Hotel owner makes further investment in historic Uphill Lincoln
Following the refurbishment and reopening of the White Hart Hotel, owner Andrew Long is continuing to invest in Uphill Lincoln.
To add to the hotel’s portfolio, a pair of Grade II Star Listed Georgian Town Houses at 6 & 7 Castle Hill have been purchased by the Travel Sector Property Group.
These properties are just a few steps away from the hotel.
Andrew says: “No. 7, Castle Hill, known locally as Castle Square, will offer accommodation for up to eight guests (four adults and four children) to enjoy a luxury stay in a unique and enviable location. With exceptional views over Castle Square and down Steep Hill, it’s truly a local gem and a very special customer experience for leisure or corporate use.”
As well as acquiring No. 7, Andrew’s Travel Sector Property Group has also purchased the freehold investment in the adjacent Leigh Pemberton House at 8/9 Castle Hill, which is also a Grade II Star Listed Building.
Many will know this iconic property as the home of the City’s Visitor & Tourist Information Centre, which will continue to occupy the ground floor and basement areas of the building for the long-term future.
Plans will soon be submitted to create five luxury ensuite bedrooms that will also be operated as part of the adjacent White Hart Hotel.
Dating back to 1543, this half-timbered building was originally a wealthy merchant’s house, before becoming an inn. From 1899 it served as the regional headquarters of the National Westminster Bank, then undergoing extensive restoration in the late 1970’s.
More recently, the upper floors have been used as offices and Airbnb ‘holiday let’ accommodation, but is now in need of extensive internal refurbishment, as well as various ‘catch up’ external maintenance works.
Andrew added: “We will be significantly investing in the sensitive adaptation and refurbishment works for Leigh Pemberton House, ensuring that there will be an ongoing commercially viable use for this unique building, protecting, and enhancing its sustainable long-term future.
“I am personally very pleased to incorporate this iconic and historical building within my long-term investment portfolio for Castle Square and the immediately adjacent Bailgate area.”
This phase of work will be taking place before the planned refurbishment and reopening of the historic Judge’s Lodgings, also purchased by Travel Sector Property in November 2022.
Andrew is hopeful that the Judge’s Lodgings and former White Hart Garages at 2 Bailgate will be fully completed by the end of 2025, with construction work starting this Summer.
EU bins import regulation and eases pressure on UK businesses
Thousands of UK businesses have been relieved of an admin burden after the European Union decided to lift its rules about importing products containing iron and steel to the EU.
Since last autumn, companies exporting such goods have been required to provide ‘mill certificates’ to prove the elements did not originate from Russia. This proved either expensive or impossible for many UK businesses, resulting in the loss of crucial export markets.
After months of talks involving the British Chambers of Commerce and officials from the UK and EU, the paperwork requirement has been scrapped. Officials in Brussels have now designated the UK as a partner country on steel sanctions against Russia, meaning the certification paperwork is no longer needed.
BCC’s Head of Trade Policy William Bain said: “Businesses up and down the country will be delighted at this outcome. A lot of hard work has got us to this position, which is strongly welcomed by the whole Chamber Network.
“We had many meetings and communications with both the UK government and the EU to highlight the negative impact the mill certificate requirements were having. In roundtables with senior officials, firms bravely described their experiences of ongoing lost orders and cash flow issues.
“Without those accounts from real businesses about the nature of the problem, and the need for a pragmatic fix, we could not have got this far. We’d like to thank to UK and EU officials for listening to the concerns of businesses and agreeing a solution.
“This is a big win for the collective power of our Chamber network. It’s a welcome boost for thousands of British exporters ahead of the Easter weekend.”
Andy sets himself a 25k run challenge to raise money for disadvantaged children
Hull accountant Andy Steele is hop[ing to raise £2,000 by running 25k – further than he’s ever run – on the 25th April to fund 25 pairs of sports glasses for financially disadvantaged children who cannot afford what is often a very expensive piece of kit.
