York businesses urged to integrate AI as tech disruption accelerates

April Lara
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York businesses urged to integrate AI as tech disruption accelerates

York businesses must embrace AI and digital transformation to stay competitive, according to HSBC UK’s Head of Technology Sector, Roland Emmans. Speaking at the inaugural York Tech Forum, Emmans warned that businesses of all sizes need to keep pace with rapid technological shifts, highlighting AI’s ability to improve efficiency and customer service. He emphasised that AI should complement human expertise rather than replace it.

The event, hosted at City of York Council’s West Offices, gathered over 60 businesses to discuss the region’s evolving tech landscape. Cllr Pete Kilbane pointed to York’s growing reputation as a tech hub, citing major investments such as the Institute for Safe Autonomy and the 6G Lab of the North.

The council is rolling out AI training initiatives for retail and hospitality businesses as part of its push for digital adoption across sectors. Businesses seeking support can contact the council’s Business Growth Managers.

Sheffield battery rental company expands into Kinshasa

Stuart Pearcey
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Sheffield battery rental company expands into Kinshasa

African battery rental company MOPO, which runs its technical and finance operation from Sheffield, has launched operations in a Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congosigning of a US$7 million finance facility with British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor.

The company specialises in sustainable energy provision through pay-per-use battery rentals. Since entering the DRC a year ago – one of the world’s least electrified nations, where over 80% of its 100 million people still lack access to electricity – MOPO has expanded its operations to six cities.

Customers rent, return, and replace MOPO50 batteries at local solar-powered hubs, managed by community agents. This approach delivers affordable electricity to individuals and small businesses without the burden of high upfront costs or consumer debt, while also offering a cleaner, more cost-effective alternative to traditional carbon-based fuels.

Chris Longbottom, CEO of MOPO, said: “The DRC is a key growth market for MOPO, so launching operations in its largest city, Kinshasa, is a major milestone. With a population of 17 million – equivalent to London and New York combined – our mission goes beyond closing the energy gap; we aim to power the city’s future, drive economic growth, and create a lasting impact. This funding from BII marks the beginning of a long-term partnership, accelerating our expansion and enabling us to provide affordable, reliable energy to millions across the country.”

Work starts on major extension to Grimsby sixth form college

Tess Egginton
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Work starts on major extension to Grimsby sixth form college
Work has started on a transformational extension at a sixth form college in Grimsby. Lincolnshire and Yorkshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter, plans to complete the £1.1m build by the end of summer, in time for the new term. Cambridge Park Academy is on Cromwell Road in Grimsby and its sixth form college for special educational needs (SEN) pupils will almost double in size once the work is complete. The project is part of the expansion of North East Lincolnshire Council’s sufficiency strategy for special educational needs and alternative provision. Once work completes, the council owned building will accommodate up to 28 pupils aged between 14 and 19 years old and 24 staff. The project will see a new single-storey extension created alongside 12 car parking spaces with electric vehicle chargers, a drop off zone and a new entrance road. The building will have 88 solar panels on the roof, air source heat pumps and underfloor heating. As part of the build, Hobson & Porter is also carrying out landscaping, which includes specialist outdoor educational play equipment. Joe Booth, business development director from Hobson & Porter, said: “We already have several live sites in Grimsby including two new primary schools and the new state-of-the-art youth centre in Grimsby – known as Horizon Youth Zone, which we are building for national charity OnSide, in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council, which is contributing to the development as part of the Greater Grimsby Town Deal. “We are delighted to start work on another meaningful build for the people of Grimsby that will make a big difference to the lives of many families that have children with special educational needs. It’s a project that will be transformational for Cambridge Park Academy and will significantly reduce the distance that local children currently have to travel to get the education they deserve.” Hobson & Porter is also building two new primary schools at Scartho and Waltham for North East Lincolnshire Council. Both are set to open in September 2025 and will be run by Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust. Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children and education at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “It’s hugely important that every child, regardless of their needs, has access to a good quality education, without having to travel elsewhere. “This expansion is fantastic to see and is the culmination of a substantial piece of work between the local authority and Humber Education Trust, and I’m really happy to see it bearing fruit.” Chief executive officer for Humber Education Trust, Rachel Wilkes, said: “Partnership working and inclusion are the cornerstones of our work as a Trust. This expansion will enable more pupils to attend and remain at Cambridge Park Academy, having their needs met in their local area.”

