Work on the development of a West Yorkshire solar energy project has reached a major landmark with the start of construction work on site.
OnPath Energy (formerly Banks Renewables) secured unanimous planning approval in 2021 for the Barnsdale Solar Energy Park, which sits between Kippax and Allerton Bywater to the east of Leeds, and which will be able to generate enough electricity to meet the annual requirements of up to 13,000 family homes.
Since then, the OnPath project team has been finalising the detail of the project, which will include solar panels covering an area of around 50 hectares of south-facing land and will link directly into the Ledston Primary electricity sub-station to the south east of the site.
And now, work has begun on creating the Barnsdale site entrance, which will then allow for its overall development to proceed in the new year.
The initial work is being carried out by contractor Cheetham Hill Construction, under the supervision of specialist infrastructure consultancy AECOM.
Alongside the green energy it will generate, the Barnsdale Solar Energy Park’s detailed ecology and biodiversity strategy will also see the biggest increase in biodiversity for any renewable energy project within Leeds to date.
As part of OnPath’s policy of delivering tangible benefits to the local communities in which its operations are based, over £800,000 of the revenues generated by Barnsdale will be directed into a community fund that will provide grants to support local community groups and voluntary organisations over its lifetime.
OnPath Energy owns and operates four onshore wind farms in Yorkshire, including the Hook Moor Wind Farm near Leeds.
Will Rust, development planner at OnPath Energy, says: “This is a significant landmark in the development of a project that will deliver a wide range of environmental, ecological, energy security and social benefits to local communities and the wider region.
“The Barnsdale Solar Energy Park will also further extend the contribution OnPath Energy is making in Yorkshire towards meeting the UK’s crucial Net Zero targets, and we’re excited to see development work now starting at the Barnsdale site.
“Our four Yorkshire wind farms generated enough electricity in our last financial year to meet the annual electricity needs of more 33,400 homes, or a city around the size of Wakefield, and we’re very pleased to be moving quickly towards adding to this figure.”
South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Levy Matchmaking Service to receive new funding from the BBC
The South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Levy Matchmaking Service is to receive new funding from the BBC to support apprenticeship training within local small and mediums size enterprises (SMEs) across South Yorkshire.
The service, which forms part of the South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Hub, is funded by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and delivered by the South Yorkshire Colleges Partnership.
The BBC has now pledged £100,000 Apprenticeship Levy fund, which will allow people who want to work in the creative and digital industries, or who currently are, to earn while they learn.
The South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Levy Matchmaking Service is one of several services receiving levy funds from the national broadcaster with an aim to encourage SMEs in their area to apply for the funds so they can recruit apprentices and create apprenticeships for their businesses.
The South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Hub, which aims to see 300 new high-quality apprenticeships brought to the region by 2025, was launched by South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, in December 2023.
Welcoming the BBC’s additional funding, he said: “This contribution from the BBC recognises the significant contribution the creative and digital industries make to South Yorkshire’s young people and the wider economy.
“South Yorkshire doesn’t just need a bigger economy, we need a better economy. That means we need the right people with the right skills, and the right training and education to support them.”
Sarah Moors, BBC Head of Apprenticeships, said: “Apprenticeships provide a vital route into the media for people from a range of backgrounds. In pledging these funds, we hope to support the development of new talent for the creative, cultural and digital sectors, and to equip existing employees with additional skills.”
Approval sought for Compulsory Purchase Order for land at Bolton Woods
A report, being presented at a meeting of City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council’s Executive Committee on 5 November, will seek Executive approval for Bradford Council to use its statutory Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers to acquire necessary third-party property interests in land at Wealdheare Street, Bolton Woods in Bradford.
The site is not recorded at HM Land Registry and efforts have taken place to search for, trace and contact the owner of the site without success.
Without the proposed CPO measures being used to secure the site for residential development, the council says there is a high risk that the land will remain unused, unproductive and continue to have unsightly blight on the neighbourhood.
