Incommunities appoints new Director of People
Bradford-based housing provider Incommunities has appointed Dr Bilal Mohammed as its new Director of People.
Bilal brings extensive experience in people and transformation leadership across a variety of sectors, including retail, e-commerce, technology, and higher education.
He joins the organisation from University Academy 92 (UA92), a higher education institution based in Manchester co-founded by Gary Neville, where he served as Director of People and Operations.
Bilal has also held senior positions at Asda, Apple, and Carwow, and has provided consultancy to major brands such as Lloyds, Gymshark, O2, Shell, and Sainsbury’s.
He sits as a non-executive director on the board of Løci, a British urban-lux apparel brand. Bilal also serves as a board advisor to the Apple EMEA leadership board.
Speaking about his appointment, Bilal said: “I’ve spent much of my career in highly commercial, high-growth organisations, where the focus was primarily on commercial success. My decision to join UA92 was a turning point in my career, as I began to align my work with organisations that prioritise social impact and purpose.
“One of the key reasons the role at Incommunities appealed to me is because the organisation’s values resonate deeply with me – its commitment to delivering high-quality, safe homes with a strong social mission, and its work to make a difference in a region that is home to me.
“The organisation is in an exciting position, having undergone a significant reset and built strong foundations upon which it can grow. I’m excited to join an energised and passionate team, and I’m looking forward to helping shape and deliver a sector leading experience for all our people, customers, and communities.”
Sara Sheard, Executive Director of Business Operations at Incommunities, added: “Bilal’s wealth of experience in leading people strategies in complex organisations will be vital as we continue to strengthen and develop our workforce, ensuring that we meet the needs of our customers and communities, whilst creating a great culture and experience for our colleagues.
“A key part of Bilal’s role will be leading the next phase of our EDI journey, working closely with our Board, colleagues, and customers to ensure we build a truly inclusive and empowering culture. His expertise will be invaluable as we continue our progress.”
Stove supplier secures £125k investment package
An investment package of £125k is supporting ambitious growth plans for Whitby and Guisborough-based Heritage Stoves, a family-run firm supplying wood burning and multi-fuel stoves.
This funding supports Heritage Stoves following the acquisition of Heritage Hearthstone Fires & Stones, which has been operating since 1997. Following the acquisition, Heritage Stoves will supply and install premium wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves from leading brands to domestic and business customers.
Founded in May 2024 by husband-and-wife duo Daniel and Stephanie Bird, Heritage Stoves brings together the couple’s skills. Daniel’s a qualified heating engineer, and Stephanie, with four years of experience managing the Guisborough office of Heritage Hearthstone Fires & Stones, was approached by its retiring owners to take over the business due to her deep familiarity with its operations.
Daniel said: “This investment marks an exciting new chapter for Heritage Stoves. Acquiring Heritage Hearthstone allows us to build on a trusted legacy while driving local economic growth. We’re committed to offering exceptional products and services to both consumers and businesses.”
The investment, provided by NPIF II – BEF Smaller Loans which is managed by the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), includes additional support from BEF’s Community Investment Enterprise Fund 2 (CIEF2), backed by Lloyds Bank and Big Society Capital, as well as the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme.
Antony Nicholson, investment manager at BEF, said: “Daniel and Stephanie’s vision, combined with their industry expertise, demonstrates the transformative potential of strategic investment in local businesses. This is precisely the kind of venture NPIF II is designed to support.”
Lizzy Upton, senior investment manager at British Business Bank, added: “Securing finance to accelerate growth is a key part of a business’ journey, and this funding from NPIF II will play a transformational role in helping Heritage Stoves expand its operations following the acquisition. While allowing the company to purchase new stock, it will also be used to create and protect jobs, adding further impact to the local economy.”
The £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIFII) covers the entire North of England and provides loans from £25k to £2m and equity investment up to £5m to help a range of small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.
BEF specialises in delivering smaller loans between £25,000 and £100,000 to businesses in Yorkshire and Humberside. Committed to breaking down barriers to finance, BEF ensures SMEs across diverse industries receive the support they need to thrive.
Yorkshire food group acquired
Karnova Food Group has been acquired by OSI UK, part of OSI Group.
Karnova Food Group was created through the acquisition and integration of Yorkshire Premier Meat and Smithfield Murray by Endless LLP (Endless) in 2022 and 2023 respectively. The combined group created one of the UK’s leading value-add business-to-business protein ingredients suppliers with revenues of over £135 million.
The buyer, OSI Group, is a privately owned global business, headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, with 67 manufacturing facilities, more than 20,000 employees operating out of 16 countries and supplying customers in 77 countries.
