UK project aims to cut offshore wind farm maintenance costs with autonomous robotics

April Lara
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UK project aims to cut offshore wind farm maintenance costs with autonomous robotics

A new initiative funded by Innovate UK is working to revolutionise offshore wind farm maintenance with autonomous robotic systems. Sheffield-based robotics company BOW has teamed up with ORE Catapult and ACUA Ocean in the OSIRIS project, which aims to combine drones and subsea robots to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve safety in offshore renewable energy.

Currently, maintenance operations account for around 25% of the lifetime costs of offshore wind farms. Traditional methods rely heavily on human intervention, which is costly, time-consuming, and exposes workers to safety risks. The OSIRIS project seeks to address these challenges by deploying a fully autonomous inspection system that will be scalable and cost-effective.

BOW’s role in the project is focused on enhancing simulation and testing capabilities. The company’s software development kit (SDK) will integrate with ORE Catapult’s Synthetic Test and Unified Demonstration System (STUDS), allowing for more efficient testing of robotic systems in various environmental conditions before they are deployed in real-world offshore settings.

The project will also see ACUA Ocean’s hydrogen-powered unmanned surface vessel (H-USV) deployed as the central hub for managing and coordinating aerial and subsea robots. The combination of these robotic systems aims to reduce reliance on crewed vessels, cutting emissions and improving operational efficiency.

The initiative is part of the UK’s broader efforts to increase offshore wind capacity, with the government aiming to quadruple its offshore wind capacity by 2030. By integrating robotics into offshore wind farm operations, the project is not only set to reduce costs but also accelerate the transition to a Net Zero energy sector.

Expected to be fully operational by 2027, the OSIRIS project could set the stage for broader applications of autonomous robotics across the marine industry.

Yorkshire business confidence falls in April

Tess Egginton
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Yorkshire business confidence falls in April
Business confidence in Yorkshire fell 18 points during April to 34%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds. Companies in Yorkshire reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down eight points to 45%, and lower confidence in the economy – down 27 points to 23%. Taken together, this gives a headline confidence reading of 34% (vs. 52% in March). 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 (43%), introducing new technology (36%) and evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products and services (33%). 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 fell ten points in April to 39%. Firms’ optimism in their own trading prospects dropped seven points to 50%, while their confidence in the wider economy fell 13 points to 28%. The North East was the most confident UK nation or region in April (59%), followed by the West Midlands (53%) and the North West (52%). Sector insights Confidence fell across the four broad sectors. Manufacturing confidence remained broadly unchanged from last month, falling by one point to 38%, while the construction sector saw the largest decrease in business confidence this month, declining 22 points to 26%. Retail confidence also fell by 13 points down to 45% and the service industry fell seven points to 40%, both now at three-month lows. Martyn Kendrick, regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber at Lloyds, said: “Despite an overall dip in the region’s business confidence this month, it’s encouraging to see that firms are still setting out plans to drive further growth, including investing in their own teams and introducing new technology. “We’ll continue to work with local businesses through our on-the-ground teams to support their ambitions, providing resources, insight and funding to help them succeed.”

Network Rail appoints Henry Boot Construction to deliver low-carbon Maintenance Delivery Unit in North Lincolnshire

Tess Egginton
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Network Rail appoints Henry Boot Construction to deliver low-carbon Maintenance Delivery Unit in North Lincolnshire
Henry Boot Construction has been appointed to build a new sustainable Maintenance Delivery Unit (MDU) for Network Rail in Barnetby, North Lincolnshire. Located adjacent to Barnetby Station, the new MDU will comprise a two-storey 9,500 sq ft main building – featuring welfare facilities, an office, and a stores – alongside associated services infrastructure, a service yard, staff and visitor car park, additional storage facilities, and reconfigured roads. The main building will have a timber aesthetic and greatly enhance facilities for workers with modern offices, meeting rooms, a canteen and changing facilities. As part of the upgrade, the new space will benefit from reduced embodied carbon and improved thermal performance. An optimised building layout will maximise natural daylight and remove the need for uneconomic storage heaters. Additional sustainability measures such as EV chargers, air-source heat pumps, triple-glazed windows, and rooftop solar PV panels will also be installed on the site, supporting Network Rail’s long-term environmental commitments. The sustainability enhancements have been funded through Network Rail’s Green Bank. Lee Powell, managing director at Henry Boot Construction, said: “We’re proud to be working with Network Rail on this forward-thinking development – creating a space that not only meets their long-term vision but enhances the experience for its users. “From the outset, we identified and delivered several sustainability measures designed to go beyond baseline requirements. These initiatives will significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce the project’s overall carbon footprint – positioning the site as a leading example of sustainable construction and human-centred design within their MDU portfolio. “For Henry Boot Construction, it also aligns with our plans to expand our footprint beyond Yorkshire, delivering quality construction projects across Lincolnshire, the Humber, East Midlands, Teesside and the surrounding areas.” Chris Round, senior portfolio manager MDU upgrade portfolio, NR Eastern routes capital programmes, added: “We are delighted to be working with Henry Boot Construction on the new Barnetby Maintenance Delivery Unit. Their expertise, commitment to sustainability, and collaborative approach perfectly aligns with our goals. “We’re confident that together, we will deliver outstanding results, and we look forward to a successful partnership.” Henry Boot Construction is the main contractor on the project, whilst built environment consultant Ridge is leading on the structural and architectural design. The project, which was procured through the Crown Commercial Service Construction Works and Associated Services (CWAS) framework, is now underway and expected to complete by early 2026.

