Join Business Link Magazine at the Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo
Join Business Link Magazine at the Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo on Wednesday 20 March, an event offering a plethora of valuable networking opportunities.
Taking place at The Bentley Hotel in Lincoln, the free to attend event is aimed at the construction, property, business, investment, finance, professional services, and related B2B markets, and will offer everything you require for a great day of business generation.
A network breakfast will start the day for exhibitors, at 8:00, with the exhibition opening at 9:00.
The opportunity will then arise at 11:00 to join Lee Marshall, Managing Director of Viridis, for a complimentary Nespresso Coffee and the latest updates on Net Zero.
Speed networking will kick off at 11:30, hosted by Lincoln Business Club, providing a chance to share knowledge and build partnerships with local businesses, while the Lincolnshire Chamber’s Construction & Property Network will begin at 13:00.
And don’t forget to visit Business Link’s stand at the event, before the expo closes at 14:00.
Register to attend the event here.
For information on exhibiting at the event click here.
Interest rates held at 5.25%
The Bank of England has held interest rates at 5.25%, for the fourth time.
With aims to meet the 2% inflation target, the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has voted by a majority of 6–3 to maintain Bank Rate at 5.25%.
Two members preferred to increase Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points, to 5.5%. One member preferred to reduce Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points, to 5%.
A statement from the Bank of England says: “The Committee voted to maintain Bank Rate at 5.25%. Headline CPI inflation has fallen back relatively sharply. The restrictive stance of monetary policy is weighing on activity in the real economy and is leading to a looser labour market. In the Committee’s February forecast, the risks to inflation are more balanced. Although services price inflation and wage growth have fallen by somewhat more than expected, key indicators of inflation persistence remain elevated.
“As a result, monetary policy will need to remain restrictive for sufficiently long to return inflation to the 2% target sustainably in the medium term in line with the MPC’s remit. The Committee has judged since last autumn that monetary policy needs to be restrictive for an extended period of time until the risk of inflation becoming embedded above the 2% target dissipates.”
The Bank is anticipating a temporary fall to 2% for inflation in the second quarter of 2024, but note that it is likely to rise again after.
Anna Leach, CBI deputy chief economist, said: “The decision by the Bank of England to hold interest rates at 5.25% will come as a relief to households holding back on spending and businesses that have pressed pause on investment.
“While inflation is following a downward trend towards the 2% target, it’s not clear whether rates will follow suit. Relatively high wage inflation alongside an uptick in services inflation in December means that a rate cut before the summer is increasingly unlikely to materialise.
“However, that won’t stop pressure piling onto the Bank of England to reduce rates as weakness in the economy persists. A rebound in growth in November following the previous month’s decline is encouraging but masks the overall picture of a flatlining economy, still at risk of technical recession.
“The stakes are high for business bearing the brunt of higher borrowing costs and soft demand. They desperately need certainty on monetary policy alongside a package of measures from government to kickstart productivity and growth.
“The Spring Budget in a General Election year is the perfect opportunity for politicians to support credible solutions. The CBI’s Budget recommendations have the potential to unlock business investment, including a Net Zero Carbon Plan, a globally competitive R&D Tax Credits scheme as well as capping the increase in the business rate multiplier in England for another year.”
Five win promotions at Dacres
Dacre Sons & Hartley has made five promotions across its residential, agricultural and customer service divisions, as well as a director level promotion in the specialist commercial division.
Laura Nicholas and Zoe Harrison have both been promoted to associate, Anita Rydings is now a senior sales negotiator, Will Shakeshaft-Gee has become a sales negotiator and Ed Pawley has been made a director of Dacres Commercial.
Ed joined Dacres Commercial in 2021 as a senior associate. He now carries out valuations, rent reviews and lease renewals, as well as advising on investment transactions, spanning all types of healthcare property including GP surgeries, medical centres and pharmacies. He covers an extensive area spanning Yorkshire and into the North West, Midlands and down the M1 corridor.
Laura joined Dacres in 2015 as a customer services representative and is also a qualified mortgage advisor, which further enhances her understanding of the property market. In 2022 she was promoted to head of Dacres’ customer services centre, leading the team and working with clients at all stages of their property journey. She also provides internal training across the firm’s 20 residential offices, located throughout North and West Yorkshire, on best practice requirements and software systems.
