Bradford must be the UK’s number one levelling-up priority, new prospectus underlines
The City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council has launched its new Levelling-up Prospectus created with social value and economic advisory support from Jacobs. The newly-launched Prospectus underlines why Bradford District is the primary national priority area for levelling-up investment, and how delivering upon this opportunity could benefit wellbeing, resilience, and prosperity from a local through to a national scale.
According to Etopia’s recent Levelling-Up Opportunity Index, levelling-up Bradford District’s performance against socioeconomic metrics to the UK average, in areas such as income, productivity and skills and qualifications, would facilitate a greater impact upon the national economy than levelling-up any other large town or city.
The new Prospectus demonstrates how the district is primed to act as a national testbed and ‘pilot’ a programme of Levelling-Up Investment Areas. Through a series of projects and aspirations that would strengthen social, environmental and economic outcomes across the District, the report demonstrates why Bradford is pivotal in achieving the Government’s national ambitions of levelling-up.
Two strategic areas are highlighted: the Southern Gateway, which through a Levelling-Up Investment Area approach could deliver a £30bn+ GVA uplift over ten years and create 27,000 new jobs; and Bradford South, which at present is largely undeveloped and offers prime opportunities for the development of housing, sustainable transport and sustainable energy provision.
The district wide levelling up ambition is also demonstrated in Keighley and Shipley’s significant Towns Fund plans. Work also progresses with partners to build state of the art infrastructure to improve health outcomes for people across the district.
The opportunity for the District when Levelling-Up Bradford District’s performance against socioeconomic metrics to the UK average is:
c. £2.6bn additional economic output (GVA) per year (GVA per hour worked)
c. £3k per worker average increase in annual income per worker (Gross Weekly Earnings)
£1.6bn annual increase in life satisfaction (income-equivalent terms)
c. £1bn annual increase in life expectancy (income-equivalent terms)
c. £1.6bn total value of the increase in qualifications (additional earnings over lifetime and wider spillover benefits)
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, said: “Bradford has a strong and growing entrepreneurial economy with a young and future-ready population, and so we’ve known for a long time that the District offers incredible investment, business growth and employment opportunities. Our newly-launched prospectus underlines how we can catalyse this through levelling-up investment to unleash the potential of our vibrant, young, creative and globally-connected economy.
“The opportunity is vast – not only for our District, but for the wider UK economy. Government investment in Bradford, supported by strong private sector backing, would not only equip our District to prosper; it would go a considerable way to helping realise national ambitions to level-up the country, acting as a testbed for delivering in areas such as job creation, GDP growth and urban regeneration.”
Kersten England, Chief Executive Officer at the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, also commented: “As a national testbed for Clean Growth, Bradford District is creating thriving, sustainable and resilient communities. The District is also a creative powerhouse heaped in cultural assets and home to a young and vibrant community set to fuel the workforce of the future – all meaning that the area has incredible potential.
“Public investment will be critical in enabling our long-term ambitions for regeneration and growth across the District, creating the conditions to provide residents with opportunity and businesses with the talent and skills they need to prosper.”
Emily King, global technology leader – social value advisory at Jacobs, also said: “At Jacobs, transforming society for good is at the heart of what we do. By delivering solutions that create a lasting legacy, we can help reverse societal trends associated with entrenched inequalities. Bradford represents a unique opportunity to demonstrate the power of targeted levelling up investment to help cities and regions realise their economic potential, enabling people, communities and businesses to thrive.”
The launch of the Prospectus takes place during the inaugural UKREiiF event taking place within the region, during which Bradford Council leader, Cllr Susan Hinchliffe, will take to the Beyond Net Zero pavilion to discuss clean growth and levelling-up in the context of the newly-released document.
The launch also coincides with the Bradford 2025 delegation travelling to London to make the case for Bradford to win the UK 2025 City of Culture title. Aligned with ambitions to regenerate and grow the District’s economy outlined in the Levelling-Up Prospectus, Bradford’s dynamic cultural sector and the City of Culture bid offer further potential to pursue opportunities, catalyse growth and generate prosperity across the District for future generations.
York hands over keys to renovated Guildhall
The University of York has received the keys to the newly-renovated Guildhall as its 15-year lease of the iconic building begins.
The city-centre building has just undergone a £21 million renovation and will be leased to York Science Park (YSPL), a subsidiary of the University of York, which offers support for entrepreneurs and start-ups looking to grow.
The Guildhall complex, which contains a collection of Grade I, II* and II listed buildings built around the 15th century hall and riverside meeting room, has been a seat of civic governance in York since the 1200s.
