Mayor presents new vision for Doncaster city centre
Next week, City of Doncaster Council’s Cabinet will consider a new 25-year city centre strategy.
The strategy, which will outline a vision for the city centre until 2050, has been drafted up following an extensive consultation process. The council has worked with residents and businesses, as well as Team Doncaster partners and stakeholders across the city to hear their views on the strengths of the city centre, what needs improvement, and what the future could look like for Doncaster city centre.
Over 8,000 residents completed Doncaster’s Big City Conversation consultation during summer 2024 and the results have been used in conjunction with other feedback including from local businesses, to shape the vision.
The extensive feedback process pulled out some key issues facing Doncaster city centre including safety and security, accessibility, and cleanliness, as well as issues such as empty shops and the overall look and feel of the place. Residents also made it clear they would like to see more events and activities, an improved retail offer, more green spaces, and experience a more welcoming feel when bringing families and young children.
If agreed by Cabinet, the new strategy will enhance existing efforts to tackle these issues with an initial 12-month action plan focusing directly on residents’ immediate concerns.
Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, said: “Doncaster like many town and city centres across the country needs to adapt, supermarkets and online shopping are here to stay. My vision for Doncaster is that we have more culture, leisure, education and residential areas within our city centre alongside health services.
“Making our city centre more connected for communities across Doncaster is key; with more on offer and key services that people need.
“I have listened to residents, businesses and stakeholders from across the city and it is clear that when it comes to our city centre, people are passionate about its improvement.
“As a new city, and with around £40m of government funding due to commence delivery in 2026, this is an opportunity for us to use this feedback to re-evaluate our city centre to ensure it supports all of Doncaster’s residents and businesses wherever they live in Doncaster.
“The strategy sets a strong long-term ambition for the city centre, but it is also realistic. It provides a framework for change over the longer term, as well as immediate interventions to respond to people’s current concerns.
“The schemes will encourage enterprise, repurpose vacant buildings and stimulate footfall whilst also enhancing wider wellbeing by creating better public spaces and a nicer environment for residents and visitors.
“This strategy will also provide a clear plan for further investment opportunities to complement those that are already underway. Work is progressing with the regeneration of the Waterdale area to create a temporary open space and walkway in place of the former library, the regeneration of our Corn Exchange is also now complete, with the full re-opening set for this Spring.
“The Waterfront area is being remediated for future development and work will soon start on the redevelopment of the Gateway project at the train station, which is set to bring in a new, modern business area.
“At the heart of our vision is a city centre that provides services and experiences that the whole of Doncaster can use, take part in, and enjoy – a place of enterprise where people can live, work, thrive and flourish.”
Tariq Shah OBE, CEO, Vigo Group, said: “I have overseen the development of this strategy and have made the case throughout that we should honestly assess where we are as a place, and where we want to be. This means celebrating our many attributes as well as admitting where we have issues.
“First and foremost, it means putting people and businesses at the heart of our plans and I am happy that this strategy does this effectively, reflecting the community’s views and the shared opportunities in a clear and relatable way.
“Doncaster has achieved a great deal in the last few years, and the results are all around us. We have done this by staying focused on a very specific goal: to make Doncaster the best it can be for residents of all ages and backgrounds – this strategy serves as a blueprint for what happens next. I am extremely excited by the opportunity that lies ahead!”
If agreed by the Cabinet, the strategy will be implemented and led by the Doncaster City Centre Board, which met for the first time in March 2024. Membership includes Chair of the Board, local businessman Tariq Shah, Michael Hird, Sally Jameson MP, Mayor Ros Jones, Deputy Mayor Glyn Jones and City of Doncaster Council Chief Executive, Damian Allen, amongst others.
East Riding of Yorkshire sees highest economic growth in the region
The East Riding of Yorkshire has the highest rate of economic growth – 3.5 per cent – of any individual council area in Yorkshire, research from the Northern Powerhouse Partnership has revealed.
Growth has been driven by over £1 billion worth of investment since 2020, facilitated by the Invest East Yorkshire’s Inward Investment team, part of East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
The Inward Investment team works closely with businesses and investors, showcasing the region’s assets, identifying suitable sites, assisting with site infrastructure development, liaising with key council departments, and sourcing grants and financial assistance.
One significant project achieved by the Inward Investment team is Siemens Mobility’s new £200 million train manufacturing facility in Goole, which commenced operations in April 2024.
The new manufacturing site will create 700 new jobs, as well as a further 1,700 in the wider supply chain. An additional £40 million investment in a cutting-edge Bogie Assembly and Service centre will provide an additional 300 jobs by 2026.
