Acquisition makes Leeds-based property consultancy into UK’s largest

Stuart Pearcey
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Acquisition makes Leeds-based property consultancy into UK’s largest
Leeds-headquartered Eddisons has become one of the country’s largest property auction houses by volume after acquiring SDL Property Auctions in a deal worth up to £3.25m. Led by MD Andrew Parker, Nottingham-based SDL Property Auctions sells residential and commercial properties across the UK, offering around 2,000 lots for sale annually. Employing 46 people, the firm is particularly active in the South East, Midlands and Scotland, complementing Eddisons’ property auction strengths in Yorkshire and the North West. The acquisition builds on Eddisons’ auction business, which trades under the Pugh and Mark Jenkinson brands, with SDL Property Auctions set to integrate with the Eddisons team post-acquisition. Eddisons managing partner Anthony Spencer said: “This acquisition significantly increases the scale of our auction business, and I look forward to working with Andy and the team. “This is the fourth acquisition of the year for Eddisons and we continue to seek further opportunities for expansion across the UK.”
Eddisons’ strategy of increasing the scale and quality of its business, both organically and through acquisitions, has seen the firm increase turnover from £20m in 2020 to more than £40m this year. The SDL Property Auctions deal follows previous acquisitions this year of Sheffield auctioneer Mark Jenkinson in March, Lincoln-based consultancy Banks Long & Co in May and last month’s acquisition of Andrew Forbes Surveyors in Bristol. Mr Parkeradded: “Through our team of talented people who place our clients’ interests at the forefront of everything we do, SDL Property Auctions has developed an award- winning reputation for selling property by auction. “We are excited to be joining Eddisons and I look forward to working with like-minded individuals to develop the opportunities that the deal presents.”

Doncaster solicitor merges two offices into one at Lakeside

Stuart Pearcey
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Doncaster solicitor merges two offices into one at Lakeside
Almost 100 employees based in two Doncaster offices run by Switalskis hare coming together into one office suite. The new 5,500 sq feet premises will house 94 people from’ two Doncaster offices the firm replaces its Hall Gate and Sidings Court offices with the modern workspace set within the Lakeside Business Park. The move comes exactly three years after Switalskis acquired Doncaster-based Atherton Godfrey, which previously occupied the Hall Gate office. Sarah Naylor, Director at Switalskis, said: “We’re all looking forward to moving into our new premises. It’s fantastic to combine our two existing Doncaster offices to bring together our staff and we eagerly anticipate working together in our new workspace. Our move shows our dedication to best serving our clients in the area and beyond. We look forward to welcoming clients and visitors to our new home.” MD John Durkan added: “This marks an important and final phase of a very carefully planned integration following our acquisition of Atherton Godfrey. Bringing our people together at one site will further encourage collaboration – the sharing of expertise, best practice, and connections. This will be of huge benefit to our people, our clients and our business.”

Former pub has to be demolished because it had become unsafe

Stuart Pearcey
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Former pub has to be demolished because it had become unsafe
A former Sheffield city centre pub is to be demolished after it was deemed unsafe following investigations when work was being carried out to remove asbestos from The Market Tavern, on Exchange Street/. It was discovered that the building’s chimneys were structurally unstable with a risk that they could impact on safe access from the neighbouring Mudford Building, currently used by the Andalus Community Group. During work to make take down the chimneys a further assessment of the former pub was carried out by Building Control and, unfortunately, the whole building was deemed unsafe and requires full demolition. Officers from Sheffield City Council have been in constant contact with the Andalus Community Group providing them with temporary alternative accommodation.  Following initial safety works they have now been able to resume occupation of the Mudford Building. Sean McClean, Director of Regeneration and Development at Sheffield City Council, said: “Safety must be our number one priority when it comes to the buildings in Sheffield and, unfortunately, we have been left with no option but to demolish The Market Tavern as it has been found to be unsafe. “Contractors have been working to remove the chimneys and demolition work on the whole building is due to start in the next few weeks. I want to take this opportunity to thank Andalus Community Group for their understanding and cooperation over the last few weeks.”

