JECO secures £960,000 investment to advance automation tools for game developers

April Lara
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JECO secures £960,000 investment to advance automation tools for game developers

JECO, an automated software firm based in West Yorkshire, has raised £960,000 to expand its development of tools aimed at video game software developers and digital creatives. This funding is the first investment through the British Business Bank’s new co-investment platform, managed by Haatch, under its Regional Angels Programme.

The round is led by Games Angels, with participation from British Business Bank. The platform, which launched with £7 million in funding, aims to address regional imbalances in early-stage investment access, particularly for innovative entrepreneurs in key sectors such as gaming technology.

JECO, which focuses on creating automated toolsets to streamline game development and enhance efficiency, is poised to make a significant impact on the sector. The investment is expected to accelerate their efforts in providing cost-effective solutions for developers, while also exploring ways to tackle wider environmental challenges within the industry.

The Regional Angels Programme, part of the British Business Bank’s initiative to strengthen regional economies, seeks to support businesses that can contribute to long-term economic growth outside of London and the South East.

Yorkshire business confidence sees July dip

Tess Egginton
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Yorkshire business confidence sees July dip
Business confidence in Yorkshire fell four points during July to 45%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds. Companies in Yorkshire reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down seven points at 54%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down one point to 36%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 45% (vs. 49% in June). However, a net balance of 47% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up eight points on last month. Looking ahead to the next six months, Yorkshire businesses identified their top target areas for growth as evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products and services (48%), entering new markets (43%) and introducing new technology, such as AI or automation (43%). The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. National picture Overall, UK business confidence increased one point in July to 52% – its highest level since 2015 and the third consecutive monthly increase. Firms’ optimism in their own trading prospects rose one point to 58%, while their confidence in the wider economy increased two points to 47% Wales was the most confident UK nation or region for the second month in a row (76%), followed by the North East (73%). Sector insights  July saw the service sector’s confidence increase by 11 points to 61%, one of the main drivers behind this month’s overall increase in business confidence, indicating strong momentum in the sector. This gain was partially offset by declines in other areas, with retail firms down eight points, manufacturers down four points and the construction sector down six points. Martyn Kendrick, regional director for Yorkshire at Lloyds, said: “Despite a fall in confidence, it’s encouraging to such clear growth plans from Yorkshire’s firms. Many businesses are planning to grow their teams, launch new products and services, and explore new markets in the months ahead, and we’ll continue to be ready with our on-the-ground support to help them take these steps.”

Greater Lincolnshire receives £600,000 funding for solar initiatives

April Lara
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Greater Lincolnshire receives £600,000 funding for solar initiatives

Greater Lincolnshire is set to receive over £600,000 to fund solar panel projects across the region. The funding will support the installation of solar panels on public sector buildings in North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire, and Lincolnshire County Council areas.

Originally, the proposed projects included solar panels paired with battery energy storage systems (BESS) for sites such as the Ancholme Leisure Centre in Brigg and the Doughty Road depot in Grimsby. However, following amendments during a business and infrastructure board meeting of the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA), the battery storage element was removed from the funding application. The decision has prompted a pause as the GLCCA reassesses the project’s costings with the government.

The £602,000 allocated from the Mayoral Renewables Fund and Great British Energy is intended for solar panel installations on public buildings, aimed at reducing energy costs. The board also expressed a preference for sourcing solar panels from UK-based manufacturers and local installers, with ethical sourcing as a key consideration if local options are unavailable.

Discussions are ongoing between the GLCCA and the government regarding the revised design, costings, and timeline of the projects.

£4.1m boost for new social rent homes at Sheffield development

Tess Egginton
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£4.1m boost for new social rent homes at Sheffield development
A £4.1m boost to Sheffield City Council’s affordable housebuilding programme will deliver 36 new council homes at a social rent. The Bolehill View project will bring back into use the site of a former community care facility on Eastfield Road in Crookes. The £4.1m Homes England funding will support the Council to provide 36 general needs properties as part of this. They will consist of one-bed flats for social rent. There will be 30 apartments in one block, and six in the other. Cllr Douglas Johnson, chair of Sheffield City Council’s Housing Policy Committee, said: “Our ambitious Housing Strategy approved last year laid out all the plans we were working towards to increase Housing provision in Sheffield. “As part of this, Sheffield – like the rest of the country – faces huge challenges when it comes to housing. Being able to provide ample good quality homes at affordable prices for those who need them is a big aim of that strategy. “We are pleased this grant has been awarded to us to help work progress at Bolehill View. We are now working towards agreeing the conditions of the grant formally so work can soon hopefully begin on-site.” Dilys Jones, assistant director, affordable housing growth at Homes England, said: “As the government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives. We’re pleased to be working with Sheffield City Council to increase the delivery of much-needed affordable homes in the city. “This will be the third scheme we have supported with the council this year, delivering 148 social rented homes and 12 for shared ownership in total. We look forward to continuing to work with Sheffield to supporting their ambitious plans for more affordable homes.”

