- £38.5m economic boost since 2022 (£5.5m 2022, £12.1m 2023, £20.1m 2024)
- 41% of delegates staying for 2 nights in the city region (up from 38% in 2023) and 25% of delegates staying for 3 nights in the city region (up from 22% in 2023)
- 3.5% of delegates staying for 4 or more nights in the city region (up from 3.1% in 2023)
- 33% of people attending UKREiiF are now visiting Leeds more frequently between each event ‘due to the event’
Real estate investment forum generates £21m in West Yorkshire, says independent report
An independent report by ARUP has highlighted that the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum, a major event taking place annually in Leeds, has generated almost £21m of local economic activity in the city and the wider West Yorkshire region in 2024.
The event, which brought together over 13,000 official attendees in 2024, has now generated £38.5m since it began in 2022.
Nathan Spencer, Director of UKREiiF, said: “We’ve always wanted UKREiiF to be more than just an event – year round we’re looking at ways to benefit the community in West Yorkshire, and part of our marketing activity before the event was looking at much more than just growing the attendance in terms of numbers, we were reviewing how to get people spending more time in the region, and how we can get them to return more frequently.
“We’re delighted to continue our work with ARUP to showcase the truly incredible results UKREiiF is having on the local economy, and we look forward to hosting the event in the city once more in 2025.”
Key highlights from the report include:
Large firms mustn’t ‘capture’ new skills co-ordination. body, says FSB
According to Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair at the FSB, more co-ordination is welcome, but delivery is what counts. She said: “Small firms will want to see real safeguards put in place so the new body is not ‘captured’ by large employers.
“The Government’s policy on a new skills levy has significant risks for overall apprenticeship numbers and training opportunities in small firms.
“Labour’s commitment in Opposition to continue current levels of co-investment in apprenticeships must now be formally adopted by Ministers so further decline in numbers can be avoided. Skills England should be tasked with increasing the number of small business apprenticeships year on year.
“Small businesses were enthusiastic early adopters when it comes to apprentices – we want to see this new body overcome the real flaws in curriculum design which have been such a significant factor in apprenticeship decline.
Scarborough economy gets a boost with water park re-opening
Scarborough’s Alpamare water park re-opens to the public tomorrow after a massive effort between North Yorkshire Council and Flamingo Land.
Staff have been working round the clock to get the site ready for customers once more after it was closed last December when the previous operator went into administration.
Flamingo Land CEO Gordon Gibb said: “This opening would not have been possible without a super-human effort from our team and fantastic support from North Yorkshire Council. Without the council team’s professionalism and commitment, this would not have been possible.
“We are now looking forward to welcoming visitors to this amazing attraction for Scarborough, which will be a huge boost for the resort’s summer season.”
Deputy leader Gareth Dadd added: “The park is a massive asset for the town and securing Flamingo Land as the operator is key to its success. It is great to be working with a well-established, local and trusted company.”
The North Bay attraction boasts a wave pool, a splash and play pool, four state-of-the-art slides, two outdoor pools and a café and terrace bar. It was purpose-built in 2016 overlooking North Bay in the seaside town. Its’ alpine themed spa and treatment area will open at a later date.
The council took possession of the site in December last year when tenant Benchmark Leisure went into administration. Now that Flamingo Land has taken on its short-term operation, work to find a permanent solution on the future operation of the site will begin.
Mitie acquires Scunthorpe-based ESM Power
Scunthorpe-based ESM Power is to be acquired by Mitie, and become part of its Projects business from August 1st.
ESM Power, based on North Farm Road in Scunthorpe, will officially join Mitie’s Projects business from 1 August, where it will help customers connect, upgrade, and decarbonise their buildings and estates across the UK.
The company’s MD Roger Bamford said: “We are incredibly proud of the ESM Power team and the business we have built over the past 20 years. We are excited to join the Mitie team, share our expertise, and benefit from the opportunity to work with Mitie’s experienced colleagues and extensive customer base to grow our business.
“The ESM Power senior management team will be remaining in the business, and be fully committed to the next phase of growth for ESM Power. We will continue to focus on delivering the agility and quality of a small business, built on trust and customer relationships, but with the backing and stability of Mitie as a £4.5 billion FTSE 250 business.”
Spencer bridge team wins award for work to preserve historic ‘international’ bridge
Spencer Bridge Engineering has won the Historic Bridge Project of the Year Award at the New Civil Engineer Bridges Awards 2024 for its work on the Union Chain Bridge crossing the border between England and Scotland.
Opened in 1820, Union Chain Bridge crosses the River Tweed. It’s the world’s oldest suspension bridge still carrying traffic and was the longest wrought iron suspension bridge in the world when it opened.
Joe DiMauro, Engineering Director said: “We’re incredibly proud to have been honoured with prestigious industry awards for our work on Union Chain Bridge.
