T&R Theakston celebrates off-trade success with Sainsbury’s and Waitrose listings
Yorkshire-based brewery, T&R Theakston, has announced that it has secured listings for its iconic Theakston Old Peculier ale in 151 Waitrose stores across the UK.
The news comes as the brewery reports increased demand for the bestselling 5.6% ABV dark ruby coloured ale across both the on- and the off-trade. A staple of the Theakston portfolio, Old Peculier is believed to have been first brewed in the early 19th century and has since become the flagship brand of the near 200-year-old company
In a further off-trade coup for the family run brewery, Theakston Pale has recently been listed in Sainsbury’s stores, following the beer’s parallel success in draught form within the pub and bar trade.
First launched in 2016, Theakston Pale is a 4.5% ABV pale ale brewed with El Dorado and Summit hops. Vegan-friendly and blended with locally-grown Yorkshire barley, it has a spicy citrus aroma and boasts tasting notes of grapefruit and tangerine.
Following its listings in regional Tesco and Morrisons outlets, Theakston Pale is now available to purchase in 35 Sainsbury’s stores across Theakston’s Yorkshire and North-eastern heartlands.
Simon Theakston, joint managing director of T&R Theakston, said: “These two recent listings are evidence of the continued strength of our portfolio. Theakston Old Peculier was recently named one of the UK’s best beers, which is further proven by its listing in Waitrose stores nationwide. Additionally, to see the increased off-trade success of Theakston Pale – one of our most recently launched permanent brands – speaks to a consumer preference for high-quality, handcrafted beers such as our own.
“During the pandemic, we looked at developing our off-trade and direct to consumer channels, and have been rewarded with increased distribution across both the on- and off-trades ever since. Following these two most recent grocery listings, we look forward to working with our retailer partners during this next stage of off-trade growth, ensuring that our customers can enjoy their favourite beer at home, as well as in pubs and bars across the country.”
Sheffield training firm appoints new Head of Lean
Sheffield-based apprenticeship training provider Whyy? Change has appointed a new Head of Lean and Six Sigma, Jonathan Tolman to strengthen their Continuous Improvement Apprenticeships and course offering.
Jonathan Tolman, who has held Lean & Six Sigma coaching positions at Total Training Provision and LEAD, will head up the Lean & Six Sigma division. Jon brings over 15 years of experience in practical Lean Manufacturing to Whyy? Change, having worked as a consultant for Manufacturing Excellence and as a Managing Director for his own company, HGBN Consulting Ltd.
Before setting up HGBN Consulting Ltd, Jon was a Lecturer at the University of Bradford having studied there to complete his Master’s (MSc) in Control Engineering, PhD in Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision Systems and MBA (Master of Business Administration). He also completed his PGCE at the University of Huddersfield.
The appointment comes as they look to grow and continue to support their partners with business improvement process training across the region.
Ray Byrne, CEO says: “The Lean mindset is a cornerstone of our present and future success, and Jonathan joins the company with a wealth of practical experience in the application of this mindset. We look for skilled practitioners and Jonathan has a long history of delivering the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed by people and industries in our region.
North Yorkshire submits plans for Government’s investment zones
North Yorkshire is pursuing further opportunities to support business and economic growth in the county with its submission of an expression of interest to the Government’s investment zones initiative.
It was among authorities invited by the Government to submit a proposal. The Government has said that investment zones would release land for commercial or residential development. Within those sites developments will adhere to liberalised planning regulations and businesses will benefit from time-limited tax incentives.
Leader, Cllr Carl Les, said: “We are at a very early stage in the process, but this could be an exciting and welcome initiative that would enable us to work with the Government to deliver benefits for the North Yorkshire economy.
“Following discussions with our district council colleagues, we are submitting an expression of interest. This identifies a number of sites across the county that we feel fit the criteria from Government. We look forward to further negotiations with Government following our submission.”
