Contractor named for £2.95m sea wall project in Filey
Ipswich-based Jackson Civil Engineering Limited has been appointed as principal contractor for a £2.95m repair scheme to protect Filey’s sea wall, and will start work on site in September, with completion scheduled for next year.
The work is funded by a grant from the Environment Agency, and aims to ensure the sea defence remains viable for the next 50 years.
The scheme will cover a 1.1-kilometre stretch of the coast between Coble Landing in the north and Royal Parade in the south.
The defences were built between the 19th and 20th centuries, protecting 626 residential and 166 non-residential properties, as well as five Yorkshire Water assets, including sewage pumping stations.
Executive member for highways, transport and coastal protection, Cllr Keane Duncan, said: “We are pleased to be able to begin the essential repair scheme which will enhance the condition of the sea wall by replacing damaged blocks, slipways and steps.
“Extensive preparatory work has been carried out to ensure the stability of the wall and public safety. This includes comprehensive surveys and investigations to enable us to choose the best construction method and equipment.
The council has worked closely with its delivery partner and local businesses to minimise disruption. The project is due to begin on 24 August, but construction won’t start until mid-September to avoid the peak tourist season.
Competition and Markets Authority provisionally clears sugar deal
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally cleared T&L Sugars’ acquisition of Tereos UK & Ireland’s retail sugar business.
The provisional decision – taken by an independent CMA panel – comes after a Phase 2 review revealed that Tereos’ UK retail operation could close.
Azets makes 22 promotions across three Yorkshire offices
Advisory, outsourcing, and compliance group Azets has announced 22 promotions across its Yorkshire business.
Richard Oddy (Restructuring, Leeds) has become a partner while Becky Dawson (Technical Accounting, York), James Durham (ABAS, York), Kim Major (Tax, Leeds), Naveen Sahney (Tax, York) have been promoted to director.
They are among 12 promotions in Azets’ Leeds office, eight in York and two in Bradford.
Russell Turner, regional MD for Azets in Yorkshire, said: “We’re continually investing in people and advisory rich services. These appointments strengthen our breadth and depth of experience and expertise to help our clients achieve their ambitions.
“My congratulations go to all of those celebrating these well-deserved promotions.”
Peter Gallanagh, Azets UK CEO said: “Azets is a purpose-driven organisation that places inclusion at the heart of its values.
“We will continue to build our people strategy and drive cultural change as we continue to be an agile, open, technology led advisory business and accelerate growth.”
Azets has offices in Leeds, Bradford and York, where it employs 334 people.
Rail operator switches Drax trains to run on vegetable oil
DB Cargo UK has switched all trains it operates in and out of Drax Power Station to run on hydro-treated vegetable oil.
DB Cargo UK currently transports around 4.5 million tonnes of biomass pellets to Drax Power Station annually, operating around 60 trains a week to the site.
It is estimated that by switching from traditional red diesel to HVO will reduce rail freight carbon emissions by up to 90%, saving over 12,000 tonnes of carbon each year equivalent to 30 million miles worth of car journeys.
DB Cargo UK’s Chief Sales Officer Roger Neary said the decision by Drax to adopt the use of HVO in its trains was a win for both companies. “The Government had set the rail industry a stretching target to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and remove all diesel only traction by 2040 so the use of HVO in our trains will go a long way to helping us meet that challenge,” said Roger.
“At the same time, it will help Drax meet its own sustainability targets and minimise its impact on the environment.
“Until a firm commitment is made to electrification of the UK network, HVO is the only credible solution to rail freight decarbonisation. More services could be operated with HVO if the right policies and incentives were in place to enable more customers to make the switch.”
HVO is marketed as one of the world’s purest and greenest fuels. It is synthetically made through the hydro-treatment process from vegetable oils or animal fats which significantly reduces harmful carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxideemissions when used in diesel vehicles and machinery. It is derived from 100% waste products and no virgin products are used in its manufacture.
York company completes another acquisition and expands in the south west
Green Building Renewables has added Poole-based H2ecO Limited to it growing nationwide network, marking the twelfth acquisition in its buy-and-build strategy.
