- skills, workforce and training
- planning and land use – conflicts and demands
- succession in farming businesses
- soils and water management
- environment and carbon credits uncertainty
- regulations and tax
Lincolnshire farming forum elects new chair
Lincolnshire’s new agriculture and horticulture forum has selected Crowland-based farmer and farm consultant Matt Riddington as its chair.
After its first meeting he said: “The forum will be crucial in providing a collective regional voice from local farming and rural stakeholders, feeding into the national Rural and Farming Network. We will be identifying issues, concerns, and good practice we want to promote to government.
“Farming is facing multiple challenges but is also adapting and innovating to address these. The forum is a place to look at what is being done, and what needs to be done, in Greater Lincolnshire. We need to have a sustainable and profitable industry that inspires young people to want to be part of, into the future.”
The Greater Lincolnshire Forum For Agriculture and Horticulture has representatives from farms of all sizes, sector bodies, training organisations and support services.
Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy, environment and planning at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “This forum provides a vital mouthpiece for our agriculture and horticulture industries in raising county issues at a national level and in supporting the sector with recommendations and action.
“The county council is committed to supporting those in the farming sector, who are facing ongoing battles as well as new pressures.”
The priorities for the forum in the short term are to look at issues around:
South Yorkshire businesses reluctant to borrow their way to growth
Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber has warned that the outlook for many businesses operating in the region remains precarious, with inflation, rising labour costs and higher taxes all impacting their growth plans.
Research produced by the South Yorkshire Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey revealed that although more than half of the businesses said they felt more optimistic about the future, just a third said their cashflow position had improved during the past three months, while 23% said their financial position had worsened.
The survey also revealed that businesses have adopted a cautious approach to raising finance as a means of driving business growth. Despite 58% of companies reporting that they are working below capacity, 70% of businesses said they were not currently looking at ways of raising finance.
A total of 25% of businesses said they felt it would be unlikely that they would be successful in securing finance, with 83% likely to approach their bank in the first instance. However, less than a third were aware of alternative funding providers operating in the region.
According to data published by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, businesses in South Yorkshire lag behind many areas of the UK, resulting in lower productivity and economic growth.
Matthew Stephens, President of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, believes that one of the main reasons businesses chose to place investment and growth plans on hold was due to them adopting a “wait and see” approach when it came to the Chancellor’s Budget and the US presidential election.
Responding to the survey findings, Shaun Connell, Marketing Manager, Business Enterprise Fund (BEF), a member organisation of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber specialising in business lending said: “The South Yorkshire Chamber’s Access to Finance Survey highlights a significant challenge faced by many local businesses, particularly those that are women-led, minority-owned or based in underserved areas.
“The findings of the QES survey revealed that less than half of the business owners interviewed were aware of the different ways in which businesses can raise finance, beyond high street lenders.
“Accessible finance plays a vital role in fostering business growth and innovation. Addressing barriers to growth requires collaboration between businesses, support organisations and financial institutions to ensure that all business owners are aware of, and able to access, the funding options available to them.
“We actively encourage ongoing dialogue and action to improve the visibility and accessibility of finance, helping businesses across South Yorkshire to thrive, by providing the vital funds needed to safeguard jobs, boost the local economy and support communities.”
Matthew Stephens, President, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, said: “It is clear from the findings of the survey that although business confidence has increased slightly since our last survey, many businesses continue to work below capacity.
“The data indicates that many businesses are delaying investment decisions, possibly in expectation of lower interest rates, as well as understanding how decisions taken during the Budget will impact their future plans.
“Access to finance can play a vital role in unlocking business potential, as well as acting as a catalyst towards driving growth and job creation. The survey clearly highlighted that businesses are unaware of the different ways in which they can access financial support, with 48% of businesses saying they would be open to exploring new ways of securing future investment.
“However, with just 36% of businesses reporting increases in cashflow, it is clear that many are waiting to see how the Chancellor’s Budget announcements are likely to impact their business before committing to any major new investment plans.”
The Quarterly Economic Survey took place between 19th August and 16th September and saw 146 businesses from across South Yorkshire participate.
