Doncaster fleet conversion specialist set to grow following six-figure finance package
A Doncaster-based fleet conversion specialist is heading for growth after expanding its product range with the support of a six-figure finance package from Lloyds Bank.
MIS Conversions, which is one of the UK’s leading providers of bespoke vehicle conversions and vehicle body building services, has used the £250,000 loan to invest in its manufacturing processes and launch two additional product lines.
Established in 2006, the business already provides bespoke conversions for a wide range of vehicles including tipper trucks and beavertail trucks, which are typically used to transport heavy commercial loads such as large-scale plant and machinery.
The firm has now expanded its offering to customers to include the production of bespoke vehicle body tops, which are manufactured entirely from polypropylene sheets and cut using state-of-the-art CNC machines before being welded into shape. The new products are typically used on the back of pick-up trucks commissioned by many of the UK’s major utility businesses and other government bodies, which require specially adapted field vehicles.
MIS Conversions has also launched its new range of towable welfare trailers, which can incorporate washrooms, kitchens, and canteen space all in one unit and are used in construction, rail, plant hire and civil engineering sectors.
To support its expansion, the business has used the loan from Lloyds Bank to invest in new tooling for sheet metal machinery, specialist moulding equipment, as well as a large-scale spray booth to paint finished products.
The firm is currently manufacturing 70 specialist polypropene tops for use on the back of pick-up trucks, which the firm expects will lead to a 20-25 per cent increase in annual revenue. It has also seen early success with the build of towable welfare trailers, with a target to produce five of these specially adapted vehicles each week.
Operating from three sites in Doncaster, which can accommodate over 700 vehicles, MIS Conversions has an annual turnover of £10million. The firm currently employs more than 135 people across its operations, after recruiting an additional ten members of staff to support its recent expansion.
Joe Warner, sales director, MIS Conversions, said: “This expansion enables us to be more agile and offer a much more bespoke range of products to our customers, at a time when we’re seeing continued growth in demand for specialist vehicle conversions. Investing in new machinery and widening our offering means we’re better placed to react quickly to new opportunities and fulfil orders within much tighter lead times.
“Lloyds Bank has been by our side for a nearly a decade and we’ve received sound guidance and support throughout our growth journey to date.”
Ben Cutts, relationship manager, Lloyds Bank, said: “MIS Conversions is a thriving player in the vehicle conversion market, with a reputation for producing high-quality and innovative products. The business always has an eye on expansion and this latest investment in new product lines is testament to its hunger for future growth.
“We will continue to champion independent businesses like MIS Conversions in achieving their ambitions, as part of our commitment to help Britain prosper.”
Significant office deal sealed at Leeds’ White Rose Park
Munroe K and Knight Frank have brokered one of the most significant office deals in the Leeds out of town office market this year.
The Leeds office agency team of Knight Frank, led by partner Eamon Fox, has let 12,414 sq ft of Grade A office space at 1 Munroe Court in the heart of the White Rose Park in south Leeds.
NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has taken a 10-year lease on the first floor of the building, relocating from the nearby Capitol Park East by Junction 28 of the M62.
1 Munroe Court, which also comprises a further 12,414 sq ft of available Grade A office space on the ground floor, is now undergoing a major refurbishment before NHS SBS occupies the space next summer. This involves a new reception and break-out spaces, high-tech features, electric vehicle (EV) charging points, 5G connectivity and PV roof panels.
Eamon Fox, who advised landlords Munroe K, said: “This is a very significant deal, underlining the fact that White Rose Park is a magnet for attracting high quality occupiers, such as NHS SBS. The Park already boasts other high-profile global businesses as part of its tenant roster, including Capita, HSBC, and leading digital sports media business DAZN.
“This deal, one of the largest of the year, also emphasises the strength of the Leeds out-of-town office market, and the trend for occupiers seeking better quality space in locations which provide a plethora of amenities for their staff.”