Since formation in 2021 the company has grown from its base at Dunnington near York to have sixteen locations across England.
MD Chris Delaney said: “The acquisition of H2ecO is a significant milestone in our journey toward becoming the UK’s leading green technology installation business by the end of 2025.
“We are thrilled to welcome the team in Poole to the broader Green Building Renewables family. The South Coast is a prime location for homeowners and businesses to benefit from renewable technologies. We look forward to enabling more people in this region to improve the performance of their properties.”
H2ecO, founded by the husband-and-wife duo Mike and Julie Stephenson, has been a pioneering force in the renewable technology sector for 14 years.
Chris added: “We are particularly excited about H2ecO’s on-site training facility, which aligns perfectly with our own ambitions for industry-leading training and development. The quality of their work and their dedication to renewable technology make them an ideal addition to the GBR family.”
New future proposed for former rail training college
A future for the former National College for Advanced Transport and Infrastructure (NCATI) building will be proposed to City of Doncaster Council’s Cabinet next week.
The uniquely designed building on Carolina Way near Lakeside has been closed since July last year and the council has been looking for a new occupant who could continue with the educational purpose of the site.
Cabinet will hear on August 14 that a new provider is interested in taking over the site in keeping with a Department of Education (DfE) covenant which is in place until 2043 that the building must be used for post-16 education and the development of training and skills.
The interested provider, who remains confidential due to commercial negotiations being underway, is expected to sign a 25-year lease with the council, which owns the land and be on site later in the year.
Mayor Ros Jones said: “This is really encouraging news that this iconic looking building could continue as an educational centre in Doncaster. The building itself offers such an exciting opportunity for a new education provider to help support our ambitions for lifelong learning and skills.”
The Cabinet report is asking for authority to finalise lease negotiations and progress the necessary requirements to complete a lease.
Continuing the use of the site in post-16 education would support Doncaster’s Education and Skills 2030 strategy opening up opportunities towards local and skilled employment that will benefit Doncaster’s economy.
HMRC gets tougher on R&D claims
HMRC’s annual report suggests that the tax authority is getting much tougher on historic R&D tax relief claims it suspects may be incorrect or fraudulent.
The new statistics show that the tax under consideration in R&D investigations being carried out by HMRC’s Wealthy and Mid-sized Business Compliance Directorate has doubled over the past year to reach £641m in 2023/24.
Over the last few years, there has been increasing concern about the level of fraud and error in R&D claims. Last year, HMRC published a new analysis of R&D claims in 2020-21 which estimated that almost a quarter (24.4%) of claims by value in the SME scheme and 3.6% of claims in the RDEC scheme were either incorrect or fraudulent – with a combined cost to the Exchequer of an estimated £1.13bn.
While the new report shows the estimated level of “error and fraud” in claims for 2022/23 is almost unchanged, HMRC estimates that its policy and operational measures in 2023/24 – notably the introduction of the Additional Information Form – will have reduced the overall level of error and fraud in claims to 7.8% overall (down from 13.3% in 2022/23).
Commenting on the report, Carrie Rutland, Innovations Incentives partner at accountancy and business advisory firm BDO, said: “We’ve been aware of an increase in HMRC activity in relation to historic R&D claims. Buried in the detail of today’s report are clear signs that the tax authority is getting much tougher when it comes to investigating past claims it thinks were wrong or fraudulent. “In our view, the published increases in tax under consideration must equate to a lot more R&D investigations.
“With an increase in targeted HMRC activity, many businesses may find they are subject to an enquiry triggering a large clawback in R&D tax credits. Many will require specialist advice to ensure their claims, both historic and current, are watertight.”
The new statistics show that the tax under consideration in R&D investigations being carried out by HMRC’s Wealthy and Mid-sized Business Compliance Directorate has doubled over the past year to reach £641m in 2023/24.
