Ison Harrison expands in Skipton with Savage Crangle acquisition

Tess Egginton
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Ison Harrison expands in Skipton with Savage Crangle acquisition
Savage Crangle, a Skipton-based law firm, is to become part of Yorkshire legal service provider Ison Harrison following its acquisition. The local knowledge of Savage Crangle, specialists in conveyancing, family law, corporate and commercial property, litigation and wills and probate for over four decades, complements the breadth of Ison Harrison’s offering, which recently expanded into Skipton through the acquisition of Armstrong Luty Solicitors. Founded in 1979, partners Peter Crangle, John Eyre and Chris Storah lead a team of 23 staff between Savage Crangle’s Skipton and Otley offices. Peter Crangle, founding partner at Savage Crangle, said: “We’ve been on a long and proud journey as Savage Crangle, serving our clients with dedication and professionalism for 46 years. Joining Ison Harrison allows us to continue that journey, but with fresh energy and expanded capabilities. It’s the right step for our clients and our team.” The branch will continue to operate from Savage Crangle’s existing office on Skipton High Street, managed by Julie Smith of Ison Harrison. Julie said: “I am proud to be leading this exciting new chapter. Savage Crangle and Ison Harrison share a commitment to client care, specialist expertise and local values. Together we can offer a more diverse range of services to the people of Skipton.” Jonathan Wearing, managing director of Ison Harrison, added: “Our goal has always been to deliver accessible, expert legal support in the heart of local communities. Bringing Savage Crangle into the Ison Harrison family not only expands our geographical footprint but also enriches our offering with their highly respected team. With Armstrong Luty already part of our journey, we’re building something really special in Skipton.”

Halifax provider of accident management services acquires Huddersfield business

Tess Egginton
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Halifax provider of accident management services acquires Huddersfield business
Activate Group, a Halifax-based provider of accident management services, has acquired Avant Group, the Huddersfield collision repair specialist. As part of the deal Activate Group has acquired Avant Group’s three key brands: Avant Consult, Avant Repair Network and Bodynet. The move brings together two complementary businesses with shared strengths in the insurance, fleet and repair sectors. The deal supports the growth plans of both businesses, delivering significant scale across claims and repair management. Activate Group also welcomes Avant’s manufacturer paint and body programmes to its existing service offering. The acquisition of Bodynet, Avant’s established bodyshop management system, further strengthens the strategic alignment between the two businesses, enhancing the market offering of Onyx Repair Innovations Ltd – Activate Group’s sister company. Avant Group’s leadership team will remain in place, continuing in their current roles. Mark Johnstone will head up the business, joining the Activate Group executive team as managing director of Avant Group. Avant Repair Network will continue to be led by Chris Ryder and his senior team, and Neil Blackman will remain as account director of the group’s Automotive division. The deal is supported by a further investment from Elysian Capital, building on its initial backing of Activate Group in 2024. Hannah Wilcox, Activate Group CEO, said: “This marks a significant milestone for Activate Group. Avant Group’s specialist expertise enhances our existing proposition and supports our ambition to deliver the UK’s most advanced, end-to-end accident and repair solutions. Together, we’re giving insurers, fleets and partners even more reasons to choose our services. “Mark and the Avant team have built a strong business with a great reputation. I’m looking forward to working with them, continuing to deliver the same high-quality service they are known for, and bringing investment and digital infrastructure to ensure continued innovation for customers and partners.” Mark Johnstone added: “Joining Activate Group is the next natural step in our growth. We’re proud of the service and culture we’ve built, and the strong relationships we have with our clients and repair partners. “Becoming part of Activate Group gives us the opportunity to grow faster, expand our reach and bring even more value to our clients, partners and people, and we’re excited about what we can now achieve together.”

