Yorkshire Water to give £235,000 to Wildlife Trust after pollution incident
Yorkshire Water has agreed to give £235,000 to Yorkshire Wildlife Trust after polluting a Harrogate watercourse, following an investigation by the Environment Agency.
The company breached its environmental permit with an unauthorised sewage discharge from Stray Road combined sewer overflow, which polluted Hookstone Beck.
It submitted an Enforcement Undertaking to the Environment Agency, which has now been accepted. An Enforcement Undertaking is a voluntary offer made by companies and individuals to make amends for their offending, and usually includes a donation to a wildlife charity to carry out environmental improvements in the local area.
Stray Road combined sewer overflow has an environmental permit which allows a discharge into the beck when the storm sewage facility is full due to rainfall or snow melt. On 27 August 2015, it discharged illegally during dry weather and sewage fungus was evident on the bed of Hookstone Beck.
As part of the Enforcement Undertaking requirements Yorkshire Water has upgraded its telemetry to allow continuous monitoring of the storm overflow.
Claire Barrow, Environment Agency Area Environment Manager, said: “Sewage pollution can be devastating to human health, local biodiversity and out environment. Storm overflows must only be used under strict permitted conditions that control their environmental impact.
“We are holding the water industry to account like never before and while we will always take forward prosecutions in the most serious cases, Enforcement Undertakings are an effective enforcement tool to allow companies to put things right and contribute to environmental improvements. They allow polluters to correct and restore the harm caused to the environment and prevent repeat incidents by improving their procedures, helping ensure future compliance with environmental requirements.”
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust will use the donation on environmental improvements in North Yorkshire including native crayfish conservation and reed bed management at Ripon City Wetlands.
Anti-scam squad to be formed to crack down on online fraud
A Joint Fraud Taskforce is discussing the development of an online fraud charter with the tech sector to respond to the growing volume of fraud originating on social media platforms.
The charter will ensure that tech firms take action to block scams, make it easier to report frauds and ensure that fraudulent content is removed swiftly. The Security Minister has also called on tech firms to implement stronger measures to tackle fraud on their platforms ahead of the introduction of the Online Safety Bill.
The latest meeting of the Taskforce is the first since the publication of the government’s Fraud Strategy which set out a whole system response to tackling these crimes in the light of how they have evolved through modern technology.
This included the creation of a new National Fraud Squad to overhaul how these crimes are investigated by taking a proactive, intelligence-led approach, backed by 400 new specialist investigators, working with local forces, international partners and the UK intelligence community to shut down fraud cells.
Other measures in the strategy include:
- banning cold calls on all financial products such as types of insurance or sham crypto currency schemes
- working with Ofcom to use new technology to further clamp down on number ‘spoofing’, so fraudsters cannot impersonate legitimate UK phone numbers
- banning the use of so-called ‘SIM farms’ commonly harnessed by scammers to reach thousands of people at once
- reviewing the use of mass texting services
- rolling out tailored support to victims at a local level across the whole of England and Wales through the National Economic Crime Victim Care Unit
- launching an independent review of the challenges in investigating and prosecuting fraud to speed up the justice process, punishing more scammers and ensuring sentences match the severity of the impact on victims
- deploying the UK intelligence community to identify and disrupt more fraudsters overseas
- publishing regular data on the volume of fraudulent content hosted on different websites and platforms to incentivise companies to root these out and better protect users.
“I will continue this conversation with tech sector bosses to ensure they are doing everything in their power to disrupt the callous fraudsters operating online and better protect their users.
“Previous Joint Fraud Taskforce meetings have overseen the development and agreement of charters covering sectors such as retail banking and telecoms. The telecommunications charter has already resulted in massive action by the operators, with over 600 million scam texts blocked and vast numbers of scam calls filtered out before they can reach the public.” Representatives also discussed the development of a cross-government anti-fraud public awareness campaign to streamline and simplify messaging to the public. The Security Minister encouraged partners to collaborate with government on the preparation and delivery of the campaign.Village to lose historic footbridge during refurbishment work
North Nottinghamshire-based Universal Coatings UK is to carry out refurbishment work on Saxilby footbridge near Lincoln.
