Two leisure centres in Lincoln that abruptly shut down in April are set to reopen by mid-July under new management. The City of Lincoln Council has appointed Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) as the interim operator of Yarborough and Birchwood leisure centres following the collapse of the previous operator, Active Nation.
GLL, a not-for-profit social enterprise with over 250 leisure facilities across the UK, will manage both centres on a two-year contract. The council owns the buildings and moved quickly to secure a new operator after Active Nation ceased trading due to financial pressures, citing the energy crisis as a key factor. The council had offered a £500,000 support package, but the charity did not accept the terms.
Since the closure, the Lincoln City Foundation has maintained outdoor operations at both locations. GLL plans to upgrade facilities, replace gym equipment, and recruit staff across various roles. More details on programmes, memberships, and courses are expected to be released this summer.
The transition aims to minimise disruption to residents and maintain local access to fitness and wellbeing services, while providing stability for the council’s broader leisure strategy.
The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds has purchased the freehold of its site at Leeds Dock for £11.69 million, which gives the institution complete control of its waterfront footprint for the first time. The deal was funded through a government loan issued via the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
The acquisition includes adjacent buildings and surrounding areas at Leeds Dock, setting the stage for a major redevelopment push to boost the museum’s economic and cultural footprint. Plans are underway to transform parts of the site into multi-purpose spaces for arts, events, conferences, and hospitality.
The museum, which turns 30 next year, is expected to be more active in regional regeneration and targets increased capacity for events and tourism-related infrastructure. Early projections estimate the initiative could contribute nearly £30 million to the local economy.
The announcement was made during the UK Real Estate, Investment & Infrastructure Forum, which was held at the museum itself. The deal positions the Royal Armouries as a key stakeholder in Leeds’ city centre growth strategy and opens the door for further private-sector partnerships across the cultural and commercial sectors.
Lincolnshire-based construction firm Build Manager is marking the end of its first year in business with a major achievement, securing and delivering its first major commercial contract, a bespoke 4,000 sq ft two-storey office development for IFI Group Ltd in Saxilby.
The project, which spans a 25-week contract duration, represents a significant milestone for the young company and demonstrates its capacity to deliver fast-paced, high-quality commercial builds.
Since being appointed at the end of 2024, Build Manager has wasted no time. In just over four months, the team has finalised designs, delivered the groundworks ‘in-house’, erected the steel frame and tarmacked the new entrance road.
The new office is being developed for IFI Group Ltd, a specialist fire safety, risk management consultancy and training provider, and will support their continued growth within the region.
The project has brought together a number of Lincolnshire-based collaborators, including architects LK2, structural engineers William Saunders, aggregate supplier UDCS Ltd, concrete supplier AMS Build Group Ltd, roofing and cladding contractor B C Roofing and architectural windows and door specialist Kole Architectural.
Build Manager was launched just over a year ago with a focus on upfront commercial viability advice and streamlined, transparent project delivery. Winning the IFI Group contract marked the company’s first large-scale commercial development and a strong close to year one.
“To end our first year in business by securing and delivering a significant commercial contract is something we’re incredibly proud of,” said Matthew Jones, director at Build Manager. “This project showcases what we’re all about, efficient delivery, clear communication, and a collaborative approach. It’s been a fantastic way to build momentum heading into year two.”
Build Manager was set up by Lincolnshire-based construction professionals Matthew Jones and Ben Taylor. The pair, who have worked in management for a number of local main-contractors, set up on their own after spotting a gap in market for their services.
Matthew, from Scotton, and Ben, from Sturton-by-Stow, Lincoln have been involved in many notable projects in and around the county, including £2.2m new build commercial units (60,000 sq ft) at Discovery Park on Whisby Road – North Hykeham, £3m renovation of Lawress Hall for the University of Lincoln and the new £4.5m Community Ward at John Coupland hospital in Gainsborough, to name a few.
IFI Group Ltd shared their satisfaction with the process so far, praising Build Manager’s professionalism, reactiveness, and on-site efficiency.
How the finished project for IFI Group Ltd will look
“From the very beginning, the team has been incredibly reactive, professional, and easy to work with,” said Ben Freeman, director of IFI Group Ltd. “Communication has been clear and consistent throughout, and progress on site has been impressively efficient. It’s been a smooth experience so far, and we’re genuinely excited to see our new office coming to life.”
As the office build continues at pace, Build Manager is inviting other local businesses considering new developments or construction work to reach out for some free upfront advice and viability studies.
“Whether you’re planning a new office, warehouse, or commercial space, we’d love to hear from you. Our goal is to make the process smooth, stress-free, and successful,” added Matthew.
Local businesses can contact Build Manager at info@build-manager.co.uk or find out more at www.build-manager.co.uk.
A Hull-based social care provider is offering its training expertise to the wider business community for the first time.
The HICA Group, which provides care and support to older people and adults with learning disabilities across Yorkshire, has expanded its long-established in-house training offer to local employers, charities and individuals through its new Hull-based training academy.
