Dinnington’s Direct Track Solutions sold to Swiss company
Dinnington-based Direct Track Solutions Ltd (DTS) has been acquired by Swiss company Schwihag AG.
Direct Track Solutions Limited was founded in 2002 by Martin and Melanie Southwell to focus on competitive supply chain solutions for the railway industry. Having significantly grown the business, Martin and Melanie were looking for a partner who could continue this success.
Melanie and Martin Southwell, of Direct Track Solutions Limited, said: “Having worked for 22 years building a successful business, we agreed that the time was now right to look for a buyer that could take the business to the next level. Schwihag AG a global supplier of quality railway track products ticked all the boxes.
“Schwihag AG is the perfect fit, enhancing the DTS brand and creating greater opportunities for all the staff. We are both delighted that the future of DTS is in good hands and we are confident that the business will go from strength to strength.”
Corporate Finance advice was provided to DTS by Andy Ryder and Adam Ames of Shorts, together with legal advice from Matt Ainsworth of Shakespeare Martineau.
Andy Ryder, Corporate Finance Partner at Shorts, added: “We are delighted to have helped complete this transaction for Martin and Melanie. It has been a pleasure to work with them on this international transaction, and we look forward to hearing of Direct Track’s continuing success under Schwihag’s ownership.”
Schwihag, which was founded in 1971 in Tägerwilen, Switzerland, has over 50 years’ experience in the rail sector and is a longstanding supplier of unique and well-proven trackwork components and fastening systems globally. Rebecca Robinson of Wake Smith provided legal advice to the buyer.
Direct Track Solutions Ltd will continue to trade under the DTS Brand, with the company structure and personnel remaining unchanged.
West Yorkshire’s green sector set for explosion after bringing in £8.1bn to region’s economy in a year
West Yorkshire businesses are being urged to join “the decarbonisation revolution” with a new report revealing the region’s burgeoning green sector is set for a growth explosion after bringing in £8.1 billion to the economy last year.
The newly published Green Economy report reveals the region’s Green Technologies and Services (GTS) sector – which includes everything from wind to alternative fuel vehicles – is set for massive growth with sales set to soar by 37% to £11.1 billion by 2026.
This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is supported by West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin.
Green Economy’s West Yorkshire Green Technologies & Services Sector Mapping report also shows the huge contribution the region’s 2,914 GTS businesses and 53,000 employees, play economically and environmentally.
Its authors stressed the report should be the springboard for the sector to work alongside bodies like Green Economy to ensure they plug skills gaps, overcome industry barriers to decarbonisation and create more high-quality local jobs with employment in West Yorkshire’s green tech sector representing just 2.1% of the county’s workforce in 2023 – compared to 5.9% for England as a whole.
Key findings of the report include:
- West Yorkshire’s green technologies and services sector is valued at £8.1 billion and expected to grow to £11.1 billion by 2026 – a 37% rise. Sales in the sector grew by 6.1% from 2020/21 to 2021/22 and 6.4% from 2021/22 to 2022/23, mirroring UK trends.
- The top three sub-sectors in the region by sales in 2022/23 were: Wind – £1,248 million in sales, 6,926 employees and 422 businesses; Building Technologies – £895 million in sales, 7,325 employees and 377 businesses; and Alternative Fuel Vehicles – £877 million in sales, 5,578 employees and 326 businesses
- The three largest exporting sub-sectors in West Yorkshire in 2022/23 were Energy from Waste (£89.4 million), Alternative Fuels (£72.2 million), Alternative Fuel Vehicle (£50.1 million)
- West Yorkshire’s GTS exports in 2023 were valued at £500 million, representing 2.9% of the UK’s GTS exports and aligning with West Yorkshire’s 2.9% share of the overall UK GTS 2023 market. West Yorkshire contributed 3.3% to England’s GTS 2023 export market, slightly lower than its 3.4% share of England’s GTS 2023 sales. Notable exporting sub-sectors included Energy from Waste and Alternative Fuels.
- Leading sub-sectors include wind, building technologies and alternative fuels while emerging sectors include carbon finance, geothermal and air-source heat pumps, all expected to see over 60 per cent increase in sales
Work completes on new Northallerton primary school
Yorkshire and Lincolnshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter, has completed work on a brand-new multi-million-pound primary school in Northallerton.