Yorkshire mid-sized firms look overseas despite trade and skills pressures

April Lara
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Yorkshire mid-sized firms look overseas despite trade and skills pressures

Nearly one in five mid-sized businesses in Yorkshire plan to expand or boost exports in the next year, according to new research from BDO. The report reveals a clear international focus, even amid uncertain trading conditions and operational challenges.

The survey of 500 mid-sized UK firms found that 18% of Yorkshire businesses are prioritising international growth. Target markets include South America, Australia, and the EU, each cited by 44% of those eyeing exports. Africa also attracted attention from 35% of respondents.

However, growth ambitions are running up against several barriers. Around 24% of firms in the region report shortages in export and supply chain skills, while 12% are seeing weaker demand, likely linked to inflationary pressures and squeezed budgets among both business clients and consumers.

Despite these issues, sentiment remains broadly positive. The vast majority (94%) of Yorkshire mid-sized businesses believe the UK Government’s upcoming Small Business Strategy will help them. A quarter are calling for specific reforms to simplify customs processes and expand support through channels such as UK Export Finance.

The findings reflect a continued appetite among regional firms to scale up internationally, with many looking to government policy and local authority partnerships to help navigate a complex global trade environment.

Yorkshire launches summit to drive ESG action in the events industry

April Lara
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Yorkshire launches summit to drive ESG action in the events industry

The Yorkshire Events Sustainability Summit (YESS) will debut on 16 June at Horizon Leeds, targeting professionals across the events industry seeking to improve their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact.

Designed for venues, suppliers, agencies, and planners, the B2B-focused summit will feature panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions with an emphasis on practical tools and peer-led learning. Topics will include carbon reduction, inclusive event design, mental health considerations, neurodiversity, and using technology to track and improve sustainability metrics.

A notable feature of the summit will be the release of the second edition of the Temperature Check Report, which will expand insights on sustainability trends across the UK and Europe. The event will also host Green Action Labs, covering sustainable catering practices, alternative approaches to carbon offsetting, and strategies to cut waste through digital innovation.

Backed by organisations including Conference Leeds, Visit Hull & East Yorkshire, Make It York, and several local councils, YESS is positioning Yorkshire as a national hub for sustainable event practices. The event is produced by Your First, with support from Horizon Leeds, Production Light & Sound, and Soror Pro Consulting.

YESS is expected to become an annual fixture, aiming to move past ESG rhetoric and encourage collaboration across the sector.

ABF considers closure of Vivergo bioethanol plant as profits fall

April Lara
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ABF considers closure of Vivergo bioethanol plant as profits fall

Associated British Foods (ABF) is warning that its Vivergo bioethanol plant in East Yorkshire may be mothballed or closed, putting around 150 jobs at risk. The move follows sustained losses and production cuts caused by falling bioethanol prices.

The Vivergo facility, located in Saltend near Hull, converts UK-grown wheat into bioethanol fuel and animal feed. It was launched in 2007 but now faces operational uncertainty amid concerns over how UK biofuel regulations are being applied.

ABF is currently in discussions with the UK Government, seeking regulatory support to maintain commercial viability at the site. However, the company has indicated there is no guarantee of a resolution and may proceed with closure if market conditions fail to improve.

The situation coincides with a broader earnings decline at ABF. Pre-tax profits fell by 21% to £692 million in the 24 weeks to March 1, with revenues down 2% to £9.5 billion. Its sugar division was notably weak during the period.

North Yorkshire towns to receive strategic investment planning boost

April Lara
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North Yorkshire towns to receive strategic investment planning boost

A £1.2 million funding package has been approved to develop tailored investment plans for 32 towns and service centres across North Yorkshire. The initiative, funded by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and delivered by North Yorkshire Council, aims to guide future regeneration efforts and ensure a consistent, evidence-based approach to development across the region.

The towns selected for the programme represent over 60% of the county’s population. The planning work will focus on key areas such as revitalising high streets, expanding local workspace options, improving transport links, enhancing cultural and heritage assets, and addressing health disparities.

The programme will run over three years starting in May and will include input from local businesses, councils and community groups to shape investment priorities for each location. The intent is to position the towns for future public and private sector investment and ensure economic growth is aligned with the region’s specific challenges and opportunities.

The 32 towns and centres identified are: Bedale, Bentham, Boroughbridge, Catterick Garrison and Colburn, Easingwold, Eastfield and Cayton, Filey, Grassington and Threshfield, Harrogate, Hawes, Helmsley, Ingleton, Kirkbymoorside, Knaresborough, Leyburn, Malton and Norton, Masham, Northallerton, Pateley Bridge, Pickering, Richmond, Ripon, Scarborough, Selby, Settle, Sherburn-in-Elmet, Skipton, South Craven, Stokesley, Tadcaster, Thirsk and Whitby.

