Glasgow-based turbo remanufacturing specialist, The Turbo Guy, has extended its operations to the North of England through the acquisition of Turbocharger Service (UK) Limited (TCS) in Huddersfield.

Since its launch in 2010, The Turbo Guy has experienced consistent growth. With this acquisition, the company aims to enhance service delivery for trade customers, including motor factors and parts distributors, in the region. The expansion will allow same-day delivery of high-quality remanufactured turbos for cars and light commercial vehicles.

TCS will continue to operate under its original name, retaining all seven employees, including founder Ian Goodall. Goodall will collaborate with The Turbo Guy’s managing director, Allan Mitchell, to grow the business in the UK.

Along with expanding product availability, The Turbo Guy plans to introduce a technical support telephone service in the coming months, further strengthening its customer offering. The acquisition marks a significant step in the company’s strategy to increase market presence and service quality.

North Yorkshire’s visitor economy continues to show resilience, surpassing £4 billion in annual value. A significant 32.2 million people visited the county in 2024, marking a 3.8% increase over the previous year. This growth not only underscores the appeal of the region’s diverse attractions but also highlights the sector’s vital contribution to local employment, with over 38,000 full-time jobs supported.

In response to these positive figures, the county is intensifying its strategic focus. The newly launched destination management plan, developed by Visit North Yorkshire, serves as a roadmap for the next decade, targeting further growth and fostering a more sustainable tourism model. The plan seeks to expand overnight stays, a key area for development based on the latest data.

Notably, Castle Howard, a prominent cultural venue, saw a 10% rise in visitors during the summer of 2024. The stately home’s successful events, including an art exhibition by Sir Tony Cragg, have been pivotal in driving this growth. Such attractions are increasingly contributing to the local economy, setting a strong precedent for the tourism sector.

The county is also embracing new digital tools, such as a revamped website launched by Visit North Yorkshire in April 2024. This initiative is designed to provide visitors with comprehensive resources and encourage extended stays. Accompanying this digital push is the launch of the There’s More to North Yorkshire marketing campaign, aimed at broadening the county’s appeal beyond its rural landscapes. The campaign highlights a mix of thrilling coastal activities, wellness retreats, historical sites, and vibrant nightlife.

As the region builds on its momentum, additional initiatives, including special events like restaurant weeks and the Whitby Literature Festival, are planned for later in the year to drive footfall during traditionally quieter periods.

Clean Planet Energy, a UK-based clean-tech firm, has chosen Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park in North Kesteven District for its second ecoPlant facility in the UK. The new plant is part of Clean Planet’s plan to tackle the plastic waste crisis, with an estimated £35 million investment in its construction.

This ecoPlant will process up to 25,000 tonnes of traditionally non-recyclable plastic waste annually, such as fast food containers, shopping bags, and plastic films. The facility will convert this waste into Purified Pyrolysis Oil, an alternative to the fossil oils used in petrochemical industries. The plant is expected to create 50-70 permanent jobs and an additional 100 jobs during construction.

The site was chosen for its access to industrial infrastructure and the council’s commitment to sustainability. The development aligns with North Kesteven District’s goals of promoting green industries and local economic growth. The facility is located on a plot in the second phase of Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park, which already includes energy-efficient units featuring solar panels and EV charging points.

If Lincolnshire County Council approves the planning application, construction is expected to begin soon, with operations anticipated to start after the two-year build. Clean Planet Energy is focused on removing over one million tonnes of non-recyclable plastic annually, addressing a global issue where the vast majority of plastic waste ends up in landfills, incinerators, or oceans.

Lincolnshire County Council has launched the Skills Champion programme, offering £1,000 grants to local businesses and community groups focused on improving literacy, numeracy, and digital skills. The initiative is designed to encourage the delivery of accessible and innovative learning programmes that address these key areas of development.

Organisations successful in their application will receive financial support to help implement projects that promote practical skills. These efforts could include activities that integrate learning into everyday tasks, such as cooking or gardening, making education more relatable and engaging.

The programme will also provide networking opportunities through regular ‘LinknLearn’ sessions, where participants can exchange ideas, resources, and strategies to enhance their initiatives. With the backing of the county’s Adult Learning Team, the grants aim to empower local organisations to make a significant impact in their communities.

Applications for the grants are open until August 2025, with applicants able to apply for support across any combination of the three focus areas: literacy, numeracy, or digital skills.