Sano Physiotherapy acquires tops:health to accelerate growth of private physiotherapy services
Physiotherapy specialist Sano Physiotherapy Ltd, headquartered in Yorkshire, has acquired The Oxford Physiotherapy Service Limited T/A tops:health. The acquisition comes as Sano, one of the largest physiotherapy businesses in the UK, continues to increase its geographical footprint.
tops:health, founded in 1984 and owned by Managing Director Nicola Graham since 2013, provides a range of Physiotherapy and Sports Massage services alongside Rehabilitation, Performance and Clinical Pilates classes to its clients across the Oxfordshire region.
Founded in 2010 by physiotherapist Matt Taylor, Sano Physiotherapy provides specialised physiotherapy services to the private sector, NHS organisations and some of the UK’s largest brands through onsite occupational health physiotherapy clinics and ergonomic assessments. Across its geographical footprint, Sano also supports numerous public-sector organisations including 14 local authorities and several blue light organisations.
This acquisition supports Sano’s direct-to-consumer growth strategy and will allow the business to support more patients across a wider geography by facilitating rapid access to expert physiotherapy services in the face of lengthy NHS waiting lists.
Matthew Taylor, managing director of Sano, said: “This is an exciting time for Sano Physiotherapy as we continue to accelerate our ambitious growth plans in the private physiotherapy space.
“Nicola and the team at tops:health provide high quality physiotherapy services to a loyal customer base across Oxfordshire and this acquisition is a perfect example of our strategic goal to acquire high quality regional physiotherapy businesses.
“We very much look forward to working with Nicola and the team and by joining the Sano Group, we will ensure the ongoing success that tops:health has built in the local community.”
Nicola Graham, Managing Director of tops:health, added: “As a highly experienced team of practitioners and movement professionals, we are delighted to join the Sano Physiotherapy Group at a time where private healthcare is experiencing rising demand and the market is evolving.
“Following a management buyout of tops:health when I was working in the business as a physiotherapist and subsequent organic and acquisitive growth, it is fantastic that tops:health, a 40 year-old business, is joining Sano who share our values in delivering high quality, patient focussed care. I am looking forward to working alongside Matt and the wider Sano team moving forward.”
Sano Physiotherapy was advised by Leeds-based full-service law firm Ward Hadaway.
Adrian Ballam, a Partner at Ward Hadaway, said: “We’re delighted to continue advising Matt and the team at Sano as they progress with their growth strategy. This acquisition marks an important step in Sano’s expansion and strengthens its reach within regional healthcare markets across the UK.
“The addition of a well-established business like tops:health with its reputation for high-quality patient care, reflects Sano’s commitment to expanding access to much-needed physiotherapy services in response to growing demand.”
Major Lincolnshire industrial unit sold for £3.3m
Watling Real Estate has completed on the sale of a substantial industrial unit in Lincolnshire for £3.3m.
Ben Holyhead and Chris Davies in the Birmingham office of Watling Real Estate were instructed by Elizabeth Welch and Matthew Ingram of Kroll, who were appointed joint administrators of Cartwright Bros (Haulage) Ltd in June this year.
A sale of the 78,733 sq ft unit on Freeman Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln was secured to a local occupier.
Ben Holyhead said: “Given the critical shortage of standing freehold industrial stock within Lincolnshire and the wider East Midlands, and with the cost of developing new accommodation exceeding £100 per sq ft, we anticipated strong interest in this unit.
“We were pleased to achieve the asking price of £3.3 million following a competitive bidding process and to conclude the sale in a timely fashion. It’s great to see this unit acquired by a local occupier, providing them with much needed space to expand their business, as well as providing valuable employment opportunities for the local economy.”
The administrators were supported by law firm Shoosmiths, with plant and machinery advice provided by Gordon Brothers.
South Yorkshire solicitors makes senior corporate appointment
Corporate M&A and venture capital specialist Tom Goff has joined Wake Smith Solicitors to lead its Corporate team, significantly expanding its legal offering to the region’s growing businesses.
Tom specialises in advising founders, entrepreneurs, investors and corporates on the full life-cycle of corporate transactions, from angel and venture capital investments though to strategic mergers, acquisitions and exits.
Former City of London-based solicitor Tom becomes Head of Corporate at Wake Smith and will lead the firm’s five-strong team, advising on all aspects of equity and debt financing, intellectual property protection, technology transactions, share incentives, re-organisations, directors’ duties and corporate governance matters.
