Funding secured to begin development of new retirement village in Lincoln
Short-term finance specialist PMJ Capital has provided £3.2m funding to senior living specialist, Arbor Living, to fund the next phase of a retirement village, located just outside Lincoln.
The scheme, The View, is a contemporary development of detached eco bungalows for the over 55’s, set in parkland overlooking a lake, just a short walk from Burton Waters Marina, just three miles from the city of Lincoln.
The initial scheme consists of 13, 2-bedroomed bungalows and PMJ has provided funding via an 18-month peak cashflow facility of £1.75m.
Graham Richardson, Managing Director at Arbor, said: “The View is located in a highly enviable location which we know will appeal to buyers, but the eco-design is also incredibly forward thinking and an attractive proposition, providing buyers with a unique opportunity to downsize to a highly efficient, single-storey home.
“PMJ are an incredibly supportive partner. They understand what we are trying to achieve and ensure that they structure a deal that fully meets our requirements and enables success.”
David Rainford, Managing Director of PMJ Capital, added: “This is a fantastic project and we are delighted to be able to work with Arbor once again. Graham and the team have created a well-thought-out and attractive project in an enviable location catering to the over 55 market. Whilst only recently out of the ground initial buyer response is strong which is really pleasing to see.”
Construction has begun, with the first phase due for completion in Autumn this year.
Harrogate-based energy specialists acquired by sustainability experts
Anthesis, the group of sustainability experts, has acquired Harrogate-based energy specialists, Padd Energy.
This deal marks the third M&A announcement for Anthesis in six months following the acquisition of Canadian agri-food sustainability consultancy Provision Coalition Inc, and Climate Neutral Group, a Net Zero authority based in the Netherlands, Belgium, and South Africa.
Established in 2013, Padd Energy is a specialist energy engineering consultancy passionate about creating power and energy from renewable and sustainable sources whilst reducing emissions from fossil fuels.
Dedicated to supporting high carbon emitters and solving complex issues, Padd Energy works with some of the world’s largest corporations to identify, agree and meet net-zero commitments, such as Arla, Reckitt and Nestlé.
Specialising in Waste-to-Energy and Biofuels to Renewables and Heat Networks, Padd Energy has delivered projects, from strategy to implementation, for clients across all major sectors and in locations including Europe, Asia and South America.
The 12-strong firm of impact-led engineers is led by Managing Director Chris Paddey, a former EMEA managing partner and Board director of ERM.
Padd Energy’s decade of energy sector expertise will complement and bolster Anthesis’ established Energy Systems team, working together to help tackle the global energy crisis and transition clients and partners on their net-zero journey by reducing carbon emissions and providing greater importance on energy security.
This announcement is another significant milestone in Anthesis’ growth strategy following its investment from Palatine last year and marks Anthesis’ 16th merger and acquisition deal since establishing in 2013.
Brad Blundell, Managing Director of Anthesis Europe, Middle East, Latin America and Africa, said: “We’re very pleased to welcome the Padd Energy team to Anthesis. Since the beginning of 2022, the global energy crisis set a new level of priority for low-cost, clean energy, compounded by the war in Ukraine, the steep rise in inflation and the climate emergency.
“Our new combined powerhouse of energy expertise, bolstered by the broadest range of sustainability specialisms in the market, provides our clients and partners with the optimal support needed to navigate through these complex and challenging times.”
Chris Paddey, Managing Director, Padd Energy, said: “We are extremely excited to join Anthesis, the largest group of sustainability professionals on the planet. Over the last nine years, I have grown Padd Energy to address some of the most complicated and pressing issues surrounding decarbonisation of complex high energy-use companies along with advising them on self-generation of renewable energy.
“Today, we join a hugely successful firm of sustainability professionals in tackling the same issues with the same passion and commitment as ourselves. We look forward to working together with our new colleagues and clients to offer the full suite of sustainability services from initial concept through to implementation.”
Babble grows presence in Yorkshire with acquisition
Babble, the British Cloud Comms, Contact, Cyber & Mobile business, has acquired Wakefield-based independent technology provider Yorkshire Telecom/Biscuit IT.
Babble has completed 19 transactions since 2018, with 9 in 2020 and 4 already this year.
Yorkshire Telecom and Biscuit IT serve 390 customers across the North of England in a range of sectors. Their expertise matches Babble’s Comms and Cyber offerings and their existing customer base of mid-size, growing companies is also perfectly positioned to benefit from Babble’s more extensive offering.
