KR8 Advisory makes senior hire in Leeds

Tess Egginton
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KR8 Advisory makes senior hire in Leeds
KR8 Advisory has appointed a Leeds-based associate managing director. Rob Halliday joins KR8’s Advisory practice having most recently worked for a global professional services firm, bringing more than 14 years of specialist restructuring and corporate finance experience. Working closely with clients and key stakeholders to maximise and preserve value during periods of business stress and distress, Rob has significant Special Situations M&A experience. He has facilitated a number of market-leading rescue transactions in recent years, while working closely across the turnaround investor and asset-based lending communities. Rob, who will work from KR8’s new Leeds premises at West Village on Wellington Street, said: “I’m thrilled at the opportunity to join KR8 at a time of sustained growth with the establishment of an office in Leeds, which is a key expansion area for both KR8 and the wider K3 Capital Group. “I look forward to being part of a dynamic advisory-led organisation, working with a talented group of colleagues to deliver high-impact solutions for our clients.”

Tall appoints new head of digital

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Tall appoints new head of digital
Brand and digital experience specialist Tall has appointed Tom Barber as head of digital, to continue to drive innovation and digital expertise for clients. This newly created role marks a first for the Leeds-based firm. In an ever-evolving digital landscape, Tom will spearhead digital transformation at Tall, driving the adoption of emerging technologies, including AI, to elevate digital brand experiences. As the business shifts to reflect this forward-thinking focus, Tom will play a pivotal role in shaping intelligent, data-driven solutions that harness AI and experience to deliver meaningful and effective digital experiences. Before joining Tall, Tom was head of digital projects at Intermarketing Agency, where he helped to grow brands digitally, including adidas, Haribo, Cloud Nine Hair, The Inkey List and many more. As a former recipient of the Global Digital Excellence Awards, Tom is no stranger to the world of digital, leading conversations and generating exciting work for globally recognised brands. With 15 years of agency experience, Tom will create robust digital experiences that deliver results for some of Tall’s biggest clients, such as LEGO and Shark Ninja, and their users. Tom will be focusing on providing strategic guidance and direction on all digital projects, act as a trusted advisor for clients and develop a culture of performance improvement, with ongoing testing and optimisation across all digital activities. Tom said: “It’s incredibly exciting to join such a talented, passionate and curious bunch. I’m here to build on success and progress, helping deliver more great digital experiences for an impressive roster of clients. The five going on 40 year-old in me just couldn’t stop thinking about Lego – this is my own nerd superhero story coming true!” Executive creative director, Guy Utley, from Tall said: “We’re thrilled to have Tom on board to add a deeper level of expertise within the team that will help enrich our offering to support clients with their digital experience. Ultimately, this role was created to help clients excel and standout in the digital world.”

West Yorkshire investment zone to bring £220m and 2,500 jobs

April Lara
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West Yorkshire investment zone to bring £220m and 2,500 jobs

West Yorkshire is poised for significant growth, with a focus on health technology. Mayor Tracy Brabin launched the region’s Investment Zone, which will inject £220 million into the local economy over the next five years and create up to 2,500 jobs.

A £4.5 million initiative will support 240 small and medium-sized businesses in the health tech sector. This funding aims to help companies navigate industry regulations, explore new markets, and tackle growth challenges. Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber will deliver the support, which will include intensive masterclasses over the next four years.

The announcement follows the launch of West Yorkshire’s £7 billion Local Growth Plan, which outlines strategies for supporting industries like health technology. The region already generates £3 billion annually from healthtech and aims to expand this with targeted investment and resources.

Leeds, Huddersfield, and Bradford will be key locations for the Investment Zone. The University of Huddersfield’s £250 million National Health Innovation Campus (NHIC), set to open a new diagnostic building later this year, will be central to the initiative. Other flagship sites will include the Digital Health Enterprise Zone at the University of Bradford and the Leeds Innovation Village at Leeds General Infirmary.

The funding and infrastructure investments are designed to foster collaboration between businesses, hospitals, and universities, positioning West Yorkshire as a leader in healthcare innovation.

