MKM sets up shop at new premises in Boston
The opening of a new MKM building supply store has further boosted the profile of Boston Trade Park, say letting agents Edisons
Following the recent completion of construction and fit out works, the new facility gives MKM more than 15,000 sq ft of warehouse, trade counter and showroom space, as well as a large merchant yard in a prominent position at the front of the trade park.
The building suppliers’ presence will, according to the agents, act as a showcase for newly refurbished units at Boston Trade Park when they are marketed later this year.
Asset managed by South Street Capital on behalf of private clients, Boston Trade Park is the principal trade counter location in the town. MKM Building Supplies joins existing high profile national occupiers including Screwfix, Howdens, Euro Car Parts, Rexel and Edmundson Electrical.
Eddison Director William Wall acted, jointly alongside Lambert Smith Hampton, for South Street Capital in the MKM Building Supplies deal. He believes that MKM’s commitment to the site is a testament to his client’s long term confidence in the location and the significant investment it has made at the park over recent years.
Richard Henley, Senior Asset Manager at South Street Capital, said: “We have invested heavily in the park over recent years and securing this long term letting to MKM is just reward for this commitment to the estate. We are encouraged that, along with the park’s more established occupiers, MKM Building Supplies has seen the advantage of locating here for the long term.
“We have already commenced our next phase of investment in the estate which will see the full refurbishment, including new roofs, of five units totalling circa 16,500 sq ft.”
All fuel retailers to be forced to come clean on road fuel profits or face large fines
UK motorists will be protected at the pumps under tough new powers designed to shine a light on attempts from retailers to hike up fuel prices unfairly.
Under new amendments tabled to the Digital Markets, Competition & Consumers Bill, the CMA will become the body responsible for closely monitoring road fuel prices and reporting any sign of malpractice to the government. The move aims to help improve competition in the market, making sure customers across the country are given a fair choice of prices when they buy fuel.
Fuel retailers, including supermarkets, will be forced to come clean on how much they are charging customers on their forecourts versus their profits. Those that fail to comply could face a fixed fine from the watchdog of up to 1% of their worldwide turnover, or an ongoing fine of up to 5% of daily turnover.
Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho cautioned retailers that she will not hesitate to hold them to account, if there is any evidence of unfairly hiking up prices and holding back savings from UK motorists.
The warning follows a report from the CMA earlier this year that revealed some supermarkets had failed to pass on savings in oil prices – charging drivers 6p more per litre for fuel, which amounted to £900 million in extra costs in 2022 alone. It forms the latest step in the government’s drive to halve inflation and reduce costs for families across the country.
Claire Coutinho said: “At a time when many were struggling with increased living costs, we saw shocking behaviour from some fuel retailers who failed to pass on savings at the pump. Now we are cracking down on any petrol station bosses found to be unfairly hiking up their prices.
“That’s why we’re giving the CMA new powers to bring fairness back to the forecourts and make sure UK drivers get a competitive fuel price.”
Work is already under way from the CMA to step up their oversight of the fuel market. Last week, the watchdog published their first road fuel monitoring report – which found that there may be some early signs the road fuel market is not working as it should be, but it is too early to confirm. Although many retailers have voluntarily increased transparency of their costs and returns, the CMA also revealed that Shell and Moto-way had failed to meet their information requests, despite calls from the Energy Security Secretary to do so. On top of this, twelve of the biggest retailers, including all four fuel-selling supermarkets, have already signed up to the CMA’s voluntary scheme to share daily price data – allowing news outlets and websites to create price comparison tools for customers to easily compare costs. The government is progressing plans to make this legal requirement for fuel retailers to share daily price information that will help customers to easily shop around for deals. A consultation on the design of government’s open data scheme is due to launch this autumn. Minister for Energy Consumer and Affordability Amanda Solloway said: “Today marks an important step in our commitment to stand by UK drivers as we continue to keep costs down for families. “I’m pleased to see many retailers cooperate with the CMA so far, to share their price information and bring competition back to our petrol stations.“I now urge comparison sites and others to get onboard to help UK motorists find the best local price for their fuel.”
New hire at Leeds-based architects
Leeds-based Watson Batty Architects has appointed John Nall to its team.
He is a highly experienced architect with particular skills in the high-rise sector. His involvement with several prestige projects, overseeing delivery of around 2,000 Build-to-Rent homes in Leeds over the last four years, brings a significant boost to the Watson Batty residential design proposition.
