Lincolnshire garden centre hits the market after 40 years of family ownership
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, and joint agent, Clark Weightman, have been instructed to market Millstone Garden Centre in Grimsby.
The garden centre was originally established in 1989 by current owners, Tom and Joanna Rutherford.
Set in the foothills of the Lincolnshire Wolds and across a 4.2-acre site within walking distance of Waltham village, the traditional, family-run garden centre specialises in offering a comprehensive range of high-quality plants, hard & soft landscaping products and a wide range of other garden-related products. The site features a retail shop, large glasshouse, conservatory and extensive standing beds.
Also included in the sale is a detached, five-bedroom house with a double garage, gardens front and rear, pond, greenhouse and vegetable plot.
After almost four decades of ownership, Tom and Joanna have decided to sell as they are hoping to retire. They said: “After 50+ years landscaping and 40 years nurturing our family-run garden centre, retiring feels like we are ready to bring our story closer to a conclusion.
“We really do cherish the countless memories, blooming friendships, and the joy of cultivating a thriving and passionate gardening community. It’s our time to bid farewell and send our heartfelt thanks to all our wonderful staff and our beloved customers. We’re very much looking forward to writing the next, peaceful chapter in our book!”
Andrew Birnie, director at Christie & Co who is handling the sale, said: “This is a great business, ideal for a family to purchase and live on site. Alternatively, as the house is accessible through its own driveway, a new owner may wish to sell it separately without too much alteration at a later date.
“The site is well-managed, has ample space for development, and enjoys a loyal customer base which is continually expanding. With the hundreds of houses being built nearby, there is plenty of scope to grow the business and capitalise on the increasing demand.”
Coastal music studio amplifies ambition with move to new facility
Beckview Studios, an independent Yorkshire-based centre for recording and music production, has undergone expansion of its offering with a move into a new characteristic studio on the Yorkshire Coast.
Located in the village of Scalby, North Scarborough, the significant six figure investment in the new studio by co-founders Chris and Kristina Jones, has transformed a historical 1937 detached office building.
The open-plan layout and ‘grand design’ style renovation involved knocking down 11 supporting walls and excavating down, in order to reconstruct a fully soundproofed, fit for purpose large and versatile space for every musical need.
The studio was installed using ‘room within a room’ concrete block construction, and the integrated air conditioning and extensive ventilation was especially designed to minimise sound transmission to the outside world.
Founder and chief producer Chris Jones said: “It has always been a dream of mine to own and run a professional recording studio, so when we decided to expand Beckview Studios, we wanted to ensure we built the perfect space for artists to thrive and to reach their full creative potential.
“The coastal location next to the village of Scalby with its pubs and cafes is perfect to get the creative juices on track. Our dream is to provide a platform for local Yorkshire talent but also a studio that attracts professionals from all corners of the UK and around the world.”
Founder Kristina Jones added: “We are over the moon with the results following the investment in the new studio. It is one of a kind within the area and has been carefully planned and designed. Chris and I both hope that the new facilities offer a platform for musicians and creatives, while also introducing and attracting new opportunities for the area.”
In addition to the studio expansion, Beckview Studios has also renovated the first floor of the studio building to create a living space, Beckview Apartments, for musicians and artists on the go, work professionals and visitors to Scarborough and its surrounding areas.
APSS eyes further growth following office furniture business buyout
Lincolnshire-based APSS Group has acquired furniture supply and installation business TPS Office Furniture Ltd, significantly expanding its furniture offering and expertise.
For over 25 years, APSS, as part of the APSS Group, has been at the forefront of designing and creating dynamic spaces for office, retail, healthcare, educational and industrial environments.
Following the acquisition, TPS Office Furniture Ltd, which will maintain its distinctive identity, will join the group and operate from the APSS Group’s headquarters on Kingsley Road, Lincoln. Founder Ted Sidebottom will stay on as a consultant and Rob Coomber as installations manager to ensure a seamless transition.
Laurence Barrass, APSS Managing Director, expressed his enthusiasm, emphasising that integrating Ted and his team’s knowledge will strengthen APSS Group’s comprehensive range of services.
“This acquisition aligns perfectly with the APSS Group’s growth trajectory. Over the past 25 years we have evolved from providing office partitions to offering a complete design and fit-out service,” explained Laurence.
“With TPS Office Furniture now on board, a dedicated service for standalone furniture will be available to our customers across the East Midlands and throughout the UK.
“The synergy between the two companies will benefit both sets of customers. TPS Office Furniture’s clients now have access to APSS’ team of skilled commercial design and fit-out specialists, enhancing workspace efficiency.
“Simultaneously, APSS customers now have a broader range of furniture options and over 30 years of knowledge, contacts, and experience at their disposal.”
Ted added: “I’ve really enjoyed my time in the furniture industry and I have built up a lot of good relationships and I am excited by this next chapter.”
