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Nestlé confirms efficiency review at York plant

April Lara
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Nestlé confirms efficiency review at York plant

Nestlé has launched a formal consultation process with staff at its York manufacturing facility as part of wider cost-efficiency measures across UK operations.

The company is reviewing production needs in response to declining sales volumes, which it attributes to the continued rise in global cocoa prices. As part of the operational adjustments, Nestlé expects to scale back KitKat production in the short term.

Up to 66 jobs are understood to be at risk across the York site and its sister factory in Girvan, Scotland. While no final decisions have been made, the consultation period will determine the extent of redundancies required to align output with current market demand.

Nestlé has stated its intention to engage with employees throughout the process and to ensure all proposed changes support the long-term efficiency and competitiveness of its UK manufacturing operations.

Ground broken on phase one at Barnsley’s Seam Digital Campus

Tess Egginton
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Ground broken on phase one at Barnsley’s Seam Digital Campus

A significant milestone has been reached in the development of The Seam Digital Campus with a groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate the start of phase one works.

Barnsley Council representatives joined staff from contractors Willmott Dixon and Align Property Partners for the ceremony.

The first phase will redevelop the lower Seam, adding a new urban park (4,700 sq m), comprising three separate natural gardens: the biodiversity garden, the digital garden and the town centre link.

Parking facilities will also be improved, adding well-lit pedestrian walkways, additional trees, better lighting, and upgraded CCTV. The car park will provide 292 car park spaces, accessible bays and 12 electric vehicle chargers, with the capacity to expand to 40 chargers over time.

The main attraction of phase one will be three sculptures known as the Yorkshire Roses. The central sculpture will stand 15m tall, and two smaller sculptures will stand 12m tall, high above the newly regenerated area.

The sculptures are expected to be installed later this year with all phase one works due to be fully completed in March 2026.

Councillor Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council, said: “I can’t wait to see this exciting scheme come to life. The Seam Digital Campus is another bold and ambitious project that lies at the heart of the ambition in our new Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy to make Barnsley the UK’s leading digital town.

“We see the site as crucial to our future economy, providing a space which can act as a catalyst for further collaboration between artists, digital designers, tech developers, and local businesses, positioning Barnsley as a forward-thinking hub for creative innovation in the tech and digital sectors.

“Our ambition for this project extends beyond phase one. Subject to planning, phase two work will develop the upper Seam car park, add a third Digital Media Centre, include a high-end hotel and create a National Centre for Digital Technologies.

“This will set us up to equip our children and young people with essential digital skills through a lifelong pathway including through foundational activities like the ‘Every Child a Coder’ programme, setting them up for careers in the technology and AI sectors.”

Chris Yates, Director at Willmott Dixon, added: “We’re delighted to join Barnsley Council to celebrate the start of work on this unique project. The Seam represents the first phase of an exciting regeneration project that will help to bring the brightest tech businesses into South Yorkshire.

“We share Barnsley Council’s commitment to creating skills and employment opportunities for young people in the town. While construction work on the project has only just begun, we’ve already started to engage with Barnsley Youth Hub, Barnsley College, Worsbrough Common Primary School, and Ward Green Primary School.”

New neighbourhood proposals to attract multi-billion pound investment in Leeds homes and leisure opportunities

Tess Egginton
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New neighbourhood proposals to attract multi-billion pound investment in Leeds homes and leisure opportunities
A consultation has been launched by Leeds City Council on refreshed planning guidance for the future regeneration of land surrounding the Elland Road football stadium, which could deliver a multi-billion pound boost to the city’s economy including potentially up to 2,000 new homes along with major leisure and commercial opportunities.
The council is consulting on the ‘Elland Road 2025 Informal Planning Statement’, a document which will guide the future regeneration of around 30 acres of land surrounding the football stadium which is principally owned by the council. If the refreshed guidance is agreed, the land could be transformed with the potential for as many as 2,000 new homes alongside high quality public realm and facilities which are integrated with the surrounding existing communities. The draft document outlines other uses that could be acceptable including major new leisure opportunities such as a community sports arena, hotel accommodation, and workspaces, following the internationally-recognised trend of using sport and football stadiums as a major catalyst for regeneration and investment. There is also the potential for educational facilities linked to sport, health and wellbeing. The proposals outline the future relocation of the temporary park and ride currently at the site and how, subject to demand being evidenced, one or more multi-storey car parks could be permitted. The land has been allocated for development for a number of years. The previous guidance for the land was adopted in 2007. The refreshed vision and ambitions reflect changes and developments in the local area, including Leeds United’s proposed stadium expansion, and also across the economy and wider city. Deputy Leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, Councillor Jonathan Pryor, said: “Our proposals for Elland Road represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity of national significance to create a new neighbourhood, carefully integrated within South Leeds, which will deliver new homes, create jobs and provide major leisure opportunities, along with community and educational facilities that will benefit new and existing communities. “Delivering a new neighbourhood of this size and scale will provide a further boost to our city’s ever-growing economy, accommodating the continuing demand for residential and commercial development across the city, at one of our most strategically significant gateway sites which has been earmarked for development for many years. “With recent momentum such as the stadium expansion progressing, and many changes in Leeds since we first adopted planning guidance over 17 years ago, it is right that we take the opportunity to refresh the vision for this area. We strongly encourage residents, businesses and any interested party to participate in the consultation to help shape the updated proposals.” Development of the site would take up to 20 years from start on-site to completion.

