Business student wins top award for online fashion creations concept

Stuart Pearcey
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Business student wins top award for online fashion creations concept

University of Bradford business graduate Sonya Byrne has won a top award after developing a concept to sell virtual copies of her own fashion creations.

She has been named Association of MBAs Student of the Year 2024 in the AMBA & BGA Excellence Awards. Sonya enrolled in the School of Management’s Executive MBA in 2020. She had previously taken part in Bradford Business Challenge, where she first worked with MBA students on solving real-world problems. During her time at Bradford, she helped develop the first ever MBA Summit. Having spent 15 years working for some of the biggest names in fashion – including Inditex, Miroglio and BESTSELLER – she started her own business with husband Liam and designed non-fungible tokens to go alongside bespoke women’s fashion items. She said: “I am deeply honoured and thrilled to have been awarded the AMBA Student of the Year 2024. “This recognition reinforces the profound impact of education as a catalyst for personal and collective transformation on multiple levels, extending beyond academic accomplishments. It underscores the pivotal roles of leadership, collaboration, and the creation of a vibrant and inclusive community, which, for me, has been a monumental experience. “The award has fundamentally elevated my personal and professional development, sharpening my entrepreneurial abilities and equipping our start-up business with the skills needed to compete on the international stage.”

With the deadline a week away, almost four million have yet to file self-assessment tax returns

Stuart Pearcey
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With the deadline a week away, almost four million have yet to file self-assessment tax returns
With only one week to go until the 31 January Self Assessment deadline, HMRC is urging the 3.8 million people yet to file their tax return to act now or risk facing a £100 penalty. HMRC is expecting more than 12.1 million tax returns to be filed for the 2022 to 2023 tax year, along with any payment that is owed. To date, more than 8.3 million online returns have already been received. Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “If you are a Self Assessment taxpayer, now is the time to take action and get your return done. People can familiarise themselves with the process by checking out HMRC’s online resources on GOV.UK. Once a tax return is submitted, it’s easy to find out what’s owed and to pay online or using the HMRC app. Just search ‘pay my Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more. “For anyone unable to pay in full, HMRC wants to help find an affordable way to pay the tax they owe. They may be able to set up a Time to Pay arrangement and can find out how to do this online, without speaking to HMRC, if they owe less than £30,000.”

Harrogate firm leads international acquisition by US software buyer

Stuart Pearcey
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Harrogate firm leads international acquisition by US software buyer
Manchester-based telephony technology business Invosys has been acquired by Dura Software, a leading US buyer of niche software companies in a deal originated and led by Harrogate-based CorpFin. The deal led by Corpfin means the founders and existing shareholders will sell their stake in the business for an undisclosed eight-figure sum. Best known for its cloud comms platform and call logic software, Invosys was established in 2006 and provides high-tech inbound and call management telephony solutions. In 2020, the firm broadened its reach with the acquisition of installation and maintenance services provider Atrium Telecom.
Invosys co-founder Peter Crooks, who will remain with the business as a consultant, said: “This sale makes perfect sense for both businesses. It opens an exciting new chapter for Invosys, taking our innovative telecoms products into many new global markets alongside some fantastic complementary technologies that Dura has been bringing together through a number of key acquisitions.” Corpfin founder Chris Silverwood, along with fellow Corpfin partner Phil Winspear, advised the board of Invosys on the deal after successfully securing Dura as a buyer during a 12-month strategic global sale process. DWF in Manchester provided legal advice to the shareholders in the transaction, David Wilson of Wilson & Co in Leeds provided tax advice, and Farrer & Co provided legal advice on the transaction on behalf of Dura. Chris Silverwood of Corpfin said: “Sometimes, bringing two businesses together can add more value to both, and that’s precisely the case here. Over the last two decades, Invosys has secured a market leading position in its niche field and built up some remarkable tech IP that has huge potential within a larger technology group. “Congratulations to the founders and to the management team who now have a massive opportunity to take the venture forwards and go global.”

