York-based Helmsley Group is repurposing Cumberland House, a city centre, Grade one-listed building overlooking the River Ouse.
Initially pursuing a residential scheme that honoured the building’s original use, Helmsley Group’s original planning application was refused by York City Council despite strong interest from a purchaser and backing from conservation officers.
Leading to a rethink of their approach, now – following an introduction made by James Ratcliffe, head of commercial agency at Colenso – Helmsley Group has agreed with Shaun Binns and Jamie-Leigh Binns, owners of York restaurant Lil’s Bar and Bistro, to launch a new hospitality venture at Cumberland House.
The plans will see the site sensitively repurposed, restored and transformed from its prior office use into a new eatery.
James Ratcliffe said: “We are incredibly fortunate to have found such dedicated stakeholders in Shaun and Jamie. Their commitment to the area and enthusiasm for this opportunity are exactly what’s needed to breathe new life into this important building.”
Together, a revised planning application has now been submitted.
Tom Riddolls, development surveyor at Helmsley Group, added: “It’s fantastic to have Shaun and Jamie on board to continue Helmsley Group’s vision of bringing York’s vacant heritage buildings back into use.
“This project is not just about preservation; it’s about protecting York’s unique character for future generations.
“We are now all hoping for swift support for our plans from York City Council so that this landmark property can finally be restored and given a meaningful, sustainable future.”
Hospitality venture planned for historic York building
The restoration of an historic building in York has taken a major step forward, as it looks set to become a new hospitality venture.
UK economy contracts after better than expected first quarter
After seeing better growth than expected in the first quarter of 2025, the UK economy has shrunk.
According to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, is estimated to have fallen by 0.3% in April, following growth of 0.2% in March.
It reflects, across key sectors, services output dipping by 0.4%, production output falling by 0.6%, and construction output conversely growing by 0.9%.
Alpesh Paleja, deputy chief economist, CBI, said: “After bumper growth at the start of the year, the economy has started off the second quarter on a disappointing note. Weaker momentum is more in line with the picture painted by our own business surveys.
“The sunniest April on record clearly boosted retail sales, but this wasn’t enough to offset drags on activity elsewhere, including some payback from sectors that saw strong growth in March. In addition, the onset of the US’ “Liberation Day” tariffs; the ensuing volatility in financial markets; and the ramp up in uncertainty may have taken the edge off activity for some businesses.
“The latest data means that, at best, we’re heading for near-stagnation over the second quarter. While we expect some pick-up in growth momentum further ahead, an environment of high uncertainty and cost pressures is still proving a significant headwind to activity.
“Looking ahead, while we expect some growth momentum to be sustained, an environment of high uncertainty and cost pressures is proving a significant headwind to activity. Yesterday’s Spending Review rightly chose to prioritise investment in clean energy and R&D, as well as delivering a much-needed boost to housing, transport, and infrastructure.
“But businesses are labouring under the cumulative burden of rises in NICs and the National Living Wage. With the Autumn Budget now coming sharply into focus, the Chancellor should prioritise squashing tax rumours and speculation that risks stymieing confidence and hitting investment plans further.”
CMA probes Evri–DHL ecommerce merger
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is reviewing the proposed merger between parcel delivery firm Evri and DHL Group’s UK ecommerce logistics division. The deal, announced in May, would see DHL Group take a significant minority stake in Evri, while Apollo-managed funds retain majority control.
The combined operation would bring together more than 30,000 couriers and van drivers, 12,000 employees, and a fleet of 8,000 vehicles. Together, they are expected to handle over one billion parcels and one billion business letters annually.
The CMA is assessing whether the transaction could substantially lessen competition in the UK parcel delivery and ecommerce logistics market. As part of its standard process, the regulator has invited to comment from interested parties, which closes on 25 June.
Evri, formerly Hermes UK, traces its origins to Grattan Mail Order in Bradford in 1974. It currently operates over 10,000 out-of-home locations and has a growing network of automated hubs and depots nationwide. The merger is positioned by both parties as a move to enhance consumer and business delivery options through improved scale and efficiency.
