New hire and £75k investment at Wetherby interiors company

Stuart Pearcey
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New hire and £75k investment at Wetherby interiors company
Richard Grafton Interiors in Wetherby will celebrate its third birthday by appointing experienced interior designer Rosie Tangi and investing £75,000 in a new look for its showroom. Rosie, who has ten years’ experience in interior design, returns to the Richard Grafton Interiors team having spent five years working for the business before taking a career break in 2018 to have her children. Having worked in the Harrogate showroom, Rosie moved across to Richard Grafton Interiors’ showroom in Ilkley. In her new role, she will be based at the Wetherby showroom, joining interior design specialists Donna Schofield and Karen Draper who manage the showroom, supported by Leona Connelly.
Director Charlotte Grafton said: “Having been part of the Richard Grafton team for five years, we are well-aware of Rosie’s talents and passion for interior design – we’re genuinely delighted that she has chosen to re-join us. With her experience of working with younger clients, she adds strength in depth to our Wetherby designers, and her flair for classic contemporary looks fits perfectly with the Richard Grafton style and our clients’ tastes. “Over the last three years, our Wetherby showroom has built a loyal following from within the town and surrounding areas. We’re keen to expand our architectural design capabilities, including our kitchen, bathroom, dressing room and media cabinet offering, by growing the team here and continuing to invest in inspiring clients with the most up-to-date but classic room designs. Our ability to deliver complete, turnkey solutions, even on a large scale, is proving extremely popular with time-poor clients who are turning to us to provide all of their needs under one roof, from conception to project management. We’re even seeing Yorkshire-based clients coming to us for international projects, designing interiors for their holiday homes from France to the Caribbean!” Rosie adds: “Returning to Richard Grafton Interiors feels like coming home. I’m exciting to be working with the fantastic team in Wetherby to develop our following here, and look forward to bringing our design expertise to a younger market who we believe will be inspired by the diverse range of installations and interior design-led products showcased in our stunning new room sets.”

Finance Yorkshire cash injection helps one Leeds agency to acquire another

Stuart Pearcey
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Finance Yorkshire cash injection helps one Leeds agency to acquire another
Leeds-based digital marketing agency Creode Agency is expanding with a £100,000 investment from Finance Yorkshire, using the money from Finance Yorkshire’s business loans fund to support its acquisition of Blue Digital, another Leeds agency. The acquisition will enable Creode to strengthen its service offering to clients across the Yorkshire region. The agency provides marketing, brand and website development and digital media support to B2B SMEs in professional and financial services and other sectors. Creode employs 28 people and is managed by CEO Guy Weston, who said: “The acquisition complements our offer to clients and strengthens our broader proposition, particularly in the Google Ads and SEO space which is a growing area for us. “The benefit for clients using an integrated agency is that we can be more efficient on their behalf – we have the overview of the different elements of work and can keep our focus where it needs to be. “There are lots of opportunities in Yorkshire to grow,” said Guy. “Acquisition is a good way to gain additional clients and we would look to do it again beyond the next 12 months.” Alex McWhirter, chief exec of Finance Yorkshire, said: “Digital and creative are among the fastest growing sectors in Yorkshire and particularly in Leeds. Creode has a strong track record as digital marketeers and we are pleased to support them in their growth journey.”

Carter Jonas selected to advise Defence Infrastructure Organisation at Catterick Garrison