David Aspin, founder and CEO, Munroe K, added: “We are delighted to welcome another high quality occupier to White Rose Park. Their occupation in 2022 will coincide with the arrival of the new White Rose Railway Station, which adds the final transport spoke to our wheel. Staff will now be able to choose how they commute to the office, benefitting from easy access to cycle and walking routes, bus connectivity, as well as market-leading parking facilities.
“At White Rose Park, we never stand still in our provision of services for our community and have exciting plans for the future. 2022 will see the creation of a new outdoor gym and fitness area, additional biodiversity, more EV charging points, alongside measures to reduce our carbon footprint as we work toward net-zero and ESG ambitions. These new initiatives will complement our recently launched partnership with hero Wellbeing and the new WRP app,” said Mr Aspin.
Stephen Sutcliffe, director of finance and accounting at NHS SBS, explained: “The emergence of Covid-19 required a rapid shift to remote working to safeguard our employees whilst also continuing to provide critical business services to NHS organisations across the country – enabling them to focus their efforts on the clinical response to the pandemic.
“Since then we have learned a lot about what has worked well for our teams and, as such, are adopting a more hybrid approach to our way of working. Moving to the new White Rose Office Park supports our aim of promoting individual wellbeing and a better work-life balance. When attending the office in future our employees will have access to facilities like an on-site nursery and a ‘Borrow-a-Bike’ scheme, whilst having more convenient access to public transport.
“With the White Rose Office Park’s environmental commitments, the move is also in step with our own sustainability efforts and the wider NHS aim of being the world’s first net zero national health service.”
Vail Williams advised NHS Shared Business Services. The Leeds offices of property consultancies CBRE & JLL also represent Munroe K.
Dynamic team expansion to drive ambitious growth at Newsome
Over the last few months, temperature control and humidity experts, Newsome, has been actively recruiting key personnel to expand its experienced team – to help drive the company’s ambition to become the largest privately owned temperature control company within the UK.
The latest industry specialists to join the company include Chris Flynn, as sales manager and Rob Whyte, as contracts manager, both joining the Process Temperature Control division; whilst John Askew joins as contracts manager for the expanding HVAC & Refrigeration team.
The addition of these new recruits will enable Newsome to strengthen its presence across core markets as well as broadening into new sectors and service areas.
Chris Flynn will help Newsome drive their business growth strategy in the Process Temperature control division. He has carved a successful career in the temperature control industry, having spent the last 16 years working for ICS Cool Energy.
Chris says: “I am really excited to join Newsome. Being a smaller, privately owned company gives me the opportunity to use my skills to make a significant difference to the companies’ growth, particularly in the North & Midlands. I am looking forward to furthering my career with such a dynamic and ambitious team.”
Rob Whyte brings over 40 years of industry experience to the business, having spent the last 10 years working in the confectionary sector as technical director for Hilton Process Solutions.
Rob explains why he was keen to join: “I was looking for a new challenge. When I met Richard Metcalfe, I was really inspired by his passion and enthusiasm and vision for the business. I am really excited to join the team and play an integral part in the delivery of their business growth strategy, leveraging my extensive experience in project management and client services.”
With over 15 years in the industry, John Askew says: “I am really excited to join Newsome in their HVAC & Refrigeration team. In my previous role at Sovereign Air Movement, I worked alongside Newsome on a number of projects and was always impressed by the competence and professionalism of their personnel. I respected the fact they always worked directly with customers, rather than via third party contractors, which always led to greater customer satisfaction. I am looking forward to helping them expand their presence in this key business sector.”
Richard Metcalfe, director at Newsome, concludes: “Recruitment is a key part of our strategy to drive the business forward, to enable us to meet our ambitious growth targets. Having experienced and passionate people on our team is crucial to our continued success.
“We pride ourselves on providing a personalised, tailored solution to each of our customers. We are delighted that Chris Flynn, Rob Whyte and John Askew have recently joined us. They each bring valuable industry experience to the company, plus the maturity and motivation to help us deliver exceptional customer service.”
