First new homes secured through Rotherham homebuilder initiative

Tess Egginton
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First new homes secured through Rotherham homebuilder initiative

Rotherham Council is working in partnership with Allert Building and Construction Ltd. to deliver the very first homes to be brought through its Small Sites Homebuilder Initiative.

Launched in 2023, the initiative has been purposely designed to help local small and medium enterprise developers unlock sites for much needed new, high quality, affordable homes in the borough. The scheme provides a fast-track route for developers to bring forward sites which they either own, or can acquire, with the Council committing to buy the homes off-plan for an agreed price before construction begins. The Council can also offer staged payments at agreed intervals through the construction phase, to aid funding of the builds. South Yorkshire based Allerts will be delivering seven new, high specification homes for the Council at Infirmary Road, Parkgate which, once complete, will be available for Council rent. In addition to being energy efficient, the homes will also be future proofed through the inclusion of air-source heat pumps for the supply of heating and hot water to help reduce energy bills for tenants. The new development is due to complete later this summer and will be named Blacksmiths Court, a nod to the site’s previous use as a horses paddock and farriers. Karl Leatham from Allert’s said: “It has been a real pleasure working with Rotherham Council to deliver the first scheme under the new initiative, delivering much needed council homes. We look forward to working with the team again to deliver more affordable homes in the borough in the future.” The new homes will support the Council’s pledge to deliver hundreds of new high-quality homes across the borough by 2026 through its Housing Delivery Programme. Since January 2018, the Council has delivered 565 new homes for Council rent or shared ownership, and is in contract to deliver a further 85 homes. Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Sarah Allen, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with local builders, Allert’s on this project. With the demand for Council Housing continuing to rise, it is vital that the Council looks at all opportunities to build good quality, affordable homes for our residents.” The Council worked in collaboration with Local Partnerships to develop the initiative. Local Partnerships occupy a unique position in the public sector and provide capacity and capability to local authorities to meet the rising demand for services, including the provision of quality affordable homes. Linda Raynor, Director of Place at Local Partnerships, said: “We are thrilled to see this initiative helping to unlock the delivery of quality affordable Council homes whilst simultaneously supporting the local SME sector to continue to play its role in meeting local housing needs.” There is no closing date for the Small Site Housebuilding Initiative and the Council welcomes applications from all developers on any current or future schemes. The Council is particularly keen to hear about developments which could complete by March 2026.

Nicholas Associates Group appoints new director of specialist recruitment brands

Tess Egginton
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Nicholas Associates Group appoints new director of specialist recruitment brands
Nicholas Associates Group has appointed Tony Jackson as the new director of its specialist recruitment brands, which include Nicholas Associates Engineering and Construction, Ashley Kate HR & Finance, and Main-Board. This strategic appointment is part of the Group’s ambitious growth plans aimed at enhancing its market position and expanding its geographical footprint. Tony Jackson, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the recruitment industry, will be driving these specialist brands forward. His expertise and leadership are expected to play a pivotal role in the company’s ongoing development and success. In conjunction with Tony Jackson’s appointment, Paul Brammer, the previous director, has been named director of talent solutions. Paul will now focus on supporting the Group’s learning and development brands, including the Apprentice Employment Agency, Graduate Career Solutions, and Stafforce Training division. Paul Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Nicholas Associates Group, expressed his enthusiasm about these leadership changes: “We are thrilled to welcome Tony Jackson to his new role. His appointment aligns with our strategic vision for growth and excellence. Tony’s extensive industry experience will undoubtedly drive our specialist recruitment brands to new heights. “Additionally, Paul Brammer’s transition to director of talent solutions will further strengthen our commitment to developing talent and providing comprehensive learning and development services. This is a period of significant investment, transformation, and growth for our Group.” Tony Jackson shared his excitement about the new role: “I am honoured to take on this role at such a dynamic time for Nicholas Associates Group. The specialist recruitment brands have a strong foundation, and I am eager to build on this success and drive our growth plans forward. “I look forward to working with the talented teams across Nicholas Associates Engineering and Construction, Ashley Kate HR & Finance, and Main-Board to achieve our ambitious goals.” Paul Brammer also commented on his new position: “I am excited to focus on our talent solutions and learning and development brands. “The Apprentice Employment Agency, Graduate Career Solutions, and Stafforce Training division are crucial to our mission of nurturing talent and providing exceptional career development opportunities. I am committed to driving innovation and excellence in these areas.”

