Senior hire for Andrew Jackson Solicitors’ shipping & transport practice

Tess Egginton
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Senior hire for Andrew Jackson Solicitors’ shipping & transport practice
Gavin Farquhar has joined Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP’s shipping & transport practice as a partner. Gavin – who is dual Scottish and English law qualified – has over 30 years’ broad experience acting nationally and internationally for a range of businesses operating in the marine and shipping industry, particularly in the energy field. His expertise includes charterparties, the sale and purchase of vessels, vessel construction, as well as floating production storage and offloading vessel service agreements. Having been involved in shipping work since the inception of the offshore oil industry to the UK, Gavin has acted for numerous developers of – and vessel suppliers to – offshore wind projects, oil field operators and supply companies, commercial fishing businesses, ferry companies, port authorities and multipurpose ship charterers and owners. Gavin has a wealth of specialist experience around the fishing and hydrocarbons industries in the Falkland Islands, along with advising businesses based in Ireland, West Africa and the Middle East, especially in relation to vessel purchases. Shipbuilding contracts and charterparties for vessels destined for work on Offshore Wind projects, including vessels with hybrid engines, has been an area of significant growth recently. Gavin said: “I am delighted to be joining a team with such an enviable and longstanding reputation in the maritime sector. I very much look forward to helping develop the practice in the areas I have focused on, especially in the energy sector.” Dominic Ward, senior partner and head of shipping & transport at Andrew Jackson Solicitors, added: “We have had cases on with Gavin in the past, particularly in relation to the Falkland Islands, and have first hand knowledge of his valuable experience and expertise. “We are delighted to welcome Gavin to Andrew Jackson; I know that he will be a valuable addition to our team and help to ensure we continue to deliver the highest standards of client service.”

Health and welfare legal specialist bolsters Ramsdens’ Court of Protection team

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Health and welfare legal specialist bolsters Ramsdens’ Court of Protection team

With 12 offices across Yorkshire, Ramsdens Solicitors is continuing to strengthen its Court of Protection practice with the appointment of Hanna Whitehead as an associate.

Ms Whitehead, who has expertise in advising on health and welfare cases in the Court of Protection, has spent the last seven years working for Kirklees Council. She has advised on a wide variety of cases including challenges to Deprivations of Liberty (DOLS), Section 16 (of the Mental Capacity Act 2005) applications and best interest decisions.

Originally passing the Bar and qualifying as a barrister, Ms Whitehead now specialises in Section 21 objections, Section 16 applications, medical consent and capacity issues.

With post-graduate degrees in Mental Health Law and Biotechnology Law, she is currently working on a PhD in relation to capacity to engage in sexual relations.

Natalie Lang, partner and head of Ramsdens’ Court of Protection team, said: “With many years of experience advising families concerned about a loved one’s ability to manage their financial affairs due to lack of capacity, we are proud to have established one of the largest regional practices in this niche area of the law.

“As a specialist in health and welfare cases, Hanna adds further strength in depth to our team of Court of Protection experts.”

Hanna Whitehead said: “This is a great opportunity to use my skills as part of an expanding team with a strong reputation for supporting clients in these difficult situations by providing practical, easy-to-understand advice with sensitivity and care.”

Digital pharmacy swoops for Lincoln firm

Tess Egginton
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Digital pharmacy swoops for Lincoln firm

Pharmacy2U, the digital pharmacy, has acquired The PharmPet Co, a Lincoln-based veterinary online pharmacy.

The deal, for an undisclosed sum, follows a partnership in November 2023, which saw the two brands come together to deliver prescriptions to pet owners more conveniently and cost-efficiently.

Established in 2019 by brothers Neil and Phil Younger, and their father, Keith, The PharmPet Co is a highly regarded and ethical provider of online pet medicines. The acquisition aligns with Pharmacy2U’s commitment to offering comprehensive consumer healthcare solutions and NHS prescriptions as it expands its portfolio to include pet health services.

The deal speeds up plans to give customers a holistic approach to healthcare, covering themselves and their pets in one place. Since the partnership last year, Pharmacy2U Pet Health has gone from strength to strength and Pharmacy2U has plans to further transform the prescription market at a time when owners are finding it increasingly hard to get a good deal from their vets.

