North East Lincolnshire Council’s Cabinet are set to discuss a pre-let for the Sea Road building in Cleethorpes.
Sea Road, in the heart of the town, has been remodelled over the last few years, with the former “Waves” site being demolished for redevelopment. Interrupted by COVID, the scheme has picked up again in the last few months following the award of Government’s Levelling Up Fund monies for three projects in the heart of the town, with the main construction works starting later in 2024. The landmark Sea Road building has been marketed by local agents, PPH Commercial, generating serious interest in the site from interested parties. Discussions regarding a long-term pre-let agreement are in advanced stages, and proposed Heads of Terms have now been agreed, subject to Cabinet approval, for most of the ground floor and all of the first floor of the building, to a leading independent national hospitality company. The remainder of the building will continue to be marketed for use. The Cabinet meeting is on Wednesday 17 January at 5pm at Grimsby Town Hall.Harworth completes six land parcel sales
Harworth Group plc, a regenerator of land and property for sustainable development and investment, completed 964 residential plot sales in December.
A number of further land parcel sales are expected to complete in the coming months, reflecting continued housebuilder appetite.
The December transactions comprised six land parcel sales in Yorkshire and the Midlands to four housebuilders, and the Group’s first forward funding agreement with a registered provider as part of Harworth’s affordable housing portfolio.
The total headline sales price for these transactions was £41.2 million and all were completed at prices in line with, or ahead of, book values.
The largest of the disposals was the whole of a site in Killamarsh, Derbyshire, which has been sold jointly to both Harron Homes and Homes by Honey. In the first half of 2023, an outline planning consent was secured to develop up to 397 family homes at the site.
At its South East Coalville development in Leicestershire, Harworth has sold a land parcel to Strata for the construction of up to 184 homes. The wider development occupies a 250-acre site and has outline planning consent for more than 2,000 homes, with land now sold for over half of these, together with a new supermarket. A new 21-acre park was opened at the site in late 2023 and construction has begun on a new two-form entry primary school.
At its Prince of Wales development in Pontefract, Harworth has sold a land parcel to Harron Homes for the development of 141 new homes. The regeneration of the former Prince of Wales colliery, which will see the creation of a new community of over 900 homes, began in 2013 and is now nearing completion. To date, over 400 homes have been built and occupied at the site, with almost half of these being delivered by Harron Homes, following its first land acquisition there in 2016.
At Thoresby Vale in Nottinghamshire, a land parcel has been sold to Homes by Honey to deliver 114 family homes. The development lies on the site of the former Thoresby Colliery, which Harworth is transforming into a new community of around 800 homes, including a new primary school, retail and leisure facilities and a 350-acre country park.
Land at the site has already been sold to two housebuilders – one parcel to Harron Homes, and three parcels to Barratt and David Wilson Homes – for the delivery of over 530 houses in total. The primary school received planning approval in 2023 and construction is expected to commence later this year.
At Waverley in Rotherham, where Harworth is regenerating the former Orgreave Colliery & Coking Works into over 3,000 homes alongside the nationally-significant Advanced Manufacturing Park, extensive green space and amenities, land was sold to Homes by Honey to develop 54 family homes.
At its Gedling site in Nottinghamshire, Harworth sold a remaining small land parcel to Keepmoat Homes, which has an outline planning consent to develop 24 houses. The land parcel is adjacent to a separate development being delivered by Keepmoat Homes and Homes England on the site of the former Gedling Colliery.
Finally, Harworth signed its first forward-funding agreement for its affordable housing portfolio, at Riverdale Park in Doncaster. Harworth entered into an agreement with Great Places, which manages 24,000 homes across the North West and Yorkshire, to develop 50 new affordable housing properties at the development.
Under the terms of the agreement, Harworth has sold a land parcel to Great Places and will oversee the construction of the homes in return for a development management fee.
Lynda Shillaw, Chief Executive, Harworth Group plc, said: “Our large number of residential land sales at the end of 2023, all in line with or ahead of book values, demonstrates the continued strong demand for Harworth’s de-risked serviced residential land product from a wide range of housebuilders, and we are seeing strong sales momentum as we move into 2024.
