Hull family business acquires former maternity hospital site
Hull family business J.R. Rix & Sons Ltd has acquired an 11-acre industrial site on Hedon Road for a seven-figure sum.
The company, based in Two Humber Quays on Hull’s waterfront, has purchased Kingston Parklands – the site of the city’s former maternity hospital – from commercial developer the Horncastle Group PLC.
The move sees J.R. Rix & Sons build on its assets in the east of the city which also includes Kingston International Business Park – Hull’s largest multi-let industrial park – which it acquired in 2019.
Initially, the new site has attained temporary planning permission for external storage, but is earmarked for future development as an industrial and logistics hub.
Mike Fry, Director of Estates at J.R. Rix & Sons, said the acquisition represented a commitment by the business to ‘build for the future’.
He said: “Rix is well known for its petroleum, shipping and leisure home manufacturing businesses, but what is less well known is that the company has significant property interests in Hull.
“This latest acquisition signals our intent to build on that and provide the type of commercial developments that businesses in the city need to thrive, create jobs, and grow the local economy.”
Mike added that the company was already seeing opportunities in the market place, and these are expected to grow as work on Hull’s road infrastructure continues to open up the east side of the city.
“With the upgrades to Castle Street now well underway, we are expecting demand along the Hedon Road corridor to increase significantly moving forward,” he said.
“Given the site’s proximity to the ports, it is likely it will be developed as a state-of-the-art industrial, manufacturing and logistics hub.
“The Humber ports complex handles 12% of the UK’s seaborne trade, making it one of the country’s most important strategic locations for international trade.
“As a result, this site will suit growing businesses, especially port users, looking to upscale their facilities. It has the flexibility to be developed for a single occupier or multiple occupiers and once developed, will constitute some of the highest quality commercial space in the city.”
The former maternity hospital opened in 1929 and served the people of Hull and East Yorkshire until 2003, when it closed its doors for the last time.
The site has since been cleared in preparation for development and was acquired by the Horncastle Group PLC in 2021.
Tom Horncastle, Managing Director of the Horncastle Group, said: “We’re delighted to have completed this deal with J.R. Rix & Sons Ltd.
“Kingston Parklands is a fantastic development opportunity that will significantly enhance the attractiveness of the east of the city to major industrial and manufacturing businesses.
“We look forward to recycling the proceeds into our exciting pipeline of opportunities across the region and the wider UK.”
Sam gets new Associate Partner role in Leeds and Manchester
Sam Hutchison has ben promoted to Associate Partner at design architect Gillespies, where he’ll support the leadership team in Leeds and Manchester to drive new UK and international business.
Sam joined Gillespies’ London studio in 2013 as a Landscape Architect. He was promoted to Senior Landscape Architect in 2016 and became a Principal in 2018, before relocating to the practice’s Leeds studio. Two years later he was promoted to Associate.
Sam is a highly accomplished designer and project leader who has played a pivotal role in several noteworthy projects across London, the north of England and overseas, including the pioneering 300m-long roof terrace at the new purpose-built Google Headquarters in London’s King’s Cross, which is currently under construction.
Tom Walker, Partner at Gillespies’ Leeds studio, said: “Sam is a brilliant leader and imaginative designer who has shown an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional projects that focus on enhancing quality of life. His projects are characterised by immersive settings and enriched by compelling narratives.
“He has also played a key role in driving new business and developing key client relationships for the Leeds and Hale studio. We are really proud to support Sam in this next chapter of his story at Gillespies.”
West Yorkshire pair must pay almost £183,000 or face jail terms
Two directors of an industrial laundry installation firm who set up a ‘phoenix’ company while disqualified from running a business have been fined a total of £182,700.
Colin Marsh, 54, and Robert Farrell, 53, both from Halifax, appeared at Bradford Crown Court in December where Marsh was ordered to repay £133,000 within three months or face 18 months in prison and Farrell was ordered to pay just over £49,700 over the same period or face nine months in prison.
The pair were directors of Direct Laundry Installations Limited, based in Halifax, which supplied and fitted trade laundry installations, before it went into liquidation in October 2015.
But before the company’s liquidation, they set up a second company, Direct Laundry and Steam Installations Limited. In setting up the new company, the directors breached insolvency law as the business had a similar name, traded from the same address, and carried out the same activities as the liquidated company.
The two were convicted of acting as directors while disqualified and using a prohibited company name in February 2022.
