Rix Group extends leisure portfolio with acquisition of residential park home maker
Hull family business J.R. Rix & Sons Ltd has acquired a residential park home maker to build on its holiday home and lodge portfolio manufactured by Victory Leisure Homes.
The company has become sole shareholder in Prestige Communities Group Ltd – parent company of well-known residential brand Prestige – for an undisclosed sum.
The move sees Rix Group enter the residential park home sector for the first time, after growing Victory Leisure Homes into one of the UK’s top holiday home and lodge manufacturers. The Prestige portfolio also offers an extended range of premium holiday and leisure homes, growing the Group’s presence and market share.
James Doyle, Managing Director of J.R. Rix & Sons, said the acquisition will bring stability to Prestige Communities Group, which has undergone several changes in ownership over recent years.
Mr Doyle said: “We’re delighted to complete the purchase of Prestige. I feel we are well positioned to support and invest further in the company ensuring it remains at the forefront of innovation in the park home and leisure space.
“The acquisition extends our product range into the residential park home sector and will enable us to build on the successes achieved by Victory Leisure Homes in the holiday park sector.
“We feel there is a good cultural fit with the people at Prestige which will be fundamental to the business’s future success and we look forward to working with Mitchell Comer and his management team.”
Mitchell Comer, CEO of Northamptonshire-based Prestige, said: “Following the restructuring in February, we have been seeking and discussing a long-term investor/owner proposition that would give Prestige a foundation to build upon, securing the legacy, but equally enabling funding and support for continued growth and innovation.
“J.R. Rix & Sons demonstrated a long-term vision, both for their group of companies, as well as Prestige, and during discussions it was clear we shared common values and aspirations.”
Contentious probate expert appointed as partner at Ramsdens
Liam Brooke has joined Ramsdens Solicitors as a partner to lead its growing will, trust and estate disputes practice.
With a wealth of experience advising on all types of contentious trust and probate matters, Liam joins Ramsdens’ Edgerton office from Rothley Law’s private client practice (previously part of Shoosmiths) where he spent two years, latterly as a principal associate. He has also worked for Clarion and Irwin Mitchell.
Liam has expertise in disputes regarding the validity of wills, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 and disputes involving executors and trustees. He also deals with disputes arising within the Court of Protection.
Liam is a Member of ACTAPS (Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists) and is also a member of the Northern Contentious Probate Group.
The firm is continuing to strengthen its five-strong dedicated team which also saw the appointment of Steven Murgatroyd as a senior associate earlier this year. Steven is experienced in both dispute resolution and wills and probate, and has a strong technical legal background when dealing with deputyships, and powers of attorney.
The will, trust and estates dispute team ably support the firm’s 41-strong private wealth and succession and nine-strong Court of Protection teams, both of which are one of the largest teams in Yorkshire.
Nick Armitage, who heads up the firm’s dispute resolution teams, said: “Liam’s arrival is a further welcome boost to our experienced will, trust and estate disputes team which now includes one partner, two senior associates and two legal assistants.
“With an impressive track record of advising in this complex and often sensitive area of the law, Liam will take the helm as we continue to drive our reputation as experts in this specialist field, offering the most senior regional team outside Leeds.”
Liam Brooke said: “Having previously worked with Ramsdens and being well aware of their excellent reputation in the private client sector, I recognised this as a great opportunity to build a strong contentious probate practice which rivals the expertise of many of the large, national firms.
“We are fortunate to have such experienced specialist lawyers here at Ramsdens, and further developing this growing area of law will complement the firm’s already-strong non-contentious probate offering.”
Yorkshire & Humber at foot of regional rankings in June as private sector output returns to contraction
The NatWest Regional Growth Tracker revealed that Yorkshire & Humber was once again the worst performer across the UK at the end of the second quarter as private sector output returned to contraction territory after briefly expanding in May.
The Headline Yorkshire & Humber Business Activity Index – a seasonally adjusted index that measures the month-on-month change in the combined output of the region’s manufacturing and service sectors – fell from 50.5 in May to 47.7 in June, below the crucial 50.0 mark that separates growth from decline and therefore signalling a renewed downturn in private sector activity across the region.
