Princes Group invests in Royal Liver Building to boost UK presence

April Lara
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Princes Group invests in Royal Liver Building to boost UK presence

Princes, a leading UK food and drink company, has secured ownership of the iconic Royal Liver Building in Liverpool as part of a £60 million investment. This move is part of a broader £83 million real estate strategy that includes a £23 million acquisition of the Symington’s Cross Green site in Leeds.

The acquisition strengthens Princes’ long-standing ties to Liverpool, where the company has been a tenant in the Royal Liver Building since 1982. The building will serve as both the corporate headquarters and a multi-purpose venue for events and collaboration. The purchase eliminates rental costs, enhancing Princes’ financial stability and providing a long-term operational base for future growth.

The Royal Liver Building, a Grade-I listed landmark, represents Liverpool’s maritime heritage and cultural significance. By owning this building, Princes reinforces its commitment to the city and its workforce, with over 400 employees based there.

Additionally, Princes operates 10 sites across the UK, employing nearly 3,000 people. The company is also promoting UK food manufacturing and recently announced plans to feature the UKM stamp on its products. This move underscores Princes’ dedication to contributing to the local economy and securing its future in the UK market.

Water sector could face increased investment scrutiny

April Lara
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Water sector could face increased investment scrutiny

The UK government is considering adding the water industry to its list of sensitive business sectors, which would subject potential deals to heightened scrutiny. This move comes amid regulatory reforms aimed at addressing financial difficulties faced by key players in the sector, such as Thames Water and Southern Water.

Currently, 17 sectors, including communications, energy, and data infrastructure, must inform the investment security unit about certain business transactions. The proposal would extend this requirement to the water industry in response to growing concerns over its resilience in an increasingly volatile market.

The Cabinet Office has stressed that this change is not expected to affect a significant number of deals but is intended to strengthen the government’s ability to oversee high-risk transactions. The goal is to align investment security with the evolving landscape of the economy, ensuring the regulatory framework remains fit for purpose.

Recent financial struggles within the sector have underscored the need for tighter controls. For example, Thames Water is currently seeking funding to stabilise its finances, while Southern Water has requested additional support from its Australian owner.

As part of the overhaul, the government also plans to reclassify certain industries, such as semiconductors and critical minerals, into distinct categories to streamline the scrutiny process.

Breck expands presence in Yorkshire with new office acquisition

April Lara
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Breck expands presence in Yorkshire with new office acquisition

Breck, a Northern property developer, has acquired a 4,400 sq ft office in Leeds, marking another milestone in its expansion across the North of England. The two-storey office, located in the Millshaw Park industrial estate, will accommodate up to 55 staff members. As part of its growth, Breck is actively recruiting for various permanent roles in Leeds, including quantity surveyors, site engineers, managers, and administrative staff.

With a development pipeline of around 2,000 homes, Breck is focusing on projects across Yorkshire, including affordable housing developments in Bradford. The company is also collaborating with Lloyds Banking Group to transform a former data centre in Pudsey into 124 affordable homes, a project being managed on behalf of Incommunities.

Founded in 2020, Breck is committed to delivering both affordable housing and homes for open market sale. Since moving to its new Lancashire headquarters in 2023, the company has doubled its staff to around 50.

This latest acquisition further solidifies Breck’s long-term commitment to Yorkshire and positions the company for continued growth in the region.

BrewDog to close 10 flagship bars amid strategic shift

April Lara
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BrewDog to close 10 flagship bars amid strategic shift

BrewDog has revealed plans to shut down 10 of its flagship bars across the UK, citing their lack of commercial viability. The closures, affecting sites in Leeds, York, Sheffield, and other locations, will take place this Saturday. The company has pointed to ongoing challenges in the UK hospitality market, including rising costs, regulatory pressures, and economic conditions, as contributing factors.

The move comes as part of BrewDog’s broader strategy to focus on long-term, profitable growth by streamlining its bar operations. The company stated that, despite the efforts of its staff, the impacted bars could not meet financial targets. BrewDog has pledged to support those affected, with plans to redeploy many employees within the company. Those not retained will be offered redundancy packages and outplacement services.

