Yorkshire industrial estate expansion revived with fresh planning bid

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Yorkshire industrial estate expansion revived with fresh planning bid

Redcar and Cleveland Council have resubmitted plans to extend Skippers Lane Industrial Estate. The council aims to develop a derelict four-hectare site near Middlesbrough and Redcar. The proposal includes a new roundabout and access road, with construction potentially starting this summer.

The site, which has been vacant since 2019 and has been affected by fly-tipping, will be cleared for new development. A second phase of the project would introduce 30 industrial units for business, general industrial, and storage or distribution use.

Initial infrastructure plans were approved in 2020, with outline planning granted in 2021. The council previously consulted businesses, residents, and councillors, but fresh permission is now required.

The project has been backed by £3.5 million from a task force fund administered by the Tees Valley Combined Authority linked to the closure of the former SSI steelworks. A masterplan suggested the expansion could create up to 140 jobs and include 165 parking spaces.

A report found no other large vacant plots nearby for industrial use. Market research indicated strong demand for units under 5,000 square feet, with expectations of immediate occupancy.

Grimsby homes to be upgraded for energy efficiency and living standards

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Grimsby homes to be upgraded for energy efficiency and living standards

Up to 60 homes in Grimsby’s East Marsh area will undergo renovations aimed at improving insulation and energy efficiency. North East Lincolnshire Council will retrofit properties on Rutland Street using £3.1 million in government funding awarded last summer.

The project, approved by the council’s cabinet, will be delivered in partnership with community groups, including East Marsh United. The council selected Rutland Street following a borough-wide assessment and may seek additional funding to enhance surrounding areas with fencing and greenery.

A similar regeneration effort took place in Guildford Street in 2017. The council says the upgrades will enhance safety, reduce anti-social behaviour, and improve public health by addressing housing conditions and energy costs.

Alford Windmill restoration plans move forward

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Alford Windmill restoration plans move forward

Lincolnshire County Council, East Lindsey District Council, and the Alford Windmill Trust have reaffirmed their commitment to restoring the historic Alford Windmill and reopening it as a visitor attraction.

Lincolnshire County Council owns the site and has set aside £450,000 for repairs, including restoring the windmill’s cap and sails. The council is also considering transferring ownership to the local community through the Alford Windmill Trust.

East Lindsey District Council had previously reallocated government funding to Alford Manor House but remains engaged in discussions on how best to support the windmill’s conservation.

The Alford Windmill Trust emphasised the importance of community involvement in the restoration process and future business opportunities linked to the site. Talks between stakeholders will continue as they work towards a viable long-term plan for the windmill.

Annual Payroll & HR Update 2025

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Annual Payroll & HR Update 2025
Whether you have just one employee or a large workforce, you do payroll in house or use a payroll bureau, have an HR team or not, our annual update aims to keep you informed of the issues, regulations and changes affecting payroll management, HR and compliance. We will also look at the broader HR matters that may concern employers now and in the year ahead, along with the potential impact of changes to and the introduction of new employment legislation.

Payroll – a topical update and refresher

Theresa Waddingham, Partner, Streets Chartered Accountants Theresa’s presentation will focus on the forthcoming changes affecting payroll as we start a new tax year, along with some useful hints and tips to make your life easier to ensure that those charged with payroll are on the right track. Her presentation will include the following:
  • NLW and NMW changes and rates for 2025
  • Statutory increases
  • Working from home expenses
  • Working from home when home is in another country
  • Changes to the employment allowance
  • Employment allowance and connected entities
  • Employers NI changes
  • What can be done to mitigate the NI increases
  • What can we anticipate in the future

On the minds of employers and those charged with HR

Anita Wynne, CEO and HR Advisor, Beststart Human Resources Anita’s presentation will cover a number of highly topical issues facing employers and in house HR managers and professionals including:
  • What businesses need to do to demonstrate that they are taking measures to prevent sexual harassment following the amendment to the Equality Act that came in in October 2024 and the guidance issued by Equality and Human Rights Commission
  • What will happen with the Government’s Employment Rights Bill in 2025
  • Other legislation that will come into force in 2025 that businesses should be aware of

SteelPhalt expands internationally with new plant in Spain

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SteelPhalt expands internationally with new plant in Spain

Harsco Environmental, a division of Enviri Corporation has opened its first SteelPhalt plant outside the UK in Murga, Basque Country, Spain. The Rotherham-based business, which specialises in sustainable asphalt solutions, will officially launch the facility on 19 March 2025.