The sites identified in the expression of interest are:
- Hambleton: Dalton, at Junction 49 on the A1
- Harrogate: Harrogate, at Junction 47 of the A1; Potter Space Ripon, at Junction 50 of the A1; Harrogate Convention Centre
- Richmondshire: the area around A1 Junctions 52 and 53
- Ryedale: Eden Camp East, Malton
- Scarborough: Scarborough Business Park
- Selby: Gascoigne Wood Rail Interchange, Olympia Park, and sites at Eggborough, Kellingley and Sherburn
Group of private dental practices sold in South Yorkshire
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has brokered the sale of Alex Jones Dentistry – a group of two private dental practices in South Yorkshire.
Alex Jones Dentistry comprises a pair of independently owned private dental clinics which sit at the cutting edge of modern dentistry. With four well-fitted surgeries, they have been serving a wide patient base for almost 20 years, specialising in implantology as well as providing high-quality and friendly family dental care.
The practices are located just seven miles apart, in prominent positions in Barnsley and Penistone in South Yorkshire.
The business was established by Dr Alex Jones in 2004 and was recently brought to market to allow him to begin his road to retirement.
Following a sales process with Christie & Co, Alex Jones Dentistry has now partnered with Dentex, which will take the business forward with Dr Jones remaining on as a partner for the foreseeable future.
Alex Jones comments: “I acquired the Penistone site in 2004 as a single surgery, NHS practice. I knew NHS dentistry did not align with my vision of the service I wished to provide so immediately converted it to a private practice. The Barnsley site (which has now moved) was, again, a single surgery recently converted entirely Plan based practice where I saw an opportunity for expansion. Both sites now have two surgeries with a third being fitted in Barnsley now.
“I hope the business continues to grow whilst maintaining the excellent reputation we have for clinical care and the highest levels of customer service. It was important to me who I partnered with to continue this process, and I believe Dentex are the right people to help me achieve my future aspirations for the business.”
Harriet Mordecai, acquisitions associate at Dentex, says: “It is always a pleasure to welcome practice teams who share Dentex’s passion for clinical excellence into our community, such as those at Alex Jones Dentistry.
“We are looking forward to building on the excellent foundations and established reputation that Alex has built across South Yorkshire and further supporting the practices’ growth ambitions. We have already pursued the opportunity to expand the Barnsley site, with the addition of another surgery, in a bid to keep up with patient demand. This is testament to Dentex’s dedication and investment in good quality dental practices.
“Dentex now has 138 dental practices across the UK, and we would like to thank Christie & Co for their continued support.”
Jonathan Watson, director at Christie & Co who handled the sale, says: “I am delighted to have worked on the sale of such an exceptional group of practices. Alex, who is one of the most respected clinicians across the region, was a real pleasure to work with.
“The demand we received for the group, particularly from corporate operators, was fierce and quite typical of the market for larger private practices. Despite the challenges many operators are facing at present, the practice sales market is hugely buoyant, and owners should get in touch if they wish to take advantage of these conditions.”
Legal advice for Dr Jones was provided by Capsticks LLP, and Weightmans LLP acted for Dentex.
Alex Jones Dentistry was sold for an undisclosed price.
Law firm Gordons raises £4,000 for Smart Works Leeds with 20-mile Yorkshire walk
A team of 33 colleagues from law firm Gordons walked 20 miles across the Yorkshire countryside to raise more than £4,000 for its charity partner of the year, Smart Works Leeds.
The charity, which opened in Leeds in 2019, helps unemployed women in the city regain the confidence they need to succeed at interviews, return to employment and transform their lives.
The walk started and finished in Ben Rhydding, taking in Swinsty reservoir on the way. Gordons has been supporting the charity with volunteering assistance, donations and fundraising, since April this year.
As part of the support it offers, Smart Works Leeds provides women with high-quality clothes for interviews and a wardrobe of clothing options for successful candidates to wear to work.
As well as supporting Smart Works Leeds, Gordons colleagues have been raising money for other charities. Conveyancing manager, Clare Freear, and licensed conveyancer, Deborah Billingsley, joined Strata for a sky dive to support the housebuilder’s charity of the year, b:friend.
Corporate partner, Duncan Firman, and trainee solicitor, Ella Fitzpatrick, both ran the London Marathon to raise funds for Versus Arthritis and Chron’s & Colitis UK respectively.
