Yorkshire’s Mayors welcomed a “new dawn” for devolution after Tracy Brabin hosted talks with the Chancellor on the government’s growth mission in West Yorkshire yesterday (11 July).
The meeting, which included West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard and York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith, was convened by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP to discuss how deeper devolution could stimulate greater economic growth in Yorkshire and across the UK.
With the promise of new “freedoms and flexibilities” in next week’s King’s Speech, the Mayors hope to be empowered to boost economic growth and deliver record numbers of jobs, through bold action on skills, transport, housebuilding and supporting businesses.
By ensuring that everyone can get on the housing ladder, get the skills they need to succeed, and get to work quickly and reliably using public transport, the three Metro Mayors hope to transform their regional economies and put money back in people’s pockets.
The proposals will be formalised in Local Growth Plans that pay special attention to the unique strengths of each region. Meeting with the UK’s Mayors earlier this week, the Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed to put more power in the hands of local leaders who have “skin in the game” and know what is best for their regions.
Speaking after her visit to Leeds, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves MP, said: “Economic growth is a national mission and my top priority. To achieve it we must fix the foundations of the economy and reset our relationship with local leaders. That starts with the grown-up conversations like we’ve had today.
“Through partnership with the Mayors in Yorkshire, we are entrusting them to deliver change for their communities, secure investment and power growth so that people here feel better off.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “It was fabulous to host the Chancellor in her first week in post. This new dawn in the working relationship between the Government and the regions will help create growth and put money back in people’s pockets.
“We’re already cracking on with our local growth plan and today’s discussion was a helpful chance to ensure we maximise West Yorkshire’s contribution to growing the UK economy.
“With greater freedoms and flexibilities over devolved funding and a more formal relationship with the heart of government, we will help deliver the change our country so desperately needs.
“We will be giving more details about our plans for a West Yorkshire mass transit network, starting with trams in Leeds and Bradford, next week, and we look forward to progressing them with this government. This project will be instrumental in boosting growth and helping create a brighter future for all.”
Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire’s Mayor, said: “I’m delighted that in her first week in the job, the Chancellor has come back to Yorkshire to begin a conversation about how we can work together to grow our economy, and create real opportunity for everyone across South Yorkshire.
“The tone and approach of Rachel, Keir and Angela in this first few days is making real their commitment to deliver power, control and hope back to communities across the north.
“Today we agreed to quickly work together to unlock the potential of South Yorkshire. We’re home to the largest cleantech cluster in the UK and the world’s first and best advanced manufacturing innovation district. By working with government to capitalise on our unique strengths, we can deliver on our shared promise that everyone can stay near and go far.”
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “The meetings we have had this week with Government are creating a real momentum. It’s hugely positive that Government is so engaged with Mayors around the country.
“By engaging so closely with us, we can ensure that Growth Plans can truly support the distinctive needs and opportunities of our regions. Each region is unique and with our rural strengths, York and North Yorkshire has so much to offer towards UK Growth.
“In York and North Yorkshire, we urgently need more affordable homes and to unlock the potential for growth in our green economy that creates new, higher paid jobs. These are two key areas for our developing economic plans. The prospect of deeper devolution is exciting and will help us all to reach our full potential.”
Strategic Regeneration Partner to be sought for Wakefield
A plan to accelerate Wakefield’s ambitions to regenerate parts of the city centre and attract investment is to be discussed by Cabinet members.
Senior councillors meeting on 16 July will be asked to support the Council’s intention to seek a Strategic Regeneration Partner to work with the Council and partner organisations to deliver the vision.
“Working with a Strategic Regeneration Partner will help us to drive forward our ambitious plans for an even better city centre for businesses, residents and visitors,” said Cllr Michael Graham, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth.
“This new partnership will help us to increase public and private sector investment in Wakefield. It will help to transform our city centre, accelerating our masterplan for the benefit of everyone who lives and works here.”
The regeneration partnership would be a long-term programme, in place for a decade or more, that would work closely with city centre businesses and the wider community to shape any strategic plans.
The partner would also work with public sector regeneration partners such as Homes England and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA). The aim is to bring in a partner who can add development and commercial capacity to complement the work of the Council.
If Cabinet members agree, the next step would see the Council holding a competitive process for organisations interested in becoming the Strategic Regeneration Partner, to be completed by the end of the year.
The selected partner would need a strong track record of working on similar strategic development plans.
Once appointed, there will be engagement with residents and businesses to share the strategic approach for future development of the city.
