The hub aims to provide training facilities and accommodation for businesses and service providers to inspire the next generation of skilled apprentices and maritime industry professionals.
It will also contain engineering workshops and office space for marine-based start-up businesses and other maritime industries.
Construction is expected to be completed by April 2026.
Director at Willmott Dixon, Nick Corrigan, said: “This is an exciting moment in the development of Whitby Maritime Training Hub.
“Our team thoroughly appreciated the opportunity to welcome councillors and local organisations to site to celebrate how the project will make a real difference to the Whitby community and add to its proud maritime heritage.
“Throughout this project, we and our local supply chain partners will provide up to 800 hours of employment support through our Building Lives Academy programmes, alongside 150 weeks of apprenticeship training and 20 work experience placement opportunities.”
Operations director at Align Property Partners, Andy Bardon, added: “Whitby is one of North Yorkshire’s most-loved coastal towns and we’re delighted to be part of this exciting project, which we hope will benefit the area for generations to come.
“The maritime training hub is an opportunity to protect the town’s rich maritime history, while also safeguarding and investing in its future by inspiring future professionals into the industry.”
Sheffield Forgemasters appoints new CFO
Patrick Davison has been appointed as chief financial officer (CFO) to the board of Sheffield Forgemasters.
Patrick is a UK qualified accountant (CIMA) with more than 18 years’ experience including executive roles in international businesses, engineering, manufacturing, and aerospace industries.
Most recently, Patrick acted as group finance director for Masonite Europe, overseeing a $40 million transformation programme and joins the board at MoD-owned Sheffield Forgemasters as it recapitalises its defence-critical assets.
Gary Nutter, chief executive officer at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “We are delighted to welcome Patrick to the Board of Directors.
“As CFO, he will be closely working with a highly experienced senior team as we steer the business into new markets.
“His role will be fundamental to securing long-term success for the business, through sound financing decisions, plant upgrades and investment in our workforce.
“Patrick was appointed after a full recruitment process for the role and impressed the Board with his track record of managing demanding transitions and complex operating models across engineering and manufacturing enterprises.
“He joins Sheffield Forgemasters as we work to increase supply of crucial UK Defence components, maintain supply into a global customer base, whilst transforming our business through a major investment programme.”
In previous roles, Patrick acted as group finance director for Radius Aerospace Europe, divisional finance director at Doncaster’s Group’s UK Fabrications and acted as EMEA controller at Stanley Black & Decker Inc, where he led the acquisition and integration of CRC Evans into the Stanley Black & Decker Group.
Patrick Davison said: “This is an incredibly exciting time to be joining one of the world’s most recognised engineering companies, and I look forward to working with the Board to deliver dynamic change for the future.”
Patrick joins Gary Nutter (CEO) and Gareth Barker (COO) as executive directors of the board at Sheffield Forgemasters and takes up position from 2nd June.
Hobson & Porter wins major decarbonisation and stock condition works contract with East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Construction company Hobson & Porter has won a major decarbonisation and stock condition works contract with East Riding of Yorkshire Council, which will see the firm install the latest sustainable technology and refurbish hundreds of homes and buildings each year.
The work will be worth approximately £15 million over a four-year period and will see Hobson & Porter refurbishing around 200 council owned homes each year, and significantly improving their energy performance certificate (EPC) ratings to either B or C. The company will also work on homes that the council is currently buying to supplement its existing housing stock.
Hobson & Porter has already been tasked with installing 1.5kWp ‘in-roof’ solar panels on more than 20 residential streets as well as making efficiency upgrades to the loft spaces.
Structural repairs will also be carried out alongside the full refurbishment of a mix of council owned buildings including offices, industrial units and storage depots. This will include replacing reinforced concrete floor slabs for insulated ones, rewiring, installing new heating systems, underpinning, drainage repairs and internal structural work.
In addition, Hobson & Porter will be improving communal areas in assisted living schemes and apartment buildings, as well as refurbishing and demolishing a series of garage blocks.