Yorkshire roofing products supplier acquired by Swiss company

Tess Egginton
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Yorkshire roofing products supplier acquired by Swiss company
Cromar Building Products, a Yorkshire-based supplier of roofing products, has been sold to the listed Swiss company Sika AG. The acquisition strengthens Sika’s presence in the roofing sector and enhances its product portfolio, opening up new opportunities in product innovation and geographic reach. Cromar has established itself as one of the leading providers of flat and pitched roofing products serving the UK under well-known brands. The product range and distribution network, as well as the manufacturing footprint of Cromar, are highly complementary to Sika’s. This will enable Sika and Cromar to capitalise on market opportunities and compete within the roofing sector. Mike Marshall, Managing Director of Cromar, said: “We have built a very successful business at Cromar and are grateful to all our employees, suppliers, customers and wider stakeholders who have supported us on our journey. “We are excited to see the next stage of Cromar’s growth and development under the ownership of Sika, a business we believe shares similar values to ourselves and will help Cromar continue to go from strength to strength. “We are excited to continue our growth under Sika’s ownership, which shares our commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.” Tom Forsyth, UK General Manager of Sika UK, said: “We are delighted to welcome the team from Cromar to the Sika family and this acquisition will help us further develop our activities in roofing distribution in the UK. Sika has extensive experience in the roofing sector, and we will bring this to Cromar to continue their journey of success.” Translink Corporate Finance acted as lead advisors to the shareholders; the team consisted of Andy Haigh, Will Holmes, Will Sykes, Luke Harrower, Emma Oakley and Alex Gut. Will Holmes, Director at Translink UK, said: “Cromar is a fantastic business that has carved an enviable reputation within the roofing sector. The investment overseen by the Marshall family in recent years has led to impressive growth and resulted in Cromar having a leading presence in the UK roofing sector. “It has been a pleasure to work with the shareholders and deliver this transaction on their behalf, the outcome being testament to what they have achieved over many years in business. It is also a perfect example of Translink’s ability to execute high-quality cross-border M&A deals.”

Lindum starts work on semi-automated warehouse for DFDS

Stuart Pearcey
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0
Lindum starts work on semi-automated warehouse for DFDS
Lincoln-based Lindum has started work on a semi-automated warehouse in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire for European logistics company DFDS. This marks the beginning of phase two of a major project to enhance the company’s operations, which will support its long-term sustainability and future-proof its business model. Lindum started work just weeks after finishing a three-storey office building, vehicle loading bay, and a new warehouse at the site. These improvements are part of DFDS’s strategic efforts to modernise its facilities and ensure continued growth. Lindum’s Peterborough-based team has played a key role in both the design and construction of the latest enhancements, transforming DFDS’s vision into a cutting-edge facility tailored to the company’s evolving needs. Phase two of the project involves the demolition of an aging office building and part of the existing warehouse, clearing the way for the new state-of-the-art warehouse. Meanwhile, phase one involved the demolition of an old office block and shower facility, which was originally a residential bungalow. The offices built in its place feature facilities designed to enhance functionality and improve the employee experience, including a dedicated drivers’ restroom, an open-plan office area for shipment tracking, administrative functions, and meetings, and a second floor Wellbeing Hub – a full floor dedicated to employee welfare, including a dining area, lounge, gym, and a rooftop terrace offering scenic views over the site. Sustainability was a central focus throughout the project, with several key environmental initiatives incorporated, including the installation of solar panels to reduce fossil fuel reliance, electric vehicle charging stations, and a bike shelter to promote greener commuting options. Thanks to the strong working relationship established during the project, Lindum was appointed to construct the additional warehouse, and work began this month. Darren King, Managing Director of Lindum, said: “This project is a testament to Lindum’s expertise in delivering high-quality, sustainable, and future-proofed commercial spaces. We are proud to have contributed to DFDS’s continued growth and look forward to the next phase of development.”

Hull and East Yorkshire Skills Board names Jayne as first Chair

Stuart Pearcey
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Hull and East Yorkshire Skills Board names Jayne as first Chair
Jayne Adamson, the Exec Director of People at the Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, has been appointed as the first chair of the recently formed Hull and East Yorkshire Skills Board. She will act as a figurehead for the Board, which is supporting the development of a regional skills system for the new Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority. Jayne has held leading positions in the health sector for the last 17 years, and previously worked for companies such as Smith+Nephew and Ideal Standard. She said: “It is an incredible privilege to be appointed as chair of the HEY Skills Board. I am excited to work alongside such a dedicated group of people to foster growth, development and opportunities within our community. I believe that by leveraging our collective expertise and passion, we can create a brighter future for all, and I look forward to collaborating with local businesses, educational institutions and other stakeholders to create a robust ecosystem of support and opportunity. “By working together, we can empower individuals to reach their full potential and contribute to the prosperity of our community.”

