Law firm with offices in Leeds and Sheffield makes 100 promotions nationwide
National law firm Freeths has today announced almost 100 promotions across the business as it continues to bolster its offering throughout the UK.
A total of 95 colleagues have been promoted across all legal and business support service areas within the firm’s 13 offices, including four partner and 73 lawyer promotions.
This year, over 50% of these promotions are women, demonstrating the firm’s ongoing commitment to gender equality.
Within the senior promotions, alongside 13 Legal Director promotions, there are four Partner Promotions: The Real Estate Team has seen Sarah Rowe achieve Partner; our specialist Environmental and Planning Team has welcomed Ben Derrington to Partner level; Henry Clappinson has become Partner in Freeths’ Restructuring and Insolvency Team, which was recently named as the most active in the High Court Review 2023, and the firm’s Family Practice promotions included Mark Heppinstall to Partner.
Karl Jansen, National Managing Partner of Freeths, said: “As a firm, we’re passionate about developing our homegrown talent and it’s imperative that our people feel properly supported in order to be able to progress their careers and provide the very best for our clients.
“I’d like to extend our huge congratulations to everybody at Freeths who has achieved promotion this year, and our thanks to all our colleagues for their hard work, commitment, and valued contributions throughout the year. These successful promotions recognise the breadth of our capabilities as we continue to build upon the strength of our offering.”
Government changes storm damage rules to help more farmers
Defra has updated the eligibility criteria of its Farming Recovery Fund so that farmers whose land has been severely affected by flooding and wet weather, and who are likely to need to do work to remediate land to make it possible to farm it in future, will be eligible. Payments will be made this summer.
The Farming Recovery Fund opened in April, with eligible farmers set to access grant support of up to £25,000.
The NFU raised concerns over the eligibility criteria after the fund opened, with support originally limited to land located within 150 metres of eligible rivers in regions hit hardest by Storm Henk. This rule has since been reversed to include all flooded land near an eligible river.
The scheme has now been expanded to include a wider geographical area of farmers who suffered river flooding. It now also includes those who experienced damage due to extreme rainfall.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “After months of discussions, it’s really good news that the government has listened to our calls for additional financial support for farm businesses.
“Against the backdrop of some of the most challenging commercial and weather conditions in living memory, which has resulted in plummeting business confidence, these measures will provide some critical relief to many member businesses which have been facing a very uncertain future because of exceptional cashflow pressures.”
The announcement follows the wettest 18 months since 1836, which has left vast swathes of agricultural land saturated and, in many cases, still under water. Many arable farmers have been unable to plant crops and have lost those that were in the ground, while livestock farmers have endured an incredibly difficult lambing season.
With farm business planning needing long-term stability, many farms will be dealing with the impacts for months and even years to come.
The government has now taken on board more of the NFU’s asks which will help more farmers and growers get the support they need to recover and rebuild. These include measures to improve on farm cash flow, with the second instalment (50%) of delinked payments moving forward to September rather than December, and reaffirmation that members will receive the first instalment (50%) in August. Furthermore, the scope of the Farm Recovery Fund has been extended to offer support to farms damaged due to extreme rainfall as well as river breaches.
Yorkshire-based recycling company appoints new Operations Director
Yorkshire owned and operated waste and recycling company Divert has appointed a new Operations Director, set to bring a fresh direction to the business.
Sam Goodall has extensive experience in business operations within the recycling and waste management industry, spanning 20 years. After he drove his last company forward from just under 5 million turnover to an impressive 16 million, he’s now joining Divert not only as the new Operations Director but also as a shareholder.
Sam has a strong strategic business mind, built through working on projects like the 10-year masterplan at Leeds Becket University. Hence his vision is fuelled by growth and strategic planning for the Leeds company – Divert. From growing their customer base to hiring more staff and moving to bigger premises, Sam will be at the forefront of all Divert’s expansion in the next years.
Joining an ambitious team of directors, the aim is to continue driving their policy of waste diversion from landfills by promoting recycling and waste-to-energy solutions. Sam will help the business target a 55% annual growth rate in new customers across their commercial sectors. The new vision for the business also includes geographical expansion, searching to sustainably grow their service areas with the goal of increasing their market presence.
