Civil engineering company Graham is working on the next phase of infrastructure for Lincoln’s eastern access into the Western Growth Corridor development.
This milestone moves the ambitious project closer to delivering new infrastructure, housing, and economic growth opportunities for the city. The works include the design and construction of a new bridge over the railway, which will provide access to the site for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. The bridge will enhance connectivity and safety between the site and surrounding communities.
The Western Growth Corridor project is one of the largest and most transformative developments in Lincoln’s recent history. With the potential to deliver up to 3,200 new homes as part of a Sustainable Urban Extension, it will play a key role in addressing the city’s housing needs and driving its long-term growth.
GRAHAM’s extensive experience in delivering complex civil engineering projects, particularly in the rail sector, made them an ideal partner for this project.
Construction works for the new bridge is now underway, with the project set for completion by spring 2026, supported by a successful £20 million bid from government funding. This new infrastructure will establish a major access route into the site from Tritton Road, unlocking future phases of the development and enabling the delivery of new homes.
Alastair Lewis, GRAHAM Contracts Director, said: “The new bridge and associated works will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the development of the surrounding area, enhancing connectivity while driving economic growth.
“With works of the ground we’re looking forward to playing our part in this project and working collaboratively with the client and key stakeholders.”
Cllr Joshua Wells, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council, said: “Western Growth Corridor is a key priority for our council, and the next phase of the development will be a crucial step toward achieving our future vision for the city.
“This phase of development will fulfil our urban extension plans to improve our city’s sustainability and long-term growth for years to come. With plans to deliver thousands of new homes, Western Growth Corridor will play a transformative role in addressing Lincoln’s housing needs and driving economic prosperity for our local communities.”
Barnett Waddingham takes first floor at City Square House
Barnett Waddingham has relocated to new landmark offices in Leeds to reinforced its strategic growth ambitions in northern England.
The professional services consultancy, which has had premises in Leeds since 1989, has moved 180-plus employees from Pinnacle in Albion Street to City Square House, where it’s taken the entire first floor.
Andrew Vaughan, Senior Partner, Barnett Waddingham, said: “Taking a long-term commitment on this exciting new workspace marks a pivotal milestone in BW’s growth journey. BW is firmly embedded in the business community, and we are hugely excited to start the next chapter in this vibrant new space.
“BW is committed to investing in its people, and with a formidable team from across the breadth of our offering, we are now intent on increasing our profile in Leeds and the north of England, as we further our ambitious growth strategy.”
BW intends to use its new Leeds HQ to strengthen its footprint across its offering of services including risk, insurance, investment, employee benefits as well as Self-Invested Pensions and Small Self-Administered Schemes.
University aims to be Number One for business startups
The University of Bradford has been rated outstanding for its commercialisation and business start-up activities in the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework results from Research England.
Results rate the university highly for continuous professional development, business start-ups, intellectual property and commercialisation, generating excellent research across all disciplines.
The ratings, published earlier this month, reflect the university’s investment in a new ‘enterprise ecosystem’ that encourages staff, students and members of the public to pitch business ideas.
Professor Sherif El-Khamisy, pictured, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation said: “The latest KEF results show the University of Bradford excels in ‘knowledge transfer’, taking cutting-edge academic knowledge and applying it to real-world situations, often helping companies innovate or improve products.
“We have a track record of working with businesses to help them improve their processes and also for commercialising intellectual property.
“We have also invested heavily in our enterprise ecosystem, where we actively encourage staff, students and members of the public to submit business ideas. We then use our expertise to help them take those ideas from concept to market. We aim to become the UK’s number one destination for business start-ups.”
Flint Bishop bolsters Litigation practice with strategic partner hire
Law firm Flint Bishop has welcomed a highly regarded and seasoned partner to its Litigation practice, marking a significant and strategic addition to the firm’s growing national footprint in the commercial litigation arena.
Sarah Burton, who brings over 20 years of extensive experience in commercial litigation—including a proven track record of managing complex, high-value cases—joins Flint Bishop from the national law firm Knights.
Throughout her distinguished career, she has developed a deep expertise in commercial litigation, with a particular emphasis on resolving property-related disputes.
Burton also possesses a wealth of international experience, having spent 12 years offshore handling cross-border cases involving partnership disputes, shareholder disagreements, and professional negligence claims.
