Turnover tops £10m at Yorkshire law firm

Tess Egginton
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Turnover tops £10m at Yorkshire law firm

Yorkshire law firm, LCF Law, is reporting a successful financial year, with turnover hitting £10.1 million on the back of double-digit growth over the past 12 months.

For the year ending 31st March 2024, LCF Law’s total group revenue grew by more than 10%, from £9.1 million the previous year, with nearly all its specialist divisions, which span both commercial and personal law, experiencing an increase in turnover.

Other highlights for the firm, which employs approximately 140 people across offices in Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate and Ilkley, include facilitating the planting of hundreds of trees through its work with Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trust (YDMT) and raising more than £10,000 for the Bone Cancer Trust over the past 12 months.

Last month LCF Law announced that Ragan Montgomery has taken over as managing partner, succeeding Simon Stell, who remains with the firm, acting as a mentor and sounding board as well as supporting the wider team, to help achieve LCF Law’s goals and objectives moving forward.

Ragan Montgomery said: “We pride ourselves on employing the best people who always strive to provide clients with a superb service at the right price. In recent years we’ve worked hard to become more efficient and improve productivity, as well as continually investing in our team, so they can achieve their full potential, and we’re now seeing the benefits of this ongoing strategy.

“Clients are also reaping the rewards of this and benefitting from our continued investment in technology, which continually keeps them updated on progress and provides easy access to information, which is all part of our aim of being the best law firm to work with.

“Crucially, being a full-service law firm enables us to provide businesses and individuals with specialist legal advice across almost every area of law. When the depth and quality of our team, who are always motivated to go the extra mile for their clients, is combined with our long history and a highly successful CSR strategy that benefits both national charities and the local communities we operate in, it gives us a very compelling offering.”

Ragan added: “Our significant revenue growth over the past 12 months is testament to this and these latest results will act as a springboard for further growth, with several new high-profile partner appointments due to be made this spring, which all makes it a very exciting time for LCF Law.”

Small steps, big impact: Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland businesses invited to embrace sustainability initiatives

Tess Egginton
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Small steps, big impact: Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland businesses invited to embrace sustainability initiatives
Lincolnshire is making leaps towards sustainability, from its renowned agricultural sector making innovative progress in the use of robotics and vertical farming through to Grimsby’s resurgent future as a renewable energy manufacturing base. Lincolnshire is well placed to make the most of a worldwide movement towards sustainability, creating well paid jobs and business opportunities across the whole county. While larger corporations have already pledged to streamline their efforts, every business can join the movement. After all, small businesses represent 99% of the UK’s enterprises and employ 60% of the workforce. Recognising the challenges faced by smaller businesses, Business Lincolnshire is offering fully funded support with its Low Carbon Lincolnshire Programme, which includes a series of workshops for Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland businesses wanting to transition towards sustainability. With mounting pressure to adopt sustainable practices across operations and supply chains, now is the time for SMEs to take action. Low Carbon Lincolnshire is designed to assist SMEs on their journey towards Net Zero. Delivered by the experienced team at PECT, an environmental charity based in Peterborough, these fully funded workshops and materials are poised to equip businesses with the knowledge and resources they need. Councillor Davie, Executive Councillor for Economy & Place at Lincolnshire County Council, emphasises the importance of this initiative: “Business Lincolnshire’s Low Carbon Lincolnshire programme offers vital support to our local SMEs. “These fully funded workshops are a gateway for small businesses in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland to embrace sustainability and the opportunities it presents. A crucial initiative for a greener and more resilient business landscape in our region.” Each participating business will undergo a tailored onboarding process to confirm eligibility, ensuring that workshops are tailored to their specific needs. Upcoming Sustainability Events: · Carbon Reduction Clinic – June 4th, Healing Manor Hotel · Creating a Sustainable Supply Chain – June 18th, Online · Getting Started with Net Zero – June 20th, Mosaic Digital Hub, Lincoln · The Basics of Decarbonisation – June 20th, Mosaic Digital Hub, Lincoln · Getting Started with Net Zero – July 7th, The Boilerhouse, Grantham · The Basics of Decarbonisation – July 7th, The Boilerhouse, Grantham · Getting Started with Net Zero – September 10th, Market Rasen Racecourse, Mosaic Digital Hub · The Basics of Decarbonisation – September 10th, Market Rasen Racecourse, Mosaic Digital Hub To book onto these events or for more information on the Low Carbon Lincolnshire Programme, visit Business Lincolnshire’s website, https://www.businesslincolnshire.com/.

