Plans unlocking the development of three empty Hull city centre sites to be considered
Hull City Council’s Cabinet will consider ambitious plans to unlock the development of over 1,000 new homes on three empty city centre sites.
Cabinet will decide whether to give the green light to bring forward development on brownfield sites at the East Bank, known as Eastern Quarter, at St Stephen’s Place on Colonial Street and at Myton City Gateway.
In the proposals, 850 new homes will be created in Eastern Quarter, with a further 200 at St Stephen’s Place.
These would offer the potential for high-quality apartments with activated rooftops, spaces for families, outdoor play and integrated green spaces, as well as private gardens and sports provisions.
The sites will also encourage enterprise, innovation and support the creative industries.
Myton City Gateway would be of mixed commercial use and, given its prominence and proximity to the A63 Castle Street improvements, could deliver an impressive entrance to the city centre with opportunities for retail, commercial and leisure developments.
The overall ambition of the projects is to offer new, inclusive neighbourhoods where people choose to live, work and play.
This would combine Hull’s unique features to create highly sustainable mixed-use urban developments, as well as balanced and diverse high-quality living which respects and reflects the history of each site.
Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, the council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “Like many other towns and cities in the UK, there is a huge housing shortage in Hull that needs to be addressed and cannot be ignored.
“Two of the three empty sites have the potential to provide hundreds of vital new homes and it’s important the council does all it can to build homes every bit on unused brownfield land in the city.
“All three sites are also key to regenerating Hull’s urban fabric, where placemaking and high-quality design can create dynamic and exciting places to live for all generations, foster new communities and unlock opportunities for personal and economic growth.”
Allenby Commercial plan could create 50 jobs at Barton
Work is expected to start later this month on the construction of new business units after Allenby Commercial was given planning permission to expand the Trade Yard brand at a site in Barton, creating up to 50 jobs.
The development at the Humber Bridge Industrial Estate is the latest in The Trade Yard series of sites which have been built by Hull-based Allenby Commercial across East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire.
The company revealed that two national brands have already committed to take units at the site in Falkland Way. Interest in the remaining units is expected to be strong because of the success of the other locations.
In East Yorkshire, The Trade Yard Willerby is full, with businesses which include Toolstation, Screwfix and Easy Bathrooms. The Trade Yard Beverley, where tenants include Toolstation, Screwfix and Howden joinery, now has only one unit available. The Trade Yard Driffield was completed and sold on as a successful project.
The Trade Yard Scunthorpe is at capacity with MKM Building Supplies Ltd, Toolstation, Howdens Joinery, Valley Carpets, Motor Parts Direct and Hayley Group. Allenby Commercial is now working on plans for The Trade Yard Immingham.
At Barton, the three remaining units offer between 3,400 and 13,600 square feet of space and are being promoted as a prime opportunity for trade, warehouse and light industrial occupiers.
Charlie Allenby, Development Director at Allenby Commercial, said: “Our vision is to develop a main trade hub with national names occupying some of the units and creating a one-stop-shop for businesses and DIY enthusiasts. We are aiming to break ground during the summer and the first tenants are expected to arrive in about six months.
“We have a varied portfolio of projects across the region from stylishly renovated historic properties to modern offices but we keep coming back to The Trade Yard concept because it is in demand as a format which really suits that sector. Based on our experience at the other Trade Yard sites this one could create up to 50 new jobs.”
Henton’s names new Director and Head of SME in South Yorkshire
Accountancy and advisory services company Henton’s has named Richard Munoz as its Director and Head of SME in South Yorkshire.
Richard’s extensive background includes training in local firms across Sheffield and West Yorkshire, with these ranging from top ten national firms to independent local practices. This diverse exposure has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the needs and challenges faced by businesses operating in various sectors.
Richard said: “I am truly honoured to join Hentons, a company known for its unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service and fostering meaningful client relationships.
“I am eager to leverage my experience and work alongside a talented team to serve the vibrant business community of the South Yorkshire region.”
