Demolition works mark start of Rotherham Markets transformation

Tess Egginton
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Demolition works mark start of Rotherham Markets transformation

Work has started on the demolition of the former Drummond Street shops – also known as the Guardian Centre buildings – at the Rotherham Markets site this week.

The demolition paves the way for the development’s brand-new town centre library. This key milestone in the project marks the first visual change at the historic markets site for members of the public, showcasing tangible progress in the creation of a more inviting, inclusive and accessible area of the town centre. The demolition of the Guardian Centre buildings will last approximately six weeks. Once cleared, the site will become the location for the new modern, central library, which will tie into the vibrant refurbishment of the indoor and outdoor-covered markets, and extensive public realm improvements. The new library building has been designed with the town’s community needs in mind. It will feature a dedicated children’s area, café, community meeting spaces, working spaces, a business development facility, IT centre and more. Lead contractor for the Rotherham Markets redevelopment Henry Boot Construction is keen to support the local supply chain wherever possible and has appointed Rotherham-based Demex as their demolition subcontractor. Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy Cllr Robert Taylor said: “We are committing to investing in Rotherham’s future, and the removal of the older buildings brings us one step closer to a fantastic market development which will contain dynamic spaces for all to enjoy, whilst providing exciting opportunities for local businesses. “In the meantime, Rotherham Indoor Market remains open for business as usual with a range of outdoor markets now taking place in the town centre, so I encourage everyone to continue to support our local traders until they are in their new facilities.” Henry Boot Construction will be managing the demolition process, reducing dust and noise pollution as much as possible throughout. They will be using a water mist suppression technique to minimise any dust, as well as installing noise monitors around the site to ensure the team can work safely, whilst also reducing any inconvenience to town centre visitors and local businesses. Once the demolition of the Drummond Street shops is complete in December, the distinctive 3,500sqm outdoor market canopy – including fabric cover, support wires, and structural frame – will be removed in stages. Tony Shaw, MD of Henry Boot Construction, said: “This is a significant moment in the Rotherham Markets redevelopment project, as it marks a key period of visual change for the town centre. This phase is making way for the future vision of the town centre – one that will help increase footfall and drive further growth and investment in the town. “We look forward to continuing our work with Rotherham Council to breathe new life into the town centre.” Work on the entire Rotherham Markets development is expected to complete in 2027.

Hull locksmith finds key to £60,000 investment

Stuart Pearcey
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Hull locksmith finds key to £60,000 investment

Hull-based locksmith J O’Neill & Co has secured £60,000 from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, and will use it to meet increased demand, buy new equipment, create six new jobs, and safeguard 30 existing ones.

And the decision makes it one of the first businesses in the Humber to benefit from a NPIF II Smaller Loan since the launch of the £660m fund in March this year.

MD Ben Hicks said: “This funding marks an important milestone for J O’Neill & Co as we continue to build on our 80-year legacy. It will allow us to invest in new equipment, meet growing demand, and create valuable job opportunities for the local community. We take great pride in our roots, and with this support from BEF and NPIF II, we’re well positioned to strengthen our service offering while driving sustainable growth for the future.”

Duane Walker, investment manager at BEF said: “We’re delighted to support J O’Neill & Co through the NPIF II and CIEF2 funds. As a longstanding, family-run business with deep ties to the local community, they exemplify the kind of enterprise we’re committed to helping grow and thrive. This funding will not only enable them to invest in new equipment and expand their operations but also contribute to the creation of new jobs, further supporting economic growth in the region.”

Founded in 1945 by James O’Neill, the business provides 24/7 locksmith services, garage door installation services, property maintenance, and safe engineering across the East Riding of Yorkshire.

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.