Wakefield business park fully let

Tess Egginton
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Wakefield business park fully let
Balme Business Park, the second phase of the Flanshaw Way development in Wakefield, is now fully let. The business park, which has been masterminded by West Yorkshire multi-let developer, Frank Marshall Estates of Bradford, comprises 26,000 sq ft of new units ranging in size from 1,500 sq ft to 6,000 sq ft. All nine units have already been let in a flurry of deals. The final available unit has just been let to Howdens Joinery, who have taken 6,750 sq ft at £12 per sq ft on a 15-year lease. The park has provided £3.5m inward investment for Wakefield and created over 100 new and sustainable jobs. The tenants are Howdens, Clearway, Saint Flooring, Industrial Electronic Repairs, Safe Strip UK and Arentis Ltd. Balme Business Park has been named after Chris Balme, the long-serving construction director at Frank Marshall Estates. The park was completed last November, with 60 per cent pre-let. Edward Marshall, director of Frank Marshall Estates, said: “It seemed only right to honour Chris in this way. He has been with us for over 40 years and has built well over 1,000,000 sq ft of industrial space. He is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced construction professionals in Yorkshire. “The fact that the park was fully let within five months of completion is a real testament to both its quality and its location. We are meeting the needs of the smaller businesses who need a quality working environment in a property under 10,000 sq ft. As the largest developer of this stock in Yorkshire we are leading the way in quality, cost and location. “We are extremely proud of the magnificent success of Balme Business Park, which is down to the fantastic team we have. Without the top-quality consultants and team members involved in these projects, we would not be able to do what we do. We only work with the best and the benefit of this is seen in our results. “I would like to highlight the vitally important roles played by the following: Simon Mydlowski of Clarion, the best property solicitor in Yorkshire; Rachel Slater and Matt Hall of KPP, the top architects; Peter Dixon of Dudleys Consulting Engineers; the team at Percy Pickard Contractors; Jonathan O’Connor of Ryden; Max Vause at Carter Towler; Rob Oliver at Avison Young; and Michael Alton of Eddisons who manages the estate, together with our sub-contractors including Jacamast Structures and Couldwell Concrete floors.” Frank Marshall Estates bought the four-acre site, on the outskirts of Wakefield by Junction 40 of the M1, from Flanshaw Property Ltd for £1.3 million in 2020. The first phase of the Flanshaw Way development featured 17 units, including seven hybrid Nano units and 10 light industrial and warehouse units ranging up to 9,500 sq ft, and was fully let within a year. Jimmy Marshall, co-director of Frank Marshall Estates with his brother Edward, said: “When we bought this land, we promised to create the best business park that Wakefield has ever had. We have now delivered on that promise, despite the lingering challenges posed by the global pandemic and the uncertainty surrounding Yorkshire’s commercial property market. “It is clear that there is a massive pent-up demand in West Yorkshire for high-quality buildings of 10,000 sq ft and under in great locations. We are pleased to be the leading developer in the region for this specific market. “We favour quality local businesses as tenants, as we enjoy dealing with people who love their business as much as we love ours. Our great relationships with all the occupiers of Flanshaw Way proves this point.” Max Vause of Leeds-based property consultants Carter Towler, who are advising Frank Marshall Estates, said: “The brand-new Balme Business Park is a magnificent success story. “As always it has been a pleasure working with Frank Marshall Estates to bring this outstanding development to market. The fact that it is now fully let brilliantly demonstrates the quality of the park. “It’s been tremendous to work with a developer as passionate and professional as Edward Marshall and I’m very proud of what we have achieved together. It has also been great to work with Edward’s solicitor Simon Mydlowski of Clarion.”

