New £1.5m gate system at Immingham’s container terminal promises to speed up operations

Stuart Pearcey
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New £1.5m gate system at Immingham’s container terminal promises to speed up operations
New automatic gates have been installed at the container terminal at Associated British Port’s Humber port of Immingham, which complements the existing terminal entry system. Costing £1.5 million, the new terminal entry system will speed up the operations process in the Immingham Container Terminal, as well as improving turnaround time. Simon Bird, Regional Director said: “This investment into a new entry system will allow us to process arrivals and departures efficiently and give the best experience to our visiting hauliers. Recent improvements and investments are shining through clearly with an average turnaround time for road haulage consistently under 30 mins within the Immingham terminal.” He added: “Having completed a £50 million investment at the start of 2021, the Humber’s provision to serve the container sector goes from strength to strength with these ongoing investments, both in Hull and Immingham. The extra space and equipment are further evidence of the growing value the terminals have in the economic life of the North of England and the Midlands.” The terminal already operated an automated gate entry system, but this new infrastructure gives the same facility to manage trucks in our new seven-acre empty expansion area. Hauliers entering the terminal will need to have a valid booking with a valid unit ID. The system then provides high resolution images of the container arriving and departing the terminal. Immingham container terminal handles 15 vessel calls a week connecting to major ports of Europe via shipping lines connecting to Scandinavia, the Baltic, the Netherlands, Germany, and Poland with a wider global reach through various deep sea feeder providers.  Its prime location on the UK east coast allows cargo owners and shippers to reduce carbon, cost, and congestion for customers by landing cargo as close as possible to its end destination.

Grimsby pet food manufacturer nets help to target international growth

Tess Egginton
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Grimsby pet food manufacturer nets help to target international growth

A Grimsby-based pet food manufacturer which produces a range of treats for dogs, is scaling up its operations by relocating to new premises and increasing capacity, helping it to target significant growth in both the UK and international pet foods sector.

Skippers Pet Products approached Finance For Enterprise and the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF) for investment to help it lay the foundations for significant future growth after the company outgrew its existing facility. The business was performing exceptionally, with its turnover increasing by 500%, as well as seeing its workforce grow from eight members of staff to over twenty employees in the past year alone.

The unique company, which is the only pet food provider in the UK who specialise exclusively in fish-based products, was launched by experienced fish merchant Steve Moore in 2013, after he spotted an opportunity to re-purpose co-products from high quality fish destined for the dinner table.

Using an ancient preserving technique, which can trace its origins back to the Vikings, fish are dried slowly at a low temperature, resulting in a nutritionally dense source of protein that is enjoyed by all dogs.

In recent months, the company has not only seen demand for its products increase within the UK, but also in several overseas markets, notably Canada and Hong Kong. In order to meet rising demand, the business would need a larger workforce, but with its existing facility already at full capacity, the experienced fish merchant knew the business required additional help to secure larger premises, and secure the vital equipment needed to increase capacity.

Working with senior business lending manager Tim Daniels, Finance For Enterprise helped the business to successfully secure an investment package worth £150,000, delivered through a £75,000 NPIF – FFE & BEF Microfinance loan backed by the Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS), and £75,000 directly from Finance For Enterprise.

With funds in place, Skippers recently relocated to larger premises at South Humberside Industrial Estate, allowing the company to improve efficiencies in its manufacturing processes as well as creating the vital additional working space needed to recruit up to ten members of staff to meet current demand.

Steve Moore, Managing Director, Skippers Pet Products, said: “I’ve worked in Grimsby’s fish industry since I was just 17 years old, and I recognised that when fish are prepared for human consumption, there can be large parts of the animal that simply goes to waste.

“I began to realise that as well as offering a tasty treat for dogs, there can also be health benefits when fish is incorporated into their diet. For example, some of the feedback we’ve received from our customers has included positive changes in the pet’s coat, teeth and even behaviour.