Over the last few years, there has been increasing concern about the level of fraud and error in R&D claims. Last year, HMRC published a new analysis of R&D claims in 2020-21 which estimated that almost a quarter (24.4%) of claims by value in the SME scheme and 3.6% of claims in the RDEC scheme were either incorrect or fraudulent – with a combined cost to the Exchequer of an estimated £1.13bn.
While the new report shows the estimated level of “error and fraud” in claims for 2022/23 is almost unchanged, HMRC estimates that its policy and operational measures in 2023/24 – notably the introduction of the Additional Information Form – will have reduced the overall level of error and fraud in claims to 7.8% overall (down from 13.3% in 2022/23).
Commenting on the report, Carrie Rutland, Innovations Incentives partner at accountancy and business advisory firm BDO, said: “We’ve been aware of an increase in HMRC activity in relation to historic R&D claims. Buried in the detail of today’s report are clear signs that the tax authority is getting much tougher when it comes to investigating past claims it thinks were wrong or fraudulent. “In our view, the published increases in tax under consideration must equate to a lot more R&D investigations.
“With an increase in targeted HMRC activity, many businesses may find they are subject to an enquiry triggering a large clawback in R&D tax credits. Many will require specialist advice to ensure their claims, both historic and current, are watertight.”
Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult names non-exec director
Technology innovation and research centre for offshore renewables the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, which operates in the Humber, has appointed Maida Zahirovic as a Non-Executive Director.
Maida, Head of Renewables at James Fisher & Sons plc, a supplier of engineering services to the global energy, defence and maritime transport sectors, has significant experience in the offshore wind sector gained from senior roles at some of the top companies in the industry.
ORE Catapult Chair Ronnie Bonnar, said: “There are huge opportunities and challenges for offshore renewables as we look to deliver the growth needed to deliver Net Zero in the coming years.
“Maida’s extensive international and supply chain experience will provide invaluable insight as we continue to grow the Catapult and play a vital role in delivering that opportunity”.
Maida Zahirovic said: “I look forward to working alongside colleagues and stakeholders from industry and academia to drive innovation in our sector and deliver the UK’s Net Zero targets while addressing skills shortages in our industry through training and development.”
Lindum Packaging bolsters team with six appointments
Pallet stability and packaging company, Lindum has welcomed six new staff members to support continued growth within the Stallingborough-based business.
With 12 years of experience in Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Daniel Goldsworthy joins the business as quality manager, a role which involves maintaining product and service quality, completing audits, and looking at work with Net Zero and Ecovadis.
Alastair Roberts brings a wealth of knowledge of the packaging industry to his new role of sales engineering at Lindum, with engineering expertise that will help in the development of new packaging technologies and improve existing processes at the business.
Joining Lindum’s warehouse team are Jason Key and John Cooper, who will manage the day-to-day operations of the company’s warehouse, ensuring operations run smoothly and efficiently. Dave Hebden will strengthen Lindum’s delivery department as a driver.
Finally, in her first role since graduating, Tia McCreadie joins Lindum as a customer service assistant.
Rick Sellars, sales manager at Lindum, says: “At Lindum, we believe that our team is our greatest asset, and the addition of Daniel, Alastair, Jason, John, Dave, and Tia further strengthens our ability to serve our clients effectively. Their diverse skills and fresh perspectives are vital as we continue to innovate and excel in the packaging industry.
“We’re confident that with these new team members on board, we’re better equipped to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and we’re already looking forward to the contributions they will make to the Lindum family.”
Humber Freeport reviews a year of action
Twelve months on from the launch of Humber Freeport, collaboration between industry, academia and the public sector is said to have helped the region align on its unique proposition.
Major investments from global businesses have been committed to the Humber Freeport tax sites in Hull and Goole. These are expected to create more than 700 skilled jobs, in sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing and technology to ports and green energy.
Humber Freeport has positioned itself at the heart of the region’s industrial strategy, shaping skills development and innovation and helping to drive a place narrative capitalising on the Humber’s world-class expertise in decarbonisation and clean energy.
