Yorkshire firm becomes 2nd in UK to gain Bureau Veritas test facility approval

Michael Fisher
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Yorkshire firm becomes 2nd in UK to gain Bureau Veritas test facility approval
Yorkshire-based off-site manufacturing specialist, Thurston Group, has become a Bureau Veritas approved test facility, in a move set to position the firm as a leader in the offshore industry. 
As part of its wide-ranging product offering, Thurston Group manufactures specialised containers for the offshore industry, from its Catfoss site, based in East Yorkshire. 
The approval from Bureau Veritas, a world leading company in testing, inspection, and certification, allows Thurston to perform the prototype testing of offshore units at its Catfoss site, under the supervision of a Bureau Veritas inspector. Only one other company in the UK has the same approval. 
To become a Bureau Veritas approved facility, Thurston’s Catfoss site underwent an audit which reviewed production facilities, welder’s qualifications, as well as weld inspection qualifications, non-destructive testing (NDT) qualifications, and quality procedures. 
The audit and approval affirms that Thurston builds and tests within the strict regulations, strengthening the company’s position as leaders in prioritising rigorous testing, and setting industry standards for health and safety. 
The Bureau Veritas approval will put Thurston at the forefront of the minds of those looking for new manufactured offshore units, as well as those looking for re-certification of modified units from third parties. 
Speaking about the approval, Matt Goff, managing director of Thurston Group, said: “I’m delighted that our Catfoss site is now a Bureau Veritas approved test facility. As only the second company in the UK to receive approval for testing offshore containers, we look forward to this expanding our reach even further. 
“Our staff hold themselves and our sites to the highest standards, continuously ensuring that all processes and practices are firmly in place and being followed. The Bureau Veritas approval is a great representation of those standards, reinforcing our desire to prioritise compliance with regulations, and lead on quality within the off-site manufacturing industry.”

Santander accelerates digital shift with branch closures and job cuts

April Lara
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Santander accelerates digital shift with branch closures and job cuts

Santander is closing 95 UK branches as part of a broader shift toward digital banking, putting around 750 jobs at risk. The bank will also shorten operating hours at 36 locations and remove counters from 18 branches.

The decision follows a 63% rise in digital transactions since 2019, while in-branch usage has declined by 61%. After the closures, Santander will operate 349 branches, including 290 full-service locations and five work cafés.

The bank says 93% of the UK population will still be within 10 miles of a branch, though some closure dates remain unconfirmed.

South Yorkshire SMEs to gain access to £40m in new growth funds

April Lara
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South Yorkshire SMEs to gain access to £40m in new growth funds

The South Yorkshire Pensions Authority has launched two £20 million investment funds to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region. The funds aim to address funding gaps and drive economic growth.

FW Capital will manage the South Yorkshire Debt Fund, offering loans of up to £2 million for businesses in Barnsley, Sheffield, Doncaster, and Rotherham. The funding can be used for working capital, equipment purchases, recruitment, marketing, and product development.

Foresight Group will oversee the South Yorkshire Growth Equity Fund, which will provide equity investments of up to £2 million. The fund will participate in larger funding rounds, co-investing up to £15 million alongside other Foresight funds.

Both funds are designed to help businesses scale, create high-quality jobs, and stimulate regional innovation.

Lincolnshire offers free business advice to struggling farmers

April Lara
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Lincolnshire offers free business advice to struggling farmers

Lincolnshire County Council funds business advice sessions to support farmers facing financial and regulatory challenges. The initiative, part of the Lincolnshire Farm Support Programme, follows a £50,000 funding boost in December to help farming businesses plan for the future.

Farmers can access one-on-one advice or group workshops on business planning, cash flow management, diversification, and succession planning. Savills delivers the sessions, which are coordinated by the Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub.

The council cited concerns over rising costs from National Living Wage and National Insurance increases and the sudden closure of the government’s Sustainable Farming Initiative, which previously provided guaranteed income for environmental land management.

Lincoln council expansion plan to be debated amid local government shake-up

April Lara
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Lincoln council expansion plan to be debated amid local government shake-up

Lincoln City Council is set to discuss a proposal to expand its boundaries, merging with parts of West Lindsey and North Kesteven to form a new “Greater Lincoln” authority. The plan will be reviewed in emergency meetings this week ahead of the government’s deadline for local government reform proposals.

