Hull business prosecuted over waste disposal
Hull City Council is urging businesses to act responsibly when managing the disposal of waste, to avoid being fined or prosecuted.
The warning comes after Ideal Centre Hull Limited was prosecuted in Hull Magistrates’ Court last month (June) after being found guilty of fly-tipping waste on Beverley Road, in October 2023.
The business was convicted of offences contrary to section 34(5) Environmental Protection Act 1990 and section 34(1)(c) Environmental Protection Act 1990 and were ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £301 and obtained a criminal record.
Doug Sharp, head of street cleansing and waste management at Hull City Council, said: “Fly-tipping is a crime that we do not tolerate in Hull. It is unsightly, potentially harmful to human health, and damaging to the environment.
“There is no excuse for businesses to not have lawful arrangements in place or for fly-tipping their waste.
“Everyone, including businesses, have a responsibility to look after our local environment and help tackle fly-tipping. By taking such a tough stance on enforcement action, we can deter any potential offenders.”
Plans lodged for housing scheme preserving railway’s past
Plans have been submitted by Brierley Homes for a 34-home scheme that will help preserve a North Yorkshire village’s past while building for its future.
The plan involves transforming the former council highways depot in West Ayton, near Scarborough.
Known as Forge Valley, it will see the conversion of an historic engine shed and station house, enabling the site to retain its proud heritage.
West Ayton is located at the gateway to the North York Moors and is an attractive proposition for home buyers, with its picturesque setting on the banks of the River Derwent, commuting potential, local amenities, and a primary school in nearby East Ayton.
If given the go-ahead, the development will feature a selection of one, two, three and four-bed properties, consisting of maisonettes, terraced houses, semi-detached and detached homes.
The site was previously home to the Forge Valley railway station. However, the line closed to passenger trains in 1950.
Rather than demolish the station house, designers have opted to convert it into four one-bed flats. The engine shed, meanwhile, is set to become a new community facility.
Brierley Homes’ Managing Director, Stuart Ede, said: “Opportunities such as this don’t come along every day. Preserving the county’s past is important and we are delighted to have been able to make the station house and engine shed integral parts of the plan.
“This scheme will help breathe new life into some of the old railway station features and will also give the community a great space that will enhance the village as a whole.”
Affordable housing will make up 30 per cent of the scheme, with properties built to the latest environmental standards. Their design will be in keeping with other developments locally.
If granted planning permission, construction is scheduled to begin in the autumn.
York Business School partners with Aesthetica for creative skills bootcamp boosting start-ups
York Business School has partnered with award-winning arts and culture organisation Aesthetica to deliver a new business skills training programme. The Creative Business Skills Bootcamp will offer start-ups a progression route into the creative industries, whilst supporting them to develop and launch their business.
York is one of 25 cities in the world to hold a UNESCO City of Media Arts designation. The partnership aims to leverage this status to encourage more start-up businesses, create more jobs, alongside talent and skills development in the region.
Free to attend, the 12 week course includes a series of workshops and masterclasses specifically aimed at start-ups. Attendees will be offered 12 months free rent at the Enterprise Centre on the York St John University campus to support that crucial first year in business. Applications were encouraged from creatives across architecture, film, fine art, gaming, extended reality (XR), textiles, fashion and more.
Cherie Federico, Director of Aesthetica, said: “The idea for the Creative Business Skills Bootcamp was developed in response to Aesthetica celebrating its 20th anniversary. The company was founded in 2003 when Co-Director Dale Donley and I were students at York St John University.
“Since then the company has expanded to include a portfolio of publications and events, such as the BAFTA-qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival and the Aesthetica Art Prize, along with the Reignite series of events in York.
“It was a big moment and a time of reflection in which I looked at the development of Aesthetica from a student idea into an international brand across media arts. I thought about the ups and the downs, and the resilience it takes to launch, sustain and grow a business in the creative industries.
