HDM Solar secures eight figure funding injection
HDM Solar, the wholesalers of renewable energy products, has secured a major £10.2m funding boost led by a multi-million pound equity investment from Angel Invest in Berlin and supported by UK-based DF Capital.
The Hull-based business will use the investment and working capital facility to accelerate the rollout of a nationwide network of branches which will generate new jobs and provide local support to installers, businesses and consumers in every corner of the country.
This funding is another significant step in the development of the company and its ambition to be the UK’s leading renewable energy equipment wholesaler.
“We are thrilled to have secured this funding from Angel Invest and working capital facility from DF Capital,” said Daniel Rogers, founder of HDM Solar.
Adam Firth, HDM Solar’s Managing Director, continued: “We have carefully and strategically planned our UK wholesale network expansion.
“This funding will help us increase our number of branches so we can provide even better service and support to our customers across the country, it’s a really exciting and rewarding time for everyone at HDM Solar as we continue to offer a new proposition to the market.”
John von Berenberg-Consbruch, partner at Angel Invest, said: “Daniel, Adam and the team at HDM Solar have demonstrated an exemplary level of professionalism and growth planning. The HDM Solar business is growing quickly by offering best-in-class products and exceptional service. Our investment will help accelerate their expansion and plan to become a leading industry player.”
Garry Frew, Chief Commercial Officer at DF Capital, said: “We’re delighted to provide this facility to HDM Solar during this significant period of growth. Daniel and Adam have demonstrated tremendous industry knowledge and a robust, exciting plan for the future development of the business which we are delighted to support.”
HDM Solar plans to open sixty branches across the country and is targeting a total of five new sites to be operational by the end of 2024.
Record breaking Christmas for Lincolnshire hamper and food gifting firm
Lincolnshire-based food & drinks gifting disrupter IMP & MAKER announced today (30 Jan 2024) what it called ‘a cracker of a Christmas’ with its best sales ever that saw customer orders soar by a staggering 900% year on year.
Similarly, its corporate business also delivered a bumper Christmas with orders up a whopping 600% when compared to the same period the year before.
The record-breaking results are even more impressive when you consider recent figures from the British Retail Consortium that showed growth for the period was only 1.78% across retail. However, when inflation was taken into account it represents a decline in consumer spending over Christmas 2023.
The owner-managed independent business is the brainchild of entrepreneur Sarah Louise Fairburn, who decided that food and drinks gifting sector was in need for a serious shake up as the offer in many cases hadn’t evolved and was frankly ‘passed its sell by date’.
So, four years ago Sarah and her dedicated, small, Coningsby-based team went about reinventing the world of food gifting by searching the UK and overseas for the very best foodie finds delivered to doorsteps across the country. The business now counts footballers, celebrities, entrepreneurs and even Usain Bolt as customers.
On the amazing Christmas sales results, Sarah Louise Fairburn, owner and founder, commented: “We have had the most amazing Christmas and it’s all down to doing things a little differently from the rest of the industry. Everything we do is designed to make whoever receives an IMP & MAKER hamper feel appreciated and loved.
“I knew we had been busy in the run up to Christmas as all of us were working round the clock to get orders out in time and now we know why.
“It really shows that customers are looking for something that little bit different, that tastes great, looks great and is great value – all with a little bit of love thrown in. It’s a huge pat on the back to the fantastic team here at IMP & MAKER – I can’t thank them enough.”
Although Christmas decorations in homes will by now be firmly tucked away in lofts and sheds ready for next year, the festive season is still front of mind at IMP & MAKER as the team is already scouring the country for innovative artisan food suppliers for Christmas 2024.
“We’re not going to rest on our laurels,” said Sarah Louise. “The hunt is on for even more fantastic product for next Christmas. However, before then we’ve got Valentines’ Day, Mother’s Day, Easter and Father’s Day all with specially curated food gifting ideas, to show how important your loved ones are to you. What better way to do it than with great tasting IMP & MAKER, curated food and drink.”
On the business corporate success Sarah Louise added: “Doing it differently is in our DNA, from personalisation to personal customer service. As we know how important your colleagues and/or customers are to you.
“In fact, we pride ourselves on that personal touch with many orders being discussed, curated, and handled over the phone; it’s something that really sets us apart. It means we are well on the way to achieving our ambition of becoming the modern way to corporate gift.”
