Azets recruits former KPMG leader as regional Sanrio partner
Azets has appointed Ian Beaumont, recently retired head of KPMG in the north east, as regional senior partner for Yorkshire.
Ian started his career with Haines Watts before going on to become office senior partner at RSM Robson Rhodes, BDO and KPMG.
Russell Turner, regional MD for Yorkshire, said: “To attract a heavyweight business advisor of Ian’s calibre is a genuine coup.
“With more than 35 years’ experience in this region, Ian’s appointment demonstrates our commitment to develop and attract top talent in order to ensure we can provide the high quality advice and support regional businesses and their owners deserve.”
Ian said: “Azets is fantastically placed to support aspiring regional businesses and their owners with expertise that will support them along the full growth lifecycle.
“With growth comes additional complexity for our clients and, as a national firm, we are able to call upon national specialists as well as provide international reach.”
Azets has three offices in Yorkshire in Leeds, Bradford and York where it employs 335 people.
Greater Lincolnshire launches AI accelerator project 20 firms
Twenty businesses in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland to take part in an AI Adoption Accelerator designed to guide business leaders through the transformative journey of Artificial Intelligence adoption.
Running from January to the end of March, this hands-on programme provides workshops and expert-led sessions aimed at helping businesses overcome common barriers to AI, such as misconceptions and fears about cost, complexity, and relevance. AI is no longer exclusive to large tech firms – businesses of all sizes, including SMEs, can integrate AI solutions to boost productivity, improve customer experience, and streamline operations.
Councillor Colin Davie, Councillor for Economy and Place at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “AI is transforming the way businesses operate, and we want to ensure that businesses in our region aren’t left behind. This programme is a fantastic opportunity for local companies to explore how AI can streamline their operations, enhance productivity, and stay competitive in an increasingly digital world. The hands-on support provided by this programme will help businesses overcome any reservations they might have and empower them to adopt AI confidently.”
He said the programme wa s a unique opportunity for businesses to explore the potential of AI in a structured, supportive environment.
With only 20 places available, Business Lincolnshire encourages businesses to register early for this transformative programme. Applications are open to businesses that have been trading for over 12 months and are based in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland. The programme requires attendance from a decision-maker and another key staff member to ensure the successful implementation of AI solutions within their organisation.
New plans aim to crack down on late payments to SMEs
A package of new measures to support small businesses and deliver growth is being set out today in the run up to Small Business Saturday this weekend.
It includes targeted action to a crack down on late payments and to unleash the potential of disabled and female entrepreneurs.
A new ‘Fair Payment Code’ is being launched to address the problems with late payments, with research showing that SMEs are on average owed £22,000 a year. It comes on top of an earlier announced consultation which will investigate the scale of the problem and best solutions.
The code, overseen by the Small Business Commissioner Liz Barclay, introduces a gold, silver, and bronze system to reward best payment practices and help smaller firms identify reliable and trusted partners. It aims to boost cash flow for small businesses which is crucial for their survival, by tackling late payments and lengthy payment terms that can lead to financial strain and failure.
The code aims to boost cash flow for small businesses, crucial for their survival, by tackling late payments and lengthy payment terms that can lead to financial strain and failure.
It comes as the Prime Minister invites small business leaders and small business representative organisations from across the UK to a reception in Downing Street to celebrate their achievements and their crucial role in economic growth. Some of the businesses set to attend include Kim Innes, CEO and Founder of Humble Crumble, Freddie Blackett, Founder of Patch Plants and former Paralympian swimmer and medallist, Mark Williams who founded LIMB-Art.
Liz Barclay, Small Business Commissioner said: “The Fair Payment Code is our response to all those suppliers who begged for a more aspirational, robust and ambitious approach to changing the business to business payment culture in the UK. It also gives a clear signal of intent on the part of Government.
“We want suppliers paid within 30 days with payment beyond the due date a rare event. We want longer contractual payment terms to be recognised as potentially detrimental to vital supply chains. We want businesses of all sizes to commit to fair and quick payments and to avoid harmful disputes. This new Code will drive a better payments culture and benefit everyone.”
Lettings and estate agent platform secures new investment
LDC, the private equity investor which is part of Lloyds Banking Group, has exited its investment in Lomond, the lettings and estate agent platform, following a transformational growth journey. LDC will reinvest in Lomond alongside new investor ICG, the global asset manager, the founding Chairman and management.
