Yorkshire construction firm at the heart of hospital project

The full refurbishment of Castle Hill Hospital’s MRI suite in East Yorkshire is now complete. Run by the Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the hospital, which is located west of Cottingham, has made a significant investment in a new state of the art scanner as part of the refurbishment.

Yorkshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter, has carried out the four-month programme of construction work. The project has included stripping out all the existing fittings and fixtures from floor to ceiling and the management of the specialist removal of the old MRI scanner, before thoroughly cleaning and making good all internal areas.

New flooring, walls, reflective ceiling panels, internal doors and screens have all been installed, along with a new mechanical and electrical system. A specialist radiofrequency (RF) Faraday shield enclosure was built to block electromagnetic fields, before the new MRI scanner was installed alongside a smart new control room for staff, complete with a smart glass system for viewing patients and virtual dimmable windows.

The £500,000 programme of works by Hobson & Porter is one of several projects the firm is working on in the heath and care sector. As well as working on projects for the NHS, Hobson & Porter also works for a number of medical technology businesses and is delivering several large-scale care homes across the North of England.

Sam Robertson from Hobson & Porter said: “We have built up an impressive portfolio of works for NHS Trusts, medical centres and care operators over the years. We adapt our work schedules to take into account the fact that we are operating in fully functioning medical environments and work hard to deliver our projects on time and within budget, which is key to our success in this specialist area.

“This new state of the art MRI suite will enable Castle Hill Hospital to continue providing the best possible levels of patient care and it’s an honour to be part of this development, which will ultimately help to save lives in Hull.”

JLL makes seven promotions in Leeds

Global real estate consulting firm JLL has made seven promotions within its Leeds office in its latest round.

JLL has promoted the following team members across Yorkshire and the North East:

  • Lee Conroy, Lease Advisory, Regional Lead
  • Zach Mehdizadeh, Strategic Asset Management, Associate
  • James Hendry, Residential Land & Development, Senior Surveyor
  • Sue Oliver, Capital Markets, Executive Assistant
  • Molly Orviss, Bewonder*, Senior Marketing Manager
  • Holly Pickard, Bewonder*, Marketing Manager
  • Bethany Robinson, Bewonder*, Operations Manager

Tom McWilliams, head of Yorkshire and North East region at JLL, said: “These promotions are incredibly well-deserved and reflect the hard work and dedication of our teams that continue to deliver joined-up real estate solutions across Yorkshire and the North East.

“Retaining and developing our talent is a key tenet of our business strategy. We are committed to helping our people grow and forge fulfilling and rewarding careers.”

LEP Growth Hubs work for business, report finds

An independent evaluation of LEP Growth Hubs between 2015 and 2020, commissioned by the government, concludes that LEP Growth Hubs increase turnover, business R&D, access to finance, and job creation. The report has been welcomed by LEP Network Chair Mark Bretton, who said: “This report confirms what local businesses experience on the ground – LEP Growth Hubs are successful and proven to work. But, as the report makes clear, two things make that happen – a strong reputation for reliability and independence and a ‘human centred’ approach. These are essential and advantageous, particularly in times of heightened uncertainty. That uncertainty is more acute than ever, hence the role of LEP Growth Hubs has never been more valuable in enabling and supporting local businesses to start up, scale up, invest and export. “But as the report states, increased consistency of the Growth Hub offer across the network, and improved resourcing, can enable LEP Growth Hubs to retain their high value staff and work even more effectively – this resonates with the Chancellor’s intention to maintain “a more consistent landscape” during LEP integration into local authorities. We simply cannot risk a patchwork of local business support in areas where LEPs are not able to integrate or where local leaders cannot reach agreement. I trust that this independent assessment of their performance will positively inform government as they consider their final decision on LEPs and LEP Growth Hub funding”. LEP Growth Hubs, are currently funded to March 2024 with a final decision on future funding yet to be decided. The report, conducted by Technopolis and published on the government website, seeks to consider how LEP Growth Hubs operate at national, regional, and local levels, and to inform future decisions about policy and funding. The report shows that:
  • LEP Growth Hubs are successful, and proven to work, especially for SMEs and have “a strong reputation for reliability and independence among stakeholders, partners, and businesses”.
  • They reached 8% of all businesses in England – higher than the 2.5% ambition set in BEIS reporting.
  • Growth Hubs simplify the business support landscape, undertaking significant stakeholder engagement and management, enabling local businesses to access the support and help available in their local areas.
  • National and regional stakeholders saw Growth Hubs’ as having a unique understanding of local needs and strengths. This local strength and insight reaches local businesses where national programmes may not.
  • Engagement with LEP Growth Hubs boosted employment levels for supported businesses – beneficiaries demonstrated an average 14% increase in employment one year after first engagement and an average 22% increase in employment after five years.
  • In terms of turnover, there is clear sustained growth. Relative to the baseline, beneficiaries report an average increase of £782k one year after the first intervention, compared to £294k for non-beneficiaries. The equivalent increase five years post GH engagement is higher, at £953k.
  • Businesses see the ‘human centred’ approach being of “immense value”, in terms of both dealing with partners and business beneficiaries, business felt this was “essential and advantageous, particularly in times of heightened uncertainty”.
  • In conclusion LEP Growth Hub outcomes increased business R&D, access to finance, turnover, and job creation for local businesses
 

