Telescope acquires Clearsilver Brand Marketing
Leeds-based print, direct and digital marketing agency, Telescope, has acquired specialist communications agency, Clearsilver Brand Marketing.
The recent investment combines Clearsilver’s PR and strategic marketing skills in the education, mother and baby, and charity sector, with Telescope’s team of specialists in website design and build, catalogue production, direct marketing and design for print.
Louise Leach, former director of Clearsilver Brand Marketing, said: “Clearsilver and Telescope have worked in partnership on numerous projects over the last ten years, and there isn’t a closer fit to maximise success for both parties.
“Clearsilver was established in 2006, and since then has delighted in numerous award-wins, as well as becoming a recommended provider for schools and academy trusts, and brands specifically in the charity, wellness and parenting space.
“Existing clients can expect the same level of consistent and responsive service as always from the Clearsilver team, with a new, enhanced package of support.”
Carl Garnett, CEO at Telescope, said: “This merger provides a fantastic opportunity to further Telescope’s core proposition in print, design and digital, and combine it with Clearsilver’s unprecedented reputation across key sectors.
“We are looking forward to increasing and enhancing our service offering and the opportunities this brings for all our clients and both staff teams.”
The newly formed partnership will work as one team at new offices close to Leeds Dock. Ian Leach – co-founder of Clearsilver and current MD at Telescope – will lead in the day-to-day management of both companies, supported by both companies’ employees.
Mike returns to Spencer Group as MD for rail division
Spencer Group has appointed Mike Halliday as Managing Director for its rail division, which means he’s back at the company he worked for between 1996 and 2007.
Mike joins the multi-disciplinary engineering specialist from Network Rail, where he has served as a route delivery director for the last six years.
In his new role, he will drive Spencer Group’s rail division forward as it delivers transformative projects across the UK, and said: “I’ve spent the last six years with Network Rail, developing supply chain strategy and delivering projects – and will draw on this experience to grow and align Spencer’s rail division.
“My focus will be on the upfront development side of the business, and on realising the full potential of its internal design capabilities. I’m committed to ensuring that we truly align with and understand our clients, avoiding change and unnecessary delays in delivery.
“I’ve spent most of my career as a contractor – but, after joining Network Rail, I gained invaluable client-side experience. Six years later, I’m confident that I understand the organisation’s requirements – and the needs of other rail clients. I began my rail career with Spencer Group and know that meeting these needs is in its DNA. Now, I’m really looking forward to shaping and building our rail offering with the help of my team.”
With 27 years of industry experience, qualified engineer Mike is well-equipped to lead Spencer Group’s rail division – a business he first joined in 1996. Over the course of 11 years, he helped to grow it into a Tier 1 contractor and was made a main board director.
During this time, Mike drew heavily on the skills he had acquired as an engineer on complex heavy civil engineering projects. Helping to deliver highways and bridges, he also developed a solution-driven style and straight-talking approach.
After leaving Spencer Group in 2007, Mike became a private consultant – and was later offered the role of rail director at Story Engineering. By 2015, the business had become a well-established Tier 1 contractor and increased its turnover by 300 per cent. During Mike’s tenure, it was also named Supplier of the Year by Network Rail.
He joined Network Rail in 2017, after a stint as infrastructure division lead at Wood Group. Serving as a route delivery director for the UK’s infrastructure owner and manager, Mike was responsible for the safe and efficient delivery of major projects.
Spencer Group MD Gary Thornton said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Mike to Spencer Group as our Managing Director of rail and to help drive forward our ambitions in the sector. Mike brings with him decades of valuable experience both contractor and client-side working for Network Rail and in his previous experience with Spencer Group.
“His strong engineering background places him ideally to lead our team and build on our already fantastic reputation for project delivery in the rail industry.”
Steelmakers lobby Parliament to get ‘Buy British’ message across
British Steel representatives were among a delegation from the industry who attended the Houses of Parliament this week for a reception entitled Steel in the Spotlight.
The event focused on UK steel procurement and marked six months since the implementation of the revised Public Procurement Note, which states that the origin of steel used in public projects is reported.
