“To be building a battery project of this size and scale is a huge testament to how far we have come in such a short space of time, with our first 50MW battery asset at Salisbury already entering full operations earlier this year. “Battery storage projects like this one at Monk Fryston will be vital in reaching the UK’s net zero targets, providing flexibility to the grid when the sun isn’t shining, and the wind isn’t blowing.”
Energy company starts work on electricity storage site in North Yorkshire
Building work has started at Monk Fryston in North Yorkshire on SSE’s largest battery storage project.
At 320MW, the project is SSE’s largest battery storage facility being built, and one of the largest of its kind in the UK. Once completed, the site could power over half a million homes for up to two hours at a time, during times of peak demand.
SSE Renewables, Morrison Energy Services, and Sungrow have planted a ceremonial tree near the entrance to the site.
Heather Donald, Director of Onshore Wind, Solar & Battery at SSE Renewables, said: “It’s fantastic to have construction under way on our largest battery storage project at Monk Fryston, and to have been joined by our project partners Morrison Energy Services and Sungrow to mark the occasion.
Yorkshire Water enters partnering agreement with Citizens’ Advice
Yorkshire Water is partnering with Citizens Advice Leeds to support customers facing financial difficulties by making bill payments more manageable and offering extra assistance to those who are eligible.
Citizens Advice Leeds will refer customers struggling with their bills to Yorkshire Water support schemes, helping to make their payments more manageable and reduce debt. Yorkshire Water will also help eligible customers sign up to the Priority Services Register for extra assistance.
Claire Gott, community engagement field manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “We know that many people in the Leeds area are experiencing financial hardship. Unfortunately, not enough customers who are eligible for our support schemes are signing up.
“By partnering with organisations like Citizens Advice Leeds, we can better reach and help those in need. This is our third partnership with Citizens Advice, and we’re already seeing positive results with more customers getting the help they need.”
Julie Balfour, specialist services director at Citizens Advice Leeds, said: “We’re really excited to see how our partnership with Yorkshire Water will improve the debt advice process for our clients. We’re hopeful that having easier access to Yorkshire Water’s support schemes will improve outcomes for our clients and save time for our advisors.”
Yorkshire Water is looking to work with other organisations dedicated to supporting financially struggling communities. There are four digital awareness sessions available for companies wanting to learn more about the financial support available to customersCarolina wins place amongst UK’s top 30 housing champions
Manningham Housing Association’s high-flying Corporate Project Manager Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira has been named as one of Housing Today’s Top 30 Housing Champions.
Originally from Brazil, Carolina joined the BME organisation – which manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley – as an Admin Assistant in 2019, before rising through the ranks to her current position.
Her ability to use technology – particularly AI – to deliver better services and improved customer satisfaction at Manningham Housing Association, coupled with her willingness to share her experiences and successes with the wider housing sector, earned her the title of Inspirational Colleague of the Year at the Housing Heroes Awards 2024.
Carolina’s continued commitment to her work has resulted in her latest accolade as part of leading online publication Housing Today’s Every Person Counts campaign, which aims to provide a space for housing professionals to engage in debates and share solutions about skills, employment, regulatory compliance, equality diversity and inclusivity, and workplace culture.
Carolina said: “I am so proud of what we do at Manningham Housing Association, knowing that it genuinely changes lives.
“For me, housing is not just about providing roofs over heads. It is about creating safe, thriving communities where people can grow and feel secure. That is what makes it so rewarding.
“Success also depends on teamwork and that is what Manningham Housing Association excels at.
“It is an honour to be included in the Top 30 Housing Champions, but it is an achievement I share with my colleagues.”
BCC welcomes launch of Government’s Industrial Strategy
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, has welcomed the launch of the Government’s Industrial Strategy, saying it’s vital in securing the long-term stability that businesses need to plan ahead and invest.
But she sounded a note of caution: “It must deliver on that promise, and it needs to set out clearly how we will leverage the country’s competitive advantage. Alongside the key growth sectors of the economy, it must also integrate each region’s strengths into the plan.
“We need to send a message to the world that the UK is the best place to start, grow and invest in business, and create a new ‘Brand Britain 2.0’ that builds on the past but looks to the future.
“This means putting green and digital innovation at the heart of what we do, investing in infrastructure and skills, removing barriers to investment and putting more energy and resources into exporting. The more we sell to the world, the stronger our economy will be.
“Establishing a new supply chain taskforce, to increase resilience is also essential. The pandemic, war in Ukraine, and the Middle East crisis, have all highlighted the UK’s deep connectivity with global markets for energy, medicines, communications technology and manufacturing components.”
