Since the summer of 2019, Doncaster Council and the Trust have been working on proposals to redevelop the Doncaster Waterfront area adjacent to Doncaster College which offered significant opportunity for redevelopment and regeneration as being one of the largest brownfield sites in the country.
Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones said: “I am immensely disappointed that our Doncaster bid for a new hospital has been turned down by government. Our bid was incredibly strong, highlighting the far-reaching benefits for health and medical provision that a state-of-the-art new hospital would bring as well as social and economic benefits for the people of our city and the region.
“We are in urgent need of a new hospital for Doncaster that would support us to Level Up and I will continue to lobby this government to deliver a new hospital for Doncaster.”
Richard Parker OBE, Chief Executive of DBTH, said: “I am very disappointed that the Trust’s business case for the development of a new hospital in Doncaster has not been included in the Government’s New Hospital Programme.
“Our focus now, and that of our health and social care partners and local leaders, will now need to shift towards ensuring that Doncaster Royal Infirmary is fit for the future, as well as seeking clarity to understand what additional funding avenues and opportunities are available to us.”
The existing hospital within the city, Doncaster Royal Infirmary, was initially built in the 1930s, with further development and expansion in the 1960s and 1980s and was expected to deal with around 200 patients at any one time. Since that time Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has outgrown the site and its related infrastructure, routinely caring for around 400 patients every day.
Due to the hospital’s age, there are around 600 outstanding maintenance jobs across DRI’s numerous buildings, with an estimated value of £118 million. The sheer cost of this is neither affordable nor best value for money.
Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals is one of only a small number of teaching hospitals within the region and hosts a range of services across three main hospital sites, Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Bassetlaw Hospital and Montagu Hospital, serving around 440,000 people across South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire.
The estimated cost of a new hospital in the city would be around £1.37 billion, the site has been identified and is shovel-ready and the build would begin at pace, taking around five years to complete.
Government rejects bid for new hospital for Doncaster
The bid for a new hospital for Doncaster has been turned down by government despite cross party support from local and regional politicians.
72-bedroom West Yorkshire care home site sold
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold the former Stoney Ridge Hospital in Bingley, West Yorkshire, which comes with planning consent for a 72-bedroom care home development.
Morrison Community Care and Cheviot Park Developments have achieved full planning permission for a large care home scheme which is inclusive of a variety of communal spaces including a café, activity lounge, life skills lounge, hair salon, cinema, and dining rooms, and 72 bedrooms all of which have en suite wet rooms.
The care home will also benefit from a feature balcony terrace on the first floor and secure landscaped gardens with areas for residents and visitors to socialise, as well as views of the valley from many of the bedrooms.
The site occupies a prominent roadside location close to both the market town of Bingley and the cultural town of Bradford which will provide a new purpose-built care home with communal resident amenities to an area with an undersupply of ‘future-fit’ beds.
Following a sales process handled by Jordan Rundle and Sara Hartill from Christie & Co, the development site has been purchased by Torsion Care who will take the proposed scheme forward.
Paul Sokhi, Managing Director at Morrison Community Care, says: “Morrison Community Care has a long-standing reputation in the design and development of care homes. We are one of the UK’s leading providers because we are passionate about providing the very highest standard of living and service possible. Having successfully done this in Scotland for over 30 years, we are now excited to bring our expertise to England.
“With 13,000 patients currently estimated to be in NHS beds in England that don’t require to be, we are delighted to announce the Group’s expansion into England. We look forward to bringing the Morrison Community Care product of sustainable quality care environments to England, where residents can enjoy safe quality time while enjoying many amenities such as cinema, champagne bar, spa, bistro and private dining rooms.”
Chris Burns, senior land manager at Torsion Care, says: “We’re delighted to have completed the purchase of this care home development in Bingley. This adds to our growing portfolio of care home developments in Yorkshire which is set to expand further in 2023. Thanks to Morrison Community Care and Christie & Co for their support in getting this purchase over the line in a quick time.”
Jordan Rundle, director – Healthcare Development & Investment at Christie & Co, says: “It is great to be working with Morrison Community Care and Cheviot Park Developments on their English expansion strategy, and we are sure this will be the first of many projects in the country. Torsion Care have an ever-growing pipeline of opportunities and we wish them the best with the delivery of what will be an outstanding care facility for the local community.”
The former Stoney Ridge Hospital was sold for an undisclosed price.
Trio of promotions at CRA Consulting
Yorkshire-based specialist Legal and Financial Recruiters CRA Consulting continues a year of strong growth with three senior promotions.
