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Views sought to shape future of Hull city centre

Tess Egginton

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3rd February 2025

Views sought to shape future of Hull city centre

Hull City Council is seeking views on a new plan for its city centre. The Hull City Centre Vision will help the council realise its ambition to deliver a more family-friendly, sustainable and prosperous city centre of the future – one that benefits residents, businesses and visitors alike. Led by urban design specialists, Planit, the strategic vision will focus on a number of key areas, including:

Identifying key development plots in the city centre.
Moving towards a more climate-conscious city centre, both through futureproof development and the enhancement of sustainable transport infrastructure.
Defining key neighbourhood/district uses and identities.
Addressing flood risks through sustainable practices and attractive landscaping.
Enhancing the outdoor public spaces and family offer, as well as improving accessibility across the city centre.
Raising the profile of Hull to help drive more inward investment and development.
Growing the local economy, creating more jobs and supporting new and existing businesses.
Increasing the number of homes in and around the city centre, helping to create a more vibrant, active and safer destination.

The Hull City Centre Vision will help inform Hull’s Local Plan, which is set to be updated later this year. It will closely align with the council’s long-term strategies around carbon emissions, public realm, housing, economic development and health and wellbeing. Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for Regeneration and Housing at Hull City Council, said: “Our council is one that listens to local people, cares about their views and then takes action. “We’re excited by this new project as we look to create a city centre that reflects the long-term needs and aspirations of our residents and businesses. “Once finalised, this vision will help set us on a path towards a city centre that not only supports economic growth but is also a place our communities can feel proud of. “We want our city centre to be a better place for people to live, work and thrive and we’re looking forward to listening to people’s views.” Andy Roberts, Director at Planit, added: “We are proud to be leading this hugely important work for the city of Hull. Our vision aims to create a city centre that offers safe and welcoming neighbourhoods, supports a healthier and fairer Hull, drives economic growth, and responds effectively to the climate emergency. “Above all, we want to celebrate Hull’s culture and heritage while creating a city centre that residents and businesses can take pride in.” A six-week public engagement exercise has begun today, Monday 3 February, running until 16 March 2025.

East Yorkshire law firm hands ownership to employees

Tess Egginton

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3rd February 2025

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East Yorkshire law firm hands ownership to employees

East Yorkshire’s Williamsons Solicitors has become employee-owned. The business has switched from a limited company to an employee ownership trust, with 100 percent of shares being transferred from the two previous owners, solicitors Sarah Clubley and Jane Cousins. The move has been made as part of succession planning and to secure a bright future for the 120-strong firm which was founded in 1890. Both Sarah and Jane will continue their roles on the board of six directors responsible for strategy and day-to-day management, with four trustees in place to oversee the business, acting as guardians on behalf of all staff. The business model, which has been adopted by around 30 UK law firms to date and around 1,600 UK companies overall, has many reported positive aspects including enhanced staff loyalty and potential tax-free bonuses. Sarah Clubley, who joined Williamsons around 25 years ago, said that employee ownership would have far reaching benefits including improved performance while protecting the integrity of the firm. “It will build on our unique and collaborative culture, beloved by both staff and clients, while shielding us from acquisition or a management buyout which would place power in the hands of a few. “All staff will have the opportunity to become more involved in decisions, but it will feel like business as usual,” she added. Jane Cousins said: “Becoming a 100 percent employee-owned law firm marks an exciting milestone for Williamsons and, personally, it is a very proud moment. “The new structure allows us to give every employee a stake in our financial success. It will empower people, attract top talent and ensure we maintain our culture and ethos while providing continuity for staff and clients.” Work on the transaction was carried out with the help of Nigel Beckwith of Gosschalks Solicitors and Mike Beckett of Forrester Boyd.

Security group aquires Leeds locksmith

Tess Egginton

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3rd February 2025

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Croma Security Solutions Group has acquired Meridian, a well-established, family-run locksmith business based in Horsforth, Leeds for a total cash consideration of £150,000.

In a separate transaction, the company acquired a freehold retail property for a total cash consideration of £275,000 from the vendor’s pension fund.

Founded and owned by John and Kim Taylor in 2004, Meridian has been providing locksmith services and electronic security systems to the local resident and business community for over 20 years.

