JMG acquires Southampton commercial insurance broker

Tess Egginton
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JMG acquires Southampton commercial insurance broker
Leeds-headquartered JMG Group has acquired commercial insurance broker GR Marshall as the Southampton-based broker approaches its fiftieth year in the industry.
GR Marshall, which was established in 1974 by Gill Marshall, is now led by Robert Tipp who became a major shareholder and Managing Director in 2001 and then sole shareholder in 2013. A privately-owned commercial broker which operates primarily in the property, motor trade and personal insurance market, GR Marshall provides broker services to local clients as well as property managers across the UK. The business employs five staff at its office in Hythe and will continue to trade under the GR Marshall brand. Robert Tipp, GR Marshall MD, says: “This sale is the next step in building on the success we have achieved and, with the expertise and backing from the JMG Group, will allow us to take the business even further. “I’m currently wearing six or seven hats at any one time and, whilst they are all essential parts of running a successful insurance broker business, I want to engage even more with clients, which is what this move will allow me to do. “It was important that we found a buyer that shares our people-focussed values and the sales process has more than confirmed this of JMG Group. From the get-go the team has been friendly, responsive, warm and has kept true to their word – every interaction is how I would have wanted to be treated if I were a JMG Group client, which is a testament to the calibre of the team.” Nick Houghton, Group CEO, JMG Group, said: “What makes GR Marshall special is its approach to client handling and this is reflected in the longevity and loyalty of its client base. “The Group will help GR Marshall with some of the ‘heavy lifting’ elements involved in the day-to-day running, yet allow Robert and his team the autonomy to steer the business as they best know how. Having GR Marshall on board gives us additional expertise to share across the Group and a stronger foothold in the South of England.”

Move to 40,000 sq ft Barnsley site marks new era for Lucy and Yak

Tess Egginton
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Move to 40,000 sq ft Barnsley site marks new era for Lucy and Yak
The Mayor of Barnsley, Councillor James Michael Stowe, was on hand to help fashion brand Lucy and Yak open their new premises at the Gateway 36 Business Park yesterday. Created by Barnsley-born Lucy Greenwood and Chris Renwick in 2017, the independent retailer has grown to become a popular clothing provider with more than 800,000 followers across their social media platforms. While they have shops in major cities such as Brighton, Bristol, and Nottingham, and a new store which will open its doors in Manchester’s Northern Quarter next month, the heart of the business remains in Barnsley. The new 40,000 square foot site in Hoyland will see the company move from their previous home, a 10,000 square foot unit in Wombwell, where they manufactured scrubs, scrub caps and bags for frontline workers in local NHS hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Councillor Robert Frost, Cabinet spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “It’s brilliant to see Lucy and Yak moving into a new site and staying in the borough. For such a well-known fashion brand to continue to operate from Barnsley demonstrates the potential and opportunities we can offer to businesses. “Our award-winning Enterprising Barnsley business support team are proud to have paid their part by assisting the company in identifying local properties for their expansion as well as providing specialist business coaching support. We will continue to support the company for many years to come. “It’s clear that Lucy and Chris have not forgotten their roots and are investing in Barnsley, giving something back by providing skilled job opportunities for local people. We look forward to seeing Lucy and Yak continue to grow their business operations in the borough.” Lucy said: “I still can’t believe how far we have come in six years from our first distribution centre being in my parent’s basement in Kendray to now having this beautiful new distribution centre and providing so many jobs to people from my hometown. It feels weird seeing my name on such a huge building!” Chris added: “We’re really proud to continue growing in Barnsley, Lucy’s hometown, and creating more jobs for the wonderful Barnsley locals!”