2,000 new jobs and a multi-million pound investment for the region as Barnsley West gets go-ahead

Tess Egginton
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2,000 new jobs and a multi-million pound investment for the region as Barnsley West gets go-ahead
The decision to give the go-ahead to Barnsley West, one of the largest developments in Yorkshire, will be a “massive game-changer for the town.” Sir Bob Murray, founder and chairman of Leeds-based Sterling Capitol, who are developing Barnsley West in conjunction with Strata Homes, revealed that the development would create 2,000 new jobs and deliver a multi-million pound investment for the region. Known as MU1, the 122-hectare site off Higham Common Road and close to Junction 37 of the M1, has been given the green light by Barnsley Council’s Planning Committee. Development plans for the site include over 1,700 homes, 1.2 million sq ft of employment space for modern advanced manufacturing, storage and distribution, a strategic link road, a brand-new primary school for up to 420 children, shops and community facilities. The main access points via roundabouts have already been constructed at both the northern and southern ends of the site, shortening the timescale to delivery of units. Sir Bob Murray said: “The decision to give the go-ahead to Barnsley West is welcomed news. In the challenging economic times, this development will provide much-needed jobs and investment and will be a massive game changer for the town and the surrounding area. It’s a defining moment – the key to future prosperity. “On a personal note, this means so much to me. I have a real affinity for the site, which lies on top of an open-cast coal mine. My father was a miner, and I built the Stadium of Light, the home of Sunderland AFC, on top of Monkwearmouth Colliery. It’s so important to breathe new life into sites which such illustrious histories. “At Sterling, we have worked so hard on this development for over 10 years. We know Barnsley well, having always believed in its potential and having a distinguished track record there. “We have also built Capitol Park Barnsley by Junction 37 of the M1, creating 650 jobs with a final phase set to deliver a further 500. The 36-acre park, now a thriving business hub, has attracted a number of high-profile companies to the area, including the NHS Blood and Transplant facility, whose world-class laboratory services support NHS patients across the north of England, and a hotel. “This long-standing collaboration is a testament to what we can achieve together. We are eager to build on that success with Barnsley West and continue our trusted partnership to drive investment, create opportunity, and deliver lasting benefits for Barnsley. “Now that planning permission has been granted, we are completely focussed on delivering a transformational flagship employment site which will drive the town and the borough’s renaissance. But this is about more than development—it’s about long-term investment, opportunity, and confidence in Barnsley. Barnsley West represents a major step forward in helping secure the area’s economic future, and we’re proud to be at the heart of it. “I’d like to thank Barnsley Council, our partners and the local community for their support. We now look forward to getting on with the job and delivering a high-quality scheme that will benefit generations to come. “These benefits include a serious number of new and sustainable jobs, including around 100 much-needed apprenticeships, brand-new homes, a new primary school, green spaces and allotments for the community, enhanced public rights of access, a new link-road to the M1 and a subsidised bus route.” While Strata will focus on building the homes and the school, Sterling Capitol will concentrate on creating employment space, which will make Barnsley West a serious advanced manufacturing, distribution and logistics hub. Paul Beckett, CEO of Sterling Capitol, added: “I would like to emphasize that maintaining strong ties with the community is essential as we look to the future. We are committed to ensuring Barnsley West grows with the community and not apart from it. We are proud to be part of that community, delivering a flagship scheme for the region that everyone can be proud of.” The professional team who supported the Barnsley West application by Sterling Capitol and Strata Homes was: The Harris Partnership, Spawforths, Pegasus, JPG, RPP, Gillespies and Wardell Armstrong.

HICA Group raises over £2,600 in cycling challenge

Tess Egginton
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HICA Group raises over £2,600 in cycling challenge
Staff, residents and supporters of HICA Group, a Yorkshire headquartered not-for-profit social care provider, have raised more than £2,600 from its annual Tour De HICA event. They reached an impressive 1,962 miles in just 24 hours to support wellbeing initiatives across the organisation. During the challenge, five bikes and a treadmill at HICA’s central office were kept in near-constant motion, with teams cycling through the day and night. Among the standout efforts was Pat Godney, the 72-year-old mother of information and systems manager Paula Jory, who clocked up 60 miles. Also stepping up was Tanya, a care worker from HICA at Home Grimsby, who arrived with her son at 1.30am after travelling from Cleethorpes and cycled for four hours straight. HICA Group CEO Terry Peel was one of two staff members who stayed for the full 24 hours. He said: “The energy and commitment on display was incredible. People came in on their day off, turned up with family and returned in the evening after work just to contribute a few more miles. It was a real team effort and one that makes a difference to the lives of the people we care for.” Residents played an important part too. The Hollies, a Hull-based care home, helped launch the challenge, with one resident clocking up the first six miles, while residents from Isaac Robinson Court, another one HICA’s care homes in Hull, helped bring the event to a close. The bulk of the mileage was completed at the Hesslewood main office, where teams racked up 1,210 miles. Other contributions came from the HICA at Home offices at Doncaster, Grimsby, Chorley and HICA at Home Hull who clocked up 668 miles, and also at care homes Elm Tree Court, The Grange, Overton House and The Hollies who managed 84 miles. Reflecting on her mum’s involvement, Paula Jory added: “It was brilliant to see so many people getting involved whether for five minutes or five hours. My mum was determined to play her part and just kept going! The whole event had a real buzz about it.” The event also received generous backing from corporate supporters including Avendra, CareHome Life, Gordon Solar and Power Solutions, Weborchard, and Sylvester Keal. All funds raised will help enhance the lives of residents and service users across HICA homes and services, supporting activities, trips and specialist equipment.