All staff members will join the Babble team, with Phill Burke, Yorkshire Telecom Managing Director, remaining in a consultancy capacity to ensure a smooth transition.
Phill Burke, Yorkshire Telecom Managing Director, says: “Supporting businesses and their individual communication requirements has always been a priority for us and we can’t wait to take that further with Babble to help our customers achieve their highest potential. We’re very excited to be joining Babble and to be able to offer our customers even more.”
£4.5bn Recovery Loan Scheme extended
A support scheme offering Government-backed loans to small businesses will be extended for a further two years, Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng has announced.
The Recovery Loan Scheme, originally launched in April 2021 to help businesses recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, has supported almost 19,000 businesses with an average of £202,000 in support.
The Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) is a government scheme aimed at supporting access to finance for UK businesses. It gives lenders a government-backed guarantee against the outstanding balance of the facility.
The extension provides further government support for businesses grappling with cost pressures and adds to measures already announced by the Chancellor, such as increasing the Employment Allowance, slashing fuel duty, and introducing a 50% business rates relief for eligible high street businesses.
Business Secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng, said: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of the British economy, which is why we are determined to support our traders and entrepreneurs in dealing with worldwide inflationary pressures.
“The extension of the Recovery Loan Scheme will help ensure we continue to provide much-needed finance to thousands of small businesses across the country, while stimulating local communities, creating jobs and driving economic growth in the UK.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Nadhim Zahawi, said: “Small businesses are the engines of economic growth, supporting jobs and livelihoods in communities right across the UK.
“The Recovery Loan Scheme has supported thousands of businesses over the past year and this extension will ensure they continue to access the finance they need to navigate the months ahead.”
The principle behind the extended Recovery Loan Scheme remains unchanged: government will underwrite 70% of lender liabilities, at the individual borrower level, in return for a lender fee. Lenders must ensure that the benefits of the government guarantee are passed through to businesses.
The maximum loan size remains at up to £2m. However, recognising that businesses and the UK more generally are now in a better position than they were during the pandemic, lenders may now require a personal guarantee from the borrower, in line with standard commercial practice.
Chris Wilford, CBI director of financial services policy, said: “Amidst challenging economic headwinds and continued cost pressures, this remains a difficult time for business.
“With cashflow difficulties at the forefront of the minds of many business owners, continued access to Government-backed loans will bring great comfort.
“This next phase of the Recovery Loan Scheme will provide a critical lifeline for firms. The CBI will also continue to work with Government and lenders on ensuring businesses have access to the finance they need to go for growth.”
Shevaun Haviland, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “After two years of pandemic disruption and with a faltering global economy, the BCC has been calling for this continued financial support for firms. The two-year extension to the Recovery Loan Scheme will be a lifeline for many businesses facing a rising tide of costs.
“It is now essential that businesses in need of this extra support can access the scheme as quickly as possible to make sure they get help before it’s too late.”
Huddersfield town centre living development set to be discussed
On Tuesday 26 July, a decision will be made by Cabinet on plans for residential development in Huddersfield town centre.
The Huddersfield Blueprint is the ambitious ten-year plan to create a thriving, modern-day town centre. As part of this, Kirklees Council is planning to bring about more residential development for Huddersfield. The aim is to deliver a variety of new homes, including making best use of some of Huddersfield’s beautiful heritage buildings.
If approved by cabinet, the work would bring much needed housing to the district, including properties to buy and rent, and a range of affordable homes. The new developments would also link closely to the wider Blueprint vision. This will give disused buildings a new purpose and linking well with proposals for enhanced public spaces.
The initial proposals focus on the Estate Buildings and Somerset Buildings, both of which are already owned by the council and well-placed to support the overall vision of the Blueprint. New residents living in the town centre will help to support retail businesses and help nurture the culture, arts and leisure developments within the town centre.
The council is proposing to partner with Thirteen Group on the developments. The Thirteen Group are a large not-for-profit housing association.
The Thirteen Group have already partnered with the council on other housing development projects in Kirklees. If cabinet approves this approach, it would work closely with Thirteen Group over a period of eighteen months on proposals for the development of both buildings.
The development of the Estate Buildings and Somerset Buildings would represent the first phase of residential development in Huddersfield town centre, using beautiful buildings already owned by the council to set the standard for a new, high quality type of development.