Gordons partner and member of the firm’s executive, Victoria Davey, commented: “All the charities we support either directly, as we do with Smart Works, or indirectly, via Strata or our own people’s fundraising initiatives, are very worthy causes.
“Our people have raised more than £175,000 over the past 10 years for the firm’s chosen charities. It’s important for us to help make a difference in the communities where we operate. We look forward to generating even more money for all the charities we partner with whilst also providing them with volunteering support.”
Over the past 10 years charities the firm has supported include Age UK Bradford District, homelessness charity Centrepoint Bradford, national children’s charity KidsOut, and The Friends of Alfie Martin.
North East Lincolnshire Council wins national award for its small business support
North East Lincolnshire Council has won the inaugural England-wide ‘All Round Business-Friendly Award’ in a new scheme launched by the Federation of Small Businesses to highlight support given to firms by local authorities.
The Council won its award for taking an innovative approach to developing a comprehensive programme of engagement and support to local SMEs. Projects have included the provision of start-up funding, business workshops and events and business festivals, and providing sector specific business growth and investment advisors.
More than 400 entries were received, across four categories:
- Covid-19 Support and Recovery
- Programme of Business Support
- Future-Ready
- All-round Small Business Friendly
Animal feed firm is bullish about its prospects
Animal feed trading business Thomas Mawer Ltd is bullish about its prospects for the future after riding out the challenges of Brexit, Covid and the war in Ukraine.
MD Daniel Chilvers said the company is motivated by a move to new premises, a buoyant balance sheet and the responsibility from a switch two years ago to employee ownership.
It is also inspired by a crucial shift made in the 1990s by Daniel’s predecessors, who diversified from trading animal by-products and animal fats from the rendering industry as the BSE crisis unfolded.
He said: “We have a good foundation from the former owners who built the company over the years, but we don’t get carried away when times are good and we don’t get too down when it’s hard.
“For last year we did £100m turnover which was a record, but that’s partly down to the cost of the raw material prices shooting up over the last 18 months. We work on very narrow margins which tend to get smaller as raw material prices rise.
“My shareholders are also my staff so I have a slightly different role to most managing directors, but we have a workforce that’s a cut above because we have people who are interested and have a stake in the company. We have successfully rebuilt our balance sheet since buying the business and there’s nothing stopping us going out and funding new developments”
Thomas Mawer Ltd employs 19 people across offices in Essex, Hereford and Hull city centre, where the business opened 45 years ago and still has its HQ, at Chariot House in Carr Lane.
The company buys raw materials and commodities from all over the world and the UK and sells to animal feed companies and feed manufacturers, including most of the feed mills in Yorkshire who then supply the county’s farmers.
Daniel said: “We are relatively big in terms of turnover but tiny in a huge market with some very big players. But we find our niche. We can take things on that others can’t and we are fairly light on our feet. That enables us to get out of things that aren’t making money and move into other activities.
“We don’t own any assets. Lorries, drivers, bagging and storage are all third party. We focus on trading and serving our customers as best we can. We just hope our selling prices are higher than our buying prices!.”
Daniel is from Hull and joined Thomas Mawer Ltd five years ago as a trader, a job which still accounts for 80 per cent of his workload even after colleagues supported his appointment as their MD when they bought the business in 2020.
One of his first big decisions was to find the new premises. He said: “Our lease was up and instead of simply signing a new one we felt it would be prudent to see what else was available. Charlie Allenby was here when I came for a look and he was very keen and enthusiastic and proud of what they have done with Paragon Arcade next door and that gave us a bit of a lift.
“It was clear they really care about the buildings, they are interested in the tenants and they care about the city and I buy into that. I want my staff to feel that the business is the priority but you also want something wider to ground you in a project that’s meaningful for the city.”
The transition to an employee ownership model is just one of a long list of challenges that the business has overcome.
Hull-born Poorboy Boutique goes global after sealing deal with Primark
A vintage clothing brand which was launched in Hull 15 years ago is going global after sealing a partnership with a major retail group.
The Vintage Wholesale Company, which operates Poorboy Boutique in Humber Street, Hull, has now unveiled the WornWell brand with Primark.
