Thursday, May 1, 2025

Yorkshire mid-market still facing the challenges of hybrid working

Tess Egginton
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Yorkshire mid-market still facing the challenges of hybrid working
New research from Grant Thornton UK LLP’s latest Business Outlook Tracker has revealed that, prior to the implementation of ‘Plan B’ and the return of work-from-home guidance, a hybrid working approach was being adopted by the majority of mid-market firms in Yorkshire, but that some were still facing challenges with its implementation. Hybrid working, where people split time between working remotely and in an office, was the most common working practice in early December, with the research finding 90% of Yorkshire’s mid-market businesses surveyed were operating in this manner, yet some were still struggling to adapt. The research highlighted that one of the most problematic hybrid working challenges was reduced productivity, with nearly a third of respondents (29%) who were adopting hybrid working stating that this was an issue. Given the significant operational challenges businesses have had to deal with since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, it’s unsurprising that managing junior workers (40%) and provision of training remotely (44%) were all common issues. Ensuring a high level of staff welfare was equally concerning, with 29% pointing to mental wellbeing issues such as reducing isolation and anxiety levels as being a challenge under the current circumstances. Andy Wood, managing partner for Grant Thornton UK LLP in Yorkshire, said: “Many Yorkshire businesses are well-adapted to hybrid-working now, but some are still encountering the same few issues they were almost two years ago. Adapting to this new way of working needs time, clear leadership and commitment to be truly effective and it’s evident there is no ‘one size fits all approach’. “As a priority I feel business leaders have to ensure that their people continue to feel connected and supported, which is why I am convinced the office still has a role to play in our working lives, particularly for younger team members, who relish face-to-face interaction and the opportunity to learn first-hand from their more experienced colleagues. “As hybrid working continues to be adopted, I believe setting out clear goals and explaining the support that’s available to their people will help businesses to better manage this transition. “Moving forward, Yorkshire businesses need to be open to evolving and challenging themselves as to how their hybrid working approach can be made more effective, such as through investing in new technology that helps teams to communicate and stay connected, and providing additional guidance on how work is organised and co-ordinated.”

Pace of UK recovery slows as Omicron impact bites

Tess Egginton
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Pace of UK recovery slows as Omicron impact bites
Omicron stalled the growth of consumer-facing businesses in December, as manufacturers benefited from easing supply chain pressure, according to the Lloyds Bank UK Recovery Tracker. Despite headwinds that resulted in an overall slowing of the pace of the UK’s economic recovery, the total number of UK sectors monitored by the Tracker reporting output growth held steady month-on-month – with growth in 10 sectors in both December and November. Activity in the tourism and recreation sector – which includes pubs, hotels, restaurants and leisure facilities – contracted for the first time in nine months in December (43.2) as concern over the Omicron virus variant impacted consumer behaviour. A reading above 50 signals output is rising, while a reading below 50 indicates contraction. UK transportation – which includes airlines, hauliers and rail operators – experienced its first loss in momentum for four months, recording its weakest output growth since August 2021 (54.3). In contrast, three of the manufacturing sectors monitored by the Tracker registered a stronger month-on-month performance in December, supported by strong demand and easing supply chain pressures. This included manufacturers of household products, which saw output growth accelerate to the fastest rate since June 2021 (56.7 in December versus 52.2 in November), manufacturers of technology equipment (60.1 vs. 53.1) and industrial goods (52.2 vs. 50.0). Business capacity issues remain, with staffing a major concern The number of firms reporting an inability to meet demand due to staff or material shortages continued to ease from its peak in September 2021. However, the level  remained elevated relative to the long-term average. In December, the number of firms reporting rising backlogs due to staff or material shortages, was around five times the long term average, compared with September when it was over six times the long term average. According to the Tracker, UK companies were more likely to report capacity challenges stemming from staff shortages than counterparts in the Eurozone. The potential for the availability of qualified candidates to remain tight, and competition for talent to translate into further wage pressures could lead to high inflation in 2022 lasting for longer in the UK than in the Eurozone, even if supply chain pressures continue to ease. All of the fourteen UK sectors monitored by the Tracker reported rising input costs in December, with wages remaining a key driver of costs – particularly for service sector businesses. Overall, UK firms were 4.3 times more likely than the long-run average to report an increase in their wage bills as businesses sought to attract and retain skilled talent, up from 3.8 times in November. At the global level, the UK remained one of the countries with the largest gap between the Tracker’s input and prices indices – signalling more acute pressure on firms’ margins. In December, the gap between the UK indices registered 15.2 index points, the joint-second highest with Italy, as Spain registered 17.2, which is well above the global benchmark of 9.5. This could fuel inflationary risks if businesses look to alleviate margin pressures through future prices rises. Jeavon Lolay, head of economics and market insight at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “While consumer-facing businesses, like those in travel and hospitality, unsurprisingly bore the brunt of consumer concern over the Omicron variant in December, the resilience shown in other service sectors and manufacturing helped soften the impact on the economy as a whole. “Further signs of optimism were evident in data showing supply chains slowly recovering and staff numbers rising in all sectors with the exception of tourism and recreation. “However, the cost backdrop remained acute as higher energy prices and wage bills pushed up firms’ expenses. It’s no surprise that an increasing number of firms plan to raise their prices in the year ahead, indicating rising and potentially sustained domestic inflationary pressure.”