Watson Batty MD Peter White said: “We are very pleased to be able to report sustained growth at Watson Batty with an increasing workload across both Leeds and Loughborough. This is boosted particularly through the education, leisure, later living and care sectors where there is continued client investment and a commitment to deliver, UK wide.
“Our ongoing success is reward for our commitment to investment in new talent over the past few years that has placed us in such a strong position. We are acutely aware of the rapidly changing agenda for the built environment, not least through sustainability and net zero carbon commitments, and this has been our primary, future focused approach for clients.”
The company, currently trading ten percent ahead of its £3.3m turnover target just six months into its current financial year, has recently worked on new educational facilities with Tilbury Douglas and ISG, as well as further successes with Algeco via the Modern Methods of Construction framework.
The later living and care sector continues to expand through clients Exemplar and Torsion, whilst recent leisure sector successes include new build projects in Goole and Caerphilly which is part funded via the Governments levelling up fund.
Employing a team of 35 people, the practice is credited for a number of major public and private sector projects including schools, universities, sport and leisure, distribution facilities, commercial, master planning, residential and care developments and transport hubs.
Its team is also involved with the RIBA Student Mentoring Programme at the University of Sheffield, De Montfort University in Leicester, and Loughborough University.
New HR manager for Sheffield solicitors
Wake Smith Solicitors in Sheffield has appointed a new HR manager to further develop its workplace culture, people policies and industry accreditations.Laura Bathgate, who lives in Rotherham, studied law before moving into HR, gaining chartered membership status MCIPD in 2020 and then working across South Yorkshire at in-house roles in solicitors and manufacturers.Her role will be to undertake all aspects of HR at Wake Smith including managing recruitment and selection processes; facilitating training and development; co-ordinating provision of benefits and continuously reviewing and improving HR practices from talent management to employee satisfaction.Laura said: “I am delighted to join Wake Smith. I am all about people and culture, and this is exactly the right fit for me here. It’s clear Wake Smith has strong values of integrity, loyalty and quality, and a positive culture, created by great people across the firm. “I’m looking forward to supporting Wake Smith’s directors in developing its people strategy and collaborative and supportive environment further, where everyone can feel invested in, and excel.”Ivor Donn, finance director at Wake Smith, said: “We are excited to welcome Laura as our new HR manager. Her extensive experience in human resources and strong people skills make her a valuable addition to our firm.“We have already made great strides to build a positive workplace culture, and we hope Laura will play a crucial role in fostering further employee engagement, creating effective policies, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.“Wake Smith values collaboration, communication, and innovation, and we believe Laura’s expertise will help us achieve our goals.”
CBRE demonstrates ongoing commitment to retail with senior regional hire
Real estate advisor, CBRE, has appointed Stephen Proudley as executive director and head of Northern retail.
Stephen will be responsible for spearheading CBRE’s retail offering in the North, using his knowledge, regional expertise and extensive client relationships to further elevate CBRE’s position in the sector.
Stephen joins from Savills, where he has been a director in the retail team for over five years. Prior to this, he was head of North West transactional agency at Lambert Smith Hampton following the firm’s acquisition of Tushingham Moore in 2015. Stephen was one of five equity partners at Tushingham Moore, having joined in 1997.
Stephen has advised on some of the largest occupier transactions and flagship acquisitions across the shopping centre, out-of-town and high street sectors, with clients including Primark, Next and other major retailers.
Stephen’s appointment demonstrates CBRE’s continued commitment to its retail growth strategy, following the firm’s acquisitions of UK asset management and development management firm, Sovereign Centros earlier this month, and independent retail and leisure property consultancy, CWM last year.
John Ogden, Managing Director for the North at CBRE, said: “Stephen brings with him a wealth of experience and has become a recognised, trusted advisor to many leading retailers, notably in the North. His appointment adds regional depth and gravitas to our 125-strong retail team at a strategic, senior level, further enhancing our ability to provide best-in-class service to our clients.”
Stephen Proudley added: “It’s an exciting time to be working in the retail sector, following years of rapid change brought about by evolving consumer shopping habits and the growing demand for experience-led offerings. Activity levels are high, with occupiers seeing the true value of bricks-and-mortar stores and I’m really looking forward to joining CBRE at a time of significant opportunity.”
Leeds private equity house invests in facilities management provider
Leeds-based private equity house Key Capital Partners has completed a significant minority investment in Smarter Services Limited. Smarter provides facilities management services to local housing authorities, corporate landlords and regulated medical clients.
Based in Walton-on-Thames, Smarter was established in 2006 with a focus on commercial cleaning services. Over the past few years, the business has built an enviable reputation in the Facilities Management sector by expanding its breadth of services into fire doors and grounds maintenance. Through its acquisition of Low Cost Cleaning in April 2023, Smarter has further diversified its offering into the regulated medical sector.