The company has a range of experience in bridge refurbishment working for the rail network and for the canal and rivers trust and we are pleased to have secured their services on this project.
MD Philip Bingham said: “Even though we’ve been involved in some truly iconic projects in the past, nothing beats working locally and being able to say “we did that” every time you pass.”
Also working in partnership with the Council is John Peberdy Partnership, Quantity Surveying; Emprocom, Health and Safety Consultants; and Peter Cole Consultants, Structural Engineers.
Saxilby footbridge, which crosses the Fossdyke will be removed from its location in the picturesque village to undergo much-needed refurbishment.
West Lindsey District Council has notified residents and businesses in the village that the refurbishment works it has commissioned will take place Tuesday 25 July 2023.
The steel footbridge, given to the village by British Rail in 1986, will need to be lifted by crane and taken to a workshop for the work to be carried out. The refurbishment work includes shot blasting; rust treatment; steel repairs and bolt replacement; and re-painting with a railway grade paint system to ensure a long life and minimise the length of time between maintenance.
Sheffield businesses taught how to handle begging in the city
A new guide will help Sheffield’s city centre businesses to address begging, engage with people who are begging and share information about how enforcement is tackling anti-social behaviour in Sheffield.
Developed by the Community Safety Team, the Sheffield City Centre Business and Retail guide aims to empower businesses to take the best action when faced with anti-social behaviour or begging on their premises. It informs businesses of the support available to them and to people who are begging and explains how businesses can report anti-social behaviour to the police through a dedicated crime portal.
The guide is part of a series of interventions that aim to reduce anti- social behaviour in the city centre. It was launched at a special event for businesses in the Winter Garden with the Safer Sheffield Partnership. Business representatives met with council officers, South Yorkshire Police, charities including the Archer Project and Ben’s Centre, and Sheffield’s Business Improvement District.
The guide includes advice for businesses on what they can do if they are affected by anti-social behaviour, particularly begging. Advice includes:
- Show compassion: treat people on the streets as humans and speak to them without judgement
- Spread awareness: let people know about the Help Us Help campaign and the guidance it provides to businesses and the public
- Direct to services: the Help Us Help website has lots of information that can help people living on the streets, including where to find support services. Make sure you signpost them to helpful information.
- Report anti-social behaviour: businesses can report anti social behaviour and crime through a dedicated business portal.
Hull technology company acquires training provider
Hull technology company Connexin has acquired Encompass Training, one of UK’s largest training providers.
The acquisition will see Encompass Training merge with Connexin Academy – Connexin’s training and development arm, as 30 additional staff join the team to accelerate employment opportunities for over 600 learners each year.
Connexin Academy was launched in 2021, with the aim to boost digital skills and enhance employability for the community.
Founded in 2009, Encompass is a Centre of Excellence with The Leadership Pipeline Institute (LPI). Several FORTUNE 500 companies, including Wren Kitchens, Stonegate Group, Eurocell and Diageo, have all chosen Encompass and LPI as the leadership model for selecting and growing leaders across all levels.
Adam Rhodes, director of commercial operations at Encompass, said: “At Encompass, we are immensely proud of our achievements so far, in training thousands of learners and working with some of the biggest companies in the region. Encompass and Connexin share their roots in the city of Hull and our equally strong commitment in upskilling the country’s workforce.
“Digital skills are absolutely vital in today’s economy and keep our businesses thriving. Uniting with the Connexin Academy is the next big step of many more to come.”
Encompass’ legal advice was provided by a multi-disciplinary team at Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP, led by corporate partner, Philip Ashworth, who was supported by Nicole Waldron (corporate), Fiona Phillips (tax) and Nick Wilson (employment).
Philip said: “We are delighted to have advised the shareholders and board at Encompass on this complex transaction and we have every confidence that the business has a bright future ahead as part of Connexin.”
Heidi Greaves, Managing Director of Connexin Academy, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Encompass and its brilliant team will become part of the Connexin family. Encompass is a fantastic business and one that has received a number of great accolades.
