Huddersfield town centre living development set to be discussed
On Tuesday 26 July, a decision will be made by Cabinet on plans for residential development in Huddersfield town centre.
The Huddersfield Blueprint is the ambitious ten-year plan to create a thriving, modern-day town centre. As part of this, Kirklees Council is planning to bring about more residential development for Huddersfield. The aim is to deliver a variety of new homes, including making best use of some of Huddersfield’s beautiful heritage buildings.
If approved by cabinet, the work would bring much needed housing to the district, including properties to buy and rent, and a range of affordable homes. The new developments would also link closely to the wider Blueprint vision. This will give disused buildings a new purpose and linking well with proposals for enhanced public spaces.
The initial proposals focus on the Estate Buildings and Somerset Buildings, both of which are already owned by the council and well-placed to support the overall vision of the Blueprint. New residents living in the town centre will help to support retail businesses and help nurture the culture, arts and leisure developments within the town centre.
The council is proposing to partner with Thirteen Group on the developments. The Thirteen Group are a large not-for-profit housing association.
The Thirteen Group have already partnered with the council on other housing development projects in Kirklees. If cabinet approves this approach, it would work closely with Thirteen Group over a period of eighteen months on proposals for the development of both buildings.
The development of the Estate Buildings and Somerset Buildings would represent the first phase of residential development in Huddersfield town centre, using beautiful buildings already owned by the council to set the standard for a new, high quality type of development.
Given the essential repairs and restoration of the heritage features needed within the Grade II Listed Estates Building, and to make sure the building will be fit for residential development within the timescale proposed, an additional report will also be considered at cabinet on 26th July. This report contains a request to transfer a portion of the allocated Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) funding within the HAZ programme from the George Hotel to the Estates Buildings. The transfer of these funds will allow essential elements of both the George Hotel and Estates Buildings projects to be delivered within the HAZ funding budget and deadlines.
The council says it will continue to look at more opportunities for housing development in Huddersfield, alongside these initial two sites.
Councillor Graham Turner, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “There is an ever-growing need for quality, affordable accommodation in our towns and we are committed to find innovative ways to provide more of them. The proposed plans for the Estates and Somerset Buildings would not only help tackle the great need for more accommodation, they would also breathe new life into two of Huddersfield’s beautiful historic buildings.
“We don’t want to just build soulless houses; we want to build vibrant, welcoming communities. If these plans are approved, we will be excited to work with Thirteen Group to explore how these fantastic buildings could be transformed.
“While the Blueprint is all about taking Huddersfield into the future, it’s also about future-proofing the town’s heritage and making the most of what’s already here.”
University of Leeds and Asda form data partnership
Asda and the University of Leeds have joined forces to better understand pressing societal challenges such as nutrition, environmental and health issues through a strategic data partnership.
The two institutions have signed an agreement that will see the Leeds-based retailer and the University’s Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA) work together on a range of research projects.
As part of the official partnership, data scientists at LIDA will work in collaboration with Asda to gain further understanding of customers’ habits and preferences, in order to inform decisions such as future store locations and improve the efficiency of food supply chains.
The agreement will cement a relationship that drives forward world-class research to provide wide-ranging social benefits and will help to inform food strategies on a city and national level, including ongoing efforts to make healthier and more sustainable food choices more accessible.
James Morgan, senior director of data management and information strategy at Asda, said: “We are keen to explore the opportunities this partnership will offer both Asda and LIDA.
“Bringing together research data and retail expertise from both of our organisations will allow us to explore the real world challenges our customers currently face.
“By modelling environmental and social governance opportunities, we will have the ability to test new ideas and techniques ahead of establishing wider programmes to deliver even better outcomes for customers.”
Mark Birkin, professor of Spatial Analysis and Policy at Leeds’ School of Geography, is co-director of both LIDA and the Consumer Data Research Centre (CDRC), which are based at the University.
Professor Birkin said: “Addressing global challenges for some of society’s most pressing problems, such as healthy living and sustainable diets, requires collaborative innovation between academic institutions and real world partners.
“To this end, the University of Leeds and Asda have worked closely together for many years on a wide variety of projects.
“We are delighted by this opportunity to mobilise the world-leading expertise of both organisations in consumer behaviour, nutrition and lifestyle analytics to accelerate research with extreme social and economic importance.”
Demolition work starts on key gateway site in York
Demolition of the former Mecca Bingo Hall on Fishergate has started, which will pave the way for the site to be transformed into a new student community.
Planning was granted by City of York Council earlier this year for the brownfield site.
Owners of the site, York-based property firms Grantside and North Star, have instructed demolition works to take place and Demolition Services Ltd has been appointed to carefully dismantle the building and carry out enabling works, which will allow Olympian Homes to deliver the new student accommodation.
