College and company launch engineering suite for T Level students

Stuart Pearcey
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College and company launch engineering suite for T Level students
Collaboration between Bradford-based metal fabrication and engineering company Metalcraft Group and Bradford College has created an industry standard engineering suite where T Level Engineering students can gain access to an enhanced range of experiences, opportunities, and equipment. Stephen Smith, Bradford College Head of Engineering, said: “Partnering with Metalcraft Group. This represents a major step forward for our T Level provision. Through our work with this Bradford-based company, students will benefit from unprecedented access to real-world engineering expertise and facilities.” The refurbished room at Trinity Green was designed and equipped by Metalcraft, showcasing prototype examples of the global contractor’s precision engineering. In addition to the speciality suite, the partnership will also secure valuable placement and visit opportunities for Bradford College T Level students to gain hands-on experience with a leading engineering firm. Metalcraft Group CEO Nathan Varley,said: “We want to help empower the youth of Bradford going forward. The talent’s definitely there in Bradford, and the combination of both practical and classroom environments at college can really unearth these individuals.” Rob Oldroyd, General Manager at Metalcraft Precision Engineering (a Metalcraft Group branch) added: “This joint effort with Bradford College will provide an insight into the future talent available and hopefully contribute to creating some of the next generation of engineering experts.” T Levels are 2-year qualifications, available after GCSEs, designed with leading businesses to teach the skills and knowledge needed for the future. They feature a unique 45-day work placement with an employer like Metalcraft Group, providing the chance for industry experience while studying.

Plans submitted for 12-storey commercial building at Wellington Place

April Lara
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Plans submitted for 12-storey commercial building at Wellington Place

Hermes Wellington Place Site 2 GP Limited has submitted a planning application for a 12-storey office building at Wellington Place in Leeds city centre. The proposal includes 27,895.7 sqm of office space with flexible ground-floor use for offices, retail (up to 200 sqm), or café/restaurant operations.

The development aims to be an all-electric, net-zero carbon building, targeting top environmental certifications. Wellington Place is already home to several businesses, shared office spaces, and hospitality venues, including Veeno and Mad Frans.

Horncastle industrial estate expansion moves forward with £1.9m investment

April Lara
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Horncastle industrial estate expansion moves forward with £1.9m investment

Construction has begun on the expansion of business land at Spratt Close in Horncastle, backed by a £1.5 million investment from Lincolnshire County Council and £400,000 from East Lindsey District Council. The project, known as Hornbeam Business Park, will create three serviced development plots across four acres, aiming to generate over 65 jobs.

The initiative is part of a broader £20 million county-wide investment in business infrastructure over the next four years, targeting key sectors such as manufacturing, defence, and agri-food. Additional industrial estate expansions are planned in West Lindsey, East Lindsey, and Boston, with a goal of creating 3,000 jobs.

Lindum Construction is managing the site development, with the project procured via the Scape regional construction framework. The expansion includes new road infrastructure designed to improve access and attract further business investment.

Work starts on Hornbeam Business Park in Horncastle

Stuart Pearcey
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0
Work starts on Hornbeam Business Park in Horncastle
Lincolnshire County Council has invested £1.5m into the creation of Hornbeam Business Park at Spratt Close in Horncastle. When complete, the site will offer around four acres which will be split to create 3 plots of serviced development land. The total cost is around £1.9m with East Lindsey District Council contributing £400,000. It’s hoped that the development will generate more than 65 new jobs. Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “This is another great project led and predominantly funded by the county council that ensures businesses have the land and facilities to grow and develop. Businesses in the area have told us that they really needed space to relocate and grow, and we’re committed to doing all we can to help. “And it’s not just in Horncastle that we’re investing in business growth. The council has committed £20m over the next four years, to boost Lincolnshire’s business facilities. This includes office blocks and industrial parks for our world leading sectors such as manufacturing, defence and agri-food, in Grantham, Lincoln, and Holbeach. We’re also planning more expansions to industrial estates like this one in Horncastle, in West Lindsey, East Lindsey, and Boston. This will provide 3000 job opportunities across the whole of the county.” The site management is being carried out by Lindum Construction. Lindum director Kevin Damarell said good infrastructure was essential for economic growth, and that the new road would help unlock potential for investment and job creation in Horncastle. “We’re pleased to be working with Lincolnshire County Council to deliver this project, which was procured via the Scape regional construction framework. By improving access, the council is laying the foundations for future economic growth, supporting existing businesses, and encouraging new ones to set up here.”

Innovation Festival returns to West Yorkshire for fourth incarnation

Stuart Pearcey
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Innovation Festival returns to West Yorkshire for fourth incarnation
The week-long West Yorkshire Innovation Festival will take place between 3-7 March to champion, celebrate and foster collaboration among the region’s business base. Businesses and organisations will be able to hear from and network with leading private sector innovators as well as public sector finance providers, to help accelerate their business plans through the development of new innovations that can boost their productivity and profits. The festival follows the launch of the million-pound Mayor’s Big Ideas Challenge, which will see successful businesses receive up to £100,000 to develop innovative solutions to local health challenges. By supporting SMEs to grow and succeed while targeting investment at the region’s fastest growing business sectors, the region’s multibillion-pound Local Growth Plan aims to add £26 billion to the UK economy and support the creation of an additional 33,000 local jobs. Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “This year, business leaders have so many inspiring and educational events to look forward to, from masterclasses with proven innovators, to networking opportunities with those who can help turn bright ideas into bigger growth. “To deliver our ambitious growth plan, we need to empower our growth creators. That means helping our businesses to innovate at a time of great challenge and opportunity, so they can continue to grow, succeed, and contribute to a stronger and brighter economy for the region.”