In the run up to Christmas the team at IMP & MAKER scooped the Good Housekeeping Christmas taste test for best hamper, beating the likes of Fortnum & Mason, Harvey Nichols and M&S to the festive top spot.
The team also won Corporate Gifting Business of the year 2023.
The amazing ‘pat on the back’ is even more impressive as the business has only been trading for four years.
So, four years ago Sarah and her dedicated, small, Coningsby-based team went about reinventing the world of food gifting by searching the UK and overseas for the very best foodie finds delivered to doorsteps across the country. The business now counts footballers, celebrities, entrepreneurs and even Usain Bolt as customers.
On the amazing Christmas sales results, Sarah Louise Fairburn, owner and founder, commented: “We have had the most amazing Christmas and it’s all down to doing things a little differently from the rest of the industry. Everything we do is designed to make whoever receives an IMP & MAKER hamper feel appreciated and loved.
“I knew we had been busy in the run up to Christmas as all of us were working round the clock to get orders out in time and now we know why.
“It really shows that customers are looking for something that little bit different, that tastes great, looks great and is great value – all with a little bit of love thrown in. It’s a huge pat on the back to the fantastic team here at IMP & MAKER – I can’t thank them enough.”
Although Christmas decorations in homes will by now be firmly tucked away in lofts and sheds ready for next year, the festive season is still front of mind at IMP & MAKER as the team is already scouring the country for innovative artisan food suppliers for Christmas 2024.
“We’re not going to rest on our laurels,” said Sarah Louise. “The hunt is on for even more fantastic product for next Christmas. However, before then we’ve got Valentines’ Day, Mother’s Day, Easter and Father’s Day all with specially curated food gifting ideas, to show how important your loved ones are to you. What better way to do it than with great tasting IMP & MAKER, curated food and drink.”
On the business corporate success Sarah Louise added: “Doing it differently is in our DNA, from personalisation to personal customer service. As we know how important your colleagues and/or customers are to you.
“In fact, we pride ourselves on that personal touch with many orders being discussed, curated, and handled over the phone; it’s something that really sets us apart. It means we are well on the way to achieving our ambition of becoming the modern way to corporate gift.”
In the run up to Christmas the team at IMP & MAKER scooped the Good Housekeeping Christmas taste test for best hamper, beating the likes of Fortnum & Mason, Harvey Nichols and M&S to the festive top spot.
The team also won Corporate Gifting Business of the year 2023.
The amazing ‘pat on the back’ is even more impressive as the business has only been trading for four years. Rishi Sunak backs major town centre regeneration scheme
A flagship project to bring new jobs and businesses as well as community facilities to a town which is home to one of England’s largest Army bases has been endorsed by MP Rishi Sunak.
The Prime Minister has visited Catterick Garrison to witness firsthand the benefits which are due to be realised through a multi-million pound re-development of the town centre in North Yorkshire.
The scheme was given planning approval earlier this month (January) in a move aimed at bringing jobs and vital new facilities for local communities as well as military personnel on the town’s Army base.
Mr Sunak, who is the MP for the Richmond constituency in which Catterick Garrison is located, said: “This development will bring a new civic focus to Catterick Garrison which I am sure will be welcomed by the residents – both military and civilian – of the garrison and nearby Colburn.
“When complete next year, residents will have a town centre which will bring the garrison’s community together and encourage a greater sense of pride.”
The Catterick Garrison scheme will see a community and enterprise building and a multi-use events space built along with a new public square after planning permission was approved by members of the Richmond (Yorks) Area Constituency Planning Committee on 11 January.
Plans also include landscaping improvements, upgrades to Coronation Park and Shute Road, enhanced play spaces, accessible routes to the town centre and an overhaul of footpaths and cycleways.
The re-development of the town centre, which covers four acres of land around Shute Road, will see North Yorkshire Council working with the Ministry of Defence (MOD). The council has received £19 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, with the remaining match-funding coming from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and the authority itself. It is hoped that the town centre redevelopment will be completed by the summer of next year.
The plans for Catterick Garrison are set to see the community building used for offices for small businesses as well as space for community groups and food retail. Improvements to the park will include new play areas, woodland and a skatepark.
Council leader, Cllr Carl Les, who represents the Catterick Village and Brompton-on-Swale division, said: “The re-development of the centre of Catterick Garrison will breathe new life into one of our key towns in North Yorkshire.
“The regeneration project is part of our wider commitment to ensure that communities across the whole of North Yorkshire benefit from investment to attract new enterprise while providing new facilities to make the county an even more attractive place to live and work.
