Council bids to stamp out illegal employment of children
Cleethorpes businesses have been visited by officers from North East Lincolnshire Council in an effort to stamp out the illegal employment of children.
The visits were led by the North East Lincolnshire Modern Slavery Partnership, who work to raise awareness of modern slavery human trafficking, and were joined by officers from North East Lincolnshire Council, Humberside Police, and the NEL Community Safety Partnership.
The visits were paid to a number of businesses in the resort as part of a proactive themed calendar set by the Humber Modern Slavery partnership.
In the UK, it’s illegal to employ a child of school age without a child employment permit, and those convicted of doing so can face a fine of up to £1,000.
There are some circumstances which are exempt from this, including periods of work experience arranged by schools.
Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “It’s important that businesses follow the law and keep up to date with legislation. Child employment permits have been around for a long time and there is no real excuse for businesses not to be aware of the need for them.
“The license is there to prevent the exploitation of children, and I’m pleased to see the team going out and visiting premises following reports that they’ve received.”
Visits were paid to a number of businesses, and whilst no evidence of child employment was found on the night, officers will carry out some work with those businesses to ensure that the proper permits are in place where required.
Bruntwood SciTech launches innovation hub in Leeds following £20m redevelopment project
Bruntwood SciTech, the property platform dedicated to the growth of the innovation economy, has launched its latest innovation hub, West Village in Leeds city centre, following a £20 million redevelopment project.
Already 75% pre-let, West Village now offers 230,000 sq ft of state-of-the-art workspace designed to help innovation thrive and stimulate collaborations between like-minded businesses. West Village provides a mix of coworking, serviced and leased spaces.
Cementing Leeds’ position as a leading technology hub – with Lloyds Bank naming it the fastest growing digital economy in the UK – businesses already confirmed to make West Village their home include global insurtech innovators QBE – who have located their robotics centre and technological development hub at West Village, Australian fintech company, PEXA, and coding bootcamp providers Northcoders.
The launch of West Village marks the culmination of an ambitious development project by Bruntwood SciTech – a joint venture between Bruntwood, Legal & General, and Greater Manchester Pension Fund – that has completely reimagined the former site of West One and Castle House.
Improvements have been made to the building to reduce CO2 emissions, improve air quality, reuse rainwater, reduce noise and create new habitats for local birds and wildlife. As part of the redevelopment, the building has been fitted with high efficiency air source heat pumps, sensor technology to promote the use of natural ventilation, new windows and additional wall insulation.
The design of the new workspace also has sustainability and wellbeing at its heart, and is focused around an expansive new entrance space with shared lounge, breakout spaces, meeting rooms, a café operated by independent retailer Second City Coffee, art curated through a partnership with Leeds University students, and a central courtyard with expansive biophilia that will provide the city centre with much needed green space.
West Village also offers a new state-of-the-art wellness facility – RESET Leeds, operated by premium training brand FORM – a mindfulness contemplation room, nursing and expressing room, secure cycle storage, a sports kit drying room, and shower, changing and locker facilities.
Bruntwood SciTech has also announced the refurbishment completion of nearby workspace 14 King Street, part of the company’s city centre innovation cluster.
Andrew Cooke, Regional Director – Leeds for Bruntwood SciTech, said: “West Village is the culmination of a hugely ambitious and important redevelopment project for the city. Leeds has built a reputation as a leading technology ecosystem and for good reason, with hundreds of innovative businesses now calling the city home.
“So it’s crucial that we continue to provide forward-thinking workspaces to ensure that these businesses are set up for success here. West Village does just that and more, offering spaces that encourage collaboration, inspirational thinking, and a positive work-life balance.
“Having already built a successful ecosystem of tech-led businesses at nearby Platform, we are excited for West Village and 14 King Street to join and build this community, ultimately adding to Leeds’ burgeoning technology status.”
At West Village, Bruntwood SciTech partnered with Robertsons, Cubic Works, 3D Reid, I Want Plants and DWLLP while Ultimate Group carried out the works at 14 King Street. CBRE and Knight Frank support West Village while Cushman & Wakefield and Fox Lloyd Jones support 14 King Street.
Greater Lincolnshire LEP puts rebel technologists under microscope at next conference
The Greater Lincolnshire Enterprise Partnership’s next conference will focus on the role of rebel technologists in organisations and the launch of an innovation roadmap to help businesses access innovation services.
The conference, on November 7th, will also provide an update on some of the work that the LEP and its partners have undertaken this year and include a conversation between the three chairs of the LEP, Ursula Lidbetter, Pat Doody and the current Chair Professor Neal Juster.