Nadeem Ahmed, Managing Partner at Hentons said: “Richard’s extensive experience and dedication to client service align perfectly with Hentons’ values and our commitment to delivering exceptional results. We are excited to have him on board and look forward to the valuable contributions he will bring to our growing team.”
ABP CEO reflects on a ‘very special year’ for the company
In its Annual Review Associated British Ports has laid out the company’s ‘Ambitious for Britain’ agenda across areas such as handling £157 billion of trade, enabling the UK clean energy transition and catalysing growth in coastal communities and industrial locations across Britain.
The ABP Annual Review 2023 demonstrates how ABP has continued to adapt and innovate against a backdrop of evolving trade patterns, geopolitical challenges and climate change. The Annual Review illustrates ABP’s role as an ambitious business and sustainability leader in the maritime sector.
The central theme of the publication is ‘Ambitious for Britain’, as ABP continues to drive economic growth and prosperity, built upon strong foundations of safety, people and a determined sustainability mindset. Handing 27% of all UK port volumes in value, ABP is the UK’s number one ports operator, supporting over 166,000 jobs in industrial sectors nationally through the £13bn of manufacturing exports the group’s 21 ports handle.
In June this year, ABP won the ‘Innovation in Safety’ Award at Multimodal 2023, for its bespoke Virtual Reality (VR) health and safety training, demonstrating cross-industry recognition of ABP’s leading role in the ports sector. However, ABP has been on the forefront in safety innovation for many years, becoming the first UK ports company to introduce Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) especially designed for women in 2019, leading the way for many other transport-related businesses.
ABP CEO Henrik L. Pedersen said: “This has been a very special year for us, as it saw the launch of our net-zero sustainability strategy, ‘Ready for Tomorrow’, which outlines our plan to invest £2 billion covering decarbonisation of our own port operations by 2040 and creation of port infrastructure supporting our customers’ large-scale green energy infrastructure projects.”
“Over the past 12 months, we have invested millions in our ports as well as supporting safety innovations and our people. I am proud of what we have achieved, working with our partners across industry and civil society. As we look towards the future, it is an important time to be ambitious for Britain.”
South Yorkshire sees surge in tech startups after birth of Team SY
The number of tech startups formed in South Yorkshire increased by 18 per cent following the introduction of TEAM SY, a pioneering project to boost the tech startup and investment ecosystem in South Yorkshire.
Analysis of information held at Companies House shows that 741 tech companies were started in South Yorkshire in the 19 months between October 2021 and June 2023, the time TEAM SY was fully operational. This compares to 629 startups in the preceding 19-month period.
Tech startup birth rates increased by 16 per cent (to 435) and 22 per cent (to 151), respectively, in Sheffield and Doncaster, and by 49 per cent in Barnsley, which saw the emergence of 73 new tech startups. In Rotherham, the number increased by three percent to 82.
Darren Balcombe, Deputy CEO at Capital Enterprise and TEAM SY lead, said: “South Yorkshire is known for entrepreneurship and innovation, but these qualities need nurturing to thrive fully. TEAM SY leveraged public sector funding and private sector investment to grow the early-stage tech ecosystem in South Yorkshire. Today, we are witnessing a promising recovery, a reversal in the decline of startups following the pandemic, and a resurgence of innovation activity in our region.”
“However, our journey doesn’t stop here. We are committed to supporting the ecosystem to grow even stronger. Our vision is to cultivate an environment where globally competitive tech companies can be born and thrive, right here in South Yorkshire.”
TEAM SY launched in late October 2021 to help digital and tech businesses across South Yorkshire explore new ideas and markets, set up or scale up their companies, and create high-value jobs. A key objective was to help entrepreneurs gain financial backing for their enterprises and attract private investment to the region.
Since its launch, TEAM SY has supported 290 cutting-edge businesses working in areas including artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and technologies to enable net-zero supply chains and industrial operations. Early-stage startups supported by TEAM SY have already created 100 new jobs and launched 90 new technology products.