Join Streets Chartered Accountants’ Autumn Statement webinar
Following Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement today, join Streets Chartered Accountants for a post event webinar tomorrow at 11am.
Colleagues from Streets Tax and Streets’ financial services team will present on the announcements made along with providing an update on topical issues affecting business clients and private individuals during this tax year 2023/24.
Whilst the Autumn Statement will most likely focus on measures to bring down inflation, it is likely to provide some indication as to the treatment of taxation and potential changes that might take place in the Spring Budget 2024.
This presentation will be recorded and available on demand for those not able to join live. Simply register to receive a link to watch on demand.
South Yorkshire names new team for Business Advisory Board
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority has unveiled the membership of its new Business Advisory Board, which is committed to growing South Yorkshire’s economy and driving business growth in the region.
The Board will be co-chaired by Louisa Harrison-Walker, representing the three South Yorkshire Chambers of Commerce, and Tariq Shah OBE, Director of the Vigo Group – a leading, sustainability-driven, transformational property enterprise. Both are leading South Yorkshire’s business revolution.
Members of the Board are:
- Co-chair: Louisa Harrison-Walker representing the three South Yorkshire Chambers (Barnsley & Rotherham, Doncaster, and Sheffield)
- Co-chair: Tariq Shah, Director, Vigo Group
- Rachel Abbott representing the Cutlers, South Yorkshire International Trade Forum, Manufacturers Forum and Made In Sheffield
- Dawn Huntrod representing MakeUK
- Paula Gouldthorpe representing the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
- Angela Foulkes representing the South Yorkshire Skills Advisory Board (SYSAB)
- Liz Blackshaw representing the Northern Trade Union Congress
- Sherry Kothari, Chief Executive, Plasma 4
- Roz Davies, Chief Executive, Green Estate
- David Cross, Chief Executive and Architect, Sky-House
- Richard Gould, Sales Director, Metlase
- Ken Perritt FCILT, Senior Director, GXO Logistics
Hethertons Solicitors joins forces with AJC Law in strategic merger
Hethertons Solicitors has merged with local law firm AJC Law to enhance its services in York and beyond.
The two firms, who will operate under the Hethertons name, believe that the merger will enhance their combined dispute offering, amalgamating the strengths of two teams.
“Our merger with AJC Law will enhance our dispute resolution capabilities, offering our clients an elevated level of service backed by wider expertise and a broader resource pool,” said Tom Henry, a director at Hethertons Solicitors.
“We are thrilled to leverage the strengths of both teams to offer a deeper breadth of service to those navigating complex disputes.”
As part of the merger, Hethertons Solicitors will welcome AJC Law’s founder Anthony Corps as a director of the practice.
A former founding partner at Pryers Solicitors, and head of dispute resolution at Langleys Solicitors in York, he has more than 20 years of extensive experience in his field.
Speaking about the merger, he said: “Our partnership is founded on a shared vision of offering superior legal services rooted in professionalism, dedication, and a keen understanding of our client’s needs.
“We are excited to step into this new chapter, confident in the enhanced value we will bring to our clients through a renewed dispute resolution offering.”
Gateley reports “resilient” performance in first half
Professional services group Gateley has hailed a “resilient performance” in its half year results, amidst a challenging market due to macro-economic conditions.
According a trading update ahead of its half year results for the six months ended 31 October 2023 (H1 24), group revenue grew by 7% and is expected to be not less than £81.5m.
Underlying profit before tax, meanwhile, is expected to be not less than £10m, representing growth of 4%.
Rod Waldie, Chief Executive Officer of Gateley, said: “Given the economic conditions during the period, I am pleased with the group’s performance in H1 24 and improving activity levels as the financial year progresses mean that we are carrying good momentum into H2.
“Whilst the macroeconomic and geopolitical outlook remains uncertain, the group continues to benefit from the resilience created by our strategy of investing in a diverse and complementary range of professional services.
“Our balance sheet provides a strong foundation from which to take a long-term view of potential opportunities to further invest in both legal and consultancy services.
“Finally, as always, I would like to thank our clients for their support and our dedicated people for their ongoing hard work, commitment and can-do attitude.”
Leeds gets share in new call centre jobs created by British Gas
Leeds is one of several UK locations chosen by British Gas to increase the number of jobs at its call centres.
The company is hiring over 700 new roles across its network of energy contact centres, helping to boost its existing customer service teams in Leicester, Leeds, Stockport, Edinburgh, and Cardiff as the winter heating season begins. These roles will all be in post by the end of the year with continued hiring taking place in January as part of the company’s aim to move call centre resource to the UK.
Last winter, British Gas experienced an increase in call volume due to the energy crisis and invested £25 million in its customer services operations to meet this demand. Whilst energy prices have come down, the company still expects customers to need support so is continuing to boost its UK teams. The increased staff will also mean longer opening times for British Gas customers of 8am to 6pm on weekdays and 9am to 2pm on Saturday.
