J.R. Rix & Sons completes second acquisition of 2023
J.R. Rix & Sons Ltd has completed its second acquisition of 2023 in a move that further extends its offering in the renewable energy sector.
The Hull family group, which is headquartered in Two Humber Quays on the city’s waterfront, has acquired Driffield company HART Plumbing & Heating, which will become Rix Plumbing Services as part of the deal.
The acquisition follows the purchase of J Foley Electrical Ltd, also based in Driffield, which was completed in March this year.
J Foley Electrical – which became Rix Energy Services Ltd – specialises in sustainable technologies such as solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicle charging points, and Rix Plumbing Services builds on this with the addition of air source heat pumps.
Together, the two businesses enable J.R. Rix & Sons to deliver a full suite of renewable energy technologies to domestic and commercial customers across East Yorkshire.
Duncan Lambert, Managing Director of Rix Petroleum, said HART Plumbing & Heating was highly regarded in Driffield and the surrounding areas, with an excellent reputation.
He added that the business has knowledge in fitting air source heat pumps, and it was this that made the company an attractive proposition.
Duncan said: “At Rix, we recognise that future energy provision has to be from sustainable sources so our aim is to help new and existing customers, both domestic and commercial, transition to renewable technologies from gas and oil.
“Strategic acquisition has always been part of this journey, and we feel that in these two deals, we have found businesses that share our vision and understand of how being part of a large group will enable them to scale and help many more customers.
“With J Foley Electrical now well integrated into the group, and the purchase of HART Plumbing & Heating complete, we are fully geared up to provide a wide range of sustainable energy solutions.”
Chris Hart, the owner of HART Plumbing & Heating, said it had been a difficult decision to sell his business, but added that the Rix Group shares his values of ‘service and integrity’.
As part of the deal, he will continue to manage the business in its new guise as Rix Plumbing Services.
Chris said: “The decision to sell was not an easy one but I have recently trained to fit air source heat pumps – an opportunity with huge potential – and I believe that the best way to move forward is with a bigger company like Rix.
“As a long-established and substantial business, Rix will be able to provide the administrative support, finance and access to the best products that will give me the ability to realise my ambition and vision to grow the business.”
Transpennine Route Upgrade reveals plans to slash carbon emissions, generate thousands of jobs and deliver billions of pounds in social value in the North of England
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) has today revealed its strategy to “improve the lives of millions of people in the North” by slashing railway carbon emissions, equivalent to taking 6 million cars off the road for an entire year, creating and safeguarding thousands of jobs for local people and providing tens of thousands of opportunities for new entrants to the industry and young people, and delivering more than £4bn in social value and a further £4bn in wellbeing.
The multi-billion-pound railway programme will deliver major upgrades on the 70-mile route between Manchester and York, transforming journeys across the North, better connecting towns and cities through more frequent, faster, greener trains, running on a better, cleaner and more reliable railway.
As well as delivering benefits for passengers, the programme’s new sustainability strategy titled ‘Our Guiding Compass’ outlines its commitments to delivering environmental benefits, social value and employment opportunities.
Rail Minister Huw Merriman said: “Sustainability is at the heart of the Transpennine Route upgrade – delivering faster and more reliable electrified services in the North in a way that’s also better for our environment.
“I welcome the launch of today’s strategy and am proud to see the transformational benefits of the upgrade coming to life by creating new jobs and opportunities while slashing carbon emissions across the region.”
Anna Humphries, Head of Sustainability and Social Value for the Transpennine Route Upgrade, said: “The Transpennine Route Upgrade’s sustainability strategy is clear in our vision for the North of England. We’re delivering not just a railway that will be faster, cleaner and provide more seats, but we’re putting the sustainability and social value delivery of the programme at the heart of all we do.
“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of those who live in the North of England and ‘Our Guiding Compass’ puts in writing how we intend to do that.”
Rob Warnes, Strategic Development Director at Northern Trains, said: “The Transpennine Route Upgrade will be transformative for our customers, enabling us to run greener, faster trains and slash our carbon emissions.
