Rotherham veterinary group, The Pet Vet has completed a £13m refinancing deal with HSBC to support its growth strategy, as well as continued investment within its estate of 12 surgeries.
Established in 2011 by chairman and founder Dr Rob Jones MRCVS, The Pet Vet initially grew organically to four large surgeries in the South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire regions. In July 2022 it acquired The Vet from CVS, adding a further eight surgeries and establishing a national presence.
After the acquisition, The Pet Vet focused on restructuring its operating model to optimise efficiencies, creating new career pathways for clinical and non-clinical colleagues, and investing in new equipment for in-house advanced services.
With a refinancing deal now secured with HSBC, facilitated by Castle Square Corporate Finance and with the assistance of Race FD Solutions and Parsons Accountants, this marks the start of a period of growth.
The Pet Vet is looking to secure new surgery sites across the UK and continue investing in its existing estate, developing services to provide customers with greater choice of veterinary care in their local area.
Dr Mel Fuller, CEO, said: “We’re thrilled to have secured funding through HSBC to support our future growth aspirations. As we expand, our tried and tested model will provide the blueprint for establishing successful new surgeries to complement our existing estate.”
Roofing merger creates £20m nationwide group
Two established roofing contractors have merged their operations to create a business with a turnover exceeding £20 million and a workforce of 60 employees. Roofclad Systems has merged with Profile Industrial Roofing, forming a group with five offices across the UK.
Roofclad, with more than four decades in the sector, has bases in Newcastle, Leeds, Warrington, and Reading, serving clients in industries including manufacturing, logistics, retail, education, and defence. Profile Industrial Roofing, founded in 1996 and based in the Midlands, will adopt the Roofclad Systems name from October 2025.
The combined company has also secured a new head office at Britannia Enterprise Park in Lichfield, Staffordshire. The site was purchased earlier this year to double available workspace and will undergo a full fit-out, with operations scheduled to begin there in January 2026.
The new business will be co-led by David Clarke of Profile Industrial Roofing and Alex Tilley of Roofclad Systems. In addition to its core industrial and commercial roofing services, the group plans to expand its project management and technical capabilities and broaden its offerings to include energy-efficient roofing solutions and solar technology.
Yorkshire investors regain control of Cooplands
Coopland & Son (Scarborough) Ltd has returned to local ownership after being acquired from EG Group by a Yorkshire-based investor team. The deal brings the bakery business back to the region where it was first established in 1885.
The buy-in is led by David Salkeld, who resumes his position as Chairman. He is joined by Paul Coopland, representing the founding family, who takes up a Non-Executive Director role. John Ruddock, with more than two decades at the company, continues as Chief Executive. The leadership team is further strengthened by John Kitson as Chief Financial Officer and Steph McGinty as HR and Transformation Director.
Cooplands operates two bakeries supplying a network of 154 stores across Yorkshire and the north-east. The business employs more than 1,400 people and remains one of the largest regional bakery chains in the UK.
John Ruddock, CEO of Cooplands, said: “It is with genuine pride that we announce today’s purchase, which brings Cooplands back under the management of a locally based team with strong and established knowledge of our organisation, our colleagues, suppliers and customers. This gives us the opportunity to focus on strategic growth for the future, whilst preserving the traditional values and excellence for which the brand has been known and respected for over 140 years.”
The transaction is positioned to give Cooplands renewed strategic focus under regional leadership while maintaining its longstanding reputation for bakery production and retail. For the company’s workforce, suppliers, and retail partners, the move signals continuity alongside plans for future growth.
Caledonian expands hotel collection with Isle of Wight acquisition
Caledonian Leisure has strengthened its hotel portfolio with the purchase of a 104-bedroom property on the Isle of Wight. The Broadway Park Hotel in Sandown will be rebranded as The Caledonian Island Hotel and is scheduled to reopen in February 2026.
The addition marks the sixth site in the Caledonian Hotel Collection, joining existing properties in Torquay, Blackpool, Scarborough, Arrochar, and Callander. The deal, completed with the support of Caledonian’s investment partners, extends the group’s footprint into another established UK holiday destination.
The move reflects continued growth for the Leeds-based company, which operates through the Caledonian Travel and UKBreakaways brands. Once operational, the Isle of Wight hotel will welcome both coach package and self-drive visitors. Recruitment for local staff is expected to begin ahead of the reopening, supporting regional employment and reinforcing the company’s commitment to operating in key UK leisure markets.
Jobs set to go at Humber refinery after owner collapse
Around 125 roles are expected to be cut at the Lindsey Oil Refinery in North Lincolnshire after its parent company, Prax Group, entered administration. The move leaves approximately 255 employees in place, out of a total workforce of about 420 direct staff and 500 contractors.