Leeds’ Nexus expands shared laboratory space offer with international life sciences partner

Michael Fisher
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Leeds’ Nexus expands shared laboratory space offer with international life sciences partner
Nexus, the University of Leeds’ innovation hub, has joined forces with international life sciences specialist Eppendorf to meet global demand for shared laboratory space. Nexus Innovation Lab will help bridge the gap between increased demand from life sciences companies and the shortage of purpose-built lab space in the UK, especially in the south of England. Latest data shows that London’s wet laboratory innovation centres are all full and there is a desperate lack of provision for start-ups and small companies. “Our partnership with Eppendorf – which is world-renowned for its expertise in the life sciences sector – takes our laboratory space offer to the next level,” said Dr Mark Tock, Nexus Operations Director. “But it is about much more than the physical wet and dry lab space and state of the art equipment. The demand we are seeing from companies worldwide, is also for shared expertise, collaborative research projects and to be part of a community of like-minded innovators. Connecting businesses with the expertise and talent at the University of Leeds as well as wider support networks across Leeds City Region and the rest of the UK, has proved a major driver for Nexus membership.”

100 local businesses sign up to Made in Lincolnshire project

Tess Egginton
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100 local businesses sign up to Made in Lincolnshire project
The Made in Lincolnshire brochure is celebrating its 100th business, cementing its reputation as the go-to for manufacturing talent across the county. Launching in May this year with 70 local businesses, the interactive brochure celebrates Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland’s diverse range of manufacturers and features businesses of all shapes, sizes and sectors. From crafting violins for celebrities to building parts for planes, the brochure showcases local businesses that are producing some of the UK’s most innovative products. However, the brochure doesn’t just highlight the homegrown manufacturing talent right on our doorstep, Made in Lincolnshire also helps local manufacturers to connect with one another. By inter-trading and working together, local SMEs can boost both their business and the Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland economy, creating new jobs and opportunities for all. Darren Joint, Managing Director of Viking Signs Ltd and Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP Manufacturing Board, said: “When we created the Made in Lincolnshire brochure, our goal was to put the spotlight on the many fantastic local manufacturing businesses, but it was also to help them connect with one another and boost our local economy. “So, to see that more than 100 businesses have decided to join and put themselves out there to work with other talented Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland SMEs is amazing.” The manufacturing sector in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland brings roughly £1.8 billion a year to the local economy and employs 39,000 workers – roughly 16% of all jobs. And the sector is only continuing to grow in the county, despite a decline in the number of people working in manufacturing across the UK as a whole. Darren continued: “There are still plenty of opportunities for local businesses to connect with one another and do great things – to find a like-minded business you’d like to work with, all you have to do is download the Made in Lincolnshire brochure from the Business Lincolnshire website. There’s also still time to join and be featured yourself, so if you’d like to be included, don’t hesitate to get in touch!” Interested in having your business feature in the Made in Lincolnshire brochure? Email businesslincolnshire@lincolnshire.gov.uk or visit the Business Lincolnshire website for more information. You can also download it here.