The two founders of The PharmPet Co join Pharmacy2U to head up the pet health proposition.

Gary Dannatt, Chief of Staff at Pharmacy2U, says: “It’s rare to come across a business that has a strategy, service, and set of values so aligned with your own, that it’s easy to see how it will slot neatly into our existing proposition.

“Following a successful partnership last year it’s become clear The PharmPet Co is one of those cases. The founders have done a remarkable job of creating a service that pet owners across the UK find invaluable, especially during a cost-of-living crisis, and I’m proud to be bringing them into the Pharmacy2U family.

“We look forward to working together to deliver exceptional value and service to our customers, while offering a digital-first approach that allows our pharmacists to deliver expertise in medicine.”

Neil & Phil Younger at The PharmPet Co say: “With over 60 years of combined experience in the pharmacy sector we created The PharmPet Co with a vision to deliver veterinary-standard medication to the fingertips of pet owners, and are both excited to embark on this next chapter of growth as part of Pharmacy2U.

“The deal will allow us to continue doing what we love most, improving the lives of animals, while improving access to affordable and trusted medication.”

Pharmacy2U were advised by Squire Patton Boggs. The PharmPet Co were advised by Ward Hadaway.

14.6 acre Bradford manufacturing site bought to meet demand for cooling equipment in data centers

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14.6 acre Bradford manufacturing site bought to meet demand for cooling equipment in data centers
Modine, a thermal management technologies and solutions firm, has bought a 14.6 acre manufacturing site in Bradford to support increased production of Airedale by Modine precision cooling equipment used in the data center industry. “We are excited to expand our manufacturing operations in the UK to serve our key customers in Europe and beyond,” said Adrian Trevelyan, Managing Director, Data Centers, EMEA. “The market for data center cooling equipment is experiencing rapid growth. Having available plant capacity is crucial as data center operators look to secure production slots in advance to support their growth. We are pleased with the positive signals from our customers about our expanded capacity.” The Bradford purchase includes 312,000ft² of existing manufacturing space that will be used for manufacturing and testing computer room air handlers and fan walls, as well as offices and warehouses. The first Airedale by Modine units are expected out of Bradford by the end of 2024. The existing facility in Leeds will focus on chiller production. Between the two sites, overall production capability is expected to increase 150%. In addition to increased production capability, the development of a 2MW test center at Bradford will be a centerpiece of the new site.

JMG Group expands reach with Surrey broker

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JMG Group expands reach with Surrey broker
Strengthening its commercial insurance services and footprint in the south, Leeds’ JMG Group has acquired Surrey-based insurance broker SIA Insurance.

SIA Insurance is led by directors Chris Browne and Colin Duxberry, who have collectively worked in the insurance industry for over 75 years. Since establishing SIA Insurance in 1996, the business has acquired five companies and now employs ten staff who provide commercial, property and motor insurance services from its offices in Surbiton, Surrey.

Selling to JMG Group is part of the succession plan, giving the business a solid platform from which it can grow further. 

As part of the deal, JMG Group will also integrate SIA’s subsidiary, Evergreen Insurance Services. Established in 2017 by founder Dave Gardiner, Evergreen donates up to 25% of its commission to ethical and environmentally focussed charities – including wildlife and environmental conservation charities – to ensure insurance purchases serve a greater purpose. 

JMG Group will also acquire Evergreen’s innovative Tankershield and Oilshield products, offering specialist insurance and risk management solutions with prevention, protection and continual improvement at their core. 

Colin Duxberry says: “Joining the JMG Group marks an exciting chapter for SIA Insurance and for our dedicated team. The acquisition presents a fantastic opportunity for growth and for our staff to further develop with the support of a larger group of experienced insurance professionals.

“I’ll continue to work with our existing clients while supporting the team through the transition. I’m excited to see the business grow and see the opportunities which lie ahead for our business.” 

JMG Group CEO, Nick Houghton, says: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Colin, Chris, Dave and the whole team to the group. Their business approach and ethos are a perfect fit for JMG Group.

“Colin and Chris’ experience in the industry, coupled with Dave’s experience and passion for the environment are a winning combination and will help us to provide an even better service to clients.” 

