Landsec has submitted a planning application to invest £15m into the expansion of its food court concept, Trinity Kitchen in Leeds.
With a rotating line-up of food trucks and permanent eateries, Trinity Kitchen transformed the idea of traditional food courts when it opened in 2013 and has since welcomed over 800,000 visitors annually.
The plans will build on this success, repurposing under-utilised retail space and delivering a 72,000 sq ft multi-dimensional hospitality destination complete with a new outdoor terrace offering views overlooking the city.
The news comes as Landsec also submits plans at St David’s in Cardiff, to invest £17m to transform a former Debenhams unit into a vibrant outdoor space. Plans for the 102,000 sq ft square will create new opportunities for brands, while enhancing access to nature and play space. The square will feature two new restaurants with terraces and smaller kiosk-style units that open out onto the square. The plans also include a leisure space.
Nik Porter, Head of Retail Asset Management at Landsec, said: “These submissions mark the next step in our investment in our major retail destinations. Trinity Leeds and St David’s Cardiff both continually outperform industry benchmarks for footfall and have occupancy rates over 94%.
“By enhancing the guest experience, we’ll increase footfall and dwell time which in turn will bring more brands to the centres, whilst also strengthening the performance of brands already in occupation.
“These new spaces will create even more opportunities for both new and existing brands to benefit from the attraction of new F&B and leisure experiences, quality outdoor space, and the increasing demand for leisure.”
Scarborough retail giant snaps up major new distribution centre
A major industrial unit in Scarborough has been sold to well-known retailer, Boyes, which was established in the town in 1881, to support the company’s new store openings and ongoing expansion programme.
The detached 132,163 sq ft building sits on a 5.58 acre plot within Eastfield Industrial Estate on Thornburgh Road and was marketed by Leeds property consultancy, GV&Co.
The site was previously home to printing company, Pindar, which formed part of the YM Group before it went into administration in 2022.
Boyes will now commence transforming the site into a new distribution centre that will operate alongside its existing warehouses on Havers Hill and Hopper Hill Road. Some operations will transfer to the new site, but it is expected that new jobs will be created when the new site comes fully on stream.
Boyes currently serves over a million customers every month from more than 70 stores across the East Midlands, the North West, Yorkshire and the North East. The retailer’s extensive product range now spans more than 30,000 different items.
Andrew Boyes, chairman and joint managing director of the firm, said: “Investing in this new site will provide considerable additional storage space to augment Boyes’ two existing distribution centres in Scarborough.
“These sites were struggling for space, for the volume of stock being handled, so having a third warehouse facility will improve efficiency and provide the capacity to open more stores, as well as helping to ensure that all our shelves are stocked with the vast range of products that make us so popular with our customers.”
Will Woodhall, a surveyor from GV&Co’s agency team, said: “We generated a lot of interest in this site from both potential occupiers and investors, but it’s very satisfying to agree a sale to such a well-known and longstanding Scarborough based company.
“It’s also good news for the town as a whole, because ultimately this deal will create jobs and help to support local economic activity, as well as giving an empty building a new lease of life.”
Paul Jenkins from Cedarwood, which had previously asset managed the site on behalf of the landlord, said: “Following the demise of Pindar, which was sad news for Scarborough, it’s good news that the sale to Boyes has gone through as it will support the growth of a local employer.”
Bradford business bought out of administration by Flowtech Fluidpower
Flowtech Fluidpower, the specialist technical provider of fluid power and motion control products and engineering services, has acquired the business and certain assets of Bradford-based Thomas Wright/Thorite Group Limited (Thorite).
The transaction completed immediately following the appointment of administrators, Interpath Advisory, to Thorite.
Mike England, CEO of Flowtech, said: “We are delighted to acquire this well-respected brand and skilled workforce. On behalf of all of us at Flowtech we welcome our new colleagues to the Group. This is an exciting moment for us all as both businesses have a history of deep expertise and knowledge in power, motion and control.
“For us at Flowtech, adding Thorite’s expertise in pneumatics, automation and compressed air capability is an excellent fit and aligns perfectly with our strategy – a world of motion – which will enhance our scale, margin profile, and help to accelerate market share gains.”
Thorite is a provider of pneumatics, compressed air, vacuum and fluid handling products and systems and has traded since 1850. It operates from seven sales and service centres across the UK.
