Charity plugs into historic connection with MS3 to tackle digital poverty among disadvantaged families
Disadvantaged families of seafarers will receive expert help to overcome the impact of digital poverty as a result of a new charity partnership.
The Sailors’ Children’s Society will also upgrade its own tech capabilities after being appointed as charity of the year by tech business MS3, which in addition will generate cash to support member families nationwide.
At the heart of the collaboration is the historic connection between the Society and MS3 Chief Operating Officer Tony Jopling.
Tony said: “My grandparents were very close to the Society. They used to have the children over for tea and my parents made friends with them. Those who didn’t go home to their families during holidays, or who didn’t have families, used to stay with my grandparents.
“I went to the Society’s bonfire night every year. I had swimming lessons in the pool and I was at secondary school with friends who lived with the Society. For a time we had a little job locking up the swimming pool at night.”
Natasha Barley, Chief Executive of the Society, said: “The benefits from the partnership for the business and the charity are mutual and it is such a collaborative approach.
“It’s a win-win because there are so many different ways that we can work together. It’s about partnering with like-minded organisations. We can see this is a good, ethical company which is doing some great work in our area.”
The Society, which was formed in Hull 203 years ago, now works to support disadvantaged children across the country from the Royal Navy, merchant navy, offshore wind industry, fishing fleets and inland waterways.
Hull-based MS3 operates an ultrafast full fibre network across East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire and areas of South Yorkshire.
Under the partnership, MS3 will use its expertise to improve online connectivity for the Society’s families in the region.
It will also become the main sponsor of the Society’s Sportsman’s Lunch, an event which has taken place every October for more than 30 years and last year raised £75,000.
The 140-strong team at MS3 has set up a committee to drive the fundraising campaign. Among other activities, they will donate gifts as part of the Society’s letter to Santa initiative. Zachary Whitelam, a technical support adviser at MS3, will next month join a corporate cycle ride of more than 200 miles from the Severn Bridge to the Humber Bridge.
Liz Owen-Dyce, Talent and Brand Partner at MS3, said: “We sought a unique charity partner to enhance our impact, and partnering with the Sailors Children’s Society achieves that goal. The Society recognises our capabilities and is open to receiving input from everyone. This partnership is fostering a strong sense of identity and purpose within our organisation, as we engage in volunteering, promote digital inclusion, and support fundraising efforts.
“Our internal committee, comprised of team members from various departments, will collaborate closely with the Society’s team to ensure mutual understanding and alignment of charitable goals. We are truly excited to be working with Natasha and her team!”
Natasha said: “Technology can present all sorts of challenges for our families – children absolutely need access to the internet to do their school work. MS3 use a lot of equipment which can be passed on to our families once they no longer need it.
“They will also provide support for us as a team. Part of my work is to modernise the charity and this partnership will help us upskill our team. The whole package will make an important difference for the families we are supporting from disadvantaged backgrounds.”
Tony added: “Nobody should be disadvantaged when it comes to the internet because it has become the most important utility. Education is driven by it. Your entire home environment is built around the internet so why should anybody be without that?
“We can provide support by ensuring that the children and families within the Society are connected. We will work with the Society and the families to understand what they need. It might be connectivity, training and support around using the internet, getting access to the internet or to equipment, guidance around security.”
Leeds office building acquired for ‘megachurch’ transformation
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Christ Church City of Mercy, has acquired the office building at 11 New Princess Street, Holbeck, Leeds, from property experts Towngate Plc. The purchase, which was completed for an undisclosed sum, follows the recent award of Planning Permission to convert the space into a new place of worship.
The newly acquired property, previously occupied by ICT service provider GCI (now Nasstar), features 4,338 sq ft of self-contained accommodation spread across the ground and first floor levels, as well as generous ceiling heights on the first floor, ample parking facilities, and a private car park to the rear.
The building’s strategic location on the southern edge of Leeds City Centre, situated next to the M621 motorway, offers excellent transport links to support access for the community.
The RCCG plans to utilise the ground floor space for administrative functions related to the church’s operations, while the first floor will be modified to accommodate a larger room for congregational worship.
