GLIL Infrastructure and Octopus Energy Generation acquire joint stake in Hornsea One wind farm
GLIL Infrastructure and Octopus Energy Generation’s fund management team (on behalf of Nest) have joined forces to acquire a 12.5% stake in Hornsea One, the world’s largest operational offshore wind farm.
Located off the Yorkshire coast and spanning more than 400 square kilometres, Hornsea One is a 1.2GW capacity wind farm that harnesses the UK’s vast offshore wind resources to generate enough energy to power more than one million homes.
Hornsea One’s 174 wind turbines, which have been operational since 2020, were developed and continue to be run by Danish energy company Ørsted, which retains a 50% stake in the farm.
The investment marks the first in offshore wind for GLIL, the £3.6bn infrastructure fund, and its sixth in renewable energy, following its ongoing interests in Clyde Wind Farm, Cubico Sustainable Investments’ UK Portfolio, Smart Meter Assets, Flexion Energy and, most recently, Rathcool, a portfolio of 11 operational onshore wind farms across the Republic of Ireland.
Octopus Energy Generation is one of the largest investors in renewable energy assets in Europe, managing over £4.2bn of assets like wind and solar farms.
Daniel Hobson, investment director at GLIL Infrastructure and head of Real Assets at Greater Manchester Pension Fund, said: “Offshore wind capacity plays a major role in the generation of renewable energy, so the potential of what is being developed here is vast.
“Our investment will not only support the UK’s energy transition and net-zero ambitions, and continue our track record in the renewable energy sector, it will also generate sustainable, long-term returns for millions of pension fund members.
“We’re now looking forward to working with Octopus Energy Generation on this joint venture and the team at Ørsted.”
Alex Brierley, co-head of Octopus Energy Generation’s fund management team, added: “This latest deal is testament to the huge demand we’re seeing from institutional investors to invest in renewable energy, helping pension savers’ money make a truly positive impact on people and the planet.
“The more we collectively invest in renewable energy, the faster we can shift to a greener, cleaner future.”
The deal is the thirteenth investment overall by GLIL, which is backed by Local Pensions Partnership Investments, Northern LGPS and the government-established DC workplace pension provider, Nest.
Latest figures reveals strong trading performance for C Spencer Ltd
Hull-based engineering business C Spencer Ltd delivered a strong trading performance in its latest published accounts, for year ended March this year, recording significant growth in turnover and profit.
The firm recorded turnover of £70m, up £28m (67%) on the previous year, while after-tax profit was £1.9m, an almost four-fold rise on the £526,000 achieved the year before.
Slipform Engineering Ltd, in which parent company Spencer Engineering Group Ltd holds a majority shareholding, also made a significant contribution to the Group results, increasing turnover to £6m and delivering a pre-tax profit of £826,000, having established itself as a premium specialist contractor. These figures are in addition to the turnover and profits posted by C Spencer Ltd.
Slipform Engineering’s unique slipforming construction process delivers significant programme and cost savings for clients and has been used successfully for several projects within the huge Thames Tideway scheme in London, as well as high-rise developments across the UK.
C Spencer Ltd entered the current financial year with an order book of secured work totalling £45m and a healthy pipeline of further contract opportunities.
More recently C Spencer Ltd has been appointed for a series of prestigious projects, including construction works to deliver the new £26.5m White Rose Railway Station in Leeds and a series of major bridges projects, such as the further renovation of Menai Suspension Bridge between the island of Anglesey and mainland Wales.
Founder and Executive Chairman Charlie Spencer said: “We’re pleased to record a very successful and profitable business year. The significant growth in turnover and profits underlines the strength of our recovery from the previous year results affected by the impact of the COVID pandemic.
“In the current year we are delivering several exciting projects for existing and new clients and, looking further ahead, we have a very strong pipeline of future work.”
MP opens Enterprise Centre in Beverley
Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart has opened the new Beverley Enterprise Centre, a £4.8m development project which will offer facilities for 29 businesses, including office space, conference facilities and business support.
During his visit Graham strongly welcomed the creation of this new Centre and spoke about both the vital role it will play in attracting new businesses to Beverley and the important support it will give existing businesses to thrive. He also thanked the many stakeholders who worked together across the region to make this project a reality, including Alan Menzies, who is Executive Director of Planning and Economic Regeneration at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Paul Bell, the Head of Economic Development and Communications at ERYC, and James Newman OBE, who is the Chair of the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
Councillor Jane Evison, portfolio holder for economic investment, growth and tourism at East Riding Council, said: “We are thrilled with the magnificent Beverley Enterprise Centre, and I am sure it will become a major landmark building both for the businesses and for Beverley as a developing centre for industry.”
