Ideal Heating launches trial to explore benefits of heat pumps for council tenants

Michael Fisher
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Ideal Heating launches trial to explore benefits of heat pumps for council tenants
Hull-based Ideal Heating has launched a heat pumps trial with the local authority in its home city. The Living with Heat Pumps project will explore the benefits of living in a home with an air source heat pump compared to a traditional gas boiler. Ideal Heating has worked with Hull City Council and regional net zero campaign, Oh Yes! Net Zero, to install four of its flagship Logic Air heat pumps in council homes in the city, as well as four new gas-powered combi boilers in neighbouring properties. The project will track the thermal comfort for residents, as well as the cost, energy performance and efficiency of both the heat pumps and boilers. It is hoped it will produce valuable information and experiences on the use of heat pumps in social housing. Formerly known as Ideal Boilers, Ideal Heating was founded in Hull in 1906 and the city remains home to its manufacturing facilities and its UK headquarters. The company is undergoing a £60m transformation, including new manufacturing, distribution and research and development facilities at its site in National Avenue, Hull, largely focused on the transition to heat pumps. John Jackson, Heat Pump Technical Sales Manager at Ideal Heating, oversaw the install and commissioning element of the heat pumps project. He said: “We’re delighted to be working with Hull City Council on a project which could have a real impact on the way homes in the city are heated in the future. Ideal Heating has a strong relationship with Hull City Council and shares its commitment to creating a sustainable future for all.”

Centrica, Equinor and SSE Thermal launch new Humber Hydrogen Hub projects

Tess Egginton
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Centrica, Equinor and SSE Thermal launch new Humber Hydrogen Hub projects

Energy companies Equinor, Centrica and SSE Thermal have launched plans for a collaboration of multiple low carbon hydrogen projects on the north bank of the Humber which also link to wider plans within the region.

The plans, which include the transformation of the Easington gas terminal, were launched in the Houses of Parliament to an audience of MPs, civil servants, industry bodies and regional stakeholders. Lord Callanan, the Energy Minister responsible for Hydrogen and Carbon Capture policy, spoke at the event alongside Beverley & Holderness MP Graham Stuart and representatives from Equinor, Centrica Energy Storage and SSE Thermal.

H2H Easington includes proposals by Equinor and Centrica to deliver a multi-stage green and blue hydrogen production facility which will scale up over time as a hydrogen economy develops. Since a co-operation agreement was signed between the two companies in 2022, detailed engineering studies have assessed projects which could produce up to 1.2GW of blue hydrogen production and up to 1GW of green hydrogen at Easington with initial projects commissioned by the end of the decade then expansion through the 2030s.

To unlock these ambitions, proposals for a green hydrogen electrolyser have been submitted to Government as part of the second Hydrogen Allocation Round process. If successful, this initial electrolytic hydrogen system would be operational by early 2029 and would fuel switch off-takers within the Easington terminal, displacing current natural gas demand and significantly reducing the site’s CO2 footprint by 100,000 tonnes per year. An immediate next step would include hydrogen for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which is key to facilitating the energy transition in the aviation sector.

Such a transition would also safeguard many existing jobs within the historic gas terminal whilst creating new jobs and supply chain opportunities for the future. It is estimated that the 35-year economic impact of the green hydrogen proposals at Easington, including construction, operation and decommissioning of the facility, will be in the region of £1.5bn of gross value added, supporting thousands of jobs in the region.

In addition, the partnership will also explore a dedicated hydrogen pipeline that would link H2H Easington to Equinor’s proposed H2H Saltend hydrogen production facility at Saltend Chemicals Park, and to Equinor and SSE Thermal’s proposed hydrogen storage facility at Aldbrough on the East Yorkshire Coast. Collectively, these projects form the Humber Hydrogen Hub.

Equinor and SSE Thermal are currently consulting on the proposals for hydrogen storage at the existing gas storage site near Aldbrough. The use of the geologically unique underground salt caverns for storage helps to balance the fluctuating supply and demand of a future hydrogen economy whilst improving energy security.

The 45km hydrogen pipeline proposals also include a crossing of the River Humber to provide connectivity between north and south banks, whilst there is also potential for connection to the ‘Project Union’ gas network to expand across the wider Humber region.

