Pet treat supplier secures additional £850k in private equity backing
Pet treat supplier, Sniffers Pet Care, has secured £850k in follow-on funding from Traditum Private Equity, following an initial investment of £1.75m by the West Yorkshire-based private equity house in September 2022.
Sniffers, which is based near Halifax, supplies natural pet treats for customers including Pets at Home and Jollyes under its challenger brand NAW, which was successfully launched in 2023.
The funding will enable Sniffers to accelerate production at its site in Elland and deliver an incremental uplift of £3.3m in annual revenue.
The business has experienced rapid growth in the past 24 months, with a 40% year-on-year increase in turnover and an 85% growth in headcount in the last 12 months, taking full-time employee numbers to 37.
The first round of funding enabled Sniffers to expand operationally and scale manufacturing and distribution capabilities. It also invested heavily in building its own IP through the re-brand of its natural dog treat brands, Buffalo and Walter Smith, to NAW, which stands for No Animal Wasted.
The range is made from 100% air-dried animal parts which would usually go to waste and is now stocked in large chains such Ocado, as well as a range of independent and specialist retailers. The brand will be showcased at Crufts next month in front of 250,000 entrants.
The latest round of funding has been supported strategically by Sniffers’ senior leadership team, which includes chief financial officer Peter Harrison and non-executive directors Tom Page, and George Page. The brothers were appointed in 2023 to provide both marketing and operational expertise, drawing on their extensive industry experience acquired at family firm, Inspired Pet Nutrition.
Speaking about the investment, Simon Brown, CEO of Sniffers Pet Care, said: “The follow-on funding from Traditum is a real endorsement of our plan and the launch of our brand NAW last year.
“It will enable us to accelerate our growth in 2024 and make a real impact in the pet market with some exciting launches ahead.”
Iain Marlow, head of investments for Traditum, said: “Following on from our investment into Sniffers in 2022 the business has successfully launched the NAW brand, expanded the senior management team and entered into new distribution channels, which have delivered transformational growth for the business.
“At Traditum we seek to invest in and support exceptional management teams and we could not be prouder to support Simon Brown and his whole team at Sniffers. We are delighted to be able to provide further funding to the business to support continued growth in what are exciting times for the business.”
Traditum was supported with legal advice from Paul Johnson and Nina Latham of law firm Mills and Reeve. Jonathan Simms, Hitesh Tailor and Jonathan Schneider from Clarion Solicitors supported Sniffers Pet Care.
Community, Arts, Heritage and Future Technology Centre approved for historic Saltaire
“Once in a generation” plans have been unanimously approved for a new £6m Community, Arts, Heritage and Future Technology Centre in the heart of Saltaire.
The new centre, which is being Government-funded through the Shipley Towns Fund, will benefit both local people and visitors, and is being delivered by Shipley College and the Saltaire Collection.
The building, which will be located at the corner of Victoria Road and Caroline Street on land provided by Bradford Council, will provide additional classroom and administration space to support Shipley College, for technology-based teaching and learning.
It will also become the new home for the Saltaire Collection – a large collection of historic artefacts and documents. There will be a public exhibition space and community classroom to enable people to learn more about the history of Saltaire.
Alongside five modern new classrooms, the plans include a civic garden to the front of the building and a publicly-accessible rooftop exhibition garden – intended to be open during the daytime.
The new building reinstates a civic function where Saltaire’s now demolished Sunday School’s building once stood. It has been designed to complement the sensitive historic context of Saltaire without harming the heritage attributes that make up the World Heritage Site’s outstanding universal value.
It will add to the ensemble of civic buildings and spaces on Victoria Road and create a welcoming and accessible exhibition pavilion and gardens. The design has been developed to retain key views to Salts Mill and most of the new accommodation is set below street level around a sunken courtyard.
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Transport and Planning, said: “This is a once in a generation opportunity to enhance Saltaire for the future. It is important it is done to an extremely high standard and in a sensitive way which respects the history of this very special place, and the plans certainly reflect that.”
Adam Clerkin, Chair of the Shipley Towns Fund, said: “We are thrilled the Towns Fund has been able to support this incredible project which will deliver so many development opportunities for local people and visitors alike.
“The approval of this the latest Towns Fund project, again underlines what can be achieved when public-funded projects are considered from a local viewpoint.”