British Business Bank expands financial reach to support growth
The British Business Bank’s financial capacity is being raised to £25.6 billion, allowing it to scale up investments to approximately £2.5 billion annually. The expansion aims to unlock significant private capital and support high-growth, innovation-driven UK firms, particularly those in the life sciences, deep tech, and venture capital sectors.
The move follows confirmation of governance and financial reforms to the Bank, as outlined in the latest government Spending Review. These changes are expected to be implemented by the end of the current financial year.
The Bank has already backed 22 of the UK’s current unicorns through its equity programmes, representing over half of all such firms in the country. With its expanded mandate, the institution is expected to play a pivotal role in delivering the government’s upcoming Industrial Strategy and broader ambitions for regional growth and scale-up funding.
Business confidence rebounds but hiring and demand remain uneven
New data from NatWest’s May Regional Growth Tracker points to a modest resurgence in business confidence across the UK, with firms reporting more optimistic outlooks and slight improvements in activity levels. Half of the 12 monitored regions reported growth in output, while sentiment about future activity rose in all areas. The North West and London saw the largest monthly increases in expectations, with the West Midlands remaining the most optimistic overall.
However, the recovery remains patchy. Wales posted the fastest growth in business activity during May, while London recorded its weakest performance in two and a half years. Inflows of new business rose only in Wales and stabilised in the East of England, with all other regions seeing a drop, led by a sharper decline in the East Midlands.
Employment figures were generally down, with Scotland being the only region to report a slight increase in headcount after six months of stagnation. The North West continued to cut jobs for the eighth straight month, though the pace slowed.
Order backlogs fell across the board for the third consecutive month, with the North West experiencing the most significant drop in outstanding work. Scotland saw the mildest decline.
Pricing trends moderated slightly, with the rate of increase in average prices charged slowing in every region compared to April. Wales recorded the biggest fall in output price inflation, while Northern Ireland and the West Midlands saw the highest ongoing pressure.
Input costs rose at a softer pace than the previous month but remained above historical norms. The South West and East of England faced the steepest increases, while Scotland saw the most subdued rise. Businesses continue to raise prices to manage persistent cost pressures, including rising labour expenses following April’s national insurance changes.
Construction ball raises £30,000 for St Luke’s Hospice
The Sheffield Charity Construction Ball has raised £30,000 for St Luke’s Hospice.
Held at the Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria Hotel, the black-tie evening brought together over 230 construction and property professionals to raise vital funds for Sheffield’s leading palliative care provider.
Organised by Arup, HLM Architects and Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB), guests enjoyed a three-course meal, live entertainment by acclaimed magician Ben Hanlin and inspiring speeches from St Luke’s chief executive, Jo Lenton, and RLB managing partner, Matt Summerhill.
A highlight of the night was the charity auction, which featured limited-edition artwork titled ‘Here For Sheffield’ by Sheffield-based artist, Luke Horton, alongside VIP Tramlines tickets. The piece was bought for an impressive £2,000 by winning bidder, Wayne Balance, from Apex Consulting.
This year’s chosen charity, St Luke’s Hospice, is the primary provider of specialist palliative care for adults with terminal illnesses in Sheffield and its surrounding areas.
One of the charity’s main goals for the evening included raising funds to support the purchase of additional cuddle beds.
Cuddle beds are a wider hospital-style bed designed to allow patients and their loved ones to lie side-by-side, offering physical closeness during end-of-life care.
Thanks to the generosity of guests, donations on the night covered the cost of two cuddle beds, each valued at £15,000.
Matt Sheridan, senior fundraising manager at St Luke’s Hospice, said: “We are truly humbled by the generosity of everyone who attended this year’s Sheffield Charity Construction Ball.
“In a time when hospice fundraising and resources are under increasing pressure, support like this is not only appreciated, it is absolutely vital.
“The incredible efforts of the organising teams at Arup, HLM Architects and Rider Levett Bucknall, along with the wider Sheffield business community, are a shining example of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared commitment to making a difference.