The new academic term saw 18 children take their first steps into the £7 million state-of-the-art Oakbridge Church of England Primary School in Alverton Road, where a major new housing development has been built.
The school, which Trust leaders have promised will be a “flagship of excellence,” is being run by the Dales Academies Trust and boasts excellent indoor and outdoor sports provision, a well-stocked library, a bespoke Early Years classroom and a purpose-built art studio.
Richard Hunter, managing director at Hobson & Porter, said: “Oakbridge Church of England Primary School is an exceptional school with superb facilities, which will make it a hugely valuable asset for the local community.
“It’s also a great addition to our portfolio of high-quality school and college projects that we’ve successfully delivered across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire in recent years, and seeing the school welcoming its first pupils is a special moment for the whole development team.”
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: “I’m delighted to see a new primary school open its doors in Northallerton and welcome its first pupils.
“I’m extremely proud of the work and commitment that has gone into creating this impressive new, purpose-built school that will provide current and future generations with excellent facilities and quality learning environments. This is such a massive achievement and I would like to wish all pupils and staff the very best in their first week at school.”
Director of primary for Dales Academies Trust and executive headteacher of the new school, Nikkie Godbold, said: “I am delighted to welcome our first cohort of children to Oakbridge. We have fantastic facilities and a beautiful building where they will thrive; it is lovely to now see the children using our carefully designed spaces.
“Our curriculum is broad, balanced, and ambitious and has reading at its heart. In partnership with our families, and the local community, we look forward to seeing our children learn and develop over the coming years.”
The chief executive officer for Dales Academies Trust, Damian Chubb, said: “It is a real privilege for Dales to be the sponsor for the new school and we are thrilled to reach this point in this exciting project.
“We are very grateful for the warm welcome we have received from the local community and look forward to playing a full role in its further development.”
The site was acquired through a planning condition agreed with a housebuilder developing land nearby. The school has opened with an initial intake of reception class only but will welcome more and more pupils over a seven-year period until it reaches its full capacity of 210 pupils – providing places for 30 children in each year group.
North Yorkshire Council’s assistant director for education and skills, Amanda Newbold, said: “This is an exciting day for everyone involved. The new Oakbridge Church of England Primary School is a welcome addition to our existing education provision in North Yorkshire.”
Ward member for Northallerton North and Brompton division, Cllr Steve Watson, added: “Oakbridge Primary will not only have big educational benefits for all pupils, but will also be a valuable asset for the local community. This is another key piece of the overall North Northallerton development. It is wonderful to see the children and staff embracing their school and starting to breathe life.”
Sale and leaseback of 70,865 sq ft industrial building agreed in Barnsley
Independent property consultancy, Edwards Property Consultants has agreed a sale and leaseback of a 70,865 sq ft industrial building in Barnsley for £3.4 million, reflecting a net initial yield of 9.25%.
The building, which sits on a 10.15 acre site on Fall Bank Industrial Estate in Dodworth, was sold with a 15 year leaseback, incorporing 5 yearly tenant breaks, to long established haulier, Truswell Haulage. A private investor acquired the asset as part of its long term investment portfolio.
Oliver Rowe, Director at Edwards, says: “Completing this strategic sale leaseback deal marks a pivoltal chapter for our client, Truswell Haulage. By unlocking signifcant capital, the company can now prioritse ongoing investment into the business to secure its long term future and further grow it’s operations.
“We are advising a number of business owners looking to reduce traditional debt, or invest funds into the growth of their businesses. With a backdrop of higher interest rates and strong underlying industrial values, releasing capital through sale and leaseback is proving to be a good alternative for business owners.”
Christopher Dee acted for the purchasers.
Leeds City Council backs first phase of mass transit scheme
Leeds City Council is backing the first phase of West Yorkshire’s mass transit scheme, in a report due to go before senior councillors next week.
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is currently consulting on the first phase of its mass transit scheme, which would see tram routes created between St James’ Hospital and the White Rose office park and shopping centre, and between Leeds and Bradford.
