Yorkshire based Spencer Bridge Engineering recognised for outstanding refurbishment of historic bridge
A Yorkshire based bridge engineering specialist has been recognised with a prestigious national industry award for its meticulous work on a historic bridge.
Spencer Bridge Engineering was honoured with the Bridges Award for New Life in the 2025 Bridges Awards in recognition of its work to permanently replace hangers on the iconic Menai Suspension Bridge, which connects the island of Anglesey to mainland Wales.
Organised by Bridge Engineering and Design Magazine, in partnership with Bridge Owners Forum, the awards took place at the Bridges Conference at the CBS Arena in Coventry, with the Bridges Award for New Life recognising an outstanding refurbishment, rehabilitation, reconstruction or repurposing project.
Hull based Spencer Bridge Engineering scooped the award for its project to permanently replace over 160 defective hangers on the Menai Suspension Bridge.
The team replaced and painted 168 of the 208 wire rope hangers on the bridge, restoring the full structural integrity of the crossing and removing a critical risk to public safety.
Completed in 1826, the Grade 1 listed structure provides a crucial road link between mainland Wales and the Isle of Anglesey and is the second oldest suspension bridge in the world still in use for vehicle traffic.
In October 2022, the discovery of brittle hanger components resulted in the immediate and unplanned closure of the bridge, leading to a race against time to design and install emergency failsafes to allow reopening of the structure, which was successfully completed by Spencer Bridge Engineering in early 2023.
Following the emergency works, Spencer Bridge’s experienced teams were appointed to carry out the permanent replacement of the hangers on site to extremely tight tolerances and constraints, while maintaining live traffic throughout the project.
To respect the heritage and historic features of the bridge, the team worked closely with the hanger supplier, Fatzer AG, to create hangers and bespoke sockets to match the existing profile, while adhering to modern design codes.
Spencer Bridge Engineering Bridges Director Luke Fisher said: “We’re delighted to have been honoured with this award in recognition of our work to deliver such a pivotal project on this iconic bridge.
“With strong winds, wet weather and extremely tight constraints, this project posed a number of significant challenges, but I’m very proud of our teams who worked collaboratively and drew on our colleagues’ extensive and diverse skillset to develop solutions.
“As the bridge approaches its 200th anniversary next year, we’re proud to have played a key part in restoring this historic structure, so it can continue carrying traffic for many years to come.”
The project was delivered on behalf of UK Highways A55 Ltd, with Spencer Group also working in collaboration with lead Designer COWI.
The Bridges Awards judging panel for 2025 was chaired by José María Sánchez de Muniáin, editor of Bridge Design and Engineering magazine, along with respected and independent bridge professionals from across the industry.
Presenting the award, the judges said: “This is an example of true engineering in emergency, developing novel solutions to difficult challenges – protecting and improving functionality of an iconic bridge without closing it.
“Ensuring the bridge is safe and then instigating installation of hangers in a trafficked environment is a huge achievement and the project was managed exemplary.”
Precision medicine company falls into administration
Oncimmune, a precision medicine company based in Leeds, has fallen into administration.
It follows attempts by the business to sell its German trading subsidiary and a failure to raise additional capital required to meet the company’s short term funding needs. Oncimmune has concluded that there are no further options available to extend its cash runway and that the firm should therefore be placed into administration.In a statement Oncimmune said: “Despite a comprehensive sale process and positive interest in the business it has unfortunately not been possible to secure a buyer for the Company’s trading subsidiary, Oncimmune Germany GmbH. It has also not been possible to raise the additional capital required to meet the Company’s short term funding needs.
“In light of this, and after extensive consideration of the Company’s current financial situation as well as the resulting creditor position, the Board has regrettably concluded that there are no further options available to the Company to extend its cash runway and that the Group should therefore be placed into administration in order to preserve the value of the business for creditors.
“Accordingly, a notice will be filed with the Court today notifying the directors’ intention to appoint Managing Directors from Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP as administrators of the Company as soon as reasonably practicable.
“Consequently, the Company has requested a suspension in the trading of its ordinary shares on AIM, which will become effective from 7.30am on 17 March 2025.”
Digital agency goes for growth after boardroom shake-up
A performance marketing agency that achieved record profits in 2024 has now completed a boardroom reshuffle as it works to strengthen its platform for growth.
Mike Ellis, Managing Director of 43 Clicks North since he set up the business in 2017, has now handed the role to Steve Baker, who steps up from the job of Performance Marketing Director.
Mike will now take on the title of Founder and will focus on the commercial side of the business to treble growth over the next four years.
The pair first worked together at Epiphany Search in Leeds, reuniting four years ago when Mike recruited Steve as Operations Manager.
Mike said: “We had a really strong year last year and recorded our best ever profits – up about 10 per cent year on year. But at the same time we were thinking about how much better the business could be if each of us concentrated on the things we do best, and we couldn’t see any good reason to delay that any longer.”
As MD, Mike has built a team of 18 with its own offices in the Old Town of Hull and decades of experience.
Steve is a University of Lincoln graduate, who attended the Hull campus in the early 2000s and was attracted back to the city in 2021 by the place, the people and the potential of 43 Clicks North.
