Trombone manufacturer acquired by global musical instrument retailer

Tess Egginton
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Trombone manufacturer acquired by global musical instrument retailer

Trombone manufacturer, Michael Rath Trombones, has been acquired by global musical instrument retailer, John Packer Musical Instruments.

The agreement will see John Packer Musical Instruments look after marketing, distribution, and logistics for the Yorkshire business. Mr Rath and his full team will remain with the business and continue to build and manufacture trombones at their factory in Honley, Huddersfield. The transaction was led by Holden Smith’s corporate team.

Rob Kelly, director and head of corporate at Holden Smith, said: “The acquisition of Michael Rath Trombones was a really interesting transaction to work on, not least because of the unique nature of the product!

“Their trombones are found in almost every conceivable musical situation, from symphony orchestras and opera houses to film and television studios around the globe. They are made in Huddersfield, but sold across the world, with the USA being a particularly important market.

“It has been a pleasure for Holden Smith to be able to act on behalf of owners Michael and Nicola Rath through the acquisition by John Packer Musical Instruments, acting for them for every step of the sale of the entire issued share capital of the company.”

Michael Rath said: “We are pleased to have completed the acquisition by John Packer and were expertly supported through the process by Rob Kelly and the team at Holden Smith.”

Vanilla business grows with Towns Fund grant

Tess Egginton
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Vanilla business grows with Towns Fund grant
A specialist business importing Madagascan vanilla based in Keighley has expanded its premises and created three new jobs thanks to a £24,400 grant from the Keighley Towns Fund. Former chef Graham Bruce founded Vanilla Etc in 2011, after finding it difficult to source high-quality vanilla products in the UK. The business, based at Oakwood Business Park, Royd Way, currently has six employees, importing Madagascan vanilla, supplying gourmet vanilla beans, powder, seeds and manufacturing vanilla bean paste and vanilla extracts in various strengths. With the Government-funded grant from the Keighley Towns Fund, the business has purchased equipment which enables them to mill the vanilla beans into powder on site. They have also extended their business premises, by leasing the adjacent unit and fitting it out, including building a new mezzanine floor. Acting chair of the Keighley Towns Fund, Liz Barker added: “The Keighley Towns Fund is proud to support such a unique and growing Keighley business, with money from the Capital Assistance to Business Growth programme. There is more funding available for other businesses in the area to apply so we’d encourage people to contact us if they think they might benefit.” Finance sales and technical director at Vanilla Etc, Natalie Madgett said: “Thanks to the invaluable support of the Council’s growth manager, Vanilla Etc Ltd accessed the Keighley Towns Fund Grant, propelling our business expansion plans forward. “With the grant’s assistance, we’ve expanded our manufacturing capacity to meet the growing demand for our Madagascan Vanilla products, resulting in the creation of three new jobs. We’re committed to contributing to the community, fostering employment opportunities, and showcasing Keighley as a place we’re proud to call home.”

Business blooming for arboriculture and ground management company

Tess Egginton
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Business blooming for arboriculture and ground management company

A former army reservist who was posted to Africa with the renowned Gurkhas before setting up his arboriculture and ground management company is celebrating 10 years in business with a record start to the year.

Rotherham entrepreneur Luke Hamill, who founded Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services LTD in 2014, has expanded the business year on year and now leads a team of 14 from their Rotherham HQ.

Servicing both the commercial and residential construction industries throughout the north of England, Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services also delivers emergency and project-based services for a number of Local Authorities.

Whilst recent weather events have ensured that side of the business has been brisk, a string of wins with major housebuilders has seen 2024 start at a record pace, as Luke explains: “I think if you had told me 10 years ago that I’d be leading a team of 14 with work right across the north of England I might have taken it with a pinch of salt but it goes to show what a focus on quality, teamwork and honest graft can do.

“My forces background has instilled that in me but the entrepreneurial side is something I’ve developed day by day and I am still working hard at because this business has huge potential.”

Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services has invested over £4 million in recent years on equipment and staff training, purchasing their first 14-tonne Arb Digger (reducing costs typically passed to clients) in 2022.

That was soon joined by a RoboEvo tracked robotic flail, helping to remove operatives from working on unsafe terrain whilst being more cost-effective.

“We are committed to continuing to invest in the future to provide the best service possible for our clients,” explains Luke.

“Our latest piece of kit is the Mercedes Unimog which will mean we have the ultimate set of tools for our arb and ground maintenance teams and ensure we are working at maximum efficiency.

“However, despite our strong start to the year we will not lose sight of our role as custodians of the planet and do our best to ensure that we balance what we remove and clear.

“Last year, we contributed to our local area by planting and installing over 100 trees, as well as completing a long overdue biodiversity project for a nearby school. We are always on the lookout for similar projects we can get involved in, so do get in touch if we can assist.”

Work to begin on Huddersfield affordable homes scheme

Tess Egginton
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Work to begin on Huddersfield affordable homes scheme

Work is about to start on a new affordable housing development in Newsome, Huddersfield. 

30 two and three-bedroomed properties will be delivered by BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise in partnership with Kirklees Council, Homes England and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

The land was previously occupied by Stile Common Infant and Nursery School before its demolition in 2011.

Enabling works on the Plane Street site will commence in the coming days.

Unity was formed in 1987 with the objective of building a strong, BME-led, community housing association to address the needs of black and minority ethnic communities in Leeds.

It now owns and manages 1,386 properties for tenants from all communities and ethnic backgrounds in West Yorkshire, including two affordable housing schemes in Huddersfield and one in Cleckheaton.

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “We are excited to be expanding our presence in Kirklees with works getting underway on the Plane Street development.

“The country continues to endure a national housing crisis which will only be eased with the construction of many more affordable homes.

“Unity is committed to playing our part to build high-quality properties for local communities that need them.

“We welcome the strong support of Kirklees Council, Homes England and West Yorkshire Combined Authority in delivering this scheme.”

Cllr Graham Turner, Cabinet member for Finance and Regeneration at Kirklees Council, said: “It is fantastic that the council has used its land to create the opportunity for 30 affordable homes to be built on a brownfield site in a sustainable location.

“I would like to thank council officers and partners at Unity Housing, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Homes England in getting this project off the ground, using derelict land to help address our shortage of affordable homes to ensure that a high-quality scheme can be built.

“I am pleased to see that 100 per cent of the housing on this site will be allocated for affordable homes to meet current and future needs.”

MKM acquires Mansfield HVAC company for move into new sector

Stuart Pearcey
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MKM acquires Mansfield HVAC company for move into new sector
Hull-based MKM has acquired Mansfield company Oceanair in a move designed to strengthen its offering by moving into the HVAC sector. Kate Tinsley, CEO of MKM since 2020, said: “This is an interesting acquisition for MKM and enables us to expand into further emerging marketplaces; Oceanair is a great company with very talented people. I’m really excited about our growth plans.” Oceanair owner Tony Evanson will remain involved in the business for the foreseeable future providing support during the transition. He said: “I’m incredibly proud to see the business grow over the years and have developed some fantastic relationships with staff, customers, and suppliers.  I have thought long and hard about selling the business and was adamant it needed to go to the right home. I’m very pleased to be around the business to support the MKM team and look forward to seeing Oceanair grow under its new ownership”. Rob Barnes, MKM’s Business Development Director leading the acquisition, added: “This acquisition fits perfectly with MKM’s plans for expansion, allowing us to branch out further into the HVAC industry. Continuing to work closely with the current Oceanair team guarantees a seamless transition, customers and suppliers can expect business as usual.”

TV ‘faces’ front up charities’ new fundraising event

Stuart Pearcey
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TV ‘faces’ front up charities’ new fundraising event

Familiar faces from daytime TV will take to the stage next month to launch a new fundraising event devised by two of the region’s leading charities.

