Councils Partnership appoints Director of Economic Development

Stuart Pearcey
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Councils Partnership appoints Director of Economic Development

The South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership has appointed Pranali Parikh as its Director of Economic Development.

Her directorate responsibilities will be to deliver planning, economy and cultural development, and she will be instrumental in driving forward the growth ambitions and priorities for the Partnership. In her previous role, Pranali was Director for Growth and Regeneration at Melton Borough Council for six years where she was pivotal in the council’s successful Levelling Up funding bid, enhancing regeneration and boosting the town’s reputation as the ‘rural capital of food.’ Partnership working has been a consistent theme for Pranali, having also worked as Regeneration Service Manager for Alliance of High Peak Borough Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council. Her first role in local Government was Principal Regeneration Manager for Derby City Council and before that she was Urban Design Manager at Derby Cityscape Ltd and Urban Designer at Atkins Ltd. Pranali said: “I am very much looking forward to getting really engrained into the sub-region, working with the Councils’ leaders, portfolio holders and stakeholders on their priorities as well as understanding local challenges and seeking solutions. “I am really looking forward to bringing my expertise and insights to the delivery of projects and schemes which support growth and the local economy in south and east Lincolnshire.” Rob Barlow, Chief Executive, said: “I am really pleased that Pranali has joined our Senior Leadership Team at what is an exciting time for the Partnership. By working collaboratively, the Partnership has been really successful in bringing in Government funding to support economic growth for the entire sub-region. “This is a new role and was highly competitive so I am delighted the recruitment process has resulted in Pranali joining the team to help drive forward the ambitions of the Partnership.”

Inflation stays stable at Bank of England’s target

Tess Egginton
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Inflation stays stable at Bank of England’s target
Inflation has held steady at the Bank of England’s 2% target, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), which rose by 2% in the 12 months to June 2024, the same rate as the 12 months to May 2024, it means prices in June increased at the same rate as May. The largest upward contribution came from restaurants and hotels, where prices of hotels rose more than a year ago; the largest downward contribution came from clothing and footwear, with prices of garments falling this year having risen a year ago. Core inflation, meanwhile, which takes out volatile factors like energy, food, alcohol and tobacco to give a clear picture of underlying trends, rose by 3.5% in the 12 months to June 2024, the same rate as in May. Martin Sartorius, Principal Economist, CBI, said: “The fact that inflation is stable at the Bank of England’s target will be welcome news for many households as we start to see things return to normal after period of high price growth. However, it’s worth noting that many have yet to feel the benefit of lower inflation due to the high level of prices, particularly for food and energy bills. “Today’s data paves the way for an interest rate cut next month, which would begin to provide some relief for firms and households that are struggling with high borrowing costs. “Going forward, the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee will be mindful of potential upside risks to inflation in the near-term as the domestic growth outlook improves. They are also likely to move carefully as they assess the impact of the first rate cut in four years.”

‘Free from’ food brand secures £2m

Tess Egginton
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‘Free from’ food brand secures £2m
The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) has completed its first equity investment in the Yorkshire and Humber region since the launch of the £660m fund in March this year. Based in Harrogate, Kirsty’s, the ‘free from’ range of ready meals, has raised £2m from NPIF II – Mercia Equity Finance, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II. With the funding from NPIF II, Kirsty’s will be able to launch new ‘food to go’ ranges and develop other new products. The investment is expected to add 15 new jobs to its 55-strong team in the next six months at the company’s Harrogate factory. As part of the deal Ian Kent, the former Commercial Director of Stateside Foods, has been appointed as Chair. Created and launched by Kirsty Henshaw, Kirsty’s was founded in 2009 after discovering that her son Jacob had multiple food allergies, including to nuts, as well as dairy intolerance. With so few healthy and tasty food options available to her, she began experimenting with different recipes and started selling small batches of ice cream to health food stores. Gaining in popularity and receiving interest from major retailers such as Tesco, she took her business to Dragon’s Den in 2010. After successfully securing backing from Peter Jones and Duncan Bannatyne, Kirsty subsequently bought back their shares three years later after launching her meals into supermarkets across the country in 2012. In 2020, Kirsty’s opened a state-of-the-art 100 per cent allergen-free factory in Harrogate bringing all its manufacturing operations in-house. The company supplies all the major supermarkets. Kirsty Henshaw, founder of Kirsty’s, said: “Nothing beats fresh, home cooked food, however with modern life being busier than ever, we know that’s not always achievable, especially for those with allergies who have to prepare everything from scratch. We set out to create a range of healthy, convenience foods that everyone could enjoy whether they have an allergy or not. “Our success is a real testament to our hard-working team. This funding will enable us to take the business to a new level and fulfil its true potential.” Chris Borrett of Mercia Ventures said: “Kirsty is an incredible founder with a deep passion, an unstoppable drive and infectious personality. She has built a strong brand, a great team and a defensible platform for future growth. “As our population becomes more aware of what they consume, and with busy lives and more dual income households, Kirsty’s is poised to truly lead the healthy convenience and allergen-free sectors. With strong relationships with all the major UK retailers and a roadmap of exciting new products, we are excited about the growth journey ahead.”

