VFC rescues Meatless Farm from administration

Tess Egginton
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VFC rescues Meatless Farm from administration
Vegan food company VFC has acquired Meatless Farm in a deal worth £12m in sales – rescuing the fellow Yorkshire plant-based brand from administration. The Meatless Farm brand will be retained, with the product range diversifying VFC Foods’ existing plant-based chick*n portfolio. The acquisition of Meatless Farm marks a crucial milestone in VFC’s growth strategy and its mission to provide more vegan products across retail and foodservice, with the aim to remove animals from the food chain. Speaking on the acquisition, which was financed from the company’s cash reserves, David Sparrow, CEO of VFC Foods, said: “We are delighted to announce this strategic acquisition, whilst being extremely mindful of the business’s challenges and the impact on the people involved. “Meatless Farm has built strong consumer awareness, which aligns with our core values, and their exciting product portfolio enhances our existing range. By integrating both brands, we can utilise numerous synergies with valued customers and suppliers, thus driving innovation and extending customer choice.” Co-founder, Adam Lyons, added: “Acquiring this remarkable brand is a testament to the hard work of the Meatless Farm team, who have done an exceptional job in developing and establishing quality products. Meatless Farm aligns seamlessly with our growth strategy, and we are confident in the underlying consumer demand for plant-based products.” Matthew Glover, co-founder of both VFC, Veg Capital and Veganuary, stated: “VFC Foods is well positioned to sustainably grow the Meatless Farm brand once the cost-of-living crisis eases, and the plant-based space has experienced further consolidation. “Reducing our meat consumption is crucial for a healthier, more sustainable future and, at VFC Foods, we will continue developing vegan alternatives which taste so good, they render the need to kill animals obsolete.”

Packaging company expands into Sheffield business park

Tess Egginton
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Packaging company expands into Sheffield business park
A growing packaging production company has expanded into 27,500 sq ft at a Sheffield business park for its new regional base and created 30 new jobs.ePac Flexible Packaging, which opened its first manufacturing facility in the UK in 2019 and is based in Silverstone, has taken the additional industrial, office space and meeting rooms at Thorncliffe Business Park to help service its increasing requirements for making innovative flexible packaging for its customers.Refurbishment of the building, which becomes ePac’s new production site for the Midlands, the North and Ireland, has been completed by local contractors.ePac Holdings Europe managing director Johnny Hobeika said: “We have outgrown our current production site so needed another base further up the country from our current one in Silverstone. The central location of Thorncliffe attracted us to the site, as well as the extended height of the unit which is perfect for our large machines.“It was important for us to use local contractors to complete the fit out and also attract a new 30-strong workforce from nearby to satisfy our growing business. We are excited about taking the space.”The flexible packaging firm joins a variety of well-established industrial occupiers on the park including B.Braun, Balfour Beatty, Presto Tools and Plumb Centre.Knight Frank’s Kitty Hendrick said: “Thorncliffe was historically the site of the Newton Chambers & Co factory and has since been redeveloped into a well-established and popular business park providing industrial units ranging from 1,500 to 55,000 sq ft. It also provides a variety of office accommodation across all sizes.“Companies are attracted to the North Sheffield location of Thorncliffe and its easy access to the M1 at Junction 35, 35A and 36.”