Efforts to secure a buyer to keep the site fully operational are ongoing, with at least two bids already lodged. The official receiver has confirmed that health and safety at the site remains a priority as the search for a purchaser continues.
The Insolvency Service has launched an investigation into the conduct of the company and its directors following the collapse. Political pressure has also grown in recent months, with calls for scrutiny of Prax’s parent firm, State Oil, before the administration process began.
Unions have signalled that support could be available to assist the refinery in maintaining operations, although the long-term future of the facility remains uncertain.
Sheffield roofing company makes switch to employee ownership
Martin-Brooks Roofing Specialists Ltd, formed in 1984 by Gerald Brooks and Jeremy Martin, has secured the future of the business with the introduction of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
The move sees the Sheffield-based company’s founders, which also includes John Elmore who joined in 1989, transfer ownership to staff.
The new Board of Trustees will be comprised of chairman John Elmore, Richard Christian and Justin Moyse.
Co-founder Jeremy Martin from Martin-Brooks said: “Martin-Brooks started life with just two employees and now has more than 60.
“The switch strengthens our talented team’s commitment, safeguards our long-standing values and secures the company’s legacy. Our firm has always been firmly rooted within the community. It benefits from an engaged and committed local workforce.”
Founders Brooks, Martin and Elmore will continue to be involved with Martin-Brooks; whilst they will step back from the day-to-day running of the business, their positions on the Board of Directors will remain, and they will continue to play an advisory role in the management of the business.
Jeremy added: “The strong management team here will ensure that the business can continue to drive forwards with the key values of independence, community and teamwork whilst retaining, building upon, and further developing the principles the business has held for 40 years.
“Becoming employee-owned gives our amazing team here a genuine say in the business and the brilliant service we deliver to our clients.”
Legal work for the EOT was provided by Tom Haywood (Corporate), Eleanor Storey and Christie Smith (Commercial Property) at Wake Smith Solicitors.
Senior associate solicitor Tom Haywood said: “We are delighted to support Martin-Brooks to become an EOT. The firm is a well-established provider in its market and enjoys a reputation across Yorkshire and beyond for its commitment to craftsmanship.
“Employee ownership is not a barrier to growth or success, with many regularly outperforming their independently owned peers in revenue growth, profits, job creation and productivity. We are excited to see how it will progress under the new structure.”
Tax, accountancy and corporate finance advice was provided by Nicola Edwards of UHY Hacker Young.
Wakefield offsite manufacturer boosts team as it targets £60m turnover
Offsite manufacturer Thurston Group has made six new appointments to strengthen operations as it targets £60m turnover in FY2025.
The hires span business development, project management, commercial and marketing, enhancing Thurston’s end-to-end project delivery and supporting new growth opportunities.
Aligned with the Group’s ambition to reach £104m turnover within five years, the expanded team will help the company scale while continuing to deliver best-in-class modular buildings, cabins and specialist structures.
Joining Thurston’s business development team are Leon Hollywell and William Waterston. Hollywell brings 28 years of modular industry experience, including senior sales and operations roles at Algeco and Ravenstock MSG. Waterston, a mechanical engineering graduate, joins from a specialist healthcare offsite construction firm, adding expertise in one of Thurston’s key growth sectors.
JP Visage and Chris Baldwin strengthen Thurston’s project management capabilities. Visage brings almost four years of experience from Portakabin, alongside earlier roles in hospitality, quality assurance and health and safety. Baldwin meanwhile adds 26 years of construction expertise, spanning steel and concrete frames, hydrogen fuel cells and large-scale LNG rollouts.
Completing the six-strong intake are Rebecca Wingfield, appointed as commercial controller, and James Osborne, joining as marketing manager. Wingfield has a finance and commercial background in traffic signals and telecoms, while Osborne brings over 15 years of B2B experience in brand building and international campaigns, most recently with live-entertainment technology company, TAIT.
Speaking of his new role James Osborne said: “I’m excited to be leading marketing for Thurston at such a pivotal stage of its growth. The business has a strong reputation in modular construction, a brilliant team that consistently delivers, and the ambition to scale further. It’s a fantastic opportunity to shape the group marketing function and play my part in driving that success.”
Managing director of Thurston Group, Matt Goff, added: “Thurston is investing in the right people to fuel the next stage of our growth. These appointments strengthen our capability, from winning work to delivering it, giving us the team we need to meet rising demand.
“Combined with our recent acquisition of the assets of temporary living and secure accommodation specialist, Alsim System Building, and our success in securing places on major national frameworks, we are in a strong position to accelerate towards our 2030 ambition.”
