Homes England to provide £12m boost for affordable Sheffield homes

Tess Egginton
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Homes England to provide £12m boost for affordable Sheffield homes

A £12m boost to two of Sheffield City Council’s affordable housebuilding programmes will deliver new council homes at a social rent in Sheffield.

The grant, awarded through the Homes England Affordable Housing Programme, will support the Council’s plans to increase council housing provision and homes for social rent at two sites in the city, as part of its ambition to provide up to 1,000 new affordable council homes by 2029. At the Newstead development in the Birley area, the £12m funding will support the Council to provide 41 homes and 36 flats for general needs at social rent, and a further 35 houses will be delivered at Corker Bottoms, just off the Sheffield Parkway. The council are also bringing forward 12 houses for shared ownership at Corker Bottoms, alongside partners at Sheffield Housing Company. The Council’s Finance and Performance Committee will now meet on Monday 17th March to formalise accepting the grant. Cllr Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “Across the city we are working hard to increase the number of new homes in our city. Good quality homes are fundamental for enabling everyone to live happy, healthy lives. “The government and Homes England have taken extremely significant, positive action to support councils to increase the building of council housing. Council homes transform lives and this grant will support our partnership working to increase affordable housing in city.” Eamonn Boylan, Chief Executive of Homes England, said: “Increasing the supply of quality affordable homes, working hand-in-glove with local leaders and communities, is a huge part of what we do as the government’s housing and regeneration agency. “Understanding the needs of local communities is vital and we’re delighted to be supporting Sheffield City Council to achieve their ambitions, including their aim to create up to 1,000 new affordable homes by 2029.”

Taiwan’s Walsin Lihwa acquires UK aerospace manufacturer AML

April Lara
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Taiwan’s Walsin Lihwa acquires UK aerospace manufacturer AML

The UK government has approved Walsin Lihwa Europe’s acquisition of Advanced Manufacturing (Sheffield) Ltd (AML), subject to national security conditions.

Walsin Lihwa, a Taiwan-based industrial conglomerate, will acquire a 38.8% stake in AML, a Rotherham-based precision engineering firm specialising in aerospace, defence, and energy components. AML, originating from the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, counts Rolls-Royce and Siemens Energy among its clients and won the King’s Award for Enterprise Innovation in 2024.

Government approval follows a national security assessment due to AML’s gas turbine engine components work. Conditions include operational restrictions on AML’s precision engineering capabilities, requirements to retain key operations in the UK, and appointing a Chief Security Officer to oversee compliance.

Walsin Lihwa, which operates in wire and cable, stainless steel, and renewable energy, acquired Sheffield-based Special Melted Products Ltd. in 2023 through its subsidiary, Cogne Acciai Speciali S.p.A.

Aptamer Group doubles revenue, expands pharmaceutical contracts

April Lara
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Aptamer Group doubles revenue, expands pharmaceutical contracts

Aptamer Group, a developer of Optimer® binders used in drug discovery and diagnostics, reported £700,000 in revenue for the six months ending 31 December 2024—more than double the previous year’s £300,000. Its cash reserves increased to £2 million.

The company raised £2.6 million in August 2024 and reduced its fixed costs to £3 million annually. Recent milestones include human skin trials with Unilever for Optimer-based deodorant additives and successfully validating Alzheimer’s diagnostic binders. Lab-based tests with AstraZeneca have also shown promise in drug delivery for fibrosis treatments.

Commercially, Aptamer secured multiple contracts with leading pharmaceutical firms, many of them repeat customers. In December 2024, it extended a contract with a top 20 pharmaceutical company for protein purification applications. The firm’s fee-for-service pipeline supports major biotech and pharmaceutical development programmes.

Shenward expands into London with John Cumming Ross acquisition

April Lara
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Shenward expands into London with John Cumming Ross acquisition

Yorkshire-based accountancy firm Shenward has acquired London-based John Cumming Ross Ltd (JCR) as part of its national expansion strategy. The deal includes JCR’s subsidiary, Jaycee Comservices Ltd.

JCR, a long-established firm with over 35 years in the industry, provides services such as tax planning, audit and assurance, financial planning, and consultancy. The firm has expanded internationally and employs 27 accountancy specialists.

The acquisition aligns with Shenward’s plan to strengthen its presence in major UK cities. JCR will rebrand immediately under the Shenward name, with all employees and directors remaining in their roles. Shenward, which already operates in Leeds and Cleckheaton, aims to build on its London-based client portfolio and professional network.

The JCR acquisition will nearly double Shenward’s team and client base. The firm’s long-term strategy includes acquiring two more practices, adding a fourth partner, and expanding to a 100-person team by 2030. The acquisition was financed by Lloyds Bank, with legal services provided by Eaton Smith.

UK insolvency activity surges while business start-ups stall

April Lara
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UK insolvency activity surges while business start-ups stall

Insolvency-related activity across the UK rose sharply in February, with Yorkshire and the Humber recording a 39% increase, according to data from R3, the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body. The East Midlands (79%) and South West (77%) saw the most significant jumps, while Northern Ireland was the only region to see a decline (-38%).