“We are also pleased to have completed our first forward-funding agreement for our affordable housing portfolio, proving the appeal of our mixed tenure model. We look forward to working with our partners to deliver much-needed new homes across these regions.”
CBRE hires head of science and technology for North
CBRE has appointed Jonathan Lowe as head of science and technology for the North. The strategic, new role will further strengthen CBRE’s offer for occupiers, operators and investors in this quickly evolving sector.
Formerly head of life sciences at Avison Young, Jonathan brings a diverse range of expertise advising developers, investors, occupiers and universities across multiple asset classes including offices, industrial and EV. Additionally, he has public sector experience, having been seconded to central government departments Ministry of Justice and Department of Education/MHCLG.
Jonathan will work across CBRE’s Northern region, providing enhanced sector specialism to align with the growing science and technology sectors. Whilst further developing the offering to existing clients such as Bruntwood Sci-Tech and GMPF, Jonathan will develop out the occupational work by advising life science occupiers and advising science and technology companies.
Joe Rigby, CBRE’s head of office agency – North, said: “Jonathan joins the business at a pivotal time for the science and technology sector, during which we are acting for a diverse range of dynamic occupiers and investors. With vast sector-specific experience, Jonathan can offer a unique insight and ensure a full-service offering for clients.”
Jonathan added: “Science and technology are critical components and key economic drivers for the majority of northern regions, as well as across the UK. I am proud to be joining CBRE at this exciting time, to become a trusted adviser within these high growth sectors. I look forward to leveraging deep data driven insights through global sector expertise to add real value to existing and future clients.”
Devolution deal would mean more new homes for Hull, says council leader
Devolution would provide up to £4.6m over the next two years to pave the way for new homes where local people need them, with the possibility of more to follow, according to Hull City Council..
Council leader Mike Ross says the money could be available for the 2024/25 financial year, and would help to provide essential funds for new homes on brownfield land in Hull.
He said Hull City Council’s ambition was to ensure the city had enough homes for people in the locations in which they want to live. “Hull has seen a rise in demand for city centre living and this funding would help to provide that, as well as giving new powers to drive regeneration and building more affordable homes.
“Building on brownfield land can take advantage of existing services and facilities, is often close to places of work and also helps to ensure that valued areas of open space in and around the city can be safeguarded.
“Local people tell me that new homes in the city is a priority for them and this devolution deal delivers on this major issue. Many of the development sites in Hull are on brownfield land and funding from this new devolution deal would help to bring new homes built more quickly.
“The council’s planning work ensures that high-quality development meets the needs of the surge in demand for city centre living. East Bank Urban Village, a project already underway, is a proven example of the council’s commitment to this.
You can have your say on the devolution proposals here.
Manningham Housing Association achieves world first for diversity and inclusion
Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has become the first and only housing association in the world to achieve the global Standard for Diversity and Inclusion in HR Management.
Awarded following an on-site assessment and discussions with employees and other stakeholders, ISO 30415 is an internationally recognised certification designed to promote diversity and inclusion within organisations.
In his final report, the independent assessor describes MHA – which manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley – as “an exemplar organisation in respect of diversity and inclusion.”
He writes: “Manningham Housing Association is truly reflective of the community it serves, and the various programmes/projects and events are all geared to improving the life prospects of residents/tenants be that in terms of skills development, health and wellbeing and job opportunities.”
The assessor pays warm tribute to MHA staff who, he says, “take a proactive role in supporting residents and tenants.”
He continues: “The culture of the organisation is one where people feel valued, respected and treated as individuals. People are proud to work for / be associated with the organisation and as a result often go the extra mile.”
He adds: “Manningham Housing Association is a values driven organisation and these are firmly embedded in the people management processes. Diversity and inclusion are deeply embedded in the DNA of the organisation, the values have not only endured over the decades and the sense of inclusion has increased as the organisation reaches out to wider communities.”
