Mitsubishi commits to £250m development at Saltend
Mitsubishi Chemical Group UK has committed to invest £250m in a new production line at Saltend Chemicals Park, within one of the three Humber Freeport tax sites.
Preparatory works are paving the way for a new production line, doubling the company’s capacity at the site east of Hull.
The investment in a second production line will create dozens of new jobs while also safeguarding the existing 130 roles at the Mitsubishi Chemical Group facility on site. The new production line is expected to become operational in 2026.
Saltend Chemical Park’s status as part of Humber Freeport’s Hull East tax site has been a key factor in securing the investment, with plans for Mitsubishi Chemical Group to extend its lease with the chemical park’s owner and operator, px Group, until 2060.
Businesses investing within the Humber Freeport tax sites benefit from a series of advantages, ranging from business rate and stamp duty land tax relief, to National Insurance support designed to reduce employment costs.
The new production line will help to meet growing demand for SoarnoL, the brand name for a grade of Ethylene Vinyl Co-Polymer (EVOH) which is primarily used in food packaging to extend product shelf life.
Since opening in 2002, Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s Saltend facility has seen a significant increase in demand for SoarnoL, which has been driven by food manufacturers seeking packaging that can be recycled and has a lower environmental impact.
The innovative product preserves flavour and freshness through use in items such as the protective film on ready meals, squeezy sauce bottles, baby food packaging, meat packaging and much more.
The investment will further strengthen trade links between the Humber and the rest of the world, with 95 per cent of production from the Mitsubishi Chemical Group facility at Saltend exported.
Humber Freeport Chair Simon Bird said: “We are delighted that Mitsubishi Chemical Group has chosen to make this very significant new investment at Saltend on a site benefiting from being within the Humber Freeport footprint.
“The substantial advantages offered by freeport status were an important factor in securing this new inward investment.
“It supports Humber Freeport’s mission to attract significant investment and create new, highly-skilled jobs and aligns with two of our key areas of focus – advanced manufacturing and decarbonisation.
“The Humber is the UK’s global gateway, offering easy access to Europe and beyond. The region also has the space to grow, the people, the skills and the world-class companies already here to support investors – all of which make the Humber the perfect place to do business.
“Those advantages are substantially enhanced by freeport status, making the region an even more attractive location for large-scale investments delivering very significant and long-lasting economic benefits.”
Peter des Forges, MD of Mitsubishi Chemical Group UK, said: “Once the new line is operational, the majority of the increased production will service the needs of our customers in more than 40 countries who continue to explore ways they can reduce waste and meet environmental targets.”
New Darley Street Market building officially handed over
The new state-of-the-art Darley Street Market building has been officially handed over to Bradford Council after contractor Kier completed the build phase, paving the way for the fit-out stage to commence.
Set in a 4,000 m2 prime city centre location, Darley Street Market will feature three bustling trading floors that will welcome independent traders as well as creating a cultural space for live music, arts and entertainment.
The top floor is to be a food and drinks hall with bar area, a stage and large screens for events, as well as a terrace balcony overlooking the 1,000 m2 open air market square.
The middle floor will have fresh food stalls including butchers, bakers, fishmongers, greengrocers and delicatessens.
The ground floor is where the non-food stalls will be located, and there will also be cafes which open out on to the market square, which features a big screen and can hold around 500 people for events and concerts. The square also has a series of interlocking umbrellas, which can be used to create an undercover area for pop-up market stalls and events.
Below the market square is a large underground area for trader deliveries, additional storage and waste handling and recycling.
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “I’d like to thank partners Kier Construction for their work on the construction of this new state-of-the-art market building, which will be enjoyed by people from across the district and beyond. We’re looking forward to progressing through the next stage of the project, which is working with traders on the fit out of their stalls.”
Dan Doherty, regional director of Kier Construction North & Scotland, said: “This is a stand-out development for Bradford city centre and brings urban sustainability and community development together in one building.
“I am incredibly proud of the work our teams have done to finish this fantastic building as well as the positive legacy we’ll leave behind as a result of our work within the local community. I look forward to seeing the market and local area flourish once it is completed. Thank you to everyone involved.”
