New business development and marketing director at LCF Law

Nick Greenwood has joined Yorkshire law firm, LCF Law, as business development and marketing director. Nick has worked in the professional services sector for 25 years for banking, accountancy, and legal firms across Yorkshire.

In his new role, Nick will head a broad spectrum of business development and marketing projects at LCF Law and oversee the firm’s overall growth strategy. He will also work closely with its lawyers to develop new business opportunities throughout its corporate, commercial, and personal law divisions, across offices in Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate and Ilkley.

Nick said: “I started my career at Barclays as a branch manager in both the Leeds and Bradford flagship branches, soon progressing through SME into corporate banking and agriculture, supporting all types of businesses with their financial needs.

“After that, I became part of the senior leadership team at a mid-tier accountancy firm as head of sectors, and then moved to a business development role at a 48 partner law firm supporting its achievement to become one of the most profitable law firms in the east of England.

“Whether it be providing finance, accountancy, or legal services, the key is always to focus on how firms can solve problems for their clients and deliver cost-effective solutions that help them achieve their business and personal goals.

“Joining LCF Law has seen me come full circle, returning to a Bradford headquartered business and I’m excited to join the firm. There is so much about LCF Law that makes it unique, including its people and its innovative and open approach, and I can’t wait to use my experience to help promote this fantastic firm across the UK.”

Simon Stell, managing partner at LCF Law, said: “We have significant growth aspirations and Nick’s expertise and enthusiasm, will help us to deliver those. At the heart of any good business are its people. We recruit great people and help them to achieve their potential and career ambitions. The addition of Nick to the team will help the business and our lawyers meet our goals.

“We are problem solvers for our clients. It’s all about understanding how we can best help our clients tackle their legal issues to achieve the outcomes they seek. Nick’s appointment will help us to reach even more clients across a broad spectrum including the manufacturing, agricultural, healthcare, digital and charity sectors.”

Jamie gets Partner role at Smailes Goldie Group

Accountancy and business advisory firm Smailes Goldie Group has promoted Jamie Chilcott to be a partner within the firm.

He joined Smailes Goldie Group as a trainee and is said too have demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill during his time with the firm. Managing Partner Ian Lamb said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Jamie Chilcott as a Partner at Smailes Goldie Group. “His journey from trainee to Partner showcases the opportunities for growth and development within our firm. His passion for excellence, strong leadership skills, and commitment to our clients make him an invaluable asset to our team.” Jamie added: “I am honoured to join the partnership, and excited to contribute to the future success of the firm and to help our clients achieve their financial goals. “I also look forward to mentoring the next generation of talented professionals as they embark on their careers at Smailes Goldie Group.” In addition to his professional achievements, Jamie boasts an impressive background in sports, having served as the captain of Hull’s ice hockey team, under its previous guise as the Hull Pirates. His experience as a leader on the ice has translated seamlessly into his career at Smailes Goldie Group, where he has proven himself as a natural leader and team player.

Trek-Group acquires Safeguard SVP out of administration

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Trek-Group, the Sheffield-headquartered automotive engineering and retail organisation, has acquired Safeguard SVP out of administration. Safeguard SVP, originally founded in 1998 and based near Colchester, is a specialist role-converter of vehicles for government fleet operators including Police, Ambulance, Fire, Defence and Amber light customers. Tom Janion, Chief Executive of the Trek-Group, said: “Safeguard SVP has a long and established record of supplying exceptional quality, role-converted vehicles for Emergency Service fleet operators. We are proud to be able to add the highly regarded skills of Safeguard SVP to our own specialist engineering business, Cartwright Vehicle Conversions. “This acquisition fulfils a strategic objective by adding a significant manufacturing and aftersales facility in the south of the country. The combined strengths of both market-leading companies underline our commitment to supplying high quality engineered solutions for Emergency Service, Defence, and other specialist fleet operators through our combined 100,000 sq ft of manufacturing facilities located near Colchester and Doncaster. “Safeguard SVP is now operating within the Trek-Group family with the added strength of an organisation with a combined turnover of £100m. This acquisition completes one of our planned expansion steps in this critical market area. Further actions to enhance our position will follow shortly.” Phil Peel, sales director of Safeguard SVP, added: “It is fantastic to have found a buyer with specialist market experience so quickly. This positive move by Tom Janion and the Trek-Group has saved a highly experienced business. “Both the team at Safeguard SVP and I are looking forward to becoming part of the Trek-Group family and capitalising on the capacity and opportunities this brings. “I would personally like to thank all our customers for their overwhelming loyalty and support over the last few months. We are very happy to be able to continue to deliver high quality products and services for our customers.”

