Hiring intentions surge as Yorkshire business sentiment strengthens

April Lara
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Hiring intentions surge as Yorkshire business sentiment strengthens

Business confidence in Yorkshire rose sharply in May, with more firms planning to expand their workforce and invest in growth, according to Lloyds Bank’s latest Business Barometer.

Confidence among Yorkshire businesses climbed by 18 points to 52%, significantly higher than the national average. Notably, 54% of regional firms now plan to increase staff over the coming year, up 35 points from April, signaling renewed optimism across the local economy.

The report also highlighted where businesses are prioritising growth. Nearly half of the surveyed firms in Yorkshire intend to invest in staff training, while 33% are eyeing entry into new markets or adopting new technology, both key indicators of strategic scaling and operational improvement.

At a national level, UK business confidence rose to 50%, the highest recorded since August 2024. Economic optimism jumped by 16 points to 44%, while firms’ confidence in their trading prospects also increased to 56%.

Sector performance was uneven. Construction and services reported the strongest sentiment, 56% and 54% respectively, while retail confidence declined to 40%, its lowest level since January. Manufacturing also edged up, though modestly, to 40%.

The positive regional results come amid mixed signals globally. While the IMF flagged potential drag from US tariffs, it upgraded the UK’s 2025 economic forecast, noting signs of a broader recovery.

Holtec confirms UK manufacturing base at Doncaster’s GatewayEast

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Holtec confirms UK manufacturing base at Doncaster’s GatewayEast

US-based nuclear energy firm Holtec has chosen Doncaster’s GatewayEast as the site for its new UK manufacturing facility, following a national search across 13 regions. The location, adjacent to Doncaster-Sheffield Airport, secured the investment over two other shortlisted sites in South Yorkshire.

The facility will produce two small modular reactor (SMR) units annually, with half of its output intended for export. Holtec’s SMRs utilise pressurised water reactor (PWR) technology, the same type deployed at Hinkley Point C, which supports supply chain standardisation and workforce development.

The project is expected to generate significant economic value. Independent analysis by Bradshaw Advisory estimates £1.8bn in gross value added over 20 years, £1.5bn from the factory itself, and £300m from engineering services linked to SMR deployment. It is also forecast to support 3,600 construction roles, over 16,000 supply chain jobs, and 3,000 unionised engineering positions.

The site selection aligns with Holtec’s strategy to localise production and increase UK content in its energy and defence programmes, targeting 70% domestic sourcing. The company has signed MOUs with regional and national partners, including South Yorkshire Combined Authority, Sheffield Forgemasters, and major manufacturing research centres. Holtec is also in ongoing discussions with major UK trade unions to align with industrial workforce priorities.

This development follows the UK government’s £30m commitment to reopening Doncaster-Sheffield Airport, further positioning GatewayEast as a strategic hub for industrial investment and global export. Holtec is currently finalising the business plan ahead of its final investment decision.

Wykeland appoints new finance director

Tess Egginton
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Wykeland appoints new finance director
Yorkshire-based commercial property and investment business Wykeland Group has appointed Chris Crookham as finance director to succeed the retiring Ian Franks. Mr Crookham has joined Wykeland from major food and beverage manufacturer Sofina Foods Europe, where he has been finance director, UK added value, with responsibility for processing facilities across the country, for the past two and a half years. Sofina Foods Europe is a major player in the food industry, with leading brands such as Young’s Seafood, pork producer Cookstown and Greenland Seafood. The business supplies major supermarket chains and employs around 8,000 people in the UK, Ireland and on the continent. Previously, Mr Crookham was cluster financial controller for Young’s Seafood, following six years with UK safety industry leader Arco, latterly as group financial controller. A graduate of the University of Leeds, he began his career in finance with PwC, before joining global health and hygiene business Reckitt and then Arco. Mr Crookham said: “A big part of the appeal of this role is joining a business with such a strong vision and social conscience, which aligns with my own values. “Having grown up in East Yorkshire and living in the area, I’ve seen the really positive impact Wykeland has had, through developments like the Flemingate centre in Beverley and the Fruit Market regeneration in Hull. “I’m excited by the opportunity to be part of a business very much embedded in the local community and to play my part in continuing Wykeland’s great work at the forefront of investment and regeneration across the region.” Mr Crookham succeeds Ian Franks who is retiring after 18 years as finance director.. Mr Franks said: “Wykeland has been a very big part of my life and I’m very proud of the many projects we have delivered that have been commercially successful, while also bringing together physical, social and cultural regeneration. “It’s now time for me to step back and for an injection of fresh ideas and energy. I wish Chris every success in his new role and know Wykeland will continue to go from strength to strength.” Wykeland managing director Dominic Gibbons said: “We’re delighted to have appointed Chris to succeed Ian and build on his achievements. “Chris brings to Wykeland a great deal of relevant, high-level experience with industry-leading organisations and has a very broad skillset. “I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks, and that of our Board and entire team, to Ian for his tremendous contribution. “Ian has played a very significant part in the development of the business over almost two decades. His financial expertise and sound judgement have been invaluable in the successful delivery of many of our most significant developments.”