Badmus Olanrewajuat, pastor at the RCCG, said: “We are thrilled to have finalised this purchase and are eager to start transforming the space. This new location will significantly enhance our ability to serve and engage with the community. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our new home and expanding our outreach efforts.”
The RCCG is a holiness Pentecostal megachurch and denomination headquartered in Nigeria. Founded in 1952, RCCG operates globally. The church already has several locations in Leeds.
Tom Lamb, property manager at Towngate Plc, said: “We are delighted to have been able to assist the RCCG in their plight to acquire the perfect building for their latest church. The building’s prime location and modern features will provide a significant boost to its transformation efforts, offering a substantial ‘step up’ in their ability to serve and engage with the community. We wish them every success and hope they will be welcoming their new congregation soon.”
Richard Fraser of Carter Towler, who represented Towngate Plc, added: “The successful acquisition of this prominent property represents the growing demand for significant community spaces in Leeds and surrounding areas. The location’s visibility and accessibility will enhance RCCG’s outreach efforts, and we are proud to have played a role in facilitating this important project.”
Rotherham engineering group continues global expansion with acquisition
Rotherham-based engineering and reliability group, AES Engineering Ltd, has further increased its reliability services and product offering in North America by acquiring a controlling stake in the reliability company, Condition Monitoring Services (CMS), for an undisclosed sum.
The group also owns AESSEAL, in Rotherham, the homogeneous designer and manufacturer of mechanical seals. This latest expansion in the global market follows acquisitions in the Netherlands, Canada, Australia and USA. CMS, headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada focuses on the states of California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah & Colorado with a specialised skill set in the power generation & municipal sectors. The acquisition will allow the existing customers of CMS to benefit from a wider product and service offering from the AES Reliability Group of companies owned by AES Engineering Ltd. CMS President Kirk Cormany said: “The selection of AES Engineering Ltd as our partner was an easy decision due to their product technology, similar dedication to customer service and reliability focus. This partnership allows us to immediately meet the demand from customers for an expanded product range as well as opening new opportunities in other markets.” Chris Rea, Group Managing Director of AES Engineering Ltd, said: “The acquisition of CMS supports our strategic decision to globalise our reliability focused businesses and further strengthens our customer reliability offering in the important North American market.”Duo of companies secure Finance Yorkshire funding
SMEs across Yorkshire and Humber are growing and creating jobs with investment from Finance Yorkshire.
The funding body’s loans fund is supporting businesses to expand by investing in technology, marketing spend, new product development and the hiring of new staff.
Wetherby-based video production and animation company Reel Film Media has received £70,000 from the loans fund. The investment is being used to increase its marketing and sales capacity including the appointment of new staff.
Reel Film will also use the investment to attract potential customers by generating new content for its website. In addition, the company has hired a content creation lead to provide a new service for clients.
Founder Adam Chandler said: “Finance Yorkshire has been great. They saw the vision we have for the business and feel more like a partner rather than just a funder. The investment will make a big difference to our marketing strategy and accelerate where we want to go with the business.”
Finance Yorkshire’s loans fund is also supporting Trustist, an award-winning customer reviews platform company based in York with high profile clients including Timpsons, Johnsons the Cleaners and Max Spielmann.
Trustist is using its £250,000 investment to develop its own technology, marketing and hire more staff.
Founder Nigel Apperley said: “Finance Yorkshire’s investment is essential to us being able to grow the business. We are recruiting more developers who will be based in York and have plans to develop franchising as a route to growing Trustist and its reach even further.”
Finance Yorkshire chief executive Alex McWhirter said: “Our loans fund is a key route to access to finance for the region’s SMEs and is supporting exciting growth in a number of sectors particularly creative, digital and tech.
“SMEs see us as a trusted partner in their businesses as witnessed by Reel Film and Trustist who are expanding at pace and importantly creating jobs in Yorkshire and Humber. We are delighted to support them in their growth journeys.”
Financial Conduct Authority to expand in Leeds, creating more jobs
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is set to base a further 100 of its workforce in Leeds as it expands its footprint in the city.
The FCA will increase its floor space by nearly 5,000 square feet of its 6 Queen Street office – an additional 35%.
The refurbishment project will begin late summer, and the new space will open in the autumn.