The data from Creditsafe, includes liquidator and administrator appointments and creditors’ meetings. Meanwhile, new business start-ups remained stagnant, rising just 0.2% in Yorkshire and the Humber—the only English region to see growth. Scotland recorded the highest start-up increase at 9%, while Northern Ireland and Wales also saw slight gains.

Compleat Food Group acquires The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co amid job cuts

April Lara
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Compleat Food Group acquires The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co amid job cuts

The Compleat Food Group has acquired The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co for an undisclosed amount, shortly after announcing plans to cut nearly 200 jobs across its Nottingham and Crewe sites.

The Yorkshire-based Real Yorkshire Pudding Co, which generates £33 million in revenue, supplies both own-label and branded chilled Yorkshire puddings.

This acquisition follows Compleat’s 2024 purchases of SK Foods and Zorba Foods, which specialise in private-label party foods, dips, and deli fillings, as well as Harvey & Brockless, a speciality food producer and distributor.

Backed by private equity firm PAI Partners, The Compleat Food Group was formed in 2021 and employs over 5,000 staff across 15 locations. Its portfolio includes brands such as Pork Farms, Wall’s Pastry, unearthed, Vadasz, Squeaky Bean, Wrights, and Palace Culture.

Executives from both companies described the acquisition as a strategic fit, citing shared values, product quality, and future growth opportunities.

Humber businesses urge mayoral candidates to unify for regional growth

April Lara
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Humber businesses urge mayoral candidates to unify for regional growth

Business leaders across the Humber call on mayoral candidates in Hull, East Yorkshire, and Greater Lincolnshire to adopt a coordinated economic strategy to maximise the region’s potential. A joint letter, signed by major companies including ABP, Drax, Reckitt, Arcadis, Able, and Smith-Nephew, as well as organisations like the Humber Energy Board and Hull University, highlights challenges and opportunities for the area.

Concerns include the uncertainty surrounding the Scunthorpe steel plant and the Humber’s absence from the Chancellor’s recent growth speech. Business leaders argue that a unified approach is essential to securing investment and maintaining the region’s economic competitiveness.

The letter emphasises the Humber’s strengths in renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, citing the potential for 28GW of offshore wind energy and £15 billion in private investment for carbon capture and hydrogen projects. It calls for a Humber Estuary Growth Zone to align Freeport development with other key infrastructure projects, ensuring a streamlined approach to attracting investors.

Doncaster pushes to become UK AI Growth Zone

April Lara
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Doncaster pushes to become UK AI Growth Zone

Doncaster has submitted a bid to become a UK Artificial Intelligence (AI) Growth Zone, backed by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and a separate industry-led proposal from global AI firm Automated Analytics. The initiative is supported by local tech and AI businesses, positioning Doncaster as a hub for AI innovation.

The UK Government invited regional and local authorities to propose locations for large-scale AI infrastructure based on criteria such as access to large power connections, redevelopment potential, and existing tech or industrial ecosystems.

Doncaster’s proposal highlights its energy infrastructure, AI industry expertise, and the upcoming Gateway One Digital Tech Hub. Automated Analytics CEO Mark Taylor stated that Doncaster has the infrastructure and talent to scale AI development beyond data centres and contribute to the broader AI ecosystem, including research and skills training.

Doncaster Chamber CEO Dan Fell emphasised that AI adoption is critical for future workforce development and business growth, particularly in manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. The bid aims to accelerate AI innovation, upskill the workforce, create high-value jobs in key industries, and support sustainable energy initiatives, including the planned reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

Swedish access solutions business acquires Doncaster firm

Tess Egginton
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Swedish access solutions business acquires Doncaster firm
ASSA ABLOY, the Swedish access solutions business, has acquired Senior Architectural Systems (SAS), a Doncaster-based independent supplier of aluminium windows, doors and curtain wall systems and thermally efficient fenestration systems into the commercial construction sector. “I am very pleased to welcome SAS to ASSA ABLOY. This acquisition delivers on our strategy to add complementary products and solutions to our core business,” says Nico Delvaux, President and CEO of ASSA ABLOY. Neil Vann, Executive Vice President of ASSA ABLOY and Head of EMEIA Division, said: “SAS is an exciting addition to our UK business, and I am delighted to welcome the team to ASSA ABLOY. “SAS offers an innovative and high-quality range of window and door profile systems including market leading thermally efficient technology. Their portfolio will further extend the ASSA ABLOY offering in the commercial OEM market in the UK.” SAS was established in 1991 and has 150 employees. The main office and factory are located in Yorkshire.

TEi Ltd rescued from administration, over 200 jobs secured

April Lara
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TEi Ltd rescued from administration, over 200 jobs secured

TEi Ltd, a Wakefield-based industrial services provider, entered administration on 7 March and was acquired by Titan Bidco Limited. The sale, completed by administrators Kristian Shuttleworth and Clare Boardman of Teneo Financial Advisory, ensures business continuity and secures more than 200 jobs.

Titan Bidco is a sister company to Rainham Industrial Services, a national provider of industrial repair, maintenance, and site installation services, backed by global investment firm H.I.G. Capital. TEi Ltd serves industries including oil and gas, power generation, steelmaking, and chemical processing, offering design, supply, repair, and maintenance services.

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