Mechanical and electrical solutions business acquired in MBO deal

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A mechanical and electrical solutions provider has been acquired in a management buyout deal.

Birstall-based Yorkshire Building Services, which was founded in 1992, predominantly works in the commercial and industrial sectors.

The company’s 65-strong team works for clients throughout the UK providing a full range of mechanical heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems, electrical installations, building management and maintenance services.

The buyout was led by David Broadhurst and Mark Peat, who are now both majority shareholders in the business, along with Tim Anderson and Darren Hill, who have also increased their share. David joined the firm when it was established in 1992 and Mark, Tim and Darren have all worked there for more than 10 years and offer over 90 years of combined industry experience.

Former directors, Andrew Sutcliffe and Paul Harrison, who themselves completed a management buyout of the firm in 2007, will continue to work in the business for the foreseeable future.

The buyers were advised by Cathy Cook, from the Leeds office of Yorkshire-based solicitors LCF Law, and Dale Coleman from accountants Ford Campbell Freedman provided accountancy, financial and strategic advice. Adrian Ballam from Ward Hadaway advised the sellers.

David Broadhurst said: “Over the last 30 years Yorkshire Building Services has established a superb reputation for the breadth of projects we work on and the practical approach to the design and innovative engineering solutions that we offer. Our extensive client base now includes the likes of M&S, Waitrose & Partners, Morrisons, Royal Mail and a recent introduction into public sector work.

“Both Andrew and Paul have been key to this and have always strived to lead a well-run business that offers an industry leading standard of service. The buyout comes at a time when the business is thriving, and we are working on a vast range of exciting and innovative projects throughout the UK including DWP Job Centres, HSBC data centres, MOJ covid reduction works and local authority leisure centres.”

Cathy Cook, who is a partner within LCF Law’s corporate department, said: “After completing a management buyout themselves, Andrew and Paul knew the importance of succession planning, and in recent years had already taken steps to pave the way for the new shareholders.

“This thorough preparation made it a seamless transaction to work on because everyone involved was unified and already had a clear understanding of the eventual outcome. This resulted in a very smooth transition for Yorkshire Building Services’ clients and team, and the MBO is a fantastic example of how other business owners and management teams can plan effectively and successfully for the future.”

Dale Coleman, partner at Ford Campbell Freedman, said: “We have a longstanding relationship with Yorkshire Building Services providing them with strategic and planning guidance at appropriate times together with accountancy, audit and corporate tax advice for more than 20 years.

“After working with Andrew and Paul on their buyout in 2007 and supporting the company through a period of growth since then, it’s been a pleasure to advise the team on passing the business to the next generation of shareholders and completing their entry to exit plan. We’re now looking forward to continuing our work with David, Mark, Tim and Darren as they take the business forward.”

EMR to improve wayfinding signage at eight stations across its network

East Midlands Railway (EMR) is rolling out wayfinding improvements across eight of its stations aimed at helping its customers use more logical and safer ways to navigate its sites. The £73,000 project will deliver accessible wayfinding improvements at locations up and down EMR’s network, including Kettering, Wellingborough, Nottingham, Beeston, Bulwell, Newark Castle, Hinckley and Sheffield. The new signage has been placed to allow customers to better understand how to get to a platform, exit, or entrance, as quickly and as safely as possible. EMR has also reduced sign clutter as much as possible, helping customers navigate the station environment with confidence and in a way that suits individual needs. Standardising the language used on the signs is another feature of the work, helping customers to become familiar with the same words and better understand their meaning. The project is wholly funded by EMR with the exception of a £3,000 match funding contribution from Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council. Depending on funding, similar wayfinding projects at other stations could also be rolled out in the future. Examples of the works include: Sheffield The current signs in the concourse (directly below) show three separate way out lines. In the new design this has been changed to two, with different alignment disciplines to improve the wayfinding experience. Bulwell The installation of a new poster case that highlights the step free route to the town centre. Helen Dolphin MBE, Chair of East Midlands Railway’s Inclusivity Panel, said: “The Inclusivity panel is delighted to see the introduction of this much improved wayfinding signage. “The signage will significantly improve the experience of customers, particularly those with disabilities where finding the quickest and safest route is vitally important. As a society we don’t always appreciate the difficulties people can have navigating around a station and this signage is going to make a big difference.” Lisa Angus, Transition and Projects Director at East Midlands Railway, said: “We are always looking at better ways to help our customers navigate easily and safely around our stations. “We hope this project will help in this regard and cut down the number of trips and falls which do occasionally happen when customers mistakenly take a more challenging route to either a platform, entrance or exit.”