He said: “I’m hoping to raise enough money to enable the Foundation to pay for 25 pairs of sports glasses for children. You would be amazed how many of them are running around the football and rugby pitches of Hull, not being able to see properly. Sadly, some of them are now prevented from playing at all because their sight is so poor and the cost of these glasses is simply beyond the reach of their families.”
“I have tried to run 25k once before but quit after 22k. My brain was telling me that was my limit and I didn’t have the motivation to carry on through the pain. This time, though, I will be better prepared and will hopefully have some sponsorship to keep my motivation up. I’ve also got Paul Spence, from Paul for Brain Recovery, running the last few kilometres with me which will be a massive help.”
Andy, Director of 360 Chartered Accountants, started running during lockdown to improve his physical and mental health. Last year, he entered his first race, the Hull Half Marathon, to raise funds for his firm’s charity, the 360 Grass Roots Foundation, which provides financial support for families and carers of children in the HU1 to HU9 postcode areas who are struggling with the cost of sports subscriptions, kit or travel.
Sophie Holmes, Chair of the 360 Grass Roots Foundation, said: “Sports glasses are by far the most requested item we have been asked to fund. They can cost anywhere between £100 and £250 so we are all cheering Andy on for this amazing feat! We would also like to thank Jessica King and David Quirke from Q&K Optical, trading as Boots opticians, who have agreed to supply the sports glasses to us at half price. This is going to make a huge difference to the lives of these children and we are incredibly grateful.”
New capital at Liberty Steel leads to strategic direction for UK assets
Liberty Steel has revealed a strategic plan for its UK steel assets including plants at Rotherham, Stocksbridge and Scunthorpe after signing a new framework agreement with its major creditors.
The new framework comes after the company raised new capital including a successful US$350m bond issue by Australian recycler and low carbon steel producer InfraBuild, through Jefferies LLC, and a $350m Asset-Backed Term Loan through BlackRock and Silver Point Finance.
Liberty says the framework agreement will allow it to build on improvements it has made across the group since the collapse of Greensill Capital, and to consolidate its UK steel businesses under a new entity with a simpler structure, a strong balance sheet and greater access to third party finance and investment.
The company intends to consolidate its steel businesses under a new entity and corporate structure, transferring employees and assets of the existing companies to the new company, subject to final structuring and agreements. Employees will carry over existing terms and conditions, with continuity of employment preserved.
An operational restructuring plan has already focused Liberty’s steel businesses in the UK on supplying strategic aerospace, defence and energy customers, strengthening financial performance significantly. This has meant development of a comprehensive plan with the ambulance icon to increase electric arc furnace melting capacity at Rotherham to two million tonnes annually.
Liberty’s UK steel assets, including the country’s largest electric arc furnaces in Rotherham and associated downstream mills around the country, benefit from product diversity with significant capacity in both long and flat products, scalable grid connections, scrap metal processing and proximity to future hydrogen trunkline delivery and planned carbon capture and storage networks.
Jeffrey Kabel, Liberty’s Chief Transformation Officer, said: “In the UK our focus on specialised steel products serving strategic supply chains in aerospace, defence and energy, has allowed us to stabilise operations and significantly improve business performance. Our restructuring agreement now paves the way for a new company structure that will allow us to significantly increase our lower carbon emissions steel production in Rotherham feeding our network of downstream mills around the country.
“While we still operate in challenging market conditions, these changes will put our UK businesses in a position to reclaim its leading position as champion of green steel and sustainable industry. Upon completion of the deal, this will enable us to raise new capital, rebuild stakeholder confidence, and ultimately reach our full potential.”
Gainsborough firm names Operations Director
Gainsborough exhaust manufacturer Eminox has promoted Greg Kent to the role of Operations Director.
He says: “Having held roles in different industries, I have always maintained the view that teamwork, people development, and a desire to do our best drives success,” said Greg. “Led by the Hexadex Group, Eminox has a clear direction and strategy, and I am very proud to be part of the business as it continues to play a major part in shaping a net zero future.” Greg joined Eminox eight years ago. In his latest role as Head of Manufacturing he has been part of the production team, helping steer the business and maximising its opportunities for growth and diversification. He will take responsibility for all elements of operations, working closely with other members of the senior leadership team to ensure Eminox continues to be a market leading developer and manufacturer of emissions reduction technologies.Farming and construction get green light for hydrogen-powered vehicles
Tractors, diggers, and forklifts powered by hydrogen will help building sites and agricultural businesses go greener under government plans.