The council want to use the small site to build housing in the New Bolton Woods regeneration area.
This is with the view to delivering new residential development within the Canal Road Urban Village Regeneration Scheme.
New Bolton Woods is a major regeneration project, delivering 1,000 homes, with two phases already completed delivering 200 houses, together with the new Aldi store and Costa Coffee drive-thru in the local centre off Stanley Road.
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “As a local councillor for the area I know this site has been a blight on nearby houses for years.
“Despite our best efforts an owner cannot be identified, so using a CPO could bring the site into worthwhile use, create new homes and remove an eyesore for local residents.”
British Steel trials new carbon capture process developed in South Yorkshire
British Steel has started a trial to capture carbon emissions from its Scunthorpe plant using ground-breaking technology.
It has installed a mobile carbon capture pilot plant developed by the University of Sheffield that will extract carbon from the power station’s boiler flue.
Dr Andy Trowsdale, British Steel’s Head of Research and Development, said: “This project is all about testing the capabilities of the technology. If it works for us, and others, it could be scaled-up and play an important role in carbon capture, utilisation and storage.
“The trial, which has been approved by the Environment Agency, will demonstrate the technology’s potential. We’re excited to be working with the University of Sheffield and supporting such vital research.”
British Steel’s involvement is part of a wider project by the University of Sheffield which aims to capture waste gases from manufacturing industries like steel and glassmaking to generate an alternative source of carbon for consumer products.
The technology, called FluRefin, was developed by Professor Peter Styring and Dr George Dowson from the University of Sheffield in partnership with AESSEAL – the Rotherham-based seal manufacturer.
With the support of SUSTAIN, the future steel manufacturing research hub, the University team have created a carbon capture system that does not use environmentally hazardous chemicals and which is much cheaper and smaller than other carbon capture technologies.
British Steel is focused on transforming the manufacture of steel into a clean, green and sustainable business by embracing electric arc furnace technology.
While electrification of the steelmaking process will reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by more than 75 per cent, the company is exploring routes to provide further reductions in CO2e intensity. This includes the development of technologies for capturing CO2 generated by other parts of its manufacturing operations.
To support this, and the development of the required technology, a has been installed at British Steel’s Central Power Station in Scunthorpe.
The plant has been
The CO2 captured at British Steel will be bottled in gas cylinders and transported back to the University of Sheffield where it will be converted into synthetic transport fuels.
Professor Peter Styring, Professor of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at the University of Sheffield, said: “We are excited to get our next generation carbon dioxide capture and refining technology on site. We look forward to being able to demonstrate a unique approach to further reducing British Steel’s CO2e emissions.”
Lincolnshire Co-op offers £5,000 finder’s fee for new store sites
Lincolnshire Co-op has taken a radical step in its search for about 30 new stores by offering a £5,000 finder’s fee to anyone who can identify a suitable location.
It has pledged to pay the money when stores are opened on the identified sites as it seeks to expand its food business by about a third.
Following a £1.8m investment, Laceby Food Store near Grimsby opened in late June, and Scartho Food Store, also near Grimsby, opens this week.
As well as building new stores, the Co-op is open to renovating existing buildings, taking on freehold and leasehold sites, and business acquisitions.
The retailer has expressed interest in sites within Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire, and North Norfolk.
Steve Leach, Lincolnshire Co-op’s COO, said: “We have an ambition to be the UK’s fastest growing co-operative, and we’re keen to deliver even more valued services.
“We’re driven by our purpose, which is to make life better in our communities. Having a presence in more communities means we’re able to make even more of an impact.”
Last survey results show ‘sense of flatness’ in South Yorkshire’s economy
Although business conditions in South Yorkshire are broadly moving in the right direction there is still a prevailing sense of flatness holding the economy back, according to the region’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey.
