Lincolnshire County Councillor Colin Davie has spoken out against plans by National Grid and Osean to run a further three lines of electricity cables under the county, and to develop a substation at Alford that will be bigger than the town itself. In a statement at the council’s Executive he said: “In January National Grid announced plans to run a 140km line of 50m high electricity pylons through the Lincolnshire countryside, from Grimsby in North East Lincolnshire to Walpole, just over the Norfolk border. We have been extremely clear about our objection to this proposal. “We have since received details of two proposals from National Grid and one from Osean which will see three further cabling routes and infrastructure coming onshore in Lincolnshire. Once again, the proposals involve cables running under the sea all the way from Scotland, coming on land in Lincolnshire to take power primarily to London and the Southeast. “Whilst burying cabling underground has obvious benefits over large-scale above-ground infrastructure, with National Grid planning to carve up Lincolnshire through so many projects, we need to look at the cumulative impacts of all of these proposals and the detrimental impacts they will have on our landscape and the mental health of our residents. “This is industrialisation of the Lincolnshire coast is on a scale we have never seen before. A substation proposed for Alford, for example, has a larger footprint that the town itself. “If all these proposals were taken as one application by a planning authority, it would be refused due to the sheer scale of it and the impact, irreversibly changing to character of the county. “We will not accept this piecemeal approach to development. It is our job to champion Lincolnshire and fight for the landscapes and the communities that would be affected so hugely by these proposals. “Instead, we proposed that National Grid look to install this infrastructure offshore. This would be the most sustainable, secure, and cost-effective option and would mean the power could come onshore precisely where it is most needed, and not channelled through vast swathes of the countryside. “I will be writing to councils in the East Anglia – who are in much the same position – so that we can put on a united front against these plans.” These projects will be classed as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, so planning permission will be decided by the government, and not Lincolnshire County Council or the district councils.

Pharmacy2U, the digital pharmacy, has acquired The PharmPet Co, a Lincoln-based veterinary online pharmacy.

The deal, for an undisclosed sum, follows a partnership in November 2023, which saw the two brands come together to deliver prescriptions to pet owners more conveniently and cost-efficiently.

Established in 2019 by brothers Neil and Phil Younger, and their father, Keith, The PharmPet Co is a highly regarded and ethical provider of online pet medicines. The acquisition aligns with Pharmacy2U’s commitment to offering comprehensive consumer healthcare solutions and NHS prescriptions as it expands its portfolio to include pet health services.

The deal speeds up plans to give customers a holistic approach to healthcare, covering themselves and their pets in one place. Since the partnership last year, Pharmacy2U Pet Health has gone from strength to strength and Pharmacy2U has plans to further transform the prescription market at a time when owners are finding it increasingly hard to get a good deal from their vets.

The two founders of The PharmPet Co join Pharmacy2U to head up the pet health proposition.

Gary Dannatt, Chief of Staff at Pharmacy2U, says: “It’s rare to come across a business that has a strategy, service, and set of values so aligned with your own, that it’s easy to see how it will slot neatly into our existing proposition.

“Following a successful partnership last year it’s become clear The PharmPet Co is one of those cases. The founders have done a remarkable job of creating a service that pet owners across the UK find invaluable, especially during a cost-of-living crisis, and I’m proud to be bringing them into the Pharmacy2U family.

“We look forward to working together to deliver exceptional value and service to our customers, while offering a digital-first approach that allows our pharmacists to deliver expertise in medicine.”

Neil & Phil Younger at The PharmPet Co say: “With over 60 years of combined experience in the pharmacy sector we created The PharmPet Co with a vision to deliver veterinary-standard medication to the fingertips of pet owners, and are both excited to embark on this next chapter of growth as part of Pharmacy2U.

“The deal will allow us to continue doing what we love most, improving the lives of animals, while improving access to affordable and trusted medication.”

Pharmacy2U were advised by Squire Patton Boggs. The PharmPet Co were advised by Ward Hadaway.

Premium sportswear brand Castore has finalised its acquisition of Infinity Inc, a supplier of branded merchandise, clothing and uniform based in Leeds. Already a key supplier to Castore, the acquisition strengthens its supply chain and enables greater speed to market when servicing both UK and international sporting partners. Phil Beahon, co-founder of Castore, said: “We have long admired Infinity and have worked closely with Darren and his team over the years so know the quality of product they can deliver. We look forward to integrating the business with Castore but also continuing to service the wide array of customers already being serviced by Infinity.” Darren Cohen, CEO of Infinity, said: “I am delighted to lead Infinity Inc into this exciting new chapter and partnership with Castore. With over 25 years of experience providing branding expertise, innovative solutions, and world class service, we look forward to supporting Castore with their vision to become the number one British sportswear brand.”

Abingdon Health, a York-headquartered lateral flow contract research (CRO) and contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), has acquired IVDeology Holdings Limited, together with its subsidiaries, in a £700,000 deal.

IVDeology is a UK-based provider of regulatory consultancy support to an international customer base in the in vitro diagnostics sector. Co-founded by regulatory experts Stuart Angell and Nancy Consterdine, both will continue to lead IVDeology as part of the wider Abingdon Health group. 

Chris Yates, CEO, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Stuart, Nancy and the rest of the IVDeology team to the Abingdon Health group. The acquisition of IVDeology is in line with Abingdon’s strategy of providing our customers with all the pieces of the jigsaw required to bring products from idea to commercial success.

“The IVDeology team will strengthen Abingdon’s existing knowledge leadership and regulatory expertise. We look forward to working with the IVDeology team and supporting existing and new customers in navigating a regulatory environment going through a period of significant change.”

Stuart Angell, Managing Director of IVDeology, said: “Nancy, the rest of the IVDeology team and I are excited to be joining the Abingdon Health Group. The in vitro diagnostics sector is undergoing a significant period of regulatory change in the UK, EU and internationally.

“By combining our collective skills, knowledge, and expertise, we can support our customers and the wider IVD industry with the comprehensive service that this opportunity provides.”