Operating from a single store, as well as providing a successful online service, Meridian has six employees of whom three are part of the Taylor family, and all of whom will remain with the business.

For the 12 months to 31 December 2023, Meridian generated revenues of £836,000 and profit before tax of £46,000.

Located in Horsforth, Leeds the store extends the Croma network northwards and is in easy reach of the group’s security centre in Bury. Meridian enjoys a high level of electronic security sales which is part of Bury’s core expertise and so the two sites should combine well and have already begun to collaborate.

The acquisition of Meridian is part of the group’s broader strategic plan to build a national network of modern security centres. Meridian will be incorporated into the business, benefiting from a broader product range and centralised services. The store will continue to service the local existing customer base, as well as the wider Croma network of commercial clients.

John Taylor, Managing Director of Meridian, said: “We have been looking to balance our desire to realise the value in our business whilst also continuing to work.

“Croma is therefore an ideal partner for us, they have a strong track record of incorporating similar businesses to ours into the Group and they have the skills and expertise to grow Meridian, especially in the commercial market where historically we have struggled to meet demand.

“As the founder of the business and having grown it from scratch, I’m excited to continue my career as part of the Croma team.”

Roberto Fiorentino, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted to welcome Meridian into the Group. The business meets all our criteria and is therefore a strong fit.

“We anticipate being able to increase the profitability of the business ensuring it quickly becomes earnings accretive and extends our geographic reach. As importantly, we have a good pipeline of further transactions which we are looking forward to bringing to completion.”

University develops footballs for UEFA leagues

Stuart Pearcey

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3rd February 2025

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University develops footballs for UEFA leagues

Sports engineering experts from Sheffield Hallam University have teamed up with Decathlon UK to design and develop official match balls for the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League. The collaboration between the university’s Sports Engineering Research Group and Decathlon UK involved testing all aspects of the ball’s performance at the University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre. A team of researchers led by Dr Katie Mills analysed the ball’s material composition and aerodynamic performance, ensuring it met the highest FIFA standards. The results were instrumental in developing the new match balls which made their debut at the start of the current season. Will Taylor, UK Commercial Director – Teamsports at Decathlon said: “We are incredibly proud of the impact this partnership has had on professional football. “By combining our passion for sport with Sheffield Hallam University’s cutting-edge research, we’ve created match balls that not only meet the demands of elite players but also elevate the playing experience for footballers of all levels.”

Microsoft pledges £150k to support Bradford student’s app idea

Stuart Pearcey

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3rd February 2025

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Microsoft pledges £150k to support Bradford student’s app idea

A Bradford College student has been pledged £150,000 by Microsoft towards digital infrastructure for his start-up.

Abdul Rahman Majid’s idea for ‘Kallabot’, developed when he moved to Bradford and experienced difficulties trying to communicate with utility companies regarding bill payments.

The app is described as an ‘AI-powered call-centre solution’ offering automated customer support, sales calls, and appointment scheduling using intelligent virtual agents. The AI agents are specially designed to suit various business industries, are programmed to handle hundreds of calls simultaneously, and can speak over 30 languages.

Abdul said: “I noticed that many businesses are outsourcing this sort of work by hiring entire call centres, so wanted to build a more affordable solution that could provide the same service.

“When I was calling companies, I would often wait on hold for considerable amounts of time and knew there could be a better alternative. Sales calls can be a tedious process and often very resource intensive for businesses, meaning less time to focus on other areas. This is what sparked the idea.”

With Kallabot formed and ready to launch to market, Abdul decided to apply for funding from Microsoft aimed at start-ups in the sector. Having been successful with the bid, the new company has been backed with funding of £150,000 to use on digital infrastructure such as servers and website domains.

“The call centre industry is a huge pie and I want to take a small piece of this to build something big. After Bradford College I want to go to university and make new friends and connections, while also hopefully seeing Kallabot flourish,”Abdul finished.

