Acquisitive pub chain sets sights on Yorkshire & Lincolnshire venues
A Derbyshire-headquartered independent pub company has revealed ambitious plans for the growth of its estate following new investment.
The Pub People Company is targeting the acquisition of up to 60 freehold venues across the East Midlands, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire.
The move is being financed by investment manager, Downing LLP, which has committed to expansion having acquired the business last year.Commercial property agent, FHP, has been appointed to source suitable properties to add to the Group’s estate, and is exploring opportunities with both independent pub owners and groups keen to sell.Formed in 1993, The Pub People Company has developed a reputation for cask ale and good value fresh food, underpinned by a quality estate and well-resourced central function. Its managed pubs includes an existing portfolio of 40 properties, which are based in and around Nottingham, Derby, Chesterfield, Sheffield, and Lincoln. Andy Crawford, Managing director of The Pub People Company, said: “The Pub People Company is keen to invest in further venues in the East Midlands, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire areas. We’ve got a great following in our current estate of 40 pubs and we would like to expand on those.“The pub sector continues to have its challenges but with a long established business, strong backing and well invested properties in the area, we’re keen to add to our estate. We are looking to acquire freehold pubs in community and town locations across the region and are keen to speak to individual pub owners and groups who may be looking to sell, so please do get in touch with our agents at FHP.”Doug Tweedie of FHP said: “This is an exciting time of expansion for The Pub People Company and we’re delighted to be helping them to find new freehold pub sites.“We’ve formed a strong team between the two parties, which means we are able to appraise and make decisions on new acquisitions quickly and efficiently. We’re looking forward to speaking to like-minded individual owners and pub groups about new opportunities.”
Businesses perceived as not doing enough on sustainable packaging
Consumer perception is that businesses are not doing enough when it comes to the issue of sustainability, a new study has found.
According to a study by accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO LLP, almost 60% of consumers surveyed believed that companies needed to do more to address sustainability.
Particular criticism was levelled at the electronics, home appliance, and fashion & beauty sectors for their use of packaging, with 60% of respondents stating that too much packaging material was used in these sectors. This compares to 40% and 50% in healthcare and groceries, respectively.
Daniel Guttmann, BDO Strategy & Commercial Due Diligence’s lead partner for industrial products, technology and services, said: “Sustainability continues to be a top issue for consumers and, therefore, has to be a key priority for corporates – packaging, in particular, is an important area which is also very visible to consumers.
“There is a popular consensus that companies use more packaging than is necessary and that they should take more responsibility for addressing this. That includes absorbing potentially higher costs, which is a real issue for many companies, but critical for their image and improving public perception.”
The UK-wide representative study, which surveyed 500 people between the ages of 16 and 25 and 35+ across all income brackets, showed that over 90% of consumers believe that businesses should carry the cost of improving the sustainability of their packaging. Additionally, more than half (51%) of respondents said they were not prepared to pay higher prices for the use of more sustainable materials. There was however a much higher willingness from younger consumers (<35 years) to shoulder some of the cost – heralding a potential step change in driving the ESG agenda.
Guttmann said: “A large gap remains between consumers’ concern for the environment and their willingness to recycle compared to their understanding of sustainable packaging materials, and crucially their willingness to pay a higher price for more sustainable packaging.
“For many years, consumers have been demanding more sustainable practices from businesses. Unfortunately, they have, and still are on the whole, unwilling to carry some of the costs associated with achieving these goals.
“What’s clear from our study, is that younger generations are more concerned, more engaged, and more likely to recycle than the general population. Critically, they are increasingly prepared to take on some of the financial burden of making more sustainable packaging a reality.”
The study highlighted that while an overwhelming number of consumers are concerned about the impact of packaging on the environment, with 96% admitting that recycling and reuse is important, more than a quarter of respondents have only limited understanding of which materials are more or less sustainable than others.
BDO’s recent Packaging Sector Insights report detailed a number of areas driving sustainability in the packaging sector, including Government regulations, taxes and incentives, such as the Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT), the availability of collection and recycling infrastructure, and corporate investment in R&D to reduce waste, maximise the use of recyclates, and develop new materials.
