Refurbishment of Temple Mill gate lodge completes, testing repair solution prototype for Temple Works
Property development and investment company, CEG, has completed the extensive refurbishment of the Grade II* listed Gate Lodge, located adjacent to Temple Mill with its famous Egyptian façade.
The extensive programme of repair work was designed to seek the removal of the building from the Historic England Heritage at Risk Register in its 2025 publication. The project was also a prototype for the masonry repair of the Mill’s east elevation.
CEG’s project manager, Aaron Duggan, explains: “Our specialist team started work on the Grade II* listed Gate Lodge in spring 2023, with the key ambition of seeing the building’s removal from the Heritage At Risk Register next year.
“We have opened up the structure, removed the remnant roof slab, repaired, repointed and pinned fractured masonry, replaced corroded cast iron ties and reinstated the roof structure before laying a modern roof covering and fitting sash windows and new doors.”
The works were made possible due to a funding contribution from Historic England. CEG was supported by a team including contractor Pinnacle Conservation Limited, principal designer, Sycamore Square Group, ARUP’s structural engineers and Stephen Levrant Heritage Architecture.
Giles Proctor, Historic England Architect, said: “The successful restoration of the Gate Lodge marks a significant milestone for the Temple Works site. Through our funding support and working alongside CEG and their specialist team, we’re proud to have helped secure the future of this important historic building
“The high-quality conservation work undertaken gives us confidence that the Gate Lodge will be removed from the Heritage at Risk Register in 2025, ensuring it can be enjoyed by future generations.”
Multi-million pound deal sealed for 14-acre Hull site
Investors have snapped up a 14-acre site in Hull’s growing industrial, manufacturing and renewables sector heartlands in a multi-million pound deal.
The Century Yard site is opposite Green Port Hull on Hedon Road, where Siemens, alongside Associated British Ports (ABP) and Hull City Council, have invested more than £300m into creating wealth and employment for the region.
Now, commercial property specialists Garness Jones have overseen a deal which has seen another sprawling industrial site sold to BVG Property Investments.
Managing Director David Garness says it offers ‘a land of opportunity’ to its new owners: “This has been a very pleasing deal to be involved with at Garness Jones as it is rare for the freehold of a site of this size, in a location of such strategic importance to the region with regards to its proximity to the dock facilities, Green Port Hull and other major businesses, to become available on the market.
“Having gone to market an excellent price was secured for the vendor, and it really is a land of opportunity for BVG Property Investments, an expanding commercial property company who now have this site which has more than seven acres still undeveloped.”
BVG Property Investments have now also instructed Garness Jones to act for them in an advisory role to help develop the site.
“We are delighted that the new owners have asked us to work in partnership with them moving forward to make sure their investment is maximized, along with providing support on a number of other property projects,” added Mr Garness.
“Not only have they purchased a site which is already home to a number of businesses and generating excellent rental income from tenants, but one which is at the nerve centre of many growing industries in our region.
“It is a prime spot to attract businesses looking at what is happening in Hull and the East Riding and considering investing in the region, at a time when we are set to benefit from further growth as a result of the recently agreed £400m devolution deal.
“As the city and region is set to benefit from new investment, it is essential that facilities are provided to ensure we attract and retain businesses in growth sectors. We look forward to working together on the development of Century Yard over the coming years.”
New initiative aims to highlight the benefits of T Level students
“With long-standing skill shortages often holding our sector back, we see T Levels as an opportunity to develop the manufacturers of tomorrow and ensure businesses have the talent they need to thrive.”
£9.8m Government funding boost for major Wakefield schemes
Wakefield Council’s Cabinet is set to accept £9.8m of Government funding to benefit key schemes across the district.
This investment is set to boost key local schemes chosen by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
This includes £4m for renovations to bring Wakefield’s Old Crown Court building back into use and £3.2m to create an ‘Academy of Live Technology’ at Production Park, bringing with it more jobs and employment opportunities for graduates.
Cllr Michael Graham, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said: “This additional funding is great news for Wakefield and will help us deliver several big-ticket projects, including bringing one of the City’s most recognisable buildings back into use.
“The Old Crown Court has stood empty for far too long, this funding will help us bring the building back to life and secure its future.