Tess Egginton
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Carter Jonas selected to advise Defence Infrastructure Organisation at Catterick Garrison
National property consultancy Carter Jonas has been instructed by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) to advise on the delivery of the regeneration of Catterick Garrison town centre. Catterick Garrison has grown to be the largest Army base in the UK and requires an area for people to gather and spend their leisure time. The need for a good quality town centre, alongside increased employment and training opportunities, has highlighted the importance of transforming the area around Shute Road to provide improved public realm and essential services to increase footfall and dwell time, and encourage greater social cohesion. The project has been awarded £19m of Levelling Up funding to create an attractive, vibrant and inclusive town centre, which will comprise a new town square with a Community and Enterprise facility, significant landscaping improvements both in the town centre and in the adjacent Coronation Park, and enhanced pedestrian and cycle links. The project is set to be the first phase in the regeneration of the wider area and will be delivered in accordance with the emerging Catterick Masterplan Vision Document. The DIO is working in partnership with North Yorkshire Council to deliver the project. Caroline Searle, partner in Carter Jonas’ Regeneration team, said: “We are delighted to be appointed to advise the DIO on the delivery of this important project and the wider regeneration of Catterick Garrison. “The successful Levelling Up Fund bid has unlocked a project that will transform the town centre, increasing economic activity, providing new opportunities for social interaction and driving investment in the area.” James Roy, principal manager (Acquisition & Disposals) at the Ministry of Defence, said: “The LUF project is a catalyst to improvements to the off-duty retail and leisure experience for military personnel, their families and wider community who live, work and train in this major garrison. “DIO on behalf of the Ministry of Defence is collaborating from a strategic point of view with the Local Authority by transferring land to facilitate LUF and also enable other real estate improvements to Catterick Garrison town centre as part of a wider masterplan.”

Caddick gets green light for new Wakefield office

Tess Egginton
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Caddick gets green light for new Wakefield office
Caddick Construction Group has secured planning permission to redevelop Cape House at Wakefield 41 Business Park, which is set to become the business’s new headquarters in 2024. Building work on the new office is set to commence imminently, and will include extensive refurbishment work to repurpose and modernise the vacant two-storey building, increasing its size from 11,000 sq ft to 15,000 sq ft. Designed by DLA Architecture, the office will incorporate a new two-storey extension, a glazed front extension with a double height atrium reception and cafe space. The development will include open-plan office space, meeting rooms, and break-out areas. Work will include a range of measures to enhance sustainability, both in the building’s design and operations. Features will include renewable energy technologies such as photovoltaic panels with EV charging stations also being installed. The redevelopment plans will incorporate the existing building superstructure, which will be stripped back to its steel frame and updated with new building fabric, windows, and all new mechanical and electrical installations. Once complete in early 2024, Cape House will become home to 130 staff. Caddick Construction plans to retain its current premises at Knottingley, which has acted as the business’s HQ for its 500-strong team since its formation in 1979, and is also undertaking wider regional expansion in the North East. The move will form part of Caddick Construction Group’s controlled and planned growth following the appointment of its new Construction Group Managing Director last summer. The business is active in a range of sectors, with key projects including SOYO, Leeds’ new £300m neighbourhood, Trafford Council and Bruntwood’s £50m King Street regeneration scheme and Bradford’s new Grade A office development, One City Park. Paul Dodsworth, Caddick Construction Group Managing Director, said: “We are growing as a business; our team is expanding, we’re extending our geographical presence and our project portfolio is growing in all of our core sectors. “It’s the perfect time for us to invest in our new headquarters, which will give us a well-connected, modern and energised office from which we’ll continue to thrive. It’s also vitally important that we create a head office that will help attract and retain staff going forward.” Jason Clarke, director at DLA Architecture, said: “DLA are delighted to support the Caddick Group in achieving planning consent to redevelop Cape House for its new HQ. This collaboration further strengthens our long and illustrious relationship with the Group and we feel privileged to have been entrusted to design new state of the art premises to align with their business aspirations and expansion plans.” The team working on the project include planning consultant, Sheppard Planning, M&E delivered by CSD, structural and civil engineering delivered by Roscoe, building control by Stroma, acoustics by Apex and the transport assessments were completed by Fore Consulting.

