Yorkshire artists struggle with financial instability, report finds

April Lara
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Yorkshire artists struggle with financial instability, report finds

A new report from the Yorkshire Visual Arts Network (YVAN) highlights financial difficulties for artists in Yorkshire and the Humber. It cites a lack of funding, affordable studio spaces, and limited opportunities.

A survey conducted by YVAN in June 2024 found that more artists have seen their income decline over the past two years than increase. Only 4.4% of respondents earn more than £30,000 from visual arts, compared to the regional average salary of £36,900. The survey, completed by 248 artists and art workers, examined pay, employment, funding, and industry barriers.

YVAN’s national body, the Contemporary Visual Arts Network (CVAN), uses the findings to lobby MPs for policy changes to support the sector. The report advocates for increased funding to develop affordable studio spaces and improve financial stability for artists.

Rotherham to allocate over £3m of funding to support residents’ businesses

Tess Egginton
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Rotherham to allocate over £3m of funding to support residents’ businesses

Funding worth over £3m has been earmarked to support a range of projects to help Rotherham residents boost their businesses.

It will also help to enhance their skills and training opportunities, and support their community-based activities. Rotherham Council’s Cabinet will agree how the borough’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) will be used during the next year when they meet on 17 March. Local businesses and entrepreneurs will benefit from an earmarked £1m to develop their businesses and boost their productivity. Three core projects will help entrepreneurs develop and test their ideas, offer wide-ranging support, and help businesses transition to low carbon. Along with these projects, a new ‘shop units grants’ programme will focus on improving shop units in the town centre and other local high streets. This will help to encourage new shops and services to come to local communities. Proposals also support the delivery of community-based projects, such as the Open Arms one-stop-shop advice sessions which take place throughout the borough. Dedicated funding is allocated to investing in the borough’s infrastructure, including the Rotherham Markets and Central Library Development, and multi-use game areas for the Football Foundation’s Playzones programme. Rotherham Council’s Leader, Cllr Chris Read, said: “The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is crucial for supporting our local businesses, enhancing skills, and enriching community life. “It enables us to fund grass-root projects and activities that have a real impact in our communities and on our residents’ lives. We are committed to ensuring that these projects deliver real benefits for the people of Rotherham.”
Key projects and spending proposed include:
  1. Supporting Local Business:
    • £945,256 for business support, including Launchpad, Productivity, and Low Carbon initiatives to help entrepreneurs and businesses to develop their business ideas and boost productivity.
    • £390,000 for shop unit grants and market improvements.
    • £137,667 to promote social value and increase opportunities for local businesses.
  2. People and Skills:
    • £444,985 for a skills programme incorporating Ambition (support for children and young people), Core Skills (community-delivered basic skills training), and Advance (support for career progression).
    • £275,000 for the Children’s Capital of Culture traineeship programme.
  3. Communities and Place:
    • £200,000 for the Children’s Capital of Culture festival year.
    • £255,000 for a wide-ranging programme of events and festivals.
    • £359,549 for community-based support, including local advice sessions and engagement events.
    • £86,000 for Active Lives, providing match funding for a multi-use games area.

Lincolnshire leaders talk of positive future ahead as new authority meets for the first time

Michael Fisher
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Lincolnshire leaders talk of positive future ahead as new authority meets for the first time
Local powers and investment to support business, up-skill people, and improve highways and housing are key priorities of the new Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority, (GLCCA). Leaders of the three lead local authorities – Lincolnshire County Council and North and North East Lincolnshire unitary authorities – spoke of their ambitions for the future as they marked the first meeting of the GLCCA. Cllrs Martin Hill, Rob Waltham and Philip Jackson – all members of the GLCCA board – were addressing an audience of business leaders and representatives from local communities, MPs and colleagues following the inaugural meeting, which was held at Lincoln Cathedral on Thursday (March 6). They talked of the real possibilities that now exist across the whole of the Greater Lincolnshire footprint with a Mayor, to be elected on May 1, chairing an authority that can work to effect positive change. Giving an overview of the positive work that will begin in earnest by the GLCCA, Lincolnshire County Council Leader, Cllr Martin Hill said: “We’re now starting a new era in Greater Lincolnshire – erasing boundaries as we continue to strive to get the best for our residents and businesses. “Connecting companies, organisations and decision makers is key to making the most of these new powers and funding we have from the government. Our area contributes significantly to the nation and this deserves to be recognised – whether it’s our contribution to defence, food security or logistics. Being able to boost these areas not only benefits Greater Lincolnshire, but the whole country.” Cllr Philip Jackson spoke of the ‘economic powerhouse’ sectors of decarbonisation, offshore wind turbines, food processing, and ports and logistics and how the GLCCA can work with all business to enable and support continued growth. He said: “Over the last decade we have once again seen the great benefits of our position along the south bank of the Humber estuary, with regional, national and world-leading organisations creating opportunity and growth. As one of the GLCCA’s key priorities states, now is the time we can work to further turbo charge that growth for the benefit of all within Greater Lincolnshire.” Cllr Rob Waltham, the Leader of North Lincolnshire, added: “I’m proud to have been part of the negotiations that lead to this historic moment, which marks the beginning of a new era for Lincolnshire. “Devolution means we can make decisions locally and focus on the needs and ambitious of our communities, not be dictated by London. The new mayoral authority will invest in skills to prepare young people for the world of work, transport to improve connectivity and business growth to create more better paid jobs for our local residents and this is just the start. I’m looking forward to working with communities across the region to build a stronger, more prosperous Greater Lincolnshire.”