Princess Royal presents thank you awards to business supporters of maritime charity

Tess Egginton
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Princess Royal presents thank you awards to business supporters of maritime charity
A charity which has been supporting the families of seafarers for more than 200 years invited some of its most dedicated partners to a Royal presentation as a thank you for efforts ranging from the historic to almost superhuman. The Sailors’ Children’s Society also announced the launch of a new corporate partnership which will drive the growth and development of the charity as it continues its nationwide endeavours to help disadvantaged children from the Royal Navy, merchant navy, offshore wind industry, fishing fleets and inland waterways. Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, who has served as Patron of the Society since 2003 and renewed that status last year, was the guest of honour at Trinity House in Hull, where she presented certificates, trophies and plaques to recognise the commitment and achievements of individuals and organisations. Among the recipients were long-standing supporters who were each presented with lifetime contribution awards. Also honoured were members of the Society’s 200 club, which was formed in 2017 and has now been closed, with the charity setting up a new partnership programme. Three of the Society’s key supporters received commemorative plaques from Her Royal Highness to recognise their backing under the new programme. Emily Summerson, Group Operations Director at the Ashcourt Group, received a plaque as an Admirals of the Seas partner. Simon Bird, Regional Director of ABP’s Humber ports, was presented with a plaque to acknowledge the company’s Captains of Industry status. Rebecca Dobson, People and Property Director at MS3 Networks, also received a plaque to mark the company adopting the Society as its charity of the year. Awards were also presented to the corporate cyclists who in September raised £20,000 for the charity with a bridge-to-bridge ride, pedalling 212 miles from the Severn Bridge to the Humber Bridge in just two days. The achievement came a year after team leader Adam Walsh, CEO of John Good Group, provided the inspiration by completing the challenge as a solo rider in just one day. Natasha Barley, CEO of the Society, told her guests: “The 200 club was established to help the charity raise funds to purchase caravans for our respite breaks, enabling our families to get away from the stress of their circumstances and spend precious time together healing as a family. “The lifetime contribution awards recognise individuals who are long standing supporters – phenomenal people who have consistently gone above and beyond to support the charity giving their time, knowledge, and advice to further our work and ensure the charities future viability. “The bridge-to-bridge ride was created by Adam Walsh and this year he decided to do it again but to grow it. He ended up riding with seven other brave souls who raised a staggering £20,000. We are indebted to each rider who set an individual fundraising target making this possible, and we want to increase the numbers again next year. “We also thank all of the generous donors and our ride sponsors including Wilkin Chapman, IT@Spectrum and Eastern Airways, DFDS and Ken Ellerker Cycles, for their support in achieving this target. “In addition we are immensely grateful to the early adopters of our new corporate partnership, and we will soon be releasing further information to individuals and organisations about how they can get involved.” Natasha also thanked keynote speaker Martin Johnson, founder of Trans2 Performance, for sharing his seafaring experiences in the Royal Navy, whose personnel are among those supported by the Society. Natasha said: “We are all here because we believe in the work of Sailors’ Children’s Society and are committed to helping the families of seafarers who find themselves in financial and emotional crisis through no fault of their own. “A child does not choose the career of their parents but they can be adversely effected by it. When the worst happens, Sailors’ Children’s Society is there to help. Because of the kindness and support from everyone in this room we are able to help some of the country’s most disadvantaged families, enabling them to have a better quality of life and improved long term outcomes.” Simon Bird, Regional Director of ABP’s Humber ports, said: “The Society provides such important help to children and families from seafaring backgrounds who have fallen on difficult times. It was an honour to be invited to such a significant event and to be presented with a plaque by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal in recognition of the role ABP plays.” Rebecca Dobson, People and Property Director at MS3 Networks, said: “The charity does some amazing work with seafaring families in Hull and across the country and we are pleased to be able to support it in several ways including digital inclusion, fundraising events and volunteering opportunities across our teams. “It was wonderful to meet Her Royal Highness and have the opportunity to celebrate our partnership. She was lovely and took a real interest in our efforts supporting Sailors over the coming year. It was a moment I’ll remember for many years to come.” Emily Summerson, Group Operations Director at the Ashcourt Group, said: “We are very proud to be continuing our support to the Sailors Children Society as an Admiral of the Seas sponsor. We have supported this charity for many years and plan to do so for many more. It was a pleasure to meet HRH at the recent ceremony and to spend a few hours surrounded with lovely people who clearly all care deeply for the charity.”