A year ago, Humber Freeport Chair Simon Bird welcomed delegates to Associated British Ports’ historic Pump House in Hull for the Freeport launch, when he set out the vital role of freeport status as a catalyst for growth. Hesaid: “When freeports were established, the Humber was identified as the region with the most powerful proposition, and which could benefit significantly from freeport designation.
“Fast forward to today and we are seeing that potential being realised. The investments secured in our tax sites will be transformational for the Humber, both in terms of direct employment and through growth in the broader supply chain.
“It’s important we build on this impressive momentum. We’ve got off to a very strong start – now we must seize the opportunity to supercharge our region’s economy.”
Connecting many of the key investments pledged so far is the drive to decarbonise the Humber’s energy-intensive industrial cluster.
Humber Freeport will continue to work with the Government to help deliver on its green agenda, driving clean and sustainable growth. Humber Freeport is also building on the region’s existing strengths in advanced manufacturing, logistics, chemicals and port-related industries.
Much of the early investment in Humber Freeport sites has been made within the Hull East tax site. Those investments include Equinor selecting Saltend Chemicals Park for the low carbon hydrogen production plant and Pensana for its rare earth processing facility. Meld Energy for green hydrogen plant, also at Saltend, is also moving forward.
Other key projects have also been announced at the chemicals park – a clean gas plant by Standard Gas Technologies and plans by OXCCU for a demonstration plant to convert carbon dioxide and green hydrogen into sustainable aviation fuel.
Within the wider Hull East tax site, plans have also been approved for the £200m Yorkshire Energy Park, a technology campus which could support more than 4,000 jobs.
Patrick Pogue, Group Director, Growth and Innovation at px Group, owner and operator of Saltend Chemicals Park, said: “We’re seeing significant investment at Saltend by companies focused on green energy and low carbon technology.
“The incentives created by freeport status offer a very important additional attraction and give the Humber a major advantage in the international competition for major inward investments.
“Humber Freeport is a powerful weapon in the region’s armoury and acts as a catalyst for growth and skilled job creation.”
Institute’s relicensing signals support for STEM employers for next ten years
Yorkshire & Humber Institute of Technology has become the first Institute of Technology in the country to be relicensed by the Department for Education.
The relicensing, which will see YHIoT continue its work for another 10 years, demonstrates the government’s commitment to IoTs and supporting the growth of STEM industries.
It will allow YHIoT to continue working collaboratively with STEM learners, education providers and employers in the region to create opportunities for students and employers, as well as support regional economic growth.
YHIoT is a partnership of local education providers including York College & University Centre, Selby College, Askham Bryan College, Bishop Burton College, Craven College, East Riding College, Scarborough TEC, the University of Hull and York St John University.
It also works with regional and national employers including VISR Dynamics, GB Recruitment and Network Rail.
Lindsay West, founder of VISR Dynamics, said: “I’m delighted that YHIoT can now move forward with excitement, and the relicensing means we can build on the foundations of the past five years.
“It’s critical that employers and educators work together to build a strong network to maximise the potential of students, providing them with the relevant skills and knowledge to attain their career aspirations. YHIoT collectively empowers us to strategise, map out and deliver this goal.
“As a business owner, I understand the rapidly changing requirements of business due to the speed of the implementation of technology and digital processes – especially spatial computing and AI.
“It’s very exciting that we have been gifted the opportunity to work with YHIoT and help build the workforce of the future, for the workplace of the future.”
Footfall rises at revamped Leeds market
Footfall figures at the revamped Leeds Kirkgate Market show it has received more than 2.9m visits in the first six months of this year – six per cent up on the same period in 2023.
There were 506,451 visits recorded in March alone, while the totals for May and June stood at 498,786 and 493,047 respectively.
Businesses are also heading to the market in numbers, with a beauty salon, a bookshop and a Syrian food store among the eight new indoor arrivals since the start of the year.
A further seven businesses – selling everything from suitcases to Vietnamese groceries – are in the process of agreeing deals for indoor units.
There has also been an eight per cent increase in outdoor stall occupation compared to this time last year.
Recent improvements at the market include the completion of the first phase of a £10m refurbishment of its 19th-century ‘blockshops’ area.
