Canadian company acquires Huddersfield manufacturer
Decisive Dividend Corporation, an acquisition-oriented company focused on opportunities in manufacturing, has acquired Elland-based Techbelt.
Founded in 2002, Techbelt is a manufacturer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) conveyor belts, PTFE tapes, and PTFE materials which are used in a wide range of end markets including food and beverage, packaging, textiles, agriculture, and fast-moving consumer goods.
Techbelt marks Decisive’s second acquisition in the UK.
Managing Director of Techbelt, Simon Sparkes, who has been with Techbelt since 2006, has committed to lead the business for at least the next three years.
Jeff Schellenberg, Chief Executive Officer of Decisive, said: “We are thrilled to add Techbelt, its leadership team, employees, and high-margin wear-part products to our growing portfolio of businesses.
“Having the opportunity to add another business that sells wear-parts is a great fit for our dividend paying model and aligns with our strategy of investing in industry verticals we have previously invested in.
“The customers these wear-parts are sold to operate in the food and beverage, packaging, textiles, agriculture, and fast-moving consumer goods industries, with locations in the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, Oceania, North and South America and Africa, further diversifying our cash flow profile and expanding our non-North American revenue base.
“Finding another set of legacy minded business owners who care deeply about seeing the business they have built carry forward is extremely rewarding for us and we are pleased to welcome one of the vendors, Simon Sparkes, to our leadership group.
“Simon has committed to run the business for a minimum of three years, and the continuity that Simon’s leadership provides will help maintain the trajectory of growth the business has been on under Simon’s leadership, which is a critical piece of this deal to Decisive.
“We look forward to working with and supporting Simon and the whole Techbelt team to further build the business and take advantage of the market opportunities they have positioned the business for.”
Simon Sparkes, Managing Director of Techbelt, said: “Myself and the whole Techbelt team are thrilled to be part of the Decisive family. Having spent the last 17 years building a business it was important that we find the right partner to continue our growth and take us to the next step. I’m passionate about our employees, customers and suppliers.
“We wanted to find a new owner with aligning values, who will allow us to continue with our own identity whilst providing us with the support and access to markets we have identified as growth opportunities.
“I look forward to the opportunities that Decisive will provide us in North America. A deeper and more localised access to this market has been a personal aspiration of mine for a number of years and I’m excited about what the future looks like for Techbelt.”
UK economy sees slight growth
UK GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, rose minimally, by 0.1%, in February, following a revised 0.3% rise in January (up from 0.2% previously).
It comes as the UK tries to clamber out of recession.
The increase was driven by strong growth in production sector output, up 1.1% month-on-month (following a fall of 0.3% in January), with a smaller contribution from the services sector, growing 0.1% month-on-month (following growth of 0.3% in January 2024). Construction output, however, fell 1.9% month-on-month, following a growth of 1.1% in January 2024.
Ben Jones, CBI Lead Economist, said: “With the damp and dismal weather hitting retail and other sectors, it’s not surprising to see activity was broadly flat in February. But lower inflation is easing pressure on household incomes and spending, and the economy still seems to be on course to exit its mild recession in the first quarter.
“While growth was probably fairly modest over the first quarter, the outlook is improving with our business surveys showing growth expectations for the second quarter at their strongest for almost two years.
“But we need to get some momentum going in economy without undoing hard work to bring down inflation. In this General Election year, it’s crucial parties of all stripes focus on structural challenges facing economy – like poor productivity and labour market pressure.
“What firms across all regions, nations and sectors tell us they need to drive sustainable growth, is stability and a long-term economic vision – which in turn will deliver prosperity to businesses and households alike.”
‘It’s a washout’: that’s the NFU verdict on Government’s flooded farm recovery fund
The Farming Recovery Fund was announced in the aftermath of Storm Henk to help those affected, with eligible farmers set to access grant support of up to £25,000.
However, in a new statement released today, NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos has said it had very quickly become clear that there are major issues with the fund. She said: “We are hearing from numerous members who have suffered catastrophic impacts who have been told they are not eligible for the Fund because some of their affected areas are more than 150 metres from ‘main’ rivers. These include members with 90% of their land saturated or under water, and huge damage to buildings and equipment.
“We are taking this up with Defra urgently. I cannot believe this is what Ministers intended when they launched the Fund, which was a welcome and well-intentioned development which seems to have been fundamentally let down in the detail. While the impact of the weather goes far beyond Storm Henk, this could have been a good start but, as it stands, it simply doesn’t work.”
