruda, will work with Parseq’s CEO, Craig Naylor-Smith to help set a strategy for the combined business. Parseq is a portfolio company of Parabellum Investments, a family office operating as a global private equity firm. Led by founder and CEO Rami Cassis, Parabellum Investments is a hands-on, highly active investor. It uses its own capital to grow companies both organically and through acquisition, leveraging its principal’s first-hand management experience and pan-sector track record.
Craig Naylor-Smith, CEO, Parseq, said: “This is an important milestone for our business. Bringing the TALL Group into the fold will give us the offering we need to continue our international expansion and deepen the existing relationships we have with some of the biggest businesses in the UK. The acquisition of the TALL Group, together with other exciting opportunities in the pipeline, means we are entering 2023 on a very firm footing for further growth.”
Martin Ruda, Managing Director, the TALL Group, added: “We have worked in partnership with Parseq many times, and offer complimentary, technology-led services, which makes us joining forces a natural evolution of our relationship that will make it easier to accelerate growth and expand the services we offer as a part of a bigger organisation. We also share the same vision and values and are committed to helping our clients run more efficient, secure businesses, all to the ultimate benefit of their customers.”
The TALL Group directors William Lamb and Peter Andrew are retiring after more than 30 years with the business.
Smart energy technology firm to acquire Leeds energy analytics and IoT company
SolarEdge Technologies, a global leader in smart energy technology, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the entire share capital of Hark Systems.
Founded in 2016 and based in Leeds, Hark offers a highly flexible Software as a Service (SaaS) Internet of Things (IoT) platform that allows enterprises and asset operators to connect, analyze and optimize industrial assets and energy in their commercial sites. Hark’s technology enables rapid deployment and commissioning across multiple sites. Hark’s customer base is comprised of diverse industries, including some of the largest supermarket chains in the UK.
The acquisition of Hark is expected to enable SolarEdge to offer its commercial and industrial (C&I) customers expanded capabilities in energy management and connectivity, including identification of potential energy savings, detection of anomalies in assets’ energy consumption, and optimization of energy usage and carbon emissions through load orchestration and storage control.
“Hark’s SaaS platform will enable us to grow our extensive commercial and industrial energy management portfolio and offer additional services to our C&I customers,” said Zvi Lando, CEO, SolarEdge Technologies. “Coupled with our smart energy solutions, Hark’s advanced technological capabilities can provide enterprises with greater transparency and control of their energy usage and carbon emissions.”
“SolarEdge has revolutionized how solar energy is harvested and managed and has deployed millions of smart energy management systems globally. We are excited to be able to be a part of the SolarEdge offering and join their global infrastructure to assist enterprises in the C&I market to manage their energy in a more efficient and sustainable way,” said Jordan Appleson, CEO and co-founder, Hark Systems.
The acquisition is subject to certain customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals and is expected to close during the second quarter of 2023.
Nano Park at Armley “fully let in record time”
The Nano Park Company, which specialises in creating combined workshop and office space across Yorkshire, has announced its development in Armley has been fully let in record time.
The Nano Park Company bought a one-acre site off Pickering Street, Armley from the Yorkshire textile company James Hare in March 2020.
Bradford-based specialist construction company Percy Pickard Contractors, led by construction director Chris Balme, finished building work this summer – and already seven hybrid nano units and two 2,000 sq ft high-end industrial units are occupied, creating 50 new and sustainable jobs for Armley.
Edward Marshall of the Bradford-based Nano Park Company said: “We are incredibly proud that our latest Nano Park has been fully let before completion and in record time. This is a ringing endorsement of our Nano Park concept, which features warehousing space on the ground floor, with offices above, providing an ideal base for small and fledgling companies and satellite operations for larger firms.
“This is another of our fully-let Nano parks in Yorkshire, underling the fact that we are leading the way in hybrid working business parks and are fast becoming the top name in small unit development.”
The new tenants at Armley are: Niba Nail Care; ELR Style; PMP Distribution; T4mation, 5create; Optadent Solutions; Tungsten Media; and Libation Rum.
Edward Marshall continued: “I would like to say a special thank you to Max Vause of Carter Towler, who has done a first-class job in getting our park fully let. Max is relatively new to industrial lettings, but he has brought a group of top-quality customers to us. We look forward to doing many more schemes with Max and the great team at Carter Towler.
“I would also like to thank Simon Mydlowski and his legal team at Clarion for their hard work and efficiency and KPP Architects, the best industrial architects in the north of England.
“We are in the age of the entrepreneur with more and more small and start-up companies looking for self-contained space of their own. To meet this demand, we are providing flexible, affordable and attractive business premises to help companies of this type to grow and prosper, where they want to be.
“This could be in an attractive setting, a great location or a site with superb transport links. We are focused on sustainability in our Nano Parks and have eliminated gas from the schemes. We now fit air source heat pumps as standard keeping us at the forefront of environmental performance in our sector. The success of our Nano Parks across Yorkshire means this model is working. And how.”
Max Vause said: “This has been a fabulous development to market and the success we’ve had reflects the quality of the park. It’s been great to work with a developer as enthusiastic and committed as Edward and I’m very proud of what we have achieved together.”
The joint marketing agent for this development was Jonathan O’Connor from the Leeds office of Rydens.
Pure Block Management adds South Cave development to property portfolio
Hull-based property firm Pure Block Management closed 2022 on a high after adding a prestigious East Yorkshire development to its rapidly-growing client base.
The firm has taken over the management of six cottage-style homes that are part of Westcote Fold, a Risby Homes development in the village of South Cave, near Cave Castle Hotel and Country Club.
It will provide day-to-day and planned maintenance of the development’s private road and car park as well as taking care of service charge management and other financial and legal property management matters on behalf of the owners.
The new contract marked the end of a successful year for Pure Block Management, which was established as a stand-alone business following a restructure of Yorkshire property specialist Garness Group in April.
It has since won a number of new contracts for developments across the region, including historic Samman House in Hull city centre, luxury apartment complex Mentone House in Hessle and local home builder Scruton’s Park Lane development in Cottingham.
Pure Block Management director Liam Parker said: “We’re delighted that the owners of Westcote Fold have chosen us to manage their development.
“It rounded off a very successful first year as a stand-alone business within Garness Group, in which we grew our client base through new contracts both with large developers and smaller, independent freeholders and leaseholders who like the expertise, flexibility and responsive service we offer.
“We’re looking forward to working with all our existing partners and welcoming more new clients in 2023.”
