Attercliffe to be transformed into Sheffield’s ‘newest neighbourhood’, as plans revealed

Tess Egginton
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Attercliffe to be transformed into Sheffield’s ‘newest neighbourhood’, as plans revealed
Plans have been revealed to transform Attercliffe into Sheffield’s ‘newest neighbourhood’. Dating back to the 12th century, Attercliffe is steeped in history, playing a key role in the industrial revolution, with its steel dominating the world market for centuries. With the steel industry reverting to a more specialised form in recent years, some of Attercliffe’s factories of the past have been replaced by facilities such as the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, the Utilita Sheffield Arena and, slightly further afield, Meadowhall Shopping Centre and Retail Park. Sheffield City Council, however, wants to develop the area further. Spread over six different locations, Attercliffe Regeneration Framework shows how and where 3,000 new homes could be located and 1,500 new jobs could be created over the next 10-15 years, as well as improving the transport network as part of the Darnall Attercliffe City Centre project. Working alongside the Council’s partner, Homes England, the project aims to transform large parts of Attercliffe, to help deliver Sheffield’s ‘newest, sustainable, lifelong neighbourhood’. Cllr Ben Miskell, chair of the transport, regeneration and climate policy committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “It’s impossible to underestimate how important Attercliffe is to Sheffield and the surrounding area, the historical importance but also to those who call it home. “However, it’s fair to say that the area has fallen onto hard times in recent years and it is now time Attercliffe is returned to a place of community, jobs and outstanding transport links to with the rest of Sheffield and South Yorkshire. “This Framework will help to deliver that whilst at the same time, ensuring the iconic buildings and community feel of Attercliffe is retained for generations to come. We know that people love the area, it is their home and has been for many years, this project doesn’t change that, in fact it builds on it, creating a neighbourhood people will be proud of.” As part of the latest stage in the process, Sheffield City Council is calling on developers and residents to get involved and have their say on the Framework. Mark Canning, head of area at Homes England for South & East Yorkshire, said: “Attercliffe is now at the forefront of Sheffield’s ‘new wave’ of urban transformation, with the area being reimagined as a vibrant, eco-conscious community. “Attercliffe’s revival blends Sheffield’s industrial roots with a bold, green future. As the city’s next hotspot, it mirrors Sheffield’s global, green and growing strategy by fostering innovation, sustainability and community. Like Kelham Island, Attercliffe is set to become one of Sheffield’s coolest, most forward-thinking neighbourhoods. “As Sheffield grows in confidence, proud of its heritage but boldly embracing the future, Attercliffe mirrors this momentum – where innovation, nature and urban life unite in a place designed for growth and adventure.”

South Yorkshire titanium castings foundry secures investment for expansion

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South Yorkshire titanium castings foundry secures investment for expansion
A South Yorkshire-based titanium castings foundry has secured new private equity investment. Established over 100 years ago, Castings Technology has turned its fortunes around since a management buy-out completed in 2021, which saw Richard Cook, MD, and Kevin Parkin, chairman, take the reins. As the UK’s only commercial titanium facility, demand for components has sky-rocketed. The company produces specialised investment castings from a range of alloys for some of the world’s most demanding advanced manufacturing companies. Currently sharing facilities with the University of Sheffield’s AMRC, on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, the company’s order book has outgrown its existing facilities, requiring a move to its own, larger, dedicated site – with the business needing investment to do so. Kevin Parkin and Richard Cook led the investment and the existing Board all remain in position. The £15m investment facility for new premises, equipment, and creating new jobs was funded by Zachary Asset Holdings, a family investment office. Moving to a 195,000 sq ft production facility on Shepcote Lane in Sheffield, the new site, formerly a Whitbread Brewery bottling plant, is undergoing a multimillion-pound landlord-funded refurbishment. Castle Square Corporate Finance, the Sheffield and Leeds based corporate finance boutique, advised the shareholders, having advised on the MBO four years ago. The team, led by Kevan Shaw, managing partner, assisted by Richard Weston, associate director, and Joe Potts, assistant manager, were engaged to seek an investment partner and ran a structured fundraising process, advised on the funding negotiations and project managed the transaction process to completion. Kevan Shaw said: “We were delighted to be invited to manage this investment deal following our involvement with Castings Technology’s MBO in 2020/21. It is fantastic to see the progress since that time, with the company experiencing 225+% growth in sales, and over a 25% increase in staff.” Wake Smith Solicitors’ Rebecca Robinson, director and head of corporate, provided legal advice to the management team. Mark Cooper of BHP advised on tax matters.

