Sheffield Forgemasters raises more than £21,000 for local charity

Tess Egginton
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Sheffield Forgemasters raises more than £21,000 for local charity
Sheffield Forgemasters and its employees has delivered more than £21,000 to a Sheffield charity. Since 2021, the heavy engineering specialist and its employees have been chasing a target of £20,000 for the Support Dogs charity to train a highly specialised dog, able to assist and protect vulnerable people with epilepsy, autism and disabilities. Its fundraising drive has included a site visit by antiques expert, Drew Pritchard and his Salvage Hunters team, but also includes an annual six-a-side football tournament organised by employees, and various raffles and other fundraising initiatives. Gareth Barker, chief operating officer at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “I cannot give enough praise to our employees, who have fully embraced the challenge to raise money for Support Dogs, driving many of the fundraising initiatives themselves. “Our original pledge was to raise £20,000 to train a dog, and without a real plan for how we would achieve that, we have gone over the target and are still seeing donations coming in via our JustGiving page. “Despite the challenges that many people face during difficult economic times, the generosity of our donors has been humbling and on behalf of the business, I offer our heartfelt thanks.” Chris Daykin, corporate partnerships manager at Support Dogs, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from Gareth and all the team at Sheffield Forgemasters over the last four years. They’ve worked incredibly hard to achieve their target and many of the staff and the suppliers have shown tremendous generosity during this period. “We’re delighted to be able to celebrate Sheffield Forgemaster’s support by naming one of our puppies-in-training in honour of them in 2026 and that dog will go on to provide life-changing support for somebody affected by autism, a physical disability or epilepsy.”

Redevelopment plans for Castleford Civic Centre site take step forward

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Redevelopment plans for Castleford Civic Centre site take step forward
Wakefield Council has agreed for Castleford Academy Trust to take over the Castleford Civic Centre site, redeveloping it to integrate educational and community facilities, with a major emphasis on the performing arts and community engagement.

Cllr Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council, said: “Securing a long-term plan for the redevelopment of this site – for the benefit of our local community – has been an important priority for us.

“So, it’s great news that we’ve been able to work with Castleford Academy to enable plans for a brilliant, much-needed facility for the local community. “A multi-functional space will not only improve educational outcomes for thousands of children including those with special educational needs and disabilities. It will also provide the community and arts organisations with a state-of-the-art performance venue which will help us to enhance cultural opportunities in the town.”
Following a competitive process for the site, the successful proposal from Castleford Academy Trust was considered to deliver the most benefit for the community. The Academy is an over-subscribed school operating a high-quality resource base for children with SEND. The Academy is on a neighbouring landlocked site and has limited scope for expansion. Demolition of the current Civic Centre building will provide an opportunity for the new school building to be redeveloped, to enhance the school and the existing resource base for deaf children to deliver improved outcomes for children with SEND. A large performance and function hall will also be constructed and will be available for public hire during evenings and weekends. It will be designed as a hub for cultural events, including live theatre, music, community shows, exhibitions, and workshops. The Academy’s proposal is dependent upon the Trust securing support via the DfE’s School Rebuild Programme which will increase the capacity of the adjoining Academy. George Panayiotou, CEO of Castleford Academy Trust, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with Wakefield Council’s decision to award the Castleford Civic Centre site to Castleford Academy Trust. This is a landmark moment for education and community provision in Castleford. “The opportunity to redevelop the site as part of the Department for Education’s School Rebuild Programme will allow us to expand our outstanding provision for children who attend the school, including pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, particularly through our highly regarded Resource Base for Deaf Children. “This investment represents a powerful commitment from the Council to the young people and families of our town. It will enable us to deliver modern, inclusive, and high-quality facilities that meet the growing needs of our community, and we are proud to be leading this exciting new chapter for Castleford.” Cabinet members have agreed to invest £1.5m into the capital programme to facilitate Castleford Academy Trust with the disposal and demolition of the building and to prepare the site for development.

UK introduces new measures to combat ransomware threat

April Lara
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UK introduces new measures to combat ransomware threat

The UK government has announced a series of measures to tackle the growing threat of ransomware attacks, focusing on protecting businesses, public sector organisations, and critical infrastructure. Following public consultation, these proposals aim to disrupt cyber criminals and safeguard essential services, with the intention of reducing the financial and operational impact of ransomware.

Ransomware attacks have cost the UK economy millions annually, with businesses, hospitals, and critical services often targeted. The government’s proposals include banning public sector bodies, such as the NHS, local councils, and schools, from paying ransom demands. This move seeks to target the business model behind ransomware attacks, making these services less attractive to criminals.

