Bradford College joins major low-carbon energy network

Bradford College has officially begun connection works to the £70 million Bradford Energy Network, a low-carbon heat network designed to significantly reduce the city’s reliance on fossil fuels. The move is part of a broader decarbonisation strategy supported by a £2.6 million public sector grant administered by Salix, the Department for Energy Security, and Net Zero.

The network, developed by 1Energy, will supply renewable heat through underground pipes to Bradford College, the University of Bradford, and Bradford Courts. It is expected to deliver an 85–90% reduction in emissions for connected buildings. The College alone anticipates an annual carbon saving of over 285 tonnes through its connection to the system, which includes one of the UK’s largest air source heat pumps.

ThermaMech delivers external infrastructure works, including pipe installation across Bradford city centre. The project is also providing skills development opportunities, including student placements, industry masterclasses, and curriculum-linked tours, to support local construction and engineering talent.

The energy plant is scheduled for completion in spring 2026, with heat delivery expected to begin by September of the same year. Phase one of the network aims to cut approximately 8,000 tonnes of carbon emissions city-wide.

Ward Hadaway appoints head of private client

Law firm Ward Hadaway has appointed experienced private client lawyer Alison Hall as partner and head of private client. Alison re-joins the firm where she started her professional life as a trainee and grew to partner. She brings over 25 years of experience advising individuals, families and business owners on matters including wills, probate, trusts, inheritance tax and succession planning. Her work includes a strong focus on the rural sector, advising farmers and landowners on managing today and planning for the future – as a business and as a family – most recently supporting people as they navigate changes to inheritance tax. Alison Hall said: “Ward Hadaway already has a fantastic technical team and I’m excited to be building on that foundation. There’s a clear opportunity to raise the profile of our private client services and expand our reach across our regions. “What matters most to our clients are trusted, personal relationships and being the person they turn to when it really counts. I’m proud to hold that position for my numerous clients.  And I am excited to lead a strong team, further building on our reputation and impact in this area.” Steven Petrie, managing partner at Ward Hadaway, added: “Alison brings deep sector knowledge, strong leadership and a client-first approach that aligns perfectly with our values. “Her appointment marks an exciting chapter for our private client team and ensures we continue to offer high-quality, relationship-led legal advice across all areas of life and business. As our firm expands into new regions, and further private client opportunities emerge, I know she will play an important role in helping us to achieve our ambitions as a full-service firm.”

Lack of financial education holding young entrepreneurs back

Young people lack the financial education to equip them for entrepreneurship. Almost one in five young people (19%) in the UK say that better financial education at school and college would help them to set up or grow a business, according to data from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) released to mark National Numeracy Day (21 May). FSB says that the government must now make financial education a compulsory part of the national curriculum in England. Almost a quarter (24%) of young people in the UK struggle with financial knowledge when it comes to starting and running a business, while one in ten (10%) say they struggle with maths, according to FSB’s Generation Entrepreneur research, with Simply Business. FSB is calling for all secondary schools, and primary schools at Key Stage 2, in England, to give effective financial education to equip young people with the skills needed to start their own business. Jennifer Thomas, area manager at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “To thrive in business, the next generation needs strong financial skills—starting from an early age. That’s why it’s time for the Department for Education to make financial education a compulsory part of the school curriculum and ensure teachers are properly equipped with the training and tools to deliver it. “Whether it’s understanding taxes, applying for funding, managing invoices, or handling personal finances alongside a growing venture, young people deserve the knowledge that will give them the confidence to succeed. Embedding financial literacy into education will lay the foundation for future entrepreneurs and a more financially savvy society.”

Tariff uncertainty triggers cautious recalibration among UK mid-market firms

According to new research from Grant Thornton UK, UK mid-sized businesses are adjusting their international strategies amid growing trade pressures. While overall sentiment remains relatively strong, a shift in confidence is evident as decision-makers respond to an evolving global trade landscape.

The firm’s April 2025 Business Outlook Tracker found that while most mid-market leaders remain upbeat about the domestic economy in the short term, fewer expect their profits to rise, suggesting emerging caution. Optimism surrounding economic conditions slipped slightly, and profit expectations have seen a more notable drop.

Internationally, trade with the US is under review. Despite strong historical ties and growth potential, tariffs are causing businesses to rethink. A majority still see the US as a key market, but a growing number are preparing to scale back or exit entirely. Nearly half of firms with current US trade exposure expect to stop altogether, and only a minority foresee no disruption.