Wykeland appoints experienced property professional as associate director

Tess Egginton
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Wykeland appoints experienced property professional as associate director
Commercial development and regeneration specialist Wykeland Group has appointed experienced property professional Andrea Morley as associate director. Mrs Morley, whose career in property spans more than three decades, said Wykeland’s “creativity and ethos” took her back to why she first joined the industry. The daughter of a building contractor whose passion lay in period and listed properties, Mrs Morley saw at first hand the positive impact regeneration can have on local communities. She has now joined Hull-based Wykeland as associate director, with a remit to help the company’s 500-plus occupiers reach their full potential, as well as exploring new opportunities to expand the developer’s portfolio. Mrs Morley has joined Wykeland from Yorkshire-based property and regeneration company Harworth Group, where she was director of asset management. She said: “As someone who has worked in Yorkshire’s property and development scene for many years, I’ve always been very aware of Wykeland and the work they do. “I love the ethos of the company and you can see the principles and personality of the business come through in the way they approach projects. “I’m very proud to have joined a quality developer that strives for change and to make a positive social impact in everything they do. “Wykeland are a bright light in the region and that light shines through the projects they deliver.” Mrs Morley grew up in Louth in Lincolnshire and studied building surveying at Lincoln University before completing a degree in Urban Land Economics at Sheffield Hallam University. Her career began at Shop and Store Developments, where she focused on high street retail, working with national chains including Boots, Waterstones and Edinburgh Woolen Mill. A successful spell at developer Bayford Group followed, where she worked as a senior surveyor, before Mrs Morley joined Lidl as the retailer’s acquisitions manager. Prior to joining Wykeland, Mrs Morley’s role at Harworth Group involved overseeing the company’s portfolio of industrial and logistics properties and developments. She said: “We’ve now got more than 500 occupiers across our developments at Wykeland. Those occupiers are incredibly diverse in what they do, working across all sectors. “I’m really focused on making sure the spaces those businesses occupy meet their needs, which are ever-changing and evolving, and also their growth aspirations. “The relationships Wykeland has developed with both its occupiers and partners struck a chord with me. It’s a company doing things for the right reasons and with a real moral investment in the areas they work in.” Wykeland Managing Director Dominic Gibbons said: “We’re delighted to welcome Andrea to the business. She has a very strong track record in asset management, particularly of business and retail space, which are areas in which we specialise. “Her appointment brings additional experience and expertise to our team to enable us to continue to retain and grow our portfolio and deliver excellent service to occupiers.”

