Yorkshire funding and investment group backs property business
Venturian Funding & Investment Group has backed property firm Home & Manor.
The business will focus on sales, lettings and property management across residential and commercial property.
Initially Yorkshire-centric, Home & Manor has much wider and far-reaching aspirations says co-founder Kelly Day: “Our intention is to grow rapidly within our initial Kirklees focus areas and progressively expand to other areas.
“Our agency will be enabled by technology and data in a far more sophisticated way to the current estate agency market standard approach. We see this as giving us the tools to best serve our customers and to also map the areas where we can expand our business at speed.”
Kelly, having more than 20 years’ experience in estate agency and property management herself, brings a wealth of knowledge to the business.
Greg Allsopp, investment director at Venturian, added: “Home & Manor’s ambitions to become a technology led regional force in the property and property management marketplace is extremely exciting in an interesting marketplace. We have been looking for an agency business for a while.
“Kelly brought us a compelling product combining the principles Kelly has set with our desire to have the business focussed on using technology and analytics at its core. We see this as providing some clear points of difference for the business for its customers, but also the platform for the quick growth of the business.”
Co-founder Kelly Day said: “This has taken shape rapidly with Venturian quickly seeing the potential. I’m delighted to be working with them not only to consolidate our position in Kirklees, but to expedite our plans for regional and national expansion in our fields of expertise.”
Huddersfield direct marketing company set for Management Buyout
The founder and long-time CEO of Huddersfield-based Propack Direct Mail, a direct marketing company, is retiring from the business. In his place, Jason Clough will be taking on the company as part of a Management Buyout (MBO), with the full support and approval of Neil Lloyd.
Lloyd founded Propack Direct Mail over 28 years ago, building the company from the ground up to become a leading player in the direct marketing industry. Under his leadership, Propack has grown to serve a wide range of clients, including: Tui, Travis Perkins, Mercedes-Benz, providing a range of services from creative design to printing, mailing and fulfilment.
“It has been an incredible journey, building this business from scratch and watching it grow over the years,” said Lloyd. “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved, and I am excited to see what the future holds for Propack under Jason’s ownership.”
Clough has been with Propack since 2006, working his way up through the ranks to become Managing Director. He has been instrumental in driving the company’s growth and success in recent years, and Lloyd has full confidence in his ability to lead the business into the future.
“I am honoured and humbled to be taking on this role, and I am committed to continuing the success that Neil has built at Propack,” said Clough. “We have a fantastic team in place, and we are committed to helping our clients communicate effectively and increase their revenue.”
The Management Buyout will see Clough taking full control of Propack Direct Mail, with Lloyd stepping down from his position as CEO. The deal has been in the works for several months, and has been approved by all relevant parties.
“We are confident that Jason has the vision, drive and expertise to lead Propack to even greater success in the future,” said Lloyd. “I wish him and the whole team all the best for the future.”
Levelling Up grant to bring Hull heritage building back into use
A pop-up arts and culture venue will be created thanks to Levelling Up Funding from Hull City Council.
A grant of £76,418.81 has been awarded to Fruit Market LLP to help bring back into use 66-68 Humber Street.
The heritage building will become 1-2 Pier Street and will be used as a pop-up space for the arts and cultural scene.
Renovations will include the installation of a new shop front, a new roof, cladding to the walls, a renovated interior, installation of heating and cooling systems, plumbing works and the fitting of fire systems and fire doors.
Garry Taylor, assistant director for major projects, culture and place at Hull City Council, said: “The council is delighted to be able to award this funding to Fruit Market LLP.
“It’s pleasing to see another unused building being brought back into use, whilst also supporting the city’s flourishing arts and culture scene.”
The regeneration of the Fruit Market is being led by Wykeland Beal, a company formed by commercial developer Wykeland Group and housebuilder Beal Homes, as part of the Fruit Market LLP joint venture with Hull City Council.
Esh secures £60m new refurbishment contracts
Leeds-based contractor, Esh Construction, is set to deliver more than £60 million refurbishment work for registered social housing providers following a series of contract awards.
