Major indoor adventure park under construction in Leeds

April Lara
-
0
Major indoor adventure park under construction in Leeds

Work has begun on a large-scale indoor trampoline and adventure park in Whinmoor, Leeds, with plans to open later this year. The 100,000 sq ft facility, developed by family attraction group Flip Out, is part of a multi-million-pound investment.

The park will feature a trampoline arena with 150 interconnected trampolines, an 18,000 sq ft inflatable obstacle course, a dodgeball arena, a roller disco, a drift bike track, and a multi-storey Ninja Playground. Additional attractions include super slides, soft play, dodgems, an arcade, and 10 party rooms. Corporate meeting spaces will also be available for business events and networking.

The project is expected to create over 60 jobs. Flip Out, which operates 35 adventure parks across the UK, continues to expand, with recent openings in Coventry and Watford. The Leeds venue aims to capitalise on the growing demand for immersive, activity-based social experiences.

New CEO appointed at South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority

Tess Egginton
-
0
New CEO appointed at South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
Katharine Hammond has been appointed the new Chief Executive of South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA). Katharine will work with South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard to deliver SYMCA’s ambitions across transport, policing, skills, housing, growth and more. She joins at a time when SYMCA will be getting new powers and responsibilities under the English Devolution Bill, including an integrated funding settlement that will give the Mayor more autonomy to make spending decisions that are right for South Yorkshire. Katharine brings a wealth of leadership experience at senior levels in the civil service, spanning strategy, policy, delivery and change. She has been Director of the Civil Contingencies Secretariat in the Cabinet Office supporting COBR through numerous emergencies; has worked with the criminal justice system and with police forces; has held a senior role in national security and has been part of the drive to build the number of civil service roles in the North. Katharine Hammond said: “I’m excited to be joining Mayor Oliver Coppard, the SYMCA team and South Yorkshire Leaders. I can’t wait to get stuck in and do the best possible job for the people of South Yorkshire. “I want to raise South Yorkshire’s profile even more nationally and internationally and bring in new opportunities, and I know I’ll only be able to do that by working in partnership with others across the region who share the same ambition. I believe we can achieve a huge amount together. “I’m really looking forward to getting started.” South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “Katharine will work with me to keep delivering on our huge ambitions, across transport, net-zero, policing, skills, housing, growth and more. “Her appointment couldn’t come at a more important time, just as we are working ever more closely with government to take advantage of the opportunities of further and faster devolution in South Yorkshire. “Over the next few months, we will be submitting our Spending Review bids and our Industrial Strategy, as well as developing our plans and approach for the integrated financial settlement we have been granted as part of our Level 4 Devolution Deal. “We have a unique chance to grasp those opportunities and more, but to take advantage of this moment will require dynamic, effective and thoughtful leadership at the top of the MCA organisation. Katharine ticks all those boxes and more, and I’m delighted South Yorkshire will be benefitting from her expertise and experience in the years ahead.” Katharine will replace Martin Swales as Chief Executive on 19 May 2025.

Eventum secures £3.8m to expand knee surgery device internationally

April Lara
-
0
Eventum secures £3.8m to expand knee surgery device internationally

Leeds-based medtech firm Eventum Orthopaedics has raised £3.8 million to scale its QuadSense device, which provides surgeons with real-time data during knee replacement procedures.

The funding, secured through the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (managed by Mercia Ventures for the British Business Bank), will support Eventum’s expansion into the UK, US, and New Zealand. After receiving regulatory approval, the device has already been used in 300 procedures.

Eventum claims QuadSense can improve surgical outcomes and reduce post-surgery treatment costs, reaching £6,000 per case. The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, a £660 million initiative, supports northern England businesses with loans of up to £2 million and equity investments of up to £5 million.

Leeds’ economy set to outpace UK growth, but wider Yorkshire lags

April Lara
-
0
Leeds’ economy set to outpace UK growth, but wider Yorkshire lags

According to EY’s latest Regional Economic Forecast, Leeds’ economy is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 1.7% between 2025 and 2028, slightly above the UK forecast of 1.6%. The city’s employment growth is also projected to surpass the national average, with a 0.8% annual increase. By 2028, Leeds’ economy is expected to be £2.5 billion larger than in 2024.

In contrast, Yorkshire and the Humber’s overall economic growth is forecast at 1.5% per year, trailing the national average. Employment growth in the region is also expected to be slower at 0.6% per year, compared to the UK’s 0.7%.

