Supporting Business Growth at Market Weighton Business Centre: DSL Global Freight

Derwent Shipping & Logistics Ltd (DSL Global Freight) has grown significantly since moving into Market Weighton Business Centre in 2014, demonstrating how flexible workspace can support expanding local businesses.

Established in 2010, DSL Global Freight provides international freight forwarding and logistics services to customers across the UK and globally. When the business first moved into the centre, it occupied a small office, but as the company expanded and staffing levels increased, it relocated twice within the building to larger premises. Today, the business operates from two units at the centre, supporting its growing team and operations.

The facilities and convenient location of Market Weighton Business Centre have provided a practical base for the company’s growth. Access to professional meeting spaces such as the boardroom, alongside well-maintained workspaces, allows the team to focus on running and developing their business.
Over the years, DSL has expanded its services in response to customer demand. Originally specialising in freight forwarding for abnormal loads and out-of-gauge cargo internationally, the company now also provides import and export documentation, export packing and UK same-day business-to-business courier services.

The business has successfully adapted during challenging periods such as Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. By introducing in-house import and export documentation services, DSL has been able to support customers navigating new trade regulations while keeping goods moving across borders.
Being based at Market Weighton Business Centre has also allowed the company to employ local staff, helping reduce travel times for employees while supporting the local economy. The business has grown from two employees to a team of eight across management, drivers, administration and sales roles.

As Director Liz Boden explains:
“We have been able to grow from a small team to one offering numerous services and still use the Business Centre. When running a busy logistics office requires attention to detail and can be very demandingIt is nice to be able to turn up to work in a warm and clean environment that you don’t have to think about the day to day running of and just concentrate on your own business needs.”

Find out more about office and industrial space at Market Weighton Business Centre: Click Here

A professional base for business growth: Pinnacle Marquees (UK) Ltd

When Pinnacle Marquees (UK) Ltd was founded in 2008, Managing Director Tim Betteridge set out to build a business grounded in quality, transparency and strong customer service.

Frustrated by the lack of reliability and personal service within the industry, Tim recognised an opportunity to do things differently. With a clear vision and strong values around integrity and innovation, Pinnacle Marquees was established to deliver professional marquee hire services for events across the region.

From the beginning, the business chose to locate at Market Weighton Business Centre, providing a professional environment and the facilities needed to support its early growth.

Tim said:

“The Business Centre has proven to be an ideal place for our office, offering a professional environment and excellent facilities throughout our entire tenure.”

Operating from the centre has allowed Pinnacle Marquees to benefit from high-quality office facilities, meeting rooms and shared resources, alongside reliable infrastructure and connectivity. These features have provided a strong foundation for building relationships with clients and delivering a professional service.

At the heart of Pinnacle Marquees is its team. The business believes sustainable growth comes from investing in people, developing skills and creating long-term career opportunities. Today, the company employs a dedicated team of four people who continue to support the business as it grows.

Like many businesses, Pinnacle Marquees has faced challenges in recent years, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and wider economic pressures. By remaining agile, investing in technology and focusing on customer needs, the business has adapted and emerged stronger.

Pinnacle Marquees is now the longest-standing tenant at Market Weighton Business Centre, reflecting the strong relationship built with the site and its role in supporting the business over many years.

As a locally based business, Pinnacle Marquees is proud to contribute to the growth and prosperity of East Riding. By recruiting locally and working with regional suppliers, the company continues to play a role in supporting the local economy while building a strong reputation for quality and service.

Find out more about office and industrial space at Market Weighton Business Centre: Click Here

Region’s visitor economy hits record £1bn high as English Tourism Week gets underway

Hull and East Yorkshire’s visitor economy has surpassed the £1 billion mark for the first time, according to a new independent report commissioned by the national tourism agency.

The latest findings from VisitBritain/VisitEngland, produced by Oxford Economics, highlight the growing strength and impact of the tourism sector across the UK, including its vital contribution to regional economies, jobs and future growth potential.

The milestone coincides with English Tourism Week (March 13–22), an annual celebration showcasing the quality, value and importance of tourism to local communities and visitors alike.

Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY) the region’s accredited Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) continues to play a central role in supporting and promoting the sector. Backed by Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council, VHEY works to drive economic growth, place development and sustainability across the region.

Chris Blacksell DL, Chair of VHEY, said:
“Reaching the £1 billion milestone for visitor spend in Hull and East Yorkshire is fantastic news, and it’s especially fitting as we celebrate English Tourism Week.

“Tourism plays a vital role in our regional economy, supporting jobs, sustaining businesses and showcasing the unique places, people and experiences that make our area such a great destination to visit.

“While this milestone is something to celebrate, we recognise these are still challenging times for some in the sector. VHEY is here to champion and support all our tourism and hospitality businesses and help the industry continue to grow and thrive.”

The report reflects the latest available data from 2024 and shows significant growth compared to the 2023 Cambridge Model estimate of £815.9 million, although the methodology has since evolved.

Councillor Nick Coultish, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s portfolio holder for culture, leisure and tourism, added:
“This report highlights the strength of the region’s visitor economy and the dedication of the many businesses and people who work hard to create exceptional experiences for visitors.”

Momentum will continue beyond English Tourism Week, with the VHEY Tourism Conference 2026 taking place on March 26 at the Mercure Hull Grange Park Hotel in Willerby.

The event will bring together industry leaders to explore the future of tourism, with a focus on how artificial intelligence is shaping the sector. TV presenter and producer Jason Bradbury will headline as keynote speaker.

Meanwhile, Hull and East Yorkshire’s HEY! Volunteers have been shortlisted in VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar competition, with public voting open until March 22.