Bowker gets AA rating for new warehouse in Thorne

Stuart Pearcey
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Bowker gets AA rating for new warehouse in Thorne
A newly-opened warehouse in Thorne operated by food distributor Bowker is to be awarded the highest-possible Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standard status. By obtaining AA BRCGS status at the Thorne facility, Bowker has now achieved the highest certification across all its food grade distribution centres, proving stringent quality control for the safe handling and storage of food throughout the supply chain. Nick Brightey, Regional Director at Bowker, said: “This milestone demonstrates our commitment to the highest standards of food safety and quality. Our clients can trust that their products are handled and stored with utmost care, meeting the rigorous industry requirements. We are proud to have all of our food grade distribution centres attaining this esteemed status, underscoring our position as a leading provider in the logistics industry.” The AA BRCGS accreditation is a globally recognised standard in food safety and quality management systems, emphasising the company’s commitment to maintaining the highest levels of product integrity and customer satisfaction. The new Thorne warehouse is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and innovative storage solutions, the Thorne warehouse further strengthens Bowker’s capabilities to provide efficient and reliable food grade distribution services.

£21m of new funding to unlock a brighter future for West Yorkshire

Tess Egginton
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0
£21m of new funding to unlock a brighter future for West Yorkshire
Following a meeting of the West Yorkshire Mayor and the region’s council leaders, more than £21 million will be invested in tackling the climate emergency, building stronger transport links for the future and supporting training for high-tech green jobs. The investments come following last week’s publication of the Combined Authority’s West Yorkshire Plan, which aims to build a “brighter West Yorkshire that works for all” by 2040. This funding will drive forward some of the plan’s key missions, helping to build a prosperous, well-connected and sustainable region. When added to other recent project approvals in the Spring, in areas such as Thorpe Park Rail Station and further investments in the Mayor’s Fares scheme, the Combined Authority is now investing more than £54m into the future of the region. Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “We are getting on with delivering important work the people of West Yorkshire want to see. “This multimillion-pound investment supports our missions set out in the West Yorkshire Plan, and will help us create good jobs, strong transport links, and a more environmentally friendly region for future generations. “It’s crucial we focus on a better future for our children and children’s children helping them reap the rewards of living in a greener, safer, brighter West Yorkshire.”

Iain promoted to Associate Director at architects’ Leeds office

Stuart Pearcey
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Iain promoted to Associate Director at architects’ Leeds office
DLA Architecture has promoted Iain Jones to become Associate Director in its Leeds office. Iain, who sits on the CIAT national project taskforce reviewing and commenting on proposed new legislation, has been with DLA for more than 18 years.  He is part of the team delivering technical excellence across high-profile projects that have included Trinity Walk in Wakefield, Headingley Stadium, Vanguarde in York, Central Square Leeds, and more recently Oak House in Leeds. The company has also promoted Mitesh Dabasia to become Associate in its London office. Mitesh joined the DLA in 2015 and has since played a vital role in the success of the commercial office team, particularly within complex retrofit projects.
Chris Levett, Group Board Director and Head of the London studio at DLA Architecture, said: “Iain has shown incredible loyalty to the practice and dedication to delivering exceptional architectural solutions for our clients.
“As a practice we are focussed on harnessing the talent and rewarding our next generation of creative people, maintaining our reputation as one of the UK’s leading architectural consultants at the forefront of new regulations following the Building Safety Act in 2022.”
“These well-earned promotions are a key part of our future success with each one bringing a strong skill set that will help shape the future of the company in years to come.”

Sheffield prepares to launch procurement scheme ahead of £117m investment in city’s leisure facilities

Stuart Pearcey
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Sheffield prepares to launch procurement scheme ahead of £117m investment in city’s leisure facilities

Sheffield’s leisure and entertainment venues are set for £117 million of investment and huge improvements including rebuilding of some of the city’s most popular leisure centres and improvements to Sheffield Arena and City Hall.

A competitive procurement process will be launched later this month to attract the very best in leisure provision to run Sheffield’s venues.

The investment, which is estimated at £117million, includes a complete rebuild of Springs, Concord, and Hillsborough Leisure Centres. In addition to this, a new partnership with the Football Foundation worth £2million will see investment in the Woodbourn Road football hub.

Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “There’s a lot of work to be done, but we’ve developed a long-term vision that will protect and enhance our much-loved venues. Across the country we’ve seen pool and leisure centres close but Sheffield is bucking the trend by investing in our facilities.”

With communities at the heart of redevelopment plans, the council is also consulting international sporting stars and national governing bodies who call Sheffield home, including British Para Table Tennis and GB Boxing. This ensures that Sheffield’s leisure offer is suitable for our elite partners and our communities.