North Yorkshire is set to perform better, with projected economic and employment growth rates of 1.7% and 0.8% per year, respectively, driven by its expanding technology and construction sectors.

Across the region, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, and real estate are expected to be key economic contributors. However, rising energy and labour costs continue to pressure the manufacturing sector.

Sheffield, Wakefield, and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority are projected to be the region’s joint-second fastest-growing economies, each with a 1.5% annual growth rate. Barnsley and Doncaster are forecast at 1.4%, while York, Calderdale, Hull, Middlesbrough, and Bradford are expected to grow at 1.3%. Kirklees (1.2%) and Rotherham (1.1%) are forecast to have the slowest growth rates.

Yorkshire and the Humber business leaders are urged to focus on high-growth sectors, emerging technology, and the energy transition to attract investment and boost regional performance.

Lincolnshire councillors debate unitary authority restructure

April Lara
-
0
Lincolnshire councillors debate unitary authority restructure

Lincolnshire councillors are considering major local government reforms as they prepare to submit proposals on restructuring the county into unitary authorities. The government has requested interim proposals by 21 March, aiming for authorities with at least 500,000 residents while minimising service disruption.

Lincolnshire County Council has outlined two main options. One plan would merge North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire into a single northern authority, with the rest of the county forming another council. The second option proposes combining North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire, West Lindsey, and East Lindsey into one authority, while Lincoln, North Kesteven, South Kesteven, Boston, and South Holland would form another.

Cost projections differ between the options. The first would cost £27 million to implement, with expected savings of £250 million over 10 years. The second option carries a higher setup cost of £42 million but is projected to save £246 million over the same period.

Opposition councillors introduced a third option: splitting Lincolnshire into three unitary authorities to create a more balanced population distribution. Some councillors argue that this alternative could be more efficient and should be explored further.

The government makes the final decision, but the Lincolnshire County Council’s full meeting on 22 March will determine which proposals are formally submitted.

Final stages for Gainsborough regeneration projects

April Lara
-
0
Final stages for Gainsborough regeneration projects

The Whitton Gardens and Baltic Mill regeneration projects in Gainsborough are nearing completion, with work expected to finish this spring.

At Whitton Gardens, the former riverside WC block is being converted into a café. Belton Construction teams are replacing the roof, installing internal walls, and beginning electrical work. The project is on track for completion in May, and West Lindsey District Council is working with property advisors Bruton Knowles to secure an independent operator for the café.

The Baltic Mill site is being redeveloped into a green public space by the riverside. Once construction is finished, the area will remain fenced off until May to allow newly planted greenery to take root.

Local council leaders have praised the progress, highlighting the projects’ role in enhancing community spaces and supporting local businesses.

Network Space secures approval for 30-acre commercial site near Wakefield

April Lara
-
0
Network Space secures approval for 30-acre commercial site near Wakefield

Network Space Developments (NSD) has obtained detailed planning permission for a 30-acre warehousing and distribution scheme on Newmarket Lane, Wakefield, near Junction 30 of the M62.

The 152,000 sq. ft. development will include 12 flexible storage and office units, a new access road, car parking, service yards, landscaping, and supporting infrastructure. The site is positioned within an established industrial and logistics hub with major operators such as Amazon, Newcold, and Phoenix Healthcare.

The broader Newmarket Lane commercial area spans approximately 200 acres, with potential for up to 1 million sq. ft of development. Currently employing around 1,500 people, the area is expected to generate 1,500 jobs upon full build-out. Planning consultancy Spawforths advised NSD on the scheme.

Bradford Council receives £127m government bailout to stabilise finances

April Lara
-
0
Bradford Council receives £127m government bailout to stabilise finances

Bradford Council has been granted £127 million in emergency financial support from the UK government to address its ongoing budget crisis. It is one of 30 local authorities receiving “exceptional” assistance from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

The council has faced severe financial strain for two years and narrowly avoided bankruptcy last March following an emergency government intervention. The council is prohibited from selling community and heritage assets as part of the funding agreement.

In November, the council approved £40 million in budget cuts, impacting services such as street cleaning and library operations. Three recycling centres were permanently closed last April to reduce costs. A council tax increase of nearly 15% was finalised last month.

Despite the bailout, the council must save an additional £40 million next year and £50 million annually for the following four years. The government stated that the funding is for councils in “immediate need” and will be accompanied by oversight to ensure financial stability.