He said: “It’s been difficult in the market generally but all the work we have done over the last 18 months has made sure we are on the right track and we do not need to feel restricted in our ambitions.
“When the economy and the market isn’t where we want it to be, a lot of businesses batten down the hatches and don’t try to grow their way out of the downturn. We’re doing the opposite. We are investing internally and creating new roles because we have a good, stable structure in the business to enable that to happen.
“We are a lot more grown up as a business in the way we carry ourselves and the way we behave internally. We are not a business that’s three years old any more. We are not playing at things, we have a good track record of delivering good results for clients and we have an enviable client list compared with some other agencies in the region.”
Work starts on affordable Rotherham homes
Work has started on the development of 14 new affordable, energy saving homes in the north of the borough, as part of Rotherham Council’s housing delivery programme.
The Leader of Rotherham Council, Cllr Chris Read was joined by Kilnhurst and Swinton East Ward Councillors, Cllr Victoria Cusworth and Cllr Nigel Harper and Cabinet Member for Housing Cllr Sarah Allen to officially break ground on site in Swinton.
When complete, the development, which was once the home of the former Ship Inn public house, will boast four, one-bedroom, semi-detached bungalows.
In neighbouring West Melton, building work is taking place at pace on two separate developments which will see the area benefit from six, two-bedroom, semi-detached houses and four, one-bedroom apartments.
Partners RH Fullwood & Co Ltd are using modern methods of construction to enhance the speed of the builds, meaning that the new homes will be ready for occupation sooner, helping to mitigate against the impact on the local community during construction.
In addition to being energy efficient, the homes will also be future proofed through the inclusion of air-source heat pumps for the supply of heating and hot water to help reduce energy bills for tenants.
Cllr Read said: “These developments are another step forward in our commitment to support local people with their housing needs by providing more affordable and high-quality council homes for local people to rent.
“We’re working hard to ensure that we continually adapt to the boroughs changing housing needs to offer a range of properties to residents including apartments, bungalows, and family homes, all with energy efficiency measures as standard.”
The partnership with R H Fullwoods will build on the Council’s work to promote local employment through council spending. Throughout the works, the Yorkshire-based builders have committed to employing 3 FTE local people on the project and spending over £180,000 locally.
Director, Guy Fullwood added: “We are delighted to collaborate once again with Rotherham Council in delivering a diverse range of properties. This partnership allows us to create local employment opportunities, including the recruitment of a new apprentice, directly resulting from these initiatives.
“In line with our commitment to supporting the Rotherham area, we prioritise sourcing from local suppliers and subcontractors whenever possible.”
Record amount of funding injected into Skills Bootcamps for Hull
Thousands of learners will soon be able to benefit from an extensive Skills Bootcamps programme after Hull City Council accepted a record-breaking £10 million of funding for the area.
The grant from Department for Education is more than double the amount of support received last year and will support Wave 6 of Skills Bootcamps for the year beginning 1 April 2025.
The funding, managed by Hull Training and Adult Education, will be available for businesses to deliver Skills Bootcamps training to upskill existing, new or prospective staff to help to fill vacancies.
Employers of all sizes can access the funding through Hull and East Riding YORtender to create new, bespoke courses, either independently or in partnership with training providers.
This will help plug skills gaps for in-demand sectors to increase company productivity and growth.
The council began its Skills Bootcamps training in 2021 with just £50,000 of funding, but due to its continued expansion and success, reached over £4.3 million of support in 2024-25, before being more than doubled this year.
Cllr Linda Tock, portfolio holder for Hull Training at the council, said: “This record level of funding for the region is fantastic and really demonstrates the tremendous success of our Skills Bootcamps programme.
“Our Skills Bootcamp team at Hull Training and Adult Education continues to put in great work in supporting training providers to enable learners to thrive and to gain the skills they need to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
“We can achieve this by working with training providers and businesses across Hull and East Yorkshire, through schemes such as Skills Bootcamps.
“A skilled workforce is a productive workforce and it is only through giving them the relevant skills, training and support that they can play their part in driving forward the Hull and East Yorkshire economy.”
UK manufacturers freeze hiring, cut investment amid rising costs
Rising employment taxes, business costs, and global trade uncertainty are forcing UK manufacturers to halt recruitment, consider job cuts, and scale back investment, according to a new report by Make UK and BDO.
The report surveyed over 300 manufacturers and found that financial pressures are stalling growth, with some firms cancelling investment plans entirely. Make UK calls on the Government to reform business rates, overhaul the skills system, and introduce a long-term industrial strategy focused on advanced manufacturing.
The industry group warns that manufacturers will struggle to compete and expand in the current economic climate without immediate policy support.
Holmes Miller expands with new Leeds office to meet public sector demand
Architectural practice Holmes Miller has opened a new office in Leeds to support growing demand for public sector projects in the region. This marks the firm’s third UK base, alongside its offices in Glasgow and St Albans.
The firm, which has operated for 75 years, specialises in sustainable architecture across education, leisure, and justice sectors. Directors Ryan Holmes and Craig Heap emphasised that the Leeds office will enhance local engagement and deliver cost-effective, user-focused design as budgets tighten across the industry.
