Catella APAM, acting as Asset Manager on behalf of the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF), has let 25,000 sq ft at Leeds Valley Park.
This 10-year lease agreement, secured at a market-leading rate for industrial space in West Yorkshire, highlights the growing demand for premium-quality warehouse and manufacturing facilities in the region.
The occupier, a food ingredient specialist, has chosen Leeds Valley Park to drive future growth. The company will utilise the space to enhance production and logistics capabilities.
Adam Handley, Asset Manager at Catella APAM, said: “This letting is a testament to the strong market demand for high-quality, well-located industrial spaces, and it underscores the appeal of Leeds Valley Park as a premier business destination.
“The rent achieved reflects the property’s exceptional specification and strategic location, and we are confident that this partnership will drive mutual success.”
The transaction was facilitated by joint agents Carter Towler, Avison Young, and CBRE, whilst the tenant was represented by GV&Co.
Paul Mack, Director of GV&Co, said: “We were delighted to represent the occupier in the procurement of this best-in-class premises in Leeds, which will no doubt be a platform to facilitate our client’s continued growth.”
Josh Holmes, Director at Carter Towler, said: “We are delighted to have concluded the letting of Unit 4, enhancing an already very strong tenant line-up. The modern specification of the units has been very well received in the market; we had several interested parties and selected this occupier as we felt they were a great fit for the estate.”
Special administrators appointed to electronic money firm
Contis Financial Services Limited (CFSL), an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) business regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), has entered special administration.
The appointment of Joshua Dwyer and Robert Spence from Interpath Advisory as joint special administrators follows the announcement in September 2024 by CFSL’s ultimate parent company, Solaris, that it was to discontinue major parts of its EMI business, comprising Contis Group Limited and its subsidiaries, including CFSL.
As a result of this, Yorkshire-based CFSL commenced the orderly wind-down of its operations, including the successful transfer of the Engage business to Suits Me which was announced in November 2024. The orderly wind down was scheduled by the company to be completed by April 2025.
However, a long-running and unresolved dispute with a third party financial institution in respect of the release of certain customer safeguarded funds has, in the company’s view, made this unachievable.
As a result, the directors of CFSL have taken the decision to place CFSL into special administration in order to provide the opportunity for the special administrators to seek to secure the release of the safeguarded funds, facilitate the distribution of safeguarded funds to customers and complete the orderly wind down of CFSL’s operations.
Immediately following the appointment of the special administrators, CFSL ceased trading. Customers have therefore been advised that all customer accounts, including prepaid debit cards, have been frozen and customers are no longer able to make payments or receive receipts.
Accounts will remain frozen whilst Interpath assesses the situation and identifies the best way to return funds to customers. Customers are encouraged to set up alternative banking arrangements with another provider as soon as possible.
New partnership to accelerate Wakefield regeneration plans
Wakefield Council has appointed Muse as its new Strategic Regeneration Partner.
Muse will work in partnership with the Council to deliver at pace the next phase of major regeneration projects across the city.
Cllr Michael Graham, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said: “We have an exciting and ambitious Masterplan that lays out the vision for the future of our city centre. “Work is in progress on the first stage which is delivering a new hotel, an extended and enhanced city square, several new city centre housing developments, and a new Museum and Library. This new partnership will now lead on the next chapter in our city’s regeneration. Delivering our ambition at scale and at pace. “Muse will help originate, plan, and develop new projects, driving them forward from blueprint to build. They’ll be bringing expertise to support us to unlock significant private sector funding. As well as looking at assets and land the Council owns to determine how they can be better used.”
Muse has delivered large scale projects in other cities including Birmingham, London, Leeds and Manchester. By co-ordinating the contractors and companies involved in delivering large scale projects, and overcoming any challenges that may arise, the partnership with Muse will help the Council drive the Masterplan forward.Simon Dew, Development Director at Muse, said: “Wakefield has an exciting future, with an ambitious and forward-thinking Council. By working in partnership, we can deliver positive and quality placemaking and regeneration which delivers real benefit to the community.
“As Strategic Regeneration Partner we’ll work together, over the long-term, to realise the opportunities set out in the city centre masterplan to create the new homes, jobs, retail, and public spaces Wakefield needs.”
Cllr Graham added: “With 40 years’ experience delivering the kind of projects we want for Wakefield; we’re delighted to have Muse on board. They share in our vision and ambitions for Wakefield.
“With this new partnership, we are now in a position of real strength to deliver the long-term vision for the future of our city.”
Odsal Stadium lease sold to Bradford Bulls
The sale of the lease of the Odsal Stadium, the home of the Bradford Bulls Rugby League team, to the Bulls, has been completed.
The deal was brokered by global property consultancy Knight Frank.
Lawyers have now finalized the exact details of the 150-year-old lease, which is owned by Bradford Metropolitan District Council.