Clients including Thirteen Group, Broadacres Housing Association and Riverside have appointed Esh to deliver refurbishment and upgrade works to housing stock across the North East, Tees Valley and North Yorkshire.
Boasting more than 20 years of experience delivering refurbishment schemes across the region, Esh has secured a place on Thirteen’s Capital Delivery Framework which will see £50 million of home improvements delivered throughout the next five years. The framework is part of Thirteen’s £150 million home investment programme.
Colin Ford, operations director at Esh Construction, said: “We pride ourselves on maintaining successful working relationships with our clients and we are delighted to have secured several notable contract awards to kickstart 2023.
“We look forward to working collaboratively with our clients to improve living conditions for tenants, while building on our extensive experience of delivering refurbishment works for more than two-decades.”
In North Yorkshire, Esh is set to commence work on a five-year kitchen and bathroom programme for Broadacres Housing Association, marking the first refurbishment contract with Broadacres in 14 years. More than 1,300 properties will benefit from the work undertaken.
A retirement living investment programme for Riverside adds to the pipeline, which will see Esh refurbish two occupied residential developments. The first scheme is located in South Shields and will include the installation of bathrooms, mechanical and electrical works, and refurbishment of communal areas.
The first project to get underway via Thirteen’s Capital Delivery Framework is the £5.9 million Holmes V project, with another four in the pipeline for the coming months. Modernisation works will be delivered in more than 400 homes across the estate in Thornaby with residents benefitting from new kitchens, electrical rewires and boilers.
Ford added: “At Esh, we are committed to making a lasting difference within the communities surrounding our developments through our ethos of employing local, supporting local, engaging local and procuring local.
“Each new contract award will allow us to create employment opportunities and generate a significant amount of work for our local supply chain, while also delivering social value initiatives such as volunteering and donations, school and college engagement, and training opportunities.”
Profitable seafront hotel in Redcar sold
The seafront Park Hotel in Redcar has been sold.
Positioned near the town centre, the hotel has steadily grown in popularity under the ownership of Lee and Claire Dexter. The property boasts panoramic coastal views throughout its 32 bedrooms and large bar and restaurant.
Former owner, Lee Dexter, says: “Claire and I have owned The Park Hotel for 20 years and we have enjoyed some great times. We felt that the time had come to focus on other business interests and we are proud to pass on a very popular hotel with a healthy trade and profits. We wish the new owners all the best in their venture.”
The hotel has been purchased by Redpark Leisure. A spokesperson advises: “We have always known and been aware of this fantastic hotel and restaurant, so we were delighted when it became available. Such well known businesses do not come up very often and we very much hope to build upon the good work of Lee and Claire and continue the hotel in the years to come.”
Handling the sale for the Dexters was Christie & Co hotel director, Mark Worley. He says: “I have known Lee and Claire for many years and have kept them updated and appraised of the hotel market, both on a local and regional basis. I am so pleased to have been able to sell the hotel for them especially as I know that it will remain as a hotel and it is in good hands with investment planned to ensure its longevity.”
North Kesteven’s rural firms encouraged to explore growth grant potential
Expressions of interest are open for a capital grant scheme which will help rural businesses in North Kesteven invest in sustainable growth.
The Rural Business Grant is specifically aimed at supporting new and existing rural businesses to develop products, services and facilities of wider benefit to the local economy.
Possible examples include farm businesses looking to diversify income streams, growth in the visitor economy including visitor accommodation, and investments in power or energy efficiency which will make a positive contribution to the District reaching net zero.
The grant is being delivered by North Kesteven District Council for DEFRA, under the Rural England Prosperity Fund. The first window for Expressions of Interest is open from now until Thursday 1 June.
Digital Expression of Interest forms can be found online at www.businessnk.co.uk
There’ll then be a first call for full applications, and this will take place when the Expressions of Interest window has closed.
