Yorkshire investors regain control of Cooplands

April Lara
-
0
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

April Lara
-
0
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

April Lara
-
0
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

Tess Egginton
-
0
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

Tess Egginton
-
0
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

Tess Egginton
-
0
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

Tess Egginton
-
0
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

April Lara
-
0
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.

Historic former mining college becomes world-class University Centre in £16m transformation

Tess Egginton
-
0
Historic former mining college becomes world-class University Centre in £16m transformation
Barnsley College has unveiled the multi-million-pound transformation of an historic former mining college, creating a new centre of innovation and technical education. The Barnsley College University Centre, on Church Street, has been opened by Barnsley MPs Dan Jarvis and Dr Marie Tidball – who joined College representatives and stakeholders including G F Tomlinson, AECOM, Salix, the Department for Education (DfE), and the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (SYIoT). The 93-year-old art deco building has been transformed into a modern, technology-rich IoT to retain and enhance the classic architecture inside and out, complemented with the latest innovations in construction and technology. It will house higher level technical qualifications in SYIoT subjects such as engineering, construction and IT/digital. Barnsley College principal and CEO David Akeroyd said: “The opening of the University Centre is a landmark moment for higher-level education in Barnsley and the wider region. “This project has been years in the making and represents the hard work, vision and commitment of so many colleagues and partners. Together, we have taken a unique building that once stood as a symbol of Barnsley’s mining and technological excellence and reimagined it for the future, while keeping it where it has always historically been – at the cutting-edge of technical education. “This is an exciting time for the College and all our partners involved in the South Yorkshire IoT – as we look ahead to a future in which our hard work has led to increased opportunities for retraining and upskilling, more accessible and higher-quality jobs, and a productive workforce who are skilled in the right areas.” Funding for the project is a combination of DfE regional investment and College capital funds. The College was also successful with a Salix decarbonisation capital bid for sustainability upgrades throughout the building. The heart of the project, which started in May 2024, is the new atrium, and a combination of learning resource and study zones set over three new mezzanine floors with a new glazed roof above and a modern café and breakout area at ground floor level. G F Tomlinson has worked as the main contractor for the project. Consultants AECOM has been a key partner to support the College’s Major Projects Team as lead Technical Advisers through the construction phase. Adrian Grocock, managing director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are delighted to deliver this landmark facility for Barnsley College and the wider South Yorkshire IoT. “This world-class learning environment reflects the very best in heritage refurbishment, sustainability and future-ready education design. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with the client team to deliver a project that meets high technical aspirations while generating lasting benefits for the community.” A key focus of the project was to embed sustainable technologies and low-carbon upgrades throughout the building, and a total of 100 photovoltaic panels have been installed on the roof, generating up to 29.73 kWp of renewable energy to offset electrical demand. An efficient all-electric Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system provides simultaneous heating and cooling in different zones, replacing the old gas boiler plant. Two new air handling units have been added to the roof, and two existing units have been refurbished to support ground floor systems and enhance the ventilation strategy for the new facility. Further sustainability interventions include LED lighting throughout, point-of-use electric water heaters, and secondary glazing to all external windows to improve airtightness and reduce heat loss. Approximately 3,238m² of insulated plasterboard has been applied to internal walls, alongside new roof insulation across all four roof areas. Electrical infrastructure has also been upgraded with a new substation to support increased demand and solar energy export. These combined measures have resulted in an EPC asset A rating making it a highly energy efficient building. G F Tomlinson also prioritised delivering social value throughout the project and the team engaged directly with the local community, providing eight student site tours involving over 100 learners, 22 mock interviews, and hosting five staff tours with 44 members of college personnel. The project team participated in four local job fairs, supported the Barnsley Apprenticeship Conference, sponsored the Sustainability Award at the Barnsley College Excellence Awards and donated to St George’s Church Food Pantry. In addition to its community engagement, the project delivered strong local economic benefits – 63% of the workforce was sourced from within 40 miles of the site and 84% of total spend was retained locally within 40 miles. Across the construction phase, over 8,000 miles were travelled by low-emission vehicles or on foot, and 15.6 apprentice weeks were delivered on-site. The project was also awarded a top score on the Considerate Constructors Scheme of 45 out of 45.

Rix group revenues decline amid sector challenges

April Lara
-
0
Rix group revenues decline amid sector challenges

JR Rix & Sons reported a drop in group turnover to £531 million in 2024, down from £591 million the previous year, as lower oil prices and reduced demand in the UK holiday market weighed on performance.

Gross profit declined to £37.5 million from £43.2 million, while profit before tax halved from £4.8 million to £2.4 million.

The group’s leisure homes businesses – Victory Leisure Homes and Prestige Leisure Homes – both recorded losses, reflecting weaker consumer demand for UK holiday properties. Petroleum operations also saw reduced profitability due to lower oil prices.

Windfarm-related activity slowed, impacting Maritime Bunkering, the group’s marine fuel supplier, and Rix Shipping, which operates a fleet of offshore workboats. Both divisions experienced reduced turnover and profits.

Rix Renewables delivered a stronger performance, recording a 100 per cent increase in revenue and a 520 per cent rise in profitability through its managed services for onshore and offshore wind projects. The group’s investment property portfolio also remained resilient, maintaining high occupancy and steady returns.

“Whilst significant headwinds were encountered in 2024, we have made good progress in many areas into 2025, to simplify and streamline the business,” said James Doyle, Group Managing Director.

1...192021...1,065Page 20 of 1,065