“This is our clean energy superpower mission in action, kickstarting growth, delivering energy security and transforming towns and cities as part of the transition in manufacturing hubs such as Hull.”
Government promises bonuses to companies investing in industrial and coastal areas
Industrial heartlands and coastal areas are to receive an economic boost as the government backs renewable energy firms investing in industrial communities such as the Humber, where Gamesa employs about 1,300 people making wind turbine blades.
The application window has opened for the Clean Industry Bonus, providing financial support for offshore wind developers who prioritise investment in areas that need it most, including traditional oil and gas communities – supporting highly skilled jobs such as engineers, electricians or welders.
The support also rewards developers who build more sustainable low carbon factories, offshore wind blades, cables and ports to reduce industrial emissions across the clean energy supply chain.
By encouraging developers to use less polluting suppliers, the bonus will help tackle the climate crisis while also addressing supply chain blockages in renewable technologies driven by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – supporting industry on the transition to clean, secure, homegrown energy that Britain controls.
The UK produces more offshore wind than any other European country, making it the backbone for plans to deliver a clean power system by 2030 and become a clean energy superpower. This bonus will help accelerate the drive for clean power – incentivising developers to build the infrastructure the country needs to end reliance on unstable fossil fuel markets and help keep energy bills down for good.
Since July, the government has seen £34.8 billion of private investment into UK’s clean energy industries. In November, the government launched its carbon capture and storage industry supporting 4,000 jobs in the North West and Teesside. ScottishPower awarded a £1 billion turbine contract for its East Anglia TWO offshore windfarm to Siemens Gamesa, including blade production at its Hull blade factory – the company employ over 1,300 people in Humberside.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “We are backing our manufacturing, coastal and oil and gas communities with good jobs, skills and private sector investment – delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.
East Lindsey Council moves to exit nuclear waste site process
East Lindsey District Council is preparing to withdraw from discussions on a potential nuclear waste storage site in Lincolnshire, signaling a shift in its stance on the controversial project.
The council initially joined a Working Group in 2021 to explore the feasibility of using the former gas terminal in Theddlethorpe as a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF). However, Nuclear Waste Services (NWS), the government agency overseeing the project, has since identified a different location—four square kilometers of agricultural land between Gayton le Marsh and Great Carlton—as a preferred site.
Council leaders now argue that the new location, which has no history of industrial use and sits in a rural area near the Lincolnshire Wolds, is unsuitable for such a facility. The council has also raised concerns about additional infrastructure, including the potential construction of pylons in the area as part of the National Grid’s Grimsby to Walpole project.
As a result, East Lindsey District Council plans to withdraw from the process. However, Lincolnshire County Council remains involved, and a formal public support test is still planned for 2027. If the county council also withdraws, the siting process in Lincolnshire would likely end.
Nuclear Waste Services has acknowledged East Lindsey’s concerns and thanked the council for participating in the discussions. The agency is also considering two other potential sites in Cumbria.
Yorkshire and Humber sees surge in business start-ups, decline in insolvencies
New business registrations in Yorkshire and the Humber increased by 35% in January 2025, while insolvency-related activity dropped by 30%, according to new data from the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body, R3.
The region saw 4,375 new businesses launch in January, up from 3,235 in December. This rebound follows a 16% decline in start-ups at the end of 2024. Meanwhile, insolvency-related events—including liquidations, administrations, and creditors’ meetings—fell after a slight uptick in December.
The trend was reflected across the UK, with business formations rising in all regions. The East Midlands saw a 37% increase, while East Anglia recorded a 36% jump. Northern Ireland experienced the slowest growth at 14% and was the only region where insolvency-related activity increased by 50%. The East Midlands had the steepest drop in insolvencies, down 43%.
The figures indicate renewed business confidence across the UK, particularly in Yorkshire and the Humber, where entrepreneurs are taking advantage of improving economic conditions.
£15.5m car park to be built in Bridlington
A major new scheme to build a multi-storey car park in Bridlington town centre is to begin this spring.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council is to invest £15.5m in the creation of a new 426-space car park. The development is set to enhance accessibility, support local businesses, and drive forward the wider regeneration of Bridlington with the aim of generating around £35m for the town’s economy.
Construction work is due to begin in April and the site is due to open a year later, in spring 2026.
The new facility in Beck Hill, between Manor Street and Hilderthorpe Road, will provide modern, secure, and convenient parking for residents, visitors, and businesses, helping to ease congestion, improve the appeal and support the rejuvenation of the town centre.
