Pegasus Group opens Leeds city centre office to support Northern expansion

April Lara
-
0
Pegasus Group opens Leeds city centre office to support Northern expansion

Development consultancy Pegasus Group has opened a new office in Leeds city centre as part of its national growth strategy. The move expands its footprint in the North of England, following recent office launches in Newcastle, Bristol, Cambridge, and Edinburgh.

The new location, based at Capitol in Bond Court, will accommodate the consultancy’s expanding team of over 40 professionals. The Leeds office will continue to serve clients across the North, supporting residential and commercial development, strategic land promotion, and renewable energy projects.

Pegasus has recently bolstered its regional capabilities by enhancing its planning, environment, and heritage teams and is launching a new urban design service line. This builds on its advisory work in major schemes such as the Barnsley West mixed-use development, the Clifton Enterprise Zone near Brighouse, and Huddersfield’s Our Cultural Heart regeneration.

The Leeds office also plays a key role in Pegasus’s work on renewable energy, including solar, wind, and bioenergy projects. A newly appointed Planning Director will lead efforts to support energy developers with land and grid access strategies aligned with the UK government’s evolving energy infrastructure priorities.

North Yorkshire launches countywide development plan consultation

April Lara
-
0
North Yorkshire launches countywide development plan consultation

North Yorkshire Council has launched its first consultation for a countywide local plan, marking the start of a strategic review that will shape housing, employment, and infrastructure development through to 2045.

This new plan will consolidate the existing planning frameworks inherited from former district and borough councils, including Craven. It aims to provide a coordinated policy structure for sustainable growth, helping streamline planning decisions and offering developers, investors, and local authorities clearer direction.

The eight-week consultation is focused on broad issues, such as housing provision, economic resilience, town centre vitality, climate change mitigation, and infrastructure demands, rather than specific development sites. Input is also being gathered on topics relevant to business operations, such as transport, digital connectivity, and energy.

The council is moving ahead with its planning process ahead of expected reforms to the national planning system. Any future changes from central government will be integrated into the developing plan.

Feedback collected will guide the drafting of the whole plan, expected by the end of 2025. A second round of consultation will follow before the plan is finalised. Businesses are encouraged to contribute their views to ensure that the region’s economic strategy aligns with community needs and commercial potential.

Northern mayors unite to boost investment across key sectors

April Lara
-
0
Northern mayors unite to boost investment across key sectors

A new partnership of metro mayors across northern England has launched to attract investment into the region’s high-growth sectors, aiming to drive job creation, infrastructure upgrades and long-term economic resilience. Known as The Great North, the initiative is being led by North East mayor Kim McGuinness and officially launched at the UKREiiF investment summit in Leeds. It has the backing of central government and all seven of the North’s metro mayors.

The partnership will coordinate international trade missions focused on pan-northern investment propositions and host a Northern Investment Summit to showcase opportunities to global investors. Its focus areas include clean energy, defence, advanced manufacturing and creative industries, vital to the region’s competitiveness in a shifting global economy.

Among the advanced investment narratives is the creation of a clean energy coast along the eastern seaboard, which already generates half of England’s renewable power. There are plans to connect key cities and industrial hubs through the Northern Arc, supported by infrastructure projects such as the Transpennine Route Upgrade and the proposed Liverpool-Manchester Railway. The partnership also aims to capitalise on the region’s strength in national security-related sectors through a Northern Security Corridor linking Cumbria, Lancashire, and the North East, where defence, engineering, and cyber capabilities are concentrated.

In manufacturing, the group is promoting the development of advanced materials corridors between Greater Manchester, Yorkshire, the North East, and Tees Valley. It also supports One Creative North, a programme designed to expand the North’s cultural economy and attract inward investment into film, digital media, and design.

A forthcoming report from the group claims that, with the right level of targeted investment, the North could contribute £118 billion to the UK’s GDP. The partnership argues that the North is uniquely positioned to support national goals around energy security, economic growth, and global competitiveness.

BNPL regulation targets clearer standards and reduced risk for consumers

April Lara
-
0
BNPL regulation targets clearer standards and reduced risk for consumers

The UK government has confirmed new buy now, pay later (BNPL) lenders regulations, mandating affordability checks and clearer consumer protections. The move addresses growing concerns around unregulated short-term credit usage, which has surged to 11 million users nationwide.