Levels of start-ups in Yorkshire and the Humber rise

Tess Egginton
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Levels of start-ups in Yorkshire and the Humber rise
The UK showed some encouraging signs of an economic resurgence as all of the regions and nations, including Yorkshire and the Humber, recorded growing numbers of new businesses launching in July compared with the previous month, according to the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body, R3. Based on an analysis of data provided by CreditSafe, the research from R3 revealed that having seen falling month-on-month levels of start-ups in February and March 2024, Yorkshire and the Humber experienced a peak in April before they again declined in May. After a minimal rise in June to 3,794, in July they increased by 7.4% to 4,076. Looking across the 12 regions and nations, the strongest performances were in Northern Ireland with a 36% rise in new businesses, followed by Scotland (up by 14.8%) and Wales (up by 13.2%). In contrast, start-ups in Greater London grew by just 1.6% between June and July, by 4.9% in East Anglia and by 5% in the East Midlands. However, improvements to insolvency-related activity appeared more patchy with only four regions and nations seeing a drop in levels last month compared with the previous month. Yorkshire and the Humber experienced an increase of 9.9% month-on-month with 256 businesses affected in July, 23 more than in June. Those that saw the greatest increases were Wales, up by 22.4%; and the North West, up by 14%. The regions which experienced the largest drops in this type of activity (which includes liquidator and administrator appointments and creditors’ meetings) were East Anglia (-16%), the East Midlands (-11%), the South West (-12.1%) and Scotland (-0.8%). Dave Broadbent, chair of R3 in Yorkshire and partner at Begbies Traynor in York and Teesside, said: “While the recent interest rate cut will improve access to finance for both businesses and individuals, rates remain well above pre-Covid levels and many homeowners and businesses are still struggling under this burden. “With some economists predicting that further cuts before the end of the year are unlikely as inflationary trends persists, it seems that the cost of borrowing will remain high for some time to come. “In such a difficult environment, it is good to see growing confidence among would-be entrepreneurs both here in Yorkshire and across the UK. Small businesses are acknowledged to be the lifeblood of the economy and will be vital if the new government is to reach its growth rate targets. “However, with two-thirds of the UK, including our region, seeing insolvency-related activity continuing to rise last month, the worst may not yet be over. We urge business owners to remain cautious – keep a tight hold of expenditure and turn to insolvency professionals as soon as you spot financial problems to prevent them from escalating.”

Growth and new jobs on the horizon in ‘creative powerhouse’ merger

Tess Egginton
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Growth and new jobs on the horizon in ‘creative powerhouse’ merger
DPS Digital has merged with sister-firm Intervino to create a new brand – IV Creative – amid plans to expand into the international market. Launched in 2012, print specialists DPS Digital has rapidly grown, providing services for major brands including Moonpig. Formed 18 years ago, Intervino boasts clients including Doritos, Coca-Cola, and Diageo – for whom the company has provided personalised packaging, gifting and fulfillment services. IV Creative’s Chief Operating Officer Helen Smith hopes the merger will help the business fulfil its “immense potential.” “Both DPS Digital and Intervino are success stories, and I believe this merger will only lead to more success and growth,” she said. “Our long-term goal for IV Creative is to expand further into the international market and offer our services globally, and we hope that growth could bring about new employment opportunities for the area. “IV Creative has immense potential and this merger will help us to unleash it.” Having started above a shop with a team of just three, DPS Digital currently employs almost 100 staff at the firm’s base in Sleaford Business Park. The merger will bolster the firm’s diverse leadership team, which is split equally between males and females. Among the key appointments is Amy Lennox, who previously served as Intervino’s Chief Executive Officer and is a recently nominated finalist in the National Business Women’s Awards. She will now take on the role of IV Creative’s Group CEO following the rebrand. This will see technology, staff, and processes integrated as part of a streamlined approach that will ultimately lead to more financial benefits – and more services. “With both companies providing complementary services, the merger made perfect sense to us and it is just the latest stage of the incredible transformation in this business during the last few years. “We’ve developed an enviable workplace culture and invested heavily in training, safety and technology – such as state-of-the-art printing equipment – so that we remain at the industry’s forefront. “We plan to dominate the global personalisation, print, and gifting space by continuing to partner with some of the biggest brands and businesses in the World. We want to attract top talent to work in our dynamic, fast-paced and exciting business.”