Chartered surveyor Zoe has worked as a land agent in the agricultural division since 2019. Zoe, who is a RICS member and registered valuer, handles the sale, valuation and management of agricultural and sporting property throughout the North of England. Based in the firm’s Harrogate office, Zoe works across a wide portfolio of clients from single farms to some of the finest country estates in the region.
Anita joined the company’s Knaresborough office in 2018 and has a proven track record in sales and strong focus on high standards of customer service. She is a Fellow of the National Association of Estate Agents and has almost 20 years’ experience working in the property sector, after starting her career in commercial property in Leeds, before becoming property manager at The Harewood Estate and then moving into residential sales.
William Shakeshaft-Gee joined the Burley-in-Wharfedale office in 2022 as a sales assistant and after developing in the role for the last 18 months he’s enjoyed numerous sales successes throughout Burley and the surrounding area, as well as being a hit with clients.
Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential at Dacres, said: “Ed, Anita, Laura, Zoe and William are all integral members of our team, with their own specialisms, who work across different divisions and areas within the business. They’re all very hardworking and go above and beyond to deliver the best results for our clients, and therefore they thoroughly deserve their promotions.”
Start of work on site heralds new chapter for iconic Harrogate buildings
Work is now underway to convert the iconic ‘Herald Buildings’ in Harrogate town centre into a new retail and apartment scheme.
Yorkshire-based property company Rushbond has appointed Ashfield Projects to undertake the careful renovation of these significant heritage buildings. Originally built in the 1850s, they were the headquarters of the Harrogate Advertiser for much of the last century until the newspaper company moved out in 1990.
Most recently, the building operated as a bar for nearly 30 years before closing in 2021. Rushbond acquired the development in 2021 and work is now underway to transform the buildings into four high quality ground floor retail units and five apartments including a penthouse, designed by SPX Architects.
Richard Gough from Rushbond said: “We are excited to have begun work on this iconic local landmark. The renovations will create a sustainable, long-term use for these significant buildings, offering future generations of people the opportunity to live and work in this locally designated heritage asset.
“We hope that by breathing new life into this historic building, the much-loved Montpellier neighbourhood in Harrogate will be further enhanced with new retail spaces to be enjoyed by a growing community of residents.”
The renovations will include a full fit-out and remodel of the interior spaces, as well as careful restoration of the buildings’ exterior to further enhance the streetscape of this heritage quarter of the town centre, which is a designated Conservation Area. The wider project team also includes Richard Boothroyd & Associates Ltd, Topping Engineers and HG Consulting Engineers.
Yorkshire renewables firm makes tenth strategic acquisition
Fast-growing cleantech business Green Building Renewables’ tenth acquisition sees it surpass the £40m turnover milestone as it continues its rapid expansion across England at the start of 2024.
Crawley-based Doré Woodman has joined Green Building Renewables’ nationwide network of renewable experts, allowing the company to expand further into Kent, Surrey, and Sussex.
Since 2021, Green Building Renewables has increased its turnover more than tenfold from £3m to over £40m. At the same time, staff numbers have risen from 18 in its York office to over 200 across its fourteen regional offices in England.
Green Building Renewables aims to be the largest installer of domestic renewable technology by 2025 with a turnover of £100m.
Managing Director of Green Building Renewables, Chris Delaney said: “Our tenth acquisition and surpassing the £40million turnover mark is a double milestone for the company and a great start to the year. Everyone within the business can be extremely proud of our achievements in the last two years.
“We have grown our reach and expanded our coverage across England. Our ambitions for 2024 are even bigger as we aim to have full coverage of England. We welcome Ben Freeman and the team at Doré Woodman to ours.”
Ben Freeman, founder of Doré Woodman, said: “From the outset of our discussions, it was clear that Green Building Renewable is creating something unique. Its model of a nationwide network, based on local installers, is exactly what this market needs and aligns with our own core-beliefs.
“Unlike conventional heating systems, heat pumps require extensive design, installation and commissioning capabilities coupled with a supportive, customer-driven mentality. Our full-system approach links the many different renewable systems into one bespoke solution, thereby ensuring a streamlined, efficient process to deliver the perfect outcome and a best-in-class customer experience.”
