Atlantic rowers swap oars for golf clubs at £31,500 Yorkshire charity fundraiser
David Knaggs and Richard Larking, the pair of Yorkshire lawyers who will be embarking on the arduous 3,000-mile World’s Toughest Row across the Atlantic in December this year, took to the greens last week to host a charity golf day to raise funds for their nominated Yorkshire charities, Maggie’s Home of Cancer Care and Friends of Alfie Martin.
Held at Alwoodley Golf Club, the pair were joined by 22 teams of four who took part in the tournament followed by a dinner. The event raised more than £31,500 for the two Yorkshire charities and is a big step in reaching their fundraising target of £150,000.
David said: “Richard and I met on the first tee at Alwoodley in 2011 and 14 years later we are taking on the World’s Toughest Row. We have had amazing support from Alwoodley Golf Club and all its members, and we owe thanks to everyone who made our golf day such a success and the weather gods who looked down on us with a fine day despite the pessimistic forecast.”
Richard added: “Both our fundraising and our training have been going well and we’re confident that we’ll be as well prepared as we possibly can be when we set off to row our seven-metre boat ‘Brizo’ from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in just over six months time.
“By then, David and I will be aged 60 and 59, making us two of the oldest participants, but as we face the hazards of the journey from 40-foot waves to shipping traffic, sleep deprivation and potential marlin strikes, we’ll be calling on Yorkshire grit to get us to the finish line.”
In addition to headline sponsor, Begbies Traynor, the pair have also secured sponsorship from leading regional and local businesses over the last 12 months, with 11 other corporate supporters including Ginetta; Happy Drains; Optivet Referrals; Cellular Pathology Services; Macintosh James & Partners Wealth Management; El Gato Negro Tapas; Middleton Law; Richard Fahey Racing; Springfield Healthcare; Waterer’s Services Limited; Walker Morris and SBFM Ltd.
Julian Pitts, regional managing partner for Begbies Traynor’s 10 offices across Yorkshire, Humberside and the North East, said: “It’s inspiring to see the way David and Richard are embracing this challenge.
“I have no doubt that the determination and enthusiasm they display on the golf course will be matched by their endeavours when crossing the Atlantic. We hope many other sponsors and supporters join us in helping them raise money for the work of these vital Yorkshire charities.”
As well as the Alwoodley Golf Day, a black-tie Midsummer Night ball will be taking place at the Pavilions, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, on 21 June.
Further opportunities to support the pair in their fundraising can be found at www.greens2blue.co.uk
Startup survival rates boost Leeds business outlook
Leeds has emerged as one of the UK’s most resilient cities for new businesses, ranking third nationally for startup survival over five years, according to new research by finance platform Pheabs.
The study found that 48% of startups in Leeds remain operational after five years, which is significantly higher than the national average of 39–41%. The city trails only Newcastle (52%) and Rutland (50%) in the rankings.
Pheabs evaluated key business metrics such as average annual income, business density, and sectoral spread to determine where startups are most likely to succeed. Leeds’ strong performance is attributed to its accessible transport links, moderate setup costs, and a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
With a population exceeding 800,000, Leeds offers scalable potential for SMEs compared to smaller urban centres. Its economic ties across West and South Yorkshire, connecting cities like York, Harrogate, Sheffield, and Bradford, further strengthen the regional business environment.
Other high-performing areas include York (47%), Surrey (44%), Bristol (44%), and Lancashire (41%). The report highlights the broader challenge of SME sustainability across the UK, where only half of startups typically survive past their fifth year, underlining the pressure from rising labour and operational costs.
AI growth zone bid targets £85bn boost for North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire Combined Authority has submitted a proposal to become one of the UK’s five designated Artificial Intelligence (AI) Growth Zones, projecting an £85 billion economic uplift for the region if successful.
The joint bid, backed by North Yorkshire Council, Drax Power Station, the University of York, and other regional partners, positions the area as a hub for AI innovation across key sectors including agriculture, life sciences, clean energy, creative industries, and rail.
Central to the proposal is the creation of a new AI and Clean Energy campus at Drax Power Station, which would explore bio-energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) as a route to carbon-negative power generation. The initiative is also expected to help safeguard 7,000 jobs, with 3,500 of those in northern England.