The retail giant debuted the new brand at one of its flagship stores in the heart of Birmingham. This week it will release WornWell at its outlet in Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester, and later in the month the brand will launch at one of the company’s stores in Oxford Street, London.
Riccardo Seaton, who owns The Vintage Wholesale Company with his wife Angela, said: “It’s the biggest deal we have ever done. It’s absolutely unbelievable. It still doesn’t feel real, but that’s a mindset I have tried to keep to make sure I’m grounded and focused. I am trying not to get over-excited about it!
“After Birmingham opened they said they had never seen a better curated vintage concession. Comments like that make it all worth it but I just want to focus on delivering the brand that they expect and then see how they react.”
Riccardo took his first steps in vintage clothing retail as a hobby while working as a mental health professional. He then expanded into wholesale and built networks of suppliers in Europe and the United States.
He opened Poorboy Boutique in Princes Quay Shopping Centre nine years ago and relocated six years ago as the first retail outlet in Humber Street.
Bag It Vintage opened in Princes Quay earlier this year with customers invited to buy a bag and then fill it with vintage clothing. The business also launched Worth the Weight at its warehouse in Bontoft Avenue, Hull, organising events where customers would buy clothes by the kilo.
All aspects of the business came under the microscope when a top team from Primark visited Hull earlier this year to seal the deal.
Riccardo said: “Primark first approached us about three and a half years ago. They found us online and their lead for new business innovation sent me an email. They wanted to talk about working together on vintage clothing.”
Riccardo went to meet Primark at Oxford Street in London and although the pandemic slowed things down the discussions continued in the background. “They were able to take their time, and when we came out of Covid they were ready to meet face to face and see the products first hand.”
Riccardo presented to the Primark delegation including the CEO Paul Marchant earlier this year at the Vintage Clothing Company warehouse. Their tour took in Poorboy Boutique, Bag It Vintage and the Worth the Weight, which has since moved to a new site in Sheffield and organises vintage fairs nationwide.
Riccardo said: “The CEO told me we should be proud of what we have done. He didn’t say anything else but I got a call that night to say they were very impressed with how it went. They loved the look of Poorboy Boutique and wanted to replicate that reclaimed, pre-loved look in their stores.
“I developed a few potential brands and we decided to go with WornWell. I own the brand, Primark give us space within their footprint to trade on their premises and we pay them a percentage. They don’t control what we sell or how we sell it, and we use our own till systems and our own staff.
“Primark have a hand in how things are presented because there are certain regulations and requirements for big stores that we don’t normally have to deal with at Poorboy.”
Each store opening creates between five and eight jobs on site plus one at the warehouse in Hull. Riccardo is maintaining his focus on Manchester, which opens on Friday, and Oxford Street on 23 October, but he admits to being excited about future possibilities.
He said: “We’ve added 24 staff in the last two months. Primark has over 400 stores in Europe and the United States and the next thing they want to talk about is scale-ability.”
Hull firms can still get grants to save on energy costs
A scheme for Hull businesses looking to save energy is helping local businesses save thousands of pounds a year on their energy costs – and still has grant funding of up to £15,000 available to eligible businesses.
