The North East business landscape continues to evolve with significant contracts, acquisitions, and innovations happening this week. This report highlights key movements, showcasing the dynamic progress of companies committed to growth and excellence.
Exploring recent developments, this article covers the strategic expansions and alliances made by prominent figures like Wave, Greggs, and others. With substantial investments and noteworthy collaborations, these companies are setting benchmarks and achieving significant milestones.
Wave has secured a new framework deal with The Energy Consortium (TEC) valued at over £100 million. This four-year agreement will allow the company to provide services to university and museum clients across the UK, projected to generate £25 million annually. Employing over 300 people and a joint venture between Northumbrian Water Group and Anglian Water Group, Wave aims to reduce water usage and utility bills.
Tony March, director of public sector and industrial customers at Wave, expressed delight at securing the TEC framework. “Wave is delighted to have secured the new TEC framework, which will provide a great platform to build on the fantastic work which is in progress,” he noted, emphasising the focus on efficiency, compliance, and net-zero goals.
My Property Box, a growing estate agency group, has expanded by acquiring John Prest in Northallerton and Landlords 2 in Darlington. These acquisitions add over 450 managed properties to their portfolio. The deals resulted from the retirement plans of key directors, reinforcing My Property Box’s market presence in North East and North Yorkshire.
Ben Quaintrell, founder and CEO, stated, “These acquisitions are an important part of our strategy to strengthen our market presence across the North East and North Yorkshire.” This reflects their commitment to building on a reputation for excellent service.
Greggs has reportedly teamed up with renowned kitchen goddess Nigella Lawson for their Christmas advertising campaign. Known for their seasonal festive bakes, Greggs hopes to strengthen its leadership in the festive food sector. Nigella’s involvement is expected to be a substantial endorsement with potential input into Greggs’ seasonal menu.
Nigella Lawson is rumoured to have signed a six-figure deal with Greggs and was seen shooting an advert for them.
Filtronic, a tech firm specialising in satellite communications, is enhancing its production facilities at NETPark, County Durham. With new production lines in place, the company anticipates increased productivity of up to 75%. This development comes on the heels of crucial contract wins, expanding their capability in radio frequency modules for emerging technologies.
Mark Black, chief operations officer, stated, “Meeting the increased production demand is our priority, and we are committed to maintaining our high standards of operational excellence.”
Dicksons, a family-owned meat and bakery supplier, has opened a new store in Blyth, introducing a £100,000 rebranded logo. Known for combining traditional recipes with modern tastes, the company is enhancing its brand appeal while retaining its heritage. The rebranding project involved extensive research on fonts and colours.
Mike Dickson remarked, “We know all too well that people can get attached to the branding they see when they’re going about their weekly shop. But we want to stress that no matter what changes are made externally, we are still the same family business.”
OnPath Energy has completed the sale of its stake in the Kype Muir Wind Farm Extension to funds managed by Schroders Greencoat LLP. This pioneering project, notable for its 200-metre turbines, marks a significant step in renewable energy. Schroders Greencoat’s acquisition follows OnPath’s successful construction phase.
Gordon Thomson, projects director, commented, “Kype Muir Wind Farm Extension is a groundbreaking UK project… a product of OnPath Energy’s progressive development philosophy.”
The latest business activities underscore the North East’s robust economy and capacity for innovation. Companies like Wave and Filtronic are shaping the future with strategic decisions.