Hull businesses affected by Omicron invited to apply for new grants

Tess Egginton
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Hull businesses affected by Omicron invited to apply for new grants
Hull City Council is inviting businesses to apply for the latest COVID-19 business support grants which are now live. Two schemes are offering grants of up to £6,000 for businesses experiencing difficulties because of the Omicron variant and the government’s response in implementing Plan B, as well as the dual impact of lower consumer demand and staff absences. The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant provides a one-off grant to support eligible rate paying businesses in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors. Grants will range from £2,667 to £6,000 and are dependent on rateable values. Applications must be submitted by midday on Monday 21 February 2022. A second scheme, the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG), can provide similar levels of grant support. It targets businesses not eligible for the above grant, but which are severely impacted by coronavirus restrictions and the rise of the Omicron variant. This will include hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses without a rateable property, as well as supply chain businesses. Applications must be submitted by Monday 14 February 2022. Councillor Daren Hale, leader of Hull City Council, said: “The council has already distributed over £100m of grants to support local businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst this latest allocation of extra funding is modest in comparison, it is welcomed. I urge business owners to check their eligibility and make an application where appropriate as quickly as possible.”

Sale of Hull City AFC completes

Tess Egginton
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Sale of Hull City AFC completes
Acun Medya has completed the purchase of Hull City. The acquisition has been approved and ratified by the English Football League and sees Acun Medya take full control of the club with immediate effect. Acun Medya Group, established in 2004 by creative force, entertainment and sports enthusiast, digital platform owner and operator Acun Ilıcalı, is an international production company and broadcasting group. Ehab Allam, departing vice-chairman of Hull City, said: “We are happy and proud to be leaving Hull City on a strong and stable financial footing. During our tenure, we have worked hard to create a sustainable model and successful academy set-up, giving the club the foundations it needs for the future. “The ability to develop and trade homegrown talent is an integral part to a sustainable football club, and we look forward to seeing more and more players follow that pathway at Hull City. “There have been lots of ups and downs over the last 11 years or so, but we will take some very fond memories with us. Memories of some of the greatest achievements in the club’s history and ones we have been privileged to be a part of. We have worked with some excellent and hard-working managers, players and staff and I’d like to pass on my thanks for all of their efforts over the years. “The time has now come for a new owner to take up the mantle and I’d like to wish Acun and his team the very best for the future. We have taken a very business-led approach to running the club and I truly hope Acun can rebuild the relationship with the fanbase and also bring back the success on the pitch that fans crave and deserve.” Acun Ilıcalı, founder of Acun Medya, said: “I am happy that I have fulfilled one of my biggest dreams today. We are starting a beautiful journey with Hull City. We have many big dreams and goals to achieve together with our fans. I would like to thank the Allam family for the friendship and sincerity they have shown during this process. I genuinely believe that we will achieve success with the amazing fans of this beautiful city.” Councillor Daren Hale, leader of Hull City Council, said: “Hull City Council welcome today’s announcement, following a period of exclusive negotiations and due diligence, of the sale of Hull City AFC to Acun Ilicali. “I would like to congratulate Mr. Ilicali on his acquisition and very much look forward to meeting and welcoming him and his team to our city, and to finding out more about his ambitious plans for the club. “The council has long recognised the importance of professional sport to Hull, with all the benefits it brings in terms of community pride, raising Hull’s profile in the UK and around the world and being a catalyst for attracting visitors and inward investment to our city. “The construction of the stadium by Hull City Council back in 2002, which I was personally involved with, in order to secure the futures of both Hull City and Hull FC, was a substantial demonstration of that commitment and we very much look forward to working with Mr. Ilicali and his team to ensure both clubs and the stadium have bright futures ahead of them at the centre of our community. “I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Assem and Ehab Allam for their custodianship of the club since 2010.”