50% pre-let at Sheffield Catalyst ahead of completion

Tess Egginton
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50% pre-let at Sheffield Catalyst ahead of completion
Mirastar’s new Catalyst development in Sheffield is 50% pre let having secured its first two occupiers prior to completion. Surfaces specialist Cosentino has become the first tenant to sign up to South Yorkshire’s newest £60m industrial scheme fronting Sheffield Parkway. The scheme comprises of five units totalling 285,000 sq ft and Cosentino, whose Silestone, Dekton and Sensa worktop brands are known worldwide, has taken a 33,608 sq ft unit on the prime 18-acre site. JLA Group, a market leader in the supply and maintenance of commercial equipment, including laundry, catering, heating and fire safety equipment, has also secured 109,166 sq ft ahead of PC. This marks a significant investment for the Group who are expanding into their own facility to accommodate substantial business growth. The Sheffield Catalyst development as a whole is expected to create around 500 jobs for the region. Henry Watson, associate at M1 Agency, said: “We are delighted to have exchanged contracts with Cosentino on Unit 3 and JLA Ltd at Unit 1 prior to practical completion. Cosentino is a world leader in the production and distribution of engineered and other natural stone surfaces. JLA is a UK market leader in their field. Both are excellent occupiers for this prestigious new prime development.” Rebecca Schofield, partner and head of the Yorkshire industrial team at Knight Frank, said:  “Catalyst offers quality of space, but also the presence and access onto The Parkway, one of Sheffield’s main arterial routes. “The market continues to show good demand for modern, highly specified and sustainable space for occupiers wanting growth or relocation opportunities, plus the opportunity to tap into excellent labour resources in the region.” Rob Brophy of Mirastar added: “Sheffield Catalyst is an important scheme to deliver much needed new industrial warehouse facilities benefiting from excellent ESG credentials and unrivalled prominence and access to the Sheffield Parkway and the M1 Motorway. We’ve received strong occupier demand since commencing on site and it’s great to see the scheme come together as we near completion having successfully pre-let 50% of the scheme.” Agents Knight Frank, Gent Visick and M1 are marketing the remaining three units of 22,448 sq ft, 28,309 sq ft and 91,923 sq ft which are suitable for warehouse and distribution, general industrial and manufacturing.Investor, developer and asset manager Mirastar committed to a multimillion-pound funding agreement last year to help deliver Catalyst, alongside developers Premcor and Peveril Securities.

Clarion makes seven senior associate promotions

Tess Egginton
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Clarion makes seven senior associate promotions

Clarion has promoted seven associates to the position of senior associate in addition to recently appointing two partners and four legal directors.

Alexander Lehany, Kerri-Anne Ball, Oliver Barlow, Siobhan Dexter, Kate Fernyhough, Anna Lockyer and Jack Farrer have all become senior associates.

Roger Hutton, joint managing partner at Clarion, says: “As a firm, we genuinely value our colleagues and are proud to support them as they learn and develop with us.

“This year’s promotions once again celebrate the up-and-coming talent within our team who also embody the Clarion culture – all of those recognised are lawyers who demonstrate excellent technical ability as well as being able to form strong relationships with clients by showing they can ‘walk in their shoes’.

“They have also all made a significant contribution to our continued success whether by mentoring and training junior colleagues, carrying out CSR initiatives or undertaking valuable networking.

“It is extremely gratifying to see them progressing their careers, and we look forward to continuing to provide an environment in which they can thrive.”

Since joining Clarion in 2015 to complete his training contract, Alex has become a valued member of the commercial dispute resolution (CDR) team, providing commercially focused advice and winning work through his strong technical skills.

A specialist in private wealth, Kerri-Anne is a homegrown-Clarion talent who is adept at working on complex, multi-faceted probate matters. With her organisational skills and attention to detail inspiring trust from clients, she has also helped develop paralegals in her team. She is an affiliated member of Solicitors for the Elderly and is progressing through the STEP qualification.

Oliver’s technical knowledge within the CDR team has impressed clients and colleagues, resulting in him often leading on complex matters. A great team player, he has built strong relationships within Clarion.

Siobhan works within the construction practice where she has taken on the role of trainee supervisor, helping to support and develop less experienced colleagues. Trusted by her clients, she has lots of experience of working on complex cases for several major clients and is also helping strengthen the team’s expertise in the energy sector.

An expert in real estate secured finance, Kate has been instrumental in assisting Clarion’s real estate finance team to expand the quality work it has been completing for a range of banks, as well as frequently working closely with colleagues in the banking and finance practice. With a specialism of acting for lenders on large portfolio work, she demonstrates great organisational skills and commerciality.