Forgemasters buys extra building to house rising staff numbers

Stuart Pearcey
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Forgemasters buys extra building to house rising staff numbers
An office building close to Meadowhall has been acquired by Sheffield Forgemasters to house staff working on company’s new 13,000-tonne forging line and proposed machining facility The 10,000 sq ft, two-storey Riverside Court complex at the junction of Brightside Lane and Weedon Street will become a new base for project leaders and associated contractors working on the transformational project. With the company undertaking a multimillion-pound recapitalisation project, its workforce has almost doubled through on-site contractors, making space a premium at the existing 64-acre site. Steve Marshall, manufacturing transformation director, said: “The purchase of offices at Riverside Court offsets demands that the recapitalisation programme will place on existing facilities. “Our employee count is more than 600 and contractors are set to number almost 500, so additional offices and car parking are essential to maintain productivity without any impact on our major recapitalisation works.” Knight Frank’s Sheffield’s agency team, headed up by Peter Whiteley, acted for the owners of Riverside Court. Whiteley, partner and head of office at Knight Frank, said: “Sheffield Forgemasters is investing in the city of Sheffield through its recapitalisation project, bringing employment, commercial and property opportunities. “It was important for the company to house the relevant staff on one site, also emphasising how crucial an office space with associated parking is in this type and scale of scheme.”

Sheffield councillors invest £300,000 to boost city economy by £2m

Stuart Pearcey
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Sheffield councillors invest £300,000 to boost city economy by £2m
Sheffield City Council has approved funding of £100,000 a year to support the delivery of Dockets, the International Documentary Festival Sheffield, for the next three years, in the expectation that it will generate almost £2 million for the city’s economy. Sheffield DocFest is the UK’s leading documentary festival and celebrates the art and business of documentary and all non-fiction storytelling. Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “Events like DocFest have a fantastic impact on the local economy, bringing in thousands of visitors from across the globe, who come and spend money at our local venues and with local businesses. The return on our funding investment is really impressive and hugely valuable to residents. “These events are also hugely beneficial to Sheffield’s cultural offer, and as next year will see the launch of our culture strategy, aiming to make culture an integral part of the city’s identity, it’s even more important for us show our support.” DocFest regularly attracts more than 2000 industry experts from 69 countries, which in turn is expected to result in millions spent with Sheffield businesses. As the event is spread across multiple venues, with 36 being used in 2023, it is likely to result in almost 40,000 public admissions to cultural and entertainment sites across the city. The report to committee also states that hosting the festival will benefit the city’s reputation as a cultural and creative destination, and in 2023, 37 of 114 total films were world premieres. Sheffield DocFest also has a year-round programme of training, workshops, mentoring and networking, as well as internships and volunteering opportunities for young people, giving Sheffield a year-round profile on the national and international stage. Annabel Grundy, MD of Sheffield DocFest, said: “Confirming three years of support from Sheffield City Council is hugely beneficial to the charity, and gratefully received. “With this core support we can continue to be ambitious for our festival and the city, attracting diverse audiences, presenting brilliant films and events and showing off all that Sheffield has to offer on the international stage. “We also look forward to working in partnership with the Council and city partners to open up the festival even more to local people, whether that’s helping them get first jobs in the film industry, getting involved in our community workshops or simply coming to a fabulous film premiere at  Showroom or one of our other brilliant, independent venues.” Funding will support Sheffield DocFest to maintain a programme of international significance, in an environment of reduced funding from national bodies. The Council will also support Sheffield DocFest in unlocking further funding to directly benefit local filmmakers and audiences, as well as providing the resources to secure commercial backing. Sheffield DocFest is set to return on Wednesday 12th June 2024.