Over the coming months Newsome will continue with its expansion plans and looks forward to welcoming a number of additional personnel across the business in the new year.
Richard says: “We are now on the hunt for competent, highly motivated, service technicians and rental sales managers to join our fast-growing team – we invite anyone who may be interested to get in touch.”
Middlesbrough trains aspiring eye surgeons in partnership with the NHS
Tomorrow’s eye surgeons are being trained at a sight-saving Teesside clinic as part of an initiative aimed at easing the NHS’s workload.
Newmedica Middlesbrough is among the country’s first ophthalmology clinics to offer its expertise and state-of-the-art facilities to aspiring young NHS surgeons.
This is part of an agreement between independent healthcare providers and the NHS to ensure medical trainees have new opportunities to train in elective surgery or diagnostic activities in the independent sector.
The agreement came about to enable independent hospitals to support the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic.
This means that Newmedica Middlesbrough, which looks after patients from across Teesside and the surrounding area, is now giving trainee surgeons opportunities to use their skills in theatres and learn from senior clinicians.
Qasim Mansoor, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Newmedica Middlesbrough, said that his clinic will continue to develop close partnership-working with local NHS organisations for the benefit of patients.
He added: “Training is the core of becoming a skilled surgeon and something that I am very passionate about.
“Newmedica have worked closely with The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough to provide a training programme for ophthalmic trainees and we are already receiving positive feedback from the trainees and patients.
“We are very proud as an independent provider to be involved in this invaluable programme of education.”
Middlesbrough is setting the trend for other Newmedica clinics, which are finalising their plans for trainees and hope to be involved in the next few months, with trainee surgeons working in every Newmedica facility around the country.
Nigel Kirkpatrick, Newmedica Clinical Director, said: “The next generation of surgeons will undoubtedly benefit from spending dedicated time in our modern surgery centres, where they’ll have the opportunity to see lots of patients.
“We offer closely supervised training sessions with experienced consultants to allow the trainees to increase their skills. Surgery is an apprentice-style skill where the trainees and consultants work closely together to remove cataracts, treat eyelid diseases and perform laser treatments that restore vision.
“Learning as a doctor never ceases and the trainees often bring new ideas and concepts to our training sessions, allowing even the most senior surgeons to adapt techniques to improve outcomes for patients.”
Newmedica was started more than 10 years ago. Its clinics already provide services for NHS CCGs, NHS Trusts and Foundation Trusts, as well as other providers of NHS-funded services – caring for more than 120,000 patients a year.
Newmedica’s clinics across the country offer a range of specialist eye-care services, including glaucoma management and cataract surgery.
Further information about Newmedica is available at www.newmedica.co.uk.
Local holiday homes manufacturer donates Christmas presents to families in need
Victory Leisure Homes, the East Yorkshire holiday homes manufacturer, has donated various Christmas treats to local family crisis intervention charity Bundles of Joy to support vulnerable families over the festive period.
The items have been donated by colleagues at both the Gilberdyke and Hull sites. These items are now on their way via Bundles of Joy to families across Hull and East Yorkshire so that children and teenagers can celebrate Christmas with treats and presents to open on the big day.
Gary Corlyon, managing director of Victory Leisure Homes, said: “No matter our circumstances, everyone deserves to celebrate Christmas.
“The recent pandemic showed us all just how important the feeling of community is, so the whole team at Victory were more than happy to bring in all things festive to help those that might not have the means to give presents and celebrate this year.”
Victory is a big supporter of Bundles of Joy, having previously donating the entirety of its prop inventory to the charity.
Gillian McKenna, trustee and volunteer at Bundles of Joy, added: “Many families in our local community are already finding it difficult to make ends meet, and Christmas, rather than being the happy occasion it should be, can pile on additional pressure and stress. We are incredibly grateful to the team at Victory for their continued support and for helping us to make the festive season special for the children we support, who might otherwise go without presents or treats on Christmas Day.”
