“We are thrilled to join the Adler and Allan family,” said Nick Ravden, Managing Director of Utility Line. “Their established position in the utilities and transport and logistics markets, combined with their mission and service offerings, creates the perfect platform to integrate our capabilities and support even more companies on their renewable energy journey.”
This strategic acquisition aligns with Adler and Allan’s commitment to sustainable solutions and positions them as a key player in the rapidly growing EV sector. “We’re excited to welcome Utility Line to the team,” said Henrik Pedersen, Chief Executive Officer of Adler and Allan.
“This acquisition strengthens our specialist EV and high-voltage capabilities and broadens the range of services we offer across all sectors. Together, we become the go-to partner for companies seeking to achieve Net-Zero carbon goals and fulfil their ESG commitments.”
This marks Adler and Allan’s ninth acquisition in the last three years.
Acquisition sees Adler and Allan accelerate electric vehicle push
Yorkshire-based environmental risk reduction services business, Adler and Allan, has acquired Utility Line, an Independent Connection Provider (ICP) and grid connection specialist focused on commercial electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure.
Founded in 2021, Utility Line has established itself as a trusted partner for clients seeking a full ‘turnkey’ solution for specialised electric vehicle charging infrastructure and grid connections.
Their team of experts handle everything from design, planning, installation, and maintenance of commercial, industrial, and residential schemes, from inception all the way through to energisation and handover.
Retail industry workers get more protection from criminal ‘customers’
Assaulting a retail worker is to be made a standalone criminal offence.
Serial shiplifters are also to face tougher punishments under new legislation
Offenders could be sent to prison for up to six months, receive an unlimited fine and be banned from going back to the shop where they committed their crimes, with Criminal Behaviour Orders barring them visiting specific premises. Breaching an order is also a criminal offence and carries a five-year maximum prison sentence. For the most serious cases of assault, such as causing grievous bodily harm with intent, offenders could face a life sentence.
The move to create the new offence follows longstanding campaigning on this issue from MP Matt Vickers and some of the biggest retailers, calling for more action to better protect their staff.
The government is also stepping up action to clamp down on offenders who repeatedly target the country’s high streets, with serial offenders forced to wear tags to track their movements.
These tags will be a constant and physical reminder to offenders that the Probation Service can find out where they have been and when, and that they risk being sent to prison if they refuse to obey the rules. Under an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill, if an offender is found guilty of assaulting staff three times, or is sentenced for shoplifting on three separate occasions, they should be made to wear a tag as part of any community order.
Ahead of this legislation coming in, the government will partner with a police force to pilot a bespoke package of community sentencing measures which can be used by judges to tackle high levels of shoplifting, sending a clear message that repeat criminality will not be tolerated.
The government is also ramping up the use of facial recognition technology to help catch perpetrators and prevent shoplifting in the first place. Backed by a £55.5m investment over the next four years, the police will be able to further roll this new state of the art technology. This will include £4m for bespoke mobile units that can be deployed to high streets across the country with live facial recognition used in crowded areas to identify people wanted by the police.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Since 2010, violent and neighbourhood crime in England and Wales has fallen dramatically, showing our plan to keep our streets safe is working. Yet shoplifting and violence and abuse towards retail workers continues to rise.
“I am sending a message to those criminals – whether they are serious organised criminal gangs, repeat offenders or opportunistic thieves – who think they can get away with stealing from these local businesses or abusing shopworkers, enough is enough.
“Our local shops are the lifeblood of our communities, and they must be free to trade without the threat of crime or abuse.”
Employers get advice to support disabled workers
A new Disability Confident guide for managers to help them recruit, retain, and foster the progression of disabled people and those with health conditions in the workplace has been published today by the Department for Work and Pensions.
DWP has worked in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development to develop the quick and easy guidance to ensure employers and employees get the most from the Disability Confident scheme, to boost disability employment and reduce the disability employment gap.
The Government has already succeeded in meeting its target of getting one million more disabled people into employment by 2027 – reaching the milestone five years ahead of schedule.
This new guidance is part of wider action to support disabled people who can work to reap the countless social, health and financial benefits a job brings.
Some of the guidance includes advertising jobs on channels that specifically reach disabled people and implementing reasonable adjustments in the workplace like flexible working and arranging one-to-one mentoring support.
Minister for Disabled People, Health & Work, Mims Davies, pictured, said: “We want to help everyone realise their potential and it’s fantastic to have helped over a million more disabled people into work, hitting that target five years early – but we’re not stopping there.This new guidance is a really useful tool for managers that will support even more people to progress – whatever their condition and whatever their profession.
