Insurance broker McClarrons has bought the former BMW and Mini showroom on Malton’s York Road from Inchcape Estates and will transform it into its head office.
Having outgrown its existing premises at Market Place in Malton, the McClarrons team will relocate to prominent 10,000 sq. ft office premises at York Road following a complete refurbishment. About 13,000 sq. ft of additional unit space and parking offers other businesses the opportunity to expand within the local area. Robert Hill of Andrew Jackson’s real estate and development & strategic projects team advised McClarrons on the purchase of the site, supported by colleagues Nicole Waldron, Ailish Ward and Hayley Neal. Planning consultant Janet O’Neill provided guidance through the planning application for change of use to office space. Sean McClarron, executive chairman of McClarrons, said:”During a period when acquisitions and mergers are at an all-time high in our industry, we are extremely passionate and committed to remain a family-owned company in the long term; continuing to strive to deliver the highest standards of service to our clients. We have a succession plan to achieve this. “The acquisition of our York Road site is extremely important. It needed to be dealt with swiftly, and thoroughly, and without the right team of professionals it would not have been possible. Andrew Jackson Solicitors could not have done a better job for us, and we are absolutely delighted with the standard of advice, service and speed provided. “We are really looking forward to our relocation which will offer a superb working environment to retain and recruit our people, along with excellent meeting facilities for our clients and key partners, which will secure our long term growth objectives in a prominent position with easy access and parking facilities.”Boston Energy scoops ‘safest supplier’ award
Wind energy technical services provider Boston Energy has received a top safety accolade in Siemens Gamesa’s prestigious supply chain awards.
East Yorkshire-based Boston Energy won Siemens Gamesa’s Strategic Partnership Health and Safety Award, recognising zero incidents had occurred in projects involving the two companies working together. The award was the only safety-focused award presented during a supplier day for Siemens Gamesa’s top 20 suppliers in its service supply chain, which include Boston Energy. The company has supported Siemens Gamesa for more than a decade, providing skilled technicians as well as services including site management, procurement and operational support. Boston Energy has more than 80 technicians employed to support Siemens Gamesa in wind energy projects across the world, working on turbines from 1.3Mw power up to 6Mw. Boston Energy Operations Director Julian Martin said: “Over the years we’ve built a strong and trusted relationship with Siemens Gamesa and have grown to become one of their biggest suppliers. “Working closely together, we’ve delivered a string of significant projects, with zero health and safety incidents. That is testament to the experience, skill and capability of our teams, as well as their total commitment to safety in every aspect of their work. “We look forward to continuing to support Siemens Gamesa with its global offshore wind energy operations, as part of the critical transition to renewable energy technologies.” The health and safety award recognised that no time had been lost on projects involving Boston Energy due to incidents and no deviations had to be made from normal operations as a result of a safety issue. Siemens Gamesa also praised Boston Energy for its proactive safety reporting, which ensures projects are delivered efficiently by skilled technicians, in line with relevant safety procedures. The company, which has its head office in Beverley, has provided more than 1.2 million hours of technical support to Siemens Gamesa since 2012. L’sSkegness Gateway unveils £151m flood defence plan
The owners behind the landmark Skegness Gateway scheme have revealed a £151 million Flood Risk Resilience Fund (FRRF) as part of a raft of measures that will help defend the development and wider Skegness area from the impacts of flooding.
The plans, which have been collaboratively developed with East Lindsey District Council and the Environment Agency, have been more than 12 months in planning.
The news follows the approval of a Local Development Order (LDO) for the scheme in March, announced at an executive meeting of East Lindsey District Council in Horncastle.
Agreement was given on more than £300m in socio-economic benefits for the region, alongside new homes, jobs, a crematorium and supported living provision. A new TEC college was granted planning permission for the site in February 2023.
The unique FRRF scheme will operate via an ongoing management fee, associated with the 1,000 properties planned for the 336-acre site. A specialist estate management company will be formed alongside this, which will manage the financial model and take an active role in flood risk strategy on site.
A proportion of the money received from the Gateway properties will allow funding agreements to be setup between East Lindsey District Council (ELDC), the Environment Agency (EA) and other vested interest parties for ongoing defence management and flood risk reduction over the lifetime of the development.