The plant is designed to process over 195,000 tonnes of slag annually, producing more than 200,000 tonnes of sustainable asphalt for regional roads. By repurposing steel industry byproducts, it aligns with the Basque Country’s 2030 environmental and circular economy goals, reducing the carbon footprint of road construction materials by up to 50%.

This expansion marks SteelPhalt’s entry into the European asphalt market beyond the UK, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable infrastructure. Harsco Environmental and Enviri continue to focus on global growth and environmental innovation, with the new plant playing a key role in advancing circular economy initiatives.

Indaver to invest £35m in solvent recycling facility in Huddersfield

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Indaver to invest £35m in solvent recycling facility in Huddersfield

Indaver plans to build a £35 million solvent recycling facility at Syngenta UK’s manufacturing site in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. The project, set to begin construction in 2026 and become operational in 2028, will create 16 jobs and support more sustainable manufacturing processes.

The facility will process 15,000 tonnes of industrial waste annually, recovering acetonitrile (ACN), a key solvent in agricultural product manufacturing. A direct pipeline system will connect Indaver’s facility to Syngenta’s production site, reducing transport needs, logistical risks, and carbon emissions.

Indaver, which specialises in waste-to-energy and sustainable waste management, sees this investment as part of a broader £750 million commitment to the UK. The company has already invested in waste transfer and recycling sites across the country, including a £600 million energy-from-waste plant in Essex and a £150 million facility in Scotland.

Syngenta expects the partnership to stabilise ACN supply, mitigate market fluctuations, and support its carbon, water, and waste reduction goals. The facility will be built on previously developed industrial land, aligning with Syngenta’s sustainability strategy while strengthening local industry and job creation in Kirklees.

Lighthouse Charity Yorkshire Region raises £100,000 to support construction workers

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Lighthouse Charity Yorkshire Region raises £100,000 to support construction workers
The Lighthouse Charity’s Yorkshire Region has raised £100,000 to support construction workers and their families. The Charity is dedicated to the emotional, physical and financial wellbeing of the construction community and their mission is to ensure that no worker feels alone in a crisis. A crucial element of the charity’s strategy is to provide a wide range of free and widely available reactive and pro-active resources to support the industry. They offer a free and confidential 24/7 helpline, live web chat service and text facility which provides a range of information, guidance and support on a huge variety of wellbeing issues. These services are complemented by their free self-support app, along with their Lighthouse Beacons who provide a safe space for people to share concerns. Yorkshire’s annual fundraising events include an incredibly well supported spring ball and Christmas lunch which are ‘must attend’ events in the region. In addition to raising funds from table sales, fundraising activities include auctions and raffles where local companies generously donate much sought after prizes. The cheque for £100,000 was presented by Yorkshire Chairman Alan Wright (Wrights of Crokey Hill), Vice Chair Matthew Kitching (Kitching Plant Hire), and Kirstie Murray (Galliford Try) to Thomas McConkey, Lighthouse Charity Director of Partnerships Alan Wright, Chairman of the Yorkshire region, said: “We are continually staggered by the amazing support we receive and every year we exceed our fund raising expectations. The Lighthouse Charity makes a huge difference to those who may be struggling in our industry and I know that we are all immensely proud of the impact we make.” Sarah Bolton, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity, commented on the amazing dedication of the regional volunteers and the work they do to support their community: “This generous donation is testament to the incredible efforts of everyone involved in the region’s fundraising activities. “We are incredibly lucky to have the support of our volunteers who go above and beyond in their fundraising efforts and also amplify our message of support to those who may be struggling. To everyone who contributed, attended events, and championed our cause—thank you.”

