Sheffield Forgemasters signs multi-million pound contract with GH Cranes

GH Cranes has been awarded a multi-million pound contract with Sheffield Forgemasters to supply brand new overhead cranes for a world-leading machining facility. The 11 overhead cranes and a 400-tonne lifting beam will be installed in Sheffield Forgemasters’ planned new 35,000sqm machine shop at its Brightside Lane site, to advance its UK defence-sector output, including AUKUS. GH Cranes beat four other world-class crane manufacturers in the tender process to be awarded preferred bidder status for the design and supply of all overhead cranes required for the state-of-the-art facility, ranging from 40 tonnes to 250 tonnes individual lifting capacity. Craig Fisher, Programmes Director, said: “GH Cranes has been awarded as our preferred bidder for 11 overhead cranes, with a 400-tonne lifting beam for tandem lifts, which will operate in our new machining facility, serving 17 machines, including ultra-large Vertical Turning Lathes. “The tender process was very closely run, but GH Cranes has more than 65 years of experience in the supply of industrial cranes and provided the best technical solutions and the best value for money to win a competitive tender against the other bidders. “We will be installing two 150/40-tonne cranes, four service cranes with 200/40 tonne capacity and five 250/50 tonne cranes, with a tandem lifting bar for up to 400-tonnes lifting capacity, spanning up to 35 metres.” Aimar Villa Iñurrita, Special Solutions Business Unit Director at GH Cranes, said: “We are delighted to be supplying cranes for Sheffield Forgemasters’ new machining facility. This is a nationally important project, and the cranes will service an advanced facility, which is designed and built for the very best efficiency in manufacture.” The cranes will be shipped from GH Cranes’ manufacturing facility in Northern Spain, with the first shipment due to be delivered to Sheffield Forgemasters in 2026. Sheffield-based Professional Lifting Services (PLS) have been contracted by GH Cranes for installation of the cranes.

Trafalgar wins tender process to operate Bradford Live

Trafalgar Entertainment has won the tender process to operate Bradford Live, the iconic city centre venue. Mark Cowgill, president of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, said: “The news that a new operator has been announced for Bradford Live is a fantastic development for the city. “Bradford Live will provide the whole country with a world-class 3,000-seater venue that will attract the biggest events in entertainment and pull in an audience of thousands every year. “As Bradford’s year as City of Culture swings into full force, the news could not have come at a better time.”

Skills shortages keep wage growth strong, says BCC

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BCC Deputy Director of Public Policy Jane Gratton says the latest ONS data shows clear signs of a further loosening in the labour market with fewer vacancies, although they remain just above pre-pandemic levels – but she adds: “However, pervasive skills shortages mean firms are competing for talent and wage growth remains strong. “This is supported by BCC research which shows four in five firms cannot easily find the staff they need to fill roles. At the same time, three quarters of businesses say labour costs are the biggest pressure they face to raise prices. “All of this is a continuing headache for employers and is putting the economy under increasing strain. “Firms will face even more difficulty in the months ahead with the imminent rise in employment costs, driven by National Insurance and National Living Wage hikes.  Many will be reconsidering their recruitment plans as they try to balance the books. “There is a limit to how much additional cost business can absorb without employment and investment opportunities being damaged. The Government must do all it can to minimise costs for business and ensure they have access to a skilled and healthy workforce.”