Sue Bowser, of Croftmarsh, said: “The Gateway team take the issue of flooding very seriously. It’s one of the key reasons we have generated this funding, which contributes positively to schemes that maintain and mitigate against the risks posed by flooding and water management.
“We’ve worked hard to come up with a solution that not only protects our development, but also our wider home of Skegness, closely collaborating with the Environment Agency and East Lindsey District Council.
“Regenerating the area is hugely important to us as a fifth-generation family in the area, and we’re pleased to see the acceleration of a scheme that will bring new homes, jobs and greater prosperity to our region.”
According to the latest Climate Change Risk Assessment, an estimated 1.8m people are living in areas of the UK at significant risk of coastal, surface or river flooding.
In Skegness, the Gateway’s Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) identifies the coastline defending the project to be 13.8km, running from Burgh Sluice to the main drain outfall at Ingoldmells. Estimates from the Environment Agency put defence management for the next 100-year period, from Saltfleet to the Gibraltar Point coastline, as ranging between £15m per kilometre to £40m per kilometre.
The contribution enabled by the FRRF scheme could cover 27.0% of the defence management at the highest rate and 71.9% at the lowest rate, depending on the approach and measures taken to flood prevention efforts in the region.
Neil Sanderson, also of Croftmarsh, added: “We understand the flooding risks posed to coastal communities across the UK and want to be active in the role we can play in mitigation efforts.
“What we have here is a solution that is bespoke for our town, allowing regenerative efforts to flourish whilst contributing positively to flood defence strategies being undertaken by public sector organisations.”
As part of the Gateway’s flood prevention efforts, a series of flood education and evacuation programmes will also be undertaken by the estate management team, extending to new homeowners as well as the wider population of Skegness.
Raised ground and flood compensation areas are all part of the Gateway’s proposals, aiding flood prevention onsite.
Councillor Steve Kirk, East Lindsey District Council portfolio holder for coastal economy, said: “I am delighted we have been able to agree this significant investment and commitment to help protect this landmark development and the wider area from flooding for many years to come.
“The risk of flooding and the devastating impact it can have must always be taken extremely seriously, and working in partnership with transformational projects like this we can help make real improvements and additions that will safeguard Skegness and its residents and businesses for generations to come.”
Chris Baron, chair of Connected Coast, said: “It is great that this level of commitment is being made to support flood resilience as part of the Skegness Gateway. We have such a fantastic opportunity to invest and deliver transformational improvements for the area through all of our work, and doing this responsibly and respectfully of the environment is crucial.”
Major sustainable office development approved for Leeds
Latitude Yellow – a new 12-storey sustainable office development by BAM – has been approved by Leeds City Council’s City Plans Panel.
The proposals will be located on the final remaining plot of the former Doncaster Monk Bridge works off Whitehall Road, in the established Leeds West End Business District. Developed by BAM, Latitude Yellow will provide over 200,000 sq ft of Grade A commercial office space.
Latitude Yellow has been designed to create the next generation of high-quality, sustainable office space. With a vision to be the most sustainable new workspace in Leeds, the development will achieve Net-Zero status from day one, totally eliminating the need for fossil fuels throughout the lifetime of the building and relying exclusively on renewable energy sources.
The development will target BREEAM Outstanding and a Nabers rating of 5.5. The design promotes sustainable and active travel, with minimal on-site car parking, premium changing facilities and secure cycle storage areas.
The development has been designed to offer exceptional amenities and access to outdoor space, with the inclusion of a gym, ground floor café, event space, and roof garden. Biodiversity-friendly features include green walls throughout the development and a new public realm.
Over 25% of the budget for Latitude Yellow has been allocated to local social value initiatives, so the development will directly benefit the local community.
The decision to approve the application was taken by the City Plans Panel on 11 April 2024.
Cllr James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “The development – which has now seen its planning application approved – will provide much needed, modern office space on brownfield land in a key location for the city centre.
“It’s encouraging the new building will be Net Zero, setting an example for future office developments on the road to a low carbon future. We welcome the steps they’re taking to ensure all energy and electricity used by the site will be sourced exclusively from renewable energy, as well as the commitment to sustainable construction.
“We look forward to seeing the building progress and further improving this part of the city centre.”
