Actually Group invests £4m in new Yorkshire luxury staycation destination

Michael Fisher
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Actually Group invests £4m in new Yorkshire luxury staycation destination
Fast-growing staycation destination developer Actually Group has announced it is investing £4m to create an exclusive new luxury retreat in North Yorkshire. Actually Group’s ambition is to raise the bar for high-end staycation experiences and will showcase a new concept in luxury lodge holidays with the launch of Keld Spring Lodge Retreat. Keld Spring is a flagship development of premium quality, low-carbon lodges, blending architect-led design with contemporary elegance. Keld Spring occupies a picturesque nine-acre site enjoying panoramic views near the village of Wombleton in Ryedale, in the heart of the North Yorkshire countryside. The development will feature 30 lodges, offering five-star luxury in one of the UK’s most desirable holiday locations, on the edge of the North Yorks Moors National Park and the Howardian Hills. Landscaping is well advanced on site, with the first lodges due to be in place by the end of May. An innovative and ambitious new force in the buoyant UK staycation market, Actually Group offers a complete end-to-end package, from land acquisition and development, to lodge design and manufacturing, and destination management and marketing. Specialising in low-carbon and environmentally sensitive developments, Actually Group has a growing portfolio of high-end developments in many of the UK’s most sought-after holiday locations. People aspiring to own a luxury holiday home in a prime location or investors seeking a high-yielding investment opportunity are being urged to register to attend the launch event for Keld Spring, which is being held on site over the Easter bank holiday weekend, from Thursday, April 14, to Easter Monday, April 18. Andy Sutton, CEO of Actually Group, said: “Keld Spring will offer innovative, luxurious living accommodation that offers the ideal recreational space inside and out, in a stunning location with so much to do and great places to visit nearby. “It lays down a new marker for high-quality, sustainable holiday lodges on a site that complements its scenic setting and showcases the quality of staycation destinations we’re creating in many of the UK’s most beautiful regions.” Rhodri Andrews, Marketing Director of Actually Group, said: “Keld Spring offers both a compelling lifestyle opportunity and a rewarding investment proposition. “Owners of lodges at Keld Spring can enjoy luxury living while investing wisely in the lucrative UK holiday market which is forecast to continue to see long-term growth.”

Food Enterprise Zone Hub building almost ready to receive occupants

Stuart Pearcey
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Food Enterprise Zone Hub building almost ready to receive occupants

Pygott & Crone have been appointed as the commercial agent for The Hub building at the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone, meaning that businesses will soon be able to express an interest in office and workshop space.

Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy and place at the county council, said “Pygott & Crone have a great understanding of the ethos of the FEZ and what it will bring to Lincolnshire and our residents. “The Hub building will be a great centre for smaller businesses to collaborate and benefit from brand new facilities, research and training opportunities.” Sarah Louise Fairburn, Deputy Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Chair of the LEP’s Food Board, said: “The Hub is an exciting development at the FEZ that will provide the connections and support for SME businesses in the agri-food tech sector to grow, innovate and collaborate. “The LEP is pleased to have provided the £6.3m to enable construction of this extremely important building for knowledge transfer and business support within the UK food Valley.” Pygott & Crone Director Tim Downing said: “Our commercial team is really looking forward to marketing this innovative development which offers much needed space for food related business in the region. “The hub will enable business in the food sector to collaborate with other like minded companies across the whole enterprise zone and will help cement Lincolnshire’s reputation as the centre of the UK food valley.”  

£21m full fibre rollout sparks Lincoln jobs boost as contractor appointed

Tess Egginton
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£21m full fibre rollout sparks Lincoln jobs boost as contractor appointed

CityFibre, the independent full fibre platform, has awarded a £21m contract to Trust Utility Management Ltd. to deliver its network rollout in Lincoln, a project which has sparked the creation of more than 80 local jobs.

Lincoln has been chosen as one of the latest cities to benefit from CityFibre’s £4bn Gigabit City Investment Programme, which will bring next generation, gigabit-speed broadband to nearly every home and business in the city, and to up to 8 million premises nationwide.

The latest milestone has incited a recruitment drive with new workers needed to support throughout the build process.

Works commenced in Lincoln in March and real progress is already being made. The rollout is progressing into new areas with construction underway in Abbey Ward while work in areas such as Glebe Ward is set to start in the near future. Once the city-wide rollout reaches completion in 2024, almost every home and business locally will have access to full fibre services from a choice of internet service providers.

Neal Wright, city manager for Lincoln, said: “CityFibre is investing £21m in a full fibre roll out which will benefit residents and businesses across the city with broadband of up to 900mb. In Trust Utility Management Ltd, we have found a partner that recognises the importance of this project, knows what is needed to deliver for the people of Lincoln and can grow with us as we move into new areas of the city.

