Thursday, November 6, 2025

Buttress transitions to employee-ownership

Leeds and Manchester-based architects, Buttress has become a 100 per cent employee-owned practice. It joins a growing number of architecture firms in the UK turning to employee-ownership, a model shown to boost innovation, engagement, and long-term sustainability. Gavin Sorby, managing director, said: “Becoming employee-owned is a natural extension of our purpose. It empowers our team, strengthens our independence, and ensures that our mission of designing for equity is reflected in our structure. “We’ve made the bold decision to become 100 per cent employee-owned to reflect our intentions and belief in the new governance structure. “We’re proud to be part of a growing movement in architecture that’s rethinking ownership and leadership. This is about creating a practice that’s built to last—creatively, ethically, and structurally. We believe that how we work should reflect what we design. This change is about fairness, shared responsibility, and building a practice that truly lives its values.” The Employee-Ownership Trust (EOT) model gives employees collective ownership and a formal voice in the studio’s strategic direction. It also provides a long-term succession strategy that safeguards the studio’s independence and design vision. The model aligns with the studio’s B Corp ethos, which balances purpose and profit.

German group takes over Sheffield hotel

German group, 1912 Hotels, has secured its first UK property with the management takeover of Mercure Sheffield St Paul’s Hotel & Spa. Overlooking the Peace Gardens and Winter Garden, the hotel is a cornerstone of Sheffield’s hospitality landscape. “Sheffield has a spirit we really connect with,” said Audun Lekve, CEO of 1912 Hotels & Resorts. “We are proud to begin our UK journey with such a strong and iconic property at the heart of the city.” While the hotel remains open and fully operational, guests can expect to see a gentle evolution in service, design accents, and curated moments.
“There is something special in store,” added Katharina Hohn, co-founder of 1912 Hotels. “Sheffield is the first of many steps for us in the UK and we are looking forward to sharing more very soon.”

Prohibition notice lifted for Sheffield Wednesday

Sheffield City Council has lifted the prohibition notice placed on the North Stand at Sheffield Wednesday Football Club’s Hillsborough Stadium.

This outcome is said to have followed “constructive cooperation” between the Council and the Club, and receipt of the necessary professional safety assurances to allow for the reopening of the North Stand.

With the notice lifted, normal operations at Hillsborough can resume, allowing supporters to return to all stands and matchdays.

Cllr Joe Otten, chair of the environmental services and regulation policy committee, said: “Safety remains the Council’s highest priority, and we will continue to work closely with Sheffield Wednesday Football Club to ensure that Hillsborough remains a safe and welcoming venue for all.”

The club has faced a turbulant summer, with calls for owner Dejphon Chansiri to sell, unpaid wages, transfer embargos and fan protests.

The EFL said in a statement: “The League wants to see a strong, stable and competitive Sheffield Wednesday, and for that to happen we are clear that the current owner needs either to fund the Club to meet its obligations or make good on his commitment to sell to a well-funded party, for fair market value – ending the current uncertainty and impasse. 
“We continue to pursue options available to us to resolve the current challenges, and to that end the League is currently in advanced discussions with Mr Chansiri’s legal advisors on formalising a process around divestment of his shareholding in the Club.”

Leeds pharmacy sold

Seacroft Pharmacy in Leeds has been sold. Seacroft Pharmacy is a standard-hour community pharmacy that dispenses an average of 5,761 items per month. The pharmacy sits within a two-storey retail unit on a busy shopping parade, with a large medical practice just 100 yards away. It is located on the A64/York Road in Leeds, which is one of the main arterial routes that runs into Leeds city centre. The pharmacy has been owned by Pharm-Assist (Healthcare) Limited since 2008 and was brought to market after a strategic review of its portfolio. Following a confidential sales process with Tom Young and Jon Booth at Christie & Co, and with funding sourced through Alena Ray at Christie Finance, it has been purchased by Jeet Vadodaria, an expanding operator from West Yorkshire. This is his third pharmacy and is a joint venture with first-time buyer, Mohammad Khabib Ali. Ashley Cohen, director at Pharm-Assist (Healthcare) Limited, said: “After having a strategic review of our group, we saw Seacroft as the right site to dispose of to allow us to focus our attention on other aspects of the business. Whilst there was plenty of interest in the site, it was pleasing to do the deal with Jeet, who is a local operator. We wish him all the very best with the business in the future.” Jeet Vadodaria, new owner of Seacroft Pharmacy, said: “We were attracted to this pharmacy due to the strong reputation Ashley has built over a number of years, and felt it would be a great addition to our portfolio. We have just opened a new hub in West Yorkshire, and this pharmacy will make a great ‘spoke’. We plan to service some items via the hub to free up more time for our staff at Seacroft Pharmacy to engage with patients and improve the service offering.” Tom Young, senior business agent – pharmacy at Christie & Co, said: “It was a pleasure to facilitate the sale of Seacroft Pharmacy on behalf of Ashley. We ran a competitive bidding process with five offers at or above the guide price, showcasing the demand for pharmacy opportunities in Yorkshire. I do not doubt that, under the new ownership of Jeet and Mohammad, the pharmacy will continue to thrive at the heart of the community.”