The assessor concludes: “MHA is an exceptional organisation, with everyone totally focused on enhancing the life of customers by providing good quality homes, maintaining existing homes, investing in the community, developing partnerships and, as the only BME landlord in Bradford, MHA has the leverage and standing within the city to become a lead voice for BME communities.”
Commenting on the report, MHA Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Operations Ulfat Hussain said: “I am obviously delighted that we have been awarded ISO 30415 accreditation and to be informed by the independent assessor that MHA is the first housing association to receive it.
“As he recognises in his report, the MHA family is made up of a diverse range of individuals with our staff coming from backgrounds that reflect the communities we serve.
“The assessor also describes the feedback from staff, partners and service users throughout the assessment as extremely positive, highlighting the unique culture which has been created.
“I am incredibly proud of the outcome and pay tribute to everyone involved, with a special mention for Carolina Padovezi De Oliveira, our Corporate Project Manager, who ensured the whole assessment process ran smoothly.”
MHA Chair Rupert Pometsey said: “As someone who has been involved with Manningham Housing Association for more than 25 years, I regard this as a landmark moment.
“Our absolute commitment to our tenants and communities is only matched by a desire to ensure the needs and aspirations of our staff are met in a diverse and inclusive environment.
“The assessor’s report confirms that we are achieving these objectives. It also sets MHA apart as the first housing association to be formally recognised in this way.
“I congratulate everyone who contributed to such a remarkable result.”
New report calls for collaboration to build on region’s financial services sector successes
Collaboration and action is needed by employers, education providers and government to build on the success of the financial and professional services sector in Yorkshire and the Humber according to a report published today by the Yorkshire and the Humber Financial and Professional Services Skills Commission.
The report, Facing the Future: A skills roadmap for Yorkshire and the Humber’s Professional Services Industry, which was launched at a roundtable attended by Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, includes a series of recommendations to expand the financial and professional services talent pipeline in the region to meet the needs of the booming sector.
The financial and professional services industry is one of the region’s success stories, employing over 149,000 people and generating over £11.8billion of economic value. The recommendations have been made by the commission to ensure the financial and professional services industry in the region can maintain its success and adapt to sector challenges such as the impact of technology, changing workforce demographics and shifts in workplace culture.
The five-point plan recommends collaboration and actions for employers, education providers and government in key areas:
- Expanding the pipeline of new talent entering the industry by taking new approaches to recruitment, such as increasing the use of higher-level apprenticeships, developing employer understanding of T-Levels and broadening engagement with students.
- Increasing investment in developing the skills of the existing workforce, focusing on employee development as a strategic priority and guaranteeing opportunities for staff to learn new skills on the job. The report also suggested introducing skills bootcamps to find new employees or upskill existing staff.
- Raising awareness of, and access to, financial and professional services careers in the region. The commission recommended a greater focus on careers outreach in schools and colleges, focusing on ‘cold spots’ where young people have less access to the industry.
- Driving greater diversity and inclusion in the workforce – the commission suggested firms take steps to measure workforce diversity, close gaps and implement evidence-based diversity and inclusion strategies.
- Coordinating and collaborating on shared skills challenges, with a commitment to continue the work of the commission for at least 12 months to champion co-operation across the sector, advocating for the industry and its skills needs, and supporting employer action on skills.
2024 Business Predictions: Paul Brown, Managing Director of Yorkshire Country Properties
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Paul Brown, the Managing Director of Huddersfield-based Yorkshire Country Properties.
There’s no doubt that 2023 was a challenging year for the residential property market, both in Yorkshire and in the UK. Rising interest rates, the cost-of-living crisis and political uncertainty have combined to make many people wary about buying or selling a home. As new-build residential property developers, we have had to be patient and to be acutely aware of what buyers want from their new homes and why.
It is not all doom and gloom, however. Interest rates and inflation are slowly beginning to fall and, provided this trend continues, there is every reason to believe that 2024 will be a much healthier and happier year for the new homes market. Research has shown that there is still quite a lot of activity amongst key buyer groups, despite market headwinds, with the top reason for choosing a new build being low maintenance and renovation costs.