Changes to services at Halifax Bus Station as work progresses on new £17.7 million state-of-the-art facility

Services at Halifax Bus Station are set to change from later this month (February) as work progresses on a new £17.7 million state-of-the-art facility delivered by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority in partnership with Calderdale Council. Alongside improved passenger facilities and better access to the town centre, plans for the new station include environmentally friendly features, such as measures to enable the future introduction of electric bus charging points, bike parking and solar panels, a living roof complete with plants, and a water storage tank to manage the flow of rainwater in a storm. Overall, the scheme will deliver more green space as well as other environmental benefits. Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: In my manifesto, I committed to improving public transport, connecting more people with opportunities and helping tackle the climate emergency on our way to becoming a net zero carbon economy by 2038. “That is why I am pleased to see work progressing on the new bus station, which will benefit passengers in Halifax and beyond. “We want buses to be the first choice for travel in West Yorkshire – not because you do not have a car, but because they are more affordable, convenient to use, and better for the environment.” From Sunday 27 February, the station entrance, travel centre and bus stands are being relocated to the other side of the site, near the Sunday School Façade and Sainsbury’s on Winding Road. Services 586 and 587, 226, 348 and 349 will also move to town centre bus stops from that date. Most bus services will run from the town centre during the day with some evening services returning to the station from 7pm.  A small number of services are remaining on site throughout. Posters detailing where to catch buses and how to find out more about the project will be displayed at the bus station, on buses, and on key buildings and bus stops across the town centre. Staff will also initially be on hand at the bus station and on-street to help people and answer questions. Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee, said: “We have been working closely with bus operators and our partners at Calderdale Council to minimise disruption and ensure people can continue to access Halifax town centre by public transport. “Buses have a vital role to play in connecting our communities and helping more people make public transport, as well as walking and cycling, their first choice.” Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Strategy, Cllr Jane Scullion, said: “It’s great to see work progressing on the impressive plans to improve Halifax bus station. This latest phase of construction will see work take place on the relocation of the bus station entrance, complementing wider plans to transform travel around the town centre. “This project milestone will require the temporary relocation of services and we thank local people for their patience whilst works are taking place. Once complete, the bus station’s modern and environmentally-friendly features will not only improve the passenger experience but also support Council priorities to tackle the climate emergency and support our town centres.” During this latest phase of works, which is expected to last until summer 2023, the cash and vending machines, as well as the photobooth, will be unavailable. There will not be any public toilets at the bus station during this time.  The nearest facilities are on Albion Street, next to the Borough Market’s southern entrance, which is within walking distance and closer to most bus services that have been moved to existing stops in the town centre. The new Halifax Bus Station is part of a wider package of schemes to transform the way people travel in and around the town. It is being delivered with money from the Leeds City Region Transforming Cities Fund, which is helping to transform gateways to towns and cities across the region by making it easier to walk, cycle and use public transport. Construction work is expected to continue until summer 2023.

Opportunity for York businesses to innovate, grow and access funding

The council is hosting an event to introduce York businesses to the Knowledge Transfer Partnership scheme in partnership with University of York, York St John University and Innovate UK.

The knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) scheme is a three-way-partnership between a business, an academic team and a suitably qualified graduate that enables the business to bring in new skills and the latest academic thinking to deliver a specific, strategic innovation project. The event will be held on Thursday, 24 March 2022 from 8:45 to 10:30 am at York St. John University. Interested participants can register here for free. Innovation is key to sustained business growth and resilience through uncertain times. This can include development of new products and services, dynamic processes and even the evolution of business cultures to underpin improvements in competitiveness and productivity. The event will showcase how KTPs can help businesses innovate and grow by offering access to academic expertise and a grant of approximately £70k per annum.  Participants will gain information on applying for collaborative funding for their ideas and get an opportunity to meet with like-minded innovative York businesses. The event will commence with an introductory address by Louise Saw, City of York Council’s Business Growth Manager. It will be followed by a presentation on the York KTP Offer by University of York and York St. John University. Participants will learn how the KTP scheme works and hear about both university’s offerings to support the local business community. The event will also showcase KTP’s business transformation success stories in collaboration with University of York and York St. John University. Ian Blakemore from Innovate UK will further discuss about the business benefits of a KTP. Participants will have the opportunity to network and engage with the panellists during a Q&A session before the event concludes. Councillor Andrew Waller, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning said: “This is an excellent opportunity for York businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through funded partnerships with academics and researchers. “Our academic partners, University of York and York St John University, have a fantastic reputation for being high-quality educational and research hubs. The collaboration of these institutions with York businesses will not only benefit the individual parties involved but will also create new knowledge-based professional relationships that will support York’s overall economic development. “I encourage all businesses to attend the session to find out how they can access academic expertise and embed new knowledge to drive business innovation and growth through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership.”

Work on major scheme to improve York railway station front begins

The first stage of work to improve the gateway to and from York’s famous railway station is now taking place on Queen Street.

The ambitious scheme will completely transform the station frontage, providing an improved transport interchange, as well as revamping the public space around the station. The scheme aims to encourage more people to walk, cycle and use public transport to access the station, as well as creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment around the front of the railway station for the public. The scheme will also create an improved setting for the City Walls and other heritage buildings in the area. Last year a planning application was approved to transform the front of York Railway Station. This will provide an improved transport interchange and public spaces around the station for people to enjoy. The full scheme which is valued at over £25m, is funded by the West Yorkshire-Plus Transport Fund and the Leeds City Region Transforming Cities Fund. This major scheme will be delivered in partnership by City of York Council, Network Rail, LNER and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. The work on Queen Street marks the beginning of the project with the main stage of work on the scheme set to begin later this year.  We are engaging with contractors to minimise disruption for those who live and work in the area.
  • Yorkshire Water will begin their works on the Queen Street slip road on 14 February which are expected to last until mid-March. They will be working to divert a water main and install new meters. Whilst access down the road will be possible, with traffic management measures in place, there will be parking suspensions on Queen Street to allow for the work to be completed as quickly and safely as possible.
  • At the end of February/early March it is expected that BT Openreach will start works opposite the station. Station Road will remain open during these works, further details will be shared on this in the coming weeks.
Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council, said: “I really welcome the continued progress being made on this scheme, with work now taking place on the ground to transform this historic gateway to our city. “This is an incredibly important project for the city, as it will deliver major economic, social and transport benefits, linking with the long term development of York Central. Working with our partners, we hope that the York Station Frontage project will provide an enhanced and more fitting gateway to our beautiful, historic city.” Councillor Andy D’Agorne, Deputy Leader of City of York Council and Executive Member for Transport said: “We are getting on with delivering this important project. York’s railway station is a key part of the city and by making significant improvement to the area around it we aim to encourage active and sustainable travel and make the front of the station something all can enjoy. “These are initial works by utilities which will allow the more substantial works, such as the removal of Queen Street Bridge and the wider improvements, to take place. This is an important step for the programme and we are in dialogue with contractors to minimise disruption to residents whilst these works take place.” Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee, said:  “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with City of York Council, Network Rail and LNER on this scheme, which will make it easier for people to walk, cycle and use public transport. “It is more important than ever that we continue to invest in a modern, accessible transport network, which supports economic growth by connecting more people with jobs, training and education, including between York and West Yorkshire.” Sarah Reid, Route Director for Network Rail’s East Coast route, said: “We’re really happy that the first step on this important scheme gets underway this week. “Improving the station front really will transform the area, and will provide a much warmer welcome for local people and those visiting the city.”

