Hull businesses win praise from BID Exec Director
HullBID Executive Director Kathryn Shillito has praised member businesses for building partnerships based on resilience and renewal in the face of continuing challenges.
Speaking at the organisation’s annual awards night she said the combination of adaptability and unity would enable businesses to emerge stronger and maximise the opportunities to come during a year of positive change.
She highlighted the setting up of a combined authority for Hull and East Yorkshire as a significant development which HullBID was determined to exploit, adding that the £65m Hull Maritime project was already bringing benefits as people make plans to enjoy the region’s biggest event since the UK City of Culture celebrations of 2017.
She warned of the need for caution arising from the impact of rising costs and changes in consumer preferences, noting concerns around delays in completing the Castle Street roadworks and over continuing outbreaks of retail crime and antisocial behaviour, but she told how HullBID was leading the fight for improvements.
“The election of a regional mayor will bring new opportunities for business and new investment. We look forward to working with the successful candidate but, as we do with all our partners, we will challenge the new mayor to make sure they understand the importance of a thriving city centre to the regional economy, the value of collaboration at every level and the ongoing need for innovation – and of course funding!”
Kathryn said local independent businesses are responding positively, and she vowed that HullBID would support them every step of the way. “Independent developers continue to back Hull city centre and its future. The confidence of people who really get the ambitions of the city is clear as they are investing their own cash.
“As our members adapt and endure the challenges HullBID has to step up too and provide even greater value. We’re not just a helping hand with security and cleaning issues. We give guidance and support to new businesses. We compile data and write reports to attract investment.
“We are a conduit pulling together responses from our community on issues that matter, and we make our mark by shouting loudly and championing the voices of city businesses about local issues.”
Waverley’s new high street to open this Spring as construction completes
Olive Lane, the new high street at Waverley, will be open to the community at the start of March as master developer Harworth completes construction of the development and businesses move in.
The first amenity to open will be a Tesco store, while Specsavers, Hall Court Vets, Karobar Indian Restaurant and Little Olives Day Nursery will be commencing the fit-out of their units ahead of opening in the coming months.
Harworth has also funded the development of a new GP practice and community centre at Olive Lane. Waverley Community Council will be using the centre as its base and creating the space with funding secured from the National Lottery.
Waverley is the flagship development of regeneration specialist Harworth. Built on the site of the former Orgreave Colliery, the land has been transformed into a new community with over 1,700 homes and a primary school alongside the globally-recognised Advanced Manufacturing Park which is home to businesses including McLaren and Rolls Royce.
The creation of Olive Lane is a significant milestone in the development of Waverley – it will be a place for those living and working there to come together and socialise and provides amenities for the growing community. The area is pedestrianised with a public square providing the community with additional outdoor space.
Peter Massie, senior development manager at Harworth, said: “This is an exciting year for Waverley – there’s lots happening across the development and the opening of Olive Lane to the community is a real highlight. Harworth has focused on creating a vibrant place that meets the needs of those living and working at Waverley.
“It will be great to see the high street come to life over the next few months, and for the community to start using the new amenities. We’re also looking forward to welcoming more businesses to Olive Lane. There are some additional commercial units available for occupation, so we encourage any businesses interested in being based at Waverley to get in touch.”
Yorkshire business confidence rises in February
Business confidence in Yorkshire rose 10 points during February to 39%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds.
Companies in Yorkshire reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 14 points at 53%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up eight points to 26%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 39% (vs. 29% in January).
A net balance of 38% of businesses in the region also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up 12 points on last month.
Looking ahead to the next six months, Yorkshire businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training (48%), introducing new technology, such as automation or AI (35%), and evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products and services (35%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
National picture
Overall, UK business confidence rose 12 points in February to 49% — its highest level since August 2024.
Firms’ optimism in their own trading prospects increased six points to 57%, while their confidence in the wider economy rose 18 points to 42%.
The North East was the most confident UK nation or region in February (69%), followed by the North West and East of England, both at 61%.
Sector insights
All four sectors surveyed saw double-digit increases in confidence. The largest improvements were seen in manufacturing, which rose by 13 points to 51%, and construction, which increased by 14 points to 50%. Retail also experienced a significant gain, up 11 points to 51%, and services rose by 10 points to 48%.