“It has been a great opportunity to have Rishi visit to show him the real effects that the Government’s initiatives such as the Levelling Up Fund are having in communities, including Catterick Garrison.”
Cllr Kevin Foster represents the local Hipswell and Colburn division on North Yorkshire Council and is also the authority’s Armed Forces champion.
Cllr Foster said: “This has been a very collaborative bid between the council and the Ministry of Defence.
“I am looking forward to seeing the project developing – the regeneration of Catterick Garrison is very much needed and will be beneficial to all of the local communities, including members of the Armed Forces.
“The development will include a great green space to use and embraces the council’s priorities to reduce carbon emissions as well.”
Catterick Garrison is home to one of the largest Army bases in the country with the town centre transformation bringing benefits to Armed Forces personnel and their families.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor announces formation of Mayoral Economic Advisory Council
South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard has announced the formation of his Mayoral Economic Advisory Council, which will help boost economic activity in the region and support the Mayor’s growth plan.
The Mayoral Economic Advisory Council, made up of 11 world renowned economic and business experts, is just one of the Mayor’s initiatives to support South Yorkshire’s growing list of economic partnerships and development of projects for external investors to fund making South Yorkshire the go-to business hub.
This comes as the region rapidly bolsters its economic and business credentials. Successes have included:
• South Yorkshire was announced as the Government’s first Investment Zone, which will create 8,000 new jobs and bring £1.2 billion worth of private investment by 2030. The first investment is worth over £160 million and is for a Boeing-led sustainable aviation research project, complementing the region’s advanced manufacturing prowess.
• University spinouts venture Northern Gritstone announced £215 million worth of investment into South Yorkshire, as well as Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire. The funding will be used to develop a ‘northern innovation hub’, comparable to the US’ Silicon Valley.
• Multiple smart local investments from global companies like Boeing and Google.
• Partnerships with organisations such as Homes England and Aviva, to support more sustainable house building in South Yorkshire.
• A partnership worth £500 million worth of levelling up investment from the South Yorkshire Pensions Authority.
Speaking on the establishment of the Mayoral Economic Advisory Council and the region’s recent slew of investments, South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “My job is growth. So I’m delighted I’ll now be able to rely on the support and expertise of global economic leaders through our Mayoral Economic Advisory Council.
“In South Yorkshire we want to restore the pride, purpose and prosperity of our communities, but more than that we want to show the world what a 21st Century post-industrial economy can look like.
“Our ambition is now matched by our expertise. Between them, the eleven members of the Council will offer me advice and guidance that is at the very forefront of economic thinking, based on decades of experience and practical delivery.
“We’ve made huge progress over the last couple of years. We’re home to the world’s first Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District and now the UK’s first Investment Zone, as well as companies and people at the very forefront of materials science, propulsion, power, digital, and health-tech.
“But there’s still much more to do. Right now, our economy is too small, and not everybody has the opportunity to stay near and go far. I’m determined to tackle that challenge head on, and with the help of our new MEAC I have no doubt we will go further and faster than we ever have before.”
The national and global expertise brought by the Council, alongside the local knowledge of the Mayor and the Mayoral Combined Authority and the Business Advisory Board, brings together a wealth of expertise to support South Yorkshire.
On becoming a member of the Mayor’s Economic Advisory Council, Chair of the AMRC’s Industrial Board, CEO of RSA and former Chief Economist for the Bank of England, Andy Haldane said: “Working with Oliver Coppard on the future of South Yorkshire’s business potential is an extremely exciting prospect.
“The region’s plan for wealth, health, and happiness is already showing exceptional innovation across industries of the future, and bets of confidence from Boeing, McLaren, Aviva, and other incredible partners show this.
“But there’s more to do – and working alongside the Mayor and combining his passion and knowledge of the region with the Council’s decades of economic and business expertise presents an exciting prospect for inclusive and regenerative growth in South Yorkshire and prosperity for the future.”
The MEAC will provide leadership in thinking and insight as well as provide challenge on how things are currently being done so South Yorkshire continues to grow.
The Mayor has already launched his Business Advisory Board, which brings local business expertise together to drive growth, jobs and better life prospects in the region and they will be informed by the work of MEAC.
Businesses urged to apply for research grants averaging £450,000
A new campaign has been launched to encourage UK businesses, academics and researchers to apply for Horizon Europe funding offering grants averaging £450,000.