Notable cases include representing a client from the UAE in a US$45 million breach of contract claim, managing multi-party litigation involving 54 shareholders in a share sale dispute, and representing a client in High Court proceedings for €3.5 million related to a contract for goods purchased from Hungary.
Qamer Ghafoor, Chief Executive at Flint Bishop, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sarah to the Commercial Litigation team. Her vast experience in both UK and offshore markets, coupled with her leadership in significant cases, will be a tremendous asset as we continue to expand our services. Sarah’s addition to the team further enhances Flint Bishop’s ability to provide top-tier legal expertise and supports the firm’s ongoing growth in the commercial litigation arena.
“This significant appointment follows a series of recent senior hires as the firm continues its commitment to delivering outstanding results for our clients and fits perfectly with our mission of providing high-quality legal support across all sectors.”
The appointment follows Flint Bishop’s recent acquisition of the Banking Litigation and Recoveries division from Walker Morris, as well as the opening of the firm’s new offices in Leeds earlier this month.
Global manufacturer expands into new Wakefield headquarters
A Yorkshire company that has become a world leader in manufacturing and supplying technology to control flying insects has expanded into a modern new headquarters and warehouse building at Symphony House, located on Wakefield 41 Industrial Estate.
PestWest has agreed a 10-year lease on a modern 20,440 sq ft detached building, within a mile of Junction 41 of the M1 motorway. The landlord, The District Estates Limited was represented by Daniel Walker at Leeds property consultancy, GV&Co. The tenant, PestWest was advised by Rob Oliver at Avison Young.
Since it was established in the 1980s, PestWest has become a global leader in developing innovative electric fly control systems and insect light traps that combine the latest science with pioneering technology. Many of the company’s products are manufactured in the company’s state-of-the-art production facilities in Wakefield and also in Perth, Australia.
Daniel Walker, from GV&Co, said: “High specification, modern and detached industrial units of around 20,000 sq ft and in close proximity to the M1 are highly sought after at the moment and we generated a significant amount of interest in this property. PestWest is a successful and longstanding local business, as well as being a market leader in its field, which makes this a superb result for our client.”
Rupert Broome, managing director of PestWest, said: “This expansion will enable us to increase production of several of our most popular products including our world-leading LED range of fly traps based on our exclusive Quantum X technology and it provides our team with the perfect base as we embark on our next phase of growth. This makes it a very exciting time for PestWest.”
Rob Oliver from Avison Young added: “We were delighted to be appointed by PestWest to help with this relocation project, having acted for them on a previous acquisition. Given the current supply / demand imbalance across the market, identifying and then securing good quality premises can be a challenge.
“We were therefore pleased to agree terms on this refurbished unit, located on the prime Wakefield 41 Industrial Estate, which should hopefully provide the client with warehousing space for many years to come.”
Stafforce Ports division appoints Danny Marshall as Operations Manager
South Yorkshire-based recruitment agency, Stafforce has appointed Danny Marshall as Operations Manager for its specialist Ports division.
Operating from 9 hubs around the UK, Stafforce Ports is a subdivision of the Nicholas Associates Group of companies.
In his new role, Danny will be responsible for driving operational excellence across the division, supporting Operations Managers nationwide, and contributing to the growth and success of the Stafforce Ports brand.
Danny brings extensive experience in operations management and his role will be critical in ensuring that Stafforce Ports continues to deliver outstanding service to its clients while expanding its presence and capabilities in key locations across the UK.
His responsibilities will include supporting new site launches, troubleshooting operational challenges, and implementing best practices to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
Tim Platt, Brand Director for Stafforce Ports, commented on the appointment: “We are excited to welcome Danny to the Stafforce Ports team. His appointment aligns with our vision of becoming the largest supplier of port labour in the UK.
“With our current operations in 8 of the Freeports, Danny’s expertise will be invaluable as we continue to expand and strengthen our footprint across the country. We are confident that his focus on operational excellence and growth will help us achieve our ambitious goals.”
Danny Marshall shared his enthusiasm for his new role: “I am thrilled to join Stafforce Ports and contribute to the division’s continued success. The opportunity to support our Operations Managers and drive operational excellence nationwide is something I am passionate about.
