The penultimate letting has been secured at Leeds Valley Park by Catella APAM, acting as asset manager on behalf of the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF).
The deal sees Leeds-based DIRICKX Systems Ltd take Unit 3, a 43,836 sq ft speculative warehouse. The occupier specialises in the manufacture of force protection solutions, primarily used in the defence industry.
Adam Robinson, operations director, DIRICKX Systems, said: “As a trusted UK manufacturer, we are proud of our Yorkshire base and this commitment to Leeds secures our long-term future in the region.
“After rapid growth since DIRICKX Systems was established three years ago, our investment in Leeds Valley Park marks a significant milestone – doubling our UK manufacturing capability, supporting our long-term growth ambitions and enabling us to meet the rising global demand for high-performance defence products.
“With over 95% of our products exported and key contracts already secured with organisations including the UK Ministry of Defence and NATO, we are proud to be the UK’s leading manufacturer of this type of force protection, flying the flag for British manufacturing in the global defence sector.”
Adam Handley, asset manager at Catella APAM, said: “Yet another deal at Leeds Valley Park marks another significant milestone for the estate. It reinforces our confidence in the strength of this location and the continued demand for high-quality industrial space in the Leeds market. We’re delighted to welcome DIRICKX Systems Ltd to the growing community of occupiers at the park.”
Carter Towler, Avison Young, and CBRE acted for the landlord with Knight Frank’s Yorkshire industrial and logistics team advising the tenant.
Iain McPhail, partner in Knight Frank’s Yorkshire industrial team, said: “Leeds Valley Park provides the perfect opportunity for DIRICKX Systems, which allows them not only to retain their existing workforce, but to grow the business, in line with their future ambitions. It was a pleasure working closely with the team and facilitating another Yorkshire based manufacturer on the business park.”
Rob Oliver, principal of Avison Young’s industrial and distributions team, added: “Having completed on two other lettings earlier this year, it is fantastic to have completed on this third letting of 2025 already.
“DIRICKX are a great addition to the estate, where we have attracted a combination of production and logistics operations, including occupiers relocating and expanding within the Leeds area, and those seeking a new Yorkshire facility.”
This letting leaves just one unit remaining at Leeds Valley Park.
Sheffield nursery group snapped up
Nurtured Childcare, the fast-growing day nursery group, has acquired Elmore Kindergarten Group, which operates three children’s day nurseries in Sheffield.
The transaction was financed with a £2.7 million loan from OakNorth. In addition to enabling the acquisition of Elmore Kindergarten Group this facility refinanced existing borrowing by the Nurture Childcare group and will provide an element of working capital.
The acquisition is projected to increase Stockport-headquartered Nurtured Childcare’s turnover by more than £2.3 million.
Nurtured Childcare was founded in 2021 by the entrepreneur Craig Brennan to provide nurseries that offer high-quality education, create rich environments and foster a spirit of exploration.
It now offers more than 790 places across the North of England, employing almost 300 staff across its Greater Manchester head office and childcare premises in Sheffield, Wakefield, Rotherham and Stoke-on-Trent.
Elmore Kindergarten was established in 1991 by Richard Marshall, who initially contacted Nurtured Childcare last year to explore the potential for a transaction. His sale of the business has enabled him to retire.
The Elmore Kindergarten Group consists of three settings: Broomhill Nursery, Ecclesfield Nursery, and Middlewood Nursery. Each of the three settings is currently rated “Good” by Ofsted. They offer a combined total of 324 childcare places and employ 77 staff.
The acquisition of the Elmore Kindergarten Group brings the total number of childcare settings operated by Nurtured Childcare to 11, consolidating its footprint in South Yorkshire. The three acquired nurseries will be rebranded over the coming months to reflect their new ownership.
Craig Brennan, CEO & founder of Nurtured Childcare, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome the Elmore team and families into the Nurtured Childcare Group.
“Each of these sites is in a prime location and is already equipped with significant resources, which we plan to build on with further investment and an expansion of the extra-curricular activities they offer, as well as providing staff with access to our detailed, bespoke programme of training and support.
“OakNorth’s deep understanding of the nursery and early years sector, coupled with their flexible and transparent financing approach, made them our ideal funding partner for this acquisition-led project. Following this successful acquisition, we’re well-positioned to expand high-quality early years education across more areas of the North of England.”
