Australian acquisition and investment in American team sees international growth for Grimsby kids swimwear brand
Children’s swimwear brand Splash About has seen international growth in both Australia and the USA. The company, which is headquartered in Grimsby, has acquired its distribution partner Little Toggs in New South Wales, rebranding the business Splash About Australia Pty Limited, and for the first time the business has hired a team in the USA.
The move into both continents will accelerate relationships with infant swim schools, retailers and facilitate distribution as demand for product increases.
Commenting on the Australian acquisition, Lesley Beach, Joint Managing Director of Splash About International Ltd, said: “The potential for growth in Australia is huge with over 1.8 million children currently learning to swim. We had a strong presence in the market working closely with Little Toggs, but the infant swimwear and accessories market has grown exponentially.”
Lesley continued: “Demand for our Happy Nappy swim nappy has soared due to its technical design which prevents faecal leaks. Unwelcome leaks are bad for business; pools need to close for cleaning and lessons must be cancelled, which results in unnecessary and avoidable expense.
“Insisting on a reusable Happy Nappy to prevent these accidents is a simple, proven cost-effective option, saving operational costs and in turn increasing revenues.”
To facilitate demand, Splash About has invested in state-of-the-art warehouse facilities to quickly fulfil orders and maintain a high level of customer service. In Australia the business is based in New South Wales and will be spearheaded by Little Toggs founder Kylie Hadid and in America, Damien McDonnell is heading up business development in Texas.
In addition to swimwear and swim accessories, Splash About has devised a range of flexible Partnership Programmes to work with swim schools globally regardless of their size, which are aimed at helping them drive revenue, operate efficiently, and decrease costs without increasing prices.
Imported US plastics could face tariffs to protect UK producers
The Trade Remedies Authority has recommended putting a new trade remedy measure in place to protect part of the UK’s plastics industry from harm caused by low-priced imported plastics from America.
The product is SPVC, used for items as diverse as water pipes, window frames, food packaging and inmedical products such as blood storage bags. In 2022, the UK used around 450,000 metric tonnes of SPVC in a UK market worth up to £700m.
After investigation, the TRA found that imports of US-made SPVC were undercutting the UK market by an average of almost 27%, squeezing the UK industry with downward price pressure from dumped US SPVC, forcing reduced prices to levels it claims are unsustainable.
The TRA also found that an anti-dumping measure on imports of SPVC from the US would allow the UK industry to compete fairly, enable it to operate closer to its full capacity and potentially increase its productivity.
The provisional proposed duty amount is 38.43%-56.01%, with the cooperating US exporter that submitted relevant data receiving lower rates than other exporters which did not cooperate.
TRA Chief Executive Oliver Griffiths said: “Our provisional finding is that SPVC from the US is being dumped in the UK and that this is injuring domestic producers. Our publication today demonstrates how interested parties that cooperate in our investigations by sharing key data can receive a lower duty compared with those that do not.”
Government to get tough with NHS suppliers over modern slavery
Tough new measures will find public bodies who buy goods and equipment for the NHS in breach of the law if they fail to mitigate the risk of modern slavery in supply chains.
A public consultation has been launched today seeking views on government proposals to prevent goods being sourced from companies accused of exploiting their work force.
More than 21% of NHS suppliers were recently found to be at ‘high risk’ of involving modern slavery in their supply chains. Surgical instruments, gloves, gowns, uniforms and face masks were identified as the five highest-risk products.
Proposed new measures would legally require public bodies procuring goods and services for the NHS to both identify and mitigate risks of modern slavery. Organisations will be required to work with suppliers to identify risks and put forward solutions.
The new regulations will apply to all public bodies procuring health goods and services, including NHS trusts, integrated care boards and local authorities.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “The NHS is a public service built on compassion and equality, values which are completely antithetical to the heinous evil of modern slavery.
“These new measures will ensure vital checks are made and public bodies act to stamp out the crimes of slavery and human trafficking. This government will ensure the NHS is a leader in the fight against modern slavery.”
The NHS is the biggest public procurer in the country, and all NHS staff are empowered and encouraged to act as whistleblowers and report on incidents of slavery and human trafficking, supported by staff training courses.
Jacqui Rock, Chief Commercial Officer at NHS England said: “Modern slavery is insidious and needs to be eradicated from the NHS supply chain. While our procurement follows the government’s standard selection questionnaire, which addresses modern slavery risk, there is much more to do.
“We have a responsibility to ensure a zero-tolerance policy to modern slavery – and the more stakeholders that respond to this consultation will help strengthen these measures and help us wipe out this crime in the NHS supply chain.”
Trio of solicitors complete training contracts with Williamsons
Neeve Pearce, Eleanor Young, and Cathy Fairweather have completed training contracts with Williamsons Solicitors during 2024.
Neeve, from Hull and Eleanor, from Hessle, are both practising in the family department.. Cathy, from Gateshead, is practising in the firm’s clinical negligence department. All three have now been formally admitted to the national roll of solicitors.