British Gas has a £100 million support package in place to help customers who are struggling with energy costs – the largest voluntary support package offered by a UK supplier. Its customer services teams will receive additional training in how to help customers in financial difficultly including directing them to available support.
Chris O’Shea, CEO of Centrica, parent company of British Gas, said: “Although energy prices have come down slightly, many of our customers are still struggling overall with the cost of living and need to speak to us for longer about their energy bills. Strengthening our UK call centre operations will allow us to help more households with expert advice and support during this time.
“I’m extremely proud of how our expert teams support our customers every day – in the past year they’ve helped over 1 million customers who’ve been struggling to afford their bills with additional support such as grants, debt relief and payment plans.”
In addition to hiring UK based call centre staff, British Gas will continue to train apprentices to help accelerate the drive to net zero and to fix boilers and ensure people are heating their homes efficiently over the winter. The company has a strong history of boosting jobs and training in the UK with 3,500 new apprentices to be hired by 2030.
Agricultural machinery specialist picks Swinderby for its UK HQ
Global agricultural machinery specialist Maschio Garpardo has leased premises at the Swinderby Industrial Park near Lincoln for use as its UK HQ.
According to the Lincoln agency of Eddisons – who acted alongside EQT Exeter, who manage Swinderby Industrial Park in the letting deal, Maschio Gaspardo had started its search for premises only this summer.
Swift lease negotiations and completion of the deal, sees new UK operation up and running for launch at its new 20,239 sq ft warehouse & offices premises at the Park this month.
An established brand in the UK already, Maschio Gaspardo has worked successfully for the past 12 years with distributor, OPICO Ltd. A change in growth strategy necessitated an independent UK operation for a more direct relationship with dealer networks.
Maschio Gaspardo UK Managing Director Warren Rivers-Scott said location and size were the key drivers. He said: “While Lincolnshire’s agricultural heritage plays a part, it’s really the area’s logistical reach that attracted us.
“Proximity to A1 and the East Coast mainline at Newark, access to ports, plus good East-West road connectivity onwards across the country, particularly to the South West – an important market for us – sees the area well-placed for the logistical needs of our business.
“The size and configuration of the premises and site at Unit 4 gives us the ability to hold stock and parts at a level where we can be responsive to end-users’ needs. And, with the A46 on our doorstep, we can get machinery on and off the road in good time.”
William Wall, Director, Eddisons incorporating Banks Long & Co, said: “It’s encouraging to see another global brand having the confidence to invest in the East Midlands and, in particular, Lincolnshire. It’s an area of the country that is continuing to attract foreign investment as businesses look to grow in the post-BREXIT settlement years.”
Farmers offered share in £74m to help with slurry management
A further £74 million is being made available to help farmers invest in improved slurry infrastructure to tackle water pollution, improve air quality and make better use of organic nutrients, the government has announced.
Under the Slurry Infrastructure Grant, farmers can apply for grants of £25,000 to £250,000 to replace, expand, build extra and cover slurry stores, and fund equipment such as separators, reception pits and agitators.
Applications are now open for the second round of the Slurry Infrastructure Grant which forms part of a total £200 million being invested in infrastructure and equipment to tackle agricultural pollution from slurry over the agricultural transition period.
The second round has more than doubled the funding on offer than the first round of the scheme to help meet increased demand. Based on feedback from farmers, there have been several improvements to the scheme, including how much storage pig farms can apply for, offering grants towards a slurry separator, and the option to retrofit covers onto existing stores.
The grant forms a key component of the government’s Plan for Water which sets out more investment, stronger regulation and tougher enforcement to tackle every source of water pollution. It also delivers on vital commitments under the Environmental Improvement Plan to reduce air pollution, halt biodiversity decline and support recovery of protected sites.
Farming Minister Mark Spencer said: “We’re indebted to farmers who work day in day out to ensure we have great British food on our tables while protecting and shaping our countryside. It’s vital they are supported to make the environmental improvements I know so many want to make. Our Slurry Infrastructure Grant is helping farmers to invest in infrastructure which is often costly but can deliver big benefits for our waterways and air quality, while also cutting their input costs.”
Livestock manure is a vital tool to increase organic matter in soil, supporting crop growth and helping farmers be more productive while reducing the need for artificial fertilisers.
Yet, spreading slurry when there is no crop or soil requirement, often due to insufficient storage capacity, can cause significant pollution in rivers and waterways, as well as wasting a valuable resource and increasing costs for farmers. Open slurry stores and broadcast spreading also release large amounts of ammonia which harms vulnerable species and damages human health.
The grant will enable more farmers to go beyond existing storage requirements, supporting better compliance with regulation and more effective use of organic nutrients. It is part of the government’s commitment to tackle nutrient pollution at source and grants will continue to be prioritised in areas near protected sites with ammonia pressures in nutrient neutrality catchments. This comes as Defra and Natural England continue to support developers and local planning authorities to mitigate the impact of nutrient pollution from wastewater from new housing developments and enable sustainable development to proceed.