Renewable energy company prepares to let the grass grow under our feet
Renewable energy company Ørsted and marine charity Ocean Conservation Trust have joined forces on an innovative scheme to help people avoid damaging precious seagrass meadows.
The Blue Meadows marker buoy initiative aims to address a principal problem of seagrass conservation – identifying the location of seagrass beds to swimmers, fishers and others using the water. By clearly signalling where seagrass beds are found, Blue Meadows is helping swimmers, divers and fishers and boat enthusiasts to avoid them and prevent damage from anchoring. The scheme will also raise awareness with as many people as possible about the existence and importance of seagrass.
Seagrass is a valuable solution to climate change, due to its huge capacity for carbon absorption. Similar to the way trees take carbon from the air, seagrass takes carbon from water – and can do this as least as efficiently as tropical rainforests. It also provides a biodiversity-rich habitat for several species – including commercially important fish species and charismatic, endangered seahorses – helps protect against tidal erosion and improves water quality.
This work builds on Ørsted’s long term commitment to environmentally responsible wind farm development and aligns with The Crown Estate’s accountability for enhancing marine biodiversity. Importantly to Ørsted, the Blue Meadows initiative presents an opportunity to deliver benefits to biodiversity at a sea-scape level and is another step towards achieving the company’s promise to deliver a net-positive biodiversity impact for all projects commissioned from 2030 onwards.
Leeds firm strengthens position in bidding industry with acquisition of Scottish company
Bidding Limited, a Leeds-based provider of bid consultancy and software solutions, has acquired AM Bid, a bid management company based in Edinburgh.
This strategic move solidifies Bidding Limited’s position in the industry and supports its long-term growth plan through acquisitions.
Building on the successful integration of contract management software company ContractsWise in April, the addition of AM Bid to the Bidding Limited family marks a significant milestone in the company’s expansion strategy.
Brendan Fatchett, Group CEO of Bidding Limited, said: “We are thrilled to welcome AM Bid into the Bidding Limited family. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our growth strategy and strengthens our position as the leading choice for clients seeking exceptional bid management solutions. By combining the best talent and expanding our market presence, we are poised for significant growth and success.”
Andrew Morrison, founder of AM Bid, said: “The acquisition of AM Bid by Bidding Limited presents an incredible opportunity for our team and clients. We are proud of the success we have achieved at AM Bid, and this acquisition opens new doors for growth and collaboration. Together, we will deliver exceptional outcomes and provide strength and depth in our bidding expertise to our clients.”
Leeds’ 12 Greek Street acquired
Catella APAM (APAM), the specialist UK & Ireland real estate asset manager, has acquired 12 Greek Street in Leeds city centre from Epsilon Real Estate Partners on behalf of its Cape Town based client, New Property Ventures (NPV).
Comprehensively refurbished in 2016, Greek Street is a high quality and prominent multi-let asset. It has frontage to both Greek Street & Russell Street and is only 3 minutes’ walk from Leeds central train station.
The building totals c. 23,500 sq ft set over 7 floors and is fully let to eight tenants including Netcompany UK Ltd, First Intuition Leeds Ltd and Marstons.
Andrew Day, head of asset management (North) at APAM, said: “We are delighted to acquire 12 Greek Street as part of the continued expansion of NPV’s UK regional office portfolio, which now exceeds £70m. The asset is in an excellent location, based in the heart of the city’s CBD and high-end leisure pitch ensuring it benefits from the city’s vast transport network.
“12 Greek Street presents several asset management opportunities and, following the recent leasing success at APAMs One City Square and 2 Whitehall Quay assets, we will utilise our extensive knowledge of the local market and asset management expertise to reposition the asset as a best-in-class office provision to reflect the markets continuing demand for good value, high quality accommodation, which is complemented by a strong amenity offering and ESG strategy. It also typifies the ongoing investment we make into our assets throughout the portfolio.”
Scott Shufflebottom, director at Sixteen Real Estate, said: “Sixteen Real Estate are delighted to secure this off-market acquisition on behalf of APAM. 12 Greek Street is excellently located within the heart of Leeds central business district and offers a unique opportunity to quickly unlock reversionary investment value through proactive asset management.