North Kesteven District Council Economic Development Manager Alan Gray said: “We’re inviting rural businesses in North Kesteven to register their interest now in the Rural Business Grant, if they have a project they think may be eligible.
“These early indications will allow our grants team to make initial assessments of eligibility and provide help where needed from the start, including ensuring applicants are given the time and support necessary to refine and develop investments in line with the objectives of the Rural England Prosperity Fund and meet the various requirements for evidence.
“It will also help ensure that proper consideration is given to projects that may require planning permission, or any additional funding or legal matters which need to be concluded within the time frame set out for the delivery of projects.”
The minimum grant available through the Rural Business Grant is £5,000, and depending on the project and investment needed applicants may be required to provide match funding.
The Rural Business Grant will run until all funds have been awarded, and all projects must be deliverable before 31 March 2025. Full details on eligibility criteria are available with the Expressions of Interest form online.
North Kesteven’s Rural England Prosperity Fund allocation is an addendum to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, to help support rural areas in England and the two Levelling Up Fund missions of improving living standards and growing pride of place. The Rural Business Grant has received £450,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Leeds award scheme celebrates manufacturers of the future
Leeds’ manufacturing and engineering sector has celebrated the achievements of some of its brightest younger stars at an awards ceremony recognising the talents, achievements and contributions of the next generation working within the industry.
Now in their second year, the Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards saw trophies presented for Apprentice of the Year, Rising Star and Future Manufacturing Leader, as well as a new category of Employer of the Year. The initiative has gathered momentum since its launch in 2022, with double the number of employers nominating team members for awards this year and a packed awards ceremony, held last night [20 April] at Leeds glass reinforced plastic moulds manufacturer MPM.
Harry Clark won the Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by Leeds City College. Nominated by his employer, MPM, where he works in the quality and finishing department, he was singled out as being a particularly strong performer within the business. According to judges, Harry stands out as “a team player with a strong career ahead of him”.
Sponsored by Leeds City Council, the 2023 Rising Star Award went to Maddy Pennock, currently in the fourth and final year of a design engineering apprenticeship at Stanningley-based engineering firm, LBBC Technologies.
Kirkstall Precision Engineering apprentice manufacturing engineer Kalum Downey scooped the Future Manufacturing Leader trophy, sponsored by engineering and manufacturing recruiter E3 Recruitment. Kalum was singled out for consistently delivering high-quality work and supporting his team members.
Historic Leeds textiles business AW Hainsworth was named Employer of the Year, an award sponsored by Next Gen Makers, which runs a benchmarking and accreditation scheme for manufacturing and engineering apprenticeships.
The firm was selected for its “remarkable commitment to its employees and continual investment in developing its people strategies,” according to the judges, who were impressed by AW Hainsworth’s “wide range of support for employees,” as well as its “outstanding commitment to learning and development, with training opportunities across the organisation and available to all.”
“The progressive yet inclusive leadership style is again demonstrated in their commitment to apprenticeships,” said the judges. “With a strong emphasis on the next generation, it is clear that AW Hainsworth believes people are the key to long term sustainability for businesses”.
Ben Wilson, interim chair of the Leeds Manufacturing Festival, and director of MPM, said: “These awards are a celebration of the many outstanding young people who have opted for what will no doubt be incredibly successful careers in manufacturing and we couldn’t do it without the support and engagement from our sponsors. Our industry needs more creative, dedicated young employees like our award winners and nominees to form the next generation of manufacturers and ensure the future of our sector.”
Hull Trains partners with Trussell Trust to encourage food donations
For a week starting today Hull Trains and the Trussell Trust are calling on the general public to support a week-long appeal for donations to provide food to those in most need.
The Trussell Trust has seen demand for its local food banks rocket over the past few months and is handing out 47% more packages compared to this time last year.
Hull Trains will be setting up a food donations collection point at Hull Paragon Station from today until Friday this week.
The campaign has been launched to coincide with the Big Help Out, a scheme launched by His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Consort Camilla as part of the Coronation celebrations. The Big Help Out is encouraging everyone to volunteer or support their own community, nationwide.