“Events like these don’t just raise funds, they raise awareness, build connections and help ensure that St Luke’s can continue to provide outstanding care to those who need it most.
“We are incredibly thankful for this support, which plays such an important role in sustaining our services.”
Over the past 23 years, the Ball has raised a total of £401,300 for a variety of local causes.
Past beneficiaries have included Sheffield Children’s Hospital, Weston Park Cancer Charity, Hallam Cash for Kids, The Prince’s Trust and Bluebell Wood.
Royal recognition opportunity for high-performing businesses
North Lincolnshire businesses have the opportunity to gain national prestige through the King’s Awards for Enterprise, with applications now open until 9 September 2025.
Open to companies, non-profits, and public sector bodies with at least two UK-based employees, the awards celebrate excellence across four categories: innovation, international trade, sustainable development, and promoting opportunity through social mobility.
Winners benefit from national visibility, use of the King’s Awards emblem, and access to high-level networking via a Royal reception. Honourees also receive an official visit from the Lord-Lieutenant, acting on behalf of His Majesty The King.
The awards are designed to recognise organisations with strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials, making them especially relevant to B2B firms looking to enhance credibility, attract partnerships, and scale operations in competitive markets.
North Lincolnshire Council has encouraged local businesses across key industries, including engineering, manufacturing, and logistics, to leverage this platform for growth and recognition. Recent winners such as Wrendale Designs have reported tangible benefits in staff morale, global brand perception, and new market access following their award.
The application process is now live. Interested businesses are advised to begin preparations early to meet the September deadline.
Rabobank backs third UK solar project with Aura Power
Aura Power has secured financing from Rabobank for its third UK solar installation, the 49.9MW Grimsby Solar Farm in North East Lincolnshire. The funding adds to two previous deals between the developer and the Dutch bank: £44 million for the Kemble Solar Farm in Gloucestershire and £33.1 million for Burtree Lane in County Durham.
All three projects fall under the UK’s Contracts for Difference Allocation Round 5. Preliminary work on the Grimsby substation is already underway, with complete construction due to start shortly and energisation targeted for early 2026.
This move strengthens Aura Power’s UK pipeline, which totals 0.5GWp and is expected to be built out by 2028. The Bristol-based firm also has a global solar and battery energy storage pipeline of approximately 12GW.
Rabobank has been accelerating its UK clean energy portfolio. In recent months, it committed £135 million to Aukera Energy for five solar projects totalling 220MWp and co-financed a £42 million loan with ING for 125MW of battery storage projects led by Field. It also supported Enray Power in closing finance for the 68.5MWp Camblesforth Solar Farm, which includes a co-located 24MWh battery.
Qualcomm to acquire Leeds’ Alphawave Semi
US intelligent computing firm Qualcomm has reached an agreement for the terms and conditions of its acquisition of Leeds-based Alphawave Semi, with an implied enterprise value of approximately $2.4bn.
The acquisition of Alphawave Semi aims to further accelerate, and provide key assets for, Qualcomm’s expansion into data centers.
Alphawave Semi is a leader in high-speed wired connectivity and compute technologies delivering IP, custom silicon, connectivity products and chiplets that drive faster, more reliable data transfer with higher performance and lower power consumption.
Alphawave Semi’s products form a part of the core infrastructure enabling next generation services in a wide array of high growth applications, including data centers, AI, data networking and data storage.
“Under Tony’s leadership Alphawave Semi has developed leading high-speed wired connectivity and compute technologies that are complementary to our power-efficient CPU and NPU cores,” said Cristiano Amon, president and CEO of Qualcomm Incorporated.
“Qualcomm’s advanced custom processors are a natural fit for data center workloads. The combined teams share the goal of building advanced technology solutions and enabling next-level connected computing performance across a wide array of high growth areas, including data center infrastructure.”
“Qualcomm’s acquisition of Alphawave Semi represents a significant milestone for us and an opportunity for our business to join forces with a respected industry leader and drive value to our customers,” said Tony Pialis, president and CEO of Alphawave Semi.