The updated legislation, set to take effect in 2025, requires BNPL firms to perform upfront affordability assessments, speed up refund processing, and give customers access to complaint resolution through the Financial Ombudsman Service.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) reports a marked increase in BNPL use, particularly among women aged 25–34 and lone parents. Around 40% of the latter demographic now rely on the service. Despite its convenience, industry watchdogs and consumer groups have raised alarms about the ease shoppers can incur unsustainable debt through these platforms.

BNPL providers operating in the UK will be subject to consistent standards aligned with other credit products. This could affect customer onboarding flows, lending algorithms, and risk management protocols.

The rules also allow firms to differentiate on transparency and consumer trust, as regulatory certainty may bolster investor confidence and long-term scalability in the sector.

The announcement comes amid a broader government effort to rein in emerging forms of consumer credit and provide stronger regulatory oversight for fast-growing fintech solutions.

Gold seen as safe haven amid tax hikes and market volatility

April Lara
-
0
Gold seen as safe haven amid tax hikes and market volatility

A recent survey of UK retail investors indicates that gold is now the most favoured asset class for the next 12 months, with 58% of respondents expecting its value to increase. This marks a notable shift in investor sentiment as geopolitical and economic uncertainties persist.

The findings, published by Charles Schwab UK, show that confidence in gold has overtaken traditional indices such as the FTSE 100, which only 39% of investors expect to rise. Similarly, 40% are optimistic about the Dow Jones and 38% about the Nasdaq.

This movement towards gold comes amid growing concerns about tariff policy and the recent hike in capital gains tax, which exempts physical gold investments. The Royal Mint has reported increased demand for physical gold assets like coins and bars.

Younger investors are particularly active in this trend, with 31% increasing exposure to precious metal stocks in the past quarter. Overall, 73% of investors view mining and precious metals companies as sound investment opportunities. This figure is even higher among millennials at 79%, reflecting a generational leaning towards assets perceived as inflation-resistant and less exposed to political risk.

By comparison, just 70% of investors view AI stocks as strong investments, highlighting a broader pivot toward defensive positions in portfolios.

Global defence firm secures space at Leeds Valley Park

Tess Egginton
-
0
Global defence firm secures space at Leeds Valley Park
The penultimate letting has been secured at Leeds Valley Park by Catella APAM, acting as asset manager on behalf of the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF). The deal sees Leeds-based DIRICKX Systems Ltd take Unit 3, a 43,836 sq ft speculative warehouse. The occupier specialises in the manufacture of force protection solutions, primarily used in the defence industry. Adam Robinson, operations director, DIRICKX Systems, said: “As a trusted UK manufacturer, we are proud of our Yorkshire base and this commitment to Leeds secures our long-term future in the region. “After rapid growth since DIRICKX Systems was established three years ago, our investment in Leeds Valley Park marks a significant milestone – doubling our UK manufacturing capability, supporting our long-term growth ambitions and enabling us to meet the rising global demand for high-performance defence products. “With over 95% of our products exported and key contracts already secured with organisations including the UK Ministry of Defence and NATO, we are proud to be the UK’s leading manufacturer of this type of force protection, flying the flag for British manufacturing in the global defence sector.” Adam Handley, asset manager at Catella APAM, said: “Yet another deal at Leeds Valley Park marks another significant milestone for the estate. It reinforces our confidence in the strength of this location and the continued demand for high-quality industrial space in the Leeds market. We’re delighted to welcome DIRICKX Systems Ltd to the growing community of occupiers at the park.” Carter Towler, Avison Young, and CBRE acted for the landlord with Knight Frank’s Yorkshire industrial and logistics team advising the tenant. Iain McPhail, partner in Knight Frank’s Yorkshire industrial team, said: “Leeds Valley Park provides the perfect opportunity for DIRICKX Systems, which allows them not only to retain their existing workforce, but to grow the business, in line with their future ambitions. It was a pleasure working closely with the team and facilitating another Yorkshire based manufacturer on the business park.” Rob Oliver, principal of Avison Young’s industrial and distributions team, added: “Having completed on two other lettings earlier this year, it is fantastic to have completed on this third letting of 2025 already. “DIRICKX are a great addition to the estate, where we have attracted a combination of production and logistics operations, including occupiers relocating and expanding within the Leeds area, and those seeking a new Yorkshire facility.” This letting leaves just one unit remaining at Leeds Valley Park.

