New specialist partners to support Wakefield Council’s property and facilities management arrangements
Wakefield Council has welcomed two new specialist providers for some of its property and facilities functions.
Robertson has been awarded the contract for the Council’s facilities management function. It is one of the largest family-owned construction, infrastructure and support services business in the UK.
Gleeds will be handling the Council’s Professional Services functions. Gleeds is an international property and construction consultancy, with significant local government experience.
The new approach began on 31st October, when the contract with Equans came to an end after seven years.
Cllr Les Shaw, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources and Property, said: “We are pleased to confirm our new partnerships with Robertson and Gleeds. We welcome their expertise to help us deliver the transformation of our property and facilities management services.
“This new approach will give us the control and flexibility we need, whilst also benefitting from the knowledge and expertise of specialists in these areas.”
The Facilities Management contract awarded to Robertson refers to the physical structures and covers the building services for the Council’s estate, as well as providing a 24-hour facilities management Help Desk. This contract provides these services to schools, if they choose to buy them.
Adrian Mole, Managing Director at Robertson Facilities Management, said: “As the selected delivery partner for all hard services, our focus will be on ensuring that Wakefield Council has an excellently maintained estate that will provide occupants with high-quality environments.
“We are looking forward to welcoming the new employees, who will bring with them a wealth of experience and knowledge of the council’s estate. This previous knowledge will be a huge benefit to Team Robertson as we deliver best in class, transformation services.”
The Professional Services contract awarded to Gleeds provides the resources needed to deliver big infrastructure projects, like the ones in the Council’s capital programme. This contract provides the specialist services needed for this type of project: architectural design, project procurement, contract management. It can also be used for bigger building services jobs, but it is in the Council’s control to make this decision on a project-by-project basis which provides flexibility and value for money.
Paul Mann, North England Regional Director for Gleeds, said: “Gleeds’ work in partnership with central and local government agencies such as DfE, Homes England, and locally, West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and North England will stand us in good stead to take on Wakefield Council’s Professional Services functions over the next three years.
“Our focus will be on delivering value for money property solutions, with a significant commitment to social value for the local community.
“Welcoming new employees means we can combine vital local knowledge and experience with Gleeds’ own expertise and strength in depth. We have embedded a PMO team into Wakefield One Council offices, and we look forward to getting started on delivering the first of the Capital Delivery Programme priority projects in the months ahead.”
The services that have come back inhouse includes the soft facilities management services, which deal with the day to day running of buildings. This team also works on logistics, the delivery of planned projects and looks after the sale, leasing and tenancy of Council buildings and any acquisitions the Council makes.
Skills gap is stifling growth ambitions and leaving us at a standstill, say small firms
Small businesses planning to grow continue to face a deep-rooted and unyielding skills shortage, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) research has found.
The figures, taken from the business group’s latest Small Business Index (SBI) reveal that 22 per cent of small firms now identify the lack of skilled staff as a stumbling block for growth in the upcoming year.
As digital technology continues to develop rapidly and businesses of all sizes feel the impact, 38 per cent of firms in the information and communication sectors report finding appropriately skilled staff as a barrier. This sector requires constant upskilling and amid a digital skills shortfall and vying with larger companies, small businesses find meeting their labour needs challenging.
Similarly, with 45 per cent of construction sector businesses citing the skills gap as a significant hurdle, this poses a concern in light of the Government’s goal to build one million homes – a target small construction firms are essential to achieving.
In other sectors, skills shortages were also an issue for:
- 28% of manufacturing businesses
- 23% in the professional, scientific, and technical activities sectors
- 14% in wholesale and retail trade
- Ensure all schools can provide GCSE and A-Level computer science or ICT courses.
- Ensure skills bootcamps – used by 76% of small firms – continue to play an important role in helping increase the digital skills.
- Continue to cover 95% of apprentice training costs for small businesses hiring apprentices, easing the upskilling process, and offering incentives for growth.
- Make training in new skills tax deductible for the self-employed, allowing them to pivot into new areas of business.
New tranche of recruits cements Smailes Goldie Group’s ‘top employer’ status
Accountancy firms Smailes Goldie Group has taken on 16 new trainees, cementing its position as one of the Government’s top 50 SME employers for 2023.