Farmers delighted to have won Government support after meeting at Number 10

Stuart Pearcey
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Farmers delighted to have won Government support after meeting at Number 10
The NFU says it has secured major wins and explored ways to restore farmers’ confidence at the second Farm to Fork summit, which Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hosted at 10 Downing Street today.
The NFU called for an inaugural Farm to Fork event during the Conservative leadership elections in 2022, with the first summit held in 2023. NFU President Tom Bradshaw and NFU Director General Terry Jones attended this year’s event, which is now being held annually following a commitment secured by the NFU during its Conference earlier this year.
The summit coincided with several announcements representing major wins for the NFU, including:
  • The publication of a Food Security Index.
  • A commissioner for the farming sector who has a non-statutory responsibility for helping to facilitate and resolve issues between landlords, advisors, and tenants.
  • Confirmation of £72 million to help combat endemic disease.
  • A £22 million infrastructure grant for laying hens to help poultry farmers improve the health, welfare, and productivity of their flocks.
  • £75 million of funding for internal drainage boards.
  • New regulations in Parliament for eggs, fresh produce and pigs to ensure contracts in the sector are reasonable and transparent.
  • £3 million of support for abattoirs.
  • A new producer organisation offer for the UK horticulture sector.
  • A blueprint for growing UK horticulture.
Mr Bradshaw said: “It was good to return to Number 10 to see and hear the Prime Minister champion British food production, putting it at the top of the national political agenda. Food security is national security. “We are pleased that the government has taken on board our calls for a bigger and more accessible replacement for the EU Fruit and Veg Aid Scheme, and a commitment to legislate to improve contractual relationships – but we cannot forget that our members have experienced the wettest eighteen months since 1836, including devastating flooding, and many are facing an acute short-term crisis. “The NFU’s recent confidence survey revealed just how tough it is out there currently – the reality is that some farmers and growers believe they may not survive long enough to benefit from today’s announcements. “That’s why, while we are pleased to see the Prime Minister and Defra saying UK food security is vital to our national security, we need actions in the short-term that underpin that statement, in order to rebuild confidence and resilience so farming businesses can continue producing food. “Many of today’s announcements are extremely welcome, particularly those long-term strategic ambitions around the launch of a UK Food Security Index and measures to boost the production of more British fruit and vegetables.”

‘Could do better’: FSB verdict on HMRC’s customer service performance

Stuart Pearcey
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‘Could do better’: FSB verdict on HMRC’s customer service performance
HMRC customer service levels are adding to the stress felt by SMEs trying to keep their tax affairs in order, according to  the Federation of Small Businesses. The claim comes after the National Audit Office revealed the taxman’s customer service standards have declined, which promoted FSB Policy Chair Tina McKenzie to say: “The finding by the NAO that nearly half of all calls to HMRC go unanswered says a lot. Tax compliance is a huge headache for small firms, who spend on average 52 hours a year trying to sort out how much they need to pay, at a collective cost to small firms of £25 billion. It’s an eyewatering sum.
“The long delays, troubles getting through, and struggle to speak to someone who can actually help rather than read from a script compound the stress for small business owners who have received letters from the tax authority saying there is a problem with their taxes. “We have previously criticised HMRC’s ‘guilty until proven innocent’ approach to its communications with small firms, which can leave business owners in a state of panic. Every minute they’re unable to get through to someone who can help them sort things out means more worry and more alarm, which is why investment in HMRC’s customer service resources is so vital. “Digital avenues for support certainly have their place, and many small business owners are perfectly happy to use them. But there are some times when speaking to a real person is the only way to get something sorted, especially for queries which are anything other than totally straightforward. “The UK tax code is 10 million words long, and it’s impossible for small firms to match the in-house tax and finance expertise of their larger rivals. As well as improving customer service levels, HMRC should focus on ensuring that the guidance it provides is clear and as simple as possible to digest. “We welcome the NAO’s report, with its emphasis on the need for HMRC to make ‘realistic plans’ and take a ‘more customer-focused approach’. Small firms come in all shapes and sizes, but they all need to know they can get tax queries sorted without delay – something that HMRC needs to ensure is the case for everyone.”

Firms urged to continue carbon reporting in the wake of Government’s regulatory rule change

Stuart Pearcey
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Firms urged to continue carbon reporting in the wake of Government’s regulatory rule change

East Midlands accountancy and business advice practice Duncan & Toplis is urging employers to continue carbon reporting after proposed regulatory changes come into effect.

In March, the UK government published suggested changes to company size limits that will impact 131,000 companies nationwide by changing auditing thresholds and other reporting requirements, including carbon reporting obligations.

These changes could see 5,000 large companies reclassified as medium-sized, 13,000 medium-sized companies reclassified as small and 113,000 small companies reclassified as micro-entities.

While the reforms aim to reduce the non-financial reporting obligations for businesses, Duncan & Toplis is warning that companies could be at substantial risk if they don’t maintain existing obligations around sustainability.

Stuart Brown, Director and Head of Technical and Compliance at Duncan & Toplis said: “At first glance, businesses may think that the government’s changes to company size are an easy win that would simplify auditing and annual reporting – but there’s more to it than initially meets the eye.