Historic Westgate building to be restored

Tess Egginton
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Historic Westgate building to be restored
Wakefield Council is to restore an historic Westgate building as part of the next phase of a major scheme to ensure the city’s heritage can be enjoyed for generations to come. The work is starting this month (January) to repair the former Woolpacks Hotel 50 – 52 Westgate under Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) programme. This is the next stage of the scheme funded by Wakefield Council and Historic England to renovate Upper Westgate’s historic buildings and features, which has already seen the reinstating of traditional cobbles to Carter Street and Cheapside and the introduction of up lighting to Thompsons Yard, and the lane leading to Barstow Square. At the Woolpacks, traditional materials such as hot lime mortar will be used to repoint stonework and repairs will be made to the building’s roof and windows. To tackle damp issues, modern masonry paint will be removed from the outside of the building and be replaced by a breathable lime wash. To enhance the property further, its traditional shop front will be reinstated to replace 1970s cladding.
Cllr Darren Byford, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Property, said: “This is a fantastic scheme which is bringing new life into our historic Westgate buildings, supporting our heritage and their long-term future, and encouraging further investment in this part of the city. We will all look forward to seeing the changes that will make such a difference with the restoration work.” Plans are underway for further Westgate buildings to be restored, with new projects to be announced later in the year. The Council has received £1.9million from Historic England which it has match funded to make almost £4million worth of investment into renovating Upper Westgate’s historic buildings, and adjacent yards and ginnels. The funding is also being used for exciting new cultural events and celebrations in the future. Nicky Brown, Historic England Project Officer, said: “It’s fantastic that work will be starting soon to restore this historic building in an area that is rich in heritage and significance for local people.” The project supports Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zones (HSHAZ) initiative to support the heart of the city, encourage businesses to the area and create new jobs. The majority of the funds of the £4million project will focus on making grants available of up to 90% to owners of historic properties within the Conservation Area to carry out high quality repairs and to bring internal spaces back into use. At least 20 buildings will be restored, for both residential and business use. The programme of work will also involve cultural and community activities to engage owners and members of the public with the rich and fascinating history, and will involve working with Wakefield Civic Society, Wakefield Historical Society, and other community partners.

