Hull engineering specialist to create access system for Canadian bridge project

Bridge works specialist Spencer Group has been appointed to create a bespoke access system to inspect the stay cables on a new Canadian bridge.

The new Pattullo Bridge over the Fraser River near Vancouver, is a key connection between the municipalities of Surrey and New Westminster, and is being updated from the original construction completed in 1937. Working on behalf of Fraser Crossing Constructors GP, Hull-based Spencer Group is designing, making, testing and commissioning a semi-permanent access system to enable maintenance engineers to inspect all elements of the bridge’s stay cables. The cradle element, which transports personnel to the desired inspection location, operates similarly to a cable car, moving up and down a track rope on the four lane, toll-free bridge. The cradle will be electrically hoisted up and down the main track rope and will vertically move up and down to enable personnel to inspect the stay cable wires throughout the lifespan of the bridge. Gordon Neilson, Principal Engineer at Spencer Group and a leading industry expert in bridge gantry design, is behind the design for the Pattullo Bridge cable fan access system. The design stage of the access system project is already underway and is set to be complete by early May. Manufacturing and testing will take place in the UK before the whole access system is shipped to Canada for installation. Fraser Crossing Constructors GP will be designing the bridge to interface with the stay cable access system, before it is tested and commissioned by Spencer Group. Steven Bunting, Project Director at Spencer Group, is leading the project said:  “We’re really pleased that our track record of addressing unique challenges in the bridges sector and our engineering skills are being recognised and called upon internationally. “Our unique design on this project will be transferable to other cable stay bridges all over the world. It addresses challenges faced with the need to carry out tactile inspections of cables from a dedicated work platform, at difficult to reach locations at significant elevations.” The new bridge will provide a safer crossing for bridge users with modern, wider lanes, separated by a centre barrier, dedicated walking and cycling lanes separated from traffic by a barrier on both sides of the bridge, and better connections to, from and near the bridge. The existing bridge will remain in use until the new bridge is open to traffic in 2024. Once the Pattullo Bridge replacement is open, the existing bridge will be removed.

Farmers invited to take part in carbon capture research

The NFU has joined a consortium of more than 20 industry and research partners to form The Centre for High Carbon Capture Cropping, a four-year, £5.9 million project led by crop science organisation the National Institute of Agricultural Botany.NFU Chief Science and Regulatory Affairs Advisor Dr Helen Ferrier said: “One source of opportunity for farms to build resilience, and get a return on investment from diversification – is emerging carbon markets. This project contributes to a route for farmers in supplying fibres and feedstocks from high carbon capture crops. “There’s broad relevance here for different sectors and locations; so, in areas of uncontrollable flea beetle pressure, cereal growers are looking for a profitable alternative to oil seed rape as a break crop. And livestock farms, at particular risk as BPS is removed, could build resilience by growing these crops on grazing and forage land.”
The project, which runs from this spring 2023 until 2027, has been awarded funding by Defra, and aims to help UK farmers and growers target Net Zero and build farming resilience through diversifying arable and forage cropping. It will also enable new revenue sources through a carbon marketplace and support enhanced value chains for industries such as textiles and construction. The research will focus on four cropping options:
  • rotational cover crops
  • annual fibre crops (industrial hemp and flax)
  • perennial food, forage, and feed crops (including cereals and herbal leys)
  • perennial biomass crops (miscanthus, willow and poplar).
In addition to evaluating their potential to enhance atmospheric carbon capture and sequestration, in the soil and crop-based products, the project will examine the effects of cultivation system and agronomy on economic returns and other environmental outcomes. Further work will optimise the production and use of renewable biomaterials for fibre, textiles, and construction and develop carbon insetting/offsetting platforms. The Centre’s ‘Knowledge Hub’ will provide resources to support the effective uptake and utilisation of crops with high carbon-capture potential, with practical outputs such as crop guides, web tools and apps available to landowners, farmers, and agronomists. The project will offer a wealth of opportunities for its many stakeholders to engage with and participate in the ongoing research, including crop trials, field demonstrations, webinars, workshops, and training. The NFU says it will share ways in which members can be involved in due course.  

Skills deficit has firms driving with the handbrake on, says Minister

More than 200 companies will attend the government’s Skills for Growth conference today, when some of the biggest British and international companies will discuss how to address the urgent recruitment needs of businesses, which together currently have more than a million job openings. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan says the lack of the right skills amongst employees feels like ‘driving with the handbrake on’. “I know from my years in business that organisations drive innovation and create opportunities, but without skilled workers, it often feels like you’re driving with the handbrake on.

“The Government is investing in building future skills for growth and calling on businesses to work with us, so that together we can build the workforce of tomorrow.

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said: “Successful companies need skilled workforces and as the Business and Trade Secretary I want to listen to the needs of business to ensure that the skills system delivers for them, creates even more highly skilled jobs and grows the economy.

“This conference is vital to show how government can support business to build our skills base and ensure we have the right workforce for the jobs of the future.”

In addition to the conference, the government is urging employers to hire more apprentices, especially younger workers, and to invest more in training and upskilling their workforce. We are also highlighting the wide range of government-backed courses and support which is available, including Skills Bootcamps and Free Courses for Jobs as well as £2.7 billion of additional funding to support businesses to take on more apprentices and the ongoing rollout of T Levels.

The event is also being delivered in partnership with World Skills UK, organisers of the participation of skilled UK professionals in the world’s largest competitive skills showcase. Previous winners of World Skills events will also be present to discuss their experiences. The critical mass of expertise assembled at the Business Connect – Skills for Growth conference will inspire business leaders and help to grow the UK economy, creating jobs, prosperity and opportunity for people regardless of their background whilst plugging critical skills gaps which many businesses face.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.