Negotiations begin as future of Vivergo plant at risk in Hull

Tess Egginton
-
0
Negotiations begin as future of Vivergo plant at risk in Hull
With the future of the Vivergo plant at Saltend Chemicals Park at imminent risk, negotiations are beginning between Associated British Foods’ bioethanol business and the Government to find a viable path forward. The concerns come as a result of the recent UK-US trade deal and poor regulation, which have left local ethanol producers less competitive in the face of US imports. Vivergo Fuels is the UK’s largest bioethanol producer, with a crucial role to play in UK transport decarbonisation. It is a strategically important anchor employer in the region, supporting over 160 skilled jobs directly and around 4,000 more in the supply chain, the majority of which are based in the Hull and East Riding region.
Now, with the future of the Vivergo plant at risk, the Government has decided to launch formal negotiations with the business. Meanwhile, Vivergo has begun a consultation with employees.
An Associated British Foods spokesperson said: “We welcome the Government’s decision to launch formal negotiations with us over the future of Vivergo, our bioethanol business. “Over the coming weeks, we will engage intensively and transparently with officials to try to find a viable path forward. “In parallel, we will today begin consultation with our employees. This process will conclude with a major decision to be made on the plant’s future, which will depend on whether the negotiations deliver a credible route forwards.”

Mayor unveils £12m boost to skills training across West Yorkshire

Tess Egginton
-
0
Mayor unveils £12m boost to skills training across West Yorkshire
More than a hundred guests gathered at Leeds Civic Hall on Tuesday (24 June) to celebrate inspirational adult learners from across West Yorkshire, as Mayor Tracy Brabin announced £12m to expand skills and training opportunities across the region. The West Yorkshire Adult Learner Awards, now in its second year running, recognised the exceptional achievements of learners aged nineteen and over who have transformed their lives through adult education. The winners included Caitlin Moisey, recognised for her outstanding contributions to the field of pharmacy, and Guillaume Junior Atangana and Donard Ndim Nyamjua, two refugee athletes studying at Bradford College, who were jointly awarded a Special Commendation for their inspirational journey from Cameroon to the Paris Paralympic Games. The £12m uplift in skills funding, set to deliver courses up to July 2026, will be split between basic skills and employment-focused training. This includes opportunities to gain essential English, Maths, Digital and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) qualifications, alongside Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) in industries like health and social care, and construction. The funding is a part of Mayor Brabin’s £65m Adult Skills Fund, which is supporting over 40,000 learners year on year to better their lives through training and work. Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “These inspirational learners prove that it’s never too late to learn new skills, embark on exciting new careers, and put more money in your families’ pockets while pursuing a new passion in life. “When I was elected, I pledged to make West Yorkshire a region of learning and creativity, and with our multimillion-pound boost to adult skills, we are delivering on that promise. “By investing in essential skills like English and Maths alongside technical qualifications in sectors like construction and childcare, we’re equipping people with the skills they need to succeed, supporting local businesses, and building a stronger, brighter economy for all.” Through innovative partnerships with employers, training providers and the region’s seven Further Education colleges, the Mayor’s investment in adult skills is helping to upskill learners into real jobs in the local labour market, getting people into well-paid employment while supporting businesses to grow and succeed. West Yorkshire’s multibillion-pound Local Growth Plan sets out the Mayor’s ambition to build a region of learning and creativity, where people of all ages and backgrounds can access the qualifications, skills and employment support they need to fill skills shortages and fulfil their potential. Over 47,000 adult learners benefitted from support from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority over the past academic year, with a significant uptake in skills training among disabled learners, ethnic minority learners and young learners. Some local training providers have also delivered innovative wraparound support for learners, benefitting both their families and their wider communities. This includes Aim2Learn tackling food insecurity by offering free breakfasts to their adult learners, and extending this support to young carers in partnership with local schools.

Free training available for green entrepreneurs in Keighley

April Lara
-
0
Free training available for green entrepreneurs in Keighley

Keighley Social Enterprise Town, funded by Big Local, is offering free training sessions designed to support local entrepreneurs who contribute to the green economy. The initiative provides a series of workshops designed to build skills in various aspects of running sustainable businesses.

The first session, titled Are We Equal?, will focus on LGBTQ+ terminology, language, and community history. It will take place on Tuesday, July 8, at 1 pm at the Learning Coach, Ingrow West Station, and will be led by Finn Thorburn from the Equity Partnership. The session is open for registration via Eventbrite.

A second session on strategic planning will be held on Tuesday, September 9, at Airedale Enterprise in Keighley, also starting at 1 pm. Further sessions include Productivity and Boundaries with Zest on October 7 and Impact Measurement with Participate Projects on November 11. Details and bookings for these sessions will be available closer to the dates.