The proposed authority would incorporate Lincoln alongside several neighbouring wards, aligning with urban interests rather than the surrounding rural areas. The council argues this would preserve Lincoln’s historical self-governance while creating efficiencies.

The government is encouraging councils to consolidate into larger single-tier authorities, with a suggested population target of 500,000. Lincoln’s proposal, which includes three separate authorities for the region, would not meet this threshold but is projected to save between £4 million and £26 million annually, with an estimated one-off transition cost of £15 million.

The council will submit its initial proposal to the government this week, with final plans due in November.

Streets Chartered Accountants covers payroll and HR updates, company vehicle changes, payroll outsourcing, and more in new news roundup

Tess Egginton
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Streets Chartered Accountants covers payroll and HR updates, company vehicle changes, payroll outsourcing, and more in new news roundup
Streets Chartered Accountants covers payroll and HR updates, company vehicle changes, payroll outsourcing, and more in its latest news roundup. Annual Payroll & HR Update 2025 – catch up! Last month Streets hosted its Annual Payroll and HR Update webinar to keep you informed of the issues, regulations and changes affecting payroll management, HR and compliance. This presentation was recorded and is now available on demand for those who weren’t able to join live. Click here to catch up. The fast approaching demise of the double cab pickup company vehicle  From the 6 April 2025 newly acquired Double Cab Pick Ups will no longer be treated as a van for the purposes of Income Tax or Corporation Tax. However the old rules will continue to apply to vehicles purchased, leased or ordered before 1 April 2025. The old rules will apply to these vehicles until the earlier of their disposal, lease expiry or 5 April 2029. Read more here. Podcast: From photography to farming – Anna Jackson’s regenerative journey In this episode of The Streets Sessions, James Pinchbeck is joined by Anna Jackson, a young farmer, entrepreneur and advocate for regenerative agriculture. Originally pursuing a career in commercial photography, Anna has since returned to her family farm where she is pioneering regenerative farming practices. Listen here. Why outsourcing your payroll to Streets is a smart move for your business Managing payroll is one of the most critical yet time-consuming tasks for any business. Ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time, complying with tax regulations and handling deductions can be complex and stressful. Many businesses, from startups to large enterprises, are turning to dedicated payroll bureaus to handle their payroll processing. Read more here. Event: Post-Spring Statement Wealth & Estate Planning Insights This is an exclusive presentation designed for individuals, providing expert insights on wealth preservation and estate planning following Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement. Streets’ panel of speakers will provide clear guidance to help you secure your financial future. Find out more here. SmartMoney – March/April 2025 SmartMoney is the bi-monthly magazine from Streets Financial Consulting Ltd, Streets’ independent financial planning arm, full of news and helpful information on personal financial planning. Download it here.

Sheffield attracts independent businesses with low costs and strong talent pool

April Lara
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Sheffield attracts independent businesses with low costs and strong talent pool

Sheffield is emerging as a key location for independent businesses, driven by low operating costs, a skilled workforce, and a supportive business environment.

Operating costs in Sheffield are significantly lower than in cities like London or Manchester. There is affordable commercial rent, lower local taxes, and competitive wage rates. This cost efficiency allows small businesses to reinvest in growth.

The city benefits from a strong talent pipeline. Graduates from the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University provide businesses with skilled professionals in technology, marketing, and business analysis. Sheffield’s growing tech sector is also drawing innovative talent.

Support networks like Business Sheffield provide funding, advice, and resources to help small enterprises succeed. The city’s high quality of life, with access to green spaces and cultural attractions, further strengthens its appeal as a business hub.

South Yorkshire to move to bus franchising by 2029

April Lara
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South Yorkshire to move to bus franchising by 2029

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has confirmed plans to transition the region’s bus network to a franchised model, ending decades of deregulation. The decision follows a public consultation in which 87% of respondents supported the move.

Under the new system, SYMCA will control depots, fleets, fares, ticketing, and service standards across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, and Sheffield. The first phase of publicly controlled services will launch in September 2027, with full implementation by July 2029.