Brainstorm Club selected for Leeds Go-to-Market Launchpad programme

Stuart Pearcey

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3rd February 2025

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Brainstorm Club selected for Leeds Go-to-Market Launchpad programme

Revenue operations consultancy Brainstorm Club has been selected as one of 10 startups for the Leeds Go-to-Market Launchpad programme. Founded by Yorkshire native Devon Page, the initiative has been developed by L Marks in partnership with the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, and Leeds City Council, with the objective of supporting promising local startups in refining their go-to-market strategies. Launched in January 2025, Brainstorm Club helps businesses optimise their revenue potential by bridging critical gaps between sales and marketing operations. The consultancy brings proven expertise in transforming how B2B companies manage their revenue generation, having already helped clients scale from local to international operations through intelligent process design and automation. Said Devon: “As someone born in Yorkshire and deeply involved in our business community, I’m delighted to join a programme celebrating the diversity and ambition of startups in our region. Throughout my years teaching digital marketing at local universities and delivering workshops with local authorities, I’ve seen firsthand the potential in our businesses. Being selected for this programme marks an exciting step in our mission to help Yorkshire companies unlock their revenue potential.” During the programme, which includes an intensive bootcamp and eight-week accelerator, Brainstorm Club will develop innovative diagnostic tools to help established businesses and scale-ups optimise their revenue operations. This development aligns with the company’s vision of becoming a leading revenue operations consultancy. The Leeds Go-to-Market Launchpad, supported by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, positions Leeds as a growing hub for tech innovation. The city ranks second nationally for tech and fourth for digital economy growth, with more than 1,500 startups launched in the past five years.

Plans for UK’s largest tissue paper mill lodged with East Riding Council

Stuart Pearcey

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3rd February 2025

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Plans for UK’s largest tissue paper mill lodged with East Riding Council

Wykeland Group and Finnish manufacturer Metsä Tissue have submitted plans to create the UK’s largest tissue paper mill in Goole, which could create almost half of the tissue used in the UK, amounting to 240,000 tonnes a year. The partner companies have jointly lodged a planning application for the landmark 3m sq ft facility to East Riding of Yorkshire Council. Wykeland holds the long-term development rights on the site and has worked closely with Metsä Tissue for more than two years to pave the way for the investment of several hundred million pounds. Subject to planning approval, the development will be built in several phases over the coming decade and could create over 400 jobs on site during that time, with thousands more generated across the supply chain and local economy. The facility could increase the UK’s self-sufficiency in the manufacture of essential tissue products by more than 30 per cent, The planning application seeks approval to build the mill on a 211-acre site between Rawcliffe Road and the M62 motorway in Goole. Wykeland MD Dominic Gibbons said: “We identified the huge potential of this site several years ago and over the past two years have worked closely with Metsä Tissue to bring to fruition their ambition to create a world-class facility in the UK. “With over 50 years’ experience in the Yorkshire region, we are delighted to bring our planning and development expertise to this project. “Submission of this application is a key stage in the development process and we look forward to continuing to support Metsä Tissue to secure planning consent and move through to the delivery phase.” Alan Jeffery, Metsä Tissue’s Technical Director for the UK and Ireland, said: “We have worked collaboratively with Wykeland from the outset of our relationship through to the submission of this planning application. “Our partnership has contributed to the project progressing smoothly to this point and we look forward to working together to take the development through the planning process.”

‘Help business to deliver the growth you want’, says Business Board Network Chair

Stuart Pearcey

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3rd February 2025

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‘Help business to deliver the growth you want’, says Business Board Network Chair

Business Board Network Chair Mark Bretton has urged government to give businesses the freedom and support that will allow companies to deliver its growth objective. Responding to the Chancellor’s speech last week he said: “it is business who create the jobs and opportunities that in turn deliver growth. Government’s role is simple; create the right stimulus and give the freedom and support to allow business to do what it does best. So no more reviews please, provide the small amount of funding that’s urgently needed and let’s focus on turning the dream of growth into the reality of prosperity.” It was that freedom which he said, would allow developments like the South Yorkshire Airport City. “The planning and eventual realisation of these major investments, and hundreds of others, are very much dependent on the strengths of Business Boards in Mayoral Combined Authorities and across all regions, which act as the instigators and visionaries of local growth. “Put simply, without the support of business and the local Business Boards that represent their voice in local decision making, the dream of growth will remain just that, a dream. “So, it is a confusing contradiction that at the very time government has driving growth as its number one mission and seeking the support of business in doing that, that it has launched a consultation on withdrawing its support for business engagement and regional economic planning. “Local business leaders are completely frustrated at the continual review and rereview of their efforts to work together with local government to drive growth. They want to get on with real work, knowing that they have the support of government to do this.”

