Work gets underway to extend Leeds high school
Henry Boot Construction have begun work on a contemporary two-storey extension at a Leeds high school, which will help increase capacity from 1,100 to 1,400.
The new 2,500m2 extension at Allerton High School on King Lane (LS17) is expected to be completed by late 2023. The school will also benefit from additional car parking, new landscaping and minor refurbishments to an existing block as part of the build.
Henry Boot Construction have worked closely with Leeds Local Education Partnership, Leeds City Council and design partner NPS Group during the pre-construction phase.
Director, Craig Finn, said: “It’s exciting to see work begin following a collaborative design process. This much-needed extension is getting the Henry Boot treatment – an inclusive partnership approach with the client team and local supply chain.
“In addition to increasing capacity, the project will have a positive impact on the look and feel of the school as well. We’re working in a live environment until the school breaks up for summer and we’re working hard to minimise the impact on pupils, staff and other local stakeholders.”
Jerome Bajkowski, general manager, Leeds Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “We are extremely proud and excited to be part of this project delivery for this highly-rated OFSTED school. As ever, many thanks Leeds City Council’s Children’s Services for entrusting us with such an important assignment. We are looking forward to working with Henry Boot over the next few months to secure a successful handover of this amazing new facility to the school.”
Construction completes on final phase of business park
Commercial Development Projects have completed construction of the final phase of their South Kirkby Business Park Development comprising units of 10,000 sq ft, 15,000 sq ft, 17,500 sq ft and 20,000 sq ft.
AWS, acting for CDP, in-conjunction with Carter Towler, have already let all but the 17,500 sq ft unit.
“This is another great result in this location. To have let unit 12 to Intastop and units 10 and 11 to DBL Transport so shortly after completing the development, reflects the quality of this location,” says Nick Arundel of AWS.
Nick adds: “The speed at which these units have let reflects the strength in the industrial property sector with a strong demand from both manufacturing and distribution businesses.”
Hazel Cooper of Carter Towler said: “We are pleased that our Joint Agents, have secured these lettings so quickly after completion and we anticipate letting or selling the final unit shortly. The success of this development is testament to CDP’s vision and to the high quality of unit they provide.”
Simon Marshall of CDP said: “Remarkable to think that this 64 acre was previously a disused colliery and is now a thriving Business Park. We started developing here in 2014 and have seen the positive effects of our substantial investment and much needed new employment opportunities gathering momentum. It is incredibly rewarding to have played a part in the regeneration of the South Kirkby area.”
50 new affordable homes proposed for key site in Wakefield
Plans to create 48 new affordable homes in Wakefield are to be considered next week (June 14).
Members of Wakefield Council’s Cabinet will discuss plans to redevelop a key site in the city’s Kirkgate area.
The land was acquired around 4 years ago as part of a wider plan for the redevelopment and improvement of the Kirkgate entrance to Wakefield city centre.
Councillors are being asked to agree for the land to be sold to a social housing provider, to increase affordable housing and help people currently on the social housing waiting list.
Mark Lynam, corporate director for regeneration and economic growth, said: “We want to ensure that high quality, affordable housing is provided across the Wakefield District.
“The proposal is to support residents and ensure that more people have access to a warm, safe, dry and healthy home that they can afford and that meets diverse individual and family needs.”
Taking this approach would help the Council to retain some control over the quality, mix, size, and pace of delivery of affordable housing, as well as meeting commitments to help vulnerable residents.
Six high turnover convenience stores sold across East Riding of Yorkshire
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co has sold six high turnover leasehold convenience stores located throughout the East Riding of Yorkshire, in the villages of Cherry Burton, Leven, Skirlaugh, South Cave, Brandesburton and Walkington.
Sold on a highly confidential basis on behalf of D&S Retail group, the six sites have been acquired by Naeem Ahmad, a growing multi-site operator based in the North of England.
He plans to renovate and rebrand the stores under the Nisa symbol group and ensure they continue to be a large part of the local communities, by enhancing the offering that each shop provides.
The deal was brokered by James Moore-Martin, regional director – Retail North and Scotland at Christie & Co, alongside Andrew Birnie, director – Retail North.
James Moore-Martin says: “I’m absolutely delighted to announce the completion of these six convenience stores which formed the D & S Retail group on behalf of David, Steve and the Thompson family. These high turnover stores are within close proximity of each other in the East Yorkshire region and are an ideal acquisition for Naeem Ahmad and his family as they grow their portfolio across the North of England.
“We went to market semi-confidentially and invited a host of well-funded buyers into our designated data room after signing NDAs. After multiple rounds of bids for the stores individually and as a group from a mixture of independent and corporate applicants, we eventually agreed a deal above our client’s expectations, which is testament to the quality of our marketing, the competitive tension we created amongst prospective purchasers within our database, as well as the buoyancy of the convenience retail sector market nationally.”
Funding for Naeem’s purchase was secured by Lawrence Roberts, associate director at Christie & Co’s sister company, Christie Finance, who says: “I am so pleased for Naeem as this is a fantastic portfolio of well-trading stores, which also offers plenty of potential to grow and introduce new lines for the local community to benefit from.
