UK steelmakers pay 50% more than French for electricity, says new report
A new report for UK Steel today reveals a sizeable gap between the prices paid for electricity by UK steelmakers and their European competitors.
The trade body’s report also sets out three recommendations to bring electricity prices in line with European counterparts. As the steel industry is aiming to electrify through investment in new additional electric arc furnaces, electricity prices become even more crucial to the industry’s competitiveness, profitability, and future success.
Steel production is incredibly electro-intensive, and power charges are one of the largest barriers to sustainable steelmaking in the UK. With proposed steel industry switches to electric arc furnaces, it is expected the sector’s electricity consumption will roughly double.
The report finds that UK steel producers pay up to 50% more than competitors in France and Germany, adding £37m to UK steel electricity costs. The price disparity is predominantly driven by higher UK wholesale costs and partly greater network charges.
UK Steel makes three recommendations to cut prices:
1. Compensate industry for 90% of its network charges, matching French/German support levels
2. Undertake wholesale market reforms and discount locational pricing models
3. Track industrial energy price disparities between countries
UK Steel Director General Gareth Stace said: “This new Government has already set out its willingness to deliver for the steel industry, and it now has the opportunity to bring industrial electricity prices in line with our competitors. “For too long, the UK steel industry has been crippled by high industrial electricity prices, placing a heavy burden on the industry’s competitiveness, profitability, and ability to invest in future growth.
“The average price faced by UK steelmakers for 2024/25 is £66 per MWh compared to the French price of £43/MWh and the German £50/MWh. That’s a price gap of up to £22/MWh, meaning we pay £37-50 million more for our electricity this year than our European competitors.
“Steel is integral to the new Government’s ambitions for the UK, from the renewable energy rollout through GB Energy to infrastructure developments and increased housebuilding, which all require and rely on steel. Lower power prices are crucial to unlocking the success of the UK Steel industry, enabling steel to be the backbone of a strong and thriving British economy.”
Allan Bell, British Steel’s Chief Commercial and Procurement Officer, said: “The new government is well-briefed on the challenges our business faces, including high electricity prices. We look forward to working with them to build a clean, green, and sustainable future for British Steel.”
Ramsdens shortlisted for several awards
Ramsdens Solicitors has been shortlisted in two sets of awards with recognition in three categories of this year’s Yorkshire Legal Awards, and one in the UK-wide specialist British Wills & Probate Awards 2024.
Launched 25 years ago, the Yorkshire Legal Awards are one of the region’s best-known awards schemes and bring together the legal community to recognise and celebrate its achievements. Ramsdens, which has 11 offices throughout Yorkshire, has been named as one of the top firms within the private client, corporate and commercial, and Law Firm of the Year: Medium categories.
In addition, Ramsdens is just one of five firms in the national Wills & Probates Awards category for Probate Provider of the Year – North & Midlands category.
Managing Partner Paul Joyces aid: “With a 150 year-plus heritage of providing a
wide range of legal services to businesses and individuals, we have established a strong reputation, both in our home here in Yorkshire and, increasingly, across the UK.
“The Yorkshire Legal Awards have long been a celebration of the region’s flourishing legal community and the judges this year commented on the strength of the hundreds of entries they received, so to have been shortlisted in three categories is quite an achievement. We are also proud to gain further national recognition with our success in the Wills & Probate Awards which highlight commitment to innovation, service excellence, client experience and expertise in this specialist area of law.
Winners will be announced in October.
Calderdale Council becomes first local authority to get official warning over charity failures
Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council is the first local authority to be given an Official Warning for failing to comply with its duties as trustee of 13 charities.
Calderdale is one of over 1,200 councils across England and Wales that are trustees of charities. Charities overseen by this council include several assets which are important to the local community, such as Bacup Road Recreational Ground, Tetley Memorial Park and Public Central Library.
The regulator’s Chief Executive recently wrote to all local authorities warning them of the “significant administrative headaches” councils could face from any failure to correctly comply with their duties. In his letter, David Holdsworth advised charities to keep a register of charitable assets and land held to help ensure any council correctly manages them in their capacity as a trustee. Failing to correctly identify charitable assets could lead to the loss of public facilities that people rely on and, where charity law is not correctly followed, intervention by the Commission.
As trustees, councils are responsible for running the charity and managing its assets as well as upholding all duties expected of any trustee. This includes filing annual returns with the Charity Commission.
Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council has failed to file annual returns and accounts for all 13 charities, which have been overdue for several years. The Official Warning states that this, and the council’s failure to comply with an action plan the Commission issued to it in 2023, amounts to misconduct and/or mismanagement in the administration of the charities.
To rectify the misconduct and/or mismanagement set out in the Official Warning, the council must file all outstanding accounts. The Commission has been clear that Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council also needs to:
- implement processes to ensure all 13 charities are compliant with their accounting responsibilities going forward
- provide up-to-date contact details for all charities
- locate and identify all 13 charities on a local register containing details about the charities and their assets
- hold regular trustee meetings, ensuring all councillors are aware of their duties and responsibilities – treating all charities as separate entities
- review financial controls of all charities, taking steps to record and implement processes as well as provide evidence of this action to the Commission.
Ernest Doe & Sons expands into southern Lincolnshire with acquisition of Burdens Group branches
Ernest Doe & Sons has acquired agricultural machinery dealer The Burdens Group’s southern Lincolnshire branches, located in Sutterton and North Kyme.
The acquisition was facilitated through the appointed administrators at Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP, following The Burdens Group’s entry into administration.
With existing branches across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Sussex, Surrey, and Kent, Ernest Doe & Sons is a family-owned business with a heritage dating back to 1898, and is committed to extending its footprint into Lincolnshire.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Sutterton and North Kyme branches into the Ernest Doe family,” said Managing Director Angus Doe. “Our focus is on maintaining the strong customer relationships cultivated by The Burdens Group, while introducing the high standards of quality and service that have defined Ernest Doe & Sons for over 125 years.
“We look forward to serving the local community and supporting our new customers with the expertise and dedication that our longstanding customers have come to rely on.”
Rail operator selects Spencer for £10m contract in Essex
Rail operator Greater Anglia has contracted Spencer Rail to create a new wheel lathe facility at its premises at Clacton in Essex.
The company says the £10m project will improve train service and create new jobs.
Spencer Group will design and build the facility to service Greater Anglia’s fleet, ranging from three-car trains through to 12-car units.
Enabling works have been carried out on site by specialist rail and civils teams, who are now preparing to begin construction of the facility, which is expected to be complete by May 2025.
Spencer Group will design and construct the new facility, as well modifying track, depot protection, locally operated points system, signalling and overhead line equipment.
The team will also deliver a new welfare facility for maintenance staff, including utility services and connections, as well as a drivers’ walkway and lighting facilities for preparation activities.
Tony Wells, Pre-construction Project Director said: “Working in areas with tight constraints is where Spencer Group thrives and our team is highly experienced in delivering high-quality results within complex working environments.
“We are working collaboratively with Greater Anglia as well as third party stakeholders to facilitate their needs and ensure the existing facilities are able to continue operating throughout the programme of works, with as little disruption as possible.”
Andrew Goodrum, Greater Anglia Client & Programme Director, said: “Not only will this £17m investment into Clacton improve the performance and reliability of services in the region, but it will also provide many new highly skilled jobs.
“Once complete in Summer 2025, trains will be able to be serviced much quicker than before, allowing them to return to passenger service faster.”
HGV electric vehicle charging hub welcomed to Able Humber Port
The UK’s first public electric heavy goods vehicle (EHGV) charging stations will open on Able Humber Port (AHP) this year. The new EHGV charging hub will drive the decarbonisation of future transport and logistics across AHP, and the South Humber ports, as new electric powered HGV’s replace existing diesel fleets.
North Lincolnshire Council granted planning consent for the project in June and the developer Milence – a Daimler Truck, Volvo Group and Traton Group (formally Volkswagen Truck & Bus AG – including Man & Scania) joint venture company opens the first phase in November 2024.
The initial phase will deliver four high-performance Combined Charging Systems (CCS) chargers powering eight bays, and one Megawatt Charging System (MCS) chargers powering two bays and will host lounge and welfare facilities also providing food and beverages. The final site will include further CCS and MCS chargers and enhanced facilities.
Peter Stephenson, Able UK founder and Executive Chairman, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Milence to Able Humber Port to deliver the UK’s first electric charging hub. The hub is an exciting step forward in supporting the decarbonising of the Humber Ports and the HGV transport industry also assisting Able Humber Port and the region transition to net zero.”
Anja van Niersen, CEO at Milence, said: “Expanding into the UK with our first charging hub in Immingham represents a significant milestone for Milence. This strategic location not only enhances our ability to support the growing demand for sustainable transport solutions but also aligns with our commitment to driving the future of green logistics across Europe.”