“Whilst currently a fully let asset, the short-term nature of the occupier profile provides extensive opportunities to drive the asset forward through internal refurbishment and attracting new occupiers to the building.”
Scunthorpe manufacturer falls into administration
Scunthorpe-based Birkdale Manufacturing Group Limited has entered administration.
The company is an established manufacturer of garage doors and roller shutters, and in more recent years increased its range to include composite front entrance doors, window security shutters, awnings, pergolas, patios and fence panels.
The business had been experiencing trading difficulties which led to cash flow pressure, and in recent weeks was also subject to a winding-up petition from one of its creditors.
Prior to the appointment of James Lumb and Howard Smith from Interpath Advisory as joint administrators, the company ceased to trade.
The administrators are seeking interest in a going concern sale, and at this point, no redundancies have been made while this interest is explored.
James Lumb, Managing Director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: “Companies across the sector have experienced significant difficulties in recent months, including softening demand, as well as rising input costs and interest rates.
“Unfortunately, these challenges proved insurmountable for Birkdale Manufacturing Group. However, we are presently working towards a solution which could see the business rescued as a going concern. We will continue to update workers regularly while this process unfolds.”
Clothing firm upsizes from Wombwell to Hoyland
Fashion brand Lucy and Yak has opened new premises at Barnsley’s Gateway 36 Business Park earlier today.
Created by Barnsley-born Lucy Greenwood and Chris Renwick in 2017, the independent retailer has grown into a popular clothing provider with more than 800,000 followers across their social media platforms.
With shops in major cities such as Brighton, Bristol, Nottingham and a new store which will open its doors in Manchester’s Northern Quarter next month, the heart of the business remains in Barnsley.
The new 40,000-square-foot site in Hoyland will see the company move from their previous home, a 10,000-square-foot unit in Wombwell, where they made scrubs, scrub caps and bags for frontline workers in local NHS hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Councillor Robert Frost, Cabinet spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “It’s brilliant to see Lucy and Yak moving into a new site and staying in the borough. For such a well-known fashion brand to continue to operate from Barnsley demonstrates the potential and opportunities we can offer to businesses.
“Our award-winning Enterprising Barnsley business support team are proud to have paid their part by assisting the company in identifying local properties for their expansion as well as providing specialist business coaching support. We will continue to support the company for many years to come.
“It’s clear that Lucy and Chris have not forgotten their roots and are investing in Barnsley, giving something back by providing skilled job opportunities for local people. We look forward to seeing Lucy and Yak continue to grow their business operations in the borough.”
Lucy said: “I still can’t believe how far we have come in six years from our first distribution centre being in my parent’s basement in Kendray to now having this beautiful new distribution centre and providing so many jobs to people from my hometown. It feels weird seeing my name on such a huge building!”
Chris added: “We’re really proud to continue growing in Barnsley, Lucy’s hometown, and creating more jobs for the wonderful Barnsley locals!”
Huge question marks hang over steel industry’s future, warns manufacturers’ trade body
Without carefully thought through Government leadership, decarbonising costs will weigh down and suffocate this country’s steel industry, according to the Director of trade body UK Steel.
He’s Gareth Stace, who says there are huge question marks over if Government really wants to sustain steel, the backbone of British manufacturing, or just leave it to shrink and rely on other nations’ supply.
“Without a hawk-like vision, a carefully planned capital expenditure and a powerful decarbonisation strategy, we could simply close down steel plants and de-industrialise the nation.
“We are committed to decarbonising by 2035 if the right business environment is created, and ETS free allowance, the level of the cap and a CBAM will help this. Yet Government is plainly taking with one hand and not giving back with the other when it issues one-off policies without a strategic plan for capital expenditure and aligning ETS regulations with CBAM implementation.”