A report to the Leeds City Council’s executive board, to be considered at its meeting at Civic Hall on Wednesday 18 September, states that the council recognises the ‘strategic importance’ of mass transit across Leeds and West Yorkshire in improving transport connections and accelerating economic growth and regeneration.
This includes ‘unlocking of new housing growth opportunities across the city’ and ‘bringing people within easier reach of jobs and opportunities’, along with connecting people with education, health and local centres in addition to social and leisure destinations in the city centre.
The report also states that mass transit ‘will play a critical role in helping Leeds to be the city where you don’t need a car, encouraging mode shift from private car use to reduce congestion and meet the council’s carbon net zero targets’.
The combined authority’s consultation options splits the possible mass transit route into three sections – Leeds city centre and South Leeds, which together make up the ‘Leeds Line’, and the ‘Bradford Line’.
There are four options for the Leeds city centre route, between St James’ Hospital and the River Aire at Victoria Bridge.
There are three options for South Leeds route, which would join the city centre route at Victoria Bridge and end at the White Rose Shopping Centre via either Holbeck and Elland Road or along the A653 Dewsbury Road.
The Bradford Line options would connect Leeds and Bradford using three different routes between either Stanningley or Pudsey, and either Armley or Wortley.
The report states the council’s preference for Leeds city centre route known as L1 via East Parade and Infirmary Street, connecting to the South Leeds route known as L6 which would travel via Elland Road, Elland Road Stadium and Ring Road Beeston to the White Rose site.
The report states that the council supports routes that connect to these destinations along with the universities, hospitals, existing housing developments and the Innovation Arc, and ‘offer opportunities to accelerate urban regeneration… and be a catalyst for wider change by helping to unlock brownfield development and placemaking that contributes to new housing delivery and economic growth’.
The report goes on to state that mass transit ‘has the potential to radically change access to the south of the city and particularly the corridor comprising Elland Road, the football stadium, White Rose Office Park and White Rose Shopping Centre, and outer south Leeds, linking to growth points in Kirklees’. The report suggests that options which follow routes through Middleton similar to those in the previously-proposed New Generation Transport (NGT) scheme would be ‘sub-optimal’ compared to routes which connect to Elland Road, and previous ‘negative feedback’ about the NGT routes should be taken into account.
The report recognises the importance of improving connectivity between the two largest cities in West Yorkshire and the ‘clear regeneration opportunities for key settlements along the route’.
The council also wants to ensure that ‘centres like Pudsey gain maximum benefit from the provision of an enhanced transport link’ and supports improved connections between the city centre, Pudsey and Bradford.
However, the report does not outline a specific preference for any of the three Bradford Line options at this stage, stating that the council would welcome ‘further conversations on the design development with WYCA to fully inform future considerations on a preferred route’. This includes understanding how any route would integrate and impact on the existing railway and Northern Powerhouse Rail proposals, how any disruption to local highways would be minimised, and how mass transit would serve communities along the route.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “We are extremely supportive of mass transit in Leeds and the wider West Yorkshire region. It will improve transport connections, bring people within easier reach of jobs and opportunities, boost our economic growth and regeneration ambitions, and have a positive impact on people’s overall quality of life.
“Improved connectivity with our neighbours in Bradford is incredibly important in boosting both cities’ economic potential and is something that we would like to see delivered as soon as possible.
“We recognise that the combined authority’s proposals are at an early stage, and as such we require greater clarity in some key areas, but overall we are keen to realise mass transit and its benefits for our city and the wider region as a whole.”
The executive board report outlines the council’s technical response to the combined authority’s first phase of consultation. Following approval at next week’s executive board meeting, the council will provide its response to the combined authority. The combined authority’s first phase mass transit consultation closes on 30 September 2024.
Camper van specialist secures grant to speed up productivity
A Barnsley manufacturer who has built more than 3,000 camper vans has invested in cutting edge technology to speed up production.
Wellhouse Leisure has bought a CNC machine with the support of a Business Productivity Grant secured through the Enterprising Barnsley programme.
The grant, designed to help SMEs improve productivity, is supported by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and part-funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
It has been put towards the cost of the £83,000 Biesse Rover K FT machine which will now be used by Wellhouse to cut all component wooden parts for fitted furniture in their van conversions. Previously, the company sub-contracted this task to a business in Leeds.