With Christmas fast approaching, Bundles of Joy is helping families that are going to find Christmas particularly hard this year. The charity is accepting donations of chocolate advent calendars, selection boxes, Christmas chocolate treats, and new toys and gifts for boys and girls for all ages from newborn up to 16 years until Monday 13 December.
To find out more about how to donate items, visit www.bundlesofjoy.org.uk or contact the charity on: hello@bundlesofjoy.org.uk.
For more information on Victory Leisure Homes visit: www.victoryleisurehomes.co.uk.
Experienced audit manager joins Hentons
An experienced audit manager has been appointed at Yorkshire-based chartered accountancy and business advisory firm, Hentons.
Lee Milligan has over 25 years’ industry experience and will be managing a team of auditing professionals who are based across the firm’s Leeds, London, Sheffield, Thirsk and York offices.
After completing a BA Hons degree in Accountancy and Business Studies, Lee started his career in Stoke-on-Trent before moving to a firm in Manchester. He has recently been working as the audit and accounts manager at Paylings Ltd in Wakefield. Lee is a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Lee said: “A well-run audit gives management and third parties assurance in the published financial figures and highlights any weaknesses in client systems, errors and potential fraud. It also makes meaningful unbiased recommendations to improve performance in the future. I pride myself on adding value to clients by providing excellent service and ideas that play a vital role in driving businesses forward.
“I wanted to join Hentons, as the firm has an excellent reputation for its audit and accountancy services, as well as offering corporate finance and legal services, and there are plenty of opportunities to build on its impressive client base.”
Partner, Mark Bain, from Hentons, said: “All the audits we carry out are unique to the specific operational, financial and regulatory risks faced by each business. Our highly experienced team identify areas that can improve a company’s tax position, whilst also providing assurances and financial guidance to support future growth. Lee is the ideal fit for Hentons, and our team and clients will benefit from his experience and dedication.”
CPP lets speculative build at Ashroyd Business Park
Commercial property lettings experts Commercial Property Partners (CPP) has completed a significant letting at the Ashroyd Business Park at Barnsley, South Yorkshire.
CPP has agreed a letting at Ashroyd 52, a 52,871 sq. ft speculative new build, on behalf of commercial real estate specialists, 4th Industrial.
The self-contained unit offers a glazed feature entrance, 2,551 sq. ft of first floor office space, secure gated yard, separate parking facilities, two loading doors, as well as a further three dock leveller loading doors. Its BREEAM rating is Very Good along with an EPC ‘A’ Rating. The new tenants will also enjoy superfast-broadband and mains gas connectivity.
Ed Norris, Director at CPP, comments: “We’re delighted to conclude this letting at Ashroyd 52, which reflects both the quality of space and the strength in the commercial industrial market across the region and along the M1 corridor.
“South Yorkshire is in strong demand at the moment, particularly Grade A industrial units over 50,000 sq. ft, which are in very short supply and therefore not staying vacant for long.”
Gareth Jones of Jones Granville, acting for their client commented ‘The unit presented a quality opportunity in a great location, which fitted my clients brief. We were pleased to conclude the negotiations given the lack of availability across the region and the quality of the building.’
Faye Fleming, Asset Manager at 4th Industrial added: “We are very pleased to agree this significant letting after recently acquiring the estate. The time taken to find a quality tenant at the location is testament to our agents CPP and Savills.
“The remaining units all have strong interest, and we hope to have more announcements in the near future.”