His comments come in response to publication of the Government’s response to its UK Emission Trading Scheme (UK ETS) consultation, announcing that the scheme will have a tighter limit on industrial, power and aviation emissions, maintaining the existing free allowances until 2026.
UK Steel, the trade association for the UK’s steel industry, warned that without thorough strategic support from government, retaining the sector’s free allowances until 2026 will not be enough to help decarbonise UK steel.
Gaps are evident in the ETS reform details, says Stace. “With 2026 less than three years away, and with only nine years to decarbonise the steel industry according to the Climate Change Committee, the lack of detail, strategy and financial long-term leadership leaves steelmakers in the dark.
“It is essential that Ministers shine a light of leadership by putting a robust Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in place by 2026, so that imported high-emission steel faces equal carbon costs to UK-made steel.
“To hit industrial decarbonisation targets, government policies need to be packaged together to help industry transition to new low-emission production methods. The UK’s ETS reforms should be introduced strategically with the CBAM and a long-term capital expenditure strategy to give steelmakers the financial support to decarbonise.”
Onto reveals plans for 96 bungalows in seven locations
Social housing organisation Ongo has announced plans to build 96 bungalows across Scunthorpe, Doncaster, Hibaldstow, Belton, Winterton, Manton and Skellingthorpe over the next two years.
These are set to include one, two and three-bedroom homes for affordable rent, social rent, shared ownership, rent to buy and outright sale.
Special features delivered in some homes include a dormer style three-bedroom layout and fully accessible wheelchair standards. Some will also be flexible one-bedroom bungalows, built large enough to divide the main bedroom, creating a second where needed.
Martin Phillips, Development Manager at Ongo said: “Housing Needs surveys and demand data provided by local authorities has consistently shown a need for smaller occupancy dwellings with one and two bedrooms. This was the case particularly for older people in locations where they have always lived, but are unable to secure a smaller home because of lack of supply.
“To address this, Ongo has incorporated a large number into their development programme. We’re very proud of is the variety we have. From social rent making homes more affordable than ever, to different options for people wanting to buy, that may have thought it wasn’t achievable for them without a large deposit.
“We look forward to watching these sites progress and handing keys over upon completion.”
Ongo also has plans to spend over £45million on major investments and decarbonisation work on existing homes in the coming years, along with building hundreds of new homes.
Poundland starts recruitment for 120 jobs in Darton
Poundland has today confirmed it has begun recruitment for around 120 new roles at its Barnsley chilled and frozen food hub in Darton.
The Darton centre, acquired when Poundland bought Fultons Frozen food to power the roll out of chilled and frozen food to hundreds of stores, has now been chosen to host Poundland’s second digital distribution centre.
In the course of the coming months, Poundland says it intends to significantly increase the number of roles at Darton from 77 today to almost 200 by December as the centre becomes a second hub for Poundland’s growing digital business.
Roles available include shift managers, team leaders and warehouse operators.
Poundland’s online business is growing rapidly after the 2022, acquisition of Poundshop.com and its picking and fulfilment operations centre in Wednesbury, West Midlands.
The expansion at Darton adds to Poundland’s commitment when it acquired Fultons, to grow employment at the site.
Poundland director of digital Tom Hill said: “We’re extremely proud to bring good jobs news to Barnsley and South Yorkshire. Since bringing Fultons into our family as we’ve built our food offer, we’ve made Darton a true centre of excellence in the buying and distribution of chilled and frozen ranges for a rapidly growing number of stores.
“We now look forward to building a team at Darton that can help us also expand our digital business as we offer our customers more ways to shop at Poundland.”
Councillor Robert Frost, cabinet spokesman for regeneration and culture at Barnsley Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see Poundland investing into their Darton site and choosing to make it a second hub for the business, further proving that Barnsley is a great place for businesses to invest and grow.
“The variety of new, quality roles available provide excellent job opportunities for the people of Barnsley. We look forward to seeing Poundland expand their business operations in the borough and wish them every success moving forward.”
Poundland adds it is on track to add over half a million sq ft of new space this financial year as it opens and relocates stores.