The grant will be formally considered by North Yorkshire Council’s executive next week.

Skipton pharmacy sold to local growing group

Tess Egginton
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Skipton pharmacy sold to local growing group
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold Carleton-in-Craven Pharmacy near Skipton, North Yorkshire. Located in a self-contained unit in the village of Carleton-in-Craven, the community pharmacy dispenses almost 15,000 items per month. Alongside two consultation rooms, it boasts a range of modern tech, including deliveries via three self-charging hybrid vehicles which make up over half of the business, and a BD Rowa Vmax dispensing robot. The pharmacy has been owned and operated by its founder, Jonathan Taylor, for the last 12.5 years. He recently decided to sell the business in order to retire. Following a confidential sales process with Jon Booth at Christie & Co, the pharmacy has been purchased by Zakar Hayat and Mubashir Ahmed of Mpharm Holdings Limited which owns two other pharmacies – one in Sheffield and one in Burnley. Jonathan Taylor, former owner of Carleton-in-Craven Pharmacy, said: “After starting my pharmacy from scratch over 12.5 years ago, it was an incredibly tough decision to sell but I believe we have found the right buyer to hand the pharmacy over to. I wish Zakar and Mubashir all the best for the future.” Zakar Hayat, director at Mpharm Holdings Limited, said: “We feel like now is the right time to take on a new challenge – a modern, thriving and busy pharmacy set in the heart of the scenic village of Carleton. “The previous owner, Jonathan, has built this wonderful project and we aim to further expand the reputation and array of services to ensure Carleton-in-Craven remains the hub of North Yorkshire for all healthcare needs.” Jon Booth, director – pharmacy at Christie & Co, said: “Carleton-in-Craven Pharmacy consistently dispenses almost 15,000 items each month, with almost a third of these being MDS patients delivered via a fleet of self-charging hybrid vehicles across the region. “The opportunity for the new owners is to grow the provision of additional services across the patient base, and it is pleasing that the new owners have a vision to move this successful business forward. I look forward to seeing how that progresses and wish them the greatest of success.” Carleton-in-Craven Pharmacy was sold for an undisclosed price.

Clarion grows completions and turnover but warns of £20m building safety hit

April Lara
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Clarion grows completions and turnover but warns of £20m building safety hit

Clarion Housing Group increased its home completions by 12% over the past year, delivering 1,727 homes compared with 1,538 the previous year. However, it fell short of its revised target of 1,828 completions for 2024/25.

The group’s future development pipeline now stands at 20,173 homes, up slightly from 19,694 a year earlier. Clarion, which manages around 125,000 homes, had previously scaled back its ambitions amid cost pressures, lowering its target from 2,161 to 1,828 completions for the year. Despite this moderation, it maintains a longer-term goal of building 3,000 homes annually.

Spending on new homes dropped from £501m to £439m, mainly due to delays starting larger projects. Investment in existing properties also declined slightly, from £129m to £123m.

Turnover rose 9%, reaching £1.1bn, while the operating surplus, excluding one-off items, grew from £171m to £195m. Clarion attributed the revenue increase partly to the return of inflation-linked rent rises, following the lifting of the previous year’s 7% cap.

The group also cited early benefits from its Connect transformation programme, aimed at tightening cost control and enhancing customer service. However, Clarion flagged a forthcoming £20m building safety provision in its final accounts, which will weigh on its overall surplus. It is seeking to recover some of these costs from third parties. Audited financial statements are expected to be published this summer.

Works starts on site at Shepley residential development

Tess Egginton
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Works starts on site at Shepley residential development
Work has now started on site at Vivly Living’s residential development at Shepley, near Huddersfield. 52 new homes are now being built at Knowle Grange, which forms Phase 2 at Vivly’s development in the village. Phase 1, comprising 31 homes, has completely sold out. Oliver Bottomley, associate director – land and development at Vivly Living, said: “We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve now started on site at Shepley Phase 2. This means we are now building fantastic range of new and much-needed homes to the community. These homes will be energy-efficient and offer additional garden space, providing comfortable and sustainable living for our customers. “I’d like to say a personal thank you to Coun John Taylor, the Shepley ward member and deputy leader of the Conservatives on Kirklees Council, who has helped to ensure that we can build much-needed affordable housing for Shepley and allowed us to introduce the First Home Scheme, helping first-time buyers get a foot on the property ladder.” Coun Taylor explained: “I’m really pleased to see this second phase of the development getting underway. The first phase proved popular and in both phases I am pleased to see properties for first-time buyers. It is important that the younger generations get the same opportunities to get their foot on the housing ladder as I did. “Shepley is a wonderful and active village and a great place to start and bring up your family. This plan includes some two-bed houses under the First Homes scheme which will be ideal for young people wanting to buy their first home. Being able to buy a home in the village you grew up in is an aspiration for many young people locally. “As a Shepley resident, I am delighted to see such quality houses, with attractive stone, being built in our village. I have supported this sensitive development, which is perfectly in tune with the character and ambience of the rest of Shepley, since the early planning stages and it is very satisfying to see the original vision become reality and be so successful.”
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