Elland Rail Station project takes further step forward
Progress to deliver a new rail station in Elland has taken a major step forward after a contractor was appointed for the final stage of development work.
Surveys will take place on site over the coming months to develop the detailed design of the project. A full business case will follow, allowing the project to progress to final approval and construction.
Newly-appointed contractors Keltbray Infrastructure Services Limited are aiming to complete this stage of the project by next summer.
The new station will be added to the Calder Valley line and will improve the town’s transport links with the wider region and beyond, including Leeds, Huddersfield, Bradford and Manchester.
Proposals also involve a wider package of walking and cycling improvements around the station, including enhancing existing routes and installing two new pedestrian and cycle bridges.
The project is being delivered by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority in partnership with Calderdale Council.
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said: “Elland Rail Station will provide a vital new link for the transport network in Calderdale, improving access to jobs, education and other opportunities.
“This is an important step forward for the project, which will help us build a better-connected region that works for all.”
Calderdale Council’s Leader, Cllr Jane Scullion, said: “It’s great news that the Combined Authority’s plans for Elland Rail Station are moving forward, with the appointment of a contractor allowing development work to progress.
“The new station will be a key part of our Next Chapter for Calderdale, bringing huge benefits for the borough, improving access to the wider region and supporting local growth.”
Darren James, Group Chief Executive Officer of Keltbray Infrastructure Services Limited, said: “We are delighted to be given this opportunity to work with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority in partnership with Calderdale Council and their design partners to deliver the new Elland Station to upgrade West Yorkshire’s transport infrastructure links.
“Our team is looking forward to delivering another critical infrastructure project to improve people’s lives, create growth, while decarbonising the local transport network for the future.”
Calderdale Council has also agreed to purchase the land needed for the site, which will be transferred to Network Rail prior to construction.
The project has already passed a number of key milestones that are essential for delivering a new station, including receiving planning approval, and preliminary design approval from Network Rail.
It is part of the Combined Authority’s ongoing work to create a modern, green, integrated transport network with a Mass Transit system, bus services under public control, and greater walking and cycling facilities.
Hessle firm’s involvement boosts applications to Midlands college
Hessle-based education marketing agency Sowden & Sowden has increased applications to Wolverhampton College by at least 21%.
Polly Sowden, Director of Sowden & Sowden, said: “As part of our creative refresh, we redefined the college’s brand proposition, which really helped us connect with prospective students. We’re delighted with the results, a campaign that reached over 2.7 million potential students across the city, generated more than 25,500 website clicks from paid social ads in just one month, and led to 1,021 sign-ups for the Autumn/Winter Open Events.
“It’s rewarding to see these efforts translate into real, impactful outcomes and I’m very proud of the team who continue to deliver this level of results across all our clients.”
Jaime Davies, Head of Communications and Marketing for Wolverhampton College, said: “Sowdens’ experience in the education sector is unparalleled, and their knowledge and understanding of the audience meant we could hit the ground running – with impressive results delivered within weeks of the campaign launch. Ten months in, our recruitment figures are up, applications have increased, and we have got more traffic hitting the website every day.”
City of Wolverhampton College is one of the latest further education providers to join Sowdens’ roster of education clients, including: Barking & Dagenham College in London, the UK’s best performing UTC, Ron Dearing in East Yorkshire; one of the first ever Institutes of Technology (IoT) in East London; and Yorkshire’s number one ‘University for student experience’; Leeds Trinity University.
Train operator decides to make 21 customer ambassador jobs permanent
TransPennine Express has created 21 permanent new jobs by keeping its customer ambassadors, introduced as a temporary measure during improvement work.
The train operator introduced the ambassador role temporarily while improvement work was taking place, but they proved so popular with customers that the roles are now here to stay – creating 21 permanent jobs.
Identifiable by their dedicated purple hi-vis jackets, the ambassadors play a significant role in assisting customers and are based across North England and Scotland, including Sheffield, Doncaster, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Preston and Liverpool Lime Street.
The ambassadors also support other locations across the network when required, such as during sporting events.
William McGeouch is one of them. He said: “I’ve been with TPE for fourteen months now. I was an on-board host for three and a half years and loved every moment. Working in the rail industry is fantastic, people are very helpful.
