Countdown begins for the 14th Annual Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo – Just 3 weeks away
With just three weeks remaining until the highly anticipated 14th Annual Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo, preparations are well underway for what promises to be an exciting and informative event.
Sponsored by Team Lincolnshire and the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, the expo serves as a premier networking and knowledge-sharing opportunity for professionals across a wide range of industries, including Property, Construction, Finance, Investment, Inward Investment, Public & Private Sectors, and Professional Services.
The expo will take place on 26th March 2025 at the Bentley Hotel, located in South Hykeham, Lincoln (LN6 9NH), offering easy access and ample free parking for all attendees. The event is the perfect platform to explore new business opportunities, gain valuable insights from industry experts, and connect with key decision-makers.
This year’s event will feature three speed networking sessions throughout the morning, offering attendees the chance to engage in fast-paced, structured networking with fellow professionals. These sessions are designed to help individuals build valuable connections quickly and effectively.
To close the event, there will be a networking lunch at 2:00 PM, hosted by event sponsors Team Lincolnshire and the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce. Tickets to the lunch are available for just £15 plus VAT and can be purchased at https://businessshowsgroup.co.uk/product/network-lunch-lincolnshire-delegates/.
Registration for the event is now open. For more details on the full schedule of exhibitors, speakers, and networking opportunities, and to register, please visit https://businessshowsgroup.co.uk/register/.
Event Details:
Date: 26th March 2025
Location: Bentley Hotel, South Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 9NH
Exhibition Opens: 9am
Exhibition Closes: 1:45pm
Team Lincolnshire & Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce Lunch £15: 2pm-3:15pm
Parking: Free parking available
UK vineyard pioneers UV-C technology to improve vine health
Veenow Vineyard has become the first in the UK to adopt UV Boosting technology, which uses UV-C light to strengthen grapevines against fungal diseases like powdery and downy mildew and reduce frost damage.
Trials indicate the system can lower frost risk by up to 50% when applied within 48 hours of a frost event and cut the need for chemical sprays by up to 60%, requiring only three to four applications per season. The technology is also expected to reduce disease incidence by 40% and increase vine yield by 13%.
Veenow plans to use the system on key grape varieties, including Pinot Noir, Bacchus, Chardonnay, Meunier, and Cabernet Noir. The vineyard’s owners say the investment aligns with their commitment to sustainability, alongside other practices like digestate application and cover cropping.
Six-figure backing from NPIF II to drive transformative growth for C80 Solutions
C80 Solutions, which is part of the wider C80 Group, has secured a six-figure loan from NPIF II – BEF Smaller Loans, which is managed by the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).
With a team of 44 professionals and an annual revenue of £3.6m in 2024, the loan will enable C80 Solutions to invest in talent acquisition, resources, and cutting-edge infrastructure to support its ambitious plans. As the company continues to grow, it is set to create new job opportunities, with plans to expand its workforce by up to five positions in the coming year, contributing to economic growth across Yorkshire and beyond.
Achieving 30% year-on-year growth in 2024 – which is set to increase to 40% in 2025 – C80 Solutions provide a complete range of energy assessment, compliance, consultancy and testing services for the UK residential and commercial sectors. The business will use the funding to bring its services together under the new brand name “enevo” in early 2025, which will help the company enhance visibility and provide an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to clients across the UK.
Founded in 2010 and based in Birstall, West Yorkshire, C80 Solutions reflects a vision for sustainable business practices and innovation. Over the years, the company has earned a reputation for excellence, collaborating with high-profile clients such as Knight Frank, Torsion Projects, Eddisons, Savills, Avison Young, Caddick Construction, Esh, and JRL Group.
Mark Heptonstall, founder of C80 Solutions and Managing Director of C80 Group commented: “This funding marks a pivotal moment in our journey. It’s not just about scaling operations but about investing in innovation and the people who make our vision a reality. By consolidating our services under the enevo brand, we’re positioning ourselves as a one-stop solution for sustainable building compliance and consultancy. This is an exciting chapter for us, and we’re proud to be driving positive environmental and economic impact.”
