North Lincolnshire Council wants the Government to designate an AI Growth Zone in Northern Lincolnshire, with the prospect of nearly 10,000 new construction jobs, 1,200 new jobs on site and a further 4,000 industrial jobs safeguarded through supply chain opportunities. The AI Growth Zone could mean £15bn in private business investment and 1.5 gigawatts of AI processing capacity coming to Northern Lincolnshire, helping to boost industries in the region and across the UK. The area is uniquely positioned to attract this opportunity thanks to its industrial base, skilled workforce and the fact it generates 20% of the UK’s total electricity, including 27% of its offshore wind. Four major sites are in the early stage of development and one £3bn scheme – Humber Tech Park – has already been approved. Humber Tech Park, the UK’s first dedicated AI training data centre, will be built on land near the A180 to the south of South Killingholme and create around 400 jobs. A second site is on unused land at British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant. Thousands of green jobs will be created as the council continues to work with British Steel to deliver new investment on surplus land on the 300-acre site. The Northern Lincolnshire Artificial Intelligence Growth Zone will also commit to signing up to and adopting the UK Steel charter, further embedding UK produced steel in high-profile infrastructure projects alongside the recent Heathrow commitment. This will support the safeguarding of steel making in the UK and high-value jobs in the North Lincolnshire region. The other two sites are in early development and will be revealed later this year. North Lincolnshire Council is partnering with Greystoke, the specialist planning business for high-tech infrastructure, on the AI Growth Zone. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “There is a huge opportunity to create thousands of better paid jobs here in North Lincolnshire, attracting innovative technology companies who will provide a positive future for local residents and their families. “I am really keen to create opportunities for young people with these new jobs. All too often they leave our area for big cities, with this investment there is scope for them to stay locally with their families and help us to build a strong and growing economy for tech businesses on our doorstep. “We already have a track record of delivering these investments following the permission of ‘The Humber Tech Park’. This is an unprecedented investment in our area, and it will be a magnet for attracting other high-tech businesses to make North Lincolnshire their home. “We want to make the most of this and sites have been secured for these fantastic developments, including on land at British Steel in Scunthorpe. “We are determined to take advantage of the green and high-tech opportunities globally while harnessing our engineering skills and capabilities locally into the future.” Sam Matthew, chief operating officer of Greystoke and director of Humber Tech Park, said: “Northern Lincolnshire AI Growth Zone will supercharge the UK’s AI capability and can be rolled out rapidly and at great scale. “Delivering more than 1.5 gigawatts of AI processing capacity, it will create exciting new opportunities for national and regional industries. North Lincolnshire’s substantial energy infrastructure, and extensive skills base make it the ideal location for an AI Growth Zone.”

Yorkshire Housing has secured £75 million in funding from Lloyds and NatWest to support its expansion and sustainability initiatives. The deal includes a £40 million sustainability-linked loan from Lloyds and £35 million from NatWest.

The funding will go toward building affordable homes and upgrading existing properties to meet energy efficiency standards. Lloyds’ loan is tied to targets such as increasing affordable housing supply, achieving an EPC rating of C or higher for properties by 2030, and expanding solar PV installations.

Yorkshire Housing currently manages 20,000 homes and plans to build 8,000 more. To date, it has completed 2,100 homes, with 2,000 in development. The organisation is also investing in workforce growth, with plans to add 60 apprenticeships over the next five years.

NatWest has increased its social housing lending target to £7.5 billion by 2026, citing growing demand. The bank and Lloyds have an established relationship with Yorkshire Housing, providing long-term financial support for its expansion efforts.

HullBID Executive Director Kathryn Shillito has praised member businesses for building partnerships based on resilience and renewal in the face of continuing challenges. Speaking at the organisation’s annual awards night she said the combination of adaptability and unity would enable businesses to emerge stronger and maximise the opportunities to come during a year of positive change. She highlighted the setting up of a combined authority for Hull and East Yorkshire as a significant development which HullBID was determined to exploit, adding that the £65m Hull Maritime project was already bringing benefits as people make plans to enjoy the region’s biggest event since the UK City of Culture celebrations of 2017. She warned of the need for caution arising from the impact of rising costs and changes in consumer preferences, noting concerns around delays in completing the Castle Street roadworks and over continuing outbreaks of retail crime and antisocial behaviour, but she told how HullBID was leading the fight for improvements. “The election of a regional mayor will bring new opportunities for business and new investment. We look forward to working with the successful candidate but, as we do with all our partners, we will challenge the new mayor to make sure they understand the importance of a thriving city centre to the regional economy, the value of collaboration at every level and the ongoing need for innovation – and of course funding!” Kathryn said local independent businesses are responding positively, and she vowed that HullBID would support them every step of the way. “Independent developers continue to back Hull city centre and its future. The confidence of people who really get the ambitions of the city is clear as they are investing their own cash. “As our members adapt and endure the challenges HullBID has to step up too and provide even greater value. We’re not just a helping hand with security and cleaning issues. We give guidance and support to new businesses. We compile data and write reports to attract investment. “We are a conduit pulling together responses from our community on issues that matter, and we make our mark by shouting loudly and championing the voices of city businesses about local issues.”  