New defence facility boosts UK supply chain

April Lara
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New defence facility boosts UK supply chain

A new BAE Systems artillery manufacturing facility has opened in Sheffield, creating 200 skilled jobs and supporting over 60 businesses across the UK supply chain. The 94,000 sq ft site will serve as the UK hub for production of the M777, a 155mm lightweight howitzer with proven combat performance.

The factory was made possible through export contracts exceeding £25 million, underlining the UK defence sector’s export competitiveness and manufacturing capabilities. It will also offer apprenticeship opportunities, reinforcing the region’s advanced engineering talent pipeline.

The launch follows the Government’s Strategic Defence Review, which includes a £6 billion commitment to munitions production this parliament. This funding encompasses an ‘always on’ munitions pipeline and at least six new energetics and munitions sites.

The Sheffield facility is expected to be fully operational later this year, initially focused on M777 production with plans to diversify into other advanced combat systems. The plant plays a key role in fulfilling the UK’s defence commitments abroad, including recent contracts to supply artillery barrels to Ukraine in collaboration with Sheffield Forgemasters.

The site represents a strategic investment in sovereign defence capability and industrial growth, aligned with the Government’s Plan for Change.

Alexander Dennis to close Falkirk plant and consolidate bus production in Scarborough

April Lara
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Alexander Dennis to close Falkirk plant and consolidate bus production in Scarborough

Bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis is set to close its Falkirk factory and suspend operations at its Larbert site, placing up to 400 jobs in Scotland at risk. The decision is part of a proposed strategy to consolidate manufacturing activities at its upgraded facility in Scarborough, North Yorkshire.

The affected roles account for approximately 22% of the company’s UK workforce and 4% of its parent company, NFI Group’s, global headcount. A statutory consultation has been initiated regarding the proposed redundancies.

The Scarborough facility at Plaxton Park, which currently employs over 700 people, has been modernised to produce the full Alexander Dennis vehicle range. The company states that this strategic shift aims to enhance cost efficiency and long-term financial sustainability amid challenging market conditions.

The closure is expected to have ripple effects across the UK’s bus manufacturing supply chain. Alexander Dennis has spent over £1 billion with domestic suppliers in the past five years, supporting approximately 1,000 UK-based businesses. Industry multipliers suggest every direct job lost could affect three to four additional roles in supply and support services.

The company continues to advocate for policy reforms that would better support domestic manufacturing through targeted investment, job creation incentives, and prioritisation of local content in government contracts.

Council approves new approach for redevelopment of Huddersfield’s Estate Buildings

Tess Egginton
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Council approves new approach for redevelopment of Huddersfield’s Estate Buildings
Kirklees Council has approved proposals to appoint a development partner to support the redevelopment of the Estate Buildings. In May, Cabinet approved plans to spend £1.25m of One Public Estate Brownfield Land Release funding to prepare the Grade ll Listed building, which is a key project in the Huddersfield Blueprint, for redevelopment. Now, in taking the next steps to secure a development partner, the council can move forward with plans to create high-quality housing in Huddersfield town centre. This summer, the council will start work to bring new life to the building whilst retaining its heritage features. Work will be focused internally and include stripping out the building, removing asbestos and treating and rectifying where there has been any dry rot. The Grade ll Listed Estate Buildings dates back to the late 1800s and was designed by renowned Huddersfield architect, W.H Crossland. The entrance hall, staircase and first-floor waiting rooms once wowed visitors with its use of wall panelling, decorative stained glass and intricately carved fireplaces. Many of these features will be retained to showcase the history of the building in the next stage of the redevelopment. Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, said: “I’m excited to see works starting on the Estate Buildings to prepare the building for the future development of high-quality housing within the town centre. “Having support from a development partner is crucial for the project and will make sure we can carry out further restoration works to this important and beautiful building. “Bringing this heritage building back to life for people to live in is a vital part of our blueprint vision within Huddersfield to create a vibrant place to live, work and play, and future-proofing the town for many generations to come. I hope this is the first of many projects that will see more people living in the town centre.”

New partner boosts real estate team at Gilson Gray

Tess Egginton
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New partner boosts real estate team at Gilson Gray
Law firm Gilson Gray has strengthened its real estate division in England with the appointment of Shuhel Ahmed as partner. Shuhel joins the firm from Pepperells Solicitors, where he spent the last decade specialising in commercial property, both in solicitor and director roles. His expertise includes the sale and purchase of businesses and investment properties, as well as dealing with all aspects of transactions such as leases, conditional contracts and financial arrangements. Based in Lincoln but covering all of England and Wales, Shuhel joins Gilson Gray’s growing real estate specialism to support the development and expansion of the team. Glen Gilson, chair and managing partner of Gilson Gray, said: “Shuhel is a welcome addition to our real estate team and another key hire to support the growth of the division. Our presence in England continues to go from strength to strength, and we look forward to further expansion during the months ahead.” Shuhel added: “The ambitious and entrepreneurial spirit that is reflected throughout Gilson Gray’s achievements to date is what sets it apart from the crowd, and in my view, it is an incredible opportunity to join the team for the next chapter. My experience spans both business development and people management, which will help us to become a key player in UK property.”