Mark Iley, Senior Investment Manager at Business Enterprise Fund, said: “It has been a pleasure working with Mark and the team at C80 Solutions. Their commitment to driving sustainable practices and advancing net zero goals within the building compliance sector is truly impressive. Supporting businesses like C80 Solutions aligns perfectly with our mission to foster innovation and sustainable growth in the North of England.”
Lizzy Upton, senior investment manager at British Business Bank, said: “This round of funding will enable the business to make strategic change to accelerate growth and create new jobs. There are plenty of challenges facing the residential and commercial sector, so it is great to see NPIF II supporting a business like C80 help other companies navigate the regulatory environment and improve their sustainability.”
The £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIFII) covers the entire North of England and provides loans from £25k to £2m and equity investment up to £5m to help a range of small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.
The purpose of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the North of England. The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II will increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for the North’s smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and help to break down barriers in access to finance.
Subaru Forester
An unrivalled combination of safety, capability and reliability
Since its launch in 1997, the Subaru Forester has been a mainstay of the motoring world, with more than five million vehicles sold globally and over 400,000 cars shifted in Europe alone. The 2025 iteration keeps momentum by mixing refinement with ruggedness to become the perfect companion for adventure.
The new Forester has been redesigned to express its all-weather performance with cleaner, simpler, and more subtle styling. The vehicle offers improved drivability and increased on and off-road capability over the earlier model.
It matches Subaru’s iconic symmetrical, always-on, all-wheel drive system to an enhanced edition of the company’s renowned e-Boxer mild-hybrid power unit. It also boasts an improved X-mode terrain selection system and class-leading 220mm ground clearance.
The Forester offers three trim levels: Limited, Field, and Touring. The test subject here is the £42,995 top-of-the-line Touring model, which is attractive with its glossy blacked-out exterior trim and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Indeed, the Subaru impresses with its new looks at first glance. The front grille adds a sense of width and solidity, capped by slender signature lights and blackout headlamps that give it a contemporary feel. Fresh LED cornering lights also increase night-time visibility by lighting up the front of the vehicle while turning, helping you spot potential obstructions sooner.
The side is defined by sleek lines interrupted only by pleasingly sculpted wheel arches that accommodate attractive alloy wheels, contributing to the Forester’s robust appearance.
The large-opening tailgate provides a spacious cargo area, which we’ll discuss further in a bit. Plus, details, such as a hummingbird design on the windscreen and paw prints on the door trim, contribute to the Subaru’s lively personality.
The new Forester comes with an 11.6-inch Full HD infotainment touchscreen with a resolution of 1920×1080 to improve the usability of its features and controls. The system has increased connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – and improved navigation compatible with what3words.
The Subaru’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine delivers smooth acceleration and has gained more torque – 182Nm @ 4000 RPM. The X-mode is ideal for going off the tarmac – and has settings for stuff like mud and snow. And you’ll be glad that the front seats are designed to minimise fatigue and maximise comfort during long drives. The cabin also offers class-leading quietness thanks to active acoustic engineering. This serves to create a serene environment.
Functionally, the 2025 Forester boasts an impressive 508 litres of boot space, expandable to 1,720 litres when needed. Features like the hands-free powered tailgate with a kick sensor simplify loading and unloading.
The redesigned Forester’s permanent symmetrical all-wheel drive and specially engineered e-Boxer mild-hybrid powertrain manage the power split between the electric motor and engine through seamless switching between three driving modes: Engine, EV, and Motor Assist. This versatility enhances fuel efficiency according to driving conditions.
All Subaru Foresters have a factory warranty of three years or 60,000 miles. The traction battery has an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty. Maintenance intervals are every 12,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first.
Although it sells well globally, this model isn’t considered especially common in the UK compared with other vehicles, which adds to its appeal by ensuring you’ll stand out. Only time will reveal whether this sixth-generation Forester becomes the best-selling version to date.
