Development consortium gains momentum to deliver affordable Yorkshire and Humber homes
A recently established partnership tasked with supporting young and fledgling housing associations and community groups to build new affordable housing in Yorkshire and Humber is having a positive impact across the region.
The Unity Community Development Consortium (UCDC) was set up in May 2021 by Leeds-based BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise.
The consortium has since expanded its membership to include Chartford Housing, Manningham Housing Association, Harrogate Housing, and Hull and East Yorkshire Mind.
Unity has also been supporting Pickering and Ferens Homes to deliver new properties in Hull. To date they have completed eight new homes and are due to complete on a 24 unit bungalow development in September.
In the past year, Unity assisted Hull and East Yorkshire Mind to convert three large properties to produce 21 flats for people suffering from mental health and are also working on a development opportunity which will yield 26 new properties on behalf of Harrogate Housing.
UCDC has been granted Investment Partner status by the government’s housing and regeneration agency, Homes England, which allows it to apply for grant funding to deliver new properties through the Affordable Homes Programme 2021 to 2026 and the Rough Sleepers and Single Homelessness Programmes, providing much needed affordable accommodation for some of the most vulnerable people in the region.
Wayne Noteman, Director of Regeneration at Unity Homes and Enterprise, explained that the partnership arrangements have enabled consortium members to support each other’s development plans by sharing best practice, resources and expertise.
He said: “The vision behind the establishment of the consortium was to create a pathway for smaller providers to utilise their development capacity and increase the supply of affordable housing for the public good.
“Not all housing associations possess in-house development expertise to build homes. However, by drawing on the professional support of other members, construction programmes have gained momentum with numerous schemes now on site or at an advanced stage of preparation.
“Alongside new properties, assistance has also been given by Unity to acquire existing properties from the open market for affordable rent and facilitate the transfer of housing stock from other Registered Providers.”
Gudrun Haskins-Carlisle, CEO of Chartford Housing, said the knowledge transfer between the six housing associations which form UCDC has been “hugely beneficial.”
She continued: “We are a small organisation which manages more than 600 properties across West Yorkshire.
“Through our involvement as a founder member of the consortium, Chartford has developed four flats for homeless people and secured capital and revenue funding of over £2 million to deliver a further 22 new properties.
“The assistance we have received is also supporting our efforts to identify and acquire suitable properties on the open market to add to our existing stock.”
Manningham Housing Association, which manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley, has joined UCDC more recently.
Its CEO, Lee Bloomfield, said: “We were seeking to reboot our development plans and the support from UCDC and Wayne has been vital in progressing these.
“The result has been the stock transfer of 18 houses and the acquisition of a further 14 properties through Home England’s Purchase and Repair programme.
“On top of these achievements, we have concluded a deal to purchase 20 new homes and remain in negotiations to secure a further 30 properties.”
Leeds agency wins work in support of property company’s Manchester development
Leeds-based PR agency Yasper has been appointed by BR2.0 to deliver a media relations and content brief across its group businesses, supporting the firm as it moves its headquarters to Manchester city centre and launches new brands, Xpercity and Inspired, which will sit alongside its established construction business, Big Red, to provide an end-to-end property solution.
Originally founded in Huddersfield in 2018, Big Red has seen a swift rise, building a number of high-profile developments, particularly in Manchester city centre. The move to become a full-service property company through the launch of its development arm Xpercity, and its facilities management arm, Inspired, follows investment into the business and a reorganisation of its service offering.
Yasper’s services for Big Red will initially focus on media relations, social media content and marketing. The appointment builds on range of exciting projects Yasper has been delivering for a number of high-profile clients over the past six months, including those in the healthcare, transportation and infrastructure space. Yasper launched in 2023, with established Leeds agency Umpf taking a stake in the business.
Yasper’s work will initially focus on communicating the Group’s points of difference and helping to establish the offer across the North. In addition to a regional and national property media brief, Yasper will also seek to establish new brands, Xpercity and Inspired, in their respective trade titles. The Leeds-based agency will also support the production of unique content across the group’s social media channels and website.