“What I like most about my role is I can support customers in helping them find their train and support them if anything comes up. I enjoy having a laugh and joke with our customers and making their day.”
Carrie Donaldson, Regional Customer Experience Lead for Scotland for TransPennine Express, who manages the ambassadors for Glasgow and Edinburgh, said, “The appointment of these ambassadors is a huge help to our customers. The team is always willing to help and deliver customer service to a high standard.
“If you’re unsure about anything while at a station, whether you can’t find your platform or want to check you’re getting on the right train – look out for their purple jackets. They’re all there to help you have the best journey possible.”
Sale of firm secures 30 jobs for Leeds business
All 30 jobs at jobs at Leeds-based direct mail, fulfilment, and print specialists RNB Group have been saved by the sale of the firm.
It has been bought by PDMF, and will continue to trade at the same site on Silver Royd Business Park.
The business had been trading for 20 years, but ran into mounting cash flow issues. The sale was arranged by Begbies Trader, for whom Bob Maxwell said: ““RNB Group is a long-established and well-known Leeds business which simply ran into some short-term cash
flow problems. Fortunately, we were able to act swiftly to market the business and conclude a sale for it as a going concern. It’s great news for the staff, suppliers and customers that the business will continue in the hands of new owners.”LCF Law provided legal advice to the administrators, and Freeths represented the acquirers.
New government spending review could scupper Hykeham Relief Road plans
Councillors fear Lincolnshire could lose more than £350m of economic benefits if the new Government’s spending review blocks investment in North Hykeham relief road near Lincoln.
Only weeks after councillors instructed officers to move forward with the plan, the new Government announced it was reviewing the funding of £110m approved in 2020.
There are fears that if the road is not built, Lincolnshire could lose out on over £350 million in economic benefits over the next 60 years.
At a meeting tomorrow councillors will discuss the potential implications of the decision. Cllr Ian Carrington, chairman of Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee, said: “The consequences of the government removing funding for the project would be far reaching, and the committee hopes to identify these, to draw attention to the ramifications, and put pressure on our local representatives and national policy-makers.
“The consequences of not building the road are considerable and are likely to mean that the development of 4,500 new homes and 7 hectares of employment land would be become unviable, representing a massive, missed opportunity for economic prosperity.
“I have invited officers working on the project, affected councillors, and the MPs for Lincoln, and Sleaford and North Hykeham, to the meeting for the committee’s discussion about what this uncertainty around the funding would mean for our county.”
Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Completing a ring-road around Lincoln is not only about easing traffic congestion within the centre of the city, it will open up land for new development, attracting further investment and new employment opportunities, boosting our local economy and providing homes for local residents.
“Conversely, not completing the project could mean stagnation in the local economy, and add further congestion coming in and out of the city and across the wider county.
“This isn’t a potential future scheme that we’re looking for funding for. If the government decide to pull funding for the North Hykeham Relief Road, this would be a case of cancelling something that has already been agreed, and one that a lot of work has already gone into to bring to this stage. It would be a huge kick in the teeth for the people of Lincoln and Lincolnshire.”
The Department for Transport allocated £110m funding for the North Hykeham Relief Road project in 2020, with the rest of the scheme funded by Lincolnshire County Council and developer contributions.
Work was expected to start late next year, with Balfour Beaty having been ned a principal contractor.
Curtain rises on Rotherham’s new Forge Island Cinema
For the first time since 1990 it is now possible to see the latest Hollywood blockbusters in Rotherham, following the official opening of The Arc Cinema Rotherham, which opens its doors for the first time today.
The centre piece of Rotherham’s Forge Island regeneration project, work commenced on building the new multimillion pound cinema in January.
The new facility, which will feature eight screens, has combined contemporary design, whilst also giving a nod to the golden age of cinema houses. Each screen is equipped with luxury reclining seats and the cinema also features two state-of-the-art HYPERSENSE screens.
Over the past two months, The Arc Cinema has successfully recruited a 30-strong workforce, and will be managed by newly appointed General Manager, Laura Vickers.
