It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead. It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.Here we speak to Carrie Webb, head of communications at The Bigger Boat.Audience-driven communications will be key in 2025.
Trust building and truthtelling. Informing decision making. Meeting heightened expectations for digital and physical experiences… There’s a lot riding on your brand’s content, yet it needn’t be a tall ask of your content marketers. When it comes to understanding and delivering on your customers’ needs, your content strategy is the driving force in communicating crucial messaging. And it cannot be empty words.
In 2025, your content must be perfectly attuned to your audience segments and their customer journey, i.e. it must go so much further than simply meeting them at each brand interaction. It should be steeped in solid research that’s gotten under the skin of who your customers are, and what drives their decisions and frustrates them.
You should glean insight from your stakeholders, and extract data from pivotal moments of the customer journey to understand the why behind their behaviour. Only then, armed with a thorough view of the customer experience, will meaningful content truly engage audiences and ‘perform’ (a word that’s bandied around often but suffers from very different perceptions attached to it).
Strategic property and construction advisors, Fox Lloyd Jones (FLJ) has appointed Mark Gayton as a director, to head up its Building Surveying division, expand its service offering and drive client growth.
Mark has over 20 years’ experience in the property sector and has previously held senior roles at companies such as Hollis and Projex Building Solutions in Leeds as well as CNP in London.
FLJ provides a full breadth of building surveying services, ranging from development due diligence through to building acquisition surveys and reports, and Mark will now be tasked with driving growth opportunities in this area and play a key strategic role in the firm’s senior leadership team.
Commenting on his new appointment, Mark Gayton said: “Joining FLJ is an exciting opportunity for me to become part of a leading commercial property business in Leeds that has a strong reputation for client service and delivering a professional and results-driven approach.
“I’m looking forward to further expanding our building surveying offering by developing client relationships and providing strategic guidance which complements our existing construction, development and agency teams within the business.”
Simon Lloyd, co-founder and director at Fox Lloyd Jones, said: “Being in a position to enhance our building surveying division and senior leadership team, through the appointment of such an experienced professional as Mark, is hugely satisfying and further sustains our long-term growth.
“He brings to the business a wealth of expertise and knowledge that can only increase the level of insight and guidance we’re able to offer our client base.”
The first tenant has started trading at a new business site which has the potential to create up to 50 jobs, and the company behind the development will soon start work on a second location.
Allenby Commercial has three more units available at The Trade Yard in Barton-upon-Humber, with a fourth coming on the market after completing its festive role supporting a nationwide charity’s Christmas campaign.
The company also confirmed it will start work during the first quarter of 2025 on The Trade Yard Immingham, where planning permission was secured during the summer for six new units.
Charlie Allenby, Business Development Director at Allenby Commercial, said: “We do a lot to support local communities and we gifted one of the units at Barton for Cash for Kids to use as a seasonal headquarters for their Mission Christmas campaign.
“That project comes to an end this week as the charity concentrates on getting all the gifts which have been donated out to the families who need them. Our focus will then be on dealing with the interest which the development has generated, particularly following the arrival of Howdens as the first tenant.”
Howdens, which marks its 30th anniversary this year and now has more than 800 depots across the UK and Europe, has taken the largest unit of about 9,000 square feet at The Trade Yard at Falkland Way in Barton. The remaining four units offer 3,400 square feet each and are also capable of inter-connecting to offer up to 13,600 square feet of space.
A spokesperson for Howdens said: “We have been looking for the right location in Barton-Upon-Humber for a few years now and we are very pleased to be open at Falkland Way as part of our national expansion programme.”
The Trade Yard Immingham will offer units in Hall Park Road from 2,750 to 13,00 square feet and will again be aimed at the trade counter sector locally and nationally.
Charlie added: “The Trade Yard sites at Beverley, Scunthorpe and Willerby are all full and the success of those gave us the confidence to develop the site in Barton and to move forward at Immingham.
“It is clear that the demand is there for The Trade Yard concept, which is tailored to meet the needs of the trade counter sector and which has attracted many national brands as well as some local businesses.
“Typically The Trade Yard tenants are creating as many as ten jobs with every move and our commitment is to continue investing to help them start trading and grow.”
