Demand for skilled self-employed labour stay high in face of housebuilding slowdown
Demand for highly skilled self-employed labour stayed high last month despite the widely-reported slowdown in housebuilding activity, according to payroll company Hudson Contract.
Analysis of the construction industry’s biggest payroll shows that average earnings rose by 3.8 per cent to £982 per week during June. This was 6.6 per cent higher than the same period last year.
Industry surveys suggest that higher borrowing costs have caused the steepest drop in residential work since 2009, outside of the pandemic years.
Hudson Contract MD Ian Anfield said: “Some of our housebuilding clients are diversifying into commercial builds, social housing and build-to-rent schemes, but that is not sustainable in the longer term. Britain needs a buoyant private housing market alongside an acceleration in social housing schemes. Given there is huge demand for housing, we should have government policy that makes building houses attractive and profitable for developers and affordable for consumers.”
Housing Secretary Michael Gove has announced a package of reforms to encourage building on underused sites in high-demand regions, including new permitted development rights to create more homes in “the hearts of our cities” by converting existing buildings.
Mr Anfield said: “We welcome some of the sentiment, but the huge property portfolio businesses are already engaged in repurposing the empty department stores which blight many town centres.
“The economics of repurposing brownfield sites are becoming more feasible with the inflated costs of new build and planning constraints blocking greenfield sites. We see this reflected in demand for demolition and wrecking contractors who enjoyed the strongest earnings growth last month – an increase of 11.1 per cent to £995 per week. We also expect remediation, groundworks and heavy civils firms to benefit.
“As more shopping and working moves online, city centres have been left with big empty units, so it is great to see former M&S, Debenhams and John Lewis stores being converted in places like Manchester, Stockport and Sheffield.
“The use of compulsory purchase powers to obtain more of these empty buildings for housing is a standout from the latest policy announcement, but the landowners have good lawyers so it may come to naught.
“The worry is that Gove’s plans are just lip service to the construction sector, with his real audience being his backbench MPs who wish to block greenfield new build sites in their bid to be reelected.”
Lincolnshire-based food group’s merger with American firm will create new parent company
Lincolnshire-based JDM Food Group is merging with US based Henry Broch Foods to create a new parent company called Jardins and Broch. Jardins and Broch.
Headquartered in Bicker, JDM is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of value-added vegetables, sauces, dips and purees to the retail, manufacturing, recipe box and foodservice markets, with a workforce of more than 350.
HBF is from Illinois, and is a prominent spice, dry-blending and co-packing company, specialising in tailored formulations and seasonings.
Aisling Kemp, CEO of JDM, said: “Whilst on a day-to-day basis it is business as usual, the merger will create a flavour powerhouse with global ambitions. It is very exciting news for everyone associated with JDM as it will create many new opportunities for team members across the organisation to advance their careers within a growth-oriented business.
“Working with the team at HBF who share our strong ethics, values and focus on sustainability is incredibly exciting. Trends in this market are ever changing and we are now better able to develop solutions for all channels with our culinary teams that deliver on flavour, health, and functionality to ensure we evolve alongside consumer demand.
“The partnership with HBF will enable us to build on our recent success and create long term sustainable growth as a true ingredients innovator.”
Jardins and Broch is backed by London-based Sunridge Partners, a private investment group committed to creating leaders in food, beverage, and agribusiness. Sunridge invested in JDM Foods in 2021.
Philipp Saumweber, Managing Partner of Sunridge, said: “Since partnering with JDM in 2021, we have invested considerably in building a world-class ingredients team, expanding our operations, and improving capabilities. We are very much looking forward to working with like-minded friends at HBF and jointly executing on group investment and growth plans to build a leading international ingredients and flavour formulation company.”
Jardins and Broch brings together two market leading ingredients companies creating a team of international flavour experts across both wet and dry products. The newly-formed partnership is an industry leading player with significant production capacity, complementary R&D capabilities and outstanding worldwide supply chain networks.
The two companies will continue to operate independently in their home markets, backed by the expert knowledge and skills from the other party to grow a global presence.