“The programme is creating jobs here at Northern, as well as in our supply chain and across the North of England, offering our towns and cities a much-needed economic boost.”
Nicola Martin, Head of Sustainability for TransPennine Express, said: “People and the environment are at the heart of Our Guiding Compass. This is so important today, in a world where people are more informed about the pressures on the environment.
“The investments being made through the Transpennine Route Upgrade will bring welcome improvements to our rail network and will attract and retain customers who seek to travel in a low carbon way.”
TRU will deliver a cleaner, greener railway by electrifying the 70-mile rail route between Manchester and York. It will also slash carbon emissions by mitigating negative environmental impacts during construction and enhancing the natural environment surrounding the route.
TRU will create 4,000 new roles during construction with 60% of the workforce are being employed from within 25 miles of the route and 80% within 40 miles. 20% will be from underrepresented groups to create a diverse team to reflect the communities on the Transpennine route.
Using cutting-edge technology, the railway programme has also calculated the impact of its sustainable development activities to £4.28bn in social value and an estimated £4.9bn in wellbeing impact, in addition to the traditional programme economic impact assessments.
This is calculated using the Rail Social Value Tool, which is an online tool developed specifically for the rail industry in the UK, in line with HM Treasury Green Book Principles, to conduct valuations of the social value generated for individuals and society.
It also uses the ‘WELLBY Assessment’, which estimates the impact of the change to wellbeing by calculating the amount of additional income a person would need to receive to then experience the same change in wellbeing.
Landmark Leeds city centre office building “topped out”
City Square House, the new 140,000 sq ft office building next to Leeds Station, has been “topped out.”
This major landmark, which has been developed by MRP and built by McAleer and Rushe, is the most significant new office building in Leeds for a generation.
Speakers at the Topping Out ceremony included Tom Riordon, the Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, with Tracy Brabin, the first Mayor of West Yorkshire, and Councillor Robert Gettings MBE JP, the Lord Mayor of Leeds, among the guests.
Completion of the £100 million City Square House, scheduled for the end of this year, will coincide with the completion of the extensive public realm improvement works at City Square.
The prime workspace will comprise Grade A office accommodation over 12-storeys including low carbon credentials, terraces on the 4th, 5th and 6th levels and extensive cycling, electric vehicle and e-bike charging point facilities.
Global law firm DLA Piper has already signed a deal to take 83,000 sq ft of prime office space at City Square House in the largest private sector pre-let deal in Leeds in the past 20 years.
Meanwhile Markel, an SME-focused expert in providing integrated insurance, tax and legal services, has taken 20,000 sq ft at City Square House on a 15-year lease.
Tom Riordan, Leeds City Council’s Chief Executive, said: “It’s brilliant to see the progress being made on City Square House which is one of the most prominent locations in Leeds city centre. Further investment into commercial space, record cranes on our skyline and the growing appeal of Leeds to global businesses, shows how our great city is really continuing to thrive economically.”
Angus Montieth, development director at MRP, said: “We have been quietly going about our business of building the best office development in Leeds with sustainability and wellbeing at the heart of its design. City Square House is now nearing completion and will be the final piece of the City Square regeneration plan.
“We are delighted to welcome two companies with such excellent reputations as DLA Piper and Markel to City Square House. Our vision was to provide high specification, flexible Grade A workspace in the heart of the city centre and it is tremendously rewarding to witness this vision becoming a reality with more than 100,000 sq ft of space already let.”
Jonathan O’Neill, senior director at Design & Build contractors McAleer & Rushe, added: “City Square House has been an exciting, challenging and rewarding project for us. As this iconic building nears completion, we are so proud. There’s no doubt that City Square House will be a magnificent addition to the built environment in Leeds city centre and a symbol of the city’s thriving economy.”
Eamon Fox, partner and head of office agency at global property consultancy Knight Frank in Leeds, who is advising MRP, said: “It is tremendous to see this flagship building nearing completion, providing a very genuine cause to be optimistic about the commercial property sector in Yorkshire.
“Two major pre-lets at City Square House are a resounding endorsement of this speculative development and we are experiencing strong interest in the remaining 37,000 sq ft of quality Grade A office space.