Independent garage charges up growth plans with EV investment

Tess Egginton
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Independent garage charges up growth plans with EV investment
A Rotherham-based garage is charging up its future growth and expansion plans by offering additional support to electric car owners. Treeton Auto Services has become one of the first independently owned garages in Yorkshire to provide specialist maintenance and repair services for electric vehicles, a move which has been made possible through a six-figure investment in the business. The investment, which has been self-funded by the business, has seen Treeton Auto Services relocate to new, larger premises which will double the size of its workshop space. The expansion will see the creation of two dedicated electric vehicle repair bays, eight ramps and next month the business is planning to open a new MOT testing facility. One of the challenges facing garages working on electric vehicles is the need for additional physical space required to work on the vehicles safely. Due to the high voltages involved, additional safety precautions are required, especially when diagnosing and repairing faulty batteries, which means repair bays for electric vehicles are much larger than those used to maintain their petrol and diesel counterparts. The move will create four new jobs in the business, and the independently-owned garage has also secured help from the skills bank. Delivered by SYMCA, the match-funded grant has been used to train the company’s workforce of experienced mechanics and vehicle technicians to develop their knowledge and expertise, particularly in relation to the charging and drivetrain systems – key components in powering electric vehicles. In recent years, Treeton Auto Services has found its vehicle repair services to be in high demand. When larger premises became available in Canklow Meadows Industrial Estate, business founder Dave Geldard recognised that the site didn’t just provide a chance to expand and grow the business, but diversify the services offered. With new petrol and diesel cars set to be banned in 2030, Dave recognised that the current high demand for his services could be short-lived if the business did not respond to meet changing driver needs. Today, electric vehicles account for one in five vehicles on the road, and with many owners looking beyond dealerships to maintain their cars, Dave realised that few independent garages were responding to the changing marketplace. Although the company has no intention of stopping its support for petrol and diesel car owners any time soon, Dave believes that investing in EV technology will give the business a golden opportunity to build and grow the company further, as well as creating new opportunities for the mechanics of tomorrow. Dave Geldard, founder, Treeton Auto Services, said: “Expanding to larger premises is a major milestone for Treeton Auto Services, one that will result in new jobs being created, we have recognised that vehicles on Britain’s roads are changing and our business needs to respond to these changing demands. “Adding an MOT testing facility to the business has been a long-held ambition of mine, and the relocation means that we are finally able to put these plans into practice. “Although electric vehicles experience the same wear and tear as petrol cars when it comes to brakes and tyres, a greater degree of specialist knowledge is required when diagnosing and repairing faults associated with the cables, battery and vehicle drive train and due to the high voltages involved, additional workshop space is needed to work safely on the vehicles. “Taking this step now will help us to futureproof the business. At present, there are very few options for electric car owners when it comes to repairing and maintaining their vehicles beyond the main dealerships and I predict that demand for electric vehicle repairs and maintenance is likely to be an area that will see significant growth in the years to come.”

CitiPark welcomes new Chief Technology Officer

Tess Egginton
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CitiPark welcomes new Chief Technology Officer
Leeds-based car parking operator, CitiPark has promoted Pete Dowling to Chief Technology Officer (CTO). With more than 18 years of experience in the technology sector and a proven track record of leading innovative solutions, Pete will now oversee the company’s technology strategy and innovation efforts. Since joining CitiPark in 2012, Pete has served as the Head of Systems and Infrastructure, where he played an integral role in scaling the company’s IT operations, optimising infrastructure, as well as implementing cutting-edge technology that enhanced operational efficiency. In his new role as CTO, Pete will spearhead the development and execution of CitiPark’s long-term technology vision. He will be responsible for driving innovation across all departments, aligning technology initiatives with business objectives, introducing artificial intelligence technologies and overseeing the development of new products and solutions to meet the evolving needs of the company’s business and its partners. “Pete’s deep expertise and strategic mindset have been instrumental in transforming our technology operations,” said Ben Ziff, CEO of CitiPark. “We are confident that in his new role as CTO, he will continue to elevate our technology landscape and position us for even greater success.” Pete Dowling said: “I’m excited to take on this new challenge and help shape the future of technology at CitiPark and our subsidiary businesses. Technology is at the heart of everything we do, and I’m looking forward to leading our talented team as we continue to innovate and drive success for our clients.”

