Aspire Furniture Ltd expands with new Leeds warehouse

April Lara
-
0
Aspire Furniture Ltd expands with new Leeds warehouse

Aspire Furniture Ltd, a wholesaler specialising in beds, mattresses, and bedroom furniture, has secured a new 56,400 sq ft warehouse in Leeds. The facility, leased for three years, will support the company’s expanding operations and boost storage capacity. Towngate PLC owns the warehouse, which is located close to Aspire’s manufacturing site, enhancing logistical efficiency.

This move follows a period of significant growth for Aspire, which has transformed from a small operation to a business with a £22 million annual turnover and over 100 employees. The company partners with major retailers such as Argos, NEXT, and Furniture Village and has a strong e-commerce presence. The new warehouse, with features including high ceilings, multiple loading doors, and ample parking, will help Aspire manage rising demand and streamline operations.

The facility’s location in the heart of Yorkshire’s motorway network will provide excellent connectivity, facilitating efficient distribution across the UK.

Yorkshire tyre wholesaler acquires “the future of tyre and Autocare”

Tess Egginton
-
0
Yorkshire tyre wholesaler acquires “the future of tyre and Autocare”
Pocklington-headquartered tyre wholesaler Bond International has acquired 75% of the shareholding of Tyrescope. Tyrescope, described as “the future of tyre and Autocare,” is software which scans tyre tread depth from a mobile device, android or iOS, and provides users with critical information about the status of their tyres, including tread depth, issues with tracking, and tyre pressure. It also calculates when a user will need to replace their tyres. The software and business was set up and developed by Tony Mann, who remains a 25% shareholder and Managing Director of the business. Bond International CEO, Charlie Bond, said: “I met with Tony in 2024, and he showed me the software. I was astounded by its capabilities and the opportunities it could provide for both of our businesses. “I could see channels where this software could be used to help businesses with tyre safety, reducing fuel costs and reducing carbon production. Once I had seen what it was capable of, I knew I had to do a deal with Tony. All of us at Bond are very excited by the product.” Tyrescope MD, Tony Mann, said: “I met with Charlie and saw his enthusiasm, listened to his vision for the product, and knew immediately that Bond was the right business to partner with. They are highly respected in the industry and have many contacts. “This opens up new avenues that would not have been available without them. It was a simple decision, and I am extremely excited for the future and what it will bring.”

Work starts on York student accommodation scheme

Tess Egginton
-
0
Work starts on York student accommodation scheme
GMI Construction Group has begun work on a major purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme at Foss Islands Road in York. The £17m contract is the Yorkshire firm’s third PBSA project in the city and is targeted to complete for the start of the 2026/27 academic year. Developed in partnership by Urbium Capital and Harrogate-based developer Gregory Properties, the brownfield site was previously occupied by Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Just Tyres. The five-storey building will feature 131 studios and two one-bedroom apartments, paired with amenity areas including co-working study spaces, fitness centre, multi-functional social areas, and landscaped courtyards. Mick Spells, GMI’s project manager, said: “We’re excited to break ground on the Foss Islands Road project – continuing our work expanding York’s student housing infrastructure. “It’s a project that aligns perfectly with GMI’s commitment to delivering high-quality projects that benefit local communities. We look forward to bringing this scheme to life and making a positive contribution to the city’s student experience.” Iain McKillop, investment director at Urbium Capital, added: “We are pleased to see work commence on this exciting project. It exemplifies our dedication to transforming under-utilised brownfield sites to meet contemporary needs. “Foss Islands Road is an ideal location for student housing, and we are proud to collaborate with GMI Construction Group, whose expertise and commitment to quality make them an outstanding partner. “This development not only addresses the critical demand for student accommodation but underscores the significant role students play in York’s thriving economy.”