“City Square House is the iconic new office development that the Leeds market has been waiting for. It is in a prime position, just off City Square and next to Leeds Station, and the remaining space will help to address the pressing need for quality Grade A office space in the city centre.
“This splendid building now joins the Majestic, 1 City Square, 34 Boar Lane and Platform as four state-of-the-art office developments, which are a credit to the city of Leeds. They underline the fact that Leeds is now one of the most flourishing regional cities, not just in the UK, but in Europe,” said Mr Fox.
BRM Solicitors recruit property management specialist
Property management specialist Jennifer Knibbs has joined the regional law firm BRM Solicitors.
Jennifer will be joining the well-established team, led by Rob Cooke, based in Sheffield.
Jennifer specialises in resolving complex property disputes, recovering service charges arrears, enfranchisement, tribunal proceedings and all other landlord and tenant disputes.
Rob Cooke said: “The recruitment of Jennifer to the team is a continuation of continued growth, the expertise that she brings to the team sits perfectly alongside the already strong property litigation team and enables us to provide an even higher level of service to new clients and current client base.”
Jennifer Knibbs said: “I am thrilled to be joining BRM at such an exciting time. Working alongside Rob and the team was a big part of my decision to move and I am looking forward to working with the current and new clients.”
Wake Smith helps gives new £350k lease of life to former Dore restaurant
Sheffield solicitors Wake Smith has helped the owner of a popular contemporary restaurant and cocktail bar secure a third venture in South West Sheffield.Sam Bell, Managing Director of the well regarded Bank House Hathersage venue, has taken on the former family-run Dore Grill Restaurant in Dore, with a £350k refurbishment underway to transform it into The Dore Bar and Grill.Wake Smith advised on the commercial property work for Sam for the 100-seater open plan restaurant on Church Lane, which will employ 30 new staff.The Dore Bar and Grill, which hopes to open this summer, will offer Italian-influenced cuisine with vegetarian friendly and gluten free options for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner using fresh, locally sourced seasonal produce accompanied by a selection of wines, spirits, beers and cocktails in the heart of Dore village. Sam Bell said: “The Dore will be a quality all day offering with an Italian-influenced menu of steaks, pizza, pasta and salads. The restaurant is in an ideal location in Dore and will include an on-site coffee shop and bakery, open from 8am every day.“Through the substantial refurbishment we are looking at a nod to history using natural finishes and a green and gold colour palette like the original Dore Grill.“We are also looking at employing 30 new staff.” Ben Spencer, a director in Wake Smith’s commercial property team, previously dealt with the purchase for the Bank House Hathersage building, formerly a NatWest Bank, back in 2016, and completed the legal work on an extension to Sam’s other initiative, Castleton Coffee Co. on How Lane in Castleton last year. Ben added: “We’re pleased to have worked with Sam for a few years now. Bank House Hathersage and Castleton Coffee Co. have proved to be very successful venues in the Hope Valley and we wish Sam all the best in his new venture in Dore.”The former Dore Grill Restaurant closed last November after 36 years in business.
Work begins on second phase of Aire Park in Leeds
Works have begun on the next stage of Aire Park. The latest phase will see the construction of a new seven-storey commercial building, offering 75,000 sq ft of Grade A office space, and almost 7,000 sq ft of flexible ground floor retail and leisure space.
Located on the corner of Waterloo Street and Hunslet Road, the new landmark building, designed by architects Cartwright Pickard, will act as a gateway to Aire Park on the approach from Leeds train station and the city centre.
Simon Schofield, head of development north at Vastint UK, said: “With works beginning on our third commercial building, Aire Park is truly becoming a reality. Leeds’ reputation as a fantastic place to live and work has been widely documented, and we’re pleased to be playing our part in this by not only driving further inward investment, but creating a brand-new urban district specifically designed to prioritise healthy lifestyles and active participation in nature.
“As a long-term developer, we’re looking forward to seeing the development thrive over the coming years, and to working with a number of key stakeholders including Leeds City Council to improve connectivity, develop sustainable transport links, and overall help an unrealised area of the city centre to reach its full potential.”