The 16 trainees represent Smailes Goldie’s largest intake to date, and brings the total number of employees inside the firm who are currently studying a qualification or further qualification to 57. The new intake is based across its offices within Hull and North Yorkshire and will be working in the audit, accounts, and tax departments across the firm. Smailes Goldie, who recently exhibited to the accountants of the future at the Scarborough Science & Engineering week, is a firm with a good reputation for bringing through young trainees and building careers for budding accountants. This recent recruitment drive further supports the ongoing work to attract, train and develop the upcoming generation of tax and accounting professionals. Luke Taylor, Partner at Smailes Goldie, said: “The latest recruitment of 16 trainees is our largest intake yet, and it underlines our commitment to training and bringing through the next generation of accountants. We are excited to be a part of their journey as they study towards their qualifications. “I’m proud to see so many young people wanting to get into the accountancy profession, it is a very rewarding job and with Smailes Goldie Group, they are at a firm that can provide them with the right guidance and training for a successful career.” Smailes Goldie Group will be recruiting for trainees again in the near future, if you are interested or know anyone who would be interested then please look out for its recruitment open evening which will take place in early 2024.Colleges get £7m to invest in training to bridge skills gap
Colleges in Yorkshire have been successful in securing more than £7 million from the Department for Education to digitise teaching and learning in key sectors.
The funding is part of the Local Skills Improvement Fund, and will launch a West Yorkshire digital innovation project led by colleges.
The project will support colleges and partners to build capacity to meet local skills priorities that were identified in the Local Skills Improvement Plan, launched by the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce in August.
West Yorkshire colleges are set to receive £6.9 million in funding. Working through the consortium, colleges and partners will collaborate for maximum impact. They will develop current and new digitised training provision and curriculum for key industries.
The colleges will open specialist hubs and academies offering high level curriculum using immersive and digital technology and Artificial Intelligence.
The capital investment will include equipment and resources needed to use virtual reality, augmented reality, Artificial Intelligence and robotics to equip colleges with the means to develop relevant and in-demand skills.
The funding has been split into six key areas for West Yorkshire with investment for digital innovation in:
- construction,
- creative industries,
- health and social care,
- advanced manufacturing,
- Financial technology (Fintech),
- the wider digital development of teaching and learning.
Sheffield names contractor for Castlegate project
Keltbray has been named as lead contractor for plans to transform Sheffield’s Castlegate area.
It is one of the UK’s leading specialist engineering and early-stage construction providers, and will deliver the project regenerating the former Castle Market site into a public space revealing part of Sheffield’s medieval Castle, a new events area, the opening up of the River Sheaf and new public art that will interpret the history of the site.
The plans will also shine new light on the Castle itself. Dating back to the 12th century it is the birthplace of Sheffield, with the new public space showcasing aspects of the castle for the first time in centuries. Remains including the Gatehouse will be revealed and put on display for the public to appreciate and admire.
Other nods to the history of the castle area will include an events space, reminiscent of the ‘bowling green’ believed to have occupied the site in the 17th century. The events square will be able to host up to 500 people at a range of events. Planting will also have echoes of the Castle’s past with tree species known to have been around at the time being used.
The River Sheaf will be opened and visible for the first time in the city centre since the Victorian times.
Innovative public art will also be used to interpret the heritage and celebrate the history of the area from the original castle, through the industrial revolution to the Castle Market.
Councillor Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Change Policy Committee, said: “Seeing this amazing project move closer to becoming a reality is incredibly exciting and will mean that we will be able to see the remains of the castle which kick started Sheffield.
“The appointment of Keltbray as our contractor is a vital step in bringing this project to life and I cannot wait to see the transformation happen over the coming months. Its yet another sign that Sheffield city centre is on the up.
“Once complete it will be an incredible public space bringing together the history of our city along with modern public spaces for the people of Sheffield and beyond to enjoy.”
Transformation of the site, once home to centuries of market trading, is expected to begin in the opening weeks of 2024 after plans were approved by the City Council back in May 2023 with completion due by the summer of 2025.
South Holland names its best businesses
Nearly 300 business representatives came together for the annual awards ceremony at Springfields Conference and Events Centre in Spalding, celebrating excellent customer service, skills, entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity in the South Holland district.
Simon Beardsley, Chief Executive at Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “I’d like to firstly take this opportunity, on behalf of myself, the Chamber and the judging panel to thank our winners, finalists and all of our applicants for taking the time to put together a submission.
“South Holland is an area full of talent and excellent service and these awards are all about recognising and showcasing this work and we are so proud and honoured to provide a platform for the businesses to shout about their successes.
“I’d like to extend a huge thank you to our headline sponsor, FloraLinc. This event really wouldn’t be possible without the support and generosity of all our sponsors, and we look forward to making a return next year.”