Steel firm granted reprieve amid potential acquisition

Speciality Steel UK (SSUK), a major steel producer in South Yorkshire and part of the Liberty Steel Group, has been granted an eight-week adjournment in High Court insolvency proceedings as discussions with a potential buyer continue.

The firm, which operates electric arc furnace (EAF) plants in Rotherham and Sheffield and employs approximately 1,450 staff, is currently navigating a complex debt restructuring process following the 2021 collapse of its key financial backer, Greensill Capital.

Lawyers representing SSUK confirmed in court that urgent meetings with a third-party purchaser are underway. This prompts the judge to delay the winding-up petition until mid-July to allow time for a potential sale to materialise.

The development gives Liberty Steel additional breathing room to pursue restructuring plans or sell SSUK. The business has faced increasing scrutiny from unions and political stakeholders over the pace of turnaround efforts, with calls for leadership changes and fresh ownership to stabilise operations and safeguard jobs.

The Department for Business and Trade stated it monitors the situation, but emphasised that commercial outcomes remain the company’s responsibility. Businesses with supply chain links to SSUK are advised to stay vigilant, as the outcome could influence continuity and pricing in the UK steel sector.

Leisure centres in Lincoln to reopen under new operator

Two leisure centres in Lincoln that abruptly shut down in April are set to reopen by mid-July under new management. The City of Lincoln Council has appointed Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) as the interim operator of Yarborough and Birchwood leisure centres following the collapse of the previous operator, Active Nation.

GLL, a not-for-profit social enterprise with over 250 leisure facilities across the UK, will manage both centres on a two-year contract. The council owns the buildings and moved quickly to secure a new operator after Active Nation ceased trading due to financial pressures, citing the energy crisis as a key factor. The council had offered a £500,000 support package, but the charity did not accept the terms.

Since the closure, the Lincoln City Foundation has maintained outdoor operations at both locations. GLL plans to upgrade facilities, replace gym equipment, and recruit staff across various roles. More details on programmes, memberships, and courses are expected to be released this summer.

The transition aims to minimise disruption to residents and maintain local access to fitness and wellbeing services, while providing stability for the council’s broader leisure strategy.

Royal Armouries secures site ownership to unlock waterfront development

The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds has purchased the freehold of its site at Leeds Dock for £11.69 million, which gives the institution complete control of its waterfront footprint for the first time. The deal was funded through a government loan issued via the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

The acquisition includes adjacent buildings and surrounding areas at Leeds Dock, setting the stage for a major redevelopment push to boost the museum’s economic and cultural footprint. Plans are underway to transform parts of the site into multi-purpose spaces for arts, events, conferences, and hospitality.

The museum, which turns 30 next year, is expected to be more active in regional regeneration and targets increased capacity for events and tourism-related infrastructure. Early projections estimate the initiative could contribute nearly £30 million to the local economy.

The announcement was made during the UK Real Estate, Investment & Infrastructure Forum, which was held at the museum itself. The deal positions the Royal Armouries as a key stakeholder in Leeds’ city centre growth strategy and opens the door for further private-sector partnerships across the cultural and commercial sectors.

Lincolnshire construction firm celebrates milestone first year with 4,000 sq ft Saxilby office build

