Sheffield-founded activewear retailer, Lucy Locket Loves has entered voluntary liquidation, owing just under £900,000.
It follows supply chain issues, warehouse floods that caused downtime and lost stock, rising import costs that impacted margins, and the cost of living crisis hitting revenue.
The Dronfield-based business was also affected by a change from monthly to quarterly rent payments for its warehouse, which it was unable to meet.
Founder Lucy Arnold said: “Firstly, I want to apologise to everyone impacted by this, especially our customers and the LLL Team. Despite everyone’s hard work, the challenges of the past 18 months were overwhelming, leading us to enter voluntary liquidation on May 28, 2024.
“Supply chain issues, warehouse floods that caused downtime and lost stock, rising import costs that slashed our margins, and the ongoing cost of living crisis hit our revenue hard and disrupted our operations. These essentially made our traditional business model obsolete.
“In December 2023, we managed to negotiate monthly rent payments for our warehouse, but by May 2024, the owners insisted on reverting to full quarterly payments, which we couldn’t meet. This led to their abrupt decision to take control of our warehouse on May 10th with no notice, disrupting our operations and leaving us without working capital.
“Facing no operational ability and mounting financial obligations, we made the difficult decision to enter voluntary liquidation.
“This has been incredibly distressing, particularly for our team, who were reluctantly made redundant. We deeply regret the impact on our staff and their families and I can never say sorry enough for how abruptly this happened. This has personally been the most upsetting part of this process.”
The business aims to relaunch the Locket Loves website in Summer with a new look, operational hub, and new leggings designs.
In 2020, Arnold was included in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list.
Hull City Council has appointed Esh Construction Limited and Mason Clark Associates to work on design, repair, and strengthening of Drypool Bridge.
In preparation for the physical works on site, Esh Construction Limited and Mason Clark Associates have been appointed to lead on the preparatory phase. Their teams will undertake detailed investigations of the bridge’s condition and prepare the schedule for the main repair and strengthening project.
Alongside these works, Mason Clark Associates will also be overseeing the design phase, ensuring that the bridge’s historic character and charm is preserved while meeting modern safety standards.
Garry Taylor, Assistant Director of Major Projects, Culture, and Place, said: “The appointment of the principal contractors is a significant milestone in the repair of Drypool Bridge, and it will be great to see work progress in the coming months.
“The bridge has been a part of Hull’s history for generations, and its repair is not only about improving its structural integrity but also about maintaining a safe and reliable transport link for residents, commuters, and visitors.
“We hope that this early contractor involvement will ensure the bridges longevity, and that the structure continues to be accessible for many generations to come.”
The early contractor involvement phase, with both Esh Construction Limited and Mason Clark Associates, will determine the start date for physical works on site.
In the meantime, the bridge retains sufficient loading capacity to operate safely and will continue to be open to all traffic until the major repairs start.
Following a routine inspection in April, it was discovered that several of the load-bearing columns under Drypool Bridge had significantly deteriorated. As a result, the historic structure on Clarence Street must undergo major repairs to ensure its safety and longevity.
Rogue business owners who sell vapes to underage children have been warned that they will be brought to justice after two people were fined following undercover trading standards operations.
Scarborough magistrates heard that a 15-year-old was used as a test purchaser under supervision of council officers at two locations in the town last year.
The teenager was sold vapes on both occasions, including one that contained almost twice the legal amount of nicotine-containing liquid.
Dean Anthony Mitchell, the owner of Save a Lot in Castle Road, Scarborough, pleaded guilty to four offences under the Children and Families Act 2014 and the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016.
In a separate case, Marta Monika Olejarcz, manager of Marta’s European Food, of Victoria Street, Scarborough, pleaded guilty to selling a vape to a person under 18, contrary to the Children and Families Act 2014.
Magistrates were told that on 11 November the volunteer was sold an illegal vape by Mitchell. The grape flavoured vape contained 9,000 puffs and 18 millilitres of nicotine-containing liquid.
