Rix Petroleum acquires Stokesley fuel supplier
Rix Petroleum – the largest business in the family-owned J.R. Rix & Sons Ltd group – has acquired Stokesley-based fuel supplier AR Fuels.
The deal sees the Hull-based Rix Group purchase the assets of the four tanker-business, which operates from a depot on the outskirts of the town.
It brings the total number of UK locations operated by Rix Petroleum to 17 and provides a vital link between the company’s depots in Malton, North Yorkshire, and Alnwick, Northumberland.
All the staff are being retained as part of the move, and the business is set to be rebranded as Rix AR Fuels over the coming months.
Duncan Lambert, managing director of Rix Petroleum, described the company as an excellent fit for the Group.
AR Fuels, which was a subsidiary of agricultural merchant Armstrong Richardson & Co Ltd, supplies agricultural fuels, domestic heating oil, and commercial and construction fuels to farms, businesses and households across the northern parts of North Yorkshire, Teesside and County Durham.
Mr. Lambert said: “Armstrong Richardson is celebrating 100 years of trading with farmers, businesses and the wider rural community. As a result, AR Fuels is a highly trusted, well-known and well-loved business, and one we’re delighted to bring into the Rix family.
“This is a strategic acquisition for us, as it extends our coverage of the East Coast, and into the North East, linking up two of our existing locations.
“However, it is more than just a business decision. For a century, Armstrong Richardson has lived the same values as the Rix Group – fairness, a friendly, quality service, and being part of the community – so it is a fantastic fit for us.”
Nigel Jones, the former owner of AR Fuels, said he was very pleased the company would continue to be run along similar lines to how it has been.
He said: “AR Fuels has a loyal customer base because we’ve always done our best to treat people fairly. I’ve known Duncan and Rix Petroleum for many years, and I know how they run their business. It’s very much in line with how I run my businesses, so I know it is in great hands.
“I’m sure there will be some investment in the business going forward, but the core values will remain at the heart of what it does and that was very important to me.”
Roann wins quartet of contracts worth £250k with luxury kitchen designer
Wakefield-based Roann has secured four new contracts worth £250,000 with luxury kitchen designer, supplier and installer, Kuche.
The fabricator and installer of high-volume, low-silica worktops has been appointed by Kuche to supply Silestone worktops for two Manchester-based projects – Trafford Gardens, a new build development, and Wilmslow Road, a 20-plot residential scheme.
In London, Roann will deliver worktops for a new 90-plot development in Earlsfield and a 51-plot refurbishment project in Battersea.
The new contract wins bring the number of projects Roann and Kuche have collaborated on in 2025 to seven, amounting to over £400,000 of worktops.
Scott Wharton, operations and technical director at Roann, said: “We’ve been working with Kuche for the past two years and we’re looking forward to partnering with them again to deliver high quality kitchens across all four developments.
“This is an exciting time for our business as we continue to expand our reach. Manchester and London are key growth markets for us, and these contracts demonstrate the confidence Kuche has in our ability to deliver high-quality kitchen worktops at scale. To meet growing demand, we continue to invest in skilled people and operational improvements to maintain the highest standards of service.”
Matt Duncan, director at Kuche, said: “Kuche has built a reputation for delivering opulent kitchens that complement the high-end developments our clients deliver. It’s imperative we surround ourselves with dedicated and high skilled partners. We’re pleased to have Roann on board and know we can rely on them to deliver quality worktops, on time and to the highest standard.”
G&H secures £12m MEP contract for Harrogate District Hospital
G&H has secured a £12m contract to deliver a complete mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) design and build for Harrogate District Hospital’s new state-of-the-art Day Care Surgery and Imaging Centre.
Following a competitive tender, main contractor Morgan Sindall Construction has appointed G&H to support the delivery of the new £50m facility, which is part of Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust’s (HDFT) transformation programme.
Funding comes from the government’s Targeted Investment Fund 2 (TIF2) that invests in projects that will accelerate elective care recovery and reduce both waiting lists and times.
The modern facility will feature two new operating theatres, three x-ray rooms, an MRI suite, a procedure room and a dedicated day care ward. G&H will install the theatre equipment, piped medical gas, ultraclean canopies to the two MRI scanners, specialist nurse call, power and ventilation.
Scheduled to be complete and ready for handover in Summer 2026, the building will host many energy saving features, such as air source heat pumps, Ultra Clean Ventilation (UCV) canopies, chillers and plate heat exchangers.