Skegness theatre transformation gets under way

Stuart Pearcey

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3rd February 2025

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Skegness theatre transformation gets under way

Alliance Leisure has begun the transformation of the historic Embassy Theatre in Skegness to turn it into one of the UK’s first Scandinavian-inspired ‘culture houses’ by the end of April this year. This redevelopment supports East Lindsey District Council’s vision to enhance local engagement with the arts, celebrate diversity, and create a venue with year-round appeal. Works on this project are being delivered through the UK Leisure Framework, bringing together a proven team of leisure development specialist including Universal Construction and LK2 Architects. Axiom is overseeing day to day project management, with Alliance Leisure responsible for the overall project delivery. The project incorporates two new single-storey extensions, adding to the venue’s current footprint. Works will include significant upgrades to seating within the auditorium, enhanced backstage access and facilities, the creation of a new feature entrance and a multi-purpose space to the rear of the building. Andy Newman, Director at LK2 Architects, said: “The Embassy improvements are based on the founding design principles of the Scandinavian ‘culture house’. The development will provide larger areas for multi-use operations for Arts, Culture and Theatre use. The design provides a visible and attractive frontage with light airy arrival spaces offering maximum functionality and appeal to encourage the public to engage with the arts whilst providing new and refurbished staff and theatre areas to improve existing operations.” These latest works, funded through the Towns Fund, Arts Council England and East Lindsey District Council capital, form part of the Skegness Connected Coast Town Deal and Arts Council England’s Cultural Development Fund project. Councillor Steve Kirk, the council’s champion for the project, says: “I am delighted to see another of our transformational Towns Fund projects getting underway in Skegness, and cannot wait to enjoy the cultural offer and opportunities it brings first-hand. “This project will help to allow residents and holiday-goers alike access to the highest quality of performances, workshops and more, and provide a platform for new creative businesses to develop and grow in East Lindsey and attract more visitors throughout the year. “Working with Alliance Leisure, through the UK Leisure Framework, gives us confidence that the project will be delivered on time and on budget. The timing of this project is absolutely critical. We need to be able to welcome visitors back into the main auditorium at the beginning of March because from that point on the `theatre has a full schedule of shows booked.”

Steel Council co-chairman visits British Steel at Scunthorpe

Stuart Pearcey

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3rd February 2025

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Steel Council co-chairman visits British Steel at Scunthorpe

Steel Council co-chairman Jon Bolton has visited British Steel at Scunthorpe as talks progress over the government’s proposed steel strategy, expected to be unveiled in the spring.

With up to £2.5bnof Government funding available, the Steel Council was re-launched earlier this month to advise on the strategy.

Mr Bolton said: “I have worked in the steel industry globally for over 40 years, and it’s clear this sector has faced many challenges. However, I believe the UK has all the essential elements to attract investment into the steel industry: demand, skills, technology, unrivalled research and development and, critically, a supportive government having announced up to £2.5bn of support.”

British Steel’s Chief Commercial and Procurement Officer, Allan Bell, said: “We were delighted to welcome Jon to British Steel. We discussed our plans to transform the company into a clean, green, and sustainable business, and the support steelmakers like ourselves require from the UK Government.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the government, and our fellow British steelmakers, to ensure the UK keeps making the steel it requires for generations to come.”

Lincolnshire SMEs get into talks with council decision-makers

Stuart Pearcey

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2nd February 2025

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Lincolnshire SMEs get into talks with council decision-makers

Small business owners in Lincolnshire have been able to speak directly to council decision-makers on a range of issues that are affecting them.