Lincolnshire-based construction firm Build Manager is marking the end of its first year in business with a major achievement, securing and delivering its first major commercial contract, a bespoke 4,000 sq ft two-storey office development for IFI Group Ltd in Saxilby. The project, which spans a 25-week contract duration, represents a significant milestone for the young company and demonstrates its capacity to deliver fast-paced, high-quality commercial builds. Since being appointed at the end of 2024, Build Manager has wasted no time. In just over four months, the team has finalised designs, delivered the groundworks ‘in-house’, erected the steel frame and tarmacked the new entrance road. The new office is being developed for IFI Group Ltd, a specialist fire safety, risk management consultancy and training provider, and will support their continued growth within the region. The project has brought together a number of Lincolnshire-based collaborators, including architects LK2, structural engineers William Saunders, aggregate supplier UDCS Ltd, concrete supplier AMS Build Group Ltd, roofing and cladding contractor B C Roofing and architectural windows and door specialist Kole Architectural. Build Manager was launched just over a year ago with a focus on upfront commercial viability advice and streamlined, transparent project delivery. Winning the IFI Group contract marked the company’s first large-scale commercial development and a strong close to year one. “To end our first year in business by securing and delivering a significant commercial contract is something we’re incredibly proud of,” said Matthew Jones, director at Build Manager. “This project showcases what we’re all about, efficient delivery, clear communication, and a collaborative approach. It’s been a fantastic way to build momentum heading into year two.” Build Manager was set up by Lincolnshire-based construction professionals Matthew Jones and Ben Taylor. The pair, who have worked in management for a number of local main-contractors, set up on their own after spotting a gap in market for their services. Matthew, from Scotton, and Ben, from Sturton-by-Stow, Lincoln have been involved in many notable projects in and around the county, including £2.2m new build commercial units (60,000 sq ft) at Discovery Park on Whisby Road – North Hykeham, £3m renovation of Lawress Hall for the University of Lincoln and the new £4.5m Community Ward at John Coupland hospital in Gainsborough, to name a few. IFI Group Ltd shared their satisfaction with the process so far, praising Build Manager’s professionalism, reactiveness, and on-site efficiency.
How the finished project for IFI Group Ltd will look
“From the very beginning, the team has been incredibly reactive, professional, and easy to work with,” said Ben Freeman, director of IFI Group Ltd. “Communication has been clear and consistent throughout, and progress on site has been impressively efficient. It’s been a smooth experience so far, and we’re genuinely excited to see our new office coming to life.” As the office build continues at pace, Build Manager is inviting other local businesses considering new developments or construction work to reach out for some free upfront advice and viability studies. “Whether you’re planning a new office, warehouse, or commercial space, we’d love to hear from you. Our goal is to make the process smooth, stress-free, and successful,” added Matthew. Local businesses can contact Build Manager at info@build-manager.co.uk or find out more at www.build-manager.co.uk.

New Hull academy brings bespoke training to Yorkshire businesses

A Hull-based social care provider is offering its training expertise to the wider business community for the first time. The HICA Group, which provides care and support to older people and adults with learning disabilities across Yorkshire, has expanded its long-established in-house training offer to local employers, charities and individuals through its new Hull-based training academy. Based just off Freetown Way, the HICA Training Academy has opened its doors to organisations across the Humber region looking to upskill staff, meet compliance requirements and invest in professional development. The HICA academy has long delivered sector-leading training for its 1,500-strong workforce. With a growing demand for high-quality, flexible training across multiple industries, the group has made its extensive portfolio of courses available to all. Courses on offer range from emergency first aid and fire marshal training to dementia awareness, safeguarding and managing aggression in the workplace. Sessions are run by experienced trainers and can be delivered at the new city-centre academy or on-site at the client’s premises. Steve Reed, head of learning and development at HICA, said: “Our aim has always been to raise standards through good quality, engaging training. We’ve worked hard to create a professional, welcoming environment that businesses can trust and that their teams enjoy learning in. Whether you’re a café looking to boost your first aid credentials or a housing provider needing safeguarding support, we’re ready to help.” The decision to open up the academy is part of HICA’s broader commitment to supporting communities and improving workplace wellbeing. Terry Peel, HICA Group’s CEO, added: “This expansion is a natural step for us. We have the expertise, the infrastructure and the passion to make a difference beyond our own workforce. Businesses are looking for training partners they can rely on and that’s what we offer – practical and personalised programmes delivered by professionals who genuinely care.” The academy plans to hold a public open day later this spring to welcome businesses from across Hull and East Yorkshire, with live demonstrations and the chance to meet the trainers. For more information or to discuss your training needs, contact the HICA Training Academy on 01482 581000 (ext. 2223) or email info@hica-uk.com

Steel jobs at risk as Liberty faces liquidation hearing

Liberty Steel’s operations in Rotherham and Sheffield are under threat as the company faces a winding-up hearing this week over unpaid debts. Creditors, including Harsco Metals, have petitioned the court to liquidate Liberty Speciality Steel UK, potentially leading to the closure of its plants and the loss of around 1,450 jobs.

The company, part of Sanjeev Gupta’s GFG Alliance, is seeking a court adjournment to avoid immediate collapse. If unsuccessful, its assets could be sold to repay creditors. Liberty has been under financial strain since the 2021 collapse of its primary lender, Greensill Capital, which severely impacted its access to third-party financing.

Despite ongoing negotiations with creditors, the UK government has indicated it will not intervene to cover Liberty’s debts, although it may consider options if the business enters insolvency. Industry observers are watching closely for any signs of a rescue plan or new ownership prospects.

