MR Home Improvement Limited, an online retailer of doors and windows based in Pontefract, has fallen into administration.
The company had already ceased to trade before the appointment of Ryan Holdsworth and Danielle Shore of Leonard Curtis as joint administrators, and certain employees had been made redundant. Others have now found alternative employment.
The joint administrators said while there was no business still trading there were certain assets which they are looking to sell for the benefit of creditors.
The business failure was put down to unrecouped marketing investment in costly Google ads and pay per click campaigns, coupled with the credit crunch and cost of living crisis affecting customer spend.
Lead administrator Ryan Holdsworth said: “Unfortunately, the business’s previous structure proved unsustainable and increased competition in the sector prevented the company from trading successfully.”
Solar monitoring firm raises £150,000 to roll out service in US
An energy consultancy that monitors the performance of commercial solar systems has won a major contract from a US soft drinks brand.
Test Consulting has been commissioned to monitor solar installations at over 50 bottling plants throughout North America.
The company has raised £150,000 from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia Debt as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), to help it roll out the service, win further business in the UK and US and target the Spanish market.
Test Consulting was established in 2016 by John Swallow, who has over 30 years’ experience in electrical engineering and smart building integration. The Leeds-based company helps businesses to reduce energy use and carbon emissions and gain accreditations. It provides energy monitoring covering all fuel types for clients including brick manufacturer Ibstock, Thorn Lighting and Mid-Counties Cooperatives.
Test Consulting, which currently has a seven-strong team, expects to create three to four new jobs in the year ahead.
John Swallow, founder and CEO, said: “Solar power enables businesses to cut costs, reduce reliance on the grid and enhance their brand. However many fail to achieve the full benefits and in some cases, cannot claim carbon credits because the installations do not perform as well as expected. Monitoring gives complete visibility and quickly reveals any panels that are underperforming.
“The US contract is a real accolade for us and demonstrates the value of our unique service. We now aim to make further inroads in the US market and target other countries such as Spain with high uptake of solar energy.”
Gary Whitaker of Mercia Debt added: “Test Consulting’s innovative service could help businesses worldwide to maximise their use of solar power and reduce their carbon emissions. We are pleased to support John and the team as they roll out the service internationally.”
Moustafa Elgendy from the Department for Business and Trade worked with the company to support its international expansion and provided fundraising advice.
Shipley-based SportsShoes sees record £93.3m revenues
Shipley-based SportsShoes grew sales by four per cent to achieve a record turnover of £93.3m and a 13.3 per cent year-on-year increase in EBITDA to £6m in the 12 months to 28 February 2025.
During the same period, the online running shoes, running clothing and outdoor gear retailer said its premium inline sales rose by 34 per cent and 672,465 new customers were acquired.
Established in 1982, the business offers customers in the UK, Europe and Scandinavia more than 17,000 products from 150 global running and outdoor brands.
From a running perspective these include Asics, Nike, Adidas, Hoka, New Balance and Brooks whilst in terms of outdoor they include Salomon, Montane, Rab and Patagonia.
SportsShoes has attributed the year’s performance to a combination of elements including the launch of its app last August which now accounts for 12 per cent of revenues.
SportsShoes managing director, Brett Bannister, said: “Our vision is to be unrivalled in running, a disrupter of the outdoor category and Europe’s number one performance destination.
“It’s striving to achieve this vision which drives our creativity when it comes to customer engagement through physical activations, and customer retention due to an outstanding online shopping experience.
“A guiding principle for our business is ‘do it first and be remembered’. By always applying this to our thinking, whether it’s how we launch a product for a brand partner or what we do to refine our internal business processes, the result is continuous innovation and improvement.
“We want to power every runner and adventurer to run faster, go further and climb higher whatever their ability and, by doing so, positively contribute to their health and wellbeing.
“Staying true to these core beliefs is what keeps us honest and gives us our momentum as we continue to evolve SportsShoes.com as a premium online retail brand.”
Further revenue during the period was driven by the retailer’s partnerships strategy. This included the announcement in January of a partnership with health and life insurer Vitality and its 1.8m members.
SportsShoes also had success with its athlete ambassadors and sponsorships programmes. Most high profile of these are the M11 track club, of which 800m Olympic gold winner, Keely Hodgkinson, is a member, and SportsShoes.com’s Athletes in Residence to Olympian partnership with Nike.