Hosted by the Lincolnshire Federation of Small Businesses, representatives from businesses across the county took part in a round table discussion with county councillors and officers. The event was also attended by the National FSB chair Martin McTague, who provided context about issues affecting small businesses countywide. Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Small businesses are the backbone of the Lincolnshire economy and we have been working with the FSB in Lincolnshire for some time now to make sure we create the right conditions for them to survive, thrive and grow. “Hearing first hand from small businesses on trading conditions, how the rurality of our county affects them and what further support they need is incredibly valuable to us as a council. I know everyone who took part got a lot out of the session where we could talk honestly and openly about our shared ambitions. The views from the FSB members will also help to shape the future services delivered by our Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub.” Katrina Pierce, business development manager for the Lincolnshire FSB, said: “In a county that is home to over 40,000 small and medium sized businesses, it is critically important that the county council is open to listening to the challenges and opportunities the precious businesses face. But listening is one thing; responding to the needs raised with targeted support, campaigns and events that directly benefit SMEs is what really shows the council cares, and I’m delighted that we have such a positive relationship with the authority that results in great outcomes for local firms.” “Our members represented themselves, their locations and their sectors with care, passion and pride and I look forward to hosting more of these sessions in the future”. Cllr Ian Carrington was also in attendance at the meeting. Cllr Carrington chairs the county council’s Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee, who which recently endorsed Lincolnshire FSB’s ‘Future of the High Street’ report. He said, “The committee felt very strongly that given the challenges facing small businesses in Lincolnshire, liaising with organisations such as the FSB is absolutely crucial so that as a council, we can offer whatever support we can. Hearing from small businesses at this event really helped bring to life the realities of the challenges they face, but also the excellent work being done across the county.”

Industry Minister hosts Steel Strategy roundtable at Sheffield Forgemasters

Tess Egginton

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31st January 2025

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Industry Minister hosts Steel Strategy roundtable at Sheffield Forgemasters

Industry Minister Sarah Jones has hosted a roundtable to finalise the Government’s upcoming Steel Strategy at Sheffield Forgemasters. Following on from the inaugural meeting of the UK’s new Steel Council earlier this month, which Sheffield Forgemasters is a member of, this roundtable of more than 30 CEOs and leaders from industry focused on steel demand over the next five and 10 year terms, and is one in a sequence of follow-up events. The Minister also took a tour of Sheffield Forgemasters’ facilities, allowing the firm to showcase its capabilities and investments, which includes £900 million of upgrades to plant and equipment which will service UK defence and green energy projects, such as SMR nuclear power. Gary Nutter, Chief Executive Officer at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “It was a great privilege to host this Steel Strategy roundtable at our site, and offered a chance for the Minister to see what we are doing to align with the Government’s steel and industrial strategy. “The changes to this plant are of national significance and will not only see recapitalisation of plant and equipment, but a physical expansion and the guarantee of highly skilled engineering jobs for decades to come, servicing defence, commercial and clean energy markets.”

Hull group appointed to £500m framework supporting public sector decarbonisation

Tess Egginton

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31st January 2025

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Hull group appointed to £500m framework supporting public sector decarbonisation

Hull-based Sewell Group has been appointed to a major new framework agreement to support the decarbonisation of public sector organisations, including the NHS.

The £500m framework from NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) will help public sector organisations decarbonise their estates, through work such as creating decarbonisation plans and retrofitting aging buildings with new technology such as photovoltaic and ventilation systems, as well as internal and external wall insulation, replacement of windows and doors and monitoring and optimizing buildings already in use to reduce their carbon footprint.

The framework covers everything from consultancy to construction, providing holistic or turnkey services to make decarbonisation projects a reality.

The new four-year framework will help estates managers across the public sector to produce greater value by combining decarbonisation works with their backlog works, to create cleaner, greener and more attractive estates.

Any long-term financial gain generated from energy cost reductions can be used towards high-risk maintenance issues, new equipment or additional staff, improving staff and patient experience and the ability to deliver high quality care.

The framework is just one of the measures which has been put in place to help the NHS achieve its ambition of becoming the world’s first net zero national health service, reaching net zero by 2040 for the emissions the NHS controls directly.

Sewell Group has a number of estates businesses, including construction companies Sewell Construction and I&G, estates consultancy Sewell Advisory and Sewell Facilities Management, meaning Sewell Group are able to provide a varied range of services to support public organisations in the delivery of decarbonisation and retrofit works.