Seasonal workers urged to check they’re being paid correctly

Stuart Pearcey
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Seasonal workers urged to check they’re being paid correctly
Festive workers who may be missing out on the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage are being urged to check their pay. Seasonal staff and students on short-term contracts over Christmas, including those working in shops, hotels, Christmas markets, garden centres, restaurants and warehouses, are legally entitled to the same minimum rates as other workers. HM Revenue and Customs is reminding all workers to check their hourly rate of pay – in particular, looking out for any unpaid working time, such as time spent opening and closing a shop, training, picking up extra shifts and working longer hours. Deductions, for things like uniforms or tools, can also reduce pay rates. In 2022-23, HMRC identified wage arrears of £13.7 million due to more than 108,000 underpaid UK workers. Marc Gill, Director Individuals and Small Business Compliance at HMRC, said: “We want to make sure that all workers, including seasonal staff and students, are being paid what they are due this festive period, which is why we are reminding everyone to check their pay. “People should check their hourly rate and look out for any deductions or unpaid working time. It could take them below the minimum wage. “HMRC looks into every minimum wage complaint, so if you think you are being short-changed you should get in touch. Don’t lose out – report it.” The National Minimum Wage hourly rates are currently:
  • £10.42 – Age 23 and over (National Living Wage)
  • £10.18 – Age 21 to 22
  • £7.49 – Age 18 to 20
  • £5.28 – Age under 18
  • £5.28 – Apprentice
Anyone not being paid what they are entitled to, or people concerned that someone they know may not be getting paid correctly, can report it online at https://www.gov.uk/minimum-wage-complaint. It is an easy process that takes around ten minutes and reports can be made after the employment has ended.

Firms warned to be on their guard against rogue business rates agents

Stuart Pearcey
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Firms warned to be on their guard against rogue business rates agents
The Valuation Office Agency is urging businesses to protect themselves from rogue business rates agents. Businesses can use a rating agent to challenge new rateable values for business properties that came into effect in April 2023. Councils used these new values to calculate business rates bills – but some rogue agents submit inaccurate information. This could result in penalties or increased rates bills. Alan Colston, Chief Valuer at the VOA, said: “The vast majority of agents are reputable and provide a good service. But there is a small minority promising big reductions in business rates, based on incorrect information. “These rogue agents often charge substantial fees for providing poor quality submissions using our online Check and Challenge service, which is free to use. “We strongly advise businesses do their own research and explore different options before appointing an agent. Make sure you choose your own agent – don’t let an agent choose you. “And remember, you can manage your business rates yourself by creating a Business Rates Valuation Account on GOV.UK.” We have a checklist to help businesses if they want to use an agent:
  • Anyone can call themselves an agent, but this does not mean they are a member of a professional body. Check an agent’s background before signing a contract.
  • If an agent is a member of the Rating Surveyor’s Association (RSA), Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), or Institute of Revenues, Rating, Valuation (IRRV), they must follow rating agent standards. This provides business owners with extra reassurance.
  • Check the length of a contract before signing. Rogue agents have been known to tie business owners into costly, long-term agreements.
  • Make sure you read the small print and fully understand the services you are paying for. Legitimate agents should not pressure you into signing a contract, or demand large sums of money up front.
  • Familiarise yourself with our Check service and create a Business Rates Valuation Account so you can manage your property and view correspondence between the VOA and your agent.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure the information your agent provides to the VOA is correct.
Gary L Watson, IRRV Chief Executive, said: “Ratepayers should take extreme care when employing agents. It is easy for rogue agents to create the impression that they are a reputable organisation. “Business owners should make sure that any agent belongs to a professional body, like IRRV, RICS or RSA. The agent will then be subject to that body’s rigorous disciplinary procedure. “Furthermore, you can obtain advice on many issues from the VOA or your local council. Applications for relief should be made direct to your local council without having to engage with a rating agent.”

Former social services site will be developed to create affordable homes

Stuart Pearcey
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Former social services site will be developed to create affordable homes
The Acis Group and Hodgkinson’s Builders are transforming a former Lincolnshire County Council social services site in Louth into 47 affordable homes in partnership with East Lindsey District Council and Homes England. The Council has committed £198,500 capital funding towards the development to provide additional one-bed properties to help meet the identified need. The scheme consists of: •           10 one-bedroom houses •           17 two-bedroom houses •           6  one-bedroom bungalows •           4  two-bedroom bungalows •           10 three-bedroom houses 30 of these properties will be provided for rent and 17 as shared ownership (part buy, part rent). Councillor William Gray, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing, said: “I am delighted to be working closely with Acis Group, which is a fantastic charity that makes a real difference to a lot of people’s lives across the Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and South Yorkshire. “As a Council, it is a pleasure to be able to be a part of this project, and work with our partners in providing some fantastic, affordable housing in Louth for future residents to enjoy.” Sarah Smaller, Business Operations Manager at Acis Group, said: “We believe that everyone deserves to have the security of a decent home and we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of housing options, including homes for rent and the opportunity for home ownership. Regent Place really showcases these options. “Working together with Lincolnshire County Council, East Lindsey District Council and our communities, we aim to continue to grow the support we offer. We’re excited to offer these beautiful homes for local residents.” The properties are due to be completed in Spring 2025, with the initial units programmed to be handed over next June.