Over the last four years, Anna has made a key contribution to the continued success of Clarion’s costs and litigation funding team. She has independently worked on some large and complex cost management assignments, demonstrating first-class technical skills and client service.

Finally, Jack takes on the role of senior associate in the commercial practice having established himself as a dedicated specialist on data protection and privacy issues. With his background as a commercial lawyer, he is trusted to assist the team by providing advice on wider commercial agreements.

Australian company chooses Leeds for UK headquarters

Stuart Pearcey
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Australian company chooses Leeds for UK headquarters

Australian company Pexa is to set up its UK HQ in Leeds as it seeks to revolutionise the country’s current conveyancing process with its world-first digital property exchange process.

It has chosen 114 Wellington Street in West Village, Leeds, for its new UK headquarters, and will collaborate with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority as it sets up its new headquarters and prepares to invest in the region and its workforce.

West Village – developed by Bruntwood as part of the £200m Bruntwood Works Pioneer programme to create cutting-edge workspaces of the future – is due to open in autumn, and PEXA has taken more than 8,100 sq ft at the newly transformed development. It intends to move in by December.

PEXA have been advised and supported throughout the process by Charles Parkinson from CBRE’s Advisory & Transaction Occupier team in Leeds.

PEXA Group MD and CEO Glenn King said the strong financial services sector in the city, with a presence from the Bank of England, Financial Conduct Authority and UK Infrastructure Bank, along with the depth of legal and professional services firms, made a compelling case for PEXA’s decision to base its headquarters in Leeds.

PEXA will engage a local design firm to curate the office fit out with a focus on sustainable products, natural light, and greenery, with a relaxed and flexible space which will take inspiration from the city of Leeds and in keeping with PEXA’s vision as a proud disrupter unlocking value in property. 

PEXA launched in the UK last year, seeking to transform the UK’s 150-year-old conveyancing process, enabling digital remortgage transactions to streamline the process. Digital transactions reduce the associated time, risk, and costs in the remortgage process for consumers, lenders, and conveyancers alike. PEXA also aims to expand its product offering to sale and purchase digital transaction capability.

Inflation remains at historically high levels

Tess Egginton
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Inflation remains at historically high levels
After falling in April, inflation in the 12 months to May 2023 was unchanged at 8.7%, as current cost and price pressures persist, with households and businesses feeling the pinch. Inflation had been expected to decline to 8.4% year on year, but now, to bring it under control a further interest rate rise from the Bank of England is expected by many. Higher prices for air travel and recreational goods and services were a key contributor to inflation over the month, while this was offset by a fall in the cost of petrol and food prices not rising quite as quickly as they have been. ONS Chief Economist, Grant Fitzner, said: “After last month’s fall, annual inflation was little changed in May and remains at a historically high level. “The cost of airfares rose by more than a year ago and is at a higher level than usual for May. Rising prices for second-hand cars, live music events and computer games also contributed to inflation remaining high. “These were offset by a fall in the cost of petrol. Food price inflation remains high, but the rate has eased slightly this month with costs rising more slowly than this time last year.” Meanwhile core inflation – which takes out of consideration volatile items like energy and food costs – disappointingly rose in May to 7.1% from 6.8%, the highest reading since 1992.

