Trio of industrial units sold in £10m deal
Three prime industrial units at Waterside Business Park in Stourton, near Leeds, that are let to three separate tenants, have been sold in a £9.965m deal.
The sale was negotiated by the investment team at Leeds property consultancy, Gent Visick (GV), acting on behalf of Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), the property investment, development, hotel and car parking company. GV also acted on behalf of TCS when the company acquired the three units in 2015 for £4.48m.
The units have been acquired by Clearbell, the privately-owned real estate fund management and advisory business. Clearbell was advised by DTRE and the acquisition reflects a net initial yield of 4.49%.
The three detached buildings all comprise steel portal framed warehouse units with ancillary two storey office areas. Unit 2 covers 19,629 sq ft and is occupied by parcel distribution firm, SW Group Logistics. Unit 3 measures 24,597 sq ft and is let to vehicle rescue and recovery specialist, DH Mansfield Ltd. At 32,933 sq ft, unit 6 is the largest unit and is a food grade facility occupied by Elleron Consulting Limited.
Garry Howes, director of investment at GV, said: “This was a rare chance to acquire a prime, multi-let industrial estate in an established and popular industrial location and the level of interest from investors was extremely high.
“This is a particularly good result for our client given that the asset has more than doubled in price since we led the acquisition of the site seven years ago on behalf of TCS. This reinforces the current strength of the industrial investment market and the amount of capital that is ready to be deployed for high quality opportunities in good locations.”
Lincolnshire homebuilder secures five stars for record 13th year
Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Midlands has received the maximum Five Star rating in the new Home Builders Federation (HBF) annual New Homes Customer Satisfaction Survey.
A computer-generated image of David Wilson Homes’ The Willows development in Bourne
The number of stars awarded is based on customer responses to the question: “Would you recommend your builder to a friend?”. Over 90% of Barratt and David Wilson Homes customers said they would recommend the housebuilder to a friend.
This is the 13th year in a row that Barratt and David Wilson Homes has achieved the Five Star rating – a record unmatched by any other major national housebuilder.
Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the Home Builders Federation, said: “To achieve a Five Star rating whereby over 90% of Barratt and David Wilson Homes customers would recommend them to a friend demonstrates the commitment of the company to its customers and is a significant achievement.”
To celebrate its latest Five Star award, Barratt Developments is donating £100,000 to Starlight, a charity which provides distraction and boxes filled with sensory toys and games to hospitals around the UK to use the power of play to make the experience of illness better for children.
Cathy Gilman, CEO of Starlight, says: “Thank you so much to Barratt Developments for choosing Starlight for such a significant donation. Their generosity will help us to provide time, space and even more opportunities for play in hospital for seriously ill children across the UK. Thanks to Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, we will be protecting play with important resources like Distraction Boxes, Boost Boxes and sensory trolleys.”
Mark Cotes, Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Midlands, said: “We are very proud to have been rated by our customers as a Five Star housebuilder for a record 13 years in a row.
“We focus on looking after customers by building high quality homes using sustainable methods and materials, so it is always great to hear back from them saying how much they value this, and rate us so highly.”
The HBF New Homes Survey is one of the largest surveys of its type in the country and is completed by nearly 50,000 people who have recently bought a new build home. The star rating system was developed to show customers which housebuilders have the most satisfied customers.
More than 200 staff celebrate 4,000 years of collective service to Willerby
Holiday homes market leader Willerby is celebrating the incredible loyalty of its workforce as more than 200 staff have clocked up 10 years’ service or more.
Almost a fifth of Hull-based Willerby’s 1,100-strong workforce have received recognition for their loyalty and commitment to the business, ranging from 10 years to more than four decades of service.
The employees’ combined milestones add up to an astonishing total of more than 4,000 years of collective dedication to Willerby.
The number of long serving employees reflects the family culture which is one of the greatest strengths of the Hull-based business. As well as having so many employees with decades of history with the company, family connections are common, creating a togetherness in the workforce that is a hallmark of the business.
During a series of long-serving awards ceremonies, Willerby CEO Peter Munk congratulated and thanked the long servers for their admirable dedication.
He said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to have so many staff with such a wealth of experience in the business.
“However, it’s equally wonderful to have great new talent coming through and seeing our experienced colleagues passing on their skills and knowledge to the younger generation.”
The longest-serving staff member, prototype joiner Ian Wilson, has clocked up almost 44 years’ service after starting his Willerby career as a 16-year-old apprentice.
