“The Procurement Act will tear down barriers that stop small businesses from winning government work, giving them greater opportunity to access the £400 billion spent on public procurement every year, investing in home-grown talent and driving innovation and growth.
Shirley Cooper, Crown Representative for Small Businesses, said: “This change to public procurement laws will provide enormous opportunities for small businesses to take a greater share of contracts. The Act, which goes live alongside our bold new National Procurement Policy Statement, will drive economic growth and deliver on the Government’s Missions and the Plan for Change.”New rules aim got make it easier for SMEs to win Government work
A more open public procurement regime driving value for money is now in place through the Procurement Act 2023, setting rules that all public bodies must follow when they buy goods and services.
The Act will boost growth by slashing red tape for SMEs applying for government contracts – combining multiple regulations into one simple set, and publishing procurement data in a standard, open format on a Central Digital Platform.
The changes open up opportunities for small businesses to bid for public sector contracts, helping deliver growth and opportunity across the UK. It ends late payments that put small businesses at risk, introducing a mandate of 30-day payment terms for all public sector contracts.
Costs for both business and the public sector will be reduced through simple new processes that drive innovation, offering greater flexibility for buyers to tailor procurement to their exact needs. For example, providing public bodies more opportunities to negotiate with suppliers, and using built-in stages to procurement cycles such as demonstrations and testing prototypes.
Cabinet Office Minister Georgia Gould said: “Public sector procurement can now fully deliver on the Plan for Change – unleashing local growth, opening up opportunities and embedding transparency and accountability.
New laws create ‘bonus ban’ for bosses of firms polluting UK rivers
Major new laws to crack down on water bosses polluting Britain’s rivers, lakes, and seas have been created in the most significant increase to enforcement powers in a decade.
The Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 will give regulators new powers to increase the ability of the Environment Agency to bring criminal charges against water executives who break the law. It will create new tougher penalties, including possible imprisonment, for water executives who obstruct investigations, and give Ofwat the power to ban payment of bonuses to water bosses if they fail to meet high standards to protect the environment, their consumers, and their company’s finances.
Other measures in the Act include automatic penalties to allow regulators to issue penalties more quickly, without having to direct resources to lengthy investigations. It will also introduce independent monitoring of every sewage outlet, with water companies required to publish real-time data for all emergency overflows. Discharges will have to be reported within an hour of the initial spill.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed said: “Polluting water bosses will no longer be paid undeserved bonuses. And if they break the law over water pollution, they could end up in the dock and face prison time.
“This is just the beginning. The Independent Water Commission will report back later this year to shape new laws that will transform our water system so we can clean up our rivers, lakes, and seas for good.”
AspinallVerdi moves to new premises at The Calls after strong growth
Independent property regeneration and development consultancy AspinallVerdi has doubled the size of its head office with a move at The Calls in Leeds.
The move comes in the wake of growth in staff numbers and rising demand for its services from an increasing number of clients.
The consultancy has moved from its 975 sq ft location at Studio 7 46 The Calls to occupy the 1,630 sq ft entire top floor at number 31, accommodating 24 staff and providing space for further expansion.
The firm’s new HQ reflects its sustained and ongoing growth, strong financial performance and its commitment to reinforcing its regional and national presence for an expanding workload across the public and private sectors.
AspinallVerdi now employs more than 30 staff in total at Leeds and offices in London, Liverpool, Newcastle and Birmingham.
Executive chairman Atam Verdi, who co-founded the consultancy with managing director Ben Aspinall in 2009, said: “We’ve almost doubled the space of our previous home, enjoy a 270-degree view of The Calls and provide a contemporary, professional and inspiring workspace for our growing team in Leeds.
“We recently recruited four new members of staff and plan to add to our numbers in 2025 as we continue to attract and retain top talent. We are a client focused consultancy that is increasing its range of services and through recruiting and retaining excellent staff we can continue to provide high quality service to our clients.
“Our financial performance at Leeds and our other offices remains strong and demand for our expert and tailored services from our public and private sector clients continues to grow.”
UK pharmacies warn of financial crisis, may cut hours
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA), representing 6,000 independent pharmacies, warns that rising costs could force its members to take collective action, including reduced operating hours, if the government does not provide additional funding soon.
According to the NPA, pharmacies in England face £250 million in unplanned costs from April due to increases in National Insurance, the National Living Wage, and business rates. Unlike other businesses, pharmacies cannot adjust pricing to offset expenses, as around 90% of their revenue comes from NHS-funded services.
