ABP joins startup accelerator programme
Associated British Ports has joined the ‘Energy Ventures Accelerator’ to help promising startups scale their businesses in high-growth energy sectors such as hydrogen, floating wind and low-carbon fuels.
The Energy Ventures Accelerator will be delivered in partnership with Plug and Play, the world’s leading innovation platform and venture capital investor. ABP is the first UK port operator to partner with Plug and Play, which has a world-wide network of over 550 corporate partners and 65,000 startups in its network.
The announcement comes as ABP recommits to its mission of Keeping Britain Trading whilst signalling its intention to place increasing emphasis on Enabling the Energy Transition. This is underpinned by the company’s commitment to safety, sustainability and its people.
As part of the project, ABP joins Plug and Play’s global network of industrial, energy and technology companies, all with a common interest in connecting with leading-edge innovation in order to diversify, protect and expand their businesses. ABP will focus on developing focused centres for industrial decarbonisation in the Humber, floating offshore wind in South Wales and maritime decarbonisation in Southampton.
With major development sites and a customer base of blue-chip energy, industrial and shipping customers, ABP is uniquely placed to support start-ups access the key demand centres for their products. As they grow, they will have ready access to the port infrastructure needed to export to global markets.
ABP CEO Henrik L. Pedersen said: “The energy transition is both a huge challenge and an opportunity. Partnership and innovation are going to essential if we are to collectively rise to the challenges and grasp the opportunities.
“ABP is excited to use our assets to support the best and brightest companies to prosper, and these companies will be ABP’s customers of the future, bringing good jobs and investment into our port communities, while also supporting the UK’s energy transition and economic growth.”
Working across a wide range of different industries, from transport and sustainability to fintech and energy, Plug and Play is the most active global early-stage Venture Capital investor and seeks to build a globally recognised, open innovation platform, rooted in collaboration between corporates, startups, government and academia.
Kieran Borrett, Director at Plug and Play UK, added: ”I’m thrilled about this partnership because we believe that startups have a lot to gain from working with ABP and their industry partners. Ports are the connector of logistics, heavy industry and energy – they are crucial to UK’s energy transition. ABP’s assets and clear sustainability commitments make them the perfect partner for ambitious start-ups in the energy transition space.”
Horse rescue charity puts 17 jobs at risk in response to £2.5m funding deficit
Horse rescue charity Bransby Horses has put 17 jobs at risk of redundancy as it works to fill a predicted £2.5m black hole in its finances.
CEO Jo Snell said: “Like many other charities, we’ve seen our running costs rise exponentially in recent years due to various external factors including soaring food and energy prices and increasing rates of pay in the employment market. As a result, the cost of delivering our equine welfare and estates work across our two sites, Bransby and Barlings, has risen by over 50% since 2018.
“Despite the incredible generosity of our supporters, we’ve unfortunately seen the gap between our expenditure and our income widening in recent years, to the point where we are currently forecasting an unsustainable £2.5m deficit this year.”
She said the organisation had begun to address this mismatch several years ago be introducing several measures aimed at lowering costs. ” However, while these measures delivered £450,000 in savings over an 18-month period, it became clear that more action was needed to address the ever-widening gap. Consequently, we launched a comprehensive review of our operations in November 2023.
“As a result, we’ve sadly identified 17 roles at all levels within the organisation, including our senior leadership, equine welfare and support service teams, that are at risk of potential redundancy.”
She said the organisation was devastated that rising costs had led to this position, and was committed to doing everything it could to support everyone affected through this difficult process.
She added: “While the new operating model will significantly reduce the £2.5m deficit, it will not eliminate it. As a second phase of this project, we’re reviewing all charity assets and facilities with our new structure in mind to identify any further cost reduction or income generation opportunities. This stage of the process is already under way, and we anticipate it will be completed by the end of this year.”
The award-winning Visitor Centre in Bransby will remain open as usual (five days per week, including the Café, from Wednesday through to Sunday), providing the opportunity to learn about equine welfare and meet some of the hundreds of horses, donkeys, ponies and mules currently homed at the site.
