£106.6m land deal to see development of hyperscale datacentre
Harworth, a regenerator of land and property for sustainable development and investment, has exchanged contracts for the conditional sale of 48 acres of land at its Skelton Grange site in Leeds to MSFT MCIO Limited (Microsoft) for a total consideration of £106.6m.
The plot comprises two adjoining land parcels.
Plot 1, which comprises 27 acres, will be sold on an unserviced basis for gross consideration of approximately £52.9 million. Completion of the sale is targeted for H2 2024. Alongside completion of the sale of Plot 1, the Group will be reimbursed approximately £0.5 million for the costs it has incurred in securing additional power capacity for the site.
Plot 2, which comprises 21 acres, will be sold on a serviced basis for gross consideration of approximately £53.2 million. Completion of the sale is targeted for H1 2026.
The former Skelton Grange power station site was purchased by Harworth in December 2014 for £3 million.
Since acquisition, Harworth has secured approval in November 2023 for 800,000 sq ft of Industrial & Logistics space, and most recently in May 2024, a reserved matters approval for a further 320,000 sq ft of Industrial & Logistics space.
Previous transactions at the site include a 19.5-acre land sale to Enfinium in 2020, on which it is developing a 49MW energy-from-waste (EfW) renewable electricity generation facility for its own operation, and the grant of a lease in 2021 to facilitate the development of a 100MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility on a 5.7-acre demise.
Harworth acquired a further 21 acres of adjoining land in 2023.
Upon completion of the transaction, Harworth will have invested £36.7 million in the site and generated £135.7 million of sales. The Group will retain 16 acres on which to promote 250,000 sq ft of employment space. This is in addition to the 77 acres owned by way of joint venture with The Aire Valley Land LLP at a neighbouring development, Gateway 45.
Once the development is complete, Skelton Grange is expected to provide 250,000 sq ft of Grade A Industrial & Logistics space, a hyperscale datacentre, a BESS facility, an EfW facility, and 28 acres of land returned to a natural habitat alongside improved green travel infrastructure, which Harworth estimates will represent in excess of £4 billion of inward investment providing a substantial boost to the local economy.
Lynda Shillaw, Chief Executive, Harworth Group, said: “Since re-listing in 2015 Harworth has successfully completed a number of significant transactions that create value for our shareholders but this sale at Skelton Grange is the Group’s largest to date and is yet another exemplary case study that demonstrates the successful regeneration of brownfield land.
“It highlights Harworth’s capabilities in identifying and acquiring complex sites, creating planning-friendly masterplans that maximise site potential, and deploying timely and effective investments into remediation and infrastructure. This transaction further builds our expertise to include datacentres and evidences the growing spectrum of industries that continue to be attracted to the schemes that Harworth brings to the serviced land market.”
University of Leeds quantum security spin-out secures £2.2m
Northern Gritstone has made an £850,000 Seed investment into Cavero Quantum, a disruptive quantum security spin-out. It comes as part of a £2.2 million Seed round led by Foresight.
Cavero Quantum, a University of Leeds spin-out, has developed a new encryption technology for secure key generation and authentication.
Compatible with legacy hardware, requiring little bandwidth and secure against cyber-attack by quantum computers, the technology is attractive to a wide range of sectors and has immediate market application by replacing multi-factor authentication and one-time passwords with a high security, frictionless, password-less form of authentication.
Founded by Professor Ben Varcoe and Dr Frey Wilson, Cavero Quantum will use the funding to begin commercialising its technology and launch its first product. Ben will support Cavero Quantum alongside his existing role as Professor of Quantum Information Science at the University of Leeds, while Frey will become Chief Technology Officer.
They will be supported by newly appointed CEO James Trenholme and Andrew Wallace as Chair. James is an experienced software entrepreneur and Andrew has significant deeptech experience in quantum computing.
Northern Gritstone CEO, Duncan Johnson, said: “Cavero Quantum’s technology is applicable today and has the potential to allow individuals, businesses and nations to function safely in a post-quantum world.