Steve Davis, CEO of Grantside, said: “This is a key landmark of the project to transform this site into a high-quality development, befitting of such an important gateway location into York City Centre.
“As with all our sites, our aim is to promote delivery of excellent developments that will improve the local environment in a sustainable way.”
The demolition and enabling works will then allow an extensive archaeological dig to take place, before the new development can be constructed.
The planned development includes 276 student bedrooms, landscaping and extensive bicycle parking. To celebrate the previous heritage on the site, the new building will be called Rialto House, after the famous cinema and venue that was on the site before it was demolished to make way for the bingo hall.
It’s expected that the much-needed new student accommodation will have its first residents living there in September 2024. The demolition and enabling works are expected to take around 15 weeks to complete.
Plastics firms capitalise on synergies with the help of Andrew Jackson and Smailes Goldie
Advisors from regional firms Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP and the Smailes Goldie Group have assisted Hull-based Advanced Plastics Ltd to join forces with Protool Plastic Components Ltd and Protool Precision Plastics Ltd.
Under the new group structure, each of the three companies will maintain its current identity and strong market positioning whilst sharing capacity and synergies across the new group.
Chris Pearson, joint shareholder of the Advanced Plastics Group, said: “This is a very proud day for us. We have worked closely with the teams at both Protool sites in Manchester and Fareham for many years. They are very much aligned to our culture, core values and technical capability, so this represents a natural convergence of like-minded teams. We are therefore very excited for what the future holds.”
Rob Anderson, joint shareholder of the Advanced Plastics Group, said: “Whilst the group companies will continue to operate in their current forms with their respective teams providing a seamless high level of service to their valued customers, they will each benefit from the synergies and growth focused development of being part of the Advanced Plastics Group. It is therefore very much business as usual with added benefits for all involved, including our employees, supplier partners for our valued customers.”
Jonathan Heasty, finance director at Advanced Plastics Group Limited, added: “We are delighted with the advice and guidance we received from Andrew Funnell at Andrew Jackson Solicitors and Mike Stocks at Smailes Goldie, who ensured that we remained focused on what was important, which is exactly what we look for when appointing external advisors.”
Andrew Funnell, a partner and head of corporate at Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP, said: “It has been a real pleasure to advise on the formation of this new group of companies, whose combined heritage, reputation, technical capability and market share makes it a key player within the UK plastics industry. We wish the group every success as it enters an exciting new chapter.”
Yorkshire building services consultants report strong first half year growth and pipeline of orders
A Leeds firm of building services engineering consultants has seen strong growth following new work to support multi-million-pound projects across the UK and a healthy forward order book.
FHP, which provides mechanical, electrical and public health building services design and building physics engineering to national commercial, industrial, leisure, education, residential and infrastructure real estate, investors, developers and contractors, has reported a 12%increase in turnover in the last six months – its best half year performance to date.
The fast-growing firm, which has an office inBrewery Wharf and also in London, is on track to hit £3.5 million in turnover in 2022 with £2 million worth of new orders secured, including mechanical, electrical and public health services work on the new £62 million Hyatt Hotel Leeds for Ivegate.
The Yorkshire office of the firm is supporting a £12 million industrial warehouse unit development for Harworth Group in south Yorkshire and the £31 million luxury residential development in Leeds for developer Priestley Homes. Other projects include Labcorp’s new life science UK centre of excellence in Leeds’ Temple District and building consultancy services for new multi-million-pound roadside salt cellar depots being built nationally for National Highways.
Further seven-figures worth of work in the pipeline in core sectors and beyond its traditional north of England markets, will contribute to further growth as FHP looks ahead to continued expansion on the back of a strategic development and a growth plan.
With 52 people currently employed across its two offices, the firm is set to invest in additional resources to support growth and meet demand.
Director James Taylor saidFHP, which was established in 2009, had seen a good start to the first six months of 2022 on the back of hard work, resurgent business confidence and a record of resolving complex engineering issues in building services and building physics engineering.
He said: “We are currently busier than ever and involved in developing new projects right across the region and beyond, which is very encouraging and contributing to driving growth. As our customers’ own development plans come to fruition, we are experiencing strong demand for value and technically driven building services engineering solutions, building physics design and technical skills.
“We are confident about the future despite some economic uncertainties and expect the sectors we support to remain busy. We have strong clients, who are keen to work with us and utilise our expertise, and look forward to meeting and exceeding their needs from both of our offices.”
Forgemasters seeks planning permission for project to secure 600 jobs
Sheffield Forgemasters has sought planning permission from Sheffield City Council to create a building on the city’s Brightside Lane to house its new large forging press.
The conapony wants to build a 144,000 sq ft structure on the site of its existing forge building, alongside the new forge, including offices and a water pumping station.
The new building, part of a significant investment programme, would accommodate a new 13,000-tonne forging press capable of pressing larger ingots.