Phase one of landmark Skegness Tower Gardens landscape renovations complete
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has finished delivering the first stage of works as part of a masterplan to reinvigorate the historic Tower Gardens in Skegness.
On behalf of Skegness Town Council, who are developing the site with Heritage Lincolnshire through SCAPE’s Regional Construction Framework, G F Tomlinson worked alongside Influence Planning and Design and Gleeds to complete the £590k initial phase.
The completion of the project was marked with a ‘ribbon cutting’ ceremony earlier this month, with Deputy Town Mayor, Councillor Jimmy Brookes, Town Clerk, Steve Larner and G F Tomlinson’s Framework Manager for SCAPE, Craig Stopper, in attendance, along with local councillors and representatives from Heritage Lincolnshire, Influence and Gleeds.
The first stage of the Tower Gardens Masterplan formed part of the Towns Fund Grant Scheme and was safely delivered whilst the park remained open to the public, ensuring availability for continued use of the amenities with minimal disruption.
Landmark works included the refurbishment of the pond and its perimeter railings as well as the reinstatement of the pond pump, together with enhancements to overall accessibility through the re-levelling of the land and re-routing of footpaths. A specialised sensory area was created around the bandstand of the historic site for the local community to enjoy, where planting by the project team and members of the local community was undertaken as part of a community planting day held in March.
The enhancement works will ensure that Tower Gardens continues to provide a valuable and accessible central space for Skegness residents to enjoy, bringing people together for community events and outdoor activities.
In support of the local community, G F Tomlinson sourced 58% of its labour for the scheme from within a 40-mile radius of the site, providing local job opportunities for the region. Alongside this over 99% of construction waste for the project was diverted from landfill, reducing the environmental impact on the community.
G F Tomlinson has a long-standing relationship with Skegness Town Council having previously delivered the Tower Gardens Pavilion back in 2020.
Adrian Grocock, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “It has been a pleasure to be working alongside our long-term client, Skegness Town Council, once again to bring the first phase of the vision for the Tower Gardens landscape renovations to life, reinvigorating a historical central landmark so that residents can continue to enjoy it for years to come.
“The scheme fully compliments our earlier project on the Tower Gardens Pavilion. The team and all suppliers have worked exceptionally well together to overcome operational and design challenges in a fully collaborative environment, delivering enhancement works that will benefit the town for many years to come.”
Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, said: “The Tower Gardens in Skegness is an excellent example of how utilising green spaces can enrich communities, bringing together local residents who enjoy the outdoor and natural environments. We are immensely proud to be working in close partnership with G F Tomlinson on such a positive project which is providing a place residents can be proud of, whilst leaving a lasting historical legacy.”
Steve Larner, Town Clerk of Skegness Town Council, said: “It is wonderful to see everyone enjoying Tower Gardens now that the first phase of works are complete. This scheme has delivered improvements around the bandstand and central area of Tower Gardens.
“The pond has been restored to its former glory and the sensory play has been a big hit. We have received many positive comments from both residents and visitors alike. A big thank you goes out to everyone involved in the first phase of this project.”
Shona Hatton, director at Influence Landscape Planning & Design, said: “The conservation and enhancement of this Grade II Registered Park and garden helps reestablish Tower Gardens as one of Skegness’ primary green spaces.
“Influence is proud to have sensitively conserved and restored the park’s main features and introduced new elements of design that enable all the community to have a sense of pride and ownership. The work reinforces the park as a quality destination in its own right as well as a pleasant onward approach and gateway to the Grand Parade and sea front.
“The physical improvements create a safe and accessible park for all, with the central features of the cascade and pond creating a vibrance and energy that had been lost, right at its heart. The gardens now have a sense of its original charm and enable people to hark back to an era when Pleasure Gardens were places for socialising and enjoyment.”