“By combining our resources and expertise, we will be well-positioned to expand our product offerings, reach a broader customer base, and enhance our technological capabilities. Together, we will unlock new opportunities for growth, drive innovation, and create a leading player in AI compute and connectivity solutions.”
This acquisition of Alphawave Semi is expected to complete during the first quarter of 2026.
University of Sheffield spinout company awarded £2.3m to develop motor neuron disease therapies
Biotechnology company Crucible Therapeutics, a University of Sheffield spinout company, has been awarded £2.3m to develop breakthrough therapies that address underlying causes of motor neuron disease (MND).
The grant from the Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst program will support the advancement of Crucible’s differentiated siRNA program aimed at treating MND, which is also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and other devastating neurodegenerative conditions.
The funding will enable Crucible, in partnership with Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), to scale up manufacturing and advance its lead clinical candidate into pivotal non-clinical safety studies – an essential step toward initiating first-in-human clinical trials for MND/ALS.
Crucible’s unique therapeutic approach targets rogue RNA molecules and toxic proteins that contribute to neurodegeneration, aiming to protect motor neurons from progressive damage. This innovative strategy holds promise as a first-in-class, disease-modifying treatment for patients affected by MND/ALS.
MND/ALS is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterised by muscle weakness, paralysis, and ultimately respiratory failure. Toxic protein accumulation, seen in the vast majority of MND cases, directly damages motor neurons, disrupting nerve signaling and leading to severe muscle atrophy and loss of function that defines the disease.
Jonathan Foley, executive director and CDO of Crucible Therapeutics, said: “We are thrilled to receive Innovate UK funding as part of the Biomedical Catalyst, which will accelerate our research into a potential new treatment for ALS. This funding will support crucial translational research that brings us a step closer to delivering a therapy that could make a real difference for people living with this devastating disease.”
Zonal pricing model could unlock millions in savings for UK manufacturers
A new independent analysis by FTI Consulting suggests that adopting zonal pricing in Britain’s electricity market could save industrial manufacturers in East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire nearly £20 million, with broader national benefits exceeding £ 1 billion in cost reductions.
The study, commissioned by Octopus Energy, outlines how zonal pricing, which charges electricity based on regional supply and demand, would offer a more efficient alternative to the current flat-rate model. Under the proposed system, large industrial users in high-renewable or low-demand regions would benefit from significantly reduced electricity rates, relieving pressure on sectors already burdened by globally uncompetitive energy costs.
The findings are especially relevant for energy-intensive industries such as steel, chemicals, ceramics, paper, automotive, and tech, many of which are currently excluded from the government’s British Industry Supercharger scheme. While the Supercharger provides subsidies to about 370 firms, it does so by increasing costs for other consumers. That levy, currently totalling £410 million, is projected to more than double by the 2030s.
In contrast, zonal pricing is positioned as a zero-cost reform for households and small businesses. By reducing costs at the source rather than redistributing them, it could bring immediate relief to thousands of firms. Examples include savings of up to £19 million for a glassworks in Scotland, £14.5 million for a paper mill in North Wales, and £5–6 million for a car manufacturer in the North East.
The proposal has gained traction across the regulatory and industrial landscape, with support from Ofgem, NESO, Citizens Advice, the House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee, and trade groups including techUK. These backers argue that energy cost reform is essential to maintaining the UK’s industrial competitiveness and attracting investment in future-facing sectors, such as data infrastructure and green manufacturing.
Electric HGV trial marks milestone in Royal Mail fleet transition
Magtec has begun a government-backed trial with Royal Mail to test new 19-tonne electric HGVs, as part of efforts to decarbonise one of the UK’s largest delivery fleets. The Rotherham-based manufacturer is supplying the fully electric trucks, developed and built in the UK, for operations at Royal Mail’s Greenford Mail Centre in North West London.
