Takeover means dog agility company can broaden its product range
Naylor Agility, which makes equipment for dog agility events at its Wombewll base, has acquired Performance Agility, which will allow it to expand its agility equipment range.
MD John Grice said: “We’re really excited with this acquisition which fits perfectly with our existing agility product range. We’d also like to thank our amazing customers for their continued support, and we look forward to seeing our products across the UK and Internationally!”
The company now plans a promotional tour by attending a number of shows around the country.
Northern names man to lead development of signalling system across its network
The UK’s second-largest train operator Northern has appointed Tony Plumbley to lead its engineering preparations for the roll-out of ‘European Train Control System’ signalling across its network.
Plumbley joined Northern as head of engineering in March 2022. Since then, he has delivered the train operator’s digital trains programme, developed the new operations management maintenance system and helped prepare the Northern fleet for autumn leaf-fall with double variable rate sanding equipment.
In his new role, he will support Barry Thomas, Northern’s head of ETCS, to ensure a smooth integration of the system for colleagues in operations, programmes, training, engineering, safety and commercial.
Steve Rowell, director of new rolling stock programmes at Northern, said: “Tony has successfully delivered a number of major projects since joining the team in 2022 and we couldn’t ask for a better engineering lead for the ETCS roll-out.
“ETCS is an exciting development for the rail industry and Northern is assembling a team to ensure we’re able to play our part in making the rail network even safer and more efficient.”
Mr Plumbley added: “I’m really looking forward to getting my teeth into all things ETCS. Northern has given me so many great opportunities to work on exciting projects with real-world customer benefits – and ETCS will be game-changing for the industry when it comes online.”
Plumbley joined Northern from Merseyrail and has previously worked for Cross Country, Arriva and Bombardier. Recruitment for a new head of engineering at Northern will begin shortly.
Textile company James Robinson Fibres to invest £750k in Bradford operation
Yorkshire-based textile company James Robinson Fibres is to invest over £750,000 into its head office and warehousing at Euroway Industrial Estate in Bradford, enhancing operational efficiency as it celebrates 150 years of pioneering spirit in the textile industry.
The fifth-generation family business has been making significant investments across the group. This follows a £10m investment into Texfelt’s Cutler Heights facilities, positioning the company as a global leader in innovative textile fibres & fillings solutions.
JR Fibres will utilise this investment to refurbish buildings, enhance office and welfare facilities, and consolidate all business departments under one roof. The investment also extends to IT infrastructure and other operational efficiencies, improving flow and function to achieve world-class efficiency levels in manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics divisions.
James Taylor, Group Chairman, said: “As we celebrate 150 years of James Robinson Fibres, we’re not just reflecting on our achievements but actively shaping our future. This investment represents our commitment to continuous innovation and adaptability – principles that have been the cornerstone of our success since 1873.
“Throughout our history, we’ve consistently reinvented ourselves to meet changing market demands. From our origins in wool dyeing to pioneering recycled fibres, and now leading the way in sustainable products and materials, we’ve always embraced change. This latest investment ensures we remain at the forefront of innovation, ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the next 150 years.”
Consultancy business quits Barnsley for a move to Sheffield’s business district
Consultancy specialist BrookConsult is to quit Barnsley for a move to Leah’s Yard in Sheffield to put itself at the heart of the city’s business district.
Sheffield’s Heart of the City project is a major initiative to revitalise the city centre, creating a thriving environment for businesses. By moving to Leah’s Yard, BrookConsult aims to tap into this investment, boosting our operations and contributing to Sheffield’s economic growth.
This move will help BrookConsult build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders like the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Sheffield Hallam University, and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.
MD Dom Brook said: “We are really looking forward to moving to Leah’s Yard, a location that embodies Sheffield’s industrious spirit and innovative drive. This move reflects our commitment to growth and excellence, and our dedication to contributing to Sheffield’s vibrant business landscape.”
ABB appoints partner in virtual finance function
AAB has appointed Leeds-based Mark Bain as Partner within its Virtual Finance Function.
His appointment is the second significant senior-level addition to the team in as many months, reflecting not just the surge in demand for Virtual Finance services, but also AAB’s reputation for providing exceptional client service.
A Chartered Accountant whose international career spans more than 20 years, Mark has an impressive track record of propelling growth-oriented businesses toward success. His most recent tenure as COO of a prominent brand has not only sharpened his capabilities in understanding and enhancing client operations, but also positioned him to harness the benefits of AAB’s Virtual Finance Function, particularly when businesses find themselves at critical junctures.