Opened in 1934, Odsal is a multi-purpose sports stadium which extends to approximately 12.85 acres and is currently the home of Odsal Motorsport, as well as the Bradford Bulls.
The Rugby Football League Ltd (RFL) sold the lease to the Bradford Bulls, having owned it for the past 12 years and having paid the council a peppercorn rent.
Jonathan Hyland of the Leeds office of Knight Frank said: “We have now completed this complex and important deal. Lawyers have worked forensically through the final details to ensure each party was happy and a satisfactory decision was reached.
“The RFL was keen to sell the lease and the Bulls were keen to gain more autonomy and control over their ground, so the deal suited both parties.
“When we first announced that the Odsal lease was up for sale last October, there was a good deal of interest, which wasn’t surprising, since this was an absolutely fantastic opportunity to acquire one of the most famous sporting stadia in Yorkshire. Odsal has a wonderful history and is one of the jewels in the crown of the city of Bradford.”
Rob Graham, the RFL’s Director of Finance, Facilities and Central Services, said: “We are pleased to have concluded the sale of Odsal Stadium to the Bradford Bulls. The RFL’s primary goal in taking ownership in January 2012 was to avoid an historic venue for Rugby League being lost to the sport, and that has now been achieved.
“Ownership of the stadium was never envisaged as a permanent position, and we thank Jonathan Hyland and his team at Knight Frank for their professionalism in completing the sale of the lease.”
Slight rise for Yorkshire business confidence in January
Business confidence in Yorkshire and the Humber rose one point during January to 29%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds.
Companies in Yorkshire and the Humber reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down eight points at 39%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up nine points to 18%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 29% (vs. 28% in December 2024).
A net balance of 26% of businesses in the region also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up one point on last month.
Looking ahead to the next six months, Yorkshire and Humber businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training (39%), introducing new technology, such as automation and AI (34%) and entering new markets (31%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
National picture
Overall, UK business confidence fell two points in January to 37%.
While firms’ optimism in their own trading prospects strengthened four points to 51%, their confidence in the wider economy dropped seven points to 24%.
For the third consecutive month, London was the most confident UK nation or region in January, climbing two points to 55%, followed by the West Midlands at 51%.
Sector insights
There were similar falls in manufacturing, construction and retail this month, with a slight increase in services. Confidence fell to 38% in manufacturing (down 4 points), 36% in construction (down 5 points), and 40% in retail (down 3 points). However, confidence in services increased by 3 points to 38%.
These results come within a general trend of larger confidence declines in retail and services in recent months. Within the services sector, confidence has notably fallen in hospitality but has remained more stable in business services and health-related services.
Martyn Kendrick, regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber at Lloyds, said: “This represents a second month in a row of rising confidence in Yorkshire, and a good start to the year.
“As the region’s businesses press on with their plans for growth, we’ll continue to be by their side with our tailored support to help them make the most of new opportunities.”
Barnsley Council sells 10-acre site to Gregory Property Group
Gregory Property Group and Commercial Development Projects Limited of Elland have bought a 10-acre development site at Junction 36 of the M1 at Dearne Valley Parkway, Rockingham from Barnsley Council.
With planning permission in hand the Otley-based developer expects ti start work on three new units before the end of February with completion by February next year. The contractor will be Marshall Construction Ltd.
The site is located a few hundred yards from J36 of the M1 just off the Dearne Valley Link Road and is included in the Hoyland North Masterplan framework.
John McGhee, MD at Gregory Property Group, said: “The site is a high profile and popular location for industrial occupiers because of its excellent transport links and local labour force. The design which includes various tree, shrub and flower planting schemes to improve the biodiversity of the area will make this a very pleasant place to work, and we expect demand for the units to be high.”
Simon Marshall for Commercial Development Projects Limited said: “We are pleased to be able to continue our excellent working relationship with Gregory’s and look forward to working together to deliver this exciting opportunity”.
South Yorkshire Chambers urge tangible actions not just warm words over airport future
South Yorkshire Chambers are calling on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to back up her ‘warm words’ about supporting Doncaster Sheffield Airport with tangible actions.
Reacting to her pledge to support the development of Doncaster Sheffield Airport the three South Yorkshire Chambers have issued a cautiously optimistic statement, whilst also emphasising the need for warm words to translate into tangible action.
The Chancellor has announced that Government will be working closely with South Yorkshire politicians to support the region’s ambitions for its soon-to-be-rebooted international airport.
The Chief Execs for the three South Yorkshire Chambers representing Doncaster, Sheffield and Barnsley & Rotherham jointly commented:
“We, of course, welcome Government’s support for the airport and by extension South Yorkshire. Only a few days ago, our umbrella body, the British Chambers of Commerce, drew up a list of important infrastructure projects to try and get them on the Chancellor’s radar; believing that, if these are properly invested in, they will help get the UK’s economy moving in the right direction again. Many different opportunities for growth were highlighted here, so it’s encouraging to see that, even amidst all of that, the need to support DSA still stood out as a priority.
