MAY 2025 £3.50 YORKSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE’S LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk VOLUME 40 ISSUE 5 Beyond traditional workplace training The right funding fitRelocating for profitThe magazine that cares We care because we want to leave our world a better place than we found it Business Link believes that being socially and environmentally responsible is the key to maintaining a flourishing business that our customers will be pleased to use and our staff will be proud to be part of. Community - From a very local point of view, we strive to be a ‘good neighbour’. We also extend that into the much broader local community, through financial support of local causes and charities. Environment - Our actions extend to: conservation of energy and natural resources, minimisation of waste and ensuring our trading partners do likewise. Welcome… Summer approaches and that’ll doubtless lead to the usual questions of how hot an office has to be before employers are legally required to give employees the day off. That’s a perfect example of the problems caused by climate change in all honesty, as the summers have been hotter each year. Air conditioning may soon become a necessity for those who don’t have it installed already. Our offices had it done a few years back after repeatedly blistering summer days, but make sure staff don’t overuse it or worse, leave it on when they leave. The costs can be sky-high. Speaking of costs, many are looking at the cost of doing business in the region and worrying about the future of the UK, especially with Donald Trump in power in the US throwing threats around and then walking back on them days later. The problem is that he’s making it hard for US companies too, so while times may be hard in the UK, they’re not exactly easier anywhere else. One bit of good news came the other month in the Labour Government stepping in to protect British Steel in Scunthorpe, but good will among business owners for that may well have dried up after the Employment Rights Bill, which many say is putting the brakes on hiring, and also on changes made to HMRC tax and pension protections. With Making Tax Digital set to target the self-employed from 2027 onwards, things are set to become more complicated before they get easier, but such has always been the way business is. If it were easy, everyone would be a billionaire. Good reading, as always. Michael Fisher Editor Editor From thecontents may 2025 6 News The latest business news and success stories from around our region. 10 Commercial property A number of significant deals have taken place across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire in the last couple of months, with investors, businesses and developers setting their sights on the region. 14 Online training Online learning is breaking down barriers and offering a smarter, more adaptable approach to employee development for companies. 18 Security Understanding and implementing effective physical security measures to safeguard your business from real-world threats. 21 Corporate finance Appropriate financing is vital at every point in a business’s journey, but determining which form of funding is the best fit is not always simple. 24 Relocation and inward investment A tumultuous economy may not sound like the best time to relocate a business, but for many it can become the catalyst itself. 28 Energy and environmental management While energy prices and regulations bite, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire firms explore if green initiatives can offer respite. 32 AutoLink We’ve selected a range of vehicles for all types of people this month – from those looking for something rugged, something high tech, something new and something a little more on the supercar end of the scale. • We put the Aston Martin Vantage through its paces. 39 Corporate hospitality Taking place on Thursday 2nd October, Business Link Magazine’s East Midlands Bricks Awards returns for its 10th year in 2025, shining a light on property and construction businesses. 42 Events We take a look at business events happening around Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. 46 And finally… Yorkshire-Lincolnshire- Business-Link @blmforum blmforum.net connect with us 14 21 24Group Editor Steve Fisher (s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Editor Michael Fisher (m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Journalist Tess Egginton (t.egginton@blmgroup.co.uk) Editorial contact newsdesk@blmgroup.co.uk Tel: (01472) 310305 Fax: (01472) 310317 Angela Cooper (a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk) Tel: (01472) 310301 Fax: (01472) 310311 Tel: (01472) 310304 Fax: (01472) 310314 Haychart Ltd, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, N.E. Lincs., DN31 2QE. reproduced, transmitted, photocopied, recorded or otherwise without express permission of the copyright holder, for which application should be addressed first to the publisher. While every reasonable care is taken, neither the publisher nor its prints, colour transparencies, negatives or other material of whatever nature submitted to this publication. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of COVER PHOTOS: STOCK.ADOBE.COM - DEE KAREN • BILLIONPHOTOS.COM • LUMINA FRAME • JENYA SMYK • PESHKOVA www.blmforum.net 286 Business Link www.blmforum.net Leeds letting set to strengthen city centre leisure scene Property investment and development company Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), has secured a major new leisure letting with national operator Rileys Sports Bars at 123 Albion Street, Leeds. The deal sees Rileys take 11,000 sq ft of prominent ground floor space at the front of the building, delivering a high- profile presence in one of Leeds city centre’s busiest thoroughfares. Following the recent addition of Glee comedy club, this latest letting forms part of TCS’s ongoing strategy to diversify and strengthen its mixed-use city centre portfolio, targeting experiential operators that bring energy and footfall to key locations. Matthew Wright, associate director, estates at Town Centre Securities PLC, said: “We are pleased to welcome Rileys Sports Bars to 123 Albion Street, a location that offers outstanding visibility and footfall in the heart of Leeds. This deal highlights our continued focus on securing high-quality occupiers that complement the wider portfolio and contribute to the vitality of our city centre holdings.” news Data analytics company eyes growth with Finance Yorkshire investment A company specialising in data analytics and AI for the retail sector is expanding with investment from Finance Yorkshire. Leeds-based HyperFinity uses data and AI to help retail customers make smart decisions around customer loyalty and pricing, leading to increased profitability. Investment from Finance Yorkshire’s growth fund will enable the company to build its sales and marketing function as well as support product development. Co-investor River Capital has made an investment in HyperFinity from its fund:AI. Finance Yorkshire and River Capital join existing investor, Snowflake Inc, a global leader in data and AI technology, completing a seven-figure investment round. HyperFinity was founded in 2019 by Pete Denby, Adam Barrowcliff, Damon Bryan and Tom Hill who have grown the business’s client base to include Asda, Costa Coffee, Card Factory and Toolstation. CEO Pete Denby said: “HyperFinity helps retailers make the most of their data using analytics and AI. We’re already helping some of the best-known retailers make profitable loyalty and pricing decisions through a combination of powerful software and expert services.” Yorkshire business confidence falls in April Business confidence in Yorkshire fell 18 points during April to 34%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds. Companies in Yorkshire reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down eight points to 45%, and lower confidence in the economy – down 27 points to 23%. Taken together, this gives a headline confidence reading of 34% (vs. 52% in March). Looking ahead to the next six months, Yorkshire businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training (43%), introducing new technology (36%) and evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products and services (33%). The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. Palletower accelerates UK expansion with latest storage sector acquisition Warehouse equipment supplier Palletower has acquired Leeds-based Alternative Storage Systems, continuing a rapid expansion strategy that has seen five acquisitions in the racking and shelving sector over the past eight months. The move follows its recent purchase of Kingstonian Storage and Equipment and strengthens Palletower’s presence across the North and East of England. Alternative Storage Systems designs, installs, and maintains storage solutions for warehouses and commercial units, with a strong foothold in the warehousing and food production sectors. Palletower, based in Sale, supplies more than 100 lines of logistics and storage equipment and exports to over 35 countries. The company’s recent acquisition drive is pushing annual turnover from more than £40m towards £50m, with staffing levels now exceeding 70.www.blmforum.net Business Link 7 news Yorkshire mid-sized firms look overseas despite trade and skills pressures Nearly one in five mid-sized businesses in Yorkshire plan to expand or boost exports in the next year, according to new research from BDO. The report reveals a clear international focus, even amid uncertain trading conditions and operational challenges. The survey of 500 mid-sized UK firms found that 18% of Yorkshire businesses are prioritising international growth. Target markets include South America, Australia, and the EU, each cited by 44% of those eyeing exports. Africa also attracted attention from 35% of respondents. However, growth ambitions are running up against several barriers. Around 24% of firms in the region report shortages in export and supply chain skills, while 12% are seeing weaker demand, likely linked to inflationary pressures and squeezed budgets among both business clients and consumers. Despite these issues, sentiment remains broadly