Bramall Properties promotes Jonathan to a seat on the Board

Stuart Pearcey
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Bramall Properties promotes Jonathan to a seat on the Board
Harrogate-based property and investment company Bramall Properties has appointed Jonathan Duck to its Board as Property Director.

Having already spent nine years with Bramall Group, Jonathan joins the Board alongside founder and Chairman Tony Bramall, MD Miles Chilton, and Company Secretary Alison Lockwood.

Jonathan has more than 35 years of industry experience, having previously worked with the estates team at British Rail Property Board before joining Sanderson Weatherall, where he spent 27 years.

As a Board Director at Bramall Properties, Jonathan will take a more strategic role in managing the property portfolio.   He will specifically lead the company’s real estate management and asset management programme across sectors including industrial, retail, leisure, office and automotive.

Tony Bramall, said: “Over the last nine years Jonathan has made a considerable contribution to become a valued team member and a real asset to the business.

“He will be instrumental in helping us to realise maximum value for our portfolio of property assets and future acquisitions programme.  Indeed, we are seeking opportunities to invest in new properties and development projects including private and public securities through our Guernsey Investments finance third party property development fund.”

Bramall Group owns a £300 million portfolio of commercial real estate, arable land, forestry, property developments and financial securities. The group is family-owned and is led by Tony Bramall. Over the last six decades Mr Bramall has built and exited two successful public companies while overseeing the growth of the Group and funding a charitable trust which has supported a variety of good causes for the last 30 years.

The Bramall Group managed estate portfolio includes the 568,297 sq ft Hedon Road industrial estate in Hull, the 90,000 sq ft St James Retail Park in Knaresborough and 5/7 Lands Lane in Leeds.  Tenants for other investments include M&S in Harrogate, Mercedes Benz in Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield, Premier Inn Hotel in Halifax and Hull, and Bettys and Taylors Group in Knaresborough.

Miliband meets Doncaster businesses for wide-ranging discussion

Stuart Pearcey
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Miliband meets Doncaster businesses for wide-ranging discussion
Ed Miliband recently met businesses in his constituency at a roundtable event that was organised by Doncaster Chamber. The conversationspanned a number of topics, including: current macroeconomic conditions; the importance of championing Brand Britain when it comes to international trade; the latest developments in relation to Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA); and what needs to happen to rejuvenate our languishing city centre. Given Ed’s position as Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, the green agenda was inevitably a subject of great interest as well, with firms articulating the various challenges and opportunities they are facing at the moment in that particular area. Equipped now with these valuable insights, the hope is that the MP will be able to use his platform going forward to better represent the local business community and more authoritatively speak on their behalf. The open forum also gave attendees an opportunity to pose questions directly to Ed and to raise any concerns that they think ought to be on his radar. Dan Fell, Chief Exec of Doncaster Chamber, said: “This event generated a lot of stimulating and constructive debate and I am sure that Ed found it to be an incredibly useful experience, just as we did. “Among other things, our conversation touched upon the need for more long-termism in Government, the economic conditions that are necessary for business growth and, of course, the ever-pressing issue of how we can support businesses to meet their Net Zero commitments. A lot of important points were raised in respect of each of these, and I am confident that Ed came away from the session with lots of homework to be getting on with. “From our perspective as a Chamber, we too will be striving to improve things for Doncaster this year, as we develop a brand new vision in the form of our upcoming Business Manifesto and continue to lobby for meaningful change wherever we can. The insights from this roundtable were therefore equally valuable to us and so I’d like to thank those businesses who attended for sharing their experiences and making this such a productive discussion.” Mr Miliband, MP for Doncaster North, said: “The discussion was a fantastic opportunity to talk to local businesses about their work to take advantage of the opportunities of transitioning to Net Zero, as well as to hear about the challenges that they are facing. “Working together with business is the way to help Doncaster succeed and the event was a great opportunity to speak to local businesses, with some excellent discussions about our City.”