Seven Leeds organisations get £25k innovation-boosting grants from City Council

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Funding has been confirmed for seven projects that will provide support to business trailblazers in Leeds and strengthen the city’s reputation as an innovation hotspot.
Leeds City Council’s Innovation@Leeds programme selected them from 40 applications  from organisations able to use their expertise to turbocharge the development of a new wave of digital and tech-savvy companies. The successful seven will now use the funding to run a range of knowledge-sharing events and mentoring programmes aimed at people from diverse communities and backgrounds who want to launch or further develop their own innovation-led businesses. The initiatives chosen to receive funding are:
  • GreenTech Gathering, four full-day workshops that will provide green technology businesses with expert insight in areas such as investor readiness and brand strategy. The sessions will be delivered with support from madeby.studio, Sustainable Ventures, Bruntwood SciTech and Optimo;
  • A programme of mentoring, workshops and public speaking opportunities – delivered by FinTech North – that will help aspiring entrepreneurs and future business leaders develop their pitching and presenting skills;
  • The Brand Lab, which will see creative design studio Buttercrumble running a series of workshops focused on how tech organisations can connect with target audiences through the use of techniques such as visual storytelling and inclusive communication;
  • Athena VC Elevate, a venture capital-focused programme – being run by Lifted Ventures – that will aim to give business founders the tools and knowledge they need to achieve rapid growth and long-term success;
  • A programme of business support – including grant-writing assistance and one-to-one mentoring – delivered by Quick Labs, a science innovation hub that provides affordable, fully-equipped laboratory space for early-stage tech start-ups;
  • Global Innovators, a project designed to help innovative businesses better understand – and realise – their international growth potential. The programme will be delivered by Creaticity, Synhrgy and Investor Ladder;
  • AI 360 Leeds, an AI Tech UK business support programme that will give start-ups, entrepreneurs and others the chance to find out more about artificial intelligence strategies and how they can be used to power growth.
This work will, it is anticipated, help the participants build the kind of skills and contacts that will prove crucial as they look to carve out their own niche in fields such as artificial intelligence or health and financial tech. In the longer term, it is hoped their businesses will go on to deliver cutting-edge products, processes and services that make Leeds a healthier and greener place to live. The grants are also designed to benefit the Leeds economy by driving inclusive growth while showcasing the city’s innovation strengths to outside investors.
Innovation@Leeds was launched by the council in 2021 to try to ensure that opportunities in sectors such as digital are made available to all.

CMA provisionally clears Boparan’s purchase of ForFarmers feed mills

An independent inquiry group has provisionally cleared Boparan’s deal to buy ForFarmers’ Burston and Radstock feed mills in an interim report published today. The Competition and Markets Authority’s independent inquiry group has provisionally cleared Boparan’s proposed purchase of ForFarmers’ Burston and Radstock feed mill sites, following an in-depth Phase 2 investigation. ForFarmers and Boparan, a subsidiary of which is the w2 Sisters For Group which iterates in Scunthorpe, both make and supply poultry feed in the UK. The inquiry group’s investigation has provisionally found that Boparan’s purchase of ForFarmers’ Burston feed mill site could reduce the capacity available to manufacture chicken feed for chicken suppliers in the area around the mill in East Anglia. However, these suppliers will still have choice and the option to switch providers due to competition from other chicken feed providers in the market. Therefore, the inquiry group does not believe the merger would lead to a substantial lessening of competition as a result. Kirstin Baker, chair of the independent inquiry group, said: “Having assessed the evidence, we have provisionally found that Boparan’s purchase of ForFarmers’ Burston feed mill does not raise competition concerns. We’re reassured by the evidence which shows that farmers and chicken suppliers in the UK will continue to have options when it comes to choosing chicken feed providers, should the deal go ahead.

“We’re now seeking feedback and views on our interim report before reaching a final decision.”

British Steel to host suicide awareness event

British Steel will host one of Britain’s biggest suicide prevention initiatives when the Baton of Hope visits Scunthorpe later this year.  On 15th September, the baton starts the North Lincolnshire leg of its journey at British Steel in Scunthorpe where representatives of North Lincolnshire Council and members of the Baton of Hope will deliver speeches to highlight suicide prevention work. The baton will then go on to Scunthorpe United’s ground, the Baths Hall and the Humber Bridge, in order to spread the message as widely as possible. Baton of Hope was formed by dads Mike McCarthy and Steve Phillip who lost their sons to suicide. Determined to create hope for others facing the despair their sons had encountered, they set up the Baton of Hope to raise awareness about the biggest killer of both men and women under the age of 35 in the UK. Baton bearers from different locations nationwide take turns holding the baton as they walk as they run. This year, the tour will take place in 20 locations across Great Britain and Northern Ireland, starting in Blackpool on 1 September and ending in London on 10  October. Martin Welch, Compliance and Occupational Health Manager, said: “We are very proud to be hosting such an event. “We hope our participation will provide colleagues with the courage and confidence to talk about their mental health and wellbeing, and increase knowledge and understanding of suicide prevention.”

Funding package backs West Yorkshire joinery firm MBO

West Yorkshire-based bespoke joinery manufacturer Design and Display is poised to expand into new markets and create new jobs following a change in ownership.