”It’s just the latest step in our mission to ensure the UK is the most accessible place in the world for disabled people to live, work and thrive.”
Lincolnshire farmers offered grants to pay for flood damage
Lincolnshire farmers can now claim government help for uninsurable losses caused to their land by flood damage.
The help comes from the Farming Recovery Fund, under which eligible farmers can get grants of between £500 and £25,000 to return their land to the condition it was in before exceptional flooding due to Storm Henk.
Eligible farmers are being contacted directly by Rural Payments Agency outlining the support available to them through the Farming Recovery Fund and how they can make a claim.
The fund forms part of a broader scheme called the Flood Recovery Framework which is activated in exceptional circumstances to support councils and communities following severe flooding.
The fund will initially be open in those local authority areas where the Flood Recovery Framework has already been activated to help farms which have experienced the highest levels of flooding. As well as Lincolnshire, farmers in Gloucestershire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Somerset, Warwickshire, West Northamptonshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire are able to apply.
Farming Minster Mark Spencer said: “I know how difficult this winter has been for farmers, with extreme weather such as Storm Henk having a devastating impact on both cropping and grazing, as well as damaging property and equipment.
“The Farming Recovery Fund will support farmers who suffered uninsurable damage with grants of up to £25,000, and sits alongside broader support in our farming schemes to improve flood resilience.”
Professional services firm secures new Hull office
Aon plc, a global professional services firm, is relocating its 50-strong Humber team to a new office.
Aon has agreed a 10-year lease on the entire ground floor of the Redcliff Court building. The move is part of Aon’s investment in the region and will bring the entire Humber-based team together in one space, providing a flexible, collaborative and open working environment for all colleagues.
On completion of an extensive refurbishment, colleagues from Aon’s Kirmington and Hull offices will move to the new fully serviced office at the end of April, where they will benefit from a more efficient office design to support hybrid working and an upgraded IT infrastructure.
Chris Harvey, head of office Aon in Hull, said: “Investing in the Humber region and our talented 50-strong team is a key part of our growth ambition.
“As a global leader in commercial risk, and a major part of the region’s insurance scene that supports clients across a diverse range of sectors, ownership structures and sizes, we can provide an exciting and rewarding career for both highly experienced insurance professionals and new colleagues.
“In seeking new office space, Aon has focused on finding a building which fits with our Smart Working Model. Smart Working is centred on the four Cs – Clients, Collaboration, Celebration and Coaching and, while we will continue to embrace hybrid working, the office remains a place to connect, build knowledge, develop capabilities, enrich careers and contribute to a sense of belonging. Redcliff Court certainly aligns with that.
“This new space will help us in our ambition to develop strong teams and create an inclusive work environment, both in-office and through virtual collaboration, where all colleagues feel a sense of belonging, and will further strengthen the firm’s culture so that we can continue to deliver the best for our colleagues.”
The Hull team is currently based on the second floor of Redcliff Court.
Aon was advised by CBRE.
Specialist West Yorkshire engineering business snapped up
Carnell Group Holdings Ltd, the wholly owned subsidiary of Renew, the Engineering Services Group, has acquired Route One Holdings (Wakefield) Ltd for £5m.
Based in West Yorkshire, Route One is a multi-disciplinary specialist engineering business operating in the UK Highways sector providing end-to-end solutions for bridge deck maintenance and protection.
Route One has a number of long-term frameworks on the National Highways Scheme Delivery Frameworks across England.
A statement from Renew says: “The acquisition represents an excellent strategic fit for the Group. Route One will expand Carnell’s offering by adding new capabilities to the Group’s highways business, with particular expertise in bridge and structures maintenance and repairs.
“The UK Government’s planned investment in the next Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) from 2025 to 2030 will provide good growth opportunities, where the structures renewal programme has been identified as a key priority.”
Seafarers’ charity appoints two trustees
The Sailors’ Children’s Society, that’s been helping seafarer’s families for more than 200 years has appointed new trustees Cathy Kioko-Gilligan and Rhiannon Beesonwith experience of the demand for its services.