Business confidence in Yorkshire rose 10 points during February to 39%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds. Companies in Yorkshire reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 14 points at 53%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up eight points to 26%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 39% (vs. 29% in January). A net balance of 38% of businesses in the region also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up 12 points on last month. Looking ahead to the next six months, Yorkshire businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training (48%), introducing new technology, such as automation or AI (35%), and evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products and services (35%). 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 rose 12 points in February to 49% — its highest level since August 2024. Firms’ optimism in their own trading prospects increased six points to 57%, while their confidence in the wider economy rose 18 points to 42%. The North East was the most confident UK nation or region in February (69%), followed by the North West and East of England, both at 61%. Sector insights All four sectors surveyed saw double-digit increases in confidence. The largest improvements were seen in manufacturing, which rose by 13 points to 51%, and construction, which increased by 14 points to 50%. Retail also experienced a significant gain, up 11 points to 51%, and services rose by 10 points to 48%. Within the services sector, hospitality firms posted a particularly strong rebound in sentiment. Confidence across these sectors reached their highest levels in several months, ranging from four months in services to seven months in manufacturing. Martyn Kendrick, regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber at Lloyds, said: “It’s encouraging to see business confidence in Yorkshire continue to rise for a third month in a row, and particularly good to see such a positive outlook from the region’s firms when it comes to their own trading prospects. “As businesses look ahead to further growth, we’ll be supporting them with the tools and funding they need to make the most of any new opportunities – whether that’s by hiring new staff, or making investments in team development.”

AstraZeneca and renewable energy firm Future Biogas have launched a biogas plant in Gonerby Moor, Lincolnshire, to supply renewable energy for the pharmaceutical company’s UK operations.

The Moor Bioenergy plant will generate 100 gigawatt hours of biomethane annually, meeting the heating needs of more than 8,000 homes. By the end of 2024, AstraZeneca aims to power all its UK research and manufacturing facilities with clean energy, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. The company expects the plant to offset 18,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year, equivalent to 20% of its total global gas consumption.

Unlike some renewable energy projects, the plant was developed without government subsidies. AstraZeneca says the investment aligns with its broader goal of achieving 100% renewable energy across all global operations by the end of this year and reaching net-zero emissions by 2045.

AstraZeneca shares rose 0.24% to 11,910p on Thursday, reflecting a 15% increase over the past year.

North Lincolnshire Council will hold an extraordinary meeting to address concerns over the rapid expansion of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and their living standards. The meeting, initiated by opposition Labour councillors, follows reports of increasing HMOs in Scunthorpe and resident complaints about housing conditions.

A council review identified 110 suspected HMOs in just two wards—Crosby and Park, and Town and Frodingham—raising questions about regulatory oversight. Only 25 HMOs in North Lincolnshire hold mandatory licences, which are required for properties with five or more tenants sharing kitchen or bathroom facilities.

Labour councillors argue that local authorities elsewhere have imposed stricter controls and are calling for similar action. A motion on the issue will be discussed, and the meeting must take place by late April.

The council is already working on implementing selective licensing for landlords, a measure supported across party lines. In September, the ruling Conservative group approved selective licensing in parts of Scunthorpe.

Harrogate Housing Association has secured £15 million in loan funding from Triodos Bank UK to build 200 new affordable homes, expanding its portfolio beyond 300 properties in and around Harrogate.

The new homes will have energy performance certificate (EPC) ratings of B or higher, and some will feature air source heat pumps and solar panels to lower residents’ energy costs.

Triodos Bank, which has provided £500 million in loans to UK housing associations since 2008, focuses on financing projects with social and environmental impact. The bank sees the development as a critical step in addressing Harrogate’s housing shortage.

Founded in 1968, Harrogate Housing Association is a not-for-profit housing provider registered with the Homes and Communities Agency. It continues to focus on delivering affordable housing in response to high property prices in the region.

