Set of York city centre buildings snapped up

Tess Egginton
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Set of York city centre buildings snapped up

A set of prominent buildings in York city centre have been bought by property investment and development specialist Helmsley Group.

Helmsley has acquired the adjoining 1 Feasegate and 1-2 St Sampson’s Square, which are let to footwear and clothing retailer Size?.

The buildings, which were acquired for an undisclosed sum from a major UK fund manager through commercial auction, comprise a total of 3,710 sq ft and include three upper floors alongside the ground floor retail space.

The purchase follows a series of recent acquisitions by York-based Helmsley in the city, including grade I listed Cumberland House and 2 Lendal.

The group has also purchased several buildings on Coney Street, including numbers three to seven and 19, as it accelerates its vision for the regeneration of the area through its Coney Street Riverside proposals.

Ed Harrowsmith, investment director at Helmsley Group, said: “1 Feasegate and 1-2 St Sampson’s Square are centrally located and prime retail addresses within York and we are delighted to have completed this purchase on behalf of our investor network.

“With a strong tenant and future development potential, it forms part of our ongoing programme of strategic acquisitions across the city, including our exciting vision for Coney Street Riverside.”

Jonathan Peasgood acted as acquiring agent for Helmsley Group, with legal advice provided by James Bradley at Knights.

Sheffield medical centre sold to specialist healthcare property investor

Tess Egginton
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Sheffield medical centre sold to specialist healthcare property investor
East Bank Medical Centre in Sheffield has been sold to FTSE 250-listed real estate investment trust, Assura plc. East Bank Medical Centre comprises a purpose-built, two-storey, General Practice doctors’ surgery offering a full range of medical services to the public. The site includes a pharmacy occupied and operated by Lloyds Pharmacy Group. The surgery is ideally located to serve the immediate and surrounding community and, given its age and design, is well placed for the future demands of the community and NHS. The freehold property has been owned by the practice since it was constructed in 2011 and was recently brought to market following the retirement of the original owning partners. A new lease was agreed with the remaining partners of the practice to facilitate the sale, which provides security to the practice with an institutional landlord providing a platform to grow and expand services now and into the future. Dr Tim Hooson, outgoing partner at East Bank Medical Centre, says: “We built the premises in 2011 after acquiring the land from the local authority, enabling the practice to relocate from its existing site which was no longer fit for purpose. Since then, the practice has undergone significant expansion in patient numbers and continues to deliver a full range of primary health care services to the local community. “Restructuring of the practice following retirement of two of the three owning partners gave us an opportunity to review our plans for the long-term future and financial security of the practice. I was pleased to be able to work with Christie & Co to secure the sale to Assura which will allow the practice to continue to operate from these excellent premises. “It is reassuring to know that the practice will be working with an experienced landlord with a proven reputation for providing quality premises for healthcare providers.” Amanda Roddy, senior investment manager at Assura, says: “We were delighted to complete the acquisition of this key primary care facility in Sheffield. The building fits well with our existing portfolio of over 600 healthcare buildings, and we were pleased to play an important part in securing the future of this growing practice by facilitating a property ownership solution. We look forward to working with our new tenants and supporting their estate requirements now and into the future.” Christopher Vowles, head of medical at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, says: “We received a good level of interest in this practice, with a deal agreed with Assura within a short space of time. The demand for NHS back premises continues to be strong given the difficulties in other investment classes.” East Bank Medical Centre was sold for an undisclosed price.

Leading businesses employ dozens of former Ron Dearing UTC students in host of exciting roles

