Sherburn-in-Elmet town centre begins £800,000 upgrade

April Lara
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Sherburn-in-Elmet town centre begins £800,000 upgrade

North Yorkshire Council has started a six-month upgrade of Low Street in Sherburn-in-Elmet, aiming to improve infrastructure and support local businesses. The £800,000 project, funded in part by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, includes resurfacing damaged pavements, adding parking bays, installing benches, updating signage, and creating a new town centre map.

The upgrades are designed to make the area more attractive and functional for businesses, residents, and visitors. Work will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption, focusing on the stretch between The Swan pub and C & G Starkey Family Butchers.

The initiative has support from Sherburn-in-Elmet Town Council and local business owners, who see it as a way to enhance the town’s appeal and economic viability. The project was designed by Align Property Partners, a consultancy working with North Yorkshire Council.

Bradford College wins prestigious national education award

Michael Fisher
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Bradford College wins prestigious national education award
Bradford College has won ‘The Bell Foundation Award for Excellence in ESOL’ category at the 2025 Association of College’s Beacon Awards. The College was the only winner from Yorkshire or Northeast England. The national Beacon awards celebrate the best and most innovative practice in further education colleges and demonstrate the far-reaching impact of colleges on their students and the communities they serve. The award is in recognition of Bradford College’s ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) provision, developed in partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Learning and development is structured around Shakespeare’s works, and around 235 learners engaged with the project last year. ESOL learners learn about plays, performance, and language, which underpins English development. As well as language skills, students learn about themselves, their new community, and English heritage in a positive and engaging way that instils pride. They develop confidence, improve their mental health (often after significant trauma), and become empowered by their newfound skills. The College was also a finalist in ‘The Edge Award for Excellence in Real World Learning’ category for the Ambition HUB enhancement programme.  Ambition HUB gives students a genuine career edge as well as a vocational qualification, as an extraordinary layer of additional learning enhances Level 3 programmes. Cross-curriculum integration brings diverse subjects and professionals together to collaborate on engaging employer-led projects, such as hairdressers working with Yorkshire Building Society. The unique Ambition HUB model leads to a Level 3 qualification but also invaluable life experiences. Sarah Towan, Bradford College Vice Principal – Recruitment & Communications, said: “We are so delighted that staff and students’ hard work and outstanding innovation in learning has been recognised. The Beacon awards showcase the very best education has to offer in the UK, so this is a testament of our college’s fierce ambition to do the very best for our community. “It was incredible that two Bradford College initiatives were selected as finalists, but to have one win and be recognised as being at the forefront of education excellence is exceptional. Well done to everyone involved.”

EGO Technology acquires Ucan Secure IT to expand recycling capabilities

April Lara
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EGO Technology acquires Ucan Secure IT to expand recycling capabilities

Burton-on-Trent-based IT disposal firm EGO Technology has acquired Bradford-based Ucan Secure IT, expanding its footprint in secure and sustainable IT recycling.

Founded in 2010, Ucan specialises in recycling redundant IT equipment, including laptops, hard drives, mobile phones, and printers. It operates as a zero-landfill organisation serving businesses, schools, and universities across the UK.

EGO Technology says the acquisition strengthens its position in IT asset disposal (ITAD) by integrating Ucan’s recycling capabilities, which focus on recovering valuable materials such as rare earth metals. The move is part of a broader strategy to enhance UK-based IT recycling solutions that ensure compliance and reduce environmental impact.

Leeds pushes ahead with innovation despite hospital project delays

April Lara
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Leeds pushes ahead with innovation despite hospital project delays

Leeds city leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to innovation and economic growth despite delays to the new hospital at Leeds General Infirmary, now set to begin construction between 2033 and 2035.

The Leeds Innovation Village, part of the £2 billion Leeds Innovation Arc and a flagship project of the £160 million West Yorkshire Investment Zone, will proceed as planned. Construction is expected to start this year. The project is anticipated to generate £13 billion in economic growth and create 4,000 jobs.

Early development includes Scarborough Group International transforming the Old Medical School at Leeds General Infirmary into a health tech innovation hub. Other key innovation assets in Leeds include Nexus, the University of Leeds’ innovation hub, which has raised £134 million in private investment since 2019, and Leeds Teaching Hospital’s Innovation Pop Up, which has over 50 industry members and 40 active projects.

The city’s long-term vision for innovation is backed by collaborative leadership from Leeds City Council, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, universities, and the NHS Trust. Leeds ranks as the UK’s third most attractive location for health tech firms and is home to nine of the top ten research and development investors.

Despite the hospital project delay, leaders, including West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin and Leeds City Council leader James Lewis, emphasised their commitment to pushing forward with economic growth, job creation, and improved healthcare infrastructure.

