Lighthouse Charity Yorkshire Region raises £100,000 to support construction workers

Tess Egginton
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Lighthouse Charity Yorkshire Region raises £100,000 to support construction workers
The Lighthouse Charity’s Yorkshire Region has raised £100,000 to support construction workers and their families. The Charity is dedicated to the emotional, physical and financial wellbeing of the construction community and their mission is to ensure that no worker feels alone in a crisis. A crucial element of the charity’s strategy is to provide a wide range of free and widely available reactive and pro-active resources to support the industry. They offer a free and confidential 24/7 helpline, live web chat service and text facility which provides a range of information, guidance and support on a huge variety of wellbeing issues. These services are complemented by their free self-support app, along with their Lighthouse Beacons who provide a safe space for people to share concerns. Yorkshire’s annual fundraising events include an incredibly well supported spring ball and Christmas lunch which are ‘must attend’ events in the region. In addition to raising funds from table sales, fundraising activities include auctions and raffles where local companies generously donate much sought after prizes. The cheque for £100,000 was presented by Yorkshire Chairman Alan Wright (Wrights of Crokey Hill), Vice Chair Matthew Kitching (Kitching Plant Hire), and Kirstie Murray (Galliford Try) to Thomas McConkey, Lighthouse Charity Director of Partnerships Alan Wright, Chairman of the Yorkshire region, said: “We are continually staggered by the amazing support we receive and every year we exceed our fund raising expectations. The Lighthouse Charity makes a huge difference to those who may be struggling in our industry and I know that we are all immensely proud of the impact we make.” Sarah Bolton, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity, commented on the amazing dedication of the regional volunteers and the work they do to support their community: “This generous donation is testament to the incredible efforts of everyone involved in the region’s fundraising activities. “We are incredibly lucky to have the support of our volunteers who go above and beyond in their fundraising efforts and also amplify our message of support to those who may be struggling. To everyone who contributed, attended events, and championed our cause—thank you.”

First residential buildings get green light at Leeds’ Aire Park

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First residential buildings get green light at Leeds’ Aire Park
Vastint UK has secured planning permission for the first homes at Aire Park, at Leeds’ South Bank. The approved plans will see the development of 418 build to rent homes across seven buildings on the corner of Crown Point Road and Bowman Lane. Featuring a mix of studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments, the new buildings, designed by Cartwright Pickard, also include 44 affordable homes which will be the first to be delivered by the developer. The seven buildings will be surrounded by landscaping, including woodland courtyards. Simon Schofield, Head of Development North at Vastint UK, said: “We’re pleased to have received planning permission to deliver these much-needed homes to the City of Leeds. “The first residential buildings are another major milestone in the future of the development and these will be the first of over 1,350 new homes within the completed Aire Park. “We’re now preparing to start on site later this year, and looking forward to seeing the Aire Park community grow and evolve as it develops its unique identity and place within the city.” Vastint UK is targeting to complete the delivery of Aire Park by 2032, at which point the area will be home to over 11,000 workers and up to 3,000 residents, and will be centred around an expansive, eight-acre public park, one of the largest new city centre green spaces in the country.

Work to start on Doncaster’s digital tech hub

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Work to start on Doncaster’s digital tech hub

Construction work will shortly begin on Doncaster’s Gateway One development, a new 52,000 sq ft Grade A office building on Trafford Way which is set to become Doncaster’s new digital tech hub.