Sheffield Wednesday issued with prohibition notice

Tess Egginton
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Sheffield Wednesday issued with prohibition notice

Sheffield City Council has issued a prohibition notice for the North Stand at Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough Stadium.

It follows a meeting of the Safety Advisory Group on 18th July and subsequent discussions with the club. A prohibition notice is a formal document issued to a club by a local authority to prevent spectators entering a football ground or specific stand until the specified work to resolve the issue has been completed to the satisfaction of the local authority. Assurances around the structural integrity of the North Stand have not been provided by Sheffield Wednesday Football Club, according to the Council, and as the body responsible for the safety of sports grounds and all spectators, the Council has been forced to make this decision to not allow spectators into the North Stand. The Council would need the necessary professional assurances that the ground is safe before the prohibition notice would be lifted. Councillor Joe Otten, chair of the Environmental Services and Regulation Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “It is our role to ensure the safety of all sports grounds for all spectators. We have been working with Sheffield Wednesday Football Club for some time, through the Safety Advisory Group which we chair, to seek reassurance that the North Stand is structurally compliant. “Because we haven’t been given that professional reassurance, we are regrettably in a position where we must issue a notice prohibiting spectators in the North Stand until we can be absolutely assured that the required work has been undertaken to the satisfaction of the council as certifying authority. We have done this immediately, following an assessment by engineering specialists who can no longer confirm that the North Stand is safe for spectator use. “We recognise that this is a very difficult situation, and we will continue working closely with the club and provide support and guidance where we can. We as much as anyone want to see the fans enjoying football at Sheffield Wednesday next season.”

Coastal businesses face challenges as visitor numbers drop

April Lara
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Coastal businesses face challenges as visitor numbers drop

Coastal businesses in Skegness and Mablethorpe are experiencing a significant decline in visitor numbers compared to last year. Economic uncertainty is leading many families to reduce or cancel holiday plans, impacting businesses that rely heavily on tourism.

Councillor Courtney Robinson, representing Mablethorpe, highlighted the struggles faced by local businesses. Many regular visitors are cutting down their trips, with some making just one visit per year instead of several. This has left businesses depending on the summer holiday period for survival. Coastal communities, already economically disadvantaged, are particularly vulnerable when tourism drops.

Mary Powell, the council’s tourism manager, noted that all seaside resorts are facing similar downturns. She explained that when finances are tight, holidays are often the first expense families cut, leading to shorter stays and last-minute bookings that are harder for businesses to manage. The council is ramping up efforts to promote the coast during the summer and autumn months, though the current national mood presents additional challenges.

There is also a push to attract a younger demographic to coastal areas, traditionally favoured by older generations. Local leaders believe that re-engaging with younger visitors could be crucial in sustaining the local tourism economy, which contributes £3bn annually to Lincolnshire’s economy, though still below pre-pandemic levels.

Humber Freeport appoints new chair

Tess Egginton
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Humber Freeport appoints new chair
The man who led two of the Humber region’s biggest inward investments has been appointed as the new chair of Humber Freeport. Senior Siemens executive Finbarr Dowling, who has driven forward large-scale investments within the region with a total value of £1bn, is to lead the board of Humber Freeport. He will take up the role in October, following his retirement from Siemens. Humber Freeport acting chair, professor Neal Juster said: “This key position attracted an excellent field of candidates, reflecting the strategically significant role Humber Freeport plays in driving investment and economic development within the region. “Following completion of the recruitment process, we’re delighted to have appointed a leader with absolutely outstanding credentials as our new Chair. “Finbarr will bring exceptional experience, credibility and connections to the role, as well as an unrivalled perspective, as someone who has overseen major investments into the region from vision to delivery. “He also has a deep passion for the region and commitment to maximising its potential for growth. We look forward to Finbarr taking up his new role and leading the next stage of development for the Freeport.” As one of 12 UK freeports, Humber Freeport is a specially-designated cluster of strategically important sites benefiting from incentives designed to boost investment, economic growth and international trade. Humber Freeport covers three tax sites, in Hull, Goole and Immingham, and a customs site in Grimsby, and offers investors significant advantages related to tax, planning, infrastructure, innovation and customs. More than £1.2bn of investment has already been pledged in the Humber Freeport tax sites. The Freeport also plays an important role as a cross-sector organisation working collaboratively with partners and stakeholders to deliver on the Humber’s economic and industrial opportunities. Mr Dowling has worked for global technology giant Siemens for more than 35 years, in a variety of senior and leadership roles. He brings to his new position extensive experience and expertise in advanced manufacturing, inward investment, regional economic development and Government affairs. Over the past 12 years he has been focused on leading the delivery of two of the region’s largest and most significant inward investments – Siemens’ developments focused on offshore wind, in Hull, and the rail industry, in Goole. Mr Dowling said: “I’m honoured to be appointed as Chair of Humber Freeport and I’m looking forward to working closely with the Freeport Board, executive team and partners to realise the many exciting opportunities that freeport status offers. “Having dedicated much of the past 12 years to delivering large-scale on the Humber, I know this region is a great place to invest and do business. “Recent developments, including the Government’s restated commitment to Freeports, and the establishment of combined authorities led by elected Mayors, have added to the positive landscape for the region. “Working collaboratively with partners within the region and outside it, Humber Freeport has an important role to play in securing investment, driving growth and creating high-value jobs. I’m pleased that, as Chair of the Freeport, I can continue to contribute to driving the Humber forward.”