Construction to begin on landmark £9.7m Barnsley bridge

Tess Egginton
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Construction to begin on landmark £9.7m Barnsley bridge
Construction work on a new landmark bridge for Barnsley Town Centre will begin in February after a contract was finally signed following months of extensive negotiation. The new bridge over the railway line will be a permanent replacement of the former Jumble Lane level crossing, which was closed to improve safety in the area. The bridge will be a landmark feature on Barnsley’s skyline. It will be fully accessible with lifts at both ends. It will also be cyclist-friendly, with cyclists able to take their bikes into the lifts, or walk them up the steps using the dedicated cyclist groove built into the bridge. The contract to construct the bridge has been awarded to Keltbray. Work to build the bridge off-site will begin in February, with initial preparation work already underway. Works are due to begin on-site in July and the bridge is due to be completed by late summer 2023. The new bridge will be fully open on Barnsley FC home match days. This will bring an end to the ongoing temporary road and footway closures which are currently required to keep everyone safe. The current estimated cost of the project is £9.7m, which includes professional fees and sewer diversion work as well as some other enhancements over the original proposals. These include further public realm and highway improvements at both ends of the bridge. The project has attracted external investment of almost £7m. Network Rail is contributing £2m with South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority contributing a further £4.8m via their Get Britain Building and Transforming Cities funds. The rest will be funded by Barnsley Council as part of the wider Town Centre regeneration. NMCN had previously been identified as the preferred contractor but fell into administration within days of the contract being signed. Specialist engineering and construction company Keltbray agreed an arrangement with administrators, Grant Thornton UK LLP, to acquire infrastructure contracts and associated assets from NMCN. The Council and Keltbray have been working on the process of transferring this contract to Keltbray since October and this has now been completed. Cllr Tim Cheetham, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “The process of appointing an alternative bridge contractor for the Market Gate Bridge has been quite complex. Our procurement and project teams have been working extremely hard on this for the past few months following the administration of the former bridge contractor NMCN. “I’m delighted that we’re able to update everyone with this excellent news that we’re now able to press ahead and complete this important part of our town centre regeneration. “The bridge will be an iconic addition to our fantastic new town centre and the first thing people will see when arriving by bus or train. It will bring people from the transport interchange directly into our new Glass Works Square and it will be an impressive addition to the skyline.” Mayor of the South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority and Barnsley Central MP, Dan Jarvis, said: “It is very welcome to see that work is getting underway on Barnsley’s new Market Gate pedestrian bridge. This regeneration project will not only support the wider transformation of the town centre; it will also unlock significant investment opportunities for Barnsley, on adjacent development sites. “Once complete, the Market Gate Bridge project will massively improve the town centre’s public realm, create beautiful green spaces, and enable people to swap the car for walking and cycling. “Above all, it will mean a permanent link from the town centre to Oakwell on matchdays – which I know will be heartily welcomed by fans and Barnsley FC.” Sophy Lane, Associate Sponsor for Network Rail, said: “This is a key project which will make it easier for people to access Barnsley railway and bus station, particularly for those with additional access needs, as well as people with luggage, pushchairs and bicycles. “The installation of a permanent, accessible bridge will better connect the town and we look forward to residents and visitors benefitting from this scheme when it completes in 2023.” Darren James, Chief Executive of Keltbray, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Barnsley Council on such a prestigious project which will be a beacon of what Barnsley has to offer. The Market Gate bridge is a piece of iconic design and engineering which will look absolutely fantastic in the setting of Barnsley Town Centre. “We have delivered a lot of major projects in the past, and are pleased to be working with partners like Barnsley in the north of England to expand our footprint. In Barnsley Council we have found a kindred spirit – a local authority which is not scared to take bold decisions and to innovate. “We’re so impressed with the quality of the Glass Works development and the wider regeneration works in the town centre. We’re excited to be adding such a prominent and important finishing touch.”

Willmott Dixon appointed by West Yorkshire Police for new Kirklees district headquarters

Eleonora Gallina
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Willmott Dixon appointed by West Yorkshire Police for new Kirklees district headquarters

Willmott Dixon has increased its portfolio of blue light projects after being selected by West Yorkshire Police to deliver a flagship new headquarters for the Kirklees district.