Financial planning solutions provider acquires Huddersfield firm

Tess Egginton
-
0
Financial planning solutions provider acquires Huddersfield firm

Benchmark Capital, a provider of financial planning solutions and part of the Schroders Group, is to acquire Robertson Baxter.

Robertson Baxter is a directly authorised firm of four advisers with £200 million of client assets, based near Huddersfield.

Benchmark has supported Robertson Baxter with platform and investment solutions for several years.

Ed Dymott, CEO, Benchmark, said: “Over the past 17 years Greg Robertson and Stephen Baxter have built a successful practice and Benchmark has supported their growth by providing technology, platform and investment solutions.

“We’re delighted that they recognise Benchmark’s strong proposition, client focus, and capital strength as being the right long-term home for their staff and clients.

“Benchmark continues to demonstrate strong growth, having increased our number of advisers last year.

“The acquisition of Robertson Baxter represents a continuation of our strategy to support financial planning businesses at every stage of their journey from starting up, running efficiently, growing successfully and succession planning for business owners. The acquisition underscores the strength of our differentiated proposition.

“Robertson Baxter will, over the next two years, integrate fully into Benchmark, moving under Benchmark’s regulatory authorisation. We continue to see very strong interest in directly authorised firms looking to networks to help streamline their business and better navigate the regulatory landscape.

“Our Schroders UK Financial Adviser Survey shows that regulation continues to be a primary concern with the number of advisers ranking it their number one concern rising from 49% in 2023 to 57% in 2024. With close to 200 firms already in our networks we expect to see this shift continue.”

Greg Robertson, CEO, Robertson Baxter, said: “Having worked with Benchmark for several years we knew they were the right partner to support our business growth and secure a long-term home for our staff and our clients, as well as a smooth exit strategy for me and Stephen.

“We’ve already benefitted from Benchmark’s on-going investment into developing their proprietary technology and we’re pleased to be joining their network too; to leverage their broader practice management support to help us service more clients, more efficiently than ever before.”

Communicate Technology acquires Blaze Networks driving growth to £17m turnover in 2025

Tess Egginton
-
0
Communicate Technology acquires Blaze Networks driving growth to £17m turnover in 2025
Communicate, a Rockpool-backed provider of cybersecurity and IT network solutions, has acquired Blaze Networks, a security-focused managed service provider with deep expertise in SD-WAN and advanced networking solutions. This marks Communicate’s fifth acquisition and its second since securing private equity investment from Rockpool in June 2024. With this deal, Communicate, based in Teesside and Leeds, is on track to grow its turnover from £6 million at the time of Rockpool’s investment in June last year to a projected £17 million in 2025. The acquisition enhances Communicate’s ability to deliver a fully integrated suite of services – including SD-WAN, SASE, cloud, backup, and disaster recovery – enabling customers to benefit from a more resilient, secure, and scalable IT infrastructure. Macclesfield-based Blaze Networks will continue to operate under managing director Ben Brassington. Blaze’s technical capabilities in designing and implementing multi-site, software-defined networking solutions will play a key role in expanding Communicate’s service portfolio, supporting organisations that require high-performance, secure connectivity across distributed environments. Tony Snaith, CEO of Communicate Technology, said: “Bringing Blaze Networks into the Communicate group significantly strengthens our ability to offer cutting-edge, secure IT solutions. “Their expertise in SD-WAN and SASE complements our existing capabilities, allowing us to provide businesses with seamless, scalable, and highly secure network architectures. This acquisition is not only about expanding our service offering – it’s about creating real value for customers and fostering professional growth for our team as we continue to scale.” Ben Brassington, managing director of Blaze Networks, added: “Joining Communicate presents a fantastic opportunity for Blaze Networks to accelerate its growth while continuing to deliver the high-quality solutions our customers rely on. “By integrating with Communicate, we can offer an even more comprehensive service, while also providing our team with exciting new career development opportunities. Having re-invested in the group, I am fully committed to this next phase of expansion.” Communicate and Rockpool were advised by Cooper Parry (financial and tax), Roxburgh Milkins (legal) and Taylor Wessing (legal). Blaze Networks was advised by KBS Corporate Finance (M&A), K3 Law (legal) and K3 Advantage (tax). Rockpool provided additional funding to support the acquisition, with investment director Tom Coey and investment manager Toby Hurdle leading the transaction.
1...99100101...998Page 100 of 998