Farmer-led sustainability initiative secures funding to back trade
A farmer-led cooperative has secured the funding needed to launch trading opportunities for sustainably-minded farmers in North Lincolnshire.
Law firm Wilkin Chapman has joined agricultural machinery supplier Peacock & Binnington as the first sponsors of the Northern Lincolnshire Environmental Farmers Group, which aims to deliver positive environmental change, funded through natural capital trading.
The organisation aims to increase biodiversity in North Lincolnshire, improve water quality, achieve net carbon farming by 2040 and generate new trading opportunities for farmers.
The Northern Lincolnshire EFG is the 10th group of its kind to be established across the UK since 2020, with the EFG network now including 433 farmers, covering around 3% of England’s farmed area and a trading pipeline worth in the order of £10 million.
The Northern Lincolnshire group – covering areas surrounding Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Immingham, Louth, Crowle and Epworth – has been set up by local farmers Andrew Jackson, from Pink Pig Farm, and William Sowerby, from Farming Forward. The group is now appealing for more members in the area.
William Sowerby said: “Northern Lincolnshire was the first EFG group to be established outside the South of England. There was some early demand to replicate the EFG model in the area and so a steering group was pulled together to drive the model.
“The group has been sitting regularly since July 2023 and we have over 40 farmers expressing an interest so far. With its proximity to the industrial Humber bank, we see some key potential opportunities for EFG farmers to support growth in the area through cleaner water projects, as well as biodiversity and carbon mitigation for new industrial developments.”
Catherine Harris, head of the agriculture sector at Wilkin Chapman, said: “When farmers work together, they can have a great deal of power. While there are groups that represent farming as a whole, the EFG is a rapidly growing voice for farmers who are particularly mindful of their sustainability, as well as their financial success.
“Farming plays a major role in the care of our ecosystem and I know environmental custodianship is very important to a great many farmers, so we hope that supporting the establishment and growth of this EFG will help farmers to work together to achieve this.”
Plans submitted to reopen lower concourse at Bradford Interchange and create new public space
Plans to reopen part of the lower concourse at Bradford Interchange and create a new public space have been submitted by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
The works are part of a commitment from the Combined Authority to invest in the broader Bradford Interchange site to support rail passengers while a longer-term solution for the bus station is found.
In-depth surveys which will help determine the extent of the structural issues at the bus station are still ongoing. An update report will be brought to the Combined Authority in late September.
The exterior plaza at the Interchange entrance will be significantly improved, with new paving, planting, public art and seating in place of the taxi rank.
The existing toilets will also be reopened and the charging barriers removed, making the facilities free of charge.
The taxi rank and drop-off bays will move to Bridge Street as part of the previously agreed wider improvements being made to the city centre.
Passenger access to the rail station will be upgraded, including opening up the escalator and a lift, as well as providing a refreshed waiting area and visual improvements to the space.
The project draws on some of the £22 million of funding that was previously set aside for improvements to the Interchange prior to it being closed for safety reasons in January.
The Combined Authority’s planning application will be considered by a Bradford Council planning committee in the coming weeks.
Elsewhere in the city centre, Bradford Council is continuing to transform the former NCP car park area, Hall Ings and Norfolk Gardens into a new public space.
The existing trees to the rear of the former car park will be retained and the area which was once a concrete carpark will be planted with a mix of trees, shrubs, grasses and perennial planting.
The new green area will also have bee and invertebrate habitat as well as bird boxes. New benches will be installed, and elements of play will be incorporated with a stepping stones area and balancing log.
The council will also be making improvements to the Bridge Street ramp at the side of the interchange to access the rail station, including new surfacing, handrails and lighting, as well as incorporating new mural painting to create a more inviting entrance to the city centre.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “Bradford’s residents, passengers and visitors deserve a fitting gateway to the city.
“We know the closure of the Interchange has presented real challenges, but these works will help create a welcoming and attractive entry point for people visiting the city centre.”
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “The closure of the bus station at the Interchange has presented a lot of challenges to our planned works in the area, but we’ve worked closely with the Combined Authority on these plans, which will greatly improve the railway station of the Interchange as a gateway to the city.
“We want to get this done as soon as possible so that those using the rail station and the buses on Bridge Street have access to toilets and also more pleasant area to wait.”
New Lincolnshire business event planned for October
A new Lincolnshire business event is being launched to offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their businesses and grow local connections.
Held at the EPIC Centre at the Lincolnshire Showground on Wednesday 16th October, the Lincolnshire Business Showcase will see innovation meet opportunity as businesses come together to network and discover innovative products.