Iconic British brand ghd takes 10,000 sq ft of office space at Leeds’ Wellington Place

Tess Egginton
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Iconic British brand ghd takes 10,000 sq ft of office space at Leeds’ Wellington Place
Iconic British brand ghd (good hair day) has launched its new office space at Wellington Place. The tech-beauty business has taken 10,345 sq ft at 11 Wellington Place where it has relocated from its previous base in Leeds. The move to Wellington Place sees ghd’s 120-strong digital, IT, administrative and accounts teams based at one of the UK’s most sustainable buildings in a state-of-the-art space uniquely designed to meet the brand’s strong growth ambitions. It includes branded workstations, meeting rooms and styling desks where staff and visitors can test and use ghd’s award-winning products. Founded in Leeds in 2001, ghd’s hair tools are used by 200,000 stylists around the world, stocked by more than 50,000 salons and sold in more than 30 countries. Paul Pavia, head of development at MEPC, the developer and asset manager behind Wellington Place, said: “ghd is an iconic international brand and one of the most celebrated British business success stories of recent times. We’re incredibly proud to welcome ghd to Wellington Place, a globally recognised name with roots very much here in Leeds. “ghd’s move is not only a significant indicator of confidence in the Leeds office market, but also further evidences the flight to quality that we continue to witness, with organisations prioritising securing the best space available to support employee wellbeing and social value. “Wellington Place is home to a thriving community, and we look forward to supporting ghd in what is sure to be an exciting next chapter for the business.” Jeroen Temmerman, Chief Executive Officer of ghd, said: “ghd was founded by three hairdressers in Leeds in 2001 and has become a leading global beauty-tech business, transforming lives with the power of a good hair day. “Having been founded and based in Leeds for more than 20 years, we’re passionate about the city and all that it offers, and we’re confident Wellington Place will play a major role as we deliver on our strategic growth ambitions. “Energy efficiency is an R&D priority for ghd, and 11 & 12 Wellington Place have set the standard for sustainable development in the Yorkshire region and beyond, so we are delighted to have committed our future here. “With strong growth ambitions, accelerated by tech innovation, the move to Wellington Place will enable us to scale our operations and further cement our reputation as a world leading beauty-tech business. Our team will benefit from the fantastic amenities and events Wellington Place has to offer, and we are proud to join the community here.” ghd’s move follows the announcement of recent lettings at 11 & 12 Wellington Place to law firm Hill Dickinson, Lloyds Banking Group and Arup. JLL and Savills are the joint commercial letting agents on the scheme, with Lyons Thompson Letts (LTL) appointed to market its retail and leisure space.

Leeds Kirkgate Market hotel plans hit key milestone

Tess Egginton
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Leeds Kirkgate Market hotel plans hit key milestone
Plans for a major new hotel development at Leeds Kirkgate Market are set to take a significant step forward. Leeds City Council has for some time been exploring the potential for a hotel to be built on the George Street side of the market complex, as part of the wider regeneration of the area. Now initial proposals for the development are due to go before the council’s city plans panel at a meeting next Thursday, June 22. Subject to feedback from panel members at the meeting, a full planning application is expected to be submitted in July. The scheme is designed to complement the ongoing transformation of a large swathe of the city centre that is also home to the Victoria Gate retail destination as well as the refurbished Leeds Playhouse, one of Leeds City College’s main campuses and the rest of the fast-growing Quarry Hill area. The proposed hotel is also seen as a way of driving further footfall into the market, which has already benefited in recent times from a multi-million pound investment programme. Currently occupied by a number of vacant low-rise shop units, the council-owned site earmarked for the six-storey development offers an important regeneration opportunity as Leeds city centre seeks to consolidate its position as the region’s key retail and leisure hub. The 143-room hotel would be developed by the council, with a pre-let lease in place with a proposed operator. The scheme’s high-quality approach to design would respect the heritage of the Grade I listed market building while also delivering a stylish modern addition to George Street. Its ground floor would be home to commercial units and a council-operated gym, improving the local ‘fitness offer’ for people living in both the city centre and nearby communities. A glazed central block, meanwhile, would provide an inviting and prominent entrance to the market from George Street. Planning permission for an aparthotel complex on the same site at George Street was granted in 2018 but has since expired, with progress on that scheme having been hampered by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “The area around Leeds Kirkgate Market – and indeed the whole eastern side of the city centre – has undergone some massive and positive changes in recent years. “The proposed hotel would add another vibrant piece to the jigsaw by contributing to the regeneration of George Street and acting as a visually-impressive linking point between Vicar Lane, the Eastgate roundabout and Quarry Hill. “These plans also underline our commitment to the market and its future as a much-loved fixture on our retail scene that is now attracting more than 400,000 visitors a month.”