New regulations, set out in a consultation running until April 24th would allow hydrogen-powered tractors, diggers and forklifts to be used on public roads.
Technology and Decarbonisation Minister Anthony Browne said: “Allowing hydrogen-powered tractors, diggers and forklifts to use our roads is a common-sense move to help reduce emissions.
“These proposals are an important part of our plan to decarbonise transport in the UK, with skilled jobs in British companies helping roll out this cutting-edge hydrogen technology, making it more affordable and commonplace.
“Hydrogen-powered construction and farming vehicles can improve the sustainability of the sector by reducing emissions from the tailpipe.” The launch of the consultation comes after the government issued construction equipment manufacturer JCB with a vehicle special order last year, giving the company permission to test its hydrogen-powered diggers on UK roads. Today’s proposals will expand this permission permanently across the sector, meaning manufacturers can more easily scale up production of sustainable equipment where battery electric isn’t practical.Energy-intensive industries expected to see cost reductions
Almost 400 businesses employing 400,000 skilled UK workers will benefit from lower costs from today thanks to the British Industry Supercharger today.
The Supercharger includes a series of targeted measures to bring energy costs for key industries in line with other major economies, levelling the playing field for UK businesses.
The support will be made available to sectors particularly exposed to the high cost of electricity including steel, metals, chemicals, cement, glass and paper, and is expected to be worth up to £410 million in savings to UK businesses next year.
The Supercharger’s measures will fully exempt eligible firms from certain costs linked to renewable energy policies, including the small-scale Feed in Tariff, Contracts for Difference and the Renewables Obligation.
There will also be a 60 percent reduction in network charges – the costs industrial users pay for their electricity supply.
Taken together, this support is expected to be worth up to an average £30 per Megawatt Hour with the most electricity-intensive industries such as steel benefiting the most.
This is the average estimated saving and will mean a British energy-intensive business ends up paying about the same in electricity costs as its competitors in countries in the EU.
Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said: “With this unprecedented energy support we’re levelling the playing field for hundreds of businesses in steel, chemicals and other key sectors.
“Energy-intensive industries are vital to our economy. The announcement today will ensure that the UK remains an attractive investment destination and support thousands of high-skilled jobs across the country.
“Putting energy-intensive industries on an equal footing with the world’s other major economies is crucial to helping these businesses remain internationally competitive.” It will also enhance the UK’s appeal as a target for international investment as well as remove barriers on the road to greener technology and a sustainable net zero future.Small firms’ VAT rules change from today
From today the VAT registration threshold goes up from £85,000 to £90,000, and £4.3 billion of business rates relief comes into force.
Raising the threshold will take 28,000 businesses out of paying VAT altogether.
The small business multiplier for business rates will also be frozen from today for a fourth consecutive year, protecting over a million ratepayers from a 6.6% increase in their bills. The measure is part of the £4.3 billion business rates support package announced at Autumn Statement that includes the 12-month extension of the 75% relief for 230,000 Retail, Hospitality and Leisure properties, also coming into force today.
Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Gareth Davies, said: “We’re rewarding work and backing Britain’s small businesses– the lifeblood of the economy and beating heart of communities – with support on VAT and business rates.
Transformation of former brewery site in Sheffield moves step forward
The transformation Sheffield’s former Cannon Brewery site in Neepsend into a new neighbourhood has moved a step forward.
Social impact developers Capital&Centric have completed the purchase of the site, paving the way for a new chapter after more than a quarter of a century of dereliction. Initial remediation and site investigations will now begin on site this spring.
With an outline planning application submitted, work has also now started on detailed designs for the district – set to feature over 500 rental homes, new workplaces and spaces for independent shops, delis and café-bars.