Steve Dam, Retrofit Lead at Sewell Group, said: “Decarbonisation of the country’s public sector is essential, both to reach net zero targets and to help combat rising energy costs.

“We’re delighted that Sewell Group has been chosen to support the journey to net zero, and we’re looking forward to bringing our expertise in sustainable refurbishment and retrofit to help the NHS and other public organisations create sustainable buildings and modernize their existing estate.”

Anjub Ali, Senior Category Manager at NHS SBS, said: “With the announcement of over £1bn for public sector decarbonisation in 2024’s Budget, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero confirmed funding for the next wave of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

“This new framework agreement will support the delivery of the NHS’s ambition in ‘Delivering a Net Zero Health Service’ and is a response to the profound and growing threat to health posed by climate change. It is geared towards helping the NHS modernise and decarbonise aged assets and buildings throughout the public sector’s estates.”

The framework allows organisations across the north of England to make direct awards to Sewell Group, and the framework agreement can be used by all NHS and wider public sector bodies, including local authorities, universities, schools, police, blue light, central government and third sector organisations.

Sewell Group was chosen to be a part of the framework after being assessed on their ability to reduce the environmental impact of service delivery through state-of-the-art equipment, decreased energy and fuel consumption, and the monitoring of data from retrofit projects.

Special administrators appointed to electronic money firm

Tess Egginton

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31st January 2025

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Special administrators appointed to electronic money firm

Contis Financial Services Limited (CFSL), an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) business regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), has entered special administration. The appointment of Joshua Dwyer and Robert Spence from Interpath Advisory as joint special administrators follows the announcement in September 2024 by CFSL’s ultimate parent company, Solaris, that it was to discontinue major parts of its EMI business, comprising Contis Group Limited and its subsidiaries, including CFSL. As a result of this, Yorkshire-based CFSL commenced the orderly wind-down of its operations, including the successful transfer of the Engage business to Suits Me which was announced in November 2024. The orderly wind down was scheduled by the company to be completed by April 2025. However, a long-running and unresolved dispute with a third party financial institution in respect of the release of certain customer safeguarded funds has, in the company’s view, made this unachievable. As a result, the directors of CFSL have taken the decision to place CFSL into special administration in order to provide the opportunity for the special administrators to seek to secure the release of the safeguarded funds, facilitate the distribution of safeguarded funds to customers and complete the orderly wind down of CFSL’s operations. Immediately following the appointment of the special administrators, CFSL ceased trading. Customers have therefore been advised that all customer accounts, including prepaid debit cards, have been frozen and customers are no longer able to make payments or receive receipts. Accounts will remain frozen whilst Interpath assesses the situation and identifies the best way to return funds to customers. Customers are encouraged to set up alternative banking arrangements with another provider as soon as possible.

New partnership to accelerate Wakefield regeneration plans

Tess Egginton

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31st January 2025

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New partnership to accelerate Wakefield regeneration plans

Wakefield Council has appointed Muse as its new Strategic Regeneration Partner. Muse will work in partnership with the Council to deliver at pace the next phase of major regeneration projects across the city.

Cllr Michael Graham, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said: “We have an exciting and ambitious Masterplan that lays out the vision for the future of our city centre. “Work is in progress on the first stage which is delivering a new hotel, an extended and enhanced city square, several new city centre housing developments, and a new Museum and Library. This new partnership will now lead on the next chapter in our city’s regeneration. Delivering our ambition at scale and at pace. “Muse will help originate, plan, and develop new projects, driving them forward from blueprint to build. They’ll be bringing expertise to support us to unlock significant private sector funding. As well as looking at assets and land the Council owns to determine how they can be better used.”

Muse has delivered large scale projects in other cities including Birmingham, London, Leeds and Manchester. By co-ordinating the contractors and companies involved in delivering large scale projects, and overcoming any challenges that may arise, the partnership with Muse will help the Council drive the Masterplan forward.

Simon Dew, Development Director at Muse, said: “Wakefield has an exciting future, with an ambitious and forward-thinking Council. By working in partnership, we can deliver positive and quality placemaking and regeneration which delivers real benefit to the community.