Training provider backs digital marketing event with sponsorship
Rotherham-based training and apprenticeships provider Whyy? Change, is backing Sheffield DM’s biggest-ever marketing event as their latest sponsor.
Sheffield DM, the biggest event for digital marketers in the North, will host a line-up of the best names in digital marketing who will be sharing their wisdom on all things SEO, Content Marketing, Digital PR, Marketing Strategy and Paid Media.
Whyy? Change joins the likes of Evoluted, Sitebulb, Diginius, clockworkTalent, unLTD, LensGo, and Peek & Poke who are all backing Sheffield DM, which takes place at Sheffield’s Octagon Centre this summer.
The announcement comes as Whyy? Change solidifies its partnership with Sheffield DM following an appearance from Laura Stead, Freelance Marketer and Whyy? Change’s Head of CIM Marketing, who delivered an talk entitled ‘How to Make Marketing Rewarding Beyond Financial Gain’ at Sheffield DM last year.
Dan Rawley, Marketing Manager at Evoluted and Sheffield DM Co-Organiser, said: “We’re delighted to have Whyy? Change sponsoring August’s event. Sheffield DM has always been about creating a forum for learning, personal growth and career development, so we feel this partnership is a perfect fit. Whyy? Change staff and apprentices have been regular attendees and supporters of our evening meetup events for a long time now, so it’s great to formalise our relationship in this way. Their sponsorship helps us scale our events further and help upskill more marketers across South Yorkshire and beyond.”
Ray Byrne, CEO of Whyy? Change, said: “We’ve been loyal supporters of Sheffield DM, as it never fails to deliver insight and inspiration from digital marketing industry experts. We’re confident that Sheffield will be the next hub for digital industries, we see that every day through our growing cohorts of digital marketing apprentices, and we’re excited to be playing a part in it.”
Lincolnshire firms share in £8m of ERDF grants
Lincolnshire businesses have been awarded grants worth almost £8m from the European Regional Development Fund, which ended in June this year, through Business Lincolnshire schemes.
Thanks to ERDF’s backing, more than 44,500 businesses in the area have benefitted from the support offered, resulting in the creation of more than 2,200 new jobs. This achievement is said to be a testament to the dedication and commitment of Business Lincolnshire in fostering a thriving business ecosystem throughout Greater Lincolnshire.
Business Lincolnshire has been a beacon of support for budding entrepreneurs, facilitating the creation of 873 new businesses. Additionally, it has served as a valuable resource for countless businesses seeking expert advice and guidance. There has been an overwhelming vote of confidence from business leaders, with an impressive 93% satisfaction rating, highlighting significant effectiveness in nurturing and empowering businesses.
As ERDF funded support transitions to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), Business Lincolnshire remains committed to its mission of aiding businesses in the region. The new funding presents fresh opportunities, and the Business Lincolnshire team are keen to ensure businesses continue to get access to the best support that is available to them.
Cllr Colin Davie, Lincolnshire County Council Executive Councillor for Economy & Place, said: “We are immensely proud of the achievements made possible by the support of the European Regional Development Fund. Through the collaboration of local providers, entrepreneurs, businesses, and the guidance of Business Lincolnshire, we have witnessed remarkable growth and progress in the region’s business landscape.”
Healing pair get suspended sentences after discovery of significant haul of illicit cigarettes
A man and woman have been given suspended sentences after North East Lincolnshire Council’s Trading Standards team seized the largest-ever haul of illegal cigarettes in the borough.
Trading Standards officers, supported by Humberside Police, searched a home in Exmoor Close, Healing, after reports from the public that illegal tobacco was being stored there.
Officers found 386,760 illegal cigarettes and 290 pouches of illegal tobacco, worth more than £227,000.
Sentencing of the pair took place at Kingston Upon Hull Crown Court on Thursday 27 July 2023 by His Honour Judge Thackray KC.