HSBC UK has provided a seven-figure funding package to support the management buyout as current MD Jon Worsnop takes a 91% stake in the business.

Specialising in the designing and manufacturing quality bespoke interiors, the business is now targeting further growth, aiming for £12 million in revenue over the next two years through expansion into the student accommodation and hotel markets.

With a current workforce of 53, Design and Display Limited plans to create further positions on the warehouse floor, bringing the total to 65 employees at its purpose built 80,000 sq ft facility.

Following on from the completion of the MBO, the business will enhance its service offering with the capability of product installation onsite.

Jon Worsnop said: “The ownership transition will enable us to be better prepared and positioned for future growth as market demands and our service offering evolves. Since starting this journey in 2020,transforming the business into a profitable operation has been hugely rewarding. And, with HSBC UK’s support, I’m thrilled to embarking on the next chapter as majority stakeholder.”

With an establish presence in the retail and residential marketplace, Design and Display Limited currently serves a diverse clientele, including notable names such as Dunelm and Berkeley Homes, as well as projects like the 12 Trees Park housing estate in London.

1 East Parade nears full occupancy with new A&M lease

Alvarez & Marsal (A&M), a professional services firm, has secured a 10-year lease for 6,513 sq ft on the sixth floor of 1 East Parade in Leeds. JLL arranged the deal with The Future Workplace Property Unit Trust (Schroders Capital), the building’s landlord.

The office building, which has undergone significant refurbishment, offers a total of 52,990 sq ft of modern office space across its eight floors. Following this lease agreement, only 1,442 sq ft of space remains available for rent.

Toby Nield, director at Savills in Leeds, noted that A&M’s decision to relocate to 1 East Parade highlights the demand for premium office space in central business districts, emphasising the building’s high-quality renovations and strategic location.

£64 million boost for cultural projects across the UK, including Leeds

The UK Government has allocated over £60 million to nine cultural projects across England, Wales, and Scotland to drive local economic growth, create jobs, and enhance cultural offerings. One of the standout initiatives is the £5 million funding for Leeds, which will renovate a Grade II listed building to house the National Poetry Centre. This project will transform the space into a national headquarters for poetry, promoting the arts and providing a dedicated venue for poetry events and activities.

Other notable recipients include the National Railway Museum in York, which will receive £15 million for a new building and visitor facilities, and Liverpool’s International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum, which will get £10 million to expand and maintain their collections. Coventry will also benefit from a £5 million investment to repurpose a former Ikea building into a cultural hub.

The Victoria and Albert Museum in Dundee will also receive £2.6 million to revamp its Scottish Design Galleries, and Worcester will receive £2.3 million to develop new cultural spaces.

These projects are expected to enhance cultural infrastructure, attract tourism, and create local jobs, contributing to regional economic growth.

Financial concerns over £4.4m loans to council-owned firm

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East Lindsey District Council faces scrutiny over a series of loans totaling £4.4 million made to a company it established to manage local services. Currently, only £521,828 has been repaid, raising concerns about the financial health of Invest East Lindsey, the company in question.

In an internal council report, KPMG, the council’s external auditors, flagged “significant weaknesses” in the company’s management. The company reported a loss of £474,000 for the year ending March 2024.

Council leader Craig Leyland acknowledged that the loans were renegotiated due to factors like interest rate hikes following the Liz Truss government’s budget. He remains confident the loans will be repaid in full with interest.

However, opposition leader Jill Makinson-Sanders criticised the situation, stating that the council had failed to protect taxpayers’ interests adequately. During a recent audit and governance committee meeting, she expressed disappointment at the problem’s handling.

Grimsby’s new business hive set to boost town centre’s economic revitalisation

The Business Hive at St James’ House in Grimsby Town Centre is set to become a key player in the area’s business landscape. Phase one of the building is nearly ready for a spring opening, and five businesses have already secured spaces. The ground floor is fully let.

The Business Hive is part of a broader initiative to revitalise Grimsby’s town centre. Other major projects include the Freshney Place Leisure, Foodhall & Market scheme, a new youth zone, residential development at Alexandra Dock, and a new diagnostic centre. These projects are expected to attract more foot traffic and create a thriving hub for business and industry.