Sheffield nursery group snapped up

Tess Egginton
-
0
Sheffield nursery group snapped up
Nurtured Childcare, the fast-growing day nursery group, has acquired Elmore Kindergarten Group, which operates three children’s day nurseries in Sheffield. The transaction was financed with a £2.7 million loan from OakNorth. In addition to enabling the acquisition of Elmore Kindergarten Group this facility refinanced existing borrowing by the Nurture Childcare group and will provide an element of working capital. The acquisition is projected to increase Stockport-headquartered Nurtured Childcare’s turnover by more than £2.3 million. Nurtured Childcare was founded in 2021 by the entrepreneur Craig Brennan to provide nurseries that offer high-quality education, create rich environments and foster a spirit of exploration. It now offers more than 790 places across the North of England, employing almost 300 staff across its Greater Manchester head office and childcare premises in Sheffield, Wakefield, Rotherham and Stoke-on-Trent. Elmore Kindergarten was established in 1991 by Richard Marshall, who initially contacted Nurtured Childcare last year to explore the potential for a transaction. His sale of the business has enabled him to retire. The Elmore Kindergarten Group consists of three settings: Broomhill Nursery, Ecclesfield Nursery, and Middlewood Nursery. Each of the three settings is currently rated “Good” by Ofsted. They offer a combined total of 324 childcare places and employ 77 staff. The acquisition of the Elmore Kindergarten Group brings the total number of childcare settings operated by Nurtured Childcare to 11, consolidating its footprint in South Yorkshire. The three acquired nurseries will be rebranded over the coming months to reflect their new ownership. Craig Brennan, CEO & founder of Nurtured Childcare, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome the Elmore team and families into the Nurtured Childcare Group. “Each of these sites is in a prime location and is already equipped with significant resources, which we plan to build on with further investment and an expansion of the extra-curricular activities they offer, as well as providing staff with access to our detailed, bespoke programme of training and support. “OakNorth’s deep understanding of the nursery and early years sector, coupled with their flexible and transparent financing approach, made them our ideal funding partner for this acquisition-led project. Following this successful acquisition, we’re well-positioned to expand high-quality early years education across more areas of the North of England.” Stewart Haworth, director of debt finance at OakNorth, said: “Nurtured Childcare represents everything we look for in a borrower – ambitious leadership, operational rigour, and community impact. We’re proud to back Craig and his team as they bring new energy and vision to the North of England’s nursery sector. “The combination of an award-winning and experienced operator with the projected tailwinds for the UK’s childcare market, means this acquisition is set to be another success story for the group. We look forward to watching their growth story going forward and supporting Nurtured Childcare on future projects.” Nurtured Childcare worked with Poynton, Cheshire-based KeySME Business Finance to secure the OakNorth facility. Ash Richardson, founder of KeySME Business Finance, said: “We were appointed on this transaction to support Nurtured Childcare with a competitive, bespoke funding package to facilitate the acquisition of Elmore Kindergarten Group and consolidate existing finance. “Working with our lender partner, OakNorth, we have collectively delivered a flexible structure to support Craig’s ambitions for the business. This has been a rewarding deal to work on and highlights the abilities of KeySME Business Finance to unlock tailored funding solutions for UK SMEs. “Thank you to all parties involved for their efforts in getting this transaction over the line and congratulations to the team at Nurtured Childcare. We wish them continued success into the future.” Nurtured Childcare also received commercial legal advice from Mark Ryan Solicitors and Clarion Solicitors, while the property element of the transaction was handled by John Galvin of Clifford Johnson Solicitors. The vendor received legal advice from Wake Smith Solicitors and Eddisons.

Cairn Hotel Group expands sustainability efforts across UK venues

April Lara
-
0
Cairn Hotel Group expands sustainability efforts across UK venues

Cairn Hotel Group, which operates 28 hotels, eight restaurants, and bars across the UK, has received 33 Green Tourism certifications for its environmental initiatives in 2024. The group earned nine gold and 24 silver accreditations, recognising a broad set of improvements to its sustainability practices.