Work on the £32m development, adjacent to Doncaster train station, will begin in April with completion expected in January 2027. The project is largely funded by the UK Government through the Doncaster Town Deal fund, and overseen by the Town Deal Board, a sub-group of the new city centre board. The development supports Doncaster’s ambitions to grow a digital and tech cluster of national significance. The creation of a new, specialist digital tech hub and the businesses located there will revolve around digital technology, with global AI firm Automatic Analytics among the founding businesses set to take up residence. Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, said: “This pioneering building – right in the heart of Doncaster city centre at the train station gateway – is part of our plans to regenerate and modernise key areas of the city centre. “Our aim is to create a new digital hub which will bring exciting new opportunities for Doncaster including jobs, economic growth, increased footfall and put Doncaster at the forefront of the changing economy and technological change as we strive to become a regional Artificial Intelligence (AI) Growth Zone. “We want Doncaster to become a front runner in digital technology and we are already fast emerging as a centre of excellence for artificial intelligence (AI). This building will act as a magnet for leading digital and tech companies looking for opportunities to scale and grow their business to locate in Doncaster. The building will be a modern environment with improved public spaces and an extension to the recently regenerated railway forecourt.”
Chris Yates, Yorkshire director at Willmott Dixon, said: “Our team of local commercial experts will bring a wealth of experience and innovation to Gateway One. In partnership with City of Doncaster Council, we will create a cutting-edge and sustainable hub where digital and technology businesses can thrive and grow in this city. “We’re passionate that innovation will be a catalyst for creating opportunities for the people of Doncaster, so, in partnership with our proud local supply chain partners, we are committed to creating six new employment opportunities directly on the project. “Through our bespoke ‘Building Lives Academy’ initiatives in collaboration with Advance Employment Hub, we also aim to deliver more than 650 hours of impactful employment support for local people furthest from the job market, those at risk of redundancy and those looking to transition into the construction industry.” Tariq Shah OBE, CEO, Vigo Group, said: “This has been a great example of partnership working with colleagues across Doncaster’s public and private sectors supporting the bid for Town Deal funding. “From the outset the aim was to deliver a high-quality development that kick started regeneration of the Station Gateway area and set the quality standards for new investment in to Doncaster on this important gateway site.” Mark Taylor, CEO and Founder of Automated Analytics, said: “We are proud to be the anchor tenants of Gateway One as the opportunity to network, collaborate and scale in the City’s Innovation Hub is key to our growth and putting Doncaster firmly on the global map for technology and Artificial Intelligence. “There is a ’secret sauce’ in Doncaster that enables impossible to become reality, and we look forward to the exciting next chapter that awaits with Gateway One the next milestone in Doncaster becoming a Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence.” Sally Jameson MP said: “I am delighted to hear that Automated Analytics, a proud Doncaster business, will be the anchor tenants of Gateway One. This is integral to Doncaster’s submission to become an AI Growth Zone, and will foster economic prosperity, innovation and excellence in AI in our city and South Yorkshire more widely.” The Gateway One development has been designed to achieve net zero carbon emissions and will include an area of public open space. It will span across five floors with two commercial units on the ground floor which incorporate alfresco dining.

Study Group secures major Leeds office for international student centre

April Lara
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Study Group secures major Leeds office for international student centre

Study Group has signed a five-year lease for 19,000 sq. ft. at 8 Park Row in Leeds city centre, marking one of the largest office deals in the city this year. The space will house The Leeds International Study Centre (ISC) for progression to the University of Leeds.

The deal, brokered by property consultancies Knight Frank and Fisher German LLP, will see the ISC occupy floors three to seven following a refurbishment. Study Group, in partnership with the University of Leeds, runs pathway programmes for international students in subjects including STEM, business, law, and social sciences.

Leeds has seen increased education-sector investment in recent years, with institutions such as the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, Leeds Trinity University, and the Mathematics School of Excellence establishing city-centre locations.

8 Park Row, originally the site of Beckett Bank, was built in 1967. Leeds Civic Trust opposed previous proposals to convert it into residential units.

Study Group cited the building’s location, quality, and architectural significance as key factors in the decision. Fisher German advised on the transaction, highlighting 8 Park Row as the best fit for the ISC’s operational needs.

Bradford Council approves UK’s largest council tax rise at 9.99%

April Lara
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Bradford Council approves UK’s largest council tax rise at 9.99%

Bradford Council has approved a 9.99% council tax increase, the highest in the UK, set to take effect in April. The decision comes as the Labour-run council faces significant financial strain, having borrowed £127 million this year alone.

Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe stated that the tax increase would reduce the need for further borrowing, estimating it could save £111 million in interest payments over 20 years. She noted that, despite the rise, Bradford’s council tax remains below the national average for a city of its size.

The budget was passed with support from all Labour councillors except Joe Wheatley. The decision faced public backlash, with residents disrupting the council meeting, leading to a temporary suspension and police intervention.

Significant investment agreed at first gathering of Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority

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Significant investment agreed at first gathering of Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority
Proposals to bring significant investment to Hull and East Yorkshire have been agreed at the opening meeting of the newly formed Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA). The historic first gathering took place at the ergo business centre in the shadow of the Humber Bridge on Wednesday 5 March. Among items discussed included the Combined Authority receiving a proportion of the billions of pounds announced to tackle transport infrastructure, including funding for Bus Service Improvement Plans. £15 million will be made available to support transport, flood and coastal erosion programmes across the area, along with a coastal regeneration programme in the East Riding of Yorkshire, and a brownfield employment programme in Hull, subject to agreement of the relevant business cases. Further money can also be accessed to support the area’s economic growth priorities for Offshore Wind, and also to address the effects of climate change at the coast. There is also £1 million earmarked towards the Howden link road scheme to support housing development in the area. The Combined Authority is comprised of two councillors from both unitary authorities in the Hull and East Yorkshire area, along with no more than four other non-voting members. Hull City Council is represented by its Leader, Councillor Mike Ross, and Deputy Leader, Councillor Jackie Dad. East Riding of Yorkshire Council is represented by its Leader, Councillor Anne Handley, and Deputy Leader, Councillor David Tucker. The non-voting members are made up of representatives from the Hull and East Yorkshire Business and Skills Boards. The Combined Authority’s Executive Board also confirmed the appointment of the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Jonathan Evison as a non-constituent member of the Combined Authority. The Combined Authority will be led by an elected mayor, to be determined via a Combined Authority Mayoral election to take place on Thursday 1 May. Councillor Jackie Dad said: “I’m delighted that we have got to this stage in our devolution journey and that we have had a successful first meeting. “There’s been a lot of hard work to get us this far, but huge investment can now come into our region, allowing us to further tap into the talent and drive that people have here.” Councillor David Tucker said: “It’s fantastic to reach this historic milestone in the devolution process. “The Combined Authority will play a crucial role in devolving powers from Westminster and delivering for our residents of Hull and East Riding, and I look forward to working with the Authority to unlock investment and opportunities for our region.” The Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority was created after Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council agreed a devolution deal with the Government. The deal has unlocked a £400 million investment fund, alongside powers that will move from Westminster to local decision-makers. The new Combined Authority does not replace either council, with both retaining their independence and continuing their work as normal.

