The UK Government has announced plans to significantly expand onshore wind capacity, aiming to boost it from 14.8GW to 27-29GW by 2030. This initiative is a key part of the Government’s broader goal to transition to a cleaner energy system while stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and reducing energy bills.

The strategy follows Labour’s decision to lift the ban on new onshore wind farms that was previously imposed by the Conservative government under David Cameron. With this policy shift, onshore wind is now placed on the same planning footing as offshore wind and nuclear, facilitating quicker project rollouts.

As part of the plan, the Government has outlined 40 actions to achieve its 2030 targets, including planning reforms, supply chain development, and workforce training. Additionally, the strategy includes repowering old turbines and addressing potential conflicts between onshore wind projects and aerospace infrastructure. The Government estimates the initiative will create up to 45,000 skilled jobs by the end of the decade.

Communities hosting wind farms will benefit from financial support for local projects, with a typical 25MW wind farm potentially generating £3.75 million in community funding over its 30-year operational life.

However, the plan has faced criticism from some quarters. Critics, including Conservative MPs, argue that it could drive up energy costs and increase reliance on imported energy from countries like China, particularly concerning wind turbine technology. Despite this, industry experts support the strategy, highlighting its potential to strengthen energy security and boost the UK’s clean energy credentials.

Doncaster businesses will benefit from a £1.6 million investment aimed at supporting the region’s transition to a low-carbon future. The Low Carbon Project, which offers funding and tailored guidance, helps local SMEs reduce energy consumption, cut emissions, and improve operational efficiency.

In its first phase, the project supported 223 businesses with £3.2 million in funding. The second phase, which runs until March 2026, focuses on extending support to more small and medium-sized enterprises in Doncaster. Business Doncaster will play a key role in delivering this support, guiding businesses through the process from energy surveys to grant applications.

The initiative is part-funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, managed by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. The Low Carbon Project offers businesses fully funded support, including on-site energy surveys and grants for improvements such as low-energy lighting, insulation, and efficient heating systems.

SMEs benefit from one-to-one support from specialist business advisors, ensuring they have the guidance they need to identify carbon-saving opportunities, make informed decisions, and access financial assistance for improvements.

This expanded initiative not only supports sustainability but also offers businesses an opportunity to future-proof operations, reduce energy costs, and contribute to long-term environmental goals. With ongoing support and dedicated advisors, Doncaster businesses are encouraged to take full advantage of this opportunity for a more sustainable and cost-effective future.

Seventeen companies in the UK that participated in a six-month trial of a four-day working week have decided to make the model permanent, following notable gains in staff well-being, mental health, and productivity. The trial, which involved nearly 1,000 employees across various sectors, was organised by the 4 Day Week Foundation and studied by Boston College.

During the trial, participating businesses reduced work hours without cutting pay. Twelve companies adopted the four-day week permanently, while five opted for a “nine-day fortnight,” offering employees every other Friday off. The companies ranged from housing associations to professional bodies, with team sizes varying from under five employees to more than 400.

Research showed significant benefits for workers, with 62% reporting less frequent burnout, 41% seeing improved mental health, and 45% expressing greater life satisfaction. Businesses also saw positive changes in recruitment, retention, and employee morale.

The success of the trial has led to the permanent adoption of the model by over 235 UK businesses, supporting more than 6,000 employees. Advocates believe the growing interest signals a shift towards wider acceptance, with businesses balancing productivity gains against improved work-life balance.

Aviva has concluded its £3.7 billion acquisition of Direct Line, creating a major player in the UK motor insurance market. As part of the deal, the company is giving £500 in free shares to its 32,000 employees, which includes 23,000 at Aviva and 8,500 at Direct Line. The shares will vest in three years.

The merger, which the Competition and Markets Authority cleared earlier this week, combines two of the UK’s most recognised insurance brands. Direct Line, known for its namesake brand as well as Churchill and Green Flag, will now bolster Aviva’s position, covering more than 20% of the UK motor insurance market.

Despite the growth prospects, concerns loom over job security, with Aviva having previously flagged 2,300 potential job cuts as part of a plan to achieve £125 million in cost savings annually.

Aviva’s financial terms included cash and stock options, valued at 129.7 pence per Direct Line share, plus a dividend for Direct Line shareholders. The result is that Aviva shareholders now control 87.5% of the combined company.

Fix Auto UK has marked a significant milestone by appointing its first-ever franchise in Sheffield. This expansion brings the well-established brand to South Yorkshire, filling a gap between its existing locations in Manchester East, Barnsley, Matlock, Sutton-in-Ashfield, and Grimsby.

The new franchise was founded by Dominic Burns and Yan Masterman, who began their journey in the automotive industry as teenage apprentice technicians. In 2022, they launched their business, initially operating from a family garage. As demand for their high-quality service grew, the duo quickly moved to larger premises and now operate out of an 8,000 square foot facility near Sheffield’s city centre, conveniently located close to the M1.

The new site is equipped with two spray booths, one dedicated to commercial vehicles. Despite currently repairing up to 20 vehicles per month, the team is poised to expand their capacity significantly, with the potential to double their output.

The duo’s decision to join Fix Auto UK reflects their ambition to take the business to the next level. They acknowledged the value of the network’s support to achieve their goals, having already invested heavily in their facilities, team, and equipment to meet industry standards like BSI10125. The appointment of Fix Auto Sheffield signals the next chapter for this growing business in the heart of Sheffield.