Managing Director of BAM Properties, Euan Miller, said: “We’re delighted that our application has been approved by Leeds’ City Plans Panel. Sustainability is at the heart of Latitude Yellow and our proposals have had a really positive response from both the local community and senior stakeholders in Leeds.
“In particular, we’re glad to see the City Plans Panel’s support for the promotion of sustainable city centre travel by limiting the amount of car parking spaces. We’re now aiming to begin work on site later this year.”
York commercial finance firm bolsters senior team
An experienced commercial finance broker has joined Ice Cubed Property Finance, to head up its SME and leisure offering.
Richard Swan brings with him over 20 years’ finance experience. An independent broker since 2017, Richard also has more than ten years’ experience at NatWest Business and Commercial Banking, specialising in commercial mortgages, leisure, property development & investment finance.
He will link up with the expanding firm which currently sponsors York Rugby Union Club and also York Knights Rugby League teams.
Tom Frank, Managing Director of Ice Cubed Property Finance, said: “Richard will be a fantastic addition to the senior management team and will help us to offer more products to clients, whilst building on our existing leisure finance specialism. This appointment will help us to reach our ambitious growth targets over the coming years.”
Richard Swan, added: “I was attracted to Ice Cubed Property Finance because of its recognised brand and market leading presence in the property and bridging finance sector.
“This is well aligned to my own background and given my previous experience in business and commercial banking, I’m excited to be able to widen the scope of the company’s finance offering to even more general trading and leisure businesses, via commercial mortgages, leveraged finance and cash flow solutions.”
Frontier Software support HR Technologies UK
Frontier Software is supporting HR Technologies UK at ExCel London on 17th and 18th April 2024.
HR Technologies is the UK’s only technology focused event, with over 60 suppliers in the exhibition hall showcasing the latest in workplace technology. HR professionals can discover technology solutions to support their business.
The event includes panel discussions, presentations, roundtables and networking opportunities with more than 20 keynote speakers. Delegates can also join one of the 70 free seminars in dedicated theatres, where industry leaders and solution providers share their expertise.
HR has experienced a significant shift in their alignment with broader business strategy, and Frontier Software has remained focussed on the development of innovative technology to support that alignment.
HR has come a long way from its administrative roots, adapting to a landscape driven by technology and helping to ensure a business can thrive in an increasingly competitive and complex world. The HR professional is integral to developing and implementing organisational strategies and is a key to driving innovation.
An experienced and trusted provider, Frontier Software has been delivering software solutions to support HR professionals for over 40 years and has evolved and adapted in line with the complex demands of users.
A comprehensive suite of fully integrated software modules, with highly configurable automation tools, ensure personalised employee interactions create the right balance for your organisation and your people.
Real-time data is readily available for accurate and informed decision making and a ChatHR feature supports conversation style interactions between your employees and your HR database.
Visit Frontier Software at HR Technologies to learn more about their proven HR and/or Payroll cloud-based solution, and outsourced payroll processing services for organisations of every size and sector.
Jennifer joins Willerby to manage sales in its Bespoke brand
Mobile home manufacturer Willerby has appointed Jennifer Hughes to oversee the sales department of its bespoke park home and luxury lodge division in her new role as National Sales Manager for Willerby Bespoke.
Established in 2018, Willerby Bespoke complements the company’s range of holiday homes and lodges. Recently, the Willerby Bespoke brand has been aligned more closely with its parent brand, Willerby Ltd, with an aim to leverage Willerby’s market-leading position and outstanding industry reputation to grow the park home arm of the business. Jennifer said: “I am thrilled to be a part of Willerby Bespoke at this exciting juncture. The company’s investment in the bespoke sector is commendable and I look forward to contributing to its future growth. “By aligning our brands more closely, we aim to reinforce the message that our park homes and lodges bear the hallmark of Willerby’s quality and expertise.” With extensive experience in the park home sector and a background in senior roles at various manufacturers and park groups, Jennifer emphasises the importance of customer feedback in driving innovation. She added: “Understanding our customers’ needs is paramount. Their input shapes the development of new models, ensuring that our offerings align with their lifestyle preferences.” Darren Black, Willerby’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jennifer to the business. Her expertise will be invaluable as we expand our bespoke offerings and strive to increase market share.”More than 1,400 Covid bounce back loan cheats given company directorship bans
During the last year more than 800 company directors have been disqualified for abusing Covid support schemes following investigations by the Insolvency Service, taking the total banned since 2021 to more than 1,400.