Sam Robertson, from Hobson & Porter, said: “East Riding of Yorkshire Council is a longstanding client so we’re very pleased to win this new contract. Having worked on East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s previous frameworks for the last seven years, I am happy we have been recognised as a key partner in delivering this latest scheme, which is testament to our team’s hard work and high standards of workmanship.
“It’s particularly rewarding because it involves a wide variety of work, from refurbishing all types of homes, which will make a genuine difference to local people, through to installing the latest sustainable technology. All this will significantly improve the council’s property portfolio across a large swathe of East Yorkshire, as well as future-proofing buildings and homes for future generations of residents, staff and visitors.”
Councillor Gary McMaster, East Riding of Yorkshire Council cabinet member for planning, housing and infrastructure, said: “This contract has been designed to ensure that as many of the homes and buildings that we own and run as possible can benefit from modern and sustainable technology. This will ensure that they are fit for purpose for many years to come and guarantees the most efficient and cost-effective use of resources.”
Established Lincolnshire care home sold
The Bassingham Care Centre in Lincolnshire has been sold.
The ‘Good’ rated care facility comprises a former rectory, a 31-bedroom building, and specialist care bungalows with a further 28 bedrooms. This accommodation sits on large grounds located between Newark and Lincoln, accessed off the A46 in the village of Bassingham.
It has been owned by My Care since 2013 and was brought to market as part of a strategic disposal.
Following a confidential sales process with Rosie Turner at Christie & Co, it has been sold to first-time buyers, Jijo Benedict and Anil Varghese John of Confident Care Homes Ltd.
Rosie Turner, senior business agent – care at Christie & Co, said: “Having worked with our client for a number of years, we are delighted to complete on this sale for them.
“After a competitive marketing process, which achieved a high proportion of interest from first-time operators due to the home’s established reputation, profits, and strong management team, Confident Care Homes Ltd has become the proud new owner.
“The sale of Bassingham Care Centre demonstrates that there is strong demand for quality care homes, and we were pleased with the level of interest expressed in this home during the marketing process.”
The Bassingham Care Centre was sold for an undisclosed price.
Bayswater targets northern England growth with Leeds acquisition
Bayswater Education has acquired Leeds English Language School in a move to strengthen its UK footprint and expand its offer of vocational and English language training in the North of England.
The deal marks Bayswater’s second acquisition in the region and adds a fifth UK location to its global portfolio of campuses across Europe, Africa, and North America. The Leeds-based school, which has been operating since 2001, will continue under Bayswater’s management, with the current staff retained throughout the transition.
A new city-centre campus is set to open in 2025 under the Bayswater Leeds name. It will deliver English language training alongside short professional courses, with plans to introduce micro-credentials in areas such as digital marketing and international business, sectors aligned with Leeds’s growing reputation as a commercial and tech hub.
The move signals Bayswater’s strategy to increase its presence in key regional cities and meet rising demand from international students seeking both language skills and career development pathways. The acquisition also reflects growing investor interest in UK education assets outside London, as providers seek growth through localised expansion.
Planning shake-up aims to fast-track small housing projects
The UK Government has unveiled a package of planning reforms designed to accelerate housing delivery by making it easier for small and medium-sized developers (SMEs) to build homes. The move is part of efforts to meet Labour’s target of 1.5 million new homes by 2029–30.
A key proposal includes delegating planning decisions for developments of up to nine homes and most minor technical applications to professional planning officers, reducing the role of local councillors in smaller cases. The aim is to streamline approvals and reduce delays. A new tiered system will categorise applications to determine whether they are handled by officers (Tier A) or referred to planning committees (Tier B).
Developments between 10 and 49 homes will be reclassified as medium-sized, benefiting from reduced costs and simplified biodiversity requirements. These sites will also be exempt from the building safety levy.
To address concerns around nature preservation, consultations will be launched on applying biodiversity net gain rules to minor, medium, and brownfield sites. Conservation groups have raised concerns about weakening environmental protections.
Financial support is also being ramped up. A £100 million accelerator loan scheme is being introduced to improve cash flow for SME developers, alongside a new National Housing Delivery Fund to be confirmed at the next spending review. This will provide access to long-term financing, including revolving credit facilities.
