£13.5m partnerships deal to deliver 68 homes in Witham St Hughs
Starmer unveils industrial strategy to reduce energy costs for UK businesses
The UK government has outlined a plan to significantly reduce energy costs for thousands of businesses, aiming to level the playing field with foreign competitors. Under the new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, over 7,000 manufacturing firms will benefit from reduced electricity costs, with savings of up to £40 per megawatt hour starting in 2027. This scheme will exempt businesses from green levies, such as the renewables obligation and feed-in tariffs.
The initiative focuses on addressing the high electricity costs that UK manufacturers face compared to their international counterparts. The steel, chemicals, and glass industries, known for their energy-intensive operations, will receive additional support, with network charges set to drop by 90% by 2026.
Alongside energy cost reductions, the strategy includes measures to expedite connections to the energy grid for new factories, offering businesses greater stability and growth potential. The plan is part of Sir Keir Starmer’s ten-year strategy aimed at reviving the UK’s economic growth and ensuring long-term investment security for key industries.
Other aspects of the strategy include a £25.6 billion increase in financial support through the British Business Bank, additional funding for research and development, and efforts to address the skills gap by investing £1.2 billion annually in training. There are also plans to reduce regulatory red tape, expedite planning approvals, and increase the availability of strategic sites nationwide.
However, concerns remain over the potential costs of the Employment Rights Bill, which could add financial burdens on businesses, and the challenge of maintaining the UK’s competitiveness in a global market. Industry leaders have welcomed the energy cost reductions but emphasised the importance of continued focus on competitiveness.
East Coast Hydrogen secures £96 million to expand clean energy pipeline
A new funding milestone of £96 million from Ofgem is set to accelerate the development of the East Coast Hydrogen pipeline, a crucial part of the UK’s hydrogen infrastructure expansion. This initiative, which spans across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and the Humber region, is designed to create a hydrogen transport network that will support the decarbonisation of industries and power generation, paving the way for a future-ready, low-carbon economy.
Led by National Gas, Cadent, and Northern Gas Networks, the East Coast Hydrogen project aims to replace natural gas with hydrogen, significantly cutting emissions in sectors such as heavy industry and power generation. This infrastructure project is key to ensuring that the UK meets its climate goals while maintaining energy security and supporting economic growth. The £96 million will be directed towards critical stages of development, including engineering, planning, and public consultations, as the project moves closer to its goal of creating a hydrogen-ready pipeline network over the next decade.
This funding boost follows the government’s recent announcement of £500 million to support regional hydrogen transport and storage, demonstrating a strong commitment to building the hydrogen economy at scale. Industry stakeholders, such as Verallia UK, have welcomed the initiative, recognising the vital role it will play in helping businesses decarbonise and align with sustainable production practices.
North Yorkshire opens second phase of High Streets Fund for bids
The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, has announced the launch of phase two of the Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund, following the success of its first phase. This initiative is part of the £27 million Mayoral Challenge Fund, which aims to strengthen key business sectors, reduce emissions, and enhance adult skills.
The second phase invites proposals that revitalise high streets in York and North Yorkshire, with a focus on creating inclusive, vibrant spaces that reflect local character and address community needs. The goal is to transform these areas into thriving hubs that foster local pride and meet the evolving demands of residents and businesses.
Phase one saw 18 projects funded, including a pilot branding initiative in Scarborough that successfully engaged local communities through digital tools and a high street hub. Moving forward, the fund will prioritise innovative, long-term solutions that go beyond the initial funding period to ensure sustained impact.
Successful applications must demonstrate a clear plan for how their projects will continue to deliver value, ensuring that these improvements will contribute to the growth and success of local high streets for years to come.
Leeds 30-storey tower project blocked due to failed affordable housing agreement
Plans for a new 30-storey residential tower in Leeds have been halted after the developer, CityLife, failed to finalise a crucial legal agreement with the local council. The project, approved in October 2023, aimed to construct 345 flats at Cartwright House in Holbeck. However, the final approval was contingent on the provision of 24 affordable homes and a financial contribution of £680,000 towards various infrastructure improvements.
Leeds City Council has now refused planning permission for the development due to the developer’s failure to meet these conditions. The council’s spokesperson clarified that the deal would have contributed to affordable housing, green space improvements, and transportation upgrades, but the lack of a completed agreement meant the project did not align with council planning policies.
The proposed tower was the second phase of CityLife’s Springwell Gardens development, following the completion of a 16-storey building on an adjacent site. This phase was designed to include primarily one and two-bedroom flats, with a rooftop garden offering city views. Despite multiple extensions, the developer did not secure the necessary section 106 agreement, which would have also funded a nearby bus shelter and green space enhancements.
CityLife could still appeal the refusal, with the council open to revisiting the agreement if the necessary terms are met.