Investigators from the Insolvency Service’s Financial Investigation Unit then carried out further investigations and in December 2023, Bradford Crown Court ordered for the money they had gained improperly to be confiscated.
Alexander Grierson, Senior Accredited Financial Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: ”Directors of an insolvent company are not allowed to start a new company with the same or similar name, in order to protect businesses and customers from being duped by directors who fail to run a business in a professional manner.
“Colin Marsh and Robert Farrell abused the insolvency regime when they incorporated an almost-identical second company while they were in the throes of winding-up the first failed business.
“Their conduct was totally reckless and their punishment should serve as a warning that we will prosecute and seek appropriate confiscation from company directors who break the law.”
Care group purchases 70-bed development site in North Yorkshire
Prestige Care Group has purchased a 1.2 acre site in Aiskew, North Yorkshire in a deal arranged by Colliers for £1.1m.
The group, which already has seven homes in the Yorkshire area, is seeking to build a new 70-bed development which will provide care facilities for the elderly in the region.
Work is expected to start on site in March and the home is expected to open its doors to residents by June 2025.
Raj Singh, chairman of the Prestige Care Group, said: “We’re pleased to have been able to secure this site in order to develop a new home for clients in this much sought over part of North Yorkshire.
“Our new home will provide essential, good quality care for residents from the area, providing purpose-built modern accommodation within a quaint village in the unspoilt English countryside.”
Liam Prickett from Colliers’ Healthcare team added: “I’m pleased that Raj and his team have recognised the potential from this site, and that we have been able to negotiate this deal with them.
“Prestige are one of the most recognised elderly care home developers and operators in the region, and I’m sure that once completed it will add to the care home mix in the area.”
Halifax accident management services firm acquired
Elysian Capital III LP has revealed its acquisition and investment in Activate Group Limited and Activate Accident Repair Group Limited. This represents the seventh investment in the Elysian Capital III LP Fund which closed in September 2020 at £325 million.
Established in 2015, Activate provides accident management services to insurance groups and corporate fleet operators through its MRN and Sopp+Sopp brands, undertaking the vehicle repairs either in house through its own network of nine repair centres or externally through its network of third-party repair centres.
Led by Hannah Wilcox, who became CEO in 2018 having joined as CFO, the Halifax business has built a strong reputation with its customers for high service and, importantly for their clients, short “key to key” times; i.e. the return of a repaired vehicle to its user. Since 2019, Activate has supplemented its third party repair centres with its own facilities in areas with an undersupply of capacity.
Hannah Wilcox, CEO, said: “I’m incredibly proud of Activate Group’s success. Over the past eight years we’ve taken the business from a start-up with a handful of team members to a UK-wide operation with a 700 strong team.
“Elysian Capital has an outstanding track record of supporting fast-growing businesses like ours, and I’m confident their investment and support will allow us to take Activate Group to the next level and move faster in delivering our key strategic priorities.”
Mark Puttick, Partner at Elysian Capital, said: “Since 2015, Activate has created a strong proposition in the claims and repair market and we are excited to be working with Hannah and the rest of the team to realise the business’s full potential through additional sites, enhanced technology and new services.”
Elysian Capital was advised by: Squire Patton Boggs (legal); 8Advisory (financial due diligence and tax); Oliver Wyman (commercial due diligence); Aon (Insurance); Ringstone (IT); CBRE (property) and Strategic Awareness (management due diligence). Working Capital Facilities were provided by Barclays.
Barnsley FC and Barnsley Council agree new lease
Barnsley Council and Barnsley Football Club have agreed a new lease of 30 years less one day which secures the future of professional football at Oakwell and will see long-awaited investment into the stadium.
This investment is an important lynchpin in a partnership which will see Oakwell become even more of a sporting centre and cultural home for the whole borough long into the future.
It will create a platform for Barnsley FC to use Oakwell for unique fan experiences and events, music concerts, corporate conferences and community activities on a regular basis for generations to come. The move also secures the future for the newly formed Barnsley FC women’s team who will continue to play games at Oakwell throughout the regular season and beyond, as they’ve done successfully already this year.
In 2023, the council became the sole owner of Oakwell Community Assets Limited (OCAL), which owns the stadium and land around it. This followed successful negotiations with the Cryne family, who had been joint owners of OCAL with the council since 2003.
The council and football club have developed a positive working relationship and have now agreed on a new lease which provides long-term security and stability for both organisations.
OCAL will invest in the facilities using the income generated by the agreement, which means the investment will be cost-neural to the council.
