Associated British Ports appoints Group IT Director
Associated British Ports has appointed Sean Kelly, above, as Group IT Director to head the company’s programme of investment in digital strategy for port operations, customer service, and cyber security.
He said: “What attracted me to ABP is the company’s great culture coupled with the ambition to carry through its leading position in the UK ports sector to the areas of technology, digitisation and cyber security. State-of-the-art IT infrastructure and new ways of working are essential to be at the forefront of the digital revolution in the maritime industry.”
Sean has extensive experience leading IT teams in different businesses including Microsoft, BT, EY, RBS. He was most recently the CIO of Business Platforms at Dentsu, one of the largest global marketing and advertising agency networks. His experience has included leading the delivery of IT programmes such as digital transformation and ERP solutions for global businesses and implementing functional and connected digital journeys.
ABP’s CEO Henrik L. Pedersen, said: “It’s great to welcome Sean to ABP. Sean will be driving forward a well-established IT organisation, developing and executing the next phase of our digital strategy, including developing a broader IT landscape supporting all areas of ABP’s business.
“Building smart, flexible and resilient technology platforms to deliver on customers’ needs and business optimisation is a key foundation of our strategy. We’ve made some great strides forward but we’re ambitious about where technology can take us, our customers and partners further.”
Forgemasters buys 21 acres of Sheffield for redevelopment scheme
Sheffield Forgemasters has bought 21 acres of brownfield land to pave the way for development of additional facilities alongside its Brightside Lane operations.
The company is already building a 13,000 tonne Heavy Forge facility, and has earmarked the largest plot of land, on Weedon Street, for a machining line that will house 17 highly advanced machining centres, which do not exist anywhere else in the UK, and will underpin production for the UK defence programme.
Gareth Barker, COO at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “The purchase of additional land is a game-changing venture for the company and will see state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities built in the historic centre of Sheffield’s industrial heartland.
“The recapitalisation programme is completely transforming the company’s facilities as our modelling reshapes the site for optimum use.
“The opportunity to purchase land immediately adjacent to our site will enable faster, more cost effective recapitalisation than trying to reconfigure existing facilities, with the added benefit of keeping production in full flow through the existing plant.”
“The main focus of the land acquisition is to enable development of a new machining facility, to house .”
The company also recently completed the purchase of 10,000 sq ft of offices at Riverside Court on Brightside Lane.
British Steel gets planning permission for Scunthorpe’s electric arc furnace
British Steel has been given planning permission to build an Electric Arc Furnace at its Scunthorpe HQ as par of its proposed £1.25-billion transformation – its biggest in more than a century of steelmaking – which is subject to appropriate support from the UK Government.
British Steel President and CEO Xijun Cao said: “We’re extremely pleased to have received planning permissions to build Electric Arc Furnaces at our Scunthorpe and Teesside sites. It is a significant step forward in our journey to net zero and we thank everyone who has supported our plans.
“The proposed installation of EAFs in Scunthorpe and Teesside is central to our journey to a green future as they would help us reduce emissions of CO2 by more than 75 per cent. However, it is crucial we now secure the backing of the UK Government.
“Our owner, Jingye, is committed to the unprecedented investment decarbonisation requires and our desire to dramatically reduce our carbon footprint, coupled with challenging market conditions, means it is imperative swift and decisive action is taken to ensure a sustainable future for British Steel.
“We are committed to working with the UK Government and need to reach an agreement quickly so we can achieve our ambitious goals, secure thousands of jobs and keep making the steel Britain needs for generations to come.”
Significant preparation works, including environmental and technical studies, and equipment selection, are underway to ensure the company’s ambitious proposals can be delivered at the earliest opportunity while discussions with the UK Government continue.
Both proposed EAFs would replace the aging iron and steelmaking operations at British Steel’s Scunthorpe site which are responsible for the vast majority of its CO2 emissions. The company proposes maintaining current operations until a transition to electric arc steelmaking.
British Steel has started preliminary talks with trade unions about electrification, and has promised to support employees affected by its decarbonisation plans.
Xijun said: “We are confident our proposals will help secure the low-embedded carbon steelmaking the UK requires now and for decades to come.”
Detailed studies show electrification would enable British Steel to continue making the products its customers require. A special paper explaining how EAF technology can produce all steel products and grades by managing the raw material mix has been published by UK Steel.
Hannah secures leading role in male-dominated world of golf
Leeds-based National Club Golfer has appointed Hannah Holden as its Head of Content, making her the first woman to be promoted to such a position in the brand’s 20-year history as it plans to accelerate digital growth.
