£5.5m Thirsk business park completed
Harrogate-based Marrtree Investments has just completed work on the second phase of its flagship £5.5m Marrtree Business Park at Sowerby Gateway, Thirsk. The development is expected to create more than 40 jobs for the area.
The first phase opened in February last year with tenants: Toolstation, Screwfix, Motor Parts Direct, and Duftons Plumbing and Heating Supplies all snapping up units.
November 2022 sees the second phase of 30,000 sq ft phase of the development completed by Harrogate construction group HACS, at a cost of some £2.5m with a third of the new development already pre-let to wholesaler PJH Bathrooms.
Marrtree expects to see further tenants signing up for the remaining eight units this autumn.
Commenting on the project, Marrtree Investments director, William Marshall says: “Following the success of the first phase of the development, we’re thrilled the entire scheme is now complete,” said Marrtree Investments director, William Marshall. “The fact that we’ve already pre-let a third of this final phase is proof of the continued high demand for the kind of modern, high-quality employment space with which Marrtree has become synonymous over the years. We have had a huge amount of interest in the remaining units and we’re confident further tenants will come forward over the next few months to fill them.”
Fellow director George Marshall adds: “The development has already proved a major economic boost to the region’s economy with the creation of around 50 new jobs so far, and the recent completion of the entire scheme means the prospect of further job opportunities for local people, which is great news for the area.”
Marrtree Investments has a portfolio of more than 20 business parks located in strategic employment sites across the north of England. The developer acquired the 2.4 acre site of the former B&M store at Clifton Moor in York last year and work to redevelop the site, with the potential to create up to 100 new jobs when it is completed, is set to get underway early in 2023.
Founded in Bradford back in the 1940s, and now run by the third-generation brothers William and George Marshall, the Marrtree Group of companies has operated for over 80 years. With interests in commercial and residential property, quarrying and forestry, the business is now based in Harrogate.
UK businesses have almost £59 billion worth of assets sitting idle
New research reveals UK businesses have nearly £59 billion worth of capital tied up in working assets and equipment they no longer need.
As pressure mounts to find new ways to reduce the cost of doing business, reuse specialist, Ramco, is urging businesses to contribute to the circular economy and find new homes for idle items – rather than letting them go to waste.
The new data shows 67% of respondents – as many as 3.7 million UK businesses – admit they have good quality, working equipment they no longer need. The survey also revealed individual organisations could have an average of over £10k worth of assets sitting idle.
Conducted by Censuswide, Ramco’s research highlights 75% of senior managers dislike the idea of unwanted equipment being scrapped or left to ruin in their business. Despite this, 59% say they have disposed of working equipment by sending it to landfill in the last five years.
With demand for second-hand business assets at the highest point in Ramco’s 26 years of operation, founder and MD Neil Sanderson says the research findings are frustrating: “The second-hand market for consumer goods is booming through platforms like eBay, Vinted and the rise of fashion rental. It’s the same picture for the commercial second-hand market so to discover businesses have such huge capital tied up in good assets they no longer use when costs for doing business are rising, is hard to hear.”
Topping the list of second-hand business equipment sought by Ramco’s buyers are electrical goods, followed by industrial and plant machinery. And 66% of businesses say they regularly seek to purchase second-hand equipment before looking to buy new.
Neil continues: “It’s frustrating to see how much untapped potential there is when it comes to second-hand business goods. From catering equipment to plant machinery and vehicles, across the country there’s a mountain of good quality items being unused and left to ruin.
“As the cost of doing business spirals, we’re urging businesses to use this opportunity to review their assets and where they’re no longer needed, give them a new lease of life instead of letting them go to waste. It’s an opportunity to reduce an organisation’s carbon footprint, minimise storage costs and generate capital. None of us can afford to waste resources – for the planet and for profit.”
To help organisations see the potential in their unwanted equipment, Ramco has launched a new value finding tool to illustrate the carbon savings and financial return which can be generated by giving assets a new lease of life.
Business confidence weakens across Yorkshire and Humber
Business confidence has fallen in Yorkshire & the Humber and, nationally, confidence in the manufacturing sector has fallen for a fifth straight month reveals a new report from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
The Business Barometer report reveals that firms’ expectations for wage growth eased back this month, with the proportion expecting 3% or more for their staff in the next twelve months falling to 26% from 29%. Nevertheless, pay growth expectations remain high relative to pre-Covid outcomes and suggest that difficulties persist in finding the right staff to fill vacancies.