“As Strategic Regeneration Partner we’ll work together, over the long-term, to realise the opportunities set out in the city centre masterplan to create the new homes, jobs, retail, and public spaces Wakefield needs.”

Cllr Graham added: “With 40 years’ experience delivering the kind of projects we want for Wakefield; we’re delighted to have Muse on board. They share in our vision and ambitions for Wakefield. “With this new partnership, we are now in a position of real strength to deliver the long-term vision for the future of our city.”

Odsal Stadium lease sold to Bradford Bulls

Tess Egginton

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31st January 2025

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Odsal Stadium lease sold to Bradford Bulls

The sale of the lease of the Odsal Stadium, the home of the Bradford Bulls Rugby League team, to the Bulls, has been completed. The deal was brokered by global property consultancy Knight Frank. Lawyers have now finalized the exact details of the 150-year-old lease, which is owned by Bradford Metropolitan District Council. Opened in 1934, Odsal is a multi-purpose sports stadium which extends to approximately 12.85 acres and is currently the home of Odsal Motorsport, as well as the Bradford Bulls. The Rugby Football League Ltd (RFL) sold the lease to the Bradford Bulls, having owned it for the past 12 years and having paid the council a peppercorn rent. Jonathan Hyland of the Leeds office of Knight Frank said: “We have now completed this complex and important deal. Lawyers have worked forensically through the final details to ensure each party was happy and a satisfactory decision was reached. “The RFL was keen to sell the lease and the Bulls were keen to gain more autonomy and control over their ground, so the deal suited both parties. “When we first announced that the Odsal lease was up for sale last October, there was a good deal of interest, which wasn’t surprising, since this was an absolutely fantastic opportunity to acquire one of the most famous sporting stadia in Yorkshire. Odsal has a wonderful history and is one of the jewels in the crown of the city of Bradford.” Rob Graham, the RFL’s Director of Finance, Facilities and Central Services, said: “We are pleased to have concluded the sale of Odsal Stadium to the Bradford Bulls. The RFL’s primary goal in taking ownership in January 2012 was to avoid an historic venue for Rugby League being lost to the sport, and that has now been achieved. “Ownership of the stadium was never envisaged as a permanent position, and we thank Jonathan Hyland and his team at Knight Frank for their professionalism in completing the sale of the lease.”

Slight rise for Yorkshire business confidence in January

Tess Egginton

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31st January 2025

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Slight rise for Yorkshire business confidence in January

Business confidence in Yorkshire and the Humber rose one point during January to 29%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds. Companies in Yorkshire and the Humber reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down eight points at 39%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up nine points to 18%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 29% (vs. 28% in December 2024). A net balance of 26% of businesses in the region also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up one point on last month. Looking ahead to the next six months, Yorkshire and Humber businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training (39%), introducing new technology, such as automation and AI (34%) and entering new markets (31%). The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. National picture Overall, UK business confidence fell two points in January to 37%. While firms’ optimism in their own trading prospects strengthened four points to 51%, their confidence in the wider economy dropped seven points to 24%. For the third consecutive month, London was the most confident UK nation or region in January, climbing two points to 55%, followed by the West Midlands at 51%. Sector insights There were similar falls in manufacturing, construction and retail this month, with a slight increase in services. Confidence fell to 38% in manufacturing (down 4 points), 36% in construction (down 5 points), and 40% in retail (down 3 points). However, confidence in services increased by 3 points to 38%. These results come within a general trend of larger confidence declines in retail and services in recent months. Within the services sector, confidence has notably fallen in hospitality but has remained more stable in business services and health-related services. Martyn Kendrick, regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber at Lloyds, said: “This represents a second month in a row of rising confidence in Yorkshire, and a good start to the year. “As the region’s businesses press on with their plans for growth, we’ll continue to be by their side with our tailored support to help them make the most of new opportunities.”