Funded by a £1.5 million Towns Fund grant, the renovation of St James’ House will provide a variety of spaces for businesses. Phase one includes a café and business space for the NSPCC and office space for 18 small businesses, five of which are already occupied. The second floor will feature a business hub and event space, while the top floor will offer a professional office space, with plans for a rooftop events terrace. The E-Factor team, which supports over 300 members, expects the space to be a hub for business gatherings and collaboration.

West Yorkshire pension fund expands into natural capital with £27 million investment

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The West Yorkshire Pension Fund (WYPF) is expanding its natural capital investments with a £27 million equity stake in Foresight Natural Capital. This move follows the growing trend of pension funds investing in forestry as a stable, inflation-resistant asset but extends to broader natural capital opportunities, including biodiversity projects, peatland restoration, and sustainable agriculture.

WYPF, which manages £19 billion in assets, sees natural capital as a key part of its alternatives strategy, which now makes up nearly 20% of its portfolio. Sustainable agriculture has gained attention due to its ability to support ecosystem health, enhance soil quality, and reduce carbon emissions, all of which contribute to long-term resilience and economic sustainability. However, Ward notes that transitioning to regenerative agriculture involves risks such as yield uncertainty, which can deter some investors.

In addition, WYPF’s investment in Rebalance Earth, which focuses on nature-based infrastructure solutions for climate change, highlights a new approach to climate resilience. This sector, traditionally funded by public and philanthropic sources, is now attracting institutional capital. Rebalance Earth uses innovative revenue models, such as Nature-as-a-Service (NaaS) contracts, to offer predictable cash flows while addressing sustainability challenges.

Both investments reflect WYPF’s strategy to target emerging natural capital markets and align with global sustainability goals, despite challenges in quantifying returns and impact in these evolving sectors.

Unity Yorkshire development drives business growth in Doncaster

Doncaster’s Unity Yorkshire development is moving forward, bringing new business opportunities and job growth to the region. Covering more than 250 hectares near Junction 5 of the M18, the project is expected to generate over 6,000 jobs and deliver around 2 million square feet of commercial space alongside 3,000 new homes.

The development is supported by City of Doncaster Council, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, and Homes England. A key infrastructure upgrade, the 1.8-mile Unity Way link road, has been completed to improve access between the site and nearby communities. The project is part of the South Yorkshire Investment Zone, designed to attract companies looking to expand in a central UK location.

Recent progress includes selling an 800,000-square-foot distribution centre to TJ Morris, owner of Home Bargains, with construction set to begin in spring 2025. Additional retail projects, including McDonald’s and Starbucks, have secured planning approval and are expected to open later this year. The site will also feature a new town centre, retail and leisure facilities, a transport hub, and a school, with 80 hectares dedicated to green space.

City of Doncaster Council and Business Doncaster are working to attract further investment, citing the region’s strong transport links, skilled workforce, and pro-business environment.

Council’s £105M airport plan triggers auditor warnings

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City of Doncaster Council’s plan to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport has drawn scrutiny from auditors over financial risks tied to the £105 million investment. A report from Grant Thornton, the council’s external auditor, raised concerns about the scale of public funding allocated to the project and its financial viability.

The council has established a publicly owned company, FlyDoncaster, to manage the reopening after failing to secure a private operator. The proposed funding, drawn from South Yorkshire devolution money, includes low-interest loans amounting to an effective subsidy of nearly £90 million.

In November, Grant Thornton sent a letter to the council’s chief executive warning of increased financial exposure, which has risen from an initial estimate of £16 million to over £100 million. The auditors described this escalation as a “major concern” and cautioned against the risk of “escalation of commitment” should the project fail to meet financial expectations.

A separate report revealed that the estimated cost of lease payments on the airport site has jumped from £14.8 million to £56.6 million. The audit firm advised the council to conduct further financial assessments and establish contingency plans if risks exceed acceptable levels.

The UK government has since expressed support for the airport’s reopening, though it has not committed national funding. Meanwhile, Munich Airport International has been brought in to provide operational and management services.

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard has delayed a final decision on the investment until the summer, citing the need for independent financial assurance. Internal reports have flagged risks to public funds, prompting further review before committing devolution money to the project.