It’s the Horizon Europe scheme, the world’s largest programme of research collaboration, of which the UK is a part.
The average Horizon grant is worth £450,000 to a UK business, and Government Ministers are determined for UK researchers and businesses to capitalise on the opportunities the programme offers to support vitally important research benefitting all our lives, from health to the environment.
The multi-channel campaign will include media partnerships, content on digital audio platforms (such as podcasts), and targeted digital media investments, with a focus on paid social adverts on platforms regularly used by research professionals such as LinkedIn, and digital displays.
It will also include real-world examples, spotlighting outstanding researchers and businesses who have delivered their ideas through Horizon Europe funding. The campaign’s reach will extend both domestically and internationally, building upon an ongoing series of official-level engagements with stakeholder organisations, designed to actively promote and advocate for the programme.
UK firms are already benefitting from Horizon funding to support their research, like Nova Innovation, whose consortium won over £17 million to develop tidal energy in Orkney, and South Yorkshire tech firm The Floow who are part of a project awarded just under £3 million, looking into road safety. The campaign push will shine a light on the benefits of Horizon participation for businesses like these – particularly smaller firms involved in R&D which might not have previously considered applying – as well as academics and researchers nationwide.
Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said:“We listened to the research sector and secured an excellent bespoke deal associating to Horizon. Being part of Horizon is a colossal win for the UK’s science, research and business communities and we need to capitalise on this incredible opportunity, once again putting our world class researchers and businesses at the very heart of the Horizon programme, which is precisely why I have set up this campaign blitz.
“I want to ensure that every part of the country is getting the most out of this programme. From a comms blitz to ensure every business and institution that does research in the UK knows about the opportunities Horizon offers, to grants to help our researchers and businesses put in the best applications possible, we will leave no stone unturned to boost our role in the world’s largest research programme.”
Sowerby Bridge residential development site goes up for auction
A 19-acre site near Sowerby Bridge that was previously granted planning consent for 17 luxury houses has been put up for auction with a guide price of £1.1m. The land will feature in property auctioneer Pugh’s online sale in February.
The brownfield site at Kebroyd Mills, between Sowerby Bridge and Ripponden, was granted planning permission in 2019 for nine large, detached houses and a terrace of eight townhouses.
Will Thompson from Pugh said: “Although the planning permission has expired, we believe the proposals for the land that previously gained consent allowed for floor areas of around 1,200 sq ft for the eight townhouses and 4,000 sq ft for the nine detached luxury homes.
“Needless to say Calderdale Council planning department would be the first port of call for any buyer and we have already had interest in the site from high-end developers.”
The land, which is wooded and close to the River Ryburn and the A58 Rochdale to Halifax road, is on the site of the former Kebroyd textile mill buildings which were destroyed by a fire in 2013 and subsequently demolished.
“This is a great semi-rural location in a sought-after area of Calderdale with shops, schools and other amenities nearby in Ripponden and Sowerby Bridge, fabulous countryside on the doorstep and excellent links to the M62 motorway and the rail network,” said Mr Thompson.
New Doncaster warehouse units complete
Work to construct phase two of an industrial and warehouse development in Doncaster is now completed.Yorkshire developer Marshall CDP has finished the construction of two new units at Peregrine Court, offering 21,101 sq ft and 17,127 sq ft.The buildings are built to a modern specification offering detached units with dedicated yards, 7.5 – 8m eaves, 2 ground level loadings doors and fitted office accommodation. In line with potential occupier requirements there is a focus on high environmental specifications including a very good BREEAM rating, EPC A rating and EV charging point to each unit.Marshall CDP developed three warehouse units forming phase 1, totalling 48,000, at Kestrel Court in 2020, which were occupied by NCM Auctions, Price Transport and Dual Inventive.Cllr Glyn Jones, Deputy Mayor and Portfolio Holder for Housing & Business at the City of Doncaster Council, said: “We are delighted to see Peregrine Court complete and would like to thank Marshall CDP once again for showing great confidence in the Doncaster economy by building these high grade speculative units.“Our Business Doncaster team is working closely with the commercial letting agents, Knight Frank, to market the scheme and help find tenants, which will bring further quality investment and employment opportunities into Doncaster.”
Print management acquisition fuels exciting growth opportunities as Yorkshire firms join forces
PMG Print Management Limited has acquired John Petty Services Limited, known as JPS Limited, a print management company working with fashion, homes and lifestyle businesses across the UK.