Decision makers from government departments including Energy Security & Net Zero, Business & Trade and Transport, joined the Government’s ‘Hydrogen Champion’, UK Research & Innovation and the Carbon Capture & Storage Association to listen to the new proposals. Levelling Up Minister Jacob Young MP, who is also a proactive advocate of hydrogen, was in attendance. The Humber region was represented by MPs Graham Stuart and Martin Vickers, as well as representatives from the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Humber Chamber of Commerce and the Yorkshire & Humber CBI.

Graham Stuart MP, Member of Parliament for Beverley and Holderness, said: “This is an exciting collection of projects which can help to deliver on the UK’s net zero goals and hydrogen targets whilst also supporting the Government’s levelling up agenda.

“I’m particularly proud to have such key strategic energy sites within my constituency that are attracting investment from large companies, creating new jobs for local people and supply chain opportunities for local businesses. It shows that East Yorkshire is an internationally renowned location for low carbon technologies, and this can only help to boost prosperity across the region.”

Dan Sadler, Director for Hydrogen at Equinor’s UK Low Carbon Solutions, said: “The proposals we’ve set out today demonstrate the commitment to the decarbonisation of the Humber by three of the largest players in UK energy, each with a track record of delivering ambitious schemes that reflect the changing demands of our economy.

“This is a unique opportunity to link these key sites in the Humber, pairing hydrogen production with users and storage sites to create the foundational requirements for an expanding hydrogen economy throughout the 2030s and 40s. It will help to reduce emissions whilst also stimulating economic growth.”

Martin Scargill, Managing Director of Centrica Energy Storage, said: “These projects will bring huge benefits to the Humber as we move forward to net zero. Working together, Centrica, Equinor and SSE Thermal will deliver this innovative, world leading, regional hydrogen system, that in time could see Rough connected to provide the UK with large scale, clean energy storage.

“We know that the UK will need to explore all possible options to meet its net zero target and these projects will support the country’s decarbonisation plans while creating jobs and certainty for the region’s industry in the future.”

John Johnson, Director of Development at SSE Thermal, said: “Hydrogen projects like the ones we’re bringing forward at Aldbrough can help to deliver a low-carbon future for the Humber.

“We know that all roads to net zero lead through the region and this collaboration aims to accelerate the deployment of hydrogen by linking multiple key sites and projects in support of the UK’s decarbonisation efforts. Ultimately, the Humber Hydrogen Hub can be a key enabler of a thriving hydrogen economy.”

140,000 sq ft office building in Leeds reaches completion

Tess Egginton
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140,000 sq ft office building in Leeds reaches completion
MRP’s City Square House, the new 140,000 sq ft office building next to Leeds Station, is now complete. Speculatively developed by MRP and built by McAleer and Rushe, 85 per cent of the major landmark is already let. The completion of City Square House is an integral part of the extensive public realm improvement works at City Square. The building’s high-profile tenants are global law firm DLA Piper, SME insurance specialist Markel and professional services consultancy Barnett Waddingham. Its doors were officially opened last night (Wednesday) at a grand reception with guests including the key partners and occupiers of the development. The workspace comprises Grade A office accommodation over 12-storeys including low carbon credentials, terraces on the 4th, 5th and 6th levels and extensive cycling, electric vehicle and e-bike charging point facilities. Angus Montieth, Development Director at MRP, said: “The practical completion of City Square House is a massive milestone to celebrate. We have created the best-in-class prime office development in Leeds, unrivalled in its location and with sustainability and wellbeing at the heart of its design. It boasts an impressive tenant community and we are confident that we will set a new prime rent in Leeds of £40 per sq ft. “It’s been an amazing journey and a huge collaborative effort to turn the dream of a magnificent Leeds city centre office building into reality. It is the final piece of the City Square regeneration plan and a significant investment and vote of confidence in the city. “I’d like to thank Leeds City Council, who have backed our vision from the very start and have been so supportive, our construction partners McAleer & Rushe, our quality occupiers, who vindicated our decision to develop the building speculatively, and Eamon Fox of Knight Frank, the sole letting agents. They have all played their part in the astounding success of City Square House, which is now an integral part of both the Leeds business quarter and the city’s skyscape.” Jonathan O’Neill, Senior Director at Design & Build contractors McAleer & Rushe, added: “City Square House has been an exciting, challenging and rewarding project for us. Now this iconic building is completed, we are so proud. There’s no doubt that City Square House is a magnificent addition to the built environment in Leeds city centre and a symbol of the city’s thriving economy.” Eamon Fox, partner and head of office agency at global property consultancy Knight Frank in Leeds, who advises MRP, said: “It is tremendous to see the completion of this flagship building, which provides a very genuine cause to be optimistic about the commercial property sector in Yorkshire. We expect this strong demand for the best workspace will continue. “City Square House is the iconic new office development that the Leeds market has been waiting for. It underlines the fact that Leeds is now one of the most flourishing regional cities, not just in the UK, but in Europe.”