The maximum quantity of nicotine-containing liquid allowed by law is two millilitres, about the same amount as in a standard packet of cigarettes.
Officers returned to the shop 10 days later and seized 230 illegal vapes, 214 of which contained more than the permitted amount of nicotine-containing liquid. Some were found to contain 10 times the permitted amount.
A further 16 vapes were not marked with information required by law, including the name of the producer and the amount of nicotine in each puff.
A test purchase was also made on 11 November at Marta’s European Food. In that case, while the volunteer was sold a legal vape, it should only have been available to over-18s.
Mitchell was ordered to pay a total of £769, including fines, a court surcharge and prosecution costs, while Olejarcz, must pay a total of £361.
Magistrates said Mitchell’s offences were aggravated by the fact he continued to sell the products even after being visited by trading standards officers.
North Yorkshire Council’s orporate director for environment, Karl Battersby, said: “These cases follow a successful prosecution in Skipton last week and show our determination in cracking down on offences like this.
“We are pleased the court recognised the harm that can be caused by the availability of vapes to young people, especially when they contain such huge amounts of nicotine.
“There are very simple steps a retailer should have in place to ensure they do not sell age-restricted products to a young person. No such precautions were followed in these cases and, in one, the sale was made far worse by the fact that the vape was illegal.
“The regulations set strict limits for the amount of liquid in these devices in order to limit the risks associated with nicotine, a toxic substance harmful to health. It is hugely concerning that some of the vapes contained 10 times the amount of nicotine found in a packet of cigarettes.”
Services continue to perform particularly well among UK exports, with solid increases in the past three months. Goods exports performed less well in April, as in recent months, says the British Chambers of Commerce.
William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “The BCC’s election manifesto and our recent Global Britain report set out clear options for policymakers to improve UK trade performance.
“Goods import volumes (excluding inflation) rose by 7.8% in April, with similar increases for both the EU and the rest of the world. Imports from the EU rose by 7.7% (£1.6bn). This was led by rises in machinery and transport equipment, and food. Non-EU imports volumes rose by 7.9% (£1.3bn) driven by higher miscellaneous manufactured goods and fuels.
“Goods export volumes fell by 2.8%. For the EU, they fell by 1.4% (£0.2bn), after adjustment for inflation – the main decline being in crude oil sales to Germany. Non-EU goods exports volumes fell by 4% (£0.5bn), driven by chemicals exports. This was offset to some degree by higher fuel, machinery and transport equipment exports.
“UK services trade showed another month of consistent growth in both import and exports. In the month of April, services exports increased by an estimated 0.6% (£0.2bn) on values measure. At the same time, imports increased by 0.9% (£0.2bn) on the values measure.”
To celebrate today’s Social Mobility Day, Yorkshire Building Society has joined Progressive Together, a network of organisations aimed at making sure colleagues can progress in their financial services careers, regardless of background.
The society is one of more than 100 employers in the Progress Together network, aiming to create a financial services sector where people from all socio-economic backgrounds can fulfil their career potential.
Tina Hughes, Director of Marketing and Digital Channels at Yorkshire Building Society, said: “At Yorkshire Building Society, we have colleagues with different beliefs, ages, cultures, outlooks and more – just like the communities we serve.
“Social mobility is a key part of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy, which sets out our vision to build a Society where everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels valued, empowered and supported.
“We’re proud of that and we’re working hard to create an environment that’s welcoming and inclusive, where everyone has the opportunity to develop and progress.
“We want everyone to have the chance to show their full potential – it’s about what they can bring to the business, not where they were brought up or the school they went to.
“We can always go further and do more, and that’s why we’ve joined Progress Together.”
Sophie Hulm, CEO of Progress Together, said: “As a member of Progress Together, Yorkshire Building Society has demonstrated commitment to improving socio-economic diversity at senior levels. By working together we are making changes in UK financial services, ensuring that employees from all backgrounds have the opportunity to reach their career potential. This benefits individuals, business and the wider economy.”
PIB Risk Management and PIB Insurance Brokers come together in new offices in Chesterfield for the company, which already has bases in Leeds, York, Halifax, and Lincoln.