Premium sportswear brand acquires Leeds business

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Premium sportswear brand acquires Leeds business
Premium sportswear brand Castore has finalised its acquisition of Infinity Inc, a supplier of branded merchandise, clothing and uniform based in Leeds. Already a key supplier to Castore, the acquisition strengthens its supply chain and enables greater speed to market when servicing both UK and international sporting partners. Phil Beahon, co-founder of Castore, said: “We have long admired Infinity and have worked closely with Darren and his team over the years so know the quality of product they can deliver. We look forward to integrating the business with Castore but also continuing to service the wide array of customers already being serviced by Infinity.” Darren Cohen, CEO of Infinity, said: “I am delighted to lead Infinity Inc into this exciting new chapter and partnership with Castore. With over 25 years of experience providing branding expertise, innovative solutions, and world class service, we look forward to supporting Castore with their vision to become the number one British sportswear brand.”

Abingdon Health acquires IVDeology

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Abingdon Health acquires IVDeology

Abingdon Health, a York-headquartered lateral flow contract research (CRO) and contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), has acquired IVDeology Holdings Limited, together with its subsidiaries, in a £700,000 deal.

IVDeology is a UK-based provider of regulatory consultancy support to an international customer base in the in vitro diagnostics sector. Co-founded by regulatory experts Stuart Angell and Nancy Consterdine, both will continue to lead IVDeology as part of the wider Abingdon Health group. 

Chris Yates, CEO, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Stuart, Nancy and the rest of the IVDeology team to the Abingdon Health group. The acquisition of IVDeology is in line with Abingdon’s strategy of providing our customers with all the pieces of the jigsaw required to bring products from idea to commercial success.

“The IVDeology team will strengthen Abingdon’s existing knowledge leadership and regulatory expertise. We look forward to working with the IVDeology team and supporting existing and new customers in navigating a regulatory environment going through a period of significant change.”

Stuart Angell, Managing Director of IVDeology, said: “Nancy, the rest of the IVDeology team and I are excited to be joining the Abingdon Health Group. The in vitro diagnostics sector is undergoing a significant period of regulatory change in the UK, EU and internationally.

“By combining our collective skills, knowledge, and expertise, we can support our customers and the wider IVD industry with the comprehensive service that this opportunity provides.”

Clare joins Rollins as Trust Administrator

Stuart Pearcey
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Clare joins Rollins as Trust Administrator

Experienced accountant Clare Stones has joined law firm Rollits as Trust Administrator to its Private Capital team.

She attended Joseph Rowntree Secondary School in York and then embarked on her career in accountancy, completing her Association of Accounting Technicians studies with YH Training and then her Association of Chartered Certified Accountants qualification at Kaplan in Leeds. After gaining a degree in applied accounting at Oxford Brookes University she worked as Client Manager at Garbutt & Elliott, provided accountancy support to her own clients on a self-employed basis, and more recently worked as Group Client Director at Delve Accounting Group. Clare’s role at Rollits is to provide day-to-day trust administration services and prepare annual accounts and tax returns for income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax. Away from work Clare is an active supporter of charities. She spent 10 years as treasurer of the Special Care Baby Unit at York Hospital and she runs to raise money for various causes, with plans to complete Ultra-Marathon later this year.

Sheffield Chamber names three new non-exec directors

Stuart Pearcey
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Sheffield Chamber names three new non-exec directors
Sheffield Chamber of Commerce has appointed three new Non-Executive Directors to the Board. Amy Grey, CFO at Sheffield Forgemasters, joins the Board with more than 20 years’ strategic finance experience – 10 at executive team level – and has held a raft of senior positions across both regional and multi-national companies. The Chamber also welcomes Dr Sam Chapman, Senior Vice President of Innovation & Co-founder at The Floow, who specialises in transport, new technologies, new markets and research projects. He was also elected as the first ever ‘digital cutler’, during his tenure as a Freeman and Council Member of The Company of Cutlers, back in 2015. Erica Thompson, General Counsel at Pricecheck Toiletries, offers a wealth of legal experience, specifically in the regulatory compliance arena, gained from working within multiple businesses and industries from around the Sheffield region over the past 10 years. Louisa Harrison-Walker, CEO of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, said: “It’s a very exciting time for our city, and our new colleagues will further strengthen the collective knowledge and experience of our existing Board. “With their impressive professional backgrounds spanning many corners of the business landscape — legal, finance and digital — each of the new NEDs brings with them fresh perspectives, skills, and decision-making capabilities. “As well as making Sheffield the best place to start, grow and run a successful and sustainable business, the Chamber is passionate about working together and leading the way in making that happen. The new appointments are crucial in helping to achieve this.”

