Engineering Services Group enters electricity transmission and distribution market with acquisition

Tess Egginton
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Engineering Services Group enters electricity transmission and distribution market with acquisition

Renew, the Leeds-based Engineering Services Group supporting the maintenance and renewal of critical UK infrastructure, has acquired Excalon for a total consideration of up to £26m.

The acquisition allows Renew to expand into the electricity transmission and distribution market. 

Excalon, based in Salford, is an infrastructure contractor specialising in the provision of high voltage and extra high voltage infrastructure to the UK electricity sector. Excalon has a number of long-term frameworks with electricity Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) across the UK.

The UK electricity DNO market is regulated by Ofgem and operates in 5-year control period funding cycles. The RIIO ED2 cycle commenced in April 2023 with the latest determination of funding set at £22.2bn.

Entering this market allows Renew to access both the opportunities in ED2 as well as the upgrade of the grid that is required to support the UK’s zero carbon generation and renewables sector. 

Paul Scott, Chief Executive Officer of Renew, said: “This acquisition broadens Renew’s exposure to another critical UK infrastructure market, presenting tremendous long-term growth opportunities. It is consistent with our stated strategic objective to expand into new complimentary sectors that have high barriers to entry coupled with resilient attributes.

“This is a highly regarded business with a strong track record in this specialist sector, and I am delighted to welcome the management and staff of Excalon to the Renew family.”

Global Banking School makes Wellington Place move

Tess Egginton
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Global Banking School makes Wellington Place move
Global Banking School (GBS), part of Global Education (GEDU), has moved into its new Leeds campus at MEPC’s Wellington Place. The higher education provider has completed its move from its previous, smaller base at St George House Campus to 1 Wellington Place, where it has taken the entire four-storey building comprising of 26,000 sq ft of space. GBS delivers vocational, undergraduate, and postgraduate programmes across a range of industries including finance, accounting, business, construction, tourism and healthcare. It has ten campuses across London, Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds, with its Leeds location opening in 2022. It now has a total of over 30,000 students across the UK, with further campuses in Dubai and Malta. GBS is relocating to improve its student experience, including through higher-quality learning spaces, better transport links, proximity to food and drink outlets and outdoor spaces. Students will also benefit from being co-located with some of the UK’s leading financial companies relevant to their studies. Previously office space, 1 Wellington Place received approval for change of use as a training facility in November 2023. The new space includes classrooms, with upgraded technology features including floor box charging, IT suites and student support services, and dining facilities. James Kenney, Deputy CEO of GBS, said: “Studying in a brand new, state-of-the-art facility, located alongside leading businesses within professional services, finance, and more, gives our students unparalleled collaborative opportunities to launch their careers to new heights. “At GBS, we’re committed to providing the highest quality of education to all our students, regardless of where they choose to study, so ensuring they all have access to the best possible learning locations right across the UK is critical. “This is a prime location, with links to public transport, car parking, bike storage and is located just off major roads including the A1, M1 and M62, making it easier than ever for our Leeds students to commute each day. “GEDU is changing lives through education, and GBS is proud to be doing this at all our campuses across London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds.” Paul Pavia, Head of Development at Federated Hermes MEPC, the developer and asset manager behind Wellington Place, said: “Wellington Place has firmly established itself as an outstanding business hub in Leeds city centre. We’re now excited to expand on this success by being home to such a well-regarded higher education provider. “GBS is helping to develop the business leaders of the future, many of which could potentially remain at Wellington Place amongst the leading organisations based here. “Not only does 1 Wellington Place provide top-quality learning spaces, but students will also benefit from strong transport links, brilliant onsite activities and events, and plenty of opportunities to network and socialise at our range of bars, restaurants, and cafes. It’s a fantastic environment to both learn, thrive and have fun, among some of the very best in business.”

The Build Chain raises £1.7m

Tess Egginton
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The Build Chain raises £1.7m
Doncaster-based The Build Chain has raised £1.7m through a mixture of angel investors, industry investors, and the Finance Yorkshire fund managed by Anticus Partners. Following a successful pilot scheme and nationwide rollout in 2023, The Build Chain is forecasting strong growth in 2024 and beyond. It will use this latest round of investment to recruit more experienced individuals into the business in key areas such as technology, operations, sales, and finance. The solution connects sub-contractors and SME housebuilders in need of materials with independent merchants, improving and creating efficiencies throughout the supply chain. By enabling sub-contractors and SME housebuilders to submit a single enquiry for required materials which is automatically delivered to suitable merchants, The Build Chain removes the need for buyers to spend time finding suppliers, contacting them manually, and chasing quotes. In the next year, The Build Chain aims to expand the platform to other audiences in the construction industry. A marketplace area of the platform is being developed to allow Tier 1 and Main Contractors to offer works packages via the platform and sub-contractors to bid for work. Neil Sheldon, CEO at The Build Chain, said: “We’re delighted to have reached this next stage of growth in our journey to transform the procurement process in the construction industry. This investment will allow us to scale up, achieve extended growth, and begin creating efficiencies throughout the entire built environment supply chain. “Our successful platform launch last year has driven over £7 million in quotes to independent merchants across the UK alongside saving contractors time and money. We can now begin to expand these successes to other user groups with benefits for the whole industry.” The Build Chain was assisted throughout the investment process by Freeths Solicitors and Cerelo Advisory.