Hull-based MKM chooses Cumbria for latest branch opening
MKM has opened it’s 129th branch in Workington, Cumbria, creating 20 new jobs for the area.
MKM Workington will be led by Branch Director Phil Bold, who said: “The opportunity to lead MKM Workington and support the creation of 20 new jobs in my hometown is a privilege. Local customers have lacked a choice of merchants for years, and we’re set to change all that.
“In total, our team have over 180 years of combined trade experience between them; customers can expect a beautiful showroom to inspire their build projects, well stocked shelves, and the best local, knowledgeable team to service them.
“Nationally, MKM is renowned for its commitment to supporting local charities and communities and I’m passionate about the opportunity we have to create positive change for the area. We want to embrace being part of the Lillyhall family but also the wider West Cumbria community. We’ll be supporting, sponsoring, and advocating for local businesses and causes, including Workington RNLI and Cockermouth Mountain Rescue, local sports clubs, schools and care homes.”
Training provider names new head of marketing programmes
Rotherham-based apprenticeship training provider, Whyy? Change, has appointed Rachel Ovens, to the role of Head of Marketing Programmes. Rachel will be responsible for delivering the new Chartered Institute of Marketing Level 4 and Level 6 qualifications and marketing apprenticeship courses.
As part of her Head of Marketing Programmes role, Rachel will join Whyy? Change’s communications team to support their marketing efforts, alongside supporting their sister brand, Whyy? Unboxd, on bespoke marketing projects.
Ray Byrne, CEO of Whyy? Change said: “When talented people want to work with you, that’s when you know you are on to something. Rachel has bundled of talent, experience and the right attitude to be a Whyyer for life. Watch her fly!”
Rachel said: “I’m thrilled to join Whyy? Change as Head of Marketing Programmes. As a former apprentice and CIM graduate, I’ve experienced first-hand how these qualifications equipped me with the skills and knowledge needed to advance my career. I look forward to supporting other marketers on their professional growth journeys within a 5-star training provider!”
Rachel started her marketing career as a digital marketing apprentice at RNN Group, where she completed her Level 3 Digital Marketer Apprenticeship, going on to be named as a finalist at Rotherham Advertiser’s Apprentice of the Year 2017 awards.
Since then, Rachel has achieved her CIM Level 4 Certificate and CIM Level 6 Diploma in Professional Marketing qualifications, cementing her status as a qualified marketer. Throughout her career Rachel has acted as a mentor and delivered internal training, having worked for the likes of Ship It Appliances, Evec and Elevation Recruitment Group.
Rachel also runs her own freelance marketing business specialising in SEO and PPC. As a former amateur boxer, she runs her own news website dedicated to raising the profile of women’s professional and Olympic boxing.
Rachel’s appointment comes as Whyy? Change has seen a spike in business owners looking to upskill and retain their marketers through professional marketing qualifications and apprenticeship training, turning towards the Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer Apprenticeship and CIM Level 4 qualifications to upskill their marketing teams.
Businesses are calling for ‘hands-on’ face-to-face marketing training delivered by industry experts that can be embedded across all levels of their marketing teams to develop a more cohesive workforce.
Bedmaker and components manufacturer expands further into international markets with key appointments
Family-owned Leeds luxury bed and components manufacturer, Harrison Spinks, has made key senior appointments to drive international sales and enhance its growth strategy across the group.
In a move to strengthen sales and export growth for both the beds and components divisions at Harrison Spinks, the business has made significant new appointments and promotions.
Lee Hinshaw will be joining the business in the role of Business Development Director – a new hybrid role designed to strengthen the international presence of both Harrison Spinks and Spinks. Based in Bangkok, Thailand, with over 30 years’ experience in the industry, Lee will be responsible for driving growth in the Asia Pacific region for the company’s finished mattresses and components.
Ian Owen has been promoted to Sales Director at Spinks. Ian will lead sales activity for the spring manufacturing division, developing the sales team and assisting its agents and distributors across the globe.
James Noble has been promoted to Export Sales & Development Manager for Harrison Spinks with the remit to oversee growth and export sales.