TUC conducts workplace inspections to ensure safety during heatwave

April Lara
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TUC conducts workplace inspections to ensure safety during heatwave

The TUC has launched a nationwide initiative to inspect workplaces and ensure that employers are taking appropriate steps to protect workers amid the ongoing heatwave. Over 1,000 union health and safety representatives are involved in the effort.

Working in extreme heat can cause dehydration, fatigue, muscle cramps, and even fainting or loss of consciousness in severe cases. Union reps will assess workplace temperatures and engage with employers to discuss safety measures such as maintaining cool indoor environments, providing shaded areas for outdoor workers, and offering flexible working hours.

This inspection underscores the importance of workplace safety during high temperatures and highlights the need for stronger legal safeguards. Employers are encouraged to implement basic precautions like flexible working hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day and ensure indoor spaces remain comfortable.

Leeds digital production company to grow with five-figure Start Up Loan

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Leeds digital production company to grow with five-figure Start Up Loan
A Leeds-based digital production company has secured a five-figure Start Up Loan through the Business Enterprise Fund. The funding is set to enhance marketing efforts and help scale a growing creative business with a high-profile client base.
Founded by sound engineer and music graduate Richard Middleton in January 2023, Longwave Digital began as an extension of Richard’s freelance work editing video podcasts. Now a fully-fledged limited company with a growing team, Longwave provides bespoke production services tailored to creators, offering everything from editing to sound design to distribution. After gaining traction through retained freelance clients and organic growth, Richard saw an opportunity to take Longwave to the next level, but needed business guidance and funding support to get there. A friend recommended he speak with AD:VENTURE, where he connected with advisor Keith, who helped him access two rounds of grant funding. These initial grants helped Longwave invest in key infrastructure, including professional monitors, recording equipment, marketing spend, and resources for a new hire. But as the company has grown and taken on larger, more complex projects, cashflow management, talent acquisition, and marketing have became top priorities. Through AD:VENTURE, Richard was referred to BEF, where he worked with investment manager Julie Micklethwaite to secure a Start Up Loan. The funding allowed Longwave to revamp its website, run targeted Instagram ads to attract new talent, and invest in SEO to boost discoverability.

Richard Middleton, founder of Longwave Digital, said: “The Start Up Loan gave us the flexibility to invest in areas that were crucial for our next stage of growth – our website, marketing, and attracting new talent. It’s allowed us to move forward with confidence and build the business in a more strategic, sustainable way.”

 

Bumper year in education sector sees construction firm start major extension project in York

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Bumper year in education sector sees construction firm start major extension project in York
Construction firm Hobson & Porter is seeing a bumper year in the education sector, after starting a major new extension project in York, as well as working on numerous other school and college projects across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. The company is now working on a £1.4m extension at St Paul’s Nursery School on St Paul’s Square in York’s Holgate area. The project, on behalf of City of York Council, also involves internal alterations and the refurbishment of the existing Grade II listed nursery building. St Paul’s opened in 1936, making it York’s oldest nursery, and it was gifted to the local authority by the Rowntree family. This latest project follows Hobson & Porter starting work earlier this year on an extension at Cambridge Park Academy in Grimsby, which will almost double the size of its sixth form college for SEND pupils. Hobson & Porter is also building two new primary schools near Grimsby, at Scartho and Waltham, for North East Lincolnshire Council, which will open this year and both will be run by Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust. In Skegness, Hobson & Porter is building a new £12m learning campus for Skegness TEC (Training, Education and Careers). Richard Hunter, managing director at Hobson & Porter, said: “We have a proven track record and a strong reputation for continually producing an exceptional standard of work in the education sector and this has made it a key part of our business. “Much of our success is due to our ability to plan for and meet the tight deadlines the sector faces, with a lot of rapid-delivery and complex projects typically crammed into the summer months, when schools and colleges are closed. “We’re very pleased to start work at St Paul’s Nursery School, which will benefit from our expertise in the education sector and complement our existing projects. We’ve also worked hard to devise effective ways to overcome the project’s unique challenges which include the site’s limited access, its Grade II listed boundary walls, and we’re building a timber framed extension that must be sympathetic to its surroundings. “Ultimately, once work completes, there’s no doubt it will create a significantly enhanced environment where young people can learn, grow and thrive, which is our ultimate aim for every education scheme we deliver.”