“And Production Park is a fantastic asset to our district, putting us on the map internationally. Some of the biggest names in entertainment have used the facilities on offer here. And by expanding the existing facilities we can attract even more business and investment to the area, as well as creating more jobs.”
The Old Crown Court is a listed heritage building. Bringing it back into use will complement other work taking place to transform Wakefield’s historic Civic Quarter.
The expansion of Production Park could also provide new opportunities for local freelance creative professionals to work within the Wakefield district.
Boxphish snaps up dark web threat intelligence platform
Boxphish, a Leeds-headquartered human risk management platform, has acquired Trillion, an advanced threat intelligence service which tracks credentials shared on the dark web.
The Trillion technology allows customers to gain visibility of leaked credentials associated with their organisation and take the appropriate measures to reduce risk. This deal expands Boxphish’s capabilities and reach in empowering organisations to manage human cyber risk.
The acquisition extends Boxphish’s existing suite of products which includes cyber security training courses, customisable phishing simulations and data analytics.
BGF, the growth capital investors, invested £3.25m in April so Boxphish could accelerate investment in product, people and partners. The business’s expansion will enable even more organisations to stay ahead of what continues to be a rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape.
Boxphish CEO Nick Deacon-Elliott said: “This is another major step in our journey. Adding dark web monitoring to our product suite allows us to further strengthen visibility around human risk for our customers.
“By proactively monitoring billions of account credentials passing through dark markets and criminal forums, we now have the capability to pinpoint risk and notify users to act appropriately.
“We’ve seen significant appetite for dark web monitoring alongside our cyber security awareness training platform so it’s brilliant that this is now something that we can bring to market.”
Stuart Jubb, CEO at Crossword, the previous owner of Trillion, said: “We’re pleased to have found a new home for the Trillion technology and customers in Boxphish. Trillion already has several shared customers, including Leeds United FC and New College Worcester so the service will be undisrupted and continuing to protect customers’ organisations.
“The deal also provides long-term security for customers having been acquired by a well-capitalised business with a strong track record in Boxphish.”
Environmental horticulture industry could be worth £51bn to the UK economy by 2030
The reports, published by the Environmental Horticulture Group and Oxford Economics, predict a 45% growth opportunity for the industry – with adequate government support.
Oxford Economics’ research found that the sector, including UK gardens, landscaping, and arboriculture, contributed £38 billion to GDP and supported 722,000 jobs in the past year.
Defra Minister Daniel Zeichner welcomed the launch of the reports at a parliamentary reception last week, attended by over 140 MPs, Peers and industry figures, including the NFU.
NFU horticulture and potatoes senior policy specialist Christine McDowell said: “We welcome this report, which very clearly sets out the significant opportunities for the sector and the NFU was pleased to have been a contributor.
“The economic, social and environmental benefits plants and trees can deliver for, across the political sphere. The government now has the business case to unlock the growth potential for many within of the horticultural sector.
“We look forward to working with government departments on the green growth many grower businesses have ambitions to achieve.”
The reports found that:
- Urban green spaces provided pollution reduction and cooling effects valued at £27.4 billion in 2021 while helping avoid £800.5 million in health-related costs.
- Urban vegetation helped the UK avoid £800.5 million in health-related costs.
- In 2023, public parks, gardens, and green spaces attracted £4.2 billion in tourism spending while also proving essential for public health.
- UK households spent around £13.2 billion on garden goods and £5.8 billion on professional gardening and landscaping services in 2023.
In particular, the contributions to biodiversity, air quality and urban resilience underscore the sector’s role in advancing the UK’s net zero goals.
The EHG also published its Mission Green Growth’, strategy that underscores the sector’s importance and calls for collaboration between government, industry, and communities to unlock its full potential.
Chair of the EHG Boyd Douglas-Davis said the sector was already a hugely positive economic and environmental contributor to the UK, but could be worth so much more with greater government support.
“The time is now if we are to make the most of the next decade of growth opportunities and work with government to create a greener, happier, more environmentally sustainable society and economy.”
Baroness Fookes, co-chair of the APPG Gardening and Horticulture Group and sponsor of the parliamentary reception said she hoped the high turnout of MPs “is a sign that there is, at long last, recognition of the vital role environmental horticulture plays not only in the wellbeing of so many individuals but also in preserving our environment and mitigating the worst aspects of climate change”.