Bradford Council prepares to make chief executive appointment
Bradford Council is poised to appoint Cheshire East Council Chief Exec Lorraine O’Donnell, pictured, as its Chief Exec to replace Kersten England who announced in January that she would retire this year.
The appointment will be recommended to full council on 11 July and, following council’s approval and standard background checks, a formal appointment will be made.
Lorraine has a wealth of experience in local government, having worked in a number of authorities in the north east before joining Cheshire East as chief executive in early 2020. She has been part of corporate management teams from 18 months into her career – helping Darlington become the highest performing authority in the country and Durham County Council become Council of the Year three years from its creation as one of the largest unitary councils in the country.
Prior to local government, she completed a doctorate in theoretical physics at Oxford University and as the first in her family to go to university and the first from her school to go to Oxford, she is passionate about ensuring that people from all backgrounds are able to realise their ambitions.
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: “I am delighted that someone of Lorraine’s calibre has been identified as our preferred candidate.
“The chief executive of Bradford Council is one of the biggest jobs in local government. The chief executive plays a very significant role in contributing to the delivery of the council’s priorities.
“Lorraine is an experienced leader with an impressive track record of delivering improvements and will be a real asset to us as we work to continue to drive forward with our ambitions for the district.
“I would like to express my gratitude to Kersten England for agreeing to delay her retirement while we completed a thorough and competitive recruitment process. I know Lorraine will build on Kersten’s legacy and bring new energy and focus to the job in hand.”
Court imposes £48,000 penalty over waste permit breaches in Scunthorpe
Fines and costs totalling £47,970 were imposed in a case against a Scunthorpe-based company and a director, heard at Grimsby Crown Court on Friday 30 June 2023.
SBR Group Developments Limited, of Winterton Road, Scunthorpe, admitted operating a waste facility in contravention of environmental permits. The company was fined £25,640 and ordered to pay costs of £17,000.
At the same hearing company director Matthew Berry, 44, of Clitheroe Road, Knowle Green, Longridge, Lancashire, was fined £3,330 and ordered to pay £2,000 costs after he pleaded guilty to the same charge.
The court was told that Berry had bought the site in Winterton Road in late 2017/18 from Thompsons Waste Management Limited. This company, which had gone into liquidation, had previously been prosecuted for keeping waste in excess of its environmental permit.
In an effort to reduce this waste which his company had inherited, Berry contacted the Environment Agency in August 2018 to discuss how to clear the site. However, he was told he needed an environmental permit or a registered exemption to carry out waste activities on the site.
Further site visits were carried out in June and December 2019 when waste was still present. Officers from the Environment Agency also found a heap of fines from a trommel machine which is used to break up waste.
The defendant attended a formal interview in January 2020 when he said that nearly all the waste had been removed to landfill.
But at a further visit in June 2021 officers noted that large piles of shredded waste were still on the site. It was finally cleared in November 2021.
Officers estimated that the operator had avoided £19,189.50 in permitting charges. The site was also assessed to have stored more than 750 tonnes of waste.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “We welcome this sentence which should act as a deterrent to other companies who breach environmental legislation.
“As a regulator, the Environment Agency will not hesitate to pursue companies that fail to meet its obligations. The conditions of an environmental permit are designed to protect people and the environment.
“Failure to comply with these legal requirements is a serious offence that can damage the environment and undermine legitimate businesses.”
National Park Authority names new Chair and Deputy Chair
Rotherham medical device manufacturer acquires Manchester business
Rotherham-headquartered Marsden Group is targeting future growth within international and UK healthcare markets following the acquisition of specialist surgical instruments and medical device manufacturer Bailey Instruments.
The acquisition of Manchester-based Bailey Instruments will complement and strengthen Marsden Group’s international growth strategy, by expanding the company’s existing range of medical instruments which are used by medical professionals operating within the UK’s public and private healthcare sectors.
The deal will see the Bailey Instruments brand retained by Marsden Group, with chairman Tim Bailey playing a consultancy role within the business. Fellow director Gemma Bailey will remain actively involved within Bailey Instruments and will be responsible for leading Bailey’s international growth.
