H2 Equity Partners exits RAM Tracking in sale to Kerridge Commercial Systems

April Lara
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H2 Equity Partners exits RAM Tracking in sale to Kerridge Commercial Systems

H2 Equity Partners has sold its stake in RAM Tracking, a Leeds-based fleet and workforce management provider, to enterprise software firm Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS). The deal marks H2’s exit from RAM after acquiring a majority stake in 2020.

KCS, backed by CapVest Partners LLP, provides enterprise resource planning (ERP) and business management software to wholesale, distribution, and equipment rental sectors. With headquarters in the UK and 23 offices globally, the company serves customers in 74 countries.

Under H2’s ownership, RAM expanded its tracking and camera technology with new software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions to improve fleet and workforce management. Investments in sales, marketing, R&D, and two strategic acquisitions further accelerated growth.

Arma Partners, Squire Patton Boggs, Liberty Corporate Finance, PwC, Strategy&, and Grant Thornton supported the transaction.

Bruntwood SciTech reports £163M loss amid property valuation drop

April Lara
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Bruntwood SciTech reports £163M loss amid property valuation drop

Bruntwood SciTech is set to report a pre-tax loss of £163 million for the year ending September 30, 2024, largely due to a £148 million decline in property market valuations. Despite the loss, the joint venture—formed by Bruntwood, Legal & General, and the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF)—has expanded its asset portfolio to £1.5 billion, including the addition of 29 city-centre properties.

The firm has reported a 10% like-for-like rental growth following a £500 million equity investment, with developments and refurbishments worth £314 million currently underway across 11 campus locations and 31 city-centre innovation hubs. Key projects include acquisitions in Manchester, redevelopment efforts in Leeds and Birmingham, and ongoing construction at multiple sites set for completion in 2025.

Bruntwood SciTech also secured several major tenants, including Auto Trader at No. 3 Circle Square in Manchester, UK Biobank at Greenheys in Manchester Science Park, and Corteva Agriscience at Melbourn Science Park. The company recently expanded into London, committing £200 million to a new innovation centre at Imperial College London’s White City Campus.

Despite valuation challenges, the company remains focused on long-term growth, expecting profits to rebound as market conditions stabilise.

Council launches tender for Cleethorpes Pier Garden project

Stuart Pearcey
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Council launches tender for Cleethorpes Pier Garden project
A tender has been released looking for construction companies interested in the Government-funded redevelopment of the Pier Gardens project in Cleethorpes. There are two lots of work – one to do the overall Pier Gardens renovation, including the landscaping and planting, as well as creating the different zones across the site; the second lot is specifically to create the skate area at the northern end of the site. Separate tenders will be released for the play structures and public art at a future stage following the application for necessary planning permissions. As part of the tender, detailed planting plans have been included for the gardens that bring in planting suitable for marine environments as well as new trees to envelop the site. Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the Council, said: “This really feels like it’s moving on apace now. We know that the work is likely to take about a year or so to transform the gardens, so we’re working with events organisers already who use the gardens through the summer – we can’t do this project without disrupting one summer season. “The centre of Cleethorpes will look very different in the next few years, with the projects, funded by Government, being delivered alongside the work being done to restore heritage balconies, key buildings like the Mermaid and the Dolphin and work being done by partners in other areas of the town. I can’t wait to see it all start to come together.”

College and company launch engineering suite for T Level students

Stuart Pearcey
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College and company launch engineering suite for T Level students
Collaboration between Bradford-based metal fabrication and engineering company Metalcraft Group and Bradford College has created an industry standard engineering suite where T Level Engineering students can gain access to an enhanced range of experiences, opportunities, and equipment. Stephen Smith, Bradford College Head of Engineering, said: “Partnering with Metalcraft Group. This represents a major step forward for our T Level provision. Through our work with this Bradford-based company, students will benefit from unprecedented access to real-world engineering expertise and facilities.” The refurbished room at Trinity Green was designed and equipped by Metalcraft, showcasing prototype examples of the global contractor’s precision engineering. In addition to the speciality suite, the partnership will also secure valuable placement and visit opportunities for Bradford College T Level students to gain hands-on experience with a leading engineering firm. Metalcraft Group CEO Nathan Varley,said: “We want to help empower the youth of Bradford going forward. The talent’s definitely there in Bradford, and the combination of both practical and classroom environments at college can really unearth these individuals.” Rob Oldroyd, General Manager at Metalcraft Precision Engineering (a Metalcraft Group branch) added: “This joint effort with Bradford College will provide an insight into the future talent available and hopefully contribute to creating some of the next generation of engineering experts.” T Levels are 2-year qualifications, available after GCSEs, designed with leading businesses to teach the skills and knowledge needed for the future. They feature a unique 45-day work placement with an employer like Metalcraft Group, providing the chance for industry experience while studying.

Plans submitted for 12-storey commercial building at Wellington Place

April Lara
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Plans submitted for 12-storey commercial building at Wellington Place

Hermes Wellington Place Site 2 GP Limited has submitted a planning application for a 12-storey office building at Wellington Place in Leeds city centre. The proposal includes 27,895.7 sqm of office space with flexible ground-floor use for offices, retail (up to 200 sqm), or café/restaurant operations.

The development aims to be an all-electric, net-zero carbon building, targeting top environmental certifications. Wellington Place is already home to several businesses, shared office spaces, and hospitality venues, including Veeno and Mad Frans.