They include Huddersfield man Richard Ward, who signed a 12-year disqualification undertaking in June 2023.
Ward, 42, of North Cross Road, Huddersfield, applied for three Bounce Back Loans worth a combined £120,000 in the summer of 2020 on behalf of Colt House Event Management Ltd, Colt House Developers Ltd, and Colt House Bloodstock Ltd.
He claimed the companies ran corporate hospitality golf events, developed a large residential property in Huddersfield and purchased foals for future sale.
However, investigations by the Insolvency Service revealed none of the companies had any income in their bank accounts before receiving the loans. Ward also transferred at least £105,000 of the funds to his own account for his personal use.
During 2023-24, a total of 831 directors were banned for Covid financial support scheme misconduct, with an average disqualification length of more than nine-and-a-half years.
Dean Beale, Chief Executive at the Insolvency Service, said: “Tackling Bounce Back Loan misconduct is a key priority for the Insolvency Service and we are determined to use all our available powers to remove rogue company directors from the corporate arena.
“It is important the Insolvency Service is taking such robust action to clamp down on directors who abused Covid support schemes and took from the public purse during the worst global pandemic for 100 years.
“We have teams dedicated solely to investigating Bounce Back Loan misconduct that are committed to taking action against those who provided misleading information to receive money they were not entitled to.”
The Covid Bounce Back Loan Scheme was introduced at the start of the pandemic in 2020. It helped small and medium-sized businesses borrow between £2,000 and £50,000 at a low interest rate, guaranteed by the government. Businesses were entitled to a single loan of up to 25% of their turnover under the scheme. Individuals could use the loans only for the economic benefit of the business and not for personal purposes.Pioneering peatland project completed
A pioneering £350,000 project to restore peatland at Arden Great Moor, near Helmsley, has been completed.
The project, undertaken by Mexborough Estates, the owner of 3000-acre Arden Great Moor, will have serious and sustainable environmental benefits.
Arden Great Moor is situated in the Howardian Hills in the heart of the North York Moors National Park.
Jamie Savile, director of Mexborough Estates, explained: “The restoration of peatland is now common practice across the UK and we were keen to play our part in creating a greener and healthier environment on the moor.
“In essence, the work we have done will improve the blanket bog peatland habitat, which is some 40 centimetres-plus deep, improve the hydrological integrity of the peatland and preserve the shallower peat bodies. Taken together, these changes will benefit wildlife, create carbon sinks, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve quality of the water on the moor.
“Extensive research has shown how improvements to peatlands that have suffered from drainage problems, erosion or burning are increasingly important.”
The cost of the work will be reimbursed by the Government under Countryside Stewardship Scheme.
Jamie Savile continued: “Our North Yorkshire estate is part of the North York Moors National Park and contains sites of special scientific interest and special areas of conservation. They are a haven for wildlife and home to rare flora and fauna as well as having sites of historical interest and architectural heritage.
“It is our duty to look after these sites pro-actively and responsibly. Environmental considerations are crucial and great care is taken to have a responsible stewardship and maintain the natural beauty of the environment.”
The work on Great Arden Moor included:
- Planting 180,000 Sphagnum plugs over the deep peat areas to re-establish the acrotelm and restore the capability of the peat to enable it to actively regenerate and become a carbon sink
- 11,104m Grip and gully blocking and re-profiling to restore the hydrological integrity of the peat mass
- Installation of 118 Arc bunds to capture lateral surface flow
- Reprofiling and returfing 1,298m hags to restore the bare peat
- Installing 79 timber trickle dams to slow the flow, raise the water table and establish build up sediment behind the dams
- Creation of 2 water retention areas to slow the flow, raise the water table and capture sediment
- Revegetating and restoring bare peat and micro-erosion areas using brash, seed and plug plants
- 300ha Scrub clearance to preserve protected and priority peatland habitats.
Finance for Enterprise provides funding to support £1.8m acquisition of metal fabrication firm
South Yorkshire-based Finance For Enterprise (FFE) has provided £250k of funding to DINH Ltd to support the acquisition of AAP Metal Fabrication Services Ltd.
