Extreme weather and the risk of major flooding events are on the rise in the UK. Property level flood resilience (PFR) measures – such as flood doors and smart air bricks – are available to property owners, but adoption remains limited.

RSA Insurance, an Intact company, will partner with the University of Hull’s Energy and Environment Institute (EEI) to measure the effectiveness of PFR in various scenarios, support their adoption, and help individuals, businesses and communities adapt to a changing climate.

Although many properties face flood risk, commercial properties present additional challenges such as accessibility, security doors, and high traffic, which are not addressed by existing PFR products. The research will explore these issues and work to identify flood resilience solutions that meet the needs of business operations.

The partnership will also facilitate the creation of evidence-based tools to help businesses assess and manage their flood risk more effectively.

Professor Fiona Matthews, pro-vice-chancellor for research, said: “Flood resilience is a key strategic area of expertise at the University of Hull. This partnership marks a significant step towards innovative flood risk management solutions that are crucial for addressing contemporary environmental challenges.

“Our collaboration will allow us to translate research findings into practical actions that businesses can take to protect their properties from flooding.”

The work will be led by Stuart McLelland, professor of Water Science and lead researcher for the Total Environment Simulator (TES) experimental facility.

Professor McLelland said: “This is an exciting opportunity to work with RSA to build on our expertise in flood resilience and improve understanding of how property-level measures can be used to reduce flood risk.

“Together we will look at opportunities for product innovation, so that individuals and organisations can take appropriate steps to reduce their flood risk, promoting resilience in the face of more frequent flooding.”

Alison Gardner, head of UK&I social impact and ESG, RSA Insurance, an Intact company, said: “As climate change contributes to more intense and frequent flooding, the need for adaptation has never been more urgent. It’s not enough to respond to extreme weather, we must prepare for it.

“This research plays a vital role in building the evidence base we need to understand what works, where, and for whom. By focusing on commercial properties, which face unique challenges, we can help shape practical tools and solutions that support a more resilient future for businesses and communities alike.”

URBAN Fresh Burgers & Fries has entered a strategic partnership with Mizan Syed’s Exultant Group to spearhead its national expansion, starting with Greater London. This move aligns with URBAN’s plans for growth, as it looks to scale its fresh, customisable burger brand beyond its South Yorkshire base.

Syed, an experienced operator with over 20 years in franchising, will open the first London location later this year. He brings with him a portfolio of established brands, including Pret A Manger and Pizza Hut, and a strong reputation for operational expertise. URBAN Fresh Burgers & Fries, known for its focus on high-quality, fresh ingredients and a modern, inviting dining experience, is set to benefit from Syed’s experience in scaling brands in the UK market.

The partnership reflects URBAN’s commitment to sustainable growth through long-term, value-driven collaborations. The brand, which launched in 2017, offers a menu that includes 100% fresh British beef, chicken, and vegetarian options, all made to order, along with hand-cut fries. The company’s flexible franchise model allows for halal-certified locations, expanding its appeal to a diverse audience.

URBAN’s ambition to grow nationally is built on a strong foundation of product quality and customer experience, with plans for further expansion after the success of its first London site.

Immanuel College in Bradford is expanding its sixth form facilities with a £4m project that will increase student capacity by 100, bringing the total to 330 students by September. The expansion is a response to growing demand and oversubscription, with the school among 42 education providers eligible for post-16 Government funding.

Property consultancy Eddisons provided comprehensive support for the project, acting as technical adviser for the Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, from securing funding to overseeing design, planning, and construction management. The college’s new building will feature six classrooms, a social study area, a common room, and a dining space. Sustainability is a key focus, with solar panels, LED lighting, and enhanced insulation incorporated into the design.

The project also includes improvements to the school’s sports facilities, including a levelled area for a Sports England-compliant football pitch. Additional outdoor accessible space has been created for students.

Construction began after receiving planning approval in 2023, and the new facilities are set to provide a modern, sustainable learning environment for the expanding student cohort.

The West and North Yorkshire Chamber will lead a trade mission to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in November, continuing its strategy of fostering international business ties. The mission will take place from November 9-14 and aims to expand trade partnerships in these key Middle Eastern markets.

Building on the success of previous missions to regions such as the USA, UAE, Kenya, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, the Chamber plans to facilitate high-level networking, economic forums, and industry-specific roundtable discussions. The events will offer businesses in Yorkshire a chance to meet potential partners and explore growth opportunities within these expanding economies.

The itinerary for the mission is still under development by the Chamber’s team, with collaborations planned alongside Leeds Bradford Airport, HSBC, the British Embassies in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, and the British Chamber of Commerce Bahrain. The mission will be self-funded, emphasising the Chamber’s commitment to driving regional business interests on a global scale.