Ian, 59, said: “Willerby is a great company to work for and I love the diversity of the job. I work with good people and it’s nice to be recognised for long service alongside so many other colleagues.”
The long servers recognised by Willerby also include sales administration lead Kerry Anderson and her father Terry Anderson, an aftersales coordinator. Kerry has notched up 19 years’ service in two spells at the company while Terry has achieved 16 years.
Kerry, 35, said: “I like working at Willerby because we’re a family and it’s nice to achieve this milestone alongside my dad. I hope to stay here for many more years to come. Willerby is a good company to work for and I feel valued.”
A total of 86 employees have reached 10 years’ service; 40 have achieved 15 years; 51 are celebrating 20 years; 22 are marking 25 years; 25 have clocked up 30 years; and eight have remained with the company for 35 years. Ian is the only colleague to achieve more than 40 years’ service to date.
Leeds-based Krone provides versatile trailers for cool freight expansion
Dual temperature trailers are providing the versatility an air freight specialist needs for its £5.5 million expansion into port logistics.
Perishable Movements Ltd (PML) has specialised in moving perishable goods from Heathrow Airport since 2003. Last year the company invested £5.5m in a depot at Lympne in Kent to do the same for goods from Dover. PML ships perishable goods from Dover to a temperature-controlled warehouse, from which the company distributes them for last mile delivery. PML initially used sub-contractors for port freight but has acquired five Krone Cool Liner refrigerated trailers as it moves the work in house.
Martin Kopicki, Transport Manager for PML, said: “Our owners recognised that the new red tape from Brexit would create opportunities for freight specialists like us. We have decades of experience in air freight, so it made sense for us to offer the same high level of service for port logistics. Having the right trailers is therefore vital to our business model.”
Krone Cool Liners use a continuous chassis design which absorbs force during coupling, uncoupling, and docking. The tail is protected by a fender and two bumpers, while the rear door hinges are recessed to optimise the opening angle. Other features include a flexible, ceiling-mounted air duct to evenly distribute cold air, as well as a leak-proof floor tray and water-tight aluminium kick strip.
“We are running some single temperature trailers from Heathrow, as the loads are typically one product such as blueberries or blackberries,” added Martin. “We needed more flexibility for our port operations, and the Krone dual temperature trailers enable us to split loads, optimising our efficiency. The drivers like them because they are not as heavy as other trailers, which they prefer for return journeys, and the Krone trailers are also very easy to use.”
PML has an O-licence for up to 20 HGVs at Lympne and is currently taking delivery of 18 Iveco tractor units to run with its growing trailer fleet. The company took the Krone Cool Liners on contract hire from commercial trailer specialist Hireco. “Lympne represents a new venture for us and it is a growing entity,” said Martin. “Working with Hireco gives us the flexibility to scale up as we grow in line with demand.”
Tax firm predicts surge in liquidations as Covid protection measures come to an end
Compulsory liquidations of struggling UK businesses have surged 76% from 139 to 245 in the last three months, says international audit, tax and advisory firm Mazars.
The company says even more liquidations are expected in the next three months as the last temporary Government measure to protect companies from insolvency during the pandemic expires tomorrow.
Creditors owed £750 or more will now be able to submit winding-up petitions against businesses – previously companies had to owe £10,000 or more to be liable for winding up by creditors.
Michael Pallott, Partner at Mazars, says many firms have been struggling with the impact of interest rate rises, inflation and supply chain issues, driving up the number of businesses going insolvent.
The decision not to extend the remaining pandemic insolvency measures means that the insolvency regime for England & Wales will return to its pre-pandemic system. Measures the Government adopted to help shield struggling businesses from insolvency included:
- Additional hurdles to issue winding up petitions
- A ban on commercial landlord evictions
- Restrictions on exercising commercial rent arrears recovery
New-build council homes for South Lincolnshire
Finishing touches are being made to new council homes in South Kesteven.
The housing has been built to Lifetime Homes standard, which means properties include wider doors, more accessible space and level thresholds where possible, to make them suitable for a range of mobility.
The site, owned by SKDC and previously a little-used parking area, has been handed over to the Council by developer D Brown Builders for the final stages of work before allocation to the new residents.
The development began in July 2021 with Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, Cllr Robert Reid, turning the first ground to start work.
Cllr Reid said: “Our Corporate Strategy sets out our ambition to increase the supply of high quality, sustainable social housing and we are working to meet the district’s future housing demand and these flats and bungalows reflect our commitment to deliver good quality housing across the district.