“Connexin Academy shares the same values as Encompass for transforming lives through learning. This alignment in ethos and culture will bring huge benefits, not just to learners, but to employers across the region.
“Through this acquisition, we’re able to expand our offering with a range of extra courses, bootcamps and apprenticeships. We are thrilled to further cement our position as a leading digital skills and training provider.”
Hornsea Project Four offshore wind farm gains development consent
Development consent has been granted by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero for the Hornsea Project Four offshore wind farm, approximately 69km off Flamborough Head on the Yorkshire Coast.
The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration by Orsted Hornsea Project Four Limited on 29 September 2021 and accepted for Examination on 27 October 2021.
Following an Examination during which the public, Statutory Consultees and Interested Parties were given the opportunity to give evidence to the Examining Authority, recommendations were made to the Secretary of State on 22 November 2022.
Orsted is planning to create a 180 turbine wind farm, which, if built out to full capacity, could provide enough power to meet the average daily need of over 1 million UK homes, producing up to 2.6GW of electricity.
The decision on the site was initially expected in February.
Hornsea Four is Ørsted’s fourth project in the Hornsea Zone. It will be located to the west of Hornsea One (now fully operational), Hornsea Two (now fully operational), and Hornsea Three (granted development consent).
The Planning Inspectorate’s Chief Executive, Paul Morrison said: “The Planning Inspectorate has now examined more than 100 nationally significant infrastructure projects since the Planning Act 2008 process was introduced, ensuring local communities have had the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them.
“Local communities continue to be given the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them. Local people, the local authority and other Interested Parties were able to participate in this six-month Examination.
“The Examining Authority listened and gave full consideration to all local views and the evidence gathered during the Examination before making its recommendation to the Secretary of State.”
Real estate advisor instructed to market largest available warehouse in Yorkshire
The Yorkshire industrial and logistics team at global real estate advisor Knight Frank has been instructed by Legal and General Investment Management to market Sherburn 550, the largest immediately available warehouse in Yorkshire and the North East of England.
The substantial 556,598 sq ft distribution / manufacturing facility is located off Junction 42 of the A1(M) to the east of Leeds and benefits from Grade A specification including 56 loading doors, 16.2m eaves height, three service yards, quality offices and generous power provision.
Iain McPhail, partner at Knight Frank’s Leeds office, said: “There has already been strong early interest in the building due to its quality specification and excellent connectivity. There continues to be a lack of existing large-scale warehouse availability both regionally and UK-wide, which is why the building has such a national significance.
“Its strategic position between Leeds, York and Wakefield means that occupiers can benefit from a large labour pool as well as easy access to the region’s motorway network via the A1(M), M1, M62 and M18.”
Rebecca Schofield, partner and head of Knight Frank’s Sheffield office, added: “The property offers the market a unique product because of its scale, power supply and being able to offer flexible lease terms. Occupational take-up in the region has been affected by the dearth of available existing stock and Sherburn 550 is able to accommodate the pent-up demand.”
Sheffield shares £1.24m amongst businesses to revitalise city centre street
Sheffield City Council is giving £1.24 million to businesses to help transform Chapel Walk into a vibrant city centre destination.
Two organisations will receive grants to improve shop fronts and increase accessibility to the upper floors of property on Chapel Walk, whilst small or new businesses will be able to apply for funding to move into empty shop units.
The funding comes from the Fargate Front Door Scheme, a £4m investment in shop fronts, access, and environmental improvements to make the area more attractive and fill empty shops. It forms part of the Future High Streets Fund plan to regenerate Fargate and surrounding streets.
Diane Jarvis, Head of Business Operations at Sheffield BID, said: “This is further positive, welcome news for the city centre. These latest investments will play a key part in continuing the regeneration story of the wider Fargate, High Street and Chapel Walk area.
“Anyone who has visited this part of the city centre recently will have seen that the whole area is going through a rapid period of change as the city centre continues to adapt to changes in visitor and consumer behaviour. The businesses in and around the area continue to deliver a first-class retail experience during the works on Fargate. We’re confident that the end results will speak for themselves and Chapel Walk will once again be a ‘must visit’ destination for city centre visitors. These are exciting times for the city centre and, as funding partner to ReNew Sheffield, we’re delighted to be playing a direct role in this transformation.”