Newly appointed Operations Director Sam says: “I’m delighted to be joining the Divert team and help grow the business. It’s a great company that puts its customers and the environment at the heart of everything that they do.
“I see a real opportunity for us to become the number one independent waste/recycling provider in Yorkshire. We will continue to maintain the high levels of collections and customer service and focus as much as possible on helping customers achieve their environmental goals.”
John Verity, the Managing Director of Divert, adds: “Sam’s outstanding expertise in the sector is exactly the fresh perspective the business needed. We are excited to have him on board and are confident he will take the business to a new level.”
NKDC shortlisted in two categories at Net Zero awards
Two environmentally-friendly building projects from North Kesteven District Council have been shortlisted for the Unlock Net Zero awards in recognition of their positive climate impact.
The Unlock Net Zero awards are designed to champion progress in housing and the built environment on the journey to decarbonisation, in which environmental impacts from buildings are reduced or eliminated.
In the ‘Building or development of the year – Commercial’ category, the Council’s Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park has been shortlisted, while in the ‘Green homes upgrade of the year – Central and East of England’ category the Council has been recognised alongside partners Equans for retrofitting of council homes.
Both of these projects were conceived and undertaken with a view to advancing the Council’s aim for its operations to be net zero by 2030, and to support tenants by making it easier and cheaper to heat and run their homes and business premises.
Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park, off Pride Parkway, is designed to provide a low-carbon home for growing businesses of various sizes, and includes planet-friendly features such as solar panels and electric vehicle charging points.
All the units so far completed achieved energy efficiency ratings of A or higher following a fabric-first approach. The site even takes wildlife into consideration, providing extensive trees and planting to benefit biodiversity.
Phase one of the scheme was completed in late 2023. Already eight of the 15 units in phase one are fully let and occupied by businesses. Three of the remaining units are under offer and undergoing all the final legal preparations before businesses can move in, and the remaining four units are either the subject of ongoing discussions or are continuing to generate enquiries.
The Council’s retrofitting project sees the lowest EPC-rated homes in the Council’s portfolio being prioritised for green upgrades such as improved insulation, new heating systems, air source heat pumps and solar panels.
The first wave of the 600 initial properties to be treated has been completed with partners Equans who are recognised leaders in this field. Tenants in these properties are already reporting noticeable reductions in their energy usage, as well as increased comfort and health benefits.
The Council’s long-term aim is to raise EPC ratings across the portfolio to minimum C, which helps save each household on average £1,200 per year, ensuring an estimated carbon reduction of 2.56 tonnes of CO2 per year each. Overall the project to retrofit the first 200 properties should save 512 tonnes of CO2 per year, equivalent to that captured annually by a hectare of 100-year-old woodland or by taking 304 cars off the road per year.
North Kesteven District Council Leader Councillor Richard Wright said: “Being shortlisted for these awards places us amongst the top organisations working to achieve net zero in the built environment. It’s something we put a great deal of effort into, both for the environmental benefits and the immediate improvements felt by tenants, both domestic and commercial.
“It’s gratifying to have this work recognised and to have the opportunity to share our progress. We acknowledge that there’s a long way to go to achieve our goal of net zero for North Kesteven, but this demonstrates that it is possible and we are making strides in the right direction.”
New Joint Venture to deliver development schemes across the north
GMI Developments Limited and Miller Developments have created a new Joint Venture, GMI Miller Limited, to deliver development schemes across the north of England.
Following the acquisition of the partnership’s first site, an 80-acre site in Scholes Leeds for up to 600 new homes, the venture is close to agreeing terms on an employment site and a 500-unit edge of centre residential development.
Chris Gilman, Managing Director of GMI, said: “We are delighted to have joined forces with Miller Developments to initially bring forward the development of our site at Scholes. Their extensive track record and strong capital base make them the ideal partner for both this site and the other opportunities we are working on. We look forward to a long and successful relationship.”
GMI Developments, part of the GMI Holdings Group, has a long track record of bringing forward complex regeneration projects in partnership with both public and private sector organisations.