Sheffield startup transforms nightclub into lab space
Unicorn Biotechnologies, a Sheffield startup, has moved its team of scientists and engineers from Sheffield Technology Parks to a newly refurbished city-centre space in a former nightclub.
Co-founded by Adam Glen and Jack Reid, Unicorn Bio is developing groundbreaking technology designed to automate cell culture and free up scientists’ time for valuable analysis and experimentation.
The startup began life in Adam’s attic after the founding duo met on an entrepreneur programme, hosted virtually during the pandemic. On realising the full potential of their ideas, Unicorn Bio moved into office space at Sheffield Technology Parks (STP) in 2021, which they soon transformed into a bespoke lab space.
With a dual focus on developing cell lines used in meat production, medicine, and numerous other applications, as well as innovating the unique technology to augment this cell culture, Unicorn Bio’s team grew to ten and they began looking for new premises early in 2024.
When considering the former nightclub located on Shoreham Street, Adam and Jack quickly saw an opportunity. The unique venue had existing features well-suited to their needs, such as high-quality air conditioning.
Crucially, the building offers ample space to innovate across both the scientific and engineering sides of the business, maintaining efficiency by keeping processes in-house. In the new spacious labs Unicorn’s scientists can undertake cell culture, experimentation and analysis whilst the dedicated workshop is a hub of engineering, housing 3D printers, tools and prototypes.
Reflecting on the suitability of the new premises, Adam said: “There’s no reason not to create a lab space here. People tend to stay in their lane in the UK, but who says we can’t turn a bar into a biotech lab? Companies like Hewlett Packard and Apple started in garages. This is a fantastic space that meets our needs, why wouldn’t we move here?”
This attitude underpins the company’s success to date, having secured significant investment as well as five allocations of grant funding from Innovate UK, which has supported collaborations with partners in Canada, Oxford, and Cambridge. Adam said: “We are a small and independent startup and the advantage this gives us is speed and agility.
“We began in an attic with a lizard incubator and pond cleaning gloves. In three years, we’ve moved from there to the Tech Parks – where we built a lab with support from Tom and his team, because it was quicker and more cost effective than using offsite labspace – and now, we’re in our new home.
“I want more people to start biotech businesses here in Sheffield and I hope our example shows that it can be done. There are many talented individuals in this city, and if I can do it, so can they.”
Tom Wolfenden, Sheffield Technology Parks CEO, added: “Jack and Adam’s entrepreneurial approach is really impressive; they take risks, aren’t afraid of doing things differently and see opportunities where others may not.
“Unicorn leaves a lasting legacy at Sheffield Technology Parks, we worked closely with the team to create our first bespoke lab space and we’ll soon complete our fifth. It’s encouraging that no sooner had Unicorn moved out, another two lab users moved in. We have an exciting science economy emerging in Sheffield and Unicorn are real trailblazers within it.”
Grant paves way for Goldthorpe company’s expansion
A Barnsley haulage and logistics company is moving ahead with ambitious expansion plans thanks to the support of a grant from the Goldthorpe Towns Fund.
Mallinson Properties for KMS Transport has secured the £1.2 million investment from the Goldthorpe Towns Commercial Investment Fund (GTCIF).
The GTCIF is part of a programme of projects funded by the government as part of a £23.1 million investment in Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe and Bolton upon Dearne.
The Goldthorpe Town Deal Board is overseeing the distribution of the Towns Fund investment.
Its aims include supporting businesses in the Dearne to create more well-paid jobs and attract new investment.
Mallinson Properties is using the grant contribution to build two extensions to its existing premises.
The project will increase the company’s pallet storage capacity and create new job opportunities. It will also create social value by supporting local supply chains and environmental sustainability.
Stephen Mallinson, managing director of Mallinson Properties, said: “We are delighted with this grant from the Goldthorpe Towns Commercial Investment Fund. It is enabling us to expand our business and meet the growing demand for our products and services.