Guttmann concluded: “What is clear is that significant work is already being done by industry professionals to address the issue of sustainability in packaging – whether it’s innovative ways to drive improved usage and processes for existing materials (such as downgauging) or the development of new methods and substrates.
“However, investment in recycling infrastructure and technologies is absolutely necessary if we are to move to a truly circular economy. Consumer willingness is there and growing and materials are improving, but collection, separation and treatment are not quite where they need to be.”
Hull firm plans £10m investment in R&D facility
Ideal Heating has submitted plans for a new £10m research and development facility at its UK headquarters in Hull, which it intends will play a key role in developing and testing low carbon heating solutions, such as air source heat pumps.
The state-of-the-art facility is planned for Ideal Heating’s site at National Avenue in Hull, where 70 people are currently employed in research and development roles. The investment in industry-leading R&D facilities will enable that number to rise to 100 and underpin long-term employment at the site where 800 staff are based. Ideal Heating is the UK leader in both the domestic and commercial heating markets and is investing heavily in low carbon innovation and product development. The business is part of Groupe Atlantic, a global leader in thermal comfort. A detailed planning application for the UK Technology Centre has been submitted to Hull City Council, with designs produced by Hull-based architects and civil/structural engineers GGP Consult. Dependent on planning approval, construction is expected to begin this autumn, with the facility due to open in mid-2024. The proposed facility forms part of a wider £60m investment programme by Ideal Heating, supported by Groupe Atlantic, across the National Avenue site to increase manufacturing and distribution capacity and accommodate heat pump production and warehousing. The centre will help to develop the solutions needed to decarbonise UK homes and supports the Government’s ambitious targets for head pump deployment, including for 600,000 heat pumps to be installed in domestic properties annually by 2028. Phil Kent, R&D Director for Combustion at Ideal Heating, said: “Domestic and commercial heating providers have a vital role to play in reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. “As the market leader, we’re serious about playing our full part in meeting the challenge the UK faces in accelerating the adoption of heat pumps and other low carbon solutions. “There is no single solution to the challenge and it’s clear that a mix of products and technologies will be needed. “Our new UK Technology Centre will be a state-of-the-art, UK-leading facility which will enable us to develop and deliver future heating solutions and make big strides forward in our net zero journey.” The UK Technology Centre will provide a purpose-designed new home for Ideal Heating’s expert R&D team, which has an increasing range of engineering roles related to design, development, electronics, simulation and product testing disciplines. Laboratory facilities within the 38,000 sq ft (3,500 sq m), two-storey building will enable Ideal Heating’s R&D team to simulate a range of scenarios and conditions to test new innovations and advancements. Among other facilities, the new R&D centre will house test equipment and environmental chambers, simulating the range and extremes of climatic conditions to develop heat pumps for future manufacture at Ideal Heating’s Hull factory. These facilities can also be used to stress-test components and products, simulating lifespan in the space of just a few months. The new R&D centre will also include significant equipment to continue Ideal Heating’s pursuit of best-in-class performance and reliability, including chambers to verify noise and vibration levels and extreme condition testing. Helen Villamuera, Ideal Heating’s Engineering Director, is coordinating the investment and development programme at National Avenue. She said: “Since being acquired by Groupe Atlantic in 2015, Ideal Heating has remained a UK-leading manufacturer based in Hull and with other sites across the country. “The huge investment being delivered across our main site at National Avenue, including in the new UK Technology Centre, underpins our position as a leader in the domestic and commercial heating markets and puts us at the forefront of the industry’s net zero transition. “Our roots in Hull date back over 100 years and we’re investing now to position the business to thrive for generations to come. “The new R&D centre is a key element of our development and growth strategy, in what is a rapidly-evolving heating industry.” Formerly known as Ideal Boilers, the company was founded in 1906 and has operated continuously at the National Avenue site as one of Hull’s leading employers. Ideal Heating is also investing in a new National Training & Technology Centre at Bridgehead business park in East Yorkshire, with a focus on low-carbon heating and up-skilling thousands of boiler installers across the UK to supply heat pumps to customers.Council plans series of energy-saving workshops
North Yorkshire Council is planning a series of workshops to help shape a programme to bring savings to energy bills and help cut carbon dioxide emissions.
he Council is working with the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership to deliver a programme to help tackle climate change and reduce harmful emissions as part of the North Yorkshire UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The council has allocated £780,000 for three strands of work to create a programme to support and build capacity for community climate action as well as business-based decarbonisation programmes to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.