“In older animals the natural omega 3 found in fish can even help dogs suffering from inflamed joints and even arthritis, so I felt the business offered a golden opportunity to reduce the amount of waste being produced within the fishing industry, as well as improving the health and welfare of much-loved family pets.

“Having firmly established ourselves as a market leader in our industry, we knew that it was important to cement this position. This meant increasing capacity to meet demand from both the home and overseas markets.

“Pet ownership during the Covid-19 pandemic increased dramatically, and having seen the business grow so quickly during the past two years, we felt it was imperative to act quickly. To do this we needed to secure additional funds to facilitate our relocation and investment in new equipment.

“Having worked with Tim and the Finance For Enterprise team previously, I felt he understood our business, and within a relatively short period of time, we received the call to say that our application had been successful.

“The funds and help we’ve received have been transformational for our business, and through the support we’ve received from Finance For Enterprise, we’re not just helping to improve the lives of much loved pets across the world, but we’re also doing our bit to improve sustainability, as well as creating additional new jobs within Grimsby’s fishing industry.”

Tim Daniels, senior business lending manager, Finance For Enterprise, said: “Skippers Pet Products is a great example of a business that has built on the heritage of Grimsby’s historic fishing industry by finding new and innovative ways of bringing new products to market.

“Having met and supported Steve and his business previously, the business has a bright future ahead of it, not just by achieving growth in the UK, but also tapping into new international markets.”

Asda to reveal £10bn merger with petrol stations company

Tess Egginton
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Asda to reveal £10bn merger with petrol stations company
The owners of Asda and EG Group, the petrol stations company, are set to reveal a £10bn merger of their British operations, according to reports from Sky News. Finishing touches were said to be being applied on Thursday (25 May), with the owners of both groups, the billionaire Issa brothers, Mohsin and Zuber, and TDR Capital, thought to be looking to announce the deal today (Friday 26 May). Together, Asda and EG UK would form a group with 170,000 employees, 600 supermarkets, 100 convenience stores, 700 petrol forecourts, and annual revenues of nearly £30bn. Sky News reports that Apollo Global Management, a contender to buy Asda when it was up for sale in 2020, has been lined up to provide over £500m of private placement debt to finance the deal, as indicated by banking sources. A combination of Leeds-based Asda and Blackburn-based EG UK has been in talks since the start of the year, and would accelerate the former’s advance into convenience stores. The merger is anticipated to cost approximately £1.25bn.

Government rejects bid for new hospital for Doncaster

Tess Egginton
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Government rejects bid for new hospital for Doncaster
The bid for a new hospital for Doncaster has been turned down by government despite cross party support from local and regional politicians.
Since the summer of 2019, Doncaster Council and the Trust have been working on proposals to redevelop the Doncaster Waterfront area adjacent to Doncaster College which offered significant opportunity for redevelopment and regeneration as being one of the largest brownfield sites in the country. Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones said: “I am immensely disappointed that our Doncaster bid for a new hospital has been turned down by government. Our bid was incredibly strong, highlighting the far-reaching benefits for health and medical provision that a state-of-the-art new hospital would bring as well as social and economic benefits for the people of our city and the region. “We are in urgent need of a new hospital for Doncaster that would support us to Level Up and I will continue to lobby this government to deliver a new hospital for Doncaster.” Richard Parker OBE, Chief Executive of DBTH, said: “I am very disappointed that the Trust’s business case for the development of a new hospital in Doncaster has not been included in the Government’s New Hospital Programme. “Our focus now, and that of our health and social care partners and local leaders, will now need to shift towards ensuring that Doncaster Royal Infirmary is fit for the future, as well as seeking clarity to understand what additional funding avenues and opportunities are available to us.” The existing hospital within the city, Doncaster Royal Infirmary, was initially built in the 1930s, with further development and expansion in the 1960s and 1980s and was expected to deal with around 200 patients at any one time. Since that time Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has outgrown the site and its related infrastructure, routinely caring for around 400 patients every day. Due to the hospital’s age, there are around 600 outstanding maintenance jobs across DRI’s numerous buildings, with an estimated value of £118 million. The sheer cost of this is neither affordable nor best value for money. Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals is one of only a small number of teaching hospitals within the region and hosts a range of services across three main hospital sites, Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Bassetlaw Hospital and Montagu Hospital, serving around 440,000 people across South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire. The estimated cost of a new hospital in the city would be around £1.37 billion, the site has been identified and is shovel-ready and the build would begin at pace, taking around five years to complete.