Marketing agency strengthens crew with acquisition of B2B communication specialist

Tess Egginton
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Marketing agency strengthens crew with acquisition of B2B communication specialist
Integrated marketing agency The Bigger Boat has acquired B2B communication specialist Scriba PR, for an undisclosed sum.

The move — which follows almost eight years of the two Yorkshire firms working in close collaboration on a number of client projects — marks The Bigger Boat’s ambitions to expand its service portfolio for clients in the UK and beyond.

While the brands will continue to exist as individual entities in their own right, the deal means that the business duo now employs a total of 40 marketing professionals — looking after in excess of 70 retained clients — with a combined turnover of more than £2m.

Founder and former Managing Director Katie Mallinson will remain with Scriba in the position of director of communications — concentrating on the delivery of more complex client projects — while The Bigger Boat’s founders Andy McCaul, Doug Main, and Lee Boothroyd, will become owner directors of the company, supported by a leadership team which spans both firms.

Scriba — which marked its 10th anniversary this month having supported more than 200 clients during that time — has experienced significant growth over the past three years. The consultancy currently stands at number 22 in Prolific North’s Top 50 PR Agencies, and secured position 17 in the round-up of fastest growing PR agencies in the North, last year.

Meanwhile, The Bigger Boat is an award-winning, 25-strong digital marketing, brand and website specialist, which seeks to particularly expand the SEO and content marketing arms of its business, as it continually bolsters its integrated offering.

Andy McCaul, Managing Director of The Bigger Boat, said: “We pride ourselves on our ability to understand our clients’ organisations inside out, so we become an extension of their own teams. And our focus is on driving tangible results — we generate leads, increase sales and, ultimately, fuel growth to enhance their bottom lines.

“You could apply almost the exact same description to Scriba — an agency whose entire existence focuses on crafting words that make an impact — which is why the move makes perfect sense. Combining our in-house marketing expertise with Scriba’s wealth of experience and talent in the comms sphere, creates a suite of complementary services and the opportunity to deliver even more value for each of our expanding rosters of customers.”

Scriba’s founder Katie Mallinson added: “Our story began on the toss of a coin — a leap of faith to prove that PR could be done differently. I believed I’d found a gap in the market helping technical firms with complex stories, but never could I have imagined it would grow to have the reputation — and team — I am so proud of today.

“Running a business — especially this one — is incredibly fulfilling and a huge privilege. The journey has not always been an easy one, but throughout it all, whatever Scriba’s size along the way, deep-rooted values and strong partnerships have seen us through, almost without us skipping a beat. It’s time, now, for someone else to take the reins.

“While I have loved being a Managing Director, I miss my craft. I have so many communications ideas I haven’t explored yet and that’s what excites me now – the opportunity to see what else I can do, knowing I’ve built an incredible business and it’s in safe hands.”

This is not the first time The Bigger Boat has considered an acquisition to take its growth to the next level, but no conversations have gathered momentum like this one, added creative director Doug Main.

“We have thought about various acquisitions over the last few years, but every opportunity has stalled due to the ‘fit’,” he explained. “With Scriba, it was a different story. We’ve collaborated for so long, the two businesses are like-minded with similar values, and we’ve worked hard to build relationships across the same industries.