Contractor appointment made for new Halifax leisure centre

Tess Egginton
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Contractor appointment made for new Halifax leisure centre
The construction of a new leisure centre for Halifax town centre is moving forward, as Calderdale Council has appointed a contractor to focus on the final designs, costings and programme ahead of construction. The Council is delivering the new leisure centre in a central location, at North Bridge in Halifax. The project has been refined to ensure it will be financially sustainable and delivers facilities which are accessible, support health and wellbeing, boost the local economy and contribute to Calderdale’s Climate Action Plan. Following a competitive tender process, Tilbury Douglas has now been appointed as a contractor to deliver the detailed designs for the project. The new centre will include a main six-lane swimming pool with spectator seating, a learner pool, a refurbished eight-court sports hall, a 120-station fitness suite, three multi-functional studios, a dedicated cycling studio, a children’s soft play and adventure area, and a café and community area. There will also be wellbeing spaces, where health and community partners can locate their services, a wet changing village and a Changing Places facility for disabled people and separate dry change facilities for sports hall and gym use, as well as energy-efficient, sustainable features to contribute to Calderdale’s Climate Action Plan and the borough’s target for net zero carbon emissions by 2038. The contractor and the Council are also exploring options for undertaking early works on site in parallel to the design stage, to speed up the process to construction. The package of works would include demolition and associated works at the existing North Bridge Leisure Centre, as well as site setup, management and post-demolition surveys. Once the detailed design process and early enabling work is complete, work is due to begin on site later this year. Calderdale Council’s leader, Cllr Jane Scullion, said: “We know that people are eager to enjoy the new leisure centre in Halifax and we’re working hard to make sure that the modern and centrally located facility provides great opportunities for everyone to be more active, more often. “We’re ambitious about the project, and we have to make sure that it is financially viable and can be delivered successfully. We’ve secured government funding of over £12million to support the project and continue to seek additional external funding opportunities. “The appointment of a contractor for the detailed design work will enable us to have a clearer picture of what the centre will look like and how and when it will be delivered. We’re excited about the project and are keen to get things moving and have work start on site as quickly as possible.” Paul Ellenor, regional director for Yorkshire and the North East at Tilbury Douglas, added: “This project represents a significant investment in the health and wellbeing of the Halifax community. “Our role is to ensure that the new centre is not only high-quality and accessible but also delivered with pace, precision and long-term value in mind. We bring proven expertise in complex, sustainable developments and are fully committed to driving this landmark scheme forward with Calderdale Council.”

Endless LLP acquires specialist battery supplier

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Endless LLP acquires specialist battery supplier
Leeds-based private equity firm Endless LLP has acquired the Ecobat Battery Division from the US-headquartered Ecobat Group, marking another strategic carve-out investment in the distribution sector. Ecobat Battery has turnover in excess of £200m and is a leading specialist supplier of batteries and energy storage solutions for a wide range of applications including automotive, commercial vehicles, marine and leisure, motorcycles, and industrial uses. With a strong presence across Europe and a network of distribution hubs in the UK, Ireland, France, Netherlands, Belgium and Spain, Ecobat Battery serves a diverse customer base. The acquisition by Endless will provide Ecobat Battery with the capital and strategic support to accelerate its growth plans, expand its market reach, and invest in its capabilities to further strengthen its commercial platform. The carve-out transaction will be led by Ecobat Battery’s existing management team, led by Russell McBurnie and Alex Powell. Russell McBurnie, managing director of Ecobat Battery, said: “This is an exciting new chapter for our business. Endless brings a wealth of experience in supporting specialist distribution businesses, and we are confident that their backing will help us unlock new growth opportunities and continue delivering exceptional value to our customers.” Andy Ross, investment partner of Endless, added: “We are delighted to welcome the Ecobat Battery Division into the Endless portfolio. The business has a strong heritage, a talented team, and a clear role to play in the battery distribution market. We look forward to working closely with the management team to support their growth strategy.” The investment was led by Andy Ross and Tom Callaghan, supported by Mia Fisher, Lee Abbott and Chloe Sellwood. Endless was advised by Stifel (Corporate Finance), Walker Morris (Legal), KPMG (Tax), PwC (Debt), Argon (Operational) and Panamoure (IT).

Nuclear waste site talks face shutdown in Lincolnshire

April Lara
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Nuclear waste site talks face shutdown in Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire County Council is preparing to exit discussions over hosting a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) for the UK’s nuclear waste. This move would formally end the county’s involvement in a multi-year siting process led by Nuclear Waste Services (NWS).

A council scrutiny board has recommended withdrawing from the Theddlethorpe GDF Community Partnership, with a final decision expected from the Executive on 3 June. This follows East Lindsey District Council’s decision to pull out in April.

The partnership, established in 2021, was initially focused on repurposing a former gas terminal near Theddlethorpe. However, in early 2025, NWS shifted its proposed location inland, targeting undeveloped countryside between Gayton le Marsh and Great Carlton, triggering opposition and claims of inadequate community engagement.

Lincolnshire is one of three areas under consideration for the underground repository, alongside Mid and South Copeland in Cumbria. A recent geological assessment highlighted Lincolnshire’s clay formations as highly suitable for long-term waste isolation. Nonetheless, public sentiment in the area has turned against the project, with community surveys indicating strong opposition.