Mr Stuart said:: “I look forward to seeing the economic benefits this centre will bring as more businesses locate in this great town, and I am pleased that the design of the building will ensure that this is done in an environmentally sustainable way.”
Hull Trains puts name choice to a public vote
The people of Hull and East Yorkshire are to be given that chance to name the fifth and final Paragon train, ending a process that began three years ago when the fleet launched.
The ‘Name that Train’ competition was introduced back in 2019 as Hull Trains prepared to welcome its new Paragon fleet of Hitachi trains.
Members of the public were invited to make suggestions for names of the five individual trains, that reflected the history, culture and community of Hull and the East Yorkshire region to put the city and its trains on the map.
The shortlisted names are:
• Jean Bishop (The Bee Lady)
• The Housemartins
• Lillian Bilocca
• London’s Calling
• Chip Spice
The public response was phenomenal with hundreds of entries submitted, says the company. The COVID-19 pandemic put the competition on hold, but it’s now being relaunched. A group of Hull Trains colleagues help to reduce 50 shortlisted names down to 15. A group of local VIPs representing community groups, local businesses, and the media were asked to further slim down the shortlist. The VIPs selected four names to go on to the trains, whilst the final and fifth name will go to a public vote. Hull Trains are also offering a prize to the individual who correctly picks the name of the final train.
David Gibson, MD of Hull Trains said: “This is an exciting opportunity for the people of Hull to leave a lasting legacy on our fleet of trains that will be seen between East Yorkshire and the capital. The names included in the public vote are all unique to Hull and our city’s culture. I’m really looking forward to seeing the chosen names on our fleet of Hitachi 802s in the near future!”
The voting for the competition opens soon. More details are at www.hulltrains.co.uk/your-experience/name-that-train
Pensana names leaders for Saltend project delivery
Pensana has revealed details of the Project Delivery Team which will be responsible for the delivery of the Saltend and Longonjo projects.
The eight-person Project Delivery Team is leading a team of 134 specialist engineers from various disciplines dedicated to the execution and commissioning of both projects.
Key appointments to the team include:
Hamish Westwater as Project Director for Saltend. Hamish has over 30 years’ experience delivering complex projects in the chemical engineering sector for both contractor and client. He specialises in fast-track delivery and leading all project phases from FEED studies through to final commissioning and start-up.
Kevin Botha as Project Director for Longonjo. Kevin is a qualified Electrical Engineer and Project Management Professional with over 45 years’ experience in the global mining industry. He has worked for blue-chip international companies and as a Director and Owner of companies providing engineering and project management services to the sector. Kevin’s global experience includes multibillion-dollar projects and related portfolios in Africa including Angola, Namibia, Botswana and South Africa.
Jeremy Clarke as Project Sponsor for Longonjo. Having worked at executive technical level with Anglo American, Jeremy has over 35 years of experience in gold, uranium, copper, and diamonds. He was previously Consulting Metallurgist for De Beers where he was responsible for metallurgical excellence at their plants globally.
Pensana Chairman Paul Atherley said: “Breaking ground at Saltend was a major milestone for the Company marking the transition from design to construction for both projects. We are enormously grateful to the expert teams who have done such a great job in bringing the Saltend and Longonjo projects to FEED status in record time.
“It’s now very exciting to announce details of our world class Project Delivery Team, which has the right combination of experience to execute and commission both projects, supported by a team of highly skilled and dedicated engineers.”
Lord Lieutenant pays visit to Agemaspark
South Yorkshire’s Lord Lieutenant Professor Dame Hilary Chapman has visited Doncaster precision engineering firm Agemaspark.
Dame Hilary, who spent her entire career in nursing, was shown around the factory at Agemaspark Ltd where the company’s latest innovative practices were on display.
MD Paul Stockhill said: “It was a real honour to welcome Dame Hilary to Doncaster. We were extremely proud to show her our latest technique, using 3D metal printing machinery, we deliver a highly efficient advanced manufacturing process through conformal cooling.
“The technique improves the efficiency of a mould by as much as 20 per cent, reducing the amount of energy required and the environmental impact of the process.
“She also took the time to talk to our team about their journey and we talked about our strong links with education and our apprenticeship approach to developing our workforce.”