Future of Sheffield’s Cole Brothers building will be decided next week

Stuart Pearcey
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Future of Sheffield’s Cole Brothers building will be decided next week
Next Wednesday Sheffield City Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee will meet to decide the future use of the former Cole Brothers building in Barker’s Pool. The Committee will discuss a report outlining six proposals and decide whether to open detailed negotiations with the bidder recommended by Council officers. The preferred bidder proposes to transform the building into a mixed-use space with cafes, retail, leisure, event space and workspace – with substantial areas of the building reopening for the public. The scheme and uses would complement the existing and proposed development within the rest of the Heart of the City project. Cllr Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said:“We are delighted to have the opportunity to decide the future of an important and much-loved building in the city centre. This promises to be a really positive step forward for Sheffield. We can’t wait to see the building come to life again over the coming years. “It is fantastic to see high calibre developers showing so much interest in our city and willing to invest on a significant scale. It shows developers are watching and noticing Sheffield and want to be a part of the positive changes that are happening here.” The plans would see Barker’s Pool and Cambridge Street entrances opened up to allow for outdoor dining areas. The rest of the ground floor would be filled with retail units, with particular interest in independent businesses, the lower ground floors would be used for leisure purposes. The upper floors would be workspace together with some rooftop offices. It is proposed the existing car park structure would be maintained but with far fewer parking spaces for use by the tenants of the building. The structure would have public access to a pocket park at the top, as well as studio spaces and a gym on the upper levels. Refurbishment of the building will be a ‘light touch, maximum impact’ approach with limited changes such as retaining and exposing existing features and cleaning the façade rather than replacing panels, whilst improving thermal performance.

Fake fag gang members get 26 years in prison after Lincolnshire farm raid

Stuart Pearcey
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Fake fag gang members get 26 years in prison after Lincolnshire farm raid
A gang caught red-handed with millions of counterfeit cigarettes at a Lincolnshire farm has been handed prison sentences totalling 26 years. The village of Midville in East Lindsey was the base for the gang caught with more than 6.5millon cigarettes, worth more than £1.8m in evaded duty. Officers from HM Revenue and Customs arrested Marcin Kopec, 44, and Wojciech Rymarczuk, 46, as they unloaded three large shipping containers at the farm in June 2019. Gang leader Tomasz Skubis, 37, and co-conspirators, Idrees Ahmed, 44 and Ali Tofiq, 45, were arrested on the same day 19 miles away on the A58 near Baumber in a hire car that had been linked to the gang. A sixth gang member, 32-year-old Ihtesham Khalid, was linked to the smuggling operation through surveillance, phone calls and text messages. Richard Paris, Assistant Director in HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service, said: “This gang was large, organised, sophisticated, and determined to break the law. Illegal cigarettes come at a huge cost stealing money from our vital public services. “Anyone with information about people or businesses involved in the sale, storage or smuggling of illicit tobacco can contact HMRC online. Search ‘Report Fraud HMRC’ on GOV.UK and complete our online form.” All six men were convicted of conspiracy to evade excise duty following a four-week trial at Nottingham Crown Court. The seized Richmond cigarettes were tested and found to be counterfeit. During the sentencing, His Honour Judge William Harbage remarked that the monies evaded should be used to fund public services. Speaking to Khalid he said: “The evidence you gave was nonsense and beyond belief. The Jury did not buy it for one minute”. Wojciech Rymarczuk, Marcin Kopec, and Tomasz Skubis did not attend the trial and were convicted and sentenced in absence to a total of 16-and-a-half years. Warrants have been issued for their arrest and anyone with information about their whereabouts should contact HMRC online. Tofiq, from Littleover, Derby, and Ahmed, from Longsight, Manchester were each jailed for three years. Khalid, from Rowley Regis, West Mids, was handed a three-and-a-half-year sentence.

More than 200 firms forced to pay workers left out of pocket by minimum wage law breaches

Stuart Pearcey
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More than 200 firms forced to pay workers left out of pocket by minimum wage law breaches
Over 200 employers including WH Smith and Marks & Spencer have been named by government for failing to pay their lowest paid staff the minimum wage. The 202 employers – who’ve now paid employees the balance – were found to have failed to pay their workers almost £5 million in breach of National Minimum Wage  law, leaving around 63,000 workers out of pocket. Companies named include major high street brands, small businesses, and sole traders, in a clear message from government that no employer is exempt from paying their workers the statutory minimum wage. Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business Kevin Hollinrake said: “Paying the legal minimum wage is non-negotiable and all businesses, whatever their size, should know better than to short-change hard-working staff.