ABP agrees lease deal with recycler of scrap from British Steel

Stuart Pearcey
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ABP agrees lease deal with recycler of scrap from British Steel
Associated British Ports has given a lease to Enicor in support of the company’s multi-million-pound deal with British Steel to export 400,000 tonnes of Skim Iron, sometimes known as pig iron skulls, from Immingham on the Humber. Two deep sea vessels have been organised for a total of 47,000mts to ship the by-product to international markets. This is the largest scrap export shipment within the last few years. The first vessel arrived in port mid-January to collect the first shipment. Simon Bird, Regional Director for the Humber ports said: “Enicor recognises the importance of Immingham as a gateway to the rest of the world. The Port of Immingham is ideally located with excellent links to global markets and will be vital in helping them fulfil their plans as a business.” James Bowers, CEO of Enicor said: “Enicor has gone from strength to strength in recent years seeing turnover exceed £100M and tonnages exported reaching new levels. “The opening of our Immingham dock operations is a milestone moment for the company allowing us to sell deep sea cargos worldwide. We understand that our first vessel of scrap exported will be the largest in recent years. We hope to maintain a close relationship with ABP over the coming years and push to execute vessels of similar size every four to six weeks. We would like to thank ABP for their support thus far.” Enicor was founded last year after KJB Consulting acquired BW Riddle, a metal recycling business. Its HQ is in Derbyshire, and it operates a further office at Bourne in Lincolnshire.

Bramall Properties promotes Jonathan to a seat on the Board

Stuart Pearcey
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Bramall Properties promotes Jonathan to a seat on the Board
Harrogate-based property and investment company Bramall Properties has appointed Jonathan Duck to its Board as Property Director.

Having already spent nine years with Bramall Group, Jonathan joins the Board alongside founder and Chairman Tony Bramall, MD Miles Chilton, and Company Secretary Alison Lockwood.

Jonathan has more than 35 years of industry experience, having previously worked with the estates team at British Rail Property Board before joining Sanderson Weatherall, where he spent 27 years.

As a Board Director at Bramall Properties, Jonathan will take a more strategic role in managing the property portfolio.   He will specifically lead the company’s real estate management and asset management programme across sectors including industrial, retail, leisure, office and automotive.

Tony Bramall, said: “Over the last nine years Jonathan has made a considerable contribution to become a valued team member and a real asset to the business.

“He will be instrumental in helping us to realise maximum value for our portfolio of property assets and future acquisitions programme.  Indeed, we are seeking opportunities to invest in new properties and development projects including private and public securities through our Guernsey Investments finance third party property development fund.”

Bramall Group owns a £300 million portfolio of commercial real estate, arable land, forestry, property developments and financial securities. The group is family-owned and is led by Tony Bramall. Over the last six decades Mr Bramall has built and exited two successful public companies while overseeing the growth of the Group and funding a charitable trust which has supported a variety of good causes for the last 30 years.

The Bramall Group managed estate portfolio includes the 568,297 sq ft Hedon Road industrial estate in Hull, the 90,000 sq ft St James Retail Park in Knaresborough and 5/7 Lands Lane in Leeds.  Tenants for other investments include M&S in Harrogate, Mercedes Benz in Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield, Premier Inn Hotel in Halifax and Hull, and Bettys and Taylors Group in Knaresborough.

Miliband meets Doncaster businesses for wide-ranging discussion

Stuart Pearcey
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Miliband meets Doncaster businesses for wide-ranging discussion
Ed Miliband recently met businesses in his constituency at a roundtable event that was organised by Doncaster Chamber. The conversationspanned a number of topics, including: current macroeconomic conditions; the importance of championing Brand Britain when it comes to international trade; the latest developments in relation to Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA); and what needs to happen to rejuvenate our languishing city centre. Given Ed’s position as Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, the green agenda was inevitably a subject of great interest as well, with firms articulating the various challenges and opportunities they are facing at the moment in that particular area. Equipped now with these valuable insights, the hope is that the MP will be able to use his platform going forward to better represent the local business community and more authoritatively speak on their behalf. The open forum also gave attendees an opportunity to pose questions directly to Ed and to raise any concerns that they think ought to be on his radar. Dan Fell, Chief Exec of Doncaster Chamber, said: “This event generated a lot of stimulating and constructive debate and I am sure that Ed found it to be an incredibly useful experience, just as we did. “Among other things, our conversation touched upon the need for more long-termism in Government, the economic conditions that are necessary for business growth and, of course, the ever-pressing issue of how we can support businesses to meet their Net Zero commitments. A lot of important points were raised in respect of each of these, and I am confident that Ed came away from the session with lots of homework to be getting on with. “From our perspective as a Chamber, we too will be striving to improve things for Doncaster this year, as we develop a brand new vision in the form of our upcoming Business Manifesto and continue to lobby for meaningful change wherever we can. The insights from this roundtable were therefore equally valuable to us and so I’d like to thank those businesses who attended for sharing their experiences and making this such a productive discussion.” Mr Miliband, MP for Doncaster North, said: “The discussion was a fantastic opportunity to talk to local businesses about their work to take advantage of the opportunities of transitioning to Net Zero, as well as to hear about the challenges that they are facing. “Working together with business is the way to help Doncaster succeed and the event was a great opportunity to speak to local businesses, with some excellent discussions about our City.”

