Leading wind power specialist Boston Energy has underlined its commitment to empowering women to pursue careers in the wind energy industry. Through its Women into Wind campaign, East Yorkshire-based Boston Energy is supporting more women to enter the rapidly-growing sector and fostering greater gender diversity within the workforce. The initiative aims to encourage more women to consider careers in wind energy by offering hands-on training, mentorship, career development and opportunities to help women thrive and lead in this field. Boston Energy works internationally, supplying skilled technicians to global wind farm developers and operators. The company has worked on more than 100 offshore and onshore wind farms across the world since 2012, with its technicians working on more than 6,000 turbines from pre-assembly and Installation to maintenance. The most recent research from the International Renewable Energy Agency found that just 21 per cent of the global wind industry workforce is made up of women, with only eight per cent holding senior management positions. Boston Energy is committed to playing its part in changing this, by supporting women to enter the industry and benefit from the many highly-rewarding and exciting opportunities available working in wind power. As part of this commitment, female Boston Energy team members recently attended a careers event, staged by the Humber-based Women into Manufacturing and Engineering (WiME) partnership, to showcase careers available to women in the industry. The WiME event, held in Grimsby, a major hub for offshore wind, featured a session aimed at schools and colleges, to capture the imagination of girls and young women beginning their career journey, as well as an open session for women of all ages and backgrounds, who may be considering a career change. Boston Energy’s People Manager Sarah Shires said: “At Boston Energy, we believe that diversity is key to driving innovation and progress, particularly in industries like wind energy, which are essential for our sustainable future. “Through our Women into Wind campaign, we’re dedicated to providing the mentorship, training and opportunities needed to help women thrive and lead within this exciting sector. Our commitment goes beyond recruitment; we aim to create a supportive environment where women can not only enter, but excel, in the wind power industry. “Through our participation in events like the WiME careers day and the implementation of our Women into Wind initiative, Boston Energy continues to promote diversity and inclusion. Attending WiME events is crucial for us because it allows us to connect with and inspire the next generation of talent, especially women, to pursue careers in wind energy.” Boston Energy is based at the Hesslewood Office Park in Hessle and is a leading provider of technical labour, services and training to the global wind energy industry. The business works alongside leading names including Siemens Gamesa, Vensys, GE, SSE and Vestas to supply highly qualified and experienced professionals. Embracing a “one team” philosophy, Boston Energy’s technicians integrate seamlessly with customers’ teams to provide high-quality support with an unwavering commitment to safety excellence. Attending events such as WiME is just one of the ways Boston Energy connects with women of all ages to showcase the exciting opportunities in the wind industry and increase female representation in the sector. The team also works with schools and colleges to capture the interest of girls from a young age, while targeted recruitment schemes are also implemented to make women feel more included and welcome in the industry, with gender neutral language used to make job adverts more accessible. Competent Technician Rebecca Hansen joined Boston Energy just over a year ago is currently working on the Lynn and Inner Dowsing wind farm in the North Sea, with client Siemens Gamesa. She said: “I think a lot of people feel that jobs like these are ‘men’s jobs’ and may be too difficult for women to do, but I think that’s a huge misconception. “There’s no stopping women doing a job in a male-dominated industry – we can do just as well, if not better, and the satisfaction for me in doing so, is just as good as the other benefits the job brings. “I’m very glad to have stepped out of my comfort zone and taken this chance. It changed my life – so to other women thinking about it, I’d say ‘why not take that chance too?’” Boston Energy’s dedication to diversity extends beyond gender, as the company actively supports individuals transitioning from various backgrounds, including armed forces leavers and professionals from other industries, through its Transfer to Wind programme.

UK business confidence dropped sharply in the first quarter of the year, driven by rising tax burdens and growing concern over new US tariffs, according to new data from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

The ICAEW Business Confidence Monitor recorded a reading of -3, the weakest level since the final quarter of 2022 and a marked decline from the previous score of 0.2. The fall reflects growing pessimism among UK firms, particularly over increased costs and the global trade outlook.

More than half of surveyed businesses cited tax as a key challenge, with 56% highlighting it as a growing pressure—an all-time high for the index. The April rise in employer National Insurance contributions added to financial strain, alongside increases in energy bills and the national minimum wage.

The introduction of new US tariffs has also heightened trade uncertainty. Although initially announced as sweeping reciprocal measures, the tariffs were scaled back to a 10% baseline for most countries, including the UK. Nonetheless, the policy shift has added to concerns around global trade costs.

Companies also reported weaker expectations for domestic sales growth this year, forecasting the slowest pace since late 2022. This is despite a modest uptick in sales during the first quarter.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) GDP figures showed an unexpected 0.5% rise in February, following a flat January. However, the broader economic environment remains fragile.

South Yorkshire’s technology sector has seen significant growth over the past decade, with the combined value of local tech companies rising from £370 million in 2014 to £3 billion in 2024, according to new data from Dealroom and TECH SY. The number of active tech firms in the region has climbed to approximately 5,000, employing nearly 20,000 people.

The value of early-stage, pre-exit startups in South Yorkshire has also surged, reaching £737 million in 2024—up from £83 million ten years ago. These figures underscore a rapid acceleration in the region’s innovation economy, particularly in deep tech, which attracted 55% of the more than £200 million raised in venture capital since 2020.