“We want to attract the very best providers to manage our future leisure provision and build on the great work of Sheffield City Trust. The council’s investment and the expertise we’re bringing in will ensure we provide facilities that meet the needs of our diverse communities, provide a fantastic entertainment and cultural offer, and attract global, iconic acts to Sheffield.”

The procurement for future leisure and entertainment providers will be structured into three packages. Each bidder will have the opportunity to tender for the packages that best suit their expertise:

  • Services for Sport and Leisure (including golf facilities)
  • Entertainment facilities – City Hall
  • Entertainment facility – the Arena

BGES Group expands by opening office in the Midlands

Stuart Pearcey
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BGES Group expands by opening office in the Midlands
BGES Group, with offices in Sheffield and London, is to add a Midlands base to its operations in response to a growing number of clients and opportunities in the area. BGES delivers a range of technologies and solutions to help buildings become smarter, healthier, and more energy efficient – a key focus area for companies with net zero target. Heading up the new team is Rob Ordish, who joined BGES Group in 2020 and is now promoted to Midlands Regional Manager. He has more than 20 years’ experience in the building controls industry, including nine years at Birmingham-based Demma Controls. He is leading the BGES team on several service contracts and projects in the region, including NHS Trusts, commercial, retail and pharmaceutical buildings. The company believes its local presence will deliver several key benefits to customers, including a more “hands on” approach to client projects. Rob Ordish comments, “In a world of increasingly remote working practices, in our industry there is no substitute for boots on the ground at client sites. It’s crucial for our field service work, allows us to get to the heart of customer challenges and streamlines the delivery of projects. Put simply, our Midlands hub will allow us to deliver our best work to local clients – we’re really excited by that.” A dedicated Midlands team also reduces the emissions produced by travel to and from local sites; helping BGES to meet its carbon reduction targets. In turn, the move supports customers’ efforts to reduce their own supply chain emissions.

Lincolnshire businesses’ support for teachers could lead to national scheme

Stuart Pearcey
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Lincolnshire businesses’ support for teachers could lead to national scheme

Lincolnshire businesses are to welcome in seventy teachers to share experience of business and industry and improve young people’s career opportunities.

Branston, Catch UK, CITB, CorrBoard, eComOne, Inzpire Ltd, Orsted, Plum Products, Ruddocks, Seafox Management Consultants, Serco, SRC UK, and Tong Engineering will host visits by 26 teachers, with the objective of bringing skills and workplace experience into the classroom and enrich the curriculum.
It’s part of the Teacher Encounters programme delivered by the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership and the Careers & Enterprise Company, offering half-day experiences to help teachers to develop a stronger knowledge of their subject area through real world industry experience. The scheme is part of a new national pilot programme bringing together 1,000 teachers and 200 businesses across England, allowing them to enrich teaching practice and share knowledge about skills gaps and labour market information with students and parents. Lee Douglas, Strategic Hub Lead of the Careers Hub at the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, said: “We have delivered the Teacher Encounters project in collaboration with award-winning businesses, world leaders in their sectors which are operating at the cutting edge of innovation and technology. “It is crucial that teachers can have meaningful experiences with employers in Greater Lincolnshire. These experiences are designed to inspire teachers, enabling them to make vital links to their curriculum area of expertise and pass vital careers related information to their students.” Oli de Botton, Chief Executive of The Careers & Enterprise Company, said: “Teachers are powerful sources of careers inspiration for young people – through the conversations they have and the curriculum they teach. “One of the ways we can support them is by bridging the worlds of business and education and giving teachers meaningful encounters with employers. “Done well, these encounters can inspire teachers, students and employers. Teachers can see at first hand how local businesses work, including the routes in like apprenticeships. Students can benefit when teachers bring this insight into their lessons, linking learning to workplace skills. And employers can learn more about the workforce of the future. “This pilot is an opportunity to bring careers education further into the mainstream of school and college life and build on the enthusiasm we know is there from business to better support schools and from teachers to support their students to take their best next step.”

