
Lincolnshire construction firm celebrates milestone first year with 4,000 sq ft Saxilby office build

New Hull academy brings bespoke training to Yorkshire businesses
Steel jobs at risk as Liberty faces liquidation hearing
Liberty Steel’s operations in Rotherham and Sheffield are under threat as the company faces a winding-up hearing this week over unpaid debts. Creditors, including Harsco Metals, have petitioned the court to liquidate Liberty Speciality Steel UK, potentially leading to the closure of its plants and the loss of around 1,450 jobs.
The company, part of Sanjeev Gupta’s GFG Alliance, is seeking a court adjournment to avoid immediate collapse. If unsuccessful, its assets could be sold to repay creditors. Liberty has been under financial strain since the 2021 collapse of its primary lender, Greensill Capital, which severely impacted its access to third-party financing.
Despite ongoing negotiations with creditors, the UK government has indicated it will not intervene to cover Liberty’s debts, although it may consider options if the business enters insolvency. Industry observers are watching closely for any signs of a rescue plan or new ownership prospects.
The outcome of the court decision could have significant implications for the UK’s speciality steel sector and regional employment.
Lab simulation software firm raises £1m
North Yorkshire veterinary group welcomes new partners
RPS Group secures £6.2m Yorkshire retrofit contract
£50m secured for Leeds South Bank apartment scheme
A major residential development in Leeds’ South Bank has secured £50 million in development financing from Homes England. The project, located on Water Lane, will deliver 375 apartments across two linked towers reaching up to 26 storeys.
The development includes a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, over 9,000 sq ft of outdoor communal areas, and more than 6,700 sq ft of internal amenities, such as co-working space, a gym, podium gardens, and rooftop terraces.
In addition to the Homes England loan, the project received a £4.4 million grant through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund. Heim Global Investor is leading equity funding via its UK Residential Fund, which is backed by the Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and West Yorkshire Pension Funds.
Construction began in May 2024 and is expected to be completed by early 2027. McLaren Living is overseeing the development, and HG Construction is the main contractor.
This scheme aligns with regional priorities to regenerate underutilised brownfield land and deliver energy-efficient rental housing in high-demand urban areas. It also highlights increasing collaboration between public agencies and institutional investors to drive urban housing delivery.
April sees leap in inflation
New firms boost Harrogate flexible workspace uptake
Three new businesses have moved into Copthall Bridge, the £10.5 million redeveloped office site in Harrogate, signalling strong ongoing demand for flexible workspace solutions in the region.
Sustainability consultancy Flotilla, IT hardware firm ITinstock, and national accountancy group TC Group have joined a growing roster of tenants at the serviced office hub. Located on Station Parade near Harrogate’s transport links, the site caters to hybrid working needs with private offices, shared coworking zones, meeting rooms, and wellness facilities.
Developed by workspace provider WorkWell, Copthall Bridge had been vacant for over six years before its refurbishment. Since opening earlier this year, more than a third of its space was let within the first two weeks. It can accommodate teams of up to 40 and is aimed at growth-oriented businesses seeking high-specification, agile work environments.
The building now hosts a mix of regional and national firms, including Mobile Tornado, Primeast, Chronos Hub, Grateful, and Evelyn Partners. Once fully occupied, it is expected to support approximately 360 jobs in Harrogate’s town centre.
Director disqualified for 11 years after dishonestly securing Covid loan
“The Insolvency Service will continue to investigate those who abused this scheme – designed to help small businesses during the pandemic – and bring them to justice.”
Central Plumbing & Heating Lincoln Ltd went into liquidation in October 2022. The disqualification order prevents Barnes from being involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court.