The Inward Investment team ensured that Goole was chosen as the site by Siemens Mobility, by highlighting the region’s direct rail connectivity, skilled workforce, and strong local support.
The team collaborated with Homes England to facilitate the site’s readiness, which included the construction of the £13 million Tom Pudding Way link road, funded in part by an £8.3 million grant from the European Regional Development Fund.
The development of the £9 million RaisE (Rail Accelerator & Innovation Solutions hub for Enterprise) Business Centre has also supported supply chain growth and provided Siemens Mobility with essential office space.
Stephen Silvester, Inward Investment and Infrastructure Manager, said: “We worked closely with Siemens Mobility to provide a bespoke package of support, covering planning guidance, workforce development, supply chain integration, and the opportunity for future expansion. Our efforts paid off when Siemens Mobility selected Goole as the home for its new manufacturing facility.”
The team has also played a critical role in attracting Metsä Tissue, part of Metsä Group, to Goole. The company plans to invest hundreds of millions of pounds in a cutting-edge tissue paper mill, marking the first major development on the Humber Freeport – Goole Tax Site.
This investment aligns with the region’s commitment to sustainable and high-tech advanced manufacturing.
The team has worked closely with Metsä Tissue at every stage, providing support in site selection, workforce planning, supply chain connections, and public consultation. Once operational, the new facility will create over 400 direct jobs and thousands more in the supply chain, while also reducing the UK’s reliance on imported tissue products.
Esa Kaikkonen, CEO of Metsä Tissue, highlighted the strategic importance of Goole: “The Humber region is a crucial gateway to the UK, and its ambitions align with our goals in sustainable manufacturing. Our investment will enhance Metsä Tissue’s presence in the UK and contribute to a more sustainable, locally produced tissue market.”
Councillor Anne Handley, East Riding of Yorkshire Council Leader and portfolio holder for Economic Growth, said: “It’s fantastic to see the East Riding Inward Investment team’s hard work in spurring economic growth and job creation, come to fruition.
“By providing strategic support, unlocking key development sites, and fostering long-term business relationships, the team ensures that East Yorkshire remains a prime destination for inward investment.
“I’m proud that the East Riding maintains a welcoming business environment, and East Riding of Yorkshire council will continue to facilitate businesses looking to enter the region.”
Closure risk curbed as trio of northern pharmacies sold
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold three pharmacies in North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and Lancashire to independent buyers.
The group comprises Gargrave Pharmacy in Skipton, North Yorkshire, C.E Naylor Pharmacy within Rastrick Health Centre in Brighouse, West Yorkshire, and The Village Pharmacy in Nelson, Lancashire. Together, they dispense an average of 13,215 items per month.
The pharmacies were previously owned by Adrian and Clare Naylor who, in wanting to retire, were considering closing the branches.
Following a confidential sales process with Tom Young at Christie & Co, and with funding sourced through Christie Finance, C.E Naylor Pharmacy has been sold to first-time buyer, Aneela Raja of AS Clinics Ltd, who owns her own health clinic, Gargrave Pharmacy has been sold to first-time buyer, Qashif Ahmed, and The Village Pharmacy has been sold to Vivake Bhatia and Erez Bar-Ilan of BMT Healthcare North Ltd, a small multiple operator which now has eight branches in its portfolio.
Tom Young, Senior Business Agent – Pharmacy at Christie & Co, said: “When Adrian and Clare first approached us, they were contemplating closing their three pharmacies, believing there wouldn’t be much of a market for them due to the ongoing cost pressures facing the pharmacy sector.
“We assured them that we could generate interest for all sites on a confidential basis. Leveraging our expertise and market insights, we conducted a competitive bidding process that garnered multiple offers on each of the three branches, effectively demonstrating the continued demand for pharmacies across the north of England.
“Our commitment to a discreet and efficient process ensured that Adrian and Clare’s businesses were successfully transitioned to enthusiastic new owners.”
Alena Ray, Director at Christie Finance, said: “First-time buyers have been increasingly active in the market and lenders are keen to support those with a proven track record in the technical aspects but also some management experience.
“I was thrilled to support Aneela in acquiring her first pharmacy. She is passionate about making a positive impact in the local community and it’s been a privilege to be part of her journey. I wish her all the success and am confident that the pharmacy will thrive under her exceptional guidance.”
The three pharmacies were sold for an undisclosed price.
Firms merge to create legal powerhouse
Two Lincolnshire and Yorkshire law firms have revealed plans to merge on 1 April 2025.