Tech provider’s charity scheme puts more than £50k into the community

Stuart Pearcey
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Tech provider’s charity scheme puts more than £50k into the community
Hull-based digital services and smart technology provider Connexin has donated more than £50k to charity as part of a commitment to give back to its community.

Connexin Cares encourages  local charities to register and receive a unique  promo code. Every new customer has the chance to use a code when they sign up for broadband then Connexin donates up to £20 to their chosen charity.

One of those charities is Hessle Road Network, which supports over 500 residents in St Andrews and Docklands, the most deprived ward in Hull.

Julie Robinson Chief Officer from HRN said: “The donations from Connexin Cares enable us to carry on delivering our vital services, offering a wide range of activities for residents and supporting our community according to its needs.”

Overseas Plastic Surgery Appeal, a Hull-based international children’s charity dedicated to reconstructive surgery on children in developing countries, is using the £5,255.43 donated through Connexin Cares towards treating young patients in Pakistan and building more operating theatres.

Connexin staff are also encouraged to volunteer in their community and will have clocked up over 130 hours this year after helping pack and distribute food parcels at the Unity in the Community foodbank just before Christmas.

Launched in 2020, Connexin Cares registered charities also include Abbie’s Fund, which provides memory boxes to the parents of stillborn and neonatal death babies, and Hull Women’s Aid, which offers support, advocacy and refuge for women and children who have suffered domestic abuse.

Hull Women’s Aid fundraiser Shaunagh Brooke-McClean said: “We are incredibly grateful to Connexin for their fantastic work supporting us in achieving our goals. The money raised by Connexin Cares will allow us to support more women, children and young people who are experiencing/fleeing abuse in our area.”

Connexin co-founder Alex Yeung added: “We are a Hull-based business but, more than that, many of us grew up here. We are passionate about our city and its people. As a local business, we feel that it is our responsibility to give back to our own community. It’s our responsibility to give back to the city we love.”

NFU welcomes abolition of charges for getting rid of DIY waste

Stuart Pearcey
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NFU welcomes abolition of charges for getting rid of DIY waste
From January 1st local authorities won’t be able to charge householders for disposing of DIY waste – and move welcomed by the NFU, whose farmer members are the victims of fly-tipping. NFU Vice President David Exwood said: “The NFU has long called for action to make it easier for the public to recycle rubbish, so we very much welcome this announcement which will hopefully encourage anyone who has DIY waste to dispose of it easily at a recycling centre and reduce the chances of it being fly-tipped illegally. “Waste crime and fly-tipping continues to plague the lives of so many of us living and working in the countryside, and increasingly we’re seeing industrial-scale amounts of rubbish, such as builder’s rubble and hazardous materials.
Government plans to abolish the fees local authorities charge for disposing of DIY waste at HWRCs (household waste recycling centres) are due to come into force on 1 January 2024. The changes mean that councils will treat DIY waste the same as household waste and follows consistent NFU lobbying to make it easier for householders to dispose of their unwanted items. NFU members reported a surge in fly-tipping activity of household waste since the HWRC charges were introduced, saying the charges were clearly a deterrent to householders and illegitimate third parties who are employed by householders to dispose of their DIY waste, and opt to dump it on farmland to avoid the cost. Mr Elwood said fly-tipping was the most prolific category of rural crime experienced by our members according to our 2021 Rural Crime Survey, with nearly half (48%) of those surveyed saying they had been affected by fly-tipping in the previous 12 months. 86% of farmers surveyed were affected by fly-tipping, and Defra’s latest statistics showed local authorities dealt with 1.09 million fly-tipping incidents, (a decrease of 4% from the 1.13 million reported in 2020/21) “However, with over a million incidents reported, this is still much higher than the previous five years,” he added.  
 
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