The promotions include one new managing associate and two new associates. This round of promotions is to acknowledge the continued hard work of key staff within the firm.
Newly promoted managing associate Ross Roberts said: “The team at CRA are very talented and it is great to see the team being strengthened to support our growing client base.”Robert’s new role will be to focus on continuing to build upon the successful CRA platform with a particular focus on Business development and commercial strategy.
Working within the team will be Adam Perry, associate, who will be focusing on the support divisions for professional services and Rhys Spencer, associate, who is an expert in recruiting in the contentious side of legal services.
Adam Perry added: “The promotions highlight CRAs commitment to staff development and how there is a clear career progression for all staff.”
Rhys Spencer said: “Our combination of experiences and expertise means we are well-placed to find the right solution for our clients.”
Rob Addy, founder of CRA consulting, said: “This is an important chapter in the continued growth of CRA. These promotions are well deserved, and I believe all three of them can continue to drive CRA forward.
“It also highlights our commitment to train and promote within and what will follow is CRA undertaking an internal recruitment drive to find the next and best talent for us. It is an exciting time, and I am proud of the growth that we have achieved.”
Hull occupational health firm makes duo of acquisitions
Hull-based Latus Health, a provider of employee health and wellbeing solutions, has acquired ELAS Occupational Health (ELAS) and The Industrial Diagnostics Company (IDC) from Citation Group.
Over the last five years, Latus has delivered significant organic growth and, coupled with these strategic acquisitions, the group will be able to offer a broader range of services to more customers.
ELAS’ expertise in health surveillance directly complements Latus’ solutions to ensure its current and future customer base has access to a holistic solution for all their occupational health needs, including a unique approach in providing mobile health surveillance and on-site industrial diagnostics, such as chest x-rays, as well as audiology services, across the UK.
As part of the transaction, Latus has appointed Graham Ewart as chairman. Ewart brings extensive experience from the healthcare sector from his role as CEO of previous NorthEdge backed business Direct Healthcare Group, which was sold to ArchiMed in 2019.
Jack Latus, CEO of Latus Health, said: “We have always been committed to delivering the highest quality of care and service for our clients, whilst improving the way occupational health is delivered through the implementation of innovative digital solutions.
“The acquisition of ELAS and IDC are a testament to that commitment, and we are excited to welcome their team of dedicated professionals to join the Latus mission. Together, we will continue to innovate and drive forward the occupational health industry under the knowledge that happier and healthier teams deliver better results.”
Vikki Blease, head of occupational health at ELAS, said: “We are very excited to be part of Latus who have an exciting vision for occupational health. The Latus team are dynamic and share our passion and drive for best-in-class occupational health.
“For clients of both Latus and ELAS, this acquisition promises a seamless transition with no disruption to existing services. Clients will continue to receive the same high-quality care and attention they have come to expect, with the added benefit of access to an even wider range of services.”
Richard Williams, partner at TDC, whose Impact Fund backed the acquisitions, said: “TDC are pleased to have supported Latus in its recent acquisition of ELAS and IDC, marking our second investment from our Impact Fund. The Fund targets SMEs across the North that were disrupted by Covid-19 and the macro-economic conditions experienced following this period, to support their recovery and with a specific focus on growing employment in the local region.
“As well strengthening the position of Latus within the market, the transaction will also help in the acquisition of a number of key senior hires that will strengthen the existing board and help generate future growth. We look forward to supporting management as they drive the business into its next stage of growth.”
Graham Ewart, chairman at Latus Health, said: “Latus Health continues on a very steep growth trajectory backed by our vision to truly innovate in the occupational health space.
“Through both our own in-house developed technologies, and the unique offerings we have acquired, Latus are providing our ever-expanding customer base with a fully integrated and holistic package of solutions to drive value-adding productivity within the workplace.”
Latus Health was advised on its acquisition of ELAS and IDC from Citation by the Clearwater International Leeds office, led by partner Richard Goldsack, associate director John Haygarth, and director Glenn Clarke.
Legal advice was provided by the Shoosmiths Leeds office, led by partners James Foster and Simon Procter, and financial and tax advice by Martin Athey, Charles Evers, Fletcher Adamowicz and Emily Caine of Translink CF, the specialist CF division of BHP.
TDC legal advice was provided by the Pinsent Masons Manchester Office, led by partner Tim Fearn and Catherine Donnelly.
Investment firm snaps up Yorkshire CNC specialist
Connect Precision Ltd has been sold to TGM Industrial Group, with KBS Corporate deal executive Adam Nelson advising on the transaction.
