Walther Strong expands to Grantham industrial estate

Tess Egginton
-
0
Walther Strong expands to Grantham industrial estate
In a deal brokered by heb Chartered Surveyors and Phillips Sutton, specialist adhesive product manufacturers Walther Strong have expanded into new premises at Autumn Park Industrial Estate, Grantham. As part of a major expansion due to continued growth in the business, the specialist adhesive manufacturers have occupied 10,000 sq ft of refurbished premises on the popular Dysart Road, in central Grantham. Fred Dunn of Walther Strong said: “Walther Strong was established in January 2019 going from 2 product lines and now boasting a catalogue of products with 40 pages. We have been on a journey of growth for 4 solid years even during the challenges that we were all faced with from the 2020 – 2021 period. “Our latest challenge is capturing opportunity, through continuous innovative products, that are focused on solving common construction problems, leading to this constant expansion. We primarily manufacture tapes and adhesives within the construction industry with bespoke items being made upon request. “We outgrew our current premises in just 2 years and needed somewhere suitable for our needs. Autumn Park is a great location and a great place to continue to develop and grow the wonderful team we have. “We have expanded our staff by 300% and continue to be on the lookout for dynamic, driven individuals who have a keen aptitude for sales and lead generation within the construction sector.” Walther Strong is the third major occupier to move onto the estate since the recent multi-million pound refurbishment carried out by owners Paloma Capital. Tom Ridge on behalf of Paloma said: “We are delighted to welcome Walther Strong to the estate and wish them all the best for their continued expansion.
“They are the latest occupier to move in since our acquisition and refurbishment of the estate – it is really pleasing to see our faith in this excellent location and subsequent investment generating new business occupation. “Interest has been good since the completion of the refurbishment and currently only 4 of the 22 units remain available to rent. “We can accommodate occupiers from 2,000 to 40,000 sq ft and would welcome further expressions of interest from local businesses.”

British Gypsum supports inmate rehabilitation with donation to Willmott Dixon programme at HMP Lincoln

Tess Egginton
-
0
British Gypsum supports inmate rehabilitation with donation to Willmott Dixon programme at HMP Lincoln
British Gypsum has made a donation to Willmott Dixon’s Building Lives Programme, in support of the Drylining Academy for inmates at HMP Lincoln.  

The programme, aimed at imparting drylining skills to inmates, not only equips them with valuable trade skills but also paves the way for successful reintegration into society. 

In an ongoing commitment to uplifting local communities, British Gypsum has donated essential materials for the Willmott Dixon initiative at HMP Lincoln. The donation includes British Gypsum Plasterboard, timber sole plates, various screws, studs, and fixing straps, all of which are integral to the drylining training program.  The Drylining Academy is instrumental in providing inmates with a unique opportunity for personal growth and skill development. By participating in the drylining training program, inmates not only gain a valuable trade skill but also earn qualifications that significantly enhance their employability upon release.  “The donation to the Drylining Academy exemplifies our shared commitment to community well-being and sustainable rehabilitation,” said Sam Blacknell, head of skills partnership at British Gypsum. “We are honoured to contribute to a programme that empowers inmates with skills and knowledge, offering them a chance to rebuild their lives and embark on a new path of success and independence.”  The Willmott Dixon drylining training programme aligns seamlessly with HMP Lincoln’s mission to promote inmate rehabilitation and reintegration. With the unique ability to provide inmates with training, testing, and CSCS card certification within the facility, HMP Lincoln is a pioneer in preparing inmates for a smooth transition back into society and offering them a specialised skill set that opens doors to various employment opportunities.  Shelley Williamson, social value manager at Willmott Dixon, said: “We are deeply committed to driving sustainable change through our initiatives. The partnership with British Gypsum is a testament to our shared dedication to social impact and redefining the lives of individuals within our communities.” 

ABBA’s Björn to speak at Business day event in Bridlington

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
ABBA’s Björn to speak at Business day event in Bridlington
ABBA founding member Björn Ulvaeus will be the keynote speaker for The Business Day at Bridlington Spa on Friday 7th June next year. Björn Ulvaeus will talk to a 650-strong audience about the creation of ABBA Voyage, leadership, entrepreneurship, AI, technology, innovation, meta data and the complexity of business in the music industry. T The Business Day Event Director Stephen Barnaby said: “We are honoured and ecstatic to welcome Björn Ulvaeus to The Business Day as our keynote speaker. His contributions to music and culture are unparalleled, and his presence will undoubtedly elevate The Business Day to new heights. Delegates will have the opportunity to gain first-hand insights from a true visionary; his keynote address will be the highlight of the day.” Mark Lonsdale, General Manager, Bridlington Spa and Producer of The Business Day said: “Bridlington Spa is renowned for attracting major names to the region and I am delighted that Björn will be gracing the stage of our Edwardian Theatre as our keynote speaker. “Delegates can look forward to a thought-provoking and inspiring address that will delve into Mr. Ulvaeus’ experiences, insights, and observations from his remarkable journey in the entertainment industry. With a career spanning decades, Björn will share valuable perspectives on creativity, collaboration, innovation, and the power of music to transcend boundaries.” The Business Day is aimed at business leaders as an inspirational day with guest speakers, breakout sessions and networking opportunities. Delegates will have the opportunity to engage in dynamic discussions, networking, breakout sessions and more, all aimed at fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth within business. The inclusion of Björn Ulvaeus as the keynote speaker adds an extra layer of prestige and excitement to the event.