A recent NPA ballot found that 99.7% of participating pharmacies support collective action if funding does not improve. The group says pharmacy closures have already reached record levels, and those remaining are under severe financial strain.
The Department of Health and Social Care stated that it is consulting with Community Pharmacy England on funding and will provide an update when it has the opportunity.
Oncimmune seeks funding as contract delays impact cash flow
Oncimmune Holdings has hired Alvarez & Marsal to help secure additional financing for its trading subsidiary. The Leeds-based precision medicine company cited slower-than-expected contract conversions as a key factor in its need for funding.
The company is also exploring strategic partnerships and business synergies. Despite current financial pressures, Oncimmune stated it remains confident in its long-term prospects. It highlighted ongoing discussions for 11 projects worth over £1.8 million and potential follow-on contracts from existing clients. However, the company acknowledged uncertainty around the timing and value of these deals.
Rotherham Gateway Station bid focuses on regeneration despite weak transport case
Plans for a new mainline railway station at Parkgate in Rotherham are moving forward. To secure funding, supporters are emphasising the project’s economic regeneration potential.
A masterplan has been completed, but local officials acknowledge that current government evaluation criteria show “weak transport benefits” for the integrated mainline station and tram train stop. The project remains under the Department for Transport’s oversight, requiring a business case aligned with Treasury guidelines.
In 2022, the government blocked £8 million in regional transport funding for the station, citing the need for integration with national networks.
Lead developer partner sought to help deliver next stage of Hull’s Albion Square project
In a major step forward for the redevelopment of Hull’s former BHS building, Hull City Council is seeking a lead developer partner to help to deliver the next stage of its Albion Square project.
The council’s cabinet have given permission to commence procurement activity for development of the former BHS building and the remainder of the site.
This approach from the council will improve scope for securing external funding, brings in external expertise for the project and shares risks between the council and the partner.
The council is aiming to regenerate a derelict and underused brownfield site into a high-quality mixed-use development which will increase footfall, add to the city centre living offer and boost Hull’s city centre economy.
Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for regeneration and housing at the council, said: “Albion Square is a major regeneration project that will bring significant benefits to our city centre.
“Securing a lead developer partner is key to delivering Albion Square as successful tenders can advise on the latest market demands and help leverage external funding to help make sure the city has a worthy finished product delivered on sound financial footings.”
The redevelopment of the former BHS building will complement the predominantly NHS-funded Community Diagnostic Centre, which is due to open this spring.
Cllr Drake-Davis added: “Since the Albion Square development’s initial inception, there have been significant shifts and changes to the economy, both locally and nationally, as well as the way people use buildings and perceive urban centres.
“The imminent arrival of the Community Diagnostic Centre on the north-eastern corner of the site has shifted the scope again, but the council welcomes the development and the benefits it will bring to the city centre in terms of footfall to support local businesses.”
VINCI Construction UK Limited will continue to manage the site until a lead developer partner is secured.
Work starts to prepare Doncaster Waterfront for future development
Work has begun to transform an area of Doncaster City Centre into an open space ready to be used for future development.
The Doncaster Waterfront (East) remediation project, situated on Chappell Drive, is part of one of the largest brownfield sites in the country, with 22 acres of land which has a long history of uses, including gas works and former cattle market.
The project will remediate the site to clean up the land for future development schemes, with potential investment estimated at up to £400m.
The project will see the council working with a developer, with the full length of the project anticipated to be three-to-five years (phase one) and then a further three years to complete.
The redevelopment works will be part-funded by the UK Government and through gainshare funding from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).
Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, said: “Doncaster Waterfront has been earmarked as a site for development and investment into Doncaster.
“It is a site with a huge amount of potential – especially as it is part of one of the biggest brownfield sites in an urban centre in the North of England. The development of Doncaster Waterfront will support the wider regeneration of our city centre.
“With 22 acres of land and easy access to the city centre, Doncaster Markets, rail network and establishments such as the Colleges and the Civic and Cultural Quarter, it is an incredibly important strategic site to the city.
“This is another element of our current city centre redevelopment programme, continuing our work to create a modern, revamped and safer city centre right through 2025 and beyond.”
Plans for the temporary open space include maintained grassland, trees and footpaths, which will improve the local area until the time may come to develop the site further in the future. Arla plans to close North Yorkshire dairy, putting 128 jobs at risk
Arla Foods has announced plans to close its Settle dairy factory by the end of 2026, putting 128 jobs at risk. The company intends to consolidate operations at its Lockerbie site in Scotland, where it plans to invest nearly £90 million and create 90 new jobs. Some production from Stourton, Leeds, will also move to Lockerbie, though no job losses are planned in Leeds.