Di Walker, Chair of Karnova, said: “Since Endless acquired both Yorkshire Premier Meat and Smithfield Murray we have delivered significant growth with new and existing customers and focused hard on quality and service.
“Endless has been instrumental in helping us on this journey and we are very grateful for the true partnership and financial support they have given us.
“I am absolutely delighted that OSI have decided to acquire Karnova as it is a great strategic fit and they will be a fantastic long-term owner for the business and its employees.”
Katharine Haenelt, MD of OSI UK, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Karnova into the OSI family. We have been hugely impressed with how the business has developed under Endless’ ownership and see significant opportunities for further growth across the combined businesses.”
Endless Investment Director James Warburton said: “We are very proud of what we have achieved with Karnova in a relatively short time period and have enjoyed working with the team.
“We did not envisage selling Karnova this early but OSI made clear their ambitions for the business and they will be a fantastic long-term owner for the business with a market leading reputation. We wish the whole Karnova team all the best for the future.”
Endless was advised on the sale by Paul Satchell of Spayne Lindsay (corporate finance), Giles Chesher of Squire Patton Boggs (legal), with vendor assist provided by Chris Stott of KPMG.
Management buyout completed at Leeds compliance solutions provider
Product Partnerships Limited (PPL), a Leeds-based regulated compliance solutions provider, has successfully completed a management buyout (MBO) backed by a £10m funding package from Arete Capital and TDC’s Impact Fund.
This investment marks a significant milestone in PPL’s growth journey, enabling the company to expand and enhance its specialist compliance services offering and proprietary technology platform.
Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Leeds, PPL provides outsourced compliance services to retailers offering consumer credit products covering both directly authorised firms and appointed representatives under Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulations.
Since its inception, the company has built an impressive portfolio of blue-chip clients, including Google, Aston Martin, JD Sports, Peloton, and Bensons for Beds. Today, PPL oversees more than £260m in credit transactions across its network.
Arete played a pivotal role in structuring the MBO, securing a tailored private credit facility with TDC via its Impact Fund to facilitate the transaction and future acquisitions.
As part of the deal, Arete has also helped to strengthen PPL’s board and leadership team, appointing Peter Cowgill as Chair, as well as a new Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Peter, ex-Executive Chairman of JD Sports, brings a wealth of retail experience to the role.
Phillip Garlick, Chief Executive of PPL, said: “The investment from Arete and TDC is significant for our business. It provides us with the financial firepower to invest in compliance resources, accelerate organic growth, explore strategic M&A opportunities, and continue our expansion into high-potential sectors such as green energy.
“We are also committed to further developing our proprietary technology into a fully-fledged SaaS solution, enhancing value for our clients.”
Simon Lord, Partner at Arete, added: “PPL is a dynamic, growing business with significant untapped potential. The demand for compliance-based solutions in the retail sector is stronger than ever, and PPL is perfectly positioned to capitalise on these opportunities. We are excited to support Phillip and his team on this transformational journey.”
Jon Petty, Investment Director at TDC, said: “Through our Impact Fund, we are committed to supporting high-growth northern SMEs. Phillip and the PPL team have demonstrated their ability to drive sustainable growth, and this investment will enable them to expand further, create new jobs, and contribute positively to the regional economy.”
The deal was led by Simon Lord and Jamie Newall from Arete, with support from Hill Dickinson (led by Matt Noon/Alex Thow), Cortus (led by Ben Emmett) and Claritas Tax (led by Peter Hully) – that provided legal, financial and tax structuring expertise to Arete during the transaction.
£22.8m funding secured for holiday lodges at coastal wellness retreat on North Yorkshire Coast
OakNorth, the digital bank for entrepreneurs, has provided a £22.8m loan to support a joint venture between O’Shea Group and Galliard Homes.
The £22.8m loan will be used to fund the next stage in converting the historic 19th century, Raithwaite Sandsend Estate. Located between the North York Moors National Park and Sandsend beach on the outskirts of Whitby, the 85-acre site will see the development of 179 luxury villas, lodges and cottages.
This next phase follows the reimagining and reopening of the estate’s two hotels, Saltmoore House and The Beach House, in November 2024, totalling 78 rooms and suites.
Stephen Conway, Executive Chairman & Co-Founder of Galliard, said: “We look forward to welcoming guests to our new wellness-led sanctuary, located along the picturesque North East coastline. The Raithwaite Sandsend estate has a unique and extensive history, so it is our privilege to be breathing new life into the site, whilst preserving its historical significance to the region.