Jordan Stokes, Surveyor at PPH Commercial Chartered Surveyors and Commercial Property Consultants, said: “The Trade Yard Barton is an exceptionally high standard development with modern fully insulated cladding and solar panels, and Allenby Commercial has planted more than 2,000 shrubs and trees on the site.
“Barton itself has shown good demand for industrial accommodation – the nearby Humber Bridge Industrial Estate is now fully let, but there has not been a great deal of development of this sort of opportunity in the area for the last 15 to 20 years.
“The Trade Yard is the only speculative industrial development taking place at the moment and the shortage of availability is clearly a factor behind the increase in enquiries.
“It’s an opportunity for trade, warehouse and light industrial businesses to improve on the accommodation they have at the moment and it might also appeal to inward investors, as has happened at other Trade Yard locations.”
New Office for National Statistics figures showing the pace at which wages are rising indicates tough times for business, according to Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce.
She says it will be a concern for businesses continuing to grapple with the increase in employment costs announced in the autumn Budget. The unemployment rate remains unchanged, showing ongoing challenges in the labour market.
She said: “Higher employer National Insurance Contributions and an increase in the national living wage from next April mean firms are facing difficult decisions. Many say they will have to raise prices, put recruitment and investment plans on hold and look for other ways to reduce their costs.
“Although the level of vacancies in the economy is now fast approaching the pre-pandemic level, this does not mean the recruitment crisis is over. Our latest research shows that over three quarters of SMEs are still struggling to find staff with the skills they need.
“With firms reconsidering their recruitment plans due to rising employment costs, there is a risk this could impact the labour market in the months ahead. But it is crucial the Government continues to take action to tackle the skills crisis, boost workforce health and ease economic inactivity.”
Shorts has appointed Craig Walker as Tax Partner with effect from 1 December, joining existing Tax Partners Chris Chambers, Scott Burkinshaw, and David Robinson.
Responding to a decade of sustained growth, the appointment of Shorts’ fourth Tax Partner supports the company’s continued commitment to growing the Tax department and underpins the firm’s continued development and strength.
An experienced Chartered Tax Adviser and member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, Craig has over 20 years’ tax experience at large regional firms and a top 15 firm, and he rejoins Shorts twelve years after previously completing his early tax training at the firm.
An enthusiastic advocate for his hometown of Chesterfield, Craig will be based out of the firm’s offices at Ashgate Road and will advise clients on all areas of UK taxation with a particular focus on Private Client work. Going forward, his role will transition progressively towards taking a more active role in the leadership and strategy of the firm, in particular within the Private Client team as Chris Chambers moves towards retirement.
Craig said “I am thrilled and honoured to be joining the team at Shorts, during such an exciting time in the firm’s growth and history, and I am proud to take this next step on my professional journey. I am very much looking forward to working with the leadership team.”
Property group Eddisons has appointed Nick Foster as its new head of health and safety.
Working across the firm’s Building Consultancy team, Mr Foster will be based in the firm’s Leeds head office but will have a national remit to oversee health and safety compliance and ensure best practice across every design and construction project.
He joins Eddisons with more than three decades’ experience in the construction sector, including 15 years as a health and safety professional, working for major contractors and Leeds Beckett University.
Headed by regional managing partner Ian Harrington, Eddisons’ Building Consultancy division includes a specialist education team which works as a key adviser to schools and colleges across the UK on making successful applications to secure Government funding for building improvement projects.
Mt Harrington said: “As health and safety legislation continues to evolve and become
ever more complex, Nick’s wealth of knowledge and proactive approach will be instrumental as we grow our building consultancy services, particularly in the education sector.
Mr Foster said: “This is an exciting time to be joining Eddisons and to be able to contribute to their reputation for excellence in building consultancy. Changes to the Construction, Design and Management Regulations and Building Regulations are widening the scope and responsibility of health and safety in any design and construction projects.
“I am looking forward to helping the firm continue their proactive approach and to providing best-in-class support, and safe and compliant, innovative solutions for clients.”
I’Anson Bros Ltd have completed their technologically-advanced £20m animal feed mill Waterloo House after ten years’ planning and two in construction.
It is the largest-ever investment by the Masham family-owned and managed firm, which celebrates its 125th anniversary next year.