Driffield firm opens distribution centre in the Netherlands

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Driffield firm opens distribution centre in the Netherlands

Driffield-based wellness business Vyta Health has opened a new distribution centre in the Netherlands.

The custom-built distribution centre boasts more than 1,600 sqm of warehouse and office space for the 26 employees based there. This expansion now gives Vyta Health nearly 5,000 sqm of distribution space across the UK and Europe, with a team of 43 employees. Vyta Health specialises in importing premium vitamins and supplements from the US, and distributing them across Europe. The Group rebranded as Vyta Health at the start of the year, merging two leading supplement businesses, Bigvits and By Nature. Group CEO Will Brennand said: “The distribution centre will allow us to further scale and streamline our operations in the Netherlands, and service our many trade and retail customers as we continue to expand across Europe. The new site has been in the pipeline since we acquired By Nature 2 years ago and we are all really excited to open its doors. The move supports our aim to become the largest independent distributor of vitamins and supplements across Europe.” Operations Director Sascha Gerdowski added: “We worked closely with the developers to ensure the new building would meet our needs as we continue to grow, and we are delighted with the outcome. We have even included a cool room to ensure products can be stored at the right temperature all year round, to maintain their high quality. We are really proud to finally move into the new distribution centre which will help us deliver our Group strategy in the years to come.”

Forgemasters signs MoU to be part of UK nuclear reactor development

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Forgemasters signs MoU to be part of UK nuclear reactor development
Sheffield Forgemasters, X-energy, and Cavendish Nuclear, have signed an MoU to collaborate on the next generation of UK nuclear reactors. The companies will explore opportunities around the deployment of a 40-strong fleet of Xe-100 Generation IV Advanced Reactors in the UK, based on High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor technology. X-energy and Cavendish Nuclear will tap into Sheffield Forgemasters’ decades of experience in the development of nuclear forgings and castings with plans to build up to 40 Xe-100s across the country as the UK looks towards nuclear as a zero-carbon energy source. Dominic Ashmore, Head of Strategy and Business Development – Clean Energy at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “Following the key step forward recently made by Great British Nuclear to boost UK nuclear power generation through Small Modular Reactor  development, GBN is also developing a route to market for other technologies, including advanced nuclear and a consultation will be published this autumn. “The UK’s civil nuclear development is part of our business strategy and this MOU is the latest in a line of agreements that we have signed with a number of SMR companies looking to deploy in the UK market. “Our work with X-Energy and Cavendish Nuclear will provide specialist engineering services, support and components including forgings, to the UK Xe-100 deployment programme. “Sheffield Forgemasters will undertake a detailed review of the Xe-100 forgings and look to facilitate more definitive cost estimates and production plans.” The Xe-100 reactor is capable of producing high temperature heat and steam for clean industrial applications as well as electricity. The MoU is the latest step in building up a UK supply chain to ensure the benefits of the programme flow to British companies. Carol Tansley, Vice President, UK New Build Projects at X-energy said: “Our technology will be the first small modular reactor operational in the US and we want to build on that progress by moving forward quickly with our UK programme. In delivering that fleet we want to maximise the involvement of the UK supply chain as part of our target to achieve 80% by value UK content, and the MoU with a company with the experience and capabilities of Sheffield Forgemasters is a crucial step in that journey. “A UK fleet of 40 reactors would not only see us play a crucial role in delivering clean electricity and industrial decarbonisation but also bring huge opportunities for companies right across the UK. The MoU, along with our partnership with Cavendish Nuclear and our recent appointment of Howden, shows how we are determined to ensure those benefits are realised by the UK’s world-leading supply chain.” Mick Gornall, MD of Cavendish Nuclear said: “We are really excited to bring the capability of Sheffield Forgemasters into the plans for UK manufacture and supply in support of Xe-100 deployment.”

