Sheffield to be showcased at UK’s largest real estate conference
Sheffield’s leaders head to the UK’s largest real estate and infrastructure conference later this month, ready to showcase the city as a premier investment destination and a leader in innovation, creativity and sustainability.
UKREiiF, taking place at the Royal Armouries in Leeds from 20-22 May, is expected to welcome over 16,000 built environment professionals, alongside representatives from local and national government.
A high-level delegation from Sheffield – including civic leaders, business executives and industry figures – will attend the three-day conference to gain valuable insights into the latest property market trends, promote Sheffield’s economic growth opportunities, and network with key government officials, developers and investors, and the wider private sector.
Sheffield will once again be joining leaders from Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham as part of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, with multiple Sheffield panel discussions and interactive sessions set to take place in a new South Yorkshire pavilion, located right at the heart of the bustling event venue.
This year, UKREiiF will provide a key platform for Sheffield City Council to share its new Growth Plan, which outlines its bold ambitions for the next decade. The Growth Plan aims to create great places to live, increase wages, deliver economic growth, and strengthen the city’s areas of expertise – including advanced manufacturing, health tech and creative industries.
Sheffield is partnering with Homes England to support the delivery of a range of schemes that will help meet the City’s target of 38,000 new homes, including flagship developments like Attercliffe Waterside – a zero-carbon community of 1,000 homes. New neighbourhood plans for Moorfoot and Sheffield Station Campus will be unveiled at UKREiiF, as part of the city’s sustainable regeneration vision.
Leading large-scale regeneration in the North of England, Sheffield is transforming its city centre through projects like Heart of the City and West Bar, while investing in tram and district heating expansions to support long-term, sustainable growth.
Councillor Tom Hunt, leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “UKREiiF 2025 is an important platform to showcase our bold ambitions for Sheffield for the next decade. We will be setting our new long-term plan to drive economic growth and outlining our status as a global leader in key sectors like advanced manufacturing and the creative industries.
“Sheffield is a global, green and growing city that inspires confidence and collaboration from the Government and private sector. Our strategic partnership with Homes England is helping us to deliver major regeneration projects and new housing growth. Significant infrastructure investments, including the expansion of our tram network and district heat network, will ensure long-term, sustainable growth.
“At UKREiiF we will be sending a strong message – we are open for business and the opportunities for growth and collaboration in Sheffield are huge.”
Key voices representing Sheffield at this year’s UKREiiF will include Kate Josephs, chief executive of Sheffield City Council, and Cllr Tom Hunt, leader of the Council. They will be joined by businesses and organisations including Sheffield Forgemasters, Sitehop, University of Sheffield, CBRE, Shoosmiths, Harworth, Citu, Homes England, Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, Sheffield Property Association and more.
Sheffield’s main event of the week, titled ‘Sheffield Inspires – Our Economic Future’, takes place on Tuesday 20 May from 2.15pm to 3.15pm, with a panel featuring Louisa Harrison-Walker (Sheffield Chamber of Commerce), Cllr Tom Hunt (Sheffield City Council), Kate Josephs (Sheffield City Council), David Bond (Sheffield Forgemasters), Melissa Chambers (Sitehop), Phil Rodrigo (Outokumpu), Deb Hetherington (Scarborough Group), Niall Shamma (Warp Films).
There will be multiple opportunities to hear from the Sheffield delegation during the conference and topics for discussion include Sheffield’s housing plan, investment avenues, emerging Innovation Spine, energy resilience, and much more.
West Yorkshire creative businesses secure over £1 million
A specialist programme designed to grow West Yorkshire’s creative industries and the regional economy is back for a second year after helping around 40 businesses to secure over £1 million of investment.
The region’s ‘Create Growth’ programme – funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport – is now open to applications from creative businesses that are ready to scale-up, attract investment and break into new markets through tailored support, mentoring and high-profile networking opportunities.
In the inaugural year of the programme, 78% of the 41 businesses that took part expanded their teams, 61% developed or launched new products, and 66% reported a growth in turnover, securing a combined total of £1.2 million in investment from private sector investors and Innovate UK, the country’s innovation agency.