“The proposed reclassification would mean that thousands of currently ‘large’ companies can take advantage of eased requirements to cut their admin spend, but it also means that thousands of businesses will no longer be required to report their carbon emissions to the government – as this only applies to large companies. This could prove especially problematic for companies that are effectively downsized by the move, potentially extending as far as limiting their access to loans if they cease their carbon reporting.”

The move has been projected to save £150 million per year for UK companies and while, on the surface, this will reduce the regulatory burden on thousands of companies, there may well be unintended consequences. The company highlights that the potential fallout from the reduced regulatory need to report carbon emissions could mean that they no longer appear committed to environmental sustainability – something that lenders, customers, suppliers and employees are increasingly invested in.

A recent study by the Journal of Banking & Finance found that banks in 30 countries globally are more likely to offer lower loan rates to companies that show clear environment and sustainability concerns – increasing their rates to companies that fail to do so. There are also concerns about the impact this may have on recruitment and retention.

Sally-Anne Hurn, Sustainability Champion at Duncan & Toplis, explains: “With figures from DWF showing that almost two-thirds of businesses are already losing out on recruiting new staff and tender agreements due to poor environmental, social and governance performance, further loosening the current requirements could put businesses at risk of losing customers, suppliers and emerging talent – ultimately impacting on the profitability of the company.

“Environmental and social responsibility is an increasing concern for jobseekers and there has been a pronounced shift in focus towards seeking out sustainable, environmentally-friendly employment opportunities in recent years. Employers should prioritise investing in continued carbon reporting and being transparent about their emissions.

“My advice to businesses is to continue diligently monitoring your carbon emissions and the environmental footprint of doing business, even if the legal mandate to do so is removed when your company is reclassified as a medium entity.

“You may well find that failure to do so means that banks are less likely to lend you finance and you may struggle to win tenders against more socially responsible competitors. Importantly, larger suppliers may still require businesses to undertake calculations in order to trade with them. This will be as larger corporations will be considering their Scope 3 emissions – so it’s vital this isn’t overlooked.”

Local authorities to be given power to offer empty shops at bargain basement prices

Stuart Pearcey
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Local authorities to be given power to offer empty shops at bargain basement prices
New powers are being given to local authorities to secure empty high street properties and auction off their leases to local businesses. Under the new High Street Rental Auctions scheme, by this summer local authorities will have been given the power to combat high street vacancy by allowing local leaders who know their area best to take control of empty properties blighting their high streets and rent them out to local businesses that want use them. The new powers will help councils level up their high streets and tackle wide-ranging issues stemming from prolonged high street emptiness exacerbated by the pandemic, such as low footfall which leads to struggling businesses, increased unemployment and anti-social behaviour. Where a high street shop has been empty for over a year, High Street Rental Auctions will allow local leaders to step in and auction off a rental lease for up to five years. Auctions will take place with no reserve price, giving local businesses and community groups the opportunity to occupy space on the high street at a competitive market rate. To help get High Street Rental Auctions up and running as soon as possible, the government is launching new ‘trailblazer’ programme so it can work with a number of communities who are keen to lead the way in quickly implementing the new powers. There will also be a £2 million support pot to help them and other local authorities to get started across the summer. The Minister for Levelling Up Jacob Young said: “We want to bring high streets back to life and these new levelling up powers will help do just that. “A lively high street brings an irreplaceable community spirit – one that is unique to its own area – along with new jobs and opportunities for local people.

“These new powers will enable local communities to take back control, backed by over £15 billion of levelling up funding which is transforming towns and left-behind communities across the UK.”

PepsiCo invests £8m in Lincolnshire factory

Tess Egginton
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PepsiCo invests £8m in Lincolnshire factory

PepsiCo has announced an £8m investment in its Pipers Crisps manufacturing site in Brigg, Lincolnshire, to meet growing demand for the popular snacks. It coincides with the 20th anniversary of Pipers Crisps and marks five years since PepsiCo’s acquisition of the brand.

The funding will boost production capacity at the site by nearly 80%, through replacing existing crisp fryers with new energy efficient models and installing new packaging machines at the Lincolnshire factory, which has been the home of Pipers Crisps since 2004.

New, more efficient fryers replacing the existing fryers as part of the investment are helping to reduce the site’s greenhouse gas emissions by over 200 tonnes a year. This contributes to PepsiCo’s pep+ commitment to target an absolute reduction across its value chain by more than 40% by 2030, reaching net-zero emissions by 2040.