The Directors have successfully delivered some of the region’s most high-profile developments including the 200-acre award-winning Thorpe Park. The company also has extensive knowledge of working with local authorities on complex regeneration schemes, including the redevelopment of Clay Cross town centre in Derbyshire.
Miller Developments, which was bought out of the wider Miller Group in 2018 by its management team, is well-known for the delivery of significant projects across the UK, including the mixed-use logistics and residential project at Omega Warrington in the north. The company already controls land capable of delivering over 5,000 new homes.
The privately owned and well-funded company has assets in excess of £70million which the company is keen to reinvest in further development opportunities throughout the wider UK, either directly or through further joint venture opportunities.
David Hodgson, Development Director at Miller Developments, said: “The GMI Miller JV will exploit the vast experience the two companies have in acquiring, securing planning and delivering high quality employment schemes, serviced residential land and mixed-use developments across the north of England.
“Seeking opportunities to utilise the equity within the company, we are currently engaging with agents to look at a variety of both strategic greenfield and unconditional brownfield sites, on and off-market, and look forward to bringing forward serviced land for the residential sector, boosting local economies through investment and job creation.”
UK logistics market remains ‘prime’ destination for global investment
The UK remains a ‘prime’ destination for global investment, as deal appetite returns for logistics and supply chain management businesses.
In the first quarter of 2024, 38% of deals in the sector were cross-border, highlighting the growing interest from international investors. High profile transactions included Elanders’ acquisitions of Bishopsgate Specialist Logistics, Yusen-owned ILG’s acquisition of Global Freight Solutions and Hapag Lloyds’ acquisition of ATL Haulage Contractors.
The rise in cross-border activity comes as overall deal activity in the sector fell marginally in Q1. Between January and March 2024, 26 transaction were completed, compared to 27 in the previous quarter. However, total disclosed deal value rose to £372 million, up from £53 million for the previous three months.
According to the latest report from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP, the ‘UK M&A Update – Q1 2024’, in the first quarter of the year 42% of deals were tech-related, demonstrating that innovation is a driving force in the market, as companies seek to optimise operational performance to improve margins.
Jason Whitworth, M&A partner at BDO LLP, said: “Following on from 2023, we continue to see venture capital targeting next generation technology and growth. Investment activity within the robotics and the drone delivery operations sector is still gaining momentum.
“Albeit in its infancy, there is an argument that drone technology is paving the way for a revolution in delivery services, offering a sneak peek at a future where speed, efficiency and accessibility are dramatically enhanced.”
He continued: “When it comes to overseas interest, with a scarcity of quality mid-market businesses not already controlled by larger global groups, there has been heightened interest in remaining opportunities, creating a real value end game for those businesses building scale and a differentiated service offering.”
Deals also included London-based Skyports Series C funding led by Spain-based ACS Group, a key player in the infrastructure and construction industry. The $110m funding is set to be instrumental in advancing Skyport’s Infrastructure and Drone Service business.
Elsewhere, UK logistic company EFS Global acquired pallet and parcel distribution specialists Leeds Parcel Company, Pass the Parcel and YDL; and UK delivery and logistics service provider Yodel Delivery was acquired by YDLGP, a newly formed company backed by a consortium of investors, including boutique investment bank Solano Partners Ltd, and the leadership team behind Shift, the growing UK-based logistics platform.
Whitworth added: “Since the latter part of 2023, we have seen a steady stream of deal activity as companies strive to shake off the uncertainties of the past and gear up for the future. There has been an increasing number of bolt-on strategic acquisitions to bolster business growth and build scale.
“What is noticeable about deal activity in Q1 is the lack of primary private equity investment, with only one direct investment deal during the quarter by HIG, which acquired DX Group.
“Private equity firms appear to be in a holding pattern, waiting for clearer signs of industry-wide trading performance improvement before committing to new investment. However, private equity backed or cash-rich logistic firms are continuing to consolidate, developing their buy-and-build strategies.”
British Steel rail storage facility nears completion
The new new £10m rail stocking facility at British Steel’s Scunthorpe site is taking shape, and when completed this summer will stock about 25,000 tonnes of rail in 108-metre lengths.