Shelborn secures Bluesmith at South Central in Leeds
Shelborn Asset Management has secured another letting at their redevelopment of South Central in Leeds. This follows on from the recent deals with AON, Keepmoat and Inseego UK Ltd.
Bluesmith Information Systems, a software and data engineering provider for blue chip and government clients, is taking 11,000 sq ft of recently refurbished space at the 75,338 sq ft development in Millshaw.
Bluesmith, whose clients include Yorkshire Water and Skipton Building Society, is relocating from offices in nearby Beeston.
Stuart Edmondson, director for Bluesmith Information Systems, said: “We can’t wait to move into our new office space next year. The facilities look excellent, it has nearby transport links and ample parking, so it’s a great location for us.
“Underpinning our success story in building cloud-first modern data platforms and developing custom applications are our people, who work closely together in agile teams. Expanding into South Central creates an enjoyable work environment for our people, which will help us to continue to delight our customers.”
Eamon Fox, partner and head of development at the Leeds office of Knight Frank, who advised landlords Shelborn, said: “This is one of the most important and prestigious office deals in the south Leeds area this year. Bluesmith is a highly successful software and data engineering provider, and this move marks an important foundation for future sustainable growth.
“The comprehensive refurbishment of South Central, formerly offices for Barclays Bank, now provides some of the finest office space in Leeds. The Bluesmith deal is a resounding endorsement of what South Central has to offer.
“There’s no doubt South Central ticked all the boxes. The combination of its excellent location and first-class facilities, including ample car parking, communal spaces, lounge and a gym, was exactly what Bluesmith wanted as the company continues to grow.
“The development is close to the M621, M62 and M1, providing excellent access to Yorkshire’s motorway network, making it easy for staff to get there by car. It is also close to the popular White Rose Shopping Centre.
“Significantly, this was a deal in which landlord, tenant and agent all worked together on a tri-partite basis to ensure the best possible outcome for both the deal itself and the fit-out of the offices. We wish Bluesmith all the best in their splendid new home.”
The Leeds office of CBRE is the joint marketing agent of South Central with Knight Frank.
Yorkshire family business HSL joins The Furniture Makers’ Company
A long-established family business, HSL, which has been making and selling upholstered chairs, sofas and adjustable beds from its base in West Yorkshire for more than 55 years, is the latest business to become a corporate member of The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry.
Established in 1968 by the Burrows family, the company has a team of around 200 people employed at its head office and manufacturing facilities in Batley, with a further 300 staff working across its 55 showrooms nationwide.
HSL’s new product ranges have gained the Queen’s Award for Innovation and, earlier this year, it was awarded the prestigious Manufacturing Guild Mark for business excellence by The Furniture Makers’ Company. It has also recently been featured in an episode of BBC show Inside the Factory.
Ben Waters, HSL operations director, said: “As a long-standing UK furniture manufacturer, we are proud to be joining The Furniture Makers’ Company this year. It is a great opportunity for us to contribute to our thriving community of furniture makers, and we look forward to collaborating around issues such as sustainability, training, and education.
“Most importantly, we are eager to raise the profile of our industry and spread awareness of the fantastic charity work undertaken by The Furniture Makers’ Company.”
Brian Ahern, master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “We are pleased to see another high-quality, long-established furniture maker joining our number.
“HSL showed itself to be an exceptional British manufacturer when it was awarded our coveted Manufacturing Guild Mark a few months ago and it’s great news that it is now choosing to play a more active role in the continued success of our dynamic furniture sector.”
Corporate membership provides opportunities for leading businesses from the trade to support the Company’s charitable activities, get involved with civic events and network with other members.
£150m JV formed to deliver major build-to-rent development in Leeds
Build-to-rent (BtR) developer and operator, PLATFORM_, has formed a £150 million joint venture with Housing Growth Partnership (HGP), the Lloyds-backed equity investor, to deliver a 451-apartment BtR scheme in Leeds.
It represents the first phase of PLATFORM_’s transformative 1.3 million sq ft mixed-use development on Sweet Street, in the South Bank regeneration area of Leeds.
Winvic Construction has been appointed as the main contractor, marking its third collaboration with PLATFORM_, following the successful delivery of BtR developments in Cardiff and Sheffield.
PLATFORM_, HGP and Winvic were joined by James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, at a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the commencement of the development. Securing consent from Leeds City Council in 2023, PLATFORM_’s latest neighbourhood will include 1,351 BtR homes and 150,000 sq ft of commercial space, representing more than £500 million of investment.
Scheduled for completion at the start of 2027, the previously vacant site will become a mixed-use community, featuring a mix of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, complemented by extensive amenities including a gym, residents’ lounges, co-working spaces, extensive roof terraces and curated green spaces.