“In addition to future-proofing Lincoln’s digital capabilities, this project is providing a welcome boost to the jobs market. It has sparked the creation of 83 new roles, with local talent needed to help us carry out this important project.”

Liam Coyne, commercial director, Trust Utility Management Ltd., said: “We are pleased to have been appointed by CityFibre to construct full fibre networks in Lincoln and support its wider plans of transforming the digital infrastructure of cities and towns across the UK.

“We are certain that with our vast utility contract management experience and the high calibre team that we are building, this project will prove to be a success for Trust Utility Management Ltd. and our client, CityFibre.”

In Lincoln, the team is using a range of construction methods while working in close partnership with Lincoln City and the County Council and local communities to deliver a fast rollout while managing potential disruption.

£12m Extra Care facility opens in Lincoln

Steve Fisher
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£12m Extra Care facility opens in Lincoln

Lincoln’s De Wint Court Extra Care facility in Boultham Moor has been officially opened, with residents set to move in next month.

The £12 million, 50 one-bed and 20 two-bed apartment extra care facility is the first such scheme to open its doors. Jointly funded between Lincolnshire County Council, City of Lincoln Council and Homes England, the facility has care provision available, non-resident management and support staff, a wellbeing suite, changing places facility, restaurant and salon. Councillor Wendy Bowkett, Lincolnshire County Council’s executive member for Adult Care and Public Health, said: “This type of accommodation will be vital going forward with the forecast increase of older aged people and vulnerable adults in the county. “It will provide quality accommodation for these groups who want to remain in their own homes but also gives them the option of on-site care.” Residents can enjoy the benefits of renting a home, free from the worries of maintenance or gardening, along with like-minded over 55s. With access to care and support on-site 24 hours a day, together with additional communal facilities, De Wint Court offers the perfect place to make your home.
Cllr Donald Nannestad, Portfolio Holder for Quality Housing at City of Lincoln Council said: “These new apartments will enable residents to maintain independence in their own homes as their needs change with care providers arranged by the county council. “De Wint will play a vital part in our commitment to provide quality homes, to meet the diverse housing need within the city, and I welcome our new residents to the development.” Stuart Leslie, Divisional Director at Esh Construction added: “We are proud to have delivered this fantastic new extra care facility in Lincoln, providing high quality and much-needed new homes to enable people to live independently with onsite care and support. “Throughout this scheme we worked hard to maximise the social and economic benefits for the local area. Through our commitment to employing locally, more than 70 operatives were Lincolnshire residents, and 24 new jobs were created for local people who were previously unemployed.” Christine Seaton Senior Manager – Affordable Housing Growth at Homes England said: “This is a high-quality development of apartments for older people that will support independent living and contribute to their wellbeing and the wider community. I am pleased to see these homes completed and ready for new residents. “Homes England recognises and supports homes that make a meaningful contribution to people’s lives and their community. We are pleased to work in partnership with the City of Lincoln and Lincolnshire County Council to make these homes happen.” The county council is investing £12m to support the development of Extra Care Housing for older people and Community Supported Living options for adults with a disability. Work is due to start on a Welton scheme in October in partnership with LACE Housing. Another scheme at the Hoplands site in Sleaford will begin next year, in partnership with North Kesteven District Council. These schemes will provide a fantastic opportunity for residents to remain in a home of their own, connected to their local community, where they can be supported and encouraged to live meaningful and independent lives.
 