The Sheffield Church Burgesses Trust will receive £250,000 to improve its shop fronts and support works to improve access inside the building to create new workspace in the empty upper floor. Whilst the Foundry Sheffield will receive £650,000 to improve its shop fronts, improve ground floor access and reconfigure upper floors at Victoria Hall.
£90,000 will be made available to help small and new businesses with fit out costs if they’re moving into a vacant property. Another £250,000 will be used to install public art to make Chapel Walk a pleasant and interesting place to visit.
The funding is part of plans to regenerate Fargate into a lively and vibrant place to meet, eat, shop, work and play. The Future High Streets Fund project also includes plans to turn 20 – 26 Fargate into an events and cultural hub, and investment in public realm to create space for events, reduce crime and improve walking and cycling routes.
Councillor Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Committee said: “Chapel Walk has a proud history as one of the city centre’s most loved shopping streets and this funding will give a new lease of life to the area, attracting new visitors and providing a boost for businesses.
“By enabling local organisations to upgrade their shop fronts, installing new public art, and providing grants to encourage small and new businesses to move into empty units, this funding will transform Chapel Walk into a fantastic place to visit in the city centre.
York businesses commit to ’emergency grab bag’ scheme
Four central York businesses have agreed to hold emergency grab bags to give immediate support in York city centre should a major incident occur.
The bags are at McDonald’s in Blake Street, Marks & Spencer in Pavement, Yates York pub in Church Lane, and the Popworld night club in Hudson Street.
The emergency grab bags have been designed to assist in the immediate aftermath of a terrorist attack or major incident. Each bag contains information and equipment that will aid the early response to an incident before the emergency services arrive .
The new bags help to bolster the current emergency response provision and have been funded by Safer York Partnership, York’s statutory Community Safety Partnership). A further bag will be held at the York Stadium Leisure Complex at Monks Cross on the outskirts of the city.
Superintendent Fran Naughton from North Yorkshire Police said: “Working with local partners and colleagues at Counter Terrorism Policing, North Yorkshire Police supports the installation of Emergency Grab Bags in York.
“The public should be reassured and not alarmed by this initiative; it is a precautionary measure to ensure that York is prepared for a major incident. Although there is no specific threat to York and North Yorkshire, the current UK threat level remains at substantial meaning an attack is likely.
“I thank members of the public for their continued support, and I would urge them to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour.”
This project builds on a number of proactive initiatives to protect those visiting, living and working in the city. This includes installing Hostile Vehicle Mitigation measures, providing first aid trauma kits, delivering protective security advice and training in Counter Terrorism awareness for local businesses. Multi-agency partners are also taking part in regular CT training exercises, the most recent being the live national exercise held at York Racecourse in March.
The new grab bags were delivered to the identified locations by Counter Terrorism Security Advisors from Counter Terrorism Policing North East, alongside Project Servator staff from North Yorkshire Police. Both teams maintain regular contact with local businesses and partners across the city centre and have engaged extensively with them as part of ongoing work around protecting public spaces. Guidance has been given to management and staff explaining how to store the bags securely and use their contents.
Yorkshire construction firm at the heart of hospital project
The full refurbishment of Castle Hill Hospital’s MRI suite in East Yorkshire is now complete. Run by the Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the hospital, which is located west of Cottingham, has made a significant investment in a new state of the art scanner as part of the refurbishment.
Yorkshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter, has carried out the four-month programme of construction work. The project has included stripping out all the existing fittings and fixtures from floor to ceiling and the management of the specialist removal of the old MRI scanner, before thoroughly cleaning and making good all internal areas.
New flooring, walls, reflective ceiling panels, internal doors and screens have all been installed, along with a new mechanical and electrical system. A specialist radiofrequency (RF) Faraday shield enclosure was built to block electromagnetic fields, before the new MRI scanner was installed alongside a smart new control room for staff, complete with a smart glass system for viewing patients and virtual dimmable windows.