Financial services sector faces decline in activity and sentiment, CBI survey reveals

April Lara
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Financial services sector faces decline in activity and sentiment, CBI survey reveals

The latest CBI Financial Services Survey highlights a significant downturn in business activity and sentiment within the financial services sector. In the second quarter of 2025, business volumes fell at the fastest rate since December 2023, while optimism dropped sharply, marking the steepest decline since September 2022.

The survey, conducted between 29 May and 16 June, reveals that while firms expect activity to stabilise in the upcoming quarter, they also predict further declines in headcount and poor investment intentions, driven by ongoing economic uncertainty and the impact of last year’s Autumn Budget measures.

Key statistics show that business volumes decreased by 24%, a stark contrast to the 5% growth recorded in March. Despite this, firms expect volumes to remain roughly stable in the next quarter, with a slight increase of 3%. Optimism, however, plummeted by 55%, with firms anticipating modest profitability growth in the coming months.

Non-performing loans fell at the fastest rate since September 2021, while average spreads narrowed. The sector is also witnessing significant cuts in headcount, with a projected 52% reduction over the next three months. Investment intentions remain weak, with uncertainty about demand being the most cited factor limiting investment.

The financial services sector is now looking to the government’s upcoming Financial Services Growth & Competitiveness Strategy and further economic measures for reassurance amidst continued challenges.

Leeds BS and L&C Mortgages accelerate mortgage applications with open banking

April Lara
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Leeds BS and L&C Mortgages accelerate mortgage applications with open banking

Leeds Building Society and L&C Mortgages have launched an open banking pilot to streamline the mortgage application process. By connecting to Experian’s open banking platform, the two organisations can access applicants’ financial histories automatically, eliminating the need for traditional bank statements.

This approach allows clients to share their financial records directly, outlining income and regular payments. This shift not only speeds up the application process but also reduces the administrative load for brokers and clients. Following the success of the pilot, Leeds Building Society is set to expand the initiative to other intermediary partners, aiming to optimise the mortgage journey further.

The pilot demonstrates how digital innovation and collaboration can simplify complex procedures. With a growing demand for efficient, real-time financial solutions, open banking is proving to be a game-changer in the mortgage sector. Both Leeds Building Society and L&C Mortgages are now looking to scale the use of this technology, offering a faster, more transparent experience for both brokers and customers.

Diplomats strengthen ties with UK businesses to drive economic growth

April Lara
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Diplomats strengthen ties with UK businesses to drive economic growth

A fresh initiative is underway to connect British businesses with global markets, as UK diplomats embark on a nationwide tour aimed at strengthening regional ties and promoting economic growth. Under the Government’s Plan for Change, ambassadors and high commissioners are travelling across the UK to meet with local leaders and entrepreneurs, identifying opportunities for trade and investment. This marks the first time such a diplomatic roadshow has taken place.

The roadshow, which began in June and will continue into autumn, focuses on enhancing relationships between UK regions and key international trade partners. The initiative aligns with the Government’s industrial strategy and includes sectors such as clean energy, life sciences, defence, and digital tech. Senior diplomats have been tasked with harnessing regional expertise to unlock growth potential for UK businesses abroad.