Detailed proposed routes for first phase of new West Yorkshire mass transit network released

Tess Egginton
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Detailed proposed routes for first phase of new West Yorkshire mass transit network released
Detailed proposed routes for the first phase of a new West Yorkshire mass transit network have been released by Mayor Tracy Brabin. Phase one of the mass transit network aims to connect St James’ Hospital with south Leeds, with another line running from Bradford city centre to Leeds city centre. Leeds and Bradford have been chosen as the hubs from which the West Yorkshire mass transit network can grow, as they are the region’s most concentrated centres of population, business, leisure and retail. All potential phase one options for the Leeds Line run close to the White Rose Centre, with two route options also running close to Elland Road. Some of the other places the proposed route options would aim to connect include Leeds General Infirmary, The South Bank, Holbeck and Beeston. The Bradford Line will connect people between Bradford city centre and Leeds city centre with the proposed route options aiming to connect areas like Thornbury, Laisterdyke, Pudsey, Armley and Wortley. Linking up these communities will enable more people to get to jobs and training and education opportunities, all while working towards tackling the climate emergency. The Combined Authority wants to hear views from as many people as possible – a public consultation, open to everyone, will run until September 30. Feedback from members of the public will help identify benefits and issues with the mass transit routes options for Leeds and Bradford, improve proposals and help decide which of these options will go forward to create a Leeds Line and a Bradford Line. Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “West Yorkshire is a truly special place to live and work, but learning, earning a living or spending time with friends and family should not be limited by a difficult journey. “A crucial part of our growth mission, Mass Transit will transform the transport options available to the people of West Yorkshire, as well as attracting investment into the region and boosting our economy. “We want to create a better-connected West Yorkshire, with a Mass Transit system that is affordable, easy to use, and safe and secure for all.” Once preferred routes have been developed, a further statutory consultation will follow in 2025. This consultation will include proposals for tram stops, depots, potential park and ride sites and engineering works. In parallel with phase one, the Combined Authority will continue to work with Kirklees Council on the Dewsbury Line Development Project, as well as Calderdale and Wakefield councils for future phases, so no part of West Yorkshire is left behind. Following this options consultation and the preferred route consultation in 2025, an application to the Secretary of State for Transport would be made for legal powers and planning permission to build and operate phase one. This would be in the form of a Transport Works Act Order in the second half of 2026. Work is expected to begin in 2028, with first lines operational by the early 2030s.

Work to start on council-backed housing scheme in Leeds

Tess Egginton
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Work to start on council-backed housing scheme in Leeds
Work is set to begin on a new scheme that will deliver 28 affordable and sustainable homes in the Armley area of Leeds. The properties will be built by 54North Homes on a brownfield site on Wesley Road, using funding provided by Leeds City Council and Homes England. The £5.1m development will comprise 26 houses and two flats – 22 of which will be available for social rent and six for shared ownership. An emphasis on sustainability will see the homes being built with air source heat pumps to provide heating and hot water. The scheme will also accommodate existing mature trees, along with individual gardens and open landscaped areas. The homes have been designed by Brewster Bye Architects, the building contractor is Ashfield Projects (Yorkshire) Ltd and BWA has been appointed as the employers’ agent. Up to £700,000 of the funding for the scheme will come from Leeds City Council. This money is being drawn from Leeds’ commuted sums funding stream, which supports affordable housing delivery using pooled financial contributions paid by developers as part of planning agreements. All initial tenancies – and 60 per cent of subsequent lets – will be offered to people on the council’s housing register. Joanna Chambers, director of assets and growth at 54North Homes, said: “We are delighted to be beginning work on this development very shortly which forms part of our ambitious growth programme to build around 250 new homes over the next three years. “In Leeds this includes a £12m scheme to build 58 new affordable homes on Railway Street near the city centre and 40 homes within the new Kirkstall Place development – all of which will help to address the acute need for more affordable housing in the city. “Wesley Road will be a great looking scheme, it has been designed to be sympathetic to the surrounding area and I am excited to see the plans become reality. It benefits from excellent local transport links to the city centre and will be the first development where 54North Homes is installing air source heat pumps, marking an important step on our sustainability agenda. “As well as being committed to building energy efficient new homes, 54North Homes is also undertaking work to adapt some of the older homes we own to ensure they are as healthy, energy efficient and affordable for customers to run as possible.” Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing, said: “We’re determined to ensure Leeds is a place that people are proud to call home, and one key way we can achieve that aim is through schemes such as the one at Wesley Road. “These new properties will be high quality and energy efficient – and it’s particularly pleasing that so many of them will be available for social rents. “The scheme will also bring a derelict piece of land within an existing residential area back into use to create a vibrant neighbourhood, and provides a great example of the benefits of collaborative working between the council and partners. “We have seen an annual average of 550 affordable homes delivered in the city in recent years, with the figure for each of the next three years expected to rise to around 750. “This isn’t just about numbers, however – every home, including the ones that will shortly be taking shape at Wesley Road, represents happiness and a welcome feeling of security for the people living in them.” The site for the scheme was formerly owned by the Diocese of Leeds and is located at the southern end of Wesley Road, near St Bartholomew’s Church.

