£1.5bn transport boost to modernise South Yorkshire’s fleet

April Lara
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£1.5bn transport boost to modernise South Yorkshire’s fleet

South Yorkshire is set to receive £1.5 billion in government funding to overhaul its public transport system, with a focus on electrification, modernisation, and local control. The investment includes a full replacement of Sheffield’s ageing tram fleet by 2032, and a phased rollout of franchised bus services across the region starting in 2027.

Under the plans, bus services in Sheffield, Doncaster, and Rotherham will move to a franchised model by 2027, with full regional coverage expected by 2029. This shift will give local authorities control over routes, fares, and schedules, mirroring the operational model already in place in Greater Manchester.

A further £530 million of the funding is earmarked for renewing the South Yorkshire tram network, which serves key commuter and residential corridors in Sheffield and Rotherham. The upgrades are intended to support local job creation, improve commuting options, and expand access to the regional labour market.

The announcement is part of a broader £15.6 billion commitment to transport infrastructure across the North and Midlands. It comes ahead of the upcoming government spending review, where further reforms, including changes to the Treasury’s project evaluation framework, are expected to be unveiled.

For transport operators, local authorities, and infrastructure suppliers, the programme opens the door to new procurement, construction, and service opportunities over the next decade.

Creative content agency snaps up retail specialist

Tess Egginton
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Creative content agency snaps up retail specialist
Ride Shotgun, the creative content agency with offices in Sheffield and Leeds, has acquired Nottingham-based specialist retail agency True Story. True Story brings a wealth of retail expertise, with a client list including Holland & Barrett, Pets at Home and DFS. The deal will add 25 team members and £4 million in revenue, bolstering Ride Shotgun’s growth plans. Andy Weir, chief client officer, Ride Shotgun, said: “True Story is a well established and highly respected creative agency with a long-standing passion for retail and brand storytelling, we’re delighted that they are now part of Ride Shotgun. “Their expertise strengthens our Joined Up Brand Journeys proposition, and will enable us to solve even more of the challenges that our clients face today. Helping them to deliver more impactful customer experiences, across more channels, much more efficiently. “Just as importantly, we’re thrilled to welcome their talented team to the Ride Shotgun family. Like us, they focus on building strong, lasting client partnerships, and have an enviable track record of creating value through impactful customer experiences for big brands and retailers.”
Jayne Mayled, founder of True Story, added: “The True Story team is delighted to join Ride Shotgun’s innovative and dynamic global network, with offices across the world and now in Nottingham. “Importantly, we share the same passion and commitment to our clients and our people, and this now gives us a bigger opportunity to bring even more value to our clients and an exciting future for our team.”
Following the acquisition, Ride Shotgun’s global team now totals 190 staff across the UK, US, Europe, and Asia, with revenues exceeding £18 million.

Ward Hadaway makes seven promotions in Leeds office

Tess Egginton
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Ward Hadaway makes seven promotions in Leeds office
Seven team members in Ward Hadaway’s Leeds office have been promoted, as the firm continues to push ahead with national growth plans. The promotions are part of a wider firmwide round, with 22 people stepping into new roles, including two new partners. In Leeds, six lawyers have been promoted to associate and one to managing associate. The promotions span departments including Corporate Finance, Commercial Litigation, Employment, Housing, Social Housing, Private Client and Children. Emma Digby, executive partner in Ward Hadaway’s Leeds office, said: “Through hard work, dedication and demonstrating true alignment to our firm values, all seven promoted team members have earned the trust of colleagues and clients alike, and it’s great to see that recognised. As a firm we believe in the development of our people, and to see these promotions in Leeds demonstrates the strength of our team.” Elish Porter, promoted to managing associate in the Children team, added: “Ward Hadaway has always supported me to grow, both professionally and personally. I’ve been given real responsibility and the chance to work with great people from the start. I’m proud to take this next step and excited for what lies ahead.”

Leeds Beckett University to help secure future of two Guiseley heritage businesses

