An independent report has revealed a £2.1bn economic boost from the redevelopment of the former RAF Scampton.
The report produced by Focus Consultants was commissioned by Scampton Holdings Ltd and West Lindsey District Council. It outlines the potential of the former RAF Scampton site to become a nationally significant hub for employment, tourism, innovation, and community regeneration, supporting thousands of jobs and preserving the site’s historic legacy. Key projected benefits include up to 3,625 new jobs, with more than 800 roles in defence and aerospace, £40m in construction Gross Value Added (GVA), and a £65m boost to local tourism, driven by more than 300,000 annual visitors and plans for a new air show celebrating Scampton’s aviation heritage. The report also projects a £25m investment in research, development and skills, supporting STEM education, apprenticeships, and long-term career opportunities for local people, and a £417m uplift in community wellbeing, land value and heritage preservation. Sally Grindrod-Smith, director of planning, regeneration and communities at West Lindsey District Council, said: “This independent report confirms what we have long believed, the former RAF Scampton is a site of huge untapped potential. “Through careful planning and investment with our development partner Scampton Holdings LTD, we can deliver high-quality jobs, national economic value, and a revitalised community asset that honours the site’s iconic past. “Scampton is also a critical element of an evolving, inter-connected high-growth regional economy and as such represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity—not just for West Lindsey, but for the East Midlands and national economy.”[td_block_big_grid_1 td_grid_style=”td-grid-style-1″ sort=”featured”]
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LATEST ARTICLES
Crash barrier contractor gears up for growth following management buy-out
Protek Fencing, a leading UK contractor specialising in motorway crash barriers, has completed a multi-million-pound management buy-out (MBO) with backing from Mercia Debt.
The MBO sees Managing Director Kristoffer Sharp and Commercial Manager Matthew Pickering take control of the business, facilitating the retirement of former Contracts Director Scott Clayton.
Based in Leeds, Protek has secured a significant funding package to support its growth. Half of the funding is provided by Mercia’s SME Loans fund, with the remaining amount coming from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, which is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).
This investment will support the company’s expansion, including new plant and technology, and enable it to bid for larger contracts, particularly in the area of bridge parapets.
Established in 1987, Protek focuses on road restraint systems such as safety barriers, pedestrian guardrails, and security fencing. It has completed major projects like the Armley Gyratory upgrade in Leeds and a barrier replacement project on the A69 between Carlisle and Newcastle.
The company currently employs 11 staff and aims to broaden its service offering by adding specialist parapet works and expanding its presence across the UK.
Mercia’s funding package supports Protek’s efforts to increase turnover and grow its business by investing in technology and infrastructure. The company plans to scale up its operations, aiming to secure larger frameworks and contracts across the UK.
Kris Sharp, Managing Director, said: “Nearly four decades of quality and reliability have given Protek its reputation. Our goal is to increase turnover by adding specialist parapet works and expanding our footprint across the UK.” Gary Whitaker, Investment Director at Mercia, added: “Kris and Matt have the sector knowledge and drive to take Protek to the next level. Our tailored package not only funds the buy‑out but equips the business for immediate growth.”LCF Law makes key appointment and promotions
Yorkshire law firm, LCF Law, has made a significant senior appointment and two internal promotions.
Sarah Hargreaves has been appointed as head of human resources (HR) at the firm. With 25 years’ experience in HR, Sarah brings a wealth of strategic and hands-on expertise from a broad range of industries including technology, education, and professional services.
She has helped several technology companies scale-up and guided them through periods of rapid growth. Most recently she worked at Yorkshire Water as an HR business partner.
Reflecting on her career to date, Sarah said: “I started working in HR initially taking a temporary role on return from travelling. I was planning to teach after studying English but found HR really interesting and engaging.
“What drew me to LCF Law was the opportunity to really shape the people agenda. There’s a clear business strategy in place, and I want to ensure our people strategy aligns, enabling colleagues to thrive and develop, whilst all working towards the same growth goal.”
Sarah will also focus on supporting staff wellbeing, developing the organisational culture, and embedding tools that help everyone to work smarter.
Alongside Sarah’s appointment, Erin Keeling has been promoted to human resources adviser. Erin joined LCF Law in July 2024 as an HR administrator, having previously been a professional ballet dancer, before moving into insurance and business administration following an injury.
Since joining, Erin has played a pivotal role in HR operations, particularly during a transitional period whilst a new head of HR was recruited. Erin is currently completing her Level 5 CIPD qualification and is leading initiatives around employee wellbeing, employee engagement and performance reviews.