Hiring intentions rose for the first time in five months. Firms’ expectations regarding their staffing levels for the year ahead improved for the first time in five months. Nevertheless, with the net balance trending lower in recent months, it still points to slower employment growth ahead for the economy. Forty-two percent (up from 39%) anticipate a higher headcount and 21% (down from 23%) forecast a smaller workforce. The resulting net balance rose to 21%, from 16%, a three- month high but still lower than the first half of the year.
Business confidence in the manufacturing sector across the UK fell for a fifth straight month, down 1 point to 13%, the lowest since February 2021. Weaker confidence was also evident among firms in retail and services. Confidence in the retail sector declined 6 points to 9%, while services confidence edged down 1 point to 16%, both the lowest since early 2021. Construction confidence moved up 10 points to 20%, but it remains weaker than in the first half of the year.
London, the North West and the West Midlands were the most upbeat regions, with confidence above the UK average and rising by between 8 and 16 points, while the East of England and Wales also recorded stronger confidence, albeit from a lower base.
Commenting on the figures, Hann-Ju Ho, Economics & Market Insights for Lloyds Bank Corporate & Institutional Banking says: “While business confidence has marginally fallen this month, along with a drop in forward looking economic optimism, it is encouraging to see businesses still looking to increase their headcounts. However, cost pressures remain evident as businesses raise prices to protect their margins and wage pressure continue to be impactful.”
Paul Gordon, MD for SME and Mid Corporates for Lloyds Bank Business & Commercial Banking adds: “While confidence has marginally decreased this month, this also comes at a time of great economic uncertainty. The fact that it has only fallen by 1% suggests that businesses are showing resilience. As we head into the winter months and pricepressures continue, energy price increases will start to bite and we are seeing continued pressure on pay expectations…”
Major plans for exciting new retirement village in Welton
Exciting new plans for a new retirement village in Welton have been submitted to planners by Saunders Boston Architects on behalf of Lace Housing.
The plans allow for some 62 apartments featuring communal and staff facilities, and 10 bungalows complete with gardens, vehicle access and parking.
A design and access statement states: “The main objective of the proposed development is to enable older people to live as ordinary a life as possible in their own homes”
It continues: “The proposed accommodation will be purpose built to meet the changing needs and requirements of older people. Residents will able to access support and enablement services.
The company is looking to develop land to the north western edge of the wider development, bordering Prebend Lane to the east to encompass up to 72 extra dwellings; specifically for elderly residents.
The design of the development, according to the developer, seeks to create a modern, relaxed, spacious and welcoming addition to the housing stock within the town using a mix of local materials and spatial planning to integrate the proposals into the existing fabric of the town and the surrounding new development.
The development will also promote the feeling of a community that integrates residents of both the apartments and the bungalows with the wider development through the creation of new high quality public spaces and pedestrian links through the site.
An essential element of the service is the effective management of both the accommodation and access to a provision of support services that allow residents to regain and retain a level of independence.
The design of the facilities provided also ooks to offer older people a wide range of social, recreational and intellectual opportunities. It will be designed to offer flexibility so that some space is available for additional uses, which may be demanded in the future.
West Lindsey planners will discuss the proposal at their upcoming meeting.
Barnsley company boosts growth with second acquisition
Barnsley-based Wolf Laundry, which supplies commercial laundry and warewashing equipment across the UK, has announced its acquisition of Pee Gee Ltd; a laundry technology specialist based in Middlesbrough for an undisclosed sum.
The deal is the second of its kind for Wolf, having bought Cornish laundry firm Brewer & Bunney in 2021. Pee Gee’s customer base in both the care and hospitality sectors teamed with 50 years of industry experience were deemed the perfect fit to continue Wolf’s growth.
Wolf Laundry has self-funded the acquisition along with its Swiss investment partner, Schulthess Machines AG. The acquisition will see Wolf taking full control of Pee Gee by the end of 2022.
During the last 12 months Wolf has made significant investments in its senior leadership team and has ambitious future growth plans. The acquisition will reinforce Wolf’s nationwide team of highly skilled field engineers, providing an enhanced presence across the North of England.
Dan Riley, Wolf Laundry’s joint managing director, said: “We identified the synergies between Pee Gee and Wolf. Like our own, the company’s ethos is centred around the customer and the team has unquestionable expertise. The acquisition increases our market share and is the next step in Wolf’s growth strategy to become the UK’s number 1 commercial laundry specialist.
“We’re delighted to welcome the Pee Gee team to the Wolf Laundry family. Both employees and customers can expect stability as a result of this acquisition. We’re aiming for a seamless transition where we will continue to provide the fastest, most reliable service in the commercial laundry sector.”