The donation point will be located on the concourse at Paragon Station where donations of non-perishable, in-date food will be greatly received by the trust to create food parcels for individuals and families across the Hull and Humber region.
Items such as tinned vegetables, tinned rice pudding, tinned fruit, and tinned meat are among the items that are much needed by food banks in the local area. Strong carrier bags are also appreciated by the trust so the packs can be distributed effectively.
Russ Barlow, Project Manager at The Trussell Trust Hull branch, said: “We are so grateful for the support of Hull Trains in these challenging times. To see such a huge increase in people struggling to afford the essentials has been difficult and helping them would be impossible without the vital support of local people and organisations such as Hull Trains.
“We would like to see an end to people needing to use a foodbank, but whilst we work towards that challenging goal, we’d like to say a big thank you to Hull Trains and anyone that is able to donate to help ensure people do not go without in the coming months.”
Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director at Hull Trains, said: “The Coronation and Big Help Out provides a unique opportunity for communities to come together and do something positive for those who need our support the most. Even by making a single donation, you will be making a huge difference.
“The work the Trussell Trust are doing to provide individuals and families across Hull with access to food and necessities is vital. Let’s please come together as a community to help them and we can all make a difference together.”
York & North Yorkshire Chamber names new VP
Sarah Czarnecki has been appointed as new vice president at the York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce
Sarah is a well-known and respected business leader in the region and sits on the York and North Yorkshire Chamber Leadership Group as well as being vice-chair of its Hospitality Forum.
The appointment will see her join the wider West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce board, working alongside current president Laurence Beardmore until his time in office concludes this summer, after which she will assume the office of President.
Sarah is director of Grays Court Hotel & The Bow Room Restaurant in York city centre, and is a director at York’s Business Improvement District and an advisory board member of York St John University’s business school.
She said: “Becoming vice president of York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce is both an honour and a privilege. I have dedicated much of my life to business in this region and am looking forward to devoting my time and passion to make York and North Yorkshire as successful and prosperous as it can be.
“North Yorkshire is a gem of the United Kingdom with a strong footing in the industries that have made us the county we are. Working with, and championing, these industries and businesses will be a prime focus for my role with the Chamber.
“I look forward to shepherding the county into the next chapter of its illustrious history and to working with the region’s stakeholders for its advancement.”
HullBID signs sponsorship deal for this summer’s food nights
HullBID has secured the backing of a contact centre business ResQ as sponsor of the city’s Street Food Nights – one of the organisation’s biggest events of the year.
Company CEO Gill Matchbanks, whose firm employs 2,000 in Hull and Seaham, County Durham, said sponsorship was a great opportunity to connect with candidates and customers. “Finding and recruiting talent is something we do on a daily basis and we like to get involved in these types of activity in the local area to get our name out there as a great place to work.
“We also have some huge clients including British Gas, Scottish Power and Vodafone and a presence at Hull Street Food Nights will support our ongoing campaign to find the best talent to service them.
“As a business that was born in Hull as a tiny player in the market to one that now employs over 2000 people, ResQ are delighted to be able to support other local businesses on their journey to growth.”
HullBid Exec Director Kathryn Shillito said: “ResQ recognise the potential for business benefits from the huge crowds which we attract to every event, and they are clearly committed to supporting Hull, having announced nearly 300 new jobs just last week.
“Hull Street Food Nights provide a great opportunity for staff to get together and unwind with great food and drink and live entertainment after a day at work. We’re sure the ResQ team will make the most of that and we’re grateful to them for helping us to offer the opportunity to other businesses in the city centre.”
Hull Street Food Nights will feature about 30 different food vendors and an entertainment package which will include live music, DJ sets, street entertainment and free glitter face painting. The events will all take place in Zebedee’s Yard and Princes Dock Street from 4pm until 9pm and the dates are Thursday 1 June, Thursday 29 June, Thursday 27 July and Thursday 28 September.