The renovated building offers high quality office space, spaces for community use, a café, a new riverside restaurant, and better access for local residents.
The University aims to use the building to provide opportunities to promote social enterprise and charitable work for the benefit of the local community. Alongside this it will offer facilities for students, as well as new and existing businesses, to support and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Professor Kiran Trehan, pro-vice-chancellor for partnerships and engagement, said: “Our involvement in this new chapter for the restored Guildhall will allow the University to offer more support and space to local businesses, start ups, charities and community networks than ever before. It is a fantastic opportunity to drive enterprise, innovation, collaboration and inclusive growth in our City.
“As a University for Public Good, we are embracing this opportunity to strengthen links with our partners in York and beyond to bring about positive change for our society.”
The Guildhall project, which uses green technology to heat the building, reducing costs and environmental impact, delivers quality office spaces with the potential to create an estimated 250 jobs in high value sectors, improved public access to the nationally significant building and an estimated £117m boost to the city’s economy over the next 5 years.
Councillor Nigel Ayre, executive member for finance and performance, said: “The extent of the city’s ambitions and aspirations can be seen in microcosm in this investment in the Guildhall.
“This project has taken one of the most important heritage buildings in the UK, one of York’s best-loved historic sites, and has – through excellent design, careful investment and very high quality construction – built a new part of York’s future; innovative, environmentally progressive and better for people. It’s a building and a legacy that York’s people can be proud of for many years to come.”
Helen Simpson OBE, chair of the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “This is a significant project which will support economic growth in York and North Yorkshire and shows what can be achieved when we all work together for the good of the region.
“The redeveloped Guildhall provides a high quality, city centre space for businesses to operate in and brings new life to an important historic building. We’ve seen elsewhere how successful these hubs for businesses can be in accelerating economic opportunities, and we’re sure this site will also flourish.”
Funding for the £21.7m restoration and redevelopment work was provided by York City Council, the York and North Yorkshire LEP and West Yorkshire Combined Authority through respective HMG Growth Deal contributions and the Getting Building Fund.
The project received £2.34 million from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority through the Leeds City Region Growth Deal.
Mayfair Equity Partners backs MBO of garage door manufacturer to support European growth plans
Mayfair Equity Partners is backing the management buyout of Garolla, the end-to-end provider of roller garage doors.
Mayfair will hold a majority stake in the business. Additional deal terms have not been disclosed.
Founded in 2017 by David Wilkinson and Graeme Pogue, Garolla began with a single franchisee supplying roller garage doors in Harrogate. Today, it is the largest and fastest growing roller garage door business in the country.
The company manufactures garage doors at its facility in Leeds and has developed a proven customer acquisition strategy servicing customers across the UK and Republic of Ireland through a national network of more than 130 franchisees.
Garolla provides broad coverage domestically and a fully managed end-to-end customer offering, including in-house assembly, installation, and service.
Recognising the growth potential of Garolla, Mayfair is partnering with Mark McAvoy, Managing Director, and his management team to support the domestic and international expansion of the company’s franchise model, increase installation capacity, and grow its DTC capabilities.
Garolla has an experienced senior management team and skilled workforce in place, totalling more than 140 FTEs. They have driven the exponential growth to date, including entering the Irish market and doubling the franchisee network in less than 18 months.
Garolla has delivered 85%+ revenue CAGR and 250% EBITDA CAGR over the last three years (FY19-FY21) at market leading EBITDA margins. The outstanding growth to date has been driven by an effective marketing strategy, which has resulted in greater consumer demand and sales delivered through an ever-increasing number of franchisees.
“Garolla has developed a uniquely scalable platform, growing at a rapid pace, and disrupting a fragmented market,” said Mark McAvoy, Managing Director. “We see significant opportunity to accelerate our growth in the UK and across Europe, reaching more consumers than ever. I am thrilled to partner with Mayfair, who have an excellent track record of supporting companies with international expansion and digital evolution.”
“As a true national champion, we see a real opportunity to support Garolla to expand its trusted brand and services to new customers in the UK and across Europe,” said Neil Price, Managing Director at Mayfair Equity Partners. “Garolla provides a comprehensive offering to customers in comparison to its peers and is the only supplier to fully control the customer experience, from product manufacturing to after sales service. We are excited to partner with Mark and his team as we support Garolla’s next stage of growth.”
Arco HQ development wins award for Wykeland Beal
Regeneration partnership Wykeland Beal has won an award for the development of a new head office for Arco in Hull’s rejuvenated Fruit Market.
JV company Wykeland Beal triumphed at “The Yorkshires” Commercial Real Estate Awards 2022, winning Best Office Deal.