Michael Fisher
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Leading businesses employ dozens of former Ron Dearing UTC students in host of exciting roles
Dozens of former Ron Dearing UTC students have embarked on exciting career paths for the fourth consecutive year, securing apprenticeships and employment with leading businesses. Sixty-five of the employer-led school’s 127 Year 13 sixth form students secured apprenticeships and 41 went to university, including 14 at one of the prestigious Russell Group universities. Five students from the Hull school moved on to further education colleges, 16 secured employment and one joined the Armed Forces. The apprenticeships cover a wide range of roles and skills, from Engineering and Digital to Quality Assurance (QA) and Information Technology (IT), while several students have secured traineeship opportunities in software development positions. CO2 laser manufacturer Luxinar, a Major Partner of Ron Dearing UTC, has taken on 10 apprentices this year after employing four in 2021. The company, based at Bridgehead Business Park in Hessle, has installed thousands of lasers worldwide for use in a vast range of industries and applications. Chris Newman, Luxinar’s Learning and Development Lead, said: “We’re delighted to take on a further 10 apprentices from the UTC and they’ve settled in really well. “They’ve arrived with a professional attitude, they’re very friendly and they all have a willingness to learn and ask questions, which is down to the grounding they’ve had at Ron Dearing UTC. “The feedback from their managers has been excellent. We couldn’t have asked for more and they’re exceeding our expectations, building on their skills and growing in confidence.” Smart tech company Sauce, a Major Partner of the UTC, has employed four former Ron Dearing students as trainee developers as part of a 12-month programme following an initial three-month internship this year. If successful, all four will progress to junior software developer roles and continue their careers at the company, based in Hull’s Centre for Digital Innovation (C4DI) tech hub in the city’s Fruit Market. The award-winning Sauce team specialises in working with large, traditional companies as their digital partners, creating innovative solutions to key business challenges across multiple sectors to keep them ahead of the technology curve. John Polling, Chief Technology Officer at Sauce, said: “The trainees have done so well so quickly and they’re already contributing to coding on real life projects for clients, which is really impressive and promising. “They’re all really keen and the fact they’ve all progressed so well gives us even more confidence for employing more students from Ron Dearing UTC in the future.” Global wind power leader Siemens Gamesa, a Founding Partner of Ron Dearing UTC, has employed five apprentices from the school this year, taking the total number of former UTC students employed since 2019 to seven. Of those employed this year, four production apprentices are based at the company’s world-class wind turbine manufacturing, assembly and logistics operations at Alexandra Dock in Hull. One construction apprentice is undergoing her training at Airco in Goulton Street, west Hull, before working on offshore wind turbine sites. Andy Sykes, Plant Director at Siemens Gamesa, said: “It’s vitally important we engage and inspire the next generation. I was incredibly impressed by the apprentices’ approach and interview skills and it gives me a great deal of confidence that they understand what it takes to be successful. “The feedback from their managers has been very positive and I’m looking forward to them being able to apply their learning.” Leading engineering business Spencer Group, also one of Ron Dearing UTC’s Founding Partners, has taken on 14 apprentices from the school this year. The company has employed 42 apprentices from the UTC in just three years, including 14 in 2019, five in 2020 and nine in 2021. Former Ron Dearing students now make up a significant proportion of the company’s workforce of more than 300 directly-employed staff. Charlie Spencer OBE, Executive Chairman and founder of Spencer Group, said: “As a growing business, it’s essential we bring in and develop young talent and that’s exactly what we’re doing with these exceptional young apprentices.” Opened in 2017, Ron Dearing UTC caters for students aged between 14 and 19, offering a unique model of employer-led education with a specialist focus on digital technology, creative digital and digital engineering. It is currently increasing student places from 600 to 800 to meet growing demand, redeveloping space in the existing school building and renovating and repurposing the former Central Fire Station next door to the school into a satellite site. Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley said: “We’re incredibly proud of our track record of supporting students to secure positive destinations when they leave our sixth form. “This year is no exception and it’s fantastic to see them settling in so well in a range of roles across a variety of sectors. “Thank you to our staff and employer partners for their continued support and opening up so many wonderful opportunities for our students. They have very bright futures ahead of them.”