Trade body UK Steel also presented the renewed UK Steel Charter, asking MPs to show their support for it.
The change to the PPN has been aimed at encouraging public bodies to increase their uptake of British ‘melted and poured’ steel in publicly-funded projects, with the aim of strengthening national resilience, creating and protecting jobs and reducing the environmental impact.
Previously the origin of steel was not considered in public procurement decisions, as steel typically sits several tiers down the supply chain and did not directly bid into procurement processes.
Lisa Coulson, British Steel’s Strategy and Marketing Director, said: “We have very much welcomed the change that has been brought about by the amended PPN. There are compelling reasons for public sector organisations in the UK to buy steel manufactured in Britain. Above all, the quality is unrivalled worldwide and it meets the regulations set out for public infrastructure projects.
“Buying British steel is not only a boost for the economy and jobs, it also helps strengthen our manufacturing base.”
Gateley sees another year of growth
Gateley, the professional services group, has continued its unbroken record of year-on-year revenue and underlying profit growth.
In audited results for the year ended 30 April 2023 (FY23), the firm hailed a “strong financial performance…through its diversified and resilient business model, benefitting from a full year’s contribution from the prior year’s acquisitions, Adamson Jones Limited and Gateley Smithers Purslow Limited.”
Underlying group revenue hit £162.7m, growing from £137.2m in the year prior, while group underlying profit before tax reached £25.1m, increasing from £21.6m.
Reported group profit before tax however slipped to £16.2m from £26.8m as a result of the IFRS 3 related acquisition accounting treatments.
Rod Waldie, CEO of Gateley, said: “I am very pleased to report another year of growth for Gateley. This is a strong performance, set against a challenging macro-economic backdrop throughout the second half. It is the result of the hard work and dedication of our people allied to a long-term commitment and adherence to the successful execution of our growth through our diversification strategy, building in resilience through design.
“During the year under review, both our legal services teams and consultancy teams performed strongly and we have made further progress in adding breadth and strength to our group, expanding the patent and trade mark attorney offer on our Business Services Platform through the acquisition of Symbiosis.
“Post-Period end, we have added legal services lateral hires to strategically broaden our Business Services Platform dispute resolution teams and have further enhanced our Property Platform with the acquisition of RJA Consultants. Our M&A pipeline for FY24 is encouraging and we will seek to strengthen our Platforms further as opportunities arise.
“Looking forward, we are mindful of ongoing macro-uncertainty and it is difficult to predict market conditions for the rest of FY24. However, our diverse and resilient business model, combined with our proven and consistent track record of delivering strong growth across all economic cycles, means that we have entered FY24 with a positive mindset and cautious optimism.”
Plans to bring mainline train services back to Rotherham set to take step forward with property negotiations
Plans to bring back mainline train services to Rotherham are taking a step forward with Rotherham Council looking to buy land which could form a suitable location for the station.
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet members will be asked this month for approval to start negotiations to buy properties, located in the Parkgate area.
Cabinet will also be asked for permission to investigate the potential use of powers for a Compulsory Purchase or Transport and Works Act orders to acquire the necessary land, although negotiation remains the preferred option.
Rotherham Council and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority have already drawn up proposals to return mainline train services to the borough for the first time since the 1980s.
If successful, the proposals would see new direct services into York and Birmingham, with faster services to Leeds, Sheffield, and Doncaster than currently offered.
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy Cllr Denise Lelliott said: “Taken together with a new tram train stop, a new mainline station would radically improve the town’s connectivity, significantly improving local, regional and national rail connections for residents and businesses, offering greater access to employment, whilst helping to grow local businesses.”
Funding to acquire the properties has been secured by Rotherham Council through the Government’s Towns Fund. The Council has also secured funding to draw up an outline business case to progress the proposal.
Preparation of the masterplan is underway and focuses on the station, the location of facilities and key connections to the tram train and beyond. It also sets out a longer-term vision for the surrounding area in order to capitalise on the benefits that significantly improved connectivity to the national rail network could bring to the town.
The masterplan has also identified a preferred location for the station building and a layout for supporting facilities including car parking, a pick up/drop off area and space to accommodate rail replacement bus services.