72-bedroom West Yorkshire care home site sold

Tess Egginton
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72-bedroom West Yorkshire care home site sold
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold the former Stoney Ridge Hospital in Bingley, West Yorkshire, which comes with planning consent for a 72-bedroom care home development. Morrison Community Care and Cheviot Park Developments have achieved full planning permission for a large care home scheme which is inclusive of a variety of communal spaces including a café, activity lounge, life skills lounge, hair salon, cinema, and dining rooms, and 72 bedrooms all of which have en suite wet rooms. The care home will also benefit from a feature balcony terrace on the first floor and secure landscaped gardens with areas for residents and visitors to socialise, as well as views of the valley from many of the bedrooms. The site occupies a prominent roadside location close to both the market town of Bingley and the cultural town of Bradford which will provide a new purpose-built care home with communal resident amenities to an area with an undersupply of ‘future-fit’ beds. Following a sales process handled by Jordan Rundle and Sara Hartill from Christie & Co, the development site has been purchased by Torsion Care who will take the proposed scheme forward. Paul Sokhi, Managing Director at Morrison Community Care, says: “Morrison Community Care has a long-standing reputation in the design and development of care homes. We are one of the UK’s leading providers because we are passionate about providing the very highest standard of living and service possible. Having successfully done this in Scotland for over 30 years, we are now excited to bring our expertise to England. “With 13,000 patients currently estimated to be in NHS beds in England that don’t require to be, we are delighted to announce the Group’s expansion into England. We look forward to bringing the Morrison Community Care product of sustainable quality care environments to England, where residents can enjoy safe quality time while enjoying many amenities such as cinema, champagne bar, spa, bistro and private dining rooms.” Chris Burns, senior land manager at Torsion Care, says: “We’re delighted to have completed the purchase of this care home development in Bingley. This adds to our growing portfolio of care home developments in Yorkshire which is set to expand further in 2023. Thanks to Morrison Community Care and Christie & Co for their support in getting this purchase over the line in a quick time.” Jordan Rundle, director – Healthcare Development & Investment at Christie & Co, says: “It is great to be working with Morrison Community Care and Cheviot Park Developments on their English expansion strategy, and we are sure this will be the first of many projects in the country. Torsion Care have an ever-growing pipeline of opportunities and we wish them the best with the delivery of what will be an outstanding care facility for the local community.” The former Stoney Ridge Hospital was sold for an undisclosed price.

Trio of promotions at CRA Consulting

Tess Egginton
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Trio of promotions at CRA Consulting
Yorkshire-based specialist Legal and Financial Recruiters CRA Consulting continues a year of strong growth with three senior promotions. The promotions include one new managing associate and two new associates. This round of promotions is to acknowledge the continued hard work of key staff within the firm. Newly promoted managing associate Ross Roberts said: “The team at CRA are very talented and it is great to see the team being strengthened to support our growing client base.”Robert’s new role will be to focus on continuing to build upon the successful CRA platform with a particular focus on Business development and commercial strategy. Working within the team will be Adam Perry, associate, who will be focusing on the support divisions for professional services and Rhys Spencer, associate, who is an expert in recruiting in the contentious side of legal services. Adam Perry added: “The promotions highlight CRAs commitment to staff development and how there is a clear career progression for all staff.” Rhys Spencer said: “Our combination of experiences and expertise means we are well-placed to find the right solution for our clients.” Rob Addy, founder of CRA consulting, said: “This is an important chapter in the continued growth of CRA. These promotions are well deserved, and I believe all three of them can continue to drive CRA forward. “It also highlights our commitment to train and promote within and what will follow is CRA undertaking an internal recruitment drive to find the next and best talent for us. It is an exciting time, and I am proud of the growth that we have achieved.”