“I want to do what I can to help new start-ups in the sector, leverage our UNESCO City of Media Arts designation, develop skills and training opportunities and take our region and city to new heights. This is just the beginning.”
Dr Brendan Paddison, Interim Dean and Associate Professor of York Business School, added: “Working with Aesthetica on developing the Creative Business Skills Bootcamp brings a high level of expertise and knowledge to the city.
“At York Business School we are proud to support the development of Creative Industries in York, leveraging our global UNESCO City of Media Arts designation, as we push ahead in furthering our engagement across all sectors of the business community.”
The Creative Business Skills Bootcamp will include workshops and training on branding, marketing, project management, developing income streams, networking, accountancy, legal, HR, sales, negotiation, business planning, scaling and growth. Speakers include Pablo Ettinger (Founder, Café Nero), Edward Twiddy (Founder, Atom Bank), Helen Marriage (CEO, Artichoke), Helena Jones (Ay-Pe), Cherie Federico (Aesthetica), Kit Monkman (Viridian FX) and more.
Laura joins ABP Humber as Head of Commercial
Associated British Ports has appointed Laura Wood as the new Head of Commercial to lead the team responsible for the port operator’s customer relationships central to Keeping Britain Trading across its four Humber ports of Grimsby, Immingham, Goole and Hull.
Laura joins the Humber team after working as Business Development Manager across ABP’s portfolio looking at opportunities for the energy transition, fuels of the future and products of the future. The role involved working closely with senior stakeholders across both business and government to build partnerships to progress complex projects in areas like alternative fuels and carbon capture.
Simon Bird, Regional Director of the Humber said: “We are delighted to welcome Laura to the Humber. She brings with her a wealth of expertise and skills to the role, and has already had an established background in the ports sector before she joined ABP.
“Laura’s appointment is the next step in a refreshed, focused and reinvigorated Commercial team.”
Laura said: “It’s exciting to be heading up the dynamic Humber Commercial team who are experienced across multiple sectors and focused on delivering customer solutions.
“I am also looking forward to working alongside our property team and optimising what we can do in the port to bring customers supply chain solutions that combine ABP’s unrivalled land holdings, operational experience and port infrastructure.
“ABP have shown real commitment to supporting me in developing my career including through maternity leave. My experience is that they have broken the mould when it comes to supporting women in their careers.”
Laura used to work at the Port of Immingham when she brought the hydrogen fuelled Terberg terminal tractor project to the container terminal. The joint pilot project received funding from ORE Catapult through Innovate UK’s Hydrogen Innovation Initiative, following funding of initial feasibility from the Department for Transport’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition.
Before working for ABP Laura worked for Peel Ports at the Port of Liverpool where she worked in the commercial team helping to boost freight volumes using the Manchester Ship Canal and has also worked for Frontier, the UK’s leading crop production and grain marketing business, for several years.
Laura is keen after coming out of a long-term strategic view to look at long term solutions for customers integrating her green energy experience to create opportunities for ABP and customers to meet targets.
Lincolnshire radiator firm acquired in seven-figure deal
Brand K Group, one of the largest suppliers of radiators and bathroom equipment to independent merchants and showrooms, has acquired Lincolnshire-based Paladin Radiators in a seven-figure deal.
The acquisition is the seventh in the past five years for Brand K Group and marks a further step towards its ambition to become a UK leader in the HVAC and bathroom sector. Paladin will continue to operate under its existing brand, while shareholders Dean Chughtai and Gareth Charles will remain with the business and continue to lead its growth.
Paladin is an independent producer of traditional cast iron radiators, supplying direct to retailers and installers. All its products are assembled and finished in Britain and it has its own dedicated foundry. Based in the hamlet of New York, the company was founded 30 years ago and now employs 26 people.
Brand K Group, which is based in Bedford with operations in Wigan, Leeds, Willenhall, Hull and Tewkesbury, was established in 2008 by Alex Norford. It now employs more than 750 people and turns over in excess of £163m.