Designed by Dutch milling industry specialists Ottevanger with ground works handled by Harrogate-based contractor HACS and equipment installation by GAME Engineering of Lincoln, the facility is on the Dalton Industrial Estate in North Yorkshire.
At 35 metres tall at its highest point, the mill is a striking new feature on the North Yorkshire skyline, almost twice as high as the Angel of the North.
MD Sarah Richardson, a member of the fourth generation of the family to run the business, said: “Commissioning and formal hand-over of the new mill is a highly significant occasion in the history of our business and for the UK feed industry as a whole. It is a milestone achievement made possible by the commitment of all our colleagues in the firm and the skilled and dedicated project partners and contractors that has brought this initiative to life. We are now embarked on a phased build-up of production and operational capability.
“We are very proud to be a Yorkshire business and an integral part of the rural community and its economy. Throughout our history we have been committed to producing animal feeds of the highest quality and this significant investment means we can continue to provide current and future customers with a sustainable, long-term source of supply.
“We also support local farmers by providing an expanding market for their crops as well as creating new employment opportunities and long-term careers for our workforce.”
The temptation to ask: “Who left their Jimmy Choos on the choo-choo?” is hard to resist, but resist it we will – though that doesn’t change the fact that a pair of bright pink size fours by the iconic designer were left on a Hull Trains service.
They’re amongst a bizarre collection of items including false teeth, glass eyes, keys to a brand new Mercedes, and a clown suit amongst the ten most unusual items taken to lost property.
Other items included wheelchairs, a drum kit and guitars. David Bliss, Hull Trains Planning Administrator, who managed the lost property for Hull Trains for many years, reveals that many other weird and wonderful items regularly found their way to him over the 24 years the operator has been running.
He said: “I could have made my own android person from the amount of prosthetic body parts we’ve had left on our trains over the years. Nothing ever surprised me by the end. We’ve had everything left behind that you could think of at some point!”
“One of my favourite stories is that we once had a wedding dress, complete with associated bridesmaid dresses, left on the train. The unfortunate lady had apparently travelled from Canada and then accidentally picked up a similar looking case from another passenger when departing the train.
“The case she ended up taking belonged to an entertainer and had a clown suit in it. That would have proved quite a surprise when opening the case, I’m sure! Despite my best-efforts, including liaison with the airline and a national newspaper appeal in Canada, the customer never came forward and the dress eventually went to The Red Cross. At least it found a new home!
“Wherever possible we do our absolute best to reunite people with their possessions and it’s lovely seeing their faces if they do get something important back. However, the best plan is always prevention by double checking before leaving the train.”
Leeds drainage and wastewater utility specialist Lanes Group has acquired North West septic tank specialist S&C Foster, supporting the company’s strategic growth plans in the UK utility market.
Lanes Group is a national drainage company providing services for utility, rail, local government, transportation, construction, telecoms and domestic sectors. The company was established in Leeds in 1992, and is now made up of a network of 25 locations in the UK, with a workforce of more than 4,000 people.
Founded in 1990, Preston-based S&C Foster provides both domestic and commercial tanker, jetting and liquid removal services in Lancashire and the surrounding regions.
The acquisition will support Lanes Group’s ambitions for UK expansion, bringing together two strategically aligned businesses, bolstering Lanes Group’s existing commercial activity in the North West.
RSM’s deal team managed the acquisition, led by James Wild and Rikesh Patel, with support from Ben Everson and Austin Halewood. Mills & Reeve provided legal advice. This transaction marks the second buy-side sale for Lanes Group advised by RSM this year, following the company’s acquisition of Clear-flow in February.
Rikesh Patel, corporate finance director at RSM, said: “The team at RSM was delighted to advise Lanes Group on another successful transaction which supports the company’s strategic growth plans, especially in the North West.
“Bringing together two closely aligned businesses will help to strengthen the company’s national presence in the UK utility market. Our ongoing relationship with Lanes Group also demonstrates our commitment and capability to deliver for our clients in the middle market.”
Wayne Earnshaw, CEO at Lanes Group, said: “This is a fantastic step forward for both companies. Welcoming S&C Foster to the Lanes Group family reflects our ongoing commitment to growth and collaboration. Together, we are building on strong foundations to create even more opportunities for the future.”