“This recognition further reinforces Spencer Bridge Engineering’s reputation as an industry leader in specialist bridge works, including the delivery of projects on historic structures.
“Our expertise, experience and wide-ranging capabilities across the company mean we can be trusted to complete complex bridge works to exceptional standards. I’d like to thank the team for their tremendous work which made this project so successful and these awards possible.”
Designed and built by Royal Navy officer and bridges design pioneer, Captain Samuel Brown, the crossing was credited with being a catalyst for bridge innovation and influenced the design and construction of suspension bridges around the world.
Spencer Group was appointed by Northumberland County Council to dismantle the bridge and carry out a complete refurbishment and rebuild, ensuring the 200-year-old structure continues to provide safe passage for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists for many years to come.
A key element of the project was to ensure all modifications were in keeping with the heritage and historical significance of the bridge and, where possible, structural elements, including the main suspension chain rods, links, pins and hanger caps, were refurbished rather than replaced.
The existing masonry towers were also refurbished using stone from the same quarry that was originally used. Working in partnership with local stonemasons and heritage bodies, the Spencer Bridge Engineering team conducted masonry trials to determine the exact stone facing and pointing techniques required to best match the existing structure.
Draft designs approved to change the face of Cleethorpes
Draft designs that will change the appearance of Cleethorpes Market Place and Pier Gardens with the help of an £18.4m government grant have been agreed, and detailed designing can now begin.
The centre of the Market Place is to be pedestrianised for parts of the day, allowing for cafes and public events. This will swallow up most of the parking spaces, though lay-bys and drop off zones will still feature in the plans within Market Place to make sure businesses have access for deliveries.
Additionally, changes are being progressed to convert High Street Car Park into a short stay only car park. The unused land behind the Old Vic pub, is also proposed to be converted into a public car park of around 40 spaces.
Council leader Cllr Philip Jackson said: “We are having discussions with businesses. We know that there are concerns, but we’ve also seen in other areas across the country what these sort of projects do to help local economies, and what the possibilities are.”
The Pier Garden design harks back to the historic use of space, where people went to spend time. The new vision brings people of all ages and abilities together, and creates a more family orientated area, alongside areas for quiet reflection and education, whilst also increasing biodiversity in the resort.
The design proposes a “zoning” system, which will provide a mixture of uses across the park with a consistent theme throughout.
- arrival space at Sea Road/Alexandra Road junction, creating a welcoming space to the gardens;
- events zone to support a mixture of activities/events that could take place;
- play/recreation zone which would consist of a larger central space and provide a mixture of activities for young and older children alike;
- reflection zone at the Sea View Street end of the gardens supporting the existing armed forces memorials that are situated there.
New Chair for Boston Town Board
Joanna Brigham has been announced as the new Chair of Boston Town Board.
Joanna, a highly experienced senior leader who has held Chief Executive and Director roles within a broad range of organisations, assumes the role after former Chair Neil Kempster decided to step down.
Joanna’s appointment comes as the Boston Town Board begins a new phase in its existence having been repurposed to oversee the delivery of £20m Long Term Plan for Towns funding awarded to Boston.
This additional funding complements the £21.9m Town Deal funding which is being invested in Boston through a number of transformational projects, including the new Mayflower learning centre at Boston College and improvements to the Geoff Moulder Centre.
Joanna, who was also most recently Chief Executive of UK Shared Business Services Ltd and previously CEO for the Scottish Police Services Authority, and Director of Strategy and Marketing for the Royal Parks said: “I am so pleased to have been appointed to lead Boston Town Board through its next chapter, when we will build on the successful and significant progress to date and look to the future by creating and overseeing the implementation of a long term plan for Boston.
“I would like to thank my predecessor Neil who has held the position of chair almost from the very beginning. I look forward to continuing to work with him and all the board members as we bring together our shared skills, commitment, and ambition for Boston to make a difference for the town.”
Neil, who is Land and Development Director of Chestnut Homes was an inaugural member of the Board and has been Chair of the Boston Town Board since June 2020. During his four years at the helm, the Board’s role expanded after further funding including Levelling Up and more recently Long Term Plan for Towns investment was awarded to Boston.
Neil said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair for the Boston Town Board, and to be involved in shaping the town investment plan and projects ever since the announcement of the funding.
“Following the establishment of the Boston Town Board in 2020, which enabled the Boston Town Deal investment of £21.9 million, we have supported significant further funding and investment into Boston.
“This has included Levelling Up and Levelling Up Partnership, match funding for the Town Deal, UK Shared Prosperity Funding, High Street Task Force support and most recently the Long Term Plan for Towns funding.
“Now, with the changes in the board’s role, it feels like the right time for me to step down. I am looking forward to remaining as a board member, and continuing to work with Jo and the other board members. I wish Jo all the very best in her role as Chair.”
