In Brief: Gordons advises Brulines; Ben Sherman comes to Leeds and more

LAW firm Gordons has negotiated an acquisition for Brulines Group, the monitoring systems and data management services provider.

Brulines, based in Stockton-on-Tees, has acquired Lookout Solutions for an undisclosed sum.

Jonathan Asquez, corporate solicitor with Bradford and Leedsa-based Gordons, said: “I’m delighted to have advised on the Lookout acquisition which will strengthen Brulines’ already powerful offering in a key area of its operations and hope to help the group again in the future, as it continues to go from strength to strength.”

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CLOTHING brand Ben Sherman has chosen Leeds for the opening of its new concept store.

The company has entered into a joint venture with independent retailer Hip.

Plectrum, Ben Sherman’s latest brand will be showcased in the store, which is located in Thornton’s Arcade. 

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DIGITAL Plus, the Leeds-based large format printers, has purchased new premises as it embarks on a growth plan.
 
The 10,500 sq ft Eastgate House premises in Kirkstall are considerably bigger than the company’s former offices and print-shop in Bramley.

The business said an upswing in orders for display and exhibition work over the last 12 months was a factor in the move.

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BUSINESS advisory firm Deloitte believes that financial services organisations are facing a difficult set of circumstances which are affecting their ability to plan over the longer term.

Following the banking collapse and credit crunch in 2008, the need for reform of the financial services sector has been evident and a wide range of regulations are set to be introduced.

Deloitte is hosting a dinner for Yorkshire’s financial services this evening at which issues including the need for reform of the financial services sector will be discussed.

Steve Williams, financial services partner at Deloitte in Yorkshire, said: “We have seen much upheaval of the financial service sector in recent years and this is likely to continue while regulators continue to get to grips with the weaknesses in the system. 

“While reform is clearly necessary and many of the measures are rightly aimed at simplifying inter-EU systems and protecting consumers, at a time of deep seated economic uncertainty, it does mean that the sector faces an unfamiliar set of challenges around long term planning in a changing environment.”

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RELOCATION specialist Harrow Green has been appointed to a national framework agreement.

The four-year contract is with the Pro5 Group, a professional buying consortium with a combined purchasing power in excess of £2bn a year.

Leeds-based Harrow Green will undertake small and large furniture removals, specialist disposals and storage services to the public sector under the agreement.

The Pro5 customer base includes schools, colleges and universities in addition to local government departments including social services, catering, transport, highways and building.

Duncan Spokes, Pro5 category lead, said: “Harrow Green has been appointed to the framework as it has a strong track record in the public sector and demonstrated a clear understanding of our aims and preferences.”

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YORK-based national contractor Shepherd Construction has been named as selected panel member for the next two academy developments in Lincolnshire through the Partnership for Schools (PfS) framework.

Shepherd Construction is set to deliver the £12m Priory Ruskin Academy at Grantham and has been invited to tender for the £9m University Academy Holbeach on behalf of Lincolnshire County Council and its respective sponsors, the Priory Trust and the University of Lincoln.

Peter Bates, programme director for Shepherd Construction, said: “We’re delighted to have won this contract and look forward to delivering facilities that will match the vision for both academies by providing an ideal learning environment that will promote achievement, personal development and opportunities for progression.”