H2 Equity Partners has sold its stake in RAM Tracking, a Leeds-based fleet and workforce management provider, to enterprise software firm Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS). The deal marks H2’s exit from RAM after acquiring a majority stake in 2020.

KCS, backed by CapVest Partners LLP, provides enterprise resource planning (ERP) and business management software to wholesale, distribution, and equipment rental sectors. With headquarters in the UK and 23 offices globally, the company serves customers in 74 countries.

Under H2’s ownership, RAM expanded its tracking and camera technology with new software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions to improve fleet and workforce management. Investments in sales, marketing, R&D, and two strategic acquisitions further accelerated growth.

Arma Partners, Squire Patton Boggs, Liberty Corporate Finance, PwC, Strategy&, and Grant Thornton supported the transaction.

A tender has been released looking for construction companies interested in the Government-funded redevelopment of the Pier Gardens project in Cleethorpes. There are two lots of work – one to do the overall Pier Gardens renovation, including the landscaping and planting, as well as creating the different zones across the site; the second lot is specifically to create the skate area at the northern end of the site. Separate tenders will be released for the play structures and public art at a future stage following the application for necessary planning permissions. As part of the tender, detailed planting plans have been included for the gardens that bring in planting suitable for marine environments as well as new trees to envelop the site. Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the Council, said: “This really feels like it’s moving on apace now. We know that the work is likely to take about a year or so to transform the gardens, so we’re working with events organisers already who use the gardens through the summer – we can’t do this project without disrupting one summer season. “The centre of Cleethorpes will look very different in the next few years, with the projects, funded by Government, being delivered alongside the work being done to restore heritage balconies, key buildings like the Mermaid and the Dolphin and work being done by partners in other areas of the town. I can’t wait to see it all start to come together.”

Collaboration between Bradford-based metal fabrication and engineering company Metalcraft Group and Bradford College has created an industry standard engineering suite where T Level Engineering students can gain access to an enhanced range of experiences, opportunities, and equipment. Stephen Smith, Bradford College Head of Engineering, said: “Partnering with Metalcraft Group. This represents a major step forward for our T Level provision. Through our work with this Bradford-based company, students will benefit from unprecedented access to real-world engineering expertise and facilities.” The refurbished room at Trinity Green was designed and equipped by Metalcraft, showcasing prototype examples of the global contractor’s precision engineering. In addition to the speciality suite, the partnership will also secure valuable placement and visit opportunities for Bradford College T Level students to gain hands-on experience with a leading engineering firm. Metalcraft Group CEO Nathan Varley,said: “We want to help empower the youth of Bradford going forward. The talent’s definitely there in Bradford, and the combination of both practical and classroom environments at college can really unearth these individuals.” Rob Oldroyd, General Manager at Metalcraft Precision Engineering (a Metalcraft Group branch) added: “This joint effort with Bradford College will provide an insight into the future talent available and hopefully contribute to creating some of the next generation of engineering experts.” T Levels are 2-year qualifications, available after GCSEs, designed with leading businesses to teach the skills and knowledge needed for the future. They feature a unique 45-day work placement with an employer like Metalcraft Group, providing the chance for industry experience while studying.

Lincolnshire-based groundworks firm IPDS Group Ltd has invested in Trimble digital construction technology to enhance efficiency and expand into larger projects. The company has adopted Trimble® Connected Site components, including cab kits for excavators, dual-antenna receivers, a base station, a rover for site tracking, and Trimble Earthworks Grade Control.

The investment addresses challenges such as poor GNSS signal coverage by integrating base station and Virtual Reference Station (VRS) technology for accurate positioning. The Trimble Earthworks platform provides real-time guidance for grading and excavation, reducing material costs and minimising reliance on third-party surveying.

IPDS has also implemented the Trimble R580 rover system for independent setting out and progress tracking. The company credits the investment with improving project accuracy and efficiency while enabling it to compete with larger contractors. Future plans include expanding its digital capabilities with additional Trimble solutions for fine trimming operations.

Horgan Homes has begun construction on a 30-home development in Mareham-Le-Fen, marking its first large-scale residential project outside the West Midlands. The St Helen’s Place development includes two, three, and four-bedroom bungalows and dormer bungalows.

The project is being built by a Lincolnshire-based workforce with support from local suppliers. The first homes are set to launch in spring 2025, featuring air source heat pumps, PV panels, Minoli tiling, and Bosch integrated appliances.

Horgan Homes, known for its high-end residential developments, has won multiple industry awards, including a What House? award for best luxury house and two International Property Awards.