Work is now well under way on the second phase of the Leeds City Council scheme, with the latest batch of new-look units expected to be ready to let early next year.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, deputy leader of Leeds City Council and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “Our significant investments in Leeds Kirkgate Market have been designed to ensure it has a future to match its long and proud past.
“It’s really pleasing, therefore, to see visitor numbers on the up-and-up as the latest phase of improvement work continues. The unprecedented number of enquiries that are being received from businesses wanting to move into the market is also very encouraging.
“Thanks to all those who continue to support this much-loved shopping spot, and to the market team for their tireless efforts during its transformation.”
Grants awarded to boost accessibility of West Yorkshire cultural venues
Disabled artists and audiences are set to benefit from new investment to make creative and cultural venues in West Yorkshire more accessible.
The initiative is part of the £2.3 million ‘You Can Make It Here’ programme, launched by the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, to support and grow the region’s creative sector.
Eight organisations have been awarded a share of £60,000 through the accessibility strand of the programme, run by Wakefield-based disabled-led organisation, We Are Unlimited.
Helping to boost economic growth by broadening the sector’s reach and activity, the investment will allow venues and event providers to improve and install facilities such as AI captioning technology, live streaming tools, ramps and rails, with one of the projects set to purchase wheelchair accessible pottery wheels and equipment.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “We’ve got a world-class cultural offer here in West Yorkshire, and I want everyone to have the chance to experience it.
“The investment we’re announcing today will make a real difference for people with disabilities, as well as for our venues who will be able to welcome more artists and audiences.
“This is just the start of our ‘You Can Make It Here’ support scheme, which will help us to grow our creative sector and build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”
The need for this investment was clear, with the available fund oversubscribed by 790% – 63 creative and cultural venues across the region applied to make almost £474,000 worth of improvements.
The eight successful projects were selected by a panel of disabled creative professionals from all five West Yorkshire districts, who used their own experiences to determine which improvements would have the greatest impact for disabled artists and audiences.
One of the panellists commented: “A real highlight for me has been witnessing the collective ambition for a more accessible cultural scene across West Yorkshire.
“One person may have submitted an application, but several contributed, numerous residents’ opinions were featured, accessibility professionals were consulted and the feedback from those with lived experience is being acted upon.
“I feel hopeful that with this community commitment for change, the future impact of improved access will be even larger.”
The capital grants have been awarded as part of a £150,000 scheme, which includes accessibility training, support and guidance to help cultural organisations learn the basics of disability equality, and how to better support people with disabilities.
Further ‘You Can Make It Here’ initiatives in the pipeline include opportunities for young people to boost their skills and progress into creative roles, while businesses and freelancers will benefit from investment, export advice and training to unleash their potential.
The eight projects to receive capital grants through the ‘You Can Make It Here’ accessibility scheme are:
- Castles in the Sky in Bradford – £7,100 to add rails, improved ramps and furniture to their venue, as well as buying air purifiers, live streaming tools and mobile equipment for off-site events, including audio description headsets, ear defenders and fidget toys.
- Marsden Community Trust in Kirklees – £2515.87 to install an automatic door opener and purchase 3 portable hearing loop systems for their community-run building.
- Music and Arts Production Leeds (MAP Charity) in Leeds – £10,000 for a new, permanent ramp as well as accessible, gender-neutral toilets to prepare their building to welcome the public to events and workshops.
- Pavilion in Leeds – £2,018 to invest in AI captioning technology, a microphone, webcam and screen for regular, online open-access forum meetings that host West Yorkshire artists at all stages of their careers.
- The Art House in Wakefield – £8,906 to invest in two electronic, automated single doors to improve independent access for a range of disabled artists and audience members who have expressed the need.
- The Arvon Foundation in Calderdale – £7,700 to install an accessible toilet in their new, remodelled writing barn; a flexible, creative community hub, enabling Arvon to deliver a programme of events designed for and with the local community.
- The Clay Mill in Kirklees – £9,800 to purchase wheelchair accessible pottery wheels and equipment, as well as creating a quiet space with silent wheel and clear signage.
