Vivly Living secures approval for two housing developments in Huddersfield

April Lara
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Vivly Living secures approval for two housing developments in Huddersfield

Vivly Living has received planning approval for two residential developments near Huddersfield, adding 64 new homes to the area.

Kirklees Council approved a 12-home development at Denby Lane, Grange Moor, including seven bungalows, three family houses, and two affordable homes. The site, a former quarry and mining area, requires significant remediation work, and construction is expected to begin in May. The project also includes access to a neighbouring site with an additional 21 homes planned.

In Shepley, Kirklees Council granted permission for 52 homes at Knowle Grange, marking the second phase of Vivly’s development in the village. Vivly Living is also actively developing residential projects in Skelmanthorpe and Denby Dale.

Packaging solutions business purchases 78,000 sq ft warehouse

Tess Egginton
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Packaging solutions business purchases 78,000 sq ft warehouse
Reuseabox, the new, recycled, and used cardboard boxes and packaging solutions firm, has purchased a 78,000 sq ft warehouse in North Hykeham, Lincoln. After renting two warehouses in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, the move marks a significant leap from the business’s previous 20,000 sq ft of space, providing nearly four times the capacity to scale its operations. With the additional space, Reuseabox has also been able to welcome more suppliers on board and introduce more lines of used boxes. The new site will now serve as Reuseabox’s main headquarters. While the move follows the closure of Cartwright Brothers after over 100 years in business, Reuseabox sees this as an opportunity to breathe new life into an historic site. Founder, Jack Good, said: “It’s always sad to see a long-standing business like Cartwright Brothers close its doors. They played a vital role in the community for over a century, and we hope to carry forward a legacy of service and sustainability from this site. “Purchasing our own site after 10 years of operating has taken sheer determination and continuous reinvestment into scaling our operations. This move marks a new chapter for Reuseabox, giving us the space and infrastructure to grow even further. “There’s plenty of work ahead to make this site our own, but we’re excited to get started. We can’t wait to welcome suppliers and customers in the autumn as part of our 10-year anniversary celebrations.” The new site will allow Reuseabox to improve its operations and services for businesses looking to cut waste, expand its team, meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions and help businesses reduce their Scope 3 emissions. Reuseabox is working towards making its warehouse carbon neutral by 2030.

High Streets UK urges business rates reform to prevent closures

April Lara
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High Streets UK urges business rates reform to prevent closures

High Streets UK, a lobbying group representing over 5,000 UK businesses, has issued policy recommendations in response to the government’s Business Rates Discussion Paper, warning that proposed changes could lead to store closures and job losses.

The government is considering increasing the business rates multiplier for properties valued over £500,000 by up to 10 pence, which High Streets UK argues would disproportionately impact flagship high street locations. The group warns this could threaten the viability of more extensive retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses that drive footfall for surrounding smaller enterprises.

Key recommendations include a long-term impact assessment of the proposed multiplier increases, freezing any further hikes until at least 2027/2028, extending Empty Property Relief from three to six months with a 50% discount, and introducing transitional relief for businesses affected by higher rates.

While High Streets UK supports reform, it cautions that current proposals would place an excessive burden on high street businesses across cities like Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool, and London.

South Yorkshire’s tech sector sees 700% growth in a decade

April Lara
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South Yorkshire’s tech sector sees 700% growth in a decade

South Yorkshire’s tech sector has grown significantly, with its combined startup value reaching £3 billion in 2024—an eightfold increase from £370 million in 2014, according to a new report by Dealroom.

The report, launched at the South Yorkshire Tech Summit in partnership with TECH SY, highlights that pre-exit startups in the region—those not yet acquired or publicly listed—were valued at £737 million in 2024, a ninefold increase from £83 million in 2014.

Since 2020, South Yorkshire’s tech startups have secured over £200 million in venture capital funding, with 55% allocated to deep tech companies and 32% to businesses tackling climate challenges. About half of the region’s VC-funded startups develop physical tech solutions, integrating hardware like robotics and sensors with software for applications in manufacturing, logistics, and agriculture. One in six focuses on energy and healthcare.

Despite this progress, South Yorkshire startups receive less foreign investment (24%) than the UK average (55%) and lag behind similar ecosystems like Eindhoven and Ghent in overall funding.

The University of Sheffield has been a key contributor to the region’s startup scene, producing over 50 spinout companies and nearly 700 startup founders since 1990. Data from Companies House estimates South Yorkshire is home to approximately 5,000 active tech companies, employing almost 20,000 people.

Quickline launches career portal to boost job skills in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

April Lara
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Quickline launches career portal to boost job skills in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

Quickline has introduced a virtual work experience portal to help young people and job seekers in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire explore career paths and develop essential skills. Created in partnership with Engaging Education, the free platform provides industry insights in engineering, HR, marketing, and data analysis.

The initiative, launched during National Careers Week (3-8 March), is designed for students aged 13 to 19 and is also available to job seekers aged 19+ in South Yorkshire through job centres and community organisations.

The portal features real-world advice from professionals, interactive challenges, and quizzes. It is part of Quickline’s social value commitment under Project Gigabit, the UK government’s programme to expand high-speed broadband in underserved areas.