Hannah has been with NCG for five years, is not only a talented and knowledgeable content creator, but plays her golf off a handicap of +2.
She will be responsible for creating and delivering a content strategy across NCG’s digital channels, social media, YouTube channel and print magazine that reaches club golfers across the UK.
She will also join the board at Sports Publications, the parent company of NCG, working closely with longstanding owner/managers Tom Irwin and Dan Murphy.
She said: “My generation have grown up in a world of digital media and it’s really clear that we have some fantastic opportunities to drive the brand forward and connect with even more core golfers.”
Tom Irwin said: “Golf has long since been a male dominated sport. Participation remains around 80% male, but female golfers are rising in number. It is one of golf’s enduring appeals that men and women can play together on an equal footing. Hannah’s appointment hopefully supports the view that we are all just golfers, regardless of gender.
“Hannah’s appointment marks a significant milestone as she assumes the role of the first female Head of Content at NCG in two decades. Her wealth of experience, talent and ambition are invaluable assets.
“She has been instrumental in driving our digital content strategy and shaping the evolution of our online media platform and we look forward to seeing where she will take it next.”
Councils get new compulsory purchase powers to get land for housing
Councils will now be able to buy cheaper land to help build thousands more social and affordable homes, thanks to new Government reforms coming into force today, as part of the long-term plan for housing.
Councils will be able to buy land for development through the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders without paying inflated ‘hope value’ costs. ‘Hope value’ estimates the cost land could be worth if it was developed on in the future, meaning councils are forced to pay potentially thousands more to buy land for housing or developments and get stuck in lengthy disputes about costs.
The new measures will remove hope value in certain circumstances where Compulsory Purchase Orders are being used and make it cheaper and easier for councils to transform communities by building new homes.
Levelling Up Minister Jacob Young said: “Our changes will act as a catalyst for investment in our towns and cities and drive much needed regeneration in communities across the country.
“We know we need to build more homes and alongside our Long-Term Plan for Housing, these changes will help us do that, unlocking more sites for affordable and social housing, as well as supporting jobs and growing the economy.”
Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation, pictured, says: “Enabling local councils to buy cheaper land through Compulsory Purchase Orders without paying ‘hope value’ will allow them to build more of the desperately needed affordable homes the country needs, in the right places for the people who need it most.
“To solve the housing crisis and unlock the land needed for these homes, these changes must sit alongside wider reforms to planning policy which should form part of a nationally coordinated fully funded long-term plan for housing.”
Stafforce promotes head of ports to brand director
Rotherham-headquartered Stafforce, part of the Nicholas Associates Group of companies, has promoted Tim Platt from head of ports to brand director for ports in the UK.
In this new capacity, Tim will spearhead efforts to foster growth and establish Stafforce Ports as a prominent brand across the United Kingdom.
With extensive experience in the provision of flexible labour to the maritime and logistics industry, Tim brings a wealth of knowledge and strategic insight to this pivotal role. Having served as head of ports, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a steadfast commitment to driving operational excellence within the organisation.
As brand director, Tim will be responsible for setting the strategic direction for Stafforce Ports, primarily focusing on expansion and market differentiation. Leveraging his deep understanding of the industry landscape and trends, he will lead initiatives to enhance service offerings, cultivate client relationships, and optimise operational efficiencies.
“Tim’s deep understanding of the maritime industry, coupled with his proven track record of success, makes him the perfect fit for this pivotal role,” said Paul Smith, CEO of NAG. He continued: “As brand director, I am confident that Tim will continue to drive innovation, foster growth, and position Stafforce Ports as a leading brand in its own right.”
Tim said: “I am honoured to take on this new role and excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Stafforce Ports has a strong foundation, and I am committed to building upon that legacy as we strive to become a recognised brand in the UK ports industry.”
Temperature controlled transport company snapped up
A Really Cool Company (ARCC), the temperature controlled transportation experts, are the latest specialist courier business to be acquired by Viso Logistics.
Based out of Wetherby, Yorkshire and with over 15 years of industry experience, ARCC predominantly supports clients from the food and beverage sector with frozen, chilled and ambient transportation.
They also work with various other businesses who ship consignments such as samples and pharmaceuticals that require temperature-controlled logistics across the UK and throughout Europe.
The business will still operate as an independent entity and continue to be managed locally.
Andrew Wood, Managing Director of A Really Cool Company, said: “The ARCC team are very excited about this next step in the evolution of our business.