The design and development ran alongside public engagement and consultation, as well as guidance from the Council’s planning authority and Historic England, to ensure the plans protect the Outstanding Universal Value of Saltaire.
Diana Bird, Principal at Shipley College, said: “The new building will provide modern teaching facilities to teach local people in-demand technological skills. It will create new public green spaces, and a permanent storage and exhibition space to tell the story of Saltaire to visitors – something that our village does not currently have.”
Maggie Smith, Trustee of the Saltaire Collection, said: “Our collection provides a unique insight into the lives of Saltaire residents and workers since its foundation in 1853, covering the many dramas and changes from the village’s early days until today. We are so excited that, after many years of commitment from our marvellous volunteers and researchers, we will soon be able to share these stories with everyone.”
The plans also include new modern public toilets and changing facilities, which were a core requirement of Shipley Town Council, one of the project stakeholders.
Premier Technical Services Group makes first overseas acquisition
Niche specialist service provider, Premier Technical Services Group Ltd (PTSG), has acquired Flame Control, a large fire solutions firm that operates across the Netherlands.
Flame Control, which is based in the municipality of Harderwijk, specialises in fire alarm systems, first aid, evacuation, extinguishing systems and extinguishing agents. With a team of 40 specialists, the company works extensively across the Netherlands, seven days a week to improve fire safety in businesses and residential properties.
Paul Teasdale, Executive Chairman at Castleford-based PTSG, said: “We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in the ongoing growth of PTSG as we embark on our first overseas acquisition.
“This strategic move represents a major step forward in our expansion efforts and underscores our commitment to creating an even stronger platform for growth. It aligns seamlessly with our long-term strategic vision and allows us to expand our market reach into Europe as well as offering our other services in a wider geographic context.”
PTSG works on buildings in all industry sectors nationwide and overseas to keep them fully operational, accessible, safe and compliant. The company’s specialist services solutions include façade access and fall arrest equipment, lightning protection testing and electrical compliance, building access cleaning and maintenance, fire and security solutions and water hygiene and treatment.
Nikhil Varty, Chief Executive at PTSG, said: “Through our 2,700 highly trained people, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, technological innovation and customer service. The addition of Flame Control to our fire solutions portfolio further reinforces our growth ambitions as we aim to deliver excellence in all aspects of our business.”
PTSG Netherlands will be overseen by Flame Control’s founder and CEO, Rodny Bosma, who believes that the collaboration is “a smart first move into Europe by PTSG,” with legislative systems and requirements being very similar and in a country that has a population of more than 17 million people of which up to 93 per cent speak English.
As part of the deal, Rodny has invested back into the newly formed business and is charged with driving the company’s growth in the Netherlands, across Europe and in the Nordic regions.
Nikhil concluded: “We extend a very ‘warm welkom’ to Rodny and his very talented team and we look forward to collaborating closely with them as we embark on this exciting journey. Together, we are poised to achieve new heights of success, keeping people safe as well as creating unparalleled value for our customers, our people and our stakeholders.
“We express our gratitude to all who have contributed to this milestone achievement and remain committed to driving sustainable growth and success in the years ahead.”
Sheffield graduate named as rail industry’s Young Professional of the Year
Sheffield Hallam University degree apprentice Fran Coult has been awarded Young Professional of the Year at the Rail Business Awards 2024.
Now working as a Supply Chain Apprentice at Alstom, Fran, pictured above, won the award which recognises the most outstanding employee under 35 within the UK rail industry.
Despite being the youngest entrant in the category, the judges commented on both the breadth and depth of Fran’s work, along with her willingness to adapt, learn and inspire. Fran works across multiple facets of the rail company’s supply chain including logistics, customer service, improving working practices, and driving efficiencies. During her time at Alstom, she has developed a new operational strategy that led to the company investing £3 million to improve delivery performance.
Fran said: “I am honoured, and it is a fantastic recognition of the achievements I have made since I joined this amazing industry. Dealing with different challenges and stakeholders, my personal and professional development with Alstom throughout my apprenticeship has been vast. I look forward to continuing to shape my career in rail and push for further positive changes across equality, diversity and inclusion within the industry.”