The grant is to support the cost of recultivating and reinstating agricultural land that was flooded due to notably high river levels between 2-12 January 2024, caused by Storm Henk.
The Rural Payments Agency is administering the fund on behalf of Defra, with landowners or tenant farmers who occupied eligible land parcels at the time of Storm Henk able to claim £130 per hectare for recultivation work.
Eligible farmers can access grants of between £500 and £25,000 to return their land to the condition it was in before exceptional flooding due to Storm Henk.
The eligible counties and rivers at the moment include Lincolnshire’s Witham, Brant, Welland, and Ancholme. In Nottinghamshire the Trent, Devon, and Soar are eligible.
South Yorkshire’s ready to embrace Artificial Intelligence, according to new survey
Most South Yorkshire businesses are ready to embrace the use of AI in some way, shape or form, with 70% of them believing that this technology represents a valuable opportunity that must be seized.
That’s the finding of a recently-published results of The Artificial Intelligence Survey, sponsored by ProAktive and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
Conducted by the Chambers of Commerce covering Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster, this questionnaire was open through February and March. It gauged how local business-owners feel about AI and how strong their appetite may (or may not) be for adopting it within their own organisations.
Among other things, the poll asked respondents: whether they perceive Artificial Intelligence to be a looming threat or an emerging opportunity; how confident they are in their understanding of this technology and its associated implications; the extent to which it features in their current plans; and if they think it is likely to affect their workforce levels in the future.
As well as focussing on AI, the survey also included more general questions about the overall state of the economy. For instance, there was an opportunity for business-owners to describe their latest experiences with staff retention and recruitment, their intentions for investing in training or new equipment, and if they expect their prices to increase at all over the coming months, with the insights from all of these standard questions then feeding into the nationwide Quarterly Economic Survey.
The Chief Execs for all three South Yorkshire Chambers issued the following joint statement: “We are very much on the brink of another industrial revolution when it comes to AI and no sector can expect to be untouched by the rapid developments that we are observing here. The potential applications for this technology are extraordinarily vast, spanning all industries, and things are inevitably going to change.
“It is therefore heartening to see that our business community is, by and large, receptive to the opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence and is optimistic about what it could mean for them. Some are understandably concerned about how it may pose a threat, and there are naturally risks that do need to be considered, but broadly the feeling is positive. As such, we need to capitalise on that enthusiasm and make sure South Yorkshire remains ahead of the curve.
“On that note, we were pleased to see that AI currently features in two-thirds of the business plans for our survey respondents, while 74% of them believe that they have, at least to some extent, the in-house skills that will enable them to realise their ambitions.
“However, for those who do not feel suitably prepared, there is a degree of uncertainty. In fact, almost half of our survey respondents said that they wouldn’t know where to turn for help when it comes to adopting Artificial Intelligence, whilst a quarter told us that they do not believe that they have the requisite skills in-house.
“This is an early-warning sign that South Yorkshire needs to have a pipeline of talent ready in this emerging sector, otherwise, we are putting ourselves at risk of falling behind the rest of the country and, indeed, the wider world. In short, it’s imperative that we nurture the specific people and skills that businesses need in our region, and the sooner we do that the better.
“Elsewhere, looking at the broader indicators of business confidence, there are encouraging — albeit tentative — signs that the South Yorkshire economy is steadily regaining momentum. Domestic sales and order books are at the strongest levels that they have been since mid-2022, while export performance continues to markedly improve, and expectations of both improved turnover and improved profitability are on the up.
“Not to mention that pressures in the job market are abating as well. When compared to this time last year, recruitment difficulties have significantly eased and workforce growth is similarly much healthier than it was when we polled firms in Q1 of 2023. With all that said — although there is still some lingering anxiety when it comes to rising prices, specifically in terms of labour and utility costs — optimism does seem to be returning to the economy.”
Lincoln digital marketing agency sold
Peter Watson and Bradley McKenny, former Directors of Distract, have sold the digital marketing agency to Steve Bryant, founder and Managing Director of Umbrella Brands Group, behind affiliate marketing agency Thoughtmix.
As an old friend of Watson and McKenny, Bryant’s interest in Distract’s journey has always been more than just professional curiosity. Over time, he witnessed the agency’s growth, direction and potential. When the pair decided to sell the business to focus on new areas, Bryant was a natural fit to lead the next phase of its development with a clear vision for Distract’s future.
Having established Thoughtmix in 2015, Bryant has many years of experience scaling an agency and delivering partnerships that grow businesses worldwide.