Sponsors were: FloraLinc, Charmed Interiors, Woodhouse Farm Hotel & Spa, South Holland District Council, Welland Power, University Academy Holbeach, Lincolnshire Field Products, Calthrops Solicitors, Duncan and Toplis, Americold, Seagate Homes, Lightsped Broadband
The full list of winners:
Business of the Year – sponsored by Woodhouse Farm Hotel & Spa: Seagate Homes
Businessperson of the Year – sponsored by South Holland District Council: Adam Davis-Wright – Davis Wright Haulage Ltd
Business Innovation of the Year – sponsored by Duncan & Toplis: AJS Asset Care
Excellence in Customer Care – sponsored by Calthrops Solicitors LLP: PSP IT Design & Development
Food, Drink and Farming Business of the Year – sponsored by Lincolnshire Field Products: A Country Kitchen
Small Business of the Year – sponsored by Charmed Interiors: Rush Hour Escape Rooms
Supporting the Community – sponsored by Welland Power: Americold
Young Achiever of the Year – sponsored by the University Academy Holbeach: Henry Wright, Tonic Health
Hhighly commended for Supporting the Community is PSP It Design & Development.
Green light for Grantham social housing scheme
New and affordable housing for Grantham has moved a step closer with the granting of planning permission for 21 new homes to be built for South Kesteven District Council (SKDC).
The Larch Close project is part of SKDC’s housing strategy to build much needed homes across the district and will bring a mixture of one-bedroom flats and two to four-bedroom houses, each with their own parking and cycle storage.
The site, owned by SKDC and on the town’s Earlesfield estate, was previously a play area subject to occasional anti-social behaviour.
Replacement public open space planned for the north of the site is scheduled to be planted with wildflowers and native trees and would include a seating area with ornamental planting.
Council Leader Cllr Richard Cleaver said: “South Kesteven District Council is committed to working with our partners to provide good quality affordable new homes that people want and need.
“This development shows that we are moving forward with this in a sustainable way and it is part of series of important projects across the district which are now at various stages of delivery.”
Planning permission was granted subject to a series of conditions relating to deadlines, archaeology, drainage, ecology and landscaping, plus the completion of a Section 106 agreement.
Ethical property developer IPG sees boom in rental yield as students flock to Bradford’s higher education facilities
Northern ethical property investors are set to receive impressive rental yields in student accommodation, thanks to ethical property developer Integritas Property Group (IPG).
The region is seeing a boom in demand for high-quality properties from its growing intakes of UK and international students following investment in higher education facilities, putting the region on the map as a go-to city for education and training.
The housing challenge faced by students across the UK is a pressing issue, and ethical property developer IPG is at the forefront of addressing it. Through initiatives like Optima in Bradford and the completed Bijou student living project (the first phase of this development), IPG is leading the way in the student accommodation landscape and is reporting a boom in rental yields for property investors.
The student population in Bradford is currently over 42,000, with 30% of students arriving from 130 countries, as the university offers 352 undergraduate courses and 213 graduate courses.
With University of Bradford only having 1,004 units available for student accommodation, comprised of 2 managed halls of residence and 34 four-story townhouses, there is huge need for new, highly quality student accommodation across the city.
Mitchell Walsh, CEO at IPG, says: “By providing students with first-class living options, IPG is offering investors a lucrative opportunity to invest in a growing metropolis.”
IPG’s approach goes beyond just housing provision as it creates accommodation that is accessible, affordable, and conducive to learning.
As it becomes increasingly more difficult for students across Bradford to find suitable accommodation, these luxury lets, currently on sale to investors, will soon be home to some of the city’s student population.
Mitchell Walsh continued: “Decent student accommodation in a city near their place of study is often a challenge to find – as a result, students are then pushed further out into the suburbs, which adds extra pressure to their day whilst increasing social isolation. Our Optima development is strategically located in the heart of Bradford city centre, giving students easy access to the city centre, nightlife, and the university.
“Optima, the high-spec property, offers exquisite finishes, stylish interiors, and modern appliances in each unit, ensuring a luxurious living experience for residents – a step up from the run-of-the-mill student digs most people think of.”
The big driver in student accommodation demand is growth in PGT (Postgraduate Taught) international intakes, with the University of Bradford coming 15th in the top increases in full-time PGT study numbers in the UK 2021-2022. In many localities, growth in demand is far outstripping growth in the supply of student accommodation.