Lloyds Banking Group to convert former office and data centre in Pudsey into new social housing

Tess Egginton
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Lloyds Banking Group to convert former office and data centre in Pudsey into new social housing
To increase the supply of new social housing in the UK, Lloyds Banking Group has revealed intentions for the redevelopment of decommissioned Group data centres and former office sites into new social housing projects.  The construction of the first site in Pudsey, formerly an office and data centre, is set to commence in 2026.  Subject to planning permission, the redevelopment will create up to 80 new homes that could be available for social rent and help to increase the supply of good, affordable homes in the UK.  A full review of the Group’s legacy commercial real-estate portfolio is currently underway, with plans progressing to finalise additional sites that could also be developed by housing partners as social housing in the coming years. Charlie Nunn, Chief Executive Officer, Lloyds Banking Group, said: “Everyone has the right to build a future from the foundation of a secure home. Social housing is part of this country’s critical infrastructure, and we need to direct and increase investment into the right homes, in the places they’re needed most. “Lloyds Banking Group has provided £17 billion of support to the sector since 2018 and today we also have announced our plans to redevelop decommissioned Group data centres and former office sites for new housing projects – and I would encourage others to also consider this.”

BPI Asset Advisory acquires Plant & Machinery Division of Michael Steel & Co

Tess Egginton
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BPI Asset Advisory acquires Plant & Machinery Division of Michael Steel & Co
Normanton-based RICS asset valuation & disposal firm, BPI Asset Advisory (BPI AA), has acquired the Plant & Machinery (P&M) Division of Leeds’ Michael Steel & Co to support growth plans. As part of the deal, Mark Hodgson joins fellow BPI AA directors and valuers, Andy Cromack and Luke Hartshorn, further boosting the businesses valuation capacity. Mark brings a wealth of P&M valuation experience, spanning corporate and personal insolvency instructions, accrued over 35 years. Michelle Goulden also joins the BPI team increasing case management resource. The acquisition enables BPI AA’s continued growth amongst regional & national advisory, lending and insolvency firms, without compromising its offering for independent firms. Combined with BPI’s ability to provide a three to five week turnaround asset sale period, regardless of instruction size, the deal ensures the continued swift delivery of results in line with client expectations. Director, Andy Cromack (MRICS) says: “The P&M division of Michael Steel & Co is well known in the industry and we’re delighted to have Mark on board. His depth of knowledge across asset values will contribute to the delivery of accurate and expedient RICS valuations the market knows BPI AA for.” Mark Hodgson says: “We built the P&M practice by putting client requirements first. The synergies with BPI AA’s approach to client relationships and prioritising delivery made the move a natural fit. Both Michelle and I are delighted to be part of BPI team.” BPI Group MD David Boulton says: “Valuation and sale turn-around times are pivotal to BPI’s offering. The acquisition delivers growth for the Asset Advisory division and allows us to continue to respond rapidly to the needs of our clients.” Michael Steel & Co property division is not part of the deal. It remains a separate trading entity and is open for business as usual.

Environment Agency urges farmers to prepare for winter slurry storage

Stuart Pearcey
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Environment Agency urges farmers to prepare for winter slurry storage
The Environment Agency (EA) is urging farmers to start their preparations now for winter slurry storage, and to contact the EA if they have any concerns. Wet weather throughout the year has already put pressures on farms’ storage and if this continues, it is important to have enough storage and a robust back up plan in place. Environment Agency Deputy Director for Agriculture Nicola Riley said: “We know the profound impact that wet weather can have on farmers and their slurry storage. It is important that we help farmers to get ready ahead of time by supplying guidance and practical solutions.