Family-owned Yorkshire insurance brokerage firm acquires Scottish business

Stuart Pearcey
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Family-owned Yorkshire insurance brokerage firm acquires Scottish business

Bradford-based insurance broking and risk management company TL Dallas has reached an agreement to acquire Marsh Commercial’s business in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, and is expected to complete the deal in August this year.

As part of the agreement, TL Dallas will acquire Marsh Commercial’s teams in Elgin, Inverness and Kirkwall, adding to its existing business in the Highlands and Islands.

Group MD Polly Staveley said: “The acquisition of Marsh Commercial’s business in Elgin, Inverness and Kirkwall represents a significant milestone for TL Dallas, as we continue with our strategy to serve local businesses with local teams, whatever their size. We see this as a major growth region for our business.”

Alistair Fraser, CEO, Commercial and Corporate at Marsh, added: “I am pleased that TL Dallas, with its strong presence in Scotland’s Highlands and Islands where it serves personal customers and SMEs, will be the new custodian of our offices there. As the UK’s leading risk and insurance specialist serving SME clients in over 40 offices, Marsh Commercial will continue to serve SME clients in Scotland through its offices in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Oban, and Perth.”

TL Dallas first expanded into Scotland in 1993 when it opened an office in Shetland, drawing on its experience in the shipping and textile industries. In 2000, the company opened a second office in Falkirk, before expanding into both Glasgow and Edinburgh in 2011. Edinburgh is also the city where its founder, Thomas Lessels Dallas (great-grandfather of MD Polly Staveley) started his business career in commercial shipping insurance, before founding TL Dallas in Bradford in 1919.

TL Dallas is a fourth-generation family firm, owned by its management and staff and it has been in business for more than 100 years. It is one of the largest, and last remaining truly independent insurance broking firms in the UK, and has offices spanning the UK from Shetland to London. The company has a team of over 165 and provides a full range of commercial and personal insurance services including corporate, small to medium enterprises (SME), trade credit, demolition, farming and agricultural, health and care, books and collectables and private client.

Fewer job vacancies, but no weakening in wage growth, says BCC

Stuart Pearcey
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Fewer job vacancies, but no weakening in wage growth, says BCC
There are fewer job vacancies, and employment levels are rising – but that hasn’t yet resulted in any noticeable weakening of growth in real wages, says Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce. She said: “This would suggest that competition for skills is still strong, and the substantial cost pressures of wages and interest rates will continue for longer. The rise in the number of economically inactive is also a cause for concern. “The BCC’s election manifesto is clear that better skills planning is needed across the UK to boost productivity and growth.  We must improve the training of staff, unlock the talent of people who have stopped looking for work and find ways to support the long-term sick back into employment. “Getting the strong economic growth we all want to see will only be possible when the skills and workplace challenges are resolved.”

ABP funds new £100,000 D-Class inshore lifeboat

Stuart Pearcey
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ABP funds new £100,000 D-Class inshore lifeboat
UK port operator ABP has given £100,000 to fund a new D-Class lifeboat to mark the 200th birthday of the RNLI. The boat, being built at the RNLI’s Inshore Lifeboat Centre in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, will be named ABP One. Henrik L. Pedersen, ABP’s CEO said: “Safety is of paramount importance to ABP and this is a value we share with the RNLI. We deeply value to work done by RNLI volunteers to save lives and raise awareness around water safety. I am proud to say that many of our colleagues are part of these lifesaving crews and we are delighted to be able to support their mission with the purchase of this new lifeboat.” Jamie Chestnutt, Engineering and Supply Director, said: “The RNLI’s relationship with Associated British Ports is long-standing. I am delighted to see this partnership go from strength to strength with a continued focus on providing our crews with best-in-class facilities, as seen at Barry Dock’s new Lifeboat Station, the sharing of crucial water safety messaging, and now with a lifeboat, aptly named ABP ONE. It’s partnerships such as this that allow the RNLI to continue to save lives at sea.” ABP will also drive awareness around water safety, which has included sharing stories of ABP colleagues who volunteer with the RNLI, running a water safety poster competition for families and distributing floating keyrings to mariners and colleagues.

Frontier Software support Festival of Work

Tess Egginton
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Frontier Software support Festival of Work
Frontier Software support CIPD Festival of Work at ExCel London on 12th and 13th June 2024. The Festival of Work, organised by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), returns for its sixth year bringing together the latest insights, trends, and innovations in HR, L&D, and internal communications. The event includes over 150 inspirational speakers and experts, sharing their knowledge and expertise on a wide range of topics, from employee experience, learning and development, to personal wellbeing. The festival floor is a must-visit destination, with over 170 exhibitor stands showcasing the latest innovations, cutting-edge workplace technology, business management tools and services. Visitors can expect to gain valuable insights, network with peers and discover new solutions to drive business success. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, stay up-to-date on industry trends, or find new corporate solutions, this event is not to be missed. An experienced and trusted provider, Frontier Software has been delivering innovative HR software solutions for over 40 years. Their extensive product range is continually being developed to meet the complex demands of HR professionals. The Frontier Software comprehensive suite of integrated software modules is designed to provide personalised employee interactions, striking the perfect balance between organisational and individual needs. With highly configurable automation tools, you can tailor your HR processes to fit your unique business requirements. Real-time data is always at your fingertips, empowering users to make informed and accurate decisions. Furthermore, the ChatHR feature enables seamless, conversational interactions between employees and your HR database, streamlining employee engagement and support. Visit Frontier Software at the Festival of Work to learn more about HR and/or Payroll cloud-based solutions, and outsourced payroll processing services for organisations of every size and sector.