Arla Foods site in Leeds to become 618-home project

April Lara
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Arla Foods site in Leeds to become 618-home project

Construction has begun transforming the derelict Arla Foods site on Kirkstall Road into a 618-home residential development. Property developer Glenbrook, in partnership with US-based Barings Real Estate, is leading the project, which has secured £152 million in forward funding.

The five-acre site will include five buildings featuring one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments for rent and sale. Plans also include over 10,000 square feet of amenities, such as co-working spaces, a gym, a residents’ lounge, private roof terraces, and 3,800 square feet of commercial space.

The development aims to address housing demand in Leeds and revitalise the Kirkstall Road area. Leeds’ strong employment market and high graduate retention rates are key factors driving investment in the city’s residential sector.

Lincolnshire council approves 150-home development in Fiskerton

April Lara
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Lincolnshire council approves 150-home development in Fiskerton

West Lindsey District Council has approved plans for a 150-home development in Fiskerton, Lincolnshire, submitted by the Church Commissioners for England.

Concerns were raised about traffic impact, as the initial proposal included a single access point via Corn Close. The council approved the project on the condition that a second access route be created on Hall Lane.

Residents expressed concerns over increased congestion and disruption during construction, while some councillors questioned the scale of the development in the 1,200-person village, which lacks shops and medical facilities.

The developer must submit detailed plans for further approval, including house designs and layouts.

Ison Harrison tops Yorkshire property transaction rankings

April Lara
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Ison Harrison tops Yorkshire property transaction rankings

According to a UK-wide sector analysis by TM Group, Ison Harrison has been ranked the leading property law firm in Yorkshire and Humberside for transaction volume. The firm completed 1,733 property cases between September 2023 and 2024, securing the highest market share in the region.

The analysis also places Ison Harrison third in Yorkshire and Humberside for new build transactions, with an average price of £317,747. Nationally, the firm ranks 20th for total property completions, recording 2,583 transactions with an average price of £278,891.

The firm’s property division saw an 8.8% year-on-year increase in market share, contributing to a 33% rise in overall turnover for 2024. Ison Harrison reported record revenues exceeding £27 million, a 23% increase from the previous year.

Founded as the UK’s first fully employee-owned law firm in 2022, Ison Harrison operates 20 offices across Yorkshire and employs over 350 staff. It holds over 10 Law Society accreditations, including for conveyancing, clinical negligence, and family law.

The firm was named Residential Property Firm of the Year at the 2024 Yorkshire Legal Awards and is a finalist for New Build Conveyancing Team of the Year at the 2025 British Conveyancing Awards.

Arup invests £1m in UK nature restoration for carbon credits

April Lara
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Arup invests £1m in UK nature restoration for carbon credits

Arup has committed £1 million to restore 67.5 hectares of degraded land at Boothby Wildland in Lincolnshire, a 617-hectare rewilding project led by Nattergal. In collaboration with Wilder Carbon, the initiative will secure 10,000 tonnes of carbon removal credits over 30 years.

Rather than purchasing land, Arup funds large-scale habitat restoration upfront, a model that aligns with the growing corporate demand for high-integrity nature credits. UK businesses face increasing pressure to meet net-zero targets, with demand for nature-based credits projected to rise 15-fold by 2030 and 100-fold by 2050.