The respective Chief Execs of the three South Yorkshire Chambers said: “There are certainly grounds for cautious optimism when parsing these results, with the region’s export market being at its healthiest level since 2020 when we first began recording the relevant metrics for international sales and orders. Likewise, domestic growth, cashflow positions and the job market are all on an upwards trajectory as well, albeit a somewhat marginal one.
“That being said, the region cannot afford to rest on its laurels here, especially when business investment intentions are continuing to weaken and have now reverted back to where they were at the end of 2023. This goes for investments in both training, as well as in plants & machinery.
“Any sluggishness we are observing here has doubtlessly been exacerbated by the long delay in getting to the Government’s first budget, as firms will understandably be wanting to see what direction that is heading in before they commit to any major new plans. Speaking of which, it is also worth noting that concerns over inflation and corporate taxation in particular have increased significantly this quarter, with the latter being at its highest recorded level to date.
“Suffice it to say, the announcements from the upcoming budget are therefore going to be extremely important when it comes to either instilling or undermining the confidence that businesses have in our economy.”
The South Yorkshire QES is sponsored by Clear Insurance Management and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, added: “I am pleased to see further evidence that our economy is growing and business confidence continues to increase. With this new Government’s first Budget just days away, I understand this is a crucial moment. Businesses here need economic stability and the right conditions for investment, both locally and nationally.
“We are already leading the way through investment in the region’s transport and skills training that can help stimulate growth. I am determined to work in partnership with local businesses and national government to create the bigger and better economy we need here in South Yorkshire.”
For context, the QES is the nation’s largest independent review of business sentiment. Led by the British Chambers of Commerce, it asks a series of standardised questions — that are repeated every three months — to monitor if there are any fluctuations, developing trends or other points of interest that help shed light on how the UK’s private sector is currently fairing.
Although it is compiled into a national dataset by the BCC, the Quarterly Economic Survey is carried out all over the country by local accredited chambers of commerce. In the case of South Yorkshire, this means that the respective networks for Doncaster, Sheffield and Barnsley & Rotherham conduct the poll together, and then share the results to ensure that the voice of our region’s business community is being heard loud and clear by those with the power to enact change on their behalf.
The fieldwork for the most recent survey took place between mid-August and mid-September and, in many respects, its findings were consistent with those of previous quarters. Respondents indicated that there has been a minor uptick in domestic growth (for the sixth consecutive quarter now), while cashflow positions strengthened as well. Meanwhile, workforce levels continued to increase — with only one in ten firms expecting them to decrease in the near future — and overall business confidence is also on the up.
Although this may seem like cause to be tentatively optimistic, it is worth noting that all of these gains are relatively slight and that economic conditions across South Yorkshire appear to be plateauing. More troublingly, this is also the second successive quarter that has seen a worsening of business investment intentions; a development that will only serve to impede our long-term growth as a region.
Sheffield drill bit manufacturing company becomes employee owned
A South Yorkshire manufacturer and supplier of power tool accessories, drill bits and tools has become an employee owned business.
Sheffield-based Armeg Ltd, established in 1973, has been sold to the newly formed Armeg Employee Ownership Trust.
The move is set to enable the company’s 55 employees to share directly in the company’s success and future growth strategy and will mean business as usual for the firm with the current directors continuing to manage the company’s operations to bring through a new generation of management.
The new ownership model, established through an employee ownership trust (EOT), ensures each employee becomes a beneficiary of the trust.
Advisors included Sheffield’s Wake Smith Solicitors on legal matters and accountancy practice Shorts for corporate finance and tax advice.
MD John Mowthorpe, who owned the business with Charles Pugh, said: “Armeg has been a Sheffield based, independent drill bit manufacturing specialist for over 51 years. During that time, it has enjoyed its independent status and benefited from a set of values that have allowed it to thrive over that period.
“In order to sustain that status and continue to deliver those benefits for its colleagues and customers, the current ownership has formed Armeg EOT Limited and sold its entire shareholding to the EOT.