Water companies must go further and faster on environmental improvements, say authorities

Of the water companies serving our region only Yorkshire Water companies showed an improved environmental performance last year, climbing from a two-star to three-star rating. Severn Trent and Anglian stayed the same, at four stars and two stars respectively, but it was noted that Anglian sat alongside Thames Water as together being responsible for more than half of serious pollution incidents. The Environment Agency has taken enforcement action against both companies. Environment Agency Chair Alan Lovell said: “Regulators, water companies, government, eNGOs and many others all want the same thing: better environmental outcomes, including cleaner rivers and seas. We need to work together and take collective responsibility to achieve it. “While there have been some modest improvements, it is unacceptable to still be seeing this level of pollution. We have seen a distinct culture shift from the water industry in recent months and that is welcome – but that must translate to profound, long-term change.

“The Environment Agency will play its part by transforming the way we regulate the sector. We welcome this week’s announcement on unlimited penalties which will also improve our enforcement powers.”

Ratings takes into account performance on environmental commitments such as pollution incidents and treatment work compliance. Last year, an updated reporting approach was introduced, with revised metrics and tightened performance thresholds.

Whitby now out of the running for ‘hydrogen village’ trial scheme

Plans for Whitby to be part of a ‘hydrogen village’ scheme have been shelved. The North Yorkshire location had been under consideration as one of three potential trial sites for using hydrogen to heat homes, but has been discounted along with Ellesmere Port, leaving Redcar as the sole contender. The government continues to develop the proposal for a hydrogen village trial alongside Northern Gas Networks, and a decision on whether to proceed will be made by the government later this year. The government intends to make policy decisions in 2026 on what role hydrogen should play in decarbonising heating. The hydrogen heating village trial will provide essential evidence for those decisions.

Pharmaceutical packaging firm placed into administration

Pharmaceutical Packaging (Leeds) Ltd has ceased trading and been placed into administration, with Mark Hodgett and Phil Pierce of specialist business advisory firm FRP appointed as joint administrators.

Based in Holbeck, Leeds, the firm used cutting edge technology to create bespoke labels for a range of national and multi-national organisations.

Due to the impact of rising supply costs and supply chain inflation, the firm was no longer able to meet its financial obligations. The firm has now ceased trading and has been placed into administration, with 21 employees made redundant.

Five employees will stay on to help FRP carry out an orderly wind down of the business over the next few weeks.

Mark Hodgett, restructuring advisory partner at FRP and joint administrator of Pharmaceutical Packaging (Leeds) Ltd, said: “Pharmaceutical Packaging had operated in the local area since 1878 and unfortunately, mounting external pressures, most notably rising costs, made the business financially unviable.

“Regrettably, this meant 21 staff were made redundant on appointment. We’re now supporting the individuals affected and preparing for an asset sale.”

Employers have a role in supporting mental health, says HR consultant

HR Consultant Laura Reilly, is urging Lincolnshire businesses to support the Samaritans’ “Talk to Us” awareness day on July 24th. She says that as mental health continues to be a pressing concern in the workplace, the day is a great opportunity to raise awareness about mental health struggles among employees. According to recent statistics, mental health problems affect one in four people in the UK, with employees experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Laura owns and runs Taurus HR Solutions. She said: “Employers have a key role to play in promoting good mental health in the workplace. The Samaritans’ “Talk to Us” Awareness Day provides a great opportunity for businesses to show their support and raise awareness about this important issue.” To support their employees, Laura recommends that business owners take simple steps such as sending a quick email to their team on the 24th of July, highlighting the Samaritans’ “Talk to Us” campaign and providing links to support resources. These resources can include mental health helplines, employee assistance programs, and mental health first aid training. Laura added: “Small gestures can make a huge difference. By showing their support and providing access to resources, employers can help to reduce the stigma around mental health and create a culture of openness and support.” Laura is available to provide guidance and support to businesses looking to promote good mental health amongst their employees and is a Mental Health First Aider.