Broadcaster, journalist, and TV presenter Louise Minchin will be the guest speaker at the Ladies Lunch being organised by the Sailors’ Children’s Society and HEY Smile Foundation. She will be joined by Caroline Hawley, a partner in Hawleys Auctioneers of Beverley and known as an antiques expert for her appearances on the BBC TV shows Flog It! and Bargain Hunt. The occasion, which will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Hull on Friday March 15, becomes a stablemate of the Society’s hugely successful, serial sell-out “Sportsman’s Lunch”, but organisers insist it will be very different. Natasha Barley, CEO of the Society, said: “It will be a celebration of women, female empowerment and enjoying an inspirational afternoon with women and men celebrating together. There is more focus now on women in leadership and recognising women’s achievements and this event will help to do that. The event will be open to all, just like the Sportsman’s Lunch which last year attracted the biggest turnout of women so far.” Tessa Wray, Head of Partnerships at HEY Smile Foundation, added: “This is a great event to be involved with, and something different to other events we deliver. We are very big on corporate engagement and coming up with events which are a little different, engaging, and memorable. Our two charities working in partnership, sharing resources, and raising funds together is a great demonstration of collaboration, which is important to us.”

College Principal to quit after six years in the role

Stuart Pearcey
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College Principal to quit after six years in the role

The Principal and Chief Executive of Bishop Burton College is to retire at the end of the academic year after six years in the role.

Bill Meredith has spent a large part of his 42 years in land-based education at Bishop Burton College, during which time the college has consistently performed as ‘Good’ overall and ‘Outstanding’ for its residential provision in Ofsted terms. The College remains true to its agricultural roots but has diversified its curriculum considerably over the years to include subjects such as Engineering, Animal Management, Equine, Sport and Public Services. This approach has fueled the growth that was needed to enable the college to thrive and maintain its independent specialist Land-based college status with a turnover currently topping £30m. Riseholme College near Lincoln merged with the College in 2012 and, soon after, Bill became heavily involved in the development of a totally new campus on the Lincolnshire Showground. The merger has since proved incredibly successful and has secured the future of land-based education in Lincolnshire. As Principal, Bill led on the College’s successful bid to become a founding member of both the Yorkshire & Humber Institute of Technology and the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology. This has led to substantial capital investment in Agri-tech teaching resources including the Centre for Precision Agriculture at Bishop Burton and the Centre for Agri-Food Technology at Riseholme. More recently Bill realised a long-held ambition to establish a new Centre for Pig Industry Training on the college’s 890-acre farm, demonstrating the College’s enduring commitment to the livestock industry. Bill said: “I feel it’s time to step down and make way for someone who can commit themselves to writing the next chapter of the College’s success story. I’m so grateful to have worked with such a dedicated staff team and for the support I’ve had from our College Board and industry partners.”  

Businesses to be urged to tackle in-work sickness

Stuart Pearcey
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Businesses to be urged to tackle in-work sickness
Businesses will be urged to tackle in-work sickness and stop people falling out the workforce, following the appointment of Dame Carol Black as the Government’s new Occupational Health Tsar. She will lead a Taskforce producing a voluntary occupational health framework for businesses, including establishing minimum levels of occupational health needed to stop sickness-related job losses, and help businesses better support those returning to work after a period of ill-health. Dame Carol said: “It is a privilege to Chair the new Taskforce which will review occupational health services available to employees across businesses of all shapes and sizes, and ] create a framework to support better employee health and wellbeing. We will encourage employers to embrace practices that prevent or reduce ill-health related job loss. “We know the impact high sickness absence and presenteeism has on businesses and their productivity, which is why I am so pleased to work with other members of the Taskforce to ensure occupational health support is in place for employees and employers alike.” Just 28% of employers in Britain provide some form of occupational health, with large employers (89%) nearly three times more likely than SMEs(28%) to do so. Minister for Employment Jo Churchill added: “Millions of working days are lost each year through sickness. We are helping businesses tackle this challenge head on so we can help boost productivity and grow our economy. “The work of Dame Carol and her expert Taskforce will be crucial as we drive down absenteeism, which we know is holding back British businesses and really focus on making occupational health support available to all. “Our £2.5bn Back to Work Plan will also help one million people, including those with long-term health conditions and disabilities, find work and reap the benefits it has to offer. Only 45% of workers in Britain have access to some form of occupational health, and with an estimated 1.8 million workers reporting work-related ill health in 2022/23, the government is acting to tackle long-term sickness to help people stay and succeed in work.”