Value of ‘take private’ deals jumps seven-fold to £29.3bn

Steve Fisher
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Value of ‘take private’ deals jumps seven-fold to £29.3bn
The total value of UK listed companies taken private by private equity firms increased from £4bn to £29.3bn in the last 12 months.
  • The number of deals has also increased to 19 in 2021 compared to just five in 2020
  • Consistent recovery of deal volumes expected if stock market valuations come under further pressure
The total value of UK listed companies taken private by private equity firms increased from £4bn to £29.3bn in the last 12 months, shows research by accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP. The research also shows the number of UK listed companies being taken private has increased from just five in 2020 to 19 in 2021. While 2021 may prove a high watermark for ‘take private’ deals following a pandemic-shaped lull in 2020, BDO says a more consistent recovery of deal volumes could take place if stock market valuations remain under pressure, coupled with exacerbated investor uncertainty following the invasion of Ukraine. BDO explains that the growing valuation gap between UK listed companies and their US peers in the last decade, for example, has made take private deals more attractive to US funds. The finite of number of private companies, of size, that are ‘available’ for purchase means that PE firms are seeking listed opportunities as the private equity asset class continues to grow. BDO adds that listed companies are also becoming more receptive to bids from PE houses. PE funds are sitting on record amounts of cash that they are under pressure from their investors to deploy. Data from S&P towards the end of 2021 showed that private equity firms globally have been sitting on a record $2.3tn in ‘dry powder’ or money that has been committed by investors but not allocated. This was up from just under $2tn in December 2020 and $1.6tn in December 2019. John Stephan, Partner and Head of Global M&A at BDO, said: “Many UK listed company directors continue to be frustrated by the low valuations put on their shares. That makes them more receptive to takeovers from PE houses. The reputation of PE firms amongst FTSE directors has dramatically improved over the last 20 years, so going private no longer seems such an unusual move. “Private equity firms can often also offer more generous share-based incentives to directors than they might expect if the company remained listed and subject to different corporate governance rules.” It is often argued that taking a company private can cut the high costs that maintaining a public listing entails and free management from the pressure of short-term earnings targets or having to explain a volatile share performance to multiple institutional investors. Adds John Stephan: “The most popular targets for PE houses will be the companies that have been swept up by the stock market sell-off, but still have good underlying fundamentals and are less affected by macroeconomic or geopolitical events. “There is always an ongoing assessment among listed companies about whether they want to remain listed. If valuations don’t improve in the UK any time soon, there are likely to be some boards who may think, ‘let’s do something that will crystallise value for our shareholders’.”

New scheme will compensate postmasters who exposed Horizon IT scandal

Stuart Pearcey
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New scheme will compensate postmasters who exposed Horizon IT scandal
A new funding scheme to offer fair compensation to the postmasters who played a crucial role in uncovering the Post Office Horizon IT scandal has been announced by the Chancellor. Rishi Sunak said a new compensation scheme would be set up in the coming months targeted at the postmasters who brought and won the landmark High Court case against the Post Office over the failings. The 2019 ruling paved the way for millions of pounds worth of future pay-outs and led to the Court of Appeal quashing the convictions of postmasters who were wrongly accused of committing crimes. Despite winning nearly £43m in compensation in 2019, the group was left financially disadvantaged after having to pay significant legal costs based on a “no win, no fee” agreement with Therium – the company which funded its litigation. Due to the terms of their legal agreement each postmaster received a small fraction of the settlement – equating to around £20,000 each. Their action meant they were also ineligible to apply to the Historical Shortfall Scheme set up to by the Post Office following the scandal to compensate postmasters who had to personally cover shortfalls in their branch’s accounts caused by the Horizon IT. The new scheme will ensure that those who uncovered the injustice receive the same level of compensation as the postmasters who claimed through the HSS. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: “The Horizon IT dispute has had a devastating impact on postmasters and their families, with many losing their livelihoods or being wrongly convicted for crimes they didn’t commit. “Without the efforts of these postmasters, this terrible injustice may have never been uncovered so it is only right that they are compensated fully and fairly.

“That is why we have set up this new compensation scheme for those who played a crucial role bringing this scandal to light, which I hope provides a measure of comfort.

Postal Affairs Minister Paul Scully said: “The pain and distress that the Horizon scandal has inflicted on hundreds of postmasters over the years cannot be overstated.

“Without the efforts of the 555 pioneering postmasters who brought this to court, this injustice may never have seen the light of day nor would the statutory inquiry have been set up, which is why I made it my priority to ensure they are all fairly compensated.

“While we can’t right the wrongs of the past, I hope this important compensation package is a turning of the page, as we continue working with the Post Office to ensure something like this can never happen again.”

The scheme comes after the government announced a separate scheme last year to provide funding for full and final settlements for eligible postmasters who have had their Horizon-related conviction overturned, with those eligible to receive an interim payment of up to £100,000 each. The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy has promised to set out details of  the new scheme, including how postmasters can submit compensation claims, in due course.

