Henry Boot Construction begins £3m mental health facility refurbishment

Michael Fisher
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Henry Boot Construction begins £3m mental health facility refurbishment
Henry Boot Construction has begun major refurbishment works on mental health facility, Maple Ward, at the Longley Centre in Sheffield, to provide a safer and more supportive space for staff and patients. The £3m project includes a full refurbishment of the two-storey mental health unit and involves redesigning the layout to create 17 en-suite bedrooms, an accessible bedroom, calming de-escalation facilities, and a newly landscaped garden courtyard. As part of the improvements, the team will be installing new drainage, manholes, and window and door openings, alongside refurbishing mechanical and electrical systems. Patient safety will also be a key focus, with the removal of fixed ligature anchor points throughout the site. The renovation will also create or upgrade several essential spaces, including a quiet space, dining room, staff rest area, lounge, clinic room and dispensary. Maple Ward provides important assessment and treatment for individuals experiencing a diverse range of emergency mental health needs. Commenting on the project, Lee Powell, MD of Henry Boot Construction, said: “We’re very proud to be delivering the refurbishment of this important mental health facility in Sheffield. “This project is obviously much more than just bricks and mortar – it’s about creating a safe, calming, and supportive space for those experiencing urgent mental health needs. The refurbished ward will also be complemented by a new garden courtyard, creating another open-air retreat for self-reflection and relaxation. “Well-designed healthcare environments are extremely important for our community, and we’re committed to ensuring the space meets the highest standards for both patients and staff. “It’s a privilege to contribute to such an impactful project that will make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Northern Trains offers vacant station units to local businesses

April Lara
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Northern Trains offers vacant station units to local businesses

Northern Trains is encouraging local businesses to lease vacant commercial spaces at railway stations across its network.

29 units are available through the train operator’s property partner, Lambert Smith Hampton. These include retail space at Knaresborough Station and the Station House at Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire, open for complete redevelopment into a leisure venue, licensed restaurant, office, or retail space.

Northern Trains’ head of property, Robert Ellams, highlighted the potential benefits for businesses, citing high footfall, strong transport links, and the heritage value of many station buildings.

Lincoln footbridge to be demolished for hotel development

April Lara
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Lincoln footbridge to be demolished for hotel development

A pedestrian bridge over Melville Street in Lincoln is set to be demolished in May as part of a multi-million-pound hotel project by Lincolnshire Co-op. The bridge, previously part of the former City Square shopping centre, has been deemed an obstacle to development both logistically and visually.

Lincolnshire Co-op, which has outline planning permission for the hotel, is working with the Department for Transport and other stakeholders to finalise the demolition timeline and road closures. Notices have been issued under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, confirming the planned removal.

The demolition is expected to take place over a weekend to reduce disruption. The bridge, a popular location for city and cathedral views, will be permanently removed as part of the site’s redevelopment.

Lincolnshire estate planning firm secures funding to expand outreach

April Lara
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Lincolnshire estate planning firm secures funding to expand outreach

Westwood Estate Planning, a Lincolnshire-based estate planning business, has received £8,000 in funding from First Enterprise through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme. The funds will support marketing efforts aimed at raising awareness of estate planning and financial wellbeing.

The business provides legal services including will writing, lasting power of attorney, probate, and estate administration. Founder Gary Tonsley established the company after experiencing firsthand the challenges of inadequate financial planning when his mother passed away without arrangements in place.

The funding will enable Westwood Estate Planning to expand its client education initiatives, including seminars, newsletters, and partnerships with financial advisers. First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans, a not-for-profit lender, provides loans between £500 and £150,000 to start-ups and SMEs unable to access traditional bank financing.

Representatives from First Enterprise and the British Business Bank praised the company’s efforts to improve financial literacy and support local families in securing their futures.

UK government halts key farm payment scheme, sparking industry backlash

April Lara
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UK government halts key farm payment scheme, sparking industry backlash

The UK government has stopped accepting new applications for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), citing full budget allocation for the year. The scheme, part of the Environmental Land Management (ELM) programme, pays farmers for nature-friendly practices such as maintaining hedgerows and reducing pesticide use.

Defra stated that 50,000 farm businesses—covering over half of England’s farmland—are now enrolled in environmental land management schemes, which have a £5 billion budget over two years. However, the suspension of new applications has drawn strong criticism from farming groups.

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) called the move a “shattering blow,” warning that farmers left out of the scheme may have to abandon environmental efforts to stay financially viable. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) described the decision as harmful to both farming and nature. The Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) raised concerns that delays in the next SFI rollout, expected in spring 2026, could leave many farmers without support for 18 months.

Political figures, including Alistair Carmichael, chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, criticised the abrupt decision, warning it could further destabilise the sector. The government has defended its funding approach, stating that more farmers are now receiving payments than ever before.

ADR UK Tyremart acquires The British Rubber Company to expand market reach

April Lara
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ADR UK Tyremart acquires The British Rubber Company to expand market reach

ADR UK Tyremart Ltd, a subsidiary of ADR Group specialising in axles and suspension systems for off-road markets, has acquired The British Rubber Company (BRC), a UK-based distributor of wheels and tyres with a 98-year history.

The acquisition aims to strengthen ADR UK Tyremart’s market position by integrating BRC’s established distribution network with ADR’s expertise in off-road vehicle components. The move is expected to enhance product offerings, improve operational efficiency, and accelerate innovation in response to industry demand.

BRC’s retail and wholesale network will expand ADR UK Tyremart’s reach in the UK and Ireland. The combined portfolio will offer more comprehensive solutions to OEMs in the agricultural and off-road sectors. The companies also anticipate cost efficiencies and streamlined supply chain management.