1,000-bed student scheme gets go-ahead in Leeds

Tess Egginton
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1,000-bed student scheme gets go-ahead in Leeds
Leeds-based property investor and developer, Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), has received planning approval from Leeds City Council for a landmark student accommodation scheme at the Merrion Centre. The approved plans will see the transformation of Wade House, a 13-storey vacant 1960s office building, into purpose-built student accommodation. In addition, the scheme includes a 37-storey new build tower on the adjacent ‘100MC’ site. Together, the buildings will deliver 1,039 student bedrooms in a mix of studio and cluster apartments, complemented by amenities including residents’ lounges, co-working and meeting spaces, a cinema, gym, karaoke room, external terraces, and secure cycle spaces. This project marks the first time in its 61-year history that the Merrion Centre will incorporate residential use, as TCS looks to diversify and future-proof the estate. Craig Burrow, group property director for TCS, said: “We are delighted that resolution to grant planning approval has now been received for our proposed scheme at the Merrion Centre, marking a significant milestone in the continued evolution of this iconic city centre destination. “It has been over three years since our initial pre-application discussions began, and we have worked closely with Leeds City Council and key stakeholders throughout to carefully refine the design and ensure the scheme is both sensitive and sustainable. “We are proud to be repurposing Wade House in a way that respects its heritage, while unlocking the opportunity to provide high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation that will support Leeds’ growing population. “This development is a vital part of our long-term vision to further diversify the Merrion estate, continuing to evolve our retail, leisure, office and now residential offering to meet the changing needs of the city.” Edward Ziff, chairman and chief executive of TCS, added: “The approval of this significant scheme is a pivotal step in our journey to further enhance the Merrion Centre. “We have consistently evolved the estate to meet the demands of the city, and this next phase represents a natural progression in our commitment to delivering a vibrant, sustainable mixed-use destination at the heart of Leeds.”

Octopus invests in Sheffield energy tech company delivering clean power to Sub-Saharan Africa

Tess Egginton
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Octopus invests in Sheffield energy tech company delivering clean power to Sub-Saharan Africa

Octopus Energy Group has made a strategic investment into MOPO, a Sheffield-based energy tech company delivering clean, reliable energy to underserved communities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

MOPO runs a scalable, pay-per-use system that lets customers rent portable, solar-charged batteries from local hubs. The company’s proprietary solar-powered batteries offer a sustainable, more affordable alternative to costly, polluting petrol generators – commonplace across the region and harmful to health and the environment.

Since launching in 2017, MOPO has delivered over 25 million battery rentals across Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone and Liberia. The company recently reached the milestone of one million battery rentals per month, with 1,200 employees, and year-on-year revenue growth of 300%.

Octopus Energy’s investment in MOPO marks the next step in its mission to expand renewable energy access globally, helping to deliver green energy to the 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa currently without reliable access to power.

Greg Jackson, founder and CEO of Octopus Energy Group, said: “MOPO has mastered how to provide affordable, green power to communities in Sub-Saharan Africa, which suffer from unstable or no access to the grid.

“By harnessing the power of the sun, Octopus and MOPO can make a big leap forward in accelerating electrification in the region – leapfrogging dirty fossil fuels, and bringing clean, reliable power to the communities that need it the most.”

Chris Longbottom, CEO of MOPO, said: “At MOPO, we are transforming Africa’s energy landscape by providing affordable access to sustainable electricity in areas with poor energy infrastructure.

“This funding and the strategic partnership will enable us to accelerate the scaling of our business in a market where the power supply deficit is particularly acute. With more than 600 million people across the continent lacking reliable grid infrastructure, the opportunity is vast – something we believe our new shareholders fully recognise.”

Auto sector merger strengthens UK mobility offering

April Lara
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Auto sector merger strengthens UK mobility offering

AMT Group, a Leeds-based vehicle solutions provider, has acquired Redline Specialist Cars, one of the UK’s largest independent prestige car dealerships. The deal combines AMT’s full-service capabilities, including leasing, rental, insurance, and finance, with Redline’s high-volume used vehicle sales and sourcing operations.

This strategic merger broadens AMT’s footprint in the UK automotive market while expanding service options for both retail and corporate clients. Redline sells over 2,000 vehicles annually and ranks among the UK’s top 50 dealers by revenue, while AMT has grown into a £60 million operation employing more than 220 people across the UK.

Both companies will retain their own branding and continue to operate from their existing sites. The move positions the merged entity to better serve the full spectrum of customer mobility needs, from short-term rentals to high-end vehicle purchases and long-term leasing arrangements.

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