Sephora expands into Yorkshire with Meadowhall store opening

April Lara
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Sephora expands into Yorkshire with Meadowhall store opening

Sephora UK has launched its first store in Yorkshire at Meadowhall, Sheffield. The 3,389 sq ft store is the retailer’s first opening of 2025, following its Liverpool ONE debut in May. The store attracted 1,000 customers on its opening day, eager to grab one of the exclusive goodie bags.

This opening is part of Sephora’s broader UK expansion, which saw stores opened in major locations across 2024, including Manchester Trafford Centre, Newcastle Eldon Square, Gateshead Metrocentre, Birmingham Bullring, and Bluewater Shopping Centre. Future openings are set for Manchester Arndale, Oxford Westgate, and Cardiff St David’s.

Sephora UK’s expansion is driven by its strategy to enhance accessibility, inclusivity, and inspiration for beauty consumers nationwide. The new Meadowhall store further strengthens the retailer’s presence in the region and supports the centre’s goal of offering a premium beauty shopping experience. The opening is seen as a significant milestone for both Sephora and Meadowhall, positioning the shopping centre as a top destination for beauty shoppers in the area.

UK government commits £2.5bn to drive automotive sector’s zero-emission shift

April Lara
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UK government commits £2.5bn to drive automotive sector’s zero-emission shift

The UK government is injecting £2.5 billion into the automotive sector as part of its DRIVE35 programme, a decade-long initiative aimed at positioning the country at the forefront of electric vehicle (EV) and zero-emission vehicle production. This funding is designed to support a range of projects, from high-volume manufacturing to innovative EV startups, ensuring the UK’s continued leadership in sustainable automotive manufacturing.

The new funding package aligns with the UK’s broader Industrial Strategy, which aims to increase business investment in advanced manufacturing, particularly in sectors such as automotive. By providing both capital investment and research and development funding, DRIVE35 seeks to accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicle manufacturing, supporting everything from major gigafactories to smaller-scale R&D projects. A £500 million allocation for R&D, running until 2035, underscores the government’s commitment to long-term innovation in the sector.

The UK’s automotive industry, which is a key contributor to the economy, saw £21.4 billion in output in 2024 and supports over 132,000 jobs across various roles. With the rise in demand for electric vehicles, making the UK the largest EV market in Europe by 2024, the government’s investment will help maintain momentum, ensuring continued growth and innovation within the sector.

As part of the programme, funding will focus on three main areas: large-scale manufacturing transformation, R&D for scaling up emerging technologies, and funding for innovation in the sector. The government expects that these investments will create thousands of jobs, stimulate billions in economic growth, and reduce CO2 emissions by advancing cleaner vehicle technologies. These efforts will help attract global investors and ensure that the UK remains an attractive destination for automotive innovation.

Investments announced alongside the DRIVE35 programme include a £100 million boost for EV component production in Bolton and £15 million for EV part manufacturing in the West Midlands. These projects are expected to create significant high-value employment and strengthen the UK’s role as a leader in the global EV supply chain.

North Yorkshire care home changes hands

Tess Egginton
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North Yorkshire care home changes hands
Arden House residential home for the elderly in Pickering, North Yorkshire, has been sold to a growing care group. A care home for up to 14 elderly residents, Arden House was established by Steven and Karen Blakey in 1987 and was run under their ownership until Steven’s sad passing in 2022, when Karen took over sole responsibility. The home was brought to market to allow her to retire. Following a confidential sales process with Jonathan Wickens at Christie & Co, Arden House has been purchased by Lenore Care, which now operates five homes with a total of 137 beds across the North East of England. Jack Jenkinson, director at Lenore Care, said: “We are delighted to welcome Arden House to our group. This beautiful property, located in the heart of Pickering, is supported by a dedicated and compassionate care team. We look forward to continuing our support as the business grows and thrives within the local community.” Jonathan Wickens, director – care at Christie & Co, said: “The sale of Arden House illustrates there is demand for smaller care homes across the North of England where they offer personalised, high levels of support whilst retaining that ‘homely’ feel. We are sure that Lenore will maintain the fantastic standards that have ensured Arden House retains its ‘Good’ rating with the Care Quality Commission.”