- Transform Festival in Leeds – £10,000 to purchase captioning equipment for Transform’s biennial international festivals which will be shared via an access-focussed resource-sharing network for artists and organisations in West Yorkshire.
Farmer-led sustainability initiative secures funding to back trade
A farmer-led cooperative has secured the funding needed to launch trading opportunities for sustainably-minded farmers in North Lincolnshire.
Law firm Wilkin Chapman has joined agricultural machinery supplier Peacock & Binnington as the first sponsors of the Northern Lincolnshire Environmental Farmers Group, which aims to deliver positive environmental change, funded through natural capital trading.
The organisation aims to increase biodiversity in North Lincolnshire, improve water quality, achieve net carbon farming by 2040 and generate new trading opportunities for farmers.
The Northern Lincolnshire EFG is the 10th group of its kind to be established across the UK since 2020, with the EFG network now including 433 farmers, covering around 3% of England’s farmed area and a trading pipeline worth in the order of £10 million.
The Northern Lincolnshire group – covering areas surrounding Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Immingham, Louth, Crowle and Epworth – has been set up by local farmers Andrew Jackson, from Pink Pig Farm, and William Sowerby, from Farming Forward. The group is now appealing for more members in the area.
William Sowerby said: “Northern Lincolnshire was the first EFG group to be established outside the South of England. There was some early demand to replicate the EFG model in the area and so a steering group was pulled together to drive the model.
“The group has been sitting regularly since July 2023 and we have over 40 farmers expressing an interest so far. With its proximity to the industrial Humber bank, we see some key potential opportunities for EFG farmers to support growth in the area through cleaner water projects, as well as biodiversity and carbon mitigation for new industrial developments.”
Catherine Harris, head of the agriculture sector at Wilkin Chapman, said: “When farmers work together, they can have a great deal of power. While there are groups that represent farming as a whole, the EFG is a rapidly growing voice for farmers who are particularly mindful of their sustainability, as well as their financial success.
“Farming plays a major role in the care of our ecosystem and I know environmental custodianship is very important to a great many farmers, so we hope that supporting the establishment and growth of this EFG will help farmers to work together to achieve this.”
Plans submitted to reopen lower concourse at Bradford Interchange and create new public space
Plans to reopen part of the lower concourse at Bradford Interchange and create a new public space have been submitted by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
The works are part of a commitment from the Combined Authority to invest in the broader Bradford Interchange site to support rail passengers while a longer-term solution for the bus station is found.
In-depth surveys which will help determine the extent of the structural issues at the bus station are still ongoing. An update report will be brought to the Combined Authority in late September.
The exterior plaza at the Interchange entrance will be significantly improved, with new paving, planting, public art and seating in place of the taxi rank.
The existing toilets will also be reopened and the charging barriers removed, making the facilities free of charge.
The taxi rank and drop-off bays will move to Bridge Street as part of the previously agreed wider improvements being made to the city centre.
Passenger access to the rail station will be upgraded, including opening up the escalator and a lift, as well as providing a refreshed waiting area and visual improvements to the space.
The project draws on some of the £22 million of funding that was previously set aside for improvements to the Interchange prior to it being closed for safety reasons in January.
The Combined Authority’s planning application will be considered by a Bradford Council planning committee in the coming weeks.
Elsewhere in the city centre, Bradford Council is continuing to transform the former NCP car park area, Hall Ings and Norfolk Gardens into a new public space.
The existing trees to the rear of the former car park will be retained and the area which was once a concrete carpark will be planted with a mix of trees, shrubs, grasses and perennial planting.
The new green area will also have bee and invertebrate habitat as well as bird boxes. New benches will be installed, and elements of play will be incorporated with a stepping stones area and balancing log.
The council will also be making improvements to the Bridge Street ramp at the side of the interchange to access the rail station, including new surfacing, handrails and lighting, as well as incorporating new mural painting to create a more inviting entrance to the city centre.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “Bradford’s residents, passengers and visitors deserve a fitting gateway to the city.