The Hull Business Energy Efficiency Scheme is a Hull City Council-led scheme offering measures to assist SMEs to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. On Monday 24th October at the MKM Stadium Hull businesses can find out more about what measures they can take to reduce their energy costs and find out what support is available to help pay for these changes. The scheme has already helped almost two hundred Hull businesses to save thousands of pounds on their business energy costs by supporting them to install energy-saving measures including new heating and lighting systems, solar panels, and EV charging points. These grants can also enable eligible businesses to update their equipment and machinery to energy efficient models. One Hull business that benefited from this grant funding is Eltherington Group Ltd, an architectural aluminium manufacturer with 15,000sqft facilities on Hedon Road. Due to the size of Eltherington Group’s offices and workshop space, HBEES independent assessment recommended that they upgrade their lighting to a much more efficient LED system throughout the premises. After receiving a £15,000 grant towards the work, the business is now saving almost £40,000 a year on their lighting costs. Michael Riding, Director Special Projects at Eltherington Ltd, said: “The new improved LED lighting has helped us to reduce our energy bills AND reduce our carbon emissions by more than 115 tonnes per year. As a business, we are committed to reducing our impact on the environment and this has been a major step forward for us. It has really helped us to kickstart our journey in becoming a greener, more sustainable organisation and is saving us almost £40,000 a year off our electricity bill in the process. “We’re incredibly grateful to HBEES for helping us to achieve this – and urge any small or medium businesses in Hull to get in touch with HBEES to find out how they might be able to support them to both reduce their energy usage and costs.” Phil Hall HBEES Programme Manager, said: “We know rising energy costs are a concern for businesses in Hull, given the recent energy price rises. One way to help reduce your business energy costs is by reducing your energy usage – and we can support you to do this – while making your business greener and more efficient. Please get in touch with us to find out if your business is eligible and what kinds of support you may be entitled to.” Cllr Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “Now more than ever the benefits of energy saving measures are clear to all. Whether it is the cost to business or the benefit to the environment, cutting down on energy use is good for all. With this in mind, the council is keen to support businesses who are seeking to reduce their energy use and urge them to take advantage of the support from HBEES, including grant funding, which will enable them not only to reduce their energy use, but will also help them save money on their business energy costs.” To find out more about the scheme and the support you may be eligible for, visit https://hullbees.co.uk/events/Sheffield’s Olympic legacy showcased at celebratory event
The wide contribution that Sheffield made to the success of the London 2012 Games, and the unique Olympic legacy being delivered in the city has been celebrated at a special event.
Around 300 guests, including sports stars of the past and present, attended the celebratory reception at the English Institute of Sport (EISS) on Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, which was compered by sports commentator Paul Walker.
Virtual guests also included Lord Seb Coe, president of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) who headed the successful London 2012 Olympic bid working closely with former Sports Minister Richard Caborn.
Lord Coe praised the way Sheffield accepted the challenge after London 2012 to create a genuine legacy. “You only need to look at what has been achieved at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, which stands as a beacon to that legacy, to see how this city rose to the challenge. It is a fantastic achievement in a fantastic city.”
The event replaced a planned Olympic Legacy in Action gala dinner on 9 September, which was cancelled as a mark of respect following the death of the Queen.
Legacy Park Ltd Chair Richard Caborn spoke of the pivotal role the late Monarch played in the successful Olympic bid and said: “After the closing ceremony of the Paralympics on 9 September 2012, Sheffield picked up the baton to become the world’s only Olympic legacy site outside a host city anywhere in the world.
“As well as being home to a host of top athletes and professional sportsmen and women – if Sheffield was a country we would have finished 14th at the 2012 Games – a strong public-private sector partnership has delivered the first £100m development phase at the Park which has created an unrivalled cluster of life sciences assets.
Currently under construction, Park Community Arena basketball arena is due to open in Autumn 2023. This facility is being Developed by Canon Medical Systems and will be the UK’s first affordable carbon net-zero built sports, healthcare and community arena featuring an integrated Medical Diagnostic Centre.
Also in 2023, construction will commence on the National Centre for Child Health Technology, which has been cited by industry partners as a global first and will develop the most advanced therapies in the world through digital and technology development for children and young people.
Richard continued “We have now embarked on the next £200m-plus development phase which will ensure a real sporting, health, economic, education and skills legacy for generations to come.”
Scarborough Group International (SGI) is the development partner for the Park and will shortly unveil its Masterplan for the next development phase.
Ahead of the reception, former England footballer Brian Deane helped launch a new Active Space on the Park featuring outdoor exercise equipment funded by Westfield Health Charitable Trust.
Westfield Health Chief Executive David Capper said: “For me, what makes Sheffield so special is that it has a small-city sense of community combined with a big-city sense of ambition. Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park and this Active Space within it are the perfect example of both that community and ambition.
“The Park is a real team effort. From NHS Trusts and local hospitals that do such incredible work, to Sheffield Hallam University and local businesses like us, to the education establishments and community groups, this Active Space and park it’s in represent a community commitment to a healthier city that’s fit for the challenges of the future.”