First residential buildings get green light at Leeds’ Aire Park

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First residential buildings get green light at Leeds’ Aire Park
Vastint UK has secured planning permission for the first homes at Aire Park, at Leeds’ South Bank. The approved plans will see the development of 418 build to rent homes across seven buildings on the corner of Crown Point Road and Bowman Lane. Featuring a mix of studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments, the new buildings, designed by Cartwright Pickard, also include 44 affordable homes which will be the first to be delivered by the developer. The seven buildings will be surrounded by landscaping, including woodland courtyards. Simon Schofield, Head of Development North at Vastint UK, said: “We’re pleased to have received planning permission to deliver these much-needed homes to the City of Leeds. “The first residential buildings are another major milestone in the future of the development and these will be the first of over 1,350 new homes within the completed Aire Park. “We’re now preparing to start on site later this year, and looking forward to seeing the Aire Park community grow and evolve as it develops its unique identity and place within the city.” Vastint UK is targeting to complete the delivery of Aire Park by 2032, at which point the area will be home to over 11,000 workers and up to 3,000 residents, and will be centred around an expansive, eight-acre public park, one of the largest new city centre green spaces in the country.

Work to start on Doncaster’s digital tech hub

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Work to start on Doncaster’s digital tech hub

Construction work will shortly begin on Doncaster’s Gateway One development, a new 52,000 sq ft Grade A office building on Trafford Way which is set to become Doncaster’s new digital tech hub.

Work on the £32m development, adjacent to Doncaster train station, will begin in April with completion expected in January 2027. The project is largely funded by the UK Government through the Doncaster Town Deal fund, and overseen by the Town Deal Board, a sub-group of the new city centre board. The development supports Doncaster’s ambitions to grow a digital and tech cluster of national significance. The creation of a new, specialist digital tech hub and the businesses located there will revolve around digital technology, with global AI firm Automatic Analytics among the founding businesses set to take up residence. Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, said: “This pioneering building – right in the heart of Doncaster city centre at the train station gateway – is part of our plans to regenerate and modernise key areas of the city centre. “Our aim is to create a new digital hub which will bring exciting new opportunities for Doncaster including jobs, economic growth, increased footfall and put Doncaster at the forefront of the changing economy and technological change as we strive to become a regional Artificial Intelligence (AI) Growth Zone. “We want Doncaster to become a front runner in digital technology and we are already fast emerging as a centre of excellence for artificial intelligence (AI). This building will act as a magnet for leading digital and tech companies looking for opportunities to scale and grow their business to locate in Doncaster. The building will be a modern environment with improved public spaces and an extension to the recently regenerated railway forecourt.”
Chris Yates, Yorkshire director at Willmott Dixon, said: “Our team of local commercial experts will bring a wealth of experience and innovation to Gateway One. In partnership with City of Doncaster Council, we will create a cutting-edge and sustainable hub where digital and technology businesses can thrive and grow in this city. “We’re passionate that innovation will be a catalyst for creating opportunities for the people of Doncaster, so, in partnership with our proud local supply chain partners, we are committed to creating six new employment opportunities directly on the project. “Through our bespoke ‘Building Lives Academy’ initiatives in collaboration with Advance Employment Hub, we also aim to deliver more than 650 hours of impactful employment support for local people furthest from the job market, those at risk of redundancy and those looking to transition into the construction industry.” Tariq Shah OBE, CEO, Vigo Group, said: “This has been a great example of partnership working with colleagues across Doncaster’s public and private sectors supporting the bid for Town Deal funding. “From the outset the aim was to deliver a high-quality development that kick started regeneration of the Station Gateway area and set the quality standards for new investment in to Doncaster on this important gateway site.” Mark Taylor, CEO and Founder of Automated Analytics, said: “We are proud to be the anchor tenants of Gateway One as the opportunity to network, collaborate and scale in the City’s Innovation Hub is key to our growth and putting Doncaster firmly on the global map for technology and Artificial Intelligence. “There is a ’secret sauce’ in Doncaster that enables impossible to become reality, and we look forward to the exciting next chapter that awaits with Gateway One the next milestone in Doncaster becoming a Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence.” Sally Jameson MP said: “I am delighted to hear that Automated Analytics, a proud Doncaster business, will be the anchor tenants of Gateway One. This is integral to Doncaster’s submission to become an AI Growth Zone, and will foster economic prosperity, innovation and excellence in AI in our city and South Yorkshire more widely.” The Gateway One development has been designed to achieve net zero carbon emissions and will include an area of public open space. It will span across five floors with two commercial units on the ground floor which incorporate alfresco dining.