Champney Treasure House, the newly renovated cultural venue in Beverley, has opened its doors to the public after work completed on a major programme of improvements.
Champney Treasure House has been renamed in honour of John Edward Champney, a local businessman who in the early 20th century made several significant donations to the original Beverley Public Library and Art Gallery.
The £3.3 million renovation programme by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, and completed by Yorkshire and Lincolnshire construction company, Hobson & Porter, has seen significant improvements made to the much-loved museum, archives, café area, tower viewing point, gardens and art gallery.
Several other services have also relocated to Champney Treasure House such as the Changing Places facility, The Tourist Information Centre (TIC), The Register Office and Beverley’s Customer Service Centre.
The library has been significantly enhanced and will feature a fully immersive sensory room and ‘Library Now’ technology which enables visitors to experience a self-service system outside of core opening hours.
The sensory room will be used by library reminiscence groups, amongst others, for captivating story telling in which the listener will be fully immersed into the story through light and sound. The room can also be used as a calm, quiet space for customers with sensory requirements.
Champney Treasure House will also open the Champney Room, a multi-use activity space, and wedding parties will be able to make the most of photo opportunities in the newly landscaped Champney Gardens, which are also open to the public to enjoy.
The walls of Beverley Art Gallery have been painted, creating a backdrop for visitors to view the gallery collection and its upcoming new exhibitions. Major improvements have also been made to the museum including a refreshed area with interactive displays and activities for children with many new exhibitions coming up.
Councillor Nick Coultish, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: “The opening of Champney Treasure House marks a significant milestone for our community. We are incredibly proud to open this new cultural venue, a space which houses many essential services whilst becoming a destination where people can come together, explore, learn and celebrate.
“We look forward to seeing Champney Treasure House become a vibrant venue for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy.”
Councillor Nigel Wilkinson, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s cabinet member for finance and governance, said: “This space will offer a variety of services to our community which will be both useful and enjoyable.
“The renovation of Champney Treasure House is a testament to our commitment to fostering a vibrant, diverse, and supportive environment for all residents which ensures best value for money. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on our community.”
Joe Booth, business development director from Hobson & Porter, said: “This has been a superb project to work on that has seen an extensive programme of improvements completed across both the historic Grade II listed parts of the building, as well as the newer contemporary extensions that were added in more recent years.
“Now that work is complete, there’s no doubt Champney Treasure House will become a hugely valuable cultural and community asset for Beverley once again, and we’re very proud to have played a key role in its evolution for future generations to enjoy.”
A new committee to encourage equality, diversity and social inclusion in the legal profession has been set up in Sheffield.
The Sheffield & District Law Society has launched its new EDI Committee which features a group of 12 legal professionals who are passionate about promoting and supporting equality, diversity and inclusion in and around Sheffield.
Wake Smith private client associate Stephanie Chung and trainee solicitor Anna Woodcock have joined the committee which will work with local law firms, affiliated organisations, and local solicitors to build a more diverse profession.
They join other committee members from law firms across the region to share good practice and ideas around EDI.
Stephanie Chung said: “Anna and I are delighted to be working with the Law Society on their newly established EDI committee.
“Our focus for the year is social mobility and raising awareness about different routes into the legal profession and bringing together junior and experienced legal practitioners.
“We will be working hard to normalise EDI events and activities and build a platform for EDI to thrive in the culturally diverse region, so everyone can potentially make the choice of the law as their career.”
Clare Young, President of Sheffield & District Law Society, added: “We aim to bring together legal professionals and firms from across the region, in order share ideas and best practice concerning EDI. We want to support all firms in creating an inclusive working environment, and the work of this new committee will help achieve this goal.
“We are also introducing a new EDI Champion Award at the Yorkshire Law Banquet and Awards in 2025, open to members of the SDLS, in order to recognise and promote their EDI initiatives.”
If you want to get involved in the committee’s work or attend upcoming events and opportunities, please contact elizabeth@sheffieldlawsociety.co.uk for further information.
A financial support package worth up to £700 million for SME housebuilders will be up for grabs through the expansion of a government programme to boost economic growth and build tens of thousands of new homes.