Plans to build a brand-new sheltered housing scheme on ‘Moat Hill’ site in Anlaby revealed
East Riding of Yorkshire Council has announced plans to build a brand-new sheltered housing scheme in Anlaby. The new scheme will be built on the site of the existing sheltered housing complex known as ‘Moat Hill’, off Manor Road, Anlaby.
The plans are on the back of a review into sheltered housing which concluded that major investment was required to make some of the council’s sheltered housing schemes fit for purpose and to meet modern standards and future aspirations.
The new scheme will have a mixture of one-and-two-bedroom flats with generous open-plan layouts. These will be adaptable to meet residents’ needs as they age, thereby helping them to live independently for longer.
There will also be a communal resident lounge for social activities and the scheme will be fitted out with the latest digital telecare equipment connected to the council’s ‘Lifeline’ support service.
Sheltered housing is independent living with dedicated support and housing management, communal rooms, and adaptable accommodation to meet people’s needs as they change.
It offers residents and their loved one’s peace of mind and help and support will be provided if needed. Although occupied mostly by residents over the age of 60, younger adults can be considered if they meet the criteria.
Councillor Claire Holmes, portfolio holder for planning, infrastructure and housing at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said “The council recognises that asking tenants to move out of their home temporarily, whilst the new scheme is built, is an upheaval. However, tenants can be assured that plenty of practical and financial support will be given to make the move as easy as possible.
“All existing tenants will have the option to move back into one of the new flats when they are completed, or they may decide to make their temporary move more permanent; it is entirely up to them. Adult Social Care will support anyone who currently receives a home care service to ensure continuity of the service and will also provide information and advise to anyone who requires it.
“The newly designed scheme has regard to all the latest good practice in terms of design and sustainability and I’m confident that it will meet both the needs of the residents and the council for many years to come”.
Growth continues as Signum FM announces new appointments
South Yorkshire facilities management business is continuing its rapid expansion after appointing two new team members.
Signum Facilities Management, based in Doncaster, has appointed Ryan Daines as an engineer and Richard Precious to the role of maintenance coordinator.
The award-winning business, which specialises in managing and delivering building maintenance, now has 10 permanent employees and two temporary staff set to become permanent in the coming months.
Signum FM is also working with Doncaster College to recruit an apprentice and an additional electrician. By the start of next year, the company expects to have doubled staff numbers from the start of 2022.
Ryan, 29, from Armthorpe in Doncaster, completed a carpentry apprenticeship before working for the prison service as an officer and then joiner.
As a multi-skilled engineer, his role includes carrying out minor repairs, remedial work and installations across plumbing, joinery, electrical and painting.
Ryan said: “The thing I enjoy most about working for Signum FM is the team spirit we have between management and engineers. Signum stands apart from the crowd because they make you feel you’re not just a number and that you’re part of a team.
“Signum has also invested a great deal of time and resources into developing my skills with training and courses which have been some of the best courses I have been on. I want to say thank you to Signum for the opportunities they have given me and I look forward to continuing my development and enhancing my skillset.”
Richard, 49, from Sheffield, previously worked in a maintenance and health and safety role for 12 years. He subsequently worked as a fabricator making and installing infrared gas burners across the UK.
As maintenance coordinator, he will be based at the Sheffield office of Signum client Parker Hannifin, the global leader in motion and control technologies, responsible for solving any machinery or facilities issues.
Richard said: “I enjoy working for Signum because they are one big family and they really do care about you and want you to progress and learn new skills.
“I enjoy working in facilities management because you are doing something different every day and you are always learning something new.”
The new appointments come after Signum recently secured new clients including National Horseracing College (formerly Northern Racing College) and KP Snacks.
Jill Wood, managing director of Signum FM, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Ryan and Richard to the Signum FM family.
“They join at an exciting time for the business. We have seen a 40% growth in turnover in the past 18 months and are also really proud of the strong culture we have nurtured in the company.
“We are continuing on that upward trend and need to recruit now to ensure we have the capacity and right people to keep delivering the highest standards for clients.
“We have some exciting projects coming up over the next six months and a real desire to push our growth plan forward which will see further key appointments.”
Presentation of Queen’s Award for Rotherham firm
Rotherham-based engineering company AESSEAL plc was this week presented with the Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development 2022.
The presentation, which took place on 24th October at the company’s headquarters in the Bradmarsh Business Park, was made to AESSEAL Managing Director Chris Rea by the Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Professor Dame Hilary Chapman.
This is the 13th Queen’s Award received by AESSEAL plc and the 15th for the AES Engineering Ltd. Group. With operations in six continents, AESSEAL is the world’s fourth largest supplier of mechanical seals, a position achieved due to its innovative products and exceptional customer service.