Vertu Motors acquires Yorkshire dealership group

Tess Egginton
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Vertu Motors acquires Yorkshire dealership group

Vertu Motors, the automotive retailer with a network of 202 sales and aftersales outlets across the UK, has acquired Yorkshire-based Burrows Motor Company.

Burrows is a family-owned group of dealerships operating five Toyota dealerships, two Mazda dealerships and one Kia dealership. The acquisition significantly increases Vertu’s brand presence in Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire adding outlets in Barnsley (2), Doncaster, Rotherham, Sheffield (3), York and Worksop.

All outlets will be rebranded Vertu and integrated into the Vertu systems platform in the coming weeks.

For the year ended 31 December 2023, Burrows Motor Company Limited achieved revenue of £168.9m and an operating profit of £1.4m.

Robert Forrester, CEO of Vertu Motors, said: “We have long admired the Burrows business and are delighted to have completed this acquisition creating further scale for the Group with key Manufacturer Partners.

“The acquisition of Burrows gives us considerable scale in our partnership with Toyota and strengthens the Vertu brand in Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire. This is in line with our strategy to actively pursue value accretive growth opportunities to enhance our portfolio, applying strict investment return metrics as well as returning cash to shareholders.”

Majority stake snapped up in Leeds medical equipment manufacturer

Tess Egginton
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Majority stake snapped up in Leeds medical equipment manufacturer

Reinsberg Group, the MedTech holding of BHM group, a Prague-based investment firm, has acquired a majority stake in Brandon Medical, a Leeds-based company specialising in the development and manufacturing of medical equipment.

This acquisition is a key part of Reinsberg Group’s strategy to build a strong group of independent European medical manufacturers, leveraging their capabilities to achieve economies of scale in the global consolidation of the medical industry.

“This move strengthens our market position especially in the UK market as well as in the area of hospital products as lights, integration and other products while supporting the growth and innovation of Brandon Medical,” said Dr. Markus Keussen, CEO of Reinsberg Group. “We are excited to welcome this company into our family and continue developing it with a focus on its key products, both in the UK and globally.”

Brandon Medical is a manufacturer and designer of advanced technological solutions for operating theatres, critical care, and primary care, with over 70 years of experience in the healthcare sector. This acquisition is part of Brandon Medical’s long-term succession plan to ensure the company’s strategic growth and sustained success in a dynamic and fast-changing marketplace. Adrian Hall, Chief Executive Officer, Brandon Medical, said: “As part of a larger group we now have the opportunity to leverage a wider pool of expertise, resources, and innovation. This will allow us to accelerate innovation and enhance the value we deliver to our customers, partners, and stakeholders. Together, we are positioned to drive even greater success, fostering innovation and creating new opportunities in our global markets.”

