In brief: Deadline set for Instore offer, Yorkshire Water’s gong, and more

CROWN Crest Group – the company aiming to take over Instore – has set a deadline for shareholders to accept its offer.

The group said an offer for Huddersfield-based Instore, which runs the Poundstretcher chain of budget shops, will close on October 1.

The offer is already unconditional.

As of yesterday Crown said it had valid acceptances from investors holding about 56% of Instore’s shares, valuing the group at around £11.4m.

Instore has previously dismissed the offer as significantly undervaluing the group.

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YORKSHIRE Water’s communications department has been named as the best in-house team in Britain by the The Chartered Institute of Public Relations.

The team won the accolade from rivals from Camden Council, Westminster Council and the Financial Times at the ceremony held in London on Monday night.

The judging panel, which included senior industry professionals, said: “This in-house team does not just sell the corporate brand, it goes beyond to something with a wider impact, setting itself really stretching targets. The team’s efforts clearly contributed to Yorkshire Water’s third successive Utility of the Year title. The team also faced a tough time in the floods with a critical report in Hull, but fought back.”

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SHEFFIELD firm Woolhouse Douglas Wealth Management has relocated to larger premises after winning a major new contract.

The company – which provides personal financial advisory services to entrepreneurs, sports personalities and independent pharmacists across the UK – now occupies a 1,600 sq ft, newly-refurbished office suite in Neepsend’s Kelham House, which is four times the size of its previous Herries Road accommodation.

The company relocated after it acquired the 200 investment clients of John Keeton, one of North Derbyshire’s most reputable independent wealth managers.

Chesterfield-based John Keeton, a well known member of North Derbyshire’s business community, has retired through ill health.

Managing partner Chris Woolhouse said: “This expansion, not only in the size of our offices but also our operation, represents a significant milestone in the development of the company. My colleagues and I look forward to servicing John’s clients with the same commitment and professionalism which our own loyal and long standing clients enjoy.”