The latter includes triathlete Hayden Wilde and sprinter Imani-Lara Lansiquot who both competed at Paris 2024 and won silver medals.
Sheffield to open new city centre event venue in 2026
A new £14.4m event venue will soon replace vacant buildings in Sheffield’s city centre. Located at 20-26 Fargate, the venue is set to open in the second half of 2026 after some delays.
The venue will feature a 200-person live event space, with a café and bar on the ground floor. The upper floors will be dedicated to co-working areas and meeting rooms. It is designed to host a variety of community-driven events, such as exhibitions, workshops, and talks. Sheffield City Council, working with Creative Arts Development Space, has finalised the project schedule, with construction set to begin by the end of August.
The development aims to revitalise the area and provide space for local talent, from emerging musicians to first-time artists. The space will also serve as a hub for meetings that could shape the city’s future.
The project is expected to create local employment opportunities and is part of the city’s broader transformation into a dynamic centre for living, working, and entertainment. With nearby venues like Cambridge Street Collective already drawing visitors, the addition of the new space is expected to further boost Sheffield’s appeal.
Aspire surpasses £50m revenue mark, setting new growth target for 2030
Aspire Technology Solutions has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing £50 million in revenue for the financial year ending February 2025—two years ahead of its original 2027 target. The company, which provides managed IT, cybersecurity, and modern workplace solutions, reported a 28% increase in revenue compared to the previous year, reaching £50.9 million. Adjusted EBITDA also saw an impressive 33% rise to £8.8 million, up from £6.6 million in FY24.
Key to this growth is Aspire’s long-term service relationships, which accounted for 83% of its revenue. The company invested £1.7 million in technological advancements, including private cloud and network enhancements, as well as new AI-powered tools aimed at improving service speed and resolution times.
Founded in 2006, Aspire has steadily expanded its customer base and workforce. The company welcomed 250 new customers over the past year and now employs over 300 experts. Customer satisfaction remains a top priority, with Aspire’s Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 87.2 well above industry standards.
In addition to organic growth, Aspire has made strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of CloudCoco Limited in October 2024 and Cloud Cover IT in December 2023, both aimed at strengthening its regional presence in key areas like Leeds and Glasgow.
Private equity firm LDC, part of Lloyds Banking Group, has supported Aspire’s growth with a significant minority stake. Aspire is now focused on its next goal—reaching £100 million in turnover by 2030. This target reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to customer satisfaction, innovation, and infrastructure development as it continues to expand in the IT services sector.
ebuyer faces administration after struggling with declining sales
Ebuyer, the UK’s second-largest PC retailer, is facing administration following financial challenges. The company, which has been operating for 26 years, recently received a winding-up petition from its landlord, Urban Logistics Acquisitions 6 Ltd.
The retailer, known for selling PCs, components, and accessories, reported a turnover of £175 million in 2022, employing over 200 people. However, by 2023, its turnover had dropped to £136.5 million, with the company incurring operating losses of £1.8 million. In response, ebuyer reduced its workforce by around 50 employees as part of cost-cutting measures aimed at improving profitability.
The company’s latest financial statement, covering the year ending December 2023, pointed to a broader downturn in the electrical products and components market. The statement revealed a 22% decrease in year-on-year turnover, prompting the business to implement efficiency initiatives to address the financial strain.
Ebuyer’s acquisition in April 2023 by UK investors Mark Reed and Rich Marsden has yet to reverse the company’s fortunes. The company now faces uncertainty as it navigates these difficult trading conditions.
North Yorkshire to adopt new parking principles for sustainable development
North Yorkshire is set to introduce a unified approach to parking management aimed at fostering sustainability and supporting local economic growth. The new principles aim to create a fair and customer-focused service, replacing the outdated policies from former district and borough councils.
Central to the plan is the integration of electric vehicle infrastructure and enhanced transport connectivity to support communities. The principles focus on providing value for money, ensuring that parking services are self-sustaining and contribute to the council’s financial resilience. With 170 car parks in the region, the aim is to standardise policies across the county, ensuring consistency and fairness for motorists.