The construction, by Britcon, is part of British Steel’s strategy to support the supply of rails for Network Rail, ensuring there is rail stock ready, as and when required, for its supply chain. It will bring to one location rails currently stored in a number of diverse locations.
Rails stocked in the new facility will all have undergone the stringent testing and quality assurance checks required to meet the specification to allow immediate dispatch or welding into 216m lengths to the customer.
The building will have 11 multi-gantry hoists to lift finished rail stock to customer rolling stock. From there it will be transported for installation on mainline routes within the UK.
Self-employed at greater risk of mental health issues, survey finds
Half of all self-employed people have experienced poor mental health within the past 12 months according to new research – and that’s 22% worse than the national average.
The findings come from insurance provider Simply Business, which partnered with Mental Health at Work, a programme curated by leading mental health charity Mind, to conduct the research for the second year running.
More than 500 firms were surveyed, revealing that general feelings of stress were contributing to the compromised wellbeing of SMEs, high rates of anxiety, depression, and isolation were cited as issues too
Because of poor mental health, a third of those surveyed found it difficult to concentrate, a third fell back on smoking, drinking or eating unhealthily, and almost 1 in 5 had to adapt or reduce their working hours/hours of business.
Almost a third of those surveyed worked more than 46 hours per week – almost 10 hours more than the average working week for employed workers, according to ONS data. This is only a small change from the 2023 survey, when 33% reported working over 46 hours, meaning SMEs are continuing to work overtime to compete with challenging economic conditions.
Bea Montoya, UK COO at Simply Business, said: “Our latest survey findings underscore the challenges faced by small business owners and the self-employed in maintaining good mental health. While we’re encouraged to see a marginal improvement – which can only be explained by the astounding resilience of the sector – the challenge for SME owners to prioritise their own wellbeing remains significant.
“This situation should concern us all. Small businesses are vital to both our economic recovery and the prosperity of our communities, and this will only compound the challenges of an increasingly economically inactive population.
“The message from the SME community is clear – they want to see more support from the government, and quickly. Simply Business is committed to advocating for the support and resources needed to ensure the resilience of small businesses across the country, and we fully back their call for more support.”
City Council outsources first aid training for the first time
Family-run ACW Medical Services has been awarded a two-year contract for first aid training for Sheffield City Council’s 8,000 employees.
It’s the first time an external provider has been selected, rather than the council’s in-house trainers.
ACW was founded by Kelly and Matt Wooller in 2021, and will now train council teams weekly from three venues in the city. MD Kelly Wooller said: “This is a significant contract for our fast-growing first aid training business. We don’t use ‘typical’ one size fits all training materials or props. We adapt the training to the experiences and professional requirements of the participants. And, we make it fun! This is how we ensure our trainees get involved and retain the essential skills and knowledge we pass on to them.”
ACW Medical Services have their own training centre in Dronfield and work predominantly with customers across Derbyshire and Yorkshire. Training takes place within the customer’s workplace or, as is the case with the Sheffield City Council contract, accessible venues nearby such as Sheffield United Football Club and Barnsley College.
Further new tenant moves in to burgeoning Hull business park
A wellbeing company offering services ranging from blood tests to boxing has become the latest arrival at a business park which has morphed from a military garage into a modern complex supporting more than 200 jobs.
The Livewell Syndicate has relocated from offices and a training suite in Hull city centre to take three units at Base, the former Chamberlain Business Park which has undergone a transformation since being bought by Allenby Commercial three years ago.
CJ Turrian, who launched Livewell with partner Dan Snow in 2019, said their clients have followed them from the previous city centre location to the new site which, as serviced accommodation, enables them to concentrate on their business.
Georgia Allenby, Design and Marketing Director at Allenby Commercial, said work is under way now to create more space at the site in the face of rising demand in a range of business sectors.
She said: “We have redeveloped around 70 per cent of the site and we are actively on-site working on the rest. It’s home to around 60 businesses employing more than 200 people between them, we have some exciting new tenants coming in and we are creating more space for light industrial, workshops, storage and offices.
“The site is 98 per cent occupied and demand is strong, which wasn’t the case when we took on the site. People have responded to the improvements and the higher standard of accommodation.”