PMG Print Managing Director Mike Roberts said: “With a heritage of over 150 years, JPS Limited is a business renowned within the UK print industry for demonstrating its integrity, reliability, and quality of service.
“After initially approaching JPS six years ago I’m delighted that the Petty family sought to place their trust in PMG Print Management and myself to build on this rich history. I am excited about working closely with Bridget Petty, who will remain as Managing Director, in growing our brands together.”
JPS Print Management Managing Director Bridget Petty said: “We have known PMG Print Management within the industry for several years and like JPS Limited they are renowned for the quality of their work.
“When considering our succession opportunities, finding a partner who had similar values to our own was of the utmost importance and we trust Mike Roberts, together with our talented team, to take this business from strength to strength.”
PMG Print Management were advised by Fleetcroft-Gribben Limited on the acquisition and supported on legal and financial advisory services by Capital Law, DSW Transaction Services, Independent VAT Consultants, Temple Bright and CDFS. Funding was provided by Close Brothers Invoice Finance.
John Petty Services Limited were advised by Dexterity Partners Limited on the sale and supported on legal services by 3volution.
York IT services provider makes major acquisition
boxxe, the York-based IT services and solutions provider, has acquired Kettering-headquartered Total Computers.
boxxe owner Phil Doye had previously acquired a minority stake in Total Computers in November 2022. Total has a rich heritage as a partner of choice for many of the UK’s most successful and recognised companies, and through its own acquisition of Overbright in 2022, it added deep digital transformation expertise.
This acquisition creates one of the UK’s largest providers of software, solutions and services to both the public and private sector.
boxxe has grown rapidly since Phil Doye acquired the business in 2019, with revenue for 2023 expected to be around £440m.
Phil Doye said: “I had known and admired Total for many years but as a shareholder and director for the past 12 months I have seen firsthand the depth of what Aidan and Kevin have built.
“The combination of these two businesses is uniquely complimentary and I am hugely excited that this move will enable both companies to better serve our customers and partners.”
Aidan Groom, CEO of Total Computers, said: “Working with Phil over the past 12 months has challenged our ambition for what Total can become. We have created something special at Total, but this is the next step in the evolution of our company.
“For both companies it allows us to grow faster and become even more relevant to our customers through a wider range of partner accreditations, deeper technical skills and greater financial strength and scale.”
Kevin Goodall, who has become Managing Director of Total, said: “The most common feedback I get from our customers is that we want to do more with you, but you don’t have the financial scale or range of partner certifications that Computacenter, CDW or Softcat has.
“To be part of the boxxe group is hugely exciting as it gives us a more complete portfolio and financial scale that enables us to think bigger and be even more ambitious.”
Doye added: “The IT channel has, over the past number of years, seen the largest players get bigger and the small ones either specialise, struggle or get acquired.
“This deal marks a pivotal moment in the journey of boxxe. With the acceleration of digital transformation, the continued growth of public cloud and the proliferation of software companies it’s critical that a partner can deliver across this landscape.”
Halifax bike business rescued from administration
The business and assets of Orange Mountain Bikes Limited and their frame manufacturing division, P. Bairstow Limited, both based in Halifax, have been rescued from administration by director Ashley Ball.
Orange Bikes was founded in 1988, becoming a cult brand within the mountain biking world with unique designs, British made frames and racing pedigree.
As with a number of businesses in the cycle sector, Orange has experienced several challenges in recent years, largely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The deal secures 30 jobs and will see Orange and Bairstow consolidate operations into one site, with Bairstow already closing its third-party engineering division.
Ash Ball, director of Orange Bikes, said: “Restructuring the businesses was never going to be an easy process but the decision to do so has preserved the livelihoods of the people at the heart of the organisation, streamlined our operations and ensured the continued strength of the Orange Bikes brand and its products.”
Ball was advised by Leeds-based J9 Advisory who assisted in structuring, funding and executing the transaction.
Johnny Abraham, Managing Director of J9 Advisory, said: “To be honest, I had no idea how famous Orange Bikes was or what a tremendous following it has! Ash clearly has a huge passion for bikes and the Orange brand and wanted to do whatever it took to rescue the business.
“We are glad that we could provide the expertise required to rescue this well respected British brand. Thanks go out to TFG Capital and E Capital, together with BDO for their respective roles in completing this transaction.”