Horncastle industrial estate expansion moves forward with £1.9m investment

April Lara
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Horncastle industrial estate expansion moves forward with £1.9m investment

Construction has begun on the expansion of business land at Spratt Close in Horncastle, backed by a £1.5 million investment from Lincolnshire County Council and £400,000 from East Lindsey District Council. The project, known as Hornbeam Business Park, will create three serviced development plots across four acres, aiming to generate over 65 jobs.

The initiative is part of a broader £20 million county-wide investment in business infrastructure over the next four years, targeting key sectors such as manufacturing, defence, and agri-food. Additional industrial estate expansions are planned in West Lindsey, East Lindsey, and Boston, with a goal of creating 3,000 jobs.

Lindum Construction is managing the site development, with the project procured via the Scape regional construction framework. The expansion includes new road infrastructure designed to improve access and attract further business investment.

Work starts on Hornbeam Business Park in Horncastle

Stuart Pearcey
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Work starts on Hornbeam Business Park in Horncastle
Lincolnshire County Council has invested £1.5m into the creation of Hornbeam Business Park at Spratt Close in Horncastle. When complete, the site will offer around four acres which will be split to create 3 plots of serviced development land. The total cost is around £1.9m with East Lindsey District Council contributing £400,000. It’s hoped that the development will generate more than 65 new jobs. Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “This is another great project led and predominantly funded by the county council that ensures businesses have the land and facilities to grow and develop. Businesses in the area have told us that they really needed space to relocate and grow, and we’re committed to doing all we can to help. “And it’s not just in Horncastle that we’re investing in business growth. The council has committed £20m over the next four years, to boost Lincolnshire’s business facilities. This includes office blocks and industrial parks for our world leading sectors such as manufacturing, defence and agri-food, in Grantham, Lincoln, and Holbeach. We’re also planning more expansions to industrial estates like this one in Horncastle, in West Lindsey, East Lindsey, and Boston. This will provide 3000 job opportunities across the whole of the county.” The site management is being carried out by Lindum Construction. Lindum director Kevin Damarell said good infrastructure was essential for economic growth, and that the new road would help unlock potential for investment and job creation in Horncastle. “We’re pleased to be working with Lincolnshire County Council to deliver this project, which was procured via the Scape regional construction framework. By improving access, the council is laying the foundations for future economic growth, supporting existing businesses, and encouraging new ones to set up here.”

Innovation Festival returns to West Yorkshire for fourth incarnation

Stuart Pearcey
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Innovation Festival returns to West Yorkshire for fourth incarnation
The week-long West Yorkshire Innovation Festival will take place between 3-7 March to champion, celebrate and foster collaboration among the region’s business base. Businesses and organisations will be able to hear from and network with leading private sector innovators as well as public sector finance providers, to help accelerate their business plans through the development of new innovations that can boost their productivity and profits. The festival follows the launch of the million-pound Mayor’s Big Ideas Challenge, which will see successful businesses receive up to £100,000 to develop innovative solutions to local health challenges. By supporting SMEs to grow and succeed while targeting investment at the region’s fastest growing business sectors, the region’s multibillion-pound Local Growth Plan aims to add £26 billion to the UK economy and support the creation of an additional 33,000 local jobs. Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “This year, business leaders have so many inspiring and educational events to look forward to, from masterclasses with proven innovators, to networking opportunities with those who can help turn bright ideas into bigger growth. “To deliver our ambitious growth plan, we need to empower our growth creators. That means helping our businesses to innovate at a time of great challenge and opportunity, so they can continue to grow, succeed, and contribute to a stronger and brighter economy for the region.”

Lincolnshire contractor accelerates digital transformation with Trimble technology

April Lara
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Lincolnshire contractor accelerates digital transformation with Trimble technology

Lincolnshire-based groundworks firm IPDS Group Ltd has invested in Trimble digital construction technology to enhance efficiency and expand into larger projects. The company has adopted Trimble® Connected Site components, including cab kits for excavators, dual-antenna receivers, a base station, a rover for site tracking, and Trimble Earthworks Grade Control.

The investment addresses challenges such as poor GNSS signal coverage by integrating base station and Virtual Reference Station (VRS) technology for accurate positioning. The Trimble Earthworks platform provides real-time guidance for grading and excavation, reducing material costs and minimising reliance on third-party surveying.

IPDS has also implemented the Trimble R580 rover system for independent setting out and progress tracking. The company credits the investment with improving project accuracy and efficiency while enabling it to compete with larger contractors. Future plans include expanding its digital capabilities with additional Trimble solutions for fine trimming operations.

Horgan Homes expands into Lincolnshire with new residential development

April Lara
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Horgan Homes expands into Lincolnshire with new residential development

Horgan Homes has begun construction on a 30-home development in Mareham-Le-Fen, marking its first large-scale residential project outside the West Midlands. The St Helen’s Place development includes two, three, and four-bedroom bungalows and dormer bungalows.

The project is being built by a Lincolnshire-based workforce with support from local suppliers. The first homes are set to launch in spring 2025, featuring air source heat pumps, PV panels, Minoli tiling, and Bosch integrated appliances.

Horgan Homes, known for its high-end residential developments, has won multiple industry awards, including a What House? award for best luxury house and two International Property Awards.

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