Alison Knight, Head of Talent at Alstom, said: “Fran’s thirst for knowledge, passion for rail, ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex challenges, and dedication to creating positive change is truly inspiring. She has already achieved much more than is expected from an apprentice and is a great role model to those around her and to future cohorts of trainees.”
Drax reveals operating profit of £796m
Drax Group made an operating profit of £796m in the year to December 31st 2023, according to figures just out, up from £78m in the previous year/
Will Gardiner, CEO of Drax Group, said the company performed strongly in 2023, remaining the largest single provider of renewable power by output in the UK, creating a business playing an essential role in supporting energy security.
He said: “Policy support for our UK BECCS project continues to progress and we remain in formal discussions with the UK Government to ensure Drax Power Station can play a long-term role in UK energy security, creating thousands of jobs during construction and helping the country reach Net Zero.
“We have made further progress in our ambition to be a world leader in carbon removals and have visibility of high-quality, long-term earnings to 2042 and a strong balance sheet which supports returns to shareholders and investment in growth, both in the UK and internationally.”
Businesses to be given chance to grill South Yorkshire mayoral hopefuls at hustings event
Candidates aspiring to be the new-look Mayor of South Yorkshire are to face a grilling from the area’s businesses, Chambers of Commerce, the CBI, and the FSB at a hustings event in April.
Its happening because although current Mayor Oliver Coppard is barely half way through his term of office the role is being expanded to to take on additional Police and Crime Commissioner powers
Encouraging businesses and prospective candidates to attend this event, Dan Fell, Chief Exec of Doncaster Chamber, said: “It’s vital that our region’s Mayor be attuned to the needs and wants of the local business community. After all, they will play an instrumental role in shaping South Yorkshire’s infrastructure and economy in the years to come.
“Now that they are also taking on Police and Crime Commissioner responsibilities, they will no doubt be instrumental in tackling issues like antisocial behaviour, theft, and cybercrime, which we know to be major concerns for many of our members as well.
“With that in mind, this hustings event is a great opportunity for businesses to really get a feel for the prospective mayors and to make sure their voice is being heard by them too. Meanwhile, for the candidates themselves it is a chance to find out what’s important for their future constituents and how they can better represent them. We are therefore urging businesses and candidates alike to attend, so that the conversation here can be as productive as possible.”
Organised in partnership between the three South Yorkshire Chambers, FSB, CBI and Make UK, the hustings will take place on Friday the 19th of April, starting at 9am.
Rushbond adds landmark Harrogate office building to growing commercial portfolio
Yorkshire-based property company Rushbond PLC has acquired The Exchange in Harrogate, a landmark ten-storey office building located in a prime location above the town’s train station.
The acquisition is part of Rushbond’s strategic plan to grow its portfolio of well-located, best in class commercial assets in Yorkshire, having also recently purchased the iconic Bank House in Leeds – the former home of the Bank of England.
The Exchange building, which dominates the town centre skyline, is one of the few Grade A office developments in the town centre.
The building is currently home to a wide range of businesses from software development companies to law firms and architecture practices, and also features two retail units on the ground floor.
Rushbond will now undertake a programme of renovations to the building and the few remaining vacant suites – which range between 765 sq ft to 5,300 sq ft – with a focus on upgrading the specification of the interiors and improving energy efficiency.
This is the second recent major investment in the town for the property company, which recently announced work starting on site to transform Harrogate’s Herald Buildings – the former headquarters of the Harrogate Advertiser – into a new retail and apartment scheme.
Richard Baker from Rushbond said: “The Exchange building represents an incredible asset management opportunity for Rushbond. There is no better address for businesses wanting to locate in central Harrogate, with stunning views across this beautiful spa town and countryside beyond.
“The transport links are second to none and there are substantial onsite car and cycle parking provisions. We believe the planned programme of works will reinforce The Exchange’s attraction to a range of future occupiers who see the benefits of locating here in one of the most attractive towns to work and live in the UK.”
ABP bases new Lead Property Development Manager on the Humber
Associated British Ports has appointed Andrew Milne as to a new role as Lead Property Development Manager to help drive its property development pipeline and revenue growth.
Based in the Humber Andrew will be dealing with the direct development of land and property opportunities which come forward to expand ABP’s own direct development and bring forward some of the significant development sites owned by the UK’s major port operator, including the recent acquisition at Stallingborough Interchange and Humber International Enterprise Park.