Property investor makes £120m of acquisitions and disposals
LondonMetric Property has transacted on £70 million of warehouse acquisitions and £50 million of non core disposals, including sites in Leeds, York and Doncaster.
The £70 million of acquisitions consist of seven warehouses including five trade warehouses in Leeds, Derby, Swindon, Bolton and Farnham totalling 113,000 sq ft, acquired for £18.9 million and let to Travis Perkins, MKM and Jewson.
The £50 million of disposals consist of ten former LXi assets and a former CTPT asset. They include a 34,000 sq ft car show room in York let to Vertu (sold for £10.5 million) and an 18,000 sq ft Nissan car show room in Doncaster (sold for £2.5 million).
Andrew Jones, Chief Executive of LondonMetric, said: “We have been very clear on our desire to monetise some assets acquired from our corporate takeovers. We have now sold c.£100 million of LXi assets, with 13 of the 16 non core CTPT assets also sold at an average of 14% above our original underwrite values.
“We have successfully reinvested these proceeds into high quality properties, in stronger sectors that will deliver accelerated income growth.”
Yorkshire farm secures £100k to tap into tourism
The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) has completed its first deal in West Yorkshire since the launch of the £660m fund in March this year.
A family farm on the Yorkshire moors has secured £100,000 from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and part of NPIF II, to open a glamping site.
Thornton Park Farm lies 1100ft above sea level and enjoys views over Ripponden and Sowerby Bridge. The NPIF II investment will enable the family – Richard and Nina Dunnett and their son Jack – to construct five luxury pods and diversify their income from farming activities.
The family currently has a flock of 70 sheep, herds of Highland and Gasconne cattle and seven young Suffolk punch horses, an endangered species which they have started to breed.
Thornton Park Farm was previously run by Richard’s father Bob, who acquired the land in the 1960s and also ran a haulage business and agricultural contracting service from the site. Having initially worked in the haulage business, Richard went on to launch a gritting company and now operates a fleet of eight gritter lorries serving clients including Manchester United Football Club, local councils and supermarkets.
Following Bob’s death in 2015, farming activities ceased for four years until Richard and Nina decided to bring the land back into use. They have now been joined by 23-year-old Jack who has recently graduated from agricultural college.
Richard Dunnett said: “I inherited Thornton Park from my parents and I want to give my son the opportunity to run it after me. It is difficult to make a good living from smaller farms now but having the right mix of activities is key.
“Tourism is an excellent addition to our existing income streams and, with such a beautiful location, holiday companies have told us that they expect the site to be very popular. The funding from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II has enabled us to speed up the launch of the new facilities and we look forward to welcoming our first guests later this year.”
Gary Whitaker from Mercia Debt added: “Richard is an experienced businessman with an agricultural background and has committed significant investment of his own to the farm. Unfortunately, he was unable to raise the money required for the glamping pods from a traditional high-street bank. This funding will not only help the Dunnetts secure the financial future of their smallholding but also benefit the local tourism industry.”
Richard Hargreaves, an independent adviser, provided fundraising advice to the Dunnett family.
Keepmoat to regenerate part of Milton Keynes in £21.5m project
Doncaster-based housebuilder Keepmoat is to build 115 new homes on seven acres of land in Milton Keynes – 50 of which will be built to the anticipated Future Homes Standard.
The £21.5m project is due to be completed in March 2026, and will include multiple types of housing for residents at the site to be named Haworth Place, including much-needed affordable housing stock through a local housing association.
The Future Homes Standard legislation update, due in 2025, requires all new homes to reduce 75 percent of the carbon emissions, and is set out to replace traditional
Building Regulations for new dwellings.
Ian McFaul, Interim Regional MD at Keepmoat, South Midlands, said: “We’re thrilled to be regenerating this underdeveloped piece of land in Milton Keynes to deliver 115 high-quality, multi-tenure homes for the local area, including much-needed affordable housing options. The project is also creating a raft of new local jobs, training and apprenticeship opportunities, further boosting the local economy and the industry’s future workforce.
“As the project continues into the next phase, it’s extremely rewarding to see the
excitement about the plans to deliver these homes in this fantastic new town. We’re also
proud to be delivering homes featuring anticipated Future Homes Standard technology
ahead of the Government-enforced delivery model set to come in next year – a further
step in our mission to create sustainable communities for the future.”