Firms urged to toughen up on cyber protection as one in three falls victim to hackers

Stuart Pearcey
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Firms urged to toughen up on cyber protection as one in three falls victim to hackers
A draft Code of Practice on cyber security governance published today will help directors and senior leaders shore up defences from cyber threats, as the government launches a new call for views from business leaders. The guidance comes as figures show almost one in three 32% firms have suffered a cyber breach or attack in the past year, with a rise in damaging ransomware attacks and malicious actors posing significant threats as they look to take advantage of cyber security vulnerabilities. Aimed at executive and non-executive directors and other senior leaders, the measures look to establish cyber security issues as a key focus for businesses, putting them on an equal footing with other threats like financial and legal pitfalls. As part of this, the Code recommends that directors set out clear roles and responsibilities across their organisations, boosting protections for customers and safeguarding their ability to operate safely and securely. A key focus of the Code, designed in partnership with industry directors, cyber and governance experts and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), is making sure companies have detailed plans in place to respond to and recover from any potential cyber incidents. The plan should be regularly tested so it’s as robust as possible, with a formal system for reporting incidents also in place. Organisations are also encouraged to equip employees with adequate skills and awareness of cyber issues so they can work alongside new technologies in confidence. Today, the government is calling on businesses of all sizes from all sectors with an interest in cyber and governance issues to share their opinions on the draft Code, helping shape and deliver the future of improved cyber security in the UK. Viscount Camrose, Minister for AI and Intellectual Property, said: “Cyber attacks are as damaging to organisations as financial and legal pitfalls, so it’s crucial that bosses and directors take a firm grip of their organisation’s cyber security regimes – protecting their customers, workforce, business operations and our wider economy. “This new Code will help them take the lead in safely navigating potential cyber threats, ensuring businesses across the country can take full advantage of the emerging technologies which are revolutionising how we work.

“It is vital the people at the heart of this issue take the lead in shaping how we can improve cyber security in every part of our economy, which is why we want to see industry and business professionals from all walks coming forward to share their views.”

The benefits of the UK’s rapidly growing cyber landscape are said to be sizeable, unlocking new opportunities and ways of working, and creating new jobs to grow every sector of the UK economy – a key priority for the government. However, the risks associated with growing an increasingly digital economy need to be addressed with practical action and robust safeguards. The introduction of the Cyber Governance Code of Practice marks a pivotal step in how the leaders and directors of all organisations approach cyber risk, underpinning the UK’s credentials as a cyber power and protecting our economy.  

North Yorkshire haulage company sold to transportation group

Tess Egginton
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North Yorkshire haulage company sold to transportation group
Big plans are being made for Floyd Schofield Haulage following the company’s sale to DAA Transport in a deal overseen by KBS Corporate. Floyd Schofield, based in Settle, North Yorkshire, was established in 2014 and serves the bulk and general haulage market across the UK. After substantial interest from both trade and private equity acquirers with 49 parties initially coming forward, Floyd Schofield was sold to DAA Transport Ltd – joining the parent company’s existing businesses SL Transport (UK), Norman E Webb Ltd, Norman E Webb Logistics and Linney Refrigerated Transport, although the last-named was consolidated in 2023 and no longer operates as a separate entity. With a strong presence in the South of England, DAA was eager to become established further north – hence the appeal of Floyd Schofield. “Floyd Schofield Haulage has a well-established reputation in the haulage industry and is an ideal company to join our existing portfolio, expanding our reach to the North of England,” explained Jon Dando of DAA Transport. “The primary appeal was the company’s strong local presence and expertise in the North Yorkshire region. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our strategic goals of geographical expansion and enhancing our service capabilities. “Floyd Schofield Haulage has a well-established customer base and a reputation for exceptional service, which complements our commitment to offering comprehensive and customer-centric transport solutions. Additionally, its specialisation in bulk haulage services provides us with an opportunity to diversify our offerings and better serve a wider range of client needs.” Prospects for growth look bright under the new ownership, with the target being to set “new benchmarks” in the transport and logistics sector. “The acquisition of Floyd Schofield Haulage represents an exciting chapter and aligns with our commitment to strengthen our position in the market and grow our fleet in 2024,” added Jon Dando. “The outlook for the business is extremely positive. We are committed to investing in the growth and development of Floyd Schofield Haulage, ensuring it continues to thrive and serve its customers with the same level of dedication and quality. “Our combined expertise and resources will enable us to enhance our service offerings, innovate in our logistical solutions and expand our reach to new markets. “We are excited about the synergy between the two companies and are confident this will lead to increased efficiency, improved customer service and overall business growth. We look forward to a future where we set new benchmarks in the transport and logistics sector together.” Luke Rae, KBS Corporate Deal Executive, who oversaw the transaction, said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for the business to grow as part of a larger group. “Both parties worked diligently to get the deal across the line. I’m extremely proud to bring the sale to a successful conclusion.”