The transaction will support Lomond’s continued growth strategy of further consolidation through M&A in its existing markets and provide additional capital to drive expansion into new regions.
LDC originally backed Yorkshire-based Linley & Simpson in 2018, before merging the regional sales and lettings agency with Lomond Capital in 2020. Since the merger, Lomond has completed 65 acquisitions, becoming one of the fastest growing estate agency networks in the UK, growing from 600 to 1,900 employees and from 22,000 properties under management to more than 50,000.
The transaction delivers a money multiple return of 3.5x for LDC.
Ed Phillips, CEO at Lomond, said: “We’ve had a superb journey so far with LDC. What we’ve achieved together is a testament to the hard work and passion of our people and I am delighted they will remain as a partner going forward.
“To have secured new investment from such a leading investor in ICG underlines the level of ambition of the team at Lomond and our new partner. We’re now looking forward to accelerating our growth in the coming years as we continue our journey as the best estate agency network in the UK.”
Stuart Pender, Founder and Chairman at Lomond, said: “The new investment from ICG creates significant firepower to fuel the next phase of Lomond’s growth and allows us to realise our ambitions for the business over the next three to five years.
“Our management team has done an excellent job over the last three years in building a market-leading platform and we have been well supported by LDC during this critical phase of our growth. We now very much look forward to working with ICG and LDC to maximise the full potential in the platform over the next few years.”
Gareth Marshall, Partner and Head of LDC’s North East & Scotland team, said: “This has been a truly transformative partnership spanning six years.
“We are proud to have supported Will and Nick initially, Stuart and Ed and the current team to scale from a regional lettings and estate agency to a multi-regional platform and now to a leading, multi-brand, national player.
“Today Lomond has unrivalled reach, reputation and the strongest team in the market and we’re looking forward to continuing our support for the business alongside ICG and management.”
LDC and Lomond were advised by Clearwater and Womble Bond Dickinson.
Yorkshire business confidence falls in November
Business confidence in Yorkshire and the Humber fell 19 points during November to 20%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds.
Companies in Yorkshire and the Humber reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down ten points at 37%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 28 points to 2%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 20% (vs. 39% in October).
However, a net balance of 30% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up eight points on last month.
Looking ahead to the next six months, Yorkshire businesses identified their top target areas for growth as evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products or services (29%), investing in their team, for example through training (27%), and introducing new technology such as automation and AI (27%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
National picture
Overall UK business confidence dipped slightly in November to 41% – down three points from October’s 44% – but remained above the long-term average of 29%.
While firms’ confidence in their own trading prospects strengthened two points to a net balance of 55%, their confidence in the economy fell nine points to 26%.
London was the most confident UK nation or region in November (57%), followed by the West Midlands (51%).
Sector insights
Firms in the manufacturing sector reported the first rise in trading prospects in four months, with the net balance up three points to 49%. Companies in construction and services also indicated stronger business growth outlooks with net balances of 56% (up six points) and 61% (up four points), respectively.
Retail firms, however, signalled softer prospects for a second month running, with the trading prospects’ net balance down six points at 45%.
Martyn Kendrick, Regional Director of Yorkshire and the Humber at Lloyds, said: “While confidence is down this month, Yorkshire’s businesses have clear plans for growth and more plan to hire – a move that won’t just benefit them, but also their local communities.
“We’ll remain by their side as they put their strategies into action, with on-the-ground support to help them make the most of any new opportunities that lie ahead.”
Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist, Lloyds Commercial Banking, said: “In November, the overall confidence metric fell by three points for the third month running. This is the lowest level since June, but still above the survey’s long-term average, which is ultimately positive from a longer-term perspective.
“These results suggest that while firms have mixed views about the economy, they see their businesses in a good place to cope with any challenges they might face. Hiring intentions, although moderating this month, haven’t fallen by much which is also positive news.
“Overall, these results show that businesses are still positive and feeling resilient, albeit with tempered views on the economic outlook.”
New head of trade credit at TL Dallas
A highly experienced industry professional has joined the trade credit division of independent insurance and risk management firm, TL Dallas Group.
Peter Hodgson is joining the Bradford-headquartered family and employee-owned firm as Director of Trade Credit. Peter will work alongside Simon Hyde, who has been with TL Dallas for over 25 years, and has been leading the 12-strong team over the last few years, until Simon’s retirement in early 2025.