Based in Jarrow, Tyne & Wear, AAP was established in 2009 and provides bespoke metal fabrication services with particular expertise in the Subsea, Offshore and renewables sectors. The acquisition will see the current AAP directors retire with immediate effect.
The DINH purchasers are Gordon Watt and Jeremy McLeod-MacKenzie, who are both qualified accountants and experienced business owners. They already jointly own three other UK businesses involved in engineering and metal fabrication.
The strategic fit of acquiring AAP is strong due to the buyers’ existing business, Washington Waterjet Ltd (WWJ), being located in the same area.
The intention is for AAP’s general manager to take over the day-to-day operations with support from Terry Hall who is MD of WWJ and will also become the Managing Director of AAP. Jeremy McLeod-MacKenzie will provide FD and strategic support to both businesses.
Commenting on the acquisition, Jeremy McLeod-MacKenzie said: “AAP has developed a strong reputation for supporting local clients with innovative solutions in a timely manner.
“This has resulted in the development of a loyal customer base that considers AAP a critical supplier. There is still huge potential to extend AAP’s geographical reach and continue its development and growth, with focus to date having been on their local marketplace.”
Two new jobs are anticipated to be created based on the increasing revenue in the business. These are expected within the next 12 months.
Commenting on behalf of FFE, Neil Wade, Senior Business Lending Manager, said: “We are delighted to have supported two entrepreneurs to complete the acquisition of their fourth engineering business. In doing so, the deal has helped to protect and create new jobs in an area that currently suffers higher than average levels of unemployment. (ONS Feb 2024)”
This deal represents the first deployment of FFE’s new £25m facility recently announced as part of the £62m CIEF funding provided by Lloyds Bank and Big City Capital.
The deal was introduced to FFE by Pegasus Funding Solutions. The remainder of the funding for the deal has been provided by a combination of cash, invoice finance and deferred consideration.
Leeds-based start-up investment network appoints Gordons as legal partner
Law firm Gordons has been appointed as the legal partner of Leeds-based Lifted Ventures, a start-up investment network aimed at supporting female founders.
As legal partner, Gordons will advise the network’s investors and provide guidance to start-ups throughout the funding process, including early stage, growth and exit.
Lifted Ventures was founded in 2023 by Helen Oldham and Jordan Dargue, who were joint leaders of the NorthInvest angel network and co-founders of both Fund Her North and Women Angels of the North.
Helen Oldham said: “Lifted Ventures is an early-stage investment connector, existing to increase the flow of early-stage capital to female-founded businesses.
“It’s critical that both our community of angel investors and our founders – especially those who may be going through this process for the first time – have access to reliable and experienced legal experts. The Lifted Ventures team are so pleased to be able to facilitate this for our network through our partnership with Gordons.”
To date, Lifted Ventures has facilitated over £450m of funding and helped more than 500 entrepreneurs across a range of sectors outside of London and the South East.
Amy Pierechod, partner and head of start-ups and emerging companies at Gordons, said: “Lifted Ventures has a vital mission in getting capital flowing to women-led start-ups. It’s great to have been appointed and we are looking forward to leveraging our experience in this space to provide straight-forward, practical advice to the network and grow its list of success stories.”
Four Yorkshire people arrested in potential multi-million pound fraud
Four people have been arrested in connection with an investigation into waste offences, fraud and money laundering after raids at three homes in Yorkshire.
The raids involved the Environment Agency, Joint Unit for Waste Crime and Yorkshire & Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit, but enquiries so far indicate the fraud suspected by the individuals and companies under investigation has resulted in a multi-million pound financial benefit.
Four people – a man and woman in their 20s from Leeds, a man in his 50s from Doncaster, and a man in his 30s from Calderdale were arrested in connection with the investigation, and evidence including digital devices were seized.
The arrests relate to two ongoing investigations being carried out by the Environment Agency and Joint Unit for Waste Crime into fraud, money laundering and offences under the producer responsibility regulations.
Producer responsibility is about making sure businesses that manufacture, import and sell products such as electrical and electronic equipment, batteries and scrap vehicles are responsible for their end-of-life environmental impact.
Anyone defrauding the system and receiving financial benefit are taking money away from legitimate businesses and funding that should be invested in improving the UK’s recycling infrastructure.