Councillor Anne Handley, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “I am thrilled that we can finally begin work on such a vital piece of infrastructure for the town.
“This investment is a clear signal of our confidence in Bridlington’s future.
“The new multi-storey car park will not only address current parking challenges but also support the town’s regeneration by making it easier for people to visit, shop, and enjoy everything Bridlington has to offer.
“This council is investing in Bridlington’s future and is committed to creating a vibrant, sustainable town centre that benefits residents, businesses, and visitors for years to come.
“We hope this new multi-storey car park will generate millions of pounds for the local economy.”
The new multi-storey car park will be owned and operated by the council and continues the regeneration of Bridlington, blending in with the recently landscaped Gypsey Race Park, along Hilderthorpe Road.
The car park will feature well-lit spaces, electric vehicle charging points, blue badge parking bays and easy pedestrian access to key areas of the town centre, including retail, leisure, and hospitality venues.
As well as offering better and more convenient access to the town centre and the harbour, including Bridlington Spa, the site will offer secure night-time parking and attract people to the town centre in the evening, promoting the area’s night-time economy and overnight stays.
The design consists of a series of vertical twisted fins on its exterior to create the impression of a wave in order to reflect the coastal setting.
New tourism opportunities highlighted at Lincolnshire Business Conference
Businesses in Lincolnshire’s tourism sector gathered this week for a fully booked conference focused on emerging opportunities in the visitor economy. Discussions centred on film tourism, nature tourism, and the expansion of the King Charles III England Coast Path as key drivers of future growth.
Organised by Lincolnshire County Council’s economic development team, the event showcased the increasing impact of the Visit Lincolnshire website in promoting the region. Industry experts, including Location Lincs and BBC Springwatch representatives, shared insights on how local attractions can capitalize on shifting travel trends.
Recent data by the Lincolnshire County Council highlights the growing importance of tourism to the local economy. In 2023, the sector contributed £2.9 billion to Greater Lincolnshire and supported more than 23,000 jobs. The Visit Lincolnshire website saw a 33% increase in traffic in 2024, with a conversion rate significantly above industry averages.
Film and TV play a larger role in travel decisions, with nearly 30% of travelers influenced by on-screen locations. Lincolnshire’s historic sites and landscapes provide opportunities to attract visitors through productions filmed in the region. The county’s birdwatching sites are also among the UK’s top destinations for nature enthusiasts.
The ongoing development of the King Charles III England Coast Path also presents a major draw. Once completed, it will be the world’s longest-managed coastal walking route, with 124 miles passing through Greater Lincolnshire.
The conference provided a platform for businesses to connect, exchange ideas, and explore ways to navigate current industry challenges while capitalizing on new opportunities in the tourism sector.
Property developer purchases brownfield sites from Bradford Council for affordable homes
Property developer Breck Homes has completed the unconditional purchase of two brownfield sites in Bradford for the construction of 52 affordable homes.
The parcels of land, both in the West Bowling area of the city, have been purchased from Bradford Council and will be the company’s first housing developments in Yorkshire.
One site is a former car park on Flockton Road, which will be developed into 20 affordable houses. The other is a former Bradford Council office on Brompton Avenue which will be developed for 32 houses.
Planning permission is expected to be submitted at the end of February and the schemes will feature a combination of shared ownership and homes for affordable rent. Breck is currently in discussion with a number of housing association partners to acquire and manage the units on completion.
The developments are expected to commence build mid-2026 subject to planning approval.
Andy Garnett, director, Breck, said: “Our strong reputation for the consistent delivery of high-quality affordable homes has driven our growth in the past five years and we are currently working with registered providers to progress sites in areas including Lancashire, Cheshire and Merseyside.
“West Yorkshire has ambitious plans to deliver 38,000 new homes over the next 15 years to meet its growing need. The redevelopment of brownfield sites for affordable homes is an important part of this strategy and is also a key part of Breck’s approach to development.
“We have worked closely with the council to secure the land quickly using the company’s cash reserves and we’re looking forward to continuing this relationship through the planning and development process.”
In addition to completing the purchase of the two Bradford sites, Breck has agreed heads of terms on a further Yorkshire site, which is local authority allocated housing land. Breck plans to submit proposals for a further 53 new homes on this site.
The Lancashire-headquartered company is also in advanced discussions on a commercial premises in Leeds to support its Yorkshire expansion, which it expects to be operational this year.