A target date of 2025 has been set for the completion of works and the new forge press to be in operation.
The planning statement says: “The proposed development represents the first stage in a significant investment for Sheffield Forgemasters. This investment will safeguard a historic business within one of Sheffield’s historic industries, which has played a significant part in the growth of the city.”
In the immediate term, the development will deliver significant investment in the local economy and secure over 600 skilled jobs while laying the foundation for future investment to allow further modernisation of Sheffield Forgemasters’ facilities.
The benefits of the proposed development are considered to be significant for the economy of Sheffield and given the company’s position at the forefront of the steel industry in the UK, these benefits will be important to the national economy.
Sheffield Forgemasters currently employs more than 600 staff in the city, including about 100 graduates and 60 apprentices. The company was acquired by the Ministry of Defence last year.
Two enabling developments have previously been approved, covering temporary construction site access as well as the partial demolition of the existing forge building and erection of new heat shield walls. The project team includes JLL, AEW Architects and Tetra Tech.
National Highways supports next generation of female engineers at event in Hull
National Highways has supported the next generation of female engineers and manufacturing professionals at a special careers event taking place in Hull.
the Women into Manufacturing and Engineering Public Careers Fair highlighted the world of opportunities for women to join these fast-paced and exciting sectors.
During the day, about 200 girls from schools across the Humber area attended the event, with around 70 women going along in the evening. The event aimed to drive positive change in terms of gender balance in the workplace, challenge stereotypes and inspire girls and women to consider careers in these industries.
Among the inspirational females offering a glimpse into the industries was Frances Oliver. Frances is the National Highways Project Manager for the A63 Castle Street improvement scheme, which is transforming Hull city centre. She oversees this £355m upgrade which will improve access to the port, reduce congestion and enhance safety as well as connections between the city centre and tourist and recreational facilities.
Frances said: “I hope to promote equality so that women and girls don’t feel that, if they do go for those roles, they will be the only female on their team. You can’t be what you can’t see.”
After graduating from the University of York in 2006 with a BA Degree in Linguistics, Frances joined National Highways in 2007. Having initially joined the agency in the HR department, she went on to become involved in financial management for IT projects.
She later became involved in project management, which she said was a great way to be part of something fast-paced and public facing.
She moved into Major Projects in 2012. Supported by the organisation, Frances worked her way up, going on to be assistant project manager for the A63 scheme before becoming project manager. She says: “I’ve been involved in a variety of construction projects, but this is the biggest construction project I’ve seen – and I get to be manager of it!”
Frances says she doesn’t recall seeing a female engineer or project manager growing up: “I think, if you can’t see something, you’re not aware you can do it. I want to promote the fact that there are great roles out there for everyone and there are all kinds of women doing them. I work with fantastic women in our team.
The WiME event was led by Green Port Hull. This is a collaboration between Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, North East Lincolnshire Council and North Lincolnshire Council to promote investment and development of the renewable energy sector in the Humber region. It also aims to support investors and their supply chains to secure long-term economic growth for the area.”
Hull-based IoT and digital infrastructure specialist acquires internet service provider
Hull-based IoT and digital infrastructure specialist, Connexin, has acquired Pure Broadband as it continues its fibre expansion throughout Hull and the wider East Riding of Yorkshire region.
Connexin’s acquisition of Hull internet service provider (ISP) Pure Broadband will welcome over 15,000 new customers and increase its workforce to nearly 150 people – making Connexin one of the largest alternative network providers (Alt-Nets) in the North.
Pure Broadband, who recently won awards for its customer service and marketing, serve customers using wireless and fibre networks in Hull and on a national scale.
The news follows on from the acquisition of Hull ISP Wisper Broadband.
Furqan Alamgir, co-founder and CEO of Connexin, said: “This acquisition brings together two of the best technology companies in the region and I’m very proud to be welcoming Pure Broadband to the Connexin Group.
“I would like to thank the shareholders at Pure Broadband for trusting us to take the business forward, along with Tony and the Pure team for joining us on our mission to create the best digital experience for the people of Hull and surrounding areas. The acquisitions of Wisper and Pure Broadband, along with the roll-out of our own 10Gbps capable full-fibre network, demonstrates our commitment to the region and investment into the local economy.”
The transaction was supported by corporate law firm Orrick, and finance and tax due diligence specialist RSM.
Tony Jopling, Managing Director at Pure Broadband, said: “At Pure Broadband, we’ve been operating in Hull since 2009 to bring the people of the region a greater choice in broadband, as well as helping to create a better online experience for all citizens. We have a fantastic, passionate team at Pure Broadband, and this merger will present more opportunities for both our people and our customers.