FEO moves into new office and partnership with John Good Group

Stuart Pearcey
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FEO moves into new office and partnership with John Good Group
Hull and East Yorkshire focused Community Interest Company For Entrepreneurs Only has formed a new partnership and an office base with John Good Group at Quarry House,  in Hesslewood Office Park, Hessle. Adam Walsh, John Good Group’s CEO is already a member of FEO and is looking forward to strengthening the relationship. He said: “I’m a huge fan of the FEO and the work they do for the business community in our region. You cannot fail to be impressed by the range of peer-led programmes and initiatives created to help and support those running or starting a business in Hull & East Yorkshire.” FEO is made up of like-minded entrepreneurs representing successful businesses of all sizes and sectors. Its members employ over 25,000 people and contribute over £4.5bn to the local economy each year. The group is passionate about improving the local economy and run a wide range of peer-led programmes and events throughout the year. In 2021 FEO was awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of the time and commitment given by members and key partners. Jan Brumby, FEO’s Chief Executive, looks forward to working with Adam and the John Good Group. He said:“I’m proud to welcome the John Good Group as an FEO key partner. As a sixth-generation family business, their range of companies continues to focus on people, planet and performance. Adam and his team actively support FEO’s mission, vision and values, giving something back to the local economy in which they are based. Their support, along with that of our other valued key partners helps us to continue the great work our members do in helping entrepreneurs to start, develop and grow their businesses. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their continuing active support and involvement.” Adam added: “There’s so much alignment between FEO, its members and partners, and the John Good Group – all are ambitious and growth-minded organisations who strive to thrive. Being able to support the FEO with a home at our offices and opening our facilities to FEO members is something I’m really excited about and another important milestone for our organisation. Having operated over three different centuries alongside the Humber, we’ve a real sense of place and are always keen to support the local economy and the businesses that operate here.” The John Good Group has interests in Shipping, Corporate Travel, Warehousing & Haulage, Property, and is a keen supporter of social impact causes, through its foundation, the Matthew Good Foundation. It joins FEO’s 8 local key partners: Connexin, Cranswick plc, Gosschalks, Horncastle Group, MKM Building Supplies, Neill & Brown, Smailes Goldie and The One Point.

Farmers urged to get election candidates ‘down on the farm’

Stuart Pearcey
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Farmers urged to get election candidates ‘down on the farm’
With the general election only weeks away the NFU is urging its members to get election candidates onto their land to highlight key agricultural issues and challenges they want to see the next government taking action on.
Said NFU Head of External Affairs Scott Pepe: “Getting candidates on farm is a great opportunity to get across specific local issues, as well as informing candidates about the broader problems impacting farmers up and down the country. So far we’ve met almost 250 candidates on farms or in one-on-one meetings.” Mr Pepe advises farmers: 1. Get in touch with your county adviser 2. Set the agenda 3. Plan an itinerary for the visit 4. Know your candidate 5. Come prepared with solutions
 

JMG Group cleans up with GLEAMING INSURANCE acquisition

Tess Egginton
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JMG Group cleans up with GLEAMING INSURANCE acquisition
Cleaning industry specialist GLEAMING INSURANCE is the latest broker to have been acquired by Leeds-based JMG Group.
GLEAMING INSURANCE brings cleaning industry expertise to JMG Group, offering bespoke insurance policies for cleaning professionals, underwritten by Hiscox Insurance. Launched by MD Martin Holden in 2011, the business will continue to operate as GLEAMING INSURANCE. MD Martin Holden began his insurance career in 1989 as an underwriter for a large national insurance company before a long career in the broking market. He went on to establish GLEAMING INSURANCE which provides direct online services with a strong customer focus as well as giving access to the scheme to other brokers and their clients. ​ Martin Holden says: “The business is in a very strong position and with the help of JMG Group this will allow us to build the brand further and become the go-to broker for all the cleaning industry’s insurance needs. “JMG Group will help to open up market opportunities and support me in establishing and fostering even more partnerships. This move will also allow me to focus on its further development and growth.” As part of JMG Group, GLEAMING INSURANCE will have access to a broader pool of expertise and market advantage from within the group which will support its ambitious plans. Nick Houghton, JMG Group CEO, says: “The relationship we’ve built with Martin over the years made this acquisition a very easy decision for both of us to make. As a successful niche business Martin would have had his pick of investors and so I’m utterly delighted that he and his team have chosen JMG Group to support the business’s next chapter of growth.”
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