The existing Home Building Fund for SMEs is being extended beyond its original end date of March next year to secure millions of pounds worth of loans and investments for small housebuilding firms who would otherwise be unable to access lending elsewhere.
Providing a range of financial support, including direct loans and lending partnerships, the Fund is increasing the amount of cash available for smaller housebuilders so they can play a crucial role in the government’s Plan for Change to build 1.5 million new homes over five years. This will get more families onto the property ladder and create jobs in the areas most in need.
The extension will support the delivery of around 12,000 additional homes – on top of the 42,000 homes the Fund is already on track to deliver.
Housebuilders struggling to access the credit they need continues to be a key constraint in driving growth across the sector and today’s intervention will help remove these barriers to encourage more housebuilding and grow the economy.
Chief Executive of Homes England, Peter Denton said: “The Fund is playing a vital part in England’s housing and regeneration story. It is at the heart of unlocking opportunities and helping the market to thrive and diversify, which is essential to boost the creation of new, high-quality, sustainable homes that people want and need.
“The Fund’s extension brings certainty to the sector and will undoubtedly open doors for SMEs, who I would encourage to reach out to us, as part of a collective mission to ensure everyone in the country has a permanent place to live and thrive.”
The Yorkshire-based maker of sustainable linseed paint, Brouns & Co, has appointed real estate expert and developer Duncan Melville to its board as it gears up for further expansion in 2025.
Harrogate-based Melville, the founder and owner of student property developer Primus Property Group, has over 30 years’ experience across all components of the built asset lifecycle.
From funder to management consultant, to investor and developer, Melville has held senior leadership positions with Northern Rock plc, global real estate advisory firm Cushman and Wakefield, and global built asset firm Arcadis on project and programme delivery, before setting up his own PBSA development company over 10 years ago. He also holds an MBA with the University of Leeds.
Since its launch in 2015, Brouns & Co has grown to be one of the most established producers of historically accurate linseed paints and stains in the world.
Following a period of growth, and a move to local manufacturing in order to reduce carbon footprint, the business relocated in 2023 to a new warehouse and manufacturing facility in Sherburn in Elmet, between Leeds and York.
After another year of solid growth in 2024 with rising exports to the US market, the business has just opened a US warehouse in New Hampshire and established a US subsidiary and a dedicated US market eCommerce website.
“Our progress in recent years, and our expansion to the massive US market is a really exciting time, and we needed to deepen our board experience as we look to scale the business significantly in the coming two years,” said founder Michiel Brouns.
“Duncan’s experience within the sector is going to be critical to our UK and overseas expansion, and his understanding of how to help grow a business to take advantage of market opportunities is exactly what we need at this crucial stage of our growth,” he added.
Melville said: “I’ve known Michiel and Brouns & Co for some time, and I’ve been an advocate for natural materials and products where possible in our developments, so I’m excited to come on board to help the business at such a key stage in its growth.
“The remarkable rise in demand for linseed paint and coatings is driven by a need to preserve and protect historic buildings, where Brouns & Co have always had a strong track record with the Natural Trust and RIBA in the UK.
“But increasingly, the commissioners, specifiers and designers of new buildings and structures are demanding that natural methods, materials and components are used.
“The carbon footprint and sustainability of 100% natural paints and stains puts the business in a very good place, at just the right time,” he added.
Brouns & Co views the huge US market as a key area for growth, driven by a combination of consumer preferences for natural products, and the huge volume of wooden homes that are built and maintained in North America due to climate differences.
Two surveyors from Trident Building Consultancy’s Leeds office have been promoted to the company’s senior team.
Christian Watkins and Usmaan Mehboob, who work at the office at Carlton Tower, St Paul’s Street, have both been appointed to Associate Director from the role of Principal Surveyor.
Christian, who specialises in fire safety surveys, joined Trident Building Consultancy in 2017, passing his APC qualification in 2019.
Through his role as an APC counsellor, he also supports younger colleagues through their professional qualifications.
Christian Watkins
Usmaan also joined the company in 2017 and qualified in 2019, now specialising in large office refurbishments and other commercial surveying work.
He also sits on several management committees within the business, including those dedicated to sustainability, HR, and the Building Safety Act.