Angela Ammari, 51, of Exmoor Close, Healing, had pleaded guilty to 11 offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994 relating to 292,000 cigarettes and 50 x 50g pouches of tobacco which were found to be counterfeit copies of genuine brands. She was given a four month jail term suspended for 12 months and must also attend 20 days of Rehabilitation Activity.
Nabaz Rasul Mohammed, 29, a shopkeeper of Freeman Street, Grimsby, entered guilty pleas to 12 offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994, and a further four offences relating to the packaging of all the products seized. He was sentences18 months in custody, suspended for two years and to attend 20 days of Rehabilitation Activity.
Upon entry by Trading Standards and Humberside Police during the raid, Ammari immediately told officers where the tobacco products were concealed within the property, taking them to a first-floor bedroom. Within the bedroom, 12 kilos of Turner hand-rolling tobacco and 36,000 cigarettes were recovered.
She then indicated that there were further tobacco products within the loft space of the property. A search of the loft revealed a total of forty-seven boxes and large bags, all containing illegal cigarettes. In total, a further 340,760 cigarettes and 2.5 kilos of tobacco were removed from the loft.
Of the total seized, 292,000 cigarettes, and 50 pouches of tobacco were found to be counterfeit, including brands such as Regal, Richmond, Lambert & Butler, Benson & Hedges, Sovereign, Winston, Marlboro, and Amber Leaf and Golden Virginia tobacco. Had they been genuine, the legitimate value of these goods would have been in excess of £162,372.
Knight Frank promotes six in Leeds
Global property consultancy Knight Frank has made six promotions at its Leeds office.
Tom Goode, Matt Turner, Rebekah Donaldson, Amy Wood and James Green have all become partners, while Victoria Harris is now an associate.
Nationally Knight Frank has promoted 51 employees to partner and 77 to associate.
Henrie Westlake, partner and head of the Leeds office, said: “These promotions are thoroughly deserved and a recognition of the hard work, dedication and dynamism each of the six have demonstrated during the past 12 months.
“All six have contributed to the continuing success of the Leeds office of Knight Frank in what are challenging times for the commercial property sector. Their commitment is exemplary and they have my warmest congratulations.
“On a national and international level, despite market disruption, Knight Frank has outperformed expectations, which is testament to our strength, the power of partnership and a huge amount of hard work from our brilliant people globally.”
William Beardmore-Gray, Knight Frank’s chairman, added: “We are pleased that 50 per cent of partner promotions and 40 per cent of new associates are female, moving the gender balance of partners in a positive direction, progress that we will seek to maintain and increase in future years.
“Providing meaningful career paths for the best talent in real estate is key to the future success of our business and I would like to congratulate everyone at Knight Frank who has earned a promotion this year and wish them every success in their next chapter within our partnership.”
Goole grants of up to £50,000 are designed to benefit the town’s economy
Opportunity Goole, one of eight projects that make up the Goole Town Deal regeneration programme, has launched a grant funding scheme that both individuals and organisations can apply to.
