Xeinadin strengthens northern presence with two acquisitions

April Lara
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Xeinadin strengthens northern presence with two acquisitions

Professional services firm Xeinadin has acquired two accountancy practices, Barnsley-based Gibson Booth Ltd and King Hope, which operates in Northallerton, Darlington, and Hartlepool.

The acquisition expands Xeinadin’s network to 16 offices in northern England. Gibson Booth will now operate as Xeinadin Barnsley, while King Hope integrates into the firm’s regional structure. Gibson Booth’s Huddersfield office and its insolvency division in Barnsley remain independent.

The move enhances Xeinadin’s capabilities in agriculture, charities, and education sectors while providing acquired firms access to expanded resources, centralised support, and a broader UK and Ireland network.

Leadership from both firms cited the benefits of joining a larger organisation while continuing to serve local businesses.

Labour announces employment law reforms, including zero-hour contract ban

April Lara
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The UK Government has proposed changes to employment laws, including a ban on zero-hour contracts that will also apply to agency workers. The reforms, part of Labour’s Employment Rights Bill, aim to strengthen worker protections and regulate umbrella companies.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds stated that agency workers must be included in the zero-hour contract ban to prevent loopholes. The Government believes that all workers should have contracts reflecting their regular hours.

Planned changes also include revisions to collective redundancy rules, which could extend the maximum protective award from 90 to 180 days if employers fail to meet consultation obligations.

Labour has also updated trade union regulations to align with modern work practices. Proposed measures include extending the validity of industrial action mandates from six months to a year and requiring a 10-day notice period before strikes.

The Government says these reforms aim to balance the interests of workers, businesses, and the public.

First Choice moves 80 staff to new Middlesbrough office

April Lara
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First Choice moves 80 staff to new Middlesbrough office

First Choice, part of the TUI Group, has relocated 80 staff to a new 4,500 sq ft office in Middlesbrough’s Six Centre Square. The team includes web development, contact centre, and sales and marketing staff from First Choice, Holiday Hypermarket, and Holidays for Heroes brands.

Ashall Projects developed the Grade A office space with £9.7 million in funding from the Tees Valley Combined Authority and a £2 million contribution from Middlesbrough Council’s Towns Fund.

Six Centre Square, which also houses AXA UK’s 500-strong workforce, is part of a broader effort to attract businesses and investment to Middlesbrough. Local officials highlighted the move as a sign of confidence in the area’s economic potential and improved infrastructure.

First Choice’s leadership cited the office’s modern facilities, central location, and transport links as key factors in the decision, reinforcing the company’s long-standing presence in the North East.

Tech-driven billboard operator 75Media secures investment for expansion

April Lara
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Outdoor advertising firm 75Media has secured a seven-figure investment from NPIF II—Mercia Equity Finance to expand its AI-driven platform and expand internationally.

Since launching in 2020 with 140 billboard sites and two employees, the Leeds-based company has scaled rapidly, operating more than 1,200 classic and digital billboard sites across the UK. It recently acquired London-based iQ OOH and reported a 454% revenue increase last year.

The investment will accelerate the development of its AI-powered BOB (Billboard Optioning & Booking) system, designed to streamline ad placements. It will also support expansion into the US, Scandinavia, and the Middle East.

Alongside the funding, 75Media has restructured its leadership team. Founder Paul Inman is now CEO, Joel Turner has been promoted to managing director, and Joe Lawson is the new commercial director.

Mercia Ventures, which led the investment, highlighted 75Media’s ability to combine asset growth with technology-driven sales, positioning it as a disruptor in the outdoor advertising market.

Bakkavor posts strong results but absorbs UK restructuring costs

April Lara
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Bakkavor posts strong results but absorbs UK restructuring costs

Bakkavor Group reported a 4% revenue increase to £2.29 billion in 2024, with adjusted operating profit up 20.5% to £113.6 million. Despite overall growth, operating profit dropped to £93.4 million due to £20.2 million in exceptional costs tied to UK site closures.