positive. The vast majority (94%) of Yorkshire mid-sized businesses believe the UK Government’s upcoming Small Business Strategy will help them. A quarter are calling for specific reforms to simplify customs processes and expand support through channels such as UK Export Finance. Elovade expands into UK with acquisition of Brigantia Partners European cybersecurity distributor Elovade Group has entered the UK market through the acquisition of Brigantia Partners Ltd., based in North Yorkshire. The deal is Elovade’s eighth and largest acquisition, strengthening its footprint across Europe, where it already operates in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Nordics and Italy. Brigantia, headquartered in Thirsk, will continue to operate under its existing brand for the time being. The acquisition retains Brigantia’s current vendor portfolio and team, with managing director Angus Shaw now leading Elovade’s operations across the UK and Ireland. Founder Iain Shaw and chairman Martin Wright are exiting the business as part of the transition. Elovade, formerly known as EBERTLANG, is pursuing strategic growth in European markets with a focus on IT security and managed services. The acquisition adds a UK distribution network to its offering and positions Brigantia as a key part of its plans, including the potential future rollout of Elovade Cloud Services in the region. Scaffolding firm reaches new heights with acquisition and funding boost One of Sheffield’s leading scaffolding companies has secured funding for further growth following its acquisition of a business in Barnsley. Hi-Point Access has raised £250,000 from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia Debt as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II). The funding will provide additional working capital and enable it to invest in new equipment following its acquisition of Gap Scaffolding Services. Hi-Point, which has doubled its turnover since 2021, employs over 50 staff at its base in Sheffield and serves clients including Sheffield City Council, Sheffield United, the city’s two universities, the Utilita Arena and Wakefield Council’s partner Robertsons Facilities Management. It provides scaffolding hire and mobile elevating platforms, as well as building maintenance and roofing services. Founded in 1992 by brothers Steve and Chris Blantern, it is now run by Steve’s sons Simon and Matthew, his daughter Carly Turley and her husband Garry. The acquisition of Gap Scaffolding Services will expand HI-Point’s presence in Yorkshire. It also provides an exit for Gap’s founder Steve Griffiths, who set up the company in 2003, and secures the jobs of the seven staff, who will continue to operate from the Barnsley site. Carly Turley, finance director of Hi-Point Access, said: “It’s great to welcome aboard the experienced team at Gap and to expand our footprint with a base in Barnsley. The funding from Mercia and NPIF II will enable us to make the most of it by providing additional capital to take on new projects and buy new equipment. We look forward to continuing our expansion throughout Yorkshire and beyond.”8 Business Link www.blmforum.net Major letting secured at Moor Lane Trading Estate Over 55,000 sq ft of industrial space set in over 3.5 acres at Moor Lane Trading Estate in Sherburn in Elmet, North Yorkshire has been let to Welfare Hire Nationwide Limited. Part of Kelling Group, Welfare Hire is a rental and lease provider of specialist mobile welfare equipment to infrastructure markets including highways, rail and utilities. The deal sees the firm double the size of its operational bases across Yorkshire. Chief financial officer at Kelling Group, Matthew Jowett, said: “As our business continues to grow, it was essential to secure a facility that meets our operational demands and allows for future scalability. The Moor Lane Trading Estate site provides the perfect combination of space and accessibility to support our expanding hire services business. “Establishing Welfare Hire’s regional footprint in this dedicated facility also facilitates further growth capacity for its sister company, Access Hire Nationwide Limited, the UK’s leading rental and lease provider of vehicle mounted access platforms for sectors including Telecoms, Street Lighting and Power.” news Major expansion of York business park completes A £3.3m expansion of a long-established business park close to York’s Outer Ring Road has completed with the construction of three new industrial units. The development at Northminster Business Park has seen three former agricultural buildings transformed into new and detached industrial and warehouse units, which range in size from 6,032 sq ft to 8,093 sq ft, in a self-contained area of the site known as Cropton Court. The buildings are available to buy or let and are being jointly marketed by property consultancy practices GV&Co and PPH Commercial. One unit has been sold, with another unit currently under offer. They have been built by local contractor, Elvington Park Building Services with York’s LHL Group project managing construction. Northminster Business Park is already home to more