“There are no immediate changes planned to either the management team or board structure at Armeg Ltd. It is very much business-as-usual, and the sale has been designed to deliver seamless management and leadership continuity for years to come. The change in ownership will allow a structured future shift in leadership under the careful management of the EOT’s board of trustees.
“I am delighted that we have completed the sale which I am convinced will ensure Armeg’s longevity as an independent and successful manufacturing company. Placing colleagues’ welfare at the heart of our operations and fulfilling customer needs as our primary purpose, will ensure Armeg’s continued success.”
Tom Haywood, associate in Wake Smith Solicitors’ company commercial team, said: “This secures the future of the business for the benefit of all the staff going forward and we wish them, along with John and Charlie all the success in the future.
“EOT governance structure helps ensure the employees have a voice in the strategic direction of the company while maintaining stability and continuity in its operations.”
Connor Marshall, Corporate Finance Senior Executive at Shorts, said: “It has been great to assist John and Charlie in securing the long-term future of Armeg. This transition into an EOT ensures that the culture and legacy of the business continues, with no change in day-to-day company operations for customers or employees.
“The employees have always been at the core of Armeg and in John and Charlie’s thoughts throughout the process and it will be great to see them benefit from the business going forward.”
Landscape works commence to create new £7.3m National Trust wetland nature reserve on Lincolnshire coast
Landscape works have commenced to transform a former golf course into a wetland nature reserve in Lincolnshire.
Located at Sandilands, near Sutton-on-Sea, the National Trust’s 62-acre site will see open water and islands, grasslands and sand-dunes, as well as reedbeds and ponds, complete with walkways and boardwalks.
A new visitor centre and café, designed by local practice Jonathan Hendry Architects, will help fund the conservation of the wetland when the project completes in Spring 2026.
Sandilands sits on the ‘east coast flyway’ migration route and the new reserve will be a vital resting and refuelling stop for birds as well as a habitat for hundreds of species of wildlife and flora.
Newark-based Influence Landscape Planning & Design was appointed by the National Trust to deliver Stage 4 technical design services, and Stages 5-7 landscape architecture services for onsite monitoring for the implementation of the works.
Shona Hatton, director at Influence Landscape Planning & Design, said: “We are very proud to be assisting the National Trust in the delivery of its first nature reserve in the county. The land formation for the wetland creation to the south of the site is well under way, and it’s already possible to get a real sense of what the final site will look like.
“The Lincolnshire Coast is rich in biodiversity and the National Trust is working hard to protect and enhance the natural world here, creating new habitats for migrating birds and many other species. Our designs give nature a place to flourish, and inclusive, accessible spaces for people to enjoy it.”
Kirsty James, general manager for Sandilands, said: “A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes and we are excited now to see work begin on the physical changes at Sandilands.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the area transform to not only create a haven for wildlife, but also provide a peaceful and calm space for people to walk, spend time with friends and family, and simply enjoy the beauty of nature and the outdoors.”
Ørsted commits to further £140k in support for RNLI
Over the next two years renewable energy company Ørsted will provide more than £140,000 to support 80 RNLI stations in the east, west, and north of England.
It’s an extension of the partnership established in 2015, in which Ørsted focused on supporting seven individual lifeboat stations in areas where the company operates its offshore windfarms.
The new-look partnership will allow 80 stations to bid for funding for projects the RNLI has identified as being of greatest need, ensuring that funds are used where they will be most impactful.
To date the partnership has helped to fund 1,831 launches and aid more than 3,395 people at sea, with 127 lives being saved.
Benj Sykes, Head of Environment, Consents and External Affairs at Ørsted, said: “Ørsted is committed to making a lasting and positive impact in the communities where we operate, so we’re excited to announce the next phase of our long-running and successful partnership with the RNLI. As the global leader in offshore wind, we understand the challenges of working in often tough conditions and safety is at the core of our work. We have tremendous respect for the volunteers and crews that dedicate their time to providing an invaluable service around the country. We hope our ongoing support will help them continue their vital work.”