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Leeds Beckett University to help secure future of two Guiseley heritage businesses
Academics at Leeds Beckett University (LBU) are partnering with two long-standing, family-owned businesses at the heart of the Guiseley community in Leeds – Abraham Moon & Sons Ltd (Moon) and Haighs Bakery – in research-driven projects designed to safeguard traditional skills while accelerating innovation and growth.
The partnerships are Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) projects, part-funded by UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) through Innovate UK, bringing together academic expertise and industry knowledge to help both businesses evolve in a very competitive and fast-changing marketplace. At Haighs Bakery, a team of marketing researchers from LBU will work closely with the business to co-develop a new strategic model. This will help the bakery adapt more dynamically to customer needs, streamline operation and future-proof its business. Established in 1950, Haighs Bakery is a highly regarded bakery, with a loyal customer base. Haighs produce bread, fresh pastry goods and cakes, serving clients such as shops, schools, universities and takeaways. At the same time, a cross-disciplinary academic team will be just around the corner supporting Abraham Moon & Sons Ltd – the historic woollen mill established in 1837 – in preserving its unique heritage and skilled workforce. The project will use research insights to modernise traditional manufacturing processes without compromising on craftsmanship or quality. The brand has been around for almost two centuries and recently received a boost from Billie Eilish wearing a baseball cap made from their signature cloth at the Grammy Awards. Its fabric collection is supplied to retailers including Prada and Burberry. Rod Brown, managing director of Moon, said: “Working with Leeds Beckett on the KTP will allow Moon to disrupt the existing woollen industry model, securing our heritage and future through significant improvements to current processes and culture. We want to safeguard one of the only true ‘vertical mills’ in the UK by creating a multi-skilled workforce and ensuring that we preserve our unique skills and knowledge.” Adam Haigh, managing director of Haighs Bakery, said: “At Haighs, our ambition is to expand, strengthen and future-proof our business model through strategic, sustainable growth in our existing markets, and to attain the confidence, knowledge and strategic know-how to successfully identify and enter new markets. This KTP will support a cultural change within Haighs – allowing us to achieve our ambitions.” Professor George Lodorfos, dean of Leeds Business School at Leeds Beckett University, added: “Inclusive, Prosperous Communities is a key priority for our research and knowledge exchange work in the School, and we are committed to helping develop a strong, inclusive economy by sharing knowledge to help businesses and communities grow, innovate, and diversify. “We are delighted to be bringing our expertise in working with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to support the long-term sustainability of Haighs and Moon, and the Guiseley community. “Our focus is on applied research and knowledge exchange that enables productivity improvements, resilience building, and responsible growth, ensuring that progress is achieved without losing the authenticity and character of the businesses and communities we work with.” Each KTP project will be led by a skilled graduate KTP associate, who will be a full-time member of the business, with full support of the LBU academic teams.

Businesses press for urgent rail investment across Yorkshire

April Lara
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Businesses press for urgent rail investment across Yorkshire

Business leaders across Yorkshire are urging the UK Government to prioritise rail investment in the region, backing a strategic review led by Lord David Blunkett that outlines a £20 billion economic opportunity.

An open letter from leading organisations—including Magtec, Westfield Health, Virgin Media O2, the University of Bradford, Yorkshire Building Society, and multiple regional Chambers of Commerce—calls for the Chancellor to adopt proposals set out in “Yorkshire’s Plan for Rail.” The plan was commissioned by the mayors of West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, and York and North Yorkshire under the White Rose Agreement, representing a population of 4.6 million and over 190,000 businesses.

The review outlines a ten-year vision to enhance regional connectivity through the development of new stations, electrification, increased capacity, and improved integration with national routes. Forecasts suggest the programme could unlock 83,000 new jobs, support the delivery of 210,000 homes, and contribute significantly to regional GDP.

Business groups argue that the region has faced chronic underinvestment in transport infrastructure and claim that reliable, frequent rail services are vital for attracting talent, supporting supply chains, and driving inward investment. Companies with significant operations in Leeds, Sheffield, and surrounding areas highlight the economic risk of continued delays to rail upgrades, warning that current services limit labour mobility, restrict collaboration, and undermine sustainability goals.

The proposed £14.6 billion investment has also gained backing from local enterprise partnerships and business advisory boards, who see enhanced rail infrastructure as critical to long-term economic competitiveness and workforce development.

Business leaders across sectors agree: improving Yorkshire’s rail system is not just about transport, it’s an economic imperative. They are now waiting for the upcoming Spending Review to signal whether Westminster will meet the region’s ambitions.

