Small firms promised more access to public spending contracts

Stuart Pearcey
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Small firms promised more access to public spending contracts
Thousands of SMEs are being promised more opportunities to win contracts with public sector organisations, kickstarting local economic growth and innovation and creating jobs. The Government has promised to speed up and simplify procurement processes in the public sector, where £400bn is spent each year on goods and services. The changes include proposals for a major shake-up of spending rules, with local councils able to reserve contracts for small businesses to maximise spend within their area and help boost local economies. Alongside this, a new duty will be placed on firms that win contracts with government bodies to advertise jobs at job centres. Georgia Gould, Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office, said: “Businesses tell me that the current system isn’t working. It is slow, complicated and too often means small businesses in this country are shut out of public sector contracts. “These measures will change that, giving them greater opportunity to access the £400 billion spent on public procurement every year, investing in home grown talent and driving innovation and growth.” Current processes require Social Value measures on contracts, which put requirements on businesses to help bring forward positive change in communities and the country as a whole. However, there are currently multiple different approaches used across the public sector and potentially many different criteria, confusing business and making it harder to ensure the commitments made are actually delivered. The Government will be updating and streamlining the system used by all central government departments and their agencies to align it with the Government’s missions. This will make it simpler to use, giving small businesses a better chance when bidding for contracts, and will make sure companies who profit from government work give back to the community.

Sheffield office building acquired for £16.8m

Tess Egginton
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Sheffield office building acquired for £16.8m
Ekistics Property Advisors LLP has acquired the 76,460 sq ft 3 St Paul’s Place office building in Sheffield from M&G Real Estate for £16.8m. Ekistics was advised by Till AM and Cushman & Wakefield acted for M&G. 3 St Paul’s Place is a 9-storey, Grade A office building adjacent to the ‘Heart of the City’ development in Sheffield City Centre. Aside from half a floor, the Grade A building is fully let to a number of high-profile occupiers including Handelsbanken, BDP, Arup, Freeths, TES Global and Ansys UK Ltd. The acquisition forms part of a wider UK investment strategy for Ekistics, who already has a European investment portfolio of some EUR 497 million. The investor works with advisor Till AM to seek best in class buildings across the UK and the purchase of 3 St Paul’s Place represents its first investment in Sheffield. Liam MacCarthy, Director at Till AM, said: “As one of the best buildings in Sheffield with a strong tenant line-up, 3 St Paul’s Place stood out as an excellent investment opportunity. We will be looking to make further upgrades to the building in due course.” Andrew Meikle at Cushman & Wakefield acted for the vendor.

Firms asked to comment on government’s electronic invoicing proposals

Stuart Pearcey
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Firms asked to comment on government’s electronic invoicing proposals
For the first time businesses in the UK are being invited to have their say on the government’s electronic invoicing proposals. E-invoicing is the digital exchange of invoice information directly between buyers and suppliers, with the potential toget their tax right first time, reduce invoicing and data errors, improve the accuracy of VAT returns, help close the tax gap and save time and money. It usually results in faster business to business payments, leading to improved cash flow and less paperwork. This will help cut down time and resources businesses spend managing their tax affairs so they can be more productive. It forms part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change for a tax system that supports economic growth. E-invoicing has improved cash flow for a UK NHS trust, where e-invoices are ready for processing within 24 hours, compared to 10 days under paper invoicing. Their e-invoices are typically paid almost twice as quickly than paper invoices, with supplier queries reduced by an average of 15%. Xero sees e-invoicing as the next digital revolution for small firms, simplifying how businesses invoice customers and get paid faster. Firms will save money on chasing payments, improve cash flow and reduce fraud risks.
James Murray, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury said: “We have begun our work to transform the UK’s tax system into one that is focused on helping businesses and the economy to grow.

“E-invoicing simplifies processes, reduces errors and helps businesses to get paid faster. By cutting paperwork and freeing up valuable time and money, it will help improve firms’ productivity and their ability to grow and succeed.”

Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Business and Exports, said: “Small businesses are at the heart of our economy and vital to our growth mission. The potential of digitising taxes, speeding up payments and streamlining administrative tasks will provide real benefits to the economy, supporting smaller firms and boosting growth.

“This is why we want to make sure e-invoicing works for SMEs, because cash flow can make all the difference between staying afloat or going under.”

The consultation applies to business invoicing. It will gather views on standardising e-invoicing and how to increase its adoption across UK businesses and the public sector. It also explores how different e-invoicing models could align a business with their customers’ businesses. People can take part whether or not they currently use e-invoicing. HMRC and the DBT want to hear the opinions of self-employed people, businesses of all sizes, representative and industry bodies, charities and public sector organisations.

New accommodation to be built in £65m contract at RAF Digby

Tess Egginton
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New accommodation to be built in £65m contract at RAF Digby
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has awarded a £65 million contract for new Single Living Accommodation (SLA) at RAF Digby in Lincolnshire. RAF Digby is the RAF’s oldest station, established in 1918, but is now operated by Strategic Command. The contract was awarded to Galliford Try with Arcadis as a Technical Support Provider and will see four new blocks of bedrooms created for junior ranks. Each block contains a kitchenette, drying rooms, laundry rooms and social spaces, as well as 69 single ensuite rooms. The buildings have been designed to be as carbon efficient as possible as part of MOD and wider government push towards net zero. They will benefit from solar panels and be heated using air source heat pumps. Other energy efficiency measures include provision for a system to recover heat from the waste water in the showers, temperature-controlled heating zones, energy efficient LED lighting, and electric car charging points. The contract value also includes provision of car parking, street lighting and landscaped outdoor communal areas. The contractors will be using local suppliers and labour as much as possible to benefit the local economy. John Weatherby, DIO’s Principal Project Manager, said: “It’s fantastic to have reached this important milestone in our goal to transform the accommodation provision at RAF Digby with some high-quality new rooms for junior ranks serving at the station. We look forward to working with Galliford Try on the designs as we prepare for the start of construction in the coming months.” Wing Commander Neil Hallett, Station Commander RAF Digby, said: “This is an eagerly anticipated announcement welcomed by the service men and women stationed here. Having modern Single Living Accommodation will significantly improve the lived experience and there is buzz of excitement across the station following this contract award.

“This investment into Royal Air Force Digby is a clear demonstration by the MOD of its intent to enhance the accommodation offer to our personnel while making buildings more sustainable.”

Bill Hocking, Chief Executive of Galliford Try, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with the DIO to deliver this much-needed facility for those serving at RAF Digby. We have a strong track record in providing this kind of facility to the armed forces and look forward to ensuring the personnel receive the high-quality living spaces they deserve.” Construction is expected to start in March.

Government promises bonuses to companies investing in industrial and coastal areas

Stuart Pearcey
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Government promises bonuses to companies investing in industrial and coastal areas
Industrial heartlands and coastal areas are to receive an economic boost as the government backs renewable energy firms investing in industrial communities such as the Humber, where Gamesa employs about 1,300 people making wind turbine blades. The application window has opened for the Clean Industry Bonus, providing financial support for offshore wind developers who prioritise investment in areas that need it most, including traditional oil and gas communities – supporting highly skilled jobs such as engineers, electricians or welders. The support also rewards developers who build more sustainable low carbon factories, offshore wind blades, cables and ports to reduce industrial emissions across the clean energy supply chain. By encouraging developers to use less polluting suppliers, the bonus will help tackle the climate crisis while also addressing supply chain blockages in renewable technologies driven by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – supporting industry on the transition to clean, secure, homegrown energy that Britain controls. The UK produces more offshore wind than any other European country, making it the backbone for plans to deliver a clean power system by 2030 and become a clean energy superpower. This bonus will help accelerate the drive for clean power – incentivising developers to build the infrastructure the country needs to end reliance on unstable fossil fuel markets and help keep energy bills down for good. Since July, the government has seen £34.8 billion of private investment into UK’s clean energy industries. In November, the government launched its carbon capture and storage industry supporting 4,000 jobs in the North West and Teesside. ScottishPower awarded a £1 billion turbine contract for its East Anglia TWO offshore windfarm to Siemens Gamesa, including blade production at its Hull blade factory – the company employ over 1,300 people in Humberside. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “We are backing our manufacturing, coastal and oil and gas communities with good jobs, skills and private sector investment – delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.