The outcome of the court decision could have significant implications for the UK’s speciality steel sector and regional employment.

Lab simulation software firm raises £1m

A company whose simulation software enables medical staff to train to use laboratory equipment and troubleshoot problems has raised a further £1m. NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance, which is managed by Mercia and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, has invested £500,000 matched by £500,000 from Finance Yorkshire’s Seedcorn Fund. Envoke’s clients include leading device manufacturers such as Bio-Rad, Waters Corporation, PacBio, Grifols and the Terumo Group, and the system is now used in laboratories worldwide including in the NHS and other health services as well as leading universities. Envoke was founded in 2019 by Stuart Warrington and arose from his film and animation production firm. The platform was originally designed for product demonstrations, however it was soon evident that there was an even greater need for a system that could deliver remote training and aftersales. The Leeds-based company secured £1m from Mercia and NPIF in 2023 to further develop the platform to meet the demand. Following the launch of the new module late last year, the company has won a host of new clients and as a result, has almost doubled its annual recurring revenue in the past 12 months. The latest funding will allow the business to further enhance the system, boost sales and marketing and roll it out to more customers in the run-up to a Series A investment. Envoke, which currently employs 11 staff, plans to create two new jobs in the coming months. Stuart Warrington, CEO, said: “Healthcare services worldwide rely on rapid and accurate laboratory testing. However training staff is costly, and machine downtime is commonplace, often due to operator error or simple faults that could easily be fixed with the right support. “We believe our platform will dramatically improve productivity by enhancing staff skills and keeping equipment up and running, while also reducing warranty costs for manufacturers.” Dawn Tyler of Mercia Ventures added: “Envoke’s pioneering platform could transform training for laboratory staff in the same way the flight simulator did for pilots. Our initial investment enabled the team to develop this latest version, which has attracted strong interest from the healthcare industry. “We are pleased to support the company once again, and welcome on board Finance Yorkshire as a new investment partner.” Finance Yorkshire CEO Alex McWhirter said: “Envoke’s success is to be applauded as part of the growing technology and AI sector in Yorkshire and Humber. Finance Yorkshire is pleased to support Envoke as it embarks on the next chapter in its growth strategy.”

North Yorkshire veterinary group welcomes new partners

Bishopton Veterinary Group has welcomed two new partners into its leadership team, as well as recently recruiting three new vets. As part of the independent group’s continued growth, Laura Pearce, who joined Bishopton in 2021, is now a small animal sector partner and Alex Oliver, who has worked at Bishopton for seven years, is now a farm sector partner. The pair are both based at the group’s Ripon surgery and take the total number of partners to 11. In their new roles, the pair will oversee a team of vets, nurses, vet techs and administration staff in their respective divisions, as well as being involved in a wide range of business functions including procurement, marketing, finance and sustainability. Laura said: “After moving back from Nottingham, I knew I wanted to join Bishopton which has a long-established and very reputable name across North Yorkshire, and I’m extremely proud to become a partner in the small animal sector four years later.” Alex added: “It’s been a long-held ambition to become a partner at Bishopton, and it follows several years of planning, combined with guidance and mentoring from several existing partners. “Becoming a partner is also part of our long-term plan to maintain our independence. This enables us to control our pricing structure, maintain our high service levels and ultimately puts us in charge of our own destiny, which all benefits both our clients and our team.” Andrew Curwen, CEO at XLVets, said: “The appointment of Laura and Alex to partners at Bishopton is a superb example of effective succession planning in a well-known and successful independent practice. “For a longstanding practice like Bishopton to be able to welcome the next generation of partners into its ranks is key to it being able to safeguard its independence. This means ensuring there are people who are willing and able to step up, and this is just one area where XLVets always works closely with our members to help them plan for the future. “This involves sharing knowledge and experiences as well as creating strong alliances and developing a collaborative culture to ensure that the decades ahead are successful.”