Mid Yorkshire Chamber launch MY Conference Kirklees 2023

Michael Fisher
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Mid Yorkshire Chamber launch MY Conference Kirklees 2023
The Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce has announced the launch of the upcoming MY Conference Kirklees, to be held on 29 March 2022 at The John Smith’s Stadium, Huddersfield. Following the return of Kirklees Business Conference this year, MY Conference Kirklees will celebrate and unite our vibrant and innovative local business communities, showcasing the best that the region has to offer. The event will see several business leaders and influential personalities take to the stage to discuss business opportunities and challenges across the region, while sharing their own personal experiences and insight. Martin Hathaway, managing director of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “I am incredibly proud to launch the countdown to MY Conference Kirklees, and what is set to be our best event yet following our return after the pandemic. “We are working hard to secure an incredible line-up of leading figures from across the region, and I look forward to welcoming you all to The John Smith’s Stadium in March to connect, support and represent Kirklees as the place to do business in the north.” MY Conference Kirklees 2023 is supported by Beanie Media, Faith PR, The John Smith’s Stadium and Social Progress. Janet Bebb, director of Social Progress, added: “We’re delighted to be supporting MY Conference Kirklees in 2023 with social media support for the event and our Twitter wall software, Big Screen Social. “The Chamber’s annual conference is always a fantastic day with opportunity to make new connections and catch up with other local businesses. “Big Screen Social displays only tweets from the hashtags and Twitter accounts set up in the software. We find that it’s a great way to create a buzz both in the room and across social media.”

Highfield Gears & Machining Ltd targets new phase of growth after securing £100,000 loan

Tess Egginton
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Highfield Gears & Machining Ltd targets new phase of growth after securing £100,000 loan
A specialist industrial and commercial gearbox engineering company, which has been trading for nearly a century, is targeting a new phase of growth after securing £100,000 in loan funding from Finance For Enterprise and NPIF – BEF & FFE Microfinance, which is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF). Huddersfield-based Highfield Gears specialises in re-engineering and repairing a wide range of industrial gearboxes, which are used in the aerospace, manufacturing and traditional heavy industries. With an impressive range of clients spanning the globe, which includes Tata Steel, Heineken and Dulux, company owner Jack Walker, who took over the helm of the business in 2018, decided to draw on his own engineering background to target new market sectors. Recognising that the company’s 16,500 sq ft facility, equipped with two substantial 10 tonne cranes and the capacity to lift 20 tonnes, was capable of manufacturing and repairing large, complex machinery and supported by a 16 strong team of experienced and knowledgeable engineers, Jack began exploring opportunities for the business within the oil, gas and aerospace sectors. With a number of new orders lined up, Jack recognised additional machinery would be needed, helping the business to produce the specialist parts more easily. Despite benefitting from a vastly experienced and knowledgeable workforce, Jack also recognised the importance of investing in technology, helping to reduce production times through automating part of the CNC machining process. After approaching Finance For Enterprise for help, Highfield Gears successfully secured a £100,000 loan, which was jointly funded from Finance For Enterprise and NPIF – BEF & FFE Microfinance. With funds in place, Highfield Gears invested in a horizontal boring CNC machine, increasing capacity and creating three new jobs within the business and ensuring the skills and knowledge that the company has been built on can be passed on to the next generation of engineers. Since drawing the funds, Highfield Gears has secured a number of new contracts and is setting its sights on further growth in the future. Jack Walker, Managing Director, Highfield Gears, said: “Highfield Gears gave me my first taste of working life as an engineer when I was just 17 years old. It inspired me to pursue a career in the industry, but I recognised that a business doesn’t just succeed because it has been around a long time, it must innovate and evolve. “To achieve this, I wanted to tap into the wealth of knowledge and expertise held within the business, but crucially, adopt new ways of working, allowing the company to embrace new opportunities and explore new markets for our services. I realised that funding would be critical to helping us unlock the growth potential within the business, so I decided to apply to Finance For Enterprise for help. “Jeremy came out to see me; I explained my future plans and he was able to provide the vital funds we needed at a critical time for the company. Securing the funding from NPIF and Finance For Enterprise means that we will not only be able to invest in new equipment, helping the company to operate more effectively, but it will also help us retain the skills that the company has been built on, creating new opportunities for the next generation of engineers. The help we received gave us the confidence to explore new opportunities, and this is already reaping dividends, with a number of significant new contracts already secured.” Jeremy Meadowcroft, business lending manager, Finance For Enterprise, said: “Highfield Gears is a business that has been operating in Huddersfield for nearly a century. When Jack took over the company in 2018, he recognised that whilst it had an experienced and knowledgeable team of engineers who could solve incredibly complex problems, it was vital that the company adapted to a changing marketplace. “Many lending decisions taken by mainstream lenders are typically judged upon credit history, accounts and the past performance of the business. Having successfully navigated the business through a particularly challenging period during the company’s long history, I spent time with Jack discussing his plans and it was clear that he not only passionate about helping to preserve the future of a longstanding business, but that he wanted to lay down clear foundations to grow and develop the company. “Since drawing down the investment, Jack has seen his workforce grow and diversify and he is currently embracing new forms of technology into the business, helping the company to successfully secure new market opportunities. I’m confident that under Jack’s leadership, Highfield Gears has a very bright future ahead of it.”