South Yorkshire mayor raises concerns over pausing of Midland Main Line electrification

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South Yorkshire mayor raises concerns over pausing of Midland Main Line electrification
South Yorkshire’s mayor Oliver Coppard has raised his concerns after the government announced it is pausing the electrification of the Midland Main Line – delaying faster, greener rail services between Sheffield, London, and the wider North. While other parts of the North received new investment in rail infrastructure including new stations and improved signalling, South Yorkshire was left out of new rail funding and the government also confirmed that electrification of the Midland Main Line, a long-standing priority for the region, is being put on hold. The decision means Sheffield will remain the only major UK city without electrified rail services, relying instead on older, more polluting diesel trains that are slower, less reliable, and worse for the environment. The pause runs contrary to the ambitions set out in the White Rose Agreement and Lord Blunkett’s Yorkshire’s Plan for Rail, which calls for faster, cleaner connections between Sheffield, Leeds, Manchester, and London. The region previously missed out when HS2 to Sheffield was one of the first legs to be cancelled which would have reduced the journey time from Sheffield to London from 120 minutes to 87 minutes, with additional seating capacity on brand new electric trains through electrification of Midland Main Line. Mayor Coppard has called on the government to think again and reaffirmed his commitment to fighting for South Yorkshire’s transport priorities, including: electrification of the Midland Main Line, a new station at Rotherham Gateway, upgrades at Doncaster, faster services from Barnsley to London and between Sheffield, Manchester, and Leeds, and investment in Supertram expansion. South Yorkshire’s mayor Oliver Coppard said: “There’s frustration in the region. After decades of national underinvestment in our transport network, we’re having to wait longer for vital rail improvements that would create jobs, opportunities and economic growth. It feels like one step forward and two steps back. “We were told HS2 would come to Sheffield. That was cancelled. Now electrification of Midland Main Line is being paused. All we’re asking for is a fair deal. “I’ve raised my concerns directly with the government, and I’ll keep doing so. South Yorkshire deserves a modern, reliable, and sustainable transport network – and I won’t stop fighting for it.”

Micronclean makes duo of director promotions

Tess Egginton
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Micronclean makes duo of director promotions

Micronclean has promoted Stella Yates to sales director and Sophie Harris to QSHE & HR director, in recognition of their continued contributions and strong leadership within the business.

These appointments also reflect the Skegness-based firm’s commitment to keeping a healthy balance between developing internal talent and bringing in fresh perspectives from outside the organisation.

Over the past 12 years, Stella has developed her career within the business. Starting as a business development manager, she has earned several promotions and taken on a variety of roles, while also gaining her MBA. This positions her well to take full responsibility for the sales and service teams as sales director. Sophie joined the business three years ago as its first QSHE associate director. Since then, she has made the role her own – launching the Microngreen business objective, reinvigorating health and safety, and expanding her remit to include HR as QSHE & HR director. Robert Parker, managing director at Microclean, said: “Stella and Sophie both deserve this promotion. We are lucky to be able to take a long term view for our succession plan that allows us to make really strong appointments. This is great news for both Stella and Sophie and also for Micronclean. “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Phil Cresswell, who is stepping down from the board at the end of the year after 14 years as Sales Director. Phil is continuing to work in the business as National Key Account Manager looking after our Key Accounts team.”

Sheffield manufacturer faces job cuts due to rising costs

April Lara
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Sheffield manufacturer faces job cuts due to rising costs

Jenx, a long-established Sheffield manufacturer, has announced plans to close its factory, putting 65 jobs at risk. The decision comes as the company faces rising operational costs, declining public sector funding, and a challenging market environment.

Founded in 1982, Jenx manufactures specialised equipment for children with disabilities. Despite reporting a £250,000 profit for the year ending August 2024, the company faces significant challenges due to global market instability, including the impact of tariffs on its primary export market, the USA.

The firm, which currently employs 110 people, will shift its focus to its UK distribution arm, Jiraffe, amid the closure of its Herries Road factory. The company remains hopeful that a viable alternative solution may be found during the consultation period. If not, Jenx plans to cease manufacturing by the end of the year, marking a significant shift in its operations.

This move highlights broader challenges faced by UK manufacturers, including rising wages and increased National Insurance contributions, which have further pressured their profitability.

The Turbo Guy expands into England with Huddersfield acquisition

April Lara
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The Turbo Guy expands into England with Huddersfield acquisition

Glasgow-based turbo remanufacturing specialist, The Turbo Guy, has extended its operations to the North of England through the acquisition of Turbocharger Service (UK) Limited (TCS) in Huddersfield.