than 50 businesses. JMG Group adds scale with three more brokerage acquisitions JMG Group has made three more acquisitions in the UK as part of its push to grow regional market share and add specialist capabilities to its portfolio. GS Group, part of JMG, picked up W K Insurance, a commercial broker in Scotland with a 40-year track record. Seven employees moved over as part of the deal. Greenwood Moreland acquired UKI Direct, a York-based broker focused on SMEs. The deal adds £2.5m in premium and expands Greenwood’s footprint to seven locations with over £58m in GWP. Key staff are staying on to lead the transition. Lighthouse Risk Services bought TSE Solutions, a Leeds firm offering tailored risk and safety consultancy. The acquisition builds on an existing working relationship and boosts Lighthouse’s presence in the health and safety space. Plans lodged for 150-home scheme in Pickering Keyland Developments Ltd, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister-company to Yorkshire Water, is seeking consent from North Yorkshire Authority to deliver 150 homes in Pickering. The 12.4 acre site is located north of Whitby Road on the north-eastern edge of the market town of Pickering between existing communities and a new county park. The vacant site has been identified by Keyland as prime for a high-quality, sustainable development guided by its ‘Six Capital’s’ approach ensuring positive environmental, social and economic outcomes. The masterplan has been devised by architects Tate + Co, whose past projects include working with The Eden Project. The development includes areas of public space and a large-scale ‘green corridor’ for Pickering. The proposed housing mix of 1-4 bed homes includes SME builder plots, self/custom-build opportunities and volume-built homes. www.blmforum.net Business Link 9 news Connectus doubles down on Doncaster Airport tech hub with new £500k investment Connectus has committed another £500,000 to Doncaster Airport Business Park, expanding its digital infrastructure in a move aimed squarely at scaling B2B demand. This builds on a previous £1m investment and comes as momentum grows around the site’s redevelopment. The new funding will deliver a second fibre route to improve network resilience and uptime for businesses operating on the 62- acre site. The park, which houses 140 business units and has planning approval for over 186,000 sq m of future commercial space, is being positioned as a regional hub for innovation and high-growth companies. The investment also supports the rollout of AI-powered diagnostics via Connectus’ partner Kaseya, recruitment of additional engineering staff, and new backup energy solutions to minimise service disruption. Part of the funding is earmarked for local engagement initiatives, including grassroots sports sponsorships. Collingwood Engineering boost capabilities and workforce with a UKSPF capital grant A local company based in Barton Upon Humber has grown substantially over the last few years. Collingwood Engineering has expanded its capabilities and service offering with further investment with help from a UKSPF capital grant in a new Haas CNC lathe as well as a new Haas Mill. They have also increased their workforce further by employing two very experienced machinists with over 60 years of combined experience between them, expanding on the services offered to local and national companies. Collingwood Engineering also received a marketing grant in the last quarter of 2024 that has enabled them to have a local media company, ‘Know Media’, come into the business to support them and together produce a new promotional video, which highlights their new investment as well as their existing machinery. The new promotional video can be viewed on the company website https://www.collingwoodengineering.co.uk/. Collingwood Engineering continues to invest in new machinery to keep up with clients’ evolving needs. What’s next for Collingwood Engineering! Wholesale craft bakery Artisan Bakes cooks up expansion at Flanshaw Industrial Estate Towngate PLC, the commercial and industrial property specialist, has secured a 12-year tenancy for Artisan Bakes Ltd, a wholesale craft bakery based in Wakefield, to support the company’s ongoing expansion. Previously located at Sovereign House, Trinity Business Park, Artisan Bakes now occupies Unit 1, Flanshaw Industrial Estate, Flanshaw Way. The 6,366 sq ft modern warehouse/industrial property provides close proximity to Wakefield City Centre and junction 40 of the M1 motorway, making it an ideal base for the business’s growing logistics. It also features a shared secure yard, ancillary offices, parking, and an eaves height of 6.18 metres. The relocation enables Artisan Bakes to scale production and better serve its customer base. Tom Lamb, property director at Towngate PLC, said: “It’s been a pleasure to assist Artisan with its expansion plans in the region. Flanshaw Industrial Estate is a highly sought-after business hub, and its proximity to key motorway networks will be an invaluable asset for the bakery as it continues to expand. I look forward to visiting and sampling a cake or two!” Next >