Wellhouse Leisure CEO David Elliott said: “Having our own CNC machine on-site will save us so much time and money. We’ve worked out that we’ve paid out more than £53,000 over the years so our joiners could go and use someone else’s machine. On top of that, add the time and money spent on them going back and forth on a 70-mile round trip to Leeds.
“Having our own CNC machine cuts all that out; and eradicates any little hold-ups when we need to amend a piece or cut a replacement. It will speed up each job and make life easier for us all round – we estimate it will pay for itself within two years.”
David is planning to develop new products and explore new markets with the in-house CNC machine too. He is looking into the manufacture of flat-pack furniture kits to sell to other camper van companies and the manufacture of fittings for garden buildings and man sheds.
Business support advisor at Enterprising Barnsley Paul Johnson said: “We’re very pleased to support this latest bold move by Wellhouse Leisure to improve productivity and operational efficiencies at work. It’s great to see a manufacturing business continue to invest in Barnsley and grow. It highlights the strength of Barnsley as a great place to do business.”
Enterprising Barnsley has previously supported Wellhouse Leisure to invest in other machinery and software; developments in lean manufacturing; skills training to support new product ventures and engagement with a borough-wide Business Productivity Group.
David set up Wellhouse Leisure in 2002, building on a lifetime of experience in van conversions, having previously run Deepcar Motorhomes with his Dad.
He and wife Sarah now employ 21 people, and their Barugh Green factory manufactures, services, repairs and sells made-to-order and in-stock campers to customers nationwide.
The company has manufactured more than 3,000 conversions over the last 22 years, working with quality base vehicles such as the Toyota Alphard, Ford Transit, Nissan Serena and Honda Elysion.
David said: “As a business we’ve never been driven by price but always concentrated on quality and want to deliver the best camper van conversions on the market.
“Using CNC-cut pieces for our fitted furniture means we can guarantee precision and consistency which helps us deliver strong, durable and rattle-free cabinets for our premium camper vans.”
The Business Productivity and Digitisation grant is being delivered across South Yorkshire via part-funding from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and £5.2m of investment through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Companies who secure a grant can put it towards either a capital or revenue project. The funded initiative must identify and address a challenge to business productivity.
Energy consultancy lets Wakefield office suite for headquarters
Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) has completed the letting of a refurbished 5,160 sq ft office suite at 3 Paragon in Wakefield to Compliance 365, a specialist independent energy consultancy.
Acting on behalf of Nationwide, who retain offices on other floors within the building, LSH secured the lease on a 5-year term.
This modern ground-floor space features an open-plan layout with abundant natural light and glazed meeting rooms.
The upgrade, overseen by owner-occupier Nationwide, has elevated the building to a high standard, incorporating air conditioning, raised access floors, and secure 24-hour access.
Matt Procter, Senior Surveyor at Lambert Smith Hampton, said: “This letting not only underscores the high quality of its refurbished office space, but also reflects the growing confidence in the Wakefield market.
“With its modern amenities and prime location, 3 Paragon is well suited to meet the needs of forward-thinking businesses like Compliance 365.”
Malcolm Wallis, Managing Director of Compliance 365, said: “We are thrilled to establish our headquarters at 3 Paragon. The state-of-the-art facilities and secure, strategic location provide the perfect environment to deliver exceptional customer service to our clients while supporting our ambitious growth plans.”
Flint Bishop prepares for further growth with strategic appointment of new Chief Information Officer
Law firm Flint Bishop, with offices in Birmingham, Derby and Leeds, has appointed Paul Tennant as its new Chief Information Officer (CIO), as it looks to make further significant investment in innovation and technology to enhance the delivery of its services, support clients’ objectives and disrupt the market in its quest to become a leading scaled provider of legal services in the UK.
Tennant has held several senior technology positions within the financial services and legal sectors, including C-suite and director roles at Simply Conveyancing Group and My Home Move Ltd (now Simplify), the UK’s largest conveyancing firm with over 1,100 employees across the UK and India. He brings over two decades of experience in driving significant growth through innovation, transformation, and the design and delivery of strategically aligned information technology solutions.