“This is our clean energy superpower mission in action, kickstarting growth, delivering energy security and transforming towns and cities as part of the transition in manufacturing hubs such as Hull.”

East Lindsey Council moves to exit nuclear waste site process

April Lara
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East Lindsey Council moves to exit nuclear waste site process

East Lindsey District Council is preparing to withdraw from discussions on a potential nuclear waste storage site in Lincolnshire, signaling a shift in its stance on the controversial project.

The council initially joined a Working Group in 2021 to explore the feasibility of using the former gas terminal in Theddlethorpe as a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF). However, Nuclear Waste Services (NWS), the government agency overseeing the project, has since identified a different location—four square kilometers of agricultural land between Gayton le Marsh and Great Carlton—as a preferred site.

Council leaders now argue that the new location, which has no history of industrial use and sits in a rural area near the Lincolnshire Wolds, is unsuitable for such a facility. The council has also raised concerns about additional infrastructure, including the potential construction of pylons in the area as part of the National Grid’s Grimsby to Walpole project.

As a result, East Lindsey District Council plans to withdraw from the process. However, Lincolnshire County Council remains involved, and a formal public support test is still planned for 2027. If the county council also withdraws, the siting process in Lincolnshire would likely end.

Nuclear Waste Services has acknowledged East Lindsey’s concerns and thanked the council for participating in the discussions. The agency is also considering two other potential sites in Cumbria.

Yorkshire and Humber sees surge in business start-ups, decline in insolvencies

April Lara
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Yorkshire and Humber sees surge in business start-ups, decline in insolvencies

New business registrations in Yorkshire and the Humber increased by 35% in January 2025, while insolvency-related activity dropped by 30%, according to new data from the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body, R3.

The region saw 4,375 new businesses launch in January, up from 3,235 in December. This rebound follows a 16% decline in start-ups at the end of 2024. Meanwhile, insolvency-related events—including liquidations, administrations, and creditors’ meetings—fell after a slight uptick in December.

The trend was reflected across the UK, with business formations rising in all regions. The East Midlands saw a 37% increase, while East Anglia recorded a 36% jump. Northern Ireland experienced the slowest growth at 14% and was the only region where insolvency-related activity increased by 50%. The East Midlands had the steepest drop in insolvencies, down 43%.

The figures indicate renewed business confidence across the UK, particularly in Yorkshire and the Humber, where entrepreneurs are taking advantage of improving economic conditions.

£15.5m car park to be built in Bridlington

Tess Egginton
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£15.5m car park to be built in Bridlington
A major new scheme to build a multi-storey car park in Bridlington town centre is to begin this spring. East Riding of Yorkshire Council is to invest £15.5m in the creation of a new 426-space car park. The development is set to enhance accessibility, support local businesses, and drive forward the wider regeneration of Bridlington with the aim of generating around £35m for the town’s economy. Construction work is due to begin in April and the site is due to open a year later, in spring 2026. The new facility in Beck Hill, between Manor Street and Hilderthorpe Road, will provide modern, secure, and convenient parking for residents, visitors, and businesses, helping to ease congestion, improve the appeal and support the rejuvenation of the town centre. Councillor Anne Handley, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “I am thrilled that we can finally begin work on such a vital piece of infrastructure for the town.  “This investment is a clear signal of our confidence in Bridlington’s future. “The new multi-storey car park will not only address current parking challenges but also support the town’s regeneration by making it easier for people to visit, shop, and enjoy everything Bridlington has to offer.  “This council is investing in Bridlington’s future and is committed to creating a vibrant, sustainable town centre that benefits residents, businesses, and visitors for years to come.  “We hope this new multi-storey car park will generate millions of pounds for the local economy.” The new multi-storey car park will be owned and operated by the council and continues the regeneration of Bridlington, blending in with the recently landscaped Gypsey Race Park, along Hilderthorpe Road. The car park will feature well-lit spaces, electric vehicle charging points, blue badge parking bays and easy pedestrian access to key areas of the town centre, including retail, leisure, and hospitality venues. As well as offering better and more convenient access to the town centre and the harbour, including Bridlington Spa, the site will offer secure night-time parking and attract people to the town centre in the evening, promoting the area’s night-time economy and overnight stays. The design consists of a series of vertical twisted fins on its exterior to create the impression of a wave in order to reflect the coastal setting.