This restructuring is part of a more focused approach to the hospitality sector, aiming to position BrewDog for sustainable success while addressing the ongoing challenges facing the industry.

Structural waterproofing provider snapped up by Bradford firm

Tess Egginton
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Structural waterproofing provider snapped up by Bradford firm
Bradford-based Oscrete, a manufacturer of concrete admixtures, has acquired PUDLO Products, a St Neots provider of structural waterproofing and gas protection systems. PUDLO’s product portfolio will complement Oscrete’s core admixture technologies, providing the business with a more comprehensive and integrated suite of products. The integration of PUDLO will also create opportunities for collaboration across R&D, technical support, and customer service, to serve the construction market more effectively. With over 150 years of technical expertise, the move strengthens PUDLO’s national coverage, advances product innovation, and enhances delivery across key construction markets. By joining forces with Oscrete PUDLO gains access to expanded technical capabilities and infrastructure, creating a platform for collaborative growth.
Scott Wilson, MD of Oscrete, said: “Our acquisition of PUDLO Products is a significant chapter in our company’s business and establishes an even stronger future for this Bradford brand. “The new, strengthened Oscrete business model and presence across the UK construction sector ensures this team and this business has the infrastructure and the expertise to become the leading supplier of concrete admixtures and additives / construction products in the country.” Gary Laird, MD of PUDLO, added: “I’m thrilled to be joining the PUDLO Products team full time as we continue the momentum built over the past 15 months. “It’s an exciting time—this partnership opens new doors for innovation, growth, and delivering even greater value to our customers. We’re building on a strong foundation and I look forward to helping drive the next phase of PUDLO’s journey.”

Lanpro appoints associate director in York

Tess Egginton
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Lanpro appoints associate director in York
Lanpro has appointed Liam Podbury as an associate director within the historic environment team, based out of its York office. Liam brings extensive experience across the full range of built heritage and archaeological projects, providing informed, pragmatic and clear advice to facilitate development across a range of sectors. Liam joins from Wardell Armstrong LLP (part of SLR) where he was principal heritage consultant. Prior to this, Liam worked for Archaeological Solutions, Emmerson Critchley Limited and the National Heritage Training Group. As an associate director, Liam will deliver technical advice on both built heritage and archaeology. His primary responsibilities will include the preparation of heritage statements, setting assessments, archaeological desk-based assessments and Environmental Impact Assessment chapters. He will also provide strategic advice to clients at all stages of the planning process. With a strong background in both archaeological consultancy and built heritage assessment, Liam will support the delivery of complex projects across sectors including strategic land, infrastructure, minerals, and renewables. He will also contribute to the technical development of the team, assist with project management, and play an active role in business development. Mitchell Pollington, director (historic environment) at Lanpro, said: “We are delighted to welcome Liam to Lanpro’s rapidly growing Historic Environment Team. Liam brings a wealth of skills and experience to the team and will be key to the continued strategic growth of our built heritage and archaeological services.” Liam Podbury said: “I joined Lanpro because of its strong reputation for delivering commercially pragmatic and proportionate heritage consultancy within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary framework. I was drawn to Lanpro’s emphasis on early engagement and client-focused advice.”

Aon appoints new Leeds-based partners

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Aon appoints new Leeds-based partners
Professional services firm Aon plc has appointed two new Leeds-based partners in its wealth solutions team. Matthew Pinkney leads Aon’s UK pensions data solutions team, which specialises in data and administration change projects, including GMP equalisation implementations, data cleansing, benefit remediation and other systems implementation. With nearly 20 years’ experience, Matthew is also a scheme actuary and a member of Aon’s trustee consulting leadership team. He has overseen the growth and evolution of the data solutions team since its inception. Matthew said: “I have spent almost two decades of my career at Aon and my promotion isn’t just recognition of my own success but my entire team’s. It has been a privilege to build and grow the data solutions and trustee consulting leadership areas of the business with people who have been a joy to work with.” Andrew Shepherd is head of DB delegated clients in Aon’s UK investment practice and has over 20 years of experience in pensions. He is responsible for ensuring high-quality, proactive service delivery to Aon’s fiduciary management clients. Andrew advises on investment strategy, journey planning and governance solutions to a wide range of organisations, helping them to navigate complex investment challenges.