After marginally rising in May, demand for Yorkshire & Humber goods and services returned to contraction at the end of the second quarter, in line with the trend seen in the 12 months to April this year. Survey respondents reported low client confidence and a hesitancy from customers to place orders. The decline in Yorkshire & Humber sales activity contrasted with a modest expansion across the UK as a whole.
Malcolm Buchanan, Chair of the NatWest North Regional Board, said: “Our Regional Growth Tracker once again highlighted weakness in Yorkshire & Humber’s private sector economy, with business activity and new orders shrinking in June after some improvement in May.
“Whether this could be a temporary blip due to the upcoming general election, which did cause growth momentum to slow across the UK more broadly in June, remains to be seen. However, the region has underperformed consistently for a while now, and business confidence slid to a 20-month low during the latest survey period.
“Nevertheless, there are positive takeaways. Employment growth strengthened to a seven-month high, with panel members citing recruitment drives and company expansion. From this, we can certainly deduce a feel-good factor in some parts of the local economy, which could help spur growth in the second half of 2024.”
Performance in relation to UK
Although the Future Activity Index remained well above the neutral 50.0 threshold, therefore signalling optimism on balance among Yorkshire & Humber companies, the level of positive sentiment fell to its lowest since October 2022 and was well below the UK average.
Political uncertainty weighed on confidence, anecdotal evidence showed, although some respondents remained hopeful of a further pick-up in the broader economy.
Job creation was sustained across Yorkshire & Humber in June. In fact, the rate of employment growth improved slightly and was the strongest since last November. Recruitment drives, company expansion, and the filling of vacancies underpinned hiring, said survey respondents.
Yorkshire & Humber was among the top performing parts of the UK in terms of workforce growth in June, ranking fourth out of the 12 monitored UK areas.
Operating costs at Yorkshire & Humber firms continued to rise at a sharp pace during June. Anecdotal evidence indicated that companies incurred greater expenses due to increases in commodity and shipping costs.
That said, the overall rate of inflation was broadly in line with that seen in May, which was the softest for seven months. The local increase in total costs was slightly below that seen for the UK as a whole.
Prices charged for Yorkshire & Humber goods and services increased in June, as has been the case in every month for almost four years. The rate of inflation quickened slightly to its strongest since March, but was the second-weakest seen across all 12 monitored parts of the UK.
Where charges were lifted, survey respondents mentioned the passing on of higher costs to their customers.
Board in charge of £25m Shipley regeneration plan joined by four new members
The board in charge of a £25 million plan to regenerate Shipley has been joined by four new members.
The Shipley Towns Fund Board is made up of volunteer representatives from local businesses as well as charitable and voluntary organisations, with support from Bradford Council which includes managing and delivering projects.
The newly-recruited members will use their skills and knowledge to oversee the Government-funded local projects, including the rejuvenation of Shipley Market as well as the creation of Shipley Sustainable Community Hub and the Shipley Health and Well-being Centre.
The new board members are Lead Mentor of the British Design Fund, Product Designer & Entrepreneur Adam Sutcliffe, Founder of the Strategic Disability Partnership and Shipley resident Alec Porter, Director of Kynd, Co-Chair of South Square and Facilitator at Bradford Death Café Nicola Murray, and the Managing Director of Flight & Cox Financial Solutions Ltd Scot Flight.
Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Transport and Planning Alex Ross-Shaw said: “The Shipley Towns Fund board is successfully delivering some excellent work. These are significant regeneration projects which will shape the Shipley area and have a positive impact on the people who live here for generations to come.”
Chair of the Shipley Towns Fund Board Adam Clerkin said: “We’re already incredibly fortunate to have a very capable group of people who give up their time voluntarily to help us deliver these exciting schemes. We are delighted to welcome the new board members to the team and look forward to driving these incredible projects through to completion together.”
Plans for modern sport and recreational facility in Knottingley to be discussed
An update on the Knottingley Regeneration Programme is set to be discussed by Wakefield Council Cabinet members next week (16 July).
Phase one will see the demolition of the former Kellingley Social Club and existing pavilion, and the building of a new, purpose-built pavilion subject to approval.
The Council is looking at designs for the new, modern pavilion building. It would offer better facilities for the local football club, and other sporting groups that use it, with a bar and function room that will provide the community with a space for events, and gatherings.
There will also be new car parking and landscaping to complement the new facility and wider site.