“The funding package that I was able to secure for Naeem is very unique in its nature, but also a sign to the market that having a broker support you on a purchase is key. I also want to mention the whole deal team on both sides as we all pulled together, to make it happen.”
Sheffield manufacturing company set to create more jobs following investment
Sheffield-based AML (Advanced Manufacturing Ltd), a market leader in the machining of complex gas turbine products, has secured a £1.98m investment from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, which will see it create 32 new jobs.
The funding will help the company to launch and roll out AML Accelerate, a programme designed to stimulate rapid growth, which will transform the business from a single site with 50 staff and a £5m turnover to over 80 staff and two sites with a £12m turnover.
AML’s Accelerate programme will see the company investing in three new innovative, state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing cells (at a total cost £3.9m), which will enable them to carry out testing of new techniques for clients in its three global target sectors: aero-defence, defence and civil nuclear markets.
AML will work closely alongside the AMRC, the two Sheffield universities and the local supply chain to develop cost disruptive, technology-led manufacturing approaches which will expand AML’s manufacturing capacity and capabilities.
In addition, the funding will be put towards significant leasehold improvements at the factory as well as ongoing recruitment, training and staff development costs. The whole project will cost £7.7m, with the remainder being funded by AML and its asset finance company.
Out of the new jobs set to be created, AML is planning that 25 of these will be machinists or engineers with specialisms in highly skilled roles. AML also expects to employ 12 apprentices from the local area and help them to develop and progress in the business with long term careers.
Dr Gareth Morgan, Managing Director of AML, says: “We are delighted to have secured funding through South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to help us to progress with our exciting growth plans here in South Yorkshire. It means we will be able to create new highly skilled roles locally as part of our grand plan to keep innovating and growing the business on a worldwide basis.”
He adds: “Without the funding we wouldn’t be able to invest in our business to carry out initial trials which are required to secure these larger international contracts. We are very excited about what AML Accelerate means for our staff and for our future.”
Plans submitted for 90-home development near Louth
Developer Charterpoint has applied for outline planning permission to build up to 90 new homes on land in Louth.
It is proposed that the new properties on the 12 acre site off Daisy Way would include a mix of two to four bedroom homes. The development would also feature a children’s play area, surface water attenuation ponds, wildflower meadows, sustainable drainage and an amenity lawn for communal informal recreation.
Charterpoint has submitted outline plans for up to 90 homes and garages, plus associated highways, drainage and green infrastructure for the site to East Lindsey District Council.
Adrian Goose, CEO of Charterpoint, said: “This site is in an excellent location, on the northern edge of Louth, and would provide attractive accommodation for individuals and families close to the town.
“Charterpoint has extensive experience of delivering quality schemes and we are pleased to submit this application to create new homes close to all the services and amenities that Louth offers.”
The site, which is bounded by the A16 Louth bypass to the north west and by Westfield Park to the south and east, would be accessed off Daisy Way.
Charterpoint is proposing to include green infrastructure to provide an attractive quality environment for residents and visitors with consideration given to access for pedestrians and cyclists, enhancement of wildlife biodiversity, sustainable drainage solutions and promotion of use of outdoor spaces for improved mental and physical health and well-being.
Charterpoint also plans to incorporate open water, swales and ditches as part of the sustainable drainage strategy to contribute to local biodiversity.
The exact number and mix of new homes on the site, which is currently used as farmland, would be defined during detailed design stage.
It will now be down to East Lindsey District Council to determine the application.
Biggest business groups unite against slow payments
Good Business Pays is spearheading an alliance involving the Small Business Commissioner and leaders from the UK’s biggest business groups including the Federation of Small Businesses, CBI, and BCC to stop slow payments from harming small businesses once and for all.
Launched today, the ‘Wait Off’ campaign is backed by 16 of the UK’s most influential groups – representing a total of over half a million businesses in the UK – to up the ante in tackling the poor payment practices of big businesses across their respective industries. The campaign is also being backed by a number of UK businesses that support faster payments to small businesses.
The latest data from the FSB suggests slow and unfair payment practices are threatening the future of almost half a million UK small businesses.
Whilst the challenges of slow payment have been well reported and become a focus for many campaigns over the last few years, the volume and variety of voices calling for change has left small businesses unclear where to show their support and therefore disengaged. The ‘Wait Off’ campaign will create a consistent platform for groups and businesses to work together in achieving lasting change.
Terry Corby, chair of Good Business Pays, said: “Slow and late payments have been a problem ignored by many businesses for a long time, but with so many small businesses struggling with rising costs and inflation, it has never been more important to ensure cash flows smoothly and quickly throughout the supply chain.”
A study commissioned by Good Business Pays and carried out by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), estimates that if small businesses’ invoices were paid on the day they were submitted, their revenues would increase by £40bn to £60bn per year. This could provide a significant income boost for small businesses at a time when their operating costs are rising by the week.
