“With long-standing skill shortages often holding our sector back, we see T Levels as an opportunity to develop the manufacturers of tomorrow and ensure businesses have the talent they need to thrive.”
New initiative aims to highlight the benefits of T Level students
£9.8m Government funding boost for major Wakefield schemes
Wakefield Council’s Cabinet is set to accept £9.8m of Government funding to benefit key schemes across the district.
This investment is set to boost key local schemes chosen by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
This includes £4m for renovations to bring Wakefield’s Old Crown Court building back into use and £3.2m to create an ‘Academy of Live Technology’ at Production Park, bringing with it more jobs and employment opportunities for graduates.
Cllr Michael Graham, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said: “This additional funding is great news for Wakefield and will help us deliver several big-ticket projects, including bringing one of the City’s most recognisable buildings back into use.
“The Old Crown Court has stood empty for far too long, this funding will help us bring the building back to life and secure its future.
“And Production Park is a fantastic asset to our district, putting us on the map internationally. Some of the biggest names in entertainment have used the facilities on offer here. And by expanding the existing facilities we can attract even more business and investment to the area, as well as creating more jobs.”
The Old Crown Court is a listed heritage building. Bringing it back into use will complement other work taking place to transform Wakefield’s historic Civic Quarter.
The expansion of Production Park could also provide new opportunities for local freelance creative professionals to work within the Wakefield district.
Boxphish snaps up dark web threat intelligence platform
Boxphish, a Leeds-headquartered human risk management platform, has acquired Trillion, an advanced threat intelligence service which tracks credentials shared on the dark web.
The Trillion technology allows customers to gain visibility of leaked credentials associated with their organisation and take the appropriate measures to reduce risk. This deal expands Boxphish’s capabilities and reach in empowering organisations to manage human cyber risk.
The acquisition extends Boxphish’s existing suite of products which includes cyber security training courses, customisable phishing simulations and data analytics.
BGF, the growth capital investors, invested £3.25m in April so Boxphish could accelerate investment in product, people and partners. The business’s expansion will enable even more organisations to stay ahead of what continues to be a rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape.
Boxphish CEO Nick Deacon-Elliott said: “This is another major step in our journey. Adding dark web monitoring to our product suite allows us to further strengthen visibility around human risk for our customers.
“By proactively monitoring billions of account credentials passing through dark markets and criminal forums, we now have the capability to pinpoint risk and notify users to act appropriately.
“We’ve seen significant appetite for dark web monitoring alongside our cyber security awareness training platform so it’s brilliant that this is now something that we can bring to market.”
Stuart Jubb, CEO at Crossword, the previous owner of Trillion, said: “We’re pleased to have found a new home for the Trillion technology and customers in Boxphish. Trillion already has several shared customers, including Leeds United FC and New College Worcester so the service will be undisrupted and continuing to protect customers’ organisations.
“The deal also provides long-term security for customers having been acquired by a well-capitalised business with a strong track record in Boxphish.”
Environmental horticulture industry could be worth £51bn to the UK economy by 2030
The reports, published by the Environmental Horticulture Group and Oxford Economics, predict a 45% growth opportunity for the industry – with adequate government support.
Oxford Economics’ research found that the sector, including UK gardens, landscaping, and arboriculture, contributed £38 billion to GDP and supported 722,000 jobs in the past year.
Defra Minister Daniel Zeichner welcomed the launch of the reports at a parliamentary reception last week, attended by over 140 MPs, Peers and industry figures, including the NFU.
NFU horticulture and potatoes senior policy specialist Christine McDowell said: “We welcome this report, which very clearly sets out the significant opportunities for the sector and the NFU was pleased to have been a contributor.
“The economic, social and environmental benefits plants and trees can deliver for, across the political sphere. The government now has the business case to unlock the growth potential for many within of the horticultural sector.
“We look forward to working with government departments on the green growth many grower businesses have ambitions to achieve.”
The reports found that:
- Urban green spaces provided pollution reduction and cooling effects valued at £27.4 billion in 2021 while helping avoid £800.5 million in health-related costs.
- Urban vegetation helped the UK avoid £800.5 million in health-related costs.
- In 2023, public parks, gardens, and green spaces attracted £4.2 billion in tourism spending while also proving essential for public health.
- UK households spent around £13.2 billion on garden goods and £5.8 billion on professional gardening and landscaping services in 2023.
In particular, the contributions to biodiversity, air quality and urban resilience underscore the sector’s role in advancing the UK’s net zero goals.
The EHG also published its Mission Green Growth’, strategy that underscores the sector’s importance and calls for collaboration between government, industry, and communities to unlock its full potential.
Chair of the EHG Boyd Douglas-Davis said the sector was already a hugely positive economic and environmental contributor to the UK, but could be worth so much more with greater government support.