Cathy, who is a Deputy Lieutenant of the East Riding, was a beneficiary of the Society’s services when her father, a merchant seaman, passed away when she was just three. She said: “I had a little sister and times were hard, especially as we reached school age and mum couldn’t afford uniforms. She was a nurse in training and went to social services for help but they said she earned slightly too much so we couldn’t have any money. Mum was heartbroken and didn’t know what to do but her matron at work suggested she talk to the Society. “My dad’s death wasn’t maritime related but they still helped us with the uniform, including for my sister when she reached school age, and we were also invited to go on their annual days out. We have some wonderful memories from those and from the annual fete in their grounds on Cottingham Road. “We knew as children growing up that we were in a lucky position because we were being assisted by the charity because we received the grant for many years. In reality the charity enabled us to fit in because we had school uniforms. My mum didn’t cry as much. The Society took a massive weight off mum’s mind. “As I grew up I lost my awareness of them and didn’t hear about them. The fete stopped and I assumed it no longer existed. It’s been really good rediscovering the charity and I feel as though I’ve never been away. I am passionate about helping the charity raise money to help people in the same way that they helped me and my family.” Rhiannon worked for KCOM and Giacom but it was her spell in between with APD Communications – a specialist software supplier to the emergency services – which equipped her with insight into risks at sea. She said: “Working in critical comms gave me my first insight into HM Coastguard, the Royal Navy and other emergency services on the coast.” She was aware of Natasha from previous charity work and rekindled the relationship when she was setting up The Be Brand and they met on a women’s accelerator course at the University of Hull. Rhiannon said: “I really liked what Natasha was doing with the charity. She’s an incredible CEO and someone I look up to and she’s transformed the charity. “I also attended the charity’s annual Sportsman’s Lunch where Natasha’s speech about the work they do and helping families in their hour of need really resonated with me from my experience with APD Communications. The Be Brand recently adopted the Society as our charity of the year, raising funds and donating time and the trusteeship is building on that.” Society CEO Natasha Barley said: “The Sailors’ Children’s Society is going from strength to strength but like all charities we need to keep moving forward with new people and new ideas. “We work nationally to support disadvantaged children from the merchant navy, Royal Navy, the offshore wind industry, fishing fleets and inland waterways but Hull is our historic home and I am delighted that we have been able to recruit two people from the local community who know what the city and its people are about.” The Society is a lifeline for the children of families in crisis experiencing bereavement, family breakdown or diagnosis of a life limiting or terminal illness and all the families it works with are experiencing financial hardship.HETA celebrates record achievement rates and success of learners
Humberside Engineering Training Association is “proud of another significant achievement” as it announces record-high qualification achievement rates for its Level 3 Apprenticeship Programmes.
Established in 1967 by employers, for employers, the not-for-profit organisation has reached an all-time high in its success metrics but has also secured a prestigious position among the top 10 in the UK for Engineering & Engineering Construction training. The latest figures reveal that HETA’s achievement rates have soared, standing an impressive 20% above the national average. This remarkable feat underscores the organisation’s dedication to providing quality training, bridging crucial skills gaps, and facilitating sustainable employment opportunities for young individuals entering the industry. Iain Elliott, CEO of HETA, expressed his immense pride in the accomplishments of the HETA team, stating: “I am incredibly proud of our team’s hard work and dedication, which has culminated in these outstanding achievement rates. At HETA, we are deeply committed to equipping our learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in Industry.” Going on to emphasise HETA’s ongoing mission to address the skills gap prevalent in the industry and to empower young people with the tools they need to secure meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities, he added: “Our focus on delivering quality training not only benefits the individuals we train but also contributes to the overall strength and resilience of the industries we serve.” HETA remains committed to enhancing its curriculum to effectively address the evolving needs of the region. Recognising the importance of decarbonisation and the advancements of Industry 4.0, HETA continues to focus on developing learning modules that equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to gain an understanding about these areas. By integrating decarbonisation strategies and Industry 4.0 principles into its curriculum, HETA ensures that its apprentices are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the workforce while also fostering sustainability and innovation within the region’s industries. HETA’s success comes at a crucial time when industries across the UK are facing significant challenges in recruiting skilled workers. By consistently surpassing national averages and ranking among the top institutions for Engineering & Engineering Construction training, HETA continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the workforce of the future. As HETA celebrates these record achievements, the organisation remains steadfast in its commitment to providing innovative training solutions and fostering a skilled workforce capable of driving economic growth and prosperity in the Yorkshire and Humberside region and beyond.Development agreement signed to deliver £1.1bn York Central regeneration
Homes England and Network Rail Property have signed a development agreement with McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate to be strategic development partners for York Central, one of the UK’s largest city centre regeneration schemes.