New £7m drinks distribution centre opens in Doncaster

Doncaster’s Civic Mayor, Councillor Ian Pearson, has cut the red tape on LWC Drinks’ new £7m, 58,164 sq ft depot in Herons Way, Balby. The Civic Mayor was hosted by LWC’s Managing Director, Ebrahim Mukadam and regional manager, Doug Trotman, along with 30 of LWC Doncaster’s local employees. The Civic Mayor said “it was an honour to be invited to the official opening,” and that he couldn’t “wait to see how the business develops in the area.” He was also grateful for the jobs and opportunities the business has brought to the local area as a result of its opening. Once the red tape had been cut, both Mukadam and Trotman introduced the Civic Mayor to a number of local employees before showcasing a selection of LWC’s own range of wines, beers, soft drinks and spirits. They also spoke through their plans for charity partnerships in the area plus their other expansion plans. The Doncaster depot is LWC’s 15th site and further opens up the business to operations across South and East Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Tree growers offered grants of up to £175,000

Grants of up to £175,000 have been made available for tree suppliers to accelerate English tree production. Grant applications have re-opened for the Forestry Commission’s Tree Production Capital Grant. The funding will drive the production of tree seed and saplings through developments in machinery, automation and the expansion of facilities. In line with the aims of the England Trees Action Plan and Government ambitions to treble tree planting rates by the end of this Parliament, the Tree Production Capital Grant will support efforts to build nursery capacity and grow long-term tree seed and sapling supply. The grant will enable suppliers to boost production rates at pace and has been designed to complement the Tree Production Innovation Fund, which provides support for research projects that enhance UK tree production methods. Previous funding rounds have provided support for Warwickshire County Council to expand and improve its tree nursery expansion to diversify the species they grow and adapt to future climate conditions. Successful projects will be awarded up to £175,000 in grant funding to cover up to 50% of costs, with money coming from the Tree Production Capital Grant as part of the Government’s £750 million Nature for Climate Fund. In comparison to the 2022 application process, the minimum grant value which can be applied for has reduced from £10,000 to £5,000 enhancing accessibility for smaller projects. Examples of eligible projects include investments in seed trays, developments in machinery such as transplanting systems and grading machines, improved polytunnel infrastructure and irrigation systems, or in biosecurity through improved water treatment and refrigeration equipment. Applications are encouraged from tree seed and sapling suppliers of all sizes and sectors, as well as new entrants looking to diversify into the area. Forestry Commission Chief Exec Richard Stanford said: “Funding projects that enhance our woodlands and treescapes is fundamental to achieving Government’s tree planting ambitions and building an innovative and robust forestry sector. “Through the Tree Production Capital Grant we have been able to support existing tree and seed suppliers of all sizes, and also provide funding to those wishing to make a start in the sector. With the application window now open, I encourage those with relevant projects to apply.”