“The time is now if we are to make the most of the next decade of growth opportunities and work with government to create a greener, happier, more environmentally sustainable society and economy.”
Baroness Fookes, co-chair of the APPG Gardening and Horticulture Group and sponsor of the parliamentary reception said she hoped the high turnout of MPs “is a sign that there is, at long last, recognition of the vital role environmental horticulture plays not only in the wellbeing of so many individuals but also in preserving our environment and mitigating the worst aspects of climate change”.
Chamber announces finalists for Greater Lincolnshire Construction and Property Awards 2025
The Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce has named the finalists for the Greater Lincolnshire Construction and Property Awards 2025.
Simon Beardsley, Chief Executive of Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are always amazed by the outstanding quality of applications we receive each year. A huge thank you to all the businesses who participated and invested their time in the process.
“The judging panel faced a tough challenge this year, given the exceptional entries. Being named a finalist is a remarkable achievement, and we eagerly await the opportunity to celebrate their successes in February.”
Finalists for the 2025 awards are:
• Luke Wells
• Sophie Vanstone
• Kye Graham
• Alex Wilding
• Ben Martin Project Management Ltd
• APSS
• Stem Architects
• Architectural Imaging Solutions Ltd
• Lindum Group
• Rase Steels Construction & Civils Ltd
• Influence Landscape Planning and Design
• Belvin Construction Ltd
• Evans McDowall Architects Ltd
• Stirlin
• Starglaze
• Waldeck
• Origin Design Studio Ltd
• Old School Architects
• LACE Housing Association
• R G Carter Lincoln Ltd
• Longhurst Group
Councils get powers to tackle the scourge of empty shops with ‘right to rent’ scheme
High streets could be revitalised as the government hands councils new powers to tackle the scourge of empty shops.
From this week local authorities will be able to auction off leases for commercial properties that have been empty for long periods, helping bring business back to the high street and drive growth across the country.
High Street Rental Auctions will create a ‘right to rent’ for businesses and community groups, giving them access to city, town and village centre sites. The changes will stop disengaged landlords sitting on empty lots for more than 365 days in a 24-month period, before councils can auction a one-to-five year lease.
With growth a key mission for the government, it is committing over £1m in funding to support the auction process, which will create jobs for local people and boost trade by bringing local businesses back to the heart of our communities.
Local Growth Minister Alex Norris said: “High streets lie at the heart of communities the length and breadth of this country. But in many areas, they are not what they used to be.
“Small businesses need our support and that’s why we are creating a ‘right to rent’ so that high street lots that have been left empty for far too long can be brought back to life. We want shops and shoppers back on the high street – and that’s what these changes will help to bring.”
Firms advised to make sure Christmas parties aren’t too taxing
Businesses planning to treat staff to a festive party this Christmas are being warned not to end up with a tax hangover by overspending on the event.
Tax specialist Richard Whitelock from accountancy firm Azets says it is easy to fall foul of tax legislation regarding exemptions – and if a slip-up over expenditure means staff end up paying a share of the costs to the tax authorities as a ‘benefit in kind’, then companies will get a reputation for being Scrooge-like.
To be exempt from tax and National Insurance, parties or similar social functions – including online or virtual parties – must be open to all employees, annual in nature (such and cost £150 or less per person.
Richard said: “It has been a tough year in many respects so it is only natural that those businesses able to afford it will want to reward hard-working staff with an all-expenses-paid, morale-boosting celebration at Christmas.
“However, while there is usually no need to inform the tax authorities of such events, business leaders and directors need to tread carefully to avoid overspending and having to report the tax implications to HMRC.”
He confirms to work out the total cost of such events, businesses need to include not only the cost of the function itself, but any associated costs such as travel, taxis, or hotel accommodation. All costs must be inclusive of VAT, and £150 is a cost per head – so divide by the total number of attendees (not necessarily the number of employees).
He added it should be noted that the £150 was an exemption and not an allowance and that the whole cost would be subject to tax and NI if the figure was exceeded, even by just £1.
Government starts to bring all UK’s rail services into public ownership
Today the Government will start its three-year programme of bringing all of the UK’s passenger train services back under public control.
First to change will be South Western Railways, which will transfer into public ownership next year.
The transition to a publicly-owned railway will improve reliability, says the Government, and will support economic growth by encouraging more people to use the railway.
It’s also claimed that the change will also clamp down on levels of delays, cancellations and waste, and will save up to £150m a year.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “For too long, the British public has had to put up with rail services that simply don’t work. A complex system of private train operators has too often failed its users.
“Starting with journeys on South Western Railways, we’re switching tracks by bringing services back under public control to create a reliable rail network that puts customers first.”