Based just off Freetown Way, the HICA Training Academy has opened its doors to organisations across the Humber region looking to upskill staff, meet compliance requirements and invest in professional development.
The HICA academy has long delivered sector-leading training for its 1,500-strong workforce. With a growing demand for high-quality, flexible training across multiple industries, the group has made its extensive portfolio of courses available to all.
Courses on offer range from emergency first aid and fire marshal training to dementia awareness, safeguarding and managing aggression in the workplace. Sessions are run by experienced trainers and can be delivered at the new city-centre academy or on-site at the client’s premises.
Steve Reed, head of learning and development at HICA, said: “Our aim has always been to raise standards through good quality, engaging training. We’ve worked hard to create a professional, welcoming environment that businesses can trust and that their teams enjoy learning in. Whether you’re a café looking to boost your first aid credentials or a housing provider needing safeguarding support, we’re ready to help.”
The decision to open up the academy is part of HICA’s broader commitment to supporting communities and improving workplace wellbeing.
Terry Peel, HICA Group’s CEO, added: “This expansion is a natural step for us. We have the expertise, the infrastructure and the passion to make a difference beyond our own workforce. Businesses are looking for training partners they can rely on and that’s what we offer – practical and personalised programmes delivered by professionals who genuinely care.”
The academy plans to hold a public open day later this spring to welcome businesses from across Hull and East Yorkshire, with live demonstrations and the chance to meet the trainers.
For more information or to discuss your training needs, contact the HICA Training Academy on 01482 581000 (ext. 2223) or email info@hica-uk.com
Liberty Steel’s operations in Rotherham and Sheffield are under threat as the company faces a winding-up hearing this week over unpaid debts. Creditors, including Harsco Metals, have petitioned the court to liquidate Liberty Speciality Steel UK, potentially leading to the closure of its plants and the loss of around 1,450 jobs.
The company, part of Sanjeev Gupta’s GFG Alliance, is seeking a court adjournment to avoid immediate collapse. If unsuccessful, its assets could be sold to repay creditors. Liberty has been under financial strain since the 2021 collapse of its primary lender, Greensill Capital, which severely impacted its access to third-party financing.
Despite ongoing negotiations with creditors, the UK government has indicated it will not intervene to cover Liberty’s debts, although it may consider options if the business enters insolvency. Industry observers are watching closely for any signs of a rescue plan or new ownership prospects.
The outcome of the court decision could have significant implications for the UK’s speciality steel sector and regional employment.
A company whose simulation software enables medical staff to train to use laboratory equipment and troubleshoot problems has raised a further £1m.
NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance, which is managed by Mercia and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, has invested £500,000 matched by £500,000 from Finance Yorkshire’s Seedcorn Fund.
Envoke’s clients include leading device manufacturers such as Bio-Rad, Waters Corporation, PacBio, Grifols and the Terumo Group, and the system is now used in laboratories worldwide including in the NHS and other health services as well as leading universities.
Envoke was founded in 2019 by Stuart Warrington and arose from his film and animation production firm. The platform was originally designed for product demonstrations, however it was soon evident that there was an even greater need for a system that could deliver remote training and aftersales.
The Leeds-based company secured £1m from Mercia and NPIF in 2023 to further develop the platform to meet the demand. Following the launch of the new module late last year, the company has won a host of new clients and as a result, has almost doubled its annual recurring revenue in the past 12 months.
The latest funding will allow the business to further enhance the system, boost sales and marketing and roll it out to more customers in the run-up to a Series A investment. Envoke, which currently employs 11 staff, plans to create two new jobs in the coming months.
Stuart Warrington, CEO, said: “Healthcare services worldwide rely on rapid and accurate laboratory testing. However training staff is costly, and machine downtime is commonplace, often due to operator error or simple faults that could easily be fixed with the right support.
“We believe our platform will dramatically improve productivity by enhancing staff skills and keeping equipment up and running, while also reducing warranty costs for manufacturers.”
Dawn Tyler of Mercia Ventures added: “Envoke’s pioneering platform could transform training for laboratory staff in the same way the flight simulator did for pilots. Our initial investment enabled the team to develop this latest version, which has attracted strong interest from the healthcare industry.
“We are pleased to support the company once again, and welcome on board Finance Yorkshire as a new investment partner.”
Finance Yorkshire CEO Alex McWhirter said: “Envoke’s success is to be applauded as part of the growing technology and AI sector in Yorkshire and Humber. Finance Yorkshire is pleased to support Envoke as it embarks on the next chapter in its growth strategy.”
Bishopton Veterinary Group has welcomed two new partners into its leadership team, as well as recently recruiting three new vets.
As part of the independent group’s continued growth, Laura Pearce, who joined Bishopton in 2021, is now a small animal sector partner and Alex Oliver, who has worked at Bishopton for seven years, is now a farm sector partner. The pair are both based at the group’s Ripon surgery and take the total number of partners to 11.