West Yorkshire trams secure major funding boost

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West Yorkshire trams secure major funding boost
Plans to bring trams back to West Yorkshire, and deliver a multibillion-pound boost to the economy, have secured a major funding injection from the government. The Chancellor Rachel Reeves today (Wednesday 4th June) announced the allocation of £2.1 billion of local transport funding to West Yorkshire which will enable the Combined Authority to get spades in the ground on West Yorkshire’s tram project by 2028. Speaking ahead of next week’s Spending Review, the Chancellor joined West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin at a bus depot in Huddersfield where she unveiled West Yorkshire’s ‘transport for city regions’ funding for 2027-2032. The funding will also support other vital transport infrastructure projects across the region including new bus stations in Bradford and Wakefield, extensive bus priority measures and cycleways on the A641 and North Kirklees transport corridors, and access improvements to unlock regeneration across six key neighbourhoods bordering on Leeds City Centre. The first phase of West Yorkshire’s Mass Transit network will create two tram lines – a Leeds Line, running from St James’s University Hospital through the city centre to the White Rose, and a Bradford Line, connecting Bradford and Leeds city centres. This represents the region’s biggest infrastructure project in decades and will form part of an integrated transport network, under the single Weaver Network branding, connecting bus, tram and train services as well as walking and cycling routes. Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “It is time for trams – today is a huge moment for our region. “The Chancellor’s backing means we now have the investment needed to bring trams back to the streets of Leeds and Bradford – improving public transport connections and boosting growth. “We will also be able to take forward other vital projects, including new bus stations for Bradford and Wakefield, which will help us create a better-connected region that works for all.” Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “Delivering a tram system will transform connectivity across our city, and between Leeds and Bradford, bringing jobs and opportunities within easier reach of thousands of local people. This sits alongside other transport improvements including bus reform that reach out across the whole city. “Securing this funding is another important milestone because it demonstrates clear government backing for the scheme, offering greater confidence and surety as we work together with the Combined Authority and partners to bring trams to our two cities.” The Combined Authority will publish its preferred route options later this year, with a full public consultation planned during 2026. The £2.5bn mass transit programme will have spades in the ground by 2028, with the intention for the first trams to be operating before the mid-2030s.

New commercial development takes shape near M180

April Lara
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New commercial development takes shape near M180

Hargreaves Land has announced the launch of Forge Point, a new employment park spanning 77 acres near junction 3 of the M180 in Scunthorpe. The site offers nearly one million sq ft of potential commercial space and is positioned within the Lincolnshire Lakes Area Action Plan, an area earmarked for mixed-use development.

The project forms part of a broader 550-acre scheme established in 2023 as a joint venture between Hargreaves Land and receivers from Watling Real Estate. The site is zoned for a variety of commercial uses, including manufacturing, offices, high-tech business units, and hotel facilities.

Forge Point is being marketed with both design-and-build packages and individual plot sales, targeting investors, developers, and owner-occupiers. Property agents PPH Commercial and Avison Young have been appointed as joint marketing partners.

The location is intended to benefit from proximity to a significant residential expansion, which will deliver over 6,000 new homes alongside retail and leisure amenities, creating a large built-in customer and workforce base. With strong transport links and scope for scalable development, Forge Point represents one of the largest new commercial property opportunities in North Lincolnshire.

Claritas expands tax advisory services with new acquisition

April Lara
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Claritas expands tax advisory services with new acquisition

Claritas has acquired the Tax Incentives and Reliefs division of Markel International in a move that strengthens its position in the UK’s specialist tax consultancy market.

The Sheffield-based unit, consisting of 22 staff with technical expertise across R&D tax relief, innovation grants, capital allowances and patent box relief, will fully integrate into Claritas. The transition includes leadership continuity, with the existing management team remaining in place as part of the deal.

The acquisition enhances Claritas’ capacity to serve innovation-driven businesses and their accounting partners across the UK. For Markel, the divestment aligns with a strategic shift while maintaining a broader collaborative relationship with Claritas.

This deal reflects ongoing consolidation in the UK tax advisory sector, where specialist knowledge around government-backed incentives continues to drive demand, particularly from firms navigating increasingly complex claims frameworks.

The move positions Claritas to deepen its footprint in the innovation and IP-focused tax space, while reinforcing its advisory support for UK accountants seeking outsourced expertise in specialist reliefs.

Stagecoach Yorkshire ramps up recruitment amid economic uncertainty

April Lara
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Stagecoach Yorkshire ramps up recruitment amid economic uncertainty

Stagecoach Yorkshire is expanding its workforce across Chesterfield and the broader region as the UK grapples with a rising unemployment rate and growing economic inactivity.

Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics show unemployment for those aged 16 to 64 reached 4.5% between January and March, while 21.4% of working-age adults were considered economically inactive. Against this backdrop, Stagecoach, one of the area’s largest transport employers, is actively recruiting drivers, engineers, and support staff.

The operator is offering roles with structured training and apprenticeships, aiming to attract both experienced professionals and those new to the sector. Positions come with benefits including competitive pay, life assurance, retail discounts, and free bus travel.

This recruitment drive reflects Stagecoach’s continued growth in regional transport services, positioning the company as a stable employer at a time when many businesses face staffing uncertainty.

New machinery drives expansion for Lincolnshire engineering firm

April Lara
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New machinery drives expansion for Lincolnshire engineering firm

Collingwood Engineering, a precision engineering business based in Barton-upon-Humber, has expanded its production capacity by acquiring two advanced CNC machines. The investment, backed by support from North Lincolnshire Council’s business support team, is expected to increase operational efficiency and precision.

The upgrade positions the company to meet growing demand and take on more complex machining contracts, while also enabling local job creation. The investment was made possible through funding provided by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The council’s support services have helped the firm secure financial assistance and navigate the funding process, underlining ongoing efforts to strengthen the local business base and promote industrial growth in the region.

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