“Most businesses do the right thing and look after their employees, but we’re sending a clear message to the minority who ignore the law: pay your staff properly or you’ll face the consequences.”

The businesses named have since paid back what they owe to their staff and have also faced financial penalties. The investigations by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs concluded between 2017 and 2019. The employers named today previously underpaid workers in the following ways:
  • 39% of employers deducted pay from workers’ wages.
  • 39% of employers failed to pay workers correctly for their working time.
  • 21% of employers paid the incorrect apprenticeship rate.
Whilst not all minimum wage underpayments are intentional, there is no excuse for underpaying workers, says Bryan Sanderson Chair of the Low Pay Commission said: “Guidance for employers on pay is available on GOV.UK, and today the government has published additional advice about breaches and the steps employers should take to make sure they pay their workers correctly. Bryan Sanderson Chair of the Low Pay Commission said: “The minimum wage acts as a guarantee to ensure all workers without exception receive a decent minimum standard of pay. Where employers break the law, they not only do a disservice to their staff but also undermine fair competition between businesses.

“Regular naming rounds should be a useful tool in raising awareness of underpayment and helping to protect minimum wage workers.”

The full list of companies and the amounts by which they underpaid employees can be found here.

Business owners warned of ‘grey fleet’ vehicle dangers during hybrid working

Stuart Pearcey
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0
Business owners warned of ‘grey fleet’ vehicle dangers during hybrid working
Diligent business owners could unwittingly be putting themselves at risk of significant legal and financial consequences through failing to enact duty of care surrounding their grey-fleet drivers. Whilst it has been over three years since the first pandemic lockdown, almost a third (28%) of working adults are still hybrid working with 16%i solely working from home. If an employee’s place of work clause in their contract has changed to home working, their privately-owned car will automatically join the ranks of the grey fleet, when used for work related travel. Employers who are unaware of their legal obligations to ensure staff owned vehicles used for work related travel are properly maintained and legally compliant, may be unknowingly missing duty of care requirements.   Simon Staton, Client Management Director of Venson Automotive Solutions, which has premises in York, explains: “Employers have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of their employees. With around half (49%ii) of UK drivers admitting to skipping essential servicing and vehicle repairs amidst the cost-of-living crisis, it is more important than ever that processes are in place to manage aspects such as driver licence checking, insurance validity, vehicle condition and mileage audit amongst grey fleet vehicles. Businesses and fleet managers, therefore, need to review their Driving for Work policies as working from home looks set to stay for some businesses.”  It’s not only service and maintenance of grey fleets that businesses must consider. Grey fleet vehicles are often older than company owned cars so can contribute disproportionately to a company’s carbon footprint. In fact, new research reveals that the average car in the UK is now ten years old. By promoting workplace benefits like salary sacrifice schemes, not only can employees make savings over a retail deal for electric vehicle, but the implementation of such an arrangement supports the ‘green’ agenda for businesses.  “Of course, for many employees, buying a new car is a stretch just now,” says Mr Staton, “The key benefits of salary sacrifice, however, include a fixed all-inclusive monthly fee so drivers don’t get unexpected maintenance costs. Employees also get National Insurance savings, ‘hassle-free’ acquisition, with no credit check or deposit needed and fleet discounts and for some organisations a beneficial VAT position reflected in monthly costs. “With hybrid and homeworking becoming a permanent fixture more cars risk edging into the grey fleet. Business owners and fleet management teams must keep on top of this to ensure they are not putting their firm or employee at risk, especially with an aging, less well-maintained UK car parc. They might also want to consider alternative options like rental or EV pool cars for those occasional driving for work employees. It all helps to cut the burden of managing a grey fleet and reduces CO2 emissions at the same time.” 
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