“We know the closure of the Interchange has presented real challenges, but these works will help create a welcoming and attractive entry point for people visiting the city centre.”
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “The closure of the bus station at the Interchange has presented a lot of challenges to our planned works in the area, but we’ve worked closely with the Combined Authority on these plans, which will greatly improve the railway station of the Interchange as a gateway to the city.
“We want to get this done as soon as possible so that those using the rail station and the buses on Bridge Street have access to toilets and also more pleasant area to wait.”
New Lincolnshire business event planned for October
A new Lincolnshire business event is being launched to offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their businesses and grow local connections.
Held at the EPIC Centre at the Lincolnshire Showground on Wednesday 16th October, the Lincolnshire Business Showcase will see innovation meet opportunity as businesses come together to network and discover innovative products.
Attendees will also be able to expand their knowledge through insightful workshops focused on current industry trends.
Businesses across the county – from startups to seasoned enterprises – are invited to exhibit at the event, offering them a full day to showcase their business, network with a diverse audience and raise brand awareness.
Sophia Phillips, Sales and Events Manager at the Lincolnshire Showground, said: “We’re very excited to be hosting the first-ever Lincolnshire Business Showcase at the EPIC Centre. It offers businesses across the county the perfect opportunity to grow their brand and connect directly with potential clients and partners.
“We expect exhibitor spaces to fill up quickly, so we encourage businesses from all sectors not to miss this incredible opportunity to connect, learn and grow.
“The best part of the Lincolnshire Business Showcase is that it’s free for non-exhibitors to explore local businesses, take part in hands-on workshops, and gain insights to help make informed decisions.
“We’re very much looking forward to the first-ever Lincolnshire Business Showcase and can’t wait to see everybody there!”
Council seeks opportunity to make more Grimsby town centre grants to businesses
North East Lincolnshire Council is on the lookout to offer more capital grants for business ventures and community-based organisations to reactivate empty properties in Grimsby town centre.
The aim of the scheme is to bring forward smaller projects which will enhance the major regeneration works that are currently taking place, including a repurposed Riverhead Square, major works at St James House to create a small business hub, an NHS Community Diagnostics Hub, the Horizon Youth Zone, and a new cinema and leisure development.
The fund can cover projects that fit with at least one of the following six town centre priorities identified in the Masterplan:
- Introduce more diverse uses to the town centre
- Reconnect the town centre and the community with the waterfront
- Promote and support community ownership and participation
- Identify development opportunities within the town centre, including low-carbon initiatives
- Prioritise health and wellbeing activity in the town centre
- Enhance employment, skills and entrepreneurial opportunities
Since its inception many businesses and organisations have benefitted from a range of grants. Anne Bickerstaffe of Christian Action Resource Enterprise has been thrilled with the funding, which helped to secure the group a building. She said: “CARE is so grateful to the Activation & Community Engagement Fund for supporting our project, which has levered in other national funding to support the project, as many funders have asked us about local support. This newly renovated building will be a lasting legacy for Grimsby, creating and safeguarding jobs, as well as building pride in the community. It will ensure our charity’s sustainability, meaning we can serve the residents of Grimsby for many decades to come”.
Others have used the funding to provide a base of operations, such as Monica Chatterton from Our Big Picture. In 2022, Our Big Picture was awarded funding, which then enabled them to secure an additional £175,000 match funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to buy a Listed Heritage building in the centre of Grimsby.
She said: “This blended funding supported the establishment of North East Lincolnshire’s first Arts & Heritage Community Hub. The NLHF funding supported 2 years running costs which included four staff members. The Activation Fund was key to the continued development of Grimsby’s Arts & Cultural creative community.”
Business Enterprise Fund helps get 600 new firms off the ground
Specialist finance provider The Business Enterprise Fund has added £86m to the regional economy following an investment of £21.5m in SMEs, according to its latest social impact report.
The report for the year ended in March shows that the fund, operating in Yorkshire, the Humber, Sunderland and Manchester, helped to launch 599 new UK businesses, completed 976 client deals and created or safeguarded 4,470 UK-wide jobs.