Hull family business acquires former maternity hospital site

Tess Egginton
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Hull family business acquires former maternity hospital site
Hull family business J.R. Rix & Sons Ltd has acquired an 11-acre industrial site on Hedon Road for a seven-figure sum. The company, based in Two Humber Quays on Hull’s waterfront, has purchased Kingston Parklands – the site of the city’s former maternity hospital – from commercial developer the Horncastle Group PLC. The move sees J.R. Rix & Sons build on its assets in the east of the city which also includes Kingston International Business Park – Hull’s largest multi-let industrial park – which it acquired in 2019. Initially, the new site has attained temporary planning permission for external storage, but is earmarked for future development as an industrial and logistics hub. Mike Fry, Director of Estates at J.R. Rix & Sons, said the acquisition represented a commitment by the business to ‘build for the future’. He said: “Rix is well known for its petroleum, shipping and leisure home manufacturing businesses, but what is less well known is that the company has significant property interests in Hull. “This latest acquisition signals our intent to build on that and provide the type of commercial developments that businesses in the city need to thrive, create jobs, and grow the local economy.” Mike added that the company was already seeing opportunities in the market place, and these are expected to grow as work on Hull’s road infrastructure continues to open up the east side of the city. “With the upgrades to Castle Street now well underway, we are expecting demand along the Hedon Road corridor to increase significantly moving forward,” he said. “Given the site’s proximity to the ports, it is likely it will be developed as a state-of-the-art industrial, manufacturing and logistics hub. “The Humber ports complex handles 12% of the UK’s seaborne trade, making it one of the country’s most important strategic locations for international trade. “As a result, this site will suit growing businesses, especially port users, looking to upscale their facilities. It has the flexibility to be developed for a single occupier or multiple occupiers and once developed, will constitute some of the highest quality commercial space in the city.” The former maternity hospital opened in 1929 and served the people of Hull and East Yorkshire until 2003, when it closed its doors for the last time. The site has since been cleared in preparation for development and was acquired by the Horncastle Group PLC in 2021. Tom Horncastle, Managing Director of the Horncastle Group, said: “We’re delighted to have completed this deal with J.R. Rix & Sons Ltd. “Kingston Parklands is a fantastic development opportunity that will significantly enhance the attractiveness of the east of the city to major industrial and manufacturing businesses. “We look forward to recycling the proceeds into our exciting pipeline of opportunities across the region and the wider UK.”

Sam gets new Associate Partner role in Leeds and Manchester

Stuart Pearcey
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Sam gets new Associate Partner role in Leeds and Manchester
Sam Hutchison has ben promoted to Associate Partner at design architect Gillespies, where he’ll support the leadership team in Leeds and Manchester to drive new UK and international business. Sam joined Gillespies’ London studio in 2013 as a Landscape Architect. He was promoted to Senior Landscape Architect in 2016 and became a Principal in 2018, before relocating to the practice’s Leeds studio. Two years later he was promoted to Associate. Sam is a highly accomplished designer and project leader who has played a pivotal role in several noteworthy projects across London, the north of England and overseas, including the pioneering 300m-long roof terrace at the new purpose-built Google Headquarters in London’s King’s Cross, which is currently under construction. Tom Walker, Partner at Gillespies’ Leeds studio, said: “Sam is a brilliant leader and imaginative designer who has shown an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional projects that focus on enhancing quality of life. His projects are characterised by immersive settings and enriched by compelling narratives. “He has also played a key role in driving new business and developing key client relationships for the Leeds and Hale studio. We are really proud to support Sam in this next chapter of his story at Gillespies.”