Due to the nature of the building, the resilience to the electrical supply is provided by two HV transformers, two UPS units, and a main generator with backup connection points.
Steven Fry, project manager at Morgan Sindall, said: “Personally, for me it is great to be working with the G&H team again and also great to be part of the Morgan Sindall and G&H journey.
“With G&H’s extensive experience in healthcare and fully collaborative approach aligning with ours here at Morgan Sindall, I am sure this project will be a success.
“Both our values and expectations align, with regards to each and every project deliverable, from our Perfect Delivery strategy, encompassing Quality, Safe, Time and Recommended, to our commitment to social value.
“All of the Morgan Sindall team are looking forward to working on this fantastic project with G&H, for our prestigious clients, Harrogate integrated Facilities and Harrogate District Hospital Trust.”
Rob Woodward, senior contracts manager (north) at G&H, said: “We’re extremely pleased to be collaborating with Morgan Sindall and to have the opportunity to draw on our vast healthcare experience to deliver the new Day Care Surgery and Imaging Centre.
“Our aim is always to bring buildings to life and transform them into safe, comfortable and efficient spaces where people can thrive. This new facility will help the Trust perform more surgeries, reduce waiting times, and provide an improved environment for patients and staff.”
Civic visit showcases £10m investment in Hull’s rail engineering sector
The Lord Mayor of Hull, Councillor Cheryl Payne, along with officers from the council’s regeneration directorate have heard how £10m has been invested, or committed to be spent, at Northern’s Botanic Gardens TrainCare Centre in the city over the past three years.
Benefitting Hull in terms of job creation and skills, the investment has also helped make the rail network in the region more efficient by increasing engineering capabilities at the site, from light servicing and fuelling to detailed inspection work, to engines and changing wheelsets.
Northern, as a rail operator, covers the largest geographic area in the country, with its TrainCare Centre in Hull being one of five. The others are in Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool.
The investment has seen the number of staff located at the site increase from 12 to 50, with many of these being high-skilled engineering roles.
It is now also the home depot for 22 trains that make up the fleet that operate services from Hull and throughout Yorkshire, including to destinations like Bridlington, Scarborough, Doncaster, York and Sheffield.
“It is fantastic to see Northern’s commitment to Hull and that vehicles serving this area are based in the city and serviced in the city,” said Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure at Hull City Council.
“As a local authority, we are keen to strengthen our working relationship with Northern and the city’s other operators to grow the rail sector in Hull, which has considerable potential – particularly in relation to employment and skills in engineering.
“We are also keen to explore how we can further leverage Government funding for rail infrastructure and projects.”
As well as servicing its own trains, Northern’s Botanic Gardens TrainCare Centre also supports TransPennine Express and Hull Trains with fuelling, cleaning and light servicing, giving Hull a strategic role in servicing and maintaining trains across the north of England.
Arron Ibbotson, depot delivery manager for Northern, said: “It was fantastic to welcome the Lord Mayor and council team to Hull Botanic Gardens TrainCare Centre (TCC) and give them a real sense of the work our people do every day.
“The investment in this TCC has not only improved the reliability of our trains, but it’s also created opportunities for local people to build rewarding careers in rail engineering.
“Our team here in Hull take real pride in keeping services running for the community, and it was great to be able to share that passion and show how important this site is for the city and the wider region.
“We’re especially proud of the work we’re doing with apprentices and our support for STEM education, helping to inspire the next generation and encourage more young people, including women, to see engineering as a career for them.”
The Lord Mayor of Hull, Councillor Cheryl Payne said: “I really enjoyed visiting Northern’s Botanic Gardens TrainCare Centre and meeting with the talented team of staff who call this city their home and help keep local services on track.
“The centre is an impressive facility and a hugely important one for the city and the wider region, both in terms of supporting local jobs and skills opportunities and with regards to ensuring the rail network in this part of the country runs efficiently and smoothly.”
Ripon retail park sold for £8.3m
St Michael’s Retail Park in Ripon has been sold for £8.3m.
The 24,400 sq ft North Yorkshire retail park is located on Rotary Way, just off the A61 Ripon bypass, hosts an EV charging operator and is let for the next 14 years at £20 per sq ft.