Half of Yorkshire construction firms not confident they will achieve net zero by 2050
As the urgency for the shift to a net zero economy becomes more prominent, a brand-new piece of research has identified that nearly half (43%) of the UK construction industry is not confident they will achieve net zero by 2050, and this is even higher in the Yorkshire region at 51%
For the sector, which contributes over 40% of the UK’s total carbon footprint, to reduce
emissions and achieve net zero by 2050, it needs to address three key challenges, according to a piece of industry research commissioned by Bramble Energy – a hydrogen fuel cell technology startup:
1. Education and an understanding on the solutions available
2. A net zero ambition which is realistic and ultimately, achievable
3. Full transparency on the government funding available.
Research specific to the Yorkshire region follows the national trend. Over three quarters (81%) of participants believe the government can be clearer in how it expects the construction industry to hit carbon targets and ensure the net zero ambition is not a pipedream. The survey also revealed that nearly four fifths (81%) of the construction industry, 74% regionally, has not taken advantage of any hydrogen government funding schemes available to them. In Yorkshire, 57% of the industry know funding is available – nationally it is just under a half (48%).
Chief product officer, Peter Sayce, at Bramble Energy says: “Inherently the construction industry is a heavy carbon emitter and continues to be the focus of many planned government initiatives and policies, as well as public scrutiny. The urgency to act on climate
change has never been greater, and the construction industry – like all others – has a moral and legal responsibility to address the climate emergency and accelerate sector decarbonisation.
“The construction industry is already demonstrating clear intent with the launch of major
projects like HS2. Yet our survey revealed some genuine challenges that continue to face the sector in order to achieve net zero. Yes roadmaps are being put into place by industry experts but the picture being painted is that all parties have to take their share of the responsibility. Construction firms have to become better educated on solutions and support available, and the government has to be more transparent in its support.”
Earlier this summer, the UK government tipped hydrogen as being one of the country’s carbon cutting solutions by launching a dedicated strategy to kick-start the UK in becoming a world-leading hydrogen economy. The vision promises to unlock up to £1 billion in UK
government support for hydrogen and other low carbon technologies, including over £400m for hydrogen specifically. This received huge criticism from industry experts claiming the amount of funding will mean the UK will struggle to deliver at scale because it is dwarfed by the billions earmarked by European counterparts like Germany and France.
Earlier this month more than 100 organisations led by the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) launched the Whole Life Carbon Roadmap – a vision and actions for achieving net zero carbon in the construction and demolition of buildings and infrastructure.
The benefits of hydrogen power are well documented. Not only does it help reduce carbon
footprint, it is reliable and easy-to-use, its only emission is water and when in operation is
virtually silent. Yet what is stopping the construction industry from implementing it, is cost with 65 percent of participants claiming it was their biggest barrier to entry – from cost of raw materials and overall operating costs to cost of replacing legacy equipment and initial
investment.
The survey did reveal that four percent of the construction industry have already started to
implement hydrogen, with another six percent considering it in the very near future. The good news is innovation continues. Last year Siemens Energy installed a zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell to provide off grid power to the National Grid’s Viking Link construction site and JCB announced earlier this year its development of the construction’s first ever hydrogen powered excavator.
“As more and more construction firms start to strategically prioritise or consider the pursuit of a sustainable world, the more change becomes a reality in how the industry currently powers its sites. The race to net zero is proving to the world that hydrogen will be part of the solution in tackling carbon emissions – for today and tomorrow. After all the talk, it is time for action!
“The climate crisis is the biggest challenge humanity faces and speed is of the essence. COP26 presented a stark warning of the dangers involved when ignoring climate change and lack of action. Everyone has a part to play – this includes the construction industry, but more importantly, those who have access to insight, knowledge and tools to bring it to the forefront and make tackling climate change a collaborative effort,” concludes Sayce.
Industrial scheme given green light at Hull’s Anlaby Retail Park
Forty thousand square feet of industrial space has secured full planning consent at Anlaby Retail Park in Hull.
The Derwent Group, which owns the strategic development site, submitted plans to bring forward a long-consented industrial scheme in June. Work is now expected to start on site in mid 2022, ready for practical completion in early 2023.