The £500,000 programme of works by Hobson & Porter is one of several projects the firm is working on in the heath and care sector. As well as working on projects for the NHS, Hobson & Porter also works for a number of medical technology businesses and is delivering several large-scale care homes across the North of England.
Sam Robertson from Hobson & Porter said: “We have built up an impressive portfolio of works for NHS Trusts, medical centres and care operators over the years. We adapt our work schedules to take into account the fact that we are operating in fully functioning medical environments and work hard to deliver our projects on time and within budget, which is key to our success in this specialist area.
“This new state of the art MRI suite will enable Castle Hill Hospital to continue providing the best possible levels of patient care and it’s an honour to be part of this development, which will ultimately help to save lives in Hull.”
JLL makes seven promotions in Leeds
Global real estate consulting firm JLL has made seven promotions within its Leeds office in its latest round.
JLL has promoted the following team members across Yorkshire and the North East:
- Lee Conroy, Lease Advisory, Regional Lead
- Zach Mehdizadeh, Strategic Asset Management, Associate
- James Hendry, Residential Land & Development, Senior Surveyor
- Sue Oliver, Capital Markets, Executive Assistant
- Molly Orviss, Bewonder*, Senior Marketing Manager
- Holly Pickard, Bewonder*, Marketing Manager
- Bethany Robinson, Bewonder*, Operations Manager
Tom McWilliams, head of Yorkshire and North East region at JLL, said: “These promotions are incredibly well-deserved and reflect the hard work and dedication of our teams that continue to deliver joined-up real estate solutions across Yorkshire and the North East.
“Retaining and developing our talent is a key tenet of our business strategy. We are committed to helping our people grow and forge fulfilling and rewarding careers.”
LEP Growth Hubs work for business, report finds
An independent evaluation of LEP Growth Hubs between 2015 and 2020, commissioned by the government, concludes that LEP Growth Hubs increase turnover, business R&D, access to finance, and job creation.
The report has been welcomed by LEP Network Chair Mark Bretton, who said: “This report confirms what local businesses experience on the ground – LEP Growth Hubs are successful and proven to work. But, as the report makes clear, two things make that happen – a strong reputation for reliability and independence and a ‘human centred’ approach. These are essential and advantageous, particularly in times of heightened uncertainty. That uncertainty is more acute than ever, hence the role of LEP Growth Hubs has never been more valuable in enabling and supporting local businesses to start up, scale up, invest and export.
“But as the report states, increased consistency of the Growth Hub offer across the network, and improved resourcing, can enable LEP Growth Hubs to retain their high value staff and work even more effectively – this resonates with the Chancellor’s intention to maintain “a more consistent landscape” during LEP integration into local authorities. We simply cannot risk a patchwork of local business support in areas where LEPs are not able to integrate or where local leaders cannot reach agreement. I trust that this independent assessment of their performance will positively inform government as they consider their final decision on LEPs and LEP Growth Hub funding”.
LEP Growth Hubs, are currently funded to March 2024 with a final decision on future funding yet to be decided. The report, conducted by Technopolis and published on the government website, seeks to consider how LEP Growth Hubs operate at national, regional, and local levels, and to inform future decisions about policy and funding. The report shows that:
- LEP Growth Hubs are successful, and proven to work, especially for SMEs and have “a strong reputation for reliability and independence among stakeholders, partners, and businesses”.
- They reached 8% of all businesses in England – higher than the 2.5% ambition set in BEIS reporting.
- Growth Hubs simplify the business support landscape, undertaking significant stakeholder engagement and management, enabling local businesses to access the support and help available in their local areas.
- National and regional stakeholders saw Growth Hubs’ as having a unique understanding of local needs and strengths. This local strength and insight reaches local businesses where national programmes may not.
- Engagement with LEP Growth Hubs boosted employment levels for supported businesses – beneficiaries demonstrated an average 14% increase in employment one year after first engagement and an average 22% increase in employment after five years.
- In terms of turnover, there is clear sustained growth. Relative to the baseline, beneficiaries report an average increase of £782k one year after the first intervention, compared to £294k for non-beneficiaries. The equivalent increase five years post GH engagement is higher, at £953k.