Covid has cost SMEs an average of almost £21,000, survey reveals

Stuart Pearcey
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Covid has cost SMEs an average of almost £21,000, survey reveals
A new report reveals the cost of Covid-19 to small businesses now sits at £109.6 billion, two years on from the UK’s first national lockdown – with one in six believing they will never recover financially from the pandemic. The study by small business insurance specialist Simply Business reveals that 87% of small business owners have lost money over the last two years, averaging £20,981 each in total, with many still suffering financially. With one in six small business owners believing they will never financially recover from the pandemic, this represents almost one million UK small businesses in total. While others are more confident of eventually recovering financially, the outlook remains bleak, with 43% of owners saying it will take at least another year. What’s more, one in five (21%) don’t expect to ever return to pre-pandemic trading levels. Despite one in six (16%) believing that their business is now better prepared for the future following the events of the last two years, small business owners are now facing a unique set of challenges as we continue to emerge from the pandemic. While Boris Johnson’s lifting of Covid restrictions earlier this year was predicted to give business a boost, 31% believe things have in fact got harder since the restrictions ended – with 63% believing that the government hasn’t offered enough financial support, consultation or communication in the period since. Furthermore, as Covid cases rise again in the UK, two in five (38%) small business owners are concerned about another lockdown and tighter restrictions, which would impact trade exponentially for a third consecutive year.  Two fifths (40%) say they are ‘not at all confident’ about their preparedness for a further lockdown or tightening of restrictions, and what’s more, a worrying 42% predict the temporary or permanent closure of their business should the UK enter another lockdown. There is however, a glimmer of hope amongst nearly a quarter (23%) of SMEs who have strong faith in their ability to weather another lockdown.  Alan Thomas, UK CEO at Simply Business, said: “Two years on from the UK’s first national lockdown, the continued impact of Covid-19 on small businesses is clearer than ever. With owners losing almost £21,000 each on average, one in six believe they will never recover financially from the pandemic. “For small businesses, there’s no doubt that it’s been a period of incredible difficulty. But it’s also been a period of resilience, innovation, and creativity, where the unique spirit of the UK’s self-employed community has once again been clear to see. “Accounting for over 99% of all UK businesses and contributing trillions of pounds in turnover every year, small businesses sit at the heart of our communities and are vital to our economy. As the types of challenges facing small businesses evolve, it’s essential that we all play a role in supporting their revival over the coming months and years. “From local bakeries and greengrocers to contractors and tradespeople, if the UK is to recover from the effects of the pandemic, we need small businesses to bounce back.”

Chancellor’s Spring Statement today must offer relief for small firms over soaring energy bills, says FSB

Stuart Pearcey
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Chancellor’s Spring Statement today must offer relief for small firms over soaring energy bills, says FSB
The FSB is calling on the Chancellor to use today’s Spring Statement to deliver relief for small firms as fuel and energy bills spiral, and with damaging tax rises looming.
The UK’s largest business group has laid bare the impact of spiralling utility and fuel bills on small businesses ahead of the Chancellor’s Spring Statement this week. The dramatic movement in cost has coincided with petrol and diesel prices hitting all-time highs in the first few months of this year, according to RAC’s Fuel Watch. FSB National Chair Martin McTague said: “Now is the moment for the Chancellor to deliver on his pledge to create a low-tax economy and new culture of enterprise. “Unless the Government intervenes, soaring fuel and utility bills will spell the end for many of the quarter of a million firms that say they are on the brink of collapse. “When small businesses go under, that sends shockwaves through local communities in the form of lost jobs, reduced investment and damaged consumer confidence. “Whether it’s the care home bracing for an even higher tax bill because of the so-called health and social care levy, the electrician facing higher and higher charges to fill up to complete urgent jobs, or the restaurant which, after two years of trading restrictions, is trying to rebound as energy and food prices rocket, small firms right across the piece are in urgent need of support. “As things stand, firms have no choice but to raise prices to cover overheads – by tackling the cost-of-doing-business crisis, the Chancellor can help end the cost-of-living crisis. He can’t control the wholesale cost of gas and oil, but he can control tax policy. “Cutting fuel duty, assisting micro-businesses with energy bills, increasing the Employment Allowance to £5,000 and reforming business rates to take more small firms out of the system in levelling up target areas – all are measures that would help small businesses to keep their heads above water, and support the millions they employ.”