“Spun out of the University of Leeds’ innovation ecosystem, one of Northern Gritstone’s university partners, Cavero Quantum is an example of a world-class business of tomorrow built on the amazing science and technology that exists in the North of England today.”
James Trenholme, CEO at Cavero Quantum, said: “The technology that Ben, Frey and the experimental quantum science team at the University of Leeds have built is ground-breaking.
“It is the first solution in the world that can replace security standards like ECDH without compromising on architecture and customer experience, keeping data safe for the next 30 plus years as quantum computing becomes the norm. It’s an honour to lead Cavero Quantum and it’s great team. I’m looking forward to building a great business together.”
Professor Nick Plant, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, University of Leeds, said: “It is inspiring to see how the experimental quantum science team at Leeds, with support from Northern Gritstone, has developed solutions for such a critical issue in online security.
“Cavero Quantum’s technology will have a major impact on our global community, making sector-leading improvements and bringing financial savings to businesses. It is testament to the world-leading, innovative technology being driven by our region.”
Historic business park appointment for LSH
Lambert Smith Hampton’s (LSH) Industrial & Logistics team has recently been appointed as agents to market two significant industrial buildings at Humber Enterprise Park (HEP).
The historic business park, formerly the BAE Systems estate where Robert Blackburn converted and built planes for World War 1, spans 86 acres and offers high-grade production and storage units, office spaces, and versatile business areas. Building 74 comes at 63,026 sq ft and Building 22 at 167,486 sq ft.
HEP is located west of Hull City Centre, a short distance from the M62, M18, A1M, and M1 motorways. It sits just off the A63 motorway south of Brough, and is adjacent to Brough’s mainline railway station, offering direct access to the North of England and London Kings Cross.
Scott Morrison, Director at Lambert Smith Hampton, said: “HEP offers a significant opportunity for occupiers looking for much needed second hand space at very affordable rental levels. HEP is a gated and secure estate, with excellent links to the Humber Ports and we are delighted to be appointed by Westcore and Citivale to find a new occupier for these units.”
Lambert Smith Hampton are acting as joint agents alongside PPH for Westcore and Citivale.
Luke joins Dacres as lettings manager in Aire Valley
Dacres have named Luke Parkin as lettings manager for the Aire Valley as part of its expanded residential lettings and property management division.
Luke brings a wealth of experience to the role and most recently worked for a well-known lettings agency in Leeds city centre. He lives locally in Shipley and is Bradford born and bred, which further enhances his knowledge of the local market.
In his new role, Luke is based in Dacres’ Bingley office and will oversee the growth of the company’s rentals portfolio throughout the town, as well as in the neighbouring areas of Saltaire, Baildon, Keighley and all their surrounding towns and villages. Services on offer to landlords include both a fully managed offering and a tenant sourcing service.
Luke said: “This is an opportunity to further my career at a well-established and highly reputable estate agent, in an area that I know very well, which all made it an appealing move. It’s also exciting to be involved in the launch of a new lettings division at an early stage, as we begin growing our portfolio and market share, which is another challenge that I’m looking forward to.
“Even though it’s early days, there’s already lots of interest from landlords who are keen to hear what we can do for them in the Aire Valley. This is partly down to our bespoke range of services, as well as a large online reach, which is complemented offline by our extensive 20-branch network.”
Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential, said: “Our lettings division has been particularly well-received in the other areas we’re currently offering the service in, so expanding into the Aire Valley was a natural next step. We’re very pleased to welcome Luke to Dacres to grow our client base in the area. There’s no doubt Luke will do a great job representing landlords and ensuring their investments are successful.”
Leanne joins property team at Andrew Jackson solicitors
Leanne Stefanovic has joined the property team at Andrew Jackson Solicitors as an associate.
Having assisted clients across a range of residential conveyancing matters for over 10 years, Leanne’s experience covers all aspects of residential property sale and purchase, as well as transfers of equity, newbuild and re-mortgaging.