The programmes could include grant funding for feasibility studies and low carbon measures as well as consultancy support, energy and resource audits and capital grants for adaptations.
Executive member for climate change, Cllr Greg White, said: “If we are to mitigate its scale and impact, climate change requires an urgent and effective response from all of us. These workshops aim to involve local community groups, businesses and stakeholders to get an overarching view on how the work should progress – what is required to reach net zero and the types of support that will be needed.”
The sessions, which take place in Skipton, Selby and Scarborough, are:
Developing Business Net Zero programmes:
- May 16: 9.30am to 12pm, SELFA, Skipton.
- May 18: 9am to 11.30am, Brayton Community Centre, Selby.
- May 30: 3pm to 5pm, Sea View Conference room, Scarborough Town Hall.
Developing a Community Climate Action Programme:
- May 16: 1pm to 3pm, SELFA, Skipton.
- May 18: 1pm to 3pm, Brayton Community Centre, Selby.
- May 30: 9.30am to 12pm, Sea View room, Scarborough Town Hall.
College invests £500k to enhance region’s manufacturing skills
East Riding College has invested nearly £500,000 in new manufacturing and engineering machinery to improve skills in the region.
The college is inviting business and industry leaders to a free breakfast event this month to find out more and learn how this could help to upskill their workforce. The money has been spent on four specialist pieces of equipment – a six-axis measuring machine, metallurgy testing machine, robotic arm programming machine and a 360 degree camera research kit – and ERC is offering bespoke courses around this new technology to help businesses upskill their workforces and improve employability in the region. Richard Sellick, Vice Principal at ERC, said: “The government has identified a national skills shortage in engineering and associated trades and has awarded us this money to help us rectify this. “The wider strategy of growing manufacturing and engineering capabilities and addressing the skills the next generation of engineers will need to have, as well as the needs of the local market, influenced the decisions we made in what machinery to get – the money was wisely spent.” Courses built around the new machines can be matched to the specific needs of a business or tailored specifically to a level of expertise or workforce sector. Chris Dodsworth, Head of Faculty (Automotive, Construction and Engineering) at ERC, said: “We’d like to put ERC on the map for these types of courses, many people aren’t aware of what we offer. Every business has their own needs which is why we’re offering bespoke packages. “To do our provision justice you really need to see the machinery in the flesh – come and see what we can do.” The Upskill@ERC event will be held on Thursday 27 April, 9-11.30am, and is aimed at engineering and manufacturing industries including those involved in CNC machinery, tool making and fabrication. It is for businesses who feel their employees could benefit from the courses on offer and enhance their existing roles. They are suitable for staff from apprentices to senior managers. Chris said: “Employers who invest in their staff and their continuing development are likely to retain more staff as well as futureproof their business. “We’d like to invite any individuals who are responsible for an organisation’s outputs or those who make decision on what the future training needs of a business are to come along.” As well as launching the new machinery, the event will include a tour and equipment demonstrations plus a guest speaker. Richard added: “We also want employers to feedback to us at the Upskill event about what other aspects of training skills are needed so we are ready for any future funding bid opportunities.” To book a free place at the event please visit the East Riding College Eventbrite page/click here or call 01482 332258.Clare promoted to new role at Taylor Bracewell
Taylor Bracewell Law Limited has promoted Clare Wyett to a new role as its Head of Wills, Probate & Trusts.
Lauren Smith, Partner of the firm, says: “Clare is a real asset to the firm and we couldn’t be happier to give her this well-deserved promotion.”
Clare started working in Probate in 1990, for Midland Bank in their Trust Company department where she dealt with the full admin of estates. She then moved to work for a firm of Solicitors in 2014 and returned to her roots to deal with Probate matters again and to include Wills, LPAs, Court of Protection and Asset Protection.