Contractor appointed as York Station Gateway project progresses
City of York Council has appointed John Sisk & Son to deliver the transformative York Station Gateway project, following a successful, competitive procurement process.
The £25.73m project is to be delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) and Network Rail.
John Sisk & Son has been awarded a contract for the £7.8m York Station Gateway highway works, including the removal of Queen Street bridge, realignment of Queen Street, creation of Station Square and improvements to the cycle and pedestrian routes. Project partner LNER will go out to tender for the remaining station works phase of the project later this year.
The York Station Gateway project aims to:
•improve access to the station, by providing an easier and safer experience for people walking, cycling and using the bus, as well as new spaces for taxi drivers
•introduce welcoming new public spaces for everybody to enjoy, including Station Square
•showcase the city’s heritage sites at their very best by creating an improved setting for the City Walls and other heritage buildings in the area, as well as improving the walking and cycling routes underneath the City Walls.
Over the past year utilities companies have been carrying out enabling works around Queen Street Bridge ahead of the main works starting later this year. These enabling works are now complete and John Sisk & Son will begin their pre-construction activities with the aim of starting work on site in the coming weeks.
Councillor Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Transport and Economy at City of York Council, said: “Today’s announcement is a milestone for this transformative project which will create a fitting gateway for our beautiful and historic city.
“York Railway station has welcomed visitors and business to our city since 1877 and this project is among the most significant of many changes since then. As well as the transport improvements and welcoming, world-class public spaces, York will see major economic and social benefits, alongside the development of York Central.
“There are still some issues to be resolved, most notably around Blue Badge parking, but I am hugely grateful to everyone involved in the project who has helped us get to this point. We will be doing the work with our partners, as well as our new contractor, and continue to engage with local residents to try and minimise disruption.”
Andrew Langley, Major Projects Director UK Civil Engineering for John Sisk and Sons, said: “We are really excited to be continuing our involvement in delivering key infrastructure projects in the City of York.
“It is fantastic to be involved in this transformative scheme, opening up the area around the station to help create a new gateway to the city. We will engage closely with the travelling public, business owners and residents of York to minimise disruption, and continue our engagement with local schools, employment providers, and community projects in York.”
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee, said: “This scheme is a good example of how we are working in partnership with others to make it easier for people to travel between York and West Yorkshire.
“It is more important than ever to invest in a modern, accessible transport network that supports economic growth by connecting more people with jobs, training and education.”
Paul Rutter, Route Director for Network Rail’s East Coast route, said: “This is a positive step forward on this key scheme, which will create an improved transport interchange and make the area around York railway station more welcoming.
“We’ll continue to work closely with our industry partners on this project, and we look forward to passengers reaping the benefits once the scheme completes.”
David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with colleagues at City of York Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Network Rail to deliver this key scheme to make York Station even more welcoming.
“This project will significantly improve access to the station for everyone and create a much-improved gateway for visitors to the beautiful and historic city.”
£50k loan energises Leeds solar energy firm
Leeds-based solar energy firm Solec Energy Solutions has invested in stock and people following a £50,000 loan from Business Enterprise Fund.
Solec Energy Solutions, owned by husband and wife Robert and Gaye Wilmot, was established in Leeds in 2011 specialising in design, supply and installation of renewable energy systems for homes and businesses.
The loan has come from the and NPIF – BEF & FFE Microfinance, managed by BEF and FFE Microfinance, and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, and will be used as working capital and staff investment.
Gaye Wilmot said: “When we launched there was a steady uptake in renewable energy systems – Robert was amongst the first solar installers in Leeds with electrician credentials which gave people additional peace of mind when moving to a different energy source. At the time there was a range of subsidies available for both residential and commercial properties which meant business was booming.
“As business interest in ESG has increased in recent years, the market has certainly picked up but government support for the sector has been inconsistent; the Feed-in Tariff for Solar closed in 2019 and different schemes to encourage the switch to renewable heat have come and gone without addressing the skills shortage of young engineers needed to install the technology.