For businesses outside the public sector, the government will require them to report any intention to pay ransom, offering guidance and monitoring to ensure compliance with legal sanctions. This mandatory reporting will help law enforcement track cybercriminal activities and provide essential intelligence to disrupt their operations.

The new strategy is designed to protect UK organisations from ransomware threats, with an emphasis on collaboration with industry stakeholders. Businesses are encouraged to enhance their cybersecurity measures, including having offline backups and disaster recovery plans in place to minimise disruption during an attack.

These measures aim to not only mitigate the financial cost of ransomware but also to prevent the more severe consequences, such as disruption to critical services and potential loss of life.

State-of-the-art special school gets green light in Kirklees

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State-of-the-art special school gets green light in Kirklees
Plans for a new, purpose-built Woodley School and College, providing a modern learning environment for autistic pupils aged 5 to 19, have been approved. Currently based at Dog Kennel Bank in Huddersfield across multiple buildings, Woodley School has grown over time but faces limitations on further development at its existing site. The school will relocate to a new site on Fernside Avenue, Almondbury, where it will expand to offer around 180 places. The new facilities will offer an improved environment to better support pupils with additional needs, enabling more young people to access specialist education locally. Work began in May to clear the Fernside Avenue site, with construction preparations now underway. Councillor Jane Rylah, Kirklees Council cabinet member for education, said: “Securing planning permission is a significant milestone for this vital project. Woodley School delivers excellent education and support, and this new purpose-built facility will allow us to extend that offer to even more children and young people. “The new school will provide a tailored environment where pupils can thrive and reach their full potential. “I’m looking forward to seeing the build progress and the positive impact this investment will bring to families across Kirklees.”

CPP Group agrees to sell Indian business for £15.7m

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CPP Group agrees to sell Indian business for £15.7m

Leeds-based CPP Group has agreed terms to sell CPP Assistance Services Private Ltd (CPP India) for £15.7m.

The transaction marks a significant milestone in the group’s strategic transformation. Upon completion, CPP Group will fully exit from its legacy operations and complete its evolution into a focused parametric InsurTech business, Blink.

The proceeds of the proposed sale of CPP India, in addition to £6.1m to be received following the disposal of CPP Turkey, will be used to accelerate investment in Blink’s commercial and technology roadmap, restructure and materially reduce central costs and support working capital requirements.

CPP India is a provider of assistance and protection services, offering a range of white labelled products in collaboration with banks, NBFCs, and financial technology businesses across India. CPP India’s core offerings include Card Protection for lost or stolen cards, FoneSafe insurance for mobile devices, Asset Secure extended warranties for consumer electronics, and LivPlus wellness packages.

With 85% of FY2024 revenue derived from a single partner, limited growth prospects, rising regulatory pressure, and a requirement for further investment, CPP Group believes a sale is in the best long-term interests of both CPP India and the Group.

CPP Group has agreed terms with OneAssist Consumer Solutions Private Limited and Bolttech Device Protection India Private Limited, both privately owned businesses headquartered in India, for the disposal of CPP India.

Simon Pyper, CEO of CPP Group, said: “The sale of CPP India marks another key milestone in our strategic transformation. Alongside the earlier disposal of CPP Turkey, this deal simplifies the Group and strengthens our ability to accelerate investment in Blink.”

Princes Group invests in Royal Liver Building to boost UK presence

April Lara
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Princes Group invests in Royal Liver Building to boost UK presence

Princes, a leading UK food and drink company, has secured ownership of the iconic Royal Liver Building in Liverpool as part of a £60 million investment. This move is part of a broader £83 million real estate strategy that includes a £23 million acquisition of the Symington’s Cross Green site in Leeds.

The acquisition strengthens Princes’ long-standing ties to Liverpool, where the company has been a tenant in the Royal Liver Building since 1982. The building will serve as both the corporate headquarters and a multi-purpose venue for events and collaboration. The purchase eliminates rental costs, enhancing Princes’ financial stability and providing a long-term operational base for future growth.

The Royal Liver Building, a Grade-I listed landmark, represents Liverpool’s maritime heritage and cultural significance. By owning this building, Princes reinforces its commitment to the city and its workforce, with over 400 employees based there.

Additionally, Princes operates 10 sites across the UK, employing nearly 3,000 people. The company is also promoting UK food manufacturing and recently announced plans to feature the UKM stamp on its products. This move underscores Princes’ dedication to contributing to the local economy and securing its future in the UK market.