The award recognizes AESSEAL’s commercially successful products and services, and its management’s focus on growing the business in a way which benefits society and the environment. AESSEAL and the AES Engineering Group went beyond Net Zero in 2021, with audited figures showing that the net impact on the planet through the reduction in carbon emissions in its global business activities was equivalent to the CO2 absorbed by 18 million trees.
Through its superior systems technology, AESSEAL also enables companies worldwide to save 95 billion litres (25 Billion US Gallons) of water every year, significantly reducing the volume of industrial waste water – one of the main causes of global water pollution.
This year, 232 UK businesses received a Queen’s Award, recognizing the leading companies in categories such as International Trade (141 winners), Innovation (51), Sustainable Development (31), and Promoting Opportunity (9).
Clock is ticking for bids to Leeds City Council innovation funding schemes
Don’t miss out – that’s the message to organisations eligible for new grant funding designed to support business innovation in Leeds.
Leeds City Council’s Innovation@Leeds programme last month opened two grant schemes with the aim of boosting provision of high-quality workspace and other forms of support for innovation.
A total of around £600,000 is set to be distributed as part of Innovation@Leeds’s mission to ensure that people from all backgrounds and communities across the city have the means to blaze a trail in fields such as digital and other emerging technologies.
Applications and expressions of interest from organisations looking to secure funding from the schemes need to be submitted by midday next Thursday, November 3.
And, with a week to go until the deadline, the council is encouraging potential bidders to seize this chance to play a part in bringing through a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, culture and education, said:“We want these grant schemes to enable the kind of activity that will open doors for our brightest sparks and most creative, ambitious minds.
“New workspaces and other forms of support can provide a launchpad for people from across the city to follow their business dreams and help bring about a healthier, greener and more inclusive future for Leeds.
“We are therefore really keen for anyone who thinks their organisation might be eligible for these grants to get in touch before next week’s deadline. Don’t delay, we’re looking forward to hearing from you!”
One of the schemes is offering capital grants – provisionally ranging in size from £50,000 up to £150,000 – to support the creation of collaboration-friendly in-person workspaces for innovators, entrepreneurs and those running early-stage or small businesses.
These facilities will be based outside the city centre, bolstering the council’s inclusive growth ambitions and adding extra economic resilience to local neighbourhoods.
The second scheme is offering revenue grants to support the delivery of events, mentoring activity and partnership projects that will strengthen Leeds’s innovation ecosystem.
Whereas the capital grants are focused on creating physical facilities and resources, this scheme aims to give aspiring innovators improved access to expertise that will help them fruitfully develop their business ideas.
The revenue grants – ranging in size from £5,000 to £25,000 – have been made available following the success of a pilot project that funded a series of conferences and knowledge-sharing events earlier this year.
Bids to both schemes are welcomed from a wide selection of organisations, including those in the private and third sectors. Applicants should be able to show an ability to work with innovation-led businesses.
Further information on the application process can be found here.
Naylor bounces back from pandemic disruption
Family run firm, Naylor Industries plc, the construction materials manufacturer, which has 3 depots in Barnsley, has reported an “encouraging” set of results for the year to 28 February 2022, with acquisitions and organic growth both contributing to a year of strong growth. Naylor’s turnover increased 35 per cent to £69.8m (2021: £51.7m), bouncing back from a pandemic-related 7 per cent fall in the prior year.
During the year, the company made two acquisitions: Gainsborough-based Schauenburg Technical Solutions in August 2021 and Slaithwaite-based D&B Injection Moulding in February 2022. As a result of these acquisitions, Naylor has added a permanent formwork system, Novoform, and a range of electrical glands to its product portfolio. Since the year-end, the company made the further acquisition of Burnley-based Tuffpipes.
Naylor again invested heavily in plant and premises, with £5.7m of capital additions (2021: £3.8m) including an automated concrete lintel plant at Barugh Green and a site at Garforth for concrete fencing manufacture. Despite the disruption associated with integrating acquisitions and commissioning new equipment, profitability progressed steadily as the business emerged from the pandemic, with underlying profit before tax of £4.1m (2021: £2.9m).
Naylor Chief Executive Edward Naylor said: “The year has been encouraging, with buoyancy returning to our core construction, utilities and infrastructure markets. Supply chains have been challenging, with cost increases and material shortages, but I think we have dealt with these reasonably well. We have been pleased to see the impact of recent capital investment in terms of increased productivity.”
Despite economic uncertainty, Naylor remains optimistic about the future, with business development plans for the coming years including further significant capital investment. An ongoing apprentice programme is introducing the next generation of skilled employees into the business.