The list of those business groups backing the campaign is:
- Institute of Directors; Federation of Small Businesses; The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed; Confederation of British Industry; Microbiz Matters; Liz Barclay – Small Business Commissioner; National Enterprise Network; Make UK; British Chambers of Commerce; Your business community; Yorkshire In Business; UK Finance; Chartered Institute of Credit Management; NEDonBoard; International Association of Book-keepers.
Berwins expands regional footprint with York office
Yorkshire law firm, Berwins has expanded its regional footprint with the launch of a York office.
Located in the Guildhall development, the base will help the firm meet a growing demand from clients based in and around the city.
“York is a natural fit for us,” said Managing Director, Paul Berwin. “As a firm, we have a long track record of supporting businesses and individuals in the area and expanding our presence there will enable us to better serve their needs.
“As well as supporting clients, committing to a physical office – much as we have in Harrogate, Leeds, Sheffield and London – also enables us to fully play our part as a member of the city’s burgeoning business community. That dedication to caring for both client and community is at the heart of the way Berwins has operated since day one and will remain so as we continue to grow as a business.”
The Guildhall, parts of which date back to the 15th century, has recently undergone a multi-million-pound redevelopment, revitalising the site and making it fit for 21st century use as a base for businesses and centre for the wider community.
Commenting on the development, Oliver King, a well-known York lawyer and member of Berwins’ Corporate team added: “We’re thrilled to be part of what is the most exciting development I have seen in over a decade of practising in York.
“The city is a vibrant place to live and do business and initiatives such as that surrounding the Guildhall underline the ambition there is here – a further synergy with Berwins.”
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority appoints interim Chief Executive
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has appointed Martin Swales to step in as interim Chief Executive and head of paid service, following Dr Dave Smith’s decision to stand down at the end of June.
Martin first joined SYMCA in March 2021, and has provided interim senior leadership as a director in the MCA. An experienced leader, Martin served as Chief Executive of South Tyneside Council for over 10 years, was UK president of the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and was one of nine Chief Executives covering the English regions, working directly with Government on development of national policy.
Martin also held responsibilities including head of paid service of the Northeast Combined Authority and served on the Board of Newcastle Airport.
Welcoming the announcement, Mayor of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard, said: “Martin’s experience and his influence across both local government and in Westminster will allow us to continue driving forward our ambitious plans to fix our buses, hit our net-zero goals, and build a better economy, not just a bigger economy here in South Yorkshire.
“I’d like to put on record my thanks to Dr Dave Smith, who has led the organisation so expertly over the last few years. In Martin, we’re lucky to be able to appoint an interim CEO who knows the organisation and the region so well and can hit the ground running from day one.”
Martin Swales said: “I am privileged to have the opportunity to lead SYMCA through this period. It is a hugely exciting time for the region as the new Mayor takes forward our ambitions to drive economic growth, improve transport and serve the communities of South Yorkshire.
“Together with our strong leadership team, in collaboration with our Local Authority partners and the private sector, I look forward to continuing at pace and at scale to attract new and more investment to the region – to make a positive impact on South Yorkshire’s places, businesses and people.”
Merrion Centre Leeds secures new tenant tackling inequality in education
A charity that tackles inequality in education has opened at the Merrion Centre, in the heart of Leeds’ Arena Quarter, to support its work with its Leeds-Bradford city region school partners.
Tutor Trust’s mission is to transform lives through tutoring, by ensuring every child who needs additional academic support can access a great tutor. Tutor Trust operates across three city regions – Leeds-Bradford, Greater Manchester and Merseyside – partnering with schools so that they can support young people who come from disadvantaged communities, to achieve their potential.
The charity’s new base on the upper balcony level inside the Merrion Centre has opened, enabling the growing Leeds-Bradford team to have a centrally-located home from which to meet the increasing demand for tuition from schools following the pandemic.
Research has highlighted the detrimental impact of COVID-related disruption on education outcomes for disadvantaged students, and there are some signs that the ‘real’ disadvantage gaps in attainment may have increased materially.
An eight-strong school and tutor support team, led by Sharon Sadler, the Leeds-Bradford schools partnership manager, with support from Kerry McCormack, schools manager, and Lewis Howell, risk manager, will be based in the new offices.
Tutor Trust co-founders Nick Bent, Chief Executive, and Abigail Shapiro, executive director, said: “Our Leeds-Bradford team has expanded in the last year to meet the growing demand for tuition from schools since the pandemic, which has meant we have outgrown our current space.
“We are delighted to make our new home in the Merrion Centre, as it is close to our university partners, where we recruit many of our tutors, and gives us a convenient base from which to make new connections with schools in the city region.
“Being able to recruit more people to train as tutors with us means that we can, ultimately, work with more school partners in Leeds-Bradford and reach more young people to ensure they get the support of a great tutor.”
Edward Ziff, chairman and Chief Executive of Town Centre Securities PLC, owners of the Merrion Centre said: “We are delighted to welcome such an important charity which is helping to transform the achievements and life chances of British school children to the Merrion Centre. It will benefit hugely from being in a prime location with immediate access to the student population at leading Universities and Colleges within the city.”