The project will enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, support flood mitigation, and contribute to cleaner air and water. It also aims to set a precedent for private sector investment in ecosystem recovery. The UK has five years left to restore 30% of land and sea by 2030.

Wilder Carbon has certified the carbon credits under industry-leading standards, ensuring measurable and verifiable climate benefits. The partnership reflects a growing trend of businesses seeking long-term, science-backed carbon sequestration and biodiversity preservation solutions.

Service sector faces rising job cuts as costs mount ahead of tax hikes

April Lara
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0
Service sector faces rising job cuts as costs mount ahead of tax hikes

UK service sector companies cut jobs at the fastest pace since 2020 in February, driven by weak demand and rising costs. The S&P Global UK Services PMI survey recorded a reading of 51, up slightly from January’s 50.8. While a score above 50 indicates growth, the February result was below the forecasted 51.1.

Businesses are facing mounting pressures from rising costs, with the minimum wage and employer taxes set to increase in April. Tim Moore, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, noted that companies have experienced a loss of growth momentum since last autumn.

The survey also revealed a decline in business optimism, contributing to the fifth consecutive month of job cuts across the sector. Aside from the pandemic, this marks the longest period of falling employment since early 2011.

Huddersfield Health Innovation Partnership drives groundbreaking health advancements

Michael Fisher
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Huddersfield Health Innovation Partnership drives groundbreaking health advancements
Since its launch 17 months ago, the Huddersfield Health Innovation Partnership (HHIP) has supported over 450 businesses that are developing products and services to improve health outcomes, enhance workplace wellbeing, address health inequalities and advance medical technology. Formed as a collaboration between the University of Huddersfield, 3M Buckley Innovation Centre (3M BIC), Kirklees Council, NHS, Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber and Third Sector Leaders, the HHIP connects academia, healthcare and industry to translate ideas and research into real-world solutions, through strategic funding, business support and knowledge exchange opportunities. Over the last few months, the HHIP has been providing strategic support for projects tackling major healthcare challenges and inequalities. Thirty-five organisations have benefitted from grants, the project has also assisted 80 entrepreneurs to become enterprise ready. Over 40 businesses have received bespoke mentoring from a pool of 29 mentors through the project, from marketing and business growth advice to navigating NHS procurement, supporting start-ups and emerging enterprises break into and scale up within the sector. Hundreds of organisations have also attended events through the project designed to educate, support and inspire. From speed debating events, round tables and workshops covering topics such as AI in healthcare, NHS procurement, regulations and metrology in healthcare and improving health and wellbeing in the workplace. An event to celebrate the success of the HHIP and Kirklees Council’s Thrive programme took place at the Daphne Steele Building on the University of Huddersfield’s National Health Innovation Campus on Tuesday 4 March as part of the West Yorkshire Innovation Festival. Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Huddersfield is a key part of our £160 million Investment Zone, because this partnership has paved the way for a transformational approach to healthcare in this country. “By bringing the NHS together with our universities and businesses at the cutting-edge of health technology, our region is proving the power of collaboration to drive innovation and growth. “I applaud the work of the Huddersfield Health Innovation Partnership, which is successfully creating jobs, transforming the lives of patients, and contributing to a stronger, brighter region. “This year’s West Yorkshire Innovation Festival is shining a spotlight on the incredible things happening across our great region.”

Government plans to end windfall tax on oil and gas profits by 2030

April Lara
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0
Government plans to end windfall tax on oil and gas profits by 2030

The UK Government has confirmed plans to end the Energy Profits Levy (EPL), also known as the windfall tax, on oil and gas profits by 2030. This follows the launch of a consultation on the future of the North Sea energy sector, which aims to explore the transition towards a more sustainable energy mix, including hydrogen, carbon capture, storage, and renewables.

For two months, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) will consult with various stakeholders, including businesses, unions, and green groups, to plan this transition. The consultation will focus on utilising existing North Sea infrastructure and assets to support new technologies while ensuring continued extraction from current fields.

The Government also affirmed that, in line with its climate commitments, it will not issue new licenses for offshore oil and gas exploration. However, it will allow companies to extend or transfer existing licenses and maintain licences for carbon storage, gas storage, and methane drainage.

This move aims to provide long-term fiscal stability and encourage investment in the sector, while also assuring workers and trade unions that measures will be taken to protect jobs, pay, and conditions.

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