“Seeing Connexin develop over the years, it’s become clear that we have a shared ethos. Not only do the people of Hull and East Riding deserve to have a greater choice of broadband services, but also a quality that is next level to enhance the customer experience for all. As we unite with Connexin, I’m confident that the move will make our ambition become a reality.”
Small firms call for action as insurance premiums rise and coverage shrinks, new report finds
Small firms are encountering widespread problems in their dealings with the insurance market, amid rising premium costs, a new report has found.
FSB’s new publication, Paying a premium? Reforming the insurance market to work for small firms, looks into the price of insurance and whether the products on offer are suitable for small business customers.
The findings expose concerns about whether the insurance market is performing adequately for small firms and self-employed people.
With high inflation putting general pressure on small firms’ bottom lines, the report’s finding that a clear majority (60%) have seen their insurance premiums rise in the last year is an illustration of the cost squeeze facing small businesses, who cannot in most cases operate without various forms of cover.
Over half (52%) of those whose premium costs have risen say that the rise is 11 per cent or greater, while some individual businesses have seen cost rises far in excess of that – particularly following a claim.
The pandemic brought many underlying problems with insurance into sharp relief, as small firms had to fight hard for their business interruption insurance to be honoured, leading to significant uncertainty and worry at a time when they were already fighting to survive.
Other types of insurance, particularly professional indemnity insurance (PII) – which is very often a trading requirement for firms in areas such as accounting or architecture, among others – have seen their markets harden, restricting access to cover and the protection afforded to customers in the wake of COVID-19.
The report includes numerous recommendations for regulators, insurers, and the Government on how to resolve or improve many of the difficulties small firms face around insurance, including:
- The Government should work together with insurers and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as the regulator to agree specific conditions for forms of Government support that should not be taken into account when calculating business interruption insurance claims.
- The Financial Conduct Authority should be explicitly required to consider intervening in a market if it becomes clear that there is a segment/sector of businesses that are unable to obtain insurance.
- The Government should convene discussion with relevant sector-specific regulators and professional associations, to ensure that PII requirements that are imposed as a condition of being able to practise are assessed so they do not disadvantage small businesses. The FCA should carry out a market study of PII, given recent price increases and market hardening.
- The Government should use the Procurement Bill to remove barriers for SMEs in accessing public procurement opportunities. This should include commitments not to impose unlimited liability for public contracts, to share risk reasonably, and to ensure that both PII and public liability insurance requirements in public contracts are proportionate to the size of the contract.
Supply chain management company combines with freight and logistics provider
Global supply chain technology and solution services provider Ligentia, which has its UK head office in Leeds, has agreed to combine with VGL Solid Group (VGL), a freight and logistics provider in Poland.
The deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, will cement Ligentia’s intent to build a stronger, better and more diverse business.
Ligentia and VGL have an existing long-standing relationship through a successful joint venture partnership, delivering customers supply chain solutions for over 10 years. The newly combined organisation will provide an enhanced end-to-end service offering, bringing together Ligentia’s international network, proprietary technology and upstream services with VGL’s expertise and leading logistics, European road freight and ocean services.
The deal will greatly enhance Ligentia’s European platform and enables the business to better support customers across a broader and more diverse sector base, including; FMCG, retail, electronics, healthcare and the emerging electric vehicle market. Upon completion, Ligentia and VGL will form a new organisation of more than 1,300 global supply chain experts. This will establish the Ligentia Group as a major international supply chain management company with revenues of over £1bn.
Nick Jones, group CEO, said: “We have enjoyed a fantastic relationship with VGL for many years and this is a very exciting milestone in our journey together. Both businesses thrive because of our aligned values and commitment to centre customers at the heart of our organisations which means we invest, develop and commit resources to make sure we achieve a great experience for our customers.
“The forward-looking business will be even better placed to enhance our combined technology offering, provide new services and connect a diverse team ready to deliver our next phase of growth.”
The deal is being financed with the support of Ligentia’s existing funders, Partners Group and Santander.
In 2021, Ligentia received significant investment from Equistone Partners Europe to deliver its growth plans. Commenting on the proposed deal, Sebastien Leusch and Chris Candfield, Equistone investment directors, said: “We have been hugely impressed by Ligentia’s clear ambition to scale and build a diverse, customer-focused and responsive global supply chain management solutions business. The team have delivered exceptional growth over the last two years, including the launch of its US business.
“We are proud to support the Board in this acquisition which will enable the business to expand into new geographies and sectors, continue to innovate its technology and strengthen its position in a dynamic and buoyant market.”
Ligentia expects to complete the transaction in Q3 after regulatory approvals have been received.
Ligentia has been supported in this transaction by Rothschild, DC Advisory, Squire Patton Boggs, KPMG, Roland Berger and Addleshaw Goddard. VGL Solid Group has been supported by PwC, GKW, Skadden and KPMG.