Siemens Mobility opens new rail distribution centre in Goole

April Lara
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Siemens Mobility opens new rail distribution centre in Goole

Siemens Mobility has launched a new Rail Components Distribution Centre at its Goole Rail Village in East Yorkshire. The facility will support 14 Siemens Mobility maintenance depots and service locations nationwide and aim to enhance supply chain efficiency for its UK rolling stock operations.

The distribution centre, opened by MP Sir David Davis and East Riding of Yorkshire Council leader Anne Handley, will operate alongside Siemens Mobility’s logistics hub in Kettering. The sites will streamline rail component storage and distribution while integrating the Goole Rail Village into the wider supply chain.

Siemens Mobility’s investment in Goole is expected to create up to 1,000 jobs as part of a broader £240 million commitment. The company employs around 5,500 people in the UK and has established apprenticeship and internship programmes to develop future talent.

The Goole site also supports Siemens Mobility’s sustainability goals by reducing logistics-related carbon emissions through optimised distribution routes.

Public inquiry to review Leeds Bradford Airport night flight rules

April Lara
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Public inquiry to review Leeds Bradford Airport night flight rules

A public inquiry will assess Leeds Bradford Airport’s (LBA) appeals regarding night flight restrictions after Leeds City Council rejected two Certificate of Lawfulness of Existing Use or Development (CLEUD) applications and failed to determine a third. The applications sought clarification on existing permissions for older, noisier aircraft to operate at night.

LBA CEO Vincent Hodder stated that the inquiry focuses on interpreting planning conditions established nearly 30 years ago, not increasing night flights. He argued that the airport’s position aligns with the original intent of minimising noise impact while encouraging the use of quieter, modern aircraft.

The airport is investing over £200 million in improvements, aiming to create 5,500 jobs and contribute nearly £1 billion to the UK economy. It is also committed to achieving Net Zero by 2030.

The inquiry, led by an independent planning inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, will take place at Leeds Civic Hall from 11–14 March.

UK businesses urge government to fix outdated infrastructure

April Lara
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UK businesses urge government to fix outdated infrastructure

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is urging the UK government to address critical infrastructure issues to support economic growth. A new BCC report calls for road and rail capacity investment, regional transport projects, and improved grid connectivity. It also stresses the need for long-term policy stability and better planning capacity to restore business confidence, which was shaken by the cancellation of HS2’s later stages.

The report highlights widespread concerns among business leaders. Two-thirds (66%) feel their input is ignored in local infrastructure decisions, rising to 81% for national projects. Additionally, 62% say local bus and tram networks are inadequate, affecting workers’ commuting ability.

The BCC has launched an initiative to train and place 100 additional planners in local authorities to tackle planning delays. The report also urges the government to include business interests in the upcoming Infrastructure and Planning Bill to ensure a coordinated national strategy.

The BCC warns that uncertainty around major infrastructure projects hinders private sector investment and that reform is needed to create a stable environment for long-term economic development.

Finance For Enterprise appoints fund manager

Tess Egginton
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Finance For Enterprise appoints fund manager
South Yorkshire-based Finance For Enterprise (FFE) has strengthened its team with the appointment of experienced financial professional Michael Hydari as fund manager. Bringing a wealth of expertise in business finance, Michael joins FFE from UKSE, where he worked as an investment executive, helping businesses secure the funding they need to grow. Prior to that, he held various finance analyst roles at Specsavers while completing his CIMA accountancy qualification. In his new role as fund manager, Michael will be responsible for making credit decisions and managing FFE’s diverse range of funds, ensuring that SMEs across the region can access vital financial support to drive their businesses forward. Speaking about his appointment, Michael said: “I enjoy helping SMEs access funding and supporting their growth journeys. Finance For Enterprise is the perfect place for me to continue doing that, and I’m excited to be part of a team that makes such a positive impact on businesses.” Andrew Austwick, Managing Director of Finance For Enterprise, said: “We are delighted to welcome Michael to the team. His extensive experience in business finance and his passion for helping SMEs make him a fantastic addition to FFE. We are confident that he will play a key role in supporting businesses as they look to grow and thrive.”

Yorkshire politicians join efforts to save 130 jobs at dairy factory

Tess Egginton
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Yorkshire politicians join efforts to save 130 jobs at dairy factory
Yorkshire politicians have joined GMB’s fight to save a dairy factory from closure. More than 130 jobs will be lost if Arla Foods UK goes ahead with its plan to close a facility in Settle and move production to the company’s site in Lockerbie, Scotland. GMB Union today met key stakeholders, including the MP for Skipton and Row Sir Julian Smith and the North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith. This broad-based coalition is determined to challenge Arla’s decision and explore all options to keep the site open. The union will meet company bosses on Thursday (13 March), while almost 200 people have a signed a petition to save the factory. Deanne Ferguson, GMB Regional Organiser, said: “GMB will work collaboratively to save the Settle Arla site and the 130 direct jobs – along with the many more at risk in the supply chain. “Workers and their families face a devastating impact, some have spent their entire careers at Arla, others moved here for their ‘forever jobs’. “Now their futures are uncertain. Some will be forced to relocate to find work, tearing them away from their homes and communities. “The loss of these jobs won’t just affect individuals; it will have a lasting economic and social impact on Settle. “That’s why we’re calling on the local community and all stakeholders to stand with us in this fight.”
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