Fast Facts
New 2025 Subaru Forester:
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- Max speed: 117 mph
- 0-62 mph: 12.2 secs
- Fuel economy: 34.9 mpg
- Engine layout: 2.0-litre four-cylinder
- Max. power (BHP): 134
- CO2: 183 g/km
- Price from: £42,995 – as tested (Touring model).
Available at RICHTOY, 1-2 King Street, Winterton, North Lincolnshire DN15 9RN. Tel: 01724 735282. www.richtoy.co.uk
Ferriby Meadows rises rapidly as Beal buyers home in on prestigious location
Construction is progressing rapidly at a prestigious development in the picturesque East Yorkshire village of North Ferriby.
The first homes are taking shape at family-owned housebuilder Beal Homes’ latest luxury development, Ferriby Meadows, which will bring 115 high-quality homes to one of East Yorkshire’s most desirable villages.
The first rooflines are now visible, with the show home and first completions on track for this Autumn.
Demand has already been exceptionally high for the development, where Beal is investing £40m to deliver a range of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes, as well as three and four-bedroom bungalows. Plots currently available are priced from £325,000, with future releases due to include two-bedroom homes from £235,000.
Already 17 properties have been reserved off plan in just four months since the sales launch and interest in the development continues to be exceptionally strong.
Ross Clarkson, Sales and Marketing Director of East Yorkshire-based Beal, said: “We’re excited that construction is progressing so well at Ferriby Meadows and that we’re experiencing such strong demand, with a very high number of early reservations.
“North Ferriby is one of East Yorkshire’s most sought-after locations, so we’re delighted to be offering people an exceptionally rare opportunity to own a luxurious brand-new home in this beautiful community.”
Green light granted for £45m residential development in Witham St Hughs
Housebuilder Honey will build 170 new homes in Witham St Hughs, Lincolnshire after being granted planning permission for a £45m development.
Called Nova and located off Warren Lane, the development will comprise a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes. Nova will feature 17 of Honey’s different house types.
Of the 170 homes at the development, 28 have been allocated as affordable housing.
Work at the development is anticipated to start in April with the first residents expected to move in by November this year.
Honey chief executive officer, Mark Mitchell, said: “Our range of new homes being delivered at Nova will meet the strong demand there is for high-specification homes amongst buyers in the local area.
“Each home at the development has been thoughtfully designed to combine style, substance and sustainability to offer buyers homes which are unmatched at their price point.
“Having now secured planning permission, we look forward to works starting at the site and launching the first homes for sale at this new community we are delivering.”
Investor partners with leadership in buyout of video game publisher
Emona Capital LLP has partnered with leadership in the buyout of video game publisher Secret Mode.
Founded as part of Sheffield-based Sumo Group in 2020, Secret Mode’s portfolio of titles features numerous critical, commercial, and award-winning hits across multiple genres, including Still Wakes the Deep, A Little to the Left, Wobbledogs, and Eternal Threads.
Emona Capital, a financial investor with deep expertise in the gaming industry, has a portfolio that includes world-renowned PC and console studios such as Relic Entertainment and Amber Studio. Secret Mode marks its first investment in game publishing.
In partnership with Emona Capital, Secret Mode will operate as an independent publisher, focused on supporting indie PC and console games. Secret Mode’s current leadership, Ed Blincoe and James Schall, has the full backing of Emona and will remain at the helm, leading the company as it enters its next phase.
Ed Blincoe at Leamington Spa-based Secret Mode said: “Secret Mode is deeply passionate about the creativity and innovation within the indie space, and so we are thrilled to be partnering with Emona Capital and to fully focus on the independent publishing scene.
“I also want to express our gratitude to Sumo not only for believing in Secret Mode’s original vision and overseeing our startup years, but for granting us this opportunity to become a fully independent entity.”
James Schall at Secret Mode said: “By becoming independent, we can now put all our efforts into uncovering the indie gems that gamers never knew they needed in their lives.
“We are committed to bringing our players the very best indie titles; not just of the future, but also by helping them discover existing indie masterpieces that have undeservedly flown under the radar in years gone by.
“We are working hard to empower independent developers across the globe, and hope to make some exciting announcements on this front in the coming months.”