- Businesses see the ‘human centred’ approach being of “immense value”, in terms of both dealing with partners and business beneficiaries, business felt this was “essential and advantageous, particularly in times of heightened uncertainty”.
- In conclusion LEP Growth Hub outcomes increased business R&D, access to finance, turnover, and job creation for local businesses
Water companies must go further and faster on environmental improvements, say authorities
Of the water companies serving our region only Yorkshire Water companies showed an improved environmental performance last year, climbing from a two-star to three-star rating.
Severn Trent and Anglian stayed the same, at four stars and two stars respectively, but it was noted that Anglian sat alongside Thames Water as together being responsible for more than half of serious pollution incidents. The Environment Agency has taken enforcement action against both companies.
Environment Agency Chair Alan Lovell said: “Regulators, water companies, government, eNGOs and many others all want the same thing: better environmental outcomes, including cleaner rivers and seas. We need to work together and take collective responsibility to achieve it.
“While there have been some modest improvements, it is unacceptable to still be seeing this level of pollution. We have seen a distinct culture shift from the water industry in recent months and that is welcome – but that must translate to profound, long-term change.
“The Environment Agency will play its part by transforming the way we regulate the sector. We welcome this week’s announcement on unlimited penalties which will also improve our enforcement powers.”
Ratings takes into account performance on environmental commitments such as pollution incidents and treatment work compliance. Last year, an updated reporting approach was introduced, with revised metrics and tightened performance thresholds.Whitby now out of the running for ‘hydrogen village’ trial scheme
Plans for Whitby to be part of a ‘hydrogen village’ scheme have been shelved.
The North Yorkshire location had been under consideration as one of three potential trial sites for using hydrogen to heat homes, but has been discounted along with Ellesmere Port, leaving Redcar as the sole contender.
The government continues to develop the proposal for a hydrogen village trial alongside Northern Gas Networks, and a decision on whether to proceed will be made by the government later this year.
The government intends to make policy decisions in 2026 on what role hydrogen should play in decarbonising heating. The hydrogen heating village trial will provide essential evidence for those decisions.
Pharmaceutical packaging firm placed into administration
Pharmaceutical Packaging (Leeds) Ltd has ceased trading and been placed into administration, with Mark Hodgett and Phil Pierce of specialist business advisory firm FRP appointed as joint administrators.
Based in Holbeck, Leeds, the firm used cutting edge technology to create bespoke labels for a range of national and multi-national organisations.
Due to the impact of rising supply costs and supply chain inflation, the firm was no longer able to meet its financial obligations. The firm has now ceased trading and has been placed into administration, with 21 employees made redundant.
Five employees will stay on to help FRP carry out an orderly wind down of the business over the next few weeks.
Mark Hodgett, restructuring advisory partner at FRP and joint administrator of Pharmaceutical Packaging (Leeds) Ltd, said: “Pharmaceutical Packaging had operated in the local area since 1878 and unfortunately, mounting external pressures, most notably rising costs, made the business financially unviable.
“Regrettably, this meant 21 staff were made redundant on appointment. We’re now supporting the individuals affected and preparing for an asset sale.”
Employers have a role in supporting mental health, says HR consultant
HR Consultant Laura Reilly, is urging Lincolnshire businesses to support the Samaritans’ “Talk to Us” awareness day on July 24th.
She says that as mental health continues to be a pressing concern in the workplace, the day is a great opportunity to raise awareness about mental health struggles among employees.
According to recent statistics, mental health problems affect one in four people in the UK, with employees experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Laura owns and runs Taurus HR Solutions. She said: “Employers have a key role to play in promoting good mental health in the workplace. The Samaritans’ “Talk to Us” Awareness Day provides a great opportunity for businesses to show their support and raise awareness about this important issue.”
To support their employees, Laura recommends that business owners take simple steps such as sending a quick email to their team on the 24th of July, highlighting the Samaritans’ “Talk to Us” campaign and providing links to support resources.
These resources can include mental health helplines, employee assistance programs, and mental health first aid training. Laura added: “Small gestures can make a huge difference. By showing their support and providing access to resources, employers can help to reduce the stigma around mental health and create a culture of openness and support.”