Vote in the Tourism Superstar competition – Find out more information about VisitBritain/VisitEngland’s Economic Value of Tourism report

Market Weighton Business Centre Celebrates 20 Years of Supporting Local Businesses

Market Weighton Business Centre is celebrating 20 years of supporting businesses across the East Riding, providing flexible office and workshop space and professional facilities that help companies start, grow and thrive. The milestone comes as the centre is currently operating at 100% occupancy, highlighting strong demand for flexible business space in the area.

Over the past two decades, the centre has become home to a wide range of organisations, from start-ups to established businesses, offering office space, meeting facilities and a supportive environment that enables businesses to focus on what they do best.

Among the businesses that have benefited from the centre’s facilities is Pinnacle Marquees (UK) Ltd, the Business Centre’s longest-standing tenant. Founded in 2008 by Managing Director Tim Betteridge, the company has operated from its office at Market Weighton Business Centre since incorporation. Pinnacle chose the centre for its professional environment and shared facilities that support meetings, day-to-day operations and client relationships. Access to meeting rooms, technology and shared resources has helped the company strengthen its client base and support continued growth.

To mark the anniversary, a commemorative tree was planted by Pinnacle Marquees (UK) Ltd, the centre’s longest-standing tenant. The tree was planted in memory of Janette Jowett, recognising her contribution and connection to East Riding of Yorkshire Councils portfolio of business centres.

Other tenants have also seen their businesses develop significantly while based at the centre. DSL Global Freight, a freight forwarding company established in 2010, has grown steadily while operating from Market Weighton Business Centre. Starting with a small office and just two members of staff, the company has expanded its services to include international freight forwarding, export packing, import and export documentation and UK same-day courier services. As the business has grown, it has moved into larger space within the centre and now operates from two units with a team of eight employees.

Director Liz Boden said:

“We have been able to grow from a small team to one offering numerous services and still use the Business Centre. When you are running a business there are a lot of plates to keep spinning. It is nice to be able to turn up to work in a warm and clean environment that you don’t have to think about the day-to-day running of and just concentrate on your own business needs.”

The centre has also supported professional services firms such as Norton & Co, which required additional office space at short notice during a period of rapid expansion.

Chris Norton, Director at Norton & Co, said:

“When our business expanded rapidly, we needed office space at short notice, and Market Weighton Business Centre made the process straightforward from the outset. The team were friendly, responsive and efficient, allowing us to secure an office quickly and get set up with minimal disruption. It provided exactly the flexible, practical space we needed at the time.”

Across its twenty-year history, Market Weighton Business Centre has supported businesses to overcome challenges, grow their teams and achieve long-term success while remaining rooted in the local community. One example is Giant Bradley’s Sweet Shop Ltd, which used its time at the centre to build a customer base and establish the business before expanding to high street locations in Market Weighton, Hessle and Hull.

As the centre celebrates this milestone anniversary, its continued focus remains on providing flexible office and workshop space, professional facilities and a supportive environment that enables local businesses to grow and succeed.

Interested in joining the Market Weighton Business Centre community? To find out more about the facilities available and current office space opportunities, visit: https://investeastyorkshire.co.uk/business_centre/market-weighton-business-centre/

A flexible base for business growth: SG Technical Systems Ltd

When SG Technical Systems Ltd was founded in January 2010, Managing Director Simon Chacksfield set out to build a specialist engineering business designing and manufacturing technically challenging products for the vehicle conversion, light rail and medical sectors.

Very early on, the business chose to locate at Market Weighton Business Centre, providing an ideal base to establish and grow.

Simon said:

“It gave us a good base in a good location and allowed us to focus on growing the business.”

Established to design and assemble specialist mechanical equipment, SG has since grown into the UK’s leading supplier of powered ramps for ambulances, alongside supplying steps, doors, wheelchair conversion kits and access solutions for a wide range of specialist vehicles.

As the company expanded, SG moved to a larger unit at Becklands Park Industrial Estate, also owned and managed by East Riding of Yorkshire Council. Over time, the business took on two additional units and installed mezzanine floors to increase capacity.

Simon added:

“Starting in one small unit, moving to a larger unit and taking on two more over time has helped SG grow with our premises growing in line with our needs. The units have been excellent – well done ERYC.”

Today, SG employs 11 people and continues to grow. The business has built a strong reputation for innovation, holding around 18 patents, alongside UK and international trademarks and design registrations. This commitment to innovation was recognised with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2016.

Like many growing manufacturers, SG has faced challenges including supplier closures, the impact of Covid-19 and supply chain disruption. Each has been met with practical solutions and a focus on learning and resilience.

In August 2025, SG moved into a much larger site in Middleton on the Wolds. Despite the relocation, the business achieved close to 40% growth during the year and is planning further recruitment and expansion into new markets, including North America, in 2026.

Find out more about office and industrial space at Market Weighton Business Centre: Click Here

Wicstun Distillery: From Hobby to Thriving Market Weighton

Meet Wicstun Distillery, a family-run artisan distillery based in Market Weighton, East Yorkshire, now in their fourth year producing a growing range of gin, rum, vodka and liqueurs — all crafted, bottled, labelled and sold on site. 

In this video, director Jago Packer shares the story of Wicstun’s journey from a home-based hobby business to an established local producer. He explains how regular, independent support from Invest East Yorkshire Business Support helped them shape ideas, access the right guidance, and successfully secure funding to move into their current premises and invest in key distillery equipment and stills. 

We’re proud to have supported Wicstun throughout their growth and are excited to continue working with them as they move into their next phase — focused on marketing and increasing awareness of the brand. 

Looking for support with your own business? Invest East Yorkshire offers free, independent advice, funding guidance and practical support for small businesses across the region. 👉 https://investeastyorkshire.co.uk/business-support/