York businesses urged to integrate AI as tech disruption accelerates

April Lara
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York businesses urged to integrate AI as tech disruption accelerates

York businesses must embrace AI and digital transformation to stay competitive, according to HSBC UK’s Head of Technology Sector, Roland Emmans. Speaking at the inaugural York Tech Forum, Emmans warned that businesses of all sizes need to keep pace with rapid technological shifts, highlighting AI’s ability to improve efficiency and customer service. He emphasised that AI should complement human expertise rather than replace it.

The event, hosted at City of York Council’s West Offices, gathered over 60 businesses to discuss the region’s evolving tech landscape. Cllr Pete Kilbane pointed to York’s growing reputation as a tech hub, citing major investments such as the Institute for Safe Autonomy and the 6G Lab of the North.

The council is rolling out AI training initiatives for retail and hospitality businesses as part of its push for digital adoption across sectors. Businesses seeking support can contact the council’s Business Growth Managers.

Sheffield battery rental company expands into Kinshasa

Stuart Pearcey
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Sheffield battery rental company expands into Kinshasa

African battery rental company MOPO, which runs its technical and finance operation from Sheffield, has launched operations in a Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congosigning of a US$7 million finance facility with British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor.

The company specialises in sustainable energy provision through pay-per-use battery rentals. Since entering the DRC a year ago – one of the world’s least electrified nations, where over 80% of its 100 million people still lack access to electricity – MOPO has expanded its operations to six cities.

Customers rent, return, and replace MOPO50 batteries at local solar-powered hubs, managed by community agents. This approach delivers affordable electricity to individuals and small businesses without the burden of high upfront costs or consumer debt, while also offering a cleaner, more cost-effective alternative to traditional carbon-based fuels.

Chris Longbottom, CEO of MOPO, said: “The DRC is a key growth market for MOPO, so launching operations in its largest city, Kinshasa, is a major milestone. With a population of 17 million – equivalent to London and New York combined – our mission goes beyond closing the energy gap; we aim to power the city’s future, drive economic growth, and create a lasting impact. This funding from BII marks the beginning of a long-term partnership, accelerating our expansion and enabling us to provide affordable, reliable energy to millions across the country.”

Work starts on major extension to Grimsby sixth form college

Tess Egginton
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Work starts on major extension to Grimsby sixth form college
Work has started on a transformational extension at a sixth form college in Grimsby. Lincolnshire and Yorkshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter, plans to complete the £1.1m build by the end of summer, in time for the new term. Cambridge Park Academy is on Cromwell Road in Grimsby and its sixth form college for special educational needs (SEN) pupils will almost double in size once the work is complete. The project is part of the expansion of North East Lincolnshire Council’s sufficiency strategy for special educational needs and alternative provision. Once work completes, the council owned building will accommodate up to 28 pupils aged between 14 and 19 years old and 24 staff. The project will see a new single-storey extension created alongside 12 car parking spaces with electric vehicle chargers, a drop off zone and a new entrance road. The building will have 88 solar panels on the roof, air source heat pumps and underfloor heating. As part of the build, Hobson & Porter is also carrying out landscaping, which includes specialist outdoor educational play equipment. Joe Booth, business development director from Hobson & Porter, said: “We already have several live sites in Grimsby including two new primary schools and the new state-of-the-art youth centre in Grimsby – known as Horizon Youth Zone, which we are building for national charity OnSide, in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council, which is contributing to the development as part of the Greater Grimsby Town Deal. “We are delighted to start work on another meaningful build for the people of Grimsby that will make a big difference to the lives of many families that have children with special educational needs. It’s a project that will be transformational for Cambridge Park Academy and will significantly reduce the distance that local children currently have to travel to get the education they deserve.” Hobson & Porter is also building two new primary schools at Scartho and Waltham for North East Lincolnshire Council. Both are set to open in September 2025 and will be run by Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust. Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children and education at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “It’s hugely important that every child, regardless of their needs, has access to a good quality education, without having to travel elsewhere. “This expansion is fantastic to see and is the culmination of a substantial piece of work between the local authority and Humber Education Trust, and I’m really happy to see it bearing fruit.” Chief executive officer for Humber Education Trust, Rachel Wilkes, said: “Partnership working and inclusion are the cornerstones of our work as a Trust. This expansion will enable more pupils to attend and remain at Cambridge Park Academy, having their needs met in their local area.”

