Innovation Festival returns to West Yorkshire for fourth incarnation
The week-long West Yorkshire Innovation Festival will take place between 3-7 March to champion, celebrate and foster collaboration among the region’s business base.
Businesses and organisations will be able to hear from and network with leading private sector innovators as well as public sector finance providers, to help accelerate their business plans through the development of new innovations that can boost their productivity and profits.
The festival follows the launch of the million-pound Mayor’s Big Ideas Challenge, which will see successful businesses receive up to £100,000 to develop innovative solutions to local health challenges.
By supporting SMEs to grow and succeed while targeting investment at the region’s fastest growing business sectors, the region’s multibillion-pound Local Growth Plan aims to add £26 billion to the UK economy and support the creation of an additional 33,000 local jobs.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “This year, business leaders have so many inspiring and educational events to look forward to, from masterclasses with proven innovators, to networking opportunities with those who can help turn bright ideas into bigger growth.
“To deliver our ambitious growth plan, we need to empower our growth creators. That means helping our businesses to innovate at a time of great challenge and opportunity, so they can continue to grow, succeed, and contribute to a stronger and brighter economy for the region.”
Lincolnshire contractor accelerates digital transformation with Trimble technology
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 expands into Lincolnshire with new residential development
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.
Union proposes plan to keep Scunthorpe British Steel site operational
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.
West Yorkshire care home sold to become forty-ninth in group’s portfolio
Asquith Hall Care Home in Todmorden, West Yorkshire, has been sold.
Following a confidential sales process with Sam Fazackerley at Christie & Co, it has been acquired by Affinity Care Consortium, part of the Younas Family Group that offers an array of care services. Asquith Hall is the forty-ninth care home within the group.
Asquith Hall is a two-storey, purpose-built care home in the market town of Todmorden, previously registered for 53 residents who required complex mental health nursing.
The home boasts 53 single bedrooms, all of which have en-suite wet room facilities. There is ample day space across the home, with a large lounge and dining rooms on both floors and smaller quiet lounges/family rooms.
The home also offers a hydrotherapy pool, a hair/nail salon, and a fully equipped sensory therapy room. To the rear and side of the property, there are enclosed and manicured gardens with a large car park to the front.
Tanzeel Younas, Director at Affinity Care Consortium, said: “This deal was probably the easiest and most fun I’ve done in recent times, and I’m excited for 2025 as we have a pipeline of another 15 homes to add to our portfolio!”
Sam Fazackerley, Business Agent – Care at Christie & Co, said: “We are delighted to have helped Tanzeel acquire his most recent home. Asquith Hall was a fantastic opportunity for a well-established operator to reopen the home with minimal refurbishment.
“With the home being closed, the sale completed in a very timely manner. We wish Tanzeel and his team every success and look forward to working with him in the future.”
Asquith Hall Care Home was sold for an undisclosed price.
MBO completes at Leeds firm of accountants and business advisors
A Management Buyout has been completed at TC Group Leeds (TC Murray Harcourt) with the appointment of two new equity partners, Andy Nichols and Neil Potter. The pair will join with founding partner Mark Hunter to drive the firm of accountants and business advisors forward in the next chapter of its development.
Andy has over 20 years’ experience in financial services including 10 years in Commercial Banking with HSBC, before joining Murray Harcourt in 2013 with a focus on providing Business Advisory and Audit services to a wide range of SMEs.
Neil has nearly 20 years’ experience in providing audit and accountancy services to a wide range of clients of varying sizes and levels of complexity, ranging from owner managed businesses to international PE-backed groups. He also has extensive experience of working with clients in the not for profit and education sectors.
Mark said: “Having worked with Andy and Neil for several years, I’m delighted that both have stepped forward to join the leadership team. The three of us are already shaping the future of TC Group in Leeds, Yorkshire and nationally.”
Andy said: “After working with such a fantastic client base and team for many years, I am delighted to join with Mark and Neil and look forward to leading the business towards further growth, adding value to both existing and new clients.”
Neil added: “Having worked in a senior role within the business over the last 10 years, this felt like a natural step and I’m excited to be part of a leadership team focused on delivering a proactive, personal client service and growing the firm to become a flagship office for TC Group in the north.”
The three partners have played an integral role in the firm’s development over the last 10 years and the new appointments are part of a longer-term strategy to grow the wider TC Group service offering in the north of England.
Steve Watts, Chief Operating Officer of TC Group, added: “One of the benefits of the TC Group model is it makes succession planning possible so we’re delighted that Mark, Andy and Neil have successfully completed this MBO and will now drive the growth strategy in Leeds and Yorkshire.
“They collectively have a wealth of experience and knowledge of their local market along with strong connections and we’re excited by what the next phase of TC Group Leeds will achieve.”
Arla Foods plans €110m cost cuts amid rising prices and weak consumer demand
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 put forward for new International Strategy for Sheffield
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.
Independent aggregates supplier looks for buyer after challenging period
Prestige Aggregates Limited, a Sheffield-based independent aggregates supplier and manufacturer, is seeking a potential purchaser to buy the business and assets, after experiencing a period of challenging cash flow towards the end of 2024.
A Notice of Intention to Appoint an Administrator was filed on 10th February, with the Business Recovery and Restructuring team at Midlands-based PKF Smith Cooper supporting the business through the process.
Prestige Aggregates supplies a wide range of high quality primary and environmentally sustainable recycled aggregate products, specialising in the use of recycled aggregates from waste glass packaging to be used within the aggregate and construction sectors.
The company’s main focus in their manufacturing has been to reduce their carbon footprint, supplying end markets located within 100-mile radius of their headquarters. The company has developed working relationships with suppliers to design concrete mixes including recycled glass and concrete aggregates, with the intention to include waste plastic in the near future.
The collapse of the waste glass recycling sector between July and December last year caused Prestige Aggregates to struggle as they had expanded significantly into this market. With accumulated debt on top of failing market investments, the company’s cash flow took a hit towards the end of 2024.
The business is now seeking assistance from the PKF Smith Cooper Business Recovery and Restructuring team, to plan ahead for their future. The trading of the business is continuing whilst a purchaser is found for the business and its assets.
Dean Nelson, Head of Business Recovery and Restructuring, said: “Prestige Aggregates has unfortunately faced a challenging end to 2024, and we are now in the process of restructuring their business.
“We will be working closely with the company’s management team to assist and support them in securing the best possible future for the business, its employees, and creditors.
“If you are interested in acquiring the business and assets, please get in touch with a member of our Business Recovery and Restructuring team.”
Summers-Inman extends higher education expertise into Yorkshire with new wins
Summers-Inman, the construction and project management consultancy with an office in Leeds and seven further offices located between Edinburgh and London, is celebrating new contract wins in the higher education sector.
These latest appointments will enable Summers-Inman to bring its higher education experience gained across various university projects UK-wide, into Yorkshire.
Recently won is a multidisciplinary consultancy framework agreement appointment for the University of Sheffield. Consultants have been appointed to deliver services for specific projects on a call-off basis as and when required.
In addition, the firm has also won a place on the university’s framework agreement for Cost Management Services.
The University of Sheffield has 30,000 students and more than 350 buildings across its multi-campus estate, which it is working towards making net-zero.
Summers-Inman will have the opportunity to work on a range of projects with the university which aims to deliver around £200 – £300 million of projects over the course of the framework.
Commenting on the win, Summers-Inman director, Alex Lodge said: “This is a truly exciting appointment for us and allows us to bring to the table our substantial experience gained on multi-million-pound award-winning projects, such as the £72 million Park View Student Village and the £27 million Dame Margaret Barbour Teaching and Learning Facility for Newcastle University.
“In Tees Valley, the £21.4 million Cornell Quarter and £36.9 million BIOS Laboratory and Life Sciences Building are both multi-award-winning schemes which have seen us provide project management, cost consultancy and principal designer roles throughout, either working directly for the university or the main contractor.
“These four examples are merely a snapshot of our overall experience, so we are delighted to be able to extend our reach within the higher education sector into Yorkshire with these recent appointments.”
Mark Holden, Associate Director of EFM: Estates Development at the University of Sheffield, said: “University estates are continually evolving to meet the needs and expectations of the next generation of students and academics, as well as positively contributing to the local community.
“Together with the requirement for improved facilities and accommodation there is also the need to achieve net-zero either by decarbonisation plans for existing buildings or building with a net-zero design from scratch.
“I am confident our recently appointed multidisciplinary teams have the expertise to provide high-level professional support that will enable us to deliver our ambitious estate plans over the next few years.”