Development work will take place in accordance with the Wakefield City Centre Masterplan, that includes heritage led regeneration.
New £20m plan for Scarborough to be sent to Government
A £20 million development plan for Scarborough, shaped by residents, businesses and community organisations, is to set to be sent to the Government in the next few weeks.
A total of 55 towns across England, Scotland and Wales are set to receive funding as part of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) initiative.
The money can be used for reviving town centres, regeneration, promoting heritage and culture and addressing safety and security concerns. Improving transport and connectivity are also key considerations.
Next Tuesday, the plan will come before a meeting of North Yorkshire Council’s executive, where members will be asked to agree a series of proposals to enable it to be submitted to the Government by 1 August.
North Yorkshire Council have been working in partnership with the Scarborough Town Board to develop a 10-year vision document and three-year plan for investment.
In addition, there has been extensive public consultation with more than 1,600 people taking part in Let’s Talk Scarborough events in the town centre and surrounding area and an online survey.
Full results of the consultation will be presented to the Scarborough and Whitby Area Constituency Committee on Thursday (11 July).
People said they wanted the plan to include:
• A cleaner, more attractive town centre
• More frequent bus services, especially for teenagers and the elderly
• A desire to balance the needs of residents and tourists
• The need for more public spaces, including a town square, fountains, and seating areas where people can gather and interact
The area covered runs from Eastfield and Cayton to the south of the main town and up to Newby and Scalby in the north.
The vision focuses on a number of measures that can be delivered within the town centre including the further redevelopment of the Scarborough Station area in Westborough, improving the appearance of the town centre and the inclusion of more public spaces.
In partnership with community partners, North Yorkshire Council are also considering how a safe and secure area where young people can gather and socialise can be provided.
The plans are yet to be finalised and are subject to change, with final costings still to be decided.
North Yorkshire Council executive member for open to business, Cllr Mark Crane said: “This is a hugely significant plan for Scarborough and a great deal of work has gone into getting it to this stage.
“We are very grateful for the input of the Scarborough Town Board and the invaluable contribution from people living in and around the town who have helped inform the process to this point.
“Obviously, there is now a new government in place at Westminster, but we are confident that Ministers will understand the importance of this funding to the future of Scarborough.”
Chair of the Scarborough Town Board, David Kerfoot, said: “Given the tight timetable imposed by Government, the board and wider team have worked extremely hard to get our submission to this stage.
“Consultation has been extensive, and we are grateful for this vital input. This will be of huge benefit to Scarborough and while there is much more work to be done, I am confident we can make a difference on the ground where it really matters.”
The regeneration plan is set to build on previous investment in Scarborough, including the Green Construction Skills Village and more than £500,000 in funding that is transforming the town’s cricket ground in North Marine Road.
Trio of deals for former aircraft production base
Humber Enterprise Park in Brough is marking its first decade as a strategic business location, with two major long-term lease extensions and a significant new office tenant.
Three completed property deals are providing owner Westcore Europe with the thrust to take it to the next level, 10 years on from the sale and part leaseback that ended the site’s exclusivity as a BAE Systems facility.
The historic home to the Hawk jet, afforded iconic status by the Red Arrows, was opened up to new occupiers when the defence giant significantly reduced its East Yorkshire footprint in 2014.
Cablescan and Supercraft have now made long-term commitments to the site, with seven-and-a-half and nine-and-a-half year deals respectively. Both work in the defence arena. Also arriving on site is Pure Renewables, with its commercial and industrial division, on a three-year deal.
Cablescan, part of Fortune 500 listed Amphenol Corporation, manufactures high performance electrical cable assemblies and control panels for defence, aerospace, marine, industrial, and commercial applications, with a team of 100 employed on site. Brough is the company’s UK headquarters, with further satellite facilities in the UK and Europe.
Lloyd Cooper, Cablescan’s Business Unit Director, said: “We are delighted to commit to Humber Enterprise Park, a business location steeped in history and ripe with innovation, that really sets itself apart. As a company with global partners, the site’s heritage is a source of real pride.
“The decision has underpinned our plan to invest in the facilities we operate from, with a refurbishment of our office space underway and improving shop floor facilities next on the agenda, further enhancing the great working environment we provide.”
Scarborough hotel snapped up
Schofield Sweeney has advised Caledonian Leisure on the acquisition of its fourth hotel for the brand, for an undisclosed sum.
The 55-room New Southlands Hotel in Scarborough joins in-house properties in Arrochar, Scotland; Blackpool and Torquay.