Yorkshire roofing products supplier acquired by Swiss company

Tess Egginton
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Yorkshire roofing products supplier acquired by Swiss company
Cromar Building Products, a Yorkshire-based supplier of roofing products, has been sold to the listed Swiss company Sika AG. The acquisition strengthens Sika’s presence in the roofing sector and enhances its product portfolio, opening up new opportunities in product innovation and geographic reach. Cromar has established itself as one of the leading providers of flat and pitched roofing products serving the UK under well-known brands. The product range and distribution network, as well as the manufacturing footprint of Cromar, are highly complementary to Sika’s. This will enable Sika and Cromar to capitalise on market opportunities and compete within the roofing sector. Mike Marshall, Managing Director of Cromar, said: “We have built a very successful business at Cromar and are grateful to all our employees, suppliers, customers and wider stakeholders who have supported us on our journey. “We are excited to see the next stage of Cromar’s growth and development under the ownership of Sika, a business we believe shares similar values to ourselves and will help Cromar continue to go from strength to strength. “We are excited to continue our growth under Sika’s ownership, which shares our commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.” Tom Forsyth, UK General Manager of Sika UK, said: “We are delighted to welcome the team from Cromar to the Sika family and this acquisition will help us further develop our activities in roofing distribution in the UK. Sika has extensive experience in the roofing sector, and we will bring this to Cromar to continue their journey of success.” Translink Corporate Finance acted as lead advisors to the shareholders; the team consisted of Andy Haigh, Will Holmes, Will Sykes, Luke Harrower, Emma Oakley and Alex Gut. Will Holmes, Director at Translink UK, said: “Cromar is a fantastic business that has carved an enviable reputation within the roofing sector. The investment overseen by the Marshall family in recent years has led to impressive growth and resulted in Cromar having a leading presence in the UK roofing sector. “It has been a pleasure to work with the shareholders and deliver this transaction on their behalf, the outcome being testament to what they have achieved over many years in business. It is also a perfect example of Translink’s ability to execute high-quality cross-border M&A deals.”

Lindum starts work on semi-automated warehouse for DFDS

Stuart Pearcey
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Lindum starts work on semi-automated warehouse for DFDS
Lincoln-based Lindum has started work on a semi-automated warehouse in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire for European logistics company DFDS. This marks the beginning of phase two of a major project to enhance the company’s operations, which will support its long-term sustainability and future-proof its business model. Lindum started work just weeks after finishing a three-storey office building, vehicle loading bay, and a new warehouse at the site. These improvements are part of DFDS’s strategic efforts to modernise its facilities and ensure continued growth. Lindum’s Peterborough-based team has played a key role in both the design and construction of the latest enhancements, transforming DFDS’s vision into a cutting-edge facility tailored to the company’s evolving needs. Phase two of the project involves the demolition of an aging office building and part of the existing warehouse, clearing the way for the new state-of-the-art warehouse. Meanwhile, phase one involved the demolition of an old office block and shower facility, which was originally a residential bungalow. The offices built in its place feature facilities designed to enhance functionality and improve the employee experience, including a dedicated drivers’ restroom, an open-plan office area for shipment tracking, administrative functions, and meetings, and a second floor Wellbeing Hub – a full floor dedicated to employee welfare, including a dining area, lounge, gym, and a rooftop terrace offering scenic views over the site. Sustainability was a central focus throughout the project, with several key environmental initiatives incorporated, including the installation of solar panels to reduce fossil fuel reliance, electric vehicle charging stations, and a bike shelter to promote greener commuting options. Thanks to the strong working relationship established during the project, Lindum was appointed to construct the additional warehouse, and work began this month. Darren King, Managing Director of Lindum, said: “This project is a testament to Lindum’s expertise in delivering high-quality, sustainable, and future-proofed commercial spaces. We are proud to have contributed to DFDS’s continued growth and look forward to the next phase of development.”

Hull and East Yorkshire Skills Board names Jayne as first Chair

Stuart Pearcey
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Hull and East Yorkshire Skills Board names Jayne as first Chair
Jayne Adamson, the Exec Director of People at the Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, has been appointed as the first chair of the recently formed Hull and East Yorkshire Skills Board. She will act as a figurehead for the Board, which is supporting the development of a regional skills system for the new Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority. Jayne has held leading positions in the health sector for the last 17 years, and previously worked for companies such as Smith+Nephew and Ideal Standard. She said: “It is an incredible privilege to be appointed as chair of the HEY Skills Board. I am excited to work alongside such a dedicated group of people to foster growth, development and opportunities within our community. I believe that by leveraging our collective expertise and passion, we can create a brighter future for all, and I look forward to collaborating with local businesses, educational institutions and other stakeholders to create a robust ecosystem of support and opportunity. “By working together, we can empower individuals to reach their full potential and contribute to the prosperity of our community.”
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