Laura Vickers, General Manager, The Arc Cinema Rotherham, said: “The opening of a new cinema in Rotherham is arguably one of the most eagerly anticipated events that the town has seen for many years. We’ve received a terrific amount of support from across the whole community.
“We believe that visiting the cinema is an experience which can and should be enjoyed by everyone and we’re looking forward to welcoming film lovers to our brand new cinema.”
Brian Gilligan, Director, Arc Cinema Group, said: “From the outset, our aim has been to create a place that belongs to the people of Rotherham, just as much as it belongs to us.
“Rotherham is an area with a large population that has been underserved by cinema facilities for a long time. We hope that the opening of our cinema, will not only create a location where film lovers can enjoy the latest blockbusters, but in time it will become an important part of the local community.”
The Arc Cinema group is a family-owned business which operates twelve cinemas across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Lincolnshire construction firm enters administration
Lincolnshire-based construction firm C G Godfrey Limited has entered administration.
Managing Directors and Insolvency Practitioners Duncan Beat and Andrew Watling from Quantuma were appointed Joint Administrators on 27 August 2024.
Established in 1973 and located in West Pinchbeck in Spalding, C G Godfrey provided civil, mechanical and electrical engineering services, specialising in vacuum sewerage systems and deep drainage. The company provided services for a variety of customers including local authorities, private clients, water companies, district and county councils.
Turnover of the company was £4.8m in 2023, however, the company had recently experienced a loss of income of around £300k on two contracts which created cash flow problems that could not be overcome.
The Quantuma team was first engaged in July 2024 to provide advice. A marketing exercise was undertaken by Quantuma to try to find a buyer for the company, either as a going concern, or for the business and assets.
Expressions of interest were received, and NDAs signed by a number of interested parties. However, no offers were received, and the company had insufficient working capital to continue trading.
Therefore, the company entered administration on 27 August 2024 and immediately ceased to trade. C G Godfrey employed a team of 23 staff – all roles at the business have been made redundant.
Quantuma Managing Director and Joint Administrator Andrew Watling said: “It is deeply regrettable that C G Godfrey has been forced to cease trading, due to a series of challenging circumstances.
“This was a sad ending for a long-established company. Our thanks go to all of the employees who worked hard during a difficult time and gave the company every chance to find a buyer. But unfortunately, it simply wasn’t to be.
“As Joint Administrators, our immediate priorities have been to provide appropriate support to those whose jobs have been affected.”
Leeds Galvanising and Powder Coating hands ownership to employees
Leeds Galvanising and Powder Coating Ltd (LGPC), the wholly owned trading subsidiary of Leeds Galvanising Holdings Ltd, has handed over ownership to its employees.
The Leeds-based business’s 80-member workforce has been transferred the entire shareholding through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
Founded over 15 years ago, LGPC has grown from one of the smallest galvanisers in the country to what it says is the largest galvanising and powder coating plant in the North of England.
Simon Kelly, Managing Director and owner, will remain Managing Director following the change.
Simon said: “LGPC has always been passionate about its people and they have been unswerving their loyalty and commitment to the business. This EOT is just reward for their hard work and talent and the key role that they have played in making LGPC the success it is today as the largest business of its kind in the north of England.
“Transferring the company into employee ownership also ensure its values and culture live on for the next phase of its growth and means that we can look forward to an existing future together.”
Accountancy firm Azets UK provided deal and tax advisory services, while Mills & Reeve provided legal advice.
Simon’s father, Mike, originally formed Bradford Galvanising in 1995 and Simon joined shortly afterwards. The business moved to it’s current site in Leeds and became Leeds Galvanising in 1997, with Simon taking the role of MD in 2016.
Holiday let business secures £10.5m investment
Growth Partner has completed a £10.5 million investment into Host & Stay, the holiday let and short term rental management business, to support its buy-and-build strategy which has been set in motion with two acquisitions completing in parallel with Growth Partner’s investment.
The consumer-specialist investment firm, Growth Partner, which is backed by HomeServe Founder and Chairman Richard Harpin, has completed an investment of over £10 million into Host & Stay Group (H&S).
Taking a minority stake, the holiday let and short term rental management business has grown from nine properties to over 1,000 properties under management in the last five years.