Alongside a target BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification, the building, which is due for completion in early 2025, has been pre-certified for a WiredScore Gold accreditation and a WELL Building Gold certificate.
Peter Cartwright, director at Cartwright Pickard, added: “This is a new generation of office building for Leeds, designed to enhance wellbeing and productivity, as well as to strengthen a sense of place. Providing sweeping views across the city and a strong visual connection to the greenery of Aire Park, it seamlessly combines modern methods of construction with details which reflect the heritage and craft found historically in Leeds.
“Once complete, the latest phase of the development will make a valuable contribution to the townscape by shaping a key entrance into Aire Park from the city centre, while bringing the public realm at Tetley Triangle to life.”
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “It’s really exciting to see the progress being made at Aire Park, with the plans for its latest building being a great example of the bold thinking that is driving both Vastint’s work on this new urban district and the regeneration of the wider South Bank.
“The ongoing development of Aire Park complements wider transformative work spearheaded by the council near the site, including the installation of the new David Oluwale Bridge, improvements to Crown Point Road and the creation of additional green space at Meadow Lane.
“We want Leeds to be the best possible place to live, work and visit, and projects like Aire Park will help us achieve that aim by supporting inclusive growth through the provision of new homes, jobs and opportunities for all.
“It’s also heartening to see the importance that has been attached to the use of sustainable construction methods in a building that promises to be another fine addition to the Leeds skyline.”
Plot of land earmarked for residential development sold
A 10-acre, disused plot of land in Askern, Doncaster has been sold by Westmill Limited.
The family-owned developer Yorkshire Choice Homes, which specialises in affordable family homes, has acquired the brownfield site for an undisclosed figure.
Planning permission was previously granted for mixed use redevelopment of the land which houses an old sawmill which closed in 2013, including up to 220 dwellings.
Yorkshire Choice Homes will now work to submit a new planning application for residential housing.
Aura Residential – Land and Property, a Yorkshire-based land and property business, worked with Yorkshire Choice Homes to advise on the acquisition of the land.
Westmill Limited are now progressing with the sale of a further 2 x 10-acre plots of land on the same site.
Ben Couch, from Banner Jones’ commercial property team who advised on the deal, added: “This deal brings with it the opportunity to transform a currently disused, derelict site with a view to delivering much needed housing in the local area.
“We wish Yorkshire Choice Homes well with their plans for the future which will also create further job opportunities as the remainder of the site is developed, and will undoubtedly be a boost to the local economy.”
Beacon lights the way for Hull charity
A Hull charity has relocated to facilitate hybrid working and help its employees enjoy a better work life balance.
Pickering & Ferens Homes, an almshouse charity that manages 1,400 homes across Hull and East Yorkshire, has taken a lease on the top floor of 7 Beacon Way, a modern office building just off the A63 and close to Hull city centre.
The 3,570 sq ft suite is part of The Beacon, a Grade A office development built by East Yorkshire commercial developer the Horncastle Group PLC.
The move leaves just two suites available; the ground floor and first floor office suites of 7 Beacon Way, which are 3,300 sq ft and 3,570 sq ft respectively.
Claire Warren, Chief Executive of Pickering & Ferens Homes, said the move enabled the charity’s 42 employees to work in a much more flexible manner, while still maintaining a strong internal culture.
She said: “We wanted to retain a central base because our identity as a local charity is based on the strength of our relationships with our customers.
“The cornerstone of that is the strength of the relationships between ourselves. You can’t keep a strong company culture built on working together for 30 years if don’t see each other.
“But we are also big advocates of hybrid working and were considering it even before the pandemic hit. It is flexible, works well with our customer-first principals and it means our employees can enjoy a better work-life balance.
“This, along with the effective collaborative working opportunities that The Beacon allows, means our new headquarters will enable us to provide an even better service to our customers.”
Pickering & Ferens Homes has relocated from its former base of the Maltings in Hull city centre, which is currently undergoing conversion into residential apartments.
The charity dates back to 1910 when founding director and prominent businessman Christopher Pickering funded the construction of 12 almhouses in west Hull.