Attendees will also be able to expand their knowledge through insightful workshops focused on current industry trends.
Businesses across the county – from startups to seasoned enterprises – are invited to exhibit at the event, offering them a full day to showcase their business, network with a diverse audience and raise brand awareness.
Sophia Phillips, Sales and Events Manager at the Lincolnshire Showground, said: “We’re very excited to be hosting the first-ever Lincolnshire Business Showcase at the EPIC Centre. It offers businesses across the county the perfect opportunity to grow their brand and connect directly with potential clients and partners.
“We expect exhibitor spaces to fill up quickly, so we encourage businesses from all sectors not to miss this incredible opportunity to connect, learn and grow.
“The best part of the Lincolnshire Business Showcase is that it’s free for non-exhibitors to explore local businesses, take part in hands-on workshops, and gain insights to help make informed decisions.
“We’re very much looking forward to the first-ever Lincolnshire Business Showcase and can’t wait to see everybody there!”
Council seeks opportunity to make more Grimsby town centre grants to businesses
North East Lincolnshire Council is on the lookout to offer more capital grants for business ventures and community-based organisations to reactivate empty properties in Grimsby town centre.
The aim of the scheme is to bring forward smaller projects which will enhance the major regeneration works that are currently taking place, including a repurposed Riverhead Square, major works at St James House to create a small business hub, an NHS Community Diagnostics Hub, the Horizon Youth Zone, and a new cinema and leisure development.
The fund can cover projects that fit with at least one of the following six town centre priorities identified in the Masterplan:
- Introduce more diverse uses to the town centre
- Reconnect the town centre and the community with the waterfront
- Promote and support community ownership and participation
- Identify development opportunities within the town centre, including low-carbon initiatives
- Prioritise health and wellbeing activity in the town centre
- Enhance employment, skills and entrepreneurial opportunities
Since its inception many businesses and organisations have benefitted from a range of grants. Anne Bickerstaffe of Christian Action Resource Enterprise has been thrilled with the funding, which helped to secure the group a building. She said: “CARE is so grateful to the Activation & Community Engagement Fund for supporting our project, which has levered in other national funding to support the project, as many funders have asked us about local support. This newly renovated building will be a lasting legacy for Grimsby, creating and safeguarding jobs, as well as building pride in the community. It will ensure our charity’s sustainability, meaning we can serve the residents of Grimsby for many decades to come”.
Others have used the funding to provide a base of operations, such as Monica Chatterton from Our Big Picture. In 2022, Our Big Picture was awarded funding, which then enabled them to secure an additional £175,000 match funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to buy a Listed Heritage building in the centre of Grimsby.
She said: “This blended funding supported the establishment of North East Lincolnshire’s first Arts & Heritage Community Hub. The NLHF funding supported 2 years running costs which included four staff members. The Activation Fund was key to the continued development of Grimsby’s Arts & Cultural creative community.”
Business Enterprise Fund helps get 600 new firms off the ground
Specialist finance provider The Business Enterprise Fund has added £86m to the regional economy following an investment of £21.5m in SMEs, according to its latest social impact report.
The report for the year ended in March shows that the fund, operating in Yorkshire, the Humber, Sunderland and Manchester, helped to launch 599 new UK businesses, completed 976 client deals and created or safeguarded 4,470 UK-wide jobs.
Specialising in providing flexible finance to businesses who are improving the social and financial wellbeing of their communities, BEF is a delivery partner for the government’s Start Up Loans Programme and the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II’s Smaller Loans Fund via the British Business Bank.
Simon Jackson, Director of Investments at BEF said: “It’s known that 90% of CDFI customers were first denied by another lender – and yet our social impact reveals the immensely positive impact these businesses have on their surrounding communities. That could be in terms of providing employment, collaboration or creating services and spaces that serve people’s needs.”
Stephen Waud, Chief Exec at the BEF, aded: “We’re incredibly proud to have dedicated nearly 12,000 hours of investor time in supporting these businesses; we’re in a fortunate position where we’re able to serve entrepreneurs and business owners where traditional or challenger banks simply can’t.
“Our priorities lie in helping women, minorities and those who struggle mainstream funding. We started in Bradford 20 years ago and we’re now working with the lowest 35% most deprived communities across the North of England. The proof is, if we support SMEs and micro-businesses in these areas, we’ll see true social and economic transformation.”
Flood control planter goes live in Northallerton
A specially-designed planter that captures, uses, and stores rainwater before slowly releasing it into drains has premiered at one of TransPennine Express’ North Yorkshire stations.