The franchising model will include large contracts for major operators and smaller contracts to encourage SME participation. SYMCA has allocated £350 million from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (2027-32) for fleet renewal and depot acquisition, alongside £5 million in transitional funding for 2025/26.

This move follows the public takeover of South Yorkshire’s Supertram last year and aligns with the region’s plan for an integrated transport system. SYMCA acknowledges financial risks beyond 2042 when a second fleet renewal cycle may create annual deficits, which it plans to offset through earlier surpluses.

The transition will wind down the South Yorkshire Enhanced Partnership Scheme, impacting existing operators like First South Yorkshire, Stagecoach Yorkshire, and TM Travel as they adapt to the new contract-based model.

Katharine Hammond has been appointed Chief Executive of SYMCA, with a salary of £220,000 per year. A full report on the consultation and the authority’s response is available on SYMCA’s website.

Bradford affordable housing scheme reaches completion

Tess Egginton
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Bradford affordable housing scheme reaches completion
Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has completed a £3.9 million affordable homes development in Eccleshill, Bradford. The One Meadow Victoria Road scheme comprises 19 properties – a mix of two, three and four-bed detached and semi-detached houses for social rent. The newly constructed homes have been delivered through a partnership with Zentra Group and the support of Homes England and Bradford Council. Each property is designed to be low maintenance and adaptable to future need. They come with fully integrated appliances including a fridge freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, oven and hob along with carpets and flooring. Built by Jack Lunn Construction, the properties have a reduced carbon footprint and an expected minimum energy performance of rating B or greater. Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said: “We are thrilled by the quality of the homes which are in an established local community with a robust identity and reliable communal services. “The proximity to existing MHA housing stock and the high demand for housing in the area contribute to the long-term viability of the project for future generations. “It has been a pleasure to deliver the scheme in close partnership with Zentra Group alongside Homes England and Bradford Council as part of our drive to address housing needs in Bradford and Keighley.” Rupert Pometsey, MHA Chair, said: “We currently own and manage 345 homes in the area, which has a settled BME community and is a desirable place for tenants to call home. “Together with our key partners on this project, I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff, board members, investors and, most importantly, our customers. “With their unswerving support, we are able to press on with our mission to provide high-quality, affordable housing solutions for the local communities we exist to serve.” Ben Scandrett, Development Director at Zentra Group, said: “We are delighted to see the completion of the One Meadow development in partnership with Manningham Housing Association. “This project represents our commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable homes that meet the needs of the local community. “By working closely with our partners, we have been able to provide well-designed, energy-efficient homes that will have a lasting positive impact. “At Zentra, we remain dedicated to creating sustainable housing solutions that support communities across the region.”

Senior promotions at Lichfields’ Leeds office

Tess Egginton
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Senior promotions at Lichfields’ Leeds office
Planning and development consultancy Lichfields has promoted Emma Gomersal and James Cox to planning directors in its Leeds office as its Yorkshire team continues to grow. Emma has a strong background in strategic land, specialising in the promotion of residential and employment sites. She has worked extensively with landowner and developer clients, managing the planning and development process to maximise the potential of these sites. James works with a range of clients primarily in the retail, tourism and roadside development sectors. He has also taken on a lead role in advising Anglo American on the Woodsmith Project; a nationally significantly polyhalite fertiliser mine that is being developed in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Emma Gomersal said: “The support I’ve experienced since joining Lichfields has been instrumental in allowing me to build on my experience in strategic land and contribute effectively to the continued success of the Leeds office. “The expertise and services we offer as a company, alongside our reputation for in depth insight and research, have been invaluable in achieving the objectives for our clients across the region.” James Cox said: “I’m grateful for the support of the team and our clients as we continue to deliver innovative planning solutions and I look forward to taking on new challenges in this expanded role.” Chris Darley, Head of the Leeds office, said: “Emma and James’ promotions are well-deserved. Their leadership and expertise will continue to drive our growth and strengthen our position as a leader in the planning and development sector. We’re excited to see them both take on these new responsibilities and lead the team through the next phase of growth.”
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