Laura is available to provide guidance and support to businesses looking to promote good mental health amongst their employees and is a Mental Health First Aider.
BCC hopes tiny unemployment rise is merely a blip
Despite unemployment remaining low, the British Chambers Of Commerce organisation hopes the latest 0.2 percentage point increase is a blip rather than a sign of a deeper trend.
Says Jane Gratton, Head of People Policy at the BCC: “We remain concerned about the persistent tightness in the labour market, adding to the costs and difficulties facing businesses.
“Staff shortages continue to damage growth and business activity. Our research shows that three quarters of firms are facing skills shortages, and in some cases, this means turning away new business.
“Fierce competition for skills, wage demands and candidates’ expectations leave many businesses with job vacancies they can’t fill. All of this, on top of rising interest rates, and stubbornly high inflation, makes it a perilous environment for business.
“The Government must support more people back into work and create the right conditions for employers to invest in staff training and development, which takes time.
“Firms need action now to fix the short-term issues they face in staff recruitment and retention. If employers cannot recruit and train from their local or national labour market, a flexible, efficient and affordable immigration system is crucial and must be a priority to stop wage inflation and get the UK back to healthy growth.”
IT and telecoms company secures £1.4m to complete MBO and support growth
A Hull company which provides managed IT and telecoms services has secured a £1.4m debt funding package to enable it to complete a management buy-out and support the next phase of its growth.
The One Point has secured funding from Mercia’s SME Loans fund and NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.
The deal will give the company’s founder Martin Lauer a majority shareholding and enable Spectrum, a Hull-based managed print and digital services firm which has been a partner in the business since 2014, to exit the company and focus on its new digital growth strategy.
Founded in 2005, The One Point provides a single point of contact for businesses seeking IT services and support, cybersecurity, digital services, CRM systems, apps and internet-based phone systems, data and mobile solutions. The company, which has its headquarters in Hull and offices in Newcastle and Cleckheaton in West Yorkshire, has grown overall turnover by around 65% in the past five years.
Demand for outsourced IT services is particularly strong, with revenues for its managed IT division up by 79% in the past two years. The One Point currently employs around 40 staff and expects to create an additional 20 jobs by the end of 2025. The SME Loan from Mercia was used to complete the buy-out while the NPIF funding will support the company’s further growth.
Martin Lauer, founder and CEO, said: “With an increasing number of companies outsourcing IT services, our business has been growing rapidly. With the backing of Mercia and NPIF, we can now focus on meeting this growing demand and strengthen our presence in the region, particularly in Yorkshire and the North East, to take the business to the next level.”
Mike Rogers and Rebecca Pickering from the Mercia team worked on the investment. Rebecca Pickering said: “The One Point enables businesses to access a full range of services from just one phone call rather than dealing with different suppliers.
“Martin and the team have built a great business with a strong regional presence. The funding will allow him to take full control of the business and allow both parties to pursue their separate growth strategies.”
Independent consultant Richard Townsend provided fundraising advice to The One Point.
West Yorkshire truck and van parts supplier sold to Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed company
West Yorkshire-based motor and engine parts supplier ImexPart has been sold to a South African industrial consumables group in a deal overseen by KBS Corporate.
ImexPart, located in Castleford, is an independent truck, bus and engine parts specialist which has served the automotive industry since 1986, employing over 70 staff working from purpose-built depots in northern England and the Midlands.
KBS Corporate was instructed to facilitate a sale of the company and, under the guidance of Joe Norris, associate corporate director, the successful acquirer was Invicta Holdings Limited.
Based in Johannesburg, Invicta listed on the JSE in 1989 and the Group has expanded over the subsequent decades with acquisitions of companies not only in South Africa but also Asia and Europe. It controls and manages assets of over 10 billion rand (£421 million) and employs over 4,500 people worldwide.
“This was my first dealing with Invicta, but their record of growth and profitability across several sectors speaks for itself,” said Joe Norris.
“They are also a publicly listed company which means they are extremely transparent, so both ImexPart and myself could get a good idea of the company ahead of our initial discussions.