The project, supported by an £800,000 Innovate UK grant, will assess the vehicles’ performance under real-world conditions compared with Royal Mail’s existing fleet. With a range of up to 125 miles and a top speed of 56mph, the trucks are designed to handle typical urban routes while maintaining payload capacity for heavy-duty logistics. The flexibility of battery configurations allows operators to tailor the range to meet route requirements.
Magtec’s Gen2 electric driveline system builds on its proven track record, with over 2.5 million miles logged on UK roads. The company has previously delivered successful innovations under the APC and SBRI programmes and is positioning its technology as a scalable solution for fleet operators targeting net-zero emissions.
Royal Mail, which already operates over 7,000 electric vans powered by 100% renewable electricity, is on track to meet its 2040 net-zero target. The company reports the lowest carbon emissions per parcel among UK couriers and aims to halve its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. This trial provides an opportunity to extend decarbonisation into heavier segments of its fleet.
Outbound travel growth offers £62bn boost by 2030
The UK’s outbound travel sector is projected to grow 20% by 2030, reaching an annual value of £62 billion, according to new data from Abta. The report positions outbound travel as a critical contributor to the UK economy, up from its current £52 billion valuation, with significant implications for regional infrastructure and wider economic resilience.
The study highlights the role of outbound travel in sustaining regional airports, where leisure travel accounts for up to 90% of passenger volume in specific locations, such as the East Midlands, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, and Exeter. Without robust outbound demand, these airports risk financial instability, which could undermine inbound tourism and harm local economies that rely on visitor spending.
Abta also underlines the broader commercial ripple effect, including support for domestic tourism and facilitation of international trade via business travel and cargo transported on passenger flights.
However, the trade body warns that realising this potential depends on government support through targeted tax and regulatory reforms. These include advancing sustainable aviation fuel initiatives, easing UK-EU travel frictions, and avoiding compounding taxes on tourism businesses.
Abta is calling for policy acceleration and strategic backing to position the UK as a global leader in sustainable travel and strengthen the sector’s contribution to jobs, trade, and regional development.
Battery storage approved for West Yorkshire site
Wakefield Council has approved plans for a large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) on a six-acre site near Castleford. The project, led by Harmony Energy, will feature 36 storage units designed to capture renewable energy and release it to the National Grid during periods of high demand.
The site, located off Holmfield Lane, was previously designated as greenbelt land under the council’s January 2024 Local Plan. Still, a national policy revision in December reclassified it as “grey belt,” easing planning restrictions. Despite objections from 49 residents citing concerns over traffic, fire risk, and wildlife disruption, the scheme was granted planning permission.
The project aligns with Wakefield’s target of reaching net zero by 2038 and reflects the wider national shift toward decentralised, renewable-focused grid infrastructure. The West Yorkshire Fire Service has requested that the design adhere to national safety guidelines for battery facilities.
This approval follows a similar green light for another BESS development less than a mile away near the former Ferrybridge Power Station, signalling increased momentum for grid-balancing infrastructure in the region.
Sheffield Forgemasters details £1.3bn plans
Ministry of Defence-owned Sheffield Forgemasters has seen its recapitalisation plan increased from £900 million to £1.3 billion to increase capacity for defence manufacture.
Under the Government’s announced increase in defence spend, the infrastructure at Sheffield Forgemasters has been challenged to meet additional demand for its unique output, with greater resilience, faster production, and reduced lead times.
The company supports UK sovereign production of nuclear submarine and warhead programmes through BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce Submarines Limited, Babcock International and the UK’s Atomic Weapons Establishment.
Gary Nutter, CEO at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “When the company was acquired by the MoD in 2021, the recapitalisation programme was in its infancy as we looked to upgrade our capability from legacy assets installed in the 1960s and 1970s.
“We originally aimed to use existing buildings to house new machinery, but as we explored increasing defence output, space became paramount, so we purchased an additional 21 acres of predominantly brownfield land to build a dedicated, new machining facility.
“The number of machines required to meet targets for the UK submarine programme has also grown to include 15 of the world’s most advanced, large vertical turning lathes, and associated equipment.