“I look forward to working closely with the team to ensure we meet our objectives and deliver exceptional results for our clients and candidates.”
Leeds entrepreneur reveals homeless struggle as she backs CEO Sleepout
A Yorkshire businesswoman has revealed she was once homeless amid warnings from a charity that a rising number of people in the region are also “on the brink.”
Despite being raised in a “loving, safe household,” Martina Woodworth’s world was shattered following her dad’s sudden death when she was just 13.
Having found herself living in poverty, she eventually became homeless and admits: “The fear and hopelessness I felt during that time was crippling.”
She’s spoken about her personal homelessness experience to help launch one of Yorkshire’s biggest annual charity fundraisers.
The Leeds CEO Sleepout takes place at Elland Road on October 17 and is expected to raise tens of thousands of pounds for causes across Yorkshire to deal with the region’s worsening homeless crisis.
Thankfully for Martina, her story has a happy ending.
After obtaining a university degree, she forged a successful teaching career and developed award-winning education programs used throughout the world.
Now a leading educational consultant, she’s supporting the Leeds CEO Sleepout to “give back,” having been helped when she was at her lowest point.
“I grew up in a normal, loving safe home but my dad’s death when I was just 13 changed everything,” said Martina, from Halifax.
“I found myself living in poverty and my mum turned to alcohol to cope but we had almost no money to eat, keep the heating on, or wash our clothes.”
Due to a “perfect storm,” the family lost their business and eventually their home, resulting in Martina being split from her siblings.
Having still done well at school, she still managed to secure a university place but after a spot of sofa surfing, soon found herself once again living on the streets.
“I remember at one point sharing a tin of baked beans with a neighbour as that’s all there was to eat, But it was support from people like that which allowed me to get back on my feet,” recalled Martina, who eventually found stability after securing a council flat.
“Things were tough but when I got my degree, I realised that I could overcome anything.”
However, the charity behind the upcoming sleepout has warned that throughout Yorkshire, even degree-educated professionals in once-secure careers are increasingly finding themselves on the brink of homelessness.
The cost-of-living crisis has left many “perilously close” to the streets, says CEO Sleepout’s Bianca Robinson, who recently launched a campaign called ‘Nobody’s Safe’.
It aims to raise awareness of just how devastating the current climate is, with the likes of teachers and NHS workers increasingly turning to foodbanks to eat – and many being “on the brink” of losing the roof over their head.
“It was once taken for granted that having a career would mean there was always food in the fridge and a roof over your head, but for too many professionals across Yorkshire, that’s sadly no longer a given,” said Bianca, the charity’s CEO.
“People’s security has been shattered, and in the UK there are now over 300,000 people classed as homeless.
“That’s enough to fill Elland Road almost eight times over, and the scariest aspect is that the problem is only getting worse and unfortunately, it is often up to the third sector to pick up the pieces.
“The Leeds CEO Sleepout raises thousands for multiple local causes that are making a real difference daily across Yorkshire, and in just one night, you can help change people’s lives.”
One participant is Susan Allen, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Building Society, who will be one of dozens grabbing a bag and braving the October chill.
She will be raising funds for FareShare, the UK’s biggest charity working to redistribute surplus food from the food industry – that would otherwise go to waste – to over 8,000 local charities across the UK.
“At Yorkshire Building Society, a core part of our purpose is helping people improve their financial wellbeing and find a place to call home. That’s why we’ve partnered with FareShare to support them in their mission to tackle the problem of food waste for social good, and to help lift people out of financial hardship and into the world of work,” she said.
“This October I’ll be joining colleagues from Yorkshire Building Society’s senior leadership team and other business leaders to take part in the CEO Sleepout in Leeds. In aid of FareShare, we’ll be spending a night outdoors and gaining a small insight into the challenges facing local people in the grip of financial hardship.
“CEO Sleepout is a fantastic opportunity for business leaders to come together at events across the UK to raise money for charities that support people affected by homelessness and help to lift people out of poverty.”
For more information on the Leeds CEO Sleepout event, click here.
Amey lighting the way for inmates to help create sustainable prison estates
Amey, a provider of facilities management (FM) services to the public sector, has delivered an innovative Net Zero initiative at HMP Leeds, advancing both sustainability goals and prisoner rehabilitation.