Dominik Dolenec, Managing Partner at Emona Capital, said: “Secret Mode has made great waves in its formative years as a publisher of independent games. We look forward to supporting Secret Mode’s mission within the independent games sector across PC and consoles.”
Michael Moriarty, Partner at Emona Capital, said: “We are excited to build upon our commitment in the gaming ecosystem by investing in Secret Mode. This partnership strengthens our portfolio and adds skills and experience that complement our existing studios.”
Doncaster trade park acquired for £7.85m
Northern Trust Company Ltd has acquired Wheatley Hall Trade Park in Doncaster for £7.85 million. The multi-let trade park totals 49,282 sq ft across 12 units, with sizes ranging from 2,470 sq ft to 5,164 sq ft.
Strategically located on a key arterial route, Wheatley Hall Trade Park sits at the heart of Doncaster’s prime industrial and out-of-town retail area. The site is adjacent to Wheatley Centre Shopping Park and next to Northern Trust’s existing Crompton Business Park.
Jonathan Houghton, Property Portfolio Executive at Northern Trust, said: “We are extremely pleased to have added Wheatley Hall Trade Park to our growing portfolio. Its prime location on a key arterial route and its proximity to our existing Crompton Business Park makes it a perfect fit for our strategic vision.
“This acquisition strengthens our footprint in Doncaster and enhances the flexible business space options we can offer to new and existing occupiers. This latest acquisition underscores Northern Trust’s continued investment across key regional markets.”
Dan Hodge, Regional Property Director at Northern Trust, added: “Wheatley Hall Trade Park is a high-quality asset that complements our existing properties in Yorkshire. The estate’s modern units and excellent transport links make it an attractive location for a wide variety of trade operators. We are committed to supporting local economic growth by continuing to provide adaptable business space.”
Richard Gale, Partner at Allsop LLP, acted for Northern Trust on the acquisition.
York logistics firm celebrates award win
A growing logistics firm in York is celebrating success after receiving a national award. Celkom Transport Ltd collected the ‘Brand Ambassador Award’ at a Shareholder Gala hosted by national pallet network Pallet-Track, held at Celtic Manor Resort in Newport.
The independent transport and warehousing company received the award in recognition of its efforts to build its reputation and promote its services. Celkom Transport was also highly commended for the Outstanding Growth Award, following a major expansion and investment in a new 50,000sq.ft. warehouse at its York site, which it has fully refurbished.
The new warehouse facility enables the business to provide greater storage and fulfilment options for its customers, while also creating five new jobs, as part of the company’s wider growth plans.
The York-based firm already provides an invaluable 24/7 operation for its customers, using a diverse transport service from vans to temperature-controlled HGVs.
Lukasz Komamicki, director at Celkom Transport, said: “We are proud to be awarded this trophy in recognition of our efforts to promote our services and the benefits of palletised freight distribution via the Pallet-Track network.
“We work hard to be brand ambassadors for the service Pallet-Track provides by educating our customers and supporting our fellow network members. It is very rewarding to be recognised in this way and to be able to celebrate our success as a growing business.”
The awards for Celkom Transport celebrate its contribution to the national Pallet-Track network, which enables independent logistics and hauliers’ companies to work together to transport freight efficiently around the UK.
Stuart Godman, CEO of Pallet-Track, said: “Celkom Transport consistently goes the extra mile to promote its services and the Pallet-Track brand and network as a whole, so it’s little surprise they were, very deservingly, honoured with the Brand Ambassador Award at our recent Shareholder Gala.
“They have been committed to improving their own brand, while also supporting their fellow network Shareholder Members, demonstrating their use of marketing and branding for maximum impact, proving a valuable addition to the Pallet-Track network. Congratulations to Lukasz and the team at Celkom, who I am certain will continue with its trajectory of sustained growth as a very valued Shareholder Member of the Pallet-Track network.”