The company says the expansion not only underscores its commitment to growth, but also reflects dedication to fostering professional development through the latest training facilities.
Rob Armitage, Business Development Director, PIB Risk Management, said: “We are looking forward to the positive impact that the Chesterfield branch will have on our operations and the local community. The blend of sales expertise and training excellence housed under one roof represents a significant step forward in our journey of growth and innovation.
“The new branch is a testament to our company’s vision of creating dynamic spaces that blend functionality with innovation. Equipped with advanced technology and modern amenities, the Chesterfield location is set to become a pivotal sales hub, driving business growth and customer engagement in the region.
“Moreover, the facility features dedicated training rooms, tailored to provide comprehensive training programmes for our colleagues and the businesses we support. Our external training schedule includes a wide range of accredited and non-accredited courses, tailored to our clients’ requirements.
“The opening of the Chesterfield branch is part of a broader strategy to expand our footprint in the region. By establishing a strong presence in the Midlands, we are better positioned to meet the needs of our clients and support the local economy. This expansion not only brings new job opportunities to the area but also strengthens our ties with the community.
Doncaster Chamber is celebrating the St Lager racing festival, and what its its considerable impact means for the economy of the city.
Dan Fell, Chief Exec of Doncaster Chamber, said: “The St Leger has been going strong since 1776 and has become synonymous with our city. It’s one of our biggest claims to fame and a major attraction that reliably drums up business while also showcasing Doncaster on the world stage.
“We are proud to be a part of it once again with our Ladies Day marquee and would like to thank our sponsor, Orb Recruitment, for making it possible. This always proves to be a hit with our members; giving them an opportunity to relish in the glamour of the occasion, network with one another and enjoy the various entertainment offerings of the festival.
“As highlighted in our recently published plan, Doncaster ’35: Manifesto for a Winning City, the ambition for Doncaster is sky high, and the business community is eager to see it unlock its full potential.
“While there is a long journey ahead of us in that regard, the continued success of existing attractions like the St Leger — which already contributes so much to our economy — will be instrumental in getting us to where we want to be. I am greatly looking forward to this year’s event, and cannot wait to see all of the good that it will do for Doncaster.”
The Leger is the oldest of the five British classics, and is now in its 248th year. The festival continues to draw in thousands upon thousands of racegoers each and every September and still remains ones of the most important dates in the sporting calendar. One that puts Doncaster firmly in the international spotlight.
With spectators flocking in from all over the country, it also has the welcome effect of stimulating economic activity. Those in the hospitality sector feel the benefits of this most of all, as visitors end up frequenting our bars, dining at nearby restaurants, spending at local shops, and staying at conveniently-placed hotels.
Stewart Olson, MD of Orb Recruitment, added: “It’s always a pleasure to help create an electric atmosphere for our fellow businesses and I am sure this year will be no different! The event is not only a highlight of the city’s calendar but, with Doncaster Chamber’s input, becomes a valuable opportunity for the business community to come together, network and celebrate shared successes. We are honoured to support an occasion that fosters growth and partnerships in this way.”
Premier Inn has signed a 25-year lease with CBRE Investment Management, on behalf of CBRE UK Property PAIF, on a 188-bed property in York in York.
Built by main contractor Clegg Construction, the four-storey building on a one-acre plot, formerly a retail warehouse leased by Carpetright on the city’s Foss Islands Road.
The development features multiple energy-saving technologies, such as air source heat pumps, heat recovery ventilation systems, LED lighting, photovoltaic panels, and electric vehicle charging points. Accordingly, the building has achieved an EPC A rating and is due to achieve a BREEAM rating of “Very Good”.
Jamie Philips, Fund Manager for UK Property PAIF at CBRE, said: “We expect growth in the hotels and catering sector to outpace the wider economy during the next five years. Tourism supports a significant number of jobs in York and given the strength of the city as a destination for tourists, combined with its current undersupply of hotel beds, the addition of a new modern and sustainable hotel will help to bolster York’s businesses and economy. This project sits firmly within the Fund’s strategy, providing a great opportunity to thoughtfully invest in and repurpose an existing asset, in order to create a long and sustainable cash flow for our investors.”