Finally, Geert Geerkens has recently joined Harrison Spinks to support James and the team as a Strategic Consultant to help deliver the company’s bed export strategy and grow mattress sales internationally.
Having gained a wealth of experience working in the mattress industry throughout his career, his appointment will bolster the company’s export plans in Europe. Geert is currently president of the European Bedding Industries Association (EBIA), as well as Valumat, a Belgian organisation supporting the industry to collect and process discarded mattresses.
Darren Marcangelo, Managing Director at Spinks, said: “This is an exciting phase for Spinks, with both Lee and Ian having the passion and expertise to drive and deliver international sales for the business.
“We have some exciting new customer opportunities along with new product innovations that will see Spinks at the forefront of innovation and sustainability for our industry. I welcome Lee to the business and look forward to working closely with him, and congratulate Ian for his well-deserved promotion to Sales Director as he has ambitious ideas for growing our business overseas.”
Nick Booth, Managing Director at Harrison Spinks Beds, said: “We’re committed to investing internationally and expanding on a global scale, so this is an exciting opportunity to focus on, strengthening our team to meet the increased interest in our unique, responsibly made, luxury bed and mattress offering.
“Our growth reflects the increasing global demand for innovative, high-quality beds and mattresses and we’re delighted to have made significant appointments as part of our evolved export strategy, gaining further international business opportunities and expediting our brand and its sustainable ethos into new markets.”
Boutique hotel acquired in York
Firethorn Trust has acquired boutique hotel Malmaison York in an off-market deal.
Purchased for an undisclosed sum, the 29,000 sq ft site is occupied by Malmaison under a 35-year lease, with a current rental income of £2.1m per annum.
Situated on Rougier Street, within the historic walls of the city, Malmaison York is in walking distance of popular tourist destinations including York Minster, York Castle and the National Railway Museum.
Providing accommodation across 150 guest rooms, the hotel underwent an extensive redevelopment in 2021, which included the addition of a rooftop skybar with panoramic views across the city.
It features Malmaison’s signature ‘Work + Play’ facilities, with meeting pods, co-working areas, conference rooms and an events space that caters for up to 180 guests, in addition to an on-site spa and gym. The hotel has become one of the best performing sites within the wider Malmaison and Hotel Du Vin chain.
This is the latest addition to Firethorn’s Living portfolio.
Marcus Weeks, Director and Head of Living at Firethorn Trust, said: “Malmaison York is a high-quality asset that will perform well and create long-term value for us, whilst strengthening Firethorn’s presence in the living space.
“It’s a fantastic addition to our investment portfolio and complements our wider development strategy to deliver high-quality spaces in great locations that enable people and places to thrive.
“We have an appetite and ability to pursue opportunistic transactions, and look forward to continuing our growth within the living sector.”
Firethorn Trust was advised by Conway Real Estate, JLL and Maples Teesdale.
Expressions of Interest open to secure lead development partner for Hull’s East Bank Urban Village
Hull City Council has launched its East Bank Urban Village project to market, opening Expressions of Interest (EOI) to secure a lead development partner to deliver the scheme.
Following interest in the site being expressed by a range of developers, this is the first formal phase of procurement as the council seeks to bring the site forward.
The project will see up to 850 new homes developed alongside a range of other uses on the East Bank of the River Hull. This will create a vibrant new urban village on underused brownfield land.
The council’s procurement process is being undertaken through the Homes England DPS Framework.
Garry Taylor, the council’s assistant director for major projects, culture and place, said: “It is great to have reached this important milestone in the project’s development in the opening of EOI for East Bank Urban Village.
“It is a site with huge potential and we look forward to progressing the conversation with prospective developers.”
East Bank Urban Village will help to support growth and investment into the city centre.
The site has been allocated for high-quality apartments with the opportunity for features such as social rooftop areas and spaces for families, outdoor play and integrated quality private amenity spaces. EOI must be made by Friday 5 July.