Dame Hilary said: “It was wonderful to visit Agemaspark recently and I would like to thank my host Paul Stockhill, MD of Agemaspark for giving me the opportunity to do so.
“Agemaspark is a small, family-owned company specialising in precision engineering and 3D metal printing. The company invests time in apprentices and works closely with Doncaster UTC, the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and both Sheffield Universities, amongst others. It is great to see a company taking such pride in seeing the development of its workforce from apprentice to experienced employee, which is lovely to see. Another example of the engineering heritage and expertise that Doncaster and the wider South Yorkshire area is renowned for.”
Two Sheffield City Centre sites launched to market as part of £470m Heart of the City scheme
Acting on behalf of Sheffield City Council (SCC), global real estate advisor CBRE’s UK Development Advisory team has been instructed to launch to market two development opportunities which will form one of the final elements of the £470m Heart of the City masterplan and contribute to the wider regeneration of the city centre.
A buyer or buyers are sought for Block G which comprises two sites situated on either side of the new 1.5 acre urban Pound’s Park. Proposals are being sought by 30 September 2022 for both sites, either individually or collectively.
The two city centre development sites front onto and are connected by Pound’s Park, due to open to the public in late 2022. Pound’s Park will seamlessly continue the public realm within the city centre, while also reinventing the expectations of a city park. A multitude of experiences will be created, including spaces for play, relaxation and socialising – all within a heavily greened and attractive environment that helps promote physical and mental wellbeing.
Site A (0.4 acres) and Site B (0.5 acres) are expected to provide active ground floor frontages onto this public realm with office, hotel and residential uses on the upper floors considered appropriate. Whilst both sites could be developed by a single purchaser, the Council will consider separate or combined offers for the sites.
One of the UK’s largest urban regeneration schemes, Heart of the City comprises 1.5 million sq ft of individually designed and repurposed buildings surrounded by enlivened streets and public spaces. The multi-million-pound investment into Sheffield City Centre will provide active cultural, leisure, retail, residential and office uses.
The Heart of the City scheme is delivering a number of developments around the property including, but not limited to Grosvenor House, a Grade A office home to HSBC and law firm CMS; Elshaw House, a zero-carbon Grade A office due to complete in spring 2023; Cambridge Street Collective, a food hall and Bethel Chapel, soon to be marketed as a 15,000 sq ft entertainment and cultural venue. The Council is also carrying out works to the adjoining Rockingham Street to improve access for buses and incorporate new stops to serve this part of the city centre.
Alex Andrews, CBRE’s UK Development Advisory team, said: “The Block G plots offer an exciting opportunity for a developer or developers that can demonstrate their ability to deliver an imaginative, high quality, low carbon, sustainable development which is appropriate to the transformational nature of the opportunity and the surrounding proposals. We look forward to working with SCC to find the right developer(s).”
Councillor Mazher Iqbal, co-chair Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield’s Heart of the City is one of the largest urban regeneration schemes in Britain and it is brilliant to see our ambitious project is progressing with real pace. These two new sites within the scheme are in a prime location and any developers interested will need to share our strong ambition to deliver developments of exceptional quality. We’re very excited to be launching the final stage of the Heart of the City masterplan and making a city its residents are proud of.”
Yorkshire-based pocket spring manufacturer Spinks appoints new global sales director
Leeds-based pocket spring manufacturer, Spinks, has appointed Chris Balmer as its new global sales director, which is a newly created role designed to support the company’s growth and global ventures.
In the new role, Chris will be responsible for engaging the sales team to understand new geographic markets, identifying products and services that will grow the business, as well as nurturing and developing customer relationships with Spinks’ global and regional customer base.
Since beginning his career in 1994, Chris has worked extensively in the automotive industry with experience of manufacturing components and direct materials, which will transfer into the innovative spring manufacturing business.
Commenting on his new appointment, Chris said: “Team building is a core part of my personal and professional development and I have experience building structures that drive strategy, which is why I’m really looking forward to working with the team at Spinks.
“I can’t wait to engage with my team to build the foundations for driving significant growth together, as well as networking inside the industry and helping develop solutions for our customers, while still having fun along the way. My aim is to ensure that my team remain humble, hungry and smart in everything we do, striving to meet our customers’ needs both internally and externally.”