Clare said: “The reason I got into law is I feel that this area of Law is a very personal one and deals with sad and difficult aspects. You are often dealing with families at a time when they are going through a stressful time when someone has passed away or they are dealing with a family member living with dementia. I feel it is a privilege to be able to help and support them at these times and be able to take away some of the pressure.”
Liz joins North Residential to create presence in Northallerton
Yorkshire estate agency North Residential has appointed Liz Dennison to its management team to grow market share in and around Northallerton.
Liz brings over 30 years’ experience in the Yorkshire residential property market and was previously head of the country homes team at Strutt & Parker before going independent as Liz Dennison Property Consultancy for the last four years.
She will be working alongside Daniel Rigg, Head of Country Estates at North Residential, with whom she has worked in the past. She takes a particular focus on Northallerton where she has earned a reputation as the ‘go to’ consultant when selling or buying prime real estate.
Daniel Rigg said: “Having Liz as part of the senior team is a real coup for us at North Residential and I am personally delighted to be working alongside her again. Her expertise and established reputation provides an instant foothold to expand our offering in and around Northallerton, and indeed across the rest of Yorkshire.
“As an independent practice, with no external debt or funding, and full autonomy to pursue ambitious growth plans, we are very excited to be able to expand through recruiting an experienced and motivated team that is highly regarded in the residential property sector.”
Liz said: “There is an interesting dynamic in the North Residential team and its individual approach that is new and exciting and this has given me great confidence in aligning my own reputation with its future. I look forward to flying the North Residential flag within the great community of Northallerton and beyond.”
North Residential has previously announced ambitious expansion plans with the opening of at least three new UK locations a year, and a targeted growth of around 60% year on year.
The Harrogate-based practice, which rebranded away from Knight Frank after 15 years, has already opened a second branch in Pocklington, East Yorkshire and is scheduled to open offices in Leeds and York as well Northallerton.
Bird flu control measures are lifted from midnight tonight
Mandatory housing measures for poultry and captive birds, which were introduced across England and Wales to help stop the spread of bird flu, will be lifted from 00:01 tomorrow morning, the Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed today.
Following ongoing monitoring using the latest scientific evidence and a robust risk assessment, bird flu risk levels have been reduced meaning poultry and other captive birds will no longer need to be housed and can be kept outside, unless they are in a Protection Zone. The decision means that from 18 April, eggs laid by hens with access to outside range areas can return to being marketed as ‘Free-Range’ eggs.
The scale of avian influenza outbreaks across the UK and Europe have been unprecedented with over 330 cases confirmed across the country since late October 2021. While the risk of bird flu has been reduced to ‘medium’ for premises with poor biosecurity, the enhanced biosecurity requirements that were brought in as part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) will remain in force as infection may still be circulating in the environment for several more weeks. The risk of bird flu remains assessed as low where good biosecurity is applied.
Those who intend to allow their birds outside are advised to use the upcoming days to prepare their outside areas for the release of their birds. This will include cleansing and disinfection of hard surfaces, fencing off ponds or standing water and reintroduction of wild bird deterrents.
Dr Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, said: “Whilst the lifting of the mandatory housing measures will be welcome news to bird keepers, scrupulous biosecurity remains the most critical form of defence to help keep your birds safe.
“It is thanks to the hard work of all bird keepers and vets who have played their part in keeping flocks safe this winter that we are in a position to take this action. However, the unprecedented nature of this outbreak has proven it’s more important than ever for bird keepers to remain vigilant for signs of disease and maintain stringent standards of biosecurity.”
Scrupulous biosecurity is the most effective method of disease control available and all bird keepers should apply enhanced measures at all times to prevent the risk of future outbreaks.
Poultry and captive bird keepers must:
- cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
- reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control
- thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis
- keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and bird housing entry and exit points
- minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds
- be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns.
CBRE hires head of flex for the North
CBRE has appointed Jordan Saleh as head of flex for the North to drive growth within this fast paced and evolving sector. This strategic, new role further bolsters CBRE’s investment across all areas of flex, acting for and advising occupiers, operators and investors.