Homes England will release more land exclusively for small builders, while a new pilot programme in Bristol, Sheffield, and Lewisham will target unlocking smaller, underused sites.
Additionally, the Government announced £10 million for local councils to hire environmental specialists to speed up assessments and £1.2 million in PropTech funding to support small-site innovation using digital planning tools.
The changes are open for consultation under the upcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill. The reforms are presented as an effort to reduce bureaucracy and eliminate longstanding barriers faced by smaller developers in a market traditionally dominated by large firms.
Content intelligence provider Ad Signal secures £3m
Foresight Group, a regional private equity and infrastructure investment manager, has made a £3 million investment in Ad Signal, a provider of content intelligence for the media and entertainment industry.
Foresight’s investment will allow the company to accelerate the rollout of new products and expand its commercial footprint, capitalising on growing demand from broadcasters, platforms and post-production houses.
Tom Toumazis MBE will join the team as non-executive chair, bringing a wealth of experience in the media and entertainment industry, as well as being involved with several early-stage technology businesses.
Based in York, the company was founded by Tom Dunning and Mike Duffy in 2018. Since then, it has experienced significant growth and broadened into a suite of proprietary tools designed to help customers remove duplicate content, stay compliant, and reduce digital storage needs.
Improving digital sustainability is a core focus for Ad Signal, with its tools lowering its customers’ storage requirements, providing associated carbon reduction.
Ad Signal works with major names including Sky, Clearcast and the Broadcasters Audience Research Board.
Tom Dunning, founder and CEO, Ad Signal, said: “This investment is a major milestone for Ad Signal and a strong endorsement of the vision we’ve built over the last few years.
“With Foresight’s support, we can supercharge the development of our technology and bring new products to market faster. Watch this space – we are about to set a new standard for how content could be understood with a sustainability-focused approach.”
Samir Rea, investment manager at Foresight Group, said: “We are delighted to partner with Tom and the whole team at Ad Signal on what we believe will be an exciting journey. The combination of a compelling commercial opportunity, whilst also lowering customers’ carbon requirements, hopefully makes this a promising investment for Foresight.”
Tom Toumazis, non-executive chair, Ad Signal, said: “What drew me to Ad Signal was the clarity of its mission and the industry-wide challenges it’s solving – ones I’ve faced first-hand throughout my career in media.
“From improving how content is monetised to reducing the cost and environmental impact of storage, the team is tackling issues that matter commercially and sustainably. I’m excited to support the business in its next phase of growth alongside Foresight Group.”
Construction gathers pace on multi-million pound Whitby scheme
Construction is well underway on a multi-million pound scheme in Whitby aiming to help drive forward the economy and boost job opportunities.
The Whitby Maritime Training Hub is looking to establish the North Yorkshire port as a key player in the maritime and offshore renewable energy sectors.
It is set to build on the town’s fishing and sailing heritage with a dedicated centre on Endeavour Wharf to provide a greater breadth of careers in the historic port.
Early technical groundwork has now been completed, and with construction gathering pace, leading figures behind the project have visited the site to witness the progress.
North Yorkshire Council leader Cllr Carl Les said: “The construction of the maritime training hub is all about driving new economic growth on the coast, providing a diverse and sustainable range of job opportunities to help ensure Whitby’s thriving future.
“This first-class training facility presents a wonderful opportunity to achieve that by creating and inspiring the next generation of skilled professionals and apprentices in a range of maritime industries.
“It was great to meet the key contractors responsible for the hub’s construction, and it was clear they share our passion in delivering a facility that will benefit the entire region.”
Cllr Les was joined on the visit by Cllr Neil Swannick, the member for the Whitby Streonshalh division, and Cllr Phil Trumper, who represents the Whitby West division.
They met with representatives from the Whitby Town Deal Board, developer Willmott Dixon and the authority’s property consultancy Align Property Partners.
Cllr Swannick said: “I’m very pleased with the progress of this development, and I am looking forward to the completion of this wonderful facility which I believe will benefit the whole community.”
Cllr Trumper added: “It was fantastic to meet all the stakeholders who are working so hard on the maritime training hub with construction now well underway.