Two York-based professionals are offering local business leaders a practical opportunity to improve their communication strategies and strengthen employee engagement. Karen Tinkler, a PR expert, and Michelle Mook, an employee engagement specialist, are hosting a free, half-day workshop on 11 September 2025, designed to help businesses build an appealing internal culture and employer brand.

The workshop will explore how businesses can leverage their brand, story, and culture to stand out in a competitive job market. Attendees will learn actionable strategies for improving external messaging to attract the right candidates and how to implement communication techniques that boost employee retention and satisfaction.

Research suggests poor communication contributes to low employee engagement, a key challenge for many employers. This session will offer solutions to address these issues and increase motivation and productivity across teams.

The event will take place at Pro-Development’s office at Forest Farm Business Park in York. Registration is open to business leaders interested in taking steps to create a stronger, more engaging workplace.

Leeds is positioning itself as a key player in the UK’s health research landscape, focusing on improving health outcomes, addressing health inequalities, and driving economic growth. The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has unveiled a five-year plan aiming for £140 million in research activity by 2030, a 40% increase from previous goals.

The strategy aligns with the Government’s NHS ten-year vision, supporting shifts in healthcare delivery, including moving care from hospitals to communities and enhancing prevention efforts. Central to this plan are 350 industry partnerships and a renewed focus on the commercialisation of NHS innovations, aimed at boosting the regional economy.

The Trust’s Innovation Village, housed in the repurposed Old Medical School, will become a hub for life sciences businesses. Additionally, the Trust is investing in staff training, with 1,250 people set to gain expertise in research and innovation, ensuring a workforce that contributes to cutting-edge discoveries.

With health inequalities a significant challenge, the strategy focuses on digital advancements, health data, AI, and innovations in therapeutics and diagnostics. The Trust is also set to recruit 100,000 research participants, including 10,000 from community settings, ensuring research is accessible to those in need.

Leeds’ growing international partnerships, such as collaborations with Flatiron Health, have already led to breakthroughs in digital pathology and anonymised data research, positioning the city as a leader in healthtech innovation.

This strategy underscores Leeds’ ambition to become a global hub for health research, creating jobs, attracting investment, and shaping the future of healthcare both regionally and internationally.

SOCOTEC UK and Ireland has partnered with Yorkshire Water to implement an AI-based water quality monitoring system, funded through the Ofwat Water Breakthrough Challenge. This project is part of a £42 million initiative aimed at innovating water quality monitoring across the UK.

SOCOTEC will install and maintain advanced monitoring systems across Yorkshire, measuring key water quality parameters including pH, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen. Data collected from over 7,000 river samples will be used to develop AI-driven real-time alerts, designed to detect harmful bacteria at bathing sites.

This collaboration with UnifAI Technology is expected to reduce costs and time associated with large-scale bacteria monitoring, while improving safety at inland bathing sites. The solution aligns with public health and environmental protection goals by providing immediate data to water users.

SOCOTEC’s role in the project underscores its leadership in environmental monitoring, with Yorkshire Water benefiting from cutting-edge technology aimed at improving water quality assessment processes.

Splendid Hospitality Group (SHG) is ramping up its investment in York’s hospitality industry with a series of ambitious projects aimed at enhancing the city’s appeal for both business and leisure travellers. The company, one of the region’s largest hospitality operators, is injecting millions of pounds into its existing hotels, reflecting a long-term commitment to improving visitor experiences and fostering local economic growth.

The investment includes a comprehensive refurbishment of SHG’s ibis Styles York Centre. This Grade II listed building, once a brewery, has been updated to include 16 new rooms. The renovation highlights the company’s focus on blending historical charm with modern convenience to cater to diverse guest needs. This follows SHG’s commitment to maintaining high standards across its properties in York.

Meanwhile, The Grand, York, the city’s only five-star hotel, is undergoing a significant upgrade to its spa facilities, with £2.5 million earmarked for new treatment rooms and state-of-the-art wellness technology. The project, expected to be completed by early 2026, is part of a larger plan to refresh the hotel’s guest rooms and dining spaces, reinforcing SHG’s reputation for top-tier hospitality.

SHG is also growing its portfolio in York, having secured a deal to acquire 98 Walmgate, a property next to its Hotel Indigo York. The site, currently a restaurant, is set to be repurposed into an expanded accommodation and dining space, further diversifying SHG’s offerings. Additionally, the group has acquired 37 Tanner Row, a Grade II listed building, with plans to transform it into luxury long-term suites, providing an enhanced experience for extended stays.

As the city’s tourism continues to thrive, SHG is also considering further upgrades at its Holiday Inn Express York location. The company is exploring the potential for additional rooms to meet growing demand, as well as a full renovation of the public spaces in line with new Holiday Inn Express standards.

This extensive investment is being made as York’s visitor economy remains strong, with tourism contributing significantly to the city’s economic success. SHG’s continued development within the region demonstrates its dedication to supporting local growth while providing exceptional experiences for visitors.