Four deals completed at iconic Leeds office building

Tess Egginton
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Four deals completed at iconic Leeds office building
Four significant office deals have been completed at Tailors Corner, the iconic central Leeds building which was originally the home of Hepworth Tailors. The deals coincide with the completion of a £5million refurbishment of the 25,000 sq ft building, which has created flexible Grade A office space in the city. The new occupiers of Tailors Corner are wealth managers James Hambro and Partners; Fenchurch Law; financial advisers Interpath Ltd; and retail and e-commerce specialists Circus PPC. Together they have taken almost 10,000 sq ft of office space. Tailors Corner, formerly known as Wellington Park House, was bought for an undisclosed sum by property developers Boultbee Brooks in 2018. It is situated on the corner of Wellington Street and Thirsk Row. Victoria Harris of global property consultancy Knight Frank in Leeds, who are marketing Tailors Corner, said: “Tailors Corner has led the way in terms of providing prime office space which has found the perfect balance between creative and corporate, creating an environment that appealed to the market and corporate occupiers at the beginning of the flight to quality movement. “This movement aims to bring staff back to a new office environment they will enjoy working in, which will help attraction and retention. The roof terrace is a perfect example of added building amenities that play a key role in occupier considerations and its design and style has set a new standard of expectation within Leeds. “These four deals are a resounding endorsement of Boultbee Brooks’ substantial investment in this very special building,” she added. The comprehensive refurbishment included: A new, bespoke 8-person lift; cleaned and overhauled elevations; a new communal roof terrace with feature planting, decking and views of the Leeds skyline; architecturally sympathetic feature ground floor entrances; a communal roof terrace on the 7th floor, with a 6th floor terrace for exclusive use of that floor’s occupants; new double glazed windows throughout; dedicated entrances on Wellington Street and Thirsk Row; showers and changing rooms; and 30 cycle racks. Elizabeth Ridler of Knight Frank in Leeds added: “This iconic building is steeped in history — formerly a fabric and garment warehouse with a state-of-the-art retail space at street level, it’s always been a site for trailblazers and forward-thinkers. “A green agenda is paramount here. We’ve done away with basement parking for the privileged few, in favour of installing bike storage and shower facilities for everyone. And there’s an incredible communal roof terrace, with feature planting, for all the tenants. “Set in the hubbub of the city just moments from Leeds station and the new Channel 4 HQ, and with the Cycle Superhighway literally on the doorstep, Tailors Corner is designed as an inspiring modern space where businesses thrive within a community of like-minded people.” The renovation of Tailors Corner was led by the same architectural team, GPad, Hollis and Hoare Lea LLP, as many of Boultbee Brooks’ past developments, including Concordia Works in Leeds. Wellington Park House was originally built in 1881 for Hepworth Tailors but was badly damaged by the Great Fire of Leeds in July 1906. It was subsequently completely rebuilt and continued to be occupied by Hepworths, the forerunners of Next, until the 1920s.

MediaCom North recruits new senior people partner

Tess Egginton
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MediaCom North recruits new senior people partner

MediaCom has appointed a new senior people partner to oversee teams within its MediaCom Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham offices, which form the MediaCom North group.  

Holly Jackson joins MediaCom’s HR leadership team having previously worked at online retailer, The Very Group where she progressed from HR advisor to talent partner and finally HR business partner for retail.   

Her new role at MediaCom North will focus on embedding MediaCom’s UK-wide strategy within the group and leading the HR Operations function in the North, that has helped to onboard more than 100 new employees in the past 12 months.    

A key focus will be on cultivating MediaCom’s inclusive culture and supporting its People First, Better Results ethos. She aims to collaborate with Employee Resource Groups to foster the culture through programmes and initiatives that connect underrepresented groups and their allies. She will also have a big focus on mental health training, career progression and personal growth.

Speaking about her appointment, Holly says: “A diverse and inclusive culture is something most businesses are striving for right now but what really attracted me to this position is how MediaCom North is already achieving this. There is such a strong feeling that everyone belongs and commitment at all levels to put wellbeing and D&I front and centre.  

“Working in the fast-paced and ever-changing world of retail certainly kept me busy over the last seven years and I am excited to bring this skill set alongside a fresh perspective to the agency business. This for me is an invaluable skill at MediaCom, we are industry leading in a lot of what we do and are constantly thinking of innovative and creative solutions as well as adapting to the changing consumer and client landscape, so it’s important that I can move at pace too. 

“I am a creative person in my personal life, so to join an industry where I can see this creativity everyday (and on our screens, the radio and on my social media) was important to me. It is important to me that colleagues know I appreciate all the skill, talent and passion that goes into what they do, I feel it makes me a better People Partner. 

“I am passionate about what MediaCom North does and the colleagues that make it what it is, I look forward to meeting more colleagues across they group as it is really important to me that I am accessible to all colleagues, as this will help me understand what’s working and what’s not and will allow me to understand where my focus should be.” 

Holly adds: “Attraction and retention of talent will be my most significant challenge in 2022. This is a focus for any industry, it’s a tough market post-Covid and colleagues want more from their employers. It’s not just about the salary anymore, they want to understand what flexibility looks like, what is the learning and development offering, what is my route to progression and what does the company I work for care about and is that reflected in their culture and their CSR.”

Nicola Marsh, Managing Director of MediaCom North, says: “It’s an exciting time for us to have brought Holly into the senior team and to be adding a new layer of expertise to the business. Career progression and encouraging new talent into the industry sits at the heart of our culture. As we all continue to adapt to hybrid working, and plan our forthcoming move to the new WPP Campus later this year, having a robust HR structure is paramount.”

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