Based in Yorkshire, Connect Precision specialises in precision CNC machining and wire cutting, serving clients in industries such as automotive, aviation, defence and warfare.
The company was originally founded in 1998 by Craig Hepworth and Russell Lawton, who have continued to invest in Connect Precision’s state-of-the-art facilities.
The directors made the decision to sell to facilitate their retirement plans, instructing KBS to identify a buyer who would grow the business alongside the existing workforce.
“Craig and Russell were motivated to seek their well-deserved reward for the years they have committed to growing and managing the business,” said Adam.
TGM was quickly recognised as a suitable buyer, having acquired through KBS previously as part of the group’s ongoing expansion strategy.
The UK-based investment firm specialises in the acquisition and growth of owner-managed businesses in the engineering and manufacturing industries.
“TGM has now completed its third acquisition with KBS, following Automatic Engineers (Hinckley) Ltd and PT Engineers Ltd,” advised Adam. “I am pleased to have contributed to the expansion of their portfolio.”
Craig Hepworth and Russell Lawton will remain with Connect Precision for a short period to facilitate a smooth transition to new ownership, ensuring the business is well placed to grow as part of a wider group.
“The sale of the business gives both Craig and myself time to spend with our extended families,” said Russell. “I think TGM is the correct choice for us. They have the ability to move Connect Precision forward and protect the remaining staff.”
Adam added: “I am satisfied with the transaction as I believe we achieved a good value and a timely sale that allows Craig and Russell to progress towards their next chapter.”
Two jailed over illegal waste storage in Skegness
Two men operating from a Skegness waste site have been jailed and a third sentenced after the Environment Agency found they were storing material illegally.
Between June 2015 and April 2017, Thomas Todd, Jamie Todd and Bryan Walker managed businesses operating from the former Bowman’s Site, in Lincolnshire near the A52.
On 8 June 2015, the site’s environmental permit was transferred to East Coast Recycling Properties Ltd. which was run by Jamie and Thomas Todd. This permit allowed for the processing of mixed waste with a view to extracting recyclable materials.
The Environment Agency began to conduct inspections at the site shortly afterwards and quickly found failings. The site’s permit required a fire prevention plan to be in place to avoid a serious blaze and protect the environment. This was especially important as the site was surrounded by arable land and the nearest residential premises were only 10m away. However, The Todd brothers failed to have such a plan in place leaving the site at risk.
Inspections found that waste was being stacked too high and too closely together, creating a fire risk. The waste had also become a health risk following an influx of mice and a problem with flies. As a result, the Environment Agency suspended the site’s permit, stopping new material from being brought in between December 2015 and February 2016.
Further visits by Environment Agency officers between March and May 2016 found that there were no firebreaks between the waste. This meant the waste stored on the site continued to present a huge fire risk. The company’s permit was suspended again in July 2016.
In July 2016, a new company Eco Green Logistics Limited registered an exemption to start waste work on another section of the Bowman’s site. Bryan Walker was the registered director of this company. He also allowed too much waste into his section of the site leading to waste being stored unsafely and presenting a fire risk.
The Todds reassured the Environment Agency that waste would no longer be brought onto Bowman’s and instead the land would be redeveloped. However, the Environment Agency continued to find evidence of new waste being brought onto the land. Also, MJT Development, another Todd company, was brought in to provide on-site security and to remove waste.
The Environmental permit for the site was revoked fully in March 2017 and the businesses were ordered to clear the site fully. The site was later searched under warrant where evidence was found to show waste moving on and off the site despite the restrictions put in place by the Environment Agency.
Both Jamie and Thomas Todd had a previous suspended prison sentence for very similar environmental offences which the judge considered when sentencing.
The 3 men appeared at Leeds Crown Court on 19 May 2023 for sentencing, having pleaded guilty at earlier hearings.
Thomas Todd, 33, of Hunt Street, Castleford pleaded guilty to 3 counts.
Jamie Todd, 42, of Wakefield Road, Drighlington, Leeds pleaded guilty to 4 counts.
Bryan Walker, 60, of Beckhill Vale, Leeds pleaded guilty to 5 counts.
Speaking at the case, Judge Batiste said that fire safeguards at the site has been “non-existent” and that the defendants had “flagrantly breached environmental law”. He added that if any part of the site had caught fire “it is highly unlikely it could have been contained”.
He said the actions of the Todd brothers had been “…so serious that only immediate custody can be justified”. He described the pair as the “leading lights” of the operation on the site.
On Bryan Walker, the judge said that his actions had been “wholly reckless”.