In his new role, Tennant will be responsible for developing and executing the firm’s innovation and technology strategy, ensuring the successful delivery of transformational projects across all areas of the business. He will work alongside the broader team to advance the company’s data and technology strategy, keeping it at the forefront of new tools and advancements, including AI, to support both internal processes and client services.
Qamer Ghafoor, Chief Executive of Flint Bishop, said: “I am delighted to welcome Paul to the firm. His extensive experience—particularly in designing and executing technology roadmaps, innovation, managing large-scale IT projects, and leading teams through significant growth and change, together with onboarding several legal businesses through acquisitions—makes him an exceptional addition to our leadership team.
“In today’s rapidly evolving legal landscape, law firms must embrace efficiency, innovation, and diversity to meet client demands. Flint Bishop is firmly on course to adopt client-centric, diversity-focused, and innovative solutions poised for success. I am confident that Paul’s knowledge and expertise will help us continue to innovate and strengthen our position in the market.”
The appointment follows the recent addition of a Chief Operating Officer to Flint Bishop’s senior leadership team earlier this year, further solidifying the firm’s commitment to driving innovation and excellence in the legal sector.
Aldi searches for site in Cleethorpes as part of £800m nationwide investment
Aldi is looking for a site in Cleethorpes as part of a nationwide investment of £800m, its largest-ever package of annual investment.
In its annual trading update, Aldi said it plans to open 23 new locations before the end of the year – marking a record £800m investment programme during 2024.
Richard Thornton, Communications Director at Aldi UK, said: “We are committed to bringing high quality, affordable groceries to millions more British families.
“With more than 1,000 stores across the country, our footprint is definitely growing, but we know there are still a number of towns that either don’t have an Aldi or have shown demand for more stores.”
The supermarket is searching for freehold town-centre, edge-of-centre, and retail park sites suitable for property development. The sites should be able to accommodate a 20,000 sq foot store with around 100 parking spaces. Ideally the location will be near a main road with good visibility and access.Mayoral Authority spending pumps £150m into South Yorkshire
New figures have shown that the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority has invested £150m over the past financial year – the highest-ever figure – into projects across every part of South Yorkshire.
The authority has invested in 182 projects through the Capital Investment Programme for South Yorkshire businesses and people in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield. They include:• Renewal of Supertram £100m – allowing us to extend the life of tram tracks, improve reliability and safety and connect communities for generations to come
• South Yorkshire Airport City – over £3m of funding committed to support Doncaster Council to undertake the processes needed to acquire the airport site and go through the procurement process to appoint a new operator who will re-open Doncaster Sheffield Airport
• Glass Works £3.6m and Barnsley Market Gate Bridge £8.9m – helping deliver the award-winning Glass Works retail, leisure and public space in Barnsley’s regenerated town centre and deliver the Market Gate Bridge, a much-needed active travel link into the town centre
• Sheffield Heart of the City 2 £9m and Westbar £3.65m – supporting Sheffield’s Heart of the City 2 development which is currently transforming the city centre with an improved retail, working, leisure and living environment and Westbar which is the second largest regeneration project in Sheffield that will deliver accommodation, offices and retail
• Rotherham to Kilnhurst Flood Alleviation Scheme £2m and Forge Island to Riverside footbridge £1m – improved flood defences to reduce risk of flooding in Templeborough, Rotherham town centre, Parkgate and Kilnhurst area and a new footbridge across the River Don connecting Forge Island to Riverside, supporting regeneration to the town centre
• Zero emission buses £18.1m – the introduction of zero emission electric buses across South Yorkshire through the Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) scheme
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “I’m proud that we’re investing in every part of South Yorkshire to help all of our communities stay near and go far.
“We’re renewing vital parts of our Supertram network, supporting the brilliant Glass Works development and Market Gate Bridge in Barnsley’s revitalised town centre, improving flood defences to protect people and businesses in Rotherham, backing the transformational Heart of the City 2 development in Sheffield and funding the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport.
“There’s talent and opportunity right across our region and by investing in our people and places I’m determined to unlock South Yorkshire’s full potential.”