Fresh prepared food firm acquires humous brand

Tess Egginton
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Fresh prepared food firm acquires humous brand
Bakkavor Group, the provider of fresh prepared food with a number of sites in Lincolnshire, has acquired Moorish, the UK humous brand. The Moorish brand was founded in 2012 by Julie Waddell and the product range includes the award-winning, UK-first, smoked humous. Today Moorish products are distributed across a number of major supermarket outlets and independent retailers, with revenue of over £2m. Moorish will sit alongside other brands that Bakkavor is working with, including Pizza Express, The Delicious Dessert Company, The Pizza Company and more recently Pinch. The Managing Director of Moorish, Andy Atherton, will remain in a consultancy role to support the brand transition to Bakkavor’s new ownership. Julie Waddell, founder of Moorish, said: “Since starting from my kitchen table in 2012, it’s been quite a journey to see the business grow into what it is today. I’m incredibly proud of what Moorish has achieved and have thoroughly enjoyed growing the brand and product range from scratch to success with my team. “I feel very fortunate that for the last 12 years my job has been to create innovative, delicious products that are loved by consumers across the UK. In Bakkavor, there are so many great opportunities still to explore with the brand and I will enjoy watching Moorish flourish as the new owners take it to the next level.” Mike Edwards, CEO of Bakkavor Group plc, said: “The high-quality, innovative Moorish products will be a great addition to our existing brands and will complement our existing dips business. “The Moorish brand has so much more potential than just humous and we are excited about expanding it into other relevant Bakkavor categories in the future. We’d like to congratulate Julie, Andy and the team on the great brand they have built and are looking forward to it growing further under our ownership.” A corporate finance team from Dow Schofield Watts’ Leicester office led by partner Harry Walker, director Fahim Kassam and associate director Daniel Chouciño, together with a legal team from Gunnercooke in Leicester led by Jahid Ali, advised the shareholders of Moorish. Bakkavor Group plc were advised by a team from Gowling WLG’s Birmingham office, led by Chris Towle and Andreea Serban. Commenting on the deal, Harry Walker added: “We’re really pleased to have found a fantastic partner for Moorish moving forwards. Working with Julie, Andy and the team to prepare the business for sale and then identify the right home has been a pleasure. We are looking forward to seeing Moorish in even more outlets in the future and continuing to enjoy their amazing products!”