Plans submitted for new 400,000 sq ft business site

Tess Egginton
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Plans submitted for new 400,000 sq ft business site
An East Yorkshire property and development company has revealed plans for a major project on its doorstep to help meet the demand for new employment space and drive investment, growth and jobs. Lovel Developments has submitted an outline planning application for a scheme which would deliver around 400,000 sq ft of new business space, expanding existing business parks including Green Park at junction 38 on the M62 at Newport. The company itself relocated to Green Park in 2019 and sees the location as ideal for supporting the growth of local businesses and attracting significant inward investment, with this development having the potential to create up to 600 jobs. Philip Lovel, who founded Lovel Developments in Beverley 25 years ago, said: “We began by specialising in strategic housing projects and then expanded into the health sector and commercial. As our business grew, the search for a new home brought us to Newport, and we’ve had a front row seat here watching more businesses arrive and thrive. “When this opportunity arose just a short distance from our offices we didn’t hesitate. We know from experience that it’s a great, strategic location and is in demand from a variety of business sectors, particularly as there is a limited supply of available space. “We moved here because of the excellent road links to all points of the compass, we’re confident others will be eager to share those benefits and we’re currently working on similar projects elsewhere across Yorkshire, the East Midlands and the North West.” The proposals will benefit from the cluster of neighbouring businesses operating in growth sectors including distribution, manufacturing, energy, construction and civil engineering which have taken root in the area during two decades of development. Mr Lovel said the project will also reflect the priorities set out in the revised National Planning Policy Framework and the East Riding Strategy and Local Plan Update, and particularly the desire to promote and safeguard sustainable economic growth and jobs. Mr Lovel said: “The proposals here are for a high quality expansion of the existing employment area at junction 38, providing new, additional, modern floorspace and creating many new jobs. “There is growing recognition that planning decisions should help create the conditions in which businesses can invest, expand and adapt. Added to that there’s an expectation that significant weight should be placed on the need to support economic growth and productivity, taking into account both local business needs and wider opportunities for development. “In the East Riding there’s a strong need and market demand for employment land to accommodate predicted growth and meet occupier requirements in key sectors such as renewable energy, manufacturing and engineering, agriculture, food and drink and many more. “These proposals are of a scale and quality which will help to promote and support employment growth and stimulate continued economic investment to the area, consistent with regional and local aspirations.”

Farmers gather in South Pennines to share ideas for maximising business

Stuart Pearcey
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Farmers gather in South Pennines to share ideas for maximising business
More than 80 farmers from across the country have attended an NFU ‘shed talk’ to look at ways to maximise their business, share ideas, and learn more about food production and the farmed environment.
The event was held at NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos’s farm in the South Pennines, where she runs a commercial beef and sheep business with her husband and two children. She was joined by a panel of other industry experts, including Helen Avery, Director (Nature Programmes), Green Finance Institute, NFU member James Robinson of Strickley Farm and Poppy Sherborne, NFU countryside adviser.
Rachel said: “With the changes to SFI and farm subsidies, ever-changing weather conditions and running costs, a lot of farmers are really struggling to make a living. “We want to host these events to share experiences and help each other make the most of our farm businesses.”
NFU head of member experience Amelia Stratton added: “It’s so important to host events like these to share experiences good and bad on how to make the most out of farm businesses and explore different opportunities.”
The discussion centred on food production, green finance, the environment and how farmers can make the most from their farm business now and in the future.
Guests toured Beeston Hall, a 2,000-acre Yorkshire Water tenanted farm, where the family specialises in pedigree Salers cattle. Rachel’s farm is also rich in wildlife, being part of a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest). Salers are one of the oldest known cattle breeds, identified by their thick mahogany red coats and ability to thrive on some of the UK’s more challenging terrain. Upland farms like Rachel’s are important not just in terms of the food they produce but also due to their unique setting. The family has special habitats on farm, blanket bog, heathland and acid grassland, which are all species rich and home to important upland birds such as golden plover, curlew, twite, dunlin and merlin, among others.
 

Hull Trains enters new deal with city’s football club

Stuart Pearcey
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Hull Trains enters new deal with city’s football club
Hull Trains has agreed a new partnership with Hull City for the new EFL Championship 2024 season, adding to existing relationships with the city’s two major Rugby League teams. As part of the new partnership, Hull Trains branding will appear on the club’s social media, at the stadium and on match day collateral. The new partnership will raise awareness of rail travel for supporters at Hull City’s matches in London and the South whilst also providing a regular direct link home for the clubs London fanbase. Louise Mendham, Service Delivery Director at Hull Trains, said: “Just like the rugby, football is a fundamental part of the Hull identity, we’re looking forward to working together to further raise the profile of both brands. We’ll no doubt be bringing plenty of fans to the games and we’re optimistic about what the team can deliver on the pitch too.” Claire Burton, Partnerships and Hospitality Manager at Hull City added: “We are proud of our connection to local business and Hull Trains are a pillar of that community. We’re confident that this is going to be an exciting season and we’re very grateful for the support from the Hull Trains team.”