Under the terms of the acquisition, Flowtech will acquire all the plant and machinery, vehicles, stocks, and intangible assets of Thorite for a total cash consideration of £350,000.
Flowtech has also repaid Thorite’s outstanding debtor finance facility of £1.7m in return for an assignment to the Group of a debtor book totalling £2.6m. A sharing arrangement relating to the excess of debtor book recoveries over and above the £1.7m paid has been agreed with the administrator of Thorite.
In the audited accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023, Thorite generated revenue of £21.2m and delivered an operating profit of £79,000. Thorite has since experienced cash flow challenges and incurred operating losses due to a combination of internal issues and market headwinds. Thorite’s operating losses in the year to 31 March 2024 are estimated at £1.2m.
British Cycling chooses Leeds agency to help it step up a gear
Leeds digital marketing agency Spike has been appointed by British Cycling to develop a new content strategy to help the national governing body ‘bring the joy of cycling to everyone’.
Off the back of another very successful Olympics British Cycling aims to broaden its reach even further, engage new audiences and champion cycling as a means for social impact.
Starting next month, the specialist growth marketing agency will help develop a new content strategy aimed at enhancing the organisation’s presence across all its online channels.
Caroline Julian, Brand and Engagement Director at British Cycling, said: “From professional athletes to those who ride for leisure or commuting, as well as individuals inspired by the sport and considering cycling for the first time, we aim to foster a sense of community where everyone feels they belong and can find inspiration. We’re excited to partner with Spike to develop a new content strategy that will demonstrate that cycling truly is for all.”
Rob Powell, Founder and Director at Spike, stated: “We’re incredibly proud and excited to work with an iconic national governing body that has inspired generations of success in British Cycling. There is so much that the organisation does that truly resonates with Spike as an agency, not just driving elite performance, but also doing something that is fundamentally good for society. We can’t wait to get started and we’re confident that we can help British Cycling achieve its mission.”
Spike, which specialises in digital strategy, organic search, paid media, and PR, will support British Cycling with audience profiling, messaging development, channel prioritisation, and will help deliver a detailed content calendar.
The agency will blend real-world insights and AI-driven synthetic data to inform customer journey mapping, content differentiation, and topic ideation that reflects the interests of cyclists and potential cyclists alike.
Hauliers and fleet managers warned of complete closure of M62 over two September weekends
A key section of the M62, which carries about 120,000 vehicles a day, will be completely closed for two full weekends next month.
Between 9pm on Friday 6th September to 6am on Monday 9th September, and from 9pm on Friday 20th September to 6am on Monday 23rd September Network Rail will be replacing a railway bridge between junction 19 at Heywood and junction 20 at Rochdale. Castleton bridge, which is almost 60 years old and carries the main railway line over the M62 between Manchester and Rochdale, is being demolished and replaced with a new bridge.
National Highways, which operates the M62, is working with Network Rail to ensure the work goes as smoothly as possible but is advising drivers that the two weekend closures will affect cross-Pennine travel plans with the motorway linking Liverpool and Hull as well as the cities of Manchester and Leeds in between.
Gary Farrell, National Highways’ senior network planner (resilience), said: “Network Rail clearly needs to replace what is an ageing bridge and a critical piece of the railways infrastructure supporting the important Manchester Victoria to Leeds service and other routes.
“We’ve been working with staff from Network Rail for many months to plan and publicise this work including the two full weekend closures. We are urging drivers to avoid this section of the M62 during the two weekends by delaying journeys or planning alternative routes – but anyone who does need to use the M62 over the two weekends should follow the official diversions and not rely on sat nav advice.”
Drivers heading across the Pennines over the two weekends are being urged to plan journeys – including checking for congestion or incidents before setting out. Alternative trans-Pennine routes include the A69 between Carlisle and Newcastle, A66 Penrith to Scotch Corner and the Manchester to Sheffield link (M67/A57/A628/A616).
Miners Arms closes for £310,000 refurb scheme
Dronfield Woodhouse pub The Miners Arms has closed for a £310,000 refurbishment.
It’s being carried out by Heineken-owned Star Pubs and new licensee Jon Church, who comes from Meadowhead and has worked in pubs around Derbyshire and South Yorkshire for the past 20 years.