Given the essential repairs and restoration of the heritage features needed within the Grade II Listed Estates Building, and to make sure the building will be fit for residential development within the timescale proposed, an additional report will also be considered at cabinet on 26th July. This report contains a request to transfer a portion of the allocated Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) funding within the HAZ programme from the George Hotel to the Estates Buildings. The transfer of these funds will allow essential elements of both the George Hotel and Estates Buildings projects to be delivered within the HAZ funding budget and deadlines.
The council says it will continue to look at more opportunities for housing development in Huddersfield, alongside these initial two sites.
Councillor Graham Turner, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “There is an ever-growing need for quality, affordable accommodation in our towns and we are committed to find innovative ways to provide more of them. The proposed plans for the Estates and Somerset Buildings would not only help tackle the great need for more accommodation, they would also breathe new life into two of Huddersfield’s beautiful historic buildings.
“We don’t want to just build soulless houses; we want to build vibrant, welcoming communities. If these plans are approved, we will be excited to work with Thirteen Group to explore how these fantastic buildings could be transformed.
“While the Blueprint is all about taking Huddersfield into the future, it’s also about future-proofing the town’s heritage and making the most of what’s already here.”
University of Leeds and Asda form data partnership
Asda and the University of Leeds have joined forces to better understand pressing societal challenges such as nutrition, environmental and health issues through a strategic data partnership.
The two institutions have signed an agreement that will see the Leeds-based retailer and the University’s Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA) work together on a range of research projects.
As part of the official partnership, data scientists at LIDA will work in collaboration with Asda to gain further understanding of customers’ habits and preferences, in order to inform decisions such as future store locations and improve the efficiency of food supply chains.
The agreement will cement a relationship that drives forward world-class research to provide wide-ranging social benefits and will help to inform food strategies on a city and national level, including ongoing efforts to make healthier and more sustainable food choices more accessible.
James Morgan, senior director of data management and information strategy at Asda, said: “We are keen to explore the opportunities this partnership will offer both Asda and LIDA.
“Bringing together research data and retail expertise from both of our organisations will allow us to explore the real world challenges our customers currently face.
“By modelling environmental and social governance opportunities, we will have the ability to test new ideas and techniques ahead of establishing wider programmes to deliver even better outcomes for customers.”
Mark Birkin, professor of Spatial Analysis and Policy at Leeds’ School of Geography, is co-director of both LIDA and the Consumer Data Research Centre (CDRC), which are based at the University.
Professor Birkin said: “Addressing global challenges for some of society’s most pressing problems, such as healthy living and sustainable diets, requires collaborative innovation between academic institutions and real world partners.
“To this end, the University of Leeds and Asda have worked closely together for many years on a wide variety of projects.
“We are delighted by this opportunity to mobilise the world-leading expertise of both organisations in consumer behaviour, nutrition and lifestyle analytics to accelerate research with extreme social and economic importance.”
Demolition work starts on key gateway site in York
Demolition of the former Mecca Bingo Hall on Fishergate has started, which will pave the way for the site to be transformed into a new student community.
Planning was granted by City of York Council earlier this year for the brownfield site.
Owners of the site, York-based property firms Grantside and North Star, have instructed demolition works to take place and Demolition Services Ltd has been appointed to carefully dismantle the building and carry out enabling works, which will allow Olympian Homes to deliver the new student accommodation.
Steve Davis, CEO of Grantside, said: “This is a key landmark of the project to transform this site into a high-quality development, befitting of such an important gateway location into York City Centre.
“As with all our sites, our aim is to promote delivery of excellent developments that will improve the local environment in a sustainable way.”
The demolition and enabling works will then allow an extensive archaeological dig to take place, before the new development can be constructed.
The planned development includes 276 student bedrooms, landscaping and extensive bicycle parking. To celebrate the previous heritage on the site, the new building will be called Rialto House, after the famous cinema and venue that was on the site before it was demolished to make way for the bingo hall.
It’s expected that the much-needed new student accommodation will have its first residents living there in September 2024. The demolition and enabling works are expected to take around 15 weeks to complete.
Plastics firms capitalise on synergies with the help of Andrew Jackson and Smailes Goldie
Advisors from regional firms Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP and the Smailes Goldie Group have assisted Hull-based Advanced Plastics Ltd to join forces with Protool Plastic Components Ltd and Protool Precision Plastics Ltd.
Under the new group structure, each of the three companies will maintain its current identity and strong market positioning whilst sharing capacity and synergies across the new group.
Chris Pearson, joint shareholder of the Advanced Plastics Group, said: “This is a very proud day for us. We have worked closely with the teams at both Protool sites in Manchester and Fareham for many years. They are very much aligned to our culture, core values and technical capability, so this represents a natural convergence of like-minded teams. We are therefore very excited for what the future holds.”