Jasper joins Banks Long & Co as Graduate Surveyor

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Jasper joins Banks Long & Co as Graduate Surveyor
Jasper Nilsson has been appointed to the role of Graduate Surveyor and joins the Lincoln office from Frasers Group where he was a trainee commercial manager. With a first degree in accounting & finance, Jasper is currently studying for a Masters in Real Estate. He lives in Lincoln but has worked across the East Midlands and also in Gloucestershire during his business placement year at university. Previous work experience in a construction firm sees Jasper return to the property sector now after commercial finance positions following completion of his first degree. Director James Butcher said: “Jasper brings direct experience of the retail and leisure sector to the firm – a rapidly evolving sector post-pandemic. It’s also a sector driving business growth and property opportunities in the Lincoln area. “Jasper’s insider knowledge of this niche sector will prove invaluable to our agency business.” • MEANWHILE, Ashley Humphrey has joined the Lincoln office as a Surveyor after seven years of residential experience, working first in lettings before moving to property management. Working in Peterborough at the start of his career, Ashley moved to a property manager role in Hull and Lincoln from where he managed a large portfolio across the East Midlands. In his role as Surveyor at Eddisons incorporating Banks Long & Co, Ashley will, initially, work across a range of commercial property disciplines for clients with a view to specialising in the future, He is an Associate of the Institute of Residential Property Management (IRPM) and, in his new role, the firm will be support Ashley in his professional study & training towards associate membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

West Burton Energy takes on green energy storage plant project

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
West Burton Energy takes on green energy storage plant project
A South Yorkshire green energy project including one of the world’s largest battery storage systems is now owned by West Burton Energy, which already operates the West Burton power station and battery energy storage system in Nottinghamshire. West Burton Energy will now take the project on through the planning process, construction and into operations after the Banks Group last year launched plans  to create a flexible energy storage hub on part of the former Thorpe Marsh power station site. After gathering feedback on the project plans from local people and businesses through a range of consultation activities, Banks submitted a planning application for the project to Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council at the start of this year. Morris Van Looy, Chief Growth and Strategy Officer at West Burton Energy, said: “Richard The Banks team has done an excellent job identifying and progressing the Thorpe Marsh energy storage project, which is a real world leader in its ambition. “West Burton Energy is delighted to take over ownership and looks forward to delivering this much needed project to ensure security of supply, maximise the use of renewable energy, and to re-use this former power station site.” The Banks Group was advised by Rothschild & Co (corporate finance and M&A) and Ashurst (legal) during the transaction.  West Burton Energy was advised by Burness Paull (legal). The Thorpe Marsh Green Energy battery storage project could store up to 2.9GWhrs of energy, enough to supply around 340,000 households with electricity for one day, and would be used to ensure reliable and stable electricity grid operation at times of peak demand, thus helping to improve the UK’s energy security over the long term. In particular, it will be able to store renewable power generated during periods of oversupply of renewable electricity, and then release such power into the national electrical network when there is insufficient supply of renewable generation, such as when it is less windy or sunny.

Couple launch new health facility in Gainsborough

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Couple launch new health facility in Gainsborough
A new health hub and training academy is set to open in Gainsborough offering a Lincolnshire first in terms of accredited courses. The Heal’m Practice which offers both in-clinic and at-home appointments for podiatry, chiropody, and sports massage, is opening a new practice at the Engine Shed in Marshall’s Yard. It will offer students an Institute of Training and Occupational Learning accredited Foot Health Practitioner course. Business owners Emma and Darren Lambert are excited about expanding their business, which will complement their other locations in Saxilby and Wisbech. Darren said the first time he and his business partner saw the room in Gainsborough, it filled them with excitement as they saw the potential straight away. He said: “We live locally and I was born here in Gainsborough, so we know the area very well. Even as a young boy living in the town Marshall’s (or Track Marshall’s) was the focal point of the community. We visit the shopping centre on a regular basis and when we saw the advert to rent out a room we jumped at the chance to see it.” The Heal’m Practice is excited to offer professional training in professional foot care in their newly launched academy offering level 3 and 4 Diploma’s in Foot Health. Emma said:“Our plan is to run as a health hub and training academy. Gainsborough and the entire east of the country doesn’t offer our training services. We are predominantly a podiatry company, we cover a huge area, covering the whole of the county to the Cambridge border.

Clegg Construction appointed on multi-million-pound hotel refurb in Leeds

Tess Egginton
-
0
Clegg Construction appointed on multi-million-pound hotel refurb in Leeds

Contractor Clegg Construction has been appointed to deliver a multi-million-pound refurbishment at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Leeds.

Work has just started on site at the prominent hotel on the corner of Lower Briggate and Swinegate, which will be operated by Belfont Hotels. 

The design and build project will modernise the building and includes the refurbishment of existing bedrooms, as well as creating new bedrooms, to take the total number of guest rooms to 108. It also involves modernising ground floor function rooms, the restaurant and bar, as well as the installation of new windows and renovations to the roof and elevations.