The GMB union has called the closure a major blow to Settle’s workforce and local economy. Arla has begun a consultation process with employees, stating the move aligns with its strategy to modernise UK dairy production.
Bus company steps in with free service for college after minibus theft
First Bus has decided to make permanent a special free service to support students at Doncaster’s Harrison College after their college minibuses were stolen.
It means the students will be collected from Doncaster interchange in the morning and returning them after school. The decision has been part of huge community effort to support the college after the theft of three minibuses in a nighttime raid on its locked compound in Heaven’s Walk.
Zoe Hands, MD of First Bus said: “When we heard about the horrible situation Harrison College had been left in, everyone at First Bus wanted to help so we rallied around quickly to arrange a special free bus service for the students to use. We’ll always step-up to help our communities where we can and we have been providing that service free of charge ever since.
“Following the temporary route being put in place, First Bus has seen the social value in supporting Harrison College on a permanent basis so that students can access college and develop their independence.”
Principal and CEO Gemma Peebles said: “After the burglary when our minibuses were stolen, we were overwhelmed by the extraordinarily kind and generous support from across the Doncaster business community.
“Now, following the support that First Bus provided us following the theft of our vehicles they have agreed to offer the service on a permanent basis. This not only supports us financially but also encourages independence for our students and we are so grateful for it.
“With the right interventions, support and opportunities, our young people can contribute enormously to society and support like this is incredibly helpful as we prepare them for internships, work experience, training and employment.”
The college offers specialist business, enterprise and employability education provision for post-16 students with autism and special educational needs. The minibuses were used to transport them to college, to work placements and on trips.
Work begins on new care home in York
Work has started on a brand new £6 million 60-bedroom care home at Clifton Moor near York. Lime Trees is due to open in 2026 and will offer residential, dementia, respite and day care.
Located off Shipton Road in Clifton, the new care home is being developed by Yorkshire and Lincolnshire-based construction firm Hobson & Porter for Yorkare Homes, whose headquarters is in Brough.
This marks the ninth collaboration between the two companies, and the new facility will be Yorkare’s sixteenth care home to open across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
Work to demolish the Lime Trees Medical Centre, which previously occupied the site, began at the end of 2024. As part of the development, Yorkare has gifted a parcel of land to the neighbouring York Sports Club, allowing for the creation of additional new pitches.
Nicola Anderson, Marketing and Community Engagement Manager at Yorkare, said: “Breaking ground on Lime Trees is a significant milestone for us. Our development will transform a disused site into a vibrant space, providing much-needed residential care to people in the Clifton area of York and beyond, while also creating around 80 new jobs.
“The fact that we’ve been able to contribute to the delivery of vital community sports facilities at the same time makes this a win for everyone.”
Lime Trees will feature 20 en-suite rooms on each of its three floors. One floor will be dedicated exclusively to dementia care, ensuring specialised support for those who need it. The home will also include a variety of communal spaces and amenities.
Nicola shared: “We aim to create a nurturing and comfortable atmosphere where everyone feels valued and cared for, making it a truly special place for both residents and the local community.
“Our facility will feature two in-house bars, including one with a barista station, alongside restaurant standard dining rooms, a beauty and hairdressing salon, a cinema, a bowls green, a greenhouse with raised garden beds, and outdoor terraced balconies offering views of the grounds.
“It will truly feel like a home away from home, complete with a wide range of exceptional on-site amenities.”
Richard Hunter, from Hobson & Porter, said: “We are thrilled to be building our ninth home for Yorkare. Last summer we completed our eighth project for the company in less than 10 years – Haxby Hall.
“The £10million, 63-bedroom care home in Haxby, that’s four miles north of York city centre, has proved so popular with residents and we are confident Lime Trees will be just as successful.
“The home will have all the latest sustainable features, including solar panels and high-efficiency heating and hot water systems, and we plan to build an EPC ‘A’ and BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rated building.
“All the rooms have en-suite wet rooms and emergency call systems, and the ground-floor bedrooms have doors leading out to private patio areas. It’s going to be a fabulous home which will become a landmark in Clifton Moor when work completes early next year.”
