West Lindsey Council approves budget with expanded leisure investment

April Lara
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West Lindsey Council approves budget with expanded leisure investment

West Lindsey District Council has approved its 2025/26 budget, including a 2.98% increase in Council Tax and expanded capital investment in leisure and wellbeing. The budget, part of the Medium-Term Financial Plan, prioritises economic growth, local health services, and community development.

Planned investments include refurbishments at West Lindsey Leisure Centre and Market Rasen Leisure Centre, improved green spaces, upgraded swim and changing facilities, and a new indoor bowls area. The council also aims to enhance GP provision and expand grant funding for businesses in Gainsborough, alongside introducing two hours of free parking in the town to support local trade.

The council’s capital investment programme totals £13.8 million over the medium term, with £8.6 million allocated for 2025/26. Funding will come from grants, contributions, and council resources. The Governance and Audit Committee reviewed the financial plan before final approval. More details on the capital expansion will be released following the June Corporate Policy and Resources Committee meeting.

Scarborough to receive £20m investment under new neighbourhood plan

April Lara
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Scarborough to receive £20m investment under new neighbourhood plan

Scarborough has been allocated nearly £20 million in government funding as part of the newly announced Plan for Neighbourhoods. This plan aims to support regeneration efforts across 75 selected communities over the next decade.

The initiative will establish neighbourhood boards in each area, bringing together residents and businesses to decide how to allocate funds. Options include high street improvements, pavement repairs, community grocers, and co-operatives.

Nine towns and cities in Yorkshire and Humber, including Barnsley, Doncaster, and Rotherham, will share £180 million from the national £1.5 billion programme. The funding will be available in April, with investment delivery beginning in 2026.

The government said selection criteria included levels of deprivation and healthy life expectancy.

Manchester’s MCR Group acquires Monks Cross office development

April Lara
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Manchester’s MCR Group acquires Monks Cross office development

Manchester-based MCR Group has acquired the 69,351 sq ft Moorside office development in Monks Cross in York for an undisclosed sum. The Grade A, two-storey site houses tenants including Aviva, Garbutt & Elliott, Rollits Solicitors, Portakabin, and Shepherd Group.

MCR plans to work closely with the existing asset management team to ensure a smooth transition and engage with tenants to shape the site’s future. The company views the acquisition as a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the regional office market, with other projects in Bridlington and surrounding areas.

York is seen as a key commercial hub in Yorkshire, attracting businesses looking to establish headquarters. MCR aims to solidify Moorside’s position as a prime business location while focusing on long-term development plans.

Housing development gets green light at old quarrying and mining site near Huddersfield

Tess Egginton
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Housing development gets green light at old quarrying and mining site near Huddersfield
Residential development company Vivly Living has received planning permission for a housing development at Grange Moor, an old quarrying and mining site near Huddersfield. Kirklees Council has given the green light for 12 two- to four-bed homes at Denby Lane, Grange Moor, comprising seven bungalows, three family houses and two affordable homes. Oliver Bottomley, Associate Director, Land and Development for Vivly, said: “This is tremendous news. After a very drawn-out planning process, we are very pleased planning has been granted for these 12 homes. The site is very exciting for Vivly, as it will create a real community. “The houses on site will appeal to a wide demographic. The first-time buyer will be attracted to the two-bed affordable first homes, while families will like our three-bed, semi-dormer bungalows and four-bed detached houses and downsizers and design and property savvy individuals will love our contemporary bungalow.” Oliver added: “These highly energy efficient homes will be set in a structured and attractive landscaping, which we feel will add to the character of Grange Moor village. As part of the development, and as part of our commitment to the community, we will be providing a defibrillator. “We expect a good deal of interest in this development. There is a shortage of new-build developments in the Kirklees area, which is not currently achieving national housing supply standards. We trust we will meet this pent-up demand.” There is a good deal of remediation work to be undertaken, with various government departments’ consents required, so Vivly expects to start on site in May. The development also provides access to an adjoining site, with a further 21 homes planned. Meanwhile, planning permission has also just been granted to Vivly Living for a residential development at Shepley, near Huddersfield. Kirklees Council has given the go-ahead for 52 new homes at Knowle Grange, which will form Phase 2 at Vivly’s development in the village.