Businesses urged to bolster cyber defences amid rising geopolitical tensions

April Lara
-
0
Businesses urged to bolster cyber defences amid rising geopolitical tensions

UK businesses are facing heightened cybersecurity risks, particularly due to a surge in cyberattacks linked to Iran, following the escalation of the Middle East conflict. Cybersecurity experts have warned of an uptick in attacks from online groups associated with Tehran, targeting both UK-based organisations and entities in the US and Israel.

Analysis by cybersecurity firm EclecticIQ shows a significant increase in cyberattacks since the Israel-Iran conflict began. The firm also reported a growing collaboration between pro-Iranian and pro-Russian hacktivist groups, amplifying the threat to UK businesses.

The UK government has urged businesses to strengthen their cyber defences in light of the growing threat. While some companies are already taking action, authorities stress that all organisations, regardless of size or sector, must urgently review and enhance their cybersecurity measures.

The recent wave of attacks has included Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) assaults on key British businesses, including those in the defence sector. These attacks aim to overwhelm a company’s computer networks with excessive traffic, causing disruptions. In addition to DDoS attacks, businesses have also faced data-deleting malware and an increase in disinformation campaigns.

As the cyber threat landscape evolves, UK businesses are urged to adopt comprehensive resilience and incident response strategies, ensuring they are prepared for potential cyber operations, which may not be immediately obvious or proportional.

New park set for development built on site of former Orgreave Colliery

Tess Egginton
-
0
New park set for development built on site of former Orgreave Colliery

Harworth is creating a 20-acre park at its Waverley development built on the site of the former Orgreave Colliery.

Waverley is a growing community with over 1,800 homes, a primary school and a local high street, Olive Lane, alongside the Advanced Manufacturing Park which is home to global businesses.

The creation of Highwall Park – its name a nod to the area’s coal mining history – is one of the final stages in the development of Waverley. Highwall Park will run through the centre of Waverley from Olive Lane to connect with Waverley Lakes. Alongside trees, foliage and ponds which have been designed to attract local wildlife, there will be footpaths for walking, running and cycling, picnic areas, and dedicated sports and play spaces. As master developer of Waverley, Harworth has prepared the brownfield land for the development of the park and is now at the stage of bringing the new green space to life. It has appointed Rotherham-based landscaping specialist, Sky High, to carry out the landscaping. Harworth has worked closely with the local community on the creation of the park. Last year it held a consultation with those living and working at Waverley to gather ideas on how people would like to use the new park, and these have been reflected in the plans for the space. It has also worked closely with key advisors such as Sheffield Hallam University and landscape designers PWP. The park will be developed in three phases, and the intention is for the first to open to the community later this year. Peter Massie, national director of development and residential sector lead at Harworth, said: “Our vision for Waverley has always included a vibrant green space at the heart of the development where those living and working here can come together to socialise, exercise and enjoy the great outdoors and local wildlife. “We’ve been working hard over the last year to prepare this complex brownfield site for the creation of the new park. We’re pleased to be at the stage of working with Sky High to get the park ready for the community to enjoy.” Luke Hammill, managing director at Sky High Trees & Grounds Maintenance Services, said: “As a local business, we are proud to be playing a role in the creation of Waverley and it is excellent to be delivering such a brilliant new space for the community. At Sky High we are committed to delivering industry-leading landscape projects and we look forward to doing so at Highwall Park.”

Rotherham’s £11m funding boost for new railway station

April Lara
-
0
Rotherham’s £11m funding boost for new railway station

A new railway station in Rotherham is set to advance with a £11.35 million investment approved by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) on June 24. This funding will allow Rotherham Council to proceed with the detailed design, land acquisition, and procurement process for the “Rotherham Gateway” station, marking a significant step in the town’s regeneration efforts.

The station will connect Rotherham to the national rail network for the first time in decades, positioned on the mainline between Sheffield and Leeds/Doncaster. The project includes two layout options, one featuring two platforms and the other four, alongside a tram-train stop to improve links with Parkgate and Sheffield.

The full scheme is projected to cost between £133 million and £167 million and forms part of broader regeneration plans, including new commercial spaces, green infrastructure, 250 new homes, and a revitalised public realm. A further £10 million from the Town Deal Programme will assist with land acquisition and planning.

Rotherham Council anticipates the station and its surrounding developments will create over 400 jobs and deliver more than £113 million in economic benefits over the next 30 years. The station is expected to open by late 2030, contingent on further approvals, with transport modelling indicating improved journey times for new passengers.

University of Bradford faces strike action over £16m cost-saving measures

April Lara
-
0
University of Bradford faces strike action over £16m cost-saving measures

University of Bradford staff are set to stage ten days of industrial action starting next week, in response to the institution’s plans to cut £16m in costs. The proposed measures include job cuts and the closure of several courses.

The University and College Union (UCU) has confirmed that its members will walk out on Monday, with additional strike dates planned through July. The union has warned of prolonged disruption unless the university revises its plans.

The UCU claims that more than 450 jobs are at risk, including positions in disciplines such as archaeology, forensic science, biomedical sciences, psychology, and public health. Additionally, the university is considering closing courses in chemistry and film and television.