It follows the creative industries being identified by the UK Government as a key growth sector, with West Yorkshire being named as one of six creative industries priority places set to receive funding as part of next month’s Spending Review. It will support the region to maximise its strengths, deliver on its growth plans, and encourage strong, continued investment in the creative industries to create jobs and vibrant places.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Ensuring that our creative sector thrives, creates more jobs and attracts inward investment will turbocharge economic growth and help us to build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire.
“This innovative programme has given creative businesses in West Yorkshire the tools and support they need to grow.
“I’m thrilled that more local businesses will have the opportunity to fulfil their potential as we open applications for a second year.”
Caroline Norbury OBE, CEO of Creative UK, said: “It’s positive to see the Create Growth Programme return to West Yorkshire for another year.
“Its first iteration, delivered by Creative UK and West Yorkshire Combined Authority, was a vital springboard for some of the most innovative creative businesses from the region, who were able to gain exposure to a broad range of investors at our regional and national investment summits earlier this year.
“This second run of the West Yorkshire Create Growth Programme promises to continue the job of providing investment readiness support to businesses who will help drive forward the creative industries which, in 2024, made up 9.8% of all UK businesses and which have been identified by UK Government as a key growth sector.”
In February, the successful businesses exhibited their ideas at the Big Creative UK Summit in Bradford to an audience of over 150 investors, partners, creative networks and local business owners, with several taking part in a pitching competition.
Bradford-based gymwear brand Samson Athletics delivered the winning pitch and won a stand at the UK’s Festival of Business Growth, Climb25 – taking place in Leeds in July.
Sam Cordingley, owner of Samson Athletics said: “The Create growth programme has really pushed me out of my comfort zone.
“I am often squirrelled away working in the business and not on the business; the programme has pulled me out and put me in front of people.
“I’ve been pitching, which is certainly not something I would have been doing without the programme.”
The ‘Create Growth’ programme is delivered in partnership with Creative UK and West Yorkshire Combined Authority as part of Mayor Brabin’s You Can Make It Here campaign – a £2.3 million support package designed to grow the region’s creative industries and create opportunities for talent to thrive.
Community equipment provider becomes first occupier at East Yorkshire business park’s new development
A provider of community equipment loan services has become the first occupier of a new development within Melton West business park in East Yorkshire.
Medequip has begun operating a new depot in the first unit to be completed at the £10m Evolve @ Melton West development – the latest phase of growth at Melton West.
Evolve aims to address a shortage of high-quality, modern commercial spaces for growing businesses looking to invest within the region.
The development has provided Medequip with a high-quality facility, built to the latest standards and with strong sustainability credentials, at the heart of the region’s road network, to enable the business to expand into East Yorkshire.
The business, which has 27 depots across the country, and services 48 local authority areas in partnership with each council’s social care services and the NHS, is expanding into the region for the first time after being awarded a contract to deliver the Community Equipment Loan Service for the East Riding of Yorkshire and Hull.
The new service will help to enhance the quality of life and independence for tens of thousands of children, young people and adults with care and support needs in the region, including those with temporary, permanent or life-limiting conditions.
Medequip has more than 30 years of experience supplying, maintaining, collecting, cleaning and recycling community equipment. The company is bringing a team of existing colleagues to Evolve to deliver the new contract and will also be creating a number of new positions at the new depot.
Developed by Yorkshire property development and investment business Wykeland Group, Evolve comprises 85,000 sq ft of prime commercial space.
Wykeland development director Jonathan Stubbs said: “We knew there was a gap in the region for high-quality, modern commercial space for growing businesses and that has been validated by the levels of interest we have received in Evolve.
“We’re delighted to welcome Medequip as the first occupier and to have provided a modern, fit-for-purpose space which enables their expansion into East Yorkshire.
“We’ve worked closely with the business to adapt the construction plan on site and bring forward the completion of Medequip’s unit to ensure they were moved in ahead of their contract start date.