Following the acquisition, ADR UK Tyremart and BRC will continue to focus on customer value, innovation, and long-term growth.

Syngenta Huddersfield begins production after £50m investment

April Lara
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Syngenta Huddersfield begins production after £50m investment

Syngenta Huddersfield has started production of its PLINAZOLIN® technology pest control product following a £50 million investment in re-engineering its manufacturing facilities. The site will be the largest global producer of advanced stages of the active ingredient, which targets pests resistant to existing treatments.

The investment converted an existing production plant into an advanced life sciences facility, with products set for distribution in over 40 countries. Initial markets include India and South America, where pests significantly threaten crops such as soybeans, corn, rice, coffee, and cotton. Plans include inviting other manufacturers to use Syngenta’s infrastructure, potentially creating up to 300 additional jobs alongside the 1,000 already supported.

Local and national officials, including Huddersfield MP Harpreet Uppal and Minister for Investment Baroness Gustafsson, attended the site’s official opening. The UK government has described the project as a sign of confidence in the country’s economic future.

Sheffield Credit Union merges with Rotherham-based counterpart

Tess Egginton
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Sheffield Credit Union merges with Rotherham-based counterpart
Sheffield Credit Union and Laser Credit Union have decided to merge, bringing together two financial cooperatives. The aim of the merger is to create a stronger, more resilient credit union that can support more people. Over the coming months, work will take place to bring both credit unions together. During this transition local offices will remain open and staff will be unaffected. Paul Hancock, CEO of Sheffield Credit Union, said: “This is an exciting time for Sheffield Credit Union and our growing membership. By joining forces with Laser Credit Union, we are strengthening our ability to support members, and future members from South Yorkshire, in achieving their financial goals. “Our commitment to providing fair and accessible financial services remains at the heart of everything we do, and this merger allows us to expand our reach and enhance our offering.” Alan Teale, Chair of Laser Credit Union, said: “We are thrilled to be joining Sheffield Credit Union in this next chapter. This merger is an opportunity to build on the strong foundations both credit unions have established over the years. “Together, we can provide even better financial support, products, and services to our members, ensuring a resilient and forward-looking credit union for the future.”

Business leaders back Run With It’s new Patron Scheme to create pipeline of talent for the future

Tess Egginton
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Business leaders back Run With It’s new Patron Scheme to create pipeline of talent for the future
Business figures from Yorkshire and Lincolnshire gathered for the official launch of Run With It’s new Patron’s Scheme – an initiative designed to secure vital funding for the educational charity’s ongoing work whilst supporting its plans for growth across the region. Run With It aims to improve core educational skills in both Maths and English while learners also develop essential life skills that go beyond the classroom walls. The event, held at Hotham Hall in East Yorkshire, welcomed guests to learn more about how they can play a part in making a tangible difference. The charity’s director Lisa Dawson said: “Our whole ethos is to inspire, motivate and educate the generation of tomorrow who are getting left behind and ignored.  We want to give young people those lightbulb moments in life that help them change their direction and support them on a pathway to succeed. “Consider the fact that Hull is the fourth most deprived area in education in England and the sixth most deprived in terms of household income.  Some children to the east of Hull have never seen the Humber Bridge, while in Bridlington, the 10th most deprived town in the country, we see children who haven’t seen the sea, even though they live in a seaside town.  “The generosity and commitment of our patrons will be instrumental in allowing us to not only continue this vital work but also expand our reach to help even more young people.” The Patron’s Scheme has three levels, providing different ways for businesses to engage with the charity to help fund either their intervention programmes or enrichment days. With several high-profile business leaders already pledging their support, Run With It is now inviting more companies to join the Patron’s Scheme and become part of a movement that is set to drive real change.

Surge in insolvency-related activity affects Yorkshire and Humber

Tess Egginton
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Surge in insolvency-related activity affects Yorkshire and Humber
There was a sharp rise in insolvency-related activity nationally, including in Yorkshire and the Humber, in February, according to the latest research from the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body, R3. The findings, which are based on an analysis of data provided by Creditsafe, show a 39% increase in insolvency-related activity in the region, with new business start ups increasing by just 0.2% in the same month. Insolvency-related activity, which includes liquidator and administrator appointments and creditors’ meetings, was up across every region of the UK apart from Northern Ireland, which saw a 38% drop. The East Midlands and South West experienced the biggest increases, up 79% and 77% respectively on January’s figures. Business start up numbers also fell across every English region apart from Yorkshire and the Humber (up 0.2%). Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales also saw small increases in new businesses, with Scotland the highest at 9%. Dave Broadbent, chair of R3 in Yorkshire and partner at Begbies Traynor in York and Teesside, said: “With SMEs as ever bearing the brunt, UK business is contending with a multitude of challenges that are threatening stability and growth right now, and so unfortunately both the hike in insolvency-related activity and the disappointing growth in new startups come as little surprise. “We are now witnessing a worrying decline in borrowing as businesses see their peers struggling to manage debt, while concerns are still rife among employers about the Employment Rights Bill and the knock-on costs and complexities that might ensue. In some cases this is putting the brakes on firms investing and creating new jobs. “The threat, and reality, of trade barriers also continues to loom large, for exporters and supply chains, and of course this is all compounded by the extremely cautious consumer spending that has dampened business activity across multiple sectors and paints a gloomy outlook for coming months.” He added: “That said, SMEs are well known for their resilience and optimism in the face of adversity and it is always vital to bear in mind the invaluable role professional advice can play in helping businesses to adapt and change course rather than becoming a victim of economic headwinds.”
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