The submission estimates that North Yorkshire could capture up to 15% of the UK’s projected AI economic growth by 2035, aligning with national ambitions to integrate AI technologies across industries and enhance digital inclusion.
An official announcement on the AI Growth Zones is expected on 11 June as part of the government’s Comprehensive Spending Review.
Offsite prefabrication specialist gains five times more space with Leeds move
Mileway, the last mile logistics real estate company, has signed a 50,000 sq ft lease with Prefabricated Solutions, specialists in offsite prefabrication for faster, safer building services installation, at Norquest Industrial Estate in Leeds.
Unit 20 is a modern, self-contained warehouse featuring five ground-level roller shutters across two elevations, 6.2-metre eaves height, LED lighting, ground floor offices, parking, and a large secure yard.
As a leader in BIM-driven (Building Information Modelling) modular building service units, Prefabricated Solutions’ new premises will enable the business to meet growing demand while enhancing operational efficiency. Its new headquarters enables the centralisation of operations, increased production capacity, and faster project delivery.
Limited space at its previous site meant the company could handle only one large project at a time, often relying on multiple off-site storage locations. With five times more space now available, it can manage several major projects at once while keeping inventory securely stored on-site.
Andrew Jones, Mileway managing director UK & Ireland, said: “This lease highlights the critical importance of high-quality commercial space in driving innovation, operational efficiency, and growth in the logistics and manufacturing sectors. We’re pleased to welcome Prefabricated Solutions to Norquest Industrial Estate as it enters its next phase of expansion.”
Andrew Ormond, Prefabricated Solutions director, said: “We now have the space to grow with efficiency and ease, and can manage multiple projects at once, store everything on-site, and operate far more effectively than before. Thanks to Mileway for the very fast turnaround times.”
Irwin Mitchell strengthens immigration team with acquisition
Sheffield-headquartered Irwin Mitchell has strengthened its private client immigration team with the strategic acquisition of the immigration team and ongoing work of boutique firm Carter Thomas.
The Carter Thomas team bring a wealth of specialist expertise, particularly in the education, sports, technology, and corporate compliance sectors. Following the deal Irwin Mitchell will have immigration specialists working in Sheffield, London, Newcastle and Manchester enhancing its established national footprint.
Seven fee earners will transition to Irwin Mitchell’s growing immigration team led by partner and national head Mandeep Khroud.
Nichola Carter, founder of Carter Thomas, will join Irwin Mitchell’s immigration team as a partner.
Nichola said: “We’ve built a reputation for delivering straightforward, expert advice quickly and clearly. Joining Irwin Mitchell gives us access to a full suite of legal services, enabling us to support our clients even more comprehensively. We’re excited to be part of such a forward-thinking and dynamic team.”
Mandeep Khroud, partner and head of immigration at Irwin Mitchell, said: “This is a fantastic addition to our team. Our new colleagues bring excellent expertise and deep sector specialisms that perfectly complement our existing strengths. Together, we’re establishing ourselves as a powerhouse in UK Immigration law.”
Council seeks new housing partner for historic Huddersfield site
Kirklees Council is seeking a new development partner for the Grade II* listed Estate Buildings in Huddersfield, following the withdrawal of the original housing provider, Thirteen Group, which cited sector risks.
The site, located near the George Hotel and railway station, had previously secured £1.25m in government funding to support enabling works for a planned social housing scheme. The withdrawal of Thirteen Group leaves the council exploring alternative options to repurpose the building, which dates back to the late 1800s and features protected interiors, including stained glass, carved fireplaces, and decorative wood panelling.
The council acknowledges that redevelopment will be complex and costly due to the building’s listed status, but intends to use the remaining grant funding to reduce upfront costs and attract a developer. Under the proposed model, a selected partner would enter into a building lease agreement and acquire the freehold upon project completion.
The council estimates that the redevelopment could generate up to £95,000 in annual council tax and reduce ongoing maintenance costs, currently exceeding £29,000 per year.
A cabinet decision is expected on Tuesday. If no viable contract is in place by 31 March 2028, the council risks having to repay the £1.25m grant.