Workplace safety is a critical business consideration, directly impacting employee well-being, operational efficiency, and legal compliance. In Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, businesses across manufacturing, construction, and professional services face unique safety challenges that require proactive strategies. Ensuring strong safety standards is not just about compliance; it is a vital investment in productivity and corporate reputation. How can organisations implement effective safety measures while maintaining operational efficiency? Let’s break down the key aspects of workplace safety and how to apply them effectively. Establishing a Safety-First Culture Creating a culture prioritising safety is the foundation for implementing effective workplace safety standards. This goes beyond compliance; it necessitates a shift in mindset where safety becomes ingrained in the organisational ethos. Leadership must lead by example, demonstrating a commitment to safety through actions and decisions. Regular safety meetings, open communication, and employee involvement in safety initiatives help reinforce this culture, making safety a shared responsibility. A crucial step in establishing this culture is ensuring proper emergency response training. First aid courses in Sheffield from Safe Haven Training offer comprehensive training that meets Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requirements, providing essential skills for workplace emergencies. These courses, ranging from basic emergency first aid to more advanced certifications, equip employees with the confidence and competence to handle various medical situations. By investing in local training opportunities, organisations demonstrate their commitment to employee welfare while fulfilling legal obligations for workplace safety. This proactive approach to safety training helps cultivate an environment where employees feel valued and protected, enhancing overall morale and engagement. Continuous Safety Training and Development Regular training and development are crucial elements of maintaining workplace safety standards. Continuous learning ensures employees remain informed about the latest safety protocols and best practices. Training should be tailored to specific workplace hazards and updated regularly to reflect changes in regulations or workplace conditions. This proactive approach empowers employees with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively to potential risks. Organisations can benefit from partnering with professional training providers to deliver comprehensive and relevant courses. By investing in continuous safety education, businesses can significantly reduce workplace accidents and enhance their safety culture. Conducting Regular Safety Audits Regular safety audits are essential to evaluating and improving workplace safety standards. Audits help identify potential hazards, assess current safety measures, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. They also allow organisations to make necessary adjustments and improve their safety practices. Yorkshire and Lincolnshire businesses are committed to creating a safe environment by conducting these audits, reassuring employees and stakeholders. Conducting these audits involves a thorough examination of workplace processes, equipment, and environments. Engaging external experts or training providers can offer an unbiased perspective and expert recommendations. By implementing suggestions from these audits, companies can proactively address safety issues and prevent accidents before they occur. This mitigates risks and enhances the organisation’s reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking employer. Implementing Robust Emergency Response Plans A well-defined emergency response plan is critical to minimising the impact of unforeseen incidents. These plans should clearly outline the steps to be taken in various emergency scenarios, including fire outbreaks, medical emergencies, and natural disasters. All employees must be familiar with these plans and participate in regular drills to ensure confident and effective action during emergencies. Emergency response plans should be easily accessible and updated periodically to reflect workplace conditions or personnel changes. Consider utilising local resources, such as first aid training providers, to conduct emergency drills and refine response plans. By preparing thoroughly, businesses in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire can ensure that emergency responses are swift, effective, and aligned with industry best practices. Providing refresher courses and feedback sessions after drills can help identify areas for improvement, ensuring an agile and responsive safety strategy. Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Safety Integrating technology into workplace safety strategies offers innovative solutions for monitoring and improving safety standards. Implementing safety management software can streamline incident reporting, track safety training compliance, and automate audit schedules. Wearable technology, such as smart helmets or health monitors, can provide real-time data on workers’ conditions, alerting them to potential hazards before accidents occur. Adopting these technological advances enhances safety protocols and brings efficiency to safety management processes. Companies in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire that embrace these technological innovations can create a safer, more productive work environment, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while providing peace of mind to employees.

Zest has installed four ultra-rapid EV charging stations at Riverdale Park in Doncaster, located on Argo Drive near Wheatley Hall Road. The chargers provide up to 80% battery capacity in as little as 20 minutes, serving residents and visitors to nearby businesses, including Wheatley Centre Shopping Park and Costa Coffee.

The deployment is part of a collaboration with Harworth Group, the developer behind Riverdale Park. Harworth Group aims to enhance local infrastructure as more drivers transition to electric vehicles. Zest, a Leeds-based investor and public EV charging infrastructure operator, continues to expand its network in partnership with real estate developers and local authorities.

Regeneration specialist Muse has contributed to the financial growth of parent company Morgan Sindall Group, which reported a 10% revenue increase to over £4.5 billion and a 19% rise in adjusted operating profit to £172.5 million. The group’s secured order book grew 28% to £11.4 billion, with net cash reaching £492 million.

Muse’s development pipeline has expanded to £4.1 billion, up from £1.8 billion in 2023, driven by key partnerships. The company secured a Development Agreement with Bradford City Council for City Village, a project under its ECF partnership with Legal & General and Homes England, set to deliver up to 1,000 homes, workspaces, and retail spaces.

In Wakefield, Muse was named preferred Strategic Regeneration Partner, while in Hull, its ECF partnership was appointed as Development Partner for East Bank Village. This 15-year project could bring 850 new homes. The company also completed 113 affordable homes at Northshore in Stockton-on-Tees and delivered Forge Island, a leisure destination in Rotherham.

Additionally, Muse agreed to sell a 31-acre commercial site at Harrier Park in Hucknall and completed phase five infrastructure work for a new Nottinghamshire community.

The company is also expanding its partnership strategy through Habiko, a joint initiative with Pension Insurance Corporation and Homes England. The initiative aims to build up to 3,000 sustainable, affordable homes nationwide, including potential developments in Yorkshire and the North East.