Kartell UK was the first company in the group and remains the largest distributing radiators and bathroom fixtures and fittings under the K-RAD and K-VIT brands, however since 2019 the group has acquired a series of UK-based manufacturers including Just Trays, Vogue UK, Summerbridge and MX Group.
Alex Norford, CEO of Brand K Group, said: “I am delighted to welcome Dean, Gareth and their team to the group. We’re excited to have acquired another of the most respected brands in the UK radiator market and to expand further our offering to the heritage and design-led home improvement sectors.
“Paladin is a business that combines the best of traditional design and innovation in a single product range; we’re looking forward to helping them continue their growth story.”
Paladin’s turnover has doubled since Dean Chughtai and Gareth Charles acquired the business from the original founders in 2017. Dean Chughtai said: “When Gareth and I first began leading the Paladin business, we saw an opportunity to grow an innovative business delivering quality products direct to consumers, whilst also being well-respected by the professional market.
“Thanks to the team at Paladin, we’ve achieved all of that and are very pleased to see the business well-positioned to continue on its path of success moving forwards.”
Gareth Charles added: “In Brand K Group, we’ve found the perfect home for Paladin. Alex and his team have a deep understanding of the UK radiator market and offer the business a great opportunity to expand and develop even further.
“Dean and I are grateful to the team at Paladin for their hard work in more than doubling the turnover of the company during our tenure and we are personally very pleased to see this investment supporting the continued growth of this customer-focused business.”
Harry Walker and Fahim Kassam from the Midlands office of Dow Schofield Watts (DSW) provided corporate finance advice to Brand K Group. Harry Walker, partner, has also advised Brand K on six previous acquisitions.
Harry said: “Under Alex’s leadership, Brand K has gone from being a start-up to one of the largest suppliers in the UK, and its acquisition strategy has been a key part of its growth story.
“Paladin is another excellent addition to its existing stable of high-quality British manufacturing brands. We look forward to working with Alex and the team in the future to help them pursue their ambitious growth strategy.”
A team from Fladgate led by Cem Usten and Ravi Goonesena provided legal advice to Brand K, with financial due diligence provided by a team led by Paul Kithoray of Cortus Advisory. The shareholders of Paladin were supported by a legal team from Hegarty Solicitors led by Andrew Heeler and received finance support from Mark Bradshaw of Streets Accountants.
Shawbrook Bank provided Kartell with increased facilities to finance the acquisition of Paladin and were advised by a team from Shoosmiths LLP, led by Jon Bew.
Logistics real estate developer acquires 65-acre site on Nottinghamshire/Yorkshire border
Panattoni, the logistics real estate developer, has acquired a 65-acre site on the Nottinghamshire/Yorkshire border with planning consent for over 1.2 million sq ft.
The two phase development, called Panattoni Central A1(M), by junction 34 of the A1(M), has been acquired from Mulberry Developments in an off-market deal. Panattoni will commence construction of what it says will be the largest-ever speculative logistics unit in the North of England, a building of 770,000 sq ft, in the autumn. Practical completion is expected in September 2025.
Panattoni is targeting net zero carbon development, an EPC rating of ‘A’ and BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ sustainability rating. The cross-docked unit will benefit from 18m eaves, 55m service yards, EV van and car charging and 15% rooflights. Winvic Construction has been appointed as the contractor.
The remaining 27-acre plot, which already benefits from reserved matters planning consent for a 461,000 sq ft building, will initially be marketed on a build-to-suit basis.
Dan Burn, Head of Development North West & Yorkshire at Panattoni, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to acquire a prime logistics site in an established location by the A1(M). The development provides us with the opportunity to capitalise on the dearth of supply of XXL units across the country.”
Panattoni was advised by Cushman & Wakefield and Mulberry Developments was advised by M1 Agency.