Hull’s KWL enters housebuilding market with new division
Hull-based construction firm KWL has expanded into housebuilding with the launch of KWL Homes, aiming to meet the rising demand for quality housing. The firm, owned by Hull City Council, is starting with a 27-home development at Matheson Close near Sutton Golf Club, offering a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom houses designed for a range of buyers.
With £51 million in turnover last year and a workforce of 500, KWL is positioning this expansion as both a business growth strategy and an investment in Hull’s economic future. The company plans to integrate an apprenticeship programme to train new tradespeople, addressing industry skills shortages.
Estate agency William H Brown has been appointed to manage sales, while Sangwin Architects is overseeing the design, which prioritises contemporary aesthetics and practical living.
KWL, established in 2007, provides maintenance and refurbishment services to over 23,000 homes in the Hull area. The firm also owns a small portfolio of rental properties and focuses on restoring vacant homes to support urban regeneration.
Adderstone Living expands with new Leeds office to meet social housing demand
Affordable housebuilder Adderstone Living has opened a new office in Leeds to expand into Yorkshire. The move aims to support growing demand for regionally based social housing development.
Founded by Stephen McCoy and Peter Galbraith, Adderstone Living works with major social housing providers such as Karbon Homes, Gentoo, and Places for People. The company offers land-led solutions, including site sourcing, scheme design, and planning approvals.
The Leeds office, located in Carrwood Park, will be led by regional director Rick Long, who brings extensive experience in residential housebuilding. The expansion follows strong growth and aligns with government efforts to address the housing shortage.
Adderstone Living is also expanding in the North West and recently launched a £16 million, 70-unit scheme in East Cowton. To support its regional diversification, the company is actively securing framework agreements, including a place on the Homes England Delivery Partner Panel (DPP).
Challenges such as planning delays and environmental regulations remain, but the company’s in-house planning team is working to mitigate disruptions and ensure project efficiency.
Severfield shares plunge 48% after second profit warning
Severfield, the North Yorkshire-based structural steel group, saw its share price drop by 48% to 26.4p following a second profit warning in challenging market conditions.
The company now expects underlying pre-tax profit for the year ending 29 March 2025 to be between £18m and £20m. This follows a warning in November 2024, when Severfield highlighted a challenging trading environment in the UK and Europe.
Project delays continue impacting revenue, with a major contract initially scheduled to begin in January, which is now postponed to early FY26. The company’s UK and Europe order book stood at £403m as of 1 February 2025, down from £410m in November, with £281m scheduled for delivery within 12 months.
Severfield has implemented cost-cutting measures but has not secured enough short-term work to cover overheads in Q4. The company expects continued uncertainty, with delays in client decision-making and a lack of primary “anchor” projects affecting FY26 performance. As a result, it now anticipates profits for FY26 will fall below revised FY25 expectations.
Despite near-term challenges, Severfield has secured large projects for FY27 and sees future opportunities in data centres, industrial manufacturing, and commercial office developments, particularly in London. The company also aims to capitalise on long-term growth sectors, including green energy.
Councils urged to ease business rate burden as retailers face rising costs
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) urges UK councils to adopt targeted business rate relief schemes to support struggling high streets, following Barnsley Council’s £5 million initiative.
Barnsley’s plan, set to launch in April 2025, will grant 100% business rate relief to qualifying retail, leisure, and hospitality businesses for a year. Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre called it a model for other councils, arguing that surplus business rate revenue should be reinvested in local businesses.
Independent retailers face mounting financial pressure from rising costs, reduced tax relief, and higher National Insurance contributions. Goodacre warned that without intervention, more businesses could be forced to close.
Sherburn-in-Elmet town centre begins £800,000 upgrade
North Yorkshire Council has started a six-month upgrade of Low Street in Sherburn-in-Elmet, aiming to improve infrastructure and support local businesses. The £800,000 project, funded in part by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, includes resurfacing damaged pavements, adding parking bays, installing benches, updating signage, and creating a new town centre map.
The upgrades are designed to make the area more attractive and functional for businesses, residents, and visitors. Work will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption, focusing on the stretch between The Swan pub and C & G Starkey Family Butchers.