The Miners Arms is Jon’s first pub of his own. He said: “I’ve searched for 18 months for the right pub, visiting around 40 in person and looking at many more online. It’s fantastic to have found the ideal place just a few miles from home. When I pulled up outside The Miners Arms, I knew it was ‘the one’. It’s in a bit of a state now but the investment will transform it. I want it to be a proper pub that serves the needs of the whole community.”
Jon wants to ensure The Miners Arms “has something for everyone” and, as well as great food and drink, a whole programme of activities is planned including a weekly quiz, music from local artists and events for special occasions like Halloween and Christmas. In the offing for next summer are barbecues, a cask ale festival and family fun days. The pub will also have Sky and TNT Sports and screen major sporting fixtures.
Says Chris Carratt, area manager for Star Pubs: “Jon has extensive experience in hospitality across the region and, having been brought up in the area, knows just what The Miners Arms needs to thrive for the long term. From great food to excellent beer and varied activities, there’ll be lots of reasons to visit for local residents and those from further afield alike.”
The Miners Arms – which has an old stable in the rear garden – is thought to be named after the miners who worked in the local lead mine. Unable to discover much about the pub’s history, Jon is keen to hear from anyone who knows about its past or has pictures of The Miners Arms in bygone days.
Rotherham gears up for fourth Nuclear Manufacturing Summit
The Nuclear Manufacturing Summit returns to Rotherham for its fourth year in November, to connect the UK supply chain with programme leaders and buyers from across the sector, and recognise the best of the supply chain with the second UK Nuclear Manufacturing Awards.
The UK’s major political parties are agreed that nuclear power will remain at the heart of decarbonisation and energy security. With the need for action more urgent than ever, this year’s Summit will focus on innovative approaches to unblocking progress and delivery.
The Summit will share the latest information and insight from all the major programmes in nuclear power, decommissioning, defence, space and fusion. You can discover the current market opportunities, and get involved early with the projects that will shape the industry for decades to come.
The venue will once again be the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham, and the event will close with the second UK Nuclear Manufacturing Awards.
Hull-based Apprentice star shares hints and tips with adult learners
Hull Training and Adult Education (HTAE) learners were given the opportunity to pick the brains of Hull-based entrepreneur Megan Hornby during a recent motivational afternoon.
Megan, who appeared on BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’, owns The Candy Shop on Newland Avenue and shared her experiences with Business, Creative and Digital apprentices at HTAE’s Craven Park Enterprise & Training Centre on Preston Road.
She highlighted how she built her business, challenges faced along the way and the successes she has achieved.
Megan also shared her journey into entrepreneurship, including her business idea, approach to branding and marketing and her The Candy Shop’s unique selling points.
She finished by sharing a personal insight into her recent diagnosis of ADHD and how she is learning more about herself since receiving this diagnosis and managing the condition, whilst she also highlighted the importance of self-care, wellness and speaking up when you aren’t happy.
Cllr Linda Tock, Hull City Council’s portfolio holder for Hull Training, said: “I know there were certain expectations for how the afternoon would go and Megan not only met those expectations, but exceeded them.
“By sharing her own experiences and challenges, she brought a level of authenticity that really resonated with our learners just by being real.
“The group left with so much valuable insight to take away and the positive feedback we received is proof that Megan’s visit did exactly that.
“It’s fantastic that HTAE is able to host local entrepreneurs such as Megan who can share their expertise and advice with our learners.”
Landscaping products firm buys 15-acre site from North Lincolnshire Council
Landscaping products supplier Talasey Ltd is acquiring a 15-acre site from North Lincolnshire Council on which to build a new warehouse and storage facility in Scunthorpe, creating 130 new jobs, on top of the 100 people already employed.
Founder and CEO Mark Wall said: “Having celebrated our 20th anniversary earlier this year, we are excited to be taking this next step in our journey creating a new warehouse and distribution centre on Normanby Enterprise Park in Scunthorpe.
“Talasey moved to Scunthorpe in 2022, from where we supply landscaping solutions including paving, composite decking and fencing products, into the UK builders merchant sector. This additional operating space will allow us to move forward with the next phase of our growth strategy, creating new jobs and opportunities for the area.
“We thank North Lincolnshire Council for their support and look forward to working with the team on this acquisition.”
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see companies like Talasey going from strength to strength here in North Lincolnshire, investing millions of pounds in the area and creating even more new job opportunities for residents on their doorstep.
“More businesses are choosing North Lincolnshire, with its can-do attitude and excellent transport links, as the ideal location to expand their operations. We look forward to working with Talasey to support their continued growth plans.”