“With Medequip now operational, Evolve has started to deliver on our vision for this speculative development. We look forward to welcoming more businesses to Evolve in the near future.”
Medequip general manager Steve Smith said: “We selected the Evolve site for our new East Riding and Hull Community Equipment Loan Service because it provides a modern, high-quality facility with excellent transport links – essential for the efficient delivery of community equipment.
“Its strong sustainability credentials, including rooftop solar panels and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, also align with our carbon reduction commitments.”
Many UK landlords risk financial exposure due to outdated or insufficient insurance
According to recent research conducted in April 2025, more than a third of UK landlords may be operating without proper insurance cover, leaving them vulnerable to financial loss.
The data shows that 25% of landlords do not have any landlord-specific insurance, while an additional 12% are unsure if their existing policy provides adequate protection. Among those with insurance, nearly two-thirds had not reviewed or updated their policy in the past year.
This trend of underinsurance comes as the private rental sector faces growing pressure from rising operational costs, incoming regulatory reforms, and increasing risk exposures, including property damage, legal disputes, and rent loss. The findings suggest that many landlords may rely on standard home insurance policies, which often exclude tenant incidents, exposing them to significant liabilities.
The upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill is expected to introduce additional legal responsibilities, while insurers are tightening policy terms and increasing premiums, particularly for properties in high-risk areas. Despite this, nearly one-third of landlords surveyed expressed low confidence in their insurance’s ability to cover essential risks such as tenant-caused damage, legal expenses, or loss of rental income.
The data points to a knowledge and engagement gap, with cost-conscious landlords potentially selecting policies based on price alone, without assessing the suitability of cover. Industry experts are urging landlords to regularly review their insurance policies and ensure coverage aligns with the current value of their assets and the realities of modern property letting.
UK business confidence softens but remains above average
According to Lloyds Bank’s latest survey, UK business confidence declined in April, falling 10 points to 39%. While this marks a slowdown after a strong first quarter, sentiment remains higher than at the start of the year and above the 20-year average of 29%.
The shift was driven by a drop in economic optimism, which fell to 28%, the lowest level this year. Fewer businesses expect improvements in the broader economy, reflecting ongoing concerns over global trade dynamics and market volatility.
Trading outlooks remain relatively strong despite a seven-point dip to 50%. Confidence around hiring also edged slightly, but remains among the highest post-pandemic levels. Pay expectations eased modestly, though projections for larger wage increases are broadly unchanged from last year.
More firms plan to raise prices, with price expectations climbing seven points to 68%. The share of businesses expecting to cut prices held steady at 2%.
Sector performance was mixed. Construction saw the steepest confidence decline, down 22 points. Retail and services also slipped, while manufacturing held steady. Regionally, most areas saw flat or declining sentiment, though the North East and East of England bucked the trend with notable gains.
TL Dallas strengthens in-house claims team
Independent insurance broker, TL Dallas, has expanded its in-house claims team with the appointment of claims handler, Caroline Thorpe.
Caroline brings over 12 years of specialist experience in the health and care claims sector, having previously worked at Bupa and Markel. Her expertise includes handling complex cases involving employers’ and public liability, medical malpractice, and social welfare claims, as well as providing advisory support around inquest matters.
Head of claims at TL Dallas, Rob Gill, said: “Following significant growth, particularly within our health and care sector offering, we are delighted to welcome Caroline to the team.
“She brings a wealth of knowledge from her many years working within this specialist sector, and her conscientious and dedicated approach will undoubtedly enhance the support we provide to our clients during critical times.”
Caroline’s appointment follows that of Jamie Armitage at the end of 2024. Jamie, now in his seventh-year handling claims, has been a key addition to TL Dallas’ seven strong Bradford claims team.
South Yorkshire business leaders urge Home Secretary to support international students
South Yorkshire business leaders are urging the government to consider the critical role that international students play in the growth and success of UK businesses when developing the forthcoming Immigration White Paper.