This is part of a long-term commitment to work together, and will support a variety of works to prolong the life of the stadium and improve the experience for supporters.
Leader of Barnsley Council, Cllr Sir Steve Houghton CBE, said: “I’m delighted we’re able to announce this fantastic news that Barnsley FC are here to stay at Oakwell.
“Barnsley FC is part of our heritage, and one of our anchor institutions with significant economic, social and wellbeing value for the borough. It’s a badge of identity for our communities, contributing to pride of place and a sense of belonging for Barnsley people.
“The council became a 50 per cent owner of Oakwell Community Assets Limited (OCAL), which owns the stadium and land around it, in 2003. This was part of a deal that saved Barnsley Football Club from going out of business at the time. That deal proved hugely successful and secured the existence of a professional football club in Barnsley.
“We’re proud to have played a key role in securing the future of professional football in the borough and we’re now proud to be taking the next step in securing that future for many years to come. This agreement helps unlock much-needed investment at Oakwell, to improve community provision and improve the experience for visitors to the club.
“Both the council and Barnsley FC acknowledge the huge contribution the late Patrick Cryne made to securing the survival of Barnsley FC, and building the successful and resilient club it is today. We’re grateful to the Cryne family for their co-operation in securing this future for Oakwell.”
Jean Cryne, an owner and director of Barnsley FC and previous joint-owner of OCAL, said: “I am pleased that the council have acquired my 50% share of the stadium. This is very positive for the Club and the town and I hope the fans can now feel safe in the knowledge that Oakwell is secure for the future of Barnsley Football Club.
“It’s been a tough few years – in more ways than I can begin to say – but myself and James along with Neerav and Julie Anne are doing our utmost to build on what we have achieved in this first year.
“To our supporters – please try to support the club in the best way you can by building up our fanbase. Please put the word out that we need you all, that we can’t do this alone.”
Neerav Parekh, Chairman of Barnsley FC’s board, said: “This is another step forward for the Club, with the future of Oakwell now resolved. This was a key task after the reconstitution of the board just over 18 months ago – to agree a new long-term lease. We want Barnsley Football Club to remain in Barnsley, and this agreement now guarantees that.
“We also promised to repair our relationship with the town and the community of Barnsley. As directors of the Club, we’re delighted to be working hand-in-hand with the council, and would like to thank them for their support throughout this process. I would also like to thank Jean Cryne in particular, for putting the interests of the Club and town at the heart of everything she does at Barnsley.
“This new agreement will open up key investment opportunities as we look to modernise Oakwell and work together with all relevant parties to maximise our combined assets for the betterment of the Club and town.”
Jon Flatman, Acting Chief Executive of Barnsley FC, said: “This is truly the best partnership for the football club and the borough. The work now starts to maximise the investment and improve the facility and the opportunities this now creates.
“I want to thank my colleague Robert Zuk and his team for their work during this process and the Cryne family alongside the board’s commitment to assuring this deal would happen.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to make sure Barnsley FC has the proper foundation to look ahead to what we believe are exciting times.”
North East Lincolnshire Council chooses design architect for Cleethorpes Market Place revamp
A design architecture practice with offices in London. Oxford, Manchester and Leeds has been appointed for Market Place as part of the Cleethorpes Levelling Up Fund projects.
Gillespies will play an integral role in the rejuvenation of the historic square, charged with adding space for social interaction by reconnecting the busy seafront and town centre, creating jobs, and boosting the economy.
The project will be paid for from the £18.4m of levelling up funding given to North East Lincolnshire Council to transform Cleethorpes seafront. This includes three key areas – Market Place, Pier Gardens and Sea Road.
The council’s delivery partner Equans and NELC’s project management team will work in partnership with the successful design consultancy to develop designs. Community engagement events will be undertaken with local businesses, the wider community, and residents within the vicinity of Market Place. These events will be designed to generate interest and ideas which will assist with the development of concept designs for Market Place. Once designs are finalised, a main contractor will be appointed during the summer, with works starting thereafter.
Tom Walker, Partner at Gillespies, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be helping NELC, local businesses and residents rethink and redesign the Market Place at Cleethorpes. This project is an incredible opportunity to transform a space with enormous potential. What is particularly pleasing is working at a seaside resort and space, where joy, richness, and fun can be the focus. It’s important work, but not too serious. There are some excellent businesses around the area that will significantly benefit from the redesign, which could also transform the lives of local people and the visitor experience.”