Originally available in small independent pubs, bars, cafes and farm shops, Pipers has expanded its distribution network to include national wholesalers such as Booker, Brakes and Bidfood, alongside hospitality operators Mitchell & Butlers, Stonegate and Youngs.

The brand’s export business is worth over £2m, shipping to countries including France, Italy and across Scandinavia. The recent investment will help unlock further export opportunities for the premium crisp brand including to the Middle East, China and Japan.

Alongside increasing production, the investment will go towards upgrading facilities for the factory’s 100 local employees, including improvements to workspaces and staff changing rooms.

PepsiCo has continued to invest in its UK manufacturing sites, with a total of £127m committed in investment over the last four years, including a £58m investment in its Leicester factory announced last year.

Mirjam Fogarty, head of operations, Pipers Crisps, said: “Pipers is a much-loved brand with a rich heritage, and we’re delighted to be making this investment at such an exciting stage in our journey.

“From small independent pubs, cafes and farm shops, to working with some of the UK’s biggest wholesalers and hospitality operators, the funding will help us bring our delicious crisps to more people, wherever they are, and expand our brand internationally.

“With Pipers’ 20th birthday fast approaching, I’m looking forward to the next phase of our growth.”

High energy use companies offered help to cut bills

Stuart Pearcey
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High energy use companies offered help to cut bills
The government is to give £27.5 million from the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund to support businesses with high energy use to reduce their bills and carbon emissions. It’s part of a new scheme costing half a billion pounds to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions within which schools, pools, and hospitals will be supported to make energy efficient upgrades, with over £557 million government investment. Heat pumps, solar panels, insulation and low-energy lighting will be rolled out to reduce the use of fossil fuels across the public sector and strengthen the UK’s energy independence, helping save taxpayers hundreds of millions of pounds. This follows significant progress already made towards reaching net zero – with the UK becoming the first major economy to halve emissions. Decarbonising the public sector is expected to save an estimated £650 million per year on average to 2037. Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance Lord Callanan said: “From school corridors to the businesses that power up our economy, we want to make sure buildings of all shapes and sizes are supported to deliver net zero. “By allocating over £557 million today, we are standing steadfast behind our public sector and local businesses, providing the help they need to make the switch to cleaner, homegrown energy.

“This will not only help cut bills in the long term, but ensure we keep reducing our emissions – having already led the world by halving them since 1990.”

More than 1,000 projects have now received funding since 2020 to upgrade thousands of buildings through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. Salix Chief Executive Emma Clancy said: “The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges of our time. It requires all of us, including governments and businesses, to make change and reduce our carbon footprint. “The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme enables the public sector to tap into a fund which can transform our public buildings. These are the sites we use every day; our schools, universities, leisure centres and others will become more energy efficient as well as being comfortable places to use thanks to this funding. “Every day our teams at Salix work with the public sector to achieve ambitious net zero goals and we’re looking forward to working with the latest successful Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme grant recipients.”

Waste management company fined after worker burned

Tess Egginton
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Waste management company fined after worker burned
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prosecuted a waste management company after a worker suffered burns to his face and body after the crowbar he was using came into contact with a live electrical conductor. In the incident on 14 July 2021, the man was moving heavy duty electrical cables with a metal crowbar on a mobile elevating working platform when the bar came into contact with the live conductor, causing an electrical explosion at Copper Hill industrial estate, Ermine Street, Barkston Heath, Lincolnshire. As well as suffering serious burns, the explosion caused the man to fall from the platform and sustain a broken left arm, fractured ribs and dislocated kneecap. The worker had been contracted by New Earth Solutions (West) Limited, trading as Mid UK Recycling, to work at the firm’s recycling plant at Copper Hill industrial estate. An investigation by HSE into the incident found this task was not part of the normal workload for the injured worker and that he had not received any training with regards to undertaking electrical work.  The task had not been properly planned nor risk assessed and the electrical cables were not isolated before work began. In addition, the level of supervision provided was inadequate and safety devices on the electrical supply had been set inappropriately, prioritising continuity of supply over safety of the electrical circuit. New Earth Solutions (West) Limited, of Station Road, Caythorpe, Grantham, Lincolnshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £200,000 and ordered to pay £12,466.60 in costs at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on 10 May 2024. HSE inspector Tim Nicholson said: “This incident could so easily have been avoided by properly planning the task, ensuring that all workers involved were suitably competent and making sure that electrical conductors were isolated before the work began. “Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.” This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Jayne Wilson and supported by HSE paralegal officer Ellen Garbutt.
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