Rovers return as Latus Group founders join board of Super League club they served as players

Tess Egginton
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Rovers return as Latus Group founders join board of Super League club they served as players
Two brothers who harnessed their passion for sport to build an occupational health business have become the latest appointments to the board of the Super League club which first sparked their ambitions. Jack and Sam Latus have joined the line-up at Hull Kingston Rovers with a pledge to drive the further growth of the club they served as players and the community which is at its heart. The pair, both in their 30s, are seen as having a major part to play in taking the club forward as it progresses under the guidance of a board led by chair Paul Sewell, who is also chair of Sewell Group, the investments, consultancy, data mapping and intelligence, construction and facilities management business which dates back to 1876. The presence of David Kilburn, the co-founder of MKM Building Supplies, James McNicol, managing director of London-based Oil Brokerage Ltd, and Becky Oughtibridge, director of professional services at Sewell Group, in supporting the owner, Hull-based solicitor Dr Neil Hudgell, adds up to vast experience. Paul said: “This is a milestone in the drive for the sustainability of our club. Just as the first team needs a pipeline of fresh young talent, so does the board and we have been working towards this from the start of the transformation. “That Jack and Sam are Hull business people who have been fantastically successful at a young age is great, but their former association with the club as players makes it towards perfect.” Jack, Sam and third brother Will launched Latus Health in 2017 with ambitions for the business to be recognised as a challenger brand to traditional providers such as Bupa, Optima and Nuffield. Rapid growth of the business to date and further planned expansion for the year ahead has brought forecasts of more than 50 per cent growth during 2025, and that success in turn has triggered the confidence to take on the new roles. Jack, CEO of Latus Group, said: “It feels like a good time for us because if we are going to put time into something, we want to know that we have the skill set to be able to add value. I think the lessons we have learned on the journey to build the Latus Group healthcare brand put us in a good position to help move the sport and club forward.” The pair credit Hull KR with giving them their introduction to professional sport. Sam played 46 first-team games for the Robins. Jack was only ever on the fringes and wants to make up for lost time. At the modern day Hull Kingston Rovers, that means providing the infrastructure off the pitch to support a team capable of winning trophies on the pitch. Central to that is the development of masterplan which will add community and commercial elements to the existing sports campus and which will be submitted for planning permission in the spring. Jack added: “The ups and the downs of our time at the club and in the sport helped shape us to who we are today. It feels like a full circle moment to now be invited to join the board to help steer the strategic direction of the club to continued success. “I am excited at the opportunity to be able to have the impact that I always hoped I would as a player, but this time from the safer side of the whitewash!” Sam, the company’s chief commercial officer, added: “We were attracted by how far the club has already gone, what the board has already achieved and how we can be a part of driving that forward to make a lasting change. “It’s a privilege to be around them and we want to emulate the type of success that they have enjoyed in business, the impact they have made locally and nationally and the ambition they have instilled into the club. It was a ‘pinch me’ moment when we sat down at our first meeting! “We’ll take a bit of time to learn more about the club and we hope our playing experience will be of benefit and help to maintain the strong connection between the board, the back office staff and the team. “So much has changed since we played here – all for the better – and crucially they have maintained the essence of the club and looked after the heart of it.” Paul Lakin, chief executive of Hull Kingston Rovers, said the appointments were the culmination of a series of chats to get to know each other over the last year. He said: “We got together again earlier this year and things moved forward very quickly. I think having two successful young men who have both played the game and have a keen passion to make a difference will bring a different angle. “Walking around our stadium with them as they engage with the staff, players and management it’s clear they are steeped in the club, the people and the potential.”

Eurocell acquires Dewsbury firm in £29m deal

Tess Egginton
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Eurocell acquires Dewsbury firm in £29m deal

Eurocell, the manufacturer, distributor and recycler of PVC window, door and roofline products, has acquired Dewsbury-based Alunet for £29m.