Dacre Son & Hartley puts best foot forward for children’s charity
On Thursday 9th October, a team from Yorkshire estate agent Dacre Son & Hartley will lace up their boots for a very special event – the Homes to Hope Dacres Bingley to Leeds Charity Trek.
Joined by colleagues from Simply Conveyancing, Mortgage Advice Bureau, and Kempston Parkes Surveyors, the 13-strong team will walk 16 miles along Leeds to Liverpool Canal. Starting at Five Rise Locks in Bingley and finishing at Granary Wharf in Leeds, the team will raise vital funds for The Principle Trust Children’s Charity, which is based in Skipton.
The Principle Trust provides free, week-long respite holidays for children and families across Yorkshire who are living with extremely challenging circumstances. These include children who have experienced trauma or abuse, those growing up in poverty or disadvantaged circumstances, young people struggling with mental health issues, and families caring for children with serious illnesses or disabilities.
Rebecca Reeves from Dacre Son & Hartley said: “The work of The Principle Trust is truly inspirational, and we’re proud to support them. For many, these holidays are more than just a break – they are a lifeline. The opportunity to spend quality time together away from daily struggles helps families heal, recharge, and create positive memories that last a lifetime.
“We know this trek will be challenging, but it’s nothing compared to the challenges these children and their families face every day, and we hope to raise £3,000 which will be enough to fund five full family holidays. All donations, no matter the size, will help The Principle Trust reach more families in need and bring hope where it’s needed most.”
Supporters can donate online and follow the team’s journey here: https://localgiving.org/fundraising/Homes-to-Hope-Dacres-Bingley-to-Leeds-Charity-Trek
Lincolnshire fresh produce supplier makes managing director appointment
Fresh produce supplier A.H. Worth has appointed Matt Walton as managing director of its Fosdyke site and vegetable farms.
Matt, former managing director of Branston Ltd and previously part of the A.H. Worth team until 2024, brings extensive experience in the fresh produce sector. In his new role, he will oversee the group’s produce farming and production operations across the UK, Spain and Italy.
Commenting on his return, Matt said: “I’m excited to be returning to A.H. Worth and taking on this role at such an important time. With a strong heritage and a clear vision for the future, there are huge opportunities to expand and build on both the company’s track record and the success of the team – and I look forward to playing my part in that journey.”
Alongside Matt’s appointment, Alex Boughton will move into a more focused role as managing director, A.H. Worth & Company. In this position, he will lead the group’s central support functions (People and Finance), its arable farming operations, and support the development of the property portfolio, as well as overseeing new growth and diversification opportunities.
Alex said: “This new structure allows us to sharpen our focus on operational excellence in our Fosdyke and farms business, while also growing our arable farming and property operations. It enables us to accelerate diversification and growth initiatives and strengthen central support functions across the group.
“Most importantly, this structure provides even greater clarity and support for our teams, helping them keep doing what they do best while opening up new opportunities for growth.”
Sheffield set to play central role in South Yorkshire growth plan
South Yorkshire has outlined a ten-year strategy aimed at driving business investment, skills, and productivity across the region. The South Yorkshire Growth Plan, launched by Mayor Oliver Coppard and the Mayor’s Economic Advisory Council, highlights advanced manufacturing, clean energy, defenc,e and life sciences as priority sectors.
The University of Sheffield has been positioned as a core delivery partner. Its Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) supports over 400 SMEs each year and anchors the Advanced Manufacturing Park, which has attracted more than £350m in private investment. The AMRC Training Centre has already provided manufacturing skills to over 2,000 young people working within regional SMEs.
Major initiatives tied to the plan include COMPASS, a collaborative research programme housed alongside Factory 2050 to support aviation with lightweight components, backed by £80m from government, industry, and the University. Runway Park, a 100-acre innovation site led by the University, will connect research with business activity, while the Sheffield Innovation Spine will link regeneration areas to support knowledge-based start-ups and scale-ups.
South Yorkshire holds the largest share of the UK’s clean tech economy at 6.9%, strengthening the case for new investment in hydrogen and low-carbon energy. The University’s applied research and innovation centres, including facilities for sustainable aviation fuels, gene therapy and energy innovation, are expected to expand commercial partnerships with major industry players such as Boeing, Rolls Royce and McLaren.
Professor Ashutosh Tiwari, Deputy Vice-President for Innovation at the University of Sheffield, said: “As a global university rooted in our city and region, we are committed to driving economic growth and success for our communities.
The South Yorkshire Growth Plan highlights the critical role our research, innovation and education will play in boosting productivity in our region, creating high-value jobs and opportunities that will improve people’s lives.”
The Growth Plan emphasises collaboration between academia and business as a route to long-term economic resilience, high-value employment, and regional competitiveness.