Businesses to get more compensation from water companies

Stuart Pearcey
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Businesses to get more compensation from water companies
Saying ‘our water industry is broken’, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed has set out tough new measures to crack down on water companies failing their customers. Under new plans, businesses will be entitled to higher compensation rates from water companies, and in a wider range of circumstances when basic water services are hit. The new proposals will double the amount of reimbursement that customers are legally entitled to when key standards are not met by water companies. Subject to an eight-week consultation, government proposals will double payments for all existing standards and will more than double the payments for certain highly disruptive incidents, such as failing to provide notice of supply interruptions and missing arranged appointments with customers. The government will also expand the list of circumstances that can trigger compensation, including automatic payments for boil notices when drinking water standards drop, or when water companies fail to conduct meter readings or installations as promised. A boil notice means you must boil your water before you drink it, cook with it, or brush your teeth. The changes would mean that recent outages in Brixham and Bramley earlier this year would have automatically led to compensation for all customers, where there was no entitlement before.

Mr Reed said:  “Our water industry is broken.”After years of failure, households and businesses have been let down by water companies time and time again.

“The new Government will clean up the water industry and turn the tide on the destruction of our waterways ensuring water companies protect the interests of their customers and the environment.”

Jenny Suggate, Director of Policy, Research and Campaigns at CCW, said: “We’re delighted the government is fast-tracking efforts to improve the Guaranteed Standards Scheme, with the potential to boost compensation and support for hundreds of thousands of people each year when they are let down by their water company.  

“Given that there has been little change to the standards since they were first introduced, an overhaul is long overdue, and we know it is a pressing priority for household and business customers.

“Demanding higher standards of service and improving levels of compensation when things go wrong will incentivise water companies to get things right the first time for all customers.”

Based on an average annual water and sewerage bill of £440, this would mean the minimum payment of at least £40 under all proposals would now represent around 10% of the average annual customer bill, with several higher payments worth at least a quarter. An issue like low pressure could see payments of up to £250 and payments for internal flooding from sewers of up to £2,000.

CMA tells boiler manufacturer to change its marketing strategy

Stuart Pearcey
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CMA tells boiler manufacturer to change its marketing strategy
Worcester Bosch has committed to change how it markets its boilers as a result of intervention by the Competition and Markets Authority which has investigated the brand’s claims about its boilers. The CMA was concerned that Worcester Bosch’s marketing claims may mislead consumers into thinking that its boilers – marketed as ‘hydrogen-blend ready’ – were unique or special as they can run on a blend of up to 20% hydrogen. However, most boilers can do this. In particular, the CMA was concerned that Worcester Bosch’s claims could give the false impression that consumers would reduce their carbon footprint and ‘future-proof’ their heating system by buying a Worcester Bosch boiler because of it being ‘hydrogen-blend ready’. In fact, a consumer would be in the same position with other boilers on the market and, most likely, the one currently in their home. In addition, the CMA is concerned that Worcester Bosch did not make it clear to consumers that it is uncertain whether hydrogen might be used for home heating systems in the future. Worcester Bosch has formally committed to take steps to ensure it does not mislead consumers on the environmental benefits and ‘future-proofing’ of its boilers. It has committed to do this by withdrawing or changing its marketing material across all marketing channels and contacting its network of accredited installers and third-party retailers and asking them to remove or change any Worcester Bosch marketing material of concern to the CMA Hayley Fletcher, Interim Senior Director, Consumer Protection at the CMA, said: “Around 1.6 million people buy a new boiler in the UK each year – a big decision that can cost thousands of pounds. With people increasingly concerned about their impact on the environment and the cost of bills, it is vital that consumers can make well-informed decisions.

“Our action – including the changes secured from Worcester Bosch – will help to ensure that consumers looking for a new heating system are provided with clear and accurate information.”

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