Major Leeds industrial estate for sale for first time in over 50 years

Tess Egginton
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Major Leeds industrial estate for sale for first time in over 50 years
One of the region’s largest industrial and distribution estates that spans more than 60 acres and played a pivotal role in reinforcing Britain’s military strength in the sky during World War Two, is for sale for the first time since 1969. Leeds Bradford Airport Depot, which sits immediately to the north of Yorkshire’s largest and fastest growing airport, comprises a single building structure extending to approximately 1.25 million sq ft and is being marketed by Leeds property consultancy, GV&Co’s investment division. The estate, which is accessed directly from the A658 Harrogate Road via two manned gatehouse-controlled access points, provides accommodation in 15 units ranging in size from approximately 25,000 sq ft to 150,000 sq ft. Tarmac estate roads encircle the entire site, providing vehicle and HGV access to all areas and units. The estate currently has seven tenants, with a total passing rent of over £2.9 million per annum. Leeds Bradford Airport Depot was originally built by the Avro Aircraft Company and between 1939 and 1946 it became a ‘shadow factory’ with its roof camouflaged in grass, complete with imitation farm buildings and dummy animals. This meant from the sky it looked like agricultural land rather than the largest industrial production centre in Europe, which it quickly evolved into. The estate contributed to the war effort on a colossal scale with around 700 Lancaster Bombers and 4,500 Ansons built at the site by a 17,500 strong workforce. The remains of the taxiway from the factory to the main airfield, which later became Leeds Bradford Airport, are still visible. The property has been substantially adapted and modernised during its ownership by Broadland Properties Group, in order to meet tenant and occupational requirements. James Hill, director at Broadland Properties, said: “Leeds Bradford Airport Depot has been a long-term hold for us, and continues to be a reliable and substantial cash generator for the group, as it has over the period of our ownership. As our group investment criteria and requirements change, we are pleased to offer Leeds Bradford Airport Depot to the market, to begin the next phase of its exciting history.” Garry Howes, director of investment at GV&Co, said: “Leeds Bradford Airport Depot is a landmark building in West Yorkshire and very well-known due to its vast scale, prominent location and rich history. This sale therefore represents a completely unique, high yield, multi-let investment opportunity. “The development has more than stood the test of time, and continually attracts and retains strong national tenants including the likes of APCOA, VPK Packaging, Jet2, VLT Logistics and Toyota Tsusho. The site could also offer a substantial income producing asset management or major redevelopment opportunity, subject to planning, and we’re therefore anticipating strong interest from regional, national and international investors.” Interested parties should contact Garry Howes or Dan Walker at the sole selling agents GV&Co. GV&Co is instructed to seek offers in excess of £30 million, subject to contract and exclusive of VAT. A purchase at this level would reflect a net initial yield of 9.07% and a low capital value of £24 per square foot.