Darren Marcangelo, Managing Director of Spinks, said: “We’re very happy to have Chris on board to help steer the company into profitable growth, not only with existing products but also identifying new ones to fill the future market needs and wants. He has already laid out plans to set goals for the sales team that are not just challenging but deliverable and realistic.”
Chris most recently worked as sales director for STS Manufacturing, a company that deals with Automotive and Industrial engineered products. Before that he was the global business leader for Owens Corning’s Automotive division.
Brighouse firm named as one of the UK’s best places to work
Brighouse-based Siddall and Hilton Products has been recognised as one of the UK’s best companies to work for, achieving one star accreditation for the ‘world-class employee engagement’ of its 60-strong workforce.
It was ranked amongst the top 10 manufacturing companies, the top 50 companies in the Yorkshire & Humber region and the top 75 small companies in the UK.
The company, previously been given a ‘one to watch’ rating, once again took part in the nationally recognised and respected ‘Best Companies’ scheme which is a standard of excellence for UK businesses. The initiative assesses workplace engagement and measures it against the rigorous Best Companies Index score, which covers factors such as leadership, wellbeing and personal growth, in order to celebrate and showcase outstanding employers.
Chief Exec Ian Thurley said: “Since the MBO three years ago, the business has undergone a transformation with significant investment in equipment and process improvements, along with cultural change aimed at empowering our team and ensuring that they come along with us on our growth journey. To have been recognised by such a prestigious national scheme as a company which is ‘very good to work for’ is a real achievement, showing that we have been able to create a highly engaged and committed team.”
After putting in a resilient performance amid the pandemic disruption of 2020/21, Siddall and Hilton Products also returned a strong financial performance for the year ending 31 March 2022, achieving a turnover of £25.3m, although this was, in part, a reflection of the sharp increase in global steel prices following the pandemic and then accelerated by the war in Ukraine.
Having made its largest investment in more than 12 years with the addition of a fifth specialist welding machine as well as recruiting a number of new mesh operators, the company saw overall operating efficiency drop slightly in the first half of the year as operators were trained on the new machine and early teething problems were ironed out, but this showed significant improvement over the final six months.
For the year ending March 2022, the company recorded a step change in operating efficiency, whilst scrap reduced by over 7% which helped to drive pre-tax profits to £4.6m, despite its operations and raw material supply chain being adversely impacted by Covid-related staff absences and HGV driver shortages.
Mr Thurley added: “It’s fantastic to see the business going from strength to strength and, since the 2019 MBO, we have been committed to ensuring that we share the company’s success with our loyal team. 2021/22 has been no different with every employee receiving a significant profit-related bonus. We felt that this was not only well-deserved, but was also important to help with the cost-of-living crisis faced by our staff.
“The company is about to embark on a hugely ambitious strategic programme to grow and diversify the business, with the aim of creating a high-performing, sustainable business that is set to provide secure and rewarding employment for many generations to come.”
University of Bradford sponsors City’s stadium in four-year deal
Bradford City AFC has kicked off the new season with a new name for its ground – to be called the University of Bradford Stadium until at least the end of 2025/26.
City’s chief commercial officer, Davide Longo and the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shirley Congdon, signed a four-year agreement that will see the Bantams’ Valley Parade home ground being referred to exclusively as the University of Bradford Stadium.
Professor Congdon said: “Bradford City’s values and vision closely align with those of the University of Bradford. Our focus is on making a difference and changing lives through equality of opportunity. We are committed to social inclusion and making a positive impact on society.
“Our partnership with Bradford City is a way to build pride in Bradford and benefit the local community. Bradford City will also be able to harness our strengths in research and innovation. We are excited to see what opportunities for social and economic inclusion in the local community this partnership brings.”
City’s chief commercial officer Davide Longo, said: “This agreement is one we feel has been a long time in the making, with another of the proud city’s key pillars, and a relationship which we hope will help unlock many doors for people across the district, while strengthening ties and creating further opportunities for both parties in the city.
“With a firm vision to improve social and economic inclusion in Bradford, and changing lives through equal opportunities, the deal represents another huge step in the right direction for us as a club. It will hopefully add to the fantastic work being done by so many people across the city which, after being named 2025 City of Culture, is in a very exciting place.
“There are many layers to this partnership which align with our core values, including the potential to work alongside the University to harness some of its finest young talent, and nurture individuals who will go on to do great things in the city, through a wide variety of different opportunities.
“From its inception, it will form part of a wider strategic approach towards sustainability, with the University assisting us on our journey towards achieving carbon neutrality.”