The planter at Northallerton station captures water runoff from guttering before it can enter drains, helping to reduce the risk of local drainage networks being overwhelmed during storms, leading to flooding or pollution.
As well as storing water, the planter also provides multiple habitats including native wildflower planting, a bee hotel and deadwood zones, acting as a refuge and habitat for pollinators and other insects.
Steve Gilder, Environment Delivery Lead at TPE, said: “This is so much more than just a planter – it will provide so many benefits at Northallerton station, from increasing biodiversity and housing wildlife to reusing and attenuating rainwater, and combatting flooding.
“At TPE, we are committed to having a positive impact on the environment – and this is one of the many schemes you can expect to see on stations across our network that does just that.”
Made by ecology and horticulture specialists BioScapes, the planter will be trialled for six months, with the possibility of more being installed across the train operator’s network if successful.
Terry Smithson, Head of Nature Based Solutions at BioScapes, said:“It’s great to work with TransPennine Express as they enhance the area for biodiversity as well as enhancing the customer experience.
“There are new requirements on water companies, local authorities and lead local flood authorities to clean our waters and the SuDS system that we’ve installed here will take water off the roof and filter it through a specially developed soil.
“The plants will help to clean that water as well, so that when it comes out of the bottom of the unit, back into the drains, it’s much cleaner and much better for our waterways.”
TPE aims to lead and enable sustainable tourism and transport across the North of England and into Scotland through its commitment to sustainability.
Plans approved for 162 new homes in York
Councillors have voted unanimously to approve plans for 162 new homes off Hull Road in York.
The plans, put forward by York-based housebuilder Persimmon, will provide a mix of homes for local families, first-time buyers, and downsizers. 49 homes (30%) will either be transferred to a local housing association or sold as First Homes at a discount of between 30 and 40 percent. The site is allocated for housing in the York Local Plan and was recommended for approval by the council’s planning team. All homes will feature electric vehicle chargers and air-source heat pumps, meaning the development will exceed current building regulations and will be ‘gas-free’. The development will achieve a significant biodiversity net gain of 69% through a combination of on-site enhancements and off-site woodland planting. Properties will range from 1 to 4 bedrooms including apartments, terraced, semi-detached and detached houses. Residents will also have access to nearly 3 acres of public open space, including a children’s play area. £1.45 million will be provided for local education with other contributions going towards the NHS, sport provision, new bus stops and a new children’s play area. Joel Frank, Land Director at Persimmon Yorkshire, said: “We’re pleased that committee members have voted to reaffirm the Council’s recommendation for approval. “This development will provide a range of house types for young people, families and downsizers alike with excellent access to local amenities. “We all know the difficulties local people, particularly families have faced to get on the property ladder in the city, so we’re pleased to be playing our role in delivering new homes for the people of York.”Heywood Homes moves forward with £13m development in Holmfirth
Blacks Solicitors has advised Heywood Homes on the development of a site in Holmfirth for 35 ‘Low Carbon’ homes with a gross development value of almost £13 million.
The development of the site is backed by the £5 million of finance from Homes England, with Blacks providing advice to Heywood Homes.
Andrew Pedley, Partner in the Real Estate team at Blacks Solicitors, said: “We are delighted to have supported Heywood Homes to successfully bring this housing scheme to the market alongside Homes England. It has been a pleasure to work with the team, offering advice on complex matters to ensure they can continue to offer environmentally friendly and EPC-A rated family homes designed in a manner not widely used in the sector.”
Blacks’ involvement first began in 2022 with acquiring this sought after site. Subsequently planning advice was given by Senior Associate Solicitor, Katy McPhie, including matters such as reserved matters approval, securing a further planning permission and addressing complex infrastructure agreements.
Heywood Homes was first introduced to Blacks through Andrew’s 10 year strong relationship with them and it has now been a client of the firm for more than three years. Blacks continue to support in successfully bringing sustainable and modern housing schemes to the market.
Jonathan Mayo, MD at Heywood Homes, added: “It was great to work with Andrew and the Blacks team again as, having worked together for some time, they help us to navigate through development constraints whilst achieving our environmental goals. It was important for us to work with a funder who valued our ecological building principles, recognising the importance of all properties being EPC-A rated by using building techniques that are reducing carbon emissions, conserving energy and promoting sustainability; helping us to build a greener future by contributing to a healthier environment for generations to come.”
Joanna Simpson, Development Finance Manager at Homes England said: “This development is an excellent example of the support that Homes England can provide ambitious SMEs through government funding and we are proud to be supporting Heywood Homes and partners on this project.