Procured using the SCAPE construction framework, it will be built on Halifax Road at the site of the former Dewsbury College and deliver approximately 10,000m2 of accommodation including a new custody suite, property store, atrium, lockers, gym, public front of house, and all associated ancillary areas. The project will also see a full refurbishment of the attractive Oldroyd building, restoring the 1880s structure to form a key part of the site that houses the majority of key flexible office space for the new headquarters. Furthermore, parking will be provided through the delivery of a split level multi-storey car park and separate surface parking. Work on the new headquarters will start later this month, with the site to be operational by the end of 2024. Chief Superintendent Jim Griffiths, District Commander of Kirklees Police, said: “It is exciting news that construction is now poised to begin on site at Halifax Road. “We have written to local residents to advise of the start of construction and are committed to maintain communications with those living nearby as work progresses.” West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe added: “I’m really glad to see the plans for this flagship station in Kirklees now beginning to take shape. It represents a new era for policing in the District, delivering both innovation and opportunity.
“Both the Mayor of West Yorkshire and I are excited to see this work continue to develop over the coming months, which will ultimately enable us to deliver against our Police and Crime Plan for the county.”Anthony Dillon, managing director for Willmott Dixon in the north said: “We are proud to be working in partnership with West Yorkshire Police to support the modernisation of its estate, and are excited to play our part in delivering a state-of-the-art environment for those who work around the clock to keep us all safe. “It is vital that officers have the right facilities reflecting modern ways of working, and the very best support they need to serve the people of West Yorkshire. We are focused on leaving a lasting legacy beyond bricks and mortar and that’s why we will be supporting the Kirklees economy and West Yorkshire police initiatives by using local businesses and creating local employment opportunities whenever possible.” Mark Robinson, group chief executive of SCAPE, said: “Successful levelling-up of communities around the UK hinges on delivering quality public services and the facilities to support them. The new headquarters in Kirklees represents West Yorkshire Police’s ambition to improve the community and its policing, as well as demonstrating how government funding can be channeled effectively. I’m confident that the best-in-class local delivery team, led by Willmott Dixon, will deliver a project the community can be proud of.” The delivery of a new Kirklees district headquarters for West Yorkshire Police represents the latest in Willmott Dixon’s proud history of delivering innovative facilities to meet the needs of modern policing. In October, the company handed over the £48m landmark headquarters for Merseyside Police at Rose Hill, creating a modern facility to house more than 1,100 officers and police staff in a building that is anticipated to save the force approximately £250,000 a year on its running costs. The company is also on site in Bedfordshire, delivering a £18m custody suite for Bedfordshire Police. Furthermore, near Hull, the company is delivering a £20m building to house Humberside Police’s control centre and other specialist services.

C80 Group acquires Ask Building Control

Michael Fisher
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C80 Group acquires Ask Building Control
Leeds-based integrated building consultancy business, C80 Group Ltd, has completed another key stage in its growth strategy with the acquisition of Harrogate-based Building Control Approved Inspector, Ask Building Control. With a strong presence in Harrogate and North Yorkshire, Ask Building Control will now join forces with YDBC, the Group’s existing Building Control Approved Inspector. The move combines Ask’s team of experienced surveyors and administrators with YDBC’s to enhance the Group’s service capacity with increased coverage and additional knowledge and expertise. The acquisition complements C80 Group’s existing service range covering testing, energy assessment, building compliance and building services design engineering. The move forms part of the Group’s long-term M&A strategy to build a group of companies offering an exceptional range of complementary specialist services.  Other consultancies in the Group include Leeds-based C80 Solutions and Midlands-based Stewarts. Mark Heptonstall, CEO of C80 Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ask Building Control to C80 Group, bringing yet more talented and experienced people into our organisation. Like YDBC, which we acquired at the end of 2019, they offer outstanding expertise in all aspects of building control and building regulations approval, from design stage through to satisfactory completion on site.  I think we are developing a genuinely unique portfolio in a fragmented building services sector which comprises small companies and consultancies operating independently. We can offer a multidisciplinary skillset from a team of specialists able to operate in collaboration and work seamlessly alongside each other to enhance efficiency, value and quality of service on each project.” Paul Willmore, director at Ask Building Control, said: “Ask Building Control are very excited about what we can achieve in the years ahead within C80 Group, which has developed a very successful strategy for consolidation and expansion. When C80 Group acquires a company, they support its growth alongside the other firms in the Group. This approach has proved to be hugely beneficial for YDBC and we are confident that it will be equally successful for Ask Building Control as we develop new business as part of the collective strength of C80 Group.” Paul Sessford, director at Ask Building Control, said: “We are looking forward to working alongside YDBC and the other companies in C80 Group. They share our passion for service excellence. Ask Building Control now has a platform to launch a major new phase of growth in 2022 – it promises to be a landmark year for the company.”  
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