Firms urged to toughen up on cyber protection as one in three falls victim to hackers

Stuart Pearcey
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Firms urged to toughen up on cyber protection as one in three falls victim to hackers
A draft Code of Practice on cyber security governance published today will help directors and senior leaders shore up defences from cyber threats, as the government launches a new call for views from business leaders. The guidance comes as figures show almost one in three 32% firms have suffered a cyber breach or attack in the past year, with a rise in damaging ransomware attacks and malicious actors posing significant threats as they look to take advantage of cyber security vulnerabilities. Aimed at executive and non-executive directors and other senior leaders, the measures look to establish cyber security issues as a key focus for businesses, putting them on an equal footing with other threats like financial and legal pitfalls. As part of this, the Code recommends that directors set out clear roles and responsibilities across their organisations, boosting protections for customers and safeguarding their ability to operate safely and securely. A key focus of the Code, designed in partnership with industry directors, cyber and governance experts and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), is making sure companies have detailed plans in place to respond to and recover from any potential cyber incidents. The plan should be regularly tested so it’s as robust as possible, with a formal system for reporting incidents also in place. Organisations are also encouraged to equip employees with adequate skills and awareness of cyber issues so they can work alongside new technologies in confidence. Today, the government is calling on businesses of all sizes from all sectors with an interest in cyber and governance issues to share their opinions on the draft Code, helping shape and deliver the future of improved cyber security in the UK. Viscount Camrose, Minister for AI and Intellectual Property, said: “Cyber attacks are as damaging to organisations as financial and legal pitfalls, so it’s crucial that bosses and directors take a firm grip of their organisation’s cyber security regimes – protecting their customers, workforce, business operations and our wider economy. “This new Code will help them take the lead in safely navigating potential cyber threats, ensuring businesses across the country can take full advantage of the emerging technologies which are revolutionising how we work.

“It is vital the people at the heart of this issue take the lead in shaping how we can improve cyber security in every part of our economy, which is why we want to see industry and business professionals from all walks coming forward to share their views.”

The benefits of the UK’s rapidly growing cyber landscape are said to be sizeable, unlocking new opportunities and ways of working, and creating new jobs to grow every sector of the UK economy – a key priority for the government. However, the risks associated with growing an increasingly digital economy need to be addressed with practical action and robust safeguards. The introduction of the Cyber Governance Code of Practice marks a pivotal step in how the leaders and directors of all organisations approach cyber risk, underpinning the UK’s credentials as a cyber power and protecting our economy.  

North Yorkshire haulage company sold to transportation group

Tess Egginton
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North Yorkshire haulage company sold to transportation group
Big plans are being made for Floyd Schofield Haulage following the company’s sale to DAA Transport in a deal overseen by KBS Corporate. Floyd Schofield, based in Settle, North Yorkshire, was established in 2014 and serves the bulk and general haulage market across the UK. After substantial interest from both trade and private equity acquirers with 49 parties initially coming forward, Floyd Schofield was sold to DAA Transport Ltd – joining the parent company’s existing businesses SL Transport (UK), Norman E Webb Ltd, Norman E Webb Logistics and Linney Refrigerated Transport, although the last-named was consolidated in 2023 and no longer operates as a separate entity. With a strong presence in the South of England, DAA was eager to become established further north – hence the appeal of Floyd Schofield. “Floyd Schofield Haulage has a well-established reputation in the haulage industry and is an ideal company to join our existing portfolio, expanding our reach to the North of England,” explained Jon Dando of DAA Transport. “The primary appeal was the company’s strong local presence and expertise in the North Yorkshire region. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our strategic goals of geographical expansion and enhancing our service capabilities. “Floyd Schofield Haulage has a well-established customer base and a reputation for exceptional service, which complements our commitment to offering comprehensive and customer-centric transport solutions. Additionally, its specialisation in bulk haulage services provides us with an opportunity to diversify our offerings and better serve a wider range of client needs.” Prospects for growth look bright under the new ownership, with the target being to set “new benchmarks” in the transport and logistics sector. “The acquisition of Floyd Schofield Haulage represents an exciting chapter and aligns with our commitment to strengthen our position in the market and grow our fleet in 2024,” added Jon Dando. “The outlook for the business is extremely positive. We are committed to investing in the growth and development of Floyd Schofield Haulage, ensuring it continues to thrive and serve its customers with the same level of dedication and quality. “Our combined expertise and resources will enable us to enhance our service offerings, innovate in our logistical solutions and expand our reach to new markets. “We are excited about the synergy between the two companies and are confident this will lead to increased efficiency, improved customer service and overall business growth. We look forward to a future where we set new benchmarks in the transport and logistics sector together.” Luke Rae, KBS Corporate Deal Executive, who oversaw the transaction, said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for the business to grow as part of a larger group. “Both parties worked diligently to get the deal across the line. I’m extremely proud to bring the sale to a successful conclusion.”