Alongside the residential offering, the first phase includes the refurbishment of historic pub, The Commercial Inn, and creation of a 4,000 sq ft convenience grocery store. A new public square will serve as the focal point of the new neighbourhood, designed to foster community interaction and create an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.
The homes will all be rated EPC B or above and feature renewable energy sources, energy-efficient heating and lighting systems, and smart in-home technologies.
Jean-Marc Vandevivere, CEO at PLATFORM_, said: “Our new joint venture with HGP will accelerate the delivery of much-needed homes in Leeds, bringing an important city centre site that has been vacant for over 15 years back into use.
“This latest addition to the PLATFORM_ development pipeline embodies our long-term commitment to the city’s growth, creating a sustainable, inclusive community. This project will not only provide new homes but will also contribute to the ongoing revitalisation of the South Bank area, supporting Leeds’ economic growth and inward investment goals.”
Colin Bennett, Investment Director at Housing Growth Partnership, said: “Our partnership with PLATFORM_ will deliver a landmark development in Leeds, which will contribute to the regeneration of the South Bank, providing new homes, and enhancing the local economy.
“It extends what has been a transformative year for HGP’s Living platform, which has seen us significantly scale our funding into the PBSA and multi-family sectors. We look forward to working with PLATFORM_, and seeing this vibrant community come to life and the positive social impact it will deliver.”
Winvic’s Managing Director for Multi-room, Mark Jones, added: “We are looking forward to working with PLATFORM_ once again on this significant scheme, which will set new standards for sustainable urban living in Leeds. Our shared focus on quality and community-centred design ensures we will deliver a vibrant and sustainable neighbourhood that future generations can be proud of.
“This development will play a key role in transforming the Leeds skyline, and we are proud to be part of it. With our collaborative approach and focus on quality and excellence, we’re confident in the successful delivery of this development, and we look forward to progressing through the construction phases toward completion.”
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “It’s really pleasing to see this prominent brownfield site in Holbeck, the former industrial heartland of our city, being transformed from its current derelict state by a scheme that has such an emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity and quality of life.
“The development promises to be a landmark addition to the already-thriving South Bank and will also, by creating new homes and jobs, complement our wider efforts to ensure Leeds is a place with opportunities for all.”
The Sweet Street development will create approximately 360 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs during the construction phase and support more than 1,000 FTE jobs once completed across the residential, commercial and leisure uses within the scheme.
Leeds intellectual property firm secures private equity investment
CBPE has invested in HGF, the intellectual property (IP) firm. HGF specialises in the creation and management of IP portfolios for many of the world’s foremost companies and research institutions.
Founded almost 30 years ago and headquartered in Leeds, HGF has demonstrated consistent growth year-on-year. The firm has expanded significantly, becoming the second-largest provider of IP services in the UK, with a growing presence across Europe, including the Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland and Ireland.
Today, HGF supports over 3,000 highly innovative organisations worldwide with their patent, trademark, and IP strategy needs.
The partnership with CBPE will allow HGF to accelerate its investment in people, technology and enhanced services. This collaboration will also facilitate a broader equity participation across the firm, reflecting HGF’s commitment to a culture of innovation and employee engagement.
Martyn Fish, Partner, CEO, HGF, said: “This investment marks a significant opportunity for HGF and everyone in the team. I am thrilled with our decision to partner with CBPE to take the next step in our journey. Their culture and values are closely aligned with ours, and we share a common vision for the future of HGF.”
CBPE’s investment in HGF was led by Harry Hewlett and Ian Moore, with support from Jolyon Latimer, Rachel Milton and Namrata Pai.
CBPE was advised by Addleshaw Goddard (Legal), PwC (Financial, Tax), JEGI Clarity (Debt Advisory), Roland Berger (Commercial), AJ Gallagher (Insurance), Crosslake (IT) and Anthesis (ESG). HGF were advised by Investec (Corporate), CMS (Legal) and Grant Thornton (Financial, Tax, Commercial). Senior debt was provided by HSBC, who were advised by Pinsent Masons (Legal).
Half of South Yorkshire businesses faced disruption over finance, says survey
Roughly half of South Yorkshire businesses have experienced some form of disruption over the last five years as a result of not being able to access the financial support they need, according to the findings of a poll on the subject by the regions three regional chambers of commerce.
The Access to Finance Survey was open from mid-August to mid-September and canvassed the views of organisations from across Doncaster, Sheffield, and also Barnsley & Rotherham. Among other things, respondents were asked if they feel confident that they know where they can turn to for business finance, which forms of relevant support are on their radar, and what their top considerations would be when it comes to making a decision here.