“OakNorth once again proved themselves to be a fantastic funding partner – we have worked with the team for years and keep going back as their flexibility, transparency, and entrepreneurial approach is second to none.”
Mark O’Connor, Investment Director at O’Shea, said: “Over the past six decades, we’ve become a respected name in the property industry, with our long-standing relationships with developers, housing associations, and local authorities leading to many successful joint venture partnerships.
“We were delighted to once again work closely with Stephen and the team at Galliard, with OakNorth being the clear funder of choice given their expertise in the sector and reputation for backing independent property developers such as ourselves.”
Damien Hughes, Senior Director of Property Finance at OakNorth, added: “This deal presented an exciting opportunity for OakNorth to support two of our long-standing customers with their latest JV project.
“The combination of the development expertise from both O’Shea and Galliard, alongside the well-renowned hotel management team that have been brought in, will no doubt be core reasons behind the project’s success. The location of the site and abundance of luxury offerings will also be a draw for not just UK staycationers, but international tourists too.”
Sheffield’s city brand to be given a boost
Sheffield’s city brand is to be given a boost with the aim of supporting economic growth by attracting more tourists and trade to the city.
A city’s brand and identity play a crucial role in attracting visitors, investors, new residents and new talent by promoting a place’s unique assets to the world and giving a city a recognisable identity.
In turn, this helps drive economic growth, bring in business and makes a city a better place to live and work for residents.
Research suggests that by improving people’s perception of the city by just one decimal place, so for example, increasing it from 3.5 to 3.6, it is estimated this would equate to a rise in economic value of 5%. For Sheffield, this would mean an additional £70m for the city, in tourism alone.
City branding also helps to foster a sense of pride and belonging amongst local communities and residents.
Sheffield already has a strong visual identity, which has been developed over the past six years and has supported the city’s visitor economy by helping to raise awareness and profile of the city across the UK and beyond.
But by refreshing the branding helping Sheffield to ‘stand out’ and ‘stand apart’, the team at Marketing Sheffield aim to gain the city recognition as one of the UK’s top five most attractive cities for trade, tourism and talent.
Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “We know from research the impact of place branding and perception on an economy. It suggests that a positive shift in perception equates to a significant rise in tourism and economic value.
“The work to develop our city’s visual identity is nothing short of inspiring. I am confident this will have a positive impact on our city, local businesses and residents by helping us attract more visitors and talent and set Sheffield apart from the rest.”
The Marketing Sheffield team, part of Sheffield City Council, have been working on refining and developing the city brand over the past 12 to 18 months, alongside partners, businesses and organisations across the city.
The concept for the work is to highlight the impact Sheffield has on the world – how what has happened in the city over the years and continues to happen, inspires changes in the world elsewhere.
Louisa Harrison-Walker, Chief Executive of The Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, said: “The development of the city’s place brand goes beyond just attracting tourists and visitors to come and visit the city.
“One of our roles is to promote Sheffield as a place for investment. We want to promote the city to talent who might want to come and make Sheffield their home, to individuals that want to come here and open sustainable businesses that provide job opportunities.
“Every single one of our sectors here in Sheffield can use this branding as it applies to so many of corners of our workforce and industry.”
As part of the work, web content will be developed that will focus on a range of themes and messages that relate to how Sheffield has had an impact on the world. From Sheffield’s green credentials that have been recognised internationally, to Sheffield’s advanced manufacturing capabilities that have had a huge impact around the world.
There will also be a new video/animation to launch the city brand and promote these key messages, which has been worked on by local creative talent.
By commissioning local, Sheffield talent to bring the work to life, the team hopes to harness local pride and encourage the city and its people to get behind and support this proposition for the city.
It will also be delivered by a range of stakeholders across the city, who will act as champions of the branding.
At an Economic Development and Skills Committee on Thursday 6 February, Members endorsed the development of the branding work that had been completed so far and approved the ongoing work of Marketing Sheffield, alongside partners and stakeholders, to bring the brand to life for Sheffield through a range of campaigns and activities.
The new branding is set to be launched in the coming weeks.
British Gas pledges 400 new apprenticeship roles this year
British Gas has used National Apprenticeship Week to announce it will have more than 400 apprenticeship roles available in 2025 to help accelerate the drive to net zero.