Thomas and Jamie Todd were both sentenced to 8 months immediate custody and were disqualified from acting as a director of a business for 5 years.
A Proceeds of Crime Act Enquiry will be carried out for the Todd brothers in due course.
Bryan Walker was given a 12-month community order with 10 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days. He was also disqualified from acting as a director of a business for 5 years and ordered to pay £60 as a victim surcharge.
Stantec relocates 140-strong team to new Leeds office
The recently refurbished 8,000 square foot office in 2 Whitehall Quay will be the new home for Stantec in Leeds as it continues to grow, offering colleagues and clients a versatile space for collaboration.
Following a period of growth and success in the region, Stantec, a provider of sustainable design and engineering services, is bringing 140 of its colleagues together in a new home in the heart of Leeds.
The move will see the Stantec team relocating from their existing office at The Boulevard on Leeds Dock.
The highly accessible office is on the 4th floor of the building and includes dynamic areas for collaboration all designed to meet the needs of a modern teamworking environment. The teams will use their new West Yorkshire base to build on their strong relationships with clients spanning the UK’s built environment, particularly in the water, transport, planning and development industries within both the private and public sector.
Ross Anderson, Stantec’s Yorkshire region water operations director said: “This new space has been designed with both colleague well-being and client collaboration in mind. We’re looking forward to hosting our industry-pioneering clients like Yorkshire Water in this new location.
“Our relationship with Yorkshire Water continues to go from strength to strength as we continue to work on ground-breaking projects in the region and this office expansion shows our long-term commitment to servicing the water sector in Yorkshire. We’ll be using this flexible workplace to further enhance integrated working in a fresh, modern city-centre office.”
Harriet Chapman, regional growth lead for North, at Stantec, said: “Although we loved our office on Leeds Dock, our headcount in Leeds has increased quickly and significantly. Our new office at 2 Whitehall Quay provides accessible, flexible working arrangements, enabling us to continue to deliver exceptional projects and services for our clients while providing the flexibility to grow our Leeds presence.
“Following Stantec’s acquisition of Barton Willmore last year, our teams are quickly coming together throughout the UK, and this office grants us one central space to accommodate new team-members. We’re delighted to combine our creative and technical approaches to projects to deliver sustainable, resilient and connected places across the region.”
Stuart Natkus, planning director, Stantec, added: “Barton Willmore enjoyed a legacy of success in Leeds, and we’re excited to see how we can build on this, working alongside our new Stantec colleagues, using their technical expertise as part of a holistic interdisciplinary offering.”
FLJ acted for APAM to let 2 Whitehall Quay and CBRE acted for Stantec.
Charles Parkinson, associate director, CBRE’s Occupier Services team in Leeds, said: “Stantec instructed us to acquire a new Leeds office following the company’s strategic decision to move from Leeds Dock.
“They sought a best in class office building within close proximity to Leeds train station and chose 2 Whitehall Quay following an extensive search. The building takes workspace to a new level, recognising the current workplace dynamic that occupiers seek.
“Its newly refurbished suites, flexibility in floorplates and superb riverside location, coupled with its excellent wellness focus delivers everything the modern occupier demands and more.”
Will Grenfell, senior asset manager, APAM Ltd, said: “2 Whitehall Quay is in a prime location by the river and canal towpath and a short walk to the railway station and City Square.
“The refurbishment has delivered some of the best quality office space in the city with a huge focus on wellbeing. We are delighted to welcome Stantec to the growing and thriving business community housed in the building.”
ABP launches new consultation on Immingham Green Energy terminal plans
The public and neighbouring businesses are being invited to share their views on updates to ABP’s proposed Immingham Green Energy Terminal development in a second round of consultation which began this week and runs to the end of June.
Associated British Ports is submitting a proposal to construct and operate a new multi-user green energy terminal to be located on the eastern side of the port. The project includes a green hydrogen production facility to be constructed and operated by Air Products.
This supplementary consultation reflects several refinements which have been made to the scheme following the original statutory consultation earlier this year.
Changes to the proposed IGET development:
Landside works
• Amendments to the proposed site boundary
• Routing of the pipe rack and jetty access road in the Long Strip woodland
• West site illustrative layout, elevation, and drainage
• Construction vehicle numbers increasing to deliver additional fill materials for the West Site
• Permanent adjustment to speed limits on Laporte Road
• Public Rights of Way diversion (Public Bridleway 36) and removal of informal access in two areas
• Temporary removal of Kings Road street furniture and overhead line works
Marine works
• Marine design changes including Jetty alignment and length; berth arrangement and associated requirements
The formal consultation will run between Wednesday 24 May and Friday 30 June 2023. Members of the public can view the plans at the Burton Hall in Immingham Civic Centre on Thursday 22 June from 2pm to 6pm and Saturday 24 June from 10am to 2pm.
All consultation documents are available to view and download online at: www.imminghamget.co.uk
Grantham builder must pay £82,000 after illegal asbestos removal
A Grantham builder who hid asbestos near a Welbourn school after lying to customers about his qualifications to remove it is to hand over more than £82,000 he earned from dozens of jobs.
Kent, south-east London, Surrey and Oxfordshire were among the places Lee Charles targeted with false paperwork to win high-value contracts.
Last year he was given 12 months in prison, suspended for two years. Now, a court has decided 40-year-old Charles must pay up £82,100 in a proceeds of crime order.
He used the company name Lincs Demolition Ltd for two years, claiming he was registered to remove asbestos – but he had no legal permit from the Environment Agency to do the work.
He zig-zagged England to act out his crimes as far afield as Abingdon, Walsall, Wellingborough, and Worksop, including Barton-upon-Humber, Doncaster, Grantham, Lincoln, Market Rasen, Newark, Scunthorpe, Sleaford, and Spalding.
Having duped customers, Charles stashed the waste asbestos in hired storage containers at Welbourn, 200m from a school and close to a Girl Guide centre. Hetold the owners of the storage space he wanted to keep tools there. When he failed to pay the rent on the containers, the owners forced the locks and were confronted with the dangerous contents.
Once exposed, Charles abandoned the storage containers, moving to an unpermitted waste site 16 miles away near Sleaford, where he continued to store asbestos unsafely, posing a risk to public health.
Paul Salter, an environmental waste crime officer for the Environment Agency, said: “Lee Charles’ crimes were not just illegal, but dangerous. He has been ordered to pay back money, and this sends out a clear message to others who flout the law that waste crime doesn’t pay.
“Not only do we use environmental law to prosecute offenders, but use proceeds of crime orders to ensure that criminals are deprived of the benefits of their illegal activity.
“The Environment Agency supports legitimate business by disrupting and stopping the criminal element, backed up by the threat of tough enforcement, as in this case.
“We continue to use intelligence-led approaches to target the most serious crimes and evaluate which interventions are most effective.
“If you see or suspect waste crime is being committed, we urge you to report it immediately to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
In March last year, Charles, of Caldicot Gardens, in Grantham, was convicted by Lincoln crown court after pleading guilty to two counts of operating a waste operation without a permit between 2017 and 2019, contrary to regulations 12, 38(1)(a) and 41(1)(a) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.
He also admitted two counts of keeping or disposing of controlled waste in a manner likely to cause pollution or harm, contrary to sections 33(1)(c), 33(6) and 157(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
This week Lincoln Crown Court ordered Charles to pay £82,100 under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 following an Environment Agency investigation into the costs he avoided while working illegally.
Sheffield Forgemasters creates UK company first with introduction of ‘bleed kits’
Sheffield Forgemasters has become the first UK company to deploy workplace bleed kits.
The kits, provided by The Daniel Baird Foundation charity, are designed to quickly stem bleeding from life-threatening traumatic wounds which could otherwise cause a fatal loss of blood before the emergency services can attend.
Seven kits will be installed across the company’s 64-acre site, with a kit at Gate One security registered with the emergency services for public use.
Janet Hardy, Occupational Health Manager, said: “We have worked with The Daniel Baird Foundation to understand the importance of fast treatment of traumas which may otherwise cause life-threatening blood loss.
“Sheffield Forgemasters is the first UK company to deploy bleed kits and we have registered the provision of these kits with the emergency services so that they may also be used to help nearby members of the public in an emergency.
“Severe blood loss is often the primary cause of death from traumas like car accidents or stab injuries and stemming the bleeding in a fast and effective manner can buy valuable time to get a casualty into hospital or ambulance care.”
The Daniel Baird Foundation was set up by the Baird family after Daniel Baird, (26) was stabbed during a Birmingham night out with friends. With no first-aid or bleeding control kit available, Daniel died from catastrophic bleeding shortly after arriving at hospital.
Its aim is to raise awareness of the importance of having publicly accessible bleeding control packs available for emergency situations.
Each kit contains tourniquets, specialist dressings to manage moderate to severe blood loss, innovative chest-seal devices for penetrating lung injuries, CPR face-masks, scissors for cutting clothing away and sterile gloves.
Janet added: “We hope this will set an example for other companies to follow.”