“The Chancellor may have caused an unnecessary amount of pain and consternation for businesses with her Autumn Budget, but this — along with all of the other announcements from yesterday’s speech — signals that there might be some mid-term gains on the horizon for the economy.
“That being said, many will understandably want to wait and see if Westminster can actually deliver on these warm words, given that we have been here before. Indeed, we heard similar pledges from some of the Chancellor’s predecessors in Government — including from previous Secretaries of State and even a former Prime Minister — only for the promised support to never materialise beyond, of course, the welcome confirmation of Investment Zone status here in South Yorkshire.
“We hope that this time around will be different, and that central Government will be able to match the entrepreneurialism and tenacity that our public sector partners in the local and mayoral combined authorities have demonstrated throughout this hard-fought campaign.”
Finance Yorkshire pumps £500k into Wakefield-based gym music app
A music streaming app developed in Yorkshire by Pure Energy Music has launched to the UK fitness and gym industry with a £500k investment from Finance Yorkshire’s growth fund.
The funding will mean up to 10 more staff, most based at Wakefield and some will be global sales roles.
The app delivers music specifically designed to optimise exercise performance, and is the brainchild of Andy Pickles who operates Music Factory Recordings based at The Tileyard, Wakefield.
Leisure centres, gym operators, and fitness instructors subscribe to the Pure Energy Music app to access expertly curated music designed to enhance workout performance. The tracks are designed and produced in-house by Pure Energy Music’s expert team, ensuring they align with the latest research on exercise performance.
Andy said: “We see huge potential for the app both in the UK and globally. As a subscription service model, it is more cost effective for fitness and gym operators who would otherwise have to negotiate over music ownership rights.
“Finance Yorkshire is very supportive and we are passionate about our Yorkshire roots and growing our proposition in England.”
Alex McWhirter, CEO of Finance Yorkshire, said: “Pure Energy Music exemplifies the vision and innovation within the region’s creative and digital sector. Finance Yorkshire is pleased to support Andy and his team in driving the growth and use of the app through the creation of more jobs in Yorkshire’s regional economy.”
Software firm secures growth funding after winning £1m in new contracts
A Hull-based software business has raised £100,000 from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia Debt as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), to support its growing workload.
Think360 has secured over £1m worth of new contracts in the past few weeks and has over £4m of other potential new business in the pipeline. The funding will provide additional working capital to enable it to take on more projects and expand its team with the creation of three new jobs.
Think360 was established in 2018 by Martin Lauer, who is also CEO of The One Point, the Hull-based IT and telecoms business, and initially delivered bespoke software projects. In 2021 Ian Crowder and Tony Grimes, who have over 40 years’ software experience between them, joined the business as Directors and shareholders. The company has since launched its own range of AI-powered software products.
The company currently employs six permanent staff as well as up to 22 independent contactors including software testers and analysts.
Martin Lauer, CEO of Think360, said: “Think360 has made remarkable progress in the past two years since the launch of our proprietary software. Our products have gained traction in all of our key sectors and we have secured some high-profile clients.
“Following a spate of new contact wins, we also have a strong pipeline of new business. The funding will enable us to meet growing demand and continue our success story.”
Rebecca Pickering of Mercia Debt added: “AI is reshaping the ports and logistics sector by driving automation and transforming the way care is delivered in patients’ homes. Think360 is at the forefront of these exciting developments.
“We are pleased to be able to support Martin, Ian, Tony and the team in their plans to achieve further growth and establish the company as a leader in its field.”
Trio promoted at property firm
Yorkshire property firm, Dacre, Son & Hartley, has promoted three key team members across its residential division. Both Tom Galloway and Daniel Elven have become senior associates, and Jonathan Raynor has become an associate.
Tom is the branch manager at Dacres in Settle and he joined the firm in 2013. During the last 12 years Tom has proved himself to be an invaluable part of the team, negotiating hundreds of sales, whilst also manging the Settle team, and also successfully achieving the Level 3 Property Mark Member of the National Association of Estate Agents (MNAEA) qualification.
Daniel joined Dacres in 2017 and is the branch manager at the Bingley office. Highley experienced in the Aire Valley and with more than 17 years industry experince, Daniel joined Dacres from a national estate agency and has thrived at the independent firm.
Jonathan is the branch manager for Baildon, which also covers the Guiseley area. He previously ran his own estate agency business in Manchester before joining Dacres five years ago.
Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential at Dacres, said: “Tom, Daniel and Jonathan all live in the areas they operate in, and have great local knowledge and experience when it comes to the property market in Settle, Bingley, Baildon and the surrounding towns and villages. The three branches are several of our top performing offices, with each having a really solid market share, as well as excellent client service ratings.
“All three have had an excellent start to 2025, listing dozens of homes for sale during the first few weeks of January and generating a healthy influx of buyer enquiries in recent weeks, and they thoroughly deserve their promotions.”