Doré Woodman serves residential clients in Kent, Surrey and Sussex and specialises in heat pump installations.
Green Building Renewables recently appointed Chris Joubert as its new Merger and Acquisition Director to lead further growth of Green Building Renewables through the strategic acquisition of reputable renewable installation companies across England.
Chris said: “Doré Woodman is the perfect example of the calibre of company that we want to join Green Building Renewables and to help expand its network. While I can’t take responsibility for bringing this acquisition on board, it is a perfect blueprint for the type of business I will be looking for and aiming to get into the company’s nationwide network.
“I am looking forward to working alongside Chris and the team at Green Building Renewables to help reach its ambitions of becoming the largest domestic renewables installer in England and to reach its £100million turnover.”
Work completes on office development in landmark Bradford building
Work is complete on a brand-new serviced office development within a Grade II listed former Victorian mill building in Bradford city centre.
The 19 Grade A office suites range in size from 150 to 600 sq ft and form part of the Conditioning House development.
The multi-million-pound mixed-use scheme has been developed by Yorkshire-based Priestley Group and also includes 166 luxury residential apartments, a gym and café, with a grand covered atrium at the heart of the development that creates a unique break out area.
The serviced ground floor offices will be managed by Priestley Group’s ‘Worx’ office brand. Every suite benefits from a communal reception area and meeting rooms, free use of the on-site gym, and overnight security.
Georgia Nicholson, asset manager at Priestley Investments, said: “We’re thrilled to complete work on this latest phase of Conditioning House. Brand-new Grade A office suites in and around Bradford are few and far between and especially in historic Grade II listed buildings that have been sensitively restored to such an exceptional standard.
“Crucially, the development is also in a highly sought-after location, with all Foster Square Retail Park’s shops and amenities on the doorstep. Bradford Forster Square railway station is an easy eight-minute walk away and there’s the added advantage of free on-street parking right outside the building.
“As a result, we’re already attracting high levels of interest from businesses that want a genuine statement office space, in a creative and entrepreneurial environment, where they can grow and thrive.”
West Lindsey offers free advice for leisure and tourism businesses
Leisure and tourism businesses in West Lindsey are set to benefit from a series of free workshops designed to maximise the visitor economy offer in the district.
West Lindsey District Council is engaging with Unmissable England, who specialise in working with businesses to develop new bookable experiences that tell the story of the people and the place.
Two new free workshops are now available, via funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for West Lindsey businesses which are aimed at the leisure and tourism sector. A further two will be planned for the autumn with more details to be confirmed.
Cllr Lesley Rollings, Chair of the Leisure, Culture, Events and Tourism Group at West Lindsey District Council welcomes the news of the free new training series. She said: “These workshops are a great opportunity for any businesses looking to further develop their offer, adding value, and stimulating the growth and development of the district’s visitor economy.
“West Lindsey has a great visitor offer with its rich heritage within the market towns, to the breathtakingly beautiful countryside of the Lincolnshire Wolds. I look forward to seeing how businesses can take advantage of the fantastic opportunity.”
Chris Brant, Director & Experiential Tourism Advisor at Unmissable England said: “I’m really excited to be back in Lincolnshire and supporting businesses in the West Lindsey District to develop new bookable visitor experiences for domestic and international markets.
“Globally, there’s been a big uplift in experiential travel. Visitors are no longer looking to simply just visit a place; they want to experience it. They want to go where the locals go, go off the beaten track, listen to the stories of a place, learn something new and create lasting memories.
“Unmissable England has worked all over the country supporting businesses to design authentic experiences, creating new collaborations and new products for a range of markets. We are now about to do the same in West Lindsey in partnership with the District Council.”
Experience Maker Workshop
Thursday 29 February, 11am to 2pm (includes lunch) at Rand Farm Park, Rand, Market Rasen LN8 5NJ
How to Attract Walkers and Cyclists WorkshopThursday 14 March, 10.30am to 12.30pm followed by a networking lunch at The Bistro Bar & Kitchen, 55 Queen Street, Market Rasen LN8 3EN
Contractors move in to regenerate site of Sheffield’s former castle
Contractors Keltbray have moved onto the former home of Sheffield’s Castle Market to set up a site compound and start clearing the area, kickstarting a regeneration project which will oversee a public open space once home to a 12th-century castle, the birthplace of Sheffield.