Simon Bird, Director, said: “I’m delighted that Andrew has joined us at an exciting time in the business, as we drive forward the new property strategy to unlock new growth gateways.
We have a strong focus on sustainability and enabling the UK’s clean air transition, and Andrew’s role will be a critical one by looking at sustainable solutions for our developments.”
Andrew Milne, Lead Property Development Manager (Humber), said: “I’m excited to be joining ABP with some strategically important development sites coming forward and their focus on sustainability and innovating in the renewable energy sectors. It is a great opportunity, and I am looking forward to playing a part in ABP’s journey.”
Greg Lacey, Head of Property (Humber) said: “Andrew joins as we enter the exciting implementation phase of our new property strategy. We hold significant strategic land parcels on both sides of the Humber and now have the foundations in place across our estates, asset, and development management teams to secure and deliver major opportunities for the Humber region.
“We are not standing still and our hugely ambitious for ABP; accordingly, Andrew will also be instrumental in working closely with our asset management team in sourcing new investments and further strategic land opportunities to accelerate the growth of ABP, particularly linking into the wider ABP strategy which will be launched later this year.”
Based in ABP’s Hull and Immingham offices, Andrew’s newly created role will strengthen the company’s property capabilities and bolster its new business opportunities portfolio.
The ABP Property team is looking to broaden its reach and seek new customers. ABP is one of the UK’s largest property and landowners.
The new position has been created following the realignment of the property strategy and is central to the success of the future ABP property development pipeline and revenue growth.
Andrew is a Chartered Surveyor and comes to ABP from Muse where he worked in the Yorkshire and North East office as senior development manager. Muse is part of Morgan Sindall’s regeneration arm. His previous role was at national developer HBD where he worked for six years on mixed use developments from industrial to office schemes.
Manningham Housing Association appoints Vice Chair
Cym D’Souza has been appointed Vice Chair of Manningham Housing Association (MHA).
She previously served as Chief Executive of Manchester-based Arawak Walton Housing Association, stepping down last autumn after almost 25 years in the post.
Ms D’Souza is a well-known figure in UK housing having served from 2012-23 as Chair of BME National, the umbrella body for black and minority ethnic (BME) housing associations.
A qualified chartered accountant, she has been a member of numerous boards in the commercial and housing sectors and was recently appointed Vice Chair of Church Housing Association, established by the Church of England following the publication of a groundbreaking report by the Archbishops’ Commission on Housing, Church and Community.
Founded in 1986, MHA manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley.
It is the first housing association in the country to be officially accredited for its work in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, and the only housing association in the world to achieve the global Standard for Diversity and Inclusion in HR Management.
Cym D’Souza said: “I am excited to join the MHA Board. It has established a well-earned reputation as one of the leading BME housing associations in the country, which not only provides high quality homes for residents but strives to improve the life experiences of the wider communities which surround them.
“I know that exciting plans are in place to build on the progress MHA has made in recent years. I look forward to playing my part in delivering them.”
Rupert Pometsey, MHA Chair, said: “It is a delight to welcome Cym as our new Vice Chair. She is one of the most respected individuals in housing and brings an unrivalled breadth of experience to the boardroom. Cym is also a prominent champion of BME communities which makes her the perfect fit for MHA.”
Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said: “I have worked alongside Cym on the Executive Group of BME National for many years. Her CV speaks volumes about her achievements and absolute commitment to the task in hand. She is a great addition to our Board.”
Firms offered chance to learn about fusion energy at West Burton with new online tool
UK Atomic Energy Authority has launched a new online tool for business and residents near West Burton to learn more about the vision for the site’s role in developing a prototype fusion power plant with the potential to create nearly four million times more energy for every kilogram of fuel than burning coal, oil or gas.
A team from UK Atomic Energy Authority hs developed the online tool alongside development of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production vision for the West Burton site near Gainsborough, where the prototype fusion powerplant will be built. It’s said that usion has the potential to become a near-limitless source of low carbon energy by copying the processes that power the sun and stars, where atoms are fused to release energy.
Nearby businesses and residents can see for the first time how UKAEA is approaching the layout of the site, which is underpinned by four key themes:
Fusion power creates
- the environment, innovation and climate change resilience
- health and wellbeing
- an inclusive economy
- identity/distinctiveness, taking into consideration culture and heritage.