Lincolnshire left out of Coronation live screening locations

Ten places in Yorkshire but non in Lincolnshire will have live screenings showing next months’s coronation, bringing to 57 the locations in which more than 100,000 people will be able to watch the Coronation live in their home towns. The sites in our region are:
  • City Hall, Hull
  • Trinity Market, Hull
  • City Park, Bradford
  • Piece Hall, Halifax
  • St Peter’s Parish Church, Huddersfield
  • Dewsbury Library, Dewsbury
  • Millenium Square, Leeds
  • Pontefract Castle, Wakefield
  • Peace Gardens, Sheffield
  • The Glass Works, Barnsley
Also, a new immersive light and sound show displaying the Crown Jewels on iconic UK landmarks will tour the country as part of plans to tell the story of coronations to thousands of people. ‘Crown and Coronation’, produced by Historic Royal Palaces and Luxmuralis, will explore the history of coronations in an immersive visual and musical show which it is planning to project on some of the country’s most famous landmarks and locations. The programme will launch by being projected onto the Tower of London in Autumn before touring the length and breadth of the country. Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: “The Coronation marks the beginning of a new chapter in our magnificent national story. It promises to be full of memorable experiences for the whole country, with millions of us bearing witness to a moment of history for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. “Every part of the United Kingdom should have a chance to see and feel the joy of the Coronation, and this giant light projection will give communities the chance to see precious centuries-old Royal treasures up close over the next year.”

Government plans to tighten control over properties offered for short-term lets

The Government is planning new rules to give communities greater control over short-term lets in tourist hot spots by introducing the need for planning permission for an existing home to start to be used as a short term let. A consultation published today by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is said to support local people in areas where high numbers of holiday lets are preventing them from finding affordable housing. It will also consider whether to give owners flexibility to let out their home for up to a specified number of nights in a calendar year without the need for planning permission. Short-term lets are now a significant part of the UK’s visitor economy. They provide increased choice and flexibility for tourists and business travellers, and also those attending major sporting and cultural events. The Government wants to ensure the country reaps the benefits of diverse and sustainable accommodation and support the visitor economy, while also protecting local communities and ensuring the availability of affordable housing to rent or buy. Secretary of State for Levelling Up Housing and Communities, Michael Gove said: “Tourism brings many benefits to our economy but in too many communities we have seen local people pushed out of cherished towns, cities and villages by huge numbers of short-term lets. “I’m determined that we ensure that more people have access to local homes at affordable prices, and that we prioritise families desperate to rent or buy a home of their own close to where they work. I have listened to representations from MPs in tourist hot spots and am pleased to launch this consultation to introduce a requirement for planning permissions for short term lets.” The new proposals come as the Department for Culture Media and Sport also launches a separate consultation on a new registration scheme for short-term lets. The scheme aims to build a picture of how many short-term lets there are and where they are located, to help understand the impact of short-term lets on communities. The DCMS consultation follows a call for evidence held earlier in the year, the results of which are published today and indicate broad support for a registration scheme across the sector. Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: “This new world of ultra-flexible short term lets gives tourists more choice than ever before, but it should not come at the expense of local people being able to own their own home and stay local.

“The Government wants to help areas get the balance right, and today we have an incomplete picture of the size and spread of our short term lets market. This consultation on a national registration scheme will give us the data we need to assess the position and enable us to address the concerns communities face.”

Electrical contractor grows with £100,000 investment from Finance Yorkshire

Birstall-based Owen Electrical Contractors has received a £100,000 investment from Finance Yorkshire to power its growth. The investment, from Finance Yorkshire’s Business Loan Fund, will support the recruitment of additional staff, equipment and an expansion in office space for the firm, whichmanages installations for customers including property developers, schools and supermarkets. Owen Electrical’s current projects include a development in Middleton, Leeds, that includes 116 new houses and a 60-bedroom care home. The company is also on-site at a new school in Rochdale and was recently awarded a contract for a 228-apartment development in Sheffield. Martin Owen, who runs the company with long-standing business partner Lee Murphy, said: “The business started out with me and three others carrying out rewires and upgrades for council buildings. From there, we have formed trusted relationships with contractors and engineers that has enabled us to secure larger, private sector contracts. “We have grown very quickly. 2022 was a massive year for us. This investment will help us to bring in new people and expand our space while looking into new areas such as electrical maintenance.” The company recently achieved accreditation with the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting and became a gold member of Constructionline, the UK’s largest network of construction buyers. Alex McWhirter, chief exec of Finance Yorkshire, said: “Owen Electrical’s client portfolio of well-known residential and commercial construction companies is testament to the excellent service it provides. “With a reputation for quality and value for money, it is no surprise that its services are in high demand. We look forward to supporting Owen Electrical to further realise its business growth potential.” Finance Yorkshire’s Business Loan Fund is part of a wider regional business fund which is expected to provide more than £50m to SMEs over five years. Investment is also available from its Growth and Seedcorn Funds.