The investment was led for Key by Philip Duquenoy and Sandeep Banga. Key were advised by Addleshaw Goddard (Legal), HMT (Financial and Tax), PwC (Commercial), RPL (Commercial), GB3 (Technology), AON (Insurance) and Stratton HR (Management). SSL’s shareholders were advised by Lock Dutton (Corporate Finance), Azets (Tax) and Hart Brown (Legal).
Investment manager, Sandeep Banga said: “We are delighted to partner with Smarter Services. Jason and his team have embedded an unparalleled culture of delivering a high-quality and environmentally focused service offering to Smarter’s client base.
“The recent acquisition has demonstrated Smarter’s ability as a platform for further acquisitions within Facilities Management, a sector that possesses a credible buy-and-build opportunity. The potential for future M&A and the organic growth plan were key considerations for our investment.”
The highly experienced management team, led by Jason Southwell (CEO), Ryan Meredith (Finance), Ian Whittingham (Business Development), Michael Poppa (Operations) and Kye Gbangbola (Non-Executive Director), will remain in the business.
CEO, Jason Southwell said: “As founder, the Smarter Services Board and I are delighted to be partnering with Key on the next stage of our growth. The partnership will bring many opportunities for our incredibly talented team to grow with the business, as we continue making a difference in the Facilities Management and Commercial Cleaning sector.
“Key share our passion for delivering market leading solutions and service levels. We are now uniquely positioned to capitalise on the current trends driving industry growth and consolidation.”
This is the fifth investment from KCP IX.
Scampton-area businesses invited to meeting to discuss site’s future
At the end of this month businesses operating around RAF Scampton will be given the opportunity to take part in an informed discussion about development of the site at Scampton to be used for asylum accommodation.
The event will provide an opportunity to gain insight into the Home Office’s proposals, engage in thoughtful discussions and provide reassurances to your concerns. Security will be tight. Bookings must be made by registering through Eventbrite and provision of a business address. Upon arrival, a security personnel will verify identities and proof of addres, requiring production of a valid form of identification and proof of address documentation to establish your work address is within the catchment area. Anyone failing to meet the criteria will not be permitted to attend the event. Ticket sales will end at3pm on Wednesday 29 November, and the event will take place at the Lincolnshire Showground on Thursday 30th November at 6.30pm.New shipping service links Hull to the Baltic ports
A new weekly service to ABP’s Port of Hull has begun, bringing vessels from Riga in Latvia and Helsinki in Finland.
Operated by Samskip, it will connect Rotterdam, Helsinki, Riga, and Hull, and has been launched in response to demand for a reliable short sea service from the Baltic Sea and a high level of customer care and reliability will be their trademark on this route.
Simon Bird, Regional Director for the Humber ABP ports said: “This is a great addition for the market. The new service will give existing and new customers the opportunity to connect directly with the UK as Hull is ideally located for the east west corridor and access to the Midlands and the North.
“This major new trade link between northern Europe Baltic area and East Yorkshire adds an option for shippers looking to reduce their cost and carbon emission, which sits in with our Ready for Tomorrow vision.”
Richard Beales, UK Regional Director for Samskip said: “We are excited to have established Samskip’s first direct call from Finland and Latvia to the UK. This new dedicated short sea product offers our clients reliability of transit, coupled with the ability to help decarbonize their products journey to market. Our home port of Hull offers an ideally situated gateway for onwards delivery to the major hubs in the North and Midlands.”
Hull Container Terminal and Immingham Container Terminal are desirable locations for cargoes destined for the UK locations in the North and the Midlands. The Port of Hull is one of the leading ports for general cargo and is located two and a half hours from five of the UK’s largest cities.
More than £50 million pounds has been invested into the Humber container terminals, including an automated gate entry system, new cranes, electric vehicles, and land expansion, which are preparing the ports for future growth without impacting productivity.
The Humber’s provision to serve the container sector goes from strength to strength. The extra space and equipment are evidence of the growing value the terminals have in the economic life of the North of England and the Midlands.
Samskip, a global logistics company, also operates a Humber-based owned truck fleet and customs brokerage activities.
Major milestone marked for affordable housing scheme
Leeds Federated Housing Association has brought residents and councillors from Leeds City Council together for a ground-breaking event for its latest affordable housing development in Oulton.