Within the services sector, hospitality firms posted a particularly strong rebound in sentiment. Confidence across these sectors reached their highest levels in several months, ranging from four months in services to seven months in manufacturing.
Martyn Kendrick, regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber at Lloyds, said: “It’s encouraging to see business confidence in Yorkshire continue to rise for a third month in a row, and particularly good to see such a positive outlook from the region’s firms when it comes to their own trading prospects.
“As businesses look ahead to further growth, we’ll be supporting them with the tools and funding they need to make the most of any new opportunities – whether that’s by hiring new staff, or making investments in team development.”
AstraZeneca opens Lincolnshire biogas plant to power UK operations
AstraZeneca and renewable energy firm Future Biogas have launched a biogas plant in Gonerby Moor, Lincolnshire, to supply renewable energy for the pharmaceutical company’s UK operations.
The Moor Bioenergy plant will generate 100 gigawatt hours of biomethane annually, meeting the heating needs of more than 8,000 homes. By the end of 2024, AstraZeneca aims to power all its UK research and manufacturing facilities with clean energy, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. The company expects the plant to offset 18,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year, equivalent to 20% of its total global gas consumption.
Unlike some renewable energy projects, the plant was developed without government subsidies. AstraZeneca says the investment aligns with its broader goal of achieving 100% renewable energy across all global operations by the end of this year and reaching net-zero emissions by 2045.
AstraZeneca shares rose 0.24% to 11,910p on Thursday, reflecting a 15% increase over the past year.
North Lincolnshire Council to review HMO regulation amid rising concerns
North Lincolnshire Council will hold an extraordinary meeting to address concerns over the rapid expansion of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and their living standards. The meeting, initiated by opposition Labour councillors, follows reports of increasing HMOs in Scunthorpe and resident complaints about housing conditions.
A council review identified 110 suspected HMOs in just two wards—Crosby and Park, and Town and Frodingham—raising questions about regulatory oversight. Only 25 HMOs in North Lincolnshire hold mandatory licences, which are required for properties with five or more tenants sharing kitchen or bathroom facilities.
Labour councillors argue that local authorities elsewhere have imposed stricter controls and are calling for similar action. A motion on the issue will be discussed, and the meeting must take place by late April.
The council is already working on implementing selective licensing for landlords, a measure supported across party lines. In September, the ruling Conservative group approved selective licensing in parts of Scunthorpe.
Turner & Townsend relocates to zero carbon-ready office building in Sheffield
Turner & Townsend has completed the acquisition of sustainable, carbon zero workspace at Elshaw House, the flagship office development within the £470m mixed-use Heart of the City scheme led by Sheffield City Council and its Strategic Development Partner, Queensbury. CBRE’s Office Agency team in Leeds acted for Turner & Townsend.
The majority-owned subsidiary of CBRE, Turner & Townsend will relocate from the second floor at 1-3 East Parade in Sheffield City Centre to 5,200 sq ft of office space at Elshaw House, which is located on Carver Street, next to Pounds 3.5 acre urban Park.
The building has a five-star BREEAM green energy rating, as well as an ‘excellent’ five-star NABERS UK rating, and sits in the top 1% of office buildings in the UK for energy efficiency.
Charles Parkinson, Associate Director, CBRE Occupier Services, said: “Elshaw House represents the very best in office space in Sheffield City Centre and the South Yorkshire region and sits in a truly transformational new city centre district.
“The building not only delivers on its exceptional sustainability credentials, its wide amenity offer and its focus on wellbeing, it is close to the city’s talent pool with both Sheffield Hallam and the University of Sheffield nearby.”
Chris Sargent, Managing Director, Real Estate UK at Turner & Townsend, said: “We are thrilled to be moving to Elshaw House, a pioneering development that aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability and wellbeing.
“This move not only provides us with a larger, state-of-the-art workspace, but also places us at the heart of Sheffield’s vibrant and transformed city centre. The exceptional amenities and green credentials of Elshaw House will undoubtedly enhance our team’s productivity and overall work experience.