Stewart Haworth, director of debt finance at OakNorth, said: “Nurtured Childcare represents everything we look for in a borrower – ambitious leadership, operational rigour, and community impact. We’re proud to back Craig and his team as they bring new energy and vision to the North of England’s nursery sector.
“The combination of an award-winning and experienced operator with the projected tailwinds for the UK’s childcare market, means this acquisition is set to be another success story for the group. We look forward to watching their growth story going forward and supporting Nurtured Childcare on future projects.”
Nurtured Childcare worked with Poynton, Cheshire-based KeySME Business Finance to secure the OakNorth facility. Ash Richardson, founder of KeySME Business Finance, said: “We were appointed on this transaction to support Nurtured Childcare with a competitive, bespoke funding package to facilitate the acquisition of Elmore Kindergarten Group and consolidate existing finance.
“Working with our lender partner, OakNorth, we have collectively delivered a flexible structure to support Craig’s ambitions for the business. This has been a rewarding deal to work on and highlights the abilities of KeySME Business Finance to unlock tailored funding solutions for UK SMEs.
“Thank you to all parties involved for their efforts in getting this transaction over the line and congratulations to the team at Nurtured Childcare. We wish them continued success into the future.”
Nurtured Childcare also received commercial legal advice from Mark Ryan Solicitors and Clarion Solicitors, while the property element of the transaction was handled by John Galvin of Clifford Johnson Solicitors.
The vendor received legal advice from Wake Smith Solicitors and Eddisons.
Cairn Hotel Group expands sustainability efforts across UK venues
Cairn Hotel Group, which operates 28 hotels, eight restaurants, and bars across the UK, has received 33 Green Tourism certifications for its environmental initiatives in 2024. The group earned nine gold and 24 silver accreditations, recognising a broad set of improvements to its sustainability practices.
Among the hotels receiving gold status were the Elmbank Hotel in York and the DoubleTree by Hilton Majestic Hotel and Spa in Harrogate. Green Tourism accreditation evaluates businesses on energy efficiency, carbon reduction, waste management, and biodiversity.
Recent initiatives implemented by the group include air quality improvements, installation of wildlife habitats such as bug hotels, and conservation efforts supporting biodiversity, including some with international reach. Each venue now designates a ‘Green Champion’ responsible for tracking monthly environmental performance and ensuring continued progress on sustainability targets.
Aon makes raft of promotions and appointments at Leeds and Humber offices
Professional services firm Aon has made a series of promotions and appointments across its Leeds South and Humber advisory teams.
Following the promotion of James Fell to head of advisory clients, Taz Begum and Andrew Hall have been promoted to head of office for Leeds, and head of office for Humber respectively.
Taz draws on 29 years’ industry experience while Andy has 27 years’ experience. They will oversee the direction and operational performance of their offices, support team members, ensure clients receive exceptional service, and drive growth.
To support Aon advisory’s strategic focus on clients within the technology and IT industry, Andrew Robson has been promoted to technology practice lead. Drawing on 14 years’ industry experience, Andrew will develop advisory’s technology and IT client service proposition and take overall responsibility for the development of clients within these industries.
In addition, Mark Brown has been appointed to the role of client management director, and Kieran Fields as an account executive. Prior to joining Aon’s Leeds advisory team, Mark, who has 36 years’ experience, spent over five years at Brown & Brown Insurance Brokers (UK) where he oversaw two offices, led teams, and managed external client caseloads. Kieran previously worked at One Call Insurance where he managed a portfolio of clients.
Mark joins the Leeds advisory leadership team and is responsible for client account management and overseeing the team. Drawing on his previous experience, Kieran will manage a book of clients.
Sarah Hanson meanwhile has joined the Humber team as a client director, bringing over 20 years’ experience. In her new role Sarah will manage a book of clients and ensure she secures the best deal to meet their needs and goals.
James Fell, head of advisory clients at Aon, said: “Congratulations to Taz, Andy and Andrew on their well-deserved promotions, and a warm welcome to our new colleagues.
“Taz, Andy and Andrew’s dedication to our colleagues and clients is second to none, and their promotions are part of our continued growth strategy. Mark, Sarah and Kieran, with their wealth of experience and local market knowledge are a valuable addition to our advisory team.
“By acquiring and nurturing highly skilled talent and creating a supportive culture that places colleagues at the heart of our business, we continue to invest in our capabilities, ensuring we can provide our clients with a first-class service.”