Christian said: “I’m delighted to join the senior team here at Trident Building Consultancy as it will enable me to play a more meaningful role in guiding the future direction of the business, and help to help more of my colleagues.”
Usmaan added: “I’ve always loved my job at Trident, so being promoted to Associate Director is a real source of pride. As an EOT, Trident is owned by its employees which means it is managed very much with our people in mind. This, we believe, is the secret to the business’s ongoing success.”
Dan Roe, Managing Director of Trident Building Consultancy, congratulated Christian and Usmaan on successfully taking the next step in their careers.
He said: “We are extremely fortunate at Trident Building Consultancy in that we have a great track record of recruiting and retaining talent.
“This is helped by being an EOT, meaning everyone who works at the business has a hand in making key decisions and shares in our financial success.
“To ensure this continues, we are keen to reward the hard work and talent of our people by helping them to get to the position they want to in their careers and fulfilling their potential.
“These well-deserved promotions are a reflection of that.”
More than nine in 10 (91%) private business owners in Yorkshire and the Humber are confident of delivering growth in 2025, according to KPMG UK’s first ever Private Enterprise Barometer.
The new poll gauged optimism among 1,500 private business owners, including 128 in Yorkshire and the Humber, across a range of sectors including professional services, finance, technology, industrial manufacturing and retail.
Increased demand for products and services was identified as the main reason for this confident outlook – cited by nearly half (48%) of respondents – while a similar number (46%) highlighted plans to introduce new technologies into their business as reason for optimism.
Indeed, Yorkshire-based businesses are amongst the most likely to recognise the benefits of introducing new technologies, with almost three quarters (71%) highlighting it as an important area for investment, compared to just 63% of privately held businesses nationwide.
Cited amongst the key reasons for such investment were a clear desire to improve customer service (52%) and decision-making (52%). Indeed, firms in the region are 10 percentage points more likely than the national average to be investing in customer relationship management (CRM) tech.
However, securing and developing the necessary skills for businesses to capitalise on growth and digitalisation opportunities continues to represent a challenge. More than a third (37%) of firms in Yorkshire and the Humber were said to be finding it difficult to recruit people with the right skills.
Firms in the region were also found to be more likely than the national average to be struggling with retaining newly recruited staff (32% vs the national average of 25%).
Phil Murden, Leeds Office Senior Partner at KPMG UK, said: “Having weathered many storms in recent years, it’s down to the true resilience of Yorkshire and Humberside’s private business community that confidence is so high.
“Regional business leaders’ clear focus on customer proposition, improving products and services, and better understanding business performance, will continue to help them to deliver growth. Also identifying where new technologies can support key strategic goals is the smart way to future-proof and stay ahead of competitors.
“Guiding the region’s business community through unprecedented digital opportunity and disruption will require businesses to get their hands on the right skills. Taking the plunge and investing in talent is key.”
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead. It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.Here we speak to Rob Shaw, CEO at HUB.
As CEO of an integrated marketing agency, I liaise with clients across various sectors
utilising diverse advertising channels. Looking towards 2025, my focus is on the implications of the recent budget which remains to be fully realised.
One key element involves rising employment costs, including increases in employer NI
contributions and changes to employment rights – both of which I believe will slow the rate of new jobs in 2025.
Subsequently, I believe retailers will double down on e-commerce advertising which does not have such a direct impact on headcount as high-street retail. Retailers have significantly pushed their online activities and sales campaigns in Q4, and I expect this to continue into 2025.
Another area we monitor closely is the evolution of TV advertising, and HUB has long
collaborated with ITV, Channel 4, Sky and others to secure advertising space that delivers
results for our clients. With the growth of streaming platforms, and the evolution of ITVX and programmatic advertising from Sky, TV advertising is becoming more accessible to brands with smaller budgets thanks to the ability to target tightly defined audiences.
We are seeing more companies take their first steps into TV advertising on these platforms
as part of a wider marketing campaign to great effect, and I expect this to continue for years to come.
While 2024 presented commercial challenges for many businesses, we remain optimistic for
2025. Companies with the right products or services leveraging the most suitable marketing channels will always find themselves well-positioned to succeed.