Man convicted of defrauding Leeds City Council out of small businesses grants during pandemic

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A man has been found guilty of defrauding Leeds City Council out of more than £710,000 which was meant to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aftab Baig, from Glasgow, made fraudulent grant claims against thirty-two properties, which were branches of Greggs, arranging for the money to go into his business account. He did this at the height of the pandemic while the country was locked down and small businesses struggled to stay afloat. The money came from the Small Business Grant Fund, one of several schemes set up by the Government to help small businesses with business rates relief. In May 2020, Baig contacted Leeds Council pretending to be a Group Property Manager at Greggs Head Office asking for business rates numbers for Leeds branches, details which he claimed he could not access himself due to lockdown. Baig, who had no links to Greggs and was not employed by them, used the details to apply for rates relief to the tune of £710,000, which was paid into a bank account associated with his catering business. In May 2020, with the council having realised the claims were fraudulent, action was taken which resulted in the account being frozen. While most of the money was later returned to the council, more than £90,000 was left outstanding. The investigation was led by the National Investigation Service (NATIS) and Baig was arrested in Glasgow in July 2020 by Police Scotland officers. At Baig’s house, £16,000 in cash was found, as well as forged remittance slips which officers believed that he was planning to use to try and persuade the bank to return the frozen money. Baig was found guilty of three counts of fraud on 12 February at Leeds Crown Court. Kelly Ward from the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Baig took advantage of the difficult circumstances of the pandemic in 2020 to defraud the council out of taxpayers money. “Those who cheat the public purse are stealing funds which should rightly go towards services and the community, or in this case towards supporting small businesses through an extremely challenging time. “We will not hesitate to work together with investigators such as NATIS to bring offenders like Baig to justice. “We will also be starting proceedings to recover any assets resulting from this criminality.”

Leeds welcomes £15m government funding for two major cultural projects

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Leeds City Council has welcomed confirmation of £15m in central government funding for two major cultural projects.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has committed £10m to help breathe fresh life into Holbeck’s historic Temple Works building, paving the way for it to become the home of a new British Library North. A further £5m in funding has been confirmed in support of plans to create a National Poetry Centre at the landmark Trinity St David’s Church on Woodhouse Lane. Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “The British Library North project aims to create a world-class space for learning, research, exhibitions and events that would unlock the huge potential of Temple Works and boost the ongoing regeneration of the wider Holbeck and South Bank areas. “It is therefore really welcome news that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has confirmed that, following a consultation, this £10m of funding is now in place to support the process of bringing the Temple Works building into public ownership and back into use. “We have worked hard in recent months with partners, including the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Homes England and the British Library itself, to make the case for this funding. “Together we were able to emphasise the importance of the scheme and the economic and social benefits it would bring to Leeds, West Yorkshire and the North, not least through engagement and connections with local communities. “We were very pleased to welcome the Deputy Prime Minister to Temple Works last week so she could see first-hand what this remarkable heritage asset is all about. “We will now continue to work alongside partners on detailed plans for the full funding, design and development of a project that remains a complex and challenging undertaking, but one that offers a major regeneration opportunity for both Temple Works and the surrounding area. “The council also welcomes today’s confirmation that £5m in funding for Leeds’s proposed National Poetry Centre is now in place. “We were pleased to have the opportunity, during the MHCLG consultation, to add our voice to the widespread support for this project, which is being led by the National Poetry Centre Charitable Trust with the University of Leeds and poet laureate Simon Armitage.”

Hull-based developer wins contracts for two sheltered housing schemes

East Riding of Yorkshire Council has been awarded a £7.8m grant from Homes England to develop new sheltered housing schemes at Moat Hill in Anlaby and Deira Court in Driffield, with the East Riding of Yorkshire Council committing £25.7n to demolish and rebuild the accommodation, to meet modern standards and aspirations. Demolition and construction contracts have been awarded to Hull-based developers Hobson and Porter. The new sheltered schemes will feature a mixture of one-and-two-bedroom flats with generous open-plan layouts. The homes will be adaptable to meet residents’ needs as they age, thereby helping them to live independently for longer. Additionally, there will be a communal resident lounge for social activities, and each scheme will be equipped with the latest digital telecare equipment connected to the Council’s ‘Lifeline’ support service. This funding is part of the Affordable Homes Programme (2021-26), which received an additional £400m in the Autumn budget. To qualify for this funding, projects must commence by the end of the financial year, with priority given to regeneration developments and those offering social rent. Councillor Anne Handley East Riding of Yorkshire Council leader said “These grants will play a key role in ensuring that the council can continue to invest in its sheltered housing stock. It’s great to see the work in progress, and I look forward to seeing the first new residents move into the accommodation, when the project is completed. “ Shahi Islam, Homes England Director of Affordable Housing Grant said “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting East Riding of Yorkshire Council to achieve their ambitions. “Projects like Moat Hill and Deira Court are key examples of how the agency works collaboratively with partners through the Affordable Homes Programme to achieve our mission to build much needed new communities that people can be proud of.” Mark Smee, Director at Hobson & Porter, added: “We are delighted to be starting on site with this project in Anlaby. Our business was established back in 1971 principally to provide construction services to local authority housing projects, so its great to be working with one of our longest-served clients in this sector to deliver a flagship, local project like this. We can’t wait to see it develop.”