Arla Foods and DMK Group reveal plan to merge

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Arla Foods and DMK Group reveal plan to merge
Arla Foods, which has its UK headquarters in Leeds, and DMK Group have revealed their intention to merge, creating “the strongest dairy cooperative in Europe.” The merger brings together more than 12,000 farmers and the joint cooperative aims to achieve a combined pro forma revenue of 19 billion euros. Arla Foods and DMK Group have cooperated on several projects in recent years, among others the joint venture project ArNoCo, which processes whey from DMK’s cheese production into whey protein concentrate and lactose for Arla’s global ingredients business. Jan Toft Nørgaard, chair of Arla Foods, said: “The foundation of this partnership is formed by our shared values, and I am immensely proud of this proposed merger, which is a win-win for our cooperatives. “The strength of both Arla and DMK Group lies in our shared commitment to quality and innovation, and I see DMK Group as the perfect partner in shaping a new and strengthened Arla, poised to lead in the dairy industry.” Heinz Korte, chair of DMK Group, said: “We are proud of the planned merger with Arla, a cooperative that shares our commitment to innovation and optimal value creation. This partnership strengthens the resilience of our cooperatives and significantly contributes to strengthening the competitiveness of our farmers. “Together, we can expand our reach for our dairy products, thus improving our offering and jointly driving the further development of innovative products for the benefit of our members.” The merged entity will carry the Arla name. The merger is subject to approval from the Board of Representatives in the cooperatives as well as regulatory approval.

Dale Power Solutions acquires long-term business partner

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Dale Power Solutions acquires long-term business partner

Scarborough-based Dale Power Solutions has acquired long-term business partner, Calibre Power Electronics, demonstrating its commitment to the Scottish market and deepening its offshore oil and gas expertise.

Calibre Power Electronics, based in Aberdeen and founded by Jagdesh Rana, has been a provider of UPS replacement and maintenance services to the oil and gas industry since 2000. Dale provides critical backup power for infrastructure, commercial, industrial and public sectors, including Erskine UPS systems, generators, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). The business received investment from NVM Private Equity and has been on a transformational journey during the last three years under the leadership of CEO Gavin Hepburn. By joining forces, Calibre’s customers will access Dales’ extensive resources, expanded range of products and services, and operational expertise. Chief Executive of Dale Power Solutions, Gavin Hepburn, said: “We will continue to honour the legacy of Calibre Power Electronics, which will remain a key brand within Dale Power Solutions while building on the momentum of strong growth and exciting opportunities across various market sectors. “We are delighted that the full team at Calibre will remain with the business, providing the stability and experience that Calibre was built on.”
Laura Anisha Rana, MD of Calibre Power Electronics, said: “We are excited about what lies ahead and remain committed to providing a top notch, flexible service to our customers and preserving the values, culture, and relationships that have made both Calibre and Dale successful.”

Rix Group sells expenses management platform to Swedish firm

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Rix Group sells expenses management platform to Swedish firm
Accountabl, an expenses management platform created by the Rix Group in Hull, has been sold to a fintech listed on the Nasdaq First North Stock Exchange in Sweden. Done.ai has acquired the business in deal which involves a cash sum as well as the Rix Group taking a shareholding in the AI-driven company. The Rix Group decided to divest the business to focus on its core commercial activities of property, leisure, and energy. The company also cited the Labour government’s recent increase in NI rates, amendments to Business Property Relief (BPR) rules, and heightened employment law regulations for the move, as these pose significant challenges for family-owned businesses. Harry Rix, director of the Rix Group and founder of Accountabl, said: “This is a very exciting development for Accountabl. “Done.ai, previously 24SevenOffice, is known for its distribution to ERP providers its AI-first approach to building cutting-edge software solutions. The company already has comprehensive plans to enhance and expand the platform with advanced automation capabilities to drive efficiencies and improved functionality. “We believe this transition will enable Accountabl to thrive under the leadership of Done.ai, as the company has the expertise and focus to ensure it realises its full potential.” Mr Rix added by taking a shareholding in Done.ai, the Rix Group has access to cutting-edge innovation and technical expertise that will drive value for the wider business. “We see this partnership as a positive step for both parties,” he added. “Our ongoing relationship with Done.ai will allow us to benefit from their expertise in AI while continuing to focus on our primary industries.” Done.ai will continue to operate Accountabl in the UK but also focus on distribution within the Nordic region through existing in-country partnerships. Staffan Herbst, CEO of Done.ai, said: “Accountabl has built an impressive foundation, and we see significant potential to take it further. “Our focus is on combining cutting-edge AI with deep ERP integration to create smarter, more scalable tools that genuinely support our customers’ evolving financial operations. “We look forward to building on what’s already working and innovating in the areas that matter most.”

Rosehill Polymers expands global footprint with support from UKEF

April Lara
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Rosehill Polymers expands global footprint with support from UKEF

Rosehill Polymers Group, a manufacturer based in West Yorkshire, has significantly boosted its global presence following financial backing from UK Export Finance (UKEF). Established in 1988, the company is known for its high-performance polymer systems made from recycled rubber, serving diverse industries such as highways, rail, energy, sport, and security infrastructure.