Barnsley Council sells 10-acre site to Gregory Property Group

Stuart Pearcey

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31st January 2025

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Barnsley Council sells 10-acre site to Gregory Property Group

Gregory Property Group and Commercial Development Projects Limited of Elland have bought a 10-acre development site at Junction 36 of the M1 at Dearne Valley Parkway, Rockingham from Barnsley Council. With planning permission in hand the Otley-based developer expects ti start work on three new units before the end of February with completion by February next year. The contractor will be Marshall Construction Ltd. The site is located a few hundred yards from J36 of the M1 just off the Dearne Valley Link Road and is included in the Hoyland North Masterplan framework. John McGhee, MD at Gregory Property Group, said: “The site is a high profile and popular location for industrial occupiers because of its excellent transport links and local labour force. The design which includes various tree, shrub and flower planting schemes to improve the biodiversity of the area will make this a very pleasant place to work, and we expect demand for the units to be high.” Simon Marshall for Commercial Development Projects Limited said: “We are pleased to be able to continue our excellent working relationship with Gregory’s and look forward to working together to deliver this exciting opportunity”.

South Yorkshire Chambers urge tangible actions not just warm words over airport future

Stuart Pearcey

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30th January 2025

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South Yorkshire Chambers urge tangible actions not just warm words over airport future

South Yorkshire Chambers are calling on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to back up her ‘warm words’ about supporting Doncaster Sheffield Airport with tangible actions.

Reacting to her pledge to support the development of Doncaster Sheffield Airport the three South Yorkshire Chambers have issued a cautiously optimistic statement, whilst also emphasising the need for warm words to translate into tangible action.

The Chancellor has announced that Government will be working closely with South Yorkshire politicians to support the region’s ambitions for its soon-to-be-rebooted international airport.

The Chief Execs for the three South Yorkshire Chambers representing Doncaster, Sheffield and Barnsley & Rotherham jointly commented:

“We, of course, welcome Government’s support for the airport and by extension South Yorkshire. Only a few days ago, our umbrella body, the British Chambers of Commerce, drew up a list of important infrastructure projects to try and get them on the Chancellor’s radar; believing that, if these are properly invested in, they will help get the UK’s economy moving in the right direction again. Many different opportunities for growth were highlighted here, so it’s encouraging to see that, even amidst all of that, the need to support DSA still stood out as a priority.

“The Chancellor may have caused an unnecessary amount of pain and consternation for businesses with her Autumn Budget, but this — along with all of the other announcements from yesterday’s speech — signals that there might be some mid-term gains on the horizon for the economy.

“That being said, many will understandably want to wait and see if Westminster can actually deliver on these warm words, given that we have been here before. Indeed, we heard similar pledges from some of the Chancellor’s predecessors in Government — including from previous Secretaries of State and even a former Prime Minister — only for the promised support to never materialise beyond, of course, the welcome confirmation of Investment Zone status here in South Yorkshire.

“We hope that this time around will be different, and that central Government will be able to match the entrepreneurialism and tenacity that our public sector partners in the local and mayoral combined authorities have demonstrated throughout this hard-fought campaign.”

Finance Yorkshire pumps £500k into Wakefield-based gym music app

Stuart Pearcey

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30th January 2025

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Finance Yorkshire pumps £500k into Wakefield-based gym music app

A music streaming app developed in Yorkshire by Pure Energy Music has launched to the UK fitness and gym industry with a £500k investment from Finance Yorkshire’s growth fund. The funding will mean up to 10 more staff, most based at Wakefield and some will be global sales roles. The app delivers music specifically designed to optimise exercise performance, and is the brainchild of Andy Pickles who operates Music Factory Recordings based at The Tileyard, Wakefield. Leisure centres, gym operators, and fitness instructors subscribe to the Pure Energy Music app to access expertly curated music designed to enhance workout performance. The tracks are designed and produced in-house by Pure Energy Music’s expert team, ensuring they align with the latest research on exercise performance. Andy said: “We see huge potential for the app both in the UK and globally. As a subscription service model, it is more cost effective for fitness and gym operators who would otherwise have to negotiate over music ownership rights. “Finance Yorkshire is very supportive and we are passionate about our Yorkshire roots and growing our proposition in England.” Alex McWhirter, CEO of Finance Yorkshire, said: “Pure Energy Music exemplifies the vision and innovation within the region’s creative and digital sector. Finance Yorkshire is pleased to support Andy and his team in driving the growth and use of the app through the creation of more jobs in Yorkshire’s regional economy.”

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