Grants of up to £50,000 are now available for projects designed to enhance the local economy in some way, and that they wouldn’t have been able to access the funding elsewhere. The grant scheme will be open to organisations initially and will then begin to accept applications from individuals soon afterwards. Opportunity Goole Project Manager Dawn Redfern said: “The eligibility criteria is deliberately very broad and the grant scheme is open to anyone over the age of 16 in the Goole area. The main requirement is that the grants should be used to boost the local economy in some way. So, for example, an organisation may want to apply for grant funding to pay for some training for its workforce. “Meanwhile, an individual could apply for funding towards transport costs to help them secure employment or give them access to training. However, if applicants can access the funding they need elsewhere, we’ll signpost them to that instead. The idea is that the Opportunity Goole grant scheme provides financial support that people can’t find elsewhere.” Phil Jones, Chairman of the Goole Town Deal Board, welcomed the launch of the Opportunity Goole grant scheme, adding: “Since its launch earlier this year, Opportunity Goole has already delivered some really positive outcomes for both individuals and employers. The launch of this new grant scheme is a really positive step because it has been designed to fill a gap in existing provision so the criteria is very broad and flexible. Even if you’re unsure whether you’d be eligible to apply, it’s well worth emailing the team or popping in to Goole Library to see them and talk your ideas through.” Members of the Opportunity Goole team are also be able to help and advise applicants with their grant funding applications. Anyone who would like to apply or find out more is asked to email the team at: opportunity.goole@eastriding.gov.uk. Members of the Opportunity Goole team are based within Goole Library on Carlisle Street in the town centre and both local residents and businesses/employers looking for free support are welcome to drop in and see them or can email in advance to pre-book an appointment. Billed as a ‘one-stop shop’, Opportunity Goole provides easy access to information about local job opportunities, training provision, business support and more to anyone over the age of 16 years, regardless of whether they’re employed, unemployed or retired. The team can also help people to access information about Goole Town Deal and workforce development, helping individuals to gain the knowledge and skills they need to secure employment and ensuring that employers can recruit local people with the skillset that they’re looking for. For more information about Opportunity Goole and the other projects funded by Goole Town Deal, visit www.gooletowndeal.co.uk.Pudsey site sold for new homes
Keyland Developments Ltd, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister-company to Yorkshire Water, has sold a site in Pudsey, West Yorkshire to Leeds Federated Housing Association for the delivery of 54 new homes.
Keyland secured outline planning consent from Leeds City Council for the new homes under a Planning Promotional Agreement (PPA) with a local landowner in 2021. The site was marketed with the benefit of outline planning permission and a suite of technical information by Keyland and the Leeds office of Cushman & Wakefield.
The transaction represents Keyland’s first completed PPA sale in which they acted as Land Promoter as well as joint owner with the neighbouring landowner. The PPAs involve Keyland working with independent landowners, corporates, and regulated bodies to overcome obstacles to development on strategic sites to facilitate development by securing planning consent for future use. The Pudsey PPA followed on from agreements with landowners in Wakefield, Leeds, and Calderdale.
The 5.5-acre site is located in an established and popular residential area mid-way between the centres of Leeds and Bradford, adjacent to Owlcotes Reservoir on Owlcotes Road.
Matthew Turnbull, land & planning manager at Keyland Developments Ltd, said: “We are delighted to have completed our first PPA sale with this site.
“The purpose of our PPA agreements is to align our interests with those of the landowner, and it enables landowners of any scale to maximise the potential from their sites without incurring any risk or cost to themselves.
“The planning consent and subsequent sale to Leeds Federated Housing Association has facilitated new homes to contribute to the local authority’s long-term housing targets.”
Phil Roebuck, partner at Cushman & Wakefield who acted for Keyland in the land sale, said: “The unlocking of this site in a highly sustainable location has enabled the delivery of new homes at a time when regional shortages are well documented. The new development will complement its surroundings and benefit from nearby amenities, services, and transport.”
Two new deals complete at historic Yorkshire mill complex
Two new deals have been completed at Sunny Bank Mills, the historic Yorkshire mill complex between Leeds and Bradford.
During the past 11 years Sunny Bank Mills, one of the most famous family-owned mills in Yorkshire, has been transformed into a modern office and mixed-use complex for the 21st century, creating nearly 500 sustainable new jobs.
The two new companies moving into Sunny Bank are PQS Tech Solutions, formerly based in Pontefract Lane, Leeds, which is taking space in No 10 The Mending Rooms, and David Yeadon Ltd, which is relocating from Bagley Lane, Leeds to the iconic 1912 Mill.
Andy Brooke, Managing Director of PQS Tech Solutions, explained the reasons for the company’s move.
“We like the mill, basically because it’s such a nice place with a great sense of community. The extra parking spaces were a big selling point, as was the option of having anything from shared Wi-Fi to a direct fibre Internet connection.
“Landlords William and John Gaunt have been great. They are very accommodating when we have wanted to look round and they went the extra mile to find the ideal office for us.