The principles will guide the development and management of parking facilities in North Yorkshire, addressing issues such as congestion, air quality, and accessibility. The strategy takes a balanced approach, considering the needs of urban centres and rural areas, and focusing on improving town centre vitality.
If adopted, the principles will be rolled out in three stages, starting with a review of parking tariffs and followed by the development of localised town parking strategies. These plans will include full consultation with stakeholders throughout the implementation process.
Harrogate office redevelopment hits major milestone
The £10.5 million redevelopment of Copthall Bridge in Harrogate has secured 50% occupancy shortly after its launch, demonstrating strong demand for high-quality, flexible office space.
The building, which had been vacant for over six years, has been revitalised by workspace provider WorkWell to meet modern business needs. With a focus on hybrid working models, employee well-being, and productivity, the site offers facilities such as breakout zones, soundproofed booths, meeting rooms, and wellness spaces.
Tenants already signed include local mobile communications firm Mobile Tornado, Danish publishing tech company Chronos Hub, leadership consultancy Primeast, software firm Grateful, and wealth management group S&W.
WorkWell’s regional expansion includes plans for up to 10 new sites across the North within the next decade, indicating a wider belief in the strategic importance of well-designed office spaces. The success of Copthall Bridge highlights the increasing need for premium office environments in the region.
Leeds College of Building among key sites for construction skills training
The UK Government has identified Leeds College of Building as one of the ten new technical colleges set to play a pivotal role in training 40,000 construction workers by 2029. This initiative, backed by a £100 million investment, aims to address the skills shortage in the construction sector and support the Government’s target of delivering 1.5 million new homes.
Leeds College of Building, known for its longstanding expertise in construction education, will be a central hub for training workers in vital trades such as bricklaying, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. The initiative seeks to upskill both current industry professionals and newcomers, enhancing the overall workforce to meet growing demand.
In addition to the Leeds-based college, the Government plans to recruit 100,000 new construction workers annually through the Construction Skills Mission Board, aiming to reduce the sector’s reliance on foreign labour while promoting regional growth. This initiative is crucial in reversing the recent decline in the number of construction firms offering training, as highlighted by a recent survey showing a drop from 57% in 2011 to 49% in 2024.
Leeds College of Building’s involvement underscores the city’s strategic importance in shaping the future of construction skills training, contributing to local economic growth and supporting the industry’s long-term objectives.
Completion marked at Sutton on Sea Colonnade redevelopment
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has completed phase 1 of the multi-million-pound redevelopment of the former Sutton on Sea Colonnade and Pleasure Gardens, which was celebrated with a time capsule burial with staff and pupils from Sutton-on-Sea Community Primary School.
The project, delivered in partnership with East Lindsey District Council, CPMG Architects, and Alan Wood Associates through the Pagabo Medium Works framework, marks a significant milestone in the transformation of the coastal landmark.
The recently completed redevelopment includes a pavilion featuring space suitable for a sea-view café or restaurant fit-out and a modern exhibition area. Enhancements to the former Pleasure Gardens provide recreational areas and open community space, alongside a base to receive 15 new beach huts supplied directly by the Council.
A link bridge now connects the promenade to the new Seaview Colonnade, improving public access and the visitor experience. Popular nearby existing features have been retained, which include the refurbished paddling pool, tennis court and anchor water feature.
As part of the Mablethorpe Connected Coast Town Deal, the project received £4.2 million in government funding, with the remaining costs funded by East Lindsey District Council.
Adrian Grocock, group managing director at G F Tomlinson, said: “Delivering this project has been a privilege, and we are pleased to see the colonnade restored as a key destination for the local community and visitors.
“The redevelopment balances modern enhancements with the area’s heritage, creating a space that will bring long-term benefits to Sutton on Sea. We were delighted to mark its completion with the community time capsule burial – bringing together all who made this possible alongside the younger generation, for the landmark occasion.”
Richard Hodgson, project sponsor and assistant director – strategic projects for South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, said: “The completion of phase 1 of the Sutton on Sea Seaview Colonnade is a fantastic milestone for the community.
“This phase of the redevelopment brings new opportunities for local businesses, enhances our beautiful coastline, and creates a welcoming space for residents and visitors alike. We are delighted to see our vision for this historic site come to life, ensuring it remains a cherished landmark for generations to come.”