“The development is part of a series of projects to bring much-needed housing to the people who really need it. They follow recent successful SKDC developments in Kinoulton Court and Earlesfield Lane in Grantham.
“This scheme made use of an under-used car parking area which has been relocated elsewhere on the Close. It is close to the centre of Bourne and will undoubtedly benefit those who already live locally.”
South Kesteven District Council Leader Cllr Kelham Cooke said: “Working with our partners D Brown Builders, we have built high quality homes for our residents in Bourne, and I am delighted to see the finished homes, which will offer good quality housing that residents will be proud to call home.
“The way we are building affordable housing in South Kesteven supports our ambition to build more council homes, and ones that are energy efficient and lower cost to our residents.”
The energy efficiency measures included in construction will create a benchmark for future housing and bring lower running costs for residents. These homes are built using a sustainable and energy efficient timber frame, pre-cut and assembled on site in panels which reduces building time compared to similar traditional construction and reduces waste through off-cuts. Timber frame also allows for open plan spaces, particularly useful for wheelchair users.
The walls are fully insulated to a better standard than traditional-build properties, giving more efficient heating. The flats also benefit from large floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise passive natural lighting, which also reduces running costs for tenants.
Meadow Close is the first of two new-build sites, with a second at Trinity Road, Stamford. This will be followed by building at Larch Close in Grantham and other key locations.
Georgia starts new role as International Trade Manager today
Today Georgia Stokes starts work as International Trade Manager with the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, an organisation she joined in 2016 when she was just 18.
Now she has been promoted to International Trade Manager, taking her new position from today, and will soon be joined by an Export Documentation and Customs Declaration Officer who will support the team with the growing demand for export and import documentation.
Georgia said: “I never expected to go into International Trade when I started as a finance apprentice, I had very little experience or confidence, but with the external training and support from the Chamber team, I have been able to develop in these areas and I am extremely proud of my achievements so far.
“I love working in this sector, there is so much variety in the role; no two days are the same, but like all jobs, there are challenges and for me the most challenging part was the impact of Brexit and supporting our members to navigate the new rules.
“Despite Brexit, trading internationally provides a world of opportunities and my advice to businesses looking to start trading would be to ensure you have a good understanding right at the beginning before committing to anything – lack of knowledge can cause unwanted costs and complications if processes are not followed correctly.
“I am feeling very lucky to be in the role I am in, with the consistent changes coming into force within the world of trade and the introduction of our exploring new markets consultancy service, I am excited to see how the sector develops and grows in Lincolnshire!”
“I love working in this sector, there is so much variety in the role!. I am excited to see how the sector develops and grows in Lincolnshire!”
Simon Beardsley, Chief Exec of Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are very proud of Georgia and her fantastic achievements! It just goes to show how much potential young people have and what great progress they can make when given the chance to develop within an organisation. We would encourage all businesses to take a look into hiring an apprentice, and where possible to upskill them throughout their career, which in turn will help your business grow.”
Girls get a taste of careers in the offshore energy industry
Offshore wind energy company Ørsted has hosted 13 girls from Havelock Academy as part of a partnership with Women In Manufacturing and Engineering at the East Coast Hub in Grimsby.
WiME has been running a pilot programme called ‘Raising Aspirations’ in the Humber and Ørsted have been partnered with Havelock Academy. The aim of the programme is to inspire young women and girls to look at the renewable energy industry and careers in STEM as achievable and real opportunities. This has been done by meeting the real women in these jobs.
The girls have previously had two sessions with Ørsted, and this was the last session, a full day showcasing lots of different roles in the wind industry, from Offshore Coordinator to Commercial Manager to Wind Turbine Technician Apprentice.
As part of the day, the girls filled out an evaluation form to give feedback on what they’d learnt. One example of the feedback given gave a strong message of what they had learned, it read: ‘Women are underrated and overlooked and can do anything a man can do’.
Lauren Little, Stakeholder Advisor, who led on the day said: “The day has been a huge success because of the support from all our role models here at Ørsted. They helped to make it happen, so a huge thank you for taking the time out and sharing your personal story – it really makes a lasting impact.
“Days like this are so important to raise aspirations of young women on our doorstep. Our East Coast Hub on the Port of Grimsby where over 500 people operate the largest offshore wind projects in the world is two miles away from Havelock Academy – but it’s largely hidden as these huge projects are far offshore so this is a fantastic opportunity to connect them with the real people behind offshore wind. Through this opportunity the girls got to meet people like them, and if they can see, they can be it.