In recognition of her depth of expertise, Leanne was recently awarded The Law Society’s advanced level Residential Property Accreditation, which is awarded to individuals who are able to demonstrate advanced expertise across residential conveyancing matters.
Stephen Dettman, partner, and head of residential property at Andrew Jackson, said: “Leanne is a highly experienced and proactive solicitor who consistently receives excellent client feedback; I am delighted that she has joined our team.
“Our aim is to provide high quality advice across residential property matters, which are often complex in nature, and I know that Leanne will help us ensure that we continue to provide the highest standards of service for our clients.”
CMA launches merger inquiry over Lincolnshire timber product manufacturer’s acquisition
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating the anticipated acquisition by Scanpole Limited of Calders & Grandidge (Boston) Limited.
The CMA is considering whether the merger has resulted in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the deal will result in a substantial lessening of competition.
To assist with its assessment, the CMA is inviting comments on the transaction by 10 July 2024.
Based in Boston, Lincolnshire, Calders & Grandidge is a timber supplier specialising in the manufacture of wooden utility poles and fencing posts.
Finland-headquartered Scanpole is a leading producer of wooden poles in Europe.
The CMA launched its merger inquiry on 25 June 2024, with phase 1 of its investigation having a decision deadline of 20 August 2024.
Hallamshire Physiotherapy has new role to play with Sheffield Theatres
Hallamshire Physiotherapy has become a Corporate Supporter of Sheffield Theatres at contributor level, where its specialists will offer physiotherapy treatments to casts, crews and staff, and explore other health and well-being opportunities for the future between the two organisations.
Adam Battey, Trust and Partnerships Development Officer for Sheffield Theatres, said: “We are thrilled that Hallamshire Physiotherapy have joined Sheffield Theatres’ Corporate Contributors Scheme. This collaboration shows their real commitment to the health and wellbeing of the performers and professionals using our spaces, and we hope that our relationship grows in the future.”
Peter Thomason, Director of Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic, added: “We are honoured to have this agreement with such a prestigious company, whose theatres make up the largest regional theatre complex outside the London region. We look forward to helping with the health and wellbeing of everyone involved with the theatre.”
Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic was established in 2004 with the intention of providing a centre of excellence for physiotherapy, based on outstanding staff and a commitment to provide a high-quality service.
BCC pledges to work with next Government to grow the UK economy
British Chambers of Commerce Director General Shevaun Haviland will today issue a pledge to work in partnership with the next Government to grow the UK economy.
She’ll make the promise at the British Chambers of Commerce Global Annual Conference in her keynote address, when she will also urge the next Government to use the BCC’s Election Manifesto as its ‘day one’ playbook for action. It includes a focus on improving EU trade and better planning around skills.
She is expected to say: “The only factor that matters, is what the Government will do on day one – after six weeks of electioneering, businesses will be looking at the next government and who will be true to their word
“Business wants a long-term sustainable economic growth plan, some call it an industrial strategy, call it what you like, but what we need is a plan for the next 10, 15, 20 years and beyond.
“Firms don’t want handouts; they want government to create the right environment so they can thrive. Whoever wins next week, we are ready to lean in and help our new government power the economy.
“Our plan is to build an economy that has the green transition at its core, with a workforce fit for the future, living in thriving local places and powered by businesses that are globally facing and digitally enabled.
“None of this is going to be easy, none of us can do it on our own, and it’s going to take time. That means we need a real partnership, one that is for that long-term.
“We must stop walking on eggshells and start saying it how it is. The current plan isn’t working for our members. But better trade terms are possible if the UK government and the EU reach agreement in areas of mutual benefit for business on both sides. A better deal is best for everyone.
“Skills are a top concern for our members. It’s time for action to boost investment in skills. It’s not about cutting up existing plans, it’s about making sure the right initiatives are given time to work.