“We are especially proud of relocate to a building that we played a significant role in delivering as Project and Cost Managers as part of the Heart of the City II development. This achievement reflects our dedication to excellence and innovation and we look forward to continuing our growth and success in this outstanding new location.”
Andrew Davison, Project Director, Queensberry, said: “This letting shows once again the strength of Elshaw House as a market leading sustainable office building and we are delighted Turner & Townsend has aligned with our vision and strategy.
“Over the last 6 months we have seen an increasing number of companies placing sustainable office solutions at the forefront of their agenda and when combined with the building’s location, low running costs and onsite amenities within HOTC, makes Elshaw House the No.1 choice in the City, whilst significantly boosting staff retention and attraction rates for businesses.”
Colloco and LSH acted on behalf of the landlord, Sheffield City Council.
Leeds real estate developer secures £14.2m development exit loan
Specialist bridge lender Hilco Real Estate Finance (HREF) has provided a £14.2m development exit loan to Torsion Group, a Leeds-based real estate investor & developer.
The 12-month loan at 74% net loan to value will provide the Group’s development arm, Torsion Developments, with additional time to sell the remaining units in their 364-unit Phoenix residential scheme in Leeds.
Charlie Job, associate at HREF, said: “This development exit loan to Torsion is a perfect example of transitional capital, and demonstrates our ability to lend swiftly without any constraints on funding on any deal that makes sense.
“This transaction also shows our appetite for development exit loans and the deliverability of our funding, and we look forward to transacting on further developments with Torsion Group.”
The transaction was introduced by Nick Swerner of GLPG, who said: “Working with our client and Hilco on this deal was highly enjoyable, as we had two motivated partners to conclude the transaction, with Hilco proving to be a reliable capital partner, able to deliver swiftly on their own decision to lend without any third party involvement.”
Valuations were undertaken by Gerald Eve LLP, and legal due diligence and transactional support was carried out for HREF by Clarion Solicitors led by Ben Slack and Marie Pugh.
Study Inn completes Leeds student scheme
Study Inn has completed its Brotherton House development in Leeds. The second phase of the project, opened and occupied in September 2024, brings the total to 385 rooms complemented by state-of-the-art amenities.
Brotherton House was originally built for Lord Brotherton’s Chemical company in 1956. The historic building was purchased by J Pullans & Sons, the Leeds-based property management, investment and development business in 2012 and a Joint Venture partnership was formed with Study Inn to transform this iconic building into modern, purpose-built student accommodation in 2022.
This first phase created 163 rooms whilst preserving the site’s historic character and introduced cutting-edge facilities.
The second phase, comprising a 15-storey new build alongside Brotherton House, has added 222 additional rooms. The scheme offers a choice between en-suite serviced apartments and serviced studios. Residents benefit from amenities such as a wellness spa, gym, yoga studio, bowling lanes, cinema lounge, and dedicated study areas, all designed to foster a sense of community and enhance student well-being.
Sustainability was a key focus throughout the project, with the development incorporating features such as photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps to minimise its environmental impact.
Simon Liversage, Managing Director of Developments at Study Inn Group, said: “We design, develop, and operate our schemes with our in-house, integrated team. ESG is a top priority for us, and we take it seriously in everything we do.
“This development highlights our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint while delivering exceptional accommodation that prioritises both sustainability and an outstanding resident experience. This award-winning project reflects the dedication and hard work of our team.”
Mark Pullan, Managing Director of J Pullans & Sons, said: “We’re proud to have helped bring new life to Brotherton House, ensuring this landmark building continues to serve future generations. Working with Study Inn Group on this redevelopment aligns with our focus on sustainable, long-term projects that benefit both the building and the wider community.”
Harrogate Housing Association secures £15m for 200 affordable homes
Harrogate Housing Association has secured £15 million in loan funding from Triodos Bank UK to build 200 new affordable homes, expanding its portfolio beyond 300 properties in and around Harrogate.
The new homes will have energy performance certificate (EPC) ratings of B or higher, and some will feature air source heat pumps and solar panels to lower residents’ energy costs.
Triodos Bank, which has provided £500 million in loans to UK housing associations since 2008, focuses on financing projects with social and environmental impact. The bank sees the development as a critical step in addressing Harrogate’s housing shortage.