“I’m sure the project will bring a number of new opportunities for the town and it’s great to see the progress that is being made.”
High street investment aims to reignite North Yorkshire’s town centres
Town centres across York and North Yorkshire are set for targeted regeneration after the first round of funding was awarded through the region’s £10 million Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund.
Launched earlier this year, the initiative aims to revitalise local high streets by supporting projects that boost foot traffic, strengthen community engagement, and enhance long-term economic resilience. The fund is being delivered over four years, with backing from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Eighteen projects have secured funding in this initial phase. In Selby, a network of charity shops will lead a reuse and recycling campaign aimed at increasing public engagement and reinforcing the town’s sustainability credentials. The campaign will include education drives, recycling initiatives, and events designed to promote the environmental and economic value of the sector.
York has received support for two projects: the University of York will lead a creative placemaking scheme to reframe the role of Walmgate as a modern high street destination. At the same time, Fabrication Crafts Ltd will explore new approaches to attracting and retaining foot traffic.
In a move to strengthen data-led decision-making, York BID and Harrogate BID have secured funding for a shared Data Intelligence Hub. Harrogate BID also received separate support to carry out a vacant shops audit, identifying opportunities for reuse and revitalisation in the town centre.
The region-wide platform Totally Locally will promote independent markets and businesses, while Tadcaster and Rural CIC will run a similar campaign tailored to local traders. Pickering Town CIC is launching an initiative to support economic growth through greater visibility for independent enterprises.
Scarborough is preparing a pilot campaign to refresh its town centre image and attract new visitors. Meanwhile, Circular Malton and Norton CIC will focus on improving the appeal of the Wheelgate area through local engagement and public realm improvements.
Event-led strategies also feature heavily. A community group in Kirbymoorside has received funding to deliver the Gateway to the Moors Music Festival in August, with the Thirsk and Sowerby Festival receiving similar support to increase visitor numbers and commercial activity in the area.
Applications for phase two of the fund are expected to open in the coming months, with businesses, local authorities, and community organisations encouraged to submit proposals that align with the fund’s goal of creating vibrant, sustainable high streets tailored to local needs.
Rail disruption expected as Lincolnshire crossings undergo upgrades
Businesses reliant on East Midlands Railway (EMR) services through Lincolnshire should prepare for travel disruption between Saturday 31 May and Sunday 8 June as Network Rail upgrades four level crossings in the region.
The nearly £1 million investment will affect crossings at Holton le Moor, Brigg, Butterswood, and Little London. To facilitate the works, rail services will be suspended between Cleethorpes and Barnetby, with replacement buses operating during this period.
Key service alterations include the termination of Leicester to Grimsby/Cleethorpes trains at Lincoln, with buses covering the remainder of the route. Additionally, no trains will run between Cleethorpes and Barton-upon-Humber; replacement buses will serve all intermediate stations.
The upgrades are part of a broader programme aimed at enhancing safety and improving long-term network reliability. Businesses and commuters are advised to check journey times and plan for delays during the affected dates.
Level Best expands operations to support national growth
Concrete flooring contractor Level Best is ramping up investment at its East Yorkshire headquarters to support growing demand from industrial and retail clients across the UK.
The business has completed a £1 million upgrade of its premises in Swinefleet Common, converting former agricultural buildings into expanded office and warehouse space. The development features the UK’s first installation of a joint-free concrete floor utilizing the firm’s latest product offering, designed for clients in food production and logistics who require hygienic, low-maintenance surfaces.
Founded in 2017, Level Best now services clients nationwide, with recent projects including flooring for the Siemens Gamesa blade factory and a primary international food production site in Hull, as well as new industrial units in Hull and Essex.
To meet the growing demand for cost-effective refurbishment over new build, the firm has also expanded its service capabilities with the purchase of a concrete crusher. This move supports clients seeking to enhance sustainability, minimise downtime, and avoid the higher costs associated with relocating to new premises, particularly in urban areas where land prices are high.
Level Best now employs over 60 staff across its head office and field teams, operating a fleet of specialist equipment including laser screeds, power floats, and floor grinding machines. The firm reported a turnover of £14.5 million in its last financial year.