Sarah Hanson, client director, said: “Since joining Aon, my work-life balance has greatly improved, and the culture of the company is one that places equal importance on career and family, which is refreshing. The team has been incredibly welcoming, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision to join Aon. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity Aon has given me.”
New £600k export fund targets York and North Yorkshire businesses
Businesses in York and North Yorkshire can now apply for a share of a £600,000 grant scheme aimed at supporting international trade.
The programme, called “Get Exporting,” is part of a wider £5 million Business Innovation Fund overseen by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. It’s the second export-specific scheme in the region, following a previous initiative that issued £200,000 in grants and contributed to over £15 million in global sales.
Applications are currently open. A series of in-person advisory events will take place across the region in October, including stops in Tadcaster, Harrogate, Whitby, Malton, York, Catterick and Skipton. These will be staffed by representatives from the Growth Hub and the Department for Business and Trade.
The Get Exporting fund sits alongside other streams in the Business Innovation Fund focused on startups, sector growth, and upcoming initiatives on funding access and product development.
This latest fund complements three other regional programmes launched earlier this year: £10 million for high street regeneration, £7 million for carbon reduction projects, and £2.3 million for workforce development. All are backed by mayoral challenge funding.
Leeds bearings supplier sets sights on South America
A Leeds-based company that supplies bearings worldwide is set to boost exports to South America after securing £500,000 from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia Debt as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).
Quality Bearings Online currently supplies manufacturing and engineering firms in over 120 countries, with exports accounting for more than 90% of its turnover.
Quality Bearings was one of the first online suppliers of its type when it was set up in 2012, and won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade in 2022.
Last year it launched a trade sales division, QBOL World, after acquiring the assets of another bearings supplier, Euro World. It has also expanded into a second unit adjacent to its existing premises and achieved a 28% increase in turnover.
The business, which is led by Denny Maude and Simon Riley, currently employs 27 staff. The NPIF II funding will provide additional working capital to support its growth plans, which include establishing a new division to serve the aerospace, defence and advanced engineering sectors, and the creation of three new jobs.
Denny Maude, CEO of Quality Bearings, said: “By embracing e-commerce, Quality Bearings brought a fresh approach to a traditional industry where sales were handled over trade counters. Our ability to quickly source products and deliver to customers worldwide, often within one to two days, has been key to our success.
“Looking ahead, we are focused on continued growth and becoming the number one choice for premium bearing supplies on a global scale.”
Gary Whitaker of Mercia Debt added: “Quality Bearings has been a pioneer in the industry and its experienced management team have continued to drive the business forward.
“Following a year of heavy investment, in which the company has doubled its floorspace and expanded into trade sales, this funding will enable the team to move on to the next phase of growth.”
David Baggaley, economic development programme lead at Leeds City Council, provided business growth advice to Quality Bearings.
High-dispensing village pharmacy sold
Elloughton Pharmacy, near Hull, has been sold.
The standard hours pharmacy dispenses an average of 13,700 items per month. It is located on Main Street in Elloughton, which is the primary road that passes through the village and connects Elloughton to the neighbouring town of Brough.
It has been owned by Shariq Hussain since 2012 and was brought to market as he wanted to scale back his portfolio.
Following a confidential sales process with Tom Young at Christie & Co, it has been purchased by local operator, Sie Yew Ting, who has four other pharmacies in the area.
Shariq Hussain, former owner of Elloughton Pharmacy, said: “Since acquiring the pharmacy back in 2012, it has grown consistently over the past 13 years. I thought I had developed the pharmacy as much as I could, so it was pleasing to be able to sell the pharmacy to Sie who can come in with some fresh ideas.
“Being a local operator, Sie will be able to offer a hands-on approach, and I wish him all the best with the business in the future.”
Sie Yew Ting, new owner of Elloughton Pharmacy, said: “I was drawn to the opportunity to acquire Elloughton Pharmacy due to its consistent performance and strong reputation within the local community.
“It aligns well with the existing pharmacies we have in our portfolio, complementing our commitment to high-quality pharmacies in East Yorkshire. I look forward to building upon the excellent foundation that Shariq has established and ensuring continued success for the pharmacy.”
Tom Young, senior business agent – pharmacy at Christie & Co, said: “It was a pleasure to facilitate the sale of Elloughton Pharmacy on behalf of Shariq. I have no doubt that under the new ownership of Sie and his team, the pharmacy will continue to thrive at the heart of the community.”