The deal comprises an initial payment of £22 million and deferred consideration of approximately £7 million payable in four annual instalments beginning in 2026. In addition, there is the potential for performance related payments of up to £6m over the same period.

The acquisition strengthens Eurocell’s position in residential aluminium systems and composite doors, and adds garage doors to its product portfolio.

Alunet includes a stable of home improvement brands and comprises four businesses: Alunet Systems, Comp Door, JDUK, and UK Doors (Midlands). 

For the year ended 31 December 2024, Alunet delivered unaudited revenue of £43m and EBITDA of £4.5m.

Alunet’s retained team, led by Chief Executive Steve Hudson, will strengthen the group’s management and Steve will join Eurocell’s Executive Committee. Alunet employs approximately 200 people.

Darren Waters, Chief Executive Officer at Derbyshire-based Eurocell, said: “Alunet is a great acquisition for Eurocell. It significantly strengthens our position in aluminium, enhances our composite door offering, and adds a premium range of aluminium garage doors to our portfolio of home improvement products.

“Alunet has grown rapidly since its establishment in 2013, and under Eurocell’s ownership, we will leverage our leading market positions in new build, trade fabrication and distribution, to help the business reach its full potential.

“On behalf of the Board I am delighted to welcome the management and employees of Alunet to the Group.”

Acquisition brings together Yorkshire furniture solutions firms

Tess Egginton
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Acquisition brings together Yorkshire furniture solutions firms
Sheffield-based Formm has acquired Corporate Workspace, a Leeds company with over 30 years of experience providing furniture solutions for commercial spaces. This acquisition is a key milestone in Formm’s development plan, strengthening its ability to offer independent furniture solutions across the North, enhancing the business’s end-to-end service, design capabilities, fitting out, and furnishing space. Alex Humphries, Managing Director, Formm Ltd, said: “This acquisition represents a strategic milestone for Formm, allowing us to expand our furniture proposition and assist businesses with more full-service and flexible solutions.

“We’re looking forward to collaborating extremely closely with the highly experienced team at Corporate Workspace to drive innovation, increase our presence in Yorkshire and the Northeast, and continue to deliver exceptional workplace solutions.

“This move not only enhances our ability to serve existing clients with even greater expertise but also opens the door to exciting new relationships as we expand our reach in the market.” Simon Thrussell, Managing Director, Corporate Workspace Ltd, said: “I am delighted that we are now officially part of the Formm family. Formm have been our trusted go-to partner for over 5 years, delivering some amazing projects together. This acquisition by Formm is a natural progression of this proven partnership and I am incredibly excited for the future potential we can achieve.”

Yorkshire artists struggle with financial instability, report finds

April Lara
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Yorkshire artists struggle with financial instability, report finds

A new report from the Yorkshire Visual Arts Network (YVAN) highlights financial difficulties for artists in Yorkshire and the Humber. It cites a lack of funding, affordable studio spaces, and limited opportunities.

A survey conducted by YVAN in June 2024 found that more artists have seen their income decline over the past two years than increase. Only 4.4% of respondents earn more than £30,000 from visual arts, compared to the regional average salary of £36,900. The survey, completed by 248 artists and art workers, examined pay, employment, funding, and industry barriers.

YVAN’s national body, the Contemporary Visual Arts Network (CVAN), uses the findings to lobby MPs for policy changes to support the sector. The report advocates for increased funding to develop affordable studio spaces and improve financial stability for artists.

Rotherham to allocate over £3m of funding to support residents’ businesses

Tess Egginton
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Rotherham to allocate over £3m of funding to support residents’ businesses

Funding worth over £3m has been earmarked to support a range of projects to help Rotherham residents boost their businesses.