Specialising in providing flexible finance to businesses who are improving the social and financial wellbeing of their communities, BEF is a delivery partner for the government’s Start Up Loans Programme and the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II’s Smaller Loans Fund via the British Business Bank.
Simon Jackson, Director of Investments at BEF said: “It’s known that 90% of CDFI customers were first denied by another lender – and yet our social impact reveals the immensely positive impact these businesses have on their surrounding communities. That could be in terms of providing employment, collaboration or creating services and spaces that serve people’s needs.”
Stephen Waud, Chief Exec at the BEF, aded: “We’re incredibly proud to have dedicated nearly 12,000 hours of investor time in supporting these businesses; we’re in a fortunate position where we’re able to serve entrepreneurs and business owners where traditional or challenger banks simply can’t.
“Our priorities lie in helping women, minorities and those who struggle mainstream funding. We started in Bradford 20 years ago and we’re now working with the lowest 35% most deprived communities across the North of England. The proof is, if we support SMEs and micro-businesses in these areas, we’ll see true social and economic transformation.”
Flood control planter goes live in Northallerton
A specially-designed planter that captures, uses, and stores rainwater before slowly releasing it into drains has premiered at one of TransPennine Express’ North Yorkshire stations.
The planter at Northallerton station captures water runoff from guttering before it can enter drains, helping to reduce the risk of local drainage networks being overwhelmed during storms, leading to flooding or pollution.
As well as storing water, the planter also provides multiple habitats including native wildflower planting, a bee hotel and deadwood zones, acting as a refuge and habitat for pollinators and other insects.
Steve Gilder, Environment Delivery Lead at TPE, said: “This is so much more than just a planter – it will provide so many benefits at Northallerton station, from increasing biodiversity and housing wildlife to reusing and attenuating rainwater, and combatting flooding.
“At TPE, we are committed to having a positive impact on the environment – and this is one of the many schemes you can expect to see on stations across our network that does just that.”
Made by ecology and horticulture specialists BioScapes, the planter will be trialled for six months, with the possibility of more being installed across the train operator’s network if successful.
Terry Smithson, Head of Nature Based Solutions at BioScapes, said:“It’s great to work with TransPennine Express as they enhance the area for biodiversity as well as enhancing the customer experience.
“There are new requirements on water companies, local authorities and lead local flood authorities to clean our waters and the SuDS system that we’ve installed here will take water off the roof and filter it through a specially developed soil.
“The plants will help to clean that water as well, so that when it comes out of the bottom of the unit, back into the drains, it’s much cleaner and much better for our waterways.”
TPE aims to lead and enable sustainable tourism and transport across the North of England and into Scotland through its commitment to sustainability.
Plans approved for 162 new homes in York
Councillors have voted unanimously to approve plans for 162 new homes off Hull Road in York.
The plans, put forward by York-based housebuilder Persimmon, will provide a mix of homes for local families, first-time buyers, and downsizers. 49 homes (30%) will either be transferred to a local housing association or sold as First Homes at a discount of between 30 and 40 percent. The site is allocated for housing in the York Local Plan and was recommended for approval by the council’s planning team. All homes will feature electric vehicle chargers and air-source heat pumps, meaning the development will exceed current building regulations and will be ‘gas-free’. The development will achieve a significant biodiversity net gain of 69% through a combination of on-site enhancements and off-site woodland planting. Properties will range from 1 to 4 bedrooms including apartments, terraced, semi-detached and detached houses. Residents will also have access to nearly 3 acres of public open space, including a children’s play area. £1.45 million will be provided for local education with other contributions going towards the NHS, sport provision, new bus stops and a new children’s play area. Joel Frank, Land Director at Persimmon Yorkshire, said: “We’re pleased that committee members have voted to reaffirm the Council’s recommendation for approval. “This development will provide a range of house types for young people, families and downsizers alike with excellent access to local amenities. “We all know the difficulties local people, particularly families have faced to get on the property ladder in the city, so we’re pleased to be playing our role in delivering new homes for the people of York.”