Alfred Enderby’s heritage grant boost

A second project on Grimsby’s historic docks has received a heritage grant worth £121,490 to help them turn their plans into reality. The Alfred Enderby Smokehouse has been awarded a grant to undertake conservation repairs and reinstate historic features at the key gateway building into the Kasbah area. The building is listed as a Grade II structure, and is one of the few remaining smokehouses in the area which still uses the geographically protected cold-smoking method. Old maps show this building was originally constructed as a smithy some time between 1896 and 1905, but at some point between 1917 and 1928 the building was converted to a fish curers and has remained so ever since. Alfred Enderby Ltd is now one of four companies which form the Grimsby Traditional Fish Smokers Group, which has received EU recognition for its method. As well as some general repairs, other works planned to the building include repairing and reinstating the traditional chimney cowls, reinstating traditional cast iron rainwater goods, and re-signwriting the advert on the side of the building. Patrick Salmon, MD of Enderbys, said: “It’s great news that we can get help to restore this building to its former glory. It’s something we’ve been wanting to do for a long time, but just haven’t had the opportunity to date. It will be great to see the work underway to secure the building for years to come.” For those behind the PSiCA scheme and Grimsby’s current focus upon regeneration across other parts of the town, there is an understanding that whole communities must be embraced if the changes are to be successful in the long-term. North East Lincolnshire Council Cabinet member for Tourism, Heritage and Culture, Cllr Callum Procter, said: “It’s really good to see this second grant awarded. Grimsby is known, and has a PGI in place for its smoked fish, and Enderby’s have led this work for many years. To see plans to expand and restore historic premises is great news, and I look forward to seeing the project materialise. “The Kasbah is a unique place, and we must look at how to make it safe and welcoming to work in, so we can attract a variety of industries and people to use this area as a base to work. A large part of that change will come if we can find ways of working with people across our communities to improve wellbeing and life chances. The cultural work that is taking place will go towards achieving that, along with the support the work can give to local organisations,” he added. David Walsh, Historic England Lead for Grimsby HAZ, said: “We are delighted that Enderby’s will receive funding from the grant scheme to repair this important historic building and reinstate missing features. Enderby’s have led the way as a successful business in the historic docks. Heritage led regeneration is key to creating a special and vibrant place in the Kasbah and we look forward to seeing more businesses making a success of it with support from the scheme.” Simon Bird, Director of ABP Humber said: “Alfred Enderby Ltd is one of the few remaining traditional smokehouses on the port of Grimsby. It’s great to see this local business receive this heritage grant to invest in their future and continue to grow. It’s another fantastic step forward in regenerating  the Kasbah.” The grants are from the current heritage fund called “PSiCA” (Partnership Scheme in Conservation Areas) being delivered as part of the Greater Grimsby Heritage Action Zone. The PSiCA scheme has a total pot of £1m, and is a joint project between Historic England and North East Lincolnshire Council, with support from ABP and the council’s regeneration partner EQUANS. The PSiCA grant scheme is open to businesses on the Kasbah or organisations that may be interested in moving to this conservation area. Anyone interested should contact Stella Jackson, Heritage Action Zone Project Manager, at HAZ@nelincs.gov.uk.