Study Group secures major Leeds office for international student centre

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Study Group secures major Leeds office for international student centre

Study Group has signed a five-year lease for 19,000 sq. ft. at 8 Park Row in Leeds city centre, marking one of the largest office deals in the city this year. The space will house The Leeds International Study Centre (ISC) for progression to the University of Leeds.

The deal, brokered by property consultancies Knight Frank and Fisher German LLP, will see the ISC occupy floors three to seven following a refurbishment. Study Group, in partnership with the University of Leeds, runs pathway programmes for international students in subjects including STEM, business, law, and social sciences.

Leeds has seen increased education-sector investment in recent years, with institutions such as the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, Leeds Trinity University, and the Mathematics School of Excellence establishing city-centre locations.

8 Park Row, originally the site of Beckett Bank, was built in 1967. Leeds Civic Trust opposed previous proposals to convert it into residential units.

Study Group cited the building’s location, quality, and architectural significance as key factors in the decision. Fisher German advised on the transaction, highlighting 8 Park Row as the best fit for the ISC’s operational needs.

Bradford Council approves UK’s largest council tax rise at 9.99%

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Bradford Council approves UK’s largest council tax rise at 9.99%

Bradford Council has approved a 9.99% council tax increase, the highest in the UK, set to take effect in April. The decision comes as the Labour-run council faces significant financial strain, having borrowed £127 million this year alone.

Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe stated that the tax increase would reduce the need for further borrowing, estimating it could save £111 million in interest payments over 20 years. She noted that, despite the rise, Bradford’s council tax remains below the national average for a city of its size.

The budget was passed with support from all Labour councillors except Joe Wheatley. The decision faced public backlash, with residents disrupting the council meeting, leading to a temporary suspension and police intervention.

Significant investment agreed at first gathering of Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority

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Significant investment agreed at first gathering of Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority
Proposals to bring significant investment to Hull and East Yorkshire have been agreed at the opening meeting of the newly formed Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA). The historic first gathering took place at the ergo business centre in the shadow of the Humber Bridge on Wednesday 5 March. Among items discussed included the Combined Authority receiving a proportion of the billions of pounds announced to tackle transport infrastructure, including funding for Bus Service Improvement Plans. £15 million will be made available to support transport, flood and coastal erosion programmes across the area, along with a coastal regeneration programme in the East Riding of Yorkshire, and a brownfield employment programme in Hull, subject to agreement of the relevant business cases. Further money can also be accessed to support the area’s economic growth priorities for Offshore Wind, and also to address the effects of climate change at the coast. There is also £1 million earmarked towards the Howden link road scheme to support housing development in the area. The Combined Authority is comprised of two councillors from both unitary authorities in the Hull and East Yorkshire area, along with no more than four other non-voting members. Hull City Council is represented by its Leader, Councillor Mike Ross, and Deputy Leader, Councillor Jackie Dad. East Riding of Yorkshire Council is represented by its Leader, Councillor Anne Handley, and Deputy Leader, Councillor David Tucker. The non-voting members are made up of representatives from the Hull and East Yorkshire Business and Skills Boards. The Combined Authority’s Executive Board also confirmed the appointment of the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Jonathan Evison as a non-constituent member of the Combined Authority. The Combined Authority will be led by an elected mayor, to be determined via a Combined Authority Mayoral election to take place on Thursday 1 May. Councillor Jackie Dad said: “I’m delighted that we have got to this stage in our devolution journey and that we have had a successful first meeting. “There’s been a lot of hard work to get us this far, but huge investment can now come into our region, allowing us to further tap into the talent and drive that people have here.” Councillor David Tucker said: “It’s fantastic to reach this historic milestone in the devolution process. “The Combined Authority will play a crucial role in devolving powers from Westminster and delivering for our residents of Hull and East Riding, and I look forward to working with the Authority to unlock investment and opportunities for our region.” The Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority was created after Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council agreed a devolution deal with the Government. The deal has unlocked a £400 million investment fund, alongside powers that will move from Westminster to local decision-makers. The new Combined Authority does not replace either council, with both retaining their independence and continuing their work as normal.