“Various global issues in recent years have also greatly impacted the supply chain. Thanks to the BEF NPIF loan our new offices, with a small warehouse space, have allowed us to start buying stock upfront, allowing us to be ready to install for customer’s orders rather than leaving them with a long waiting period. We’re a small, family business and pride ourselves on being agile to customer requirements – it’s crucial we have the stock to do so.”
As well as enabling Solec Energy Solutions to invest in stock, the loan has also helped the company create and safeguard jobs.
Robert Wilmot said: “I trained as an apprentice electrician at the start of my career, so it’s always been important for me to create the same opportunities for people who want to join our industry. Thanks to the loan from BEF we’ve been able to take on a new apprentice to bolster the team. There are five of us in total now as well as a reliable group of sub-contractors meaning we’re well equipped in terms of both staff and stock to support our customers through their renewable energy journey.”
Gaye added: “The team at BEF have provided wonderful support – we’ve truly felt like a name, rather than another impersonal number. We weren’t able to get approval for a bank loan due to the perception of renewable energy being high risk to investors and our variable profits, but thanks to BEF’s belief in us and our plans we’re able to grow our work with property developers, eco self-builders, community projects and businesses.”
Mark Iley, investment manager at BEF, said: “Robert and Gaye have a strong vision for Solec Energy Solutions, and with their renewable energy systems, they’re initiating a positive impact when it comes to ESG which we’re proud to support. As a family-run business they’re also creating job and training opportunities in the local area in an increasingly important industry, we’re looking forward to seeing the business go from strength to strength.
Debbie Sorby, Senior Investment Manager at British Business Bank, said: “Solec Energy Solutions is an excellent example of entrepreneurial innovation within the renewable energy sector. The business’ contributions to the reduction of carbon emissions and the promotion of sustainable energy solutions aligns with the increasing consumer demand for environmentally conscious products and services.
“The NPIF investment has not only supported the company’s working capital needs and staff investments but has also empowered them to adapt to changing market dynamics, contributing towards a more sustainable future.
“Beyond supporting Solec’s capacity to address the demand for renewable energy solutions, this loan has played a crucial role in job creation and retention within the Yorkshire region. By allowing the company to invest in stock and maintain a ready supply of products, the loan has not only improved the customer experience but also generated employment opportunities, supporting the local economy.
“Solec Energy Solutions’ growth story serves as a testament to the potential of targeted financial support in fostering sustainable businesses and driving economic development within the Northern Powerhouse region.”
Brewery’s Growth Hub boost leads to six-fold increase in turnover
Family-owned Harrogate Brewing Company has achieved a six-fold increase in turnover with comprehensive support provided by the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub.
Director and co-owner Joe Joyce put the growth down to assistance from Strive Live and Made Smarter, highlighting the significant impact these initiatives have had on their operations.
Joe Joyce and his wife Julie took the reins of Harrogate Brewing Company early in 2020, and received a fresh persepctive on business operations after an eight-week Strive Live course. It allowed them to re-evaluate various aspects of the company, from marketing strategies to production planning. The supportive community offered invaluable insights, giving them a renewed sense of direction and motivation.
With the guidance of the Growth Hub’s Mike Pennington through the Made Smarter programme, leading to a £7.5k grant to implement cutting-edge Enterprise Resource Planning systems and production process monitoring technologies, with potential for a further £2k to fund new energy sensors. This move is poised to revolutionise the company’s efficiency and productivity, while enabling targeted product development and strategic expansion.
Mr Joyce said: “The Growth Hub has provided us with a vital leg up in accelerating our business. The comprehensive guidance from Strive Live and Made Smarter has not only bolstered our operational capabilities but also instilled the confidence to pursue our growth ambitions.”
Mike Pennington, business relationship manager representing Made Smarter through the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub, said: “We are committed to empowering smaller enterprises with the tools and resources they need to flourish. The success stories we have witnessed thus far underscore the tangible benefits of our programmes.
“Harrogate Brewing Company’s journey serves as a beacon of hope for businesses seeking to thrive amidst challenges. The Growth Hub’s multifaceted approach, blending educational initiatives like Strive Live with tangible grants and technological support from Made Smarter, has propelled the company towards a future of growth and innovation.”