£2m invested into The Data City

Tess Egginton
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0
£2m invested into The Data City
Oxford Economics has made a £2 million investment in The Data City, a Leeds-based cutting-edge real-time company classification platform. Based on a post-money valuation of £19 million, the investment will accelerate The Data City’s international expansion, enhance its AI-powered technology, and support the development of new markets—particularly through its planned US joint venture with Oxford Economics. The partnership underscores the growing demand for more dynamic and accurate business intelligence, said Adrian Cooper, CEO of Oxford Economics. “Our clients need data that reflects the economy as it is today—not how it was classified in 2007,” Cooper said. “The Data City is transforming how businesses, investors, and policymakers understand industries. We’re excited to support their next phase of growth.” By integrating The Data City’s AI-powered platform with Oxford Economics’ global economic forecasting expertise, the collaboration will drive innovation in sector analysis and investment decision-making, said Alex Craven, CEO of The Data City. “This investment is a game-changer,” Craven added. “We’re redefining economic data by delivering real-time insights into what companies do—without relying on outdated SIC/NAIC codes. With Oxford Economics on board, we’re poised to expand our reach, particularly in North America, and solidify our position as the leading source for industry classification.”

Dacre, Son & Hartley acquires North Yorkshire agency

Stuart Pearcey
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0
Dacre, Son & Hartley acquires North Yorkshire agency
Dacre, Son & Hartley, has acquired the longstanding North Yorkshire-based rural property consultancy Lister Haigh. Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential at Dacre, Son & Hartley, said: “Lister Haigh is another long-established Yorkshire property company with an excellent reputation in the rural sector, readily complementing our own range of services within that sphere. “The company has a hugely experienced team, including Catherine Johnston and Giles Chaplin, who will play a major part of our future offering as we further enhance our rural and development services. Crucially, it also gives Lister Haigh’s existing clients access to a much broader marketing and knowledge base across our 18 offices, and via our far-reaching digital and online presence. “Last year we launched our new lettings division, after selling the previous portfolio in 2020. Lister Haigh has a significant managed residential rentals portfolio in North Yorkshire and this acquisition quickly increases our growing market share as we re-establish ourselves in the sector.” Catherine Johnston from Lister Haigh, added: “Dacre, Son & Hartley is a very well-recognised and hugely respected name in Yorkshire property. “There’s no doubt that the combined skillset gives us one of the most experienced and knowledgeable rural and agricultural practices in the region. This is great news for our clients, our people and the sector as a whole.” Lister Haigh was founded by Oswald Lister in 1919, establishing a well-known business of Yorkshire agricultural auctioneers and valuers. John Haigh joined in 1990 and Lister Haigh was incorporated in 2002 when the business of James Johnston, Boroughbridge was acquired and Catherine Johnston joined John as a director. She was followed by Giles Chaplin who became a director in 2011. All three will remain with the firm which has an annual turnover of around £500,000. Dacre, Son & Hartley was founded more than 200 years ago and is Yorkshire’s largest independent estate agency with 18 offices across North and West Yorkshire. The firm offers a comprehensive portfolio of property services including residential sales and lettings, agricultural management, survey services and specialist nationwide healthcare investment advice through its Leeds based Dacres Commercial subsidiary.  

New Leeds restaurant to target business professionals

April Lara
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New Leeds restaurant to target business professionals

Zoom, a new restaurant opening next month on the ground floor of the Hyatt Place Hotel in Leeds city centre, aims to serve business professionals with a mix of global cuisine and Yorkshire-inspired dishes.

The restaurant will offer a menu featuring Crispy Beef, a Superfood Poke Bowl, and a Large Yorkshire Pudding in Sovereign Square. It will also include “The Market,” providing freshly prepared salads, sandwiches, and seasonal specials for on-the-go dining, along with coffee from local roastery North Star.

Zoom will operate daily, with breakfast service from 6:30 a.m. on weekdays and 7:00 a.m. on weekends. Its all-day menu will run from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, while Sundays will feature a Roast menu from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. before switching to dinner service.

Head Chef Angelina Au, who has worked in luxury hotels including Shangri-La and Four Seasons, is leading the kitchen. The restaurant is designed to cater to hotel guests and the wider business community, offering a space for meetings, corporate dining, and networking.

Ukraine and Lincolnshire partner on agricultural collaboration

April Lara
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Ukraine and Lincolnshire partner on agricultural collaboration

Lincolnshire has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ukraine’s Kherson Oblast to explore agricultural cooperation. The agreement aims to support the war-affected region through knowledge-sharing and potential future business partnerships.

Oleksandr Prokudin, governor of Kherson Oblast, visited Lincoln on Thursday to formalise the partnership with Councillor Colin Davie of Lincolnshire County Council. Prokudin emphasised the agreement’s symbolic importance and highlighted the challenges facing Kherson, which remains largely under Russian occupation.

As part of his visit, Prokudin toured the University of Lincoln’s Riseholme campus, home to the Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology (LIAT), and the Siemens factory. Davie expressed hopes that Lincolnshire’s farming and food industries could contribute expertise in research, technology, and innovation to aid Kherson’s agricultural sector. He also suggested future trade opportunities may emerge from the collaboration.

The announcement coincides with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to Washington for discussions with US President Donald Trump on Ukraine and defence. Prokudin urged European leaders to remain vigilant, warning that Russian aggression could extend beyond Ukraine.

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