Clegg Construction pre-construction director, Ross Crowcroft, said: “We are very pleased to have started on site to refurbish and modernise one of the most iconic hotels in Leeds city centre.  

“This refurbishment of the Cosmopolitan Hotel for Belfont Hotels will upgrade a landmark building in the heart of Leeds and turn it into a leading hospitality venue which will be perfect for both leisure and corporate demand. 

“Clegg Construction is extremely familiar with the area around The Cosmopolitan Hotel, as we are currently on site at Spinners Yard in Regent Street delivering a 185-apartment private rented scheme for Rise Homes, plus we are working on an 11-storey student accommodation development in Leylands Road.”

Other members of the development team include project manager Edmond Shipway, architect Franklin Ellis and engineer Rodgers Leask.

Work is expected to be completed in the spring of 2025. 

Keval Thakerar and Akshay Dhamecha, directors at Belfont Hotels, said: “We are excited to be working with Clegg Construction on this refurbishment that will see the Cosmopolitan Hotel repositioned as one of Leeds City Centre’s leading hotels, benefitting the local economy and community.”

UK’s largest speciality fertiliser manufacturing plant set for Yorkshire as deal sealed

Tess Egginton
-
0
UK’s largest speciality fertiliser manufacturing plant set for Yorkshire as deal sealed
Commercial developer the Horncastle Group PLC and global crop inputs manufacturer Yara International have agreed a deal to build the UK’s largest speciality fertiliser manufacturing plant in Yorkshire, with Caddick Construction appointed as the main contractor on the scheme. The deal – which represents a total investment of more than £50m – marks the start of work on Phase II of Ozone Business Park; a logistics and distribution hub in Howden, East Yorkshire, developed by the Horncastle Group. The building work, to be delivered by Caddick Construction as part of a £28m contract, includes state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, warehouses, and offices that will enable Yara to double production of its YaraVita speciality crop nutrition products and biostimulants, which are vital to achieving future food security and mitigating climate change. Virtually all the output from the plant will be exported to markets around the world, helping to meet a rising global demand for the products that help growers improve crop health and increase yields. Tom Horncastle, Managing Director of the Horncastle Group PLC, said securing Yara International as the first occupant of Phase II of Ozone Business Park was a fantastic result for all parties. Phase One of the development, which is located less than a mile from Junction 37 of the M62, is home to global logistics businesses DPD and DHL, as well as leading family baker Warburtons. Mr Horncastle said: “Ozone Business Park is one of the best located logistics hubs in the north east of England. “Situated a stone’s throw from the M62 and with excellent links to the M18 and M1, it provides quick and easy access to the south, west, and north of the country. This is why the first phase of the development has been so popular with third party logistics providers. “Yara’s decision to locate its new manufacturing plant here demonstrates the design flexibility Ozone Business Park can provide, including the high operational power requirements needed by Yara for their production lines. “With the first plot now secured, we are expecting a lot of interest in the two remaining plots on Phase II of Ozone Business Park.” The development has a total footprint of 295,669 sq ft and will include state-of-the-art production, distribution and office facilities. It will stand 12.6m to the eaves and has been designed in sympathy with the adjacent buildings on Phase I of the park. The boundaries of the site will be planted with native trees and shrubs to enhance biodiversity, contributing to a BREEAM rating of Very Good. Work on the main building is due to complete in summer 2024. This will be followed by an extensive plant and machinery fit-out period, with the production facility due to become operational by the end of 2025. As part of the deal, the Horncastle Group procured planning and design for Yara, and is now acting as Development Manager on the project. “This is a hugely exciting scheme to be involved in,” Mr Horncastle said. “We will be working closely with our client and our construction partner Caddick Construction to deliver a truly exceptional scheme.” David Tomkinson, Operations Director of Yara UK and son of John Tomkinson, the founder of Phosyn, said: “What began in Yorkshire in 1967 as Phosyn, is set to stay in Yorkshire for the next exciting leg of the Yara journey. “Yara was put in contact with Horncastle who had already completed a development of Ozone 1 Business Park at Howden and were in the process of planning Ozone 2. “This opportunity presented enough land for Yara to realise its new Global YaraVita Plant, in addition it offered improved access to logistical networks. Horncastle assisted Yara in the design and civils of the new plant and will continue to support the development during its construction.” Paul Dodsworth, Caddick Construction Group Managing Director, said: “Yara’s new manufacturing plant is not only important for the partners involved, ourselves included, but it is also vital to the region’s manufacturing industry and we’re very proud to be leading the delivery of a development that will boost the region’s industry, job market and economy. “Understanding our client’s ambitions, their investments in research and development, and their production processes all underpin our appointment to the project, and we look forward to applying our manufacturing expertise to this truly exciting project on behalf of Yara International.”
1...490491492...982Page 491 of 982