The once in a generation £300m development plan for the former RAF Scampton air base, in collaboration with development partner Scampton Holdings Ltd, is back on the table after West Lindsey District Council officially submitted an expression of interest to acquire the site.
The regeneration opportunity was paused when the Home Office intervened using emergency powers, to use the site for asylum accommodation. However, on 5th September this year they confirmed they would not proceed with its asylum accommodation plans on the site.
The Home Office declared the site as surplus to their operational requirements and listed the site on the government’s Electronic Property Information System.
This triggered a 40-day expression of interest period, during which time any public sector organisations could set out their case for acquisition. The deadline for submission of expressions of interest was 12 December.
Peter Hewitt, Chairman of Scampton Holdings Limited welcomed the news and said: “This is a chance to reignite our plans that prioritise economic growth, historical preservation, and community needs. We are committed to doing what we can and continue to work hard with the Council to ensure a bright future for RAF Scampton.”
Cllr Trevor Young, Leader of West Lindsey District Council confirmed the council officially submitted its expression of interest in acquiring the site.
He said: “With the site now officially surplus to Home Office requirements, the council sees an opportunity to revisit and advance our development goals in partnership with key stakeholders. Subject to Home Office decision making, this will enable us to continue our journey to secure the significant investment and regeneration of this key, strategic site
“RAF Scampton is a site of immense historical and economic importance, and we remain committed to unlocking its full potential for the benefit of our community.
“While the past two years have brought challenges, we are determined to pursue our original vision and ensure the site is used in a way that respects its legacy and supports sustainable growth.”
The council’s plans aim to honour RAF Scampton’s heritage and create business, aerospace, space and education opportunities to stimulate the local economy. The opportunity at RAF Scampton is included in the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan, which has been named the Best Plan in the East Midlands by the Royal Town Planning Institute.
The council has submitted an expression of interest which sets out the case for site acquisition and how the site can support the mission for inclusive, sustainable, growth and regeneration. The Council will continue to engage with residents, businesses, and stakeholders to ensure a collaborative approach to its future. Further updates will be provided once the outcome of the expression of interest is known.
Biffa has been awarded the City of Lincoln Council’s £5.5m-a-year waste/recycling and street cleansing contract, starting on 1 September 2026 and running for at least eight years.
This redesigned, respecified, and repackaged contract reflects the council’s commitment to delivering improved efficiency, enhanced sustainability, and high standards of service for Lincoln’s community.
The waste/recycling service includes comprehensive collection of residual waste, dry recycling, garden waste, and clinical waste.
The street cleansing service includes street sweeping, litter collection, fly-tipping removal, clearing abandoned vehicles, and graffiti cleaning.
The new contract will also include improved environmental credentials, including the use of electric vans and solar panels at the depot.
The tender process attracted significant interest from leading industry players, ensuring a strong competition. Biffa’s bid was selected based on a combination of factors to assess the value for money that each tenderer provided.
The award has been made in good time to permit opportunity for specialist vehicle procurement, and opportunity to plan for the delivery of the various changes required by the new contract format.
This new partnership emphasises sustainability, aligning with the council’s vision for a cleaner, greener Lincoln. Key investment in new vehicles and modern IT, will ensure the city’s services continue to develop positively while reducing the environmental impact.
Cllr Bob Bushell at City of Lincoln Council, said: “This new contract represents a significant step forward in how we manage waste and ensure our city’s cleanliness.
“As a council, we’ve incorporated innovative and environmentally friendly measures to meet the evolving needs of our community and to address our upcoming Vision 2030’s priority, ‘Let’s address the challenge of climate change’.
“City of Lincoln Council is proud to have secured a contract that balances quality, cost, and environmental responsibility for the benefit of Lincoln residents and visitors alike.”
Innovative technology behind Siemens Mobility’s British battery trains has been rolled out in the East Brandenburg network in Germany.
More than 30 of the company’s Mireo Plus B trains are being phased in on the Berlin Brandenburg metropolitan region, and are said to be the latest proof of the technology that underpins the Desiro Verve project in Britain, which would be assembled at Siemens Mobility’s new Train Manufacturing Facility in Goole.