It now manages a portfolio of 1,400 bungalows, flats and retirement living schemes for couples and single people beyond the age of 60, and builds around 25 new homes each year.
Ian Hodges, director of the Horncastle Group PLC, welcomed Pickering & Ferens Homes to The Beacon, where it joins a range of big-named tenants including innovative law firm rradar, the City Health Care Partnership (CHCP), and Netherlands-based logistics business Den Hartogh.
Mr Hodges said: “Pickering & Ferens Homes has been providing accommodation for older people in the city for more than 100 years, ensuring their residents benefit from the best quality of life they can provide.
“As a charity, it is part of the fabric of the city and does a tremendous amount of good work. It is a real privilege to have them relocate to The Beacon.
“Their move leaves very little space available on the site, which is one of a very small number of Grade A office developments in Hull.
“Any companies looking to move into the city would struggle to find more modern and convenient office accommodation with a good ratio of on-site car parking.”
WANdisco plans $30m equity fundraise
Sheffield-based WANdisco, the data activation platform, is planning to launch an equity fundraise of $30 million.
In a statement to the London Stock Exchange, the company said that it is considering a range of funding options as it works towards the resumption of trading in the company’s shares on AIM.
It added: “Having reviewed the various options, the Board believes the most appropriate strategy is to launch an equity fundraise towards the end of June of $30 million to build balance sheet strength in order for the company to take advantage of the significant opportunities ahead.”
The company will commence a consultative process with investors to assess the potential for the proposed fundraise, balancing all the different priorities and risks.
WANdisco noted that the resumption of trading in the company’s shares on AIM will occur as soon as practicable, following careful consideration by the Board and in discussion with AIM Regulation, but that this will be after the completion of the proposed fundraise.
Ken Lever, chairman of WANdisco plc, said: “We have been working at pace to deal with the issues the company has faced and create a positive path forward. A lot has been achieved and I am particularly pleased to now have a world class CEO and CFO in place, who are both energised to see the company through this difficult period.
“Having now been in the business for some six weeks, there is no doubt in my mind that the company should have a very bright future given its differentiated technology. However, improvements across sales and marketing need to be made to properly take advantage of the opportunity.
“To do this, the business needs to be urgently properly capitalised and so today we are announcing our desire to raise $30 million towards the end of June. Unfortunately, much of this capital requirement is a direct result of the issues that led to our announcement on 9 March. On completion of the fund raise I believe that the company can have a bright future.”
In March, “significant, sophisticated and potentially fraudulent irregularities with regard to received purchase orders and related revenue and bookings, as represented by one senior sales employee, [were] discovered.” Earlier this month WANdisco revealed that it is undertaking a reorganisation and review process that will reduce the company’s global headcount by approximately 30%.£12m awarded to fund new green energy scheme at Goole
A grant of £12m has been awarded to East Riding of Yorkshire Council to help fund a new green energy centre at Goole.
The project could see the construction of the Goole Green Heat Network which will allow homes and businesses to ditch their oil and gas boilers in favour of cleaner, cheaper energy.
The council’s scheme is one of seven low carbon projects across the country to be given a share of £91m in the Government’s biggest ever drive to fund greener ways to heat and power buildings.
The Goole Green Heat Network is designed to extract waste heat from a nearby manufacturing plant and pump it to residents and businesses in the area.
The network will provide heat to homes and businesses, including local council buildings, from 2024, cutting the town’s carbon emissions by 322,000 tonnes over 40 years and creating new skilled jobs during the construction stage.
If approved by the council, construction could begin as early as next year.
Alan Menzies, executive director of planning and economic regeneration at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “We declared a climate emergency back in 2021 which has placed a significant focus on sustainability and climate change across the organisation.
“The supply of cleaner, lower cost heat will not only reduce the council’s carbon emissions through the supply to a number of our buildings but also allow for residents and businesses to receive a financial saving, which at such a difficult time in the energy market, is vital.
“The Green Heat Network Fund award is warmly received by the council and will ensure that our taxpayers’ money goes further.”