“The emphasis on sustainability in this development is particularly noteworthy, with all properties to be EPC A rated, a focus on the incorporation of outdoor spaces and the use of low carbon building techniques. This is a testament to how Homes England is able to support SMEs with our capacity and resources, and we encourage others to get in contact to find out if we can provide government-funding to kick-start their projects.”
Construction begins on £10m development at Melton West business park
Construction has begun on the latest development at Melton West business park in East Yorkshire.
The £10m Evolve @ Melton West development will create 85,000 sq ft of prime commercial space for growing companies.
Set within the wider Melton West site, west of Hull, the development will comprise of two larger units of 37,000 sq ft and 22,900 sq ft and a terrace of five smaller units of 5,000 sq ft each.
Yorkshire commercial property developer Wykeland Group, owner and developer of Melton West, has appointed West Yorkshire-based Triton Construction as the principal contractor on the project.
Construction work is now underway on the speculative development, with interest in the units high, ahead of occupiers moving in from February 2025.
Wykeland Development Director Jonathan Stubbs said: “Evolve @ Melton West will plug an important gap in the region for high-quality, modern commercial space.
“Small and medium-sized businesses are the beating heart of our economy and it’s vitally important to create spaces fit for today, and into the future, in which they can expand and grow.
“Equally important is the development’s outstanding sustainability credentials. Sustainability is something which connects all businesses, and companies are increasingly seeking facilities which are of a high environmental quality.
“Evolve @ Melton West meets that need and this was a key focus for us when planning this development.”
All of the units at Evolve @ Melton West will be EPC A-rated, with rooftop solar panels, green living walls and electric vehicle charging infrastructure available for occupiers.
Cycle storage shelters will form part of the development, which will also feature planted green roofs, with fast electric vehicle charging also available for public use.
The buildings allow high levels of natural light in, thanks to translucent roof panels, creating bright workplaces and reducing the length of time when artificial lighting is required.
Paul Clarkson, Managing Director at Triton Construction, said: “It’s great to be working with Wykeland on a development which will create new business opportunities and support the economic growth of the East Riding.
“We’ve got a track record of delivering quality commercial developments just like this one, and we’re pleased to be playing our part in the evolution of Melton West business park.
“Triton Construction is celebrating its 20th anniversary next year, and this sort of project underlines our capabilities and expertise in commercial development.”
LHL Group, which has offices in Hessle, East Yorkshire, is acting as the employer’s agent for the development, supporting the management and delivery of the project.
Jo Dooley, Business Investment & Tourism Services Manager at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “We are very pleased to be supporting Wykeland to build much-needed small industrial units at Melton West business park.
“The project will provide almost 100 construction jobs, and then at least the same amount of permanent opportunities once the industrial units have been completed and are fully occupied.
“This is another example that the East Riding is an ideal area in which to start, locate and grow businesses.”
Almost 2.5m sq ft of space is already under construction at Melton West, including global medical technology business Smith+Nephew relocating from its existing site in Hull to a new £120m research and development and manufacturing facility, and a £180m Amazon fulfilment centre.
There are now around 1,500 people employed at Melton West, rising to 5,000 in the near future.
Derelict mill demolition paves way for new college building in Bradford
Newly-appointed contractor Morgan Sindall Construction is demolishing a derelict mill on Bradford’s Thornton Road, making way for Bradford College’s purpose-built Future Technologies Centre.
The demolition of Junction Mills marks the start of construction on the state-of-the-art four-storey building, which will become the home of modern automotive and digital engineering training at Bradford College.
Once opened, the facility will offer students skills in new technologies, such as electric/hybrid vehicles and advanced manufacturing. The Centre will be vital in supporting the growth of technology and low-carbon skills capability within West Yorkshire.
The project was made possible thanks to £15 million funding from the Department for Education’s Further Education Capital Transformation Fund , secured in October 2022, and boosted by a £2 million College contribution.
Christopher Malish, Bradford College’s Vice Principal of Finance & Corporate Services, said: “We’re thrilled to see work scaling up after years of logistics and planning and are delighted to be working with Morgan Sindall. We have an exciting time ahead as we develop sector-leading facilities. This is a huge boost for the College but also a transformative investment in Bradford city centre, that also supports the wider city centre development.
“This multi-million-pound investment will create a cutting-edge learning environment for the local community, allowing the College to deliver on its mission of transforming lives. These new facilities are designed to address big societal challenges, enrich our local workforce, and showcase a range of inspiring careers.”