It will also help to enhance their skills and training opportunities, and support their community-based activities. Rotherham Council’s Cabinet will agree how the borough’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) will be used during the next year when they meet on 17 March. Local businesses and entrepreneurs will benefit from an earmarked £1m to develop their businesses and boost their productivity. Three core projects will help entrepreneurs develop and test their ideas, offer wide-ranging support, and help businesses transition to low carbon. Along with these projects, a new ‘shop units grants’ programme will focus on improving shop units in the town centre and other local high streets. This will help to encourage new shops and services to come to local communities. Proposals also support the delivery of community-based projects, such as the Open Arms one-stop-shop advice sessions which take place throughout the borough. Dedicated funding is allocated to investing in the borough’s infrastructure, including the Rotherham Markets and Central Library Development, and multi-use game areas for the Football Foundation’s Playzones programme. Rotherham Council’s Leader, Cllr Chris Read, said: “The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is crucial for supporting our local businesses, enhancing skills, and enriching community life. “It enables us to fund grass-root projects and activities that have a real impact in our communities and on our residents’ lives. We are committed to ensuring that these projects deliver real benefits for the people of Rotherham.”
Key projects and spending proposed include:
  1. Supporting Local Business:
    • £945,256 for business support, including Launchpad, Productivity, and Low Carbon initiatives to help entrepreneurs and businesses to develop their business ideas and boost productivity.
    • £390,000 for shop unit grants and market improvements.
    • £137,667 to promote social value and increase opportunities for local businesses.
  2. People and Skills:
    • £444,985 for a skills programme incorporating Ambition (support for children and young people), Core Skills (community-delivered basic skills training), and Advance (support for career progression).
    • £275,000 for the Children’s Capital of Culture traineeship programme.
  3. Communities and Place:
    • £200,000 for the Children’s Capital of Culture festival year.
    • £255,000 for a wide-ranging programme of events and festivals.
    • £359,549 for community-based support, including local advice sessions and engagement events.
    • £86,000 for Active Lives, providing match funding for a multi-use games area.

Lincolnshire leaders talk of positive future ahead as new authority meets for the first time

Michael Fisher
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Lincolnshire leaders talk of positive future ahead as new authority meets for the first time
Local powers and investment to support business, up-skill people, and improve highways and housing are key priorities of the new Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority, (GLCCA). Leaders of the three lead local authorities – Lincolnshire County Council and North and North East Lincolnshire unitary authorities – spoke of their ambitions for the future as they marked the first meeting of the GLCCA. Cllrs Martin Hill, Rob Waltham and Philip Jackson – all members of the GLCCA board – were addressing an audience of business leaders and representatives from local communities, MPs and colleagues following the inaugural meeting, which was held at Lincoln Cathedral on Thursday (March 6). They talked of the real possibilities that now exist across the whole of the Greater Lincolnshire footprint with a Mayor, to be elected on May 1, chairing an authority that can work to effect positive change. Giving an overview of the positive work that will begin in earnest by the GLCCA, Lincolnshire County Council Leader, Cllr Martin Hill said: “We’re now starting a new era in Greater Lincolnshire – erasing boundaries as we continue to strive to get the best for our residents and businesses. “Connecting companies, organisations and decision makers is key to making the most of these new powers and funding we have from the government. Our area contributes significantly to the nation and this deserves to be recognised – whether it’s our contribution to defence, food security or logistics. Being able to boost these areas not only benefits Greater Lincolnshire, but the whole country.” Cllr Philip Jackson spoke of the ‘economic powerhouse’ sectors of decarbonisation, offshore wind turbines, food processing, and ports and logistics and how the GLCCA can work with all business to enable and support continued growth. He said: “Over the last decade we have once again seen the great benefits of our position along the south bank of the Humber estuary, with regional, national and world-leading organisations creating opportunity and growth. As one of the GLCCA’s key priorities states, now is the time we can work to further turbo charge that growth for the benefit of all within Greater Lincolnshire.” Cllr Rob Waltham, the Leader of North Lincolnshire, added: “I’m proud to have been part of the negotiations that lead to this historic moment, which marks the beginning of a new era for Lincolnshire. “Devolution means we can make decisions locally and focus on the needs and ambitious of our communities, not be dictated by London. The new mayoral authority will invest in skills to prepare young people for the world of work, transport to improve connectivity and business growth to create more better paid jobs for our local residents and this is just the start. I’m looking forward to working with communities across the region to build a stronger, more prosperous Greater Lincolnshire.”
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