Iconic Yorkshire hotel sold

On behalf of Peel Hotels, specialist hotel property adviser, Christie & Co has sold Yorkshire’s iconic ‘The Midland Hotel,’ Bradford, to Britannia Hotels. Built in 1890 by the Midland Railway Company, to showcase a grand example of Victorian architecture in the United Kingdom, The Midland Hotel dominates Forster Square in the heart of Bradford. The hotel has long been one of the city’s grandest hospitality venues, welcoming the leading entertainers, celebrities and politicians of their day over the years. The Midland has been acquired by the UK’s largest private hotel group, Britannia Hotels, and will be their 64th hotel. The property will complement many of the other hotels in their existing portfolio, which are similarly grand heritage properties, offering a glimpse of the grandeur of bygone days. Having agreed to sell the hotel to Britannia Hotels just last month, Robert Peel of the eponymous Peel Hotels is delighted that the sale rapidly moved to completion. He says: “The Midland Hotel has always been a great favourite of mine. The industrial and cultural communities of Bradford have always appreciated having one of Yorkshire’s finest hotels in their midst.” Alex Langsam, Managing Director of Britannia Hotels, says: “We are thrilled to have secured The Midland Hotel as a new addition to Britannia Hotels in a matter of weeks, from first seeing it, to completing the purchase by way of an all-cash deal. “From Aberdeen to Torquay, Britannia Hotels operate hotels which accommodate millions of guests each year who are looking for our trademark value accommodation, health and leisure facilities as well as an incredible food & beverage range. We are well versed at being custodians of a wonderful heritage property, operating ‘grand dames’ including The Adlephi, Liverpool and our all original Britannia Hotel, Manchester. We are very much looking forward to welcoming guests to The Midland Hotel, Bradford.” Jeremy Jones, head of Hotels Brokerage at Christie & Co, who brokered the deal, says: “I am so pleased that Peel Hotels have secured a timely sale so the hotel can trade under Britannia’s banner. Bradford’s appeal will soon be on a global scale, now the city has been awarded the City of Culture 2025.” David Lee, regional director of Christie & Co’s North Hotels team, says: “I have really enjoyed working with Peel Hotels on the sale of this iconic building in the heart of Bradford. It’s another example of Christie & Co’s track record in meeting the demand for hotels from a whole range of established hospitality groups and new entry entrepreneurs. In fact across the last 18 months we have sold over 30 hotels across the North of England and the Midlands. We wish Britannia Hotels all the very best with The Midland Hotel.”

Huddersfield asbestos risk management consultancy sold to AIM-listed group

An asbestos risk management consultancy has been sold to AIM-listed Marlowe, a UK leader in business-critical services and software which assure regulatory compliance. The shareholders of PCS Asbestos Consultants, based in Huddersfield, were advised by HURST’s Max Perry and Danielle Tierney, who provided corporate finance advice, and James Thompson, who provided tax advice. Ryan Brown, Ceri Jones and Harpinder Nahl at Browne Jacobson provided legal advice. PCS, using its PCS Risk Manager software platform and apps, provides professional asbestos surveying, management and consultancy solutions throughout the UK and Ireland. PCS has a wide-ranging blue-chip customer base with extensive commercial property estates across the private sector, spanning retailing, pubs and leisure and mobile telecoms. The business has been acquired by Tersus Consultancy, which is part of Marlowe PLC. The terms of the transaction are undisclosed. Marlowe provides specialist services which assure safety and regulatory compliance for its clients. Its extensive portfolio of group companies manages risks for businesses across individual divisions that focus on health and safety, HR and employment law compliance, fire safety, security, water safety, water treatment, air quality and occupational health services. Max Perry said: “It was a pleasure to advise the shareholders of PCS on the sale of the company to Marlowe. “After a competitive process, this deal satisfied the requirements of all shareholders and I’m sure that Marlowe will see the benefit of PCS’s qualities throughout all areas of its business for a very long time.”