Launched in 1989 by Tim and Sally Bailey, Bailey Instruments developed high quality re-usable products for the podiatry sector. Today the company is responsible for manufacturing a diverse range of single-use and reusable medical devices which are used in general surgery, podiatry, maternity and ENT.
Mark Holdaway, CEO for the Marsden Group, said: “There is a great deal of synergy between the innovative work being delivered by Bailey Instruments and the Marsden Group. The acquisition of Bailey Instruments will provide new opportunities for both businesses, by extending and diversifying the range of solutions we provide to our customers within the healthcare sector.
“The acquisition will provide new opportunities for both businesses, both in terms of investing in research and development, bringing new products to market, as well as building on their expertise, experience and manufacturing capabilities, as we target future growth.”
Tim Bailey, chairman of Bailey Instruments, said: “Joining the Marsden Group of companies will provide us with an opportunity to continue the innovative work we have been delivering in the healthcare sector for nearly 40 years. Together, we will continue to enable caregivers to make a real difference to patient outcomes everywhere.
“When we first entered into discussions it was very clear that our vision was very much aligned with that of the Marsden Group and I am confident that the acquisition will provide opportunities to share our expertise and knowledge, helping to improve patient outcomes by continuing to invest and innovate, whilst crucially providing business continuity as well as helping to unlock new opportunities to grow and develop our operations.”
Established in 1926, Marsden is a leading manufacturer of medical weighing devices and has been responsible for delivering services to the NHS for more than 50 years. Headquartered in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, the company employs 50 members of staff. Marsden is a member of the UK Weighing Federation and is accredited by SGS Limited.
Packaging company agrees deal on 41,598 sq ft industrial unit to consolidate regional sites into new HQ
Acting on behalf of Leeds-based property company, J Pullan & Sons, CBRE’s Industrial team in Leeds has completed a deal on a 41,598 sq ft warehouse/industrial unit at the Howley Park Estate in Morley.
Food and beverage packaging company Coptrin has relocated to the site having taken a 10-year lease on the unit. The family-owned company is amalgamating 4 regional sites into its new headquarters facility, a move which will facilitate its continued growth.
The unit provides modern, single-story warehousing featuring extensive service yard and car parking.
Alex Henderson, Managing Director of Coptrin, said: “This move provides a platform for us to expand our product range and improve our operational efficiencies. We look forward to this exciting next chapter as the business continues to grow.”
Ellie McCollin, CBRE Industrial team in Leeds, said: “We are delighted to complete the deal on this modern warehouse/industrial unit close to Leeds City Centre. It provides occupiers with perfect connection to the transpennine and M1 motorway corridors, as well as great recruitment access thanks to a densely populated local area.
“The availability of new design and build units of a high standard also gives potential occupiers opportunities to create bespoke space to meet their needs.”
Bruce Strachan, Property Director at Pullans, said: “We are pleased to welcome Coptrin to Howley Park and look forward to a long-lasting relationship with them as their business continues to expand. Alex and his team have been a pleasure to work with and we wish them every success.”
Jonathan Jacob from GV&Co added: “We are delighted to have acted on behalf of Coptrin to secure this off-market opportunity at a time when buildings of this size are in such short supply.”
CBRE acted on behalf of the landlord J Pullan & Sons and GV&Co acted for the tenant.
West Yorkshire businesses get new support to go green
Businesses hit hard by inflation and the climate crisis will benefit from new support being launched by West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin.
The Mayor’s Business Sustainability Support will help small and medium-sized businesses cut their energy use and combat the effects of climate change.
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority will work with interested businesses to develop and implement new sustainability plans, aimed at slashing energy bills and boosting resilience against rising temperatures, supply chain issues and flooding.
Following a free assessment of the firm’s environmental impact, these bespoke plans will recommend various workplace adaptations, such as lighting that is more energy efficient, measures that cut down on waste, or equipment that harnesses cheap, clean and renewable energy, including solar panels.