The new apprentices will be helping customers with energy efficiency advice, fixing boilers and installing net zero measures to help customers save on bills and reduce their carbon emissions. British Gas is aiming to attract more women into these roles to close the gender gap in engineering as well as people from underrepresented backgrounds. Training will take place at the Ofsted regulated and award winning British Gas Academies. It comes as new research by the company reveals a major shift in attitudes towards apprenticeships, challenging long-standing views on career and education choices. The research shows over half (55%) of UK adults said their view of apprenticeships has improved since they finished school, while only 2% report a negative shift. Additionally, nearly a quarter (23%) would now consider an apprenticeship to change careers, marking a shift in how we view work, training, and future prospects. When it comes to the reasons why, nearly three-quarters agreed apprenticeships offer a route to long-term job security, and two-thirds see them as means to build essential skills. Avoiding student debt (55%) and faster career progression than university (51%) also rank as key advantages. Chris O’Shea, CEO of Centrica, parent company of British Gas added: “It’s vital that we reflect the diversity of the customers and communities we support, and we’re committed to creating the workforce of the future that can deliver the UK’s net zero ambitions. Our apprenticeship programmes are a brilliant opportunity for anyone who is interested in pursuing a career, whether it’s their first ever job or they’re looking for a career change. Our schemes not only offer the chance to learn new skills, but also an entry point to a lifelong career, with plenty of opportunity to grow.”North East Lincolnshire Council puts out tender request for way finding in Cleethorpes
A tender has been released to the market to find a company to help improve wayfinding around the main resort area in Cleethorpes.
The recent Cleethorpes Masterplan development highlighted wayfinding as something that needed to be improved in the resort, and this was incorporated as part of the major bid to Government for project funding, which also resulted in funding being made available for the Sea Road, Pier Gardens and Market Place projects.
This initial tender is for a company to create a strategy and design specifications for signage to help people navigate around the resort, as well as generating ideas for signage that holds interesting heritage or environmental information, and also live information on events and beach safety.
Once the work has been completed, a separate tender will be released for the manufacture and installation of the signage at a later date.
Keighley cardboard tube manufacturer starts 2025 with £400K investment in solar power
A 150-year-old Keighley manufacturing business has committed to a further £400,000 investment in solar power generation. This adds a further 380KW generating capacity to the existing 120KW array, giving a 500KW array in total.
This investment decision gives further justification to the positive conclusions drawn by their external ISO 14001 auditor following an audit in December. The report also highlighted the many other environmental improvements the business made in the last 12 months, such as reductions in electricity usage, raw material waste and compressed air usage.
As a fifth-generation family-owned firm, Stell manufactures cardboard tube and core products, including reel tubes, label and tape cores. The firm supplies over 16,000km of cardboard tubes across the UK and Europe each year from its specialist 100,000 sq. ft facility in Keighley.
Stell has a sustained track record of continuous improvement of its facilities and process to reduce its environmental footprint. The factory is heated from sustainable biomass, lit by latest generation LEDs and all waste streams are measured, managed and reduced.
Director of Stell, Sam Stell says: “As a UK cardboard core and tube manufacturer, we take our environmental footprint very seriously. We’re ISO 14001 accredited and we invest heavily in clean tech, so we’re well underway in our net zero journey”.
“Since our founding in 1872, our processes have evolved countless times, but our dedication to environmental responsibility has remained a constant. By thoroughly reviewing and refining our operations, we have aligned with globally recognised environmental benchmarks, providing our customers with the assurance that they are partnering with a manufacturer dedicated to promoting eco-friendly practices throughout its supply chain.”
ISO 14001 is a globally recognised standard that provides a framework for implementing effective Environmental Management Systems (EMS).
The accreditation sits alongside Stell’s ISO 9001 certification, which acknowledges the firm’s ongoing commitment to quality management systems in its end-to-end procedures.
Cornhill Market regeneration earns plaudits for Lindum Group
Lindum Group’s regeneration of Lincoln Cornhill Market and its commitment to being a great employer have been celebrated at the Lincolnshire Construction and Property Awards 2025.
Our innovative refurbishment and extension of the Grade II Listed 1930s market hall and refreshed City Square public realm won the Development Project of the Year (over £5 Million) category.
We also won the Employer of the Year category in recognition of our positive and inclusive workplace culture, in the awards event hosted by Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce.
Lindum Co-chairman Freddie Chambers said: “The recognition for our Lincoln Cornhill Market work demonstrates our commitment to working in partnership with clients on all our projects to deliver successful outcomes in terms of quality, craftsmanship and value for money.
“As an employee-owned company of more than 600 people, we try to look after our staff, who go the extra mile for clients and their colleagues day-in, day-out.
“We believe in apprenticeships and training, to support our colleagues and for Lindum to be an enjoyable and rewarding place to work. After all, our employees are at the heart of our business success, and it is thanks to them that we have won these awards!”