West Yorkshire pair must pay almost £183,000 or face jail terms

Stuart Pearcey
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West Yorkshire pair must pay almost £183,000 or face jail terms
Two directors of an industrial laundry installation firm who set up a ‘phoenix’ company while disqualified from running a business have been fined a total of £182,700. Colin Marsh, 54, and Robert Farrell, 53, both from Halifax, appeared at Bradford Crown Court in December where Marsh was ordered to repay £133,000 within three months or face 18 months in prison and Farrell was ordered to pay just over £49,700 over the same period or face nine months in prison. The pair were directors of Direct Laundry Installations Limited, based in Halifax, which supplied and fitted trade laundry installations, before it went into liquidation in October 2015. But before the company’s liquidation, they set up a second company, Direct Laundry and Steam Installations Limited. In setting up the new company, the directors breached insolvency law as the business had a similar name, traded from the same address, and carried out the same activities as the liquidated company. The two were convicted of acting as directors while disqualified and using a prohibited company name in February 2022. Investigators from the Insolvency Service’s Financial Investigation Unit then carried out further investigations and in December 2023, Bradford Crown Court ordered for the money they had gained improperly to be confiscated. Alexander Grierson, Senior Accredited Financial Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:  ”Directors of an insolvent company are not allowed to start a new company with the same or similar name, in order to protect businesses and customers from being duped by directors who fail to run a business in a professional manner. “Colin Marsh and Robert Farrell abused the insolvency regime when they incorporated an almost-identical second company while they were in the throes of winding-up the first failed business.

“Their conduct was totally reckless and their punishment should serve as a warning that we will prosecute and seek appropriate confiscation from company directors who break the law.”

Care group purchases 70-bed development site in North Yorkshire

Tess Egginton
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Care group purchases 70-bed development site in North Yorkshire
Prestige Care Group has purchased a 1.2 acre site in Aiskew, North Yorkshire in a deal arranged by Colliers for £1.1m. The group, which already has seven homes in the Yorkshire area, is seeking to build a new 70-bed development which will provide care facilities for the elderly in the region. Work is expected to start on site in March and the home is expected to open its doors to residents by June 2025. Raj Singh, chairman of the Prestige Care Group, said: “We’re pleased to have been able to secure this site in order to develop a new home for clients in this much sought over part of North Yorkshire. “Our new home will provide essential, good quality care for residents from the area, providing purpose-built modern accommodation within a quaint village in the unspoilt English countryside.” Liam Prickett from Colliers’ Healthcare team added: “I’m pleased that Raj and his team have recognised the potential from this site, and that we have been able to negotiate this deal with them. “Prestige are one of the most recognised elderly care home developers and operators in the region, and I’m sure that once completed it will add to the care home mix in the area.”

Halifax accident management services firm acquired

Tess Egginton
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Halifax accident management services firm acquired
Elysian Capital III LP has revealed its acquisition and investment in Activate Group Limited and Activate Accident Repair Group Limited. This represents the seventh investment in the Elysian Capital III LP Fund which closed in September 2020 at £325 million. Established in 2015, Activate provides accident management services to insurance groups and corporate fleet operators through its MRN and Sopp+Sopp brands, undertaking the vehicle repairs either in house through its own network of nine repair centres or externally through its network of third-party repair centres. Led by Hannah Wilcox, who became CEO in 2018 having joined as CFO, the Halifax business has built a strong reputation with its customers for high service and, importantly for their clients, short “key to key” times; i.e. the return of a repaired vehicle to its user. Since 2019, Activate has supplemented its third party repair centres with its own facilities in areas with an undersupply of capacity. Hannah Wilcox, CEO, said: “I’m incredibly proud of Activate Group’s success. Over the past eight years we’ve taken the business from a start-up with a handful of team members to a UK-wide operation with a 700 strong team. “Elysian Capital has an outstanding track record of supporting fast-growing businesses like ours, and I’m confident their investment and support will allow us to take Activate Group to the next level and move faster in delivering our key strategic priorities.” Mark Puttick, Partner at Elysian Capital, said: “Since 2015, Activate has created a strong proposition in the claims and repair market and we are excited to be working with Hannah and the rest of the team to realise the business’s full potential through additional sites, enhanced technology and new services.” Elysian Capital was advised by: Squire Patton Boggs (legal); 8Advisory (financial due diligence and tax); Oliver Wyman (commercial due diligence); Aon (Insurance); Ringstone (IT); CBRE (property) and Strategic Awareness (management due diligence). Working Capital Facilities were provided by Barclays.