The Leeds office of property consultancy Knight Frank and independent property consultants Lamb and Swift acted for the vendors, Commercial Development Projects and retail and leisure specialist Rothstone Estates. TW Keil represented the buyer State Street Investment Management.
Mark Rothery, managing director of Rothstone, said: “We are absolutely delighted to get this significant deal over the line. It’s been a long and fascinating journey.
“Ten years ago, I was introduced to a field in Ripon. A few twists and turns later, including the minor detail of securing planning, and we have finally sold the completed investment this month to State Street IM. They are a brilliant buyer who did exactly what they promised.
“We are very proud of this fabulous scheme, which has proved to be a significant boost to the economy of the very special city of Ripon. Both M&S and Next are exceptional retail occupiers and have been a pleasure to deal with. Without them, we would not have had a scheme.
“There are too many people to thank by name on this one, but I must say is a massive thank you to Team Rothstone and my JV partner, James Marshall CDP, for his continued support. The rest of you – you know who you are.”
Richard Brooke, investment partner with Knight Frank in Leeds, said: “This important deal underlines the attraction of well-located developments with stellar occupiers. The yield on the deal is 5.62 per cent, which is a reflection of the strategic importance and secure future of St Michael’s.
“Although the state of the commercial property sector in the UK remains challenging, there are definitely deals to be done, when the right price, the right location and the right occupiers align.”
Charlie Greenhalgh of Lamb & Swift Commercial acted for CDP Rothstone as joint letting and selling agent on the scheme.
Yorkshire sees slower fall in permanent placements in September
The latest KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs: North of England survey indicated that the decline in permanent staff hiring eased in September. Although sharp, the latest reduction in permanent placements was the least pronounced in five months and slightly softer than the UK-wide trend. Meanwhile, temporary billings rose for the first time in nearly a year.
Demand for staff continued to fall across the region, particularly for permanent workers. At the same time, increases in candidate availability slowed since August but remained marked. Pay trends were subdued, with both starting salaries and temp pay falling for the second month in a row.
The KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs: North of England is compiled by S&P Global from responses to questionnaires sent to around 150 recruitment and employment consultancies in the North of England.
Decline in permanent staff appointments loses momentum
The seasonally adjusted Permanent Placements Index posted below the crucial 50.0 mark again in September, signalling a further decline in permanent staff appointment across the North of England. Although sharp, the rate of contraction was the least marked since April. It was also slightly softer than the national average.
Recruitment consultancies often commented on a general slowdown in recruitment activity, linked in turn to economic uncertainty, fewer vacancies, and employer budget constraints.
There was a renewed rise in billings received from the employment of temporary staff across the North of England in September, as signalled by the respective seasonally adjusted index posting above 50.0 for the first time in nearly one year.
Although it was consistent with only a marginal uptick in billings, the increase contrasted with a solid reduction at the UK level, driven by marked declines in London and the South of England. Where recruiters signalled a rise in temp billings, this was often attributed to client requirements and a preference for contract staff.
Both permanent and temporary job vacancies continued to fall across the North of England in September. Demand for permanent workers declined at a solid pace that was slightly faster than in August, while demand for short-term staff fell at a modest pace that was the softest in three months.
Permanent job opportunities fell across all four monitored English regions, with the North of England recording the softest decline overall. Temp vacancies fell at a solid rate at the national level, and one that exceeded that seen in the North of England.
Permanent staff supply expands at slower, but still rapid pace
As has been the case since the start of 2024, permanent staff availability across the North of England increased in September. Although the rate of expansion slowed notably since August, it was the second-sharpest seen since December 2020 and rapid overall. It was also among the second-fastest of the four monitored English regions, just behind the South of England. According to anecdotal evidence, the uplift in supply was generally driven by redundancies.
September data signalled a further rise in temporary staff availability across the North of England, thereby stretching the current run of growth to just over two-and-a-half years. The rate at which the pool of temporary workers expanded was less pronounced than in the previous month, but sharp overall and in line with the national average. Recruiters noted a general rise in the number of job seekers amid a slowdown in demand for staff.
Starting salaries fall for the second month in a row
Starting salaries awarded to new permanent joiners in the North of England fell for the second month running in September. Tighter recruitment budgets, which in turn were linked to higher payroll costs, had reportedly influenced decisions on pay.
Although the rate of decline was slower than in August, it was in stark contrast to the long-run trend of strong growth. The South of England was the only other monitored English region to register a drop in starting salaries, with the rate of decline slightly quicker than that seen in the North.
