Proposed new settlement to be removed from planning blueprint for Selby area
A proposed new settlement looks set to be removed from proposals for a wide-ranging planning document covering the Selby area.
Heronby, which was earmarked for land near Stillingfleet, had been a key development to deliver long-term housing growth needs for the area up to 2040.
But North Yorkshire Council executive members were told yesterday (Tuesday, 6 February) that due to concerns raised about the highways impact of the new settlement which cannot be fully resolved at this stage, the proposals should be removed from the plan and that further consultation is undertaken.
Members of the executive also recommended to full council that four new sites are added in Eggborough, Hambleton, North Duffield and Hensall for a total of 301 homes.
Executive member for open for business, Cllr Derek Bastiman, said: “The revised plan recommends removing the Heronby settlement proposal and adding in new allocations for housing in the villages of Hambleton, North Duffield, Hensall and Eggborough.
“In addition to these alterations, a number of changes have been made to the wording of the policy to address issues raised at the previous consultation. If approved by full council, these will all now be considered as part of the consultation process before coming back before councillors for final approval.”
The Local Plan sets out where development will take place across the former Selby area. It will also set out policies and strategies that planning applications will be considered against.
If approved, the consultation for proposals for the Selby area will run for six weeks from March 8 to April 19.
Sheffield names lead contractor for Event Central project
Willmott Dixon has been appointed as the lead contractor to create Event Central, turning a building in Sheffield city centre into a mixed-use cultural community hub.
Event Central is a regeneration project commissioned by Sheffield City Council and funded through the Future High Street Fund, which will see the refurbishment of the existing vacant building at 20-26 Fargate. Once the work has been completed, the venue will create a useful community and commercial space – showcasing Sheffield’s diverse talent with events, shows, exhibitions, workshops and talks all under one roof.
Event Central is funded in part by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund with the Council securing £15.8million for the project. Pre-construction activity has already started on the project with contractors expected to be on site in January 2025, once activity on the adjacent public realm works on Fargate has been completed.
Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Committee said: “Event Central is going to be a fantastic and vibrant cultural hub for Sheffield and will offer a truly unique space for the city. We know that Sheffield is packed with talent, and this will be the perfect place to showcase it, attracting thousands of visitors a year.
“The transformation will also be a crucial part of our vision for Fargate, which is currently undergoing a transformation as part of a huge regeneration of the city centre.
With work due to start on site in January next year, with the hub is expected to be ready for opening in early 2026.
York event celebrates success of women in business
York’s businesses are being invited to celebrate the achievements of women in business at an event aimed at supporting female entrepreneurship in the city.
This Empowering and Inspiring Women in Business in York event, run in partnership with NatWest, will build on a successful series that has taken place over the past three years.
The event takes place on Tuesday 5th March at the Priory Street Centre during the week of International Women’s Day, which this year is focused on the theme of ‘Inspiring Inclusion’. The theme urges individuals, communities, businesses and organisations to forge a more inclusive, tolerant world, and promotes belonging, relevance and empowerment for women and girls everywhere.
Keynote speaker Louise Toal will reflect on this theme in her talk, ‘If the shoe fits’, which will explore her journey as a female leader in the male-dominated world of tech.
Louise will share lessons from her own career, having risen in just five years from Project Mananger at award-winning app agency The Distance to become its MD.
Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council, said: “Our Council Plan for the next four years is committed to building a fair and inclusive economy that works for everyone – and part of achieving this is by supporting York’s amazing female-led businesses to succeed.
“Having run my own company, I understand many of the barriers that women face when breaking into the world of business, and I know events like this provide vital opportunities to access networks and support.
“This promises to be a really inspiring and impactful event, and I’d encourage both women and men in York’s business community to come along, whether they’re already leading an established business or thinking of starting one.”
Lincolnshire Co-op makes two senior appointments
Lincolnshire Co-op has appointed a new Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer to take post in March, when Paul Howard will become CFO and and Steve Leach will become COO.
Paul has experience across both private and listed retail businesses, both in the UK and overseas. He joins from international fashion retailer boohoo group plc, where he has been Head of Supply Chain Finance for the past two years.
He progressed through the ranks at Wilko, where he held senior finance roles across commercial finance, treasury, financial control and strategic planning, as well as a two-year stint in Hong Kong as Finance Director for the group’s sourcing office.
Steve has a breadth of retail leadership experience gained in M&S, Sainsbury’s, Boots, Vodafone, Co-op Group/Nisa and was most recently interim COO at Vets Now.
He started his career in store management and then progressed into retail operations. His sector experience includes general merchandise, health and beauty, telecomms, food, delivered wholesale and veterinary healthcare.