Once planning conditions are agreed, this phase is expected to continue until July and will include the demolition of concrete structures (remnants of the Castle Market) as well as various cut & fill earthworks. The archaeological excavation of the Castle’s Gatehouse and Moat as well as 19th century steelworks will also start.
Keltbray Highways’ MD Louise Pavitt said: “We are thrilled to work with Sheffield City Council on a project with such a rich cultural history. Our site teams have extensive experience of working with Sheffield City Council and are delighted to start works on the Castlegate scheme, providing an exciting open space for the public.”
The first phase is said to be important to develop and inform the of the site, allowing visitors to see the remains of Sheffield Castle including the Gatehouse. Apart from the excavations of the 1950’s, this will be the first time the gatehouse will be opened up since the Castle was demolished in the late 1600’s.
As part of Phase 2 of works, further nods to the city’s history will be created with the development of a 500 people capacity events space, reminiscent of the ‘bowling green’ believed to have occupied the area in the 17th century and heritage interpretation boards and public art throughout the site.
The site is also the place where the river Sheaf, which gave the city its name, and the river Don meet. Phase 2 will include opening up the Sheaf, making it visible in the City Centre for the first time since the Victorian age and create the Sheaf Fields area of the park.
Hannah lands place with British Art Network’s Emerging Curators Group
Beverley Art Gallery Curator Hannah Willetts has been selected as a member of the British Art Network’s Emerging Curators Group 2024.
As part of the group, Hannah, pictured above, will take part in a series of workshops between January and September, both online and in person, and has been awarded funding to pursue her personal research.
Her research question is: ‘What role can a local authority Art Gallery play in a town community? Exploring ways of creating an active space for engagement with a collection and exhibition programme’.
She said: “In my research, I’m looking to capture the playfulness and enthusiastic participation I’ve seen from our visitors here at Beverley Art Gallery and translate it into meaningful activities and engagement with art. This research will shape and feed into a new collection display and the future exhibition programme at the gallery.”
Councillor Nick Coultish, the council’s Cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: “Congratulations to Hannah on this well-deserved and highly prestigious accolade! I am very much looking forward to seeing the fruits of her research reflected in the future programme at Beverley Art Gallery”
The Group is a supportive forum for the next generation of curators in the UK, enabling peers to come together and share experiences and thinking around curating British art.
The British Art Network awards bursary funding to fifteen emerging curators each year. The Network aims to connect the group with expertise in the field of British art through a variety of events and resources.
Barnsley grant promises to boost employee wellbeing and product quality
Barnsley-based blind manufacturer Perfa has been awarded a grant of almost £12,350 from the UKSPF Business Productivity Grant to install a temperature-controlled chamber in its premises.
The company, in Barugh Green, has been facing challenges due to the extreme temperatures in the warehouse, which range from freezing in the winter to scorching hot in the summer – conditions which have been affecting the well-being of the staff and the quality of the fabrics.
Thanks to the Business Productivity & Digitisation grant; currently being delivered across South Yorkshire via part funding from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and £5.2m of investment through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), Perfa has seen many benefits to the newly installed chamber.
The grant provides 50% contribution for projects up to £24,999 for South Yorkshire SMEs to improve their productivity and digital innovation through the provision of capital or revenue grant, and to identify and address their business productivity challenges.
Perfa MD Piotr Lugowski said: “This project will not only improve the working conditions for our staff, but also the quality of our products and the efficiency of our operations. We are confident that this will lead to more growth and more jobs for our company and our community.
“It has been a huge support to have Enterprising Barnsley on hand to help us with the application. It’s something we haven’t done before and Matt Smith has really added value with his contributions, highlighting other areas of support we may need in the future as well.
Matt Smith, Key Account Manager at Enterprising Barnsley, said: “This is a great example of how SMEs can innovate and improve their processes and products while creating jobs and contributing to the local economy.”
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and places, supporting local businesses, and people and skills.