Emma Viner, enforcement & investigations manager at the Environment Agency said: “We are thoroughly following and interrogating the evidence gathered during the raids to progress our ongoing investigation.
“Enquiries of this nature are complex and the financial benefit can be substantial. Our overall aim is to bring those involved to justice and remove the financial benefit made through committing crime.”
Beverley MP steps down from Ministerial post
Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart is stepping down from the role of Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, which he has held since 2016, though he’s staying on as the MP for his East Yorkshire constituency.
He said: “Having served as a Minister for most of the last eight years I have decided to stand down. I intend to continue serving my constituents in East Yorkshire, and look forward to fighting and winning the seat later this year.
Prime Minister Rushi Sunak said: “Graham has been a dedicated Minister and have helped this country lead the way in developing clean, green and secure sources of energy, playing a crucial role in making sure that this country and its industries are well prepared for the growth opportunities that the energy transition will provide.”
Government puts £1.5m into boosting occupational health services
Five projects are to share £1.5m to develop new ways to improve occupational health services which will eventually be made available to small firms to help them support their employees to stay in work.
The new technology developed through the Fund will help unlock opportunities to improve people’s work and wellbeing, says the government as it seeks to boost health and employment support to drive down inactivity.
Before the pandemic, inactivity in the UK had fallen by over 850,000 and while it currently remains lower than G7, EU and OECD averages, many people including those from younger generations are out of work due to long term sickness, in large part been driven by mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
With long-term sickness now the main reason people of working-age give for being economically inactive, occupational health services can help employers provide in work support to manage their employees’ health conditions and reduce the number of those becoming inactive.
However, only 45% of workers in Britain have access to some form of occupational health, with an estimated 1.8 million workers reporting work-related ill health in 2022/23. That’s why the government is working with companies to develop new technology to better understand employee health, provide tailored support and tackle long-term sickness to help people stay and succeed in work.
Minister for Employment Jo Churchill said: “Time off work due to sickness costs British business £100 billion every year. The innovative solutions developed through this funding will benefit businesses as we harness AI and technology to support a healthier and more productive workforce.
“Delivering through our Back to Work Plan and Occupational Health Taskforce, we are driving down inactivity and helping people reach their potential both in work and their daily lives.”
Minister for Health and Social Care Helen Whately said: “Every year many thousands of people take time off work – or leave work altogether – because of ill health. But at the same time, there are millions of people who are working with health conditions, often supported by occupational health services.
“We want more people to be able to benefit from occupational health support, particularly people working in smaller businesses or those who are self-employed. That’s why we’re investing in these innovative approaches to occupational health. This sits alongside our plans for WorkWell which will help people access support to stay in work, and our fit note reforms.
“A healthy economy depends on a healthy workforce. Making sure people can be healthy and stay in work is crucial for individuals, businesses and our country as a whole.”
Doncaster Airport’s almost ready for takeoff
The final stages of appointing an operator for Doncaster Airport have been reached, and TUI has said it wants to bring its flights back to South Yorkshire.
That’s according to Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones said: “We are in the final stages of appointing an airport operator. The final bidders are currently finalising their own business plans and vision now that they are able to consider the underlease and access the site as part of their due diligence.
“With the right operator our airport has incredible potential to truly thrive and be the economic stimulus that we all know it can and should be. Our vision is for a world leading centre for sustainable aviation and the operator will share this vision and work in partnership with us to make it a reality. Once the procurement process is concluded we will make the announcement.”
Meanwhile, following the lease announcement last month, TUI have said it is keen to return to the airport. The Mayor said: “We have kept in regular contact with them since the structural review of the former DSA site was announced. We have engaged TUI with the bidders for their return to our airport to be explored and we are hopeful that we will see TUI back in Doncaster.
“I would like to personally thank Mark Chadwick for all his support in leading the #saveDSA campaign. Mark continues to be influential in maintaining public interest and optimism. He helped spread the message of hope far and wide and continues to keep people informed and thus his contribution cannot be understated.”
Croda named as ‘most admired’ for seventh consecutive year
Snaith-based Croda International has been voted ‘Britain’s Most Admired Chemicals Company’ for the seventh year running.
Britain’s Most Admired Companies is the longest-running peer-review survey of corporate reputation in the UK and asks participants to rate companies in their sector against 13 criteria critical to business success.