IPG’s Optima development comes after the success of its Bijou project, set within the residential scheme in Laisteridge Student Village, which saw 46 units snapped up by investors looking to provide accommodation for Bradford’s growing student population.
The Optima development features 54 student pods and four accessible studios, with shared access to a fully fitted kitchen, a laundry room, and a large open-plan living space for student socialising and aims to be complete ahead of September 2024.
Mitchell Walsh concludes: “Investing in the property market in Bradford right now is a wise decision as the rental yield is currently at an impressive 8.25%, 3% higher than the national average.”
The last few units remain for investors to purchase, starting from £78,000, each with a 999-year lease. These units offer an 8.25% rental yield, and all units come fully furnished and managed.
ADG seals multiple deals across north of England
Yorkshire-based Almscliffe-Dhesi Group (ADG) has sealed a range of retail deals across its developments in the north of England.
ADG has signed up a number of high-profile national occupiers at its retail/roadside developments in Sunderland, Scunthorpe, Peterlee and Stanley.
Neil Creeney, who owns and runs ADG with his business partner Bal Singh, said: “This has been a tremendously busy and productive year for us, despite the challenging economic conditions, high interest rates and the fluctuating commercial property market.
“We have made significant progress at all our sites, underlining our growing reputation as one of the most active retail/roadside developers in the north of England.”
Work has now started on site at Scunthorpe, where ADG’s new 7,300 sq ft roadside scheme includes a Starbucks Drive Thru’, a Central England Co-op, The Tanning Shop, together with EV charging points, at the Queensway and Kinsgway roundabout opposite Central Park. The development will be completed by spring next year and has been sold to a private investor.
At the same time, ADG is transforming the old Farringdon Hall Police Station site and surrounding land off Durham Road in Sunderland in a new £10m development. ADG’s plans to create a brand-new 32,100 sq ft retail park have been approved and occupiers already signed up include B&M, Homestore, Costa Drive Thru’, Westway Vets, Greggs and The Tanning Shop, with eight EV chargers on site.
Work will start on site in January next year, with financial backing from FW Capital, and is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.
Meanwhile plans have been approved by Durham County Council for a brand-new retail-led neighbourhood centre on the outskirts of Peterlee. The development will re-use the former car dealership unit on site and provide new build units to further compliment the scheme.
High-profile tenants already signed up for the 13,000 sq ft development include national retailers Sainsbury’s, Tanning Shop, Cooplands, and Dominos, together with EV charging points. One unit is still available.
Work is planned to start on site later this year, with completion scheduled for the middle of 2024. It is estimated that 100 jobs will be created by this development, providing a timely boost to the local economy.
Prop Tech raises further £750k
A Prop Tech business that helps owners of high-rise buildings to meet strict new safety rules has raised a further £750,000 from NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance, which is managed by Mercia Ventures and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.
Bimsense’s platform helps companies comply with the Building Safety Act, which aims to improve safety in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire and is being introduced in phases since its release last year. The funding will enable the Hull-based company to add new features to its Operance platform in response to the latest measures to come into force.
The Act requires owners of ‘higher-risk buildings’ – which covers around 13,000 properties – to register them with the Building Safety Regulator and assess the safety risks. As from 1 October they also have to produce a safety case report to show how the risks will be managed, while in April 2024 further provisions come into force on the collection of building information.
Bimsense was founded seven years ago by Ian Yeo and Scott Pilgrim, who specialise in building information modelling (BIM). They launched Operance in 2020 with the help of funding from NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance. The latest round, the third to date, brings the total received from the fund to over £1.8m.
Operance is now used by housing authorities such as Campden, Basildon and Harrow and construction firms including Kier, Higgins, United Living, Vermont and Rider Levett Bucknall. Bimsense increased turnover by 44% in the financial year ending in August. The company, which currently employs 22 staff, expects to create six new jobs in the year ahead.
Scott Pilgrim, chief product officer at Bimsense, said: “We are excited to secure this additional funding which supports our mission to manage the world’s building information and create safe, harmonious places for everyone. Our Operance platform has been at the forefront of innovation, helping companies meet the requirements of the new building safety regime efficiently. This funding will enable us to take it to the next level.”
Maurice Disasi, investment manager at Mercia, said: “The Building Safety Act will bring about major changes in the construction and property industry and will drive uptake of digital technology. Operance is the first platform that has been specifically designed to help firms meet the requirements of the Act. This latest funding will enable the company to add new features and expand its presence in an industry that is ripe for change.”