Capital&Centric are working with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and Sheffield City Council to make the blueprint a reality. The Combined Authority awarded a £11.67 million grant to kick-start Cannon Brewery, with further Homes England funding also announced for other development sites in Neepsend.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “Cannon Brewery, which takes its design cues from Neepsend’s historic identity, is an exciting opportunity to bring an under-developed brownfield site back to life.
“Through collaboration with Capital&Centric, we want to ensure that the plans being developed set a new high bar for regeneration across South Yorkshire.
“The ambition is not just for more and better homes, but for the whole development to attract investment, create spaces for new businesses to establish and further cement our well-deserved reputation as being a brilliant place to live. And I’m pleased to say we’re actively looking at other places across South Yorkshire where we can unlock more opportunities.”
The plan is to retain some of the most interesting buildings from the former brewery, with an urban park surrounding the existing water tower, as well as a new public square surrounded by shops and cafes, with spaces for pop-up events.
Richard Spackman, development director at Capital&Centric, said: “Cannon Brewery has stacks of potential and, by collaborating with the council and combined authority, we’re unlocking regeneration at a massive scale but in a considered way. There’s a real buzz about the future of Neepsend as the city’s next growth district, but everyone wants to see the neighbourhood designed in a way that Sheffield can be proud of.
“Sheffield is having a real moment and is successfully attracting more start-ups, investment and people that want to live here. We committed to securing about £200 million of investment into regeneration sites in the city a few years ago and we’re making good on that vision, with a brownfield-first approach to growing the city and a pipeline of projects in the works.
“With the Cannon Brewery site now fully acquired, we’ll be getting going with surveys and investigations that will underpin the detailed plans we aim to submit to Sheffield City Council later this year.”
Once home to Stones Brewery, the site – made up of two triangular plots bordered by Neepsend Lane and Boyland St – was the birthplace of the UK’s best-selling bitter at the time, before the doors closed for good in 1999.
Capital&Centric’s outline application aims to set the initial parameters for the district, including the footprint of the new buildings, buildings to be retained, heights and access points. Whilst previous plans had proposed for all buildings at the site to be demolished, Capital&Centric is aiming to keep those that it’s feasible to retain and repurpose.
Yorkshire company snaps up Harrogate fire and security business
IXP was established in 1970 and has been run by Marcus Wayman for the last 30 years from a base on Otley Road. The firm provides security services including safe installations, fire safety, intruder alarms, and emergency locksmiths to commercial and domestic customers within Harrogate and the surrounding areas.
Following the acquisition, Steve Graves, senior engineer at Gough & Kelly, will be permanently based at IXP to support Marcus and established engineer, Zbigniew Halinsky, as they expand the company’s product and service range.
Steve has spent 20 years in the security industry and brings both technical and managerial skills to the business. He says that IXP will remain a familiar sight on the high street, with investment to support and build on the company’s success in Harrogate. This includes a refurbishment of the existing Otley Road premises to create a new showroom and updated shop front.
Marcus says it will be “business as usual, with additional benefits” for IXP customers: “Joining Gough & Kelly means we can offer new products and services, including state-of-the-art electronic security technology, as well as providing round-the-clock 24/7 monitoring through the centralised G&K control room in Leeds.
“Like IXP, Gough & Kelly has family-run roots, and the team has nurtured a similar client base to ours for 35 years. They have the resources, skills, depth of knowledge, and passion to continue keeping our valued customers safe and secure. It’s exciting to develop my father’s vision of 53 years ago into a new chapter, which will continue to grow long past both his and my retirement.”
Gough & Kelly Managing Director James Stork says the move brings added value for existing Gough & Kelly customers, too: “IXP’s track record in providing locks and safes will be a great addition for our domestic customers and will strengthen our overall security offering.
“We are a fast-growing business: we added 700 new customers, installed over 1,000 new security systems and brought more than 500 new people into the team in 2023, as well as investing significantly to accelerate our technical advancements in electronic security.
“These growth plans continue into 2024, and welcoming IXP to the group is the first step. We’re looking forward to meeting and supporting IXP customers over the coming months and years.”