Construction begins on £3.8m enterprise centre in Todmorden

Tess Egginton
-
0
Construction begins on £3.8m enterprise centre in Todmorden
Construction has begun on a £3.8m enterprise centre in Todmorden, supported by the Todmorden Town Deal, marking a major milestone in its £17.5m investment programme.
Through a partnership between Connect Housing and Calder Valley Community Land Trust (CVCLT), an additional investment of £4m has been secured to add affordable rented homes to the project at Ferney Lee in Todmorden.
The Ferney Lee project will create 23 affordable rented offices and workspaces alongside 19 affordable rented homes.
The new Enterprise Centre will offer professional, high-quality space for micro and small to medium businesses, whether start-ups, freelancers wanting to move out of homeworking or more established small to medium enterprises looking to grow. Calder Valley Community Land Trust’s social enterprise subsidiary, CVCLT Enterprise Limited, will run the Enterprise Centre once developed. The new homes will be built to high standards of energy efficiency, following PassivHaus principles. They will be offered at social rents to people with a connection with, or need to live in, the Todmorden area. Connect Housing will manage the new homes when completed
Pam Warhurst, Chair, Todmorden Town Deal Board, said: “We are delighted that construction of this exciting and important new home for enterprise, business, co-working and collaboration in Todmorden is now underway. “The Enterprise Centre will meet the need for professional, modern and affordable workspaces and offices for commercial ventures, and for Todmorden people with ideas and passions they want to transform into a local enterprise. “We are committed to supporting our local economy in particular new skills development, and business and job creation, and the new enterprise centre perfectly embodies this element of our vision.”
The funding package for the Ferney Lee project comprises: 3.8m funding from Todmorden Town Deal, 1.9m from Connect Housing and a further £1.9m provided by Homes England through the Affordable Homes Programme (2021/2026). Construction at Ferney Lee is being undertaken by PLP Construction with completion anticipated in Spring 2026.

Yorkshire law firm Gordons promotes two to partner

Michael Fisher
-
0
Yorkshire law firm Gordons promotes two to partner

Law firm Gordons has welcomed two new partners within its construction and property disputes practices.

Mark Smith joined the firm’s construction team last November from Addleshaw Goddard and has more than 25 years’ experience. He specialises in construction and engineering disputes, risk management and dispute avoidance.

Senior property disputes lawyer Paul Joyce arrived at Gordons from Womble Bond Dickinson last July. He has specialised in property litigation for 13 years and has led the firm’s property disputes team since joining Gordons.

Commenting on their promotions, Gordons’ managing partner, Victoria Davey, said: “Mark and Paul have both made a significant positive impact since they joined the firm which has benefitted clients and colleagues alike.

“They are progressive lawyers with the ability to consistently provide commercially astute, practical advice whilst building enduring client relationships, which are all traits distinct to Gordons’ culture.

“We now look forward to them playing an even greater role within the firm’s leadership team as we continue to evolve our construction and property disputes practices.”

Redundancies as Scunthorpe data centre supplier falls into administration

Tess Egginton
-
0
Redundancies as Scunthorpe data centre supplier falls into administration
Administrators for failed data centre equipment manufacturer and installer Cross-Guard Limited have made a number of redundancies after the business was placed into administration on Friday 28 March. Gareth Rusling of Begbies Traynor Group and Charles Ranby-Gorwood of CRG Insolvency & Financial were appointed joint administrators of the company by its director after the business became unviable as a going concern. Seventeen redundancies have been made at the firm’s Scunthorpe head office at Queensway Industrial Estate, with 22 staff retained to complete orders and installation contracts while the joint administrators explore any potential buyers for the goodwill and assets of the business. A spokesperson for Begbies Traynor Group said: “It is very early days, and the joint administrators are actively working through all the financial information in detail to establish and contact all of the creditors and debtors, and to understand the cause of the failure of the business, but it is already clear that the business was unviable. “Sadly, redundancies have already been forced, and more are expected once the current work in progress is completed and the contracted projects are fulfilled. More information will become available in coming days and weeks, but our responsibilities are to protect the interests of the creditors, and to manage the process of redundancy that is affecting the employees.”

Leeds to host UKREiiF 2026, set to bring £20m boost to economy

April Lara
-
0
Leeds to host UKREiiF 2026, set to bring £20m boost to economy

Leeds has secured the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) for 2026, marking its fifth consecutive year as the event’s location. The conference, which began in 2022, aims to bring together professionals in the real estate, regeneration, and development sectors. Around 16,000 delegates are expected to attend, potentially generating over £20m for the local economy.

Set to take place at the Royal Armouries Museum, UKREiiF 2026 will offer a platform for investors, developers, and government representatives to discuss emerging investment opportunities. The conference follows a successful history in Leeds, with the 2025 event planned for next month.