Spencer Bridge wins industry award for work on Scottish bridge
Heritage bridge works specialist Spencer Bridge Engineering has won an industry award for work to install a temporary walkway on a historic Scottish bridge.
The company, part of Spencer Group, received the 2024 Galvanizing in Engineering Award from the Galvanisers Association for showing what galvanized steel can offer to the built environment. The project involved more than 1,000 pieces of metal, each hot-dip galvanised to blend eight the existing structure.
The structure, over 120 years old, spans Loch Etive linking the villages of Connel and North Connel, near Oban in Scotland.
The company was contracted by BEAR Scotland, a service provider to the Scottish roads maintenance sector, on behalf of Transport Scotland, to develop a new walkway to allow pedestrian access throughout planned works to replace the entire bridge deck over the coming years.
The project involved the design, construction and installation of a 240-metre-long walkway along the full length of the bridge.
Principal Engineer Chris Kirkby, who attended the award presentation, said:
“The whole team are delighted to have been recognised with this award and it gives us great pride to have worked on this project. “A key element of the project was ensuring that the works were completely non-invasive to ensure no damage was caused to the original structure. “Having both design and construction teams in house enables us to work collaboratively to design the most practical and effective solutions to complex projects, which is demonstrated by the success of our work on Connel Bridge.”
Investment increases the speed of web site creation by South Yorkshire agency
South Yorkshire digital agency Genius Division has expanded its team and invested in tech in a bid to improve productivity by half.
The company, based at the Business Village Barnsley, has won a grant to back an investment package designed to slash the average time it takes them to complete website projects.
The aim is to tackle the stop-start nature of the process by reducing unproductive downtime, often caused by waiting for missing pieces of content from clients or others.
Pilot projects bringing more control in-house and enabling the team to take the lead on more content creation have already shown they can reduce average start-to-finish delivery times on larger website projects from 151 days to 75 days.
The business is now set to spread this efficiency saving across all output after investing in new photography, videography and drone equipment, skills development and the recruitment of two additional staff members. The trainee web development and digital marketing executives take their team from seven to nine.
Genius Division’s investment has been backed by a Business Productivity Grant delivered by Barnsley Council through the Enterprising Barnsley programme and supported by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, part-funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Genius Division creative director Craig Burgess said: “We had an honest look at what we do and realised that, whilst we’re always busy, we had to change the way we work to improve our productivity and profitability as a business.
“Although we meet our own internal project deadlines, the sticking point has always been waiting for the creation of website content by others within a similar timescale.
“We realised we could help clients to do this much more efficiently by making this part of our delivery package. By bringing this work in-house, we have more control and eliminate a certain amount of drag involved in chasing clients and outsourcing work.”
Business support advisor at Enterprising Barnsley Judy Sidebottom helped Genius Division apply for a Business Productivity Grant to support its investment. She said: “Genius Division has grown as a successful digital agency over 14 years and this bold move to invest in improved productivity in-house demonstrates the business’ growing maturity. We are very pleased to support their ambition and look forward to seeing the company’s larger, better equipped team go from strength to strength.”
Barnsley haulier secures £1.2m grant to increase storage and create jobs
Barnsley haulage and logistics company Mallinson Properties for KMS Transport has secured the £1.2 million investment from the Goldthorpe Towns Commercial Investment Fund.
The project will increase the company’s pallet storage capacity and create new job opportunities. It will also create social value by supporting local supply chains and environmental sustainability.
Stephen Mallinson, MD of Mallinson Properties, said: “We are delighted with this grant from the Goldthorpe Towns Commercial Investment Fund. It is enabling us to expand our business and meet the growing demand for our products and services.
“This project will not only benefit our company, but also the local economy and community. We are proud to be part of the Dearne Valley area and eager to enhance its potential and ambition.”
Matthew Stephens, chair of the Goldthorpe Town Deal Board, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to support Mallinson Properties on this project.
“We are focused on supporting the local economy and social value, so I am also pleased that they are using the local supply chain to deliver the project.
“I hope this is a catalyst for their business and facilitates the growth we need.”
The GTCIF is part of a programme of projects funded by the government as part of a £23.1 million investment in Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe and Bolton upon Dearne.
The Goldthorpe Town Deal Board is overseeing the distribution of the Towns Fund investment. Its aims include supporting businesses in the Dearne to create more well-paid jobs and attract new investment.
Mallinson Properties is using the grant contribution to build two extensions to its existing premises.
Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “We are pleased that Enterprising Barnsley, the council’s award-winning business support team, has been able to support Mallinson Properties to secure this funding.
“They are a long-standing Barnsley company, and this expansion shows their ambition to continue growing their business.
“We want to help businesses and developers overcome viability gaps to support the delivery of new projects. This will ultimately lead to the creation of new and additional employment opportunities.
“I’m sure this project will encourage interest from others in similar schemes should they become available in the future.
“We remain committed to helping Barnsley’s economy grow. This will provide new opportunities for residents and may also raise interest outside the area in living and working in Barnsley, the place of possibilities.”
Firms invited to site meeting about Pier Gardens development
Interested businesses are being invited to look at the proposals for the transformation of Cleethorpes’ Pier Gardens both online and at a site meeting to look at the details of the project and offer comments.
With online forms and a meeting at The Knoll on Thursday 12 September from 1pm, it’s a ‘Preliminary Market Consultation’, normal practice for public sector organisations and is part of the process ahead of full tenders being released for large contracts.
Officers will look at the responses, opinions and views before finalising details and releasing the main tender for the work of principal contractor, which is expected to be done later this year.
The scheme for Pier Gardens is supported by £18.4m awarded to Cleethorpes from the former Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
The designs were finalised after the views of hundreds of people were gathered during public events, meetings and consultations. This feedback supported more modern and wildlife friendly planting schemes, along with areas for children’s and adults’ social activities, and an area that could enable pop up events, performances and group exercise. Additionally, people wanted to make sure that the gardens had improved lighting, sympathetic to the surroundings.
North East Lincolnshire Councillor Hayden Dawkins, said: “Cleethorpes has been evolving and improving over the years and this a further step in growing our resort, which is fast becoming a jewel in the crown of our country’s East coast.
“This transformation of Pier Gardens is going to create wonderful spaces for both visitors and local people to visit and enjoy – spending time together as families and we all look forward to this work starting, and more importantly completing.”
Developer secures £31.3m loan for Build to Rent housing schemes
Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF) has provided a loan of £31.3m to developer Placefirst to support the delivery of much-needed housing in the North West. CBRE’s Lending team advised the Fund.
The loan will be split between two Build to Rent (BTR) schemes in Bolton and Halifax town centres.
The Bolton project has received £22.6m for the delivery of 167 one and two-bedroom units. Previously a brownfield site, the 1.1-hectare site will also offer around 5,000 sq ft of commercial space on the ground floor, communal green areas and a new public square within the scheme.
The transformation of a former multi-storey car park in Halifax into 122 one and two-bedroom units, has received £8.75m to enable the development of high-quality sustainable homes, alongside a communal recreation space for residents.
Both developments will provide new high-quality affordable rental housing in priority regeneration areas, catalysing investment in their respective town centres.
Each development is all-electric, partly supported by PV panels and air source heat pumps and will offer cycle and EV parking spaces. Furthermore, all units will have a minimum of EPC B.
Cllr Gerald Cooney, Chair of GMPF said: “As a leader of a Council as well as a chair of a pension fund I know the depth of the housing crisis in which we find ourselves as a nation. We see it as we place record numbers of homeless children in temporary accommodation; as we grapple with waiting lists for social housing getting longer and longer; and younger residents are priced out of home ownership.
“That’s why we are proud to make this investment with Placefirst and support the Government’s plan to provide much needed affordable homes for hardworking families whilst delivering strong low risk returns to pay the pensions of our hardworking members.”
Will Church, Executive Director, CBRE, said: “We deploy significant amounts of debt from our pool of capital into the North West, as recently demonstrated by these two whole loans to Placefirst. This is the second loan we have made on behalf of GMPF since securing our mandate and the first housing-led loan.
“This loan will contribute to the essential housing needed in the region, while adding real socio-economic benefits to Bolton and Halifax town centres. We remain interested in supporting further development across all main asset classes with loans that have appropriate risk adjusted characteristics and, crucially, which bring regeneration to the region.”
David Mawson, chief executive for Placefirst, said: “We’ve long been committed to addressing housing shortages by delivering much-needed high-quality rental homes in prime locations. Through these brownfield developments, Placefirst will revitalise neighbourhoods that have been bursting with potential, leaving behind well-connected homes that offer communities a new standard for rental living.
