Wakefield company hosts Secretary of State for Education and local MP to discuss skills shortage
Cary Group strengthens UK operations with Nationwide Windscreens acquisition
Cary Group has acquired Nationwide Windscreens (York) Limited, marking its fourth acquisition outside the National Windscreens brand in the UK. The deal took effect on 1 September 2025 and brings Nationwide Windscreens (York) into Cary Group’s existing National Windscreens network.
The company’s acquisition strategy targets platform acquisitions to enter new regions, add-ons to reinforce existing markets, and smaller deals to expand local presence. Over the past four years, Cary Group has completed multiple acquisitions across Europe, increasing revenue and extending its footprint in the Vehicle Glass Repair and Replacement sector, a market characterised by fragmentation.
Nationwide Windscreens (York) has been owned and operated by the Brett family since 2004. The previous owners will remain with the business to maintain continuity and support integration.
The UK represents Cary Group’s second-largest market. Integrating Nationwide Windscreens (York) is expected to enhance service delivery, particularly in the insurance segment, while consolidating the company’s position in the UK vehicle glass repair network.
Bradford council set to consider 173-home development
Plans for a 173-home housing development off Abb Scott Lane in Bradford have been recommended for approval despite more than 100 objections from local residents. The proposal includes 85 affordable homes and a mix of two- to four-bedroom properties.
The site currently consists of agricultural fields and a few farm buildings and is not designated as greenbelt. A greenbelt area lies immediately to the south. The land had previously been identified for housing in Bradford’s Local Plan, although the allocation has since expired.
Objections submitted cite potential traffic congestion, loss of green space, and concerns over the impact on Low Moor’s community identity. Some respondents suggested alternative uses, such as housing for older residents or recreational space for teenagers.
Bradford Council’s regulatory and appeals committee is scheduled to review the application on Thursday. Planning officers have highlighted the district’s housing shortfall and noted the development would contribute significantly to local housing supply.
If approved, Homes By Honey would be required to provide £500,000 towards improvements at the junction of Abb Scott Lane and Huddersfield Road to mitigate traffic impact.
Journeo snaps up Crime and Fire Defence Systems Limited
Journeo, a provider of information systems and technical services to transport operators, local authorities, and the public transport networks that connect them, has acquired Crime and Fire Defence Systems Limited (CFDS), a specialist infrastructure protection systems integrator in physical and cyber security solutions to the UK Critical National Infrastructure, Defence and Utilities markets.
Journeo’s strategic acquisition of Wakefield-based CFDS will add depth and breadth to capabilities in critical ‘cost of failure’ solutions across public transport, passenger information and vital national infrastructure installations, such as those at major railway stations, international airports and nuclear power generation facilities.The total consideration comprises approximately £10.7m in cash from existing resources, £2m in deferred cash payments repayable in equal amounts after 12 and 24 months following completion and £1m through the issue of new ordinary shares of 6.5p each in the company to the vendors of CFDS with a 24-month minimum holding period.
It is expected that CFDS will have over £1m of cash on completion, resulting in an aggregate cash balance of £9m for the enlarged group post completion of the acquisition.
For the 12 months ended 30 April 2025, CFDS reported audited revenue of £17.33m, PBT of £1.36m and had net assets of £3.93m.
Russ Singleton, CEO at Ashby-de-la-Zouch-based Journeo, said: “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of CFDS, a recognised leader in utility Infrastructure Protection solutions. This acquisition aligns with our strategy of taking our core capabilities into adjacent markets and strengthens our offering and broadens our reach. We look forward to working closely with the CFDS team to unlock value and deliver enhanced integrated solutions to a broader client base.”
KPMG Corporate Finance and Squire Patton Boggs advised Crime and Fire Defence Systems Ltd on its investment from Journeo Plc. Sell-side support was also provided by Navig8 Avisory. Giles Taylor, partner at KPMG, said: “We are delighted to have advised the shareholders of Crime and Fire Defence Systems on its investment from Journeo Plc. It’s a great example of a thriving Infrastructure Services M&A market and the quality of Yorkshire private enterprise businesses. This transaction represents an exciting next chapter for Crime and Fire’s development.”Independent games developer hails “strong start to the year” as profits rise while revenues slide
everplay group, formerly Team17, an independent games developer, has hailed “a strong start to the year,” as profits rose while revenues slid.
According to unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2025 (H1 2025), group revenues fell 10% to £72.4 million. The business shared that this was a result of the timing of license revenues and new title launches at the astragon division, as well as declines in physically distributed sales and a “very strong” prior year back catalogue performance.
Profit before tax, meanwhile, grew to £14.3m, up from £12.4m in the same period last year.Four new games launched during the period (in comparison to nine in the same period last year) with four existing games released on additional platforms (H1 2024: four). Revenues from new releases increased 40% in the period.
Three acquisitions of IP and back catalogue publishing rights were completed, at a total cost of less than £8 million, adding additional revenue streams.