Yasper founder and MD Julian Pearce said: “I’ve watched Big Red’s growth closely and seeing what’s been achieved in such as short space of time has been inspirational. This piece of work plays to Yasper’s strengths, not only in the sector, but also in taking two or more of our core services and expertly blending tactics towards a known goal.”
Consultation extended on proposals for new electricity substation in Rotherham
National Grid is extending its public consultation on proposals for a new electricity substation in Rotherham until 11:59pm on Monday 22 July.
As part of the Brinsworth to High Marnham project, National Grid is proposing to build and operate a new 400 kV substation on land to the east of Long Lane, in Rotherham.
National Grid says the new substation, which forms a key part of The Great Grid Upgrade, will play an important role in building a more secure and resilient future energy system and provide the ability to transport cleaner energy from the North of England to homes and businesses across the Midlands and beyond, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Leanne Evans, Project Director for Brinsworth to High Marnham, said: “We’d like to thank everyone for taking part in our consultation so far, your comments and feedback are invaluable in helping to refine our proposals for this important development. If you haven’t yet done so, please do get involved, visit our website and find out more.”
National Grid expect the proposed substation in Rotherham to be operational in winter 2029.
Creative team moves into new space at Dean Clough
The Creative Core has agreed a deal on a 1,500 sq ft unit within the historic F Mill at Dean Clough in Halifax, relocating a team of twelve from Huddersfield.
Established in 2010 to deliver specialist interpretation design services for museums, heritage sites, libraries and cultural attractions, The Creative Core also operates its own in-house bespoke joinery business which employs a further 30 people at its manufacturing site in Boothtown.
Core’s clients include national organisations like the National Trust, the Science Museum, Amgueddfa Cymru and the RNLI, besides those closer to home, including the Thackray Museum of Medicine in Leeds, Bolton Art Gallery, Library & Museum, and the Peace Museum in Bradford.
Nichola Ward, Creative Director at The Creative Core, said: “Dean Clough was the obvious location for us to relocate to. The venue is well known for its cultural offering, with a mix of successful galleries, a theatre, art houses, media, and design businesses which is a great fit for The Creative Core.
“Representing a legacy of industrial heritage and innovation, Dean Clough provides the perfect setting for us to showcase our services and ethos to visiting clients. The site ticks all boxes in terms of accessibility, amenity and wellbeing for our own team, and the Dean Clough team have been incredibly accommodating, with great flexibility and warmth.”
Jeremy Hall, Chairman and MD at Dean Clough, added: “We are thrilled to welcome The Creative Core to the Dean Clough family. The business model is truly exciting and blends perfectly with the innovative design orientated businesses we have here.
“For more than 40 years, we have invested in the values of placemaking, creating an attractive destination for business enterprise alongside a vibrant and diverse mix of amenity and cultural experiences. This, alongside the indisputable carbon benefits that the reuse of historic buildings brings for sustainable practice, is fundamental to attracting business occupiers.”
Dean Clough, which recently won the much coveted ‘Development of the Year’ at the 2024 Placemaking Awards, is one of Yorkshire’s largest centres for the business of arts and culture, supporting commercial enterprise, educational practice, public engagement and innovation across a broad spectrum.
Navigo signs up as latest Foster Friendly business in North East Lincolnshire
North East Lincolnshire’s health and social care company Navigo has become the latest business to sign up to North East Lincolnshire Council’s ‘Foster Friendly business’ scheme, with members supporting employees who are also foster carers, or those who may choose to become foster carers in the future.
Foster Friendly businesses taking part in the scheme will offer benefits to staff who are foster carers, including additional annual leave for appointments and training.
Navigo chief executive Simon Beeton said: “As a leading provider of mental health services, we see every day the impact and difference a stable home can have on the lives of the people we serve. We are committed to supporting foster carers as it is important that this vital role is recognised and encouraged.”