The strike follows a vote in favour of industrial action, with 67% of UCU members backing the move. Strike action is set to continue with additional walkouts scheduled for 7th, 8th, 10th, and 11th July, followed by a five-day strike from 21st to 25th July.

The university has acknowledged the right of staff to take industrial action but expressed its aim to minimise disruption for students. It also emphasised that, like many UK institutions, it is facing significant financial pressures and must make difficult decisions to secure its long-term future.

New airbase in North Yorkshire to enhance Yorkshire Air Ambulance services

April Lara
-
0
New airbase in North Yorkshire to enhance Yorkshire Air Ambulance services

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) has received approval for a new airbase in Skipton-on-Swale, North Yorkshire, which will provide a permanent operational hub for the service. Previously located at RAF Topcliffe, the new facility will feature crew accommodation, a simulation suite, and a clinical planning room, all of which will support the charity’s life-saving operations across the region.

The site, which the RAF used during World War II, has remained inactive since 1950. The YAA aims to move into the facility by summer 2026, marking a significant milestone in its long-term planning. The airbase, a multi-million-pound project, will be funded through a combination of savings, grants, private donations, and philanthropic contributions.

This strategic relocation is expected to enhance the YAA’s capacity to respond more effectively to emergencies, with improved infrastructure for both staff and operational planning. The new airbase complements the charity’s existing air support unit in Nostell, near Wakefield, further strengthening its emergency response capabilities across Yorkshire.

Dotty Bridal navigates expansion with Wakefield Waterfront move

Tess Egginton
-
0
Dotty Bridal navigates expansion with Wakefield Waterfront move
Dotty Bridal has secured a five-year lease at Navigation Warehouse on Wakefield’s Waterfront, marking a major milestone in the brand’s expansion. The deal, facilitated by City & Provincial Properties and Fox Lloyd Jones, provides the bridal boutique with a self-contained 16,623 sq ft space, setting the stage for its next phase of growth. After years of success in Holmfirth, Dotty Bridal has outgrown its original boutique and is relocating to Navigation Warehouse to accommodate increasing demand. Neighbouring the Tileyard North development, Navigation Warehouse sits in the creative hub on Wakefield’s Waterfront. Tileyard North is set to become the largest creative community outside London, offering state-of-the-art recording studios, content spaces, offices, and event venues. Shannon Martin of Dotty Bridal said: “I’m absolutely thrilled for Dotty Bridal to be joining the incredible Waterfront community within the stunning Navigation Warehouse building. We’ve spent the last two years searching for the perfect new home for Dotty and the moment I walked into this space, I knew it was the one. “It’s full of character, energy, and the kind of atmosphere that makes magic happen. We’re so excited to bring our Dotty touch to this iconic building and proud to now be the biggest bridal boutique in the UK. This is a huge moment for us, and we can’t wait to welcome our brides into something truly special.” Harry Finney, associate director at Fox Lloyd Jones, said: “Securing Navigation Warehouse for Dotty Bridal represents an exciting chapter not only for the brand, but for Wakefield’s Waterfront as a whole. “The listed building offers the perfect canvas for Dotty Bridal to accommodate growing demand and expand their services. We’re proud to have facilitated a deal that will underpin their ambition to become the UK’s leading bridal boutique, while also contributing to the ongoing regeneration of the Waterfront.” Louisa Brooks of City & Provincial Properties said: “With the expansion at Navigation Warehouse, Dotty Bridal is not only transforming its own brand but also contributing to the growth and vibrancy of Wakefield Waterfront’s creative and retail community.” Fox Lloyd Jones and CBRE are the joint letting agents for Navigation Warehouse.

Filtronic “delighted” with “strong trading performance”

Tess Egginton
-
0
Filtronic “delighted” with “strong trading performance”

Filtronic, the designer and manufacturer of advanced RF solutions for the space, aerospace and defence, and telecoms infrastructure markets, has seen revenue soar – surpassing market expectations.

According to a trading update for the financial year ended 31 May 2025 (FY2025), revenue is expected to come in at £56.3m, growing from £25.4m in the year prior. Meanwhile, the firm is anticipating an adjusted EBITDA of no less than £16.6m (FY2024: £4.9m). 

The results follow multiple increases in expectations over the course of the financial year.

Nat Edington, CEO, said: “We are delighted with this strong trading performance, demonstrating our ability to ramp quickly and respond to market needs. This has positioned us well with our lead customer where there is strong alignment on rapid execution.

“We look forward to FY2026 with further optimism as we continue to invest in the business and capitalise on the expanding market opportunity in front of us.

“The focus will be on broadening the customer base, completing key technology developments and relocating our state-of-the-art manufacturing site in Sedgefield to a new facility at the same science park, doubling our operational footprint by doing so.”

1...424344...1,016Page 43 of 1,016