Nikhil Rathi, Chief Executive at the FCA, said: “We have really benefitted from having a base in Leeds – both in the breadth of talent that has joined the FCA and the different perspective our Leeds colleagues bring to the full breadth of our work. This further expansion is testament to the success of our Leeds office and the warm welcome we have received.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “West Yorkshire is going from strength to strength as the largest financial services centre in England outside London.
“Hot on the heels of the Bank of England’s expansion in Leeds, I’m thrilled to welcome this new commitment from the Financial Conduct Authority.
“It’s a fantastic vote of confidence in our region as we work to drive economic growth in a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”
The FCA first opened its office in September 2022 and currently employs almost 240 staff in the city.
Genuit Group makes acquisitions to bolster sustainable solutions strategy
Genuit Group, the Leeds-based provider of sustainable water, climate and ventilation solutions for the built environment, has acquired Sky Garden Limited, Omnie and Timoleon.
Sky Garden, acquired for a cash consideration of £2.5m, is a leader in green roof technologies providing design, supply, installation and maintenance services for green and bio-solar roofs, podium decks and green walls.
The business, based in Tewksbury, Gloucestershire, will join the Water Management Solutions (WMS) business unit and will extend the Group’s blue green roof offering. It will provide an additional route to market for Genuit’s Permavoid business, which it complements, and synergies are also expected with the Keytec installation business.
Omnie and Timoleon are leaders in underfloor heating (UFH) board technologies and providers of full UFH system design and supply services. The trade and assets of the group operating the Omnie and Timoleon businesses have been acquired for a cash consideration of £2.7m.
The businesses operate and manufacture in Exeter, Devon and Lomza, Poland. The brands will complement and enhance the Group’s UFH offering and will be part of the Climate Management Solutions (CMS) business unit.
Omnie serves direct customers and the merchant channel whilst Timoleon supplies OEM customers. Strong synergies are expected with the existing Nu-Heat business in CMS and with the Group’s Polypipe UFH offering for new housebuilding in the Group’s Sustainable Building Solutions (SBS) business unit.
Joe Vorih, Genuit Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are excited by these acquisitions, which present a compelling opportunity for Genuit and align with our Sustainable Solutions for Growth strategy. They complement our existing portfolio, expand our product offering and will enable us to drive further growth in attractive end markets.
“I am delighted to welcome our new colleagues from Sky Garden, Omnie and Timoleon, and look forward to working together as we continue to address the challenges posed by climate change and urbanisation.”
Positive half year results for West Yorkshire & Humber industrial market
According to the latest Logic Industrial Property report from the Leeds office of global property consultancy Knight Frank, a robust 722,000 sq ft of take-up was recorded in the West Yorkshire and Humber region during Q2 2024, bringing the half year total take-up figure to 1.2 million sq ft (Units over 50,000 sq ft).
Iain McPhail, partner in Knight Frank’s Yorkshire Industrial & Logistics team, said: “This puts the market in a good position against last year’s total of 1.6 million sq ft, reflecting a 20% improvement, and the highest H1 volume in three years.
“One of the main drivers impacting the positive figures is the notable increase in demand from the manufacturing sector. Out of five leasehold and three freehold transactions to complete this year (as of end of June 24), all three freehold purchases have involved manufacturers.
“The largest of these transactions was air conditioning manufacturer, Airedale, who acquired the 314,714 sq ft former Hallmark Cards facility at Dawson Lane in Bradford. In addition, the 275,413 sq ft former Ilke Homes factory in Flaxby, Knaresborough, was bought by bottled water manufacturer, Shepley Spring Water earlier this year.
“The West Yorkshire and Humber market has seen a mini revival during H1 2024, which has also been driven by the increased availability of speculatively developed warehouse space in the region, with developments like Leeds Valley Park, Konect 62 and Velocity Point benefiting from pent-up occupier demand for small and mid-box units.
“With the marked rise in manufacturing enquiries, we have seen increased demand from occupiers needing buildings with large electrical capacity. This further emphasises the need for developers to factor-in sufficient power supply to their speculative schemes to accommodate not only the B8 distribution sector, but also B2 manufacturing end users.”