Work starts on development of West Yorkshire solar energy site

Tess Egginton
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Work starts on development of West Yorkshire solar energy site
Work on the development of a West Yorkshire solar energy project has reached a major landmark with the start of construction work on site. OnPath Energy (formerly Banks Renewables) secured unanimous planning approval in 2021 for the Barnsdale Solar Energy Park, which sits between Kippax and Allerton Bywater to the east of Leeds, and which will be able to generate enough electricity to meet the annual requirements of up to 13,000 family homes. Since then, the OnPath project team has been finalising the detail of the project, which will include solar panels covering an area of around 50 hectares of south-facing land and will link directly into the Ledston Primary electricity sub-station to the south east of the site. And now, work has begun on creating the Barnsdale site entrance, which will then allow for its overall development to proceed in the new year. The initial work is being carried out by contractor Cheetham Hill Construction, under the supervision of specialist infrastructure consultancy AECOM. Alongside the green energy it will generate, the Barnsdale Solar Energy Park’s detailed ecology and biodiversity strategy will also see the biggest increase in biodiversity for any renewable energy project within Leeds to date. As part of OnPath’s policy of delivering tangible benefits to the local communities in which its operations are based, over £800,000 of the revenues generated by Barnsdale will be directed into a community fund that will provide grants to support local community groups and voluntary organisations over its lifetime. OnPath Energy owns and operates four onshore wind farms in Yorkshire, including the Hook Moor Wind Farm near Leeds. Will Rust, development planner at OnPath Energy, says: “This is a significant landmark in the development of a project that will deliver a wide range of environmental, ecological, energy security and social benefits to local communities and the wider region. “The Barnsdale Solar Energy Park will also further extend the contribution OnPath Energy is making in Yorkshire towards meeting the UK’s crucial Net Zero targets, and we’re excited to see development work now starting at the Barnsdale site. “Our four Yorkshire wind farms generated enough electricity in our last financial year to meet the annual electricity needs of more 33,400 homes, or a city around the size of Wakefield, and we’re very pleased to be moving quickly towards adding to this figure.”

South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Levy Matchmaking Service to receive new funding from the BBC

Tess Egginton
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South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Levy Matchmaking Service to receive new funding from the BBC
The South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Levy Matchmaking Service is to receive new funding from the BBC to support apprenticeship training within local small and mediums size enterprises (SMEs) across South Yorkshire. The service, which forms part of the South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Hub, is funded by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and delivered by the South Yorkshire Colleges Partnership. The BBC has now pledged £100,000 Apprenticeship Levy fund, which will allow people who want to work in the creative and digital industries, or who currently are, to earn while they learn. The South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Levy Matchmaking Service is one of several services receiving levy funds from the national broadcaster with an aim to encourage SMEs in their area to apply for the funds so they can recruit apprentices and create apprenticeships for their businesses. The South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Hub, which aims to see 300 new high-quality apprenticeships brought to the region by 2025, was launched by South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, in December 2023. Welcoming the BBC’s additional funding, he said: “This contribution from the BBC recognises the significant contribution the creative and digital industries make to South Yorkshire’s young people and the wider economy. “South Yorkshire doesn’t just need a bigger economy, we need a better economy. That means we need the right people with the right skills, and the right training and education to support them.” Sarah Moors, BBC Head of Apprenticeships, said: “Apprenticeships provide a vital route into the media for people from a range of backgrounds. In pledging these funds, we hope to support the development of new talent for the creative, cultural and digital sectors, and to equip existing employees with additional skills.”

Approval sought for Compulsory Purchase Order for land at Bolton Woods

Tess Egginton
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Approval sought for Compulsory Purchase Order for land at Bolton Woods
A report, being presented at a meeting of City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council’s Executive Committee on 5 November, will seek Executive approval for Bradford Council to use its statutory Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers to acquire necessary third-party property interests in land at Wealdheare Street, Bolton Woods in Bradford. The site is not recorded at HM Land Registry and efforts have taken place to search for, trace and contact the owner of the site without success. Without the proposed CPO measures being used to secure the site for residential development, the council says there is a high risk that the land will remain unused, unproductive and continue to have unsightly blight on the neighbourhood. The council want to use the small site to build housing in the New Bolton Woods regeneration area. This is with the view to delivering new residential development within the Canal Road Urban Village Regeneration Scheme. New Bolton Woods is a major regeneration project, delivering 1,000 homes, with two phases already completed delivering 200 houses, together with the new Aldi store and Costa Coffee drive-thru in the local centre off Stanley Road. Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “As a local councillor for the area I know this site has been a blight on nearby houses for years. “Despite our best efforts an owner cannot be identified, so using a CPO could bring the site into worthwhile use, create new homes and remove an eyesore for local residents.”
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