cardfactory steps into the US with acquisition

Tess Egginton
-
0
cardfactory steps into the US with acquisition

cardfactory, the Wakefield-headquartered retailer of greeting cards and gifts, has entered the US gifts and celebration essentials market with the $25m acquisition of Garven Holdings and its subsidiaries.

Garven trades as Garven Design and Cadence Packaging and is a leader in the design and wholesale of gifts and celebration essentials, based in Minnesota.

Garven has an established customer base of general and speciality retailers which will allow cardfactory to further explore design and buying synergies, alongside opportunities to introduce its own ranges into the US wholesale market.

Chief Operating Officer, Anne Schulze and Chief Financial Officer, Walter Jungbauer will continue to manage the Garven business.

Darcy Willson-Rymer, cardfactory Chief Executive Officer, said: “The acquisition of Garven is an important strategic milestone in our partnerships strategy. Together with our separate wholesale supply agreement covering over 1,100 stores across the US, it establishes a physical presence in the US market.

“Over a number of years, Garven has built a reputation as a trusted brand known for its quality products and impressive design capabilities, with Anne and Walter building an excellent customer proposition. We are excited to welcome the Garven team to cardfactory and look forward to building upon their existing commercial relationships, as well as forging new ones.

“International partnerships are a key component of our growth strategy. This acquisition is a key step in delivering the growth from partnerships as we guided at our Capital Markets Update in May last year. Garven represents an exciting opportunity for cardfactory to build scale in the world’s biggest celebration occasions market.”

Yorkshire-based Advanced Alloy Services set for expansion with £20m funding package

Tess Egginton
-
0
Yorkshire-based Advanced Alloy Services set for expansion with £20m funding package
Advanced Alloy Services, a South Yorkshire-based supplier of high purity metals, revert and toll-process for the manufacture of high temperature superalloys, has received a £20m funding package from Santander Corporate and Commercial Banking. The package includes a £10m General Export Finance facility (GEF), £10m Invoice Finance, FX facilities, and transactional banking, which will enable Advanced Alloy Services to grow its business both domestically and internationally, as it pursues its strategy for growth in the UK, US and Asia. The arrangement offers the metals business flexibility, tailored to its needs. The new financing agreement will also allow the business to expand its partnerships with UK universities to research and develop new critical metals recovery processes with material from secondary sources. Financial support from Santander will facilitate these crucial innovation projects and help the UK develop security of supply of critical minerals and metals, essential for key infrastructure projects. Metal recovery projects will also help towards Net Zero targets, by reducing reliance of metals from primary sources and corresponding high carbon emissions from mining and refining processes. Advanced Alloy Services Ltd was founded in 1993. The business has a turnover of £56.7m and in May received its first prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade. The firm employs over 40 people who are all based in the Dinnington, South Yorkshire premises. Stephen Hall, Managing Director, Advanced Alloy Services, said: “With our new financing arrangement, Santander has differentiated themselves from other banks. Crucially, they have demonstrated support for the UK metals industry and with it the UK Critical Mineral Strategy, helping security of supply essential for key infrastructure.” Liz Pickering, Relationship Director, Santander Corporate and Commercial, added: “We are delighted to have supported Advanced Alloy Services and delivered a bespoke refinance package which will support the company’s exciting opportunity for UK and international growth. “Advanced Alloy Services Ltd is a well-established local business growing in its sector. The remit at the outset from the management team was to provide a flexible funding solution to enable the metal supplier to maximise international growth, which we achieved by working alongside UKEF. “This has been collaborative approach, and we look forward to continue working with the Advanced Alloy team.”