Representatives from business groups across the region published an open letter to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighting the importance of international students to economic prosperity in South Yorkshire, warning that any measures that restrict international students who can come to the UK would harm local businesses and regional regeneration.
The letter – signed by the Sheffield, Barnsley and Rotherham and Doncaster Chambers of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses, Confederation of British Industry (Yorkshire & Humber), the Company of Cutlers’ in Hallamshire, the South Yorkshire Institute of Directors and Made in Sheffield – urges the government not to make any changes to international student immigration policy that would have a detrimental impact on businesses in UK towns and cities.
Business leaders outlined their support for the continuation of the Graduate visa route – a visa which allows international students to stay in the UK for two years after graduation, or three years for those with a PhD. This is a key part of UK universities’ offer to prospective international students and enables businesses to benefit from this talent.
Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: “Upon graduating, international students continue to contribute to the region by working with and for us.
“The Graduate visa route is an important part of maintaining UK higher education’s competitiveness and can also be a means by which international students use their talent to help grow our businesses domestically and internationally. And, on top of that, they act as advocates for the region when returning home.
“We recognise the long-lasting impact that international students’ soft power has on South Yorkshire.”
The letter follows the publication of a statement by leaders across South Yorkshire, including MPs and the South Yorkshire Mayor, showing their support for international students and the positive impact they have on communities in the region.
The University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University are home to more than 11,000 international students from more than 150 countries.
Sheffield Central is the second highest parliamentary constituency for net economic impact in the UK, with the contribution of international students from both universities reaching £521 million, meaning the area was financially better off by £5,800 per person, on average, because of international students.
North Yorkshire offers free stalls to attract new market traders
North Yorkshire Council is offering free one-day market stalls across multiple towns from 16 to 31 May as part of the national Love Your Market campaign. The initiative is designed to encourage new entrants into market trading by removing the initial cost barrier and promoting local economic activity.
The temporary offer applies to key market locations including Thirsk, Northallerton, Ripon, Knaresborough, Pickering, Helmsley, and Whitby. It targets individuals or businesses considering market trading as a channel for growth or exposure.
Applicants must meet standard trading requirements, including public liability insurance, photo identification, proof of right to work in the UK, and food hygiene certification where relevant. Traders will also need to supply their own equipment, such as gazebos, tables, or stands.
The deadline to apply for a free pitch is Friday, 9 May. This campaign aligns with broader efforts to revitalise town centres and support regional small business development.
Ørsted to discontinue Hornsea 4 offshore wind project
Ørsted has decided to discontinue the Hornsea 4 offshore wind project in its current form.
Since the Contract for Difference (CfD) award in allocation round 6 (AR6) in September 2024, the 2,400 MW Hornsea 4 project has seen several adverse developments relating to continued increase of supply chain costs, higher interest rates, and an increase in the risk to construct and operate Hornsea 4 on the planned timeline for a project of this scale.
Vision revealed for next phase of development at Thorpe Park Leeds
Scarborough Group International has revealed its vision for the next phase of development at Thorpe Park Leeds.
This includes the delivery of an industrial and logistics hub, new apartments, as well as further Grade A business accommodation with supporting amenity.
Over the past decade, Thorpe Park Leeds has expanded to more than 1.4 million sq ft of business, retail and leisure space.
With outline consent for a further 1 million sq ft of mixed-use space already secured, Scarborough Group International is now focused on accelerating the delivery of the next phase at Thorpe Park Leeds.
This will see the repositioning of the estate, with an expanded vision that includes bringing Integral at Thorpe Park Leeds – a purpose-built industrial and logistics hub – into the heart of the masterplan. Additionally, Scarborough Group International is exploring the opportunity for up to 450 urban apartments on the estate.
Kevin McCabe, chairman and founder, said: “The transformation of Thorpe Park Leeds over recent years provides a strong foundation for future growth.
“As we prepare to accelerate delivery of the next phase, our focus is on creating high-quality workspace, homes and amenities that support the ambitions of Leeds as a city and deliver long-term benefits to businesses, residents and investors alike.”