Wilkin Chapman LLP and Rollits LLP will merge under the trading name of Wilkin Chapman Rollits. The new firm will have more than 500 people including 70 partners and have a combined annual turnover of £40 million.
It will operate from six locations: Grimsby, Lincoln, Louth, Hull, York and Beverley. It will be the largest law firm operating out of both Lincolnshire and Yorkshire and has a combined history going back more than 300 years.
The merger is market and client driven and the merged firm will offer greater strength and depth to its clients across the commercial and public sectors and private client disciplines within its region and nationally. There are no planned redundancies as part of the merger.
Robin Simmonds, CEO of Wilkin Chapman, said: “There is a great synergy between the two firms across culture, values and strategy and we believe the new firm will provide our clients with the responsive, personal tailored support that they expect.”
Ralph Gilbert, managing partner of Rollits, said: “Both of our firms have deep local connections and histories within our respective regions and are very proud of these links. Such links help us understand the needs of our clients and bring insights to them.
“Additionally, the combined firm will continue to advise our regionally-based clients with their needs nationally, as well as clients based outside of our locations.”
European private equity firm to invest in Hippo Digital
Hippo, a digital transformation provider of User-Centric Design (UCD) solutions to the UK public sector, is in the final stages of securing a new strategic investment partner, Exponent, a European private equity firm, to support the business through the next phase of its growth journey.
Hippo was founded in Leeds in 2016 by Adam Lewis and Rob Coop and today is one of the largest independent digital services consultancies in the UK, delivering end to end strategy, design and data services across both private and public sector organisations. Hippo clients include NHS, DFE, BBC and Virgin.
Exponent will support the existing management team, led by co-founder and Chief Executive Adam Lewis, to continue to scale the company’s operations and strengthen its engineering, data and artificial intelligence capabilities. Paul Nannetti is joining the business as Chair.
Adam Lewis, founder and CEO of Hippo, said: “I am proud of how far we have come since we took on an investment partner four years ago. The business has doubled in size, built out a best-in-class engineering function and acquired critical data expertise when we welcomed The Data Shed.
“We’ve successfully expanded into the private sector, helping our clients scale while staying true to our founding belief — that exceptional services are built with humans at the heart of every decision.
“Hippo has reached a pivotal moment in its growth journey, making this the perfect time to bring on a new strategic partner to support the next phase. Exponent’s investment provides the backing we need to continue investing in our capabilities and scaling the business as one of the UK’s leading independent digital services consultancies.
“Importantly, this move also allows us to retain our independence and values, ensuring we can continue making the right decisions for our employees and clients.
“Together, we have an exciting opportunity to design exceptional services built around real human needs. I’m excited to see what we can achieve together.”
Mark Taylor, Partner at Exponent, said: “We are excited to be supporting a business that will play a critical role in unlocking the government’s strategy of digitising public services.
“Hippo has established itself as a leading and trusted digital transformation provider and exemplifies the best of UK tech innovation, with an outstanding reputation in its core public sector market. We see a tremendous opportunity for the business to meet a wider range of customer needs and we look forward to working closely with the team in the years ahead.”
The transaction is subject to regulatory approval, with completion expected in early April.
Hippo was advised by several Yorkshire-based advisors, with KPMG providing lead advisory support, Squire Patton Boggs advising on legal, Park Place advising Management, and Grant Thornton assisting with financial and tax due diligence support.
Development of derelict Bradford site to kickstart key area of future regeneration
Development of a derelict site in Bradford centre is set to kickstart a key area of future regeneration in the city.
Plans have been approved to convert the shell of the old Kingfisher House, which is part of Jinnah Court on Filey Street, into a state-of-the-art orthopaedic care centre.
The site, just off Wakefield Road, falls within the Bradford ‘Southern Gateway’ – an area earmarked for major transformative regeneration.
The ‘Southern Gateway’ regeneration plan includes a proposed new £2 billion rail station that would connect Bradford to Leeds in just 12 minutes and Manchester in under half an hour. It would create a thriving hub with new homes, offices, retail, and leisure spaces.
Standard Health Group, the organisation behind the approved health centre plans, has said the work will be a significant step in addressing the demand for enhanced medical facilities in Bradford.
Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Transport and Planning Alex Ross-Shaw said: “It is a real boost for the area to have an initial investment at this level and we anticipate further such investment will follow in what will be a key area of regeneration for Bradford. This new facility will create a centre of excellence bringing with it new specialist skills, and employment opportunities.”
Mark Cowgill, president of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, said: “This investment into Bradford is most welcome and a testimony to the faith entrepreneurs have in the city.