Leeds-based transformer and generator specialist secures multi-million pound investment for management buyout

Tess Egginton
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Leeds-based transformer and generator specialist secures multi-million pound investment for management buyout

Manufacturers of power and distribution transformers, Winder Power, has secured a multi-million pound combined debt and equity funding package from Connection Capital to support a management buyout of the business.

Hundred-year-established Winder Power has seen a significant increase in demand for its power generation and handling equipment and services with the switch to increased renewable energy generation across the UK over the last decade.

The firm employs over 100 people at its 80,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Pudsey, Leeds, and customers include Thames Water, Euro Tunnel, ASDA and Drax.

The deal, which was originated and led by independent corporate finance boutique CorpFin, based in Harrogate, will see the exit of previous private equity investors Mercia Asset Management, which has disposed of its significant minority shareholding.

Winder Power MD Paul Mathews said: “This funding opens a new chapter for the business at an incredibly exciting time for our industry. The progress we have made to establish the Winder Power brand as the leader in the sector since our original MBO in 2008 has really paid off.

“We are now well positioned to enjoy another decade of growth, with infrastructure investment increasing across most of our sectors and markets in the UK at a time when we have an unrivalled reputation and capacity.”

CorpFin founder Chris Silverwood advised the board of Winder Power on the deal after a strategic review of the business and its leveraging during 2023.

Chris Silverwood of CorpFin said: “The drive and focus of the management team over the last decade or so has brought Winder Power to a market leading position in a buoyant sector with significant barriers to new entrants.

“This investment is a huge vote of confidence in the future of the business by a very savvy investor in the sector, Connection Capital, and sets the business up for a very bright future and continued growth with management taking the bigger stake that they deserve.”

Connection Capital provides £3m-£12m of private equity and debt funding to high-growth businesses in different sectors across the UK and has previously invested in Virgin Wines, Wagamama, and TeamSport Go-Karting.

Bernard Dale, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Connection Capital, said: “We are always searching for UK SMEs with dynamic, experienced management teams to invest in and support. Winder is a great example. Its staff have unique skills and there are really positive market dynamics for future growth.”

Richard Moran and his team at Clarion provided legal advice to the shareholders in the transaction, RSM in Leeds provided tax advice.

‘Moment of opportunity’ highlighted for Sheffield culture sector

Tess Egginton
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‘Moment of opportunity’ highlighted for Sheffield culture sector
Ambitions to develop Sheffield’s cultural offer and ensure the city is creative, prosperous, diverse and full of opportunity for its residents, have moved forward. A review of Sheffield’s culture sector has highlighted areas of growth and opportunity for the city, including strengths in its grass roots offering and independent businesses showcased. Some of the city’s larger, anchor institutions were also recognised for their acclaimed national and international profile. However, the city also faces challenges, with the report outlining that Sheffield must ramp up cultural investment and attract more funding for the sector. More must also be done to champion diversity and inclusion and better reflect the city’s residents and creators. The report also indicates that young people who face barriers accessing culture must be better supported. The audit was commissioned as part of the new Sheffield Culture Strategy 2024, which is being developed to address some of the long-standing obstacles faced by creatives living and working in the city. The strategy is being championed by the Culture Collective and Culture Consortium, and funded by Sheffield City Council, the University of Sheffield and Arts Council England, and aims to tackle obstacles laid out in the review. The sector audit is just the first phase of work being done ahead of the development of the strategy, and will help to shape it, along with the outcomes of consultation with both the public and individuals working in the sector.
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