The 18-month supervised training contracts, in which they gained experience in a variety of disciplines, followed a period working as paralegals at the firm, which operates from Hull, Bridlington and Driffield.
Neeve said she enjoyed being able to make a difference to people’s lives. “In the family department I can help clients through difficult times and also like the fast-paced nature of the work and the courtroom environment,” she said.
Eleanor said that the family department enabled her to work on solving real day-to-day issues occurring in family life. “I have always known I wanted to practise family law but was concerned about the distressing nature and emotional impact of dealing with sensitive cases. My training has helped to address this.”
Cathy, who initially wanted to be a nurse before deciding that the legal side of medicine suited her better, said: “Clinical negligence cases very often follow traumatic incidents for clients, and I find it highly satisfying to be able to bring a little positivity to what can be bleak circumstances.”
Sarah Clubley, a Williamsons Solicitors owner-director, said: “We are always looking to foster the next generation of legal professionals are very pleased that Cathy, Eleanor and Neeve have started their careers with us. We are sure they have a bright future with us and wish them every success.”
Speciality chemical manufacturer snaps up Brighouse-based firm
Speciality chemical manufacturer John Hogg Technical Solutions Limited has acquired Avocet Dye and Chemical Company Limited, a Brighouse-based manufacturer of textile flame retardants, dyes and high-performance auxiliaries.
This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Manchester-based John Hogg’s growth strategy, enhancing its product portfolio and expanding its market reach within the Speciality Dye and Chemical business segment.
The addition of Avocet’s dye and flame-retardant technology, including the CETAFLAM brand, enables John Hogg to offer a more comprehensive range of colour solutions across various industries.
“We are thrilled to welcome Avocet into the John Hogg family,” said Philip Double, CEO of John Hogg Technical Solutions. “This acquisition aligns with our commitment to growth and investment in both our product range and our market reach. Avocet’s innovative products and fantastic team will complement our existing capabilities and help drive our Speciality Dyes and Chemicals business unit forwards to a brighter future.”
Leeds housebuilder falls into administration
Leeds-based Camstead Homes has fallen into administration, with 20 members of staff made redundant.
James Clark and Howard Smith from Interpath were appointed joint administrators to Camstead Limited, Scotfield Group Limited and Yelcon Limited on 19 November 2024, together known as Camstead Homes.
The companies currently have three developments underway, comprising Blackberry Walk in Derwenthorpe, Tailors Green in Shepley and The Heath in Adel. Previous developments include Bradwell Springs in the Peak District and Green Lane Mills / Weavers Beck in Yeadon.
Like many companies operating across the construction sector, Camstead Homes had experienced sustained trading difficulties over 2024 due to various economic pressures, which in turn, led to cash shortages and increased pressure from suppliers.
While the directors sought to explore options to address these issues, unfortunately a solvent solution could not be found and the decision was taken to seek the appointment of administrators.
Following the appointment of the administrators, all work that was scheduled to be completed by the companies will be paused while the Joint Administrators seek to find solutions for all sites.
James Clark, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator, said: “2024 has been another challenging year for the building and construction industry, with housebuilders continuing to battle with the impact of rising raw material costs, wafer-thin margins and the impact of high interest rates and rising mortgage costs on consumers.
“While the Government’s planning reforms have given hope to many across the industry, unfortunately, the trading difficulties encountered by Camstead Homes proved too challenging to overcome.”
James Clark continued: “We appreciate news of the administration will cause a great deal of concern for those homeowners and residents of sites where development work remains underway. Our immediate priority is to work with key stakeholders to find alternative solutions which may enable work across these sites to be completed.
“In particular, we will be working with our appointed agents to market the Blackberry Walk site at Derwenthorpe. We are hopeful for significant interest from this process and would encourage parties interested in acquiring this site to make contact with us and our appointed agents, Watling Real Estate, at the earliest opportunity.”
The joint administrators have retained two members of staff to assist them while they explore options for the sites. Regrettably, however, 20 members of staff have been made redundant. The joint administrators will be providing them with the support required to make claims from the Redundancy Payments Service.
Construction work to start on affordable homes scheme in Leeds
Construction work is set to start on a scheme that will ease housing pressures in Leeds by providing dozens of affordable council homes.
Leeds City Council secured planning permission last month for the scheme, which will see a total of 82 energy efficient homes being built on a former school site at Hough Top, in Swinnow, near Pudsey.
And, with work to prepare the site for development now well under way, it is anticipated that the main phase of construction could begin as soon as next month.
The scheme – which is being delivered via Leeds’ Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP) – will comprise 55 houses and 27 apartments, with a mix of one, two, three and four bedrooms.
They will be suitable for adaptation and fitted with air source heat pumps, a sustainable heating solution that will help cut carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty.
The properties will all be made available for affordable rent.