Board members helping shape Hull and East Yorkshire’s economic future sought
In March 2024, the Hull and East Riding Unitary Leaders’ Board (a joint committee for the two Councils of Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire) took the decision to establish a Business, Growth and Skills Hub, upon the cessation of the operation of the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
That hub took over from the LEP and is now seeking to recruit members to both its ‘Business’ and ‘Skills’ boards and is welcoming Expressions of Interest (EOI) for these roles.
Those recruited to the boards will contribute to the development of the economic framework for the region’s economy, assisting the Hull and East Riding Unitary Leaders Board with such decisions as may require to be made to drive productivity, connectivity and sustainability while promoting inclusivity.
It is envisaged that each board will comprise individuals who have ambition for the development of the area and can provide an effective business and community voice upon economic and skills matters.
Through these two boards, the hub will take forward the work formerly undertaken by the LEP, pending a decision being taken by the Secretary of State upon the establishment of a Combined Authority for the Area.
The Business Board will provide strategic business input to support economic growth, maximising the natural assets of the region’s geography, sector strengths and people skills.
The board will need to build upon the significant strengths of the major sectors in the region, the diversity of local communities and the important role of the VCSE sector, as well as its reach into business and local neighbourhoods and the unique role they can play in delivering transformational change.
The Skills Board will reflect the existing education and training provision in the region and maximise opportunities to shape provision to meet current and future employer’s needs.
It will ensure that local people benefit from high-quality post-16 education and training and that adults are supported to upskill, reskill and are best placed to find employment in good jobs, further their careers and to gain the confidence and ability to overcome any existing barriers to success.
Teresa Chalmers, chief operating officer for HEY Business, Growth and Skills Hub, said: “The Business and Skills boards will play a key part into helping to shape the region’s economy.
“These roles are for people from a diverse range of business, community and provider backgrounds and we look forward to welcoming Expressions of Interest and meeting potential candidates.”
Fintel acquires threesixty in £14.6m deal
Huddersfield-based fintech and support services business Fintel has acquired threesixty from abrdn in a £14.6m deal.
threesixty serves 900 intermediary customers, providing regulatory and business services to leading IFAs and wealth managers.
It will join SimplyBiz, Compliance First, and SIFA in offering compliance and business support to intermediaries as part of Fintel, which also houses industry brands including Defaqto, VouchedFor, Competent Adviser, AKG, MICAP, Owen James, ifaDASH, and Synaptic.
Neil Stevens, Joint CEO of Fintel, said: “I’m delighted to welcome the very talented team and prestigious client base of threesixty to Fintel, and we are committed to upholding and helping to further build upon its strong brand and quality services.
“threesixty’s leadership team is fully supportive of the acquisition and will remain with us to see it grow and develop moving forward, as will all existing teams within the business.
“We are confident we can further enhance services for threesixty clients with joint investment in technology and will explore opportunities to make the benefits of our wider technology and data platform available over time. We will work with Russell and his team on the most effective approach to delivering these services to clients moving forward.
“Fintel remains committed to offering as much choice as possible to advisers and will continue to run threesixty as an independent business with its own offerings and pricing in the market, alongside our existing businesses.
“With a shared commitment to promoting the value of professional financial advice, we believe this deal will further expand the choice of quality services in this vital sector.”
Russell Facer, threesixty CEO, added: “The threesixty brand and offering is a premier choice for professional advisers. We have a talented team that is passionate about looking after our clients and their regulatory and business support needs.
“We are delighted to join Fintel, a business which shares our vision and values and one that we have known for many years. We are also able to offer the strongest commitment to our clients and our teams that the threesixty brand and independent offerings will remain in place to continue to provide genuine choice for adviser firms.”
Pocklington-based tyre wholesaler Bond International makes Scottish acquisitions
Pocklington-based tyre wholesaler Bond International has acquired Easityre Ltd and Fife Autocentre Ltd, expanding its presence in Scotland.
The news follows Bond’s recently announced acquisition of a 200,000 sq ft warehouse in Bathgate, Scotland.