Family haulage business closes doors after eight decades
Cartwright Brothers (Haulage) Ltd, the family haulage and storage business based in Lincoln, closed its doors last week after 80 years of trading.
The company, which employed more than 100 people, was set up by four brothers shortly before the end of the second world war to meet demand for road haulage across the agricultural sector.
In the early fifties, Cartwright Brothers delivered sandbags along the east coast to hold back the damage caused by one of the worst storms in UK history. Over the past decades, Cartwright Bros has continued to work for large name businesses – mostly in the agricultural sector as well as internationally renowned companies.
Directors and sons of two of the original brothers, cousins Jamie and John Cartwright have been running the business for the past 30-plus years and delivered the bad news around the closure to staff on Thursday.
Jamie said: “It was with tremendous sadness that we had to close the doors at Cartwright last week. But running a haulage business over the past decade has come with huge challenges – rising diesel prices, a difficult economy, along with huge constraints caused by COVID 19.
“Cartwright was never able to continue in the same vein since COVID. Plus, the Ukranian war had a huge impact on our sector in terms of fuel price increases, acquiring replacement parts for vehicles and having to wait long periods of time for these parts to arrive – and at inflated prices.
“All of these challenges were underpinned by serious lorry driver shortages following Brexit which added even more pressure to running Cartwright Bros – along with Government legislation changes which continued to impede our viability.
“In December it was reported that more than 450 UK haulage businesses went out of business in the previous 12 months. These are stark figures for the industry and something needs to be done to ensure that this much-needed sector thrives and survives.”
John added: “Running a successful family business turning over £12 million over the past few years has been a huge honour and a great sense of pride. Unfortunately, with the number of challenges thrown at us, we were unable to continue the success of the business.
“It has been a really sad time for us – particularly as Cartwright Bros celebrated eight decades in business in January this year. We are so grateful to our wonderful staff whom we are supporting in the recruitment process going forward. Some of our people worked for Cartwright Bros for most of their lives and we count them as personal friends.”
The company started in 1944 with just one lorry. At its height, Cartwright Bros had more than 60 wagons on the roads.
Cartwright customers, who have worked with Cartwright Bros for many years, have been quick to commiserate with the cousins and Cartwright staff.
Natasha Crowson, who started her career at Cartwright Bros when she was just 21 has worked for the business for three decades.
She said: “Cartwright Bros has been a fantastic company to work for. My colleagues and I were devastated to hear the news last week – both for the business and its success over the years, but also for Jamie and John who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the company was safe – and staff were looked after.
“The outpouring of love and affection by employees for the directors was wonderful to see last week. Everyone had their own stories of how Jamie and John looked after them over the years – not just as employers but as friends. It was truly a sad day to see this fantastic company close its doors after so long.
“We will all miss seeing the distinctive Cartwright Bros lorries on our roads. The company has been a massive Lincolnshire success story for so long and they will be sadly missed.”
Stake snapped up in Lincolnshire offshore wind farm
Norges Bank Investment Management has acquired a 37.5 percent interest in a 573 MW operational offshore wind farm located off the Lincolnshire and North Norfolk coast.
The wind farm, named Race Bank, reached commercial operations in February 2018. It has 91 6.3-MW wind turbines with a combined total capacity of 573 MW, powering the equivalent of more than 510,000 UK homes annually.
Norges Bank Investment Management paid £330 million for its stake, valuing the wind farm at approximately £2.599 billion. The wind farm includes a debt facility with an outstanding balance of approximately £644 million at Norges Bank Investment Management’s ownership share.
The sellers of the 37.5 percent interest are Macquarie Asset Management, via Macquarie European Infrastructure Fund 5 (25%), and Spring Infrastructure 1 Investment Limited Partnership, a fund managed by Spring Infrastructure Capital Co., Ltd. (12.5%).
Arjun Infrastructure Partners will remain co-investor for 12.5% of the wind farm, and Ørsted will remain as a 50% owner and operator of the wind farm.