Sheffield-born Tom, who has degrees in Artificial Intelligence and Law, said: “The Sheffield city region has a long and enviable history as a world-class centre of makers, collaborators and innovators. I am incredibly proud of the spirit and commitment the people of my home town are known for. It is fantastic to see the region building on that legacy as it continues to attract global talent and investment.
“Wake Smith has its own proud legacy of supporting the industries and people of Sheffield and South Yorkshire. As a leading law firm headquartered here in Sheffield, I am delighted to join the team and thrilled at the opportunity to help advance the next generation of growth and innovation here in our region.”
Within his twelve-year legal career at international law firms, Tom also spent nearly two years as a Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, the UK’s economic development bank, also headquartered in Sheffield. He made and managed equity investments in several high tech businesses in the aerospace and defence sectors, attending board meetings of a number of portfolio companies.
Neil Salter, Chairman at Wake Smith Solicitors, said: “Tom’s hire is an important addition for Wake Smith and reinforces the Wake Smith marque. This is as an incredible opportunity to bring a new skills set into the firm at a time when Sheffield and the wider South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire regions are attracting investment, unlocking growth and achieving ambitious plans especially in manufacturing technology and processes, advanced materials and health and life-sciences.”
Tom heads up Wake Smith’s corporate and commercial team of Director and new Head of Governance, Risk and Compliance Rebecca Robinson; Associate Tom Haywood; Solicitor Joe Creasor, currently supported by trainee Solicitor Charlotte Wallage and corporate PA Debbie Huckerby, backed by the firm’s leading specialists in employment, commercial property and litigation.
Accounting and business advisory firm arrives in Leeds city centre
Chartered accounting and business advisory firm, Saffery, has completed a move into new offices at Wellington Place in Leeds city centre.
The company announced earlier this year that it had signed a lease on more than 5,000 sq ft of Grade A office space at 10 Wellington Place and recently completed a full internal fit-out to create a contemporary open plan working environment with meeting rooms and break-out areas.
Saffery employs an 84-strong team in Yorkshire, which includes eight experienced partners leading on every client. The firm had been based in Harrogate town centre since 1992 and will retain office space and meeting rooms in the spa town.
Jonathan Davis, partner and head of Saffery’s Yorkshire office, said: “For more than three decades we’ve worked hard to establish an enviable client base across nearly all sectors and throughout the whole of Yorkshire. Our clients choose to work with us because we combine robust advice and expertise, that’s local and boutique in style, with the backing of an extensive national and international support network when required.
“Our success and foundations are built on this ethos and will remain integral to our future in Leeds. Completing this move is a major milestone for our whole team and marks the start of a new era for us in Yorkshire, as well as demonstrating our longstanding commitment to our clients and our people, in a highly accessible location, close to Leeds railway station.
“Crucially, it gives us a very modern, spacious and high-quality working environment. Having a base in what has quickly become one of the city’s most prestigious office addresses, at the centre of the UK’s biggest financial and professional services market outside London, will also aid recruitment as we grow our team with several strategic appointments planned in the coming months. All this makes it a very exciting time for Saffery in Yorkshire.”
Both insolvency-related activity and levels of start-ups rise in Yorkshire and the Humber
While entrepreneurial activity across most of the UK, including Yorkshire and the Humber, continued to increase in October, so too did insolvency-related activity with only one region seeing a month-on-month fall, according to the latest research from the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body, R3.
Although in Yorkshire and the Humber insolvency-related activity increased by 25.6% between September and October, with 309 businesses affected (63 more than the previous month), this was the third strongest performance in the UK. Only the West Midlands saw levels fall month-on-month with a drop of 1.6%, followed by the North West with a rise of 24.4%.
Looking across the rest of the 12 nations and regions, all experienced spiralling levels of this type of activity (which includes liquidator and administrator appointments and creditors’ meetings) with Wales topping the increases with a 78.4% hike, followed by the South East (69.4%), the South West (64.5%) and East Anglia (61%).
However, the research from R3, which is based on an analysis of data provided by CreditSafe, also revealed some healthier economic indicators such as the growing numbers of start-ups.
Last month, Yorkshire and the Humber saw a 7.9% rise in new businesses, reaching 4,570 start-ups – 335 higher than in September. This was reflected across all but one of the regions and nations, with only Northern Ireland seeing a month-on-month fall of 3.7%. The strongest performers were Wales (up by 22.2%), the East Midlands (up 16.6%), the South West (up by 15.5%), the North West (up by 15.2%) and the West Midlands (up by 14.9%).