Frank Sagnier, interim executive chair of everplay, said: “It has been a strong start to the year. The improved performance of our new releases shows the progress we have made continually enhancing our internal procedures, such as our greenlight process, the quality of our production, and our marketing approach.
“I am delighted by the strategic progress we have made across the business, with the Group already benefitting from new revenue streams from our recent IP and back catalogue acquisitions.
“I would like to thank our people across the Group, led by teams that are truly focused on making great games and apps for our players. Since spending more time in the business in my role as Interim Executive Chair, I have been overwhelmed by the teams’ creativity, skills and knowledge.
“Looking ahead, we have a busy second half to deliver, but the team remains laser-focused on performance and delivering on our strategic priorities to ensure continued long-term growth for the Group and our shareholders.”
York strengthens economic ties with Lviv
York City Council is advancing its partnership with Lviv, Ukraine, focusing on economic development and strategic collaboration. Recent discussions between city officials identified transport, civil engineering, and resilience infrastructure as key areas for knowledge exchange.
York’s expertise in rail technology and engineering is being aligned with Lviv’s plans to enhance its transport network. Collaborative initiatives are under consideration, including rail technology projects and urban infrastructure programmes aimed at supporting Lviv’s ambitions as a European transport hub.
Business engagement is expanding through planned joint summits, connecting York-based companies with Ukrainian enterprises in logistics, engineering, and technology. York businesses are also providing ongoing support to Ukraine through commercial and humanitarian initiatives.
Military and emergency management expertise is part of the knowledge-sharing agenda. York’s experience in training academies and resilience planning is being explored to support Lviv’s education and emergency response systems.
Humanitarian support continues alongside economic collaboration. York has welcomed over 400 Ukrainian residents and provides housing, employment, and education assistance. The partnership is part of a broader effort to combine city-level expertise with practical initiatives that reinforce economic resilience and urban development in both locations.
Lviv’s engagement in international city networks, including partnerships with Manchester, Liverpool, and European cities, complements the York collaboration. The joint focus is on sustainable development, reconstruction, and strengthening local infrastructure while fostering long-term international cooperation.
Yorkshire’s DJH accelerates expansion with acquisition of Haines Watts’ Chester, Liverpool and Wirral offices
Bradford Live opens with upgraded catering facilities
Bradford has launched a new entertainment venue following its designation as UK City of Culture for 2025. The former Thornton Road Odeon, closed since 2000, has been transformed into Bradford Live, a multi-purpose space with a capacity of nearly 4,000, hosting music, comedy, film, and family events.
Local business Airedale Group was commissioned to design and install the venue’s catering infrastructure. The project included the creation of a first-floor commercial kitchen, installation of ice machines, glass wash areas, and other back-of-house amenities to support both concession catering and full-service dining for large-scale events. The company’s in-house project management team delivered the fit-out on schedule, enabling the venue to expand its food and beverage offerings across multiple areas, including its ballroom.
The refurbishment forms part of a broader effort to revive Bradford’s cultural landmarks and meet the city’s growing live entertainment demand. Airedale Group’s involvement highlights the role of regional suppliers in supporting urban regeneration projects and large-scale event infrastructure.
Study Group seeks city centre expansion at University of Leeds hub
Study Group has applied to Leeds City Council to expand its city centre base at 8 Park Row, which houses The Leeds International Study Centre supporting international students progressing to the University of Leeds.
The organisation, advised by Fisher German, signed a five-year lease in March for floors three to seven of the building, covering 19,000 sq ft. The current application proposes changing the use of floors one and two to educational purposes, adding teaching spaces, tutorial rooms, and language support facilities.
The additional floors are designed to enhance the building’s flexibility, allowing for breakout sessions, small-group teaching, and improved circulation, without increasing the number of students or staff.
The plans emphasise efficient use of existing space, avoiding new construction, and aligning with sustainable development principles. The change of use does not reduce employment-generating floorspace and supports city objectives around skills development, learning, and inclusive growth.
Study Group currently accommodates 480 people, including approximately 50 staff. The expansion aims to complement existing facilities and enhance the mix of commercial, educational, and civic activity in the city centre.
JELD-WEN UK begins move to new Sheffield site
JELD-WEN UK is relocating its Sheffield operations to a newly leased facility at Bessemer Park. The move will consolidate manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain activities in a purpose-built site designed for modern industrial operations.
The transition applies only to Sheffield, with the company’s Penrith operations continuing unchanged. Relocation planning is structured in phases to maintain service continuity for customers and ensure operational stability for employees and suppliers throughout the process.
The Bessemer Park facility offers enhanced capacity and operational efficiency, supporting sustainable growth and long-term resilience. Transition teams are coordinating the shift to ensure production and delivery schedules are maintained during the move.
The company views the relocation as a strategic step to strengthen its UK presence and secure operational capabilities for future demand, while aligning facilities with current industry standards for efficiency and productivity.