In September, there will be a further report where Cabinet will be asked to approve the costs to complete phase one.
The majority of people who responded to a public consultation said they thought Knottingley would benefit from a new and modern sport and recreational facility. People also fed back that they supported demolition of the derelict Social Club which is unsafe and impractical to repair.
At their meeting Councillors will also be asked to approve funding for design and infrastructure works to support phase two of the project.
Phase two will look to design and build a new wellbeing hub, with recreational activities and landscaping.
Key stakeholders have fed back on initial designs, and these will be submitted for approval to Cabinet later in the year.
Cllr Michael Graham, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said: “We’ve ambitious plans to invest in Knottingley and to deliver fantastic new facilities that residents have asked for. “We’re pleased that thanks to lots of input from residents and businesses we are pushing forward with these plans. Knottingley is a very important part of our district and we want to deliver the best outcomes for the local community.”
Landmark case result: Anglian Water fined for ignoring Environment Agency
Anglian Water Services Ltd has been ordered to pay more than £50,000 for failing to provide records required by the Environment Agency. The order includes a £25,000 fine, £190 victim surcharge and £25,000 in costs.
Sentencing took place today at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court after the water company was convicted on 24 May 2024.
This is the first conviction of its kind by the Environment Agency against a water company and sets a precedent for the regulation of non-compliant companies.
Since launching the investigation into Anglian Water Service Ltd’s compliance, the Environment Agency has served several statutory requirements for records on the company. Anglian Water Services Ltd has been convicted of failing, without reasonable excuse, to respond to one of these notices, served between dates in January 2022 and January 2023.
Anglian Water Services Ltd had entered a not guilty plea to the charge, claiming that they had a reasonable excuse for non-compliance. Having heard the evidence in the case, District Judge Kenneth Sheraton rejected the water company’s claim.
The case against Anglian Water Services Ltd arose out of a wider criminal investigation involving all ten English water companies looking into potential non-compliance with environmental permit conditions at over 2,000 wastewater treatment works.
The Environment Agency hopes that today’s sentence will help the regulator to bring all water companies into compliance and reduce environmental pollution.
Official Reciever plans to give £280m to Thomas Cook creditors
The Official Receiver has announced plans to return £280m to creditors of the Thomas Cook group of companies, the high-street travel chain which went into liquidation in 2019.
Following the collapse of the Thomas Cook group of companies, the Official Receiver has worked across a complex group of liquidations to realise all available assets for the benefit of creditors.
This has included a broad range of assets including the sale of airport slots, hotel investments and high street stores which were owned across the group of companies.
David Chapman, who was appointed by the Court as Official Receiver and Liquidator of the group, said: “I understand that a lot of people lost money following the collapse of Thomas Cook. My team has been working hard to finalise the liquidation, maximising funds which can now be distributed to creditors.
“I would encourage creditors to visit the dedicated Thomas Cook Claims Site to check the position regarding their claim as soon as possible, so we can consider whether they should receive any part of the funds being distributed.“
The Thomas Cook group is made up of 57 different companies in liquidation, not all of which will make payments to creditors and the payments made will be at different rates for each company.
It is expected that eligible creditors will be paid before the end of September 2024.Yorkshire businesses go wheel to wheel in endurance charity karting championship
Motor racing driver Rowan Campbell-Pilling has been uniting Yorkshire businesses on the racetrack to raise cash for charity and compete for a coveted trophy.
Sheffield-based Rowan, a 17-year-old Motorsport UK Academy driver, is a rising star of British motorsport and organised the inter-company karting event at Parkwood Karting in the city.
The two-day event at the outdoor track included teams from a range of businesses including law firms, motor dealerships, engineering businesses and an online retailer.
Gripple, Irwin Mitchell, Cobra Sport, WPA Healthcare, Veezu, H Harrold & Sons and Mattress Online completed the fastest laps and will now compete in the Steel City Cup Final in September.
These teams were joined by Burrows Motor Company, Widd Signs and Monaghans who also competed and contributed to the event and money raised.
Funds raised through the event will be donated to The Children’s Hospital Charity where Rowan is an Ambassador.
Rowan said: “It’s been great to host the first part of our second ever Steel City Cup. It’s been brilliant to bring so many businesses together whilst raising vital funds.