Bryant’s portfolio includes working with brands such as cardfactory, National Express, and The Couture Club, and he is now ready to pass on his knowledge and expertise to help Distract grow and excel further.
Assuming the role of Managing Director, Bryant has exciting plans for Distract, redefining and consolidating its offering. Recognising the team’s strengths in paid advertising, Distract will become a specialist paid media agency.
He will work closely with Stephanie Henderson, the commercial and strategy lead, and Hannah Langton, the delivery lead, to implement the new business strategy and tactics.
Bryant is looking to focus Distract’s services on the B2C E-commerce, B2B and Education sectors.Bryant said: “I’m excited to lead Distract into its next phase of growth and development. The team deliver some exceptional results for its Clients, and I’m delighted to have been welcomed in to harness their skills and expertise.”
Stephanie added: “It’s a really exciting time for Distract. Steve brings a host of knowledge from his experience growing Thoughtmix to one of the largest agencies within the affiliate space. The offerings from both separate agencies complement each other really well and offer the potential for some really unique collaborations.”
Hannah said: “Steve’s approach to Distract and the direction he has presented have been very refreshing and give us a clear plan for the future. His experience in affiliate marketing has given the team a new perspective, and we’re all looking forward to the changes being made and the relationship with Steve and Thoughtmix.”
Delivery partner appointed for UK’s largest open-die forging construction
VINCI Building has been appointed as delivery partner for the UK’s largest open-die forging construction.
The contract, valued at £138 million, will support construction of a 13,800 sqm building to house the UK’s largest open-die forging facility at Sheffield Forgemasters’ Brightside Lane site, as the MoD-owned company drives its substantial recapitalisation programme forward.
VINCI Building will deliver the project to provide foundations, a 40-metre-high superstructure and building service solutions for the facility, alongside teams of subcontractors and supply chain partners.
Gareth Barker, Chief Operating Officer at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “VINCI Building undertook a competitive bids process to secure the Forge delivery contract and as the winning bidder, will now look to move the programme forward at pace.
“Each of these milestones serves to remind the wider UK that we are progressing with a transformation of this business, to create one of the world’s most advanced large-scale engineering facilities, providing decades of jobs security and training for high-technology careers.”
John Roberts, Managing Director of VINCI Building, said: “Signing of this contract brings together three years of tireless work by the team to develop the design and price for Sheffield Forgemasters.
“It gives us the opportunity to step up our social value activities to deliver a positive legacy for the people of Sheffield. I look forward to seeing progress in the coming months.”
Chris Winspear, VINCI Building’s North East Regional Director, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed by Sheffield Forgemasters to deliver this transformational project, strengthening our partnership together.
“Our team is making great progress on the new facilities which will deliver on UK defence commitments and support our social value commitments in Sheffield and South Yorkshire. The project further enhances our portfolio in this sector and once complete, will deliver a fantastic manufacturing facility.”
The forging line will service defence and commercial work in sectors such as civil nuclear power, creating a new generation of engineers and designers, trained to work with Industry 4.0 technologies.
It will be complemented by a proposed new machining facility, housing some of the world’s largest and most advanced five-axis Vertical Turning Lathes.
First Rescue to “help save even more lives” after sale
First Rescue Training & Supplies, an online retailer of defibrillators, has been sold to Safe Life.
Founded in 2003, First Rescue offers a sizeable selection of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) from all major manufacturers, along with a variety of associated products, CPR training equipment and training courses.
Based in Selby, North Yorkshire, First Rescue owns the e-commerce site defibwarehouse.co.uk, one of the largest sites in the UK selling AEDs.
Safe Life is a Stockholm-based provider of life-saving solutions with portfolio companies across Europe and North America. It has made 24 acquisitions since 2019.
The new add-on in the UK with First Rescue strengthens Safe Life’s e-commerce presence in the market and the combination will create what is believed to be the largest AED provider in the UK.
“We are excited to be part of the global leader in AEDs. First Rescue has a bright future with Safe Life and we look forward to helping save even more lives in the UK,” said Craig Ward, Founder and CEO at First Rescue.
Jimmy Eriksson, CEO of Safe Life, added: “We are thrilled to welcome First Rescue to Safe Life. The acquisition not only enhances our footprint in the UK market but also broadens our range of offerings, enabling us to provide comprehensive solutions to our valued customers.”
Jay Singh, KBS Corporate Finance Director who oversaw the deal, believes Safe Life is a “natural home” for First Rescue and that the business will go from strength to strength under its new ownership.