Water sector could face increased investment scrutiny

April Lara
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Water sector could face increased investment scrutiny

The UK government is considering adding the water industry to its list of sensitive business sectors, which would subject potential deals to heightened scrutiny. This move comes amid regulatory reforms aimed at addressing financial difficulties faced by key players in the sector, such as Thames Water and Southern Water.

Currently, 17 sectors, including communications, energy, and data infrastructure, must inform the investment security unit about certain business transactions. The proposal would extend this requirement to the water industry in response to growing concerns over its resilience in an increasingly volatile market.

The Cabinet Office has stressed that this change is not expected to affect a significant number of deals but is intended to strengthen the government’s ability to oversee high-risk transactions. The goal is to align investment security with the evolving landscape of the economy, ensuring the regulatory framework remains fit for purpose.

Recent financial struggles within the sector have underscored the need for tighter controls. For example, Thames Water is currently seeking funding to stabilise its finances, while Southern Water has requested additional support from its Australian owner.

As part of the overhaul, the government also plans to reclassify certain industries, such as semiconductors and critical minerals, into distinct categories to streamline the scrutiny process.

Breck expands presence in Yorkshire with new office acquisition

April Lara
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Breck expands presence in Yorkshire with new office acquisition

Breck, a Northern property developer, has acquired a 4,400 sq ft office in Leeds, marking another milestone in its expansion across the North of England. The two-storey office, located in the Millshaw Park industrial estate, will accommodate up to 55 staff members. As part of its growth, Breck is actively recruiting for various permanent roles in Leeds, including quantity surveyors, site engineers, managers, and administrative staff.

With a development pipeline of around 2,000 homes, Breck is focusing on projects across Yorkshire, including affordable housing developments in Bradford. The company is also collaborating with Lloyds Banking Group to transform a former data centre in Pudsey into 124 affordable homes, a project being managed on behalf of Incommunities.

Founded in 2020, Breck is committed to delivering both affordable housing and homes for open market sale. Since moving to its new Lancashire headquarters in 2023, the company has doubled its staff to around 50.

This latest acquisition further solidifies Breck’s long-term commitment to Yorkshire and positions the company for continued growth in the region.

BrewDog to close 10 flagship bars amid strategic shift

April Lara
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BrewDog to close 10 flagship bars amid strategic shift

BrewDog has revealed plans to shut down 10 of its flagship bars across the UK, citing their lack of commercial viability. The closures, affecting sites in Leeds, York, Sheffield, and other locations, will take place this Saturday. The company has pointed to ongoing challenges in the UK hospitality market, including rising costs, regulatory pressures, and economic conditions, as contributing factors.

The move comes as part of BrewDog’s broader strategy to focus on long-term, profitable growth by streamlining its bar operations. The company stated that, despite the efforts of its staff, the impacted bars could not meet financial targets. BrewDog has pledged to support those affected, with plans to redeploy many employees within the company. Those not retained will be offered redundancy packages and outplacement services.

This restructuring is part of a more focused approach to the hospitality sector, aiming to position BrewDog for sustainable success while addressing the ongoing challenges facing the industry.

Structural waterproofing provider snapped up by Bradford firm

Tess Egginton
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Structural waterproofing provider snapped up by Bradford firm
Bradford-based Oscrete, a manufacturer of concrete admixtures, has acquired PUDLO Products, a St Neots provider of structural waterproofing and gas protection systems. PUDLO’s product portfolio will complement Oscrete’s core admixture technologies, providing the business with a more comprehensive and integrated suite of products. The integration of PUDLO will also create opportunities for collaboration across R&D, technical support, and customer service, to serve the construction market more effectively. With over 150 years of technical expertise, the move strengthens PUDLO’s national coverage, advances product innovation, and enhances delivery across key construction markets. By joining forces with Oscrete PUDLO gains access to expanded technical capabilities and infrastructure, creating a platform for collaborative growth.
Scott Wilson, MD of Oscrete, said: “Our acquisition of PUDLO Products is a significant chapter in our company’s business and establishes an even stronger future for this Bradford brand. “The new, strengthened Oscrete business model and presence across the UK construction sector ensures this team and this business has the infrastructure and the expertise to become the leading supplier of concrete admixtures and additives / construction products in the country.” Gary Laird, MD of PUDLO, added: “I’m thrilled to be joining the PUDLO Products team full time as we continue the momentum built over the past 15 months. “It’s an exciting time—this partnership opens new doors for innovation, growth, and delivering even greater value to our customers. We’re building on a strong foundation and I look forward to helping drive the next phase of PUDLO’s journey.”
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