UK economy contracts

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UK economy contracts
The UK’s economy contracted in January. According to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, is estimated to have fallen by 0.1% month-on-month in January, contrasting expectations of a 0.1% rise and growth of 0.4% in December. It reflects, across key sectors, monthly services output growing by 0.1% in January, following growth of 0.4% in December, production output falling by 0.9%, following growth of 0.5% in December, and construction output dropping by 0.2%, following a fall of 0.2% in December. Ben Jones, CBI Lead Economist, said: “After a surprisingly strong performance in December, some pay-back was always a possibility in January. But the mixed picture across different sectors in recent months suggests the recovery is still fragile. “There are signs that the drop in business and consumer economic confidence following the Autumn Budget is bottoming out. But downside growth risks remain from the potential for a softer labour market and an uptick in inflation. And rising global trade tensions could also keep business investment on the sidelines. “Amid a very fluid international environment, the government’s domestic growth agenda can serve as a North Star. Yesterday’s announcements to reduce regulatory burdens in a variety of sectors were welcome. But businesses are still struggling with high energy costs, increased labour costs and the possibility that the Employment Rights Bill makes hiring riskier and more costly still. “The government should be looking for every opportunity – not least via the upcoming Spending Review and industrial strategy – to support businesses with measures that give them the confidence to invest, grow and boost productivity.”

Halifax music store expands with start up loan support

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Halifax music store expands with start up loan support

Halifax-based music retailer The Jam Shack has grown rapidly after receiving a £15,000 Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank, delivered by the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF).

Founded in 2024 by guitarist and sound technician Rik Panesar, The Jam Shack fills a gap left by the closure of the area’s last music shop. The funding helped secure a 400 sq ft unit in Halifax’s Piece Hall, establishing the store as both a retail space and a social hub for musicians.

The shop offers instruments, personalised lessons, live events, and rehearsal space, attracting customers from across Yorkshire. The BEF and British Business Bank highlighted The Jam Shack’s success as an example of how targeted funding can support regional entrepreneurs and creative industries.

SSE advances major battery storage project in North Yorkshire

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SSE advances major battery storage project in North Yorkshire

SSE has reached a key milestone in its South Milford battery storage project, with battery units now delivered to the Monk Fryston site near Tadcaster. Once completed in early 2026, the 320MW/640MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) will be SSE’s largest to date and one of the UK’s biggest operational storage sites.

The project is more than six times the size of SSE Renewables’ 50MW/100MWh battery in Salisbury and more than double the capacity of its 150MW/300MWh sites under construction at Ferrybridge and Fiddler’s Ferry. When fully operational, Monk Fryston will power up to 533,000 homes for two hours during peak demand.

Morrison Energy Services, part of M Group Services’ Energy Division, is overseeing the installation, which includes Sungrow’s battery units. Sungrow is also working with SSE Renewables on the Ferrybridge storage project.

SSE and its partners see the Monk Fryston BESS as a critical step in improving grid flexibility and supporting the UK’s renewable energy transition.

Soanes Poultry invests £850,000 in solar energy for factory

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Soanes Poultry invests £850,000 in solar energy for factory

East Yorkshire-based Soanes Poultry has invested £850,000 in a solar energy system to reduce its carbon footprint and lower operational costs.