The award is the latest in a series of accolades for the spectacular transformation of the Fruit Market waterfront area being delivered by Wykeland Beal, working in partnership with Hull City Council.
The development of safety equipment specialist Arco’s new HQ marked a major milestone in the £80m regeneration programme, and was delivered together with a new 350-space multi-storey car park.
The Arco building is the largest new-build office development for a dedicated user in Hull for more than half a century and provides an inspirational working environment for around 600 employees.
Dominic Gibbons, MD of Wykeland Group, said: “The development of Arco’s new head office and the multi-storey car park marked a major milestone in this long-term regeneration project, which is key to the long-term sustainability of Hull city centre.
“Arco now has a state-of-the-art working environment, perfect for the digital age and for retaining and recruiting talent. The development also has exceptional sustainability credentials, as it features the latest in smart energy-saving technology, EV charging points and over 50 cycle spaces, as well as a green ‘living wall’ to enhance biodiversity.”
Held for the first time and hosted by former England rugby union international Martin Bayfield, “The Yorkshires” Commercial Real Estate Awards 2022 celebrate the very best of Yorkshire’s commercial property sector. The event was organised by Yorkshire Children’s Charity and raised almost £300,000 which will support children across the region who are at a disadvantage in life due to disability, ill health or financial circumstances.
The Best Office Deal accolade recognises a development which has made a real impact on the Yorkshire property landscape. The Arco scheme was named as the winner ahead of the LabCorp Centre of Excellence in Leeds, in a category sponsored by construction and facilities management business GRAHAM Group.
Sheffield superfoods company snapped up in cross-border deal
A Sheffield-based producer and supplier of premium organic superfood products, Go Superfoods Limited, has been sold to Swedish food-tech and FMCG listed company, Humble Group.
Go Superfoods, which was founded by CEO Harry Singh in 2008, offers a wide range of superfoods to retail customers and distributors under its own brands Green Origins, Rainforest Foods, and Piura.
Singh said: “At Go Superfoods we’ve always strived to be a bridge connecting growers of superfoods in the developing world with European consumers looking to improve their health and wellbeing. Humble is the perfect partner for us to continue our journey with and we look forward to working with Simon Petrén and his team at Humble to accomplish our shared vision.”
Pannone Corporate and Carbon Corporate Finance acted as legal and financial advisers to the shareholders of Go Superfoods on the cross-border sale.
The Pannone team was led by Tom Hall (corporate partner), Arshnoor Amershi and Humera Patel. The Carbon team was led by partners Tom Johnson and David Kandola.
Tom Johnson said: “We’re delighted to have advised the shareholders of Go Superfoods on this transaction. Harry and his team have built a leading superfoods business, which will flourish as part of the Humble Group. Achieving results such as this for Harry demonstrates Carbon’s commitment to helping business owners realise significant value through strategic sales.”
Tom Hall said: “Go Superfoods is an exciting business that’s really made its mark in the rapidly-growing organic superfoods sector – building strong brand loyalty amongst both consumers and distributors.
“With the vast potential that exists in the marketplace, combined with an ambitious and profitable business in Go Superfoods, this cross-border deal made perfect sense for Humble Group.
“It allows the business to enter a new niche market segment, while using its own scale and purchasing power to enhance the offering and reach of the multi-channel supplier. We’re delighted for Harry and the team and wish them every success as they embark on the next phase of their growth journey.”
Go Superfoods has established itself as a competitive superfoods supplier with a broad customer base, including specialist and nutrition retailers, distributors, food manufacturers and consumers.
Advisors to Humble were Knight Transaction Services (UK Financial DD), Shoosmiths (UK legal) and Rämsell Advokatbyrå AB (Swedish legal).
Finance Yorkshire makes two appointments ahead of £50m SME finance fund launch
Finance Yorkshire has made two new appointments to its Business Loans and Micro-Loans team.
Mike Barber joins as investment manager and Claire Naylor as fund executive following the launch of Finance Yorkshire’s new fund, which is expected to provide £50m to SMEs over the next five years.
Mike brings a wealth of financial services experience in the Hull and Humber area following more than three decades with NatWest. Claire previously ran her own bookkeeping business following a career in banking across West Yorkshire.
Paul Wainwright, Head of Finance Yorkshire’s Business Loans and Micro-Loans funds, said: “We are delighted to welcome Claire and Mike to the Finance Yorkshire loans team as we accelerate our investment support for SMEs looking to grow within Yorkshire and Humber.
“Mike and Claire both have the experience and knowledge to provide the finance required for SME growth and will be instrumental in ensuring that we deliver for start-up and growing businesses across the region.”