During the past year, over 1 million sq ft of space has been taken by manufacturers in the region. This is substantially higher than the circa 200,000 sq ft recorded in the same four-quarter period last year. Manufacturers now comprise over half of the space taken (56%), with distribution companies making up an additional 30%. This marks a shift from the previous year, when distribution firms occupied 72% and manufacturers only 16%.
The largest letting in Q2 involved food and beverage logistics company, Oakland International who secured K161 at Konect 62 in Selby. The 161,578 sq ft new build unit was speculatively developed by Cole Waterhouse and reached practical completion in Q4 2023.
Prime rents in Leeds for units over 50,000 sq ft remained stable in Q2 at £8.75 psf, however, with quoting rents for prime mid-box units now at £9.50-£9.75 psf, Knight Frank expects to see a substantial increase in headline rents within the next two quarters.
Iain McPhail added: “Despite a small handful of second-hand modern warehouse space returning to the market recently, for example Unit TL2, Towngate Link in Leeds (see photo), we have seen total supply reduced by around 13% this quarter due to take-up levels and the notable absence of proposed speculative development on the horizon.
“The exception is Baytree Developments, who are currently underway with their impressive speculative warehouse scheme located in South Leeds (Baytree Leeds), which consists of two best-in-class warehouse units of extending to 76,000 sq ft and 145,000 sq ft respectively.”
York Handmade Brick aids York Racecourse transformation
The pivotal role played by York Handmade Brick in the transformation of the southern end of York Racecourse has been highlighted by the racecourse’s Chief Executive.
William Derby praised York Handmade for the company’s “magnificent contribution” to the multi-million-pound project, which comprised a significant upgrade to the 1913 Bustardthorpe Stand and the brand-new Roberto Pavilion
The company, based at Alne, near Easingwold, supplied 70,000 bricks to the racecourse from its Ebor Range. The contract was worth £80,000.
William Derby said: “York Handmade Brick is our brick supplier of choice and has been for some time. The previous development of the Northern End of the racecourse and transformation of the parade ring, weighing room and saddling boxes also used York Handmade and resulted in award-winning, world-class facilities for horses, jockeys and racegoers in 2015/16.
“We wanted the Southern End development of our buildings at York to complement the quality and heritage of this development as part of our twenty year masterplan to transform the facility at York Racecourse as one of the best racecourses in the world. The transformation of the Southern End of the racecourse has now been completed and will be officially opened at the flagship Sky Bet Ebor Festival next month (21-24 August). We are thrilled with the finish, quality and architectural these high-quality bricks give to the area which will improve the facilities and race day experience for our racegoers.
“We are proud to have worked in partnership with York Handmade Brick to deliver this scheme. Their contribution has been magnificent and strengthens what is already a brilliant relationship between us. It is wonderful to have such an accomplished quality brick-manufacturing company on our doorstep.
“A key element of this new development is our emphasis on sustainability as part of our Green Knavesmire 300 commitment to the environment. With an eye on both the local economy and the inherent sustainability benefits, some 90 per cent of the works have been undertaken by Yorkshire firms, including the main contractors Lindum and, of course, York Handmade.
“Sustainability has been embedded into the design and construction with solar panels, rainwater harvesting and a living roof all incorporated. A newly created and landscaped 900 square metre lawn area is covered by a canopy structure, six metres above the heads of racegoers, to give both the outdoor feel of a summer afternoon’s racing while offering protection from the elements.”
Guy Armitage, managing director of York Handmade, said: “This was a very significant project for us. Apart from enhancing our special relationship with York Racecourse and helping to create even more superb facilities at one of the greatest racecourses in the world, it is a showcase for our brand-new Ebor Range of bricks.
“This brick has a smoother finish than our standard texture bricks and is perfect for matching the style of the bricks on the historic outer wall of the racecourse designed by Walter Brierley, the Yorkshire Lutyens. The blend of colour is based on the Knavesmire Blend supplied for the earlier Northern End development in 2015-16.
“This project was also a massive endorsement of our recent £1.5 million investment in brand-new machinery which has transformed how we make our bricks. Over the years, we have undertaken significant technological improvements, culminating in this overhaul and renewal of our manufacturing process, which has speeded up production, facilitated two brand-new products and increased efficiency.