Mark said: “I am delighted to be joining the Virtual Finance team at this pivotal time. The opportunity to contribute to the exceptional growth trajectory of AAB and build on the impressive results we’ve already accomplished is exhilarating, ensuring that our clients receive top-tier, transformative financial solutions.”
Lauren McIlroy, Head of the Virtual Finance Function at AAB, commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Mark to the team. His expertise in finance technology and strategy aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing innovative and tailored financial solutions to our clients.”
Train operator appoints eight new apprentices
TransPennine Express has hired eight new apprentices from towns and cities across the region including Huddersfield, Leeds, Manchester and Middlesbrough.
Over the next two years, the eight individuals Ben Hunt, Cameron Law, Ellen Thompson, Harry Moss, Jacob Dube, Jack Millward, Megan Asquith, and Ted Hollas will be immersed in the world of TPE and will play an integral part in transporting customers and connecting communities across the North and into Scotland.
The apprentices will work across the business to see how each function works together to keep customers on the move, all while gaining the skills required for a career in the rail industry.
Each will also gain a Level 3 qualification, with TPE working with training providers to ensure the qualifications are relevant and positively impact both the business and the apprentices.
Emma Sayers-Bates, Early Careers Talent Manager for TransPennine Express, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the next generation of rail talent and proud to be introducing our eight new team members.
“Apprenticeships are huge opportunities for both students and employees and are an excellent way for young people to kick-start their career, allowing them to further their education and gain great work experience at the same time.
“We want our apprentices to gain knowledge across the whole business, giving them a great start as they build their careers. Our apprentices will delve into different areas of the business, from supporting communications to the delivery of services in the control centre; the new recruits will get to see what it’s like to run a railway.”
Accountancy firm names new financial services audit partner
Accountancy and advisory firm Azets has appointed Alain de Braekeleer as a financial services audit partner.
Based in Leeds, Alain is a seasoned FS specialist who brings a wealth of experience from his 20 years in the FS audit practice at KPMG.
His time there included leading numerous Financial Statement and Client Money audits as well as providing a variety of non-audit services to clients.
Alain has experience across a wide array of FS firms and he has supported and worked with companies and groups of all shapes and sizes.
His appointment comes as Azets’ audit business continues to grow in Yorkshire. Leeds has become the UK’s second city for financial services, while the North of England has one of the largest concentrations of financial and business services firms in Europe.
Russell Turner, regional managing director for Yorkshire, said: “We’re very pleased to welcome Alain to Azets. “He brings exceptional experience and expertise in the highly-specialist, sophisticated and exacting FS audit space which will allow us to bring this new service to clients across the north.
“This will complement both our existing audit and assurance offering in the region and our well-established and successful FS audit services in London and the south east.”
Chris Butt, head of audit for Yorkshire, said: “Alain is a strong and strategic hire with an excellent reputation whose appointment represents an investment in the future of the company.
“It is an opportunity to widen our client base and build a new business arm from the ground up across the region.”
Mr de Braekeleer said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Azets at such an exciting time in its growth and look forward to supporting many of the varied companies that make up the thriving Financial Services sector in Yorkshire.”
Alain will support clients in asset management, asset finance and fintech as well as a range of other types of financial services firms.
BGF exits Yorkshire-based care village group following 12-year partnership
Following a 12-year partnership, BGF has secured a strong return on its investment in Springfield Healthcare Group, as it exits the partnership with a sale of six care villages.
Springfield Healthcare operates six care villages across the Yorkshire region, providing more than 500 registered care beds and employing 700 people.
Starting out as a single care home, Springfield first secured investment from BGF in 2012 to expand its care village model into more locations across the North of England.
During the investment period, BGF has provided a total of £31m of growth capital across multiple funding rounds to support the creation of new care homes, including a multimillion-pound renovation of the former Terry’s Chocolate headquarters in York. Springfield’s expansion has supported the creation of 700 new jobs in the region.
Graeme Lee, the founder of the Springfield Group, will continue to own and operate Springfield Home Care Services, a domiciliary care business, and Springfield Garforth Care Home in Leeds as well as continuing to develop new Springfield Care Village projects in the region.
Graeme Lee, CEO of Springfield Healthcare Group, said: “Springfield’s care villages are the result of a simple vision, the best environments with the best care in the heart of the community. We are confident our incredible homes and teams of committed care professionals will continue to flourish as we move forward.”