Recruiters based in the North of England signalled a decrease in wages for short-term workers for the third time in the past four months in September. The rate of reduction was the fastest seen since June, albeit modest overall. Nevertheless, the decline in the North of England compared with a slight increase in temp pay across the UK as a whole, which was driven by upturns in the Midlands and London.
Phil Murden, Leeds office senior partner at KPMG UK, said: “Although hiring activity continues to slow in the North, there are early indicators that employers and candidates alike are finding new ways to adapt. The pace of decline in permanent hiring is easing, and temp billings have picked up for the first time in nearly a year – a sign that employers are responding with agility to current economic conditions.
“Candidate availability remains strong, giving businesses a valuable opportunity to access a wide and diverse talent pool. Encouragingly, the slower pace of growth in supply suggests fewer redundancies and signals a market that’s beginning to rebalance.”
Neil Carberry, REC chief executive, said: “Recruiters have been reporting a trend towards stabilisation in the permanent job market since the summer, and today’s data back that up for September. The temporary market remains somewhat healthier, with growth in some regions. We can hope that the jobs market and the economy may be moving towards calmer waters, but falling vacancies is a reminder that what is really needed is a shot of confidence in the wider economy to get things going.
“Pay trends remain subdued where pay is set by the market rather than the Government. This suggests that pay growth should not be a drag on the Bank of England’s upcoming interest rate decision.
“The economic picture is still challenging for employers, with pressures beyond their control. A genuinely pro-business, pro-growth Autumn Budget next month could provide much-needed relief, by avoiding unaffordable tax rises on business, committing to real practicality on the Employment Rights Bill, supporting flexible work and reforming public sector hiring.”
Yorkshire entrepreneurs named amongst UK’s most ambitious business leaders
Four Yorkshire-based business leaders have been named in The LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders, with a further five featured as Ones to Watch.
Examples from across the region include Lou Ellis-Frankland, CEO of Bradford-based Mansfield Pollard – a 160-year-old manufacturer that is now on a mission to become the best employer in the region, and Matt Travis, managing director of Sheffield-based environmental consultancy Enzygo, which advises clients such as Hill Group, Whitbread and Park Holidays.
They were recognised at a celebratory event at BAFTA in London, where the UK’s Most Ambitious Business Leader was revealed, alongside several category award winners.
Mike Brennan of Halifax-based Outdo was handed The Resilience Award, which recognises a leader who has demonstrated exceptional perseverance, grit and adaptability, driving their businesses forward – even in the toughest of times. Mike was recognised for his courage in the face of immense personal challenges.
After losing two of his young children, he channelled his experience into becoming a trustee of a children’s hospice before returning to business. Since then, he has grown Halifax-based Outdo into a company that manages 30,000 outdoor media sites nationwide and remains focused on building the UK’s largest outdoor advertising company outside London.
Lee Brooks, co-founder and CEO of South Kirby-based Production Park, took home The Innovation Award. Lee was recognised for transforming South Kirkby into a global hub for live entertainment.
Some of the world’s biggest artists, from Beyoncé to Coldplay, go there to create, rehearse and perform, and its facilities have been highlighted by the government as a national model for regional creative growth. This year the business is on track to reach £30m in revenue.
Dan Smith, partner and head of Yorkshire in LDC, said: “In the eight years since we launched The LDC Top 50 we’ve had the honour of meeting some exceptional business leaders.
“This year’s cohort has shown drive and ambition in their growth journeys, proven remarkable resilience, and together they are making a real difference to their employees, the communities they work in and society at large.
“I’d like to congratulate them on everything they’ve achieved so far. Their success stories are only just beginning, and we’re excited to see where their journey takes them next.”
The Yorkshire-based business leaders featured in The LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders for 2025 are: Mike Brennan – Outdo, Lee Brooks – Production Park, Matt Travis – Enzygo, and Lou Ellis-Frankland – Mansfield Pollard.
The Yorkshire-based business leaders named as Ones to Watch are: Jamie Toyne – Herd Consulting, Kathryn Brown – Rubicon Bridge, Matthew Dunne – Despatch Cloud, Pete Mills – Crysp, and Thomas William Dunning – Ad Signal.