Among the hotels receiving gold status were the Elmbank Hotel in York and the DoubleTree by Hilton Majestic Hotel and Spa in Harrogate. Green Tourism accreditation evaluates businesses on energy efficiency, carbon reduction, waste management, and biodiversity.

Recent initiatives implemented by the group include air quality improvements, installation of wildlife habitats such as bug hotels, and conservation efforts supporting biodiversity, including some with international reach. Each venue now designates a ‘Green Champion’ responsible for tracking monthly environmental performance and ensuring continued progress on sustainability targets.

Aon makes raft of promotions and appointments at Leeds and Humber offices

Tess Egginton
-
0
Aon makes raft of promotions and appointments at Leeds and Humber offices
Professional services firm Aon has made a series of promotions and appointments across its Leeds South and Humber advisory teams. Following the promotion of James Fell to head of advisory clients, Taz Begum and Andrew Hall have been promoted to head of office for Leeds, and head of office for Humber respectively. Taz draws on 29 years’ industry experience while Andy has 27 years’ experience. They will oversee the direction and operational performance of their offices, support team members, ensure clients receive exceptional service, and drive growth. To support Aon advisory’s strategic focus on clients within the technology and IT industry, Andrew Robson has been promoted to technology practice lead. Drawing on 14 years’ industry experience, Andrew will develop advisory’s technology and IT client service proposition and take overall responsibility for the development of clients within these industries. In addition, Mark Brown has been appointed to the role of client management director, and Kieran Fields as an account executive. Prior to joining Aon’s Leeds advisory team, Mark, who has 36 years’ experience, spent over five years at Brown & Brown Insurance Brokers (UK) where he oversaw two offices, led teams, and managed external client caseloads. Kieran previously worked at One Call Insurance where he managed a portfolio of clients. Mark joins the Leeds advisory leadership team and is responsible for client account management and overseeing the team. Drawing on his previous experience, Kieran will manage a book of clients. Sarah Hanson meanwhile has joined the Humber team as a client director, bringing over 20 years’ experience. In her new role Sarah will manage a book of clients and ensure she secures the best deal to meet their needs and goals. James Fell, head of advisory clients at Aon, said: “Congratulations to Taz, Andy and Andrew on their well-deserved promotions, and a warm welcome to our new colleagues. “Taz, Andy and Andrew’s dedication to our colleagues and clients is second to none, and their promotions are part of our continued growth strategy. Mark, Sarah and Kieran, with their wealth of experience and local market knowledge are a valuable addition to our advisory team. “By acquiring and nurturing highly skilled talent and creating a supportive culture that places colleagues at the heart of our business, we continue to invest in our capabilities, ensuring we can provide our clients with a first-class service.” Sarah Hanson, client director, said: “Since joining Aon, my work-life balance has greatly improved, and the culture of the company is one that places equal importance on career and family, which is refreshing. The team has been incredibly welcoming, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision to join Aon. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity Aon has given me.”

New £600k export fund targets York and North Yorkshire businesses

April Lara
-
0
New £600k export fund targets York and North Yorkshire businesses

Businesses in York and North Yorkshire can now apply for a share of a £600,000 grant scheme aimed at supporting international trade.

The programme, called “Get Exporting,” is part of a wider £5 million Business Innovation Fund overseen by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. It’s the second export-specific scheme in the region, following a previous initiative that issued £200,000 in grants and contributed to over £15 million in global sales.

Applications are currently open. A series of in-person advisory events will take place across the region in October, including stops in Tadcaster, Harrogate, Whitby, Malton, York, Catterick and Skipton. These will be staffed by representatives from the Growth Hub and the Department for Business and Trade.

The Get Exporting fund sits alongside other streams in the Business Innovation Fund focused on startups, sector growth, and upcoming initiatives on funding access and product development.

This latest fund complements three other regional programmes launched earlier this year: £10 million for high street regeneration, £7 million for carbon reduction projects, and £2.3 million for workforce development. All are backed by mayoral challenge funding.

1...424344...987Page 43 of 987