RPS Group secures £6.2m Yorkshire retrofit contract

RPS Group, the low-carbon and renewable contractors, has been appointed to deliver Broadacres Housing Association’s £6.2 million retrofit programme. The programme will be funded by the government’s Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund. Over the next three years, RPS Group will undertake energy-efficient upgrades to 660 homes across North and West Yorkshire, with a focus on rural, off-grid, and harder-to-reach communities. The works will include the installation of air source heat pumps, solar PV systems, upgraded insulation, and enhanced ventilation. Together, these improvements will significantly reduce carbon emissions, lower resident energy bills, and improve day-to-day comfort for residents. Helen Ball, head of sustainability at Broadacres Housing Association, said: “We are looking forward to working with RPS Group to deliver our programme of retrofit works over the coming three years, which will play a key part in improving the energy efficiency of our housing stock. “This announcement is a really important milestone, not just for our decarbonisation plans, but for the well-being of our residents. It’s about making homes healthier, more comfortable, and more affordable.” Graham Rothwell, owner and founder of RPS Group, said: “We’re proud to be partnering with Broadacres on a project that makes a real difference in people’s day-to-day lives, especially in some of the hardest-to-reach rural communities in the region. “Because we offer a full turnkey service, we’re able to support housing associations at every stage, helping them bring their decarbonisation plans to life and deliver real, lasting benefits for their residents. “We’ve made deliberate investments to strengthen our ability to serve rural and off-grid homes, where tailored, flexible solutions are essential. That capability now allows us to reach even the most remote communities and ensure no one is left behind in the transition to low-carbon heating.” Graham concludes: “It’s this hands-on experience and partnership approach that’s helping to drive Yorkshire’s low-carbon transition, turning ambitious targets into tangible outcomes for communities across the region.”

£50m secured for Leeds South Bank apartment scheme

A major residential development in Leeds’ South Bank has secured £50 million in development financing from Homes England. The project, located on Water Lane, will deliver 375 apartments across two linked towers reaching up to 26 storeys.

The development includes a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, over 9,000 sq ft of outdoor communal areas, and more than 6,700 sq ft of internal amenities, such as co-working space, a gym, podium gardens, and rooftop terraces.

In addition to the Homes England loan, the project received a £4.4 million grant through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund. Heim Global Investor is leading equity funding via its UK Residential Fund, which is backed by the Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and West Yorkshire Pension Funds.

Construction began in May 2024 and is expected to be completed by early 2027. McLaren Living is overseeing the development, and HG Construction is the main contractor.

This scheme aligns with regional priorities to regenerate underutilised brownfield land and deliver energy-efficient rental housing in high-demand urban areas. It also highlights increasing collaboration between public agencies and institutional investors to drive urban housing delivery.

April sees leap in inflation

Inflation increased in April, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The higher than expected uptick, measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), saw inflation come in at 3.5% in April, up from 2.6% in March. The largest upward contributions to the change came from housing and household services, transport, and recreation and culture, while the largest, partially offsetting, downward contribution came from clothing and footwear. Core inflation, meanwhile, which takes out volatile factors like energy, food, alcohol and tobacco to give a clear picture of underlying trends, came in at 3.8% in the 12 months to April, up from 3.4% in March and above forecasts. Martin Sartorius, principal economist, CBI, said: “April’s rise in inflation was widely expected, driven by a perfect storm of price pressures such as higher employer National Insurance contributions, the National Living Wage increase, and a hike in the Ofgem price cap. “Looking ahead, the Bank of England expects that inflation will stay above 3% this year, as these pressures continue to impact households’ cost of living. This suggests that the Monetary Policy Committee is likely to hold rates in its next meeting, especially after May’s finely balanced decision to cut. “Beyond then, the MPC will reduce borrowing costs at a gradual pace, as it assesses how price pressures are developing in the economy.”

New firms boost Harrogate flexible workspace uptake

Three new businesses have moved into Copthall Bridge, the £10.5 million redeveloped office site in Harrogate, signalling strong ongoing demand for flexible workspace solutions in the region.

Sustainability consultancy Flotilla, IT hardware firm ITinstock, and national accountancy group TC Group have joined a growing roster of tenants at the serviced office hub. Located on Station Parade near Harrogate’s transport links, the site caters to hybrid working needs with private offices, shared coworking zones, meeting rooms, and wellness facilities.

Developed by workspace provider WorkWell, Copthall Bridge had been vacant for over six years before its refurbishment. Since opening earlier this year, more than a third of its space was let within the first two weeks. It can accommodate teams of up to 40 and is aimed at growth-oriented businesses seeking high-specification, agile work environments.

The building now hosts a mix of regional and national firms, including Mobile Tornado, Primeast, Chronos Hub, Grateful, and Evelyn Partners. Once fully occupied, it is expected to support approximately 360 jobs in Harrogate’s town centre.