Business decision-makers ‘paralysed’ by volatile risk landscape warns report
Business decision-makers are becoming ‘paralysed’ by constant crisis and their excessive caution is limiting growth opportunities, a new report from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO has warned.
In total, 84% of international business leaders surveyed as part of BDO’s annual Global Risk Landscape Report 2025 said the global risk landscape is now, more than ever, defined by crisis.
In response, executives are taking a much more defensive approach, with more than two thirds (69%) saying their companies are either ‘risk averse’ or ‘risk minimising’, a rise from 61% last year.
Only 7% of executives said their risk management was ‘very proactive’, down from 19% in 2024 and 29% 2023.
The report found that top six risks keeping business leaders up at night were regulatory risk, concerns over supply chains, recruiting and retaining talent, geopolitical tensions, environmental issues and cybercrime.
While regulators are demanding ever-more information about risks, some executives (39%) agreed that this had a positive impact in helping to make companies safer, but a larger proportion (57%) said regulatory demands were only ‘somewhat’ helpful in reducing company risk profiles.
However, CEOs surveyed were critical of compliance overspend, suggesting that current risk management strategies are failing to deliver value.
Alisa Voznaya, partner and head of risk consulting at BDO, said: “The risk landscape for businesses has been in flux for more than a decade and shows no sign of stabilising.
“Faced with this relentless volatility, some business leaders are being too hesitant to take decisions and paralysed by the fear of what could go wrong. But this safety-first approach means businesses are missing out on opportunities and limiting their growth prospects.
“Part of the problem is that businesses are increasingly taking a compliance-led approach to risk, with a box-ticking mentality distracting from the management of actual risks.
“Many would do well to adopt a more proactive approach, engaging in regular scenario planning and anticipating the things that could go wrong so they can start to identify opportunities. Businesses shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that there can be competitive gains to be made from responding positively to challenging circumstances.”
Former car park in Halifax transformed into 122 green apartments
A once-vacant multi-storey car park in Halifax has been transformed into a new community of 122 sustainable rental homes.
At an official ribbon-cutting event, the Mayor of Calderdale, Ann Kingstone, Placefirst and Calderdale Council unveiled Bolt Works – a development offering modern, energy-efficient, one and two-bedroom apartments.
Professionally managed by Placefirst, Bolt Works is Halifax’s first dedicated build-to-rent community.
Set off Cow Green, the development draws inspiration from Halifax’s rich industrial heritage, blending striking architecture with modern sustainable technologies, including solar panels, heat pumps, and MVHR (mechanical ventilation with heat recovery) systems to help lower bills and reduce the building’s carbon footprint.
The development integrates with Calderdale Council’s wider town centre regeneration strategy, including transformation of travel and public spaces through the A629 phase 2 Halifax town centre project.
Calderdale Council and Placefirst have worked closely in partnership to deliver the scheme
The homes at Cow Green have been built on the site of a car park that was demolished in 2016 after being deemed unsafe. Calderdale Council approved Placefirst’s transformation of the site after considering uses that were “appropriate to its prominence,” being situated on a key gateway into Halifax.
The scheme was funded primarily by Placefirst with contributions from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund and a loan from the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
Caddick Construction acted as the main contractor for the scheme, delivering the project in close collaboration with Placefirst and a team of expert consultants, including JM architects, Walker Sime, Roscoe, Hydrock, Stantec, TACE, and DEP Landscape Architecture.
Phil Jones, director of development at Placefirst, said: “Bolt Works is much more than bricks and mortar – we’ve built a community where people can feel at home right in the heart of Halifax. Today’s renters want more than a roof over their heads – they’re looking for great homes, in great locations, that fit their lifestyle, and that’s exactly what Bolt Works delivers.
“This project shows the huge potential in reimagining underused town centre spaces into neighbourhoods full of life, with great homes and spaces people are proud to call home. It’s been fantastic to work alongside Calderdale Council to make this vision a reality, and we’re excited to see the first residents bringing the place to life.”
Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for climate action and housing, cllr Scott Patient, said: “The new homes at Bolt Works support our priority for thriving towns and places, regenerating underused spaces and creating much-needed homes, in a great central location.