H&S was founded in 2018 by entrepreneur Dale Smith and utilises a sophisticated, fully integrated model which unlocks greater rental yields for its property owners alongside a higher touch level of service.
This differentiated model has helped the business capitalise on the £2.5bn thriving staycation market in the UK, enabling exceptional year on year growth. With Growth Partner’s investment, H&S will be able to continue its rapid growth to become the leading end-to-end holiday let and short term rental management agency in the UK.
With the support of Growth Partner, H&S’s buy-and-build strategy has gained instant momentum with the acquisition of Norfolk Holiday Properties and Airhost For You.
Alex Marsh, Partner at Growth Partner, led the deal and was supported by Jade Kelsall.
Robert Phillips & Oliver Rickett of Womble Bond Dickinson provided legal advice, Luminii Consulting provided commercial due diligence, Interpath provided financial due diligence, Lockton provided insurance due diligence, and Claritas Tax provided tax structuring. H&S were advised by Nik Tunley of Endeavour on legal, James Dale of Anderson Barrowcliff provided CF management advisory and KPMG provided sell side CF advice.
Richard Harpin said: “Host & Stay embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence that drives true innovation in any industry. Dale Smith and his team have harnessed a unique market opportunity and are poised for tremendous growth. Our backing will support H&S in its journey to set new benchmarks in the holiday let and rental management space.”
Dale Smith said: “After several years of growing Host & Stay organically from a single property to one of the largest short term rental management agencies in the UK, we’re truly excited to be partnering with Growth Partner for our next phase of the journey and to realise our ambition of becoming one of the world’s best short term rental operators.
“Alex and the wider Growth Partner team have been exceptional to work with throughout the investment process and they have approached the partnership in a collaborative and pragmatic way from day one.
“This approach has only further strengthened my confidence that we have chosen the right investment partner, and along with the vast experience and strategic influence of Richard, we’re now in a fantastic position to accelerate the growth of Host & Stay both in the UK and overseas.”
Alex Marsh said: “We’re very excited to announce our latest investment in Host & Stay, a truly disruptive force in the holiday let and short-term rental management sector. Dale’s vision and execution have transformed H&S from startup into one of the market leader’s with over 1,000 properties under management in just five years. This rapid growth and innovative model have made H&S a standout in the booming £2.5 billion UK staycation market.
“Dale is building an outstanding team, and our support and investment will fuel H&S’s buy-and-build strategy as they build towards national coverage. H&S are on a mission to redefine industry standards, enhance guest experiences, and provide unmatched service and yields to property owners and we’re excited to supporting Dale and his team accelerate growth.”
Communicate swoops for York Data Services in strategic expansion
Communicate, a provider of cybersecurity and network infrastructure solutions, has acquired York Data Services. It marks the company’s fourth acquisition and first since partnering with private equity investor Rockpool Investments in June 2024.
This strategic move is part of Communicate’s ongoing buy-and-build strategy to expand its service offering and network coverage. The acquisition of York Data Services significantly increases the group’s network coverage across Northern England and London.
The acquisition will allow Communicate to enhance its service capabilities and offer a wider range of IT support and cyber security services to York Data Services’ existing customer base.
Tony Snaith, CEO of Communicate, said: “We are extremely excited about the integration of York Data Services and their talented team, their underlying network infrastructure and fantastic customer base.
“This really strengthens and supports Communicate’s extensive growth plans and it became immediately apparent that both businesses had a complimentary service portfolio and were an excellent cultural fit. We look forward to further developing and nurturing long term relationships with both the team and customers over the coming months.”
Mark Fordyce, Founder of York Data Services, said: “York Data Services is extremely proud of its reputation for customer care, passion and transparency, built up over twenty years.
“Communicate not only share those values and company culture, but gives the opportunity to build on that reputation by investing in our team and our key services of connectivity, telecoms and managed solutions. We look forward to working with the team at Communicate to grow the York Data Services customer base across the region and the UK.”
Communicate was advised by Roxburgh Milkins on legal matters and AAB Corporate Finance on financial and tax aspects. York Data Services received advisory support from Knight Corporate Finance for M&A and Andrew Jackson Solicitors for legal counsel.