Chamber of Commerce leads Yorkshire firms on UAE trade mission

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Businesses from West and North Yorkshire have strengthened trade ties with the United Arab Emirates through a recent trade mission led by the region’s Chamber of Commerce. The delegation, which included companies from various sectors, visited Dubai and Abu Dhabi to explore commercial opportunities and build partnerships.

As part of the visit, delegates attended a networking event at the British Embassy in Dubai, hosted by Sarah Mooney, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Pakistan. The group also received an economic briefing at HSBC Tower and met with members of the Abu Dhabi Chamber. A site visit to a Free Zone in central Dubai provided insights into regional trade and investment incentives.

Law firm Schofield Sweeney, the University of Bradford, and Data Stream sponsored the trade mission. More than 70 UK and UAE-based businesses participated in networking events coordinated with the British Chamber of Commerce in Dubai.

Participating companies included Schofield Sweeney Solicitors, RJJ Software, Platinum Partnership Solicitors, LOVE IN CARE, Madison May, Tudor International Freight, University of Bradford, Sound Leisure, F. B Parrish and Son Ltd, Data Stream UK, Wodar, Aqua Interpreting Group, ITC, and Marske Hall Country Estate.

Record growth in business registrations across South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire

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The number of registered companies in South Yorkshire has reached a record high, rising to 75,130 from 73,897 at the end of 2023. Over the past year, 11,673 new businesses were established, with Sheffield leading the way (4,792), followed by Doncaster (3,415) and Rotherham (2,064), according to data from Companies House and the Office for National Statistics.

Nottinghamshire has also seen strong business growth, reflecting a wider trend across the East Midlands. The increase comes despite economic uncertainty linked to regulatory changes, the upcoming General Election, and external factors such as global instability.

Nationally, business formations reached a record 5,637,210, up from 5,476,772 in 2023. While 848,192 new businesses were registered across the UK, 690,501 were dissolved. The data highlights ongoing resilience among UK businesses, even in a challenging economic climate.

Bradford Literature Festival CEO appointed to creative industries taskforce

CEO and Artistic Director of the Bradford Literature Festival Syima Aslam has been appointed two a new Taskforce charged with growing creative industries in the UK. Leaders of organisations including Creative UK, the British Fashion Council and the Royal Shakespeare Company, plus academics, investors and tech entrepreneurs, have joined a new taskforce to help inform the Government’s strategy to unlock growth in the UK’s highly valued creative industries, one of the eight growth-driving sectors of the Industrial Strategy. Bradford Literature Festival is one of the three largest literature festivals in the UK and ‘Europe’s Most Diverse & Inclusive Arts Festival’. Renowned globally as an innovator within the culture sector, BLF forges international partnerships, curating diverse, innovative, and inclusive programmes. The taskforce, announced November 2024, will work towards the development of an ambitious and targeted Creative Industries Sector Plan, helping to provide growth as part of the Government’s Plan for Change and deliver on our decade of national renewal. The plan will be published in the spring, alongside the Industrial Strategy, and will set out new policies and government interventions that will help to deliver a further boost to the creative industries’ potential for spreading growth and opportunity for all. The creative industries have been identified as a key growth-driving sector in the Government’s Industrial Strategy, and will form a central part of the government’s mission to grow the economy. The taskforce will help to ensure that the Creative Industries Sector Plan is designed in partnership with business, devolved governments, regions, experts and other stakeholders.