The roadshow has already made significant stops in areas like South Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, and South Wales, where diplomats are engaging with local businesses, research institutions, and government bodies. Key visits have included meetings with steel manufacturers, universities, and technology companies, aimed at fostering new partnerships and attracting foreign investment.

This effort underscores the Government’s commitment to positioning the UK as a global leader in business and innovation, with a particular focus on regions outside London.

Businesses challenge BID levy despite legal threats

April Lara
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Businesses challenge BID levy despite legal threats

A dispute has arisen over the Business Improvement District (BID) levy in Spalding, with a group of business owners refusing to pay the charge. The BID, which was created following a local vote in July 2024, aims to fund town centre improvements and increase foot traffic. However, some businesses argue the vote was flawed due to missing ballots and have vowed not to pay the levy.

The levy is calculated based on a business’s rateable value, meaning larger businesses contribute more. Despite the backlash, South Holland District Council has defended the process, asserting the vote was legally conducted and in line with national guidelines.

Small business owners, including photographer Julian Wheeler and beautician Macie Harman, are among those opposing the BID. While Wheeler has expressed his intent to challenge the legality of the vote, Harman has opted to pay the levy to avoid further costs, but still plans to fight the BID’s validity.

The council has maintained that the ballot and levy collection process were fair and properly managed, with strict oversight from an electoral services provider and the returning officer. Recovery actions have been handled in accordance with national regulations, with the council standing firm on the legitimacy of the levy.

Management buyout completes at Sheffield digital agency

Tess Egginton
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Management buyout completes at Sheffield digital agency
A management buyout (MBO) has been completed at Evoluted by two long-standing employees, Giorgio Cassella and Sam Biggins. This move ensures Evoluted’s continued independence and empowers its new leaders to unleash their ambitious vision for the agency.
Founded in 2006 by Ash Young and Gareth Davies as a web development service for local businesses, Evoluted has become a full-spectrum digital powerhouse. A team of 25 delivers bespoke development, design and UX, and digital marketing solutions to an international client base. Operating from a Grade II listed building in the heart of Sheffield, with remote employees spanning the UK, Evoluted is on track to surpass £2.2m in revenue this year.
Biggins, who joined Evoluted in 2012 as graduate software developer, before taking a brief step into the world of tech before returning as head of development in 2016, said: “I’m incredibly excited about Evoluted’s future as we enter our milestone 20th year in business. “We’ve got a world-class team packed with talent who genuinely operate as partners, not contractors, and a strong culture of people over profits backed up by our B Corp certification and the ongoing work we do to create positive impact for our people, our clients, our communities and the environment. “Our power lies in bringing together talent across the digital spectrum and working across sectors – pulling concepts and ideas from different industries to enhance clients in others creates phenomenal value. We’ve created a melting pot of expertise which forges new connections to drive real business transformation and fits in perfectly with our Steel City heritage.” Cassella joined Evoluted in mid-2018 from a Sheffield edtech startup, initially working in technical SEO before becoming head of marketing in 2020. Together, the duo stepped into joint managing director roles in 2022. The buyout was facilitated with support from Martin Dean of Gravitate Corporate Finance and James Burdekin of MD Law.

Leeds introduces new funding programme to support business innovation and growth

April Lara
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Leeds introduces new funding programme to support business innovation and growth

A new funding initiative has been launched in Leeds to support innovation and business growth, backed by the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The programme, administered by Leeds City Council, will provide grants between £25,000 and £50,000 to support local organisations running knowledge-sharing projects.

The aim is to help businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators across Leeds maximise their potential through tailored business guidance, mentoring, and training. The grants will be available for both innovation-focused projects, such as those in AI and technology, and general business support projects targeting all sectors.

The funding is designed to benefit both established businesses and those in the early stages, as well as aspiring entrepreneurs. The intention is to equip participants with skills and networks to succeed in the competitive digital and tech industries.

The long-term goal of the programme is to foster innovation that will contribute to a healthier, greener, and more inclusive city. It also aims to enhance Leeds’ appeal to external investors by highlighting the city’s strengths in innovation.

Applications are open until July 27, with projects required to be completed by March 31 of the following year. The funding programme is expected to create opportunities, drive growth, and improve investor readiness for businesses across the region.

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