Hitachi Rail has entered into a 15-year Technology Partner Framework Agreement with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) to modernise the South Yorkshire Supertram network. The deal positions Hitachi as SYMCA’s strategic technology partner, aiming to enhance light rail infrastructure and improve passenger services.

This partnership aligns with SYMCA’s broader goal to futureproof the region’s public transport system. It focuses on integrating advanced technologies to improve system reliability and provide better real-time information, making travel smoother and more predictable for commuters. The initial phase will concentrate on upgrading operational systems to optimise timetable delivery.

Through this framework, Hitachi Rail will bring modern, digitally enabled solutions to the Supertram network, enhancing both operational efficiency and passenger experience. This initiative also aims to create a sustainable public transport network that contributes to South Yorkshire’s economic and environmental growth.

Hitachi’s established presence in Doncaster, with over 200 employees, reinforces its commitment to the region. The partnership is expected to generate further local employment opportunities and support skills development in the area.

Evri has reported a significant increase in parcel deliveries, driven by the continued boom in second-hand sales and new delivery channels. The company delivered over 807 million parcels during the year ending February, an 11% rise from the previous year and a 25% increase over two years.

Revenue for the year reached £1.85 billion, marking a 12% year-on-year growth. A key factor behind this surge is the growing popularity of online resale platforms such as eBay and Vinted, which show no signs of slowing down. Social media platforms, including TikTok, have further boosted this trend by altering consumer shopping habits.

The company expanded its services into new sectors, including fresh food, car parts, and floristry, capitalising on changing buyer and seller behaviours. Increased demand for customer-to-customer deliveries, facilitated by social commerce, has also contributed to growth.

Evri invested £57 million in its operations and technology to enhance service levels and meet rising demand. The company’s ongoing efforts to improve customer satisfaction come despite some reported delivery issues.

In a move to strengthen its position, Evri recently joined forces with DHL’s UK ecommerce arm, creating one of the country’s largest delivery firms and entering the UK business letter market.

The National Infrastructure & Service Transformation Authority has released an updated Infrastructure Pipeline, showcasing major rail investments in Yorkshire. With £50bn allocated for 29 projects over the next decade, the pipeline highlights several initiatives in the region, including key capacity upgrades and station improvements. This forms part of a broader £530bn infrastructure programme covering 780 schemes across the UK.

Published on July 17, the pipeline provides an important update on the current status and future plans for rail infrastructure but does not announce new policies. Its primary purpose is to offer businesses in the supply chain visibility of upcoming projects, allowing them to plan for future demand, resource allocation, and skills development. In Yorkshire, projects like the Leeds Station improvements and enhancements to the West Coast line will play a crucial role in the region’s rail development.

Industry leaders have welcomed the release, recognising the value of long-term infrastructure planning.

Create North East Lincolnshire, in partnership with the National Lottery Heritage Fund, has introduced a new grant initiative aimed at supporting projects that celebrate and preserve the area’s local history and heritage. The grants, ranging from £5,000 to £10,000, are designed to provide initial funding to organisations working on long-term heritage projects.

These Kickstarter grants will help organisations with the feasibility and development stages of projects, positioning them for potential future funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Eligible projects must focus on various aspects of local heritage, including maritime history, local traditions, industrial heritage, historic buildings, and natural environments in North East Lincolnshire.

Priority will be given to projects that actively involve underserved communities, young people, and groups whose voices are often overlooked. The funding is open to initiatives that highlight tangible heritage like monuments and buildings, as well as intangible elements such as folklore, language, and local legends.

The grants will support activities between October 2025 and August 2026. The application process is split into two rounds, with deadlines in September and November 2025. Interested organisations can learn more through online sessions or by visiting the drop-in events at The Business Hive in Grimsby.

The closure of Prax’s North Lincolnshire site has prompted local leaders to call on the Government for swift intervention to safeguard jobs and secure the site’s future. The council, alongside MPs and union representatives, is urging the Government to act after a potential buyer failed to meet the imposed deadline for acquisition.

The decision to close the site affects hundreds of local workers, with many families dependent on the site for their livelihoods. Despite the closure, there are still interested investors in parts of the site. The council is advocating for immediate Government backing to preserve these opportunities and stimulate new investment to secure long-term jobs.

Local leaders have voiced concerns over the implications of the closure not just for the community but also for national energy resilience. They argue that the Government’s response to date lacks urgency and could lead to further economic setbacks. The council is committed to providing worker support and collaborating with investors, but Government action is essential for turning the site’s future around.