Paul said: “Lincolnshire Co-op has a strong purpose that resonates with my values – integrity, commitment and making a positive contribution. The breadth of the consumer proposition brings exciting challenges and lots of growth potential.
“I’m excited to join a business that’s rich in history and heritage and look forward to adding value from my experience in strategic financial planning.”
Steve said: “I’m enthusiastic about the opportunities that the team are currently working on and transferring my leadership experience to continue this momentum into sustainable long-term success.”
Apprentices urged to check they’re being paid the correct hourly rate
During National Apprenticeship Week HM Revenue and Customs is encouraging apprentices to make sure they’re being paid the correct hourly rate – since apprentices are the workers most likely to be underpaid according to The Low Pay Commission.
Most workers are legally entitled to the National Minimum Wage, but minimum rates of pay differ, depending on your age and what year of your apprenticeship you’re in.
- 16 to 18 years old and in an apprenticeship = £5.28 per hour
- 19 and over, first year apprentice = £5.28 per hour
- 19 or over and have completed the first year of an apprenticeship? Entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for their age.
- Rates change on 1 April each year. Search ‘national minimum wage rates’ on GOV.UK.
- Speak with your employer or tutor if you are happy to do so.
- If you don’t feel comfortable doing that, raise the issue with HMRC online at https://www.gov.uk/minimum-wage-complaint. This can be done any time – day or night.
- Call Acas on 0300 123 1100 for confidential advice or the Labour Relations Agency in Northern Ireland on 03300 555 300. Translation services are available.
Leeds-based private equity house invests in property services provider
Leeds-based private equity house Key Capital Partners has completed a £9.1m investment in SJA Group, an integrated property services provider. The deal sees Key acquire a significant minority stake in the business.
SJA was established by Adrian Deane and Sam Prett in 2010, based in Sidcup, Kent. SJA’s core services include interior and exterior cleaning and front-of-house concierge services to commercial landlords and tenants.
The Group’s vertically integrated proposition was established through the acquisition of Regency Real Estate in 2020, enabling the group to provide managing agent services to property owners.
The subsequent inception of Enecto in 2021 broadened the Group’s offering into hard facilities management, including mechanical, electrical and building services. Through the vertically integrated model, the Group provides an end-to-end property management service to its clients.
Key were advised by Addleshaw Goddard (Legal), HMT (Financial and Tax), RPL (Commercial), Evolve (Technology), AON (Insurance) and Stratton HR (Management). SJA’s shareholders were advised by Azets (Corporate Finance and Tax), and DWF (Legal).
Partner James Excell said: “We are excited to partner with SJA. The team have built a highly competitive end-to-end service offering to meet the increasing demands from commercial property clients. The market in which the Group operates in is large and possesses credible growth opportunities, which were key considerations for our investment.”
The highly experienced management team, led by Adrian Deane (co-founder), Sam Prett (co-founder), Phil Dale (CEO of Regency), Sam Stokes (COO of Regency), Alan Sillince (Enecto operations director) and James Lyons (SJA operations director) will remain in the business and be supported by incoming non-executive chair, Colin Dobell, who formerly founded the Care & Custody division within Mitie plc.
Co-founder, Sam Prett said: “On behalf of the SJA Board, we are delighted to be partnering with Key. Their understanding of SJA’s business model and strong cultural fit with the team were important considerations when choosing them as our investment partner.
“Key share our passion for providing high-quality services and their track record of supporting high-growth SMEs leaves SJA Group well positioned to capitalise on future growth opportunities.”
This is the sixth Investment from KCP IX and the third in integrated property services, following previous investments in Total Integrated Solutions and Smarter Services.
Key Capital invests between £4 – 20 million in UK based SMEs, supporting founders and owner-managers grow their businesses.
Ambitious Mia becomes first woman to drive Immingham’s ship-to-shore cranes
Mia Allen is the first female ship to shore crane operator operator at Immingham, where she’ll work 110 feet above the ground.
She already drives the tugs and rubber-tyred gantry cranes, and is also looking to train in toplifts, also known as reachstackers at Immingham Container Terminal.
Simon Bird, Regional Director said: “This is great news for ABP on the Humber. All credit to Mia who is very ambitious and wants to progress in her career with us. We’re proud that she has achieved this milestone and look forward to more to come.
“We want to increase the number of women in the ports industry and are committed to promoting diversity and fostering inclusivity. We have initiatives aimed at improving recruitment to demystify what has been traditionally seen as a male operated world and have been the first port operator to introduce women’s PPE. Our message is clear – there are roles at the ports for women.”
