Sale-based Palletower, the storage and logistics equipment providers, has acquired Beverley-based racking and shelving specialist Kingstonian Storage and Equipment Ltd.
Palletower manufactures and supplies over 100 product lines including roll cages, trolleys, racking, stillages and storage boxes. With a 60-year heritage in the sector, it exports to more than 35 countries and works with companies including Waitrose, Walmart and DHL.
Kingstonian, founded in 1992, supplies customers across East Yorkshire and Humberside with a range of racking and storage solutions, as well as products like ladders, trucks, trolleys and lifting equipment.
Harrison Drury’s corporate team advised the shareholders of Palletower on the deal, led by Mark Traynor and supported by Ben Foulds and Richard Williams-Bulkeley. Jenny Potts from the commercial property team provided advice on the property aspects of the transaction.
Matthew Palmer, owner and managing director of Palletower, said: “Kingstonian is another well-established business that plays a vital role in helping customers keep their businesses moving and their supply chains running smoothly.
“Bringing Kingstonian into the Palletower group enables us to further accelerate the growth of our business, giving us access to new markets as well as a number of complementary products and services.”
Mark Traynor, partner in Harrison Drury’s corporate team, said: “The management team at Palletower have a clear and ambitious growth strategy which includes acquiring like-minded businesses alongside steady organic growth.
“After advising Matthew and the team on three of the company’s previous transactions, we’re pleased to have assisted on another exciting acquisition that will bring huge benefits to the customers and staff of both businesses.”
The acquisition of Kingstonian follows Palletower’s purchases of West Pennine Storage, WP Group, Astirvant and Yorkshire Storage, all in 2024.
Matthew added: “The last 12-months has seen us bring together a powerful collection of businesses in industrial racking, shelving, mezzanine floor installations, workplace equipment and warehouse fit-out services.
“We look forward to further opportunities to grow, especially within the racking and shelving sector where the potential for further acquisitions is being explored.”
Yorkshire, Humber and North East skills gap means region lags behind national productivity
The new report, published for National Productivity Week, highlights that productivity levels can vary greatly even within the same local region and present a substantial challenge to the economic success of the north of England, but national and regional coordination of policies which aim to boost skills and training could help local economies.
Areas such as Northern Lincolnshire and the East Riding of Yorkshire have some of the highest productivity levels of the region, either on par, or above average for the UK. Whilst in South Yorkshire, areas such as Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham experience the lowest productivity levels in the region, and one of the lowest levels in the UK, which also affects wages and living standards.
- Supporting combined and local authorities to establish and maintain pathways for employers and their staff to access resources for education and training opportunities, qualifications and funding.
- Further research into ‘good practices’ in relation to all forms of staff training, in particular apprenticeships to identify the best sources of support for employees.
- Commissioning modelling of labour market business and investment trends, and analyses of employer skills needs to help forecast future regional industry needs.
- Establishing working partnerships between Chambers of Commerce, Combined Authorities, Further Education Colleges and Universities to help build ongoing relationships with employers and training providers.
Bart van Ark, managing director of The Productivity Institute, said: “There is an urgent need for governments at all levels – national, regional and local – to adopt a place-based perspective on productivity growth. Many UK regions have such low productivity levels that single interventions, even significant ones, won’t suffice. A systemic approach to pro-productivity policies requires them to be joined up and scaled up.”
The authors of the report make up the Yorkshire, Humber and the North East Regional Productivity Forum (RPF), one of eight around the UK established by TPI, which is an ESRC-funded initiative that brings together academics with business, industry and policy representatives to identify and address the causes of the UK’s weak growth in productivity.
Long-established Yorkshire bus operator sold
Reliance Motor Services, one of Yorkshire’s longest-established bus operators, has been sold to Transdev.
Under the terms of the deal, Transdev’s subsidiary, Yorkshire Coastliner, has acquired 11 buses from family-owned Reliance, which has operated from its depot at Sutton on the Forest, north of York, for 94 years.