Since its launch in 2010, The Turbo Guy has experienced consistent growth. With this acquisition, the company aims to enhance service delivery for trade customers, including motor factors and parts distributors, in the region. The expansion will allow same-day delivery of high-quality remanufactured turbos for cars and light commercial vehicles.

TCS will continue to operate under its original name, retaining all seven employees, including founder Ian Goodall. Goodall will collaborate with The Turbo Guy’s managing director, Allan Mitchell, to grow the business in the UK.

Along with expanding product availability, The Turbo Guy plans to introduce a technical support telephone service in the coming months, further strengthening its customer offering. The acquisition marks a significant step in the company’s strategy to increase market presence and service quality.

UK economy slumps for second month

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UK economy slumps for second month
The UK economy shrunk again in May, against expectations of growth. According to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, is estimated to have fallen by 0.1% month-on-month in May, following a 0.3% drop in April, versus market expectations of 0.1% growth. It reflects, across key sectors, services output growing by 0.1% month-on-month, construction output declining 0.6% month-on-month, and production output falling 0.9% month-on-month. Ben Jones, CBI lead economist, said: “Flatlining growth in May highlights the ongoing pressures facing the UK economy, with manufacturing and retail struggling, alongside a patchy performance across other parts of the services sector. “Today’s data suggests that a sluggish recovery remains the likeliest path in the near-term amid persistent trade uncertainty, a loosening labour market and slowing growth in real incomes. And with business costs rising, many firms are maintaining a cautious approach to investment. “With growing fiscal challenges and the Autumn Budget on the horizon, the Chancellor must provide clear reassurance—no new taxes on business and instead offer a commitment to work alongside firms to dismantle barriers to growth. An open and collaborative partnership between business and government is crucial to deliver the conditions for sustained economic growth.”

North Yorkshire tourism sector exceeds £4 billion in 2024, with growth momentum

April Lara
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North Yorkshire tourism sector exceeds £4 billion in 2024, with growth momentum

North Yorkshire’s visitor economy continues to show resilience, surpassing £4 billion in annual value. A significant 32.2 million people visited the county in 2024, marking a 3.8% increase over the previous year. This growth not only underscores the appeal of the region’s diverse attractions but also highlights the sector’s vital contribution to local employment, with over 38,000 full-time jobs supported.

In response to these positive figures, the county is intensifying its strategic focus. The newly launched destination management plan, developed by Visit North Yorkshire, serves as a roadmap for the next decade, targeting further growth and fostering a more sustainable tourism model. The plan seeks to expand overnight stays, a key area for development based on the latest data.

Notably, Castle Howard, a prominent cultural venue, saw a 10% rise in visitors during the summer of 2024. The stately home’s successful events, including an art exhibition by Sir Tony Cragg, have been pivotal in driving this growth. Such attractions are increasingly contributing to the local economy, setting a strong precedent for the tourism sector.

The county is also embracing new digital tools, such as a revamped website launched by Visit North Yorkshire in April 2024. This initiative is designed to provide visitors with comprehensive resources and encourage extended stays. Accompanying this digital push is the launch of the There’s More to North Yorkshire marketing campaign, aimed at broadening the county’s appeal beyond its rural landscapes. The campaign highlights a mix of thrilling coastal activities, wellness retreats, historical sites, and vibrant nightlife.

As the region builds on its momentum, additional initiatives, including special events like restaurant weeks and the Whitby Literature Festival, are planned for later in the year to drive footfall during traditionally quieter periods.

Fish factory closure leaves 115 jobs at risk in Grimsby

April Lara
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Fish factory closure leaves 115 jobs at risk in Grimsby

A fish processing facility in Grimsby is set to close, putting 115 jobs at risk. Espersen, the Danish company behind the operation, announced the shutdown due to ongoing financial challenges and shifting market conditions. Despite efforts earlier this year to save the plant, including a consultation with staff, the business has decided to cease production at its Great Grimsby Business Park location by mid-November.

The company attributed the closure to a combination of lower demand and rising raw material costs, which have led to a significant decline in production. Espersen stated that, although the decision was difficult, it was necessary to align with the current economic landscape.

The company is committed to fulfilling its existing customer contracts, ensuring a smooth transition for those relying on its services. In response to the closure, Espersen is providing employees with support to help them find new positions, offering career counselling and guidance throughout the process.

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