Digital Tech Hub to accelerate growth of sector in Doncaster

Tess Egginton
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Digital Tech Hub to accelerate growth of sector in Doncaster
The City of Doncaster is rapidly becoming recognised for its industry expertise around Artificial Intelligence, with the work of established Doncaster businesses providing a solid foundation for taking the next step towards an ambition to be a centre of excellence for AI.
To enable this, City of Doncaster Council is building a new flagship digital tech hub to be a catalyst for driving wider inward investment and growth in this key sector; securing industry leader, and Doncaster firm, Automated Analytics as a founder member. The development will sit at the heart of Doncaster’s City Gateway area, adjacent to Doncaster Railway Station. It will be funded through the Doncaster Town Deal fund and overseen by the Town Deal Board, a sub-group of the new City Centre board. Work is expected to start on site in early 2025, with completion expected mid-2026. The establishment of a new specialist digital tech hub will drive sector growth by acting as a magnet for leading digital and tech companies looking for opportunities to scale and grow their business to locate in Doncaster. Its city centre location provides these businesses with an advantageous opportunity to tie-in with Doncaster’s education and skills provision and utilise fast rail connections to the UK’s major cities. In addition, the innovative building design will enable businesses and entrepreneurs to co-locate with other likeminded businesses and industry leaders to collaborate, develop local supply chain opportunities, access local, regional, and national business support provision, and strengthen industry links with education and skills provision. Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, said: “Our city is rapidly becoming recognised for its industry expertise around Artificial Intelligence, and I am keen to build this momentum and drive forward our ambition to regenerate our city centre and develop our economy for the 21st century. “This is an exciting time for Doncaster city centre, with work taking place across several key areas and I look forward to seeing businesses across the city and region take advantage of this state-of-the-art facility. “I recently updated my priorities going forward, including to regenerate our City Centre for the 21st century – working with South Yorkshire Police to create a Safer Doncaster, tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, continuing to push for more culture, leisure, education, hospitality, residential and health services within our city centre which should increase footfall, and supporting the retail sector and promoting enterprise.” Tariq Shah, Chair of the new City Centre Board for Doncaster, said: “This is a new era for the city of Doncaster. With the city beginning to be at the forefront of the digital and technology sector, more businesses across the region are beginning to see the benefits of basing themselves in the city. “With the announcement of a new Digital Technology Hub for Doncaster, we will have the capabilities to do just that, hosting industry leading businesses who will bring expert knowledge, innovation and enhance the city’s reputation further.” Paul Senior, Chair of the Town Deal Board, said: “I am excited to hear that before the hub has even come to life it is attracting excitement from across the region. Embracing the future of technology – with AI at the heart of it – is the direction of travel for all of us across the nation and none more so than in the digital and tech sector. “It is important that as a city we remain forward thinking and I am excited to see what the future holds in this sector for the City of Doncaster.” Mark Taylor, Automated Analytics – A Doncaster AI Business and a founder business, said: “Doncaster is a city on the cusp of becoming the UK’s leading destination for innovative digital and technology businesses to locate and grow. “The new digital tech hub will enable businesses to bring their trailblazing work in the development and adoption of Artificial Intelligence to a global customer base and put Doncaster firmly on the map. I look forward to being a part of this new era for the city of Doncaster.”

General Election called July 4th

Michael Fisher
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General Election called July 4th
Rishi Sunak has announced a snap election to take place on July 4th. While rumours had been abound of an election being called sooner rather than later, Rishi Sunak insisted that an election would not take place until the second half of the year – which July 4th falls into by a very small margin.    

Council names contractor for new southern junction on M181 near Scunthorpe

Stuart Pearcey
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Council names contractor for new southern junction on M181 near Scunthorpe
A multi-million-pound contract has been awarded to Leeds-based Esh Construction to develop a new southern junction on the M181. Esh is due to start work at the end of next month, and to have the job done by spring next year. Steven Garrigan, the company’s Divisional Director, said: “This contract award builds on the success of our work delivering the northern junction, which we completed in 2021. “Throughout the scheme there will be opportunities for the local supply chain, delivering employability and engagement sessions within schools and colleges, funding towards charitable causes, as well as offering work experience and training opportunities for those keen to gain an insight into the industry.” The council says the development will mean reduced congestion at Berkeley Circle, cutting commuting times to and from Scunthorpe and unlocking land for new homes. North Lincolnshire Council leader Rob Waltham said: “Over the last few months, we have met ministers and officials to enable the council to start this new development, the second major investment in the motorway in recent years. “This is a vital piece of infrastructure that will improve connectivity for residents. Its impact will be felt by drivers using Berkeley Circle, commuters coming from Bottesford, Ashby and Messingham, and the people living in Burringham.” North Lincolnshire Council is leading the project with cash from the Government through National Highways.