Under the GDF programme, host communities are eligible for up to £1 million in annual government funding during the siting phase, with over £2 million already allocated to local initiatives in Lincolnshire. However, ongoing concerns about transparency, shifting site plans, and long-term uncertainty have led local representatives to question the benefits of continued involvement.

NWS maintains that community consent is a prerequisite for any development and has pointed to international precedents, such as Canada’s recent GDF siting process, to justify the timeline and complexity. Still, if Lincolnshire formally exits next week, the agency will be left with just the two Cumbrian sites in active evaluation.

Infrastructure funding targets Lincolnshire school and healthcare sites

April Lara
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Infrastructure funding targets Lincolnshire school and healthcare sites

A total of 18 schools across Lincolnshire will undergo repairs and upgrades as part of a government infrastructure initiative set to begin this summer and continue through to April next year. The funding is drawn from a wider £40 million allocation earmarked for schools throughout the East Midlands.

Projects include essential fire safety upgrades at Spalding Grammar School to prevent potential closure, and asbestos removal at Westgate Academy in Lincoln. Other recipients include Boston Grammar School, The King’s School in Grantham, and Branston Community Academy, reflecting a geographic spread of improvements across both primary and secondary institutions.

This round of investment signals continued public sector capital expenditure on essential facilities, with a focus on safety compliance and modernisation. For B2B service providers, particularly those in construction, engineering, compliance, and building materials, the pipeline of work offers partnership opportunities within government-backed programmes.

In parallel, the Pilgrim Hospital in Boston has been allocated £7 million for upgrades to its electrical systems and fire safety. Additionally, Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust will receive £750,000 for similar improvements across its estate, supporting healthcare infrastructure resilience.

These investments suggest a sustained demand for skilled contractors, compliance consultants, and building systems suppliers across the education and healthcare sectors.

Thurston Group expands with acquisition of Alsim assets

April Lara
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Thurston Group expands with acquisition of Alsim assets

Modular construction firm Thurston Group has acquired the assets, IP, and customer base of Hull-based portable building maker Alsim System Building Ltd, following Alsim’s recent insolvency.

The deal will enable Wakefield-headquartered Thurston to enhance its Cabins division and introduce a new line of temporary living accommodation products to its portfolio, thereby expanding its capabilities in the modular and secure accommodation market.

Alsim, founded in 1992, was a known supplier of temporary accommodation solutions before entering administration in late 2024. At the time, it employed 52 staff and had a presence in sectors requiring secure, short-term living units.

The acquisition follows Thurston’s earlier 2025 investment in Storplan, a specialist fabrication business, which increased the firm’s production capacity and enabled it to deliver more complex structural steel and modular projects.

Thurston, established in 1970, currently operates across four sites in East and West Yorkshire, employing around 380 people. The company serves over 100 clients and is forecast to generate £60 million in turnover this year. The Alsim acquisition is part of its ongoing strategy to diversify offerings, scale up operations, and strengthen its position in the UK modular construction sector.

£7.5bn data campus proposed for North Lincolnshire

April Lara
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£7.5bn data campus proposed for North Lincolnshire

A planning application has been submitted to significantly expand Elsham Wolds Industrial Estate with a multi-billion-pound data centre campus, signalling a major boost for the local B2B economy.

The development proposes large-scale infrastructure, including data centres, office facilities, and supporting energy systems, to be delivered in phases. If approved, the total investment could reach between £5.5 billion and £7.5 billion, positioning the site as a critical hub for high-tech operations and digital infrastructure in the UK.

The phased build is expected to support up to 5,100 construction jobs annually. Once operational, the site could employ up to 1,200 people in skilled roles, with projected average salaries of £57,000. The application also outlines plans for apprenticeship and training initiatives to develop local talent for technical and engineering roles.

The scheme represents one of the most significant private investment opportunities in North Lincolnshire, further cementing the region’s reputation for advanced manufacturing, logistics, and now digital infrastructure. The public consultation is currently open, with full planning details available online.

Strike threat grows over major cuts at University of Bradford

April Lara
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Strike threat grows over major cuts at University of Bradford

Industrial action looms at the University of Bradford following a staff vote in favour of strike action, driven by a proposed £16 million budget reduction. The planned cuts could result in over 300 job losses and the closure of several academic programmes, including chemistry and film & television.

The University and College Union (UCU) reported that 82% of participating members backed the strike, with a turnout of 57%. Action could begin as early as 12 June unless the university withdraws its plans for compulsory redundancies.

Current proposals would bring staffing levels back to those of 2019, putting more than 230 professional services staff and at least 90 academic positions at immediate risk. An additional 200 academic roles are expected to face scrutiny in the coming weeks.

The university, citing sector-wide financial pressures, is undergoing a review of its operational model. While management has stated its commitment to supporting staff during the transition, union leaders argue that the cuts will not only affect employees but also impact regional businesses and diminish educational and cultural offerings for students.

This development adds to growing concerns within the higher education sector around funding stability, workforce planning, and the sustainability of course portfolios.

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