Secretary of State pledges to put more money into farmers’ pockets
New reforms to be announced today will make farming more profitable according to Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
He’s due to speak to farmers at the NFU conference in Westminster, in a speech revealing a raft of new policies, including:
- Extending the Seasonal Worker visa route for five more years giving farms a pipeline of workers and certainty to grow their businesses
- Requiring government catering contracts to favour high-quality, high-welfare products that local farms and producers can serve, as part of government ambition for at least half the food supplied into the £5 billion public sector catering contracts to be from British producers or those certified to higher environmental standards.
- investing £110m into R&D for agri-technology for farmers, such as chemical-free cleaning for integrated milking equipment, which lowers energy costs and chemical use. The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund provides grants of up to £25,000 to buy new equipment such as electric weeders to reduce chemical use.
- Protecting farmers in trade deals
- Setting up a new National Biosecurity Centre to transform the Animal and Plant Health Agency animal health facility at Weybridge, investing £200 million to improve resilience against animal disease to protect farmers and food producers.
“My focus is on ensuring farming becomes more profitable because that’s how we make your businesses viable for the future. And that’s how we ensure the long-term food security this country needs.”
Lincolnshire district to receive £7.8m for tourism and woodland restoration
East Lindsey District Council has allocated £7.8 million to improve tourism and local infrastructure. The funding of the East Lindsey Investment Fund includes £1.8 million for tourism-related projects, such as road upgrades, car parks, markets, signage, and visitor facilities.
A significant portion of the funding will go to The Woodland Trust to purchase and restore the 483-acre Harrison Woodlands near Louth. The site, currently damaged and closed to the public, will undergo tree removal and regeneration before reopening.
The initiative aims to boost the local economy and strengthen East Lindsey’s position as a key tourist destination, further developing the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
ABP begins restoration of historic Grimsby port buildings
Associated British Ports (ABP) has begun structural renovations on historic buildings at the Port of Grimsby as part of a long-term redevelopment plan. The project aims to make the buildings wind and watertight, with roofs, windows, doors, and brickwork repairs.
Surveys, including structural assessments and external mapping, are underway to determine the condition of the properties before interior inspections begin. ABP is working with North East Lincolnshire Council and Historic England to explore future uses for the area, with potential interest from industrial sectors and the film industry.
The renovation is part of a broader heritage regeneration initiative, with a second round of funding recently confirmed.
BCC meets ambassadors from across the EU
Officials from the British Chambers of Commerce have met Ambassadors from across the EU to make the case for a trade relations reset that benefits businesses on both sides.
Director General Shevaun Haviland, and Head of Trade Policy William Bain were joined at the German Embassy by Ambassador Miguel Berger.
They were joined by the EU Mission and representatives from 16 other EU countries to review the BCC’s analysis and recommendations on the Trade and Co-operation Agreement.
The TCA sets out the rules for trade between the UK and the EU after Brexit. It allows tariff-free trade with the EU, but requires British and EU firms to produce documentation and paperwork for all shipments. Services access is also limited by rules on business mobility. BCC Analysis of the TCA on the fourth anniversary of its introduction found that:
- Two fifths (41%) of UK exporters disagree the Brexit deal is helping them grow sales.
- Only 14% of UK exporters think the deal is helping them to grow.
- Almost half (46%) of UK businesses want the Government to make it easier for their staff to work in the EU.
- More than a third (37%) want a reduction in VAT requirements to export to the EU.
- And a quarter (25%) want the UK to align with rules and regulations with the EU in key goods sectors.
Harrogate tech company reaches reseller agreement with Canadian firm
Harrogate-based Mobile Tornado has entered a new market of Canada by reaching a reseller agreement with Prairie Mobile Communications, a Connected Technology provider there.
Prairie Mobile Communications is almost 60 years old, was founded over 57 years ago, in Brandon, Manitoba and now has 26 locations from British Columbia out to Ontario. They work with a wide range of industries, including agriculture, mining, education, construction, healthcare, public safety and emergency services.
Jeff Gawlicki, Director of Business Development at Prairie Mobile Communications explained “At Prairie Mobile Communications we are committed to delivering effective and meaningful connectivity solutions. As mobile networks become stronger, more and more businesses are adopting push-to-talk over cellular technology and now feels like the right time to introduce it to our product range. Mobile Tornado’s PTX platform is extremely impressive. It has an outstanding range of add-on features, including a superb lone worker feature. I am confident that we’re offering our customers the best solution on the market”.
Luke Wilkinson, Managing Director at Mobile Tornado said “We have been looking to expand into Canada so we are absolutely thrilled to have joined forces with Prairie Mobile. They are an exciting company with a clear vision and a commitment to great customer service. We are looking forward to working with Prairie Mobile to introduce our PTX technology to their customers to enable them to benefit from advanced communication capabilities and improved efficiencies among their workforce.”
