Latest news with #DukeStreet
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Netting to be replaced due to birds destroying it
The netting of a Grade II-listed building will be replaced after it was destroyed by the same birds it was meant to deter. Westmorland and Furness Council approved the application for a property in Barrow's Duke Street. According to documents, new protection was needed after bird "attacks" left the existing netting holed and frayed. "These birds create a nuisance to the building occupiers and create mess and dirt on facade of the building," the application said. It said the barrier aimed to keep birds from nesting on the elevations of the structure or landing on the ledges and cornices. The building dates back to 1873 and sits within the Central Barrow Conservation Area, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Westmorland and Furness Council
BBC News
05-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Barrow building's netting to be replaced after birds destroy it
The netting of a Grade II-listed building will be replaced after it was destroyed by the same birds it was meant to and Furness Council approved the application for a property in Barrow's Duke to documents, new protection was needed after bird "attacks" left the existing netting holed and frayed."These birds create a nuisance to the building occupiers and create mess and dirt on facade of the building," the application said. It said the barrier aimed to keep birds from nesting on the elevations of the structure or landing on the ledges and building dates back to 1873 and sits within the Central Barrow Conservation Area, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Bloomberg
24-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Saudi PIF-Backed Selfridges Wins Approval for Private Members' Club
Selfridges, the department store chain owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and Thailand's Central Group, won approval for a new private members' club at its flagship London outlet. Westminster City Council approved an application to convert space currently used for staff offices into a membership venue with a terrace and private dining room. The proposal is part of a wider plan to launch a new 'exclusive new shopping and social destination for its most valued customers and members' on Duke Street in the spring, according to a filing.
Travel Daily News
06-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Great Rail Journeys acquired by Vitruvian Partners
Vitruvian Partners supports high growth, specialist premium tour operator Great Rail Journeys in a buyout from Duke Street. Great Rail Journeys Ltd, leading provider of escorted tours, announces that Duke Street has realised its investment through a buyout led by Vitruvian Partners. Through Vitruvian's support, the management team of GRJ, led by CEO Dave Riley, will continue their sector leading growth trajectory, with a particular focus on the UK, US and other source markets, building on the Company's strong position as a global provider of premium, experience-led travel. GRJ was founded in York, England in 1973 as a family-run business focused on rail tours for UK travellers in the UK and around Europe. Notwithstanding the pandemic, the business has gone from strength to strength in recent years, growing total transaction values (TTV) from £88m in FY18 to c.£175m in the current financial year, by significantly extending its range of tours, team and source markets to also become a major player in the US market, and for American travellers exploring the world with GRJ's tours and guides. From its headquarters in York, GRJ offers a curated portfolio of multi-modal, premium tours – by rail, river and more – with c.400 itineraries to over 40 countries globally, predominantly catering to the 55+ demographic, a large and growing segment of the market with an enduring demand for differentiated travel experiences. With its trusted brand, customer-centric business model and highly differentiated product, GRJ achieves exceptional NPS and customer satisfactions scores. Since 2018, Duke Street has invested significantly to provide the platform for the business to scale globally. The leadership team, led by Dave Riley who joined the business in 2018 (first as CFO, then CEO from 2022), is highly experienced and customer focused. They have steered the business through a phase of investment into the tech platform, building first class data analytics and digital marketing capabilities, creating a platform for future growth. Vitruvian Partners is one of the most active global investors in the travel and travel tech sector, with current investments including Travel Counsellors, Sykes Cottages, Civitatis, Klook and OAG, in addition to highly successful prior investments in Skyscanner and JacTravel. Dave Riley, CEO of Great Rail Journeys, said: 'I would like to thank the Duke Street team for their support over the last seven years. The business has transformed in that time becoming the leading multi-source travel business in our sector. We've tripled the size of our US business, achieved market leading growth in the UK, and grown beyond rail with the addition of our European river cruises and wider land touring programme. For 50 years, we've set the standard in escorted tours for both new and returning customers and I am excited about the next chapter of our journey. I look forward to working with Vitruvian to deliver on our growth ambitions.' Jason Lawford, Partner, Duke Street, commented: 'Great Rail Journeys has been a highly successful investment for Duke Street. Under our ownership, we have supported the business to unlock its full potential through several growth initiatives. Together with an exceptional management team, we have implemented a digital transformation programme, expanded the business to the US through a strategic acquisition, diversified into the river cruise and luxury travel markets, and consolidated the brand portfolio. Profits have since doubled, and the business's bottom line continues to accelerate. We wish the new owners and the management team behind this well-loved travel brand the very best for the future.' Ben Johnson, Partner at Vitruvian Partners, said: 'We are excited to partner with Dave and his team and share their ambition for the company to become the global market leader in escorted travel, catering in particular for those at a stage in life with time to enjoy discovering magical destinations by rail and river. We recognise in Great Rail Journeys a business with many growth avenues and a very attractive demographic to continue to serve. We look forward to working with the team in the years ahead.' Duke Street was advised by DLA Piper (legal), Harris Williams (corporate finance) and Seven Dials City (communications). Vitruvian Partners was advised by Clearwater (Corporate Finance and Debt Advisory). Mayer Brown provided legal advice, alongside due diligence support from FTI Consulting, CG Consultancy and Palladium.
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Landlords of major discount retailer brace for swingeing rent cuts
The new owner of The Original Factory Shop (TOFS), one of Britain's leading independent discount retailers, is preparing to unveil a package of savage rent cuts for its store landlords. Sky News understands that Modella Capital - which recently agreed to buy WH Smith's high street arm - is finalising plans for a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) at TOFS. City sources said the CVA - which requires court approval - could be unveiled within days. Property sources cited industry rumours that significant store closures and job losses could form part of TOFS' plans, while demands for two-year rent-free periods at some shops are said to also feature. A spokesman for Modella declined to comment. Modella, which also owns Hobbycraft, bought TOFS from its previous owner, Duke Street Capital, just two months ago. Almost immediately, it engaged restructuring experts at Interpath to work on the plans. Sources have speculated that dozens of TOFS stores could close under a CVA, while a major distribution centre is also thought to feature in the proposals. Any so-called 'landlord-led' CVA which triggered store closures would inevitably lead to job losses among TOFS' workforce, which was said to number about 1,800 people at the time of the takeover. TOFS, which sells beauty brands such as L'Oreal, the sportswear label Adidas and DIY tools made by Black & Decker, trades from about 180 stores. The chain, which was founded in 1969, was bought by the private equity firm Duke Street in 2007. Duke Street had tried to sell the business before, having supported it through the COVID-19 pandemic with a cash injection of more than £10m.
