Bradford Literature Festival CEO appointed to creative industries taskforce
CEO and Artistic Director of the Bradford Literature Festival Syima Aslam has been appointed two a new Taskforce charged with growing creative industries in the UK.
Leaders of organisations including Creative UK, the British Fashion Council and the Royal Shakespeare Company, plus academics, investors and tech entrepreneurs, have joined a new taskforce to help inform the Government’s strategy to unlock growth in the UK’s highly valued creative industries, one of the eight growth-driving sectors of the Industrial Strategy.
Bradford Literature Festival is one of the three largest literature festivals in the UK and ‘Europe’s Most Diverse & Inclusive Arts Festival’. Renowned globally as an innovator within the culture sector, BLF forges international partnerships, curating diverse, innovative, and inclusive programmes.
The taskforce, announced November 2024, will work towards the development of an ambitious and targeted Creative Industries Sector Plan, helping to provide growth as part of the Government’s Plan for Change and deliver on our decade of national renewal.
The plan will be published in the spring, alongside the Industrial Strategy, and will set out new policies and government interventions that will help to deliver a further boost to the creative industries’ potential for spreading growth and opportunity for all.
The creative industries have been identified as a key growth-driving sector in the Government’s Industrial Strategy, and will form a central part of the government’s mission to grow the economy.
The taskforce will help to ensure that the Creative Industries Sector Plan is designed in partnership with business, devolved governments, regions, experts and other stakeholders.
DWF promotes almost 30 people at its Leeds office
Legal and business service provider DWF has announced 29 promotions in its Leeds office, with professional indemnity partner Matthew Reynolds moving to a more senior level in the partnership, and Ian Cooper promoted to partner and UK head of adjusting.
Ian Drew has been promoted to director within the claims management and adjusting business, while insurance lawyer Sarah Baker has also been promoted to the position of director. Abigail Jennings and Geraldine Bacon, also insurance lawyers, have been promoted to senior associate, alongside finance and restructuring lawyer Eleanor Steele and real estate lawyer Satinder Kainth.
Working across the company’s Newcastle and Leeds offices, Julie Francis has been promoted to senior associate, while Emma McCullen and Amrita Grewal have been promoted to associates.
The firm, which recently reported that revenue has increased by 8% in the first half of its financial year, made 238 promotions globally. This includes 13 new promotions to partner or partner-equivalent roles. In addition, 13 existing DWF partners have been promoted to a higher career level within the partnership structure
Managing partner of DWF in Leeds, Andrew Batterton, said: “I’m proud to see so many well-deserved promotions within our Leeds office again this year. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, and their achievements reflect the strength of our team. Congratulations to all those promoted – I look forward to supporting your continued success.”
Work starts on one of Grimsby’s biggest single investments
Work has started on site on one of the biggest single investments in Grimsby town centre’s history, the Freshney Place leisure scheme and associated new food hall and complementary market.
National construction company GMI Construction Group will lead the build of the leisure scheme, having worked on similar projects in other towns and cities across the UK.
Ed Weston, GMI’s Commercial Director, said: “We are proud to be part of this transformative project that will breathe new life into the town centre. Our expertise in delivering both urban regeneration projects and high-quality mixed-use developments will ensure that Freshney Place becomes a vibrant destination for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”
Amanda Austin, Centre Director, Freshney Place, said: “This is a major milestone for Freshney Place and the wider Grimsby town centre. The start of construction marks the beginning of an exciting transformation as we develop a fantastic new offering.
“Freshney Place has served the community for nearly 50 years, and as work gets underway we can be confident it will remain a popular destination for the people of Grimsby into the future.
“We look forward to sharing progress as the works continue, and want to reassure our customers that it will be business as usual throughout the development phase.”
North East Lincolnshire Council leader Philip Jackson said: “We promised to get the main work started early in 2025, and that’s what’s happening. We’re on a hugely ambitious journey, with significant investment of public funds across our towns and borough. We’re investing in one of the largest schemes this council has ever invested in. We believe this is right for the town.