Locally and nationally there is a great shortage of foster carers, and it is organisations and businesses supporting people who provide homes for foster children that could help to tip the balance across North East Lincolnshire.
North East Lincolnshire Council’s Children’s Services Director, Ann-Marie Matson, welcomed the news: “It is fantastic that Navigo has chosen to sign up to the ‘Foster Friendly’ scheme, joining North East Lincolnshire Council, Toll Bar Academy, and Grimsby Town Football Club as we all make a commitment together to support foster carers, and in turn foster children who desperately need welcoming and safe homes to live in.
“Foster carers provide homes for vulnerable children and young people, and many of these young people need support whilst they adjust to their new environments. This can require additional help from foster carers, and those with jobs may find it difficult if employers are unaware of the additional care young people may need during these traumatic times.
“Becoming part of the Foster Friendly scheme gives employers an insight into the needs of foster carer employees and provides them with the tools they require to support them and the foster children in their homes.
“We welcome Navigo to the scheme and look forward to others across the borough joining us in the future.”
ASD acquires assets of Atlantic Steel
ASD Limited, the Leeds-headquartered metal stockholders and processing suppliers, has acquired the assets of Atlantic Steel Processing Ltd, based in Birkenhead, Merseyside.
This strategic move marks a new growth chapter for ASD under the umbrella of Hierros Añon SA, one of the largest mill-independent steel distributors in Europe. With a site at the Port of Liverpool, ASD will enhance its presence in the Northwest of the UK and enable cost-effective distribution to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland markets.
Peter Whiting, CEO of ASD Limited, said: “The acquisition of the assets of Atlantic Steel Processing Ltd marks a significant milestone for ASD. The strategic location within the Port of Liverpool, combined with our enhanced product range and unique processing capabilities, presents exciting new opportunities.
“This expansion strengthens our ability to deliver superior service and meet the evolving needs of our customers more effectively.”
Five care homes sold for £8.8 million
Impact Healthcare REIT has exchanged contracts for the sale of five non-core care homes for £8.8 million, as part of its active portfolio management policy.
Impact has exchanged on the sale of three care homes in East Yorkshire for a total consideration of £4.3 million: Ashgrove Care Home, a 56-bed care home in Cleethorpes; Emmanuel House, a 44-bed care home in Hessle; and Hamshaw Court, a 45-bed care home in Hull.
The purchaser is a local owner and operator of care homes.
In addition, Impact has exchanged and simultaneously completed on the sale of two care homes for a total consideration of £4.5 million: Eryl Fryn Care Home, a 30-bed care home in Llandudno, Wales; and Stansty House Care Home, a 73-bed care home in Wrexham.
Impact acquired the five care homes as part of its IPO seed portfolio in May 2017. The homes have either had a history of relative under-performance, have low EPC scores or are smaller than the ideal size for a care home.
Following the sales, Impact will own 135 properties. The disposal of these five homes will help improve the sustainability performance of the Group’s portfolio either by reducing exposure to homes with an EPC C or D, or disposing of homes that have higher CO2e emissions per m2 than the portfolio average.
Accountancy firm’s first apprentice become part-owner of the practice
360 Chartered Accountants’ first-ever apprentice has now become a shareholder and part-owner of the business.
Sophie Holmes started her apprenticeship at 360 in 2011 after finishing her ‘A’ Levels. After becoming a fully qualified Chartered Accountant in 2017, her exceptional work led to her being named Charities Specialist and then Corporate Portfolio Manager. Two years ago, she rose even further when she became Client Services Director and was appointed to the Board. She is also the Chair of the firm’s charity, the 360 Grass Roots Foundation and Chair of the Humber ICAEW Society of Chartered Accountants.
Andy Steele, Founder of 360, with offices in Hull, York and Wakefield, said: “We are incredibly proud and grateful for the hard work and commitment Sophie has shown throughout her time here. Her continuing excellence and positivity to 360 has helped grow our business to where it is today.”