Dave Broadbent, chair of R3 in Yorkshire and partner at Begbies Traynor in York and Teesside, said: “As businesses and individuals digest the latest Budget, along with the impact of the US election, it is hoped that we can all plan for a period of calm. While the upheaval and speculation of recent months has exacerbated economic jitters in the UK, it is clear that the Government’s commitment to growth is welcome.
“As ever, it is good to see that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Yorkshire and the Humber, as well as across much of the UK. However, with many businesses having been pushed to the brink following the tumultuous events of the last few years, conditions are still extremely tough for many with fears that the latest tax burdens will add to their woes. We urge any business owners concerned about their financial position to seek advice from qualified professionals as soon as possible.”
Works start on Lincolnshire charity’s new HQ project
Works have now started on new premises for charity Naomi’s Garden following a team of construction partners coming together to offer free labour and materials at cost price.
Louth-based Naomi’s Garden provides conductive education to families who have loved ones with movement disorders, such as Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s, Dyspraxia and Motor Delay, as well as conditions including Autism, ADHD, sensory processing and genetic disorders and Long Covid.
Having outgrown its current centre – which limited the number of families it could support – the small team of therapists at the charity raised enough funds to secure a new building, however funds are still needed to complete the purchase and to renovate it to make it fit for purpose.
Landscape architecture practice, Influence Landscape Planning & Design, stepped in to support Naomi’s Garden by bringing together construction and professional services partners to move the project forward.
Internal works have now officially begun by Lincolnshire firm GBM Demolition, who are stripping out and widening door frames.
As previously reported, East Midlands-based construction partners who have committed to providing services are Influence, contractor G F Tomlinson, project manager and quantity surveyor Gleeds, solicitor Knights, and A + G Architects.
New to the project are commercial fit-out company APSS, glazer Tradeglaze, GRS Electrical, retailer B&Q Louth, and West Lindsey Landscapes. The charity is still hoping to find a drainage, heating, and M&E partner.
The new centre, located on Manby Park in Louth, was previously a motorcycle shop and needs extensive internal and external works to make it suitable for the charity to deliver its life changing services.
The construction partners will be working together to completely transform the building, with works including internal strip out, raising floors, installing ramps, new windows and doors, complete interior decoration, and landscaping to the exterior.
If enough money is raised, which is approximately £150,000, Naomi’s Garden’s new centre should be complete at the end of this year and welcoming families in early 2025.
When complete, the new centre will enable the charity to extend its working hours, provide group sessions and create a dynamic learning environment for all – no matter what their disability, resulting in supporting many more adults and children each year.
Managing director of Influence Landscape Planning and Design, Sara Boland, who lives in Louth, contacted Naomi’s Garden during the pandemic after having read about its plight and initially offered to help by providing landscaping services. That conversation continued to Sara offering to bring together a team of willing partners to deliver the works.
Sara said: “It’s been a real journey to get to this stage. This small charity worked incredibly hard to get to this position and through sheer grit and determination, the new centre they so desperately need is now in sight.
“A really big thank you to the companies which have supported us to date. What we are creating will positively impact so many lives and with these sort of services limited across the country, will offer more Lincolnshire and East Midlands-based families hope.
“Fundraising continues while the construction team and I focus on finding new partners and getting the work done. Any offers of help toward the project, no matter the size, are always welcome.”
Sarah-Jayne Walker, lead conductor at Naomi’s Garden, said: “As a small charity, we are overwhelmed by the kindness of local businesses who have come alongside us to help create Naomi’s Garden’s permanent home.
“Teamed with the fundraising efforts of our community we have started to see the transformation take place. We, as trustees, are beyond grateful as we continue to build on Naomi’s Legacy. Here’s to the next stages!”
Retailer B&Q at Louth recently chose the charity for its volunteering community day. At the end of October volunteers from the store spent a day creating some of the outside spaces, which included planting hedging, bulbs, hanging baskets, raised beds and clearing pathways. The retailer also donated £1,000 worth of B&Q materials which were needed for the day.