The company partnered with Boston Renewables to install a 1,648-module field-mounted solar array, which is expected to generate 727,000kWh of electricity annually—enough to power 269 homes. The system is projected to cut CO2 emissions by 156 tonnes in its first year, equivalent to planting nearly 5,900 trees.

Managing Director Ben Lee said the solar panels were designed with an east-west orientation to maximise energy capture during peak factory hours in the morning and late afternoon. The investment aligns with Soanes Poultry’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes biomass energy, wind turbines, and energy-efficient refrigeration.

Soanes Poultry, a family-owned business since 1947, supplies chicken to butchers, independent retailers, and wholesalers across the UK. Boston Renewables specialises in solar PV installations for agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, and other industries.

UK government expands defence contracts for SMEs

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UK government expands defence contracts for SMEs

The UK government has announced new measures to increase small and medium enterprise (SME) involvement in defence contracts, following its commitment to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027. A new hub will be launched to improve SME access to the defence supply chain, and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) will introduce direct SME spending targets by June.

Currently, nearly 70% of defence spending goes to businesses outside London and the South East, but only 4% reached SMEs in 2023-24. The new hub aims to address this gap by working with suppliers across the UK to increase procurement opportunities for smaller firms, enhance competition, and accelerate innovation.

Defence spending supported over 430,000 UK jobs last year, with government contracts injecting £28.8 billion into UK industry. Regional spending increases included a 30% rise in the East Midlands (£328 million), 20% in Northern Ireland, and nearly 19% in Yorkshire and the Humber. The government says expanding SME participation will drive further economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen the UK’s defence industrial base ahead of the upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy.

Work begins to transform site of former Chantry House building in Wakefield into affordable homes

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Work begins to transform site of former Chantry House building in Wakefield into affordable homes
Work has begun to transform the site of the former Chantry House building in Wakefield into 50 new affordable homes. There will be 26 townhouses and 24 apartments built on the site by Caddick Construction and owned and managed by WDH, for affordable rent and shared ownership.

Cllr Michael Graham, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said: “I am really pleased to see work beginning on this site.

“Good quality housing is the foundation for economic growth and the priority is for Wakefield to have a high-quality housing offer that meets our residents’ needs. “The Chantry House site is part of our plans to deliver more, better and affordable homes in our district. It is so important to us to create and provide places for people to live and be proud to call home. “We want to encourage people to come and live and work in Wakefield. Creating vibrant communities which will provide a real boost to our local businesses and high street. “The Kirkgate area is a key gateway into the city centre, and this is the next vital step in our regeneration plans.” The Council began preparing this site for development in 2020. After demolishing the Chantry House building, temporary greening was added to the area. Planning was granted for 50 new homes to be built, including 24 new apartments and 26 new houses. The Council has also supported WDH by providing a grant to fill the viability gap to build these homes, using Section 106 commuted sums. This is where developers pay a one-off contribution in lieu of onsite provision of affordable housing so it can be built in other areas of the district (subject to any restrictions). Joel Owen, Service Director for Development at WDH, said: “We’re excited to be working in partnership with Wakefield Council to transform the centre of Wakefield and provide much needed high quality affordable homes. “Investing in our communities is a key priority for WDH and by transforming the former Chantry House site, we’re breathing new life into the city centre creating a new, vibrant community enabling better futures for our customers.” Yorkshire-based Caddick Construction has been appointed as main contractor on the project, with Caddick Civil Engineering also appointed to deliver remediation and groundworks.
Steve Ford, Regional Managing Director for Caddick Construction Yorkshire & North East, said: “As a Wakefield-based business, we are proud to have been selected as main contractor and civil engineering partner on this new neighbourhood for Wakefield Council and WDH. “We have 40 years of experience building high-quality projects across the region, and in that time we’ve also developed a reliable and local supply chain network that we will enlist the expertise of at Chantry House.”