Lincolnshire’s official tourism body folds amid ongoing financial pressures
Destination Lincolnshire, the designated local visitor economy partnership (LVEP) for Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland, has ceased operations due to prolonged financial challenges.
The organisation was unable to generate sufficient income to meet its operational costs, leading to the immediate termination of all staff positions. While the operational team has been disbanded, the board of directors will remain in place to oversee the insolvency proceedings.
Destination Lincolnshire had served as a central hub for coordinating tourism strategy across the region, facilitating collaboration between local businesses, councils, and tourism operators. Its closure now creates a gap in the delivery and oversight of regional visitor economy planning.
The future of tourism development in the area will depend on fresh public-private partnerships and establishing a more sustainable funding model to support strategic projects and tourism infrastructure. The organisation’s legacy includes a framework for regional coordination, which stakeholders may need to rebuild or integrate into other structures.
The closure comes as other destination management organisations across the UK also face financial strain. The industry is increasingly dependent on mixed revenue models and government backing.
Farmer confidence drops as economic uncertainty builds
A new survey by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society reveals that confidence among farmers is deteriorating, with 65% concerned about the long-term viability of their businesses. Just 30% expressed confidence in their financial outlook over the next year, and only 24% reported being in a stronger position than a year ago.
The findings, based on 400 responses following the UK Government’s Spring Statement, point to mounting pressure from rising input costs, tax and subsidy changes, policy uncertainty, succession issues, and squeezed profitability. These concerns are prompting the Society to reassess its support strategies for the farming sector.
Despite these challenges, farmers identified key areas of opportunity, including strong livestock prices, renewable energy, business diversification, generational input, and direct-to-consumer sales models.
Wellbeing is also a growing concern: 30% rated their mental health as poor or not good, and 36% said it had worsened over the past year. However, 72% said they would seek help if needed.
The Society has responded with a series of practical support initiatives. These include four business viability workshops attended by 300 farmers, mental health and first aid training for over 40 businesses, and targeted programmes for older and younger farmers. Its Goodall Agri-Development Pathway is now in its second year, helping early-career farmers build leadership and commercial skills.
The upcoming Great Yorkshire Show (8–11 July) will showcase British agriculture and provide a networking and knowledge-sharing platform. Key events will address profitability and wellbeing, and the Society will use the occasion to engage policymakers. Approximately 140,000 attendees are expected, with 8,500 animals exhibited and an expanded innovation zone highlighting the future of farming.
The Society, which reinvests £500,000 annually into farming support, continues to run initiatives including networking events, a small grants scheme, and discounted farmer tickets to facilitate industry participation.
Yorkshire leaders propose £14bn rail overhaul to unlock economic growth
A proposed £14bn overhaul of Yorkshire’s ageing rail network aims to transform transport infrastructure across the region and unlock billions in economic value for businesses and local authorities.
The investment plan, developed by former home secretary Lord Blunkett and endorsed by the mayors of West, South, and North Yorkshire, calls for expanded station capacity at Leeds, Sheffield, and York, the creation of a new mainline station in Rotherham, and a through-station in Bradford to improve cross-regional connectivity. The proposal also includes full electrification of the Leeds–Sheffield line and increased service frequency to areas such as Scarborough, the Esk Valley, and Wakefield’s Five Towns.
The program’s first phase would require £2.4bn in government funding by 2030. An additional £2.5bn is earmarked for new and renewed tram infrastructure across West and South Yorkshire.
The review estimates the investment could add £20bn to the region’s economy over the next decade, create approximately 83,000 new jobs, and support the development of over 200,000 new homes—factors that could benefit businesses through improved workforce mobility, logistics, and growth opportunities.
This coordinated push by the region’s Labour mayors comes ahead of the Treasury’s upcoming infrastructure spending review. Instead of competing for funds individually, the mayors promote a unified regional case under the “White Rose” banner to attract central government backing.
The Department for Transport confirmed reviewing the proposals and reiterated its commitment to northern transport investment. Ongoing projects include the Transpennine Route Upgrade and planning work on Northern Powerhouse Rail. The department has also provided £200m to support West Yorkshire’s mass transit development and prioritised funding to scope a new Rotherham station and renew South Yorkshire’s Supertram network.
The proposed rail upgrades align with broader goals to decentralise transport planning and give local leaders a formal role in shaping the rail network under the upcoming Great British Railways governance structure.