“Our industry is growing and open to everyone. We’re passionate about increasing diversity in all forms, we’re trying to create a brighter future for the planet and we need bright minds to help us with our mission.”
£24.86m investment plan approved for Northern Lincolnshire NHS Trust
New £24.86 Acute Assessment Units (AAU) will be created at hospitals in Grimsby and Scunthorpe following final approval of ambitious plans to transform emergency care in our area.
The units – which will be housed in what are now our Emergency Departments – will also house provision for Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) and are a key element of our ongoing investment in our sites.
And this next phase of central government funding is now being released following approval from the Department of Health.
Divisional Medical Director of Medicine, Dr Anwer Qureshi, has been instrumental in designing not only the new units and facilities themselves but, with his team, has also defined the clinical pathways which determined how the facilities are designed to provide you and your loved ones with best possible care.
He said: “We have already made significant progress on constructing the new Emergency Departments, which will be used to provide care to you if you are seriously injured or ill. These facilities will also be hosting our Urgent care services- where you will be managed by our skilled practitioners for an urgent but non-life threatening injury or illness”.
“Having this final phase of funding approved will allow us to complement these units with our Acute Assessment units and short stay wards, all on one floor”.
“These AAUs will be staffed by expert clinicians trained in a wide variety of skills. This will allow us to see and diagnose you more quickly and get you on the right course of treatment, without necessarily having to admit you to a ward in the first instance.
“As a result, it’s less likely that clinically stable patients will need to be admitted and, if you are, you will probably spend less time in hospital.”
“It is a joint effort for which I am grateful to the ED, Acute Medicine, Surgical specialties and Family Services teams at NLaG. Together, we have already updated and implemented processes and pathways based on best practice, which will swiftly move us into the use of the new facilities when available, setting an example in the region”.
Divisional Medical Director of Medicine, Dr Anwer Qureshi, has been instrumental in designing not only the new units and facilities themselves but, with his team, has also defined the clinical pathways which determined how the facilities are designed to provide you and your loved ones with best possible care.
He said: “We have already made significant progress on constructing the new Emergency Departments, which will be used to provide care to you if you are seriously injured or ill. These facilities will also be hosting our Urgent care services- where you will be managed by our skilled practitioners for an urgent but non-life threatening injury or illness”.
“Having this final phase of funding approved will allow us to complement these units with our Acute Assessment units and short stay wards, all on one floor”.
“These AAUs will be staffed by expert clinicians trained in a wide variety of skills. This will allow us to see and diagnose you more quickly and get you on the right course of treatment, without necessarily having to admit you to a ward in the first instance.
“As a result, it’s less likely that clinically stable patients will need to be admitted and, if you are, you will probably spend less time in hospital.”
“It is a joint effort for which I am grateful to the ED, Acute Medicine, Surgical specialties and Family Services teams at NLaG. Together, we have already updated and implemented processes and pathways based on best practice, which will swiftly move us into the use of the new facilities when available, setting an example in the region”.
Dunelm goes receiptless in Leeds at new development for its UK stores
Dunelm is to take more than 18,000 square feet of The Springs out of town retail and leisure centre near Leeds for its first new smaller format store, which will also be its first paperless receipt store in a bid to change customer habits and further promote a sustainable business.
Steve Barton, Director of Property at Dunelm, said, “We chose The Springs due to its high-quality environment, and great transport and infrastructure links. It is an ideal scheme for us to launch our new format store that is around half the size of our standard superstore.”
Dunelm was founded in 1979 as a Leicester market stall business selling ready-made curtains and has been making Made to Measure curtains and blinds in Leicestershire for more than 20 years. Since opening the first Dunelm store in Leicester in 1984, the company has expanded across the country making it the UK’s largest homewares retailer with over 175 stores and employing over 9000 colleagues nationwide. The new store will open tomorrow.
The Springs is a 350,000 sq ft shopping and leisure attraction located at the heart of Thorpe Park Leeds at Junction 46 of the M1.
Because of its unique and highly modern environment, The Springs has been used as a springboard for new concepts by other operators. These include the UK’s first purpose designed ODEON Luxe cinema, the joint venture between Next and Gino D’Acampo, a new concept store for The Range, Vitruvian dental practice and the recently opened Elan Laser Clinic as its first venture in the UK.