New tourism opportunities highlighted at Lincolnshire Business Conference

April Lara
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New tourism opportunities highlighted at Lincolnshire Business Conference

Businesses in Lincolnshire’s tourism sector gathered this week for a fully booked conference focused on emerging opportunities in the visitor economy. Discussions centred on film tourism, nature tourism, and the expansion of the King Charles III England Coast Path as key drivers of future growth.

Organised by Lincolnshire County Council’s economic development team, the event showcased the increasing impact of the Visit Lincolnshire website in promoting the region. Industry experts, including Location Lincs and BBC Springwatch representatives, shared insights on how local attractions can capitalize on shifting travel trends.

Recent data by the Lincolnshire County Council highlights the growing importance of tourism to the local economy. In 2023, the sector contributed £2.9 billion to Greater Lincolnshire and supported more than 23,000 jobs. The Visit Lincolnshire website saw a 33% increase in traffic in 2024, with a conversion rate significantly above industry averages.

Film and TV play a larger role in travel decisions, with nearly 30% of travelers influenced by on-screen locations. Lincolnshire’s historic sites and landscapes provide opportunities to attract visitors through productions filmed in the region. The county’s birdwatching sites are also among the UK’s top destinations for nature enthusiasts.

The ongoing development of the King Charles III England Coast Path also presents a major draw. Once completed, it will be the world’s longest-managed coastal walking route, with 124 miles passing through Greater Lincolnshire.

The conference provided a platform for businesses to connect, exchange ideas, and explore ways to navigate current industry challenges while capitalizing on new opportunities in the tourism sector.

Property developer purchases brownfield sites from Bradford Council for affordable homes

Tess Egginton
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Property developer purchases brownfield sites from Bradford Council for affordable homes
Property developer Breck Homes has completed the unconditional purchase of two brownfield sites in Bradford for the construction of 52 affordable homes. The parcels of land, both in the West Bowling area of the city, have been purchased from Bradford Council and will be the company’s first housing developments in Yorkshire. One site is a former car park on Flockton Road, which will be developed into 20 affordable houses. The other is a former Bradford Council office on Brompton Avenue which will be developed for 32 houses. Planning permission is expected to be submitted at the end of February and the schemes will feature a combination of shared ownership and homes for affordable rent. Breck is currently in discussion with a number of housing association partners to acquire and manage the units on completion. The developments are expected to commence build mid-2026 subject to planning approval. Andy Garnett, director, Breck, said: “Our strong reputation for the consistent delivery of high-quality affordable homes has driven our growth in the past five years and we are currently working with registered providers to progress sites in areas including Lancashire, Cheshire and Merseyside. “West Yorkshire has ambitious plans to deliver 38,000 new homes over the next 15 years to meet its growing need. The redevelopment of brownfield sites for affordable homes is an important part of this strategy and is also a key part of Breck’s approach to development. “We have worked closely with the council to secure the land quickly using the company’s cash reserves and we’re looking forward to continuing this relationship through the planning and development process.” In addition to completing the purchase of the two Bradford sites, Breck has agreed heads of terms on a further Yorkshire site, which is local authority allocated housing land. Breck plans to submit proposals for a further 53 new homes on this site. The Lancashire-headquartered company is also in advanced discussions on a commercial premises in Leeds to support its Yorkshire expansion, which it expects to be operational this year.
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