Mayor proposes major new delivery fund for South Yorkshire
University of Sheffield to help transform UK steel and manufacturing
Two new research hubs set to revolutionise UK steel and digital manufacturing have been launched with the help of University of Sheffield researchers.
IGNITE hub, led by Swansea University in collaboration with professor Lenny Koh from the University of Sheffield’s Management School, will transform the UK’s steel industry’s supply chain, enhancing both the physical infrastructure and national security.
The new hub will explore how cutting-edge university research can accelerate industrial decarbonisation in the UK manufacturing industry. The primary goal is to deliver strategic, environmental and economic resilience for key strategic areas of the UK manufacturing economy including defence, transport and energy.
With the UK’s growing green steel demand outpacing domestic supply, IGNITE aims to boost domestic steel production, cut emissions and support low-carbon business models. It will develop smarter ways to manage, track and recycle the UK’s abundant supply of high-quality scrap whilst reshaping steel design and use to maintain quality and extend product life.
IGNITE stands for Indigenous Green-steel for Net-zero Innovation, Technology and Enterprise. It is funded by an £11 million investment from the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) as part of their flagship Sustainable Manufacturing Research Hubs program and is complemented by £11.9 million in partner funding.
Professor Lenny Koh, deputy director of IGNITE and chair in operations management at the University of Sheffield, said: “The IGNITE manufacturing hub will play an important role to enhance UK security, resilience and competitiveness across defence, energy and transport by transforming the UK manufacturing industry through holistic sustainability and supply chain optimisation of circular steels.
“The groundbreaking transdisciplinary work in IGNITE includes green steels / new materials, novel technologies, new models and tools co-developed with partners via a demand-led approach, maximising impact opportunities from day one.”
Co-AIMS hub, led by Birmingham University in collaboration with professor Ash Tiwari from the University of Sheffield’s School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, will revolutionise UK manufacturing through Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help achieve Net Zero by 2050.
The Co-AIMS (Collaborative AI for Manufacturing Sustainability) Hub looks to pioneer AI-powered manufacturing ecosystems that eliminate waste, boost productivity, and increase sustainability.
The hub will work with manufacturers, technology providers, innovation centres, business associations, and regional authorities. This partnership will deliver safe, ethical, and inclusive technologies for sectors including automotive, aerospace, clean energy, and food and drink.
The Co-AIMS team includes experts in manufacturing, AI, robotics, ethics, and sustainability who will work with industrial partners to influence national policy, promote ethical AI adoption, as well as organising education and public engagement initiatives.
Professor Ashutosh Tiwari FREng, deputy vice-president for innovation at the University of Sheffield and Airbus/RAEng chair in digital manufacturing, leading Co-AIMS at Sheffield, said: “We are really excited to be part of this hub.
“Co-AIMS presents a timely and strategic opportunity to reshape how we design and operate our factories by embedding AI into future industrial ecosystems – from smart machines to distributed logistics. We look forward to working with our academic and industrial partners to realise the productivity, sustainability and resilience benefits that AI promises for future manufacturing.”
Bailie Group backs ITAD firm S2S with £500k investment
IT asset disposal specialist S2S Group has secured a £500,000 investment from Bailie Group, which now holds a 25% stake in the company. The move is part of S2S’s strategy to scale operations and deepen its footprint in the defence sector, where secure data destruction is a growing priority.
The Rotherham-based company has seen rapid growth in recent years, supported by expansion into London and Glasgow. In 2024 alone, S2S processed over 217,000 end-of-life IT assets, with 81% recycled and 19% resold. The firm is targeting 21% growth this year, aiming to reach £5.8 million in annual revenue.
Bailie Group’s investment is expected to accelerate S2S’s focus on high-security services such as electronic and remote data wiping, capabilities increasingly in demand among defence, finance and education clients.
For Bailie Group, whose portfolio includes communications and consultancy businesses, the deal represents its entry into the secure data disposal market. The acquisition aligns with its strategy of backing organisations that intersect security, sustainability, and innovation.
S2S plans to leverage Bailie Group’s strategic input and sector reach as it builds out its contract portfolio, particularly in high-assurance industries.
Barnsley council considers major residential and employment development
Barnsley is on track to see a significant expansion, with planning officers recommending approval for two linked applications covering up to 1,560 homes, employment land, a primary school, and retail space. The proposed development, led by Strata Sterling Barnsley West Ltd, is located between Barugh Green Road and Higham Common Road and forms part of the borough’s largest Local Plan allocation, MU1.
The first application includes detailed plans for 216 homes and a new link road, with outline approval sought for a further 1,344 homes, educational facilities, shops, and community infrastructure. The second application seeks permission for preparatory works—such as drainage, ecological enhancements and landscaping—and outlines up to 112,000 square metres of employment space.
If approved, the scheme would deliver major mixed-use growth in the area, though it has drawn some local objections. A decision is expected shortly.
Trident Building Consultancy strengthens leadership team