Located to the north east of the retail park, the new 40,000 sq ft scheme will be split into a number of individual units for B2 and B8 use. Units will range in size from 1,500 sq ft to 10,000 sq ft, with the option of adding a mezzanine floor.
Andrew Day, senior asset manager at The Derwent Group, which owns the Anlaby Retail Park site, said: “We’re delighted that we can now push forward with this scheme and bring flexible and modern industrial accommodation to the local market.
“Our vision for this site is in keeping with The Derwent Group’s wider commitment to expand our industrial portfolio with high quality space in strategic locations where there is already strong amenity and good road connectivity.
“We’re currently in the process of procuring a contractor and expect work to start on site in the spring.”
David Garness, director at Garness Jones, acting agent for the scheme, said: “This is tremendous news and we expect to see high demand for the scheme. It’s been designed to reflect local market demand with a number of smaller units available, plus it has the benefits of easy access to the retail park, city and motorway network.”
Business Productivity Programme helps Elecomm target £30m milestone
A specialist business services provider is on track to see its turnover increase from £22m to £30m over the next three years after securing grant funding from the South Yorkshire Business Productivity Programme.
Elecomm, which is headquartered at Beighton Link Business Park, delivers a range of electrical, mechanical, data and IT support to businesses across the UK and counts over 130 colleges across the UK, major retailers including Asda and Ikea, as well as some of the UK’s best known construction companies amongst its growing client base.
Following the launch of a new dedicated facilities management division earlier this year, the company realised that many of the systems and procedures it had relied upon since its inception in 2003 were no longer fit for purpose.
Today, the business employs more than 150 sub-contractors working both across the UK and Europe, as well as managing its own warehouse operations and overseeing a fleet of 40 vehicles. With an increasingly complex business model, the company reached out to the South Yorkshire Business Productivity Programme to access the vital support needed to identify more effective ways of working.
Working with Key Account Manager, Claire Green, a match funded grant was secured to help Elecomm to invest in specialist business consultancy support to undertake a comprehensive review of the company’s business operation. All aspects of the business were placed under the microscope, scrutinised and reviewed, helping the company to identify more effective ways of working, as well as highlighting skills shortages within its existing workforce.
Since accessing funding through the Business Productivity Programme and as a result of the measures it has implemented, Elecomm is investing in new technology to support more collaborative working across the business. The company has also embarked upon a significant recruitment campaign, which it hopes will create a number of new roles within the business, as well as inspiring the next generation of colleagues through its apprenticeship programme.
John Hamilton, supply chain director, Elecomm, said: “We’ve enjoyed a significant period of growth in recent years, not only in the UK but also working across a number of international markets. It’s been a period that has seen us target new markets and services, as well as investing in the training and development of our staff. As the business grew, we knew the systems and procedures we relied upon were no longer fit for purpose.
“We knew the changes we wanted to make to the business would not happen overnight, and the support we have been able to access as a result of the Business Productivity Grant is helping us to build on our strengths, identify weaknesses in our business model and implement the changes we knew we needed to make to help us achieve future growth.
“As a direct result of the support we’ve received, we’re on course to achieve our growth target of £30m as well as helping us to develop clear succession plans for the business as we continue to create new skilled jobs within the local economy.”
Claire Green, key account manager, RiDO, said: “The Business Productivity Programme was developed to help businesses across South Yorkshire overcome barriers to growth, helping companies to access specialist support to enable them to take advantage of new opportunities, lay the foundations for future growth and ultimately help to create and retain skilled jobs within the local economy.
“In recent years, Elecomm has successfully launched a number of new services; however, the company recognised that as the business grew, it needed to embrace new working methods. The support provided through the Business Productivity Grant has enabled Elecomm to consolidate and identify new ways of working.
“It has also helped the company’s management team to access the specialist support needed to underpin future growth by improving communications across the business as well as overcoming skills barriers in its workforce. It’s great to see that the steps they have implemented are already helping the company to reap dividends.”