Hull occupational health firm makes duo of acquisitions

Tess Egginton
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Hull occupational health firm makes duo of acquisitions
Hull-based Latus Health, a provider of employee health and wellbeing solutions, has acquired ELAS Occupational Health (ELAS) and The Industrial Diagnostics Company (IDC) from Citation Group. Over the last five years, Latus has delivered significant organic growth and, coupled with these strategic acquisitions, the group will be able to offer a broader range of services to more customers. ELAS’ expertise in health surveillance directly complements Latus’ solutions to ensure its current and future customer base has access to a holistic solution for all their occupational health needs, including a unique approach in providing mobile health surveillance and on-site industrial diagnostics, such as chest x-rays, as well as audiology services, across the UK. As part of the transaction, Latus has appointed Graham Ewart as chairman. Ewart brings extensive experience from the healthcare sector from his role as CEO of previous NorthEdge backed business Direct Healthcare Group, which was sold to ArchiMed in 2019. Jack Latus, CEO of Latus Health, said: “We have always been committed to delivering the highest quality of care and service for our clients, whilst improving the way occupational health is delivered through the implementation of innovative digital solutions. “The acquisition of ELAS and IDC are a testament to that commitment, and we are excited to welcome their team of dedicated professionals to join the Latus mission. Together, we will continue to innovate and drive forward the occupational health industry under the knowledge that happier and healthier teams deliver better results.” Vikki Blease, head of occupational health at ELAS, said: “We are very excited to be part of Latus who have an exciting vision for occupational health. The Latus team are dynamic and share our passion and drive for best-in-class occupational health. “For clients of both Latus and ELAS, this acquisition promises a seamless transition with no disruption to existing services. Clients will continue to receive the same high-quality care and attention they have come to expect, with the added benefit of access to an even wider range of services.” Richard Williams, partner at TDC, whose Impact Fund backed the acquisitions, said: “TDC are pleased to have supported Latus in its recent acquisition of ELAS and IDC, marking our second investment from our Impact Fund. The Fund targets SMEs across the North that were disrupted by Covid-19 and the macro-economic conditions experienced following this period, to support their recovery and with a specific focus on growing employment in the local region. “As well strengthening the position of Latus within the market, the transaction will also help in the acquisition of a number of key senior hires that will strengthen the existing board and help generate future growth. We look forward to supporting management as they drive the business into its next stage of growth.” Graham Ewart, chairman at Latus Health, said: “Latus Health continues on a very steep growth trajectory backed by our vision to truly innovate in the occupational health space. “Through both our own in-house developed technologies, and the unique offerings we have acquired, Latus are providing our ever-expanding customer base with a fully integrated and holistic package of solutions to drive value-adding productivity within the workplace.” Latus Health was advised on its acquisition of ELAS and IDC from Citation by the Clearwater International Leeds office, led by partner Richard Goldsack, associate director John Haygarth, and director Glenn Clarke. Legal advice was provided by the Shoosmiths Leeds office, led by partners James Foster and Simon Procter, and financial and tax advice by Martin Athey, Charles Evers, Fletcher Adamowicz and Emily Caine of Translink CF, the specialist CF division of BHP. TDC legal advice was provided by the Pinsent Masons Manchester Office, led by partner Tim Fearn and Catherine Donnelly.