Pontefract’s Number 1 Letting acquired by Dwelly

Tess Egginton
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Pontefract’s Number 1 Letting acquired by Dwelly
Dwelly, the lettings acquisition and success planning experts, is continuing its national expansion with the acquisition of Number 1 Letting in Pontefract. The acquisition adds 850 fully managed properties to Dwelly’s growing portfolio, following a recent string of acquisitions within the UK lettings sector. The acquisition by Dwelly will see managing director of Number 1 Letting, Tracey Brown, remain with the business. Paul Singleton, director of Number 1 Letting, said: “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built at Number 1 Letting and believe this acquisition by Dwelly offers the best possible future for our clients and team. “Dwelly’s values align perfectly with our own and whilst I’m naturally sad to be stepping back from the business, I know that with Tracey continuing at the helm, the business is set to reach even greater heights.” Sam Humphreys, head of M&A at Dwelly, said: “The acquisition of Number 1 Letting is a fantastic addition to our portfolio and one that will allow us to considerably strengthen our foothold in the North. “We’re especially pleased that Tracey is staying on to help drive the business forward and her knowledge of the local market and commitment to her clients will be invaluable as we ensure a smooth transition, whilst maintaining the high standards Number 1 Letting is renowned for.” Jacqueline Kilpatrick, managing director of Letts Acquire, who conducted financial and operational due diligence on behalf of Dwelly, said: “Due diligence revealed Number 1 Letting to be a superbly managed business with robust processes and outstanding client relationships, representing an excellent strategic fit for Dwelly’s growth ambitions.”

Rathlin Energy’s West Newton permit variation consultation opens

April Lara
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Rathlin Energy’s West Newton permit variation consultation opens

The Environment Agency has launched a consultation on the draft decision to approve a permit variation for Rathlin Energy UK Ltd’s West Newton site in East Yorkshire. This follows the company’s request to amend its existing environmental permit for the West Newton A well site at Fosham Road in High Fosham.

Since 2013, Rathlin Energy has been drilling at the site. The application includes a request to perform well stimulation, a process aimed at improving oil and gas flow from the WNA-2 well. The proposed changes also involve adjustments to surface water discharge and the crude oil storage facility location. Additionally, the company is seeking approval for a ‘mining waste facility’ due to the extractive waste generated by the stimulation process.

This consultation follows a prior one held late last year. After reviewing the previous feedback, the Environment Agency has found no reason to refuse the application at this stage but is inviting further comments before making a final decision. The consultation will remain open until September 9, 2025.

Operators in the mining and extractive industries are required to hold environmental permits, which outline the conditions under which they must operate to mitigate risks to both people and the environment. Permits are only granted if all legal requirements are met, including ensuring no harmful environmental impact or risks to human health.

Comments can be submitted via the Environment Agency’s consultation platform or by email. Those unable to access the platform online can reach the agency by phone for assistance.

New director appointed to drive Yorkshire industrial and logistic sector growth for Wilton Developments

Tess Egginton
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New director appointed to drive Yorkshire industrial and logistic sector growth for Wilton Developments
Rach Whitfield has joined Wilton Developments as a director to drive strategic growth in the industrial and logistics sector. Rach brings over a decade of experience in industrial and logistics development, having worked exclusively on the development side since 2014. In her new role, she will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of Wilton’s key existing industrial and logistics projects, as well as expanding its growing industrial and logistics portfolio of schemes. The existing schemes include the 3.55m sq ft DoncasterNorth and the 1m sq ft scheme at Garforth including the Phase 1 LEEDS500. Prior to joining Wilton, Rach was a development director at Mountpark UK & Ireland. Here she was leading in the promotion of strategic development sites within Mountpark’s land bank. She also spearheaded the “LET IT – GET IT” marketing campaign for Mountpark Bristol 360 — an industry-first. Rach was an active member of Mountpark’s ESG steering group and authored the company’s ESG policy. Earlier in her career, Rach held the role of development manager at IM Properties, where she played a central role in securing the 165-acre Peddimore site in Birmingham through a competitive OJEU process, and successfully negotiated the 2.4m sq ft Amazon ARS facility. She also delivered the Connexion campus at Blythe Valley Park in Solihull, including two advanced R&D units for Gymshark. Jason Stowe, managing director of Wilton Developments, said: “Rach’s appointment reflects Wilton Developments continued commitment to investing in top-tier talent and reinforcing its strong position within the Industrial and Logistics development market. I am delighted to welcome Rach to the team, and I am looking forward to seeing the strong contribution she will make to the business going forward.”
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