£40m funding from Octopus Real Estate to deliver three new care homes

Tess Egginton
-
0
£40m funding from Octopus Real Estate to deliver three new care homes
Octopus Real Estate has announced £40 million of funding for three new purpose-built care homes in the Octopus Healthcare Fund’s (OHF) portfolio of over 100 homes. These new care homes will provide a total of over 200 beds, each with a private wet room, having been funded as part of a strategic partnership with operator Torwood Care. The sites are prominently located in Durham, Worksop and Bradford, and will operate as Tanglewood Care. The homes, which are being developed by Torsion Care, will be fully electric, powered by air source heat pumps and featuring solar panels. All homes are targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’, contributing to the Fund’s ESG performance and net zero targets. These acquisitions mark sites three, four and five of a seven-home forward funding portfolio with Torwood Care, a joint venture partnership between Torsion Care and Tanglewood Care. The three new homes are expected to open in the first half of 2026. Forsters LLP acted for the Fund on all three acquisitions. Max Weitzmann, Investment Director, Care Homes, Octopus Real Estate, said: “We’re pleased to build on our partnership with Torwood Care, an experienced and well-respected operator. We have now worked together on the development of five best-in-class elderly care homes across the UK, totalling over 350 beds. “It’s another example of Octopus Real Estate’s commitment to delivering quality, sustainable homes that are fit for the future and meet the needs of society. We look forward to working with Torwood on additional developments going forward, working together to address the undersupply of high-quality care beds across the UK.” Nick Kempster, Director, Torwood Care, said: “At Torwood, we believe that everyone has the right to live in a home that is fit for their needs, and we take great pride in providing quality care in comfortable, relaxed and homely surroundings. “The developments we have funded with the Octopus team are a prime example of that commitment; we’re delighted to be working with Octopus Real Estate to fund and operate these three purpose-built care facilities.” Martin Hutson, Director, Torsion Care, said: “We’re thrilled to have secured project funding with Octopus Real Estate to enable us to deliver three more excellent schemes in an increasingly demanding market. We are expanding our own development portfolio and are excited to continue working with both teams.”

West Yorkshire Mayor unveils multibillion-pound growth plan

Tess Egginton
-
0
West Yorkshire Mayor unveils multibillion-pound growth plan
The Mayor of West Yorkshire has today (5 December) set out a Local Growth Plan that will transform the region, boost the economy and put more money in people’s pockets. The ten-year Local Growth Plan, published ahead of a meeting of regional leaders next week (12 December), is projected to support the creation of 33,000 new jobs and add £26 billion to the UK economy, according to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. The plan sets out the Combined Authority’s commitment to invest £7 billion targeted at supporting businesses to grow, ensuring people have the skills they need to succeed, building a quick and reliable public transport system, and creating vibrant places with affordable and sustainable homes for all. The five priorities of the Local Growth Plan are:
  1. Boosting the region’s fastest growing business sectors, including financial and professional services, advanced manufacturing and engineering, life sciences and health technologies, and the creative industries.
  1. Supporting small and medium-sized businesses to grow and succeed, with greater access to finance, skills, workspace, innovation, markets, promotion, and a supportive eco-system of public-private partnerships.
  1. Building a region of learning and creativity, where people of all ages and backgrounds can access the qualifications, skills and employment support they need to secure well-paid work and fulfil their potential.
  1. Creating a better-connected and integrated transport network, with more reliable and frequent bus services under local control, greater rail capacity to reduce congestion and journey times, and a new tram system fully integrated with bus and rail to connect the entire region.
  1. Developing thriving places, with warm and affordable homes for all, safer communities free from crime and antisocial behaviour, neighbourhoods resilient to flooding and the impacts of climate change, and greater access to culture, heritage and sport for everyone.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Our Local Growth Plan will lay the foundations for the renaissance of our great region, transforming the economy and society of West Yorkshire for future generations. “By ensuring that everyone has the skills they need to succeed, warm, affordable and sustainable homes, and quick and reliable public transport links they can rely on, we’ll enable the creation of thousands of well-paid jobs and help deliver the nation’s growth mission. “By harnessing the full potential of devolution with a single funding settlement, West Yorkshire will finally be able to forge its own future, and we will create a brighter region that works for all.” Mandy Ridyard, Business Advisor to the Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Our diverse and dynamic businesses form the bedrock of our £66 billion regional economy, and their growth is essential to the delivery of this plan. “Ensuring they have the skills, investment and access to markets they need to deliver on their business plans will be key to that growth. “Successful businesses that are growing will help to leverage further investment into our region, creating more well-paid jobs that are instrumental to an inclusive, successful economy. “With a keen focus on our fastest growing sectors, our new Healthtech & Digital Tech Investment Zone, and further inward investment, we will deliver for the region and the nation.” Cllr James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council and Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Economy Committee, said: “The launch of the Local Growth Plan marks a real milestone for West Yorkshire. “It brings together our ambitions of reliable transport, skills for adults, well-paid jobs, and supporting and investing in our businesses meaning we can create a thriving and vibrant region. “This plan paves the way for future generations to enjoy West Yorkshire for years to come, whether for work, leisure or tourism.” Developing a Local Growth Plan for West Yorkshire was a central manifesto pledge of Mayor Tracy Brabin and if agreed, it will be adopted locally. This will feed into work the Combined Authority is doing with the Government to develop a statutory Local Growth Plan based on shared priorities and informed by the National Industrial Strategy. The Combined Authority will also be presented with a draft budget for 2025-26, which sets out initial plans for how funding will be allocated to deliver the ambitions of the Local Growth Plan.