Mark Rigby at BGF who sat on the Board of Springfield, said: “We are pleased to announce our exit from Springfield Healthcare Group after a highly successful investment period. Our patient capital approach has allowed us to maintain a flexible and supportive partnership with Graeme and his team, providing sustained support throughout various economic cycles and the Covid pandemic in ways other investment firms might not have been able to.”
Ben Barker, Head of Portfolio, BGF said: “This exit represents one of the largest ever gains for BGF, following a 12-year partnership and a commitment to supporting the company’s aspirations. The outcome is the result of shared partnership values, thoughtful growth plans and an exceptional management team. We wish everyone at Springfield all the best for the future.”
In addition to the funding, BGF has played a key role in Springfield’s growth strategy, from facilitating key appointments, such as the non-executive Chair, Mark Beadle, and collaborating closely with Graeme Lee and his management team to professionalise the business as it has scaled.
Law firm moves to new offices in Sheffield
Tigers Rugby Union favourite James Norman recently joined his sponsor Sills & Betteridge Incorporating Acclaimed Family Law at the opening of new Sheffield offices.
The firm has relocated to New Oxford House, Barker’s Pool in the regenerated ‘Heart of the City’ Quarter to enable their next period of growth, and will operate in Sheffield as Sills & Betteridge Incorporating Acclaimed Family Law.
Specialist matrimonial practice Acclaimed Family Law of Campo Lane joined full-service East Midlands firm Sills & Betteridge LLP to make available to their clients, a wider range of personal and commercial services.
For Sills & Betteridge, the collaboration proved a strong strategic fit realised their aspiration to operate in Sheffield, a key ambition in their development plans for Yorkshire, seeing the firm’s Northern network grow to 5 offices since 2018.
Michelle Cooper, Partner and Founder of Acclaimed Family Law said: “The relocation to larger, prestigious premises in such a high profile part of the city is an exciting move for the original Acclaimed Family team, especially as we will now join forces with colleagues from Sills & Betteridge. Clients will now have access to a full range of complementary services from experts so all their needs are met under one roof.
Together, the merged practice will continue to offer the high quality matrimonial representation, with specialists in high value and complex cases on which Acclaimed built their formidable reputation, alongside family law representation for publicly funded clients, family mediation, residential property, private client work and corporate commercial legal services.”
Chief Exec Martyn Hall said: “We are ambitious for Sheffield. We look forward to further integration of our two practices and working together to develop various service expansion opportunities. The new office will enable us to accommodate additional strategic hires across a number of practice areas and support our future growth”.
The firm now has 18 offices across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the East Midlands employing over 430 people. 2024 has been a period of significant activity for the firm including its acquisition of Nottingham headquartered Campions Solicitors, significant refurbishment of its Boston premises and current relocation of its Northampton and Sleaford teams to larger premises.
Anglo-Italian deal means £50m investment in steel furnace for Sheffield
Italian steel company Marcegaglia is to invest £50m in an electric arc furnace that will create 50 jobs in Sheffield as part of a deal worth a total of £485m.
The remainder will cover investment by defence specialist Leonardo at its plant at Yeovil in Somerset.
In a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni this afternoon, Prime Minister Kier Starmer confirmed the £485 million of investment into UK defence, clean growth and innovation.
The Prime Minister says he has been continuing his drive to reset the UK’s relationship with its closest European partners to deepen co-operation on shared challenges, boost bilateral trade and investment and drive economic growth at home.
Italy is one of the UK’s top ten trading partners, with annual bilateral trade between us worth £50 billion. It is also a pivotal NATO, G7 and EU player, and a key aim of the Prime Minister’s visit today was to unlock deeper co-operation across security, defence and migration.
Sir Keir said: “I am in Italy with a clear message for one of our closest international friends and partners: Britain is a place to do business.
“It is only by resetting our relationships around the world that we can break down the barriers that have been holding the UK back for so long. It means we can attract investment such as the significant sum I’m announcing today, create jobs for hardworking British people and deliver on my ultimate mission for the UK – economic growth.
The UK and Italy have also agreed to work more closely to tackle illicit financial flows linked to organised immigration crime and share intelligence to disrupt the maritime equipment supply chains used by vile people smuggling gangs.
The two leaders also agreed to deepen their defence co-operation by confirming that Italian Army and Navy will participate in UK Carrier Strike Group Operations in the Indo-Pacific next year.