The milestone development agreement will lead to the transformation of one of the largest brownfield sites in England alongside other partners the City of York Council and the National Railway Museum.
The mixed-use development will build 2,500 new homes (20% of which will be affordable) and create up to one million sq ft of office, retail and hospitality space, along with improvements to the York Railway Station and an enhanced National Railway Museum.
York Central has the potential to generate up to 6,500 jobs and will help to grow York’s future economy by 20%, by adding £1.1bn GVA to the city.
The one million square feet of new offices, retail and leisure uses, to the rear of York station, will create a major new employment hub for northern England.
York Central will include a new 17-acre urban park, with 50% of the rejuvenated site set to be green space, along with vibrant public squares that will connect the new development to the surrounding neighbourhoods and the adjacent York City Centre.
Work is already underway on site, preparing it for development, with £135m of infrastructure works currently underway delivering 2km of new roads including bus lanes, segregated footpaths and cycleways, along with two new bridges.
McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate have been undertaking initial community and stakeholder engagement and will continue to work closely with the local community on plans for York Central ahead of submitting plans later this year.
Robin Dobson, Group Property Director at Network Rail, said: “York Central is a hugely important scheme and given its scale and significance to the region signing the development agreement is a major step forward.
“Infrastructure is at the centre of York Central’s success – from using our brownfield land to creating a new community delivering investment, jobs, new homes and amazing open space – all that neighbours the rail network.”
Leon Guyett, Director of Regeneration Partnerships (York) at Homes England, said: “This marks an important step forward for the York Central project, which will have significant impact on the local area.
“This is a clear example of how Homes England can use its resources and capabilities to bring together public and private sector organisations and make sustainable places possible.
“This is a proud moment in the journey of York Central and we look forward to future collaboration to bring this unique brownfield regeneration opportunity to life.”
Tom Gilman, Regional Managing Director of McLaren Property, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the city and a milestone moment in the delivery of York Central.
“We are committed and passionate about providing much needed new homes, best in class commercial space, along with substantial green space, enhanced public realm and amenities, all of which will bring significant economic benefits and local jobs.
“As York is my home city, I am genuinely thrilled to work with our partners, local stakeholders and the community on our vision to bring forward a scheme that will breathe new life and regenerate an unutilised brownfield site, connecting it to the great cathedral city of York.”
Allan Cook, founder of Arlington Real Estate, said: “York Central is recognised as one of the largest city centre regeneration schemes in the UK and will deliver huge benefits, not only for the people of York and its visitors, but for the wider economy. This is a landmark project and completion of the formal Development Agreement is another significant step forwards.
“Creating a brand new city quarter right in the heart of York, with its own entrance to one of the UK’s best connected railway stations, is an amazing opportunity. We look forward delivering a great place worthy of its unique location and heritage.”
Deborah joins law firm in Partner role
Law firm Freeths has established a new energy offering in the North with the appointment of Partner Deborah Harvey.
Joining from Osborne Clarke in London, where she led the firm’s international Energy Innovation Group, Deborah has over 14 years’ dedicated energy sector legal experience. Her practice focuses on clean energy transactions, agreements, and regulation. She is experienced in dealing with all forms of renewable energy generation technology.
She is particularly recognised for her experience of route to market arrangements, with her specialisms including asset optimisation and corporate power purchase agreements. She has a keen interest in energy innovation, which includes the role of data in energy and the interplay between energy and mobility – her practice includes the energy aspects of mobility projects, and she is currently acting for clients in this area of the sector. in this area of the sector. Deborah was recognised by the Legal 500 as a “Next Generation Partner” (2024 edition).
At Freeths, which has offices in Leeds and Sheffield, Deborah will look to further develop the firm’s energy offering and work with the national team to grow the practice in the North.
Freeths Managing Partner of the North John May, said: “Deborah’s appointment is key for our ongoing Freeths sector strategy as we continue to experience unprecedented growth in our Northern offices. I’m certain that her wealth of experience will help provide a vital offering for both new and existing clients. Deborah joins dozens of recent talent acquisitions for the firm in the last year since we expanded our office space in Sheffield, Manchester and Leeds.”
Deborah added: “I’m excited to have arrived at Freeths. With its enviable accelerated growth and impressive client list, the firm is the ideal environment for me to continue my work within the clean energy sector. Working alongside a talented group of lawyers with extensive experience of delivering energy projects, I believe I can make a real difference for my clients here.”