Building work completes on Keighley College’s new manufacturing and engineering hub

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Building work completes on Keighley College’s new manufacturing and engineering hub
Building work on Keighley College’s new manufacturing and engineering hub has been completed. The project is part of the wider, £12 million creation of Providence Park, a new industrial site being built on the former Universal Mills plot on the corner of Dalton Lane and Bradford Road. Providence Park is being part-funded, to the tune of £6.5 million, through the Government’s Keighley Towns Fund – with £3 million of that used to produce Keighley College Engineering Hub. The hub has been designed to take the training of local apprentices and students to the next level, so it can meet the rapidly evolving skills needs of local employers. The college will now push ahead with kitting out the building with cutting-edge equipment – including a future technologies lab and engineering workshop – ahead of welcoming the first students in September. Keighley College Principal Kevin O’Hare said: “This is a major milestone for the college, Providence Park and Keighley – and could be a real game-changer for our district and its economy. “We are privileged to be based in an industrial heartland that continues to build on its proud history, with many of our employers forging ahead into exciting new areas of manufacturing, engineering and technology, including robotics. “For those businesses to flourish, though, they need a steady stream of apprentices and students who have industry experience and the up-to-date skills needed to join and strengthen their workforce. “That’s exactly what the engineering hub has been created to help us deliver – and we’ll be strengthening our already deep bonds with the district’s businesses as we develop our offering there, and work together on apprenticeships along with industry placements for our vocational students. “We can’t wait to show employers, and our learners, around these cutting-edge new facilities which we are delighted to be opening this year, as the college celebrates its 200th anniversary.” Bradford Council’s Lead Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw said: “Alongside the new state-of-the-art manufacturing and engineering hub, Providence Place is also home to five new buildings housing 23 industrial units. We expect about 100 jobs will be created in total across the whole site. “Keighley has always had a proud manufacturing and engineering heritage. Its Engineering Hub will enable local people to learn highly-specialised skills and create employment opportunities for the future.” Keighley Towns Fund Chair, Tim Rogers added: “The creation of the Engineering Hub, in partnership with Keighley College, represents an incredible skills and training opportunity for the town. “We are proud of what is being achieved at Providence Park, which is a really exciting commercial development for Keighley, and the opportunities it will create for generations to come.” The hub will be able to train up to 120 students or apprentices, plus staff, at any one time. The building’s lower floor will include a fully kitted-out engineering workshop, complete with lathes and milling machines. The upper level, meanwhile, will have a future technologies lab fitted out with a laser cutter, printing machines and testing equipment, along with two IT rooms and a teaching space.

Business leaders invited to help shape Greater Lincolnshire’s economic future

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Business leaders invited to help shape Greater Lincolnshire’s economic future

Businesses have been invited to play a key role in the future growth of Greater Lincolnshire by becoming part of the Economic Advisory Panel.

The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA) has opened applications for membership and a chair of the panel, which will help build a strong and successful future for the area. This is an opportunity for those who lead or own businesses across the region to provide advice, recommendations and guidance to the GLCCA board and the new mayor. It is a statutory requirement of the new devolved authority to bring together these key people as part of a formal board, comprising of 10 panel members from the private sector. They will serve a three-year term with one selected as chair. Shaping and influencing the development of economic strategy and policy within Greater Lincolnshire, membership is also an opportunity to provide a business voice. This will allow a new elected mayor to ensure that future economic plans for the GLCCA are heard in Westminster. It is hoped the panel will see a range of businesses represented. All of them will be vital to Greater Lincolnshire’s future and align to the GLCCA’s priority growth sectors of agri-tech and food, clean energy, ports & logistics, defence, and advanced manufacturing, along with the core sectors of education, housing and construction, transport and infrastructure, small business, and the visitor economy. Key priorities of the GLCCA are to turbo charge business growth, improve the adult skills offer across the authority footprint, support the building of good quality homes, and improve infrastructure and public transport. The investment to support the development of these priorities is now being devolved down from central government with a £720m pot over the next 30 years.
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