“It doesn’t feel like an acquisition — it feels like two complementary teams working more closely together for the benefit of staff and clients alike. Onboarding Scriba’s content and strategic marketing expertise brings many opportunities for both agencies. It greatly strengthens our respective comms efforts and means we can offer customers not just new services, but a truly all-encompassing marketing strategy.”

Scriba – which counts 15 people within the team – will maintain its HQ in the loft of Heritage Mills in Lindley. All jobs will be retained and the hunt is already underway for an additional account manager. The Bigger Boat’s 25-strong crew will continue to reside in Wheatley Mills in Mirfield.

More action needed from Government on levelling up plans says Wakefield

Tess Egginton
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More action needed from Government on levelling up plans says Wakefield
Wakefield Council’s Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth are calling on the Government for more action on levelling up. The senior Councillors have written to Secretary of State Michael Gove MP. They are urging him to set out if there will be a further round of levelling up funding, say when it will happen, end the costly and time-consuming process of Councils competing against each other for investment, and explain how Wakefield benefits from being selected as a ‘Levelling Up Partner’. The move comes after Wakefield Council’s three funding bids were unsuccessful in the last round of levelling up funding, announced in January 2023. This left key parts of vital regeneration plans unfunded. Government help is central to securing further investment into the district. Cllr Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “Investment into our communities is essential as part of our aspirations to spread opportunity to every part of our district. “We have huge ambitions that will transform the district for residents and businesses. But without the funding we cannot drive our plans forward, and that’s why the mixed messages and lack of information coming from Government is so damaging. “We need clarity on if, and when, future funding will be made available. And if it is, there needs to be a fairer process in place, based on need, than we’ve seen before. No more expectation that local areas should compete against each other for limited funds.” In March, Wakefield was announced as one of 20 Levelling Up Partnership areas. The council is now calling on the Government to see tangible benefits from this partnership. Cllr Michael Graham, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said: “We want everyone, no matter where they are, to have access to great facilities and to live in a community they can continue to be proud of. “But we now have huge concerns that our selection as a levelling up partner may not actually lead to anything material for Wakefield. The programme has been slow to take shape and to be properly defined. And unfortunately, at the moment it seems to be yet another example of the Government not delivering for our district. “I’d urge the Government to clarify what funding we will get as part of our Levelling Up Partnership, to help us move forward with the ambitious and exciting plans that we have.” The council’s letter outlines how it’s especially important for places which were unsuccessful in the Levelling Up Round 2 bids, including Knottingley and South Kirkby, to be at the heart of any upcoming discussions. Cllr Jeffery added: “We are urging the Government to recognise the importance of providing funding to help Knottingley and South Kirkby. And to give us the chance to secure further investment that would make a major difference in our towns.”

Sustainable warehouse completed at St. Modwen Park Lincoln

Tess Egginton
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Sustainable warehouse completed at St. Modwen Park Lincoln

St. Modwen Logistics has completed work on a £15m, 111,000 sq ft sustainable warehouse, as part of the fourth phase of development at St. Modwen Park Lincoln, which could save occupiers more than £90,000 a year in operational energy costs.

Delivered by Caddick Construction, Lincoln 111 becomes the biggest unit at the site, demonstrating St. Modwen’s confidence in the Lincoln and Newark region following the success of the Park since the first unit was completed back in 2019.

In total, St. Modwen Logistics has invested £35m to deliver 411,000 sq ft of space at the Park in this period, with the likes of logistics giant DHL, retailer Furniture Village and international ice cream distributor NIC all occupying space at St. Modwen Park Lincoln.

Built to St. Modwen Logistics’ ‘Swan Standard’ guidelines for sustainable construction, Lincoln 111 is rated ‘Excellent’ by sustainability certification body BREEAM and comes complete with more than 1,000 sq m of solar PV panels installed as standard to help prospective occupiers to meet their own ESG targets.

Energy generated from these panels will fully power the building’s 5,300 sq ft of Grade-A offices, making them net zero carbon in operation. Combined with other energy-efficient features which are incorporated in the design process, Lincoln 111 has been awarded an EPC A+ rating, helping occupiers to reduce their operational costs.

