Sheffield attracts independent businesses with low costs and strong talent pool

April Lara
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Sheffield attracts independent businesses with low costs and strong talent pool

Sheffield is emerging as a key location for independent businesses, driven by low operating costs, a skilled workforce, and a supportive business environment.

Operating costs in Sheffield are significantly lower than in cities like London or Manchester. There is affordable commercial rent, lower local taxes, and competitive wage rates. This cost efficiency allows small businesses to reinvest in growth.

The city benefits from a strong talent pipeline. Graduates from the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University provide businesses with skilled professionals in technology, marketing, and business analysis. Sheffield’s growing tech sector is also drawing innovative talent.

Support networks like Business Sheffield provide funding, advice, and resources to help small enterprises succeed. The city’s high quality of life, with access to green spaces and cultural attractions, further strengthens its appeal as a business hub.

South Yorkshire to move to bus franchising by 2029

April Lara
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South Yorkshire to move to bus franchising by 2029

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has confirmed plans to transition the region’s bus network to a franchised model, ending decades of deregulation. The decision follows a public consultation in which 87% of respondents supported the move.

Under the new system, SYMCA will control depots, fleets, fares, ticketing, and service standards across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, and Sheffield. The first phase of publicly controlled services will launch in September 2027, with full implementation by July 2029.

The franchising model will include large contracts for major operators and smaller contracts to encourage SME participation. SYMCA has allocated £350 million from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (2027-32) for fleet renewal and depot acquisition, alongside £5 million in transitional funding for 2025/26.

This move follows the public takeover of South Yorkshire’s Supertram last year and aligns with the region’s plan for an integrated transport system. SYMCA acknowledges financial risks beyond 2042 when a second fleet renewal cycle may create annual deficits, which it plans to offset through earlier surpluses.

The transition will wind down the South Yorkshire Enhanced Partnership Scheme, impacting existing operators like First South Yorkshire, Stagecoach Yorkshire, and TM Travel as they adapt to the new contract-based model.

Katharine Hammond has been appointed Chief Executive of SYMCA, with a salary of £220,000 per year. A full report on the consultation and the authority’s response is available on SYMCA’s website.

Bradford affordable housing scheme reaches completion

Tess Egginton
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Bradford affordable housing scheme reaches completion
Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has completed a £3.9 million affordable homes development in Eccleshill, Bradford. The One Meadow Victoria Road scheme comprises 19 properties – a mix of two, three and four-bed detached and semi-detached houses for social rent. The newly constructed homes have been delivered through a partnership with Zentra Group and the support of Homes England and Bradford Council. Each property is designed to be low maintenance and adaptable to future need. They come with fully integrated appliances including a fridge freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, oven and hob along with carpets and flooring. Built by Jack Lunn Construction, the properties have a reduced carbon footprint and an expected minimum energy performance of rating B or greater. Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said: “We are thrilled by the quality of the homes which are in an established local community with a robust identity and reliable communal services. “The proximity to existing MHA housing stock and the high demand for housing in the area contribute to the long-term viability of the project for future generations. “It has been a pleasure to deliver the scheme in close partnership with Zentra Group alongside Homes England and Bradford Council as part of our drive to address housing needs in Bradford and Keighley.” Rupert Pometsey, MHA Chair, said: “We currently own and manage 345 homes in the area, which has a settled BME community and is a desirable place for tenants to call home. “Together with our key partners on this project, I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff, board members, investors and, most importantly, our customers. “With their unswerving support, we are able to press on with our mission to provide high-quality, affordable housing solutions for the local communities we exist to serve.” Ben Scandrett, Development Director at Zentra Group, said: “We are delighted to see the completion of the One Meadow development in partnership with Manningham Housing Association. “This project represents our commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable homes that meet the needs of the local community. “By working closely with our partners, we have been able to provide well-designed, energy-efficient homes that will have a lasting positive impact. “At Zentra, we remain dedicated to creating sustainable housing solutions that support communities across the region.”

Senior promotions at Lichfields’ Leeds office

Tess Egginton
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Senior promotions at Lichfields’ Leeds office
Planning and development consultancy Lichfields has promoted Emma Gomersal and James Cox to planning directors in its Leeds office as its Yorkshire team continues to grow. Emma has a strong background in strategic land, specialising in the promotion of residential and employment sites. She has worked extensively with landowner and developer clients, managing the planning and development process to maximise the potential of these sites. James works with a range of clients primarily in the retail, tourism and roadside development sectors. He has also taken on a lead role in advising Anglo American on the Woodsmith Project; a nationally significantly polyhalite fertiliser mine that is being developed in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Emma Gomersal said: “The support I’ve experienced since joining Lichfields has been instrumental in allowing me to build on my experience in strategic land and contribute effectively to the continued success of the Leeds office. “The expertise and services we offer as a company, alongside our reputation for in depth insight and research, have been invaluable in achieving the objectives for our clients across the region.” James Cox said: “I’m grateful for the support of the team and our clients as we continue to deliver innovative planning solutions and I look forward to taking on new challenges in this expanded role.” Chris Darley, Head of the Leeds office, said: “Emma and James’ promotions are well-deserved. Their leadership and expertise will continue to drive our growth and strengthen our position as a leader in the planning and development sector. We’re excited to see them both take on these new responsibilities and lead the team through the next phase of growth.”

Major indoor adventure park under construction in Leeds

April Lara
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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

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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.

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