New partnership to empower Leeds start-ups
Leeds-based start-up businesses will be empowered to boost their strategies to enter new markets, achieve growth, and build long-term sustainability, through a new partnership between Leeds Beckett University, the University of Leeds, L Marks and Leeds City Council.
The project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
The Leeds Go-to-Market Launchpad aims to support 30 start-ups based in Leeds by assisting them in refining their go-to-market strategies through strategic and tactical guidance to effectively target and engage corporate customers and partners.
It is free to take part – start-ups or anyone with a minimum viable product can apply for a place via the L Marks website before the closing date of Monday 9 December.
The programme consists of three elements:
1-Day Bootcamp at Nexus: On Tuesday 21 January, startups will participate in practical sessions, supported by innovation specialists L Marks. This bootcamp will focus on solution design and market entry strategies, addressing critical aspects such as identifying target customers, formulating engagement approaches, and demonstrating value.
8-Week Accelerator at The Knowledge Exchange: Selected startups will take part in an in-depth learn-by-doing course by the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Knowledge Exchange at Leeds Business School, Leeds Beckett University, between 30 January and 20 March. Led by Professor Lebene Soga, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Management Practice at Leeds Business School, the accelerator includes eight workshops and mentoring sessions from Leeds Beckett experts. It will build on the progress made in the bootcamp, equipping start-ups with the skills, knowledge, tools and frameworks needed to validate their products and grow the business through customer acquisition.
Corporate Engagement: L Marks will draw on its extensive corporate network to assist selected startups in corporate engagement, alongside the accelerator programme. This includes a roundtable with decision-makers from innovative organisations who will share strategic and tactical insights on collaborating with other businesses.
Professor Lebene Soga said: “We are delighted to be a partner in the Leeds Go-to-Market Launchpad where we will share our extensive expertise in supporting start-up businesses and SMEs to growth, increase productivity, and achieve long-term sustainability.
“Through our accelerator programme, we will ensure that start-ups effectively embed the knowledge gained during the bootcamp, and tailor this to their individual businesses.
“By welcoming start-ups into The Knowledge Exchange here at Leeds Beckett, we hope this will open the doors to the University for them, where they can access further business support programmes to help them innovate and thrive.”
Daniel Saunders, CEO of L Marks, said: “With Leeds quickly gaining recognition as one of the UK’s most dynamic cities for startups, we are delighted to partner with Leeds Beckett University, the University of Leeds, and Leeds City Council to create the Leeds Go-to-Market Launchpad.
“The city’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, coupled with a rich talent pool, has already positioned it as a leader in tech and digital sectors. This initiative will provide local businesses with hands-on support, solution guidance, and corporate connections to help refine their market strategies, scale effectively, and unlock new growth opportunities.
“At L Marks, we have seen first-hand how entrepreneurship and innovation drive economic growth. Through the Leeds Go-to-Market Launchpad, we will enhance the startups’ commercial readiness enabling job creation, attracting investment, and fostering a more resilient and diversified local economy – further strengthening Leeds’s position as a hub for innovation and business growth.”
Work gets underway on £18.9m sustainable, affordable housing development
Work is underway on an £18.9 million zero-gas affordable housing development at Newstead in South East Sheffield.
Esh Construction is delivering 77 new homes with enhanced sustainability credentials on behalf of Sheffield City Council.
Designed by Peak Architects, the development will feature 36 one and two-bedroom apartments with communal gardens and balconies, alongside 41 two, three and four-bedroom properties with off street parking and gardens.
All homes will be fitted with air source heat pumps instead of traditional gas boilers, as well as enhanced insulation and electric vehicle (EV) chargers.
Esh’s Operations Director, Simon Woodward, said: “This project underscores our commitment to delivering more sustainable and future-proofed housing that meets the needs of the community and supports the transition to greener living.
“Marking the first affordable homes Esh will deliver for Sheffield City Council, we are proud to be supporting the council’s goal to develop energy efficient housing stock that will reduce the environmental impact and ensure long-term affordability for residents. We look forward to showcasing progress over the coming months.”
Sheffield City Council has been awarded £1.3 million of funding from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund towards the Newstead development.
Cllr Douglas Johnson, Sheffield City Council’s Chair of the Housing Policy Committee, said: “Sheffield City Council is delighted to be pushing ahead with expanding our council housing offering for current and prospective tenants.
“Our plans remain to build or acquire more than 1,000 council homes in the next five years – and partners such as Esh are instrumental in helping us achieve this. Our aim, as always, remains to provide more choice of good quality, environmentally friendly and affordable homes for residents.
“The Council continues to face an unprecedented demand for affordable and social housing in the city, and projects such as Newstead being completed will help to meet some of that demand.”
Through its Constructing Local strategy, while on site Esh will deliver a range of employability sessions to local schools and colleges, while investing in a local workforce and apprenticeship opportunities.
The scheme is expected to complete in Summer 2026.