Dewsbury security hardware provider snapped up by global firm

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Allegion, a global security products and solutions provider, through one of its subsidiaries, has acquired Dewsbury-based Brisant Secure Limited, a security hardware provider. Founded in 2011, Brisant sells a range of residential security solutions, including mechanical and electronic locks as well as door accessories. Brisant will report into the Allegion International segment, strengthening Allegion’s presence in the region while complementing Allegion UK’s non-residential portfolio and its recent acquisition of UAP Limited. “We are thrilled to welcome the Brisant team to Allegion, further strengthening our European portfolio with yet another leader and innovator in our industry,” said Tim Eckersley, Allegion senior vice president and president of Allegion International. “Brisant’s premium, patented solutions are a natural complement to Allegion UK’s best-in-class product and service capabilities.” Kevin Harvey, managing director of Brisant, will join Allegion with this acquisition. “Joining Allegion is an exciting evolution for Brisant and our customers,” Harvey said. “Not only are we expanding our strategic partnerships and scale, but we’re now part of a global leader in our space that’s known for innovating to make the world safer while also driving strategic growth.”

ITM Power secures 20MW hydrogen supply deal

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ITM Power has signed a supply agreement and binding heads of terms for a long-term services agreement with MorGen Energy to deliver the 20MW West Wales Hydrogen project in Milford Haven, UK.

The project is part of the UK Government’s Hydrogen Allocation Round 1 (HAR1) and has secured the necessary permits, with commercial terms with stakeholders nearing completion. The plant is expected to reach Final Investment Decision and begin construction before the end of the year.

ITM Power will provide its POSEIDON 20MW modular electrolyser platform for the facility. Funding for the project comes under the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero HAR1 programme. The site, on the former Milford Haven Refinery, will supply green hydrogen to industrial clusters in Milford Haven, Port Talbot, and other areas across Wales and support decarbonised transport initiatives.

This contract confirms ITM Power as the selected electrolyser supplier for one of two UK projects announced in June, reinforcing the company’s role in scalable green hydrogen solutions.

Grade II-listed foundry cleared for hotel conversion

Plans to convert the Grade II-listed Guest & Chrimes brassworks in Rotherham into a 138-room hotel have been approved. The redevelopment includes demolishing two buildings and repurposing a third for reception, bar, and restaurant spaces.

The project, led by Stewart Developments Ltd, faced opposition from Historic England, which flagged potential harm to the site’s historic value. Rotherham Council’s planning officers recommended approval with 38 conditions, including heritage safeguards and a local labour plan to prioritise employment for Rotherham residents.

Authorities justified the decision by emphasising the regeneration potential of the fire-damaged, derelict site and the economic benefits of bringing it back into use. Permission requires construction to start within three years.

The foundry, built between 1857 and 1888, was historically significant for producing public water system components, including the original leak-proof tap and the red New York fire hydrants. Operations ceased in 1999, leaving the buildings largely abandoned.

UK economy sees modest growth

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The UK economy saw modest growth in June, though conditions remain volatile. According to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, is estimated to have risen 0.4% month-on-month in June, ahead of expectations, following a 0.1% fall in May. It reflects, across key sectors, services output growing 0.3% month-on-month, construction output increasing by 0.3%, and production output rising by 0.7%. In the quarter, GDP rose 0.3%, also beating market expectations, but lagging behind growth seen during the first three months of the year. Ben Jones, CBI lead economist, said: “A modest rebound in June brought Q2 to a positive close — but today’s figures confirm that the strong growth seen earlier this year was a one-off and underlying conditions remain fragile. “With business costs mounting, the labour market cooling, investment intentions weakening and confidence generally subdued, the UK is walking a narrow path between resilience and stagnation. “Policy uncertainty in the run-up to the Autumn Budget risks tipping the balance. With the business tax burden already at a 25-year high, the government must chart a steadier course by ruling out further tax rises and prioritising policies that can quickly lift investment and productivity.”

Yaspa establishes Leeds tech hub to drive US expansion

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Yaspa has launched a new technology hub in Leeds to support its global growth, following a $12 million investment secured last month. The hub will focus on developing Yaspa’s US product and scaling its engineering capabilities.

David Turner has joined as Head of Engineering to lead the Leeds teams. Turner brings experience from William Hill and Glean, where he built and managed high-performing engineering teams.

Initial hiring plans target ten mid-to-senior software engineers, with a second squad to follow, aiming for 20 engineers in Leeds by the end of 2025. The office, located in Platform by Bruntwood near Leeds train station, combines hybrid working flexibility with in-person collaboration and modern facilities.

Leeds was selected due to its established pool of software engineers, particularly those with iGaming experience from companies including Flutter Entertainment, Paddy Power, Betfair, and William Hill. Yaspa plans to leverage this talent to accelerate product development and support its US expansion strategy.

The hub will serve as a central point for technology growth, emphasising team culture, collaboration, and rapid scaling. The focus remains on building dedicated engineering squads capable of delivering Yaspa’s next phase of global operations.

Leeds United extends partnership with HEINEKEN UK

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Leeds United has renewed its multi-year agreement with HEINEKEN UK to remain the club’s Official Beer and Cider Partner. The deal ensures that HEINEKEN’s portfolio, including Birra Moretti, Cruzcampo, Heineken, Heineken 0.0%, Inch’s Cider, and Beavertown Neck Oil, will continue to be sold exclusively at Elland Road on matchdays.

The agreement supports Leeds United’s Premier League season operations and aims to enhance the matchday experience for attendees. The partnership underlines both organisations’ focus on quality, fan engagement, and community initiatives.

The renewed collaboration will see the continuation of product promotions and supporter engagement activities, with further details to be announced on Leeds United’s official channels.