The initiative has support from Sherburn-in-Elmet Town Council and local business owners, who see it as a way to enhance the town’s appeal and economic viability. The project was designed by Align Property Partners, a consultancy working with North Yorkshire Council.
Bradford College wins prestigious national education award
Bradford College has won ‘The Bell Foundation Award for Excellence in ESOL’ category at the 2025 Association of College’s Beacon Awards. The College was the only winner from Yorkshire or Northeast England.
The national Beacon awards celebrate the best and most innovative practice in further education colleges and demonstrate the far-reaching impact of colleges on their students and the communities they serve.
The award is in recognition of Bradford College’s ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) provision, developed in partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Learning and development is structured around Shakespeare’s works, and around 235 learners engaged with the project last year.
ESOL learners learn about plays, performance, and language, which underpins English development. As well as language skills, students learn about themselves, their new community, and English heritage in a positive and engaging way that instils pride. They develop confidence, improve their mental health (often after significant trauma), and become empowered by their newfound skills.
The College was also a finalist in ‘The Edge Award for Excellence in Real World Learning’ category for the Ambition HUB enhancement programme. Ambition HUB gives students a genuine career edge as well as a vocational qualification, as an extraordinary layer of additional learning enhances Level 3 programmes.
Cross-curriculum integration brings diverse subjects and professionals together to collaborate on engaging employer-led projects, such as hairdressers working with Yorkshire Building Society. The unique Ambition HUB model leads to a Level 3 qualification but also invaluable life experiences.
Sarah Towan, Bradford College Vice Principal – Recruitment & Communications, said:
“We are so delighted that staff and students’ hard work and outstanding innovation in learning has been recognised. The Beacon awards showcase the very best education has to offer in the UK, so this is a testament of our college’s fierce ambition to do the very best for our community.
“It was incredible that two Bradford College initiatives were selected as finalists, but to have one win and be recognised as being at the forefront of education excellence is exceptional. Well done to everyone involved.”
EGO Technology acquires Ucan Secure IT to expand recycling capabilities
Burton-on-Trent-based IT disposal firm EGO Technology has acquired Bradford-based Ucan Secure IT, expanding its footprint in secure and sustainable IT recycling.
Founded in 2010, Ucan specialises in recycling redundant IT equipment, including laptops, hard drives, mobile phones, and printers. It operates as a zero-landfill organisation serving businesses, schools, and universities across the UK.
EGO Technology says the acquisition strengthens its position in IT asset disposal (ITAD) by integrating Ucan’s recycling capabilities, which focus on recovering valuable materials such as rare earth metals. The move is part of a broader strategy to enhance UK-based IT recycling solutions that ensure compliance and reduce environmental impact.
Leeds pushes ahead with innovation despite hospital project delays
Leeds city leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to innovation and economic growth despite delays to the new hospital at Leeds General Infirmary, now set to begin construction between 2033 and 2035.
The Leeds Innovation Village, part of the £2 billion Leeds Innovation Arc and a flagship project of the £160 million West Yorkshire Investment Zone, will proceed as planned. Construction is expected to start this year. The project is anticipated to generate £13 billion in economic growth and create 4,000 jobs.
Early development includes Scarborough Group International transforming the Old Medical School at Leeds General Infirmary into a health tech innovation hub. Other key innovation assets in Leeds include Nexus, the University of Leeds’ innovation hub, which has raised £134 million in private investment since 2019, and Leeds Teaching Hospital’s Innovation Pop Up, which has over 50 industry members and 40 active projects.
The city’s long-term vision for innovation is backed by collaborative leadership from Leeds City Council, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, universities, and the NHS Trust. Leeds ranks as the UK’s third most attractive location for health tech firms and is home to nine of the top ten research and development investors.
Despite the hospital project delay, leaders, including West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin and Leeds City Council leader James Lewis, emphasised their commitment to pushing forward with economic growth, job creation, and improved healthcare infrastructure.