The development is due to be delivered for the council by construction and property services company Willmott Dixon and will benefit the wider community by creating a range of employment, skills and apprenticeship opportunities.
More than 500 hours of careers support are set to be provided for young people during the scheme’s construction phase, with one local school leaver having already secured a full-time apprenticeship with Willmott Dixon.
The company has been leading the pre-construction work at the 2.5-hectare site, which has lain empty since the demolition of the former Hough Side High School buildings in 2021 and 2022.
Located in an established residential area, it was earmarked for housing use in Leeds’ Site Allocations Plan, a key planning policy document adopted by the council in 2019.
The bulk of the funding for the scheme – scheduled for completion in late 2026 – is being provided by the council’s housing service via Right to Buy receipts and borrowing, with £1.64m of grant support due to come from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund.
Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing, said: “We are determined to ensure that everyone in Leeds is able to enjoy the stability and security that comes with a good-quality home, with the increased provision of affordable housing having a central part to play in that.
“It’s really encouraging news, therefore, that the main phase of construction work on the residential development at Hough Top is due to begin shortly.
“These affordable homes will make a hugely positive difference to people’s lives, and will bring back into use an allocated housing site that has good access to public transport, green space and local services.
“Schemes such as this one are particularly important in a ward like Pudsey, where we know there is a very high demand for affordable housing.
“The start of construction will be another landmark achievement for our Council Housing Growth Programme, which is working – with the support of partners – to change communities across our city for the better.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “I’m delighted we’re bringing more high-quality homes to west Leeds.
“We believe that having a safe and secure place to live is a fundamental right, which is why we’re investing vital funds to deliver thousands of much-needed homes across West Yorkshire.
“Together with our partners like Leeds City Council, we’re dedicated to building a greener, more secure region for future generations.”
Housebuilder to deliver over 200 new homes in Doncaster
Housebuilder Vistry Group has exchanged contracts for the delivery of over 200 mixed tenure homes on Waggons Way in Doncaster.
The 16 acre site, which was previously part of the Hatfield Colliery, will be transformed into up to 236 homes following the purchase of the land from Waystone Limited.
A full planning application will be submitted to Doncaster Council towards the end of this year. Subject to planning approval, it is hoped that construction will start at the end of 2025.
Rob Spittles, Managing Director of Vistry East Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to have secured this land to deliver much-needed homes in a fantastic location in Doncaster. We’re committed to making home ownership accessible and our mixed tenure offering will suit people in a range of circumstances.
“We look forward to progressing our plans in the months ahead and delivering a new community of high-quality homes over the next few years.”
Alistair Mcloughlin, Joint Managing Director of Waystone Limited, said: “We are very pleased to be working in partnership with Vistry to deliver a substantial brownfield residential development and bring forward the next phase of Unity Energy site.”
Croda names new Audit Committee Chair
Ian Bull will take over as Chair of Croda’s Audit Committee on December 1st in readiness for the current Chair John Ramsay stepping down in March. and so lead the Committee over Croda’s 2024 year-end.
Ian has been a member of the Audit Committee since his appointment to the Board on 24 June this year. He is currently the Audit Committee Chair of Dunelm Group, Senior Independent Director at Domino’s Pizza Group, and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.
John will remain a member of the Audit Committee, as well as the Nomination and Remuneration Committees until his retirement from the Board.
Danuta Gray, Chair of Snaith-based Croda International, said: “John Ramsay has made an outstanding contribution to the Board and in his leadership of the Audit Committee. On behalf of the Board and colleagues in Croda, we thank him for all his advice, wise counsel and support over the past five years and wish him all the best for the future.”
Vuba Resin signs deal at Port of Goole
Associated British Ports (ABP) has welcomed Vuba Resin to the Port of Goole.
Listed in the Financial Times top 1,000 fastest growing businesses in Europe and with celebrity customers such as singer Olly Murs, Vuba is going from strength to strength after 15 years.
Their operation at the port will see them develop a port terminal facility for their production line, including storage, drying, blending and bagging.
Andrew Dawes, Regional Director of the Humber ports, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Sean and his team to Goole. They are an industry leader in their sector and we’re always looking forward to helping customers expand their operations.
“We have an extensive portfolio of warehousing and storage facilities within our ports, making them ideal for those businesses looking to locate themselves in the Humber gateway.”
Sean Scott, Founder of Vuba Chemical Innovations, said: “ABP have been very helpful and accommodating throughout this process. I feel they share our vision for us to create a world leading suite of aggregate and derivative production facilities at the dock.
“We’ve invested £3m in the ABP site on a state-of-the-art drying, screening and cooling process, with four bagging lines and three robotic palletisers. We have a further £2m planned investment next year.
“We have a great management team in place for this newly formed division of Vuba. Ashton Nottingham and Ewan Netherwood, both local to Goole, have worked their way up through the ranks at Vuba and are very excited to head up this new division, as well as support their local community.”