Sambit Banerjee, Joint CEO at Siemens Mobility UK & Ireland, said: “It’s fantastic to see the innovative technology that will underpin our British Desiro Verve trains already being put into action. The completion of these latest journeys demonstrates that the technology for our British battery trains is here, is working and is ready to transform rail travel.
“The Desiro Verve would be assembled at our state-of-the-art Goole Rail Village in Yorkshire and offers an integrated solution to replace Britain’s aging diesel trains without having to electrify hundreds of miles of track, saving the country £3.5 billion over 35 years and providing a practical path to decarbonising British railways.”
In June, Siemens Mobility identified how the Desiro Verve could save Britain’s railways £3.5 billion over 35 years compared with using diesel-battery-electric ‘tri-mode’ trains. This would support the Government’s aim of removing diesel-only trains from Britain’s railways by 2040.
The British trains would be powered by overhead wires on already electrified routes, then switch to battery power where there are no wires. That means only small sections of the routes and/or particular stations have to be electrified with overhead line equipment, making it much quicker and less disruptive to replace diesel trains compared to full electrification.
More than 900 people attended the 26th Doncaster Business Awards ceremony organised by the Chamber of Commerce.
Dan Fell, the Chamber Chief Exec said: “A dependable highlight in the calendar, the Awards always showcases our city’s business community at its finest. And while the competition is fierce year after year, I must confess to being absolutely bowled over by the calibre of 2024’s various nominees & winners.
“The judges have selected some truly incredible organisations and entrepreneurs, all of whom are a credit to Doncaster. Indeed, the astounding entrepreneurialism, fierce tenacity, bold innovation, inspiring behaviour, and general excellence on display last night was quite something to behold.
“It was therefore an immense privilege to be in the room with everyone celebrating all of the exemplary success stories that are unfolding right here on our doorstep and it instilled with me great confidence about where Doncaster is heading in the future. With that said, I would like to thank everyone who made this inspiring evening possible, from our hosts at Doncaster racecourse right through to our amazing roster of finalists, our generous sponsors and, of course, the fantastic team I am privileged to lead at the Chamber.”
A special lifetime achievement prize was given to Richard Sprenger, Founder and Chair of the market-leading Highfield. President of Doncaster Chamber, Fabian Braithwaite, said: “It was a privilege to present this accolade to Richard, who has done so much to put our city on the map and whose individual contributions cannot be understated. Indeed, over the course of his storied career, Richard has been a distinguished pilar of the community and a great ambassador for South Yorkshire on the international stage.”
The winners were
Lifetime Achievement Award – Sponsored by DN Colleges Group
Richard Sprenger, Chairman of Highfield – Winner
People’s Choice Award
Exceed Learning Partnership – Winner
Campaign of the Year – Sponsored by MultiWebMarketingYorkshire Wildlife Park – Winner
Self-Employed Person of the Year – Sponsored by Yorkshire Wildlife ParkQuinlan Couture Bridal – Winner
Partnership of the Year – Sponsored by Polypipe Building ProductsClub Doncaster Foundation – Winner
Green Business of the Year – Sponsored by The University of Sheffield and South Yorkshire Sustainability CentreEnviro Electronics – Winner
Micro Business of the Year – Sponsored by Aggregates R UsBerjen – Winner
Local Impact of the Year – Sponsored by Westfield Health
First Bus – Winner
Charity of the Year – Sponsored by Eco-Power GroupFlourish Enterprises – Winner
Medium Business of the Year – Sponsored by King Asia FoodsUrban Burgers Group LTD – Winner
New Business of the Year – Sponsored by Launchpad
Stride Yorkshire – Winner
Innovation of the Year – Sponsored by Haith GroupAutomated Analytics – Winner
Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by the South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Hub
Liam Thorton – Certex – Winner
Small Business of the Year – Sponsored by Sheffield Hallam UniversityBST Detectable Products – Winner
Employer of the Year – Sponsored by Orb RecruitmentDolphin ICT – Winner
Education Provider of the Year – Sponsored by KeepmoatTrinity Academy – Winner
Customer Service of the Year – Sponsored by HandelsbankenFireplace Studio – Winner
Large Business of the Year – Sponsored by TwentyFour IT ServicesHighfield Group – Winner