In their new roles, the pair will oversee a team of vets, nurses, vet techs and administration staff in their respective divisions, as well as being involved in a wide range of business functions including procurement, marketing, finance and sustainability.
Laura said: “After moving back from Nottingham, I knew I wanted to join Bishopton which has a long-established and very reputable name across North Yorkshire, and I’m extremely proud to become a partner in the small animal sector four years later.”
Alex added: “It’s been a long-held ambition to become a partner at Bishopton, and it follows several years of planning, combined with guidance and mentoring from several existing partners.
“Becoming a partner is also part of our long-term plan to maintain our independence. This enables us to control our pricing structure, maintain our high service levels and ultimately puts us in charge of our own destiny, which all benefits both our clients and our team.”
Andrew Curwen, CEO at XLVets, said: “The appointment of Laura and Alex to partners at Bishopton is a superb example of effective succession planning in a well-known and successful independent practice.
“For a longstanding practice like Bishopton to be able to welcome the next generation of partners into its ranks is key to it being able to safeguard its independence. This means ensuring there are people who are willing and able to step up, and this is just one area where XLVets always works closely with our members to help them plan for the future.
“This involves sharing knowledge and experiences as well as creating strong alliances and developing a collaborative culture to ensure that the decades ahead are successful.”
RPS Group, the low-carbon and renewable contractors, has been appointed to deliver Broadacres Housing Association’s £6.2 million retrofit programme. The programme will be funded by the government’s Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund.
Over the next three years, RPS Group will undertake energy-efficient upgrades to 660 homes across North and West Yorkshire, with a focus on rural, off-grid, and harder-to-reach communities.
The works will include the installation of air source heat pumps, solar PV systems, upgraded insulation, and enhanced ventilation.
Together, these improvements will significantly reduce carbon emissions, lower resident energy bills, and improve day-to-day comfort for residents.
Helen Ball, head of sustainability at Broadacres Housing Association, said: “We are looking forward to working with RPS Group to deliver our programme of retrofit works over the coming three years, which will play a key part in improving the energy efficiency of our housing stock.
“This announcement is a really important milestone, not just for our decarbonisation plans, but for the well-being of our residents. It’s about making homes healthier, more comfortable, and more affordable.”
Graham Rothwell, owner and founder of RPS Group, said: “We’re proud to be partnering with Broadacres on a project that makes a real difference in people’s day-to-day lives, especially in some of the hardest-to-reach rural communities in the region.
“Because we offer a full turnkey service, we’re able to support housing associations at every stage, helping them bring their decarbonisation plans to life and deliver real, lasting benefits for their residents.
“We’ve made deliberate investments to strengthen our ability to serve rural and off-grid homes, where tailored, flexible solutions are essential. That capability now allows us to reach even the most remote communities and ensure no one is left behind in the transition to low-carbon heating.”
Graham concludes: “It’s this hands-on experience and partnership approach that’s helping to drive Yorkshire’s low-carbon transition, turning ambitious targets into tangible outcomes for communities across the region.”
A major residential development in Leeds’ South Bank has secured £50 million in development financing from Homes England. The project, located on Water Lane, will deliver 375 apartments across two linked towers reaching up to 26 storeys.
The development includes a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, over 9,000 sq ft of outdoor communal areas, and more than 6,700 sq ft of internal amenities, such as co-working space, a gym, podium gardens, and rooftop terraces.
In addition to the Homes England loan, the project received a £4.4 million grant through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund. Heim Global Investor is leading equity funding via its UK Residential Fund, which is backed by the Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and West Yorkshire Pension Funds.
Construction began in May 2024 and is expected to be completed by early 2027. McLaren Living is overseeing the development, and HG Construction is the main contractor.
This scheme aligns with regional priorities to regenerate underutilised brownfield land and deliver energy-efficient rental housing in high-demand urban areas. It also highlights increasing collaboration between public agencies and institutional investors to drive urban housing delivery.
Inflation increased in April, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The higher than expected uptick, measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), saw inflation come in at 3.5% in April, up from 2.6% in March.
The largest upward contributions to the change came from housing and household services, transport, and recreation and culture, while the largest, partially offsetting, downward contribution came from clothing and footwear.
Core inflation, meanwhile, which takes out volatile factors like energy, food, alcohol and tobacco to give a clear picture of underlying trends, came in at 3.8% in the 12 months to April, up from 3.4% in March and above forecasts.
Martin Sartorius, principal economist, CBI, said: “April’s rise in inflation was widely expected, driven by a perfect storm of price pressures such as higher employer National Insurance contributions, the National Living Wage increase, and a hike in the Ofgem price cap.
“Looking ahead, the Bank of England expects that inflation will stay above 3% this year, as these pressures continue to impact households’ cost of living. This suggests that the Monetary Policy Committee is likely to hold rates in its next meeting, especially after May’s finely balanced decision to cut.
“Beyond then, the MPC will reduce borrowing costs at a gradual pace, as it assesses how price pressures are developing in the economy.”
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