“The development contributes to wider regeneration work across Halifax and the Calderdale area, creating a place where people want to live, work, study and do business. I’m also pleased to see sustainability at the heart of the development, with innovative technologies used to improve energy efficiency and reduce the building’s environmental impact, supporting our climate objectives.”
Tracy Brabin, mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Our multimillion-pound investment into this flagship scheme has helped to convert a run-down car park into over a hundred high quality and energy efficient homes in the heart of Halifax.
“This is devolution in action – strong partnership working to breathe new life into our disused brownfield sites and build a greener, more secure region which everyone is proud to call home.”
Steve Ford, regional managing director at Caddick Construction Yorkshire and North-East, said: “The Bolt Works project has proved what’s possible when unused brownfield sites are redeveloped with the community at the forefront and we are proud to have been a part of this fantastic development for Halifax.
“Caddick has been delivering first-class builds across the region for over 45 years, with a great number of those being new neighbourhoods and high-rise residential schemes, which makes us the perfect fit for this project. We’re pleased to have officially handed over Bolt Works to Placefirst to now welcome the first residents.”
Major remediation works complete on 12-acre York gas works site
Dudleys Consulting Engineers has completed works to remediate a complicated former gas works site close to York city centre. The practice was retained to oversee all ground engineering works for ‘The Gas Works’ to prepare the site for intended residential development.
The 12-acre brownfield site at Heworth Green in York was previously occupied by an array of structures including 22m tall gasometers, low rise warehouse and office buildings, major gas distribution pipework and infrastructure, an electricity sub-station, and a telecoms mast.
In 2020 planning approval was secured for full site demolition, site remediation and development of a residential led development for up to 600 homes.
Dudleys was appointed principal engineering partner to the development in 2018 when it supported the planning phases with expert evidence and advice. It undertook considerable site investigations in conjunction with Dunelm Geotechnical & Environmental Ltd to establish contamination levels and prepare a strategy with the Council for the safe removal of the gasometer, and the diversion of a major over-ground gas main serving York City Centre moving underground.
Dudleys worked alongside remediation specialist, The Sirius Group with an extensive programme involving a full site turnover, excavation and treatment of contaminated soils, reengineering of site materials, crushing of demolished materials, protection of a gas main, civil engineering works and service diversions.
Andy Walker at Dudleys Consulting Engineers said: “We have been advising on The Gas Works in York for over six years with a very carefully procured strategy to clean up the site ready for new development. We faced many challenges due to significant contamination from 100 years of coke and sea gas uses with many buried structures.
“Our expert team has successfully navigated these challenges, and we are delighted to hand over this strategically important, disused brownfield site ready for much needed new residential accommodation in York.
“The scheme has been a great ‘Team Effort’ drawing on the experience and capabilities of many consultants and individuals including Aspect4 Ltd (Project Management), O’Neill Associates (Planning Consultants), Vincent & Partners (Architecture), Dunelm Geotechnical (Site Investigation/Remediation), and Ellmes (Development Director).”
Permit revoked at Yorkshire waste site after regulatory breaches
The Environment Agency has revoked the environmental permit for Mineral Processing Ltd’s South Elmsall waste site following multiple breaches and a failed appeal against an earlier suspension notice.
The revocation means the company must stop all permitted waste activities and begin removing material from the site. The company has 20 working days to appeal, during which the permit remains active.
This action follows a ruling from the Planning Inspectorate on 3 June, which dismissed the company’s appeal against the Environment Agency’s 2024 suspension notice. The Inspectorate found the site held significantly more waste than permitted, including unauthorised and hazardous materials, and posed multiple pollution risks. These included groundwater and surface water contamination, air pollution from dust and odour, and increased methane levels.
Mineral Processing Ltd is now under investigation for suspected offences committed since the suspension notice was issued. The Agency is also assessing further enforcement actions, including prosecution.
Monitoring efforts are ongoing, including odour tracking and site inspections. The operator has been ordered to submit an Odour Management Plan. The Environment Agency is working in partnership with Wakefield Council and the UK Health Security Agency.