Group Managing Director at TL Dallas, Polly Staveley, said: “We are thrilled that Peter is joining us. He was looking for a new challenge and given his experience in helping to grow independent insurance broker, Reynolds, both before and after its sale, together with his excellent knowledge of the market, we feel he is very well placed to lead and grow our trade credit team, who are based in our Bradford, Falkirk and Glasgow offices.”
Peter said: “TL Dallas has an enviable client base, many of which have been with the firm for decades, and it is renowned in the market for providing a personal service and having a dedicated and knowledgeable trade credit team. I’m looking forward to helping the firm continue to grow, whilst supporting businesses of all sizes by protecting them from the risk of non-payment and late payment, which is often a key reason why companies fail.”
Barnsley College partners with Laing O’Rourke and T3 to launch training facility for modern methods of construction
Barnsley College, in collaboration with Laing O’Rourke and T3 Training & Development, has opened the UK’s first dedicated modern methods of construction (MMC) training facility.
The first of its kind training centre represents a groundbreaking step in addressing the UK’s construction skills shortage and modernising the industry.
The new facility, part-funded by the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF), will provide people with the technical and digital skills required to assemble construction and engineering solutions that have been manufactured offsite.
This includes giving learners, ‘Trainee Assembly Specialists’, access to the equipment and skills needed to work with large-scale modular components in a safe and controlled environment as they learn how to deliver sections of some of the UK’s largest infrastructure and construction projects.
It will be the first purpose-built facility to offer a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Construction Assembly Installation – approved by The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) in 2019. No other UK facility currently offers this bespoke off-site training, which is key to building faster, safer, and more efficiently.
The UK’s construction sector is at a pivotal moment, with more than 250,000 extra construction workers needed by 2028, to deliver the expected levels of work. To meet this demand, the industry must evolve, adopting manufacturing (off-site) and assembly (on-site) approaches to enhance productivity, safety, and environmental performance.
This new qualification promises to help overcome the long-standing skills shortage in the sector and bridge the gap between young talent and experience.
Laing O’Rourke has committed to pioneering modern methods of construction for more than 15 years, knowing it offers attractive future careers that are safer, highly skilled and technical, in comparison to traditional construction approaches.
The new training facility will develop digital and technical skills among their 4,500 directly employed workforce, increasing its ability to deploy a manufacturing-led approach to construction and deliver certainty for their clients.
David Akeroyd, Principal and Chief Executive, Barnsley College, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Laing O’Rourke and T3 Training & Development to create the UK’s very first Modern Methods of Construction Training Centre of its type.
“This facility will no doubt equip students with the expertise needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving construction sector, lead the way on more sustainable methods of construction, and ensure they are prepared for the ambitious demands of the modern workforce.
“Through this collaboration, we are proud to play a vital role in addressing skills shortages and supporting the development of a highly skilled, future-ready workforce for the local region and beyond.”
Laing O’Rourke director, Peter Lyons, said: “We are proud and excited to launch this first-of-a-kind training facility with Barnsley College and T3 Training & Development, and to have created a training course that will help accelerate change across our sector.
“Not only will it enhance the skills of our current directly employed workforce, but it will also attract a more diverse range of people to consider a career in construction.
“Only through the wider use of digital technologies and modern methods of construction can we transform productivity and create better work and careers for people. It’s a change we need to make to ensure we can deliver the essential infrastructure the country needs, and which underpins our quality of life.
“We would like to extend a huge thank you to Select Plant Hire, Explore Plant and Transport Solutions, Expanded, Explore Manufacturing, Crown House Technologies, Cemex and Patera Engineering Ltd for their help and support in the planning and construction of this new facility, they have been integral to the success of this project.”
Andy Adams, Managing Director, T3 Training and Development, said: “I am thrilled to see the vision we’ve developed over nearly four years with Laing O’Rourke, and more recently with Barnsley College, come to fruition with the launch of the UK’s first dedicated training facility for modern methods of construction (MMC).
“This pioneering site and programme are designed not only to elevate T3 Training’s mission of delivering industry-specific training but also to address the critical skills gap in our sector. Through this facility, we aim to equip the next generation of ‘Trainee Assembly Specialists’ with the technical and digital expertise needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
“This project is especially meaningful because of the remarkable collaboration and shared vision that brought it to life. Firstly, working closely with Laing O’Rourke, we saw the pressing need for a specialised facility and assembled a dedicated team to design and build a world-class, first-of-its-kind training centre.