The project involved the installation of energy-efficient 31-Watt LED fittings across 430 cells, replacing outdated 60-Watt dual T8 fittings. The LED lights were manufactured by prisoners at HMP Garth, who gained valuable skills and training through the production process.
This initiative supports the UK Government’s ambition to equip ex-offenders with employable skills, ensuring they are job-ready upon release. Research shows that ex-prisoners in stable employment are 9% less likely to reoffend, helping to address the £18 billion annual cost of reoffending to the UK economy.
Since 2021, Amey has delivered 16 similar LED programmes across the HMPPS prison estate under its Hard FM contract with the Ministry of Justice (MOJ). The success of the HMP Leeds project reflects close collaboration between Amey, the MOJ, prison staff, and the electricians involved.
Alongside its social benefits, the project has achieved significant sustainable outcomes, including annual savings of 45 TCo2, £89,000, and 223,500 kWh, while reducing maintenance costs due to the durable design of the new gear trays.
Pete Mathieson, Business Director for Amey, said: “This project demonstrates how sustainable initiatives can drive prisoner rehabilitation. By providing inmates with practical skills and work experience, we are helping them build confidence and increasing their chances of successful reintegration into society.
“Amey is proud to contribute to this vital process of rehabilitation through meaningful work opportunities.”
This initiative builds on Amey’s CRED programme and its collaboration with the Duke of Edinburgh’s charity, aimed at enhancing employment prospects for young offenders, post-release.
Extended Christmas fair promises boost in footfall for Harrogate businesses
A Christmas fayre will once again be staged in Harrogate across three weekends following a successful trial last year that led to a boost for businesses and attracted visitors from across the country.
The event will return from Friday 29 November, and will run until Sunday 15 December.
The fayre was extended last year to run for 17 days – a week longer than the previous two years in response to calls from town centre businesses who reported increased footfall during the event’s run.
Managers at leading hotels in Harrogate say the Christmas fayre provides a significant annual boost in trade. Figures from STR, which is a global leader in hospitality data and analysis, has shown that hotel occupancy rates in Harrogate for December last year was 72.3 per cent, up from 59 per cent in 2021 and 69.9 per cent for 2022, although rates had been affected in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Crown Hotel general manager Dan Siddle said: “Since the launch of the fayre we have seen a significant increase in occupancy. The fayre provides a great reason for people to visit during the festive period and extend their stay to experience what the rest of the area has to offer.”
The Harrogate Business Improvement District has supported the Christmas fayre since it was first staged in 2021. Manager, Mathew Chapman said: “The Harrogate Christmas Fayre has been a great addition to our town centre activities.
“The fayre gives people a reason to choose Harrogate as their Christmas shopping destination, bringing footfall into the town and benefitting the local retailers, restaurants, bars and cafes during the festive season.
Council leader Carl Les said: “The Harrogate Christmas Fayre is a popular event in the North Yorkshire calendar, so we are delighted that it is returning for 2024.
“Events such as these make a significant impact for the tourism industry at a crucial time in the business calendar. They bring footfall into town centres as well as attracting visitors from outside of the area to plan their festive break here in North Yorkshire.”
This year’s event will also run across the 17 days which has been welcomed by accommodation providers.
BCC calls for reassurance that apprenticeship levy won’t put further cost burden on business
Proposed Changs to England’s apprenticeship system have been welcomed by the British Chambers of Commerce – but with a rider that they mustn’t increase business costs.
Alex Veitch, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said of a new announcement: “The proposed new Growth and Skills Levy was a key part of the Government’s plans at the election. It’s welcome ministers have acted early to give more details about skills reform.
“We’ve long argued that the current Apprenticeship Levy needs urgent reform to make it more flexible. Businesses need a simple, coherent and responsive system that properly incentivises employer investment in training.
“To drive sustained economic growth, companies need a levy that funds training at all ages and skill levels. Any imbalance in the system will impact business investment.
“Higher level apprenticeships provide a non-academic pathway to progression for many people. We’ll be working with Government to make sure businesses have clarity on how Level 7 qualifications will be funded in the future.
“In the months ahead we’ll also be seeking reassurance that these planned reforms won’t place increased costs on businesses, who are still facing a challenging economic landscape.”