Partly funded through Homes England’s Strategic Partnership with Accent Housing, as part of the Government’s Affordable Homes Programme (AHP) 2021-26, the regeneration of Sugar Hill Close and Wordsworth Drive by Yorkshire-based contractor Termrim Construction will see a total of 70 homes delivered.
Leeds City Council’s executive board will next week be asked to approve a grant of £2.8m that will enable Leeds Federated to increase the number of affordable rented homes across the scheme, which on completion will comprise a mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses for local people.
The not-for-profit housing provider purchased the site last year with plans to replace its existing prefabricated Airey homes, built in the 1940s by the National Coal Board as a temporary solution to the post-war housing crisis, with much-needed affordable housing.
Most of the original development was regenerated nearly 30 years ago, providing modern homes on Shelley Crescent and Oulton Drive, with the remaining Airey homes on Sugar Hill Close and Wordsworth Drive the last to be redeveloped.
Phase one of the development is expected to complete next autumn with the first 10 homes allocated to residents currently living on Sugar Hill Close and Wordsworth Drive who have regulated or assured tenancies.
Leeds Federated is also working closely with the council to enable former residents who did not have assured or regulated tenancies to be given, where possible, an opportunity to move into the newly built affordable rented homes.
Residents will benefit from solar panels installed across the scheme, with each home built to high energy efficiency standards and achieving an EPC-B rating.
Kim Brear, chair at Leeds Federated Housing Association, said: “Over the last year we have worked closely with residents and the council to move forward with the redevelopment of Sugar Hill Close and Wordsworth Drive.
“We want to ensure the new scheme is a place that people want to move to and enjoy living in, and I would like to thank everyone involved for positively engaging with our team who are wholeheartedly committed to not just developing affordable housing but helping people to make a home.
“It’s great to see phase one of the demolition complete and I look forward to seeing the homes take shape over the next year.”
Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing, said: “Increasing the provision of good-quality, energy-efficient and affordable housing forms a key part of our efforts to ensure Leeds is a place that has opportunities and communities for all.
“The regeneration of Sugar Hill Close and Wordsworth Drive is a great example of how ambitious thinking and partnership working can help us achieve that aim, and it was a pleasure to attend the ground-breaking ceremony at the site.
“The council has worked hard to support both current and former residents during the recent period of change for this tight-knit community, and I look forward to seeing how the scheme now takes shape in the months and years to come.”
Gerry Doherty, construction manager at Termrim Construction, said: “We are really pleased to be working with Leeds Federated to deliver this exciting new development which will bring new and affordable homes to Oulton.
“At Termrim Construction we are dedicated to improving communities and the lives of those within them and we are looking forward to building these new quality homes and bringing them to reality for our client and the new homeowners.
“Having met with the existing residents as part of our contractor engagement sessions we are excited to have them join us on this journey.”
The regeneration of Sugar Hill Close and Wordsworth Drive will be completed in phases, with the development expected to be completed in 2026.
Government plans crackdown on food delivery drivers to weed out illegal workers
Food delivery firms such as Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat have been urged by the government to conduct checks on all delivery drivers, to protect the British public and prevent illegal working.
Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick has demanded an end to the practice of unchecked account sharing, known as ‘substitutions’, by implementing stricter controls.
Under the current model, food delivery companies allow account holders to substitute deliveries to multiple people who are not checked by the companies. This means customers have no way of knowing whether the person who hands over their order has been properly vetted, and the delivery companies do not know if the delivery driver has the right to work in the UK.
In a letter to each company ahead of a meeting with them the Minister called for the practice to end, warning that the substitution business model is enabling illegal working, allowing exploitation and putting the British public at risk.
He said: “When someone orders a takeaway to their home, they deserve to know that the person arriving at their door has been properly vetted and is who they’re expecting.
“Unchecked account sharing places the public at risk, enables – and therefore encourages – illegal migration, and leads to the exploitation of workers. That’s why I’m calling on these companies to end the use of unverified substitution.
“We’re taking the action needed to safeguard the British public and prevent the scourge of illegal working. It is critical these companies work with us to achieve this.”
The government is calling on firms to introduce stricter vetting measures to make sure people representing each company are allowed to work in the UK, and do not have a criminal record. Immigration Enforcement teams have already ramped up action targeting illegal working in the food delivery sector, conducting over 250 enforcement visits and making over 380 arrests involving food delivery drivers so far this year. The Home Office has led engagement with Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Just Eat over recent months. In August, an agreement was secured with the businesses to strengthen existing recruitment processes and improve awareness of illegal working in the UK. The government will continue to work with the food delivery sector to build on this cooperation and prevent illegal working.