Chamber announces finalists for Greater Lincolnshire Construction and Property Awards 2025
The Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce has named the finalists for the Greater Lincolnshire Construction and Property Awards 2025.
Simon Beardsley, Chief Executive of Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are always amazed by the outstanding quality of applications we receive each year. A huge thank you to all the businesses who participated and invested their time in the process.
“The judging panel faced a tough challenge this year, given the exceptional entries. Being named a finalist is a remarkable achievement, and we eagerly await the opportunity to celebrate their successes in February.”
Finalists for the 2025 awards are:
• Luke Wells
• Sophie Vanstone
• Kye Graham
• Alex Wilding
• Ben Martin Project Management Ltd
• APSS
• Stem Architects
• Architectural Imaging Solutions Ltd
• Lindum Group
• Rase Steels Construction & Civils Ltd
• Influence Landscape Planning and Design
• Belvin Construction Ltd
• Evans McDowall Architects Ltd
• Stirlin
• Starglaze
• Waldeck
• Origin Design Studio Ltd
• Old School Architects
• LACE Housing Association
• R G Carter Lincoln Ltd
• Longhurst Group
Councils get powers to tackle the scourge of empty shops with ‘right to rent’ scheme
High streets could be revitalised as the government hands councils new powers to tackle the scourge of empty shops.
From this week local authorities will be able to auction off leases for commercial properties that have been empty for long periods, helping bring business back to the high street and drive growth across the country.
High Street Rental Auctions will create a ‘right to rent’ for businesses and community groups, giving them access to city, town and village centre sites. The changes will stop disengaged landlords sitting on empty lots for more than 365 days in a 24-month period, before councils can auction a one-to-five year lease.
With growth a key mission for the government, it is committing over £1m in funding to support the auction process, which will create jobs for local people and boost trade by bringing local businesses back to the heart of our communities.
Local Growth Minister Alex Norris said: “High streets lie at the heart of communities the length and breadth of this country. But in many areas, they are not what they used to be.
“Small businesses need our support and that’s why we are creating a ‘right to rent’ so that high street lots that have been left empty for far too long can be brought back to life. We want shops and shoppers back on the high street – and that’s what these changes will help to bring.”
Firms advised to make sure Christmas parties aren’t too taxing
Businesses planning to treat staff to a festive party this Christmas are being warned not to end up with a tax hangover by overspending on the event.
Tax specialist Richard Whitelock from accountancy firm Azets says it is easy to fall foul of tax legislation regarding exemptions – and if a slip-up over expenditure means staff end up paying a share of the costs to the tax authorities as a ‘benefit in kind’, then companies will get a reputation for being Scrooge-like.
To be exempt from tax and National Insurance, parties or similar social functions – including online or virtual parties – must be open to all employees, annual in nature (such and cost £150 or less per person.
Richard said: “It has been a tough year in many respects so it is only natural that those businesses able to afford it will want to reward hard-working staff with an all-expenses-paid, morale-boosting celebration at Christmas.
“However, while there is usually no need to inform the tax authorities of such events, business leaders and directors need to tread carefully to avoid overspending and having to report the tax implications to HMRC.”
He confirms to work out the total cost of such events, businesses need to include not only the cost of the function itself, but any associated costs such as travel, taxis, or hotel accommodation. All costs must be inclusive of VAT, and £150 is a cost per head – so divide by the total number of attendees (not necessarily the number of employees).
He added it should be noted that the £150 was an exemption and not an allowance and that the whole cost would be subject to tax and NI if the figure was exceeded, even by just £1.
Government starts to bring all UK’s rail services into public ownership
Today the Government will start its three-year programme of bringing all of the UK’s passenger train services back under public control.
First to change will be South Western Railways, which will transfer into public ownership next year.
The transition to a publicly-owned railway will improve reliability, says the Government, and will support economic growth by encouraging more people to use the railway.
It’s also claimed that the change will also clamp down on levels of delays, cancellations and waste, and will save up to £150m a year.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “For too long, the British public has had to put up with rail services that simply don’t work. A complex system of private train operators has too often failed its users.
“Starting with journeys on South Western Railways, we’re switching tracks by bringing services back under public control to create a reliable rail network that puts customers first.”