Not all parts of the new homes market are in decline. Our starter homes initiative at our three sites in West Yorkshire has been incredibly successful with first-time buyers keen to stop paying high rents and to climb on to the property ladder for the first time. There is also strong evidence to suggest that demand for well-built attractive family homes, correctly priced, remains healthy and should gather pace during the next 12 months.
Yes, 2023 has been tough, but we look forward to 2024 with hope.
Plans revealed to create film production complex in Hull
Ambitious plans have been revealed to create Hull’s first purpose-built film production complex.
The development features proposals for a 19,700 sq ft soundstage at a currently vacant site on the Priory Park industrial estate.
Once operational the soundstage would be used to create indoor film sets. It aims to complement Hull’s growing appeal as an outdoor film location, particularly for period dramas using the Old Town’s historic streets and buildings.
With a planning application due to be submitted soon, the development will also include dressing rooms, office space and temporary accommodation for visiting film crews as part of the main building as well as a standalone joinery and fabrication workshop.
The project is being spearheaded by city-based independent film production company Northern Films.
Subject to securing planning approval, the proposed soundstage would sit next to the company’s existing studio in Saltmarsh Court on Priory Park. Once built, visiting film companies will only be able to hire the facility on condition they agree to take on local people looking at starting a career in the industry.
Ultimately, the idea is to involve local university and sixth-form students as well as young people on low incomes.
Northern Films director Andrew Fenton said: “Television and film production is a major growth industry in the UK and, for a variety of reasons but mainly cost, companies are increasingly looking for production bases outside of London.
“We believe we can offer top-quality facilities right here in Hull. We have the perfect location to meet the very specific requirements of the industry and a strong long-standing network of existing businesses in Hull with the sort of skills that are essential in set design and construction.
“The soundstage will add to what we already have here and the two buildings will be physically linked by a footbridge between the upper floors.”
In recent years Mr Fenton’s business has evolved from a commercial design studio mainly creating showrooms for clients in the automotive industry to a fully-fledged film studio. The company’s first feature film, a comedy drama set in Hull called The Last Trip, is due to be released in cinemas early next year.
He added: “We already have post-production and grading facilities, sound mastering, visual effects and CGI here along with sets, rehearsal space and a hospitality area so adding a soundstage is the next logical step for us.
“A big emphasis for us is providing opportunities for young people locally to get into the industry and learn new in-demand skills without having to leave home and go to London. Everything we have done so far, including making The Last Trip, has followed that ethos. It was fully produced using local skills and people with no experience in film production.
“One of the building’s main functions will be addressing what we believe is a learning shortfall within schools and universities who seem to follow a theory-based approach with students being given very little or no real hands-on experience.
“We feel the skills being taught are not the current expectations of the industry so this building and the concept behind it will provide those skills locally.
“Most soundstage facilities are usually landlord-operated and are just spaces to hire out with very limited opportunities for local people. However, this building will not be allowed to be hired in full by an out-of-town production unless it agrees to include a certain percentage of local skills.
“In addition, we will employ local freelancers to oversee the upkeep and management of the building while the ultimate aim is to establish a long-term programme of productions rather than living hand-to-mouth off one-off projects. In that way, it will create regular work for local freelancers.”
Mr Fenton said he had already received positive interest from a number of UK film production companies.
“It ticks a lot of boxes in terms of what the industry needs right now,” he added.
Northern Films director Andrew Fenton said: “Television and film production is a major growth industry in the UK and, for a variety of reasons but mainly cost, companies are increasingly looking for production bases outside of London.
“We believe we can offer top-quality facilities right here in Hull. We have the perfect location to meet the very specific requirements of the industry and a strong long-standing network of existing businesses in Hull with the sort of skills that are essential in set design and construction.
“The soundstage will add to what we already have here and the two buildings will be physically linked by a footbridge between the upper floors.”
In recent years Mr Fenton’s business has evolved from a commercial design studio mainly creating showrooms for clients in the automotive industry to a fully-fledged film studio. The company’s first feature film, a comedy drama set in Hull called The Last Trip, is due to be released in cinemas early next year.