“This project will not only benefit our company, but also the local economy and community.
“We are proud to be part of the Dearne Valley area and eager to enhance its potential and ambition.”
Matthew Stephens, chair of the Goldthorpe Town Deal Board, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to support Mallinson Properties on this project.
“We are focused on supporting the local economy and social value, so I am also pleased that they are using the local supply chain to deliver the project.
“I hope this is a catalyst for their business and facilitates the growth we need.”
Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “We are pleased that Enterprising Barnsley, the council’s award-winning business support team, has been able to support Mallinson Properties to secure this funding.
“They are a long-standing Barnsley company, and this expansion shows their ambition to continue growing their business.
“We want to help businesses and developers overcome viability gaps to support the delivery of new projects. This will ultimately lead to the creation of new and additional employment opportunities.
“I’m sure this project will encourage interest from others in similar schemes should they become available in the future.
“We remain committed to helping Barnsley’s economy grow. This will provide new opportunities for residents and may also raise interest outside the area in living and working in Barnsley, the place of possibilities.”
Drax rail day boosts Hospice funds by £30,000
A rail charter event to mark the 50th anniversary of Drax Power Station in Selby has raised more than £30,000 for Martin House, a charity that provides hospice care for children and young people with life-limiting illnesses across West, North and East Yorkshire.
Three train services for passengers ran around the Drax Power Station Loop, a route normally restricted to freight trains moving biomass fuel.
Passengers were given the opportunity to ride onboard the special service, with each train using a different route around the power station and all profits from the event donated to Martin House Children’s Hospice.
Mark Gibbens, Head of Logistics at Drax said: “We are proud to partner with all of the main freight operators and the Branch Line Society for this historic charter rail event, to mark the Golden Anniversary of Drax Power Station.
“The weekend’s tours raised much needed funds for Martin House Children’s Hospice, a charity that is close to our hearts at Drax. Every year Martin House cares for more than 440 children and their families, as well as around 150 bereaved families, and events such as this allow them to continue their vital work in local communities.”
Michelle Ford, Regional Fundraising Team Manager at Martin House Children’s Hospice said: “We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support f these organisations, which helps us to make a difference to the lives of so many children, young people and their families when they need us most. A huge thank you to everyone who has made this brilliant event possible, it means so much to all of us.”
The rail day was made possible through collaboration involving DB Cargo, GB Railfreight, Freightliner Heavy Haul, and the Branch Line Society.
Seafood industry’s challenges come into focus in new report
Challenges for the seafood industry brought on by a changing climate are the subject of a new report published by industry bodies and academia.
The report, titled ‘Climate change risk adaptation in UK seafood: Understanding and responding to a changing climate in the wild capture seafood industry’, has been produced by Dr Angus Garrett (Seafish), Prof. John Pinnegar (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, CEFAS), Dr Tara Marshall and Dr Julia Wouters (Aberdeen University).
The report is a refresh of work first published 10 years ago, which introduced expected climate change impacts on the supply of wild capture seafood to the UK.
Since then, says the report, although the main physical climate change impacts remain, there are new potential impacts to consider. These include policy changes which make climate change responsibilities a more important consideration for the industry; evolving market attitudes with consequences for seafood – particularly around responsible sourcing; illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing exacerbated by changes in climate and geopolitics.
Dr Garrett said: “With a warming world there are changes afoot in fisheries with impacts right along seafood supply chains. The extent of future warming remains an open question, but being prepared for potential changes is within our grasp. This report hopefully contributes to that preparation.”
Prof. John Pinnegar from Defra’s marine science agency Cefas said: “In the last few years as a result of the COVID pandemic we have learnt a lot about resilience, or rather lack of it, in the UK wild-capture seafood supply chain. These insights have proved invaluable when trying to map-out possible sensitivities to climate change in the future.”
Chemical producer to make £250m investment at key industrial cluster
Humber Freeport has helped to attract another major inward investment by playing a key role in securing a £250m development by a world-class business.