Scott Meechan of Easityre will join Bond and will assume the role of Managing Director for Scotland. Brian Meechan will also remain in the business to give his support and expertise in all areas of the combined tyre business north of the border.
Charlie Bond, CEO of Bond International, said: “Easityre and Fife Autocentre are major players and are well respected in the tyre industry in Scotland. Bond International has a very strong relationship with Brian and Scott, a relationship that was initially forged by my father Reg and Brian many years ago.
“When the Board set out its expansion plans in Scotland it made perfect sense to approach them and discuss a deal. Brian and Scott have an extensive knowledge and experience of the tyre industry in the area, and have developed strong relationships with many customers.
“For this reason, it was important for us that both Brian and Scott remain in the business and made perfect sense to appoint Scott as Managing Director for Bond International in Scotland. We are all extremely excited for the future of all our businesses moving forward.”
Brian Meechan, CEO of Easityre and Fife Autocentre, said: “We at Easityre Ltd and Fife Autocentre Ltd are excited about the future with Bond International. We believe that it is a good fit for both businesses and will provide a better service and range of products for all our Scottish Customers.
“It will also create many opportunities for our Staff which will be the key to our continued success. Our relationship with Bond International goes back many years, initially with Reg and latterly with Charlie who has taken the business in a new direction, and, after listening to his vision for the future, that sealed the deal for us.”
Dogger Bank Wind Farm creates £25m legacy for coastal communities
The East Riding of Yorkshire is to share in a new £25 million commitment to coastal communities as long-term legacy for Dogger Bank Wind Farm.
The commitment includes funding projects in East Riding of Yorkshire, Redcar and Cleveland and South Tyneside, to enhance STEM education, and help young people gain the skills and knowledge required to fulfil their potential in a net zero world.
The £25million investment will be delivered over the 35-year operational lifespan of Dogger Bank Wind Farm – set to be the world’s largest offshore wind farm when it is complete. It builds on the £1million community fund already invested during the construction phase of the wind farm.
The East Riding programme has been developed in partnership with East Riding of Yorkshire Council and local skills and education stakeholders. Bespoke science, technology, engineering and maths learning programmes will be available to all nursery and primary schools. Hundreds of teachers have already benefitted from STEM and careers focused professional development as they bring STEM learning to life within classrooms.
Hornsea Nursey is one of the settings which benefitted from funding through the community fund set up during the construction phase.
Claire White executive headteacher for Hornsea, Beverley Manor, Bridlington and Hedon nursery schools said: “Young children are natural scientists and engineers. Their inquiring minds and fearless approach to taking things apart and discovering how they work make them the perfect age to get excited about STEM. If we can foster this enthusiasm in the early years and ensure they develop a thirst for learning in subjects not typically introduced at this age, we can ignite a passion that will endure throughout their formal education and beyond. We can help cultivate the next generation of scientists, engineers, architects, mathematicians, ecologists, and more. This is the impact and potential legacy of the Dogger Bank funding.”
Dogger Bank Project Director Oliver Cass said: “It’s been our great privilege during the last three years to work with education providers and local communities to kickstart a programme of investment that is bringing long-term benefits for communities.
“It is vitally important that developers work in partnership with local communities in order to sustainably deliver the critical green energy infrastructure that will shape our future.”
Dogger Bank is more than 130km from the Yorkshire coast and will produce enough renewable energy to supply electricity to six million homes in the UK every year. The wind farm, a joint venture between SSE Renewables, Equinor, and Vårgrønn, produced first power in October 2023. The first two phases of the wind farm will transmit renewable energy into the national electricity network via the Creyke Beck substation near Beverley, close to the site where the project has built two onshore convertor stations over the last five years.
The project has already created or supported over 2,000 jobs in the UK, contributing to over 100,000 UK offshore wind jobs needed to meet current national targets to generate 50GW of capacity by 2030.