Councillor Anne Dorrian, Leader of Boston Borough Council, said: “I think I speak for all the partner organisations who are represented on the Town Board when I say that Neil’s chairmanship over the last four years has given a steady and stable influence, giving oversight to the important major projects of the Town Deal.
“I am delighted that he has chosen to stay on as a board member and is willing to offer his vast wealth of experience as we move forward with the Long Term Plan for Towns.”
Expanding childcare group buys Sheffield nursery
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold Upsadaisy Children’s Nursery in Sheffield.
Upsadaisy Children’s Nursery is an Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ day nursery setting that caters for up to 75 children aged between nought and four years. It occupies a property with great outdoor space on Bellhouse Road in Sheffield.
The setting has been owned by friends, Karen Green, Shelley Whitworth, and Clare Quince since 2016 and, after working in the sector for many years, they decided to sell to take a well-deserved retirement.
Following a confidential sales process with Vicky Marsland at Christie & Co, and with funding sourced through Lawrence Roberts at Christie Finance, it has been purchased by Nurtured Childcare, a growing group in the North of England.
Karen Green, former owner of Upsadaisy Children’s Nursery, says: “We acquired this former Sure Start building in 2016 after it had been closed for three years. Starting off with six children, the nursery has grown over the past eight years to 160 on roll.
“Our vision was to provide the local and wider community with an excellent Early Years provision and, along with our fantastic staff team and beautiful setting, we hope that we have achieved this. We are happy to hand over to Nurtured Childcare and wish the team every success for the future.”
Craig Brennan, CEO and Founder at Nurtured Childcare, says: “Nurtured Childcare is a multi-award-winning group of nurseries operating across the North of England and Upsadaisy is exactly the type of setting we wanted to add to our group.
“A fantastic staff team, large outdoor area, and well-established in the local community. This is our second site in South Yorkshire, and we are very proud to be able to continue the good work of the previous owners. We already have plans in motion to develop the outdoor play area which will double the footprint.”
Vicky Marsland, Director – Childcare & Education at Christie & Co, says: “We had multiple viewings within weeks of launching this confidentially to market, which were followed by three strong offers.
“Whilst this process was not without its challenges, with the help of Christie Finance and the continued patience and hard work of my clients, we were able to achieve a full asking price offer. I wish the sellers all the best in their future endeavours and look forward to seeing the further growth of Nurtured Childcare in the future.”
Lawrence Roberts, Director at Christie Finance, says: “I am so pleased to have been involved in this transaction, supporting Craig and his team in purchasing Upsadaisy Nursery.
“Having an experienced operator in the sector is a positive element to sourcing a competitive funding package at present, and I am delighted that Craig and his team have added another nursery to their portfolio. I wish them all the best for the future.”
Upsadaisy Children’s Nursery was sold for an undisclosed price.
Rotherham Council to approve updated plans to transform Dinnington and Wath
Rotherham Council Cabinet is set to approve updated plans for two projects that will transform Dinnington and Wath.
Feedback from the public has helped to update plans to restore the cultural heart of both town centres and create better public places. The plans will be considered by Cabinet on Monday 29 July.
The £8.9 million library and public space project planned for Wath will include:
- A new state-of-the-art library, for learning, working and making
- New commercial spaces to attract business
- Improvements to green spaces
- Improvements to the Biscay Way car park
- The proposed project at Wath includes demolition of the existing library and the creation of a brand-new library to create a modern, inviting, and inclusive community facility. The library will be equipped to support skills development locally with purpose-built learning, working and making spaces.
Major regeneration of Mexborough planned
A major regeneration of Mexborough is planned, with approximately £24m earmarked to bring significant improvements to its town centre.
Mexborough has been allocated circa £24 million in funding from City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) and from Levelling Up Fund round 3 (LUF3).
The Mexborough Masterplan has been developed over the last few years and now is the opportunity to see that delivered, bringing real improvements for residents and businesses of Mexborough.
There is currently a public consultation open which will run until Friday 26th July. City of Doncaster Council (CDC) is seeking the views of local residents, businesses and visitors to Mexborough.
The current plans include:
- Street and shop frontage enhancements, including upgraded CCTV and street lighting.
- Celebrating the town’s heritage and future with new public art.
- More green and social spaces, including a new ‘pocket park’ with trees, planting and seating areas as well as landscaping at the site of the former flyover and the bus interchange.
- Relocation of Bus interchange to bring buses into the town centre and create additional car parking on the former bus interchange.
- Improving access into the town centre for vehicles including buses, by creating a new junction from Greens Way on to Station Road and Bank Street.
- Reallocating space on part of the dual carriageway to provide a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists, including upgrading the crossing facilities and adding trees and landscaping supporting a reduction in speeding and providing a safety buffer. This will also enable the junctions at each end to manage capacity and not be over saturated as occurs on occasions now.