Matt Travis, managing director, Enzygo, said: “Securing a place as one of Britain’s top 50 entrepreneurs is an incredible honour and one that would not be possible without the incredible hard work and dedication of the entire Enzygo team.
“Over the past three years, we’ve set ourselves some bold targets, successfully delivering significant year-on-year growth, as well as expanding our regional network. However, I also recognised that business success shouldn’t be simply judged on headline turnover and profitability figures but on the way it plays a role in making a positive contribution to society.
“As environmental specialists, we have made a commitment, and we are on course to significantly reduce our carbon emissions across the business. We also recognised that our area of work is a highly specialised field, and we are actively investing back into the communities we serve by working with schools, helping to equip and inspire the next generation with the skills needed to succeed in their future careers.”
Whitakers strengthens production with new nut line investment
Whitakers Chocolates has expanded its North Yorkshire operations with a facility dedicated to nut processing, a move that strengthens its position in the UK confectionery market.
The development at the company’s Snaygill site brings a new manufacturing capability in-house and secures production at its long-established, BRC AA* accredited factory. It follows investment from parent company Bramble Foods Group, supporting Whitakers’ broader plan to modernise its production base and widen its product mix.
The first item from the new line, milk chocolate Brazil nuts, is now entering circulation ahead of the Christmas trading period. The site has been designed to handle further product innovation, with new releases including dark chocolate Brazils expected in 2026 and a series of traditional confectionery items under review.
The facility marks a strategic step for the business as it responds to supply chain pressures and volatility in cocoa prices. By consolidating production on-site, Whitakers gains greater control over quality, efficiency, and output — positioning the company to compete more effectively in both branded and private-label markets.
Cordance expands higher education tech portfolio with AppsAnywhere acquisition
Cordance has acquired AppsAnywhere, a UK-based education technology company specialising in software delivery and IT management for universities. The move strengthens Cordance’s position in the higher education market by adding a proven platform that allows institutions to provide students and faculty with seamless access to software on any device.
AppsAnywhere serves over 300 universities worldwide, supporting millions of users through a system that removes the need for traditional virtual desktop infrastructure. Its technology is designed to improve access, lower costs, and simplify software delivery for both on-campus and remote learners.
“I’m thrilled to welcome AppsAnywhere to the Cordance organization,” said Caroline Morris, Chief Executive Officer at Cordance. “This acquisition strengthens our commitment to higher education and expands the ways we can support IT leaders as they modernize their institutions. By pairing AppsAnywhere’s delivery platform with LabStats’ analytics, we’re not only helping universities run more efficiently, we’re empowering them to create better digital experiences that drive long-term student success.”
The acquisition aligns AppsAnywhere with LabStats, another Cordance-owned company offering real-time analytics on software and device usage in higher education. Together, the two platforms give IT leaders greater insight into software performance, licence efficiency, and infrastructure planning, supporting both operational savings and improved digital experiences for students.
By integrating AppsAnywhere, Cordance continues to build its portfolio of vertical SaaS solutions tailored to education, reinforcing its focus on scalable, data-driven tools that address institutional efficiency and student engagement across global higher education markets.
Lloyds Living expands portfolio with 610-home acquisition
Lloyds Living has finalised the purchase of Start Living, a 610-home portfolio created through a joint venture between Gatehouse Living Group and TPG Real Estate. The deal increases Lloyds Living’s total holdings to more than 7,300 properties across the UK.
The portfolio comprises 578 single-family houses and 32 low-rise apartments developed by Countryside and Vistry. Properties are located in key regional markets including West Bromwich, Nottingham, Liverpool, Grimsby, Scunthorpe, and Coseley.
Over 550 of the homes are already completed and operational, while the remaining units are scheduled for completion by the end of 2025. Each property has an EPC rating of B or higher, reflecting a focus on energy efficiency and modern construction standards.
Matthew Burgess, chief investment officer at Lloyds Living, said: “This new deal is another significant step in our growth journey. The secondary market for PRS portfolios is still in its infancy but is vital to the wider success of the sector by allowing a freer flow of capital and continued investment in new developments.”
The new acquisition supports Lloyds Living’s continued growth in the private rental sector and marks another significant investment in purpose-built housing for long-term renters. Property management will remain under Ascend, one of the UK’s largest operators in the sector.
Gatehouse Living Group has now delivered or is developing around 5,000 homes nationwide, representing over £1 billion in deployed capital across the single-family rental market.