Leanne Rogers, meanwhile, has been promoted to accounts team leader. Leanne, who has been with LCF Law for almost 20 years, now manages a team of five within the accounts department. Having joined the profession straight from school, Leanne has witnessed the legal industry’s transformation firsthand.
“When I first started working at LCF Law we had to dial-up the bank from one modem in the corner every 15 minutes and print off receipts for transactions! Of course, everything is now paperless, and the pace of change has been phenomenal.”
Leanne added: “I’ve grown with the role and the firm over the years, and it’s a really great place to work. I’ve also had the opportunity to gain new qualifications and am currently part way through a three-year associate qualification with the Institute of Legal Finance and Management (ILFM), which the firm is very supportive of.”
LCF Law’s managing partner, Ragan Montgomery, said: “These appointments reflect our ongoing commitment to attracting senior hires that have a strategic and people led approach to helping grow the business, whilst also nurturing and promoting from within.
“Our goal is to ensure that our team are all fully equipped to support the firm’s growth and evolution, and Sarah, Erin and Leanne all play an invaluable part in this.”
£48m secured for major improvements along Penistone Rail Line
Kirklees Council has been awarded £48m by the government to improve local stations and make train travel more convenient and comfortable along the Penistone Line route.
This recent announcement follows the initial Levelling Up bid which was made to the government in 2022 when Kirklees Council, along with partners – including neighbouring councils in Barnsley and Sheffield, local MP’s and both the West and South Yorkshire Combined Authorities – made the proposals to overhaul the line between Huddersfield, Barnsley and Sheffield.
The project will include improvements to Kirklees rail services and stations along the historic route including Lockwood, Berry Brow, Honley, Brockholes, Shepley, Stocksmoor and Denby Dale.
Priorities along the route include improving accessibility and waiting facilities, upgrading rail infrastructure – including moving towards a larger scheme that would improve journey times and increase the service from hourly to half-hourly.
Councillor Moses Crook, deputy leader and cabinet member for transport and housing, said: “We are thrilled that Kirklees Council has been awarded this vital funding to improve our rail network – and now the green light to begin making progress towards delivery.
“This is more than just investment in our railways – it’s an investment in our communities and will make a real difference to residents living along the Penistone Line route and across Kirklees.
“The improvements will bring more reliable trains with better journey times between Huddersfield and Sheffield and will help to boost our local economy, support growth in Kirklees and improve connectively across the north. “The Penistone Line is a crucial transport link, and it’s all part of our plans to make the Kirklees economy stronger, more regionally integrated and greener for future generations. These upgrades will open greater opportunities in education, employment, skills and health and wellbeing for residents across Kirklees.”First phase of Florence Square development on Leeds’ South Bank approved
The first phase of the Florence Square development in Leeds has received approval. This phase includes two office buildings that will provide over 220,000 sq ft of office space. The development is led by Southside Leeds Ltd, a joint venture between Shelborn Asset Management and Stamford Property Holdings.
The two buildings, Block A and Block B, will offer seven and nine storeys of office space, respectively, above ground-floor amenities including retail units, cafés, and restaurants. A new public square and a landscaped pocket park will form the heart of the development.
Florence Square is set to become part of the city’s South Bank regeneration, with potential for up to 500,000 sq ft of additional commercial, residential, and leisure space in future phases. The development will be positioned between the River Aire and the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.
The design focuses on sustainability, with ambitious goals in energy efficiency and health-conscious workspaces. The scheme aims to provide a flexible environment that can adapt to changing work patterns, aligning with the future of urban development.
Heron Foods outlines expansion plans with new stores and job creation
Frozen food retailer Heron Foods is targeting expansion despite recent workforce reductions. The Hull-based company, which operates over 340 locations, revealed a drop in its workforce to 5,519 employees in the last financial year, following the loss of around 250 jobs.
However, the company has committed to opening 10 new stores in its current financial year, aiming to create new job opportunities. The expansion will primarily focus on the North and Midlands regions, though specific locations are yet to be confirmed.
Heron Foods is also considering relocating some of its existing stores to larger sites in order to improve the customer experience and increase foot traffic. The company is actively exploring new properties through both internal and external channels.
Alongside this, Heron is investing in refurbishments of its current stores to enhance sales and customer engagement. The company remains focused on cost control, a vital aspect for a discount food retailer, while continuing to invest in its infrastructure to streamline retail operations and distribution.
The company is also reviewing plans for potential expansions within its distribution network, although these are still in the early stages.
South Yorkshire startups can access new support for idea validation
A new initiative in South Yorkshire is offering tech startups essential support to validate their ideas. The TECH SY project, funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, aims to accelerate the region’s tech sector by providing grants or consultancy services to early-stage businesses.