Investment firm snaps up Yorkshire CNC specialist

Tess Egginton
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Investment firm snaps up Yorkshire CNC specialist
Connect Precision Ltd has been sold to TGM Industrial Group, with KBS Corporate deal executive Adam Nelson advising on the transaction. Based in Yorkshire, Connect Precision specialises in precision CNC machining and wire cutting, serving clients in industries such as automotive, aviation, defence and warfare. The company was originally founded in 1998 by Craig Hepworth and Russell Lawton, who have continued to invest in Connect Precision’s state-of-the-art facilities. The directors made the decision to sell to facilitate their retirement plans, instructing KBS to identify a buyer who would grow the business alongside the existing workforce. “Craig and Russell were motivated to seek their well-deserved reward for the years they have committed to growing and managing the business,” said Adam. TGM was quickly recognised as a suitable buyer, having acquired through KBS previously as part of the group’s ongoing expansion strategy. The UK-based investment firm specialises in the acquisition and growth of owner-managed businesses in the engineering and manufacturing industries. “TGM has now completed its third acquisition with KBS, following Automatic Engineers (Hinckley) Ltd and PT Engineers Ltd,” advised Adam. “I am pleased to have contributed to the expansion of their portfolio.” Craig Hepworth and Russell Lawton will remain with Connect Precision for a short period to facilitate a smooth transition to new ownership, ensuring the business is well placed to grow as part of a wider group. “The sale of the business gives both Craig and myself time to spend with our extended families,” said Russell. “I think TGM is the correct choice for us. They have the ability to move Connect Precision forward and protect the remaining staff.” Adam added: “I am satisfied with the transaction as I believe we achieved a good value and a timely sale that allows Craig and Russell to progress towards their next chapter.”

Two jailed over illegal waste storage in Skegness

Stuart Pearcey
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Two jailed over illegal waste storage in Skegness
Two men operating from a Skegness waste site have been jailed and a third sentenced after the Environment Agency found they were storing material illegally. Between June 2015 and April 2017, Thomas Todd, Jamie Todd and Bryan Walker managed businesses operating from the former Bowman’s Site, in Lincolnshire near the A52. On 8 June 2015, the site’s environmental permit was transferred to East Coast Recycling Properties Ltd. which was run by Jamie and Thomas Todd. This permit allowed for the processing of mixed waste with a view to extracting recyclable materials. The Environment Agency began to conduct inspections at the site shortly afterwards and quickly found failings. The site’s permit required a fire prevention plan to be in place to avoid a serious blaze and protect the environment. This was especially important as the site was surrounded by arable land and the nearest residential premises were only 10m away. However, The Todd brothers failed to have such a plan in place leaving the site at risk. Inspections found that waste was being stacked too high and too closely together, creating a fire risk. The waste had also become a health risk following an influx of mice and a problem with flies. As a result, the Environment Agency suspended the site’s permit, stopping new material from being brought in between December 2015 and February 2016. Further visits by Environment Agency officers between March and May 2016 found that there were no firebreaks between the waste. This meant the waste stored on the site continued to present a huge fire risk. The company’s permit was suspended again in July 2016. In July 2016, a new company Eco Green Logistics Limited registered an exemption to start waste work on another section of the Bowman’s site. Bryan Walker was the registered director of this company. He also allowed too much waste into his section of the site leading to waste being stored unsafely and presenting a fire risk. The Todds reassured the Environment Agency that waste would no longer be brought onto Bowman’s and instead the land would be redeveloped. However, the Environment Agency continued to find evidence of new waste being brought onto the land. Also, MJT Development, another Todd company, was brought in to provide on-site security and to remove waste. The Environmental permit for the site was revoked fully in March 2017 and the businesses were ordered to clear the site fully. The site was later searched under warrant where evidence was found to show waste moving on and off the site despite the restrictions put in place by the Environment Agency. Both Jamie and Thomas Todd had a previous suspended prison sentence for very similar environmental offences which the judge considered when sentencing. The 3 men appeared at Leeds Crown Court on 19 May 2023 for sentencing, having pleaded guilty at earlier hearings. Thomas Todd, 33, of Hunt Street, Castleford pleaded guilty to 3 counts. Jamie Todd, 42, of Wakefield Road, Drighlington, Leeds pleaded guilty to 4 counts. Bryan Walker, 60, of Beckhill Vale, Leeds pleaded guilty to 5 counts. Speaking at the case, Judge Batiste said that fire safeguards at the site has been “non-existent” and that the defendants had “flagrantly breached environmental law”. He added that if any part of the site had caught fire “it is highly unlikely it could have been contained”. He said the actions of the Todd brothers had been “…so serious that only immediate custody can be justified”. He described the pair as the “leading lights” of the operation on the site. On Bryan Walker, the judge said that his actions had been “wholly reckless”. Thomas and Jamie Todd were both sentenced to 8 months immediate custody and were disqualified from acting as a director of a business for 5 years. A Proceeds of Crime Act Enquiry will be carried out for the Todd brothers in due course. Bryan Walker was given a 12-month community order with 10 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days. He was also disqualified from acting as a director of a business for 5 years and ordered to pay £60 as a victim surcharge.