Leading tax specialist joins Streets Chartered Accountants
Acclaimed tax specialist Andrew Cockman has joined Streets Chartered Accountants.
Andrew Cockman is a Chartered Tax Adviser and Trust and Estate Practitioner who has focused on private client and trust related taxation throughout his career in accountancy, having worked in Big 5 accountancy practices, as well as other firms in the top 10.
His specialism includes tax planning for non-UK domiciliaries and their offshore trusts, as well as inheritance tax and capital gains tax consulting for shareholders in family companies and their family trusts. He is particularly interested in estate planning.
Andrew is also closely involved with the Tax Faculty of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and is a member of the Private Client Committee of the Tax Faculty. He contributes a monthly article on estate planning for Croner i’s Tax Weekly as well as contributing regularly to the Tax Faculty’s TAXline magazine.
Commenting on his appointment, Paul Tutin, Chairman and Managing Partner at Streets, said: “We are delighted to welcome Andrew to the firm with his appointment as a Tax Partner within our Tax practice and as a member of our Private Client team.
“With the expansion of our practice, it is important we can service the needs of our clients and in particular the requirement for more specialist high-end tax advice and planning. Andrew will therefore be a great asset to our team and clients alike. We are very fortunate to have secured his appointment.”
When asked what attracted him to Streets and what the new role means to him, Andrew Cockman said: “I was particularly attracted to the role with Streets as it has a progressive approach and it provides me with the opportunity to work with like-minded private client tax specialists in a supportive and entrepreneurial environment.
“I am looking forward to both looking after the needs of clients but also being a key member of the firm’s private client tax team and developing the firm’s service and offering to meet the needs of individuals and owner managed businesses now and in the future.”
In his role, Andrew will be working with and looking after clients from across Streets’ 23 offices, including those in London and the South East, the East of England, the South West, the Midlands and Yorkshire.
New laws aimed at disrupting economic crime on track for March 4th introduction
Companies House is aiming to introduce the first set of measures under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act on 4 March 2024.
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, which received Royal Asset last October, gives Companies House the power to play a more significant role in disrupting economic crime and supporting economic growth.
The first set of changes includes:
- greater powers to query information and request supporting evidence
- stronger checks on company names
- new rules for registered office addresses
- a requirement for all companies to supply a registered email address
- a requirement for all companies to confirm they’re forming the company for a lawful purpose when they incorporate, and to confirm its intended future activities will be lawful on their confirmation statement
- the ability to annotate the register when information appears confusing or misleading
- taking steps to clean up the register, using data matching to identify and remove inaccurate information
- sharing data with other government departments and law enforcement agencies
Lincoln glazing firm in the running for a quartet of awards
Lincoln-based double glazing manufacturer and installer Tradeglaze has been selected as a finalist in four categories in this year’s GGP Installer Awards.
Hosted by industry publication Glass & Glazing Products and judged by a panel of independent experts including industry regulators the Glass and Glazing Federation and CERTASS, the national GGP Installer Awards celebrate the best in window, door, conservatory and curtain walling installation companies for both residential and commercial clients across the UK.
Tradeglaze MD Jeremy Wetherall says, “The historic investment over the past year has revolutionised our production process, making it faster, safer, and more efficient for both our dedicated staff and valued customers.
“These advancements have enabled us to begin in-house production of several new glass and glazing products over the past 12 months. They have also helped to provide shorter lead times, more design options, and competitive pricing for the latest glazing products, catering to our trade, commercial, and domestic customers. As we continue into the year ahead, we plan further investment in our machinery, production process as well as training and professional development.
“Being nominated in four categories is a true honour. We pride ourselves on exceptional service and installations, and this recognition across the board is a testament to our dedicated teams. I’m incredibly proud of their hard work.”
The winners of the 2024 GGP Installer Awards will be announced on the 14th of March 2024, at The Midland Hotel in Manchester.
Tradeglaze and its retail sister company Jackson Windows stand to win in four categories with nominations in: ‘Best Feature Door Installation’, Best Installation – Commercial, and ‘Best Installation – Residential (up to £20,000)’. The company’s sales coordinator, Sam Corner has also been selected as a finalist in the ‘Rising Star’ category.
Among the nominations is a four-way collaboration between members of the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce. Property developer and contractor Stirlin Developments appointed Tradeglaze to supply aluminium curtain walling, windows and doors for the new Duncan & Toplis and Wilkin Chapman LLP offices ‘Oxley House’ in Louth.