Transdev has also acquired Reliance’s well established network of bus routes serving Easingwold and Thirsk, along with several villages north of York.
All jobs are being retained as a result of the agreement between Reliance and Transdev.
The Reliance business was bought by John and Margaret Duff in 1980, having first been established by Edward Sheriff in 1930, who started out with three buses. It has remained a family business since the Duffs took over, with John’s grandson, Gary Newby, and his wife, Hollie, running the current business.
Gary and Hollie Newby were advised on the sale of Reliance by a multi-disciplinary team at Andrew Jackson Solicitors, led by corporate partner, Susie Mortonson, who was supported by Benn Shilleto (corporate), Gillian Markland (employment) and Robert Hill (real estate and property). Transdev’s legal advice was provided by Womble Bond Dickinson.
Gary Newby said: “We are sorry to say farewell to our loyal customers on the routes which will see a change of operator, and to our drivers, whose loyalty and hard work is reflected in Reliance’s excellent reputation.
“However, we know they will be in the best hands with Transdev, which has invested significantly in an impressive depot in York and has a strong track record of delivering for its customers.
“We are grateful for the valuable guidance and support provided by Susie Mortonson and the rest of the team at Andrew Jackson Solicitors, who ensured that our best interests were protected throughout the transaction.”
Susie Mortonson added: “I was delighted to see this transaction go smoothly for Gary and Hollie. It has been a pleasure to work with them and I’m sure that the business will continue to flourish under Transdev.”
Housebuilder Keepmoat names new CFO
Doncaster-based housebuilder Keepmoat has appointed Mark Dilley as Chief Financial Officer.
He previously held the position of Chief Financial Officer at Tilia Homes, as well as serving as Group Finance Director at Town Centre Securities. Mark also spent 14 years at Asda, where he was Vice President of Retail and Property Finance.
Mark said: “The future is extremely bright for Keepmoat, and I am looking forward to playing a part in the continued success of the organisation.
“Keepmoat’s vision of building communities and transforming lives speaks volumes about its ethos and culture, and I’m excited to have joined a leadership team so clearly committed to delivering quality affordable homes to more people where they need them most.”
CEO Tim Beale added: “It’s great to have Mark on board. He brings a wealth of experience from not only the housebuilding sector but also property investment and FMCG retail. He is the perfect person to work alongside me and the other members of our executive board as we steer Keepmoat through its next stage of development.”
Judges select shortlist from record entries for Hull BID awards
Hull BID Executive Director Kathryn Shillito revealed that a record number of applications has been received for the awards, and the finalists are now looking forward to sharing their success with family, friends and colleagues at the big celebration on Friday February 21 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel.
The judges have now drawn up their shortlists with three finalists in each of 10 categories – four of them earning two nominations. In addition there will be a Judges Special Recognition Award.
Kathryn says more than 420 applications came in from city centre businesses and other organisations and the shortlist features hopefuls from sectors including retail, hospitality, personal services, professional services, leisure, culture, and charities.
She said: “The feedback from all three judges once they’d finished their deliberations was that this year is all about quantity and quality – we received applications from a lot of businesses and other organisations and many of them really were outstanding.
“That’s so important because the awards are about much more than a badge of honour for each of the winners – the fact that so many people entered with such impressive submissions sends out a clear message about the quality on offer in our city centre, and that’s something for us all to shout about when we get together for the big night.”
Schofield Sweeney names new employment team partner
Andy Gilchrist has been appointed as a partner in the employment team at Yorkshire-based law firm, Schofield Sweeney.
He is a multi-award winning employment lawyer and joins the firm from Lupton Fawcett, where he was Head of Employment. Andy has advised on significant employment law cases in the UK, and also businesses with operations overseas. Last year he advised a US Fortune 500 company on the departure of a senior executive, a US company on the closure of its UK operation, and a number of household brands on the restructuring of their workforces.