Steve Foots, Group Chief Executive of Croda said: “To win this award consistently for the last seven years is a remarkable feat and is a testament to the unwavering can-do spirit and hard work of our employees.
“While 2023 was a financially challenging year for Croda, being voted second out of 251 companies for our long-term potential is a phenomenal achievement and one that reflects our strong desire to capture the extensive growth opportunities ahead of us.”
Facebook Marketplace furniture fraudster gets jail term
A Facebook Marketplace from Rotherham who defrauded people trying to buy furniture during lockdown has been sent to prison for money laundering and fraud.
Ryan Rhys Burns, 32, of 26 St Mary’s Road, Rotherham, conned customers out of £14,544 for furnishings that didn’t exist or completely unfit for purpose.
More than 100 complaints were made by consumers between August 2020 and July 2022 about two online businesses – Bespoke Furnishings and Rustic Furnishings – which Burns ran to carry out a widespread fraud.
Both companies operated via Facebook Marketplace and displayed photographs of the furniture that they claimed to make. The pages often appeared as advertisements on victims’ Facebook feed after they had been searching for furniture online.
Burns used a network of ten bank accounts under his and his partner’s names to launder money. He spent the stolen money on holidays, restaurants, take-aways and other luxury items. He also used fake addresses in the latter part of the fraud.
Victims were met with lies and hostility from either Burns or his partner, who frequently acted on his behalf, when they enquired about a refund. One victim described how he “tried to be patient and polite to start with, but then realised I was just the victim of a scammer who was repeatedly lying to me”. Another said: “I feel as if I have been scammed and wonder how somebody could do this to someone else.” On limited occasions, refunds were given but this appeared to be done reluctantly and only after victims exerted a significant amount of effort to get their money back.
Burns was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment under the Fraud Act 2006 and Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, and will serve half.
The investigation was conducted by the National Trading Standards Regional Investigations Team (Yorkshire and Humber), hosted at City of York Council, and was supported by Rotherham Trading Standards.
Lord Michael Bichard, Chair of National Trading Standards, said: “Stealing from people looking to improve their homes while pandemic restrictions forced them to stay indoors shows that Burns had a callous disregard for his victims, inflicting additional distress during an already turbulent time.
“This sentence sends a strong message that fraud does not go unpunished and I congratulate all those involved in bringing Burns to justice and preventing him from targeting anyone else.”
Ruth Andrews, Regional Investigations Manager for the Yorkshire and Humber at City of York Council added: “Many consumers lost significant sums of money to this fraud, which was committed when many people were feeling particularly vulnerable during the pandemic.
“The actions of Burns, including failing to refund disappointed customers and his behaviour in response to their complaints, was completely unacceptable and deliberate, and has been reflected in his sentencing today. I’m grateful to our persistent and hardworking team of investigators here in York and in Rotherham.”
Business Club prepares to celebrate twentieth anniversary
Lincoln Business Club is is planning a 20th Anniversary Party taking place on May 17th at the Charlotte House Hotel at the Lawns in Lincoln.
The not-for-profit Lincoln-based networking group, they are inviting members, partners, and friends to join in a night of festivities.
Nicola Ellwood, Chair of Lincoln Business Club, said:“As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we are reminded of the incredible journey we’ve shared as a community of business leaders and entrepreneurs. This event is a testament to our collective achievements and the enduring spirit of collaboration within Lincolnshire that defines us.”
The event is made possible through collaborations with partners including Stokes Coffee, Lincoln Gin Distillery, and Fizzco as well as sponsors Make an Entrance, Wright Vigar, eComOne, Austen Hempstead, Sheila Stamp – Travel Counsellors, Petaurum HR, Uptech, and Business Bolox.
Nottingham group acquires Sheffield online retailer
Huddled Group plc, the Nottingham-based business focused on building a portfolio of e-commerce brands, has acquired online retailer Food Circle Supermarket for up to £300,000.
The acquisition comprises the entire stock, intellectual property and website and other social channels of Food Circle.
Founded in 2018, by owner/operators Paul Simpson and James Barthorpe, Sheffield-based Food Circle is an online, direct-to-consumer retailer specialising in discounted foods for healthy and specialised diets such as high-protein and energy products.