The company credited its performance to volume growth across all markets and a focus on efficiency. Bakkavor aims to continue margin improvements in 2025, targeting a 6% profitability goal.

As part of a restructuring plan announced in late 2022, Bakkavor closed its Salads site in Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire, and a Desserts facility in Leicester, affecting approximately 900 jobs. The company completed the transition in early 2023 to streamline operations.

Kingston Engineering invests in state-of-the-art Hwacheon Hi-Tech 200B turning centre

Tess Egginton
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Kingston Engineering invests in state-of-the-art Hwacheon Hi-Tech 200B turning centre
Leading precision engineering manufacturers, Kingston Engineering recently announced their plan to invest significantly in new machines throughout 2025. It has already proven to be a busy start to the year, with the installation of a new Hwacheon Hi-Tech 200B onto the machine shop floor at Kingston Engineering. This horizontal turning centre is a proven, multifunctional, highly customisable machine, equipped with advanced features to handle complex machining tasks. The Hwacheon Hi-Tech 200B is distinguished by its solid machine beds, wide flat guides and powerful drives capable of handling the most demanding machining requirements. It ensures the superior production and performance of ultra-precision complex components with intricate features. The Hwacheon Hi-Tech 200B is a welcome addition to the already extensive machine base at Kingston Engineering. Further investment in the first quarter of this year will see the delivery of a Hwacheon Vesta-1300B+ to the Kingston Engineering site on Pennington Street in Hull. This vertical machining centre is particularly suitable for ductile materials like copper, aluminium or steel and enables high cutting rates. It’s an exciting time for Kingston Engineering as they continue to invest for the future and lead the way in shaping precision engineering of the future.
Kingston Engineering Co. (Hull) Limited Pennington Street, Hull. East Yorkshire HU8 7LD email: sales@kingston-engineering.co.uk Web: www.kingston-engineering.co.uk

Gi Group advances diversity strategy with employee-led initiatives

April Lara
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Gi Group advances diversity strategy with employee-led initiatives

Recruitment firm Gi Group is expanding its diversity and inclusion efforts across its 26 branches and 61 sites in the UK. The company has implemented “Let’s Talk” sessions—employee-driven discussions covering neurodiversity, racial allyship, women in leadership, and men’s mental health.

These initiatives aim to create an open, judgement-free space for employees to share experiences and perspectives, reinforcing the company’s commitment to inclusivity. With more than 500 employees, the programme is part of Gi Group’s broader strategy to embed diversity into workplace culture.

The company’s approach has earned it three nominations at the upcoming British Diversity Awards. However, leadership emphasises that the focus remains on driving long-term, meaningful change for employees, clients, and candidates.

Countdown begins for the 14th Annual Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo – Just 3 weeks away

Tess Egginton
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Countdown begins for the 14th Annual Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo – Just 3 weeks away
With just three weeks remaining until the highly anticipated 14th Annual Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo, preparations are well underway for what promises to be an exciting and informative event. Sponsored by Team Lincolnshire and the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, the expo serves as a premier networking and knowledge-sharing opportunity for professionals across a wide range of industries, including Property, Construction, Finance, Investment, Inward Investment, Public & Private Sectors, and Professional Services. The expo will take place on 26th March 2025 at the Bentley Hotel, located in South Hykeham, Lincoln (LN6 9NH), offering easy access and ample free parking for all attendees. The event is the perfect platform to explore new business opportunities, gain valuable insights from industry experts, and connect with key decision-makers. This year’s event will feature three speed networking sessions throughout the morning, offering attendees the chance to engage in fast-paced, structured networking with fellow professionals. These sessions are designed to help individuals build valuable connections quickly and effectively. To close the event, there will be a networking lunch at 2:00 PM, hosted by event sponsors Team Lincolnshire and the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce. Tickets to the lunch are available for just £15 plus VAT and can be purchased at https://businessshowsgroup.co.uk/product/network-lunch-lincolnshire-delegates/. Registration for the event is now open. For more details on the full schedule of exhibitors, speakers, and networking opportunities, and to register, please visit https://businessshowsgroup.co.uk/register/. Event Details: Date: 26th March 2025 Location: Bentley Hotel, South Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 9NH Exhibition Opens: 9am Exhibition Closes: 1:45pm Team Lincolnshire & Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce Lunch £15: 2pm-3:15pm Parking: Free parking available