“The shareholders have built an excellent business and reputation in the marketplace,” said Jay. “Becoming part of the Safe Life Group allows the business to consolidate its position in the UK market with a global leader in the AED industry.
“We received significant interest in the company, but Safe Life was a natural home for the business. It was a pleasure to work with the shareholders and we are confident the business will continue to be a great success.”
TLT provided legal services to First Rescue, its core team comprising Ian Roberts (Partner), Seraphina Wilkins-Tolliday (Senior Associate), James Pike (Associate), Mudassar Iqbal (Paralegal) (all Corporate), and William Ngan (Legal Director) (Tax).
Pig and poultry farmers required to produce climate change risk assessments
This is already a requirement for new permits but the Agency is now expanding this to existing permit holders as well. The risk assessment should specify the identified risks and propose potential mitigation strategies.
From the beginning of this month all operators were expected to have at least completed a climate change risk assessment. By 31 October 2026 the Agency will expect all permitted poultry farms to have appropriate climate change adaptation planning embedded into their management system.
While the NFU says it acknowledges the necessity of adapting to the impacts of climate change, it believes it’s essential for regulators to provide clarity to producers on any new standards and to ensure that there is no unnecessary administrative burden or additional cost.
An NFU spokesman said: “The NFU has been actively engaged in discussions with the EA regarding the changes. Our involvement has included highlighting the potential impact of these changes on poultry farmers, as well as working with the EA and AHDB to ensure the guidance is easy to use and implement.
“As a result, the EA has published revised guidance on its website, and a template risk assessment will shortly be available on AHDB’s website to help farmers comply with the requirement to carry out a climate change risk assessment.
“While any regulatory change can pose challenges, it’s crucial to recognise the potential benefits that may arise from enhanced environmental permitting standards. These changes can contribute to greater resilience in the face of climate change, improve environmental sustainability, and enhance the reputation of the poultry farming sector.”
Wykeland to invest in £10m speculative build at Melton West
Wykeland Group expects to start work next month on a £10m speculative build of new units at its Melton West development of the A63 near Hull.
Its to be called Evolve@Melton West, and will create a total of 84,000 sq ft of business space, as well as up to 100 jobs during construction and 150 full-time equivalents when it’s finished.
Wykeland Development Director Jonathan Stubbs said: “We’re delivering Evolve @ Melton West to provide much-needed modern space to meet the needs of growing businesses. The market is telling us there is a shortage of high-quality facilities of this kind and a pent-up demand for them.
“We are approached regularly by businesses looking for a new space to move into, to support their growth. Those companies are looking for facilities that are ready made, modern, energy efficient and fully fit for purpose.
“The shortage of such facilities is stifling investment and growth within the region and that’s an issue that Evolve @ Melton West will help to address.”
The buildings will be EPC A-rated, with rooftop solar panels, green living walls and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Two join packaging company in account management roles
Certified packaging company Reuseabox at Dry Doddington near Newark has welcomed Tom Spencer and Alicia Anderson to its team as National Account Managers.
Tom said: “I love the ideals and purpose of Reuseabox and I wanted a job where could I make a difference. Plus, I saw that Reggie, the office dog, was listed as Barketing Manager on the website and knew this was the place for me!”
Alicia Anderson, recognised as Apprentice of the Year by the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce in 2023, comes to Reuseabox with a background in business development and B2B sales. She said: “I wanted to get my foot in the door within the environmental industry and have the opportunity to connect and grow with a more purpose-driven company. What I love about Reuseabox is that we’re actively giving back to the planet.”
As National Account Managers, Tom and Alicia will play crucial roles in supporting Reuseabox’s existing customer base, ensuring seamless order processing, and assisting clients in finding the perfect boxes for reuse.
These appointments follow Reuseabox’s recent contract wins with industry giants such as Hovis, Yeo Valley, and a prominent nationwide distribution company. This success also led to them opening a second warehouse in Nottingham at the end of 2023.
The expansion not only underscores Reuseabox’s growing market presence in the cardboard box industry but also reflects the increasing demand from companies seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Company founder Jack Good said: “We are thrilled to welcome Tom and Alicia to our team. Their expertise and passion for sustainability align perfectly with our mission to disrupt the packaging industry through reuse. As we continue to grow, their contributions will be invaluable in serving our customers and driving our vision forward.”
With the addition of Tom and Alicia, Reuseabox’s team has grown from 14 to 20 members in just 12 months, further solidifying their commitment to promoting sustainable practices and offering exceptional customer service.