York businesses urged to integrate AI as tech disruption accelerates
York businesses must embrace AI and digital transformation to stay competitive, according to HSBC UK’s Head of Technology Sector, Roland Emmans. Speaking at the inaugural York Tech Forum, Emmans warned that businesses of all sizes need to keep pace with rapid technological shifts, highlighting AI’s ability to improve efficiency and customer service. He emphasised that AI should complement human expertise rather than replace it.
The event, hosted at City of York Council’s West Offices, gathered over 60 businesses to discuss the region’s evolving tech landscape. Cllr Pete Kilbane pointed to York’s growing reputation as a tech hub, citing major investments such as the Institute for Safe Autonomy and the 6G Lab of the North.
The council is rolling out AI training initiatives for retail and hospitality businesses as part of its push for digital adoption across sectors. Businesses seeking support can contact the council’s Business Growth Managers.
Sheffield battery rental company expands into Kinshasa
African battery rental company MOPO, which runs its technical and finance operation from Sheffield, has launched operations in a Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congosigning of a US$7 million finance facility with British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor.
The company specialises in sustainable energy provision through pay-per-use battery rentals. Since entering the DRC a year ago – one of the world’s least electrified nations, where over 80% of its 100 million people still lack access to electricity – MOPO has expanded its operations to six cities.
Customers rent, return, and replace MOPO50 batteries at local solar-powered hubs, managed by community agents. This approach delivers affordable electricity to individuals and small businesses without the burden of high upfront costs or consumer debt, while also offering a cleaner, more cost-effective alternative to traditional carbon-based fuels.
Chris Longbottom, CEO of MOPO, said: “The DRC is a key growth market for MOPO, so launching operations in its largest city, Kinshasa, is a major milestone. With a population of 17 million – equivalent to London and New York combined – our mission goes beyond closing the energy gap; we aim to power the city’s future, drive economic growth, and create a lasting impact. This funding from BII marks the beginning of a long-term partnership, accelerating our expansion and enabling us to provide affordable, reliable energy to millions across the country.”
Work starts on major extension to Grimsby sixth form college
Work has started on a transformational extension at a sixth form college in Grimsby. Lincolnshire and Yorkshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter, plans to complete the £1.1m build by the end of summer, in time for the new term.
Cambridge Park Academy is on Cromwell Road in Grimsby and its sixth form college for special educational needs (SEN) pupils will almost double in size once the work is complete.
The project is part of the expansion of North East Lincolnshire Council’s sufficiency strategy for special educational needs and alternative provision. Once work completes, the council owned building will accommodate up to 28 pupils aged between 14 and 19 years old and 24 staff.
The project will see a new single-storey extension created alongside 12 car parking spaces with electric vehicle chargers, a drop off zone and a new entrance road. The building will have 88 solar panels on the roof, air source heat pumps and underfloor heating.
As part of the build, Hobson & Porter is also carrying out landscaping, which includes specialist outdoor educational play equipment.
Joe Booth, business development director from Hobson & Porter, said: “We already have several live sites in Grimsby including two new primary schools and the new state-of-the-art youth centre in Grimsby – known as Horizon Youth Zone, which we are building for national charity OnSide, in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council, which is contributing to the development as part of the Greater Grimsby Town Deal.
“We are delighted to start work on another meaningful build for the people of Grimsby that will make a big difference to the lives of many families that have children with special educational needs. It’s a project that will be transformational for Cambridge Park Academy and will significantly reduce the distance that local children currently have to travel to get the education they deserve.”
Hobson & Porter is also building two new primary schools at Scartho and Waltham for North East Lincolnshire Council. Both are set to open in September 2025 and will be run by Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust.
Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children and education at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “It’s hugely important that every child, regardless of their needs, has access to a good quality education, without having to travel elsewhere.
“This expansion is fantastic to see and is the culmination of a substantial piece of work between the local authority and Humber Education Trust, and I’m really happy to see it bearing fruit.”
Chief executive officer for Humber Education Trust, Rachel Wilkes, said: “Partnership working and inclusion are the cornerstones of our work as a Trust. This expansion will enable more pupils to attend and remain at Cambridge Park Academy, having their needs met in their local area.”