UK signs North Sea fishing industry agreement with EU and Norway

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
UK signs North Sea fishing industry agreement with EU and Norway
A new trilateral deal with the EU and Norway has secured UK fisheries more than 290,000 tonnes of North Sea stocks, worth up to £310m based on historic landing prices. The deal agreed catch limits on six fish stocks including cod, haddock and herring in the North Sea and other waters around the UK. Fisheries Minister Daniel Zeichner says the opportunities secured by the UK will support a sustainable and economically successful fishing sector, which in turn will back coastal communities by providing local jobs and boost economic growth. The agreement also highlights all parties’ continued commitment to ensure the long-term sustainability of shared stocks. Sustainability is at the heart of the UK’s approach to negotiations, pushing for decisions based on the best available science to protect key stocks and support the long-term viability of the UK fishing industry. Advice from scientists at the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea is the starting point for the UK’s approach and, where possible, catch limits have been set at or below these advised levels.  Economic and social considerations are appropriately balanced alongside this scientific advice. The outcome of annual fisheries negotiations will be published in the Secretary of State determination of fishing opportunities for British boats by the end of the year.

Secretary of State promises support for UK steel industry

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Secretary of State promises support for UK steel industry
Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds has pledged Government support for Britain’s steelmakers. At a Steel Summit in Parliament Mr Reynolds said the strategy, due for publication next spring, would be a turning point for the industry. The event was organised by our trade body UK Steel and brought together key industry figures to discuss the measures required to help the sector thrive. The industry wants a competitive business landscape to attract additional investment, a level playing field to give industry a fair chance to gain market share, and strategic expansion of steelmaking capacity and capability. British Steel’s Strategy and Marketing Director Lisa Coulson said: “The UK needs a strong and vibrant steel industry and British Steel plans to be at the centre of it – ensuring the UK’s infrastructure needs are met. “We are the UK’s only manufacturer of rail and heavy sections for construction, and our highly-skilled colleagues also excel in making wire rod and special profiles. “We were pleased to hear the Secretary of State outline the Government’s commitment to this country’s steel industry. “Together we look forward to continuing to work with the Government, and our fellow British steel companies, to ensure we build a sustainable future for this country’s steelmakers, our employees, and thousands of more people in our supply chains.”

Prep work starts on South Yorkshire manufacturing base for revolutionary aircraft

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Prep work starts on South Yorkshire manufacturing base for revolutionary aircraft
Hybrid Air Vehicles has begun survey and preparatory work in readiness to build its revolutionary new aircraft on a 50-hectare site at Carcroft Common in Doncaster. It’s the Airlander 10, which will be able to carry 100 passengers mobility or a ten-tonne payload of freight The step comes after work in partnership with the City of Doncaster Council to release the first instalment of a £7m loan from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. The is planned to house flagship facilities for Airlander 10’s production, testing and certification operations, and be able to build up to 24 aircraft per year. It is also expected to establish new supply chains within the South Yorkshire Investment Zone and open up more than 1,200 new, highly-skilled green jobs in the region. Nick Allman, COO of Hybrid Air Vehicles, said: “We welcome the release of the first instalment of the £7m loan from SYMCA. Alongside the investment that we are bringing to this programme, it allows our team to progress the planning permission submission for the Airlander 10 production site at Carcroft Common, advancing several steps on our production site such as completing surveys and ground investigations, as well as engaging key design and planning suppliers. “This is a major step in creating a pioneering facility to assemble fleets of Airlander 10 aircraft, as well as establishing a hub for advanced manufacturing and sustainable aviation in Doncaster, bringing with it new opportunities, jobs and apprenticeships in South Yorkshire.” The company has now opened an office at Cavendish Court in Doncaster to establish a presence in the city and provide a base for HAV employees while work gets under way at the Carcroft Common site.

Accident management specialist moves to larger premises at Dean Clough

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Accident management specialist moves to larger premises at Dean Clough

Dean Clough-based accident management solutions company Activate Group has moved to a 50% larger space at the Halifax complex.

The Group has relocated from existing premises at Dean Clough to support expansion.

Founded in 2015 Activate Group employs more than 700 people nationwide, providing end-to-end accident management services to the fleet and insurance industries. Clients include Tesco, AXA, Holman, Direct line, Marshmallow and RSA.

Earlier this year Activate Group announced a major investment deal with Elysian Capital to fuel rapid growth plans for the business. This includes investment in expanding its headquarters at Dean Clough.

Adrian Furness, Managing Director at Activate Group, said: “We are pleased to be able to expand our headquarters whilst maintaining our established presence a Dean Clough. The historic mill complex has been home to Activate Group since inception and delivers a plethora of exceptional spaces and amenity for our team.