Growth boost for Yorkshire & Humber manufacturing

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Growth boost for Yorkshire & Humber manufacturing
Manufacturers in Yorkshire & the Humber have seen output recover to almost a sixth higher (14%) than that recorded in 2019, according to the latest snapshot of the sector’s contribution to the region’s economy. The Make UK/BDO Annual Regional Manufacturing Outlook report shows the importance of the manufacturing sector to the Yorkshire & Humber economy, accounting for almost a sixth (13%) of the region’s total output. It also contributes 280,000 highly skilled jobs, 10% of the region’s employment overall. Three major sectors account for almost half of manufacturing production with the largest being the food and drink sector, worth almost a quarter (19.1%) of industrial output in the region. This is followed by the metals sector (largely steel) at 15.1% and then chemicals at 10%. In 2024 Yorkshire & Humber was responsible for 6% of the UK’s total goods exports (up from 5% in 2023) with the EU being the dominant destination (56%), making it one the most dependent of any English region or devolved nation. This is followed by North America (17%) and Asia & Oceania (13%). Dawn Huntrod, region director for Make UK in the North, said: “Industry remains critical to the growth of the Yorkshire & Humber economy, providing high value, high skill jobs and aiding the process of creating wealth across the region. “The Government has made a welcome bold statement of its intent to tackle the UK’s anaemic growth at national and regional level with its industrial and trade strategies. This should now be allied with the local growth strategies and priorities of each region, including infrastructure and innovation, together with other measures to ensure the UK is an attractive place to do business.” Steve Talbot, head of manufacturing in Yorkshire at BDO, added: “The government has made clear that their industrial strategy is proudly place based and these results remind us that manufacturing in the Yorkshire & Humber is a great place to start. “Accounting for a sixth of the region’s output and ten per cent of its employment, manufacturing is undoubtedly vital to the continued growth of the region. “What these businesses need now is targeted investment and support to locate new trading partners, boost export levels and bridge the skills gap.”

British Steel expands apprenticeship programme with 59 new positions

April Lara
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British Steel expands apprenticeship programme with 59 new positions

British Steel is set to recruit 59 new apprentices this September as part of a broader drive to strengthen its workforce. This marks the company’s first intake of apprentices in three years, with roles spanning engineering, technical, and functional areas.

The UK’s only primary steelmaker will hire 21 additional apprentices, increasing the total to 59, across its operations in Scunthorpe, Teesside, and Skinningrove. The company has also introduced technical apprenticeships at its R&D facility in Sheffield.

In total, British Steel is hiring for 30 engineering, 6 technical, and 7 functional positions. These new roles are designed to address the growing need for skilled talent within the business.

The HR team has highlighted the exceptional quality of applicants received for the apprenticeship positions. With the continued focus on building an internal talent pool, these apprentices will play a vital role in shaping the company’s future, with a clear focus on sustainability and profitability.

Applications for most of the roles closed last month, with assessments and offers currently being processed. However, British Steel is still accepting applications for technical positions in Sheffield and seven functional roles in Scunthorpe, including positions in procurement, commercial, HR, IT, finance, and health and safety.