Manufacturing slips back into contraction as output and new orders decline

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Manufacturing slips back into contraction as output and new orders decline
The UK manufacturing sector showed renewed signs of weakness at the start of the second quarter. April saw output and new orders slip back into contraction territory following short-lived upturns in March, as uncertain market conditions, client destocking and supply-chain disruption (mainly relating to the Red Sea crisis) stymied opportunities for sustained expansion. The seasonally adjusted S&P Global UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ IndexTM (PMI®) fell to 49.1 in April, down from March’s 20-month high of 50.3. Four of the five PMI constituents (output, new orders, employment and stocks of purchases) registered contractions. Longer supplier delivery times was the only variable to buck the negative trend on the PMI. However, this was largely a ‘false positive’, largely reflecting disruptions caused by the Red Sea crisis as opposed to stronger conditions driving up demand for raw materials (input buying activity actually fell during the latest survey month). The latest contraction of production volumes – the thirteenth during the past 14 months – was mainly the result of output being scaled back in both the intermediate and investment goods industries. The link between market demand and the trend in production was highlighted by these two sectors also seeing lower intakes of new business. In contrast, the performance of the consumer goods industry continued to strengthen, with output and new orders in this category rising for the second successive month (albeit at slower rates of growth). Total new business placed with UK manufacturers contracted in April, amid signs of weaker demand from both domestic and overseas sources. The downturn in new export business extended to 27 successive months, with reports of weaker intakes from Germany, Ireland, Asia and the US. Strong competition, distribution issues and cost increases were all factors contributing to lower new export order inflows. Average purchasing costs rose for the fourth successive month in April, with the rate of increase accelerating to its highest since February 2023. Multiple inputs were reported to be up in price, with specific reference to higher costs for energy, polymers, steel, textiles, timber and transportation. There were also reports citing increased shipping costs (Red Sea crisis), market forces and the pass-through of higher wages at suppliers. Manufacturers’ selling prices rose in response, taking output charge inflation to an 11-month high.
The continued subdued performance of the UK manufacturing sector was reflected in the labour market. Staffing levels were reduced for the nineteenth consecutive month. Job losses were mainly in the consumer and intermediate goods sub-industries, as employment rose in the investment goods category. April saw weak demand, cost control initiatives, supply-chain disruptions and a preference for reduced stock holdings influence levels of purchasing activity and inventory holdings. Input buying volumes subsequently fell for the twenty-second month in a row, while stocks of both purchases and finished goods were further depleted. The decrease in holdings of inputs at warehouses was also affected by delays in receiving goods ordered from suppliers. Average vendor lead times lengthened for the fourth month running, amid continued reports of disruption caused by the Red Sea crisis. The outlook for the UK manufacturing sector remained positive in April. Over half of companies (52%) forecast that output would increase over the coming year, compared to only 8% anticipating a decline. Optimism was linked to hopes for a revival in demand, new product launches, efficiency gains and an improvement in market conditions.
Commenting on the latest survey results, Rob Dobson, Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said: “The UK manufacturing sector suffered a renewed downturn in April, as output and new orders contracted following short-lived rebounds in March. “The sector is still besieged by weak market confidence, client destocking and disruptions caused by the ongoing Red Sea crisis, all of which are contributing to reduced inflows of new work from domestic and overseas customers, with specific reports of difficulty securing new contract wins from Europe, the US and Asia. “The downturn is also sustaining cost caution at manufacturers, leading to lower employment, stock holdings and cutbacks in purchasing activity. The news on the prices front is also worrisome for those looking for a sustainable path back to target (consumer price) inflation, with cost pressures growing in industry and feeding through to higher selling prices at the factory gate.”
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