Cables for Hornsea offshore wind farm to come from Greece

Stuart Pearcey
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Cables for Hornsea offshore wind farm to come from Greece
Wind farm specialist Ørsted has signed a contract with Greek company Hellenic Cables for supply of more than 160 miles (262km) of cables for the Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm.
Hellenic will be responsible for the design, manufacturing, supply, termination and testing of inter–array cables connecting the wind turbines and the offshore converter station. Manufacturing will begin in in the last three months of 2025 in the company’s state-of-the-art submarine cable plant in Corinth, Greece. With a capacity of around 2,85 gigawatts (GW), Hornsea 3 will be capable of producing enough low-cost, clean, renewable electricity to power more than three million UK homes – making a significant contribution to the UK Government’s ambition of having 50 GW offshore wind in operation by 2030. Ørsted has recently outlined at its Capital Markets Day that it is increasingly confident it will be a position take a Final Investment Decision on the project during 2023. Hornsea 3 will be located 160 km from the Yorkshire coast. When fully online, Ørsted’s Hornsea zone – comprising Hornsea 1, 2 and 3 – will have a total capacity of in excess of 5 GW. This will be the world’s largest offshore wind zone, producing enough low-cost, clean, renewable electricity to power more than five million UK homes. Hornsea 3 Senior Project Director Luke Bridgman said: “We are delighted to further Ørsted’s deepening relationship with Hellenic Cables with this important contract award for Hornsea 3. We look forward to a successful collaboration during the execution phase as part of achieving our overall Hornsea 3 goal of providing low-cost clean energy at scale.”

Interest rates rise to 5%

Tess Egginton
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0
Interest rates rise to 5%
The Bank of England has increased interest rates by 0.5 percentage points to 5% – the highest level since 2008 and 13th consecutive rate rise. The bigger than predicted hike comes as inflation remains at historically high levels, with new figures for May remaining unchanged at 8.7%, after falling in April, and staying much higher than the Bank’s 2% target. Inflation had been expected to decline to 8.4% year on year, leading to a further interest rate rise from the Bank of England to bring it under control. The sharp increase will come as a blow to many businesses struggling with rising bills and the highest borrowing costs in 15 years. Responding to the news, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) national chair Martin McTague said: “The Bank of England (BoE) is risking economic slowdown across our small business community, with a jarring 0.5% increase in interest rates. We are standing at a crossroads. Inflation and interest rates are unrelenting. “An increase in interest rates comes as no surprise – it’s a tried-and-trusted lever to pull in such times – but the size of the increase will hurt, and rate rises are not a magic wand in reducing inflation. This was driven by the highest core CPI rate in 30 years, but it has significant repercussions for everyone, not least for the 1.5million on variable mortgages. “While higher interest rates are a tool to control inflation, the weight of escalating costs means consumers have less disposable income to circulate in the economy. When the money in their pockets is worth less, the upshot is reduced sales for businesses. “It’s like adding another heavy load to an already full plate. Banks have a responsibility to show understanding and patience, especially to those who took variable-rate Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans (CBILS) and are now faced with higher costs. Instead of treating loans as just another expense, we need to think of them as a lifeline to keep small businesses trading during these challenging times. “High street retailers, start-ups, local bakeries, and tech innovators alike are all feeling the pinch. As the weight on the small business and self-employed community grows heavier, we must strike a delicate balance. Our entrepreneurs need room to breathe, room to innovate and crucially room to grow. “To help consumers and businesses, the Government could raise the VAT threshold from £85,000 to £100,000. This move could cushion some of the hardest blows of inflation, preventing tax increases from exacerbating the impact of price hikes on businesses and in turn, their customers. “Meanwhile, energy suppliers should allow firms to ‘blend and extend’ their contracts so they can take advantage of lower wholesale prices. Late payments should also be a top priority, as unpaid invoices can stifle growth and stability. “Our latest Small Business Index (SBI) survey reveals a stark snapshot of our current economy. We are seeing a divide, where 40% of firms encountered a dip in sales in the first quarter of 2023, while a third managed to increase them. “This is a testament to the resilience and determination of our small business community – 46% of them said they were optimistic for the upcoming quarter. “However, rising interest rates are not just numbers on a page, they are lived realities that influence consumer behaviour. The BoE should proceed with caution, mindful of these broad-ranging effects.”
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