West Yorkshire Mayor launches million-pound challenge for young people and businesses with big ideas
Two new competitions aim to galvanise young people and businesses from across West Yorkshire to develop cutting-edge solutions to local problems.
The West Yorkshire Mayor’s Big Ideas Challenge offers local businesses the chance to receive grants of between £20,000 and £100,000, to develop their ideas into tangible innovations that can positively impact local communities.
The Challenge will also see young entrepreneurs compete for awards of up to £600, to develop their innovative ideas in a way that could benefit other young people in the region.
The two competitions together make up the £1.5 million Challenge, which aims to stimulate entrepreneurship among young people in the region, while supporting businesses to develop lifechanging solutions to local health inequalities.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “West Yorkshire is a region of grafters and innovators, where the answers to global problems have been found in local solutions.
“With this million-pound challenge, we’re galvanising and empowering our young people and businesses to convert their bright ideas into happier and healthier communities.
“By nurturing the passion of our young people and the entrepreneurship of our businesses, we’ll put more money in people’s pockets, create well-paid jobs and build a stronger, brighter region.”
The £1 million business competition is open to small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) in the region that have the power to drive improvements to health and wellbeing. Three winning firms will be supported with £100,000 each, to help bring their innovative solutions to market.
They will be chosen from a group of 20 finalists, each of which will receive £20,000 alongside wrap-around support to develop their solutions, including networking opportunities and free membership of Nexus, the research and development hub based at the University of Leeds.
Successful businesses could include a food company reducing distances to fresh ingredients; a community centre providing physical or mental health services; a transport company creating accessible journeys for elderly passengers; or a socially-conscious housing developer creating green and walkable spaces.
Firms will be assessed on the strength of their ideas, with scores for impact, inclusion and innovation, by independent judges selected by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the UK’s challenge prize expert, Challenge Works.
A part of Nesta, Challenge Works is a leader in the design and delivery of high-impact challenge prizes that incentivise cutting-edge innovation for social good. Over the past ten years, it has designed and delivered more than 100 prizes.
Entries to the business competition close 7 May 2025, with finalists announced in the Summer, and winners announced March 2026.
Kathy Nothstine, Director of Cities and Societies, Challenge Works, said: “With large parts of Leeds and Bradford among the most deprived in Britain, there is an urgent need to accelerate innovation around health inequality in West Yorkshire.
“Enabling place-based innovation is essential to shaping the future and driving change. The Mayor’s big ideas challenge will do just this – providing enormous opportunity for those organisations closest to the issue to make a difference in the community.
“We hope to see a range of businesses across different sectors mobilise their networks and talent in order to accelerate innovative solutions that have tangible impact.”
Mandy Ridyard, Business Advisor to the Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Our diverse businesses form the bedrock of our £66 billion West Yorkshire economy, and their growth is essential to the success of our region, and the success of the UK’s growth mission.
“Ensuring that our small and medium-sized firms have access to the finance they need to innovate is an essential part of our Local Growth Plan.
“This challenge is a call to all of the innovative organisations in our region, which are essential to an inclusive, growing economy. We cannot wait to see the brightest ideas from our dynamic West Yorkshire businesses!”
The competition for young people, delivered in partnership with design specialists TPXimpact, will see 16-26 year olds develop their ideas and passion projects into solutions that could benefit other young people in the region.
With prizes of up to £600 per individual or team, the young entrepreneurs will be taken on a learning journey, receiving research, design and problem-solving skills, and meeting other likeminded young people who want to effect positive social change.
They will then have the opportunity to pitch their ideas, imagining them as real-world solutions for other young people in the region to benefit from.
The Mayor is encouraging people aged 16-26 in the region to apply, either individually or as part of a two- or three-person team, online. The programme is free, with applications closing on 10 April 2025.
Lizzie Insall, Senior Partner at TPXimpact, said: “We are constantly motivated and inspired by the potential of young people. With the right support, we know that young people can unlock ideas and solutions to some of the greatest challenges we face.
“So we are thrilled to be working alongside the Combined Authority team to deliver this innovative programme that will enable our region’s young people to develop research, design and problem solving skills and apply them to a local issue they feel so passionately about.”
Doncaster’s airport gets financial boost to progress re-opening
Doncaster’s airport is this week being supported by £20m to press ahead with its planned mobilisation programme.
City of Doncaster Council’s Cabinet has approved a £10m funding package to continue with the plan of re-opening the former Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) in Spring 2026. South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has also matched that figure.