Caledonian Leisure operates under the Caledonian Travel and UKBreakaways brands, and will rename the hotel as The Caledonian New Southlands Hotel.
The acquisition of the New Southlands Hotel follows Caledonian Leisure recording an annual turnover of over £55 million for 2023, a 40% increase on the previous year.
Managing director Graham Rogers said: “The Caledonian New Southlands Hotel in Scarborough is the perfect addition to The Caledonian Hotel Collection as we continue to expand our portfolio of hotels in key UK destinations.
“The hotel is renowned for providing excellent accommodation and a warm Yorkshire hospitality delivered by a friendly team who share our customer first ethos. Scarborough remains one of the UK’s top holiday destinations and one of our best-selling resorts, with customer numbers increasing year on year across our brands.
“We look forward to offering a variety of packages to the Caledonian New Southlands Hotel through both our own brand channels, digital platforms and established network of travel agents.”
“We are delighted to have once again supported Graham, David and the rest of the Caledonian team on a further portfolio acquisition,” said Dan Bisby, partner, Schofield Sweeney.
Developments team at Caddick grows with new generation of leaders
Caddick, the privately-owned property and construction business, has appointed a new board member and made a number of promotions within its developments division as its project portfolio grows and it expands into new regions.
Group Legal Director, Helen Gardner takes up a new position on the newly formed operations board of the developments business, whilst continuing to spearhead the organisation’s growing legal team. Based at the Group’s Yorkshire headquarters, she will be implementing a cohesive, national legal and governance strategy for Caddick and ensuring efficiencies across the businesses.
Alistair Smith has been promoted to Director, focusing on delivering and strengthening Caddick’s industrial and logistics pipeline – from inception and planning, through to active development and delivery on site. His work includes the delivery of a number of landmark schemes as well as contributing to the growth of the wider development pipeline.
Tom Park and Ryan Lewis have been promoted to Associate Development Director and Associate Director, respectively. Tom will concentrate on developing out Caddick’s existing industrial and logistics portfolio with a keen focus on expanding the pipeline across the North West and Midlands.
Ryan’s new role involves leading the expanding project management and technical leadership functions across the portfolio. Both Tom and Ryan are based at Caddick’s Manchester office and their new leadership roles underscore the increasing importance of the region within the business.
David Baker-Brook has also been promoted to Associate Director, leading on the promotion of new and existing sites across residential, commercial and mixed-use schemes. David is based in Birmingham, where Caddick’s construction arm has recently opened a new office. With a strong background in sustainability, he will play a key role in ensuring Caddick continues to create developments with sustainability at their heart.
Myles Hartley, Managing Director of Caddick Developments, said: “It’s been another really strong year for the developments team at Caddick, having achieved approval for the final phase of our mixed-use SOYO scheme in Leeds, as well as reaching practical completion on a number of key industrial and logistics schemes, including phase one of Farington Park in Lancashire and Leeds Valley Park. More recently, the team have been applauded by Leeds City Council councillors for our transformative South Village, Leeds proposals.
“These milestones would not be possible without the hard work of these individuals, as well as the support of the wider team, so it’s fantastic to see them recognised for the roles they have played in our journey to date.”
Former haulage warehouse in Lincoln hits the market for £3.3m
The former home of a family-run haulage firm is being marketed for sale by Watling Real Estate, who are seeking offers in the order of £3.3 million for the 78,733 sq ft industrial / warehousing unit in Lincoln.
The property comprises a detached, self-contained, four bay industrial/warehouse premises, located within the principal commercial district of Lincoln.
Ben Holyhead and Chris Davies of Watling Real Estate’s Birmingham office have been instructed to sell the vacant unit on Freeman Road, North Hykeham, on behalf of joint administrators from Kroll, who were appointed over Cartwright Bros. (Haulage) Ltd on 20 June this year.
Ben Holyhead said: “Given market demand for freehold industrial and warehousing accommodation, we anticipate a good level of interest, from occupiers and property investors alike. We expect demand to be supported by the property’s sub-division and asset management potential.
“Given the critical shortage of standing freehold industrial stock within Lincolnshire and the wider East Midlands, and with the cost of developing new accommodation exceeding £100 per sq ft, we expect the property to be an attractive proposition to a variety of potential purchasers.”
UK economy returns to growth
The UK economy returned to growth in May, following a flat April, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, showed a 0.4% month-on-month uptick in May, ahead of expectations.
All three main sectors contributed positively, with services output growing 0.3% in May, production output growing by 0.2%, and construction output growing 1.9%.