“That’s why we’re urging farmers to start their preparations now, with the Environment Agency on hand to help farmers find the right solutions that work for them.”

The EA is encouraging farmers to start their preparations now, and to contact them for advice if necessary.

Gateley continues revenue growth streak

Tess Egginton
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Gateley continues revenue growth streak

Gateley has hailed a “good financial performance” in its audited results for the year ended 30 April 2024 (FY24), as the professional services group extends its unbroken record of revenue growth since IPO in 2015.

The business increased revenue by 6% to £172.5m, while delivering an underlying profit before tax of £23m (slipping from £25.1m in the previous year) after reinstating the payment of employee bonuses of £4.5m.

Gateley said this was “in recognition of our people’s contribution to a resilient outturn and our more positive outlook as we move into FY25.”

During the year, the company continued execution of its M&A strategy with the July 2023 acquisition of Richard Julian and Associates Limited (RJA).

Rod Waldie, CEO of Gateley, said: “I am pleased with our FY24 outturn given our cautious view of market conditions during the Period, particularly around the turn of the calendar year in H2. Our people have worked hard to deliver another year of growth via our increasingly diverse and resilient business model, combining complementary legal and consultancy services.

“During the Period we continued to make organic and acquisitive investments in both our legal and consultancy services and in related systems. RJA Consultants was acquired onto our Property Platform in July 2023, adding further expertise and capacity to our quantity surveying and project management offering. It is already performing ahead of the board’s expectation. 

“Our legal services class actions team, established in May 2023, launched its first case in late February 2024. Our investment in this team is a high-profile example of the type of investment that we are looking to make to enhance our returns over the medium to longer-term.

“Our M&A and lateral hire pipeline remains encouraging and we are committed to further enhancing each of our Platforms as suitable opportunities arise, aided by our net cash position and ample headroom in our banking facilities.

“Looking forward, we are encouraged by strengthening transactional activity levels, which began in Q4 FY24. Our immediate outlook is best characterised as cautiously optimistic. Our resilient and financially robust foundation, allied to our unbroken track-record of growth, underpins our confidence to continue our long-term strategy of investment in people and systems.

“This strategy has worked well for us since IPO in 2015 and through disciplined application of it, we ensure that the Group remains well-positioned for further growth and enhanced returns for all stakeholders.”

Duo of solar projects get go-ahead in Lincolnshire

Tess Egginton
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Duo of solar projects get go-ahead in Lincolnshire

Plans for two new solar projects are set to go ahead in Lincolnshire, despite local opposition.

The Gate Burton Energy Park application and Mallard Pass Solar Project application have been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Low Carbon is behind the proposals for Gate Burton Energy Park, on land near Gate Burton. Once built, the 500 MW project will provide enough solar capacity to power approximately 160,000 homes with clean, secure electricity. The project will also deliver more than 350 jobs per annum during peak construction.
Welcoming the decision Mike Rutgers, Managing Director of UK Development at Low Carbon, said: “We are delighted that the new Secretary of State has granted consent on the Gate Burton Energy Park, allowing us to progress to the construction phase of the project and reaffirming our position as the market leader for UK solar. “As Gate Burton progresses, we look forward to continuing to engage closely with local residents, business owners and other key stakeholders to ensure we deliver this project responsibly.”
Mallard Pass Solar Farm is proposed to be located on agricultural land either side of the East Coast Main Line near Essendine, partly situated in South Kesteven, Lincolnshire, and partly in Rutland. Mallard Pass is expected to generate in the region of 350 MW of renewable energy, enough to power the equivalent of 92,000 UK households.

Two senior county councillors have reacted negatively to the news that the new Secretary of State has granted permission for the two solar farms.

Councillor Colin Davie, the county council’s executive councillor for economy and environment, said: “The news that proposals for giant industrial solar parks for both Mallard’s Pass and Gate Burton have been approved is deeply disappointing for all those who will have to live with these huge developments on their doorstep. “I have repeatedly said that these enormous infrastructure projects should not be dumped in our county, and ruin the quality of life of our residents. Our agricultural land should be protected and it plays a key role in our nation’s food security. But these pleas are not being heard by the Labour government now in charge of environmental policy.” Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, Cllr Martin Hill, added: “Be in no doubt that these are huge-scale developments that will change our county landscapes dramatically. Both proposals are expected to cover around 2000 acres each. “The speed with which these decisions have been taken shows that this government is not prepared to listen to communities, local councils and all those fighting for our countryside. The sheer volume of paperwork associated with these proposals means that in no way could these be seen as carefully considered decisions.”
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