“A partnership with Viso Logistics gives us the best of both worlds – we retain our company values, team and everything that makes us unique, but we also get to leverage off some excellent knowledge both inside and out of the logistics sector.
“Ultimately, this means that our loyal customers continue to get the same care and attention they have always had. What’s great is that they will now have some extras to help elevate their experience with us, such as access to an expanded network.”
Alexi Jones, Managing Partner at Viso Logistics, added that they were “delighted” to have a business the caliber of ARCC joining the ranks of Viso Logistics.
He said: “Our strategy is to acquire long-established, successful specialist logistics companies that have expertise in specific sectors. To work with a business like ARCC that is so highly regarded in the food and beverage and pharmaceutical sectors, and complimentary to our existing network, makes them a perfect fit for Viso Logistics.
“The ARCC team are passionate about the service they provide and are real experts in their field. We have been impressed with their depth of industry knowledge and committed team, and know that their service will be one that our expanding customer base will benefit from.
“The addition of ARCC expands our Group’s growing footprint. Together with Jag Express in Cambridge, we now have a North-South axis which expands the scope of work we can undertake for our combined client base.”
FFE expands lending team
Doncaster-based Finance For Enterprise (FFE) has further expanded its lending team following the appointment of Ben Merrick as a senior business lending manager.
Ben has nearly 20 years of experience supporting SME businesses, working for high street banks and the last two years as a commercial finance broker.
In his role with FFE, Ben will be supporting SME businesses with their growth aspirations, organising local events (including NetWalking) and meeting with commercial finance brokers to promote FFE and how it can support their clients.
Commenting on his new role, Ben said: “I wanted to join a forward-thinking proactive funder and Finance For Enterprise is a responsible, ethical lender which is committed to helping SME businesses overcome growth barriers.”
Andrew Jackson adds associate to its family law team
Andrew Jackson Solicitors has appointed Kerri Beaumont as an associate to work in its family law team.
With many years’ family law experience, Kerri’s experience covers all legal aspects concerning relationship breakdown, including financial disputes, child arrangements and divorce. Kerri also has significant experience in advising on disputes between cohabiting couples arising from separation, and on cases in which there are domestic violence issues. Should any matters progress to Court, she can draw on her strong advocacy skills. Richard Hoare, partner and head of private client services at Andrew Jackson, said: “Our family team takes great pride in working hard to achieve the best result for each of our clients – something which is really important to Kerri. We are supporting people at an incredibly distressing time in their lives and by growing our team, we can ensure that we can continue to offer our clients the best possible service. “We warmly welcome Kerri, who is already using her technical skills in specialist areas of family law to support our clients and strengthen further our reputation.”Metal recycler acquired by Leeds private equity investors
Endless LLP, the Leeds-based mid-market private equity investors, has acquired Enablelink.
Founded in 2007, Enablelink is one of the UK’s most prominent metal recycling businesses processing over 300,000 tonnes of material per year. The business plays a vital role in the green circular economy with recycled metal being of critical importance to the UK and worldwide steel and manufacturing industries.
Based in the Birmingham area, Enablelink operates from three production sites and specialises in the acquisition, processing and distribution of ferrous and non-ferrous material. With over 60 employees, the business is ready for further growth from its current £110 million turnover base, having recently invested in new shredding and processing capabilities.
Endless’s acquisition will further strengthen Enablelink’s position and provide it with additional capital for growth and to support the management team to capitalise on the increasing demand for recycled metals.
Operations Director, Josh Long, will take over as Managing Director following the retirement of Roy Millard. Josh Long said: “This is fantastic news for Enablelink. While it is business as usual, we are excited by the opportunities new ownership will bring and we look forward to continuing our rapid growth and development both organically and through acquisition.
“We would like to thank Roy Millard for building such a strong business and supporting the company and its employees over the last 17 years.”
John Stevens, Investment Director at Endless, added: “We are thrilled to have been given the opportunity to acquire Enablelink. Through its strong relationships with suppliers and customers, Enablelink has demonstrated its importance to the UK green economy and the growing demand for recycled materials both in the UK and internationally.
“We extend our warmest gratitude to Roy for the fantastic business he has built and we look forward to working with Josh and the Enablelink team.”
The acquisition is the fifth platform investment in Endless Fund V, following on from their acquisition of ASCO in August 2023.
Endless was advised by Walker Morris (legal), KPMG (Tax), Aon (Insurance) and Kroll (Commercial). Enablelink was advised by Finvos (Corporate Finance) and Shoosmiths (Legal).