The Idea Validation Grant (IVG) provides up to £2,500 in financial support or £5,000 worth of consultancy services. The programme is designed to help startups assess the feasibility and potential of their business ideas before committing to large-scale product development. Funding can be used for activities such as market research or prototyping.
Alternatively, businesses can access mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs through Trove Ventures, which also offers a network of regional industry experts. This support is part of a wider strategy to strengthen the local tech ecosystem and provide founders with the resources needed to turn ideas into successful businesses.
The TECH SY programme has been gathering data on the region’s startup scene since its launch last year. It works closely with local industry leaders to identify effective ways of fostering innovation and scaling up the digital economy in South Yorkshire.
Startups interested in the Idea Validation Grant must be based in South Yorkshire and have an innovative project with high growth potential. Applicants should clearly outline how the grant or consultancy will help them validate their business idea or identify their target customers.
Tadweld highlights skills shortage in UK welding industry
The UK welding industry is grappling with a severe skills shortage, a problem that has become increasingly critical in recent years. With a rapidly aging workforce and insufficient new talent coming into the sector, the industry’s future is at risk. Tadweld, a North Yorkshire-based welding firm, has called attention to the growing gap in skilled welders, which is being exacerbated by the mass retirement of experienced professionals.
In 2023, the number of welding trainees in the UK had fallen dramatically, leaving a significant shortfall in the workforce. While training programmes have been put in place, such as those launched by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), they have not been sufficient to close the gap. The shortage is particularly acute in critical sectors like nuclear, oil, and gas, which require thousands of welders to meet future demand.
The situation is projected to worsen in the coming years, with nearly half of the UK’s welding workforce expected to retire by 2027. This will create a need for more than 35,000 new skilled workers, but current training systems are not designed to meet this demand. In addition, the reliance on international recruitment for over 70% of new welders, combined with the increasing need for automation, is putting further pressure on the industry.
Tadweld, as part of the broader effort to address these challenges, is working to promote welding as a viable career path, with a focus on attracting younger talent. The company is calling for greater investment in apprenticeships and STEM education to ensure a steady flow of skilled workers into the sector. In addition, Tadweld believes that changing the industry’s image will play a key role in reversing the decline and ensuring long-term sustainability.
With a growing demand for skilled welders, particularly in the North Yorkshire region, it is clear that coordinated action from industry leaders, educational institutions, and government is essential to tackle the skills shortage head-on and secure the future of the welding industry in the UK.
Bank of England cuts interest rates to 4%
The Bank of England has cut interest rates to 4%, in line with market expectations.
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which sets monetary policy to meet the 2% inflation target, has voted by a majority of 5 to 4 to reduce Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points, rather than maintaining it at 4.25%.
Alpesh Paleja, deputy chief economist, CBI, reacted: “While interest rates are now at their lowest in over two years, today’s cut is line with the ‘gradual and careful’ pace of loosening that the Monetary Policy Committee have flagged so far. Gradual, because the MPC is still caught between a rock and a hard place.
“On the one hand, the labour market is cooling and economic growth looks set to be weaker than the Bank expected, strengthening the case for faster rate cuts. On the other, even with wage growth easing, price pressures remain stubborn. Inflation has come in higher than the Bank anticipated, and households’ inflation expectations are still uncomfortably high.
“As the MPC continues to walk this tightrope, rate cuts are likely to remain gradual: we expect two more reductions, with interest rates settling at 3.5% early next year. But if the risks to the inflation outlook shift sharply in either direction, the pace of monetary loosening could look very different.”
Yorkshire distillery expands premium spirits portfolio with acquisition of 6 O’Clock Gin
Ellers Farm Distillery, the owner of Dutch Barn Vodka, has acquired Bramley and Gage Limited, securing full ownership of the 6 O’Clock Gin brand.
6 O’Clock Gin joins Ellers Farm’s expanding portfolio of spirits.
Ricky Gervais, co-owner of Ellers Farm Distillery, said: “I love what we’re building at Ellers Farm. The ambition to take great British spirits to the world is one of the reasons I got involved. We’ve got Dutch Barn Vodka, Y-Gin, a single malt whisky on the way, and now 6 O’Clock. Which is a good time to start drinking. PM, that is.”
Chris Fraser, founder and CEO of Ellers Farm Distillery, added: “This is a big step in our long-term growth strategy. 6 O’Clock Gin is a respected premium gin brand, rooted in craft, character and connection.
“It aligns perfectly with our values, and we’re excited to bring fresh energy, investment and international reach to the brand, while staying true to the qualities that have made it so well loved.”
With plans already underway to expand distribution and marketing efforts, the company is poised to elevate 6 O’Clock Gin’s presence in the competitive gin category.