In 2023, UKEF provided a credit guarantee through its General Export Facility, allowing Rosehill to secure financing from Virgin Money. This support enabled the company to expand its operations, resulting in a second manufacturing facility in Sowerby Bridge and an increase in export markets from 52 to over 60 countries.

The new financing facilitated Rosehill’s entry into nine additional export markets in 2024-25, including Chile, Colombia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Iraq. Further market expansions are planned for 2025 in Argentina, Malaysia, and Singapore.

The company currently employs around 100 people in its West Yorkshire base. Its focus is on fostering local talent through apprenticeships and university placements. This investment in workforce development is central to its growth strategy and commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices.

UKEF’s support has been crucial in Rosehill’s ability to expand its international business and align with the UK government’s global trade objectives.

Sheffield industrial estate acquired for £9m

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Sheffield industrial estate acquired for £9m
Network Space Investments (NSI) has completed the £9 million acquisition of a 103,262 sq ft industrial estate on Grange Mill Lane in Sheffield – near Meadowhall and junction 34 of the M1. Comprising four vacant warehouse units, NSI will comprehensively refurbish and reposition the estate as a modern, high-spec industrial hub. This will deliver high-quality space across a range of flexible unit sizes from 10,000 to 50,000 sq ft, all featuring eight-metre eaves. The new units will be available from late summer 2025. This latest acquisition is part of NSI’s strategy to redeploy capital following the recent disposal of Europa Way at Trafford Park. It also follows recent acquisitions in Oakhill, Manchester, and Cowley Way, Sheffield. Tom Dawson, Investment Director at Network Space Investments, said: “This is a well-located and underutilised estate that offers significant potential for value creation. Our plan is to deliver modern, energy-efficient space suitable for a range of occupiers – and the flexibility of unit sizes will appeal to both regional businesses and national operators. “The acquisition reflects our confidence in the industrial sector and supports our long-term strategy of investing in assets with strong fundamentals in resilient, growth locations.” Roger Haworth at CPP acted on behalf of the vendor. NSI was unrepresented.

£50m funding injection supports small business growth in the North

April Lara
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£50m funding injection supports small business growth in the North

The Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) has distributed over £50m in funding to small businesses across the North of England via the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme. More than 4,500 loans have been provided, helping entrepreneurs launch and expand their operations.

The programme has supported diverse business founders, with female entrepreneurs receiving 37% of the loans, ethnic minority business owners securing 14%, and 8% of loans going to young entrepreneurs aged 18-24. The loans offer up to £25,000 for each director, with a maximum of £100,000 available per business.

Many businesses have benefited from the funding, including JPC Specialist Motorsports in the North East, which received £20,000 for growth. Xtra9ce Wigs in Wigan used £25,000 to relocate to a larger premises, while Leeds-based Yorkshire Mushroom Emporium secured £50,000 to increase production and scale operations. The mushroom farm, founded in 2021, has expanded from a small-scale operation to a fully-equipped facility, providing restaurants with fresh gourmet mushrooms and home-growing kits. The funding helped purchase new equipment, which improved efficiency and reduced costs.

The programme continues to provide crucial support to small businesses, enabling them to scale, invest in infrastructure, and contribute to local economies.

UK businesses shift focus from cost-cutting to strategic software investments

April Lara
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0
UK businesses shift focus from cost-cutting to strategic software investments

A new survey of over 2,000 UK business professionals shows a significant change in how companies approach software investment. Following a turbulent economic period, businesses are moving away from short-term cost-saving measures and instead prioritising investments in artificial intelligence (AI), analytics, and cybersecurity to build long-term resilience.

The survey by Yorkshire-based Propel Tech reveals that companies increasingly see bespoke software as a key driver for business success. The findings from the 2025 Bespoke Software Wishlist Survey indicate that, unlike last year, decision-making tools powered by analytics and robust cybersecurity solutions have topped the agenda for many firms.

In 2024, businesses focused primarily on cost reduction and efficiency, with many viewing software investments as a means to streamline operations. However, the latest research shows a nearly 200% increase in the importance placed on software that enhances decision-making through analytics, with a marked rise in the prioritisation of cybersecurity investments. Just 37 businesses reported revenue growth as their top software need for 2025, down sharply from 329 the previous year.

This shift signals a growing recognition that short-term savings no longer suffice in an unpredictable business environment. With cyber threats escalating and AI becoming a standard feature of bespoke software systems, UK businesses opt for custom solutions that offer agility and security, rather than focusing solely on quick fixes.

The findings underscore a broader trend: companies are transitioning from a mindset of immediate survival to one of strategic, long-term growth, where intelligence, security, and adaptability are essential for future success.

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