Hull family business acquires former maternity hospital site

Tess Egginton
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Hull family business acquires former maternity hospital site
Hull family business J.R. Rix & Sons Ltd has acquired an 11-acre industrial site on Hedon Road for a seven-figure sum. The company, based in Two Humber Quays on Hull’s waterfront, has purchased Kingston Parklands – the site of the city’s former maternity hospital – from commercial developer the Horncastle Group PLC. The move sees J.R. Rix & Sons build on its assets in the east of the city which also includes Kingston International Business Park – Hull’s largest multi-let industrial park – which it acquired in 2019. Initially, the new site has attained temporary planning permission for external storage, but is earmarked for future development as an industrial and logistics hub. Mike Fry, Director of Estates at J.R. Rix & Sons, said the acquisition represented a commitment by the business to ‘build for the future’. He said: “Rix is well known for its petroleum, shipping and leisure home manufacturing businesses, but what is less well known is that the company has significant property interests in Hull. “This latest acquisition signals our intent to build on that and provide the type of commercial developments that businesses in the city need to thrive, create jobs, and grow the local economy.” Mike added that the company was already seeing opportunities in the market place, and these are expected to grow as work on Hull’s road infrastructure continues to open up the east side of the city. “With the upgrades to Castle Street now well underway, we are expecting demand along the Hedon Road corridor to increase significantly moving forward,” he said. “Given the site’s proximity to the ports, it is likely it will be developed as a state-of-the-art industrial, manufacturing and logistics hub. “The Humber ports complex handles 12% of the UK’s seaborne trade, making it one of the country’s most important strategic locations for international trade. “As a result, this site will suit growing businesses, especially port users, looking to upscale their facilities. It has the flexibility to be developed for a single occupier or multiple occupiers and once developed, will constitute some of the highest quality commercial space in the city.” The former maternity hospital opened in 1929 and served the people of Hull and East Yorkshire until 2003, when it closed its doors for the last time. The site has since been cleared in preparation for development and was acquired by the Horncastle Group PLC in 2021. Tom Horncastle, Managing Director of the Horncastle Group, said: “We’re delighted to have completed this deal with J.R. Rix & Sons Ltd. “Kingston Parklands is a fantastic development opportunity that will significantly enhance the attractiveness of the east of the city to major industrial and manufacturing businesses. “We look forward to recycling the proceeds into our exciting pipeline of opportunities across the region and the wider UK.”

Sam gets new Associate Partner role in Leeds and Manchester

Stuart Pearcey
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Sam gets new Associate Partner role in Leeds and Manchester
Sam Hutchison has ben promoted to Associate Partner at design architect Gillespies, where he’ll support the leadership team in Leeds and Manchester to drive new UK and international business. Sam joined Gillespies’ London studio in 2013 as a Landscape Architect. He was promoted to Senior Landscape Architect in 2016 and became a Principal in 2018, before relocating to the practice’s Leeds studio. Two years later he was promoted to Associate. Sam is a highly accomplished designer and project leader who has played a pivotal role in several noteworthy projects across London, the north of England and overseas, including the pioneering 300m-long roof terrace at the new purpose-built Google Headquarters in London’s King’s Cross, which is currently under construction. Tom Walker, Partner at Gillespies’ Leeds studio, said: “Sam is a brilliant leader and imaginative designer who has shown an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional projects that focus on enhancing quality of life. His projects are characterised by immersive settings and enriched by compelling narratives. “He has also played a key role in driving new business and developing key client relationships for the Leeds and Hale studio. We are really proud to support Sam in this next chapter of his story at Gillespies.”
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