Jordan joins from WeWork where he spent 5 years as sales director covering the northern region and brings a wide breadth of knowledge, expertise and client-base to provide CBRE with insight across the whole flex ecosystem.
Working nationally within CBRE’s super region structure, Jordan’s business development/occupier flex role will focus on developing, co-ordinating and managing opportunities throughout the UK. Jordan will work closely with Michael Glynn’s London Flex team to ‘supercharge’ the geographies flex offering and provide best in class advice to flex clients.
Tasked with building new relationships with fast growth and start up businesses across sectors, Jordan will help to drive revenue for the Northern business.
Joe Rigby, CBRE’s head of office agency – North, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jordan to the team in this new role as we see rising demand in the UK flexible office space market.
“The managed workspace market has seen a huge amount of change in recent years with more entrants to the sector such as Industrious, Huckletree, Orega, X+Why and Gilbanks all taking space in 2022. Jordan has an excellent understanding of the flex market, as well as established relationships within the sector which can be leveraged.”
Michael Glynn, head of flexible office solutions, CBRE London, said: “The Flex market continues to grow and evolve across all formats. The exciting hire of Jordan is another clear sign of CBRE’s continued investment into the sector, strengthening our occupier advisory expertise in this increasing dynamic market.”
Work starts to repurpose derelict South Yorkshire grammar school
Contractor Clegg Construction has started work on a £5.9m renovation scheme to repurpose the derelict Maltby Grammar School near Rotherham into a community resource and education facility.
The company has pledged to support a range of local health and wellbeing projects and employment and skills development opportunities during the contract, and it is estimated that up to £1.25m will be pumped into the local economy after Clegg Construction committed to use as many local sub-contractors, suppliers and enterprises as possible.
Pre-construction director, Ross Crowcroft, said: “Maltby Grammar School has played a pivotal role in the local community over many decades and the team at Clegg Construction is very pleased to be breathing new life into this historic building and giving it a future.
“This project will provide significant new facilities for the area in terms of learning and development. We have pledged to support the local community in a number of ways during the duration of this project as part of our commitment to the communities that we work in.
“We are pleased to have now made a start on site and look forward to the renovation project progressing over the coming months. We have wide experience of working both within the heritage sector and the education sector, so this scheme is a perfect fit for our expertise at Clegg Construction.”
Built in the early 1930s, the school closed in 2012 and had fallen into a state of disrepair after being mothballed.
Maltby Learning Trust is now bringing the historic building back into use with plans which include the creation of incubator space for training and apprenticeships, bookable workspaces and serviced hot-desking, and start-up support for the leisure and hospitality sectors.
The re-purposed building – known for its impressive clock tower – will also extend Maltby Learning Trust’s Post 16 specialist facilities for students who attend Maltby Academy and Sir Thomas Wharton Academy sixth form provision.
Clegg Construction has just started work on site to refurbish the building and also to build a new steel frame extension in the existing courtyard to provide space for an exhibition hall.
The company is also exploring opportunities to work with the school’s estates team to create outdoor space for tree and flower planting, along with bee and butterfly corridors.
David Sutton, Chief Executive Officer of Maltby Learning Trust, said: We are absolutely delighted to announce that work has now started on redeveloping the old Maltby Grammar School.
“The works will see the old Grammar School building repurposed and will create a community resource that accommodates local services, supports wellbeing, employment and enterprise, and provides substantial learning opportunities for the Maltby community.
“This is an exciting time for Maltby Learning Trust and this project will see us taking a building that hasn’t been occupied for nearly a decade and create an inclusive multi-functional space that will host a series of community events and learning activities.”
The redevelopment project was part of a winning bid to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund secured by Rotherham Council, which focused on boosting the leisure and hospitality sectors in the area. The Levelling Up Fund will provide £4.5m towards the project.
The renovation is due to be completed at the end of this year. Other members of the team working alongside Clegg Construction include Self Architects, engineer GCA Ltd and employer’s agent and project manager Cube.