“As a business we have been going for 11 years. We run alongside the PQS Survey hire business and have previously just had space in their depots. The PQS Tech business model has changed quite drastically over the last 12 months and more of our staff are office based.
“Because of this, I wanted a nicer environment for them to be in every day. It’s important for me that my staff are happy at work, and I do think that having such a friendly environment to work in every day is very positive for all of us.”
Meanwhile David Yeadon, owner and Managing Director of David Yeadon Ltd, explained that he had chosen Sunny Bank Mills for its sense of community and its facilities: “I live locally and was aware of the history of Sunny Bank and its connection with the arts.”
John Gaunt said: “We are delighted to welcome PQS Tech Solutions and David Yeadon to Sunny Bank Mills. These deals are a resounding endorsement of the quality of our flagship 1912 Mill and of the historic Mending Rooms.
“Both companies have had a successful track record in recent years and we look forward to helping them to build on their success. They are joining a vibrant business and cultural community here at Sunny Bank, where I’m sure they will thrive.”
Guernsey’s oldest veterinary practice joins York’s VetPartners
Guernsey’s oldest veterinary practice is entering a new chapter in its 104-year history after joining VetPartners.
Isabelle Vets, which has been looking after Guernsey’s pets, farm animals and horses since 1919, is the first veterinary practice from the island to join VetPartners.
Some of Europe’s most respected and trusted small animal, equine, mixed and farm practices and animal healthcare companies are part of VetPartners, which was established by vets in 2015 and has 11,000 employees working across 700 sites.
New Era Vets in Jersey became VetPartners’ first Channel Islands practice in November 2019.
Because no two practices are the same, VetPartners encourages its practices to embrace their independent spirit, while supporting them by investing in people, facilities, equipment and latest technology so they provide outstanding care for patients and an excellent service for clients.
While Isabelle Vets’ long-serving clients will still be able to see all the same familiar faces at their main practice in Route Isabelle in St Peter Port and branch surgery in L’Islet in St Sampsons, the practice is excited about fresh opportunities for investment, career development for colleagues and expansion of facilities that will come with being part of a larger veterinary group.
Isabelle Vets directors Doreen Munn-Litten and Sarah-Jane Heathcote have run the practice in joint partnership for the last three years. Doreen, a surgeon, graduated from Glasgow University in 1995, and holds a Certificate in Small Animal Surgery. She has been a director of the practice since 2012.
Sarah-Jane graduated from Liverpool University in 1999, and primarily focuses on looking after Guernsey’s horses. She joined as a director in 2015, and holds a Certificate in Equine Dentistry.
They will remain as practice leaders with their established team of 45 colleagues, including 11 vets.
Doreen said: “What makes Isabelle Vets so special is that we are the longest established practice in Guernsey and generations of islanders have used our services so everyone feels we are a big part of the community.
“Having provided more than 100 years of service for the animals of Guernsey, it is important to us that we continue to progress for future generations with the practice in safe hands. We look after all the dairy herds on the island, most of the horses and many small animals, and partnering with a larger veterinary group will provide huge benefits.
“Through VetPartners, we will be able to access greater resources and expertise covering all species. We can tap into the knowledge of specialists who are part of VetPartners, which will be beneficial in an ever-changing environment when medicine and surgery are moving on as we want to stay at the forefront of excellence.
“VetPartners is clinically focused and our vets will have access to top-quality education and CPD. They can then put new knowledge and skills into practice in the service we deliver daily. Everything will look and feel the same for our clients but it will enable us to remain at the leading edge of premium veterinary care.”
VetPartners was established by CEO Jo Malone in November 2015 with three practices in the North of England. It has its headquarters in York.
Jo said: “We are excited to welcome our new colleagues from Isabelle Vets. They are a highly respected practice and are rightly proud of their reputation for providing outstanding care for the animals of Guernsey. We will support them to continue to deliver the best possible care for their patients and an excellent service for their clients, as well as being a great place to work.”
Following European expansion in 2019, the group now has practices in Italy, France, Germany, Ireland, Portugal, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the Channel Islands.