Ben Jones, CBI Lead Economist, said: “The latest data shows that the UK’s economic recovery is starting to put down roots. While growth in May was driven by a rebound in sectors such as retail and construction, which were hit by poor weather earlier in the spring, recent months have seen activity creeping up across a wide range of sectors.
“The new Labour government will benefit from some economic tailwinds going forward, with consumer confidence rising as lower inflation and strong wage gains support household incomes. However, many firms remain cautious about the near-term outlook. While the outcome of the election will help dispel some of the recent uncertainty, it could take a turning of the interest rate cycle for the recovery to really bed in.
“The new government’s focus on making growth a priority is welcome. However, to put the economy on a pathway to long-term, sustainable growth, we need to see concrete actions to deliver that vision within the next 100 days.
“While recent commitments to reforming the planning system are hugely welcome, firms are also keen to see progress in other key areas. A Net Zero Investment Plan would support ambitions to boost green growth, and a clear business tax roadmap would help deliver the stability that firms are looking for.”
British Steel starts rail shipments to Turkey
The first shipment in a multi-million-pound rail contract leaves British Steel for Turkey this week.
The company is supplying tens of thousands of tonnes for the project connecting Mersin with the cities of Adana, Osmaniye and Gaziantep in southern Turkey.
It will help create a lower-emission transport link between Turkey’s second-largest container port and inland cities more than 150 miles away, with the project expected to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 150,000 tonnes a year.
A team from Ronesans Holding, which is building the railway on behalf of the Turkish Ministry of Transport has just toured our Scunthorpe operations for factory acceptance testing.
Following the success of that visit, the first part of the order will set sail from Goole.
Global venue management company named as new operator for Sheffield City Hall
ASM Global has been named as the new operator of Sheffield City Hall, as of January 2025.
Last year, Sheffield City Council revealed that the city’s leisure and entertainment venues were set to receive £117 million of investment including rebuilds of some of the city’s most popular leisure centres and improvements to Sheffield’s Arena and City Hall.
As part of these plans, in June 2023, a competitive procurement process was launched in a bid to attract the best in leisure and entertainment provision to run Sheffield’s venues.
Earlier this year, ASM Global were announced as the new operator for Utilita Arena Sheffield.
Operators were also invited to bid on the running of Sheffield’s historic and iconic, City Hall, and after a highly competitive tender process, ASM Global have also been selected as the successful bidder and the new operator of the venue.
ASM Global is an international venue management and event strategy company, and one of the world’s leading producers of entertainment experiences.
Sheffield City Hall and the Utilita Arena Sheffield will join ASM Global’s network of more than 350 venues, which collectively host 20,000 events and welcome 164 million guests every year.
Councillor Kurtis Crossland, Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “ASM Global have a world-class reputation within the venue and entertainment industry, and I am delighted that they have been announced as the new operator for the Sheffield City Hall, which is central to Sheffield’s cultural and civic life.
“I am confident that both Sheffield City Hall and the Utilita Arena Sheffield are in great hands with ASM Global and that this new investment will help our fantastic Sheffield venues compete on the global stage.”
Sheffield’s Grade II listed City Hall is one of the city’s most iconic venues and has hosted some of the biggest names in music, entertainment and public speaking, from Elton John to the Beatles and Kylie Minogue.
Since it first opened its doors in 1932, Sheffield City Hall has also provided a home to many local and community events, such as tea dances in the Ballroom or Manor Operatic Society’s annual panto.
Over the years, Sheffield City Hall has been a pillar of civic life within the city and has witnessed countless historic events, including Sir Winston Churchill receiving the Freedom of the City of Sheffield honour at the landmark.
It is currently host to over 750 events each year, including Sheffield’s International Concert Season and the Last Laugh Comedy Club, plus conferences, exhibitions and more.
Chris Bray, President of ASM Global Europe, said: “We are delighted to have been selected to operate the wonderful Sheffield City Hall – a truly beautiful and unique venue steeped in heritage.
“Sheffield’s rich culture and phenomenal music talent are recognised far and wide, and working with Sheffield City Council we have exciting plans to evolve and transform the city’s live entertainment experience for both residents and visitors, delivering content that is nothing short of world leading.
“Having announced just a few months ago that ASM Global has also been appointed to manage the city’s Utilita Arena, we are thrilled to be able to support the local community and the city’s economy, ensuring these venues are must-plays across a broad spectrum of acts and artists, from grassroots to world-renowned.”