Clegg Construction MD Michael Sims added: “The site is a historically-sensitive city centre location in York, and I am delighted with how the Clegg Construction team conducted themselves with minimal disruption to local businesses and residents. The scheme achieved consistently high Considerate Constructors Scheme scores in audits taken throughout the contract. More than 80% of the workforce travelled 30 miles or less per day to reach the site – demonstrating our commitment to supporting the local community and to sustainability.”
“As a company, Clegg Construction is very happy to have now handed over this new development which I am sure will be an asset to York and its tourism and business communities, along with the local economy.”
Ramsdens Solicitors is continuing to recognise and reward colleagues with two recent associate promotions.
The 150-year-old firm’s clinical negligence and personal injury team has been further strengthened by the appointment of Ian Miles to senior associate, while Ramsdens’ private client practice sees Kirsty Dunn promoted to associate.
Based at Ramsdens’ Leeds office, Ian Miles joined Ramsdens in 2022 as a litigation executive, having previously worked for a number of sector-leading international law firms. With 20 years’ experience, he has expertise in handling complex injury claims, including brain injury. Mr Miles’ specialisms cover employers’ liability, occupiers’ liability and road traffic accident claims, as well as claims involving clinical negligence against medical and healthcare providers.
An associate of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and a ‘recommended lawyer’ in The Legal 500, 2021 edition, Mr Miles is known as a skilled litigator and is an active member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.
Kirsty Dunn, a chartered legal executive and Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) probate practitioner, joined Ramsdens in 2021 having predominately worked in litigation before transferring her skills and expertise to specialise in wills, lasting powers of attorney and the administration of estates. She is now based at the firm’s Edgerton office. Her expertise includes advising on the severance of jointly owned properties to enable families to put in place protection from care fees, when making a will.
Kirsty Dunn
Paul Joyce, managing partner of Ramsdens Solicitors, said: “It’s extremely satisfying to see talented members of the team like Ian and Kirsty developing their legal skills with us. Both are technically adept lawyers who consistently put their clients first and deliver outstanding service in their respective niche areas of the law.
“We are pleased to celebrate these promotions with Ian and Kirsty as we pride ourselves on providing a supportive, nurturing environment where up-and-coming lawyers can flourish with the support of more senior colleagues.”
Glenbrook Investments has acquired a 62,000 sq ft industrial estate from the administrator of H.P.A.S Limited, formerly trading as Safestyle UK.
The property, located on Station Road Industrial Estate in Barnsley, was originally constructed as a multi-let industrial estate, but used solely by Safestyle as its UK distribution and training facility.
Comprising 17 units across 3 terraces on a 4.5 acre self-contained site, the sale also includes a 1.6 acre parcel of vacant land, providing options for future development or expansion.
The price remains confidential, but following Safestyle’s fall into administration in October 2023, the property was marketed by Hilco Real Estate, on behalf of the joint administrators, at a guide price of £2.75m.
Scott Griffiths of Glenbrook Investments said: “We are excited to add this to a portfolio of industrial repositioning projects that we have been carefully rebuilding following significant disposals in 2021 and 2022.
“We are very fortunate to have a great team and with live projects nearby, we have been able to make a quick start on site. We now look forward to bringing this estate back to life as a modern, sustainable destination for local businesses.”
Ian Whittaker at Watling Real Estate in Manchester, who advised Glenbrook Investments, said: “We were delighted to advise our client on this fantastic value-add investment.
“The property presents an excellent opportunity to create a thriving multi-let industrial estate of sub 5,000 sq ft units, which we know are in high demand from local and regional occupiers that are currently suffering from a constrained supply of smaller, modern units.”
Watling Real Estate, CMS and GV&Co acted for Glenbrook Investments. Hilco Real Estate acted for the joint administrators at Interpath Advisory.
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