Training organisation denied government funding calls on region to ‘go it alone’
The head of a leading engineering training organisation has called for businesses to create their own “local powerhouse” after welcoming employers and learners to a new £5.5m skills centre.
Iain Elliott, CEO of Humberside Engineering Training Centre, revealed that the new facility at Pioneer Business Park in Stallingborough hs been paid for using reserves and a bank loan in the absence of any funding or support from government. He added that the “homegrown” nature of the project reinforced HETA’s commitment to ensure as much work as possible went to the local and regional business community. He said: “The financial investment by HETA should not be overlooked. We did this at a time of no grant funding, no public funding. We relied on our reserves that we have built up over the years and on borrowing. Santander have again been very supportive. “The bank and our trustees recognised that a project like this is vital for building the educational needs of the region and for the employers.” Hull-based construction company Hobson & Porter built the new facility, adding to its wealth of experience across the Humber region supporting skills in the energy and engineering sectors. Figures collated by HETA show that of the total build cost of £4.2m, just over £3m was for works carried out by businesses within 30 miles of the site, £3.4m was spent with businesses withing 40 miles and £3.97m with traders within 50 miles. Just over 42 per cent of the work was carried out by trades local to Grimsby and Immingham and 37.4 per cent of work was completed by trades local to Hull. With the addition of the land purchase price, fees and VAT the total cost of the project hit £5.5m and was on budget. Iain said: “We were only two weeks late and we’re not too worried about that given the impact of exiting Covid and war in Ukraine, with material costs soaring and supply of materials and labour both major issues. When the learners were ready to come in, we were ready to open.” He added that HETA is now eager to welcome other businesses to its location at the heart of North East Lincolnshire Council’s £42m South Humber Industrial Investment Programme (SHIIP) area, which is being promoted as a major industrial development opportunity. He said: “Hopefully we will start seeing construction activity on some of the nearby sites. I really do want to see these pockets of land transformed and generating that local investment. “People talk about the Northern Powerhouse but we need to build our own local powerhouse because the spend will stay within the area. Our figures from this project show how we used the local supply chain.”Farmers will need photo ID to buy certain kinds of fertiliser from October
That’s when a widening of the Control of Poisons and Explosives Precursors Regulations 2023 will affect sales of AN fertilisers with a nitrogen content of 16% or more from the beginning of October.
The photo ID doesn’t need to be a passport or driving licence, and farmers will need to record the type of business and VAT number if the business has one.
At this stage, the NFU doesn’t believe farmers will have to present photo ID in person – sending via email, text or another app will suffice – as long as it matches the name of the person placing the order or account holder if an individual.
The ID provided can be of anyone in the farm business doing the buying, and verification will be kept on record and will need to be updated every 18 months in the case of professional users, or if there is a change to a usual order.
After raising concerns about the potential for this to be another barrier to placing an order in a fertiliser market which is still in a state of flux, the NFU says it has had assurances that there should be no requirement to provide the ID to place the order – it can be sent over afterwards.
If there are multiple people in a farm business, it should only need one person to provide the ID on behalf of that business. As there are many and varied scenarios where this could apply, we cannot give comprehensive examples of how this will work, but if someone is seeking to buy fertiliser on behalf of others, the key test is likely to be who is acquiring the fertiliser on delivery. If you’re buying on behalf of a group, a photo ID belonging to someone from the farm the fertiliser will be delivered to is likely be required by the merchant.
NFU Crops Board Chair Matt Culley said: “The NFU has stressed the importance of ensuring additional measures such as this do not put barriers in place that disrupt a grower’s ability to purchase important crop nutrients, especially during times of urgency to get fertiliser on farm and applied within the appropriate timeframe.
“Farmers need to be aware of this new regulation so that they can work with their suppliers to ensure it doesn’t cause problems with purchases after 1 October.”
The changes have been the subject of considerable lobbying from fertiliser trade association the Agricultural Industries Confederation, which has said that ‘tens of thousands’ of farmers could be caught out by the change.
AIC Head of Fertiliser Jo Gilbertson said: “While we will always support efforts to further minimise the public safety risks of fertiliser falling into the wrong hands, the government has failed to understand how ammonium nitrate products are bought and sold within agriculture.”