Japanese restaurant set for York centre following Bistro’s sale

Tess Egginton
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Japanese restaurant set for York centre following Bistro’s sale
Specialist business property advisor, Christie & Co has sold Wilde’s Wine Bar & Bistro in York, which is set to become IZAKAYA, a contemporary Japanese restaurant. The restaurant site is located on Grape Lane in the centre of York and benefits from high footfall. The characterful building with traditional features creates a charming atmosphere for customers, whether local or tourists. Customers can enjoy their food and drinks in the main dining area which seats 50 or in the outdoor “hidden” courtyard which seats up to 20. The new owners behind IZAKAYA, Adam Johnson and Daniel Victory, have exciting new plans for the business. They said: “We are very excited to launch our new restaurant concept in York and we’re thrilled to have secured a spot amongst some of the city’s best-rated restaurants, at 21 Grape Lane. “Our aim is to expand the city centre’s high-end offerings with something fresh, unique, and distinctly charming so we’ve designed a restaurant experience and menu for sharing meals and moments with loved ones. We can’t wait to dine with you.” Previous owners, Hayley and Mo Abdelsattar made the decision to sell to pursue other interests and spend more time with family. They said: “It’s been a real pleasure working with Sam at Christie & Co on this sale. Through industry relationships, he introduced us to Adam and Daniel after a few weeks of instructing him to sell the business, and we agreed terms immediately. We wish the new operators all the best on their venture and new concept.” Sam Ashton, business agent who handled the sale, said: “Wilde’s Wine Bar was set in an attractive, quirky premises in York centre so I was confident interest would be high and it wouldn’t take long to find a quality buyer to take over the lease. In this unpredictable market and on the approach to Christmas, I am thrilled to have achieved the asking price for Hayley & Mo.”

Comprehensive refurb of out-of-town Leeds office completed

Tess Egginton
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Comprehensive refurb of out-of-town Leeds office completed
The comprehensive refurbishment of a flagship, three storey, 9,740 sq ft office building at Capitol Park Leeds has been completed. 1 Sterling Court, owned by Yorkshire property development and investment company Sterling Capitol, is now available for immediate occupation. The distinctive building, which was formerly the headquarters of Real Radio, stands at the front of Capitol Park East by Junction 28 of the M62. Paul Beckett, head of development at Sterling Capitol, said: “This is a rare opportunity to lease a splendid self-contained contemporary building in such a prominent location. We are already experiencing a good deal of interest in 1 Sterling Court as the Leeds out-of-town office market remains remarkably resilient amid the current economic challenges. “Capitol Park Leeds is one of the brightest success stories in the Yorkshire business parks sector and we are very proud of what we have achieved here. We have recently concluded a significant letting to Create Fertility and negotiated a new 10-year lease to Ideal Boilers in buildings very close to 1 Sterling Court, underlining the attraction of the park. “1 Sterling Court has been fully refurbished to the very highest specification to provide distinctive and contemporary offices. It would make the ideal HQ building for an expanding firm.” Elizabeth Ridler, partner with global property consultancy Knight Frank in Leeds, who is marketing 1 Sterling Court, said: “1 Sterling Court occupies the most fabulous position at the front of Capitol Park East, with great signage opportunities, overlooking the A653 road into Leeds and next to the M62. It also boasts 48 on-site secure parking places with EV charging points. “The high standard of the refurbishment reflects the quality of the building itself, which now features VRF air conditioning; raised access floors; new suspended ceilings with LED lighting; excellent natural lighting and new WC and shower facilities. “Activity in the out-of-town market was a little subdued in the third quarter of this year, with the absence of any new or quality refurbished stock remaining a key issue. The arrival of 1 Sterling Court on to the market addresses this problem, as well as ticking the sustainability box. “The sustainability agenda, and especially the need to curb carbon emissions, is increasingly important and quality office refurbishments do matter. Today’s businesses are putting their ESG requirements at the core of their real estate strategies.”

Yorkshire renewables company grows turnover to £24m as it expands nationwide network