Alex McWhirter, chief executive of Finance Yorkshire, said: “Our new fund is designed to support growing SMEs to expand, create jobs and improve productivity, especially those that are unable to access finance from traditional sources. Mike and Claire’s experience will help us to get investment to the right businesses, enabling them to reach their full potential.”
Finance Yorkshire’s new fund is expected to invest more than £50m over five years as it continues to realise its investment portfolio from its earlier fund. The fund has been structured to provide SMEs with a range of support through four funding streams: Seedcorn and Growth Fund (primarily equity) investments, along with Business Loans and Micro-Loans.
The Business Loans and Micro-Loans funds are managed by The FSE Group.
Work on major Northgate development in Halifax now complete
Work to transform the Northgate development in Halifax town centre has now finished, revealing modern new office and retail spaces and an improved public courtyard area.
The Northgate development has seen the transformation of the former central library and Council offices. The library section opened as Trinity Sixth Form Academy in September 2020 and the remaining space has been developed to provide high-quality office space and a new retail and leisure offer in the heart of Halifax.
Work has now concluded at the site and the hoardings around development have now come down to reveal a much improved and welcoming public space off Market Street, with seating, planters and lighting. Finishing touches have also been carried out to the office site, which has been completely transformed.
The Council has now formally handed the office space over to RSA, the multi-national insurance group. The refurbishment has been tailored to their requirements and preparations are being made for their staff to move into the large office space.
The completed commercial and academic developments at Northgate will introduce footfall of approximately 1,500 people per day into Halifax town centre, supporting the economic recovery of local businesses.
There are also four ground floor retail/commercial spaces, which could be let as cafes, restaurants, gyms or further smaller office spaces. These spaces are currently being marketed.
Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and strategy, Cllr Jane Scullion, said: “The completion of work at Northgate House, including the reveal of the courtyard, is a major milestone in the transformation of this site, supporting a thriving town centre with improved public spaces.
“The work also complements the wider regeneration of Halifax, particularly the work taking place to improve public transport facilities, with the Northgate development well placed to benefit from the transformation of the adjacent bus station.
“Individually these projects are impressive, but together they’re truly transforming our town centre, with millions of pounds worth of investment supporting our economic recovery and contributing towards an exciting future.”
Julie Butler, business leader at RSA Insurance in Halifax, said: “We are really looking forward to moving in later this year and absolutely delighted that we’ve been able to play our part in the regeneration of a key city centre location. Across our business we operate a hybrid working model and high quality, modern office space, such as Northgate House, is an integral component of this.”
Tracy Brabin, mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “The regeneration of Northgate House is a great example of how we are working with our local authority partners to make West Yorkshire an even better place to live and work.
“This transformational scheme in the heart of Halifax will help boost skills and job opportunities, while also increasing footfall and acting as a catalyst for further investment.
“Importantly, Northgate House is also well-served by public transport links, including the new Halifax Bus Station, which is currently undergoing a £17.7 million redevelopment.”
Sir Roger Marsh OBE DL, chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and the NP11 group of Northern Local Enterprise Partnerships, said: “We’re committed to leading the economic recovery and regeneration schemes such as this have a vital role to play in attracting businesses and further investment to our region.
“We have a strong track record in supporting projects that deliver growth and jobs benefitting all our communities. This work is more important than ever.”
The Northgate transformation is part of the Next Chapter to enable economic growth, reduce inequalities and build a sustainable future.
The Northgate House project has received £3million funding from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), delivered by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, through the Leeds City Region Growth Deal – a £1 billion package of Government investment to accelerate growth and create jobs across Leeds City Region.
Yorkshire bedmaker donates 136 mattresses to Ukraine for hospitals and refugee accommodation
Fifth-generation family bedmaker, Harrison Spinks, has continued its charitable giving with a recent donation of 136 mattresses to The International Charity Fund “For Ukraine”, to support the country’s needs within hospitals and refugee accommodation.
The company’s latest donation was initiated by Ukrainian native Olena Todd, buyer at Harrison Spinks. Originating from Lutsk in the Volyn region of Ukraine, Olena moved to the UK in 2002 and has friends and family currently fighting and residing in the war-torn country.
Over 130 mattresses – made up of a mixture of single, double and king sizes – have been donated to The International Charity Fund “For Ukraine”, which transports goods from the UK to Ukraine. The mattresses will be distributed across hospitals in Kyiv and within refugee accommodation for those fleeing the conflict.
Olena commented on Harrison Spinks’ donation: “As the conflict broke out in Ukraine, my managers approached me to see how they could help, and we discussed ways in which we could donate.