Advice will then be offered on how to deliver the plan, secure public and private investment, and make sustainable changes to ensure annual energy bill savings long into the future.
Mayor Tracy Brabin said the new support will be a ‘gamechanger’ in the region’s fight to become a more resilient, Net Zero carbon economy by 2038. The £10 million fund comes after the Mayor’s recent launch of the West Yorkshire Plan, which commits to building a greener, more vibrant West Yorkshire that works for all.
Commenting on the scheme, Mayor Tracy Brabin said: “As the cost of living and energy crisis continues, it’s vital we step up support for our hardest hit businesses, helping them keep down costs, protect jobs and stay afloat during this difficult time.
“This new, £10 million scheme will help us deliver a greener West Yorkshire by slashing the carbon footprint of our small and medium-sized businesses, while futureproofing them against the harmful effects of climate change.
“As we transition to a net zero carbon economy by 2038, we’re determined to ensure that no business is left behind, as we work to make positive, greener changes that benefit all our communities across the region.”
Cllr Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council and Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Business, Economy and Innovation Committee, said: “I’m delighted we’re able to provide support of this quality to individuals and businesses who have the potential to drive forward their innovative ideas. “Equipping the entrepreneurs of West Yorkshire with the skills they need to succeed will not just improve their personal circumstances. It will boost our regional economy through the creation of more high-skilled jobs and greater inward investment. “We’re building a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire where everyone can reach their full potential, and that includes our brilliant entrepreneurs with local solutions to global challenges.”The scheme will build on previous sustainability support through the Mayor’s Resource Efficient Business programme, which helped 360 West Yorkshire businesses save an average of £11,500 per year on their energy bills.
Lowe Engineering Limited, a Leeds-based power plant equipment supplier, received £5,000 of grant investment from the Mayor last year. The funding was used to fit the warehouse and offices with modern LED lighting, to help save the business up to £2,000 per year.
Speaking about his experience, Operations Director Graeme Walker said: “Improving the lighting throughout our premises had been on our ‘to do’ list for some time but, due to the large initial expenses and slow cost-saving recovery, it was always at the back of the queue when it came to annual building repairs and improvements.
“However, with the onset of higher energy prices coupled with the Mayor’s support, we were encouraged to install LED lighting throughout the building, and recovered our 50% of the expenses within a short period of time.
“It is safe to say that without the scheme in place, this improvement would still be on the ‘to do’ list.”
Children’s University names Rose Jones as CEO
Rose James has been appointed as Hull & East Yorkshire (HEY) Children’s University CEO having been interim CEO since March, following the departure of Natasha Barley.
HEY Children’s University strives to give every child the opportunities they deserve, no matter what circumstances they were born into. The charity offers a diverse range of experiences, from days at local businesses where they learn about career options and take part in activities, to visits to cities including London and Edinburgh Rose said: “It’s an amazing charity and a great place to work. The team is fantastic and everyone is truly passionate about what they do – which is to make a difference in disadvantaged children’s lives across our region. “I am especially passionate about our ‘HEYCU in the Future’ experiences. These experiences give children the opportunity to visit a local business to spend a ‘day in the life’ with staff. We’ve worked with over 20 businesses to deliver these so far and it’s proven to be incredibly successful. One of the children who attended our last HEYCU in the Future session described it as the best day of his life. “I’m excited for the future of HEY Children’s University. I’ve got some big ideas and look forward to working with our team, trustees and supporters to make them a reality.” Richard Field, HEY Children’s University’s chair of trustees, added: “Rose joined HEY Children’s University in 2013 and from day one, has proven herself to be an invaluable member of the team. “On behalf of the board of trustees, I’d like to thank Rose for everything she’s done for the charity so far. It was a unanimous decision to appoint her as our new CEO and I look forward to working with her as we continue to help and inspire as many children as we can.” HEY Children’s University receives financial support from partnerships with local businesses including Northern Gas Networks, the University of Hull and Associated British Ports.