“Halifax itself is one of the biggest providers of insurance services in the UK and provides us with unparalleled opportunities for growth. We are expanding our presence here because of the incredible talent pipeline and the town’s commitment to nurturing skills through partnerships with local schools, colleges, and apprenticeship programmes.

“The Dean Clough team knew exactly what we wanted with our upgrade and presented several options. They supported us through every step, helping to make the process straightforward.”

Activate Group has relocated from a 9,000 sq ft premises in F Mill to 14,000 sq ft of refurbished, space in D Mill at Dean Clough.

Forgemasters names 23 new apprentices

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Forgemasters names 23 new apprentices
Sheffield Forgemasters is taking on 23 new apprentices for a variety of roles in the developing work done by the business. They will start at a variety of levels as part of the delivery of complex components for the UK defence programme, including for the new SSN-AUKUS submarine, which will replace Astute Class vessels. Emily Wynne, People Development Advisor – Early Careers, said: “We are continuing to seek out the best candidates for our apprenticeships programme as we look to upskill the next generation of employees and to preserve the skills we already have. “The company’s transformation covers both its physical assets and its skill set as we move into a high-technology engineering sphere. “We need to adapt our capabilities to meet the future demands of our defence work, but we are also expanding in areas such as civil nuclear and renewable energy and require a workforce that will be trained to understand and exploit the very different technologies and workplace that recapitalisation will deliver. “It is great to welcome these new starters to our site for the first time and to see so much enthusiasm for their future careers.” Sheffield Forgemasters is investing heavily over the next ten years to support defence-critical assets, including a new 13,000 tonne Forge line and building, 17 major machine tool replacements within a new, 30,000m2 machining facility, which will be unmatched outside of the UK. Emily added: “Sheffield Forgemasters’ apprenticeship programme is recognised as one of the best across the region, and to be able to provide future generations with the opportunity to have an exciting, meaningful career with skills which are for life, is extremely rewarding to us. “As we welcome the new apprentices, we are already working on a recruitment drive for our 2025 apprentice intake, which will be launched in the coming months via the company website and social media channels.” This year’s apprentices intake covers roles in the following disciplines; Site Services, Machining, Non Destructive Testing, Projects, Quality Control, Work Rolls, IT, Recapitalisation, Distribution, Test House and Finance and includes one degree apprentice, studying Metallurgy at Sheffield Hallam University.

APSS named finalists in Lincolnshire Construction and Property Awards 2025

Tess Egginton
-
0
APSS named finalists in Lincolnshire Construction and Property Awards 2025
Commercial design and fit out company APSS has been named as finalists in both the Design Consultant of the Year and Development Project of the Year (Under £5m) categories for the Lincolnshire Construction and Property Awards 2025, cementing its reputation as a leader in innovative design and development in the region. Organised by the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, the awards celebrate excellence, innovation, and sustainability in the construction and property sector. APSS’s nominations highlight its dedication to delivering creative, client-focused solutions that combine cutting-edge design with practical functionality. Recognition for Exceptional Design The nomination for Design Consultant of the Year in conjunction with Bainland Lodge Retreats, underscores APSS’s commitment to providing tailored, high-quality design services. “Our team takes immense pride in creating designs that not only look stunning but also enhance functionality and user experience,” said Laurence Barrass, Managing Director of APSS. “Being named finalists in this category is a testament to the creativity and hard work of our talented designers.” Spotlight on Development Excellence The second nomination, Development Project of the Year (under £5m), celebrates the standout project of LEW Electrical Distributors’ new headquarters in Gainsborough. It showcases APSS’s expertise in project management and execution. The project, completed earlier this year, exemplifies APSS’s ability to transform spaces while meeting the highest standards of sustainability and efficiency. Stuart Marsland, Sales Director for APSS, said: “This project truly reflects our ethos of combining visionary design with practical implementation. Being recognised in this category is a huge honour and validates the efforts of everyone involved.” Innovation and Collaboration at the Core At the heart of APSS’s success lies a dedication to fostering strong partnerships with clients and stakeholders. The company’s collaborative approach ensures that every project is tailored to the client’s unique requirements, resulting in spaces that are not only visually striking but also highly functional and future-ready. Over the past year, APSS has placed a particular emphasis on sustainable design and development, incorporating eco-friendly materials and practices into its projects. Laurence added: “We are thrilled to be finalists in these awards. It’s a reflection of the hard work, creativity, and passion that drives our entire team. At APSS, we strive to deliver excellence in everything we do, and these nominations highlight the impact we’re making in the Lincolnshire construction and property sector. Regardless of the outcome, we are incredibly proud to be recognised alongside some of the Lincolnshire’s best.”
1...170171172...982Page 171 of 982