Among the other highlights will be a technology and innovation demonstration area showcasing Lincolnshire businesses and organisations that support or drive innovation.
The event will take place at the EPIC Centre on the Lincolnshire Showground. Admission is free and there will be the usual networking opportunities and a complimentary lunch for delegates.
Professor Juster said: “Our annual conference is always very popular and we’re delighted to be welcoming delegates again this year.
“Innovation is crucial to our economy. This year we want to celebrate those innovators who have blazed a trail by doing things in a new way, and at the same time encourage others to think outside the box and find innovative ways of working.
“We’ve already confirmed a host of businesses and organisations who will be showcasing our competitive edge in our technology and innovation exhibition area.
“The conference promises to be another fascinating day so I strongly urge you to sign up for your free ticket to avoid missing out.”
Sugar firm handed £25k fine for failure to comply with CMA merger procedures
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has imposed a fine of £25,000 on Tereos SCA and Tereos United Kingdom and Ireland Limited (together Tereos) for failing to provide relevant information in relation to the merger inquiry concerning the T&L Sugars/Tereos deal.
As part of the CMA’s phase 2 investigation, a notice was sent to Tereos under section 109 of Enterprise Act 2002 (the Act) requiring the production of certain minutes and internal documents in relation to its board and corporate governance. Tereos responded to the notice, however, following further enquires by the CMA it was found that Tereos failed, without reasonable excuse, to provide a full response.
In particular, the CMA Inquiry Group found that Tereos’ interpretation of the scope of the notice was unjustifiably narrow and untenable when viewed in the context of the object of the merger inquiry and that the failure was capable of having an adverse impact on the CMA’s investigation.
In order to reach sound decisions that benefit consumers and the UK economy as efficiently as possible, it is essential that the CMA is able to gather all the evidence it requires. Parties must therefore comply, on time and in full, with requests for information from the CMA during an investigation.
Richard Feasey, Chair of the independent inquiry group which led the investigation, said: “It’s important that firms respect the UK merger review process – which includes providing all the information we need to promptly progress our investigation.
“Firms and their advisers must not apply their own narrow, artificial interpretation of our formal information gathering requirements– as Tereos has done so here. Had they responded properly then Tereos could have avoided this fine altogether.”
Currently, where there is a failure to comply, without reasonable excuse, with a requirement of a notice under section 109 of the Act, the maximum fixed penalty the CMA is able to impose is £30,000. This is due to increase to 1% of the total value of a business’s worldwide turnover once amendments introduced by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA) come into force.ABP appoints Business Development Manager
Christine Watts has been appointed Business Development Manager at port operator ABP, focusing on developing carbon capture and storage value chains and transport solutions.
Christine served as a Lead Commercial Advisor at Neptune Energy where she developed non-pipeline transport solutions for CO2, and opportunities for offshore green hydrogen production via Integrated Energy Hubs. She also has significant experience in commercial and joint venture, project and change management.
She said: “I very much look forward to diving into the world of ports and using my customer-side experience to provide our partners with the tailored services and insights they need to thrive.
“There is so much potential to create value in the UK carbon capture and storage market. CO2 shipping will help accelerate industrial decarbonisation because not every emitter is at the end of a pipeline.”
Ralph Windeatt, ABP’s Group Head of Business Development, said: “Over the next decade we look forward to seeing the development of both domestic and cross-border CO2 shipping to support the widespread deployment of carbon capture and storage solutions, with ports at the heart of this transition.
“We are very well placed to build on the unique opportunity to work with businesses in this sector, so that together we can deliver large-scale investment, drive economic growth and create good quality jobs, which will bring prosperity to regional communities across the UK.”
Citra Living boosts portfolio of rental properties with almost 60 new homes on outskirts of Bradford
Citra Living, part of Lloyds Banking Group, has boosted its growing portfolio of rental homes across the UK, with the addition of almost 60 new homes on the outskirts of Bradford.
Citra, which now operates more than 4,000 properties (of which 2,500 are delivered and occupied), has forward-purchased 58 single family homes at housebuilder Gleeson Homes’ semi-rural Wood Hall Chase development in Bierley.
As part of Gleeson’s broader 106-home development on Shetcliffe Lane, Citra will bring to market a range of two, three and four-bedroom homes for private rent, with the first due for completion in 2026. The additional homes aim to further support first-time buyers and young families in the area.
All 58 Citra homes will be delivered to EPC B rating, supported by air source heat pump technology.
Less than three miles from both the M62 and Bradford Interchange rail station, Wood Hall Chase will provide commuter links to Leeds and Huddersfield. Surrounded by countryside, residents will also benefit from local amenities in Bierley, including its bars, restaurants, shops, garden centre and community centre.