“They plan to partner ImexPart with their existing automotive parts businesses across South Africa and Europe to create a stronger presence in the UK market.”
Joe Norris also described the appeal of ImexPart to the acquirer, with the company, which trades under the name of Imex Automotive Parts Solutions, supplying over 15,000 customers with replacement truck parts and enjoying continued growth with hundreds of calls each day received at its main office and warehouse.
“ImexPart stood out from the rest of the market due to its level of profitability and healthy growth projections, along with strong client relationships resulting in a high level of repeat business,” explained Joe.
“The shareholders were looking to start the process of stepping back from the business, while also making sure the company was in the right hands to take it forward into the future and achieve its full potential.”
In announcing the acquisition to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Invicta said their “strategic focus is to diversify into new geographical areas, in the industries and markets in which Invicta has significant experience and strong management capabilities.”
The statement added: “Imex is operating successfully in the British and Irish aftermarket parts distribution industry and its acquisition provides a platform for Invicta to grow its global RPA (Robotic Process Automation) business.
“We aim to realise synergies through Invicta’s procurement capabilities, sourcing inventory for Imex’s clients on a more cost-effective basis and providing access to a broader range of products.
“In addition, Imex has product ranges which can be cross pollenated into Invicta’s existing operations.”
Legal services for ImexPart were provided by Schofield Sweeney.
Significant deal completed at Leeds office and retail complex
A significant deal has been completed at The Bourse, an office and retail complex in Leeds city centre.
Award-winning recruitment consultancy The Prospero Group has taken 2,701 sq ft of newly refurbished office space on the ground floor of Sterling House, one of the three self-contained buildings which comprise the Bourse. The rent is £21.50 per sq ft on a five-year lease.
The Bourse is a building on Boar Lane less than 100 yards from Leeds Station and features 50,000 sq ft of space over three buildings, overlooking a central courtyard.
Each of the buildings, Equity House, Sterling House and Bond House, has its own designated entrance with an NCP multi-storey car park to the rear. The Bourse has undergone a comprehensive multi-million pound refurbishment.
The Prospero Group, which was founded in 2000, specialises in the teaching and health and social care sectors with offices throughout the UK and abroad. The group has doubled in size every year for the last three years.
Associate director Ed Brewer said: “Our Leeds office opened in September 2015 and has contributed significantly to the overall success that the company has had, helping to build our presence in the city and surrounding areas.
“With Prospero’s Leeds division continuing to go from strength to strength, there is now a need to have premises that can cater for our growing team, allowing us the ability to scale at pace.
“The Bourse very much aligns with our vision, providing an office space that is clean, spacious, well-designed and maintained and a working environment our staff can be truly proud to work in.
“Its close proximity to Leeds’ mainline station provides easy access to staff, particularly employees who will be travelling from our many different office locations across the UK.
“With new offices opening up across the UK and further expansion plans in place, there is a focus to increase headcount across our core divisions.”
Victoria Harris, senior surveyor with global property consultancy Knight Frank in Leeds, who advised landlords Paloma Capital on the deal, said: “We are delighted a company of the calibre and reputation of Prospero has taken quality space at the Bourse. This deal underlines the Bourse’s reputation as one of the finest office buildings in central Leeds.
“It is worth noting that we had plenty of interest in this Sterling House suite because of its large windows, high ceiling and period feel, coupled with the fact that it is self-contained with a dual aspect on to the Bourse Courtyard and Trevelyan Square.
“Space is now at a premium at the Bourse, with Bond House now full. There are now just suites on the third floor of Sterling House left, which are available either individually or as a whole (617-1,875 sq ft). Given the high-quality of the space in this special building, together with its magnificent location, these offices should prove very popular, especially to up-and-coming creative firms which are starting to thrive in Leeds.
“The extensive renovation works have transformed The Bourse into a welcoming and attractive environment. Meanwhile the vibrancy of the immediate area, with the new bars and restaurants, as well as the brilliant Trinity Leeds shopping centre, gives occupiers exactly what they want. The Bourse is a hidden gem in the centre of the city.”