Tess Egginton
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Yorkshire renewables company grows turnover to £24m as it expands nationwide network
Low carbon and renewable technology specialist Green Building Renewables (GBR) has expanded its UK nationwide network by acquiring Oxfordshire business Steve Cross Plumbing and Heating. Kidlington-based Steve Cross Plumbing and Heating is the fifth renewables company to join the York-based business in the last 18 months and will help increase its annual turnover to £24 million. The merger will also create 15 new jobs in the region. Green Building Renewables offers a range of renewable technology solutions through its growing network of local energy experts; it provides air and ground source heat pumps, underfloor heating, solar PV, EV charging, and battery storage. The company’s network includes York, Doncaster, Daventry, Wellingborough, Colchester, Newcastle and Norwich offices. Adding Steve Cross Plumbing and Heating’s Oxford office helps expand its nationwide reach further, as it can now offer its services and products across Oxfordshire and further afield to the South West. Chris Delaney, Managing Director of Green Building Renewables, said: “The 39-year reputation of Steve’s business precedes it. He, and his team, are trusted and respected by their customers, and they fit perfectly with Green Building Renewables and within our network of renewables experts. “We continue to grow our nationwide network by acquiring quality local renewable technology businesses like Steve’s. We’re delighted to welcome the Kidlington team to ours. And we’re proud to add another region of England to our network. “As the public continues to look for solutions to energy price rises and ways to lower their environmental footprint, we will continue to grow our business by providing local solutions to these global issues. We want to be the first name people think of when it comes to low carbon and renewable technology installation.” In due course, Steve Cross Plumbing and Heating will rebrand to Green Building Renewables as it becomes a part of the company’s network of local renewable technology installers, recruiting new solar PV installers and heat pump engineers across the country. Steve Cross, founder director, said: “I am extremely proud of what I have built in the region over the last 40 years. My team provides quality service and work and joining Green Building Renewables and becoming part of something bigger it’s a fantastic opportunity for them to share their skills further. “Green Building Renewables offers the team the opportunity to offer more services and products to our customers in the region. This has never been more important at times of increasing energy prices.” Green Building Renewables is an Efficient Building Solutions business. Efficient Building Solutions combines design, consultancy, and product supply. It installs low energy technologies and products into residential and commercial buildings across its three businesses: Green Building Renewables, Green Building Store, and QODA Consulting. Philip Fellowes-Prynne, Efficient Building Solutions CEO, said: “Efficient Building Solutions’ mission is to lead the UK’s transformation to efficient, sustainable buildings. The rapid growth and expansion of Green Building Renewables reflect the demand for low carbon and renewable technology especially in the light of increasing energy prices and consumer concerns about the environment. “Chris and his team are building a network of renewable experts that we believe will be unrivalled in the UK for their combined experience and knowledge. We are actively seeking suitable businesses to acquire and to join the Green Building Renewables network. Steve and his team are a perfect example of the standard of business we want to join our team.”

Gateley Legal expands Leeds property team as office celebrates ten years

Michael Fisher
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Gateley Legal expands Leeds property team as office celebrates ten years
Gateley Legal has expanded its Leeds property team with four new appointments spanning the construction and real estate sectors. The growth coincides with the Leeds office celebrating its tenth anniversary. Strengthening the offering of the construction team, Hayley Hayes joins as a legal director. Hayes specialises in construction-related dispute issues, including fire safety matters and will support housebuilder, developer and property clients. Outside of work, Hayes lectures part-time on the Legal Practice Course at Leeds Beckett University. Newly qualified solicitor Emma Kenny also joins the construction team. Kenny’s focus will be on fire safety and defect claims, as well as adjudications. The appointment of new legal director Miranda Stirling boosts the real estate team in Leeds. Stirling has a strong background in asset management work which includes managing the property portfolio for a major national supermarket. Stirling also brings experience in handling acquisitions, disposals and landlord and tenant work. In this role, she will be focusing on large-scale portfolio sales and transactions, as well as landlord and tenant matters. Amelia Purdy has also joined the real estate team as an associate. Purdy will be supporting the team on a range of matters including commercial property development work, property finance and landlord and tenant matters. Andrew Johnson, partner and office head of Gateley Legal in Leeds, said: “Gateley Legal is proud to be celebrating a successful decade in Leeds. Over the last ten years we have built a strong client base and significantly increased our presence across Yorkshire and beyond. “The new additions are a great example of how Gateley Legal is focused on meeting the unique needs of the buoyant construction and property markets to service this region.” Gateley Legal’s Leeds office was established in 2012 and is now home to an 88-strong property team. In total, there are 123 legal professionals operating from the city centre base.
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