BCC hopes tiny unemployment rise is merely a blip

Despite unemployment remaining low, the British Chambers Of Commerce organisation hopes the latest 0.2 percentage point increase is a blip rather than a sign of a deeper trend. Says Jane Gratton, Head of People Policy at the BCC: “We remain concerned about the persistent tightness in the labour market, adding to the costs and difficulties facing businesses. “Staff shortages continue to damage growth and business activity. Our research shows that three quarters of firms are facing skills shortages, and in some cases, this means turning away new business. “Fierce competition for skills, wage demands and candidates’ expectations leave many businesses with job vacancies they can’t fill. All of this, on top of rising interest rates, and stubbornly high inflation, makes it a perilous environment for business. “The Government must support more people back into work and create the right conditions for employers to invest in staff training and development, which takes time. “Firms need action now to fix the short-term issues they face in staff recruitment and retention. If employers cannot recruit and train from their local or national labour market, a flexible, efficient and affordable immigration system is crucial and must be a priority to stop wage inflation and get the UK back to healthy growth.”

IT and telecoms company secures £1.4m to complete MBO and support growth

A Hull company which provides managed IT and telecoms services has secured a £1.4m debt funding package to enable it to complete a management buy-out and support the next phase of its growth. The One Point has secured funding from Mercia’s SME Loans fund and NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund. The deal will give the company’s founder Martin Lauer a majority shareholding and enable Spectrum, a Hull-based managed print and digital services firm which has been a partner in the business since 2014, to exit the company and focus on its new digital growth strategy. Founded in 2005, The One Point provides a single point of contact for businesses seeking IT services and support, cybersecurity, digital services, CRM systems, apps and internet-based phone systems, data and mobile solutions. The company, which has its headquarters in Hull and offices in Newcastle and Cleckheaton in West Yorkshire, has grown overall turnover by around 65% in the past five years. Demand for outsourced IT services is particularly strong, with revenues for its managed IT division up by 79% in the past two years. The One Point currently employs around 40 staff and expects to create an additional 20 jobs by the end of 2025. The SME Loan from Mercia was used to complete the buy-out while the NPIF funding will support the company’s further growth. Martin Lauer, founder and CEO, said: “With an increasing number of companies outsourcing IT services, our business has been growing rapidly. With the backing of Mercia and NPIF, we can now focus on meeting this growing demand and strengthen our presence in the region, particularly in Yorkshire and the North East, to take the business to the next level.” Mike Rogers and Rebecca Pickering from the Mercia team worked on the investment.  Rebecca Pickering said: “The One Point enables businesses to access a full range of services from just one phone call rather than dealing with different suppliers. “Martin and the team have built a great business with a strong regional presence. The funding will allow him to take full control of the business and allow both parties to pursue their separate growth strategies.” Independent consultant Richard Townsend provided fundraising advice to The One Point.

West Yorkshire truck and van parts supplier sold to Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed company

West Yorkshire-based motor and engine parts supplier ImexPart has been sold to a South African industrial consumables group in a deal overseen by KBS Corporate. ImexPart, located in Castleford, is an independent truck, bus and engine parts specialist which has served the automotive industry since 1986, employing over 70 staff working from purpose-built depots in northern England and the Midlands. KBS Corporate was instructed to facilitate a sale of the company and, under the guidance of Joe Norris, associate corporate director, the successful acquirer was Invicta Holdings Limited. Based in Johannesburg, Invicta listed on the JSE in 1989 and the Group has expanded over the subsequent decades with acquisitions of companies not only in South Africa but also Asia and Europe. It controls and manages assets of over 10 billion rand (£421 million) and employs over 4,500 people worldwide. “This was my first dealing with Invicta, but their record of growth and profitability across several sectors speaks for itself,” said Joe Norris. “They are also a publicly listed company which means they are extremely transparent, so both ImexPart and myself could get a good idea of the company ahead of our initial discussions. “They plan to partner ImexPart with their existing automotive parts businesses across South Africa and Europe to create a stronger presence in the UK market.” Joe Norris also described the appeal of ImexPart to the acquirer, with the company, which trades under the name of Imex Automotive Parts Solutions, supplying over 15,000 customers with replacement truck parts and enjoying continued growth with hundreds of calls each day received at its main office and warehouse. “ImexPart stood out from the rest of the market due to its level of profitability and healthy growth projections, along with strong client relationships resulting in a high level of repeat business,” explained Joe. “The shareholders were looking to start the process of stepping back from the business, while also making sure the company was in the right hands to take it forward into the future and achieve its full potential.” In announcing the acquisition to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Invicta said their “strategic focus is to diversify into new geographical areas, in the industries and markets in which Invicta has significant experience and strong management capabilities.” The statement added: “Imex is operating successfully in the British and Irish aftermarket parts distribution industry and its acquisition provides a platform for Invicta to grow its global RPA (Robotic Process Automation) business. “We aim to realise synergies through Invicta’s procurement capabilities, sourcing inventory for Imex’s clients on a more cost-effective basis and providing access to a broader range of products. “In addition, Imex has product ranges which can be cross pollenated into Invicta’s existing operations.” Legal services for ImexPart were provided by Schofield Sweeney.