“When I heard about the number of mattresses Harrison Spinks would be donating, I felt completely overwhelmed and extremely proud. I have friends and family who are currently fighting in the Ukrainian army and volunteering to help civilians, so I know that this donation will mean a huge amount to them.”
The donation follows a recent number of charitable contributions made by the Leeds-based bedmaker, including mattress donations to Yorkshire-based charities Zarach and St George’s Crypt, and Liverpool-based not-for-profit FRC Group.
Nick Booth, Managing Director at Harrison Spinks, said: “As a socially responsible business we have been fortunate enough to be able to make a number of recent charitable donations both in the UK and abroad.
“I’m incredibly proud of our team for supporting Olena throughout this difficult time and for arranging a donation of mattresses to her home country. We’re also grateful to Olena for bringing The International Charity Fund “For Ukraine” to our attention.”
Glentrool Estates strengthen team with two new appointments
Glentrool Estates Group, the Yorkshire-based property development and investment company, has strengthened its team with two new senior appointments.
Sophie Antill joins Glentrool as an in-house lawyer. Sophie arrives at Glentrool from Leeds-based law firm DAC Beachcroft LLP.
Meanwhile Lauren Swiers is the company’s new property investment manager, having previously worked for property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton.
Sophie said: “I’m really excited to be Glentrool’s new in-house counsel. I’ll be managing all the company’s legal work, liaising with external lawyers and reporting back to the directors.
“Having worked in private practice for nearly twenty years, the main challenge is adapting to the role of the client. It is fantastic opportunity to use my previous knowledge and experience to advise and guide Glentrool ensuring its legal transactions run smoothly and efficiently.
“I have already been made to feel really welcome by the whole team and I’m looking forward to helping the company expand and build on its excellent work to date.”
Lauren said: “I am delighted to be joining the Glentrool team and will be covering all aspects of asset management in order to facilitate and expand the property portfolio. Having previously spent most of my career advising and acting for tenants I am looking forward to the new opportunities and challenges that working from a landlord’s perspective will bring. The whole Glentrool team have really welcomed me and I’m excited for this new chapter.”
Jeremy Nolan, director of Glentrool, said: “These are very important appointments for Glentrool and we are delighted to welcome two such talented, hard-working and enthusiastic people to our team.
“Both Sophie and Lauren have arrived at Glentrool at a significant time in our development, as we look to build on our success at Sherburn2 and enhance and expand our commercial property portfolio.
“So, looking ahead, we will need the best possible legal advice and an in-house lawyer is best placed to provide this. Sophie is perfect for this challenging and satisfying role. Our developments and income producing portfolio across Yorkshire are long-term projects, which demand the fullest commitment from all us and Sophie’s role is critical to successful delivery.
“Meanwhile Lauren, who is very highly-regarded in the Yorkshire industrial property world, is a great addition to the company. I know that LSH are very sad to lose her, and their loss is very much our gain, as we strengthen our industrial and logistics team.”
Salvage company joins ranks of Doncaster Chamber patrons
Salvage company Synetiq has become Doncaster Chamber’s newest patron member.
The automotive salvage, dismantling and recycling business works with clients, including leading household car insurers, to deliver financial and environmental returns of policyholder vehicles. It also helps everyday consumers make cost-effective and more environmentally friendly repairs through high quality, second-hand car parts, known as “green parts”.
SYNETIQ traces its roots back to 1939, when Sydney Martin first established Doncaster Motor Spares. After being rebranded as Motorhog, the dismantling and salvage specialist later merged with Car Transplants, DH Systems and Fab Recycling in 2019 to form SYNETIQ.
Since then the company has achieved Silver Carbon Literacy status, and won the Green Business of the Year accolade at the Doncaster Business Awards 2021.
Dan Fell, Chief Executive of Doncaster Chamber, said: “We are thrilled to welcome SYNETIQ as our latest patrons. A leading innovator within the field of sustainability and recycling, this trailblazing company brilliantly exemplifies the cutting-edge and fiercely determined entrepreneurial spirit that is at the heart of Doncaster’s best businesses.
“Not only that, but they have always been a strong supporter of the Chamber’s work and deeply committed to Doncaster and its communities, we look forward to strengthening that relationship even further over the coming years.”
Echoing these sentiments, Tom Rumboll, CEO of SYNETIQ Ltd., added: “We’re delighted to become patrons of Doncaster Chamber. As a business with deep and far-reaching local roots, we’re looking forward to working with the Chamber to add value to our local community, to develop and retain skills, and to share and learn from other businesses as we continue on our innovation and sustainability-led growth journey.”