UK economy contracts

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UK economy contracts
The UK’s economy contracted in January. According to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, is estimated to have fallen by 0.1% month-on-month in January, contrasting expectations of a 0.1% rise and growth of 0.4% in December. It reflects, across key sectors, monthly services output growing by 0.1% in January, following growth of 0.4% in December, production output falling by 0.9%, following growth of 0.5% in December, and construction output dropping by 0.2%, following a fall of 0.2% in December. Ben Jones, CBI Lead Economist, said: “After a surprisingly strong performance in December, some pay-back was always a possibility in January. But the mixed picture across different sectors in recent months suggests the recovery is still fragile. “There are signs that the drop in business and consumer economic confidence following the Autumn Budget is bottoming out. But downside growth risks remain from the potential for a softer labour market and an uptick in inflation. And rising global trade tensions could also keep business investment on the sidelines. “Amid a very fluid international environment, the government’s domestic growth agenda can serve as a North Star. Yesterday’s announcements to reduce regulatory burdens in a variety of sectors were welcome. But businesses are still struggling with high energy costs, increased labour costs and the possibility that the Employment Rights Bill makes hiring riskier and more costly still. “The government should be looking for every opportunity – not least via the upcoming Spending Review and industrial strategy – to support businesses with measures that give them the confidence to invest, grow and boost productivity.”

Halifax music store expands with start up loan support

April Lara
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Halifax music store expands with start up loan support

Halifax-based music retailer The Jam Shack has grown rapidly after receiving a £15,000 Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank, delivered by the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF).

Founded in 2024 by guitarist and sound technician Rik Panesar, The Jam Shack fills a gap left by the closure of the area’s last music shop. The funding helped secure a 400 sq ft unit in Halifax’s Piece Hall, establishing the store as both a retail space and a social hub for musicians.

The shop offers instruments, personalised lessons, live events, and rehearsal space, attracting customers from across Yorkshire. The BEF and British Business Bank highlighted The Jam Shack’s success as an example of how targeted funding can support regional entrepreneurs and creative industries.

SSE advances major battery storage project in North Yorkshire

April Lara
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SSE advances major battery storage project in North Yorkshire

SSE has reached a key milestone in its South Milford battery storage project, with battery units now delivered to the Monk Fryston site near Tadcaster. Once completed in early 2026, the 320MW/640MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) will be SSE’s largest to date and one of the UK’s biggest operational storage sites.

The project is more than six times the size of SSE Renewables’ 50MW/100MWh battery in Salisbury and more than double the capacity of its 150MW/300MWh sites under construction at Ferrybridge and Fiddler’s Ferry. When fully operational, Monk Fryston will power up to 533,000 homes for two hours during peak demand.

Morrison Energy Services, part of M Group Services’ Energy Division, is overseeing the installation, which includes Sungrow’s battery units. Sungrow is also working with SSE Renewables on the Ferrybridge storage project.

SSE and its partners see the Monk Fryston BESS as a critical step in improving grid flexibility and supporting the UK’s renewable energy transition.

Soanes Poultry invests £850,000 in solar energy for factory

April Lara
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Soanes Poultry invests £850,000 in solar energy for factory

East Yorkshire-based Soanes Poultry has invested £850,000 in a solar energy system to reduce its carbon footprint and lower operational costs.

The company partnered with Boston Renewables to install a 1,648-module field-mounted solar array, which is expected to generate 727,000kWh of electricity annually—enough to power 269 homes. The system is projected to cut CO2 emissions by 156 tonnes in its first year, equivalent to planting nearly 5,900 trees.

Managing Director Ben Lee said the solar panels were designed with an east-west orientation to maximise energy capture during peak factory hours in the morning and late afternoon. The investment aligns with Soanes Poultry’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes biomass energy, wind turbines, and energy-efficient refrigeration.

Soanes Poultry, a family-owned business since 1947, supplies chicken to butchers, independent retailers, and wholesalers across the UK. Boston Renewables specialises in solar PV installations for agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, and other industries.

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