Steve Hulbert, RNLI Senior Partnerships Manager, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Ørsted. We have valued their support since 2015 and we are excited to extend the support they provide to more lifeboat stations. As a charity which relies on donations to carry out our lifesaving work, we couldn’t do what we do without partners such as Ørsted.”
Ørsted currently has 12 operational offshore wind farms in the UK with a further five projects in construction or development – Hornsea 3, Hornsea 4, Mooir Vannin, Stromar and Salamander.
Latest merger sees fast growing practice establish a greater presence in Yorkshire
Streets Chartered Accountants, a top 40 UK professional service firm, has established Streets Spenser Wilson Chartered Accountants.
The announcement follows the merger of the Halifax firm, Spenser Wilson with the fast-growing multi regional practice, Streets Chartered Accountants. This latest merger is one of more than five completed by Streets in the last six months and has seen the practice grow, now with more than 27 offices and fee income over £39 million.
When asked about the merger, Chris Yewdall, Partner at Spenser Wilson Chartered Accountants, said: “Myself and fellow Partners Andrea Kennedy, Liz Short and Sally Shacklock are delighted to announce our merger with Streets and excited about the future for our team and our clients as we move forwards as part of the wider Streets team.
“The firm was founded in 1919 and over the years has grown into one of the leading accountancy firms in the town and wider region thanks to our strong reputation and excellent partner led service.
“As with any business we cannot stand still and to move Spenser Wilson forward and provide our clients with a greater level of service we looked for some time to find a perfect partner to support us and one with whom we share mutual values.
“We chose Streets because of the shared philosophy of providing a valuable, personal, and partner led service for clients covering all areas of expertise. In addition, we wished to retain some independence and investment in the existing business, providing for the continued longevity of the practice for our clients, our team and the town of Halifax.
“Now that Spenser Wilson is part of a larger practice, we can confidently promise greater continuity of service to our clients and improved career prospects for our team, as well as our ability to attract new recruits.
“We also believe that our clients, existing and new, will benefit in that the combined firm will be able to offer a wider range of services, some of which we previously sourced externally.
“These include specialist corporate and private client tax planning, banking and finance, grants, R&D tax reliefs, international advice and personal financial planning. Being able to offer this breadth of service all under ‘one roof’ means we can provide greater value for our clients.
“The merger should enhance our position in Halifax and beyond Calderdale and into West Yorkshire and help to form a strong Northern presence within Streets coupled with the existing Wakefield, Hull, Preston and Burnley offices along with any other firms joining us in the future.”
Looking at what the merger means to Streets, the firm’s Managing Partner, Paul Tutin, said: “In line with our strategy to become a truly UK practice we are looking at and working with a number of firms looking to become part of Streets.
“The merger of Spenser Wilson Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers is the latest in line with our plans to expand our geographical coverage and provides us a stronger presence across Yorkshire, following the recent merger of the Wakefield practice of Andrew Wright & Co and our long-standing office in Hull.
“We are really looking forward to working with Chris, Liz, Andrea and Sally to grow the practice and to further establish it as a pre-eminent accountancy, business and tax advisory firm servicing the needs of businesses and individuals across Yorkshire.
“Looking ahead with a number of further mergers and acquisitions in the pipeline, which include a number of practices across the UK, we are on track to achieve our target revenue of £40m by the end of the year.
“The profession is going through significant consolidation with heightened levels of merger and acquisition. In contrast to many, our approach seeks to build on the success of merging firms, ensuring we retain and build on their winning approach – an approach we believe is particularly liked by many of those looking to exit routes, the challenge of growing their practice or facing increased competition and the need to widen their service offering.”
Streets Law, the firm’s dedicated corporate and commercial law offering led by Managing Director and Solicitor, Adam Aisthorpe, undertook the legal work on behalf of Streets for the merger, including drafting the sale and purchase agreement and dealing with the due diligence process in collaboration with internal colleagues in the tax and audit teams at Streets.