“The fact that Standard Health Group has selected a site within the proposed ‘Southern Gateway’ zone is a sign of the incredible potential this landmark regeneration project has to deliver for the region.
“This will provide yet another boost to a city economy which is heading very much in the right direction.”
Dr Gorav Datta of Standard Health added: “Standard Health is delighted to obtain planning permission to convert Kingfisher House into a state-of-the-art orthopaedic ambulatory surgical centre.
“There will be a considerable investment to provide digital operating theatres allowing the latest innovations in orthopaedic surgery including robotics, an imaging suite, and in-patient facilities to allow seamless patient pathways from admission to rehabilitation.
“The facility will treat NHS patients and also contribute to the training of surgeons and nursing staff alike. We aim to provide the highest quality in patient care, with the best outcomes and patient satisfaction.”
Owner of the property, Saleem Akhtar (SA Properties) said: “As SA Properties and Jinnah Group, we have been making a number of commitments to Bradford that has seen us invest millions into the city over recent years.
“Going forward, we have more plans to invest in the Southern Gateway and local area and are excited about how the city finally moves forward on the back of the some of the initiatives being promoted by the Council. We hope Standard Health can become the early win for the Southern Gateway, which brings more investment in the area.”
Plans submitted to redevelop historic Penistone coal drops
A proposal has been submitted to transform Penistone’s derelict grade II-listed coal drops, signal house, and former railway siding into a mixed-use development featuring retail, office space, hospitality venues, and business units.
Developer Fairbank Investments plans to restore the site’s historic coal drop arches for retail use while adding over 4,000 sq ft of restaurant and bar space with an outdoor terrace connected to the Trans-Pennine Trail. The project also includes a 9,000 sq ft office block and four hybrid business units designed for flexible office or light industrial use. The signal house will be repurposed while maintaining its historical character.
Fairbank Investments, known for redeveloping the former David Brown factory site into a business park, aims to create economic opportunities and support local businesses. The planning proposal has been developed in consultation with local stakeholders, focusing on preserving the site’s heritage while integrating modern facilities.
Xeinadin strengthens northern presence with two acquisitions
Professional services firm Xeinadin has acquired two accountancy practices, Barnsley-based Gibson Booth Ltd and King Hope, which operates in Northallerton, Darlington, and Hartlepool.
The acquisition expands Xeinadin’s network to 16 offices in northern England. Gibson Booth will now operate as Xeinadin Barnsley, while King Hope integrates into the firm’s regional structure. Gibson Booth’s Huddersfield office and its insolvency division in Barnsley remain independent.
The move enhances Xeinadin’s capabilities in agriculture, charities, and education sectors while providing acquired firms access to expanded resources, centralised support, and a broader UK and Ireland network.
Leadership from both firms cited the benefits of joining a larger organisation while continuing to serve local businesses.
Labour announces employment law reforms, including zero-hour contract ban
The UK Government has proposed changes to employment laws, including a ban on zero-hour contracts that will also apply to agency workers. The reforms, part of Labour’s Employment Rights Bill, aim to strengthen worker protections and regulate umbrella companies.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds stated that agency workers must be included in the zero-hour contract ban to prevent loopholes. The Government believes that all workers should have contracts reflecting their regular hours.
Planned changes also include revisions to collective redundancy rules, which could extend the maximum protective award from 90 to 180 days if employers fail to meet consultation obligations.
Labour has also updated trade union regulations to align with modern work practices. Proposed measures include extending the validity of industrial action mandates from six months to a year and requiring a 10-day notice period before strikes.
The Government says these reforms aim to balance the interests of workers, businesses, and the public.
First Choice moves 80 staff to new Middlesbrough office
First Choice, part of the TUI Group, has relocated 80 staff to a new 4,500 sq ft office in Middlesbrough’s Six Centre Square. The team includes web development, contact centre, and sales and marketing staff from First Choice, Holiday Hypermarket, and Holidays for Heroes brands.
Ashall Projects developed the Grade A office space with £9.7 million in funding from the Tees Valley Combined Authority and a £2 million contribution from Middlesbrough Council’s Towns Fund.
Six Centre Square, which also houses AXA UK’s 500-strong workforce, is part of a broader effort to attract businesses and investment to Middlesbrough. Local officials highlighted the move as a sign of confidence in the area’s economic potential and improved infrastructure.
First Choice’s leadership cited the office’s modern facilities, central location, and transport links as key factors in the decision, reinforcing the company’s long-standing presence in the North East.