Director disqualified for 11 years after dishonestly securing Covid loan

The director of a plumbing and heating company has been banned for 11 years after overstating his company’s turnover by hundreds of thousands of pounds to secure a Covid Bounce Back loan. Carl Barnes was the director of Central Plumbing & Heating Lincoln Ltd, which was incorporated in April 2016. The company, based on Wavell Drive in Lincoln, made a small profit in its first year of trading, but dormant accounts were filed by Barnes in the following years. In August 2020, the 45-year-old falsely claimed the company had a turnover of £340,000 for 2019, despite the actual turnover being £0. He received a Covid Bounce Back loan for the company of £47,500 which it was not entitled to. Barnes was disqualified as a director for 11 years, with the ban beginning on 8 May 2025. Kevin Read, chief investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: “Carl Barnes exploited the Bounce Back Loan Scheme by providing false information about his company’s turnover. “His dishonesty has resulted in this significant director disqualification, which prevents him from forming or managing a company for more than a decade.

“The Insolvency Service will continue to investigate those who abused this scheme – designed to help small businesses during the pandemic – and bring them to justice.”

Central Plumbing & Heating Lincoln Ltd went into liquidation in October 2022. The disqualification order prevents Barnes from being involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court.

Carbon capture tech scales up in Yorkshire

Huddersfield-based engineering firm Thomas Broadbent & Sons has completed testing on the world’s largest Rotating Packed Bed (RPB) carbon capture unit, a major step forward for commercial decarbonisation technology. Developed in partnership with London firm Carbon Clean, the CycloneCC system is now ready for deployment and can capture up to 285 tonnes of CO per day.

The 160-year-old company led the design and manufacturing of the new system at its Queen Street South facility. Carbon Clean, a global player in carbon capture solutions, aims to use this scalable tech to accelerate uptake across heavy industries. The breakthrough puts Huddersfield on the map as a key player in Britain’s clean tech manufacturing ecosystem.

The CycloneCC is part of a broader movement to commercialise carbon capture at scale, similar to past trends in solar and EV battery adoption. For B2B stakeholders, this signals a rising opportunity for industrial emitters seeking viable, off-the-shelf decarbonisation tools. The move also reinforces the role of traditional UK engineering firms in delivering next-generation environmental solutions.

Leeds social enterprise lists business hub for sale

Shine, a Leeds-based social enterprise, has placed its 40,000 sq ft Grade II-listed headquarters in Harehills on the market. The Victorian-era building, originally constructed in 1897 as Harehills Middle School, was transformed by Shine into a business and events centre in 2008.

The site spans one acre and includes office and co-working spaces, meeting rooms, and a conference centre. It also features an outdoor amphitheatre-style garden, an allotment, parking for 55 vehicles, EV charging points, and cycling facilities.

Eddisons is marketing the property. The building is currently used by various organisations, including the NHS, the University of Leeds, private firms such as Goldman Sachs, and global consultancies.

Following the sale, Shine’s founders plan to concentrate on scaling their SheCanShine programme, which supports women-led start-ups through peer-driven networks.

The asset is expected to appeal to investors, institutions, and operators seeking a distinctive, income-generating property with scope for further development in a community-oriented location.

Keepmoat targets 800 homes annually in East Yorkshire amid market pressures

Housebuilder Keepmoat is scaling up plans to deliver 800 new homes annually across East Yorkshire, an increase from the current rate of 630, as it responds to steady demand and shifting buyer behaviour. The company is expanding its regional operations, supported by 15 recent construction, surveying, architecture, and engineering hires, and expects to be active on 18 sites by spring 2026.

Despite broader market volatility, Keepmoat reports stable buyer interest, particularly for two-bedroom properties. The end of the Help to Buy scheme and adjustments to working patterns have redirected demand towards urban areas with strong commuter links.

Although sales volumes remain below the post-COVID boom, improved mortgage affordability, now below 4%, has supported recovery. National housebuilding volumes have moderated, easing labour pressures and enabling better resource allocation for firms like Keepmoat.

Challenges remain. Once national build levels surpass 200,000 homes, industry-wide talent shortages persist, and planning application delays, driven by resource constraints in local authorities, continue to hamper delivery timelines.

Despite this, land availability is expected to improve over the next 18 months, thanks to the government’s push to deliver 1.5 million homes during this parliament. However, pressure remains in the affordable housing segment as registered providers face funding constraints until the next allocation round, expected in April 2026.