Rob Anderson, joint shareholder of the Advanced Plastics Group, said: “Whilst the group companies will continue to operate in their current forms with their respective teams providing a seamless high level of service to their valued customers, they will each benefit from the synergies and growth focused development of being part of the Advanced Plastics Group. It is therefore very much business as usual with added benefits for all involved, including our employees, supplier partners for our valued customers.”
Jonathan Heasty, finance director at Advanced Plastics Group Limited, added: “We are delighted with the advice and guidance we received from Andrew Funnell at Andrew Jackson Solicitors and Mike Stocks at Smailes Goldie, who ensured that we remained focused on what was important, which is exactly what we look for when appointing external advisors.”
Andrew Funnell, a partner and head of corporate at Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP, said: “It has been a real pleasure to advise on the formation of this new group of companies, whose combined heritage, reputation, technical capability and market share makes it a key player within the UK plastics industry. We wish the group every success as it enters an exciting new chapter.”
Yorkshire building services consultants report strong first half year growth and pipeline of orders
A Leeds firm of building services engineering consultants has seen strong growth following new work to support multi-million-pound projects across the UK and a healthy forward order book.
FHP, which provides mechanical, electrical and public health building services design and building physics engineering to national commercial, industrial, leisure, education, residential and infrastructure real estate, investors, developers and contractors, has reported a 12%increase in turnover in the last six months – its best half year performance to date.
The fast-growing firm, which has an office inBrewery Wharf and also in London, is on track to hit £3.5 million in turnover in 2022 with £2 million worth of new orders secured, including mechanical, electrical and public health services work on the new £62 million Hyatt Hotel Leeds for Ivegate.
The Yorkshire office of the firm is supporting a £12 million industrial warehouse unit development for Harworth Group in south Yorkshire and the £31 million luxury residential development in Leeds for developer Priestley Homes. Other projects include Labcorp’s new life science UK centre of excellence in Leeds’ Temple District and building consultancy services for new multi-million-pound roadside salt cellar depots being built nationally for National Highways.
Further seven-figures worth of work in the pipeline in core sectors and beyond its traditional north of England markets, will contribute to further growth as FHP looks ahead to continued expansion on the back of a strategic development and a growth plan.
With 52 people currently employed across its two offices, the firm is set to invest in additional resources to support growth and meet demand.
Director James Taylor saidFHP, which was established in 2009, had seen a good start to the first six months of 2022 on the back of hard work, resurgent business confidence and a record of resolving complex engineering issues in building services and building physics engineering.
He said: “We are currently busier than ever and involved in developing new projects right across the region and beyond, which is very encouraging and contributing to driving growth. As our customers’ own development plans come to fruition, we are experiencing strong demand for value and technically driven building services engineering solutions, building physics design and technical skills.
“We are confident about the future despite some economic uncertainties and expect the sectors we support to remain busy. We have strong clients, who are keen to work with us and utilise our expertise, and look forward to meeting and exceeding their needs from both of our offices.”
Forgemasters seeks planning permission for project to secure 600 jobs
Sheffield Forgemasters has sought planning permission from Sheffield City Council to create a building on the city’s Brightside Lane to house its new large forging press.
The conapony wants to build a 144,000 sq ft structure on the site of its existing forge building, alongside the new forge, including offices and a water pumping station.
The new building, part of a significant investment programme, would accommodate a new 13,000-tonne forging press capable of pressing larger ingots.
A target date of 2025 has been set for the completion of works and the new forge press to be in operation.
The planning statement says: “The proposed development represents the first stage in a significant investment for Sheffield Forgemasters. This investment will safeguard a historic business within one of Sheffield’s historic industries, which has played a significant part in the growth of the city.”
In the immediate term, the development will deliver significant investment in the local economy and secure over 600 skilled jobs while laying the foundation for future investment to allow further modernisation of Sheffield Forgemasters’ facilities.
The benefits of the proposed development are considered to be significant for the economy of Sheffield and given the company’s position at the forefront of the steel industry in the UK, these benefits will be important to the national economy.
Sheffield Forgemasters currently employs more than 600 staff in the city, including about 100 graduates and 60 apprentices. The company was acquired by the Ministry of Defence last year.
Two enabling developments have previously been approved, covering temporary construction site access as well as the partial demolition of the existing forge building and erection of new heat shield walls. The project team includes JLL, AEW Architects and Tetra Tech.