Andy Hutchinson, Chief Executive Officer of Citra Living, said: “Wood Hall Chase further strengthens our growing portfolio as we continue to pursue opportunities to create a positive mix of housing in areas where people want to live. We’re looking forward to seeing the homes progress and welcoming new customers to the Citra community as we continue to provide pathways from rental through to home ownership.”
Graham Prothero, CEO of MJ Gleeson, said: “We are delighted to partner with Citra Living to deliver 58 single family homes on our development in Bradford. This partnership aligns with our mission, core values, and commitment to excellence, offering more customers access to quality homes through our combined expertise.”
Former IBIS Hotel in Bradford sold
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co has sold the former IBIS Budget Hotel in Bradford, West Yorkshire. Funding for the purchasers was secured through Christie Finance.
Located in central Bradford, the closed property formerly operated as an IBIS hotel, featuring 86 bedrooms as well as an open plan reception and dining area.
The hotel was purpose-built in 2008, and the previous owner recently sold it to focus on their other hotel and retail business ventures. The business has been acquired by an experienced operator who owns two other hotels in West Yorkshire, and has recently re-opened this hotel as their third.
David Lee, Regional Director at Christie & Co who handled the sale, says: “We were very pleased to conclude this hotel transaction, with invaluable help from Ram Kakar from Christie Finance. I wish all the best to the new owners in their latest venture.”
Ram Kakar, Director at Christie Finance, who secured funding for the sale, says: “This was a satisfying completion for the Christie network, with funding secured for our clients within just eight days of instruction. This deal showcases that we could effectively provide a solution for our clients, no matter the circumstances.
“Appetite for the hospitality sector remains fluid, and Christie Finance Real Estate have the experience and the capability to deliver alternative solutions for our clients.”
Leeds Beckett University supporting Wakefield greetings card company’s growth with RFID technology
The rollout of new patented Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, supported by Leeds Beckett University experts, is helping Wakefield-based Riverside Greetings realise their ambition to become the largest supplier of greetings cards to convenience and forecourt stores in the UK.
The RFID technology has been piloted, and patented, as part of a two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between Leeds Beckett University and Riverside. The KTP was part-funded by the Government through Innovate UK.
The technology allows stores to complete a full stock count of hundreds of cards by design in less than two minutes, with 100% accuracy – the current manual counting system takes around 30 minutes. Sales in Riverside’s pilot stores grew by 11% using the innovative new method.
Dr Akbar Sheikh Akbari, Reader in the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing at Leeds Beckett University, said: “The challenge for Riverside was a lack of real-time business performance data. The KTP aimed to create a sustainable platform for growth – using RFID and AI to develop better data management, tighter stock control, and a clearer understanding of which designs are selling in each store, so that Riverside can anticipate and meet the needs of their clients more quickly.
“RFID uses radio waves to passively identify a tagged object, tracking items in multiple commercial and industrial applications. Embedding RFID tags in low-value, high-volume items, such as greetings cards, is highly innovative.”
A KTP Associate – Dan Lamsdale – was recruited as a full-time member of the Riverside team, and was pivotal to the management and delivery of the project.
Dan designed and implemented the RFID pilot programme across a number of convenience stores, creating a plan for rolling out the technology to all stores after the project, and researching and driving forwards the successful patent pending application. He created a strategic marketing framework and campaign plans, and a programme of cultural change and training within the business to support the growth and adoption of the new technology.
Andrew Glen, Managing Director of Riverside Greetings, said: “The KTP has exceeded our expectations, and we have seen significant benefits. The RFID technology patent pending status has positioned us as a leader in our field. We can now investigate other markets where the technology could be applied, as well as licensing the solution to other parties in the future. The RFID technology has critically improved our responsiveness to the needs of our customers.
“Riverside’s ambition is to become the largest supplier of greeting cards to the convenience and forecourt sectors. Without the KTP, the business would not be placed to progress so quickly.”
Riverside are now planning a phased rollout of the technology across their store network in the UK.
Jo Griffiths, Head of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships at Leeds Beckett University, added: “The Outstanding grading awarded to the project is a clear indication of the high quality of innovation achieved by the team on this KTP. That Riverside has a patent pending application is an exciting output that we did not foresee as part of the original project plan. We look forward to seeing Riverside’s continued growth in the future.”
The KTP has now been graded ‘Outstanding’ by independent assessors at Innovate UK – this is the highest possible rating awarded to projects.
Citu and Great Places come together to deliver shared ownership, low-carbon homes at Kelham Island
Citu, a Yorkshire-based sustainable property developer with a focus on community-led development, and Great Places Housing Group, a northern, affordable housing provider, are working together to deliver 16 new, zero-carbon homes for shared ownership in Kelham Central, located in Sheffield’s Kelham Island neighbourhood.