“The labour market is heading in the right direction, as we see the number of vacancies fall, but businesses are still telling us the skills they need aren’t there. We need to ‘Plan Better for Skills’ aligning our ambition and investment to prepare young people and job seekers for great jobs.”
Rail industry companies collaborate on graduate exchange scheme
Siemens Mobility, which makes trains at Goole, and rolling stock company Angel Trains have joined forces to launch a graduate exchange programme aimed at enhancing collaboration and innovation in the industry.
The programme consisted of a six-week exchange between three Engineering graduates; two from Angel Trains and one from Siemens Mobility. The graduates rotated across different teams to expand their expertise and marked the end of their programme with a final presentation to key stakeholders from both organisations.
Syeda Ghufran, Director for Asset Management and Assurance for Siemens Mobility said: “At Siemens Mobility, we’ve seen that early career exchange programmes not only benefits the participants but also our organisation, as we work towards transforming the everyday journeys for people across Britain. Having completed an exchange programme as part of my own early career development, I have seen first hand the benefits of collaborating with customers and partners to share skills and best practice.”
Barry Fox, Product Manager at Angel Trains said: “Angel Trains is proud to have collaborated with Siemens Mobility through the graduate exchange programme, as we continue our commitment to the development of young engineers. The programme offers a unique opportunity for graduates to gain valuable industry insights, and most importantly, helps them develop and grow as rail professionals and individuals.”
Victoria Wright, Graduate Engineer at Siemens Mobility said: “This placement boosted my confidence, personal development, and understanding of the rail industry. During my placement at Angel Trains, I gained a comprehensive understanding of the business, working with both the fleet and product teams. I focused on energy-saving initiatives, remote monitoring, competitor analysis, and engineering change approvals. I hope to see the continued expansion of these programmes throughout the industry, as they enable young people such as myself to reach their full potential.”
Designed to empower entry-level talent, the programme aims to provide professional development opportunities for young people starting out on their career in the rail industry. With skills shortages and an ageing workforce threating the future of the rail industry, the programme is dedicated to preserving knowledge across the sector, ensuring a sustainable future for the industry as a whole. The Siemens Mobility early careers intake currently consists of 113 graduate trainees, 130 apprentices and 72 degree apprentices.
Illegal waste sites result in jail for man and rehabilitation order for his wife
A husband and wife have been sentenced at Bradford Crown Court for operating illegal waste sites in Yorkshire following a successful prosecution by the Environment Agency.
Stuart Bedford, 62, formerly of Harrogate, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for running waste operations in Bradford and Doncaster without the required environmental permit and keeping waste at those sites in a manner likely to cause pollution of the environment or harm to human health.
Vicky Bedford, 51, of no fixed address, was sentenced to a 12-month community order and 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement for her involvement at the sites. Both operations caused unacceptable disruption to local people and risk to the environment.
In November 2020, a fire spread through one of the sites in Spring Mill Street, Bradford, where more than 600,000 tyres had been stored.
The fire caused serious travel disruption and led to the closure of local schools and businesses. More than 14,300 school pupils were impacted by the closures and nearly 100 firefighters were required to control the blaze.
Before the fire, the operators of the Bradford site were served with an enforcement notice to clear the tyres by Environment Agency officers.
Mr and Mrs Bedford were arrested in Spain after international arrest warrants were issued for them and subsequently returned to the UK.
The Judge HHJ Gibson said to Mr Bedford on sentencing:”There is no doubt in my mind that you deliberately breached the law. You were experienced in the storage and disposal of tyres. You know from an early stage that the number of tyres you stored on the stie was vastly more than you would have been legitimately able to store under an exemption issued for that site.
“As far as the fire itself is concerned, you were reckless in the standard meaning of that word. You went ahead and stored the tyres anyway regardless of the risk. You were being paid to take these tyres and valued the tyres at the Bradford site at £1 million.”
Stuart Bedford was sentenced to a of 12-month and 8-month prison sentence, to be served concurrently. Total 12 months imprisonment. Vicky Bedford was sentenced to a 12-month community order and 15 days RAR.