The council’s cabinet heard yesterday (February 12) in a report the progress made to date on the programme to reopen the site which closed in 2022.
Mayor Ros Jones said: “Re-opening our airport is my number one priority, I am vigorously pursuing the reopening of our airport and despite the challenging timeline, our plan is to see our airport open in Spring 2026.
“The financial package will enable critical mobilisation works to continue and drive forward momentum in our drive to reopen the airport given its strategic importance to Doncaster, South Yorkshire and the North. I would like to thank South Yorkshire leaders for their continued support of our airport with their further funding approval.
“The residents and businesses of Doncaster are behind us, proven by the over 130,000 people who signed a petition. This is the people’s airport and I will do all I can to ensure it drives forward economic success, new jobs, growth and prosperity.”
The council’s £10m funding proposal is one off funding from the priorities revenue budget, coupled with £10m proposed by SYMCA for revenue costs which was approved on Tuesday. (February 11).
The council funding would help support work to secure the airport’s suspended airspace and essential work needed to meet the necessary Civil Aviation Authority’s certification standards. The SYMCA funding in the form of a grant will support costs associated with managing the site.
The cabinet report also sets out the arrangements and scope of FlyDoncaster Ltd, a wholly-owned council company, initiated last year to operate the airport alongside strategic partners Munich Airport International GmbH (MAI), which will provide operational and management services, and FP Airports Ltd, aviation sector specialists in the UK.
An outline business case on the financial and economic benefits of reopening the airport was approved by SYMCA last February. A Full Business Case (FBC) has been submitted which is due for determination in the summer.
The FBC highlights the scale of economic growth potential should the opportunity be realised: over 5,000 gross direct jobs by 2050; GVA uplift of £5bn (cumulatively by 2050); gross welfare benefits (cumulatively by 2050) of £2bn; a project benefit cost ratio of 9:1; and a region in the vanguard of the next technological revolution, building on core regional capabilities, and reconnected by air to global markets.
UK manufacturers on edge over potential US tariffs
A new survey by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Insights Unit highlights growing concerns among UK businesses about potential US tariffs. The research, conducted between January 20 and February 7, surveyed over 1,000 firms, including more than 250 manufacturing exporters.
While the US had imposed tariffs on Chinese goods and announced plans for levies on Canada and Mexico during this period, no new charges had been placed on UK imports. Despite this, 10% of all businesses surveyed believe US tariffs would have a significant impact, with around 22% expecting a slight impact. Among manufacturing exporters—the most vulnerable sector—28% anticipate significant disruptions, while 34% foresee a minor effect.
Trade policy experts warn that the global tariff landscape is shifting, requiring a measured response from UK policymakers. With tariff quotas set to expire in a month, businesses are urging the government to adopt a flexible approach while avoiding unnecessary retaliatory measures.
Despite the uncertainty, analysts point to the UK’s strong trade relationship with the US, particularly in services, which remain unaffected by tariffs. However, businesses could face broader economic disruptions if global trade tensions escalate. Companies are advised to monitor shifting trade patterns, particularly in sectors like textiles and footwear, and remain vigilant against unfair trading practices.
Sheffield manufacturer of energy saving technologies falls into administration
GWE Group Ltd, the Sheffield-headquartered voltage optimiser manufacturer, has fallen into administration.
Formed in 1994, the business, which rebranded to ZERON in 2024, offers a range of energy saving technologies trusted by major players such as Kellogg’s, IKEA, ASDA and Amazon.
GWE Group Ltd had been experiencing significant cash flow issues, with the company making a loss on a monthly basis. While the firm had been marketed for sale, attracting various interested parties, a deal was not achieved.
The company has ceased to trade with 18 staff being made redundant.
Ryan Holdsworth and Danielle Shore from Leonard Curtis were appointed as Joint Administrators of GWE Group Ltd on 30 January 2025.
Ryan Holdsworth said: “GWE Group Ltd was experiencing significant cash flow issues in the lead up to administration. This was a combination of non-payment by one of its debtors, and orders not materialising – having been promised at the end of the year. The Company was making a loss on a monthly basis, which was not sustainable.”
He added: “The business was marketed for sale by external agents, which did attract various interested parties, but no sale was concluded. As a result, the Company has ceased to trade with all 18 staff unfortunately being made redundant.
“A sale of the Company’s assets is being undertaken by our agents BPI Asset Management.”