Jonathan Wilson, Citu, Managing Director, said: “Through great collaboration with like-minded partners, Citu is excited to support the launch of a shared ownership offering at Kelham Central, bringing added value to the existing community and the wider Kelham district.
“It’s always been Citu’s ambition to create impactful places, protecting the planet with an emphasis on places where people can thrive. This is an important chapter in our journey – as to build a truly inclusive and diverse community where every person has something to contribute – we need to make sure as many people as possible are given the opportunity to purchase a home here.”
Commenting on the new partnership, Helen Spencer, Executive Director of Growth at Great Places Housing Group, said: “Partnership working is at the heart of Great Places in delivering much needed affordable homes in the areas in which we operate.
“We’re delighted to be working alongside Citu, to offer shared ownership as part of Kelham Central, providing an affordable housing option for those looking to be part of this exciting new community close to Sheffield city centre.”
Shared ownership gives first-time buyers, as well those looking to move up the property ladder or downsize, an opportunity to own between 10% and 75% of the home’s full market value and pay rent on the remaining amount. Buyers also have the opportunity to buy more shares in their home in the future until they own 100 per cent of their property outright.
Cllr Ben Miskell, chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Citu and Great Places on this important project in the centre of Sheffield’s industrial heartland, which is rapidly forming.
“Sheffield is a fantastic place to live, and we need more affordable homes to allow as many as possible to love this city, this development will help us achieve our goal of transforming the city into a place people can live, work and relax.”
Peter Denton, Chief Executive of Homes England, added: “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting stakeholders of all sizes to achieve their ambitions.
“This investment through the Affordable Homes Programme does just that, enabling Citu and Great Places to build 16 low carbon, much needed new homes the people of Sheffield can be proud to call home.”
Kelham Central, Citu’s second development on Kelham Island following the now complete and fully occupied award-winning Little Kelham neighbourhood, aims to tackle the climate emergency with 113 new homes built using Citu’s innovative timber-framed design which offers airtightness and energy efficiency.
The scheme also reprioritises outdoor leisure and greenspace, creating communities that have ownership of their futures through a Community Interest Company (CIC). The homes are a mix of high-performance 3 and 4-bed townhouses, with a sleek Scandinavian style design and access to private roof terrace space.
Every Citu Home is built to be sustainable, this means the operational carbon from the homes is 73% better than a traditional home. The homes are designed and built to Passive House Standards. Each home features triple-glazed windows, renewable technology and mechanical ventilation systems. The Great Places shared owners will also benefit from significantly reduced energy usage.
Specialist family law firm acquired by investor
Investcorp, a global alternative investment firm, has acquired Stowe Family Law, the specialist family law firm, from investment firm Livingbridge.
Based in Leeds, the company was founded by Marilyn Stowe in 1982, and has quickly grown into one of the leading technology-enabled UK family law firms.
Spanning practice areas such as divorce, cohabitation, financial settlements, child law, mediation, nuptial agreements, surrogacy, adoption and international family law, the firm has more than doubled in the last two years, now operating from 90 locations across the United Kingdom with nearly 400 staff supporting 5,000 clients a year.
The company had a reported annual turnover of over £37 million in the fiscal year ending March 2024.
With this investment, Investcorp will work with the Stowe team to continue in the development of its growth strategy, focusing on its 5-year Stowe 3.0 plan. The firm’s ambition is to serve more than 10,000 clients by 2029 and to offer more holistic support to families going through the challenges of change.
Investcorp will also use its vast experience in building technology-enabled businesses to help Stowe continue to expand its services and delivery for clients using the latest solutions.
Gilbert Kamieniecky, Head of Private Equity, Europe at Investcorp, said: “We are pleased to be starting this new partnership with Ken and the Stowe Family Law team, as they continue on their growth trajectory of building the number 1 brand in family law in the UK.
“We were impressed by the company’s commitment to build a resilient and scalable business powered by technology, and look forward to working with Ken and the team as they continue on their vision of Stowe 3.0, a true leader in the legal field.”
Ken Fowlie, Executive Chairman at Stowe Family Law, added: “We are delighted to begin this next chapter in the Stowe story and look forward to working with the Investcorp team, who share our passion and strategic vision for the firm.
“With their support and collaboration, we will continue to invest in our business and people to achieve our mission to become the first choice for family law. Given Investcorp’s experience, we will accelerate investment in technology, including looking to unlock the power of artificial intelligence to further enhance customer experience and service quality.”