Reserved matters planning consent has also been achieved for the fifth and final phase of development which will see the capacity of the Park total 740,000 sq ft in the coming years.

Ben Silcock, leasing & development manager, St. Modwen Logistics, said: “We are always striving to develop industry-leading warehouses in fantastic locations for our customers and Lincoln 111 is a prime example of this.

“As well as being near to the vital A1 interchange and benefitting from crucial infrastructure works in the region of late, the building is also best-in-class when it comes to both the quality of the development and its sustainability credentials.

“With extra power capabilities and reduced operational costs thanks to the installation of solar PV panels, it would be the perfect home for any businesses looking to expand their operation to the East Midlands or upgrade to a highly-efficient building.”

Dominic Towler, surveyor at Cushman & Wakefield, added: “Lincoln 111 is the largest speculatively built unit available within a 20-mile radius and adds much-needed supply to the area. The building’s sustainable design also offers exceptional cost savings for occupiers looking to relocate from less efficient and inferior stock.

“Phases 1 to 3 have demonstrated that demand for space in the area is buoyant with both local and national occupiers taking units within the Park, and we again expect the unit to be of significant interest to similar occupiers.”

Lincoln 111 features eight loading docks, two level access doors and 12.5m of clear internal height, as well as 48m yard depth. In addition, 20% of the building’s car parking spaces will have EV car charging points installed and the Park offers a provision of cycle spaces, encouraging greener travel amongst employees.

Work to start on new business units for Barton

Tess Egginton
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Work to start on new business units for Barton
Work is expected to start later this month on the construction of new business units after planning permission was received for the project which could create up to 50 jobs. The development at the Humber Bridge Industrial Estate, Barton on Humber, is the latest in The Trade Yard series of sites which have been built by Allenby Commercial across East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire. The company revealed that two national brands have already committed to take units at the site in Falkland Way. Interest in the remaining units is expected to be strong because of the success of the other locations. In East Yorkshire, The Trade Yard Willerby is full, with businesses which include Toolstation, Screwfix and Easy Bathrooms. The Trade Yard Beverley, where tenants include Toolstation, Screwfix and Howden joinery, now has only one unit available. The Trade Yard Driffield was completed and sold on as a successful project. The Trade Yard Scunthorpe is at capacity with MKM Building Supplies Ltd, Toolstation, Howdens Joinery, Valley Carpets, Motor Parts Direct and Hayley Group. Allenby Commercial is now working on plans for The Trade Yard Immingham. At Barton, the three remaining units offer between 3,400 and 13,600 square feet of space and are being promoted as a prime opportunity for trade, warehouse and light industrial occupiers. Charlie Allenby, development director at Allenby Commercial, said: “Our vision is to develop a main trade hub with national names occupying some of the units and creating a one-stop-shop for businesses and DIY enthusiasts. We are aiming to break ground during the summer and the first tenants are expected to arrive in about six months. “We have a varied portfolio of projects across the region from stylishly renovated historic properties to modern offices but we keep coming back to The Trade Yard concept because it is in demand as a format which really suits that sector. Based on our experience at the other Trade Yard sites this one could create up to 50 new jobs.” Duncan Willey, divisional director at PPH Commercial Chartered Surveyors and Commercial Property Consultants, said: “Speculative schemes like this are generating good interest because the availability of high quality industrial/employment space is very limited at present – not much is being built. “Regionally industrial occupation is running at about 98 per cent and there is not enough new accommodation coming out of the ground to meet rising demand. Certainly, when space becomes available at the other Trade Yard locations it tends to be snapped up quickly and in particular Barton has seen significant growth over recent years – it’s an attractive location with good road access to the Humber Bridge, M180 and M62. “The town of Barton is continuing to see a range of new residential and commercial development as well as planned improvements to the local infrastructure.”
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