Community union has outlined a plan to sustain steel production at British Steel’s Scunthorpe site while transitioning to greener technology. The proposal calls for maintaining the site’s two blast furnaces while constructing two electric arc furnaces (EAFs), requiring an additional £200 million in government support to offset carbon costs during the transition.

The union warns that closing Scunthorpe would make the UK the only G7 nation without domestic primary steel production, increasing reliance on imported steel. British Steel confirmed ongoing discussions with the government about the site’s future and acknowledged the union’s input.

Arla Foods, the company behind Lurpak and Cravendale, plans to cut up to €110 million (£91.1 million) in 2025 as it faces rising costs and slowing branded revenue growth. The dairy cooperative, which has UK headquarters in Leeds, forecasts 2024 revenue between €14.5 billion and €15.3 billion, up from €13.8 billion in 2023.

Despite an £89 million increase in branded UK revenue, overall UK revenue fell 2.9% year-on-year due to lower milk prices, declining volumes, and changes in private label contracts. The company also cited consumer uncertainty as a factor impacting growth.

Arla previously faced backlash in November 2024 after announcing plans to test Bovaer, a feed additive aimed at reducing methane emissions. The company attributed the boycott to misinformation about the product’s safety.

Plans have been put forward for a new International Strategy for Sheffield, following two years of work including the adoption of the Partner City Policy and ongoing work to establish international links. This was demonstrated recently with a Sheffield delegation visiting sister city, Pittsburgh, last month. As England’s fourth largest city, Sheffield is a world-leader in many business sectors. From having significant advanced manufacturing capabilities, to a flourishing tech sector, as well as a thriving cultural scene and a global reputation as the Outdoor City. Last year, a new Growth Plan for the city was adopted. The ten-year plan outlines the city’s plans to drive forward economic growth and improve the lives of people living, working and doing business in the city. The Plan highlights the importance of Sheffield taking its place as a city that is ‘Global, Green and Growing’ and focuses on leveraging the city’s strong economic assets, including its world-class universities, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and innovation ecosystem, to attract global investment, promote economic growth, and enhance Sheffield’s reputation on the international stage. To achieve this, collaboration with global partners and support for new businesses with international growth potential is key. On Wednesday (19 February 2025), at a Strategy and Resources Committee meeting held by Sheffield City Council, plans to develop a new international strategy were approved, aiming to support the Sheffield Growth Plan and other city ambitions. Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council and Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee, said: “Sheffield is global, green and growing. We have world-leading strengths in many sectors, from advanced manufacturing to health technology, cultural industries and a growing tech sector. “We have big plans to grow these sectors and international engagement, and growth is key to this. “We were able showcase this with our recent trip to our sister city Pittsburgh, a city we share many similarities with. Sheffield and Pittsburgh are two cities with a proud industrial heritage, both looking forward and making plans for a more prosperous future. The trip was a huge success and has set the foundations for more international collaboration and knowledge sharing going forward.” In January, Cllr Tom Hunt, and Chief Executive, Kate Josephs, along with a handful of Sheffield-based businesses travelled to Pittsburgh in the USA. Sheffield and Pittsburgh have been Sister Cities since 1980 and the aim of the trip was to strengthen ties, share knowledge and explore future collaboration. During the three-day trip they met with more than 16 organisations and around 50 representatives in total, from government officials to businesses and academia. Like Sheffield, over the last decade, Pittsburgh has focused on commercialisation of research, business growth and innovation. The city also benefits from having some strong, sector-based organisations providing opportunities to collaborate and innovate, together with advocacy and lobbying on behalf of their members. The visit highlighted the potential for the respective Councils, academic institutions and regional bodies to collaborate and share best practice in a range of areas. Education, response to climate change, urban regeneration and addressing homelessness are just some of the ideas being considered. Learnings from the trip will be used to help inform the new International Strategy for Sheffield, which is to be developed this year. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of Sheffield twinning with the city of Bochum in Germany. Over the past two years, the two cities have renewed their relationship, and plans are in the pipeline for the cities to collaborate on projects for the benefit of their residents. To celebrate the anniversary, a programme of events is also in the works for later this year. The strategy will focus on developing international activities with priority organisations, identifying international markets to focus on for trade and investment opportunities, as well as providing a framework for international engagement and activities going forward. The strategy aims to boost trade and investment, support Sheffield’s visitor economy, support the city’s universities, nurture and reinvigorate existing civic links and collaborate with principal partner cities on challenges faced. It will be presented at a Strategy and Resources Committee later this year and include consultation with partners.