Stantec relocates 140-strong team to new Leeds office

Tess Egginton
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Stantec relocates 140-strong team to new Leeds office

The recently refurbished 8,000 square foot office in 2 Whitehall Quay will be the new home for Stantec in Leeds as it continues to grow, offering colleagues and clients a versatile space for collaboration.

Following a period of growth and success in the region, Stantec, a provider of sustainable design and engineering services, is bringing 140 of its colleagues together in a new home in the heart of Leeds.

The move will see the Stantec team relocating from their existing office at The Boulevard on Leeds Dock.

The highly accessible office is on the 4th floor of the building and includes dynamic areas for collaboration all designed to meet the needs of a modern teamworking environment. The teams will use their new West Yorkshire base to build on their strong relationships with clients spanning the UK’s built environment, particularly in the water, transport, planning and development industries within both the private and public sector.

Ross Anderson, Stantec’s Yorkshire region water operations director said: “This new space has been designed with both colleague well-being and client collaboration in mind. We’re looking forward to hosting our industry-pioneering clients like Yorkshire Water in this new location.

“Our relationship with Yorkshire Water continues to go from strength to strength as we continue to work on ground-breaking projects in the region and this office expansion shows our long-term commitment to servicing the water sector in Yorkshire. We’ll be using this flexible workplace to further enhance integrated working in a fresh, modern city-centre office.”

Harriet Chapman, regional growth lead for North, at Stantec, said: “Although we loved our office on Leeds Dock, our headcount in Leeds has increased quickly and significantly. Our new office at 2 Whitehall Quay provides accessible, flexible working arrangements, enabling us to continue to deliver exceptional projects and services for our clients while providing the flexibility to grow our Leeds presence.

“Following Stantec’s acquisition of Barton Willmore last year, our teams are quickly coming together throughout the UK, and this office grants us one central space to accommodate new team-members. We’re delighted to combine our creative and technical approaches to projects to deliver sustainable, resilient and connected places across the region.”

Stuart Natkus, planning director, Stantec, added: “Barton Willmore enjoyed a legacy of success in Leeds, and we’re excited to see how we can build on this, working alongside our new Stantec colleagues, using their technical expertise as part of a holistic interdisciplinary offering.”

FLJ acted for APAM to let 2 Whitehall Quay and CBRE acted for Stantec.

Charles Parkinson, associate director, CBRE’s Occupier Services team in Leeds, said: “Stantec instructed us to acquire a new Leeds office following the company’s strategic decision to move from Leeds Dock.

“They sought a best in class office building within close proximity to Leeds train station and chose 2 Whitehall Quay following an extensive search. The building takes workspace to a new level, recognising the current workplace dynamic that occupiers seek.

“Its newly refurbished suites, flexibility in floorplates and superb riverside location, coupled with its excellent wellness focus delivers everything the modern occupier demands and more.”

Will Grenfell, senior asset manager, APAM Ltd, said: “2 Whitehall Quay is in a prime location by the river and canal towpath and a short walk to the railway station and City Square.

“The refurbishment has delivered some of the best quality office space in the city with a huge focus on wellbeing. We are delighted to welcome Stantec to the growing and thriving business community housed in the building.”

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