A leading planning consultancy is expanding its northern presence with the launch of a new office in Leeds, located in the city’s business hub at Wellington Place, just a short walk from the railway station. This office forms part of the firm’s broader strategy to grow its northern footprint, with plans to increase headcount in the region and open a Manchester office soon.

The Leeds office will be led by Dan Mitchell, who joins as a partner with 28 years of experience in planning and development. He will oversee the establishment and growth of the northern team, with an ambition to scale to eight members within 18 months. The office will cater to clients from across the northern region, including landowners, developers, and public sector bodies, providing comprehensive planning services.

Supporting Dan is Hannah Malyon, a principal planner who will join in August with five years of experience, including work with the Environment Agency. The new office will focus on a wide range of planning projects, from residential and employment developments to retail and mixed-use schemes, serving both private and public sector clients.

The office’s design facilitates flexible, collaborative working, allowing the team to partner effectively with clients and project stakeholders across the region.

Small business owners are increasingly turning to technology and sustainable practices to tackle operational challenges and reduce costs, according to recent research from Smart Energy GB.

The study reveals that over 84% of small business owners are confident in using new digital tools, with a significant focus on automating time-consuming tasks. Key areas for automation include accounting, invoicing, customer communication, marketing, and tracking energy costs.

Financial pressures are also a concern, with 22% of respondents identifying energy costs as a significant burden. Despite this, only 24% feel completely in control of their cash flow and financial planning.

Sustainability is also a growing consideration for small businesses. The research shows that 84% of owners see sustainability as an important factor in their decision-making. Many are now considering eco-friendly technology, with 73% more likely to invest in sustainable tech if it offers a cost benefit. Additionally, 31% of respondents say they are responding to customer demand for more sustainable practices.

Efforts to reduce environmental impact include waste reduction (30%), energy-saving initiatives (25%), and upgrading to more energy-efficient technology (22%). For many, these measures are seen as both environmentally responsible and beneficial for long-term business sustainability.

Flood defences along Lincolnshire’s coast are expected to become ineffective by 2040 without substantial funding, according to the Environment Agency (EA). A failure of the coastal defences could result in flooding in areas such as Mablethorpe, with floodwaters reaching around 1.3 metres, and Ingoldmells, with up to 1.6 metres of water.

The flood defences, stretching 30 miles from Saltfleet to Gibraltar Point, are under pressure, with nearly 90% predicted to fail in the next two decades. The region, which lies below sea level, relies heavily on these defences to protect over 20,000 homes and 38,000 static caravans. Without immediate action, the area’s flood protection could be compromised.

The Environment Agency has estimated that replacing the existing flood defences will require billions of pounds. Additionally, ongoing maintenance costs, such as the replenishment of sand along the coastline, are currently between £10 million and £15 million annually.

To address this growing issue, a masterplan is set to be developed by 2028, with the aim of securing funding and contracts by 2036. Local councillors have highlighted the urgent need for investment to prevent economic decline in local holiday resorts. If adequate funding is not secured, a “managed retreat” approach may need to be considered, potentially leading to long-term consequences for the region’s infrastructure and economy.

Pets at Home has lowered its profit expectations for the current financial year, citing weaker-than-expected retail performance. The company now anticipates annual profits to be between £110 million and £120 million, a significant reduction from last year’s £133 million and the previous forecast of £115 million to £125 million.

The retailer reported a 3% decline in like-for-like sales over the 16 weeks to July 17, marking its third consecutive quarter of negative growth. This drop comes as the overall pet retail market struggles, with growth projected to be just 1%, down from an earlier estimate of 2%.

The company has attributed its revised outlook to subdued market conditions and an uncertain consumer environment, which have affected its trading performance. Despite efforts to control costs, including tight cost management measures, the retailer has faced additional challenges, such as a £20 million increase in wage-related expenses.

However, Pets at Home noted that its Vet Group segment has been performing well, with like-for-like revenue growth of 7.8%. Additionally, the company has seen a rise in its Pets Club membership, which now totals 8.1 million customers, contributing 14.5% of its revenue from subscriptions.