Mia, who has worked for ABP for over a year after leaving a job in a fish and chip shop, said: “I wanted to train on the ship to shore as there’s so much to learn about the crane and ship. The biggest challenge was the swing on the crane and going over the water, but it doesn’t scare me.
“You must focus and look out for the ship’s crew and the deck tally, and it involves clear communication. It’s a heavy bit of kit and you must be prepared for the ship moving. I’ve thrown myself into this as I want to progress. I enjoy the fact I can do a few hours on the crane and a stint on the tugs.”
She credits her father Mark, who has worked at the port for 20 years and trained Mia on how to use the crane, though another tester was brought in for the examination. Mia added “It was my dad’s dream that one day he’d train me, and I’d be working here alongside him. I always told him it would be too boring, but it’s not. I love it as I’ve got a great gang around me, and we all get on well. Dad was really delighted when I passed the test. I just want to keep growing and accomplish more things.”
Wragby and Rasen to get faster business broadband in £58m contract
Rural communities in the west of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire are to get lightning-fast broadband after the signing of a £58 million contract under the government’s national Project Gigabit rollout.
The development will cover Wragby and Market Rasen, and are predicted to grow the economy and create jobs by making it easier to set up a business, and mean rural Lincolnshire communities will have access to networks designed to meet people’s needs for decades to come.
The work will be done by UK-based smart technology and digital provider Connexin, who will link up about 34,000 rural premises. The first of those could be on line by early next year.
Data and Digital Infrastructure Minister Julia Lopez said: “Thousands of people across west Lincolnshire are set to benefit from connectivity fit for the future, thanks to government’s Project Gigabit. We’re making strides in connecting communities in hard-to-reach areas across the country, and this latest investment will bring us one step closer to our digital transformation, opening up vast opportunities in rural areas.”
Furqan Alamgir, CEO at Connexin said: “Through the award of this contract, we are delighted to be able to play our part in the UK government’s mission to level up and bring gigabit connectivity to our rural communities.
“At Connexin our mission is not just about connecting people but also about how such connectivity can improve lives. We believe that everyone has the right to the same opportunities, and we firmly believe in digital inclusion and what it can unlock.
“We look forward to working with BDUK to future proof the infrastructure and bring hyperfast broadband to the region.”
New office development completed at Malton Enterprise Park
Enterprise House, a brand-new office at Malton Enterprise Park in North Yorkshire, has been completed.
Harrison Developments LLP, the owners and developers of the park, strategically located next to the A64, have now moved into state-of-the-offices in Enterprise House themselves.
Sean Harrison, Managing Director of Harrison Developments, said: “We are tremendously proud of our new Enterprise House offices, and we are delighted to have moved in. The development, which is in the heart of our park, is very hi-spec and there is nothing like it in the Malton and surrounding area.
“The building’s design is complemented by fully fitted, air-conditioned offices, electric charging points, full DDA access and ample car parking.”
Over 3,000 sq ft of office space has already been taken, with further co-working and hot-desking space still available.
The Malton Enterprise Park team have positive plans for the future.
“We have a further 60,000 sq ft of quality employment land at the park, available on a design and build basis. We will build speculatively and will either sell or lease the new units.
“These units will be single or two-storey commercial buildings which will be designed with maximum flexibility to allow a range of uses, including light industrial, offices, general industrial and retail, trade and warehousing. Sizes range from 1,000 sq ft to 50,000 sq ft.”
Leeds drainage and wastewater utility specialist snaps up South West company
Leeds drainage and wastewater utility specialist Lanes Group plc has acquired South West drainage solutions company Clear-flow Limited.
Lanes Group is a national drainage company providing services for utility, rail, local government, transportation, construction, telecoms and domestic sectors. The company was established in Leeds in 1992, and is now made up of a network of 25 locations in the UK, with a workforce of more than 4,000 people. Founded in 1982, Cornwall-based Clear-flow provides drainage solutions across the South West.
The acquisition of Clear-flow will support Lanes Group’s ambitions for UK expansion, bringing together two strategically aligned businesses – which are both established players in the utility market. Clear-flow will also bolster Lanes Group’s existing commercial activity in the South West.
RSM’s North West deal team managed the acquisition, led by James Wild and Rikesh Patel, with support from Ben Everson and Austin Halewood. Keith Kennedy at Pearson provided legal advice.
Rikesh Patel, corporate finance director at RSM, said: “It was great to support Lanes Group on this acquisition as it enters the next phase of its growth strategy. Combining the two companies’ knowledge, networks and resource will help facilitate the group’s long-term growth plans and enhance its market presence regionally and nationally.”
Julie Hobbs, director of finance at Lanes Group, said: “The RSM team offered its wealth of acquisition experience and expertise to the process, which resulted in an effective and seamless transition for all involved.”