“Our Freshney Place regeneration scheme is, in my firm belief, the most important regeneration project we have seen in North East Lincolnshire. It is key to the future of our town centre – underpinning the other regeneration taking place as well as securing the future of Freshney Place and the 1,700 local jobs it supports”
Following initial works within Top Town Market last week as soon as it closed, the focus now is to complete an internal strip out of the building, including mechanical and electrical fittings as well as asbestos removal.
This will be followed with the demolition of the market building in the summer. The external demolition of the former BHS building will start in early March. The hoardings are up to make sure that there’s a safe working environment for all those on site.
Hoardings will be put up in Victoria Street, from Devonshire House to the former House of Fraser building, signalling the start of the main works. Flottergate Mall entrance to Freshney Place has also been closed off.
The main entrances to Freshney Place at Riverhead Square and Brewery Street remain open as normal. Additionally, the market roof car park is due to be closed off from Monday 17 February.
Sheffield firm sells clean energy equipment to project in Norway
Sheffield-based ITM Power has signed a contract to supply four of its green energy NEPTUNE V units, totalling 20MW, to independent multi-energy producer La Française de l’Energie SA (FDE).
The units will be part of the first phase of Norway’s Hydrogen Hub Agder project, 100% owned by Greenstat, a subsidiary of FDE, developing green energy production projects in Norway. The 20MW green hydrogen hub facility will be dedicated to supplying the maritime industry, and production is expected to start late next year, with a second phase involving an additional 40MW, planned for launch in 2027.
Dennis Schulz, CEO of ITM, said: “The Nordic countries present an exciting opportunity for green hydrogen, and it is a privilege that FDE has selected us for the Agder Hydrogen Hub in Norway.”
Antoine Forcinal, CEO of FDE, said: “We are delighted to work with ITM as a partner for the supply of an integrated electrolyser solution for our Agder Hydrogen Hub project, one of the largest green hydrogen projects in Norway.”
Frasers chooses Barnsdales to manage Frenchgate Centre
Frasers Group has selected Barnsdales to undertake the property and asset management of Doncaster’s Frenchgate Shopping Centre.
Barnsdales MD Jason Barnsdale said: “With its own transport hub, the Doncaster Interchange, and adjoining railway station, it’s certain that when people come to Doncaster, they come to the Frenchgate Shopping Centre. It’s an honour to be entrusted with the everyday management of the centre and to act as asset managers and joint leasing agents with Rawstron Johnson on behalf of the Frasers Group; we’re determined to help it thrive as a bustling shopping and dining destination.
“I’m genuinely delighted that Barnsdales has been chosen to manage this iconic Doncaster shopping centre. Barnsdales is headquartered in the city, working nationally from offices throughout the UK. This is a significant instruction for the Barnsdales property management team.”
Barnsdales, established in Doncaster almost 120 years ago and with its HQ less than two miles away from the Frenchgate centre, has offices in Sheffield, Derby, Nottingham, Bristol, Cirencester, Manchester, Lincoln, and London.
Corinne Mycock, General Manager at Frenchgate, said:“The Frenchgate Shopping Centre is delighted to bring on Barnsdales as property and asset managers and joint letting agents. As they are based in the city, we feel they have a close connection to – and an innate feel for – the place, which is essential.
“We’re hopeful that having professionals from a company based in and operating from Doncaster will give us a more hands-on, proactive approach.”
Barnsdales’ instruction follows several high-profile wins for the company, including the recent appointment to the property and facilities management of Newton Aycliffe Town Centre, a privately owned 200,000 sq ft shopping outlet consisting of 64 retail units in County Durham.
Government pledges up to £2.5bn support for steel industry
British steelmakers are being backed this evening with a pledge of £2.5bn by the Government as it looks at the long-term issues facing the industry like high electricity costs, unfair trading practices, and scrap metal recycling – to protect jobs and living standards in the UK’s industrial heartlands.
This could benefit Scunthorpe, Rotherham, Redcar, Yorkshire, and Scotland since it will be spent on initiatives that will give the industry a long future – such as electric arc furnaces, or other improvements to UK capabilities.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, said: “The UK steel industry has a long-term future under this Government. We said that during the election, and we are delivering on it now.