Sheffield’s rail electrification delayed again, South Yorkshire left behind

April Lara
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Sheffield’s rail electrification delayed again, South Yorkshire left behind

The electrification of the Midland Mainline (MML) has been delayed yet again, with Sheffield set to remain the largest UK city without electrified railways. The latest pause affects plans to extend the electrification north of Kettering, originally intended to reach Sheffield by the end of 2020. The pause comes despite earlier proposals for the MML to extend to Doncaster and Leeds, including a link through Rotherham with a new station.

The Government’s decision to halt the project follows ongoing concerns over rising costs and prioritisation of other schemes. As a result, Sheffield will continue to depend on outdated diesel trains, which are slower, more polluting, and less reliable. These older trains contribute to higher emissions, which runs counter to the Government’s broader environmental goals.

This pause contrasts with the progress seen on the East Coast Mainline (ECML), which completed its electrification upgrade in 2020, enabling the introduction of new, modern trains. The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority has expressed concern over the ongoing delay, highlighting the environmental and operational drawbacks of sticking with diesel-powered services.

The Government has stated that while the next phase of electrification is paused, the potential for full electrification remains under review and may be reconsidered when funding becomes available in the future.

Sephora expands into Yorkshire with Meadowhall store opening

April Lara
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Sephora expands into Yorkshire with Meadowhall store opening

Sephora UK has launched its first store in Yorkshire at Meadowhall, Sheffield. The 3,389 sq ft store is the retailer’s first opening of 2025, following its Liverpool ONE debut in May. The store attracted 1,000 customers on its opening day, eager to grab one of the exclusive goodie bags.

This opening is part of Sephora’s broader UK expansion, which saw stores opened in major locations across 2024, including Manchester Trafford Centre, Newcastle Eldon Square, Gateshead Metrocentre, Birmingham Bullring, and Bluewater Shopping Centre. Future openings are set for Manchester Arndale, Oxford Westgate, and Cardiff St David’s.

Sephora UK’s expansion is driven by its strategy to enhance accessibility, inclusivity, and inspiration for beauty consumers nationwide. The new Meadowhall store further strengthens the retailer’s presence in the region and supports the centre’s goal of offering a premium beauty shopping experience. The opening is seen as a significant milestone for both Sephora and Meadowhall, positioning the shopping centre as a top destination for beauty shoppers in the area.

UK government commits £2.5bn to drive automotive sector’s zero-emission shift

April Lara
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UK government commits £2.5bn to drive automotive sector’s zero-emission shift

The UK government is injecting £2.5 billion into the automotive sector as part of its DRIVE35 programme, a decade-long initiative aimed at positioning the country at the forefront of electric vehicle (EV) and zero-emission vehicle production. This funding is designed to support a range of projects, from high-volume manufacturing to innovative EV startups, ensuring the UK’s continued leadership in sustainable automotive manufacturing.

The new funding package aligns with the UK’s broader Industrial Strategy, which aims to increase business investment in advanced manufacturing, particularly in sectors such as automotive. By providing both capital investment and research and development funding, DRIVE35 seeks to accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicle manufacturing, supporting everything from major gigafactories to smaller-scale R&D projects. A £500 million allocation for R&D, running until 2035, underscores the government’s commitment to long-term innovation in the sector.

The UK’s automotive industry, which is a key contributor to the economy, saw £21.4 billion in output in 2024 and supports over 132,000 jobs across various roles. With the rise in demand for electric vehicles, making the UK the largest EV market in Europe by 2024, the government’s investment will help maintain momentum, ensuring continued growth and innovation within the sector.

As part of the programme, funding will focus on three main areas: large-scale manufacturing transformation, R&D for scaling up emerging technologies, and funding for innovation in the sector. The government expects that these investments will create thousands of jobs, stimulate billions in economic growth, and reduce CO2 emissions by advancing cleaner vehicle technologies. These efforts will help attract global investors and ensure that the UK remains an attractive destination for automotive innovation.

Investments announced alongside the DRIVE35 programme include a £100 million boost for EV component production in Bolton and £15 million for EV part manufacturing in the West Midlands. These projects are expected to create significant high-value employment and strengthen the UK’s role as a leader in the global EV supply chain.

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