Food Circle serves customers across the UK and has become a trusted partner for well-known brands within this market, including Huel, Nakd, Grenade and Optimum Nutrition, amongst others.
Food Circle delivers an average of 3,000 orders per month, with an average order value of £40. The business has seen strong growth since inception and delivered unaudited revenue of £1.4m and a small net loss of £46k for the year ended 31 December 2023.
With access to additional funds to grow its range and other expected synergies as a result of becoming part of Huddled Group, the Board believes that Food Circle can be grown significantly. Paul Simpson and James Barthorpe will continue in their current roles and will be supported to grow the business.
Martin Higginson, Chief Executive Officer of Huddled Group PLC, said: “We’re delighted to announce this exciting opportunity to further strengthen our position in the online surplus food and drink market, alongside our existing brand, Discount Dragon.
“Food Circle is positioned at the intersection of a number of market trends; the continued search for value among consumers, the demand for e-commerce and direct delivery services, and the growth in health and nutrition products to support active lifestyles.
“It has developed important relationships with brands for whom responsible disposal of surplus stocks remains a priority and this will remain a core mission for Food Circle.
“Paul and James have done an amazing job growing the business to a turnover of £1.4m with very limited capital and therefore range. We are convinced given access to additional funds the pair will quickly grow this business to new heights.”
Paul Simpson and James Barthorpe, Founders of Food Circle, said: “We are delighted that Food Circle is joining the Huddled Group plc family. We have worked hard to build our business from the ground up since our formation in 2018, and feel that now is the ideal time to join a growing group with exciting ambitions for the future.
“We believe that Huddled Group plc is the perfect partner to help us unlock the huge potential of Food Circle.
“The business is positioned in a rapidly growing market, and we are confident that this acquisition will enable us to build on the work we have done so far in helping brands to reduce waste, while maintaining their brand equity, and offering consumers access to high quality products at competitive prices.”
Canadian company acquires Huddersfield manufacturer
Decisive Dividend Corporation, an acquisition-oriented company focused on opportunities in manufacturing, has acquired Elland-based Techbelt.
Founded in 2002, Techbelt is a manufacturer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) conveyor belts, PTFE tapes, and PTFE materials which are used in a wide range of end markets including food and beverage, packaging, textiles, agriculture, and fast-moving consumer goods.
Techbelt marks Decisive’s second acquisition in the UK.
Managing Director of Techbelt, Simon Sparkes, who has been with Techbelt since 2006, has committed to lead the business for at least the next three years.
Jeff Schellenberg, Chief Executive Officer of Decisive, said: “We are thrilled to add Techbelt, its leadership team, employees, and high-margin wear-part products to our growing portfolio of businesses.
“Having the opportunity to add another business that sells wear-parts is a great fit for our dividend paying model and aligns with our strategy of investing in industry verticals we have previously invested in.
“The customers these wear-parts are sold to operate in the food and beverage, packaging, textiles, agriculture, and fast-moving consumer goods industries, with locations in the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, Oceania, North and South America and Africa, further diversifying our cash flow profile and expanding our non-North American revenue base.
“Finding another set of legacy minded business owners who care deeply about seeing the business they have built carry forward is extremely rewarding for us and we are pleased to welcome one of the vendors, Simon Sparkes, to our leadership group.
“Simon has committed to run the business for a minimum of three years, and the continuity that Simon’s leadership provides will help maintain the trajectory of growth the business has been on under Simon’s leadership, which is a critical piece of this deal to Decisive.
“We look forward to working with and supporting Simon and the whole Techbelt team to further build the business and take advantage of the market opportunities they have positioned the business for.”
Simon Sparkes, Managing Director of Techbelt, said: “Myself and the whole Techbelt team are thrilled to be part of the Decisive family. Having spent the last 17 years building a business it was important that we find the right partner to continue our growth and take us to the next step. I’m passionate about our employees, customers and suppliers.
“We wanted to find a new owner with aligning values, who will allow us to continue with our own identity whilst providing us with the support and access to markets we have identified as growth opportunities.
“I look forward to the opportunities that Decisive will provide us in North America. A deeper and more localised access to this market has been a personal aspiration of mine for a number of years and I’m excited about what the future looks like for Techbelt.”