West Lindsey Landscapes were also present, preparing and digging the ground for the hedging which they kindly donated. B&Q and West Lindsey Landscapes have transformed the external areas of the new centre.
Naomi’s Garden has a SEND (Special Education Needs and Disabilities) specialist who works with the needs of children with autism, ADHD and sensory processing issues, and with the help of Lincolnshire County Council, also provides free school holiday provision services including free healthy meals and enriching activities.
To make a donation towards Naomi’s Garden’s new centre, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/naomis-gardens-big-move?utm_campaign=p_nacp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer
Finance For Enterprise announces double appointments
Finance For Enterprise (FFE) has appointed Adele Wells as Credit Manager and Andy Christiansen as Senior Business Lending Manager, as part of its continued growth and commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK.
Adele Wells brings an impressive career with Yorkshire Bank to her new role as Credit Manager at FFE. During her time at Yorkshire Bank, Adele rose through the ranks, starting as a Cashier and eventually leading the Business Credit underwriting team.
Her extensive experience in credit underwriting, business lending, and leadership will be instrumental in her new role, where she will assess loan applications of up to £250,000 to help support FFE’s SME clients.
In his new role, Andy will focus on delivering essential working capital solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a particular emphasis on supporting businesses across London and the Southeast.
Andy brings with him a diverse professional background. He began his finance career in the banking sector, gaining valuable experience in understanding the financial needs of businesses. Prior to entering the world of finance, Andy worked in the travel industry, local government, and education, offering him a unique perspective on different sectors.
Commenting on her decision to join FFE, Adele said: “I was drawn to Finance For Enterprise after discovering its strong company values and ethos. Moving from a large corporation to a niche lender offers an exciting new challenge, and I’m eager to contribute my skills to support SMEs.”
Andy said: “FFE’s commitment to supporting businesses and the welcoming nature of the South Yorkshire team made joining the business an easy decision. I’m excited to play a part in helping SMEs access the capital they need to thrive.”
Andrew Austwick, Managing Director at FFE, said: “We are excited to welcome Adele and Andy to the team. Their wealth of experience and dedication will be invaluable in supporting business growth across the region and helping SMEs navigate their financial challenges.”
Harleyford Capital to upgrade Sheffield trade scheme
Harleyford Logistics Partnership, the joint venture between Tristan Capital Partners and Harleyford Capital, is to reposition part of the recently completed estate on Greenland Road in Sheffield.
As one of the premier trade parks in the region, rebranded as Sheffield Trade Park, it offers rare opportunities for more occupiers to take space.
Harleyford Capital has already commenced a programme of works to enhance roadside visibility, with landscaping improvements, larger signage zones and large illuminated totem signage alongside other on-site changes.
The highly prominent scheme enjoys substantial high profile frontage to the busy A6102 Greenland Road, with over 29,000 vehicles passing daily, and is already home to Costa Coffee, Wolseley, Formula One, Auto Windscreens and Headlam Flooring. Destination operators such as Edmundson Electrical, Kwik-Fit, Lidl, McDonalds and Shell PFS are also close by.
Four additional trade units, capable of accommodating requirements from 3,031 to 12,334 sq ft, are available on the scheme with Knight Frank and Ogle Property appointed by Harleyford to market the scheme to national and regional operators, post upgrade and rebranding.
Thomas Mallindine, on behalf of the Harleyford Logistics Partnership, said: “Sheffield is the sixth largest city in the UK and is a key target location for our investment strategy. The high quality space at Sheffield Trade Park means we have already seen strong occupier interest in the few units available.”
Harry Orwin-Allen, Associate at Knight Frank in Sheffield, added: “Sheffield Trade Park offers best in class trade accommodation based in a prime location with fantastic links to Sheffield City Centre, Meadowhall and the M1 Motorway, all within seven minutes journey time.
“The units have been designed to a high specification with trade occupiers in mind offering flexible floor plates, 8 metre eaves, ground level full height loading doors, generous dedicated car parking, excellent road frontage to Greenland Road and strong environmental credentials with remaining units having EPC A and BREEAM ‘Very Good’.”
Alfred Bartlett of Ogle Property also commented: “The scheme already possesses all the attributes sought by trade operators. The proposed works should reposition the park as one of the premier trade schemes in the region, that will appeal to both regional and national trades not already represented on the park, and to operators seeking additional representation in Sheffield.”