Barnsley FC and Barnsley Council agree new lease

Tess Egginton
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Barnsley FC and Barnsley Council agree new lease
Barnsley Council and Barnsley Football Club have agreed a new lease of 30 years less one day which secures the future of professional football at Oakwell and will see long-awaited investment into the stadium. This investment is an important lynchpin in a partnership which will see Oakwell become even more of a sporting centre and cultural home for the whole borough long into the future. It will create a platform for Barnsley FC to use Oakwell for unique fan experiences and events, music concerts, corporate conferences and community activities on a regular basis for generations to come. The move also secures the future for the newly formed Barnsley FC women’s team who will continue to play games at Oakwell throughout the regular season and beyond, as they’ve done successfully already this year. In 2023, the council became the sole owner of Oakwell Community Assets Limited (OCAL), which owns the stadium and land around it. This followed successful negotiations with the Cryne family, who had been joint owners of OCAL with the council since 2003. The council and football club have developed a positive working relationship and have now agreed on a new lease which provides long-term security and stability for both organisations. OCAL will invest in the facilities using the income generated by the agreement, which means the investment will be cost-neural to the council. This is part of a long-term commitment to work together, and will support a variety of works to prolong the life of the stadium and improve the experience for supporters. Leader of Barnsley Council, Cllr Sir Steve Houghton CBE, said: “I’m delighted we’re able to announce this fantastic news that Barnsley FC are here to stay at Oakwell. “Barnsley FC is part of our heritage, and one of our anchor institutions with significant economic, social and wellbeing value for the borough. It’s a badge of identity for our communities, contributing to pride of place and a sense of belonging for Barnsley people. “The council became a 50 per cent owner of Oakwell Community Assets Limited (OCAL), which owns the stadium and land around it, in 2003. This was part of a deal that saved Barnsley Football Club from going out of business at the time. That deal proved hugely successful and secured the existence of a professional football club in Barnsley. “We’re proud to have played a key role in securing the future of professional football in the borough and we’re now proud to be taking the next step in securing that future for many years to come. This agreement helps unlock much-needed investment at Oakwell, to improve community provision and improve the experience for visitors to the club. “Both the council and Barnsley FC acknowledge the huge contribution the late Patrick Cryne made to securing the survival of Barnsley FC, and building the successful and resilient club it is today. We’re grateful to the Cryne family for their co-operation in securing this future for Oakwell.” Jean Cryne, an owner and director of Barnsley FC and previous joint-owner of OCAL, said: “I am pleased that the council have acquired my 50% share of the stadium. This is very positive for the Club and the town and I hope the fans can now feel safe in the knowledge that Oakwell is secure for the future of Barnsley Football Club. “It’s been a tough few years – in more ways than I can begin to say – but myself and James along with Neerav and Julie Anne are doing our utmost to build on what we have achieved in this first year. “To our supporters – please try to support the club in the best way you can by building up our fanbase. Please put the word out that we need you all, that we can’t do this alone.” Neerav Parekh, Chairman of Barnsley FC’s board, said: “This is another step forward for the Club, with the future of Oakwell now resolved. This was a key task after the reconstitution of the board just over 18 months ago – to agree a new long-term lease. We want Barnsley Football Club to remain in Barnsley, and this agreement now guarantees that. “We also promised to repair our relationship with the town and the community of Barnsley. As directors of the Club, we’re delighted to be working hand-in-hand with the council, and would like to thank them for their support throughout this process. I would also like to thank Jean Cryne in particular, for putting the interests of the Club and town at the heart of everything she does at Barnsley. “This new agreement will open up key investment opportunities as we look to modernise Oakwell and work together with all relevant parties to maximise our combined assets for the betterment of the Club and town.” Jon Flatman, Acting Chief Executive of Barnsley FC, said: “This is truly the best partnership for the football club and the borough. The work now starts to maximise the investment and improve the facility and the opportunities this now creates. “I want to thank my colleague Robert Zuk and his team for their work during this process and the Cryne family alongside the board’s commitment to assuring this deal would happen. “We will continue to work tirelessly to make sure Barnsley FC has the proper foundation to look ahead to what we believe are exciting times.”
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