He said the deal announced by Heathrow this week, which has already been reported by BLM Forum, would secure a strong industry pipeline for years to come, and the full weight of Whitehall was being put behind the industry.
He added: “Britain is open for business, and this Government has committed up to £2.5 billion to the future of steel to protect our industrial heartlands, maintain jobs, and drive growth as part of our Plan for Change.”
Promotion for Brittany at Harrogate law firm
Brittany Dyer has qualified as a family lawyer at the Harrogate practice of Jones Myers.
Said Brittany: “I’m thrilled to be a qualified family lawyer. The last two years have given me the opportunity to learn from some of the best children’s family law solicitors and I’m looking forward to building on my advocacy skills and helping more families.
“Jones Myers’ commitment to consistently deliver excellence in client care is outstanding. Every client, whether they are private or receiving legal aid, is given the same gold star service.”
Government confirms £30m investment to support Bradford City Village
Plans to transform Bradford’s former retail heart into a new sustainable ‘City Village’ have taken a major step forward with the Government confirming nearly £30m of funding for the scheme from the Brownfield Infrastructure and Land Fund.
Homes England, the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, has confirmed £29.5m to support Bradford City Village, which is a major development project to transform key brownfield sites into vibrant residential areas within the city centre.
Bradford City Village is set to deliver up to 1,000 new homes (including affordable homes), three new community parks and public spaces, along with shops, cafes, restaurants, and offices.
The funding will be used to make improvements to the road network and public spaces, as well as support the demolition of the Oastler and Kirkgate Shopping Centres. The Oastler demolition is set to commence in autumn 2025 and will enable the future regeneration opportunity to come forward.
It is anticipated the initial Brownfield Infrastructure and Land funding will also help attract further investment to unlock future phases of the masterplan, which aims to completely transform Bradford city centre.
Bradford Council has appointed ECF (formerly The English Cities Fund), the partnership between Homes England, Legal & General and Muse, as its preferred development partner to deliver the scheme. Over the last 18 months, ECF has been working with Bradford Council to develop the masterplan, including extensive public consultation and engagement.
ECF will now work in partnership with the Council to progress a planning application. A third phase of public consultation will take place later this year, with an application expected to be submitted in late spring 2025.
The regeneration opportunity is one of fifteen places identified in the Strategic Place Partnership between the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and Homes England – announced last year – which aims to unlock ambitious, complex residential regeneration schemes and boost the delivery of thousands more homes.
Bradford Council’s Lead Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw said: “This confirmation of £30m in funding for our City Village vision is brilliant news for Bradford. City Village is a central part of our ambition to deliver a modern city centre residential offer.
“This announcement demonstrates the confidence Government has in Bradford to deliver and shows we’re building real momentum for our regeneration programme, which will drive economic growth across the district.
“The funding will allow the scheme to continue moving forwards to deliver high-quality affordable homes on brownfield sites, providing the next generation of Bradfordians with the chance to live in a modern city offering a host of amenities including Darley St Market, Bradford Live and One City Park.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “This investment is a major vote of confidence in Bradford. Government backing for these council-led plans will mean we can build the vibrant, well-connected communities the city deserves, with more high quality affordable homes.
“Bradford’s inspiring rise to become one of the UK’s most important economic centres demonstrates the power of strong local and national leadership, working in partnership with local communities and local businesses to create jobs and growth. Together, we’ll build a stronger Bradford and a stronger, brighter Britain.”
Energy firm says Gainsborough gas resources could generate GDP contribution of over £100bn
A huge gas field has been discovered under Lincolnshire with the ability to fuel the country for a decade, it has been reported.
Reaching out to Egdon Resources, the energy firm behind the discovery in Gainsborough told Business Link that the Telegraph’s description of a “gas field” is premature “as the political and regulatory conditions for its development do not exist in the UK today.”
At present there is a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for shale-gas, a practice with strong opposition, with fracking having been met with protests, critiqued for creating earth tremors, and clashing with the government’s environmental course, plans to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and Net Zero aims.
Commissioning Deloitte to undertake an assessment of the potential economic, social and environmental impact that developing this gas resource could have, Egdon Resources said the gas resource is capable of supplying over 16 trillion cubic feet of gas, amounting to around six to seven years of current gas consumption.