River Freshney water quality project completes

Work finished last week on a key project to improve the water quality of the River Freshney in Grimsby Town Centre with more than 2230 tonnes of silt removed from the riverbed over four weeks. Specialist contractor, Ebsford Environmental, were appointed to undertake dredging of the river between West Haven Maltings opposite Frederick Ward Way and the ABP pumping station. During the project, 122 lorry loads of silt and sediment were taken from the riverbed and removed off site for recovery to meet the Environmental Agency waste directive regulations. Additionally, 1.5tonnes of scrap metal, including bikes, shopping trollies and scaffold pipes, was taken from the riverbed and recycled at our local plant in Immingham. Dredging this section of the riverbed has allowed the water to flow much more freely in the town centre section of the river, with the channel depth now around 1.8m. Established vegetation has been maintained for the benefit of wildlife in the area. Cllr Stewart Swinburn, Cabinet member for the environment, said: “This work has been done as one of the final stages of the Garth Lane project, one that’s already seen a major site in the centre of Grimsby transformed into a lovely natural area. “We’ve already seen an improvement in the water quality and flow. We’ve also seen the family of otters around in the last few days, which is encouraging. The dredging will boost biodiversity and make the river more useable for years to come.” Cllr Callum Procter, Cabinet member for economic growth, added: “This is a huge investment in our river – for years, we’ve turned our back on the waterfront, and it’s now time to embrace it and all that it might offer. Investing in clearing up the river is the first stage, and along with the Youth Zone project and the Towns Fund projects nearby, I’m looking forward to seeing the waterfront develop into a vibrant place in the future.” The depth of the river will be reviewed in 12 months’ time to see how quickly the silt is building back up and help form a future management and maintenance plan. These works are part of the £3.7m Garth Lane site scheme funded by Central Government, through the Town Deal and the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership.

Rapidly expanding UK pet care venture completes first European acquisition

Yorkshire-headquartered Assisi Pet Care Ltd, the company behind Hollings, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of natural dog treats, has completed its first overseas acquisition with the purchase of Polish pet treats manufacturer, Maced Sp. z o.o., for an undisclosed sum, from Resource Partners, a Warsaw based private equity firm.

Maced, a long-established manufacturer of natural meat-based dog treats to the European market, is headquartered in Poznan and has manufacturing facilities in Polanow and Gardno. The company produces and markets products under its own brands and also manufactures for customers across Europe. It has a turnover is in excess of £20 million and employs more than 200 people.

The transaction, which completed on 10th February, marks the third acquisition in the 16 months since the establishment of Skipton-headquartered Assisi Pet Care, which is a joint venture between Yorkshire-based entrepreneur, Peter Mangion, and Harwood Capital Partners of London. Assisi acquired Hollings Ltd, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of natural dog treats, in October 2020 as the first step in its ambitious expansion plans, giving it a strong brand name and an established customer base. In March 2021, it acquired family-owned Town & Country Petfoods Ltd, based in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, which markets an extensive range of dog and cat foods and treats, primarily under the popular HiLife brand.

This latest acquisition brings Assisi’s revenue to just under £60 million and expands its operations to the fast-growing Polish and German pet markets, in addition to its existing UK activities.

Peter Mangion said; “We are delighted to have brought Maced into Assisi, a transaction which significantly grows our European market share, and which also gives us greater control of our supply chain whilst adding significant new product development expertise to our group. 

“We are particularly pleased that Tomasz Macionga, the long-standing CEO of Maced, will remain with the business, along with his excellent management team. I am grateful to Harwood Capital which, as partners in the Assisi business, is providing support as we continue to deliver on our buy-and-build strategy in the exciting European pet care market.”

The advisers to Assisi on the deal included Kaira Clarehugh and Jonathan Simms (corporate) and Andrea Unwin, Phil Dine and Francesca See (banking) of Clarion in Leeds who provided legal advice. The company was also supported by Alvarez and Marsal, CIL. Debt funding was provided by Crescent Capital.

Jonathan Simms added: “It’s great to see Assisi continuing to realise its ambitious growth strategy. This latest transaction puts it in a strong position to become a leading player across Europe in this dynamic sector and provides a solid foundation for further acquisitions.”