Founded in 1968, Harrogate Housing Association is a not-for-profit housing provider registered with the Homes and Communities Agency. It continues to focus on delivering affordable housing in response to high property prices in the region.
Strategic implementation of workplace safety standards in Yorkshire & Lincolnshire
Workplace safety is a critical business consideration, directly impacting employee well-being, operational efficiency, and legal compliance. In Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, businesses across manufacturing, construction, and professional services face unique safety challenges that require proactive strategies. Ensuring strong safety standards is not just about compliance; it is a vital investment in productivity and corporate reputation. How can organisations implement effective safety measures while maintaining operational efficiency?
Let’s break down the key aspects of workplace safety and how to apply them effectively.
Establishing a Safety-First Culture
Creating a culture prioritising safety is the foundation for implementing effective workplace safety standards. This goes beyond compliance; it necessitates a shift in mindset where safety becomes ingrained in the organisational ethos. Leadership must lead by example, demonstrating a commitment to safety through actions and decisions. Regular safety meetings, open communication, and employee involvement in safety initiatives help reinforce this culture, making safety a shared responsibility.
A crucial step in establishing this culture is ensuring proper emergency response training. First aid courses in Sheffield from Safe Haven Training offer comprehensive training that meets Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requirements, providing essential skills for workplace emergencies. These courses, ranging from basic emergency first aid to more advanced certifications, equip employees with the confidence and competence to handle various medical situations.
By investing in local training opportunities, organisations demonstrate their commitment to employee welfare while fulfilling legal obligations for workplace safety. This proactive approach to safety training helps cultivate an environment where employees feel valued and protected, enhancing overall morale and engagement.
Continuous Safety Training and Development
Regular training and development are crucial elements of maintaining workplace safety standards. Continuous learning ensures employees remain informed about the latest safety protocols and best practices. Training should be tailored to specific workplace hazards and updated regularly to reflect changes in regulations or workplace conditions. This proactive approach empowers employees with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively to potential risks.
Organisations can benefit from partnering with professional training providers to deliver comprehensive and relevant courses. By investing in continuous safety education, businesses can significantly reduce workplace accidents and enhance their safety culture.
Conducting Regular Safety Audits
Regular safety audits are essential to evaluating and improving workplace safety standards. Audits help identify potential hazards, assess current safety measures, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. They also allow organisations to make necessary adjustments and improve their safety practices. Yorkshire and Lincolnshire businesses are committed to creating a safe environment by conducting these audits, reassuring employees and stakeholders.
Conducting these audits involves a thorough examination of workplace processes, equipment, and environments. Engaging external experts or training providers can offer an unbiased perspective and expert recommendations.
By implementing suggestions from these audits, companies can proactively address safety issues and prevent accidents before they occur. This mitigates risks and enhances the organisation’s reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking employer.
Implementing Robust Emergency Response Plans
A well-defined emergency response plan is critical to minimising the impact of unforeseen incidents. These plans should clearly outline the steps to be taken in various emergency scenarios, including fire outbreaks, medical emergencies, and natural disasters. All employees must be familiar with these plans and participate in regular drills to ensure confident and effective action during emergencies.
Emergency response plans should be easily accessible and updated periodically to reflect workplace conditions or personnel changes. Consider utilising local resources, such as first aid training providers, to conduct emergency drills and refine response plans.
By preparing thoroughly, businesses in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire can ensure that emergency responses are swift, effective, and aligned with industry best practices. Providing refresher courses and feedback sessions after drills can help identify areas for improvement, ensuring an agile and responsive safety strategy.
Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Safety
Integrating technology into workplace safety strategies offers innovative solutions for monitoring and improving safety standards. Implementing safety management software can streamline incident reporting, track safety training compliance, and automate audit schedules. Wearable technology, such as smart helmets or health monitors, can provide real-time data on workers’ conditions, alerting them to potential hazards before accidents occur.
Adopting these technological advances enhances safety protocols and brings efficiency to safety management processes. Companies in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire that embrace these technological innovations can create a safer, more productive work environment, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while providing peace of mind to employees.