Despite the strong upward trajectory, the report highlights funding disparities. Compared to similarly sized European tech hubs such as Eindhoven and Ghent, South Yorkshire startups are attracting less capital and securing a smaller share from international investors. Just 24% of investment into South Yorkshire startups came from foreign sources, significantly below the national UK average of 55%.

Rotherham has emerged as a local hotspot for tech innovation, with companies such as Xeros, Metalysis, Suiso, Iceotope and IntelliAM cited as standout examples in the region’s expanding ecosystem.

New research from Grant Thornton UK has revealed that although hybrid working has improved productivity and well-being, many businesses in Yorkshire are still keen to see their employees spend more time in the office.

The latest Business Outlook Tracker surveyed mid-sized businesses in the region, finding that 84% have adopted a hybrid working model. Most of these businesses report significant advantages, with 95% citing increased productivity, 93% observing a positive impact on employee wellbeing, and 91% confirming that staff prefer hybrid arrangements. Additionally, 95% of respondents believe hybrid working benefits their business.

However, despite these positive outcomes, 93% of businesses still want employees to return to the office more often. This is partly due to the recognition that some activities, particularly mentoring and developing younger staff, are more effective when conducted face-to-face. 86% of businesses with hybrid working models acknowledge that it has affected their ability to adequately support and train less experienced employees.

Businesses are now seeking the right balance between flexibility and in-person collaboration to ensure productivity and professional development continue to thrive.

In Yorkshire, insolvency activity has increased significantly, with cases rising to 284 in March, up from 248 in February. This marks a notable increase in financial distress within the region, reflecting broader economic pressures affecting businesses nationwide.

The Yorkshire & Humberside region now ranks fourth in the UK for insolvency activity, behind Greater London, the North West, and East Anglia. The data, analysed by R3, highlights a continued upward trend in insolvencies across all regions of the UK, pointing to a challenging financial landscape.

Rising costs, economic volatility, and reduced consumer spending have been major factors contributing to the region’s insolvencies. Many businesses are struggling with cash flow issues, and creditor actions have become more assertive in response. Inflationary pressures and uncertainty over future economic performance compound these difficulties.

While insolvency numbers have risen, Yorkshire has also seen an increase in new business activity, with a rise in startup registrations. However, the overall outlook for businesses remains cautious, as financial instability continues to impact established companies and new ventures in the region.

The Fitzwilliam Estate has submitted a proposal to Rotherham Council to transform a cluster of disused heritage farm buildings in Wentworth into a spa hotel, complete with a swimming pool, restaurant, holiday cottages, and event space.

The site, known as Home Farm, sits adjacent to the independently owned Wentworth Woodhouse, a major heritage attraction. The development is positioned to complement tourism in the area and support local economic growth.

The plan includes the restoration of several listed buildings. The Threshing Barn is earmarked for hotel use; the Gun Park would become a restaurant; the Potting Sheds and Cart Sheds would be converted into hotel suites. The Powerhouse, a 1904 structure once supplying electricity to Wentworth Woodhouse, would be repurposed as an events and wedding venue.

The scheme also provides for new visitor parking and an additional access route via Granny Clarke’s Wood, aimed at easing traffic congestion in the village.

This investment aligns with a broader push to boost visitor numbers and spending in the region, with the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust expressing support for the proposal. The Fitzwilliam family, who retained ownership of the farm properties after selling the main estate in the 1980s, continues to manage development around the historic site.

Bradford Council has finalised a 25-year lease agreement with Trafalgar Entertainment to operate the newly restored Bradford Live venue, a key asset in the city’s cultural and economic strategy.

The former 1930s cinema has been transformed into a 3,800-seat venue, with Trafalgar Entertainment now managing operations. The long-term lease guarantees Bradford Council an annual rental income and a share of the venue’s profits, with projections suggesting the agreement could generate £17 million for the council over the contract period.

Initially expected to cost up to £25 million, the project received nearly £44 million in public funding—primarily from Bradford Council, with additional contributions from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, central government and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The deal follows a turbulent period after the previous operator, NEC Group, withdrew from the project in 2023. Trafalgar Entertainment has since completed major renovations and installed thousands of seats before the venue’s official opening in September. A preview concert on 1 August, featuring the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra and community choir Bantam of the Opera, will mark the first public event in the space.

While the full events calendar has yet to be announced, the venue is expected to play a significant role in Bradford’s upcoming City of Culture year, enhancing the city’s profile and offering local economic development and tourism opportunities.

The UK Government has approved the £200 million Viking onshore pipeline, enabling the development of carbon capture and storage (CCS) infrastructure on the Lincolnshire coast.

The project will see a 55-kilometre underground pipeline built from Immingham to the Theddlethorpe Gas Terminal. Captured CO₂ will then be transferred offshore to the Viking gas fields in the North Sea for long-term storage.

Led by Harbour Energy and supported by BP, the Viking CCS Pipeline is part of a broader decarbonisation strategy projected to attract up to £7 billion in investment across the Humber region by 2035. The initiative is expected to support 10,000 construction jobs and deliver £4 billion in economic value by 2030.

The pipeline’s design includes operational infrastructure such as valves, inspection and venting systems, handling facilities, and temporary construction sites.

After a six-month review by the Planning Inspectorate, which involved input from stakeholders and local authorities, the project received final consent from the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

The Viking fields have the potential to store up to 300 million tonnes of CO₂, with infrastructure designed to handle up to 10 million tonnes annually by the end of the decade.