£233m Amazon-let logistics facility acquired in Wakefield

Arrow Capital Partners, the investor and operator of real estate in Europe and Asia-Pacific, has completed the acquisition of a 625,360 sq ft multi-storey logistics warehouse at the Wakefield Hub from Mountpark Logistics EU Sarl for £233 million. Once the development phase of Wakefield Hub is complete, the multi-story scheme will have a gross internal area of 2,009,495 sq ft over ground and three mezzanine floors fitted out to operate as an Amazon Robotic Sortable Facility. The building is targeting a minimum BREEAM rating of Very Good and an EPC rating of A, incorporating many sustainable features such a photovoltaic panels, electric vehicle charging points, cycle shelters and a bus terminal to facilitate public transport and further minimise carbon emissions. Marty McCarthy, managing partner at Arrow Capital Partners, said: “The Wakefield logistics warehouse is a highly attractive core asset, fitted out to the highest specification and secured on a long-term lease to the world’s leading e-commerce business. This is an excellent example of the type of next generation prime logistics facility, key infrastructure like in nature, that are currently being developed to meet the needs of an increasingly complex ecommerce and logistics occupier market. “By developing multi-storey facilities like this one, we are able to significantly increase the amount of space available to e-commerce businesses in strategically important locations where there is fierce competition for land, while reducing our tenant customers operating costs. “We have a portfolio in excess of £2 billion of logistics developments and investments located across the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Austria and the Nordics which we are keen to continue to grow.” Arrow were advised by CBRE and Mountpark by JLL.

9 Wellington Place gains Council support

Wider Wellington Place development hailed as ‘jewel in the crown’ by planning chiefs

Plans for 9 Wellington Place have taken a major step forward after being given positive backing by Leeds councillors. Located close to the city’s railway station with views over the River Aire, the 12-storey building will bring hundreds more jobs to Leeds city centre, adding to the thousands already created at the leading urban quarter. When built, 9 Wellington Place will boast leading design and cutting-edge technologies – making it one of the UK’s most sustainable buildings – across its 176,413 sq ft of office and 6,851 sq ft of ground floor retail and leisure space.      The ‘next generation’ building will include advanced control systems to drive low energy use, solar panels generating renewable energy and air source heat pumps to ensure it is as energy efficient as possible. Its exterior will include sustainable building materials such as low carbon compressed basalt rainscreens and cedar timber fins. Active travel and sustainable transport use will also continue to be encouraged at Wellington Place through the provision of electric vehicle charging points, plentiful bicycle storage and associated changing facilities. During a pre-application presentation at the latest Leeds City Council City Plans Panel, its members described Wellington Place as ‘a jewel in Leeds’s crown’. Members unanimously agreed to support the proposals for 9 Wellington Place across a series of areas, including design, scale, landscaping, pedestrian connectivity, and climate change and sustainability. Members also agreed that the reserved matters planning application for 9 Wellington Place will now be determined by delegated powers rather than being voted on by Leeds City Council’s planning committee, a rare move given the scale of the building. Paul Pavia, Commercial Director at MEPC, the developer and asset manager behind Wellington Place, said: “Gaining such favourable endorsements for 9 Wellington Place and the wider Wellington Place development from the City Plans panel is extremely pleasing. “MEPC and our investors are fully committed to Wellington Place’s long-term future and our approach to 9 Wellington Place is testament to this. It is an example of the best of the next generation of buildings, featuring industry-leading design, and construction which has both sustainability and social responsibility at its heart. “Alongside number 11 and 12 Wellington Place it will be one of the most sustainable developments in the UK. 9 Wellington Place’s building CO2 emissions rate is set to be 35% less than the Building Regulations target emissions rate, and an additional 15% less than the local planning requirement.   “We’re also working closely with the UK Green Building Council as part of its work around the net zero agenda and fully expect 9 Wellington Place to be one of the most sustainable developments, alongside also rating very highly in industry recognised NABERS, DEC, BREEAM and Fitwell accreditations. “Alongside sustainability advantages, once completed 9 Wellington Place will bring thousands more regular visitors to the area, new occupiers to the city and wider region, create employment opportunities and be a further catalyst for economic development after what has been a challenging period.

“The City Plans Panel’s endorsement not only demonstrates ongoing confidence in Wellington Place but also in the Leeds city centre office market, which is another positive sign as Covid-19 restrictions further ease.”

Tony O’Brien, partner at Sheppard Robson, the architecture practice behind 9 Wellington Place, added: “9 Wellington Place is set to become another welcome and valuable addition to the wider Wellington Place neighbourhood.

“It brings together the very latest in building design and sustainable construction and we are confident it will not only set the bar for new development but also play an important role in the ongoing rejuvenation of Leeds city centre.”

For more information, visit https://www.wellingtonplace.co.uk/.