North Yorkshire petrol station with shop and workshop listed for £485,000
Aysgarth Garage, a petrol station in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, has been put up for sale at £485,000. The property includes a filling station, a large convenience store with a Post Office, a spacious car park, and a jet wash.
The site also features a former car showroom with potential for redevelopment, a restoration workshop with space for three cars, and a two-post ramp. The business benefits from a prime location in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, attracting walkers, motorcyclists, and classic car enthusiasts.
The forecourt shop offers food, drinks, household goods, food-to-go options, and a large storage area. Additional facilities include a manager’s office, stock room, boiler room, and workshop. The forecourt has two pump islands, parking for 13 vehicles, and a jet wash bay.
The current owner, who bought the business seven years ago, is selling due to retirement. For the year ending February 2024, the business generated £697,736 in turnover (excluding VAT) and a gross profit of £173,497.
Major banks fined £104m for sharing sensitive bond data
HSBC, Citi, Morgan Stanley, and the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) will pay a combined £104 million in fines after the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found they had exchanged sensitive information on government bonds. The violations took place between 2009 and 2013 through private Bloomberg chatrooms, where traders from the four banks and Deutsche Bank discussed details related to gilt auctions, asset swaps, and sales to the Bank of England.
Citi will pay £17.16 million, HSBC £23.4 million, Morgan Stanley £29.7 million, and RBC £34.2 million. Each bank received a reduced fine for cooperating with the investigation. Deutsche Bank was granted immunity for reporting the misconduct.
The CMA stated that all banks have since implemented compliance measures to prevent similar breaches. The firms have until April 22, 2025, to pay their fines.
Dacre Son & Hartley acquires long-established rural agency
Independent estate agents, Dacre, Son & Hartley, has acquired the longstanding North Yorkshire-based rural property consultancy, Lister Haigh.
The Lister Haigh team, which offers agricultural and rural consultancy, specialist planning and development advice, along with residential sales, lettings and property management, will now join Ilkley-headquartered Dacre, Son & Hartley.
Lister Haigh was founded by Oswald Lister in 1919, establishing a well-known business of Yorkshire agricultural auctioneers and valuers.
John Haigh joined in 1990 and Lister Haigh was incorporated in 2002 when the business of James Johnston, Boroughbridge was acquired and Catherine Johnston joined John as a director. She was followed by Giles Chaplin who became a director in 2011. All three will remain with the firm, which has an annual turnover of around £500,000.
Dacre, Son & Hartley was founded more than 200 years ago. The firm offers a portfolio of property services including residential sales and lettings, agricultural management, survey services and specialist nationwide healthcare investment advice through its Leeds-based Dacres Commercial subsidiary.
Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential at Dacre, Son & Hartley, said: “Lister Haigh is another long-established Yorkshire property company with an excellent reputation in the rural sector, readily complementing our own range of services within that sphere.
“The company has a hugely experienced team, including Catherine Johnston and Giles Chaplin, who will play a major part of our future offering as we further enhance our rural and development services.
“Crucially, it also gives Lister Haigh’s existing clients access to a much broader marketing and knowledge base across our 18 offices, and via our far-reaching digital and online presence.
“Last year we launched our new lettings division, after selling the previous portfolio in 2020. Lister Haigh has a significant managed residential rentals portfolio in North Yorkshire and this acquisition quickly increases our growing market share as we re-establish ourselves in the sector.”
Catherine Johnston from Lister Haigh, added: “Dacre, Son & Hartley is a very well-recognised and hugely respected name in Yorkshire property.
“There’s no doubt that the combined skillset gives us one of the most experienced and knowledgeable rural and agricultural practices in the region. This is great news for our clients, our people and the sector as a whole.”
Thurston Group acquires Storplan to expand modular building capabilities
Thurston Group has acquired fabrication specialist Storplan, expanding its manufacturing capacity and product offerings. The deal gives the Wakefield-based modular building manufacturer access to Storplan’s 20,500 sq ft York facility, allowing it to take on larger structural steel and modular construction projects.
Storplan, founded in 2000, specialises in mezzanine floors, racking, and partitioning for retail and industrial storage. All employees will be retained, and the acquisition is expected to reduce outsourcing, control costs, and improve productivity and quality.
Both companies are owned by HLD Group, which acquired Thurston in 2021. The combined businesses now serve over 100 clients with a turnover exceeding £60 million.