Holmes Miller also plans to expand further in Ireland, targeting growth in the sports and education markets.
Jobs secured as Altrix Group acquired by HCRG Workforce Solutions
HCRG Workforce Solutions, the healthcare workforce solutions provider, has acquired the brands, intellectual property, and operations of Altrix Group, including TFS Healthcare and Soleus People.
It is business as usual for Altrix Group, as Managing Director Megan Grant continues to lead operations as part of HCRG Workforce Solutions.
Known as ‘The app-based nursing agency’, the acquisition of Altrix Group further enhances HCRG Workforce Solutions’ technology offer with benefits for candidates and clients as the business continues to grow its sustainable staffing offer.
The sustainable staffing model sees HCRG Workforce Solutions focus on long-term partnerships which reduce costs for employers, including through managed services, staff banks, and permanent recruitment. Altrix Group’s technology is aimed at using automation to reduce costs for agencies, and in turn employers and increase flexibility and work-life balance for healthcare staff.
Gary Taylor, Group Chief Executive at HCRG Workforce Solutions, said: “Altrix Group will be a fantastic addition to our market-leading health & social care workforce solutions portfolio.
“The Altrix brand bringing very exciting technology which will allow us to offer our healthcare professionals increased flexibility and convenience and further enhance our sustainable staffing offer to health and care employers across the country whilst the TFS and Soleus brands bring talent and experience that will enhance our exciting businesses.
“This marks another landmark point in a journey of continued growth and evolution.”
Megan Grant, Managing Director of Altrix Group, said: “I’m delighted for Altrix Group to join the team at HCRG Workforce Solutions, one of the largest workforce solutions providers in health and care in the UK.
“The team at HCRG are a great new home for Altrix Group, committed to sustainable long-term partnerships with clients and candidates and they see and truly believe the benefit of our technology for their workforce and clients.”
Yorkshire & Humber manufacturers see strong start to the year
Yorkshire & Humber manufacturers have seen a strong start to the year according to a survey published by Make UK and business advisory firm BDO.
The Make UK/BDO Manufacturing Outlook Q1 survey shows that both output (+26%) and orders (+32%) were very positive, although the picture is set to ease in the next quarter with forward looking balances of +11% and +6% respectively.
The strong performance this quarter reflects demand for metals products for the construction sector.
In addition, Make UK has begun to see a pattern of regional variations of increased activity across some areas of the UK which it believes may reflect company behaviour in certain regions in response to the economic shocks of the last few years. It believes that these variations in regional and sector performance may become normal moving forward.
In response to this positive picture companies are looking to take on more people with recruitment intentions at +37%, which is substantially ahead of the national average. Capital expenditure plans are also ahead of the national average at +26%.
To build on this largely buoyant sentiment, Make UK is calling on the Government to bring forward a comprehensive, fully funded and modern, long term industrial strategy which has advanced manufacturing at its heart, something it has committed to do before the summer.
This must be aligned across Government to include a defence industrial strategy as well as energy, trade and skills strategies that demonstrate to business and foreign investors that there is a cohesive plan to grow the UK economy.
Make UK is forecasting that manufacturing will contract by -0.5% in 2025, down from a forecast of -0.2% in the last quarter, before growing by 1% in 2026. GDP is forecast to grow by 1% in 2025 and 1.5% in 2026.
Dawn Huntrod, Region Director at Make UK in the North, said: “This has been a strong start to the year for manufacturers in Yorkshire & Humber with the region bucking the national picture. To build on this it’s now essential that Government brings forward an industrial strategy at the earliest opportunity. This will give manufacturers the confidence to plan for the future with a stable, supportive policy environment.”
Steve Talbot, Head of Manufacturing at BDO across Yorkshire & Humber, said: “Manufacturers across Yorkshire & Humber rely on manufacturing, particularly the demand for metal products. It’s encouraging to see the sector across the region looking ahead with positive growth intentions, but we cannot be complacent – our manufacturers are resilient but they’re not invincible.
“Manufacturers across Yorkshire & Humber now need targeted support from government, whether that be reducing complexity, streamlining trade or boosting access to capital to enable them to focus on growth.”
New Humber energy-from-waste plant gets government approval
The UK government has approved the development of the North Lincolnshire Green Energy Park, an energy-from-waste facility planned for Flixborough Industrial Estate near Scunthorpe. The site will include an Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) capable of converting up to 650,000 tonnes of Refuse Derived Fuel annually into electricity.
Developer Solar 21 says the facility could generate enough low-carbon power for 221,000 homes per year and create up to 257 permanent jobs, with an additional 600 jobs during construction. The project aims to reduce landfill use by up to 760,000 tonnes and prevent 150,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
The site will also feature a plastic recycling facility capable of processing 20,000 tonnes of plastic annually. Ash from the energy recovery process will be repurposed into concrete blocks for construction.
Solar 21 highlights the Humber region’s high industrial carbon emissions and landfill waste as key drivers for the project, positioning the facility as part of the UK’s strategy to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