West Yorkshire teams up with businesses to speed journey to net zero

Stuart Pearcey
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West Yorkshire teams up with businesses to speed journey to net zero
West Yorkshire is set to become “greener, quicker” thanks to a new partnership between the public and the private sector, says Mayor Tracy Brabin. The West Yorkshire Strategic Climate and Environment Partnership was announced at the major international investor conference, UKREiiF. It will see the re-elected West Yorkshire Mayor team up with four major private sector firms to accelerate delivery of the region’s net zero plans. The four firms which make up the new climate partnership with the Mayor are:
  • Centrica, the owner of British Gas and energy supplier to over 10 million homes and businesses
  • Daikin, the multinational heating and cooling manufacturer
  • SSE, the leading clean energy company
  • Sustainable Building Services, one of the UKs largest retrofitters of homes.
The companies will work alongside the Mayor on targeted activity to deliver green skills, decarbonise homes and businesses, and put the region on the path to net zero carbon by 2038. In return, the firms will benefit from the Mayor and Combined Authority’s influence and leadership on climate and the environment, giving them the confidence to invest in West Yorkshire at scale. Tracy Brabin said: “We will not deliver net zero without bringing the private sector with us. This groundbreaking new partnership will help us become greener, quicker and deliver net zero at scale and at speed, cutting energy bills in a cost of living crisis, and building a brighter region for future generations.” The Combined Authority will also deepen its relationship with the Green Finance Institute, Leeds Building Society, and the Energy Saving Trust. The three organisations will advise and support the Mayor to deliver on her most recent election pledges. Mayor Brabin has promised to put in place a programme to retrofit every social home in West Yorkshire, and to set-up a retrofit “one-stop-shop” to help every household reduce their energy bills. Leeds Building Society’s Senior Strategy Manager, Nicola Glover, will be working closely with the Mayor over the next three months to explore the financial options for West Yorkshire residents to deliver retrofit work that improves the energy efficiency of their homes and reduces their energy bills.

HullBID names trio of speakers for Inspiring People dinner

Stuart Pearcey
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HullBID names trio of speakers for Inspiring People dinner
Natasha Barley, Paul Anderson, and David Kilburn are to speak at HullBID’s Inspiring People dinner at The Deep on Wednesday June 5th. Natasha is the CEO of the Sailors’ Children’s Society, a Hull-based national charity supporting families of seafarers in times of crisis such as a bereavement, diagnosis of an illness or family breakdown.
Paul Anderson
Natasha Barley
Paul became Chief Constable of Humberside in 2023 and has been an officer for over 33 years, with experience across the ranks from community and investigative posts through to specialist operations. Paul has continued the force’s remarkable journey from being in special measures just six years ago to achieving an “outstanding” rating in six out of nine categories in a report released last November by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services. David founded MKM Building Supplies in 1995, alongside close friend Peter Murray, and has grown the business to more than 100 branches across the UK. He still plays an active role in the company. Kathryn Shillito, HullBID Executive Director, said: “Our Inspiring People dinner has become one of the big attractions of Humber Business Week and we are delighted this year to present three very individual and highly regarded speakers from the private, public and charity sectors, who will entertain and inspire. “Natasha, Paul and David are all prominent, successful and engaging figures with some fascinating stories to tell.” The dinner will take place from 6.45pm until 10.30pm. Admission is free and priority will be given to businesses in the HullBID area, but additional tickets may be available on a reserve list for non-BID members.

Glenbrook named as preferred bidder for South Bank site in Leeds

Stuart Pearcey
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Glenbrook named as preferred bidder for South Bank site in Leeds
Property company Glenbrook has been chosen by Leeds City Council as the preferred bidder for a 0.18-hectare plot in the heart of the city’s South Bank. Subject to sale of the site and planning permission being granted, it will be home to a high-quality residential scheme that will include affordable housing. Daniel Roberts, development director at Glenbrook, said: “The opportunity at Meadow Lane builds on our existing development pipeline in the city and we look forward to collaborating with our public sector partners to deliver more high-quality housing in the city centre.” The site was created as part of a recent transformation of Meadow Lane by the council that involved the reconfiguration of the highway, the removal of the old Hunslet Lane surface car park and the laying out of green space. The new building would, it is anticipated, complement existing landmarks such as the David Oluwale Bridge and the Hibiscus Rising sculpture, and also act as an impressive linking point between the nearby Aire Park development and the rest of the city centre. Revenue from the sale would be welcomed by the council, which is currently facing unprecedented budget pressures. Coun James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “We’re determined to do whatever we can to help unlock major residential and commercial developments, including new affordable housing, across the South Bank and the rest of the city centre. “The value of such an approach is underlined by the new use planned for this prime piece of land, which was opened up for potential purchase and development as part of our work to regenerate Meadow Lane and the surrounding area.” The site was marketed for the council by the Leeds office of global real estate firm Cushman and Wakefield. Running along the southern side of the River Aire, Leeds’s South Bank covers the equivalent of 350 football pitches.
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