“Our new Forging Line has also been reconfigured, with increased capacity for furnaces, quench tanks and cranes so that defence critical submarine components can be delivered to an increased drumbeat.
“This has seen our workforce grow from 600 to more than 720, intake of apprentices averaging 25 to 30 per year, construction work on-site now employs more than 900 people and more than 35 per cent of the spend has been made in Yorkshire.
“Recapitalisation is driving a broader business transformation, delivering operational excellence and significant productivity improvements. This underpins our priority requirement to deliver excellent products, on time, to our key customers.”
Sheffield Forgemasters’ new Forge and Machine Shop are set to be operational by the end of the decade, dramatically increasing the company’s efficiency and accuracy for some of the world’s most complex cast and forged products.
Gary added: “The volume of investment is an incredible story not just for Sheffield, but for the UK, with these facilities protecting hundreds of highly skilled engineering jobs for decades to come.
“We are well underway with the new Forging Line, with foundations almost completed and steelwork due to go up at the end of the year, and our New Machine Shop site has been prepared for piling work to begin.
“What is being created here is an incredible legacy for the UK and for our allies and will play a fundamental role in the defence of our realm.”
RIEGL UK expands footprint at York Science Park
LiDAR technology firm RIEGL UK has relocated to a larger facility at York Science Park to support growing demand across the UK and Ireland. The new site, located at No. 4 Innovation Close, offers expanded infrastructure to support increased project activity, new client inquiries, and operational requirements.
The upgraded premises feature a dedicated workshop for sensor calibration, validation testing, and light inspection work, designed to accelerate service turnaround times and enhance quality control. A new training facility has been introduced to deliver technical education to clients, partners, and end-users. The site also features expanded space for meetings, demonstrations, and customer engagement activities.
This move marks a strategic investment in local support and training capabilities as RIEGL UK continues to scale its presence in the region. It aligns with the company’s global strategy of delivering advanced LiDAR solutions with strong technical backing and regional service.
Medical tech firm expands in York with council backing
Canadian medical technology company Icentia has established and expanded its UK operations in York, citing the city’s talent pool, infrastructure, and tailored business support as key enablers of growth.
Founded in Quebec in 2012, Icentia develops wearable ECG devices that monitor cardiac rhythms and support early diagnosis of heart conditions. After a monitoring period of up to 14 days, patients return the devices by post to Icentia’s UK base in Monks Cross, where cardiac physiologists analyse the data and send results directly to clinicians.
The company initially launched at York Science Park and later relocated to larger premises at Monks Cross to accommodate its growing operations. Icentia has recruited several graduates from the University of York and York St John University, and continues to benefit from the region’s skilled workforce.
The City of York Council’s Economic Growth team has played a key role in the company’s growth. Assistance included site identification, local network access, funding introductions, and guidance on sustainability initiatives such as a bespoke Carbon Reduction Plan. The business is also navigating exports into Europe with the council’s help amid wider regulatory changes.
Icentia’s experience highlights the value of regional partnerships in supporting international firms to scale and embed within the UK’s life sciences sector.
Saffery makes partner promotion in Leeds
Chartered accounting and business advisory firm, Saffery, has promoted Rick Dunkley to partner within its corporate audit division in its Leeds office.
Rick, who joined Saffery in 2022, previously worked for RSM UK for ten years. He specialises in advising owner-managed businesses, entrepreneurs, and medium to large corporates across a wide range of sectors, including recruitment, construction and manufacturing. He also has experience in auditing specialist Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulated entities and leading pension scheme audits.
With experience delivering statutory audits for UK based and international firms – including those with a turnover in excess of £500m – Rick works closely with Nexia, a global network of independent accounting and consulting firms of which Saffery is a member, providing support to clients operating across borders and in complex regulatory environments.
His technical expertise includes providing International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) support for AIM-listed companies and advising on complex accounting transactions, such as reverse acquisitions and IFRS 2 warrant arrangements.