“This has played a major part in the success of this contract with York Racecourse, a stunning example of what we are able to manufacture with our brand-new plant.”
Apart from the new lawns and open-air canopy structure, the area next to the refurbished Bustardthorpe Stand and Roberto Pavilion now features catering facilities, betting facilities, toilets and a new wrought iron gate that remembers Yorkshire owner-breeder, Reg Bond. The Roberto Pavilion itself provides racegoers with a bar, feature fish and chip shop, Tote and William Hill betting booths and a new Pimm’s bar.
Mamas & Papas secures funding to support future growth
OakNorth, the digital bank, has provided a bespoke funding package to premium nursery brand, Mamas & Papas, to support its continued growth.
Founded in 1981 by new parents at the time, David and Luisa Scacchetti, and headquartered in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, Mamas & Papas is a designer, wholesaler, and retailer of nursery and baby products including travel systems, nursery furniture and children’s clothing.
The business is now the largest nursery brand in the UK, operating an omnichannel shopping experience, including over 60 dedicated stores and concessions, across the country, in addition to an international footprint that sees them operating in 23 countries through various wholesale channels.
Initially a family-owned business, Mamas & Papas was acquired in 2014 by Bluegem Capital Partners, which was founded in 2007 by Marco Capello and Emilio Di Spiezio Sardo. Bluegem is a private equity firm based in London, which invests in European consumer brands and businesses with baby care being a core subvertical.
Mamas & Papas, which reported sales growth of 14% to £144m in its 2023 financial year, is set to report another record financial year thanks to continued sales and profits growth.
Nathan Williams, CEO of Mamas & Papas, said: “Over recent years, Mamas & Papas has continued to build momentum across all areas of the business, including our store footprint, digital offering, domestic market and overseas partnerships, helping us win a record share of the market and build our reputation as a purpose-led, parent-centric brand.
“OakNorth’s relationship-based approach to lending meant Stuart and his team were able to create a funding package that solves all our funding requirements under one facility.”
Mathieu Develay, Partner at Bluegem Capital Partners, said: “Mamas & Papas is one of the most well known and loved premium baby brands in the UK, and a haven for expectant parents.
“We were excited to acquire the business in 2014, and a decade on, we’ve been privileged to have a front-row seat as it has continued to go from strength to strength. Having worked with OakNorth before, we felt they’d be the ideal partner to support us with this transaction.”
Stuart Blair, Director of Debt Finance at OakNorth, added: “This is a very exciting transaction for OakNorth as it emphasises our strong ambitions to do more to support the UK’s retail sector moving forward.
“Given the expected growth in the UK nursery and baby products market, Mamas & Papas is well positioned to capture further market share and continue building its omni-channel presence. In Bluegem, they have a strong, long-term backer with an excellent track record in supporting retail and consumer brands across a range of sector verticals.”
Lindum Group starts work on 58 new homes in Derbyshire
Lincoln-based Lindum Group has begun work to transform the site of a former hospital in Bolsover into an development of 58 properties for Sheffield-based housing provider Forge New Homes.
The scheme will provide a mix of three and four-bedroom properties on a 6.5-acre site off Welbeck Road, the former home of Bolsover Hospital, which closed in 2019.
Freddie Chambers, chairman of Lindum Group, said: “The first phase of work involves segregating and securing the site and then conducting the bulk earthworks to level the land.
“We will be installing the first section of drainage and infrastructure before moving on to the construction stage. We plan to hand the homes over in groups of four, with the first properties due for completion in April.”
Andy Beattie, MD at Forge New Homes, said: ‘This development marks a momentous day for both Forge and Lindum Group as we join forces to bring affordable houses to Bolsover, a charming Northern town with a bonded community.
“We’re excited to bring new life to this historic location, and in the process contribute to the economy with the provision of new jobs as we create a vibrant neighbourhood with much needed family homes.”
Nick Atkin, Chief Exec of Yorkshire Housing and Chair of Forge New Homes, added: “This progress is testament to the work Forge has been doing in expanding its offering across the Midlands and Yorkshire. Our strategy is to move forward with much needed new homes for all and I am proud to see this now becoming a reality.”
The work is expected to be finished by June 2026.