Deloitte’s modelling estimates that the development would generate a GDP contribution of over £100 billion, up to 250,000 direct and indirect jobs, and offset 202 million tons of CO2 equivalent when compared to the emissions associated with imported gas.
Egdon Resources said: “The Telegraph article relates to the potential gas resources in the Gainsborough Trough geological basin which extends across parts of Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire.
“The presence of these gas resources in shales and sandstones at a depth of around 2 kilometres, was proven by the drilling of the Springs Road-1 well back in 2019 and compare favourably with some of the best producing shale basins in the USA.
“At present they cannot be developed due to the moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for shale-gas. It’s description in the article as a “gas field” is premature as the political and regulatory conditions for its development do not exist in the UK today.
“Egdon commissioned Deloitte to undertake an assessment of the potential economic, social and environmental impact that developing this gas resource could have. This has highlighted a gas resource capable of supplying over 16 trillion cubic feet of gas or around 6-7 years of current gas consumption thus offsetting significant amounts of imported gas.
“Deloitte’s modelling estimates that if this was developed it would generate a GDP contribution of £140 billion, £34 billion of direct taxes, up to 250,000 direct and indirect jobs and offset 202 million tons of CO2 equivalent when compared to the emissions associated with imported gas. To put that in context that is equivalent to the annual emissions of over 40 million cars.
“As accepted by the Government and shown by the Climate Change Committee’s figures, whilst its use will reduce, gas will continue to be an important part of the UK energy mix out to 2050 and beyond. The UK will become increasingly reliant on imports as North Sea production declines.
“The UK government is looking for ways to grow GDP and is increasingly reliant on overseas energy imports such as LNG, much sourced from US shale. It would therefore seem sensible for politicians to consider in a pragmatic and fact based way, the potential security of supply, fiscal, environmental and employment benefits of developing the UK’s own resources such as those present in the Gainsborough Trough.
“The proposed development of Carbon Capture and Storage projects at nearby Humberside further enhance the environmental credentials of this opportunity.”
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, is among those opposed to fracking, needed to extract the gas.
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) spokesperson said: “We intend to ban fracking for good and make Britain a clean energy superpower to protect current and future generations.
“The biggest risk to our energy security is staying dependent on fossil fuel markets and only by sprinting to clean power by 2030 can the UK take back control of its energy and protect both family and national finances from price spikes.
“Through our Plan for Change, we will reignite our industrial heartlands as we seize the opportunities of the clean energy transition, and will continue to drive investment for businesses and communities in the UK.”
A moratorium on fracking in England is in place because of an inability to predict the size, timing or location of any seismic events that take place after fracking operations.
The government has also highlighted that there is no guarantee that oil and gas produced in the UK will be used here, with private companies selling to an international market.
The government has a commitment not to issue new oil and gas licences to explore new fields, which it is to consult on in due course.
Bradford to receive £30M as government identifies over 100 potential new town sites
The UK government has unveiled plans for more than 100 potential new towns, each designed to accommodate at least 10,000 homes, as part of a large-scale effort to tackle the housing crisis.
As part of the initiative, Bradford will receive £30 million to support housing expansion, making it one of the key beneficiaries of the government’s housing strategy. Additional funding includes £1.5 million for the Manchester Victoria North project and £20 million for redeveloping small council-owned sites nationwide. Other priority locations include Frome Gateway in Bristol, land south of Cayton in North Yorkshire, and Beam Park in Dagenham.
The government has pledged to deliver 1.5 million new homes before the next general election and has introduced the “new homes accelerator” programme to remove planning obstacles and speed up construction. Officials say the scheme has already unlocked 20,000 stalled homes, with further efforts underway.
The initiative follows Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner’s visit to the Nansledan development, a project influenced by King Charles’ planning vision. The visit underscored the government’s commitment to large-scale, well-planned housing developments that aim to increase homeownership and address demand.
Bradford’s funding boost is part of a broader strategy to revitalise housing projects across England, with large-scale developments and smaller urban regeneration efforts playing a role in the government’s long-term housing plan.