This decision aligns with wider growth strategies for the West Yorkshire region, showcasing the city as a hub for investment and infrastructure development. The forum’s continued presence in Leeds highlights its importance in fostering economic growth. However, some local residents have raised concerns about security measures during the event, sometimes affecting day-to-day life in areas such as Leeds Dock.

The final dates for UKREiiF 2026 will be announced during the 2025 conference.

CBI calls for leadership to drive economic growth in Hull and East Yorkshire

April Lara
-
0
CBI calls for leadership to drive economic growth in Hull and East Yorkshire

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has presented its vision for the economic future of Hull and East Yorkshire ahead of the upcoming mayoral election. The new directly elected mayor will have control over a budget exceeding £400 million and additional funding for transport, economic growth, and skills development. This marks a significant opportunity for the region to focus on industrial transformation and create a more competitive local economy.

The CBI’s manifesto calls for the new mayor to focus on key areas, including attracting investment, supporting businesses, achieving net-zero emissions, and enhancing productivity. The organisation stresses that a strong, collaborative approach involving both regional and business leaders will be essential to unlocking the region’s full potential.

As part of its recommendations, the CBI highlights the need for improvements to infrastructure and transport, initiatives for industrial decarbonisation, and the development of a robust local growth plan. By prioritising these areas, the CBI believes the region can foster a thriving economy, particularly in sectors like clean energy and advanced manufacturing.

Yorkshire events provide support to farmers on Budget proposals

April Lara
-
0
Yorkshire events provide support to farmers on Budget proposals

The Yorkshire Agricultural Society is hosting a series of free events to help farmers understand and respond to key announcements from the recent Autumn Budget. These sessions are designed to offer practical advice, particularly regarding proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR), which could affect inheritance tax.

The events will take place across Yorkshire, starting on Monday, 28 April, at Farmer Copleys in Pontefract, followed by Tuesday, 29 April, at Driffield Showground, Wednesday, 30 April, at The Huntsman Inn in Holmfirth, and Thursday, 1 May, at The Golden Lion in Northallerton. Each event will open at 6.30pm with a bar, followed by hot food at 7pm, and presentations with a Q&A session running from 7.30 to 9.30pm. Attendees are required to register in advance.

The sessions will feature a range of experts. Duncan Winspear from Savills will provide insights into assessing business strengths and weaknesses, and strategies for maximising income while managing risk. Chris Humphreys from BHP Accountants will focus on planning tax affairs amid economic and political uncertainty, emphasising mitigating the impact of changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Unspent Pension Funds.

Legal experts Orlando Bridgeman and Lucy Hargreaves from Wrigleys Solicitors will discuss inheritance tax, highlighting the likelihood of increased lifetime gifts to avoid death duties. They will also address issues of business control, protection against divorce or irresponsible family members, and succession planning when the next generation is not yet ready to take over.

Heather Wildman of Saviour Associates will explore how the proposed policy changes affect succession planning and offer strategies for future-proofing farm businesses.

RPM International acquires The Pink Stuff owner Star Brands

April Lara
-
0
RPM International acquires The Pink Stuff owner Star Brands

Star Brands, the Leeds-based company behind the viral cleaning brand The Pink Stuff, has been acquired by RPM International Inc., a global company with over $7bn in sales. RPM, known for its portfolio of leading brands such as Rust-Oleum and DAP, has purchased Star Brands from Mobeus, which has owned the business since 2019.

The acquisition marks the culmination of a successful partnership between Mobeus and Star Brands, during which the company evolved from a private-label cleaning products manufacturer to a globally recognised consumer brand. The Pink Stuff’s success has been driven mainly by its viral presence on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where it gained traction through the “CleanTok” trend.

Since Mobeus’s involvement, The Pink Stuff has expanded into 118 countries, with the US becoming its largest market. Partnerships with major retailers such as Walmart and Amazon have significantly increased sales, with revenues growing over fivefold to £150m. The company’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) have increased 15 times during this period.

Mobeus has also facilitated strategic moves including the acquisition of Star Brands’ US distributor and efforts to strengthen the company’s intellectual property, particularly in the US and European markets. The sale is Mobeus’s largest realisation to date.

1...121314...928Page 13 of 928