Lincolnshire contractor accelerates digital transformation with Trimble technology

April Lara
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Lincolnshire contractor accelerates digital transformation with Trimble technology

Lincolnshire-based groundworks firm IPDS Group Ltd has invested in Trimble digital construction technology to enhance efficiency and expand into larger projects. The company has adopted Trimble® Connected Site components, including cab kits for excavators, dual-antenna receivers, a base station, a rover for site tracking, and Trimble Earthworks Grade Control.

The investment addresses challenges such as poor GNSS signal coverage by integrating base station and Virtual Reference Station (VRS) technology for accurate positioning. The Trimble Earthworks platform provides real-time guidance for grading and excavation, reducing material costs and minimising reliance on third-party surveying.

IPDS has also implemented the Trimble R580 rover system for independent setting out and progress tracking. The company credits the investment with improving project accuracy and efficiency while enabling it to compete with larger contractors. Future plans include expanding its digital capabilities with additional Trimble solutions for fine trimming operations.

Horgan Homes expands into Lincolnshire with new residential development

April Lara
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Horgan Homes expands into Lincolnshire with new residential development

Horgan Homes has begun construction on a 30-home development in Mareham-Le-Fen, marking its first large-scale residential project outside the West Midlands. The St Helen’s Place development includes two, three, and four-bedroom bungalows and dormer bungalows.

The project is being built by a Lincolnshire-based workforce with support from local suppliers. The first homes are set to launch in spring 2025, featuring air source heat pumps, PV panels, Minoli tiling, and Bosch integrated appliances.

Horgan Homes, known for its high-end residential developments, has won multiple industry awards, including a What House? award for best luxury house and two International Property Awards.

Union proposes plan to keep Scunthorpe British Steel site operational

April Lara
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Union proposes plan to keep Scunthorpe British Steel site operational

Community union has outlined a plan to sustain steel production at British Steel’s Scunthorpe site while transitioning to greener technology. The proposal calls for maintaining the site’s two blast furnaces while constructing two electric arc furnaces (EAFs), requiring an additional £200 million in government support to offset carbon costs during the transition.

The union warns that closing Scunthorpe would make the UK the only G7 nation without domestic primary steel production, increasing reliance on imported steel. British Steel confirmed ongoing discussions with the government about the site’s future and acknowledged the union’s input.

West Yorkshire care home sold to become forty-ninth in group’s portfolio

Tess Egginton
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West Yorkshire care home sold to become forty-ninth in group’s portfolio
Asquith Hall Care Home in Todmorden, West Yorkshire, has been sold. Following a confidential sales process with Sam Fazackerley at Christie & Co, it has been acquired by Affinity Care Consortium, part of the Younas Family Group that offers an array of care services. Asquith Hall is the forty-ninth care home within the group.
Asquith Hall is a two-storey, purpose-built care home in the market town of Todmorden, previously registered for 53 residents who required complex mental health nursing. The home boasts 53 single bedrooms, all of which have en-suite wet room facilities. There is ample day space across the home, with a large lounge and dining rooms on both floors and smaller quiet lounges/family rooms. The home also offers a hydrotherapy pool, a hair/nail salon, and a fully equipped sensory therapy room. To the rear and side of the property, there are enclosed and manicured gardens with a large car park to the front. Tanzeel Younas, Director at Affinity Care Consortium, said: “This deal was probably the easiest and most fun I’ve done in recent times, and I’m excited for 2025 as we have a pipeline of another 15 homes to add to our portfolio!” Sam Fazackerley, Business Agent – Care at Christie & Co, said: “We are delighted to have helped Tanzeel acquire his most recent home. Asquith Hall was a fantastic opportunity for a well-established operator to reopen the home with minimal refurbishment. “With the home being closed, the sale completed in a very timely manner. We wish Tanzeel and his team every success and look forward to working with him in the future.” Asquith Hall Care Home was sold for an undisclosed price.

MBO completes at Leeds firm of accountants and business advisors

Tess Egginton
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MBO completes at Leeds firm of accountants and business advisors
A Management Buyout has been completed at TC Group Leeds (TC Murray Harcourt) with the appointment of two new equity partners, Andy Nichols and Neil Potter. The pair will join with founding partner Mark Hunter to drive the firm of accountants and business advisors forward in the next chapter of its development. Andy has over 20 years’ experience in financial services including 10 years in Commercial Banking with HSBC, before joining Murray Harcourt in 2013 with a focus on providing Business Advisory and Audit services to a wide range of SMEs. Neil has nearly 20 years’ experience in providing audit and accountancy services to a wide range of clients of varying sizes and levels of complexity, ranging from owner managed businesses to international PE-backed groups. He also has extensive experience of working with clients in the not for profit and education sectors. Mark said: “Having worked with Andy and Neil for several years, I’m delighted that both have stepped forward to join the leadership team. The three of us are already shaping the future of TC Group in Leeds, Yorkshire and nationally.” Andy said: “After working with such a fantastic client base and team for many years, I am delighted to join with Mark and Neil and look forward to leading the business towards further growth, adding value to both existing and new clients.” Neil added: “Having worked in a senior role within the business over the last 10 years, this felt like a natural step and I’m excited to be part of a leadership team focused on delivering a proactive, personal client service and growing the firm to become a flagship office for TC Group in the north.” The three partners have played an integral role in the firm’s development over the last 10 years and the new appointments are part of a longer-term strategy to grow the wider TC Group service offering in the north of England. Steve Watts, Chief Operating Officer of TC Group, added: “One of the benefits of the TC Group model is it makes succession planning possible so we’re delighted that Mark, Andy and Neil have successfully completed this MBO and will now drive the growth strategy in Leeds and Yorkshire. “They collectively have a wealth of experience and knowledge of their local market along with strong connections and we’re excited by what the next phase of TC Group Leeds will achieve.”
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