“My family and I know first-hand how important the services at The Children’s Hospital Charity are because I had to use the hospital as a child. Being able to boost the charity’s funds and introduce people to karting is brilliant.”
Rob Gurruchaga, Development Officer from The Children’s Hospital Charity, added: “The event was brilliant and we’re now looking forward to the final in September which will be a hotly contested event.
“Rowan is very supportive of the charity and plays an excellent role as an Ambassador. We’re delighted he’s in our team and the money raised from the event will make a huge difference to the lives of our patients, families and staff.”
Rowan is currently competing in his first Rokit British F4 certified by the FIA Season, driving for the Phinsys by Argenti team. This is seen as the first rung on the ladder towards Formula 1.
He joined the F4 grid following a successful karting career, where he competed in the Daniel Ricciardo Series and IAME X30 in both the junior and senior classes.
The Steel City Cup Final will be held at Parkwood Karting on 12 September. During this, all teams will be welcomed back for a BBQ and networking.
Another step forwards for North Hykeham Relief Road
Lincolnshire county council’s Executive has given officers the green light to pursue the necessary legal orders and land acquisitions for the North Hykeham Relief Road project.
The county council’s Executive voted to progress with publishing the legal orders during their meeting on Tuesday 2 July.
Cllr Richard Davies, Executive Member for Highways, said: “This is another huge milestone for the project that brings us one step closer to making the final piece of Lincoln’s ring road a reality.
“The next step is to publish the legal orders and wait while the consultation process is underway. Once the consultation period’s ended, we’ll have a clearer idea of whether a public inquiry will be needed.
“There’s an enormous about of legal paperwork to get through with a road of this size before we can actually start building, but we’re doing all we can to move things along so we can start works late next year.
“In the meantime, the team will also continue working on preparing a full business case for the DfT.”
Construction of the new relief road is expected to start in late 2025 and to be open by late 2028. The cost of the project is currently estimated to be between £180m and £208m.
The North Hykeham Relief Road project will see a new dual carriageway built, linking the A46 Pennells Roundabout to the newly constructed Lincoln Eastern Bypass, creating a complete ring road around the city.
As part of the project, new roundabouts would be built at South Hykeham Road, Brant Road and Grantham Road. A number of bridges would also be constructed, including at Station Road and over the River Witham.
Eight new recruits for G&H Group
G&H Group, the Leeds-based mechanical, electrical and public health service (MEP) provider, has made eight new appointments to its team following sustained growth.
To further expand its Projects division which delivers independent (MEP) services for schemes typically valued between £50,000 and £1 million, G&H Group has recruited James Hutchinson as head of solar to build its solar photovoltaic (PV) team. Previously operations director for Radius Charge where he was responsible for all project delivery and installation of renewable infrastructure, James has over 20 years’ experience in the electrical engineering sector with 12 years in renewables.
Joining James in G&H Group’s Projects division as mechanical supervisor is 40-year industry veteran, Nick Mundy. G&H Group’s Projects division has extensive experience delivering projects for education facilities such as schools, colleges and multi-academy trusts and Nick will support with work sequence strategy, materials management, and safe methods of working.
G&H Group’s Building Services division has made six new appointments to support the complex, large-scale new build and retrofit schemes in which it specialises. Daniel Gowland joins from JLM M&E as mechanical project manager, leading on projects including Harrogate College, Pudsey Sixth Form and Leeds City Town Hall.
With a career spanning 30 years, most recently at JLM M&E, Darren Hartley joins G&H Group Building Services as electrical estimator for project estimation and delivery. Mohammad Choudhary joins from Waites Mechanical Services as project engineer. In this integral role, Mohammad will be creating programme schedules, forecasting project costs, producing technical submittals, forecasting labour, and managing site labour as well as procuring materials.
Reporting to Building Services (South) operations manager, Paul Cuss, Gearoid McCool, Peter Violet, and Trevor Archer join as senior contracts manager, senior technical services manager, and project manager respectively.
Marc Ambler, group director at G&H Group, said: “With new schemes starting, and an increasing number of enquiries, it’s great to welcome Darren, Mohammad, Daniel, Nick, James, Gearoid, Peter and Trevor to G&H Group. We welcome their skills and expertise and look forward to them further developing their careers.”