“As developers and operators, we are long-term partners with our residents and the communities we build in which is why we’re people-focused from design to operation. This GMPF loan is a testament to the social and economic benefits our developments have been proven to deliver for local communities. From encouraging wider investment into the area to helping communities connect, our developments offer long-standing value.”
Both schemes are under construction, with each expected to reach practical completion in 2025. Once complete Placefirst will remain on site and be responsible for managing every aspect of the neighbourhood through the appointment of dedicated resident services managers.
JMG Group grows in North Yorkshire with insurance broker acquisition
JM Glendinning North Yorkshire, part of the JMG Group, has acquired established commercial and personal lines insurance broker C P Bennet Ltd.
Scarborough-based JM Glendinning North Yorkshire, led by MD Alison Piercy, has made its second acquisition just months after its move to larger premises to accommodate future growth. C P Bennet Ltd MD, Simon Benson, will move to JM Glendinning’s office in Wykeham, Scarborough.
C P Bennet Ltd is an established Bridlington-based insurance broker which was founded by Charles Percy Bennet in 1929. Simon Benson joined the business in 1986 to work for his father, Albert Benson, who joined C P Bennet Ltd in 1970 and was a director until 2013. Simon has been instrumental in shaping and growing the business for over 38 years.
Alison Piercy, JM Glendinning North Yorkshire’s MD, says: “We’ve been looking for that perfect addition to our business; one which shares our own operational and cultural values, and one we feel delivers quality customer support. I believe C P Bennet is a great fit and matches who we are and what we do and I’m excited to bring them onboard.”
Simon Benson says: “This sale is part of our succession plan, to allow for a seamless transition in the future and continuity for employees and clients. It will also enable us to continue the growth of what my dad and our team have built over the years.
“While growing rapidly, both organically and through acquisitions, the JMG Group still retains its family-run feel and its client-first ethos. I’m looking forward to being part of the group and seizing the opportunities that are ahead of us.”
Employers and training providers promote STEM opportunities in Scarborough
More than 30 employers and training and education organisations are to exhibit at Scarborough Science and Engineering Week from October 8th to 10th
Sponsored by mining company Anglo American, the even t is intended to engage in a wide variety of interactive activities to encourage them into further STEM learning and careers.
Since the inaugural event, it has attracted more than 39,750 students, inspiring a future workforce into skill-based careers covering science, design, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The 15th anniversary event will attract more than 3,000 young people aged from seven to 19, from schools across the coast and beyond.
Sam Alexander, who chairs the LEP’s Skills and Employability Board said: “This is a hugely exciting annual event, helping to build aspiration and opportunity for young people across the coast and beyond.”
Gareth Edmunds, Corporate Relations Director for Anglo American’s Crop Nutrients business, said: “Events such as this are critical in trying to ensure we equip our young people with the skills they need. We are incredibly proud to support it.”
Popularity of Leeds pop-up artisan market means it’s to be a regular feature
A pop-up Artisan market at The Springs in Leeds has proved so popular that organisers have committed to make it a regular feature throughout the year.
The ‘Leeds Local Market’ debuted at The Springs earlier this month to celebrate Yorkshire Day, and hosted by Yorkshire Urban Markets, the event is said to have exceeded all expectations, prompting plans to make The Springs a regular market destination alongside established markets in Meanwood and Rothwell.
Rachel Vickers, Senior Commercial Manager at Scarborough Group International, developer and asset manager of The Springs and Thorpe Park Leeds, said: “As demonstrated through our seasonal events programme, we are committed to bringing in new and exciting attractions to The Springs on a regular basis.
“We are thrilled that the Leeds Local Market proved so popular for our visitors and that we were also able to support independent traders where some sold out of their wares in just a few hours. The event also boosted footfall for our existing stores where many reported increased trading.”
New dates are yet to be arranged.
Yorkshire business confidence rises in August
Business confidence in Yorkshire and the Humber rose five points during August to 41%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
While companies in Yorkshire and the Humber reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down six points to 39%, their confidence in the economy climbed 15 points to 42%. Taken together, this gives a headline confidence reading of 41% (vs. 36% in July).
Looking ahead to the next six months, Yorkshire and the Humber businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training (45%), evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products or services (38%), and introducing new technology (25%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
National picture
Overall UK business confidence in August remained unchanged from July at 50%.
Firms’ confidence in the overall economy increased two points to 47%, offsetting marginally weaker confidence in their own trading prospects, which fell two points month-on-month to 54%, although remained above the long-term average.
The North East was the most confident UK nation or region in August (65%), followed closely by Scotland (64%).