Commenting on his promotion, Rick said: “It’s a real privilege to be joining the partnership at Saffery and to be part of a team that is genuinely passionate about client service. I’m looking forward to continuing to support our clients’ growth ambitions and further developing our presence in Yorkshire from our incredible office base in Wellington Place in Leeds, as well as helping to develop the brilliant team we have at Saffery.”
Sally Appleton, partner and head of the Yorkshire office, added: “Rick’s promotion is a reflection of his outstanding contribution to our clients and the team since joining us. His technical expertise, commercial acumen, and dedication to client service make him a valuable asset to our leadership group in Leeds.
“Rick will continue to lead on delivering high-quality audit services, building trusted relationships with clients, and supporting the next generation of professionals at Saffery.”
College receives £600k to train skilled agri-food workforce
Students at Riseholme College are to benefit from enhanced agriculture and horticulture facilities and equipment, thanks to funding from Greater Lincolnshire’s devolution deal.
Riseholme, based on the outskirts of Lincoln, will receive £600,000 of investment for new skills training infrastructure as a result of the deal agreed with the government last year for Greater Lincolnshire to get a new combined authority headed up by an elected mayor.
Land-based college Riseholme will invest in a new state-of-the-art Centre for Plant and Soil Science with the funding.
It will be created by expanding the current practical learning space at Riseholme Park and creating a specialist horticulture laboratory and teaching area at the college’s Showground Campus, next to Lincolnshire Showground.
The centre will support the delivery of a range of qualifications across further education, higher education, apprenticeships and short and part-time courses in agriculture and horticulture.
A range of industry-standard agricultural equipment, including a telehandler, tractor and loader and a portable weighbridge platform will be purchased with the funding as well. The new equipment will also include a crop sprayer and virtual welding simulator.
Beth Curtis, vice principal at Riseholme College, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this funding, which will directly benefit our students by giving them access to cutting-edge facilities and industry-standard equipment.
“This funding is not just about new resources – it represents a significant step forward in our mission to prepare learners for successful and meaningful careers in the ever-evolving fields of agriculture and horticulture.
“It is essential that our students develop the hands-on skills, knowledge and adaptability that employers are looking for both now and in the future.
“We’re incredibly grateful for this recognition of the work we do and the role Riseholme College plays in shaping the future of the agri-food sector.
“It reinforces our commitment to excellence in education and training, and our ongoing dedication to nurturing the next generation of skilled, innovative and work-ready professionals who will drive these crucial industries forward.”
Riseholme is one of six educational bodies to receive a share of £2.5m under the devolution deal.
Yorkshire’s DJH acquires historic Midlands accountancy practice
DJH has added an historic accountancy practice to its ranks.
The group, which has major regional offices in Huddersfield, Leeds and Sheffield, has acquired Nicklin, a business that has been delivering financial and accountancy services to the West Midlands for more than 90 years.
The partnership strengthens DJH’s presence in the region and builds on existing offices in Stoke-on-Trent and Walsall, with a 230-strong team now in position to support SMEs, owner-managed businesses and high-net-worth individuals.
DJH said in a statement: “There are a lot of opportunities for us in the West Midlands and this deal gives us a unique opportunity to partner with one of the area’s most respected and longest standing firms.
“Both organisations thrive on delivering a personalised service that grows with the client, and this is something we want to build on, whilst offering access to a wider range of expertise.
“Continuity is extremely important to us. That’s why we’re delighted members of the Nicklin senior leadership team have agreed to stay on to write the next chapter in its story.”
Mark Howell, Managing Director of Nicklin, said: “This is a great move for our team and our clients, who will now have access to the wider range of services and resources DJH offer.
“We’ve been serving the area for many decades and we’re fiercely passionate about giving companies, owners and GP surgeries transparent financial support to help them grow and create jobs across the region.”
He concluded: “Joining DJH gives us the autonomy to continue doing what we do best, with the benefit of additional capacity and access to experts in corporate finance, commercial funding, HR and private client planning, such as wills and probates.
“There is also the additional infrastructure that comes with being part of a group. I’m excited that having more operational support will release our team of 38 accountancy experts to spend even more time with our clients.”