“And with the steadfast support and commitment from Barnsley College, we were able to bring this vision into reality. I couldn’t be prouder of the commitment and hard work of everyone involved, all of whom share our passion for creating a space that will foster the skills and knowledge needed for the future of our industry.”
The Modern Methods of Construction Training Centre (supported by Laing O’Rourke) will see the first cohort of apprentices begin their apprenticeships in the new year.
Matt takes on Presidency of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber
Matt Travis has officially stepped into the role of President of the Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber at the organisation’s AGM, at which members heard a strong forecast of growth for the Chamber.
Matt brings a wealth of experience, energy, and a strong commitment to supporting businesses across the region. As a passionate advocate for sustainability and innovation, the Chamber says he’s perfectly positioned to lead it n growth, collaboration, and environmental responsibility throughout South Yorkshire.
York Handmade wins major award
The York Handmade Brick Company has won a major honour in the prestigious 2024 Brick Awards.
York Handmade, based at Alne, near Easingwold, in North Yorkshire, triumphed in the Craftsmanship category for the company’s work on 5 St Frederick’s Place in the heart of City of London.
The Brick Awards were presented at a glittering ceremony at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in the heart of London’s West End. Run by the Brick Development Association, they are an international competition that recognizes exceptional brick architecture and craftsmanship. The awards celebrate projects that demonstrate innovative use of clay brick, exceptional design and a commitment to sustainability.
The ceremony was hosted by popular TV personality and architect George Clarke, best known for his work on the Channel 4 programmes The Home Show, The Restoration Man, George Clarke’s Old House New Home and George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces.
This year the awards have attracted entries from housebuilders, developers, architects and contractors across 18 hotly contested categories.
5 Frederick’s Place is based in the heart of London, near Bank Underground Station. This award-winning project involved the demolition of two buildings and the erection of a seven-storey structure consisting of both retail and commercial spaces, together with a new purpose-built archive for the Mercers’ Company.
The Brick Awards judges paid tribute to York Handmade’s work saying: “What a nice example of brickwork, well-planned and extremely well-executed. This was a real conversion of what was a site ripe for development and gave the building a new and relevant rebirth.
“The project boasts some interesting and exciting masonry features. It’s not very often one sees tapestry bond and here it’s well done. It’s very soft on the eye, a great use of brick.
“The combination of different types of bricks in the building’s construction adds character and appeal, drawing the attention of the public. This blend of bricks creates an alluring façade that speaks to both tradition and modernity. It’s an effective way to add personality to an architectural design, captivating the public.”
York Handmade Chairman David Armitage said: “We are tremendously proud to have won the coveted Craftsmanship Awards this year. The judges’ comments are wonderful and a ringing endorsement of everything we are trying to achieve here at York Handmade.
“Huge thanks are due to the management team and employees at York Handmade for their imagination, enterprise and hard work, which all combined to make this project so successful and so memorable.”
151 jobs saved as buyer found for bathroom products distributor
A buyer has been secured for an at-risk bathroom products distributor, administrators from FRP Advisory have confirmed.
Anthony Collier and Simon Farr of FRP were appointed as joint administrators of the Robert Lee group of businesses on 28 November. The group included Robert Lee Distribution Limited, RLD Stock Limited, Yorkshire Shower Trays Limited, and Aquadart Brands Limited.
Employing 151 people across sites in London, Wiltshire, Greater Manchester and Yorkshire, the Group was a national distributor of bathroom, shower and plumbing products, supplying a range of reputable brands as well as manufacturing its own product line.
Following a challenging trading period, FRP was commissioned to run an accelerated sales process. On appointment, the joint administrators completed the pre-pack sale of the group and its assets to trade buyer Roxor Group Limited. Halifax-based Roxor Group is one of the UK’s fastest growing suppliers of bathroom products, having traded for more than 35 years.
The agreement sees the preservation of all employees’ jobs and will ensure continuity for customers of the Robert Lee group of businesses.
Anthony Collier, restructuring advisory partner at FRP, said: “Robert Lee was a firmly established operation, managing more than 30,000 product lines to a loyal customer base.
“However, it was not immune to the economic pressures felt across a range of sectors in recent years. We’re pleased to have found a high-quality buyer in Roxor Group, preserving the heritage of the business as well as a large number of jobs across the country.”