Sector insights
Output expectations for the various sectors remained at or near their three-year highs. Construction had a steep increase to 58%, up by 14 points, whereas other sectors experienced slight declines. Trading prospects for manufacturing dropped by 2 points to 58%, at the same level as construction, while Retail and Services fell to 53% down 7 and 3 points respectively.
Martyn Kendrick, regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “It’s hugely positive to see business confidence growth this month after a dip in July.
“Businesses will now be looking to capitalise on their brighter outlook, and we’ll be by their side every step of the way – whether that’s supporting plans to upskill their teams, or diversifying their range of products and services.”
York Biotech Campus welcomes two new occupiers
Microsaic Systems and Labskin Limited have secured lab space at York Biotech Campus (YBC).
Microsaic Systems supplies a comprehensive solution for water purity monitoring, protection and control, working with water authorities globally to ensure water safety and quality.
It has taken 1,350 sq ft of laboratory space at YBC, where it will produce detection bioreagents that are consumables for its wide range of testing equipment. These bioreagents are then used to detect toxic chemical pathogens in water.
Labskin Limited, a skin science company, has also moved into YBC. The business creates human skin equivalent models that are used by skincare, cosmetics, ingredient manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies as part of their research processes. They occupy a total of 1,800 sq ft across three laboratories on site.
Both organisations were formerly located at the science campus under a shared parent company, operating as Modern Water and Labskin. Earlier this year, Microsaic Systems acquired the Modern Water business, while private investors purchased Labskin’s assets from their parent company.
Microsaic Systems and Labskin Limited both have plans to expand at YBC and grow their respective teams.
Bob Moore, Chief Executive at Microsaic Systems, said: “We’re thrilled to be based here at YBC with our excellent team producing our bioreagents.
“YBC is an exceptional bio-cluster, and we’re surrounded by many other leading bioscience businesses who we can draw expertise from, as well as benefit from access to an abundance of skill and talent in the area.
“We’re well-placed to achieve our growth ambitions, including expanding our facilities to enhance capacity and serve even more customers worldwide.”
Dr Nicola Kingswell, Scientific Director at Labskin Limited, said: “YBC has always been a supportive, nurturing home for us, so we’re pleased to be based here in the next stage of our journey.
“It’s an extremely exciting time for Labskin Limited as we’re expanding our services, including launching a new Labskin model with melanocytes, the cells that produce the colour pigment melanin in our skin. This means we’ll have a model for testing skin ethnicities. This is just one pioneering launch with plenty more in the pipeline.”
Liz Cashon, Estates Manager at York Biotech Campus, added: “Microsaic Systems and Labskin Limited are both leaders in their fields, playing crucial roles in our everyday lives. Microsaic Systems focuses on ensuring the safety and security of our water, while Labskin Limited is dedicated to testing and improving the products we use daily.
“We are proud that they have chosen YBC as their base, adding to our diverse mix of innovative organisations already based here, and further bolstering Yorkshire’s reputation as a leading centre in bioscience.”
Offshore Wind Group plans £2m investment to unlock UK manufacturing potential
The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership has launched its new Manufacturing Facility Support Programme intended to unlock investments in UK manufacturing to support the growth of the offshore wind sector.
The fund has £2m available for UK businesses looking to either build new manufacturing facilities or significantly expand existing facilities that make key components, equipment and/or systems required for the offshore wind sector. The Stage 1 application window is open now until Friday 20th September 2024.
The Partnership aims to increase UK offshore wind manufacturing capability and capacity by stimulating early-stage investment. Matched funding of up to £500,000 will be provided via a two-stage application process to help accelerate pre-investment development activities, and two reduce the risks involved.
Iain Sinclair, Executive Director at Global Energy Group and Non-Executive Director for OWGP said: “This new programme will provide highly-focused support to innovative UK-based manufacturing companies with the necessary resources to develop new or additional production capacity geared towards providing locally-produced equipment and systems. Developing these resources is key to helping accelerate the deployment of offshore wind in the UK, helping us to reach our ambitious target of 60GW by 2030.
“The MFSP programme further advances our mission to improve productivity, increase business competitiveness, boost innovation, and support a globally competitive offshore wind supply chain in the UK.”
Funding will be awarded on a competitive basis in the form of a grant. Successful proposals will demonstrate a long-term business plan that covers investment plans, forecast market share, revenue, profitability, employment and exports.