Mitsubishi Chemical Group UK Ltd, part of one of the world’s largest chemical producers, has committed to invest in a new production line at Saltend Chemicals Park, which is located within one of the three Humber Freeport tax sites.
Preparatory works have begun to make way for construction of the new production line, which will double Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s capacity at the site, east of Hull.
The investment in a second production line will create dozens of new jobs while also safeguarding the existing 130 roles at the Mitsubishi Chemical Group facility on site. The new production line is expected to become operational in 2026.
It underlines Saltend Chemicals Park’s status as one of the UK’s leading industrial clusters, with a series of recent and current investments adding to well-established operations.
Saltend Chemical Park’s status as part of Humber Freeport’s Hull East tax site has been a key factor in securing the investment, with plans for Mitsubishi Chemical Group to extend its lease with the chemical park’s owner and operator, px Group, until 2060.
Businesses investing within the Humber Freeport tax sites benefit from a series of advantages, ranging from business rate and stamp duty land tax relief, to National Insurance support designed to reduce employment costs.
Humber Freeport Chair Simon Bird said: “We are delighted that Mitsubishi Chemical Group has chosen to make this very significant new investment at Saltend on a site benefiting from being within the Humber Freeport footprint.
“The substantial advantages offered by freeport status were an important factor in securing this new inward investment.
“It supports Humber Freeport’s mission to attract significant investment and create new, highly-skilled jobs and aligns with two of our key areas of focus – advanced manufacturing and decarbonisation.
“The Humber is the UK’s global gateway, offering easy access to Europe and beyond. The region also has the space to grow, the people, the skills and the world-class companies already here to support investors – all of which make the Humber the perfect place to do business.
“Those advantages are substantially enhanced by freeport status, making the region an even more attractive location for large-scale investments delivering very significant and long-lasting economic benefits.”
The new production line will help to meet growing demand for SoarnoL, the brand name for a grade of Ethylene Vinyl Co-Polymer (EVOH) which is primarily used in food packaging to extend product shelf life.
Since opening in 2002, Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s Saltend facility has seen a significant increase in demand for SoarnoL, which has been driven by food manufacturers seeking packaging that can be recycled and has a lower environmental impact.
The investment will further strengthen trade links between the Humber and the rest of the world, with 95 per cent of production from the Mitsubishi Chemical Group facility at Saltend exported.
Peter des Forges, Managing Director, Mitsubishi Chemical Group UK, said: “Once the new line is operational, the majority of the increased production will service the needs of our customers in more than 40 countries who continue to explore ways they can reduce waste and meet environmental targets.”
The £250m Mitsubishi Chemical Group development adds to £1bn of investment which had already been committed to Humber Freeport tax sites.
Investments which have already been announced within the Hull East tax site include Pensana’s rare earth processing facility and Meld Energy’s proposed green hydrogen plant, both also located at Saltend Chemicals Park.
Elsewhere, Finnish manufacturer Metsä Tissue has selected part of Humber Freeport’s Goole tax site to develop the UK’s largest paper tissue mill. The development will create more than 400 jobs once operational, with thousands of indirect jobs in the supply chain and local economy.
Development will create arts and cultural development in former bank building
S1 Artspace and Sheffield Hallam University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding solidifying a new partnership as S1 move to their new home in Fitzalan Square in Sheffield city centre.
This agreement builds on a 30-year history of collaboration, reinforcing their joint commitment to supporting artists studying in the city and fostering local talent.
S1 Artspace has bought the former Yorkshire Bank Chambers in Sheffield’s Fitzalan Square as its permanent new home. The Grade II listed building will undergo a complete restoration and expansion to become an ambitious new arts and cultural venue for the city. This significant milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for S1 and Sheffield’s cultural landscape.
The renovated site will feature spacious public galleries across two floors, showcasing an ambitious programme of new works by local, national, and international artists across the artistic spectrum. Additionally, it will include artist studios, a community and events space, a research centre, a shop profiling local artists and makers, and an independent bar.