Partner Simon Shepherd said: “Andy’s experience and excellent reputation enhances our already strong team, and shows our commitment to the growth plans we have for the employment team. I’m really pleased to welcome him, and to continue providing support to our existing and future clients.”
The company has also promoted Rajveer Basra from Solicitor to Associate.
Schofield Sweeney employs 175 at offices in Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield.
Leeds agency appoints Head of AI to help drive growth
Leeds-based digital marketing agency Spike has appointed Said Lopez as Head of AI, underlining its commitment to cutting-edge technology to transform its services and drive growth.
Said brings over a decade of expertise in machine learning, automation, process improvement and digital transformation. In the past four years, he has spearheaded artificial intelligence and ML initiatives, driving innovation and delivering impactful results for leading venture capital-backed companies.
In his new role at Spike, the first of its kind for the business, he will spearhead the development and deployment of the agency’s AI tools, helping to accelerate the impact of Spike’s marketing strategies and deliver greater value and measurable results for its clients.
Rob Powell, Founder and Director at Spike, said: “AI is going to revolutionise marketing as we know it, and we’re thrilled to welcome Said to our team to ensure we remain at the forefront of the technology.
“He has a breadth of experience, as well as an incredible passion and energy that I know will help take our innovative AI and digital transformation strategies to new heights. I can’t wait to see the impact he’ll make not only on how we work, but also the successes we drive for our clients.”
Said added: “I’m really excited to be joining Spike at such a pivotal time for the agency. The bold move toward AI-driven digital transformation is a forward-thinking direction, and I can’t wait to help bring it to life.”
Morgan Sindall starts work on Leeds housing development next month
Next month Morgan Sindall expects to start building an extra care housing scheme on a two-acre site at Armley in Leeds.
The Middlecross development will be home to 65 affordable apartments providing independent living opportunities for older people.
The three-storey complex – to be built on brownfield land between Armley Grove Place and Simpson Grove – will also have care facilities and communal spaces, including a 50-seat dining area. It’s expected to be finished by 2027.
The bulk of the funding for the development is being provided by the council’s housing service via Right to Buy receipts and borrowing, with £1.3m of grant support due to come from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund.
Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing, said: “At a time when there is a well-documented shortage of affordable extra care housing in Leeds, this development will make a real difference to the lives of its residents.
“The start of construction will also be another notable milestone for our Council Housing Growth Programme, which is working – with the support of partners – to bring positive and lasting change to communities across Leeds.”
Government organisation says inheritance tax changes will hit three quarters of farms
AHDB has calculated 42,204 out of 54,938 farming businesses (76.8%) in England and Scotland that are 50 hectares (124 acres) or larger will be affected.
The study looks at average balance sheet data mainly sourced from Defra, the Farm Business Survey and the Scottish Government.
More than half of those affected are involved in cereals or general cropping production as their main enterprise, with the rest predominantly livestock producers or mixed farming operations.
The NFU has repeatedly warned of the risk the changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief pose to family farms throughout its Stop the Family Farm Tax campaign, with the majority of farms not earning enough money to pay the potential inheritance bill without selling off some of their land or business.
Sheffield businesses Visit Pittsburgh with city councillors
Sheffield-based businesses Tickets for Good, Westfield Health, and Reach Studios are currently in the American city of Pittsburgh to help explore the possibilities for inter-city collaboration.
With Sheffield City Council Leader Tom Hunt and Chief Exec Kate Josephs they are working on building meaningful and fruitful relationships and to open lines of opportunity to work together in the future.
They will meet city officials and a range of organisations and businesses from the biological and advanced manufacturing, health, medical tech and robotics sectors, plus many more.
Tom Hunt said: “Sheffield is global, green and growing. We have world-leading strengths in many sectors, from advanced manufacturing to health technology, cultural industries and low carbon, resilient energy. This week we will share our knowledge and best practice with our friends in Pittsburgh. “As sister cities, Sheffield and Pittsburgh share a similar industrial past, but we have both seen our economies transform in recent decades. We both have big ambitions for our future and I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can learn from one another and achieve together”