Talasey’s state-of-the-art head office facility on Normanby Road now accommodates its training academy, which offers a range of interactive courses for everyone from landscape architects to college students and homeowners.
Small firms’ fall in confidence is disheartening, says FSB
Confidence levels amongst the UK’s small firms fell back into negative territory in the second quarter of this year, wiping out improvements made at the start of the year, according to the Federation of Small Businesses.
Tina McKenzie, FSB’s Policy Chair, said: “After a strong start to 2024, we were all hoping that the latest quarter would be just as positive for small businesses – if not more so. But sadly it was not to be.
“Small businesses are looking with trepidation at the Government’s forthcoming plans to change employment, which could both increase risk around small businesses employing people, and the costs when they do. The rise of labour costs will hold back economic growth, and points to the possibility of a contraction in small business job numbers, which would be terrible news for firms, for staff, for local communities and the national economy.
“Taxes and employment costs are already soaring for small employers. The Government should formally index the Employment Allowance to the rising living wage to help alleviate pressure on small firms and resolve the economic inactivity crisis. Every line in the Government’s employment plans must be checked for negative impact on growth and jobs.
“The construction sector’s woes, with the lowest confidence reading among the major sectors, underpins our calls for more support for small housebuilders, such as reforming the consumer infrastructure levy, so small building firms can access the finance they need. The Government’s 1.5 million homes target cannot be achieved without new policies to unlock the potential of small housebuilders.
“With reported revenues in the second quarter not matching the predictions small firms made at the start of the year, there are signs that the small business community found the going tough.
“We’re still waiting for action from the Government on the long-running sore point for small firms of late payment. This could be tackled by giving audit committees of large firms oversight of payment practices in their annual reports – something that would not cost the Government a penny, but which could help millions of small businesses’ cashflow improve significantly.
“Overall, the small business community is looking for reassurance from the Government that it is listening to their concerns, especially around tax and employment.
“The fall in confidence among small firms is disheartening, but need not become a self-fulfilling prophecy. With the right support, we know that small businesses can thrive and drive the economic growth that the Government has said is its priority.
“Now, as we head into the next quarter, we’re staring down the barrel at some tough challenges if we want to rebuild confidence.
“The riots have left small businesses picking up the pieces, so to turn this around, the Home Secretary needs to facilitate fair treatment of SMEs by the insurance industry. Additionally, the Government and police commissioners need to work together to clearly explain how small businesses can claim lost earnings under the Riot Compensation Act.”
FSB’s Small Business Index (SBI) for Q2 2024 saw the headline confidence reading tumble to -10.8 points, a fall of 16.3 points from Q1’s +5.5 points.
Construction was the least optimistic of the main sectors, with a score of -20.7 points. The wholesale and retail sector was not far behind, on -19.5 points, a tumble from the +2.1 points registered in the first quarter. Accommodation and food services businesses saw their score slip from -11.8 points in Q1 to -15.9 in the most recent survey, while manufacturing firms went from a healthy +19.2 points in Q1 – the most positive main sector in that report – to -12.7 points in Q2, the biggest sectoral swing between the two quarters.
Information and communication sector firms fell to -9.2 points from +7.1 in the previous quarter, while professional, scientific and technical businesses declined from +14.3 points in Q1 to -2.6 points in Q2, making them the least negative of the major sectors.
Looking ahead to Q3, revenue expectations have significantly moderated, with over a third of small firms (34.7%) anticipating an increase in their takings, and three in ten (30.1%) preparing for a decrease.
Growth aspirations for the coming year were also more or less in line with Q1, with over half of small firms (54.1%) saying they expect to grow over the next 12 months (Q1: 52.4%), and over one in eight (13.3%) saying they expect to contract (Q1: 12.6%). The proportion expecting to grow is the highest reading on this measure since Q2 2021.
Small firms once again pointed to the domestic economy as the most commonly-cited barrier to growth, picked by three in five small businesses (60.5%) – but this is a slight fall from the 64.6% registered in Q1, and could indicate a very slender easing of fears about the economy. Consumer demand was selected as a barrier to growth by a similar percentage in Q2 (34.6%) as in Q1 (35.6%), although labour costs (up from 26.3% in Q1 to 28.5% in Q2) and the tax burden (up from 19.2% in Q1 to 22.2% in Q2) edged upwards as concerns.