Utilities infrastructure specialist secures new Brighouse office

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Utilities infrastructure specialist secures new Brighouse office
Capital infrastructure and engineering services company Avove has expanded with a new five-year lease for Suite 1A at Towngate PLC’s Parkview House, Brighouse. The 2,200 sq ft office space at Parkview House forms part of the larger, 32,000 sq ft Woodvale Office Park. Situated in the heart of Brighouse, the location offers key transportation links via the M62 and local railway station, providing access to clients and teams across the UK, supporting the firm’s national operations. Featuring exposed brickwork reflective of the building’s early 1800s silk mill heritage, a glazed meeting room, a modern kitchenette, and energy-efficient LED lighting, the space will support Avove’s growing design team. Externally, they will also benefit from EV charging points, parking provisions, bicycle stores, and landscaped surroundings. Julia Ford, marketing manager at Towngate PLC, said: “With the careful restoration and refurbishment of this space, we’ve created an inspiring environment that’s perfectly suited to the needs of a dynamic design team. “Offering purpose-built facilities, well-connected transport links, and a flexible blend of collaborative and independent workspaces, we’re confident the suite will be a valuable addition to Avove’s growing office portfolio, setting the stage for further success.” James Heads, Avove’s technical director, added: “We are a local employer and already have an office based in Brighouse for our operational team supporting our Yorkshire Water framework, so we knew the location was an ideal fit for the business. “Due to our ambitious growth plans, we needed extra space to accommodate a growing headcount and enable our design team to thrive. Towngate’s Parkview facility provides exactly that, and with the firm’s trusted reputation, this felt like the perfect match. “This office facility enhances our sustainable aspirations with the use of LED fittings and recycled furniture throughout the space. As we continue to support the critical needs of the utilities sector, our focus on innovation will take centre stage too. We’re looking forward to shaping the future of our national infrastructure and seeing where our next growth phase takes us.”

Kromek secures £1.7m UK Government contract for radiation detection

April Lara
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Kromek secures £1.7m UK Government contract for radiation detection

Kromek has secured a £1.7m contract under the UK Government’s Radiological Nuclear Detection Framework. This marks the company’s first order under the four-year framework, designed to supply radiological and nuclear detection equipment for the Home Office.

The contract includes the provision of Kromek’s D3S-ID wearable radiation detectors, along with ongoing product maintenance and training services. A substantial portion of the contract value is expected to contribute to the company’s revenue in the current financial year, particularly boosting the CBRN Detection segment.

Kromek is one of the few pre-qualified suppliers under the framework, which covers three categories of detection equipment: handheld, wearable, and large volume static radiation detectors. This win further solidifies Kromek’s position as a key player in the sector and highlights the growth potential within the government’s security-focused initiatives.

£63 million funding for sustainable aviation fuels to boost UK economy

April Lara
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£63 million funding for sustainable aviation fuels to boost UK economy

Seventeen UK companies developing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) will benefit from a £63 million funding boost, aiming to create 1,400 jobs and establish the UK as a global leader in SAF production. This new investment builds on ongoing efforts to drive the development of green aviation technologies, positioning the country at the forefront of sustainable aviation fuel production.

The latest funding is part of the government’s strategy to accelerate the growth of the aviation sector while meeting net-zero goals. To date, £198 million has been allocated through the Advanced Fuels Fund (AFF), supporting the scaling of cleaner aviation technologies. This investment is expected to contribute up to £5 billion to the UK economy by 2050, enhancing the country’s global role in SAF production and helping to expand airport infrastructure.

SAF is a crucial alternative to fossil jet fuel, offering a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70% over its lifecycle. This technology is vital for sustainable growth in aviation and achieving the sector’s decarbonisation targets.

The funding will support various projects across the country, including OXCCU Tech’s demonstration plant at Oxford Airport and LanzaJet’s commercial-scale facility in Teesside. These projects represent a significant step toward increasing SAF production capacity and supporting the UK’s clean energy ambitions.

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