Louise Hutchinson, Project Director at S1 Artspace, said:“This is a monumental step for S1, particularly after the plans at Park Hill were derailed following the financial impact of the pandemic, resulting in the temporary closure of S1’s premises last autumn. Like many cultural venues in Sheffield, S1 has faced significant challenges operating within the commercial rental market. Securing our own premises is a remarkable achievement that allows us to move forward and establish a space that places artistic practice firmly at its core.”
Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “This project, along with Harmony Works, will restore two prominent heritage buildings in the Castlegate area of the city, both of which have stood empty for too long. Thanks to central government funding, these buildings have now been secured for future generations and put culture firmly at the heart of Sheffield’s city centre transformation.”
The historic building, at the corner of Commercial Street and Haymarket overlooking Fitzalan Square, was built in 1871, served as the Sheffield Stock Exchange from 1911 for over fifty years, and became a branch of the Yorkshire Bank in 1967. It closed in 2014, and the building has stood vacant since 2017.
Chambers seek feedback about firms’ access to finance in South Yorkshire
Businesses across South Yorkshire are being asked to share their experiences of getting financial support, via a new poll conducted by the three regional Chambers of Commerce.
Open from now until Monday 16th September, the Access to Finance Survey will be used to gauge how the strength of demand for loans and investment within the private sector, and what more can be done to ensure the needs of indigenous firms are being met in these areas.
The survey asks respondents if they have actively sought business finance in the past few years and, if so, how confident they felt sifting through the various options available to them. They will be given an opportunity to identify their top considerations when looking for support, and to say if their plans have ever been disrupted as a result of them being unable to find what they needed.
Encouraging firms to fill in the Access to Finance Survey, the respective CEOs for the three South Yorkshire Chambers issued this joint statement: “As representatives of the region’s private sector, we know how crucial it is that our entrepreneurs, SMEs and ambitious business leaders are able to access the financial support they need. After all, this is what will enable them to unlock their true potential, fulfil their aspirations and ultimately grow.
“However, we also know that securing financial backing can be rather daunting and overwhelming if you’re uncertain how to do it, and that not everyone is sure of where they can turn for help. That is why we are urging businesses to complete this new survey, so that we can better understand their appetite for finance support, the obstacles they might be facing here, and the interventions they would like to see.
“Equipped with these insights, we will then be able to lobby for the kind of improvements and changes that are most coveted and will use our platform to help make sure that businesses are better connected to those with the power and inclination to invest.”
The Access to Finance Survey closes on Monday 16th September. It is sponsored by both the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and Clear Insurance Management, with the three regional chambers carrying out the fieldwork.
ABP names port painter Dale as first artist in residence
Associated British Ports has named is first-ever artist in residence as Dale Mackie, a renowned local artist who has exhibited around the region, and whose paintings are housed in private collections nationally.
Famed for painting local heritage fishing scenes, this first for the port will see an exhibition showcasing the modern elements including offshore wind, and some of the work being undertaken on the buildings.
Simon Bird, Regional Director for the Humber ports said: “Two years ago, we were approached by Sam Delaney, of Creative Start, and Steve Ridlington, of WE1 Heritage with an ask, would we as port operator like an artist in residence? We’d never had one before, but with all the exciting developments happening in the conservation quarter of the port, we agreed. It would be an acknowledgement of the vibrant artistic community who were being drawn to this place.
“The paintings that Dale has produced are very colourful. He has captured the modern port, which is contrasted nicely with the port in its fishing heyday. It shows what a dynamic place it is and how Grimsby has moved forward from its fishing heritage.”
Dale said: “The exhibition shows the Port of Grimsby from its early days of being the largest fishing port in the world to becoming a major hub for global offshore wind and the leading automotive distribution centre. I’ve been honoured that I have had the opportunity to access areas on the port and capture them.”
Steve Ridlington, from WE1 Heritage who leases buildings on the port, said: “We are excited to see the artwork that Dale has put together. It has been a pleasure to host Dale in our studio for the last two years and share the artist in residence alongside ABP.”
People can view the artwork at Coffee on the Docks, 2 Auckland Road on the port from Saturday 14th September as part of the Heritage Open Day.