“By Sophie becoming a shareholder and part-owner, we have placed the first piece in our succession jigsaw, a piece myself and the other shareholders felt was a no-brainer.”
“We are thrilled that one of our apprentices has risen through the ranks and made it to the top. We are building a team to run our business forever. She is well-respected wherever she goes and is a shining example of what can be achieved.”
Sophie leads 360’s team of qualified and part qualified accountants, trainees and apprentices, ensuring continued excellence in client service, the essence of 360’s unique offering in the marketplace. She said: “I am very proud to be a shareholder and part-owner of 360, a firm I have loved ever since joining. I am also thankful to Andy and Leanne for giving me this incredible opportunity. Andy pushed me from day one to work hard and to step outside of my comfort zone, so this is the culmination of 13 years of hard work. It’s a privilege to work with a fantastic team and I look forward to continuing to grow this amazing firm.”
Harworth Group retail development moving forward at Rotherham
Lincoln-based Lindum Group is making good progress in the delivery of a Harworth Group retail development and medical centre at Olive Lane, Waverley, near Rotherham.
The shopping area will feature convenience stores, cafes and restaurants and public realm and landscaping and is due for completion in November this year.
A groundbreaking event took place at the site in December 2023, attended by representatives of Harworth, Lindum Group, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, the Waverley Community Council, and Forge New Homes, which is building new homes at Olive Lane.
Following an agreement with NHS England and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, Lindum also began construction of the site’s £3m two-storey medical centre in February, which is set to be handed over in October.
Chris Fraser, project managing the retail works, said: “Works have progressed well. The steel frames for three of the four buildings have been erected, with the frame for the remaining building due to erected in mid-July.
“Two of the buildings are now having superstructure brickwork erected, with the third being started in two weeks.
“Scaffolding is due to be erected ready for roofing works in the coming weeks for the first building and will be progressively erected for the remaining buildings within two months to allow doors and windows to go in at the end of summer for watertightness.
“Drainage works are ongoing and will be complete in mid-July. Section 38 roadworks have been installed ready for sign off as adoptable highways.
“By the end of the summer we will be building up levels ready for external works such as landscaping and paving.”
Potter makes space for reading at primary school
Yorkshire-based property company Potter Space has added a new modular library at Burneston Church of England Primary School twenty minutes away from its base at Potter Space Ripon Park in Yorkshire.
The 13.5m long and 10ft tall unit was originally donated by local business MES, owned by Derrick Potter and Andrew Frost towards the end of 2023, leaving the school to decide how to best use it. When the school saw the size of the unit, their aspirations went from a storage unit to something far more ambitious, a new library for the school.
Spearheaded by Derrick Potter, the team at Potter Space was instrumental in the delivery of the library and secured permission for the project from the church diocese, as well as planning permission from the New Unitary Authority of North Yorkshire.
The works included removing and disposing of old shed space that had previously housed children’s playground equipment, preparing new foundations with recycled stone, installing new underground drainage linked to the existing rainwater system and building wheelchair accessible entrances.
The interior was completely refurbished, with all wiring, electrics, light fittings and heaters renewed. New carpeting was additionally installed along with insulated panels to improve energy efficiency.
The mission expanded into Potter Space’s wider business network, with donations from many businesses in the area. The new library books came from further afield and were provided by Nony Boxer, MD of 66 Books Ltd, a customer at Potter Space’s Ely Park.
Suzy Smart, Burneston CE Primary School Headteacher, said: “We’re absolutely overwhelmed by the kindness and support shown by Derrick and the Potter Space team. Education is the foundation of success and ensuring adequate access to reading materials for children is of the utmost importance. Expanding on our existing materials and space has been a dream come true.”
Derrick Potter said: “The teachers at Burneston CE Primary School provide a crucial education service to the local community and Potter Space is passionate about supporting the communities where we operate. This project has been incredibly rewarding and, as their teachers let the children to be involved in the creation of their new library, it will be great to see them enjoying their new facilities.”