He added: “We already have post-production and grading facilities, sound mastering, visual effects and CGI here along with sets, rehearsal space and a hospitality area so adding a soundstage is the next logical step for us.
“A big emphasis for us is providing opportunities for young people locally to get into the industry and learn new in-demand skills without having to leave home and go to London. Everything we have done so far, including making The Last Trip, has followed that ethos. It was fully produced using local skills and people with no experience in film production.
“One of the building’s main functions will be addressing what we believe is a learning shortfall within schools and universities who seem to follow a theory-based approach with students being given very little or no real hands-on experience.
“We feel the skills being taught are not the current expectations of the industry so this building and the concept behind it will provide those skills locally.
“Most soundstage facilities are usually landlord-operated and are just spaces to hire out with very limited opportunities for local people. However, this building will not be allowed to be hired in full by an out-of-town production unless it agrees to include a certain percentage of local skills.
“In addition, we will employ local freelancers to oversee the upkeep and management of the building while the ultimate aim is to establish a long-term programme of productions rather than living hand-to-mouth off one-off projects. In that way, it will create regular work for local freelancers.”
Mr Fenton said he had already received positive interest from a number of UK film production companies.
“It ticks a lot of boxes in terms of what the industry needs right now,” he added.
Business Engagement Board members back devolution plans
Business and council leaders from Hull and the East Riding have met to discuss devolution.
Hull City Council leader Mike Ross said “It was great to be able to discuss devolution and the proposals with the Business Engagement Board. Jobs, skills and training are important aspects of our deal and important to the businesspeople and residents of Hull and East Yorkshire alike.
“The board members have given their backing to the proposals, which is fantastic and shows that the council has negotiated a good deal for Hull and East Yorkshire.
“They have shown their support, but it is now over to the people of the region to have their say. The consultation is live and we want to hear from you now.”
With Coun Ross at the Board meeting chaired by Arco chair Thomas Martin were East Riding of Yorkshire Council leader Anne Handley, Dominic Gibbons, MD of the Wykeland Group, Anita Pace of Pace Communications, Tim Rix of the Rix Shipping Company and Hull & East Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership chair James Newman.
The specially convened meeting of the board was held to discuss the devolution proposal for Hull and East Yorkshire and saw the BEB come out in favour of what is on offer.
Brighouse-based international food firm names new MD
Brighouse-based ingredients company Eurostar Commodities has appointed Jason Bull as MD.
He has worked in the business for more than 20 years, and has been instrumental in tripling the size of the business to a £15m turnover worldwide operation and with the UK’s most trusted and well-known food brands.
The compoany’s founder was Jason’s father Phillip, who established the company in 1994 and will become Chairman. The business has also made senior appointments to international logistics, purchasing, marketing and sales bolstering the team to 23 people in the UK, with a large network of global partners.
Jason has pioneered the company’s technical development creating new products, brands and creating the award-winning Gluten Free Chapati flour range. Sales of the range have more than doubled on the same period as last year (2022 – 2023). He has also shaped global infrastructure enabling Eurostar’s global network of food producers to supply Britain’s leading brands. He has spearheaded the companies’ role as an Export Trade Champion for the Government’s Department of Business and Trade, and launched the UK’s first Clean Label production facility.
He sad: “I am excited to be leading the business into this next chapter. We have achieved successful growth, beyond our highest expectations in a challenging global economy. I have ambitious plans for continued growth, product development and international supply of high-quality foods. I am most proud of our market leading share in the sushi rice category and the development of our high-quality gluten free flours which have revolutionised the market. We have a fantastic team who are the best in the business and together we deliver a significant and consistent service to the UK food industry.”
Jason’s initial plans for 2024 include expansion into a triple-sized factory facility; increased capacity in purchasing and logistics; several new food brands; increased gluten free product development; creation of new consumer brands in emerging farming sectors for sustainability; and an increased presence in UK, Northern European and Middle Eastern retail and foodservice as well as physical expansion into Europe.