One headline finding is that, while four in ten South Yorkshire firms have in fact sought business finance in the past five years, only around half are actually confident that they would know where to turn in this situation.
As the questionnaire results then go on to explain, the vast majority of firms in our region are unaware of the full suite of options available to them here. Indeed, although banks might be recognised as an obvious route to take (as identified by 83% of respondents), awareness of all other forms of support and lenders was well below 50%, and some beneath 10%.
The Chief Execs of all three South Yorkshire Chambers issued the following joint statement “These findings are eye-opening and worth paying attention to, especially once we take into account the very tangible impact that it can have for a business when they cannot find the financial support they need. Concerningly, 44% of our respondents told us that a lack of said access has indeed caused disruption for them, or otherwise forced them to scale back their ambitions, in the last half-decade alone.
“It is therefore important that we, as a region, heed what the private sector is telling us and respond to these challenges. While we certainly have a good number of high-quality, trustworthy lenders & financial organisations on our doorstep in South Yorkshire, there is clearly a visibility issue; with so few firms being cognisant of all their options.
“In terms of what businesses are looking for, a convenient application process and the ability to talk to somebody were regularly cited as top considerations. In fact, both of these ranked above the competitiveness of the offer in question, or even the reputability of the brand they were speaking to.
“Elsewhere, almost half of respondents indicated that they would be interested in accessing a programme designed to connect them up with new investment opportunities, while there was also a similar appetite for a low percent government loan targeted at supporting investment in decarbonisation.
“With the business community having articulated its needs, it is now incumbent upon the region to ensure that they are being met; the Chambers can provide a conduit to local businesses but it is incumbent on the providers of alternative finance to work with us and to extend their marketing and business engagement efforts to ensure that finance is getting to the parts of the economy that need it.”
£6.9m mill transformation project completes at Bradford College
A multimillion-pound renovation project on Bradford College’s main campus has transformed a derelict mill into a flexible digital, science, and allied health training facility for higher-level students.
Garden Mills, on Thornton Road, opened its doors to staff and students recently after months of construction work on the 1900s five-storey building. The development results from £5.8 million in funding from The Office for Students (OfS) Higher Education Capital Fund and a £1.1 million College contribution.
The site is now the College’s dedicated building for HNC, HND, and degree programmes in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), including digital and ophthalmic courses. The site supplements the extensive STEM facilities established across other Bradford College campuses.
Contractors Tilbury Douglas led the Garden Mills project and installation of industry-standard equipment, including six digital IT labs, an ophthalmic dispensing suite, a prep room, a clinical suite, a real-life work environment with consulting and testing booths, a collaboration area, and academic teaching spaces.
Christopher Malish, Vice Principal Finance & Corporate Services, said: “Seeing Garden Mills return to life has been extremely rewarding. This new facility will enhance the student experience, create more graduate opportunities, and counter regional skills shortages in STEM-related sectors. These aspirations align with our vision of creating ‘a better future for all through education and training’.“Our strategic objectives include delivering curricula that meet the needs of students, employers, and our community. We’re delighted that Garden Mills will help to upskill local people in specialisms that are in demand, while supporting vital regional economic growth.”
Garden Mills is the first of several ongoing Bradford College capital developments to be completed. Over the last two years, nearly £32 million in funding has been secured, which is being used to enhance, refurbish, and build aspirational new facilities in the heart of Bradford.
Other projects include new vocational T Level facilities in David Hockney Building, overseen by Sewell Construction and funded by £3.5 million from the Department for Education (T Level Capital Fund – Wave 5). Set to complete in Autumn, the project will create a commercial barbering salon, nail bar, collaborative lecture spaces, TV studio, media editing and recording studios, and a remodel of The Grove training restaurant.
Work on the College’s purpose-built Future Technologies Centre is also underway with Phase 1 of the scheme, led by contractor Morgan Sindall. This new site will support the growth of technology and low-carbon skills capability within West Yorkshire and be the home of modern automotive and digital engineering curricula, such as electric/hybrid vehicles and advanced manufacturing.
The College’s Automotive, Digital and Engineering Department will relocate to the new premises, once completed in 2025/2026. Students will use industry-relevant facilities to gain skills in new technologies for careers in a fast-moving sector. The project was made possible by a £15 million investment from the Department for Education’s Further Education Capital Transformation Fund (FECTF), boosted by a £2m College contribution.
The Future Technologies Centre, Garden Mills, and T Level facilities all form part of an ambitious Bradford College estates strategy. The capital masterplan centres around building facilities that open up pioneering student careers and support regional economic growth.