UK vineyard pioneers UV-C technology to improve vine health

April Lara
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UK vineyard pioneers UV-C technology to improve vine health

Veenow Vineyard has become the first in the UK to adopt UV Boosting technology, which uses UV-C light to strengthen grapevines against fungal diseases like powdery and downy mildew and reduce frost damage.

Trials indicate the system can lower frost risk by up to 50% when applied within 48 hours of a frost event and cut the need for chemical sprays by up to 60%, requiring only three to four applications per season. The technology is also expected to reduce disease incidence by 40% and increase vine yield by 13%.

Veenow plans to use the system on key grape varieties, including Pinot Noir, Bacchus, Chardonnay, Meunier, and Cabernet Noir. The vineyard’s owners say the investment aligns with their commitment to sustainability, alongside other practices like digestate application and cover cropping.

Six-figure backing from NPIF II to drive transformative growth for C80 Solutions

Michael Fisher
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Six-figure backing from NPIF II to drive transformative growth for C80 Solutions
C80 Solutions, which is part of the wider C80 Group, has secured a six-figure loan from NPIF II – BEF Smaller Loans, which is managed by the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II). With a team of 44 professionals and an annual revenue of £3.6m in 2024, the loan will enable C80 Solutions to invest in talent acquisition, resources, and cutting-edge infrastructure to support its ambitious plans. As the company continues to grow, it is set to create new job opportunities, with plans to expand its workforce by up to five positions in the coming year, contributing to economic growth across Yorkshire and beyond. Achieving 30% year-on-year growth in 2024 – which is set to increase to 40% in 2025 – C80 Solutions provide a complete range of energy assessment, compliance, consultancy and testing services for the UK residential and commercial sectors. The business will use the funding to bring its services together under the new brand name “enevo” in early 2025, which will help the company enhance visibility and provide an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to clients across the UK. Founded in 2010 and based in Birstall, West Yorkshire, C80 Solutions reflects a vision for sustainable business practices and innovation. Over the years, the company has earned a reputation for excellence, collaborating with high-profile clients such as Knight Frank, Torsion Projects, Eddisons, Savills, Avison Young, Caddick Construction, Esh, and JRL Group. Mark Heptonstall, founder of C80 Solutions and Managing Director of C80 Group commented: “This funding marks a pivotal moment in our journey. It’s not just about scaling operations but about investing in innovation and the people who make our vision a reality. By consolidating our services under the enevo brand, we’re positioning ourselves as a one-stop solution for sustainable building compliance and consultancy. This is an exciting chapter for us, and we’re proud to be driving positive environmental and economic impact.” Mark Iley, Senior Investment Manager at Business Enterprise Fund, said: “It has been a pleasure working with Mark and the team at C80 Solutions. Their commitment to driving sustainable practices and advancing net zero goals within the building compliance sector is truly impressive. Supporting businesses like C80 Solutions aligns perfectly with our mission to foster innovation and sustainable growth in the North of England.” Lizzy Upton, senior investment manager at British Business Bank, said: “This round of funding will enable the business to make strategic change to accelerate growth and create new jobs. There are plenty of challenges facing the residential and commercial sector, so it is great to see NPIF II supporting a business like C80 help other companies navigate the regulatory environment and improve their sustainability.” The £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIFII) covers the entire North of England and provides